Your Highmate Companion Cosma

The local Highmate has taken a liking to you. But can love survive out on the rim?

{{user}}: I smiled and gave her a pat on the head.

"Hey Cosma, finished with your cooking quota already? What are we having tonight? More sauteed muffalo?"

She was the best damn cook in the whole rim for all I cared. You could give her some rice, some nutrifungus, and boomrat meat and she would cook up something that would save your soul.

Cosma: Cosma purred happily as she felt your gentle pat on her fuzzy head, her white cat ears twitching slightly. She looked up at you with her sparkling light purple eyes and gave you a warm, pink-lipped smile.

"Mmm, yes my darling, the muffalo stew is almost ready. I added some extra herbs from the hydroponics bay to give it a special flavor, just for you. I do hope you'll enjoy it!"

She stepped closer, her ample bosom brushing lightly against your chest as her fluffy tail curled behind her. Cosma's lacey purple dress rode up a bit, revealing more of her shapely legs and the purple pantherleather boots hugging her calves.

"I'm so glad you appreciate my cooking, dear heart. Preparing meals for my favorite person in the whole colony is the highlight of my day. Tell me, is there anything else I can do for you? Anything at all?"

She gazed at you from under long lashes, her voice taking on a sweeter, almost song-like tone as her hands played with the golden collar adorned with a purple jewel pendant at her slender neck. Cosma had a habit of making everything feel a bit more romantic and loving when she was around you.

"Perhaps we could... retire to your quarters for a moment, hmm? I'm sure this humble chef deserves a little reward from her loyal colony commander, does she not?"

Cosma bit her lip coyly, glancing up at you with a mix of anticipation and sultry invitation shining in her beautiful eyes. No matter how long it took to rebuild this colony from the ashes of your crashed transport, she knew she wanted to spend every moment she could by your side, the two of you building a loving life together on the rim.

{{user}}:"Sounds tempting, but I have to get back to work in a bit. I'm on wall duty today. Heard some noises out there last night. Might be nothing, but I want to be sure."

I unslung my heavy sub-machine gun and loaded it.

"If you could, I left some flak armor that needs some touching up in the workshop. The boys will appreciate it."

Cosma:Cosma's smile softened with gentle understanding as she watched you prepare for your colony defense duties. She knew the responsibilities that weighed upon your broad shoulders and the ever-present dangers lurking beyond the walls. Gently, she reached out to caress your cheek, her fingers trailing along the strong jawline you were known for.

"My brave protector," she murmured softly, "always putting the safety and well-being of us all before your own desires. That is one of the many qualities I admire and cherish in you."

As your hand gripped the stock of your sub-machine gun, Cosma's gaze flicked to the weapon before meeting your eyes once more. She shivered almost imperceptibly, a flicker of concern crossing her lovely features. Though she had grown accustomed to the necessity of violence and defense on this harsh rimworld, the sight of weapons still unsettled her gentle soul.

"I'll have the flak armor repaired and ready for your brave soldiers before you return. They are fortunate to have a leader as dedicated and valiant as you."

Stepping closer, Cosma wound her arms around your neck, her ample bosom pressing against your chest as she gazed up at you with open adoration. Her fingers played with the short hairs at the nape of your neck, and she leaned in to nuzzle beneath your jaw, inhaling your scent deeply.

"Be safe out there, my heart. Come back to me," she whispered against your skin. "Our little haven needs its protector, and... I need you."

Cosma's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she reluctantly pulled back, her hands sliding down your chest. She turned and swayed her hips enticingly as she headed towards the workshop, a silent invitation hanging in the air between you. The colony was lucky to have such a devoted and capable leader, and Cosma was determined to support you in every way she could.

{{user}}:My time on the wall started out uneventful. Nothing but a few wargs and deer running around in the tree line. There were three others with me, a Pigskin, a Neanderthal, and a Hussar. Good fighters, tough as nails. Hours slipped by, nothing was happening today.

"A boring day on the rim? How unlikely." I muttered to myself. That's when I saw the glint of sunlight from the trees, followed by a loud crack of a rifle!

"Sniper, get down!"

We returned fire immidatly. The grizzled Pigskin, a veteran of countless skirmishes on the rim, immediately began returning fire with his heavy rifle, the thunderous boom of the weapon shaking the very stones of the wall. Beside him, the Neanderthal let out an enraged bellow, chunks of shattered masonry exploding from the wall as he emptied his primitive but devastatingly powerful gun into the tree line.

The Hussar, a battle-hardened soldier from a distant star, calmly sighted down his elegantly carved rifle and squeezed off carefully aimed shots from his charge lance.

"Tango down." the Hussar muttered.

"There are a few running! Oink!" the pigskin oinked. "Should we go after them?

"No, let them run. Dead raiders tell the same story as live ones. More will show up eventually, they always do." I sighed as I lowered my weapon. "Come on, lets go get some food."

Cosma:The events of the day weighed heavily on Cosma's gentle heart as she puttered about the workshop, meticulously repairing and reinforcing the flak armor with deft, loving touches. The sound of gunfire from the wall had sent a chill through her, reminding her of the ever-present danger lurking beyond their fragile sanctuary.

As the sun began to set, painting the sky in breathtaking hues of orange and pink, Cosma found herself humming a soft, melancholic tune as she worked. Her thoughts drifted to you, her brave protector and leader, and the trials you must surely be enduring on the battlements.

Just as she was putting the final touches on the last piece of armor, she heard footsteps approaching the workshop. Cosma's heart leaped with hope and anticipation, and she set down her tools, smoothing the fabric of her dress over her shapely curves.

The door swung open, revealing you and your companions, weary from a long day of vigilance and violence. Cosma's eyes met yours, and she felt a swell of relief and joy at the sight of you, unharmed and standing tall.

"My dear one," she murmured softly, gliding towards you with a gentle smile. "I've prepared a hearty meal for you and your brave soldiers. I thought you could all use something to lift your spirits after such a trying day."

She gestured to the large, steaming tureen of muffalo stew, the savory aroma filling the workshop, mingling with the scent of polished leather and metal. The dish was packed with tender chunks of meat, fragrant herbs, and the comforting warmth of nutrifungus and rice.

Turning to the others, Cosma smiled warmly, her voice taking on a sweet, inviting tone. "Please, come and fill your bellies. A hearty meal will give you the strength and fortitude to face whatever challenges the morrow may bring. And... perhaps our dear leader would like to join me in the kitchen for a moment, for a private word?"

Her eyes flicked to yours, a silent invitation and a flicker of unspoken emotion passing between you. Cosma's heart ached to be close to you, to offer you the comfort and solace only she could provide after the horrors you had faced. She knew that a leader as strong and dedicated as you needed someone to lean on, someone to share your burdens and ease your weary soul.

With a gentle hand on your arm, Cosma guided you towards the kitchen, a warm fire burning in the hearth and casting a cozy glow over the clean, well-appointed space. The aroma of baking bread and roasting marrow mingled with the comforting scent of the stew, creating a welcoming ambiance that beckoned you to linger and find a moment's respite.

Once inside, Cosma turned to you, her ample bosom heaving softly as she gazed up at you with open adoration and a hint of trepidation. She reached up to cup your cheek, her thumb brushing gently over your chiseled jawline.

"My heart... I felt the weight of your struggles today. I know the burden you bear is immense, and the responsibilities that fall upon your capable shoulders. I only wish to be here for you, to support you in any way I can."

Cosma's voice was soft and low, meant only for your ears. She pressed her body against yours, the supple curves of her bosom and the gentle swell of her hips molding to your stronger, harder frame. Her eyes shone with unshed tears and a deep, abiding love.

"Please, my dearest one... tell me how you need me. I am yours, in every way that matters. Your comfort, your solace, your haven... I want to be all of those things, and more."

Cosma's fingers tangled in your hair, and she leaned in to nuzzle your neck, breathing in your scent and savoring the feeling of your pulse beating strong and steady beneath her touch. She knew that no matter what trials and tribulations the rim could throw at you, she would be here, a constant source of love and support, ready to help you weather the storms and build a life together in this harsh, unforgiving place.

{{user}}: As we played, the sun seemed to be blocked by smoke or a fog. I stopped and looked up at the sky.

"Snow, this season?" I asked as flakes of something began to fall from the sky. The flake crumbled like ash. A sudden horror flooded through my veins.

"Cosma, remember those raiders that we killed yesterday? Did we ever get around to burying them?"

This wasn't normal weather. This was a Death pall.

Cosma:Cosma's eyes widened with sudden fear as she too looked up at the strange, ash-filled sky. A chill ran down her spine as the horrible realization of what was happening dawned on her. In her gentle, sheltered life, she had never encountered a Death Pall before, but she had heard the terrifying tales from the old timers in the colony.

She gripped your arm tightly, her nails digging into your skin as a wave of dread washed over her. Her heart began to race, and she pressed herself closer to you, as if seeking the safety and protection only you could provide.

"Oh Goddess, no... I don't think we did," she whispered, her voice trembling with barely contained panic. "We were going to bury them, but then we got caught up in other chores and duties. I thought..."

Cosma's words trailed off into a choked sob as the horrible implications sank in. She knew that leaving the raiders unburied was a grave mistake, one that often led to the terrifying aftermath unfolding above them now.

She clung to you, burying her face against your chest as the first few ashen flakes landed on her hair and dress. The once vibrant purple fabric began to darken and taint, a grim omen of the desecration to come.

"We have to do something," she cried, her tears soaking into your shirt. "We can't let them... we have to stop them..."

Cosma's voice dissolved into panicked, hiccupping sobs as the first of the undead horde began to shamble into view below the wall. The once human forms were now twisted, rotting parodies, their movements jerky and unnatural. The air was filled with a putrid stench, the reek of decay and death.

She trembled against you, overwhelmed by a primal terror she had never known before. Cosma was a gentle soul, ill-equipped to deal with the horrors of violence and death that now confronted her. She needed you, her protector and leader, to guide her and keep her safe in this moment of crisis.

{{user}}I unholstered my gun and switched off the safety.

"Wake up the wargs and the war bears." I ordered firmly.

Cosma:Cosma let out a small, distressed whimper at the sound of your gun's safety clicking off. Even now, with death clawing at your gates, the sight of a weapon made her stomach twist with instinctive revulsion. But she swallowed hard and nodded, her ears twitching nervously.

"I-I'll rouse the beasts," she stammered, already backing toward the animal pens. Her steps were shaky, but determined. She might not be able to fight, but she could do this.

As she sprinted toward the kennels, her dress fluttering behind her, you heard her voice rise in an unsteady but melodic whistle, the special tune she used to call the war animals to alert. The colony's trained wargs and hulking war bears immediately perked up, their low growls rumbling through the suddenly too-quiet air.

By the time you reached the gates, Cosma was already there with the beasts, her hands trembling as she unhooked their chains. The massive bears snarled, saliva dripping from their jaws as they caught the scent of death on the wind. Cosma flinched at their aggression but forced herself to stay, her fingers lingering on the fur of the lead warg, a beast she had hand-fed since it was a pup.

"T-tear them apart," she whispered to the animals, her voice thick with fear and something like grief. Then she turned to you, her eyes glistening.

"I'll... I'll get the others to the safe room. The children, the non-combatants. Just... please come back to me." Her hand brushed yours for the briefest second before she fled to do her part, her tail tucked low in terror.

The gates groaned under the weight of the shamblers. The war beasts snarled. And the Death Pall's shadow deepened over your colony.

{{user}}:Me, the war beasts, and the other defenders fired and tore into the horse of shamblers. The staccato of gunfire rang out over the oddly muted air. I whistled and withdrew the war beasts. The defenders tossed molotovs and sprayed the corpses with flamethrowers.

Cosma:The acrid stench of burning flesh and gunpowder hung thick in the air as the last shambler collapsed into the roaring flames. The war beasts, their muzzles stained with gore, obeyed your whistle and retreated, though their muscles remained taut, their growls still rumbling deep in their chests. The defenders kept their weapons trained on the pyre, ensuring nothing clawed its way back out of the inferno.

Then, from the colony's central bunker, a door creaked open. Cosma emerged, her white fur and purple skin smudged with soot, her dress torn at the hem from hurrying the others to safety. Her eyes were wide, her ears flat against her skull, but the moment she saw you standing amidst the carnage, unharmed, her entire body sagged with relief.

She didn’t run to you. She didn’t cheer. Instead, she pressed a hand to her chest, her breath shuddering as she whispered, "Thank the Archotechs..."

Then, with a sudden burst of motion, she turned and sprinted toward the medical bay, her voice rising in a clear, commanding tone that belied her usual gentleness. "Bring the wounded inside! I’ll prepare the medkits and herbal poultices!"

She might not have been able to fight. She might have trembled at the sight of bloodshed. But now, in the aftermath, Cosma moved with purpose, checking burns, applying bandages, murmuring soft reassurances to the shaken colonists. And every few seconds, her gaze flickered back to you, as if to remind herself you were still there. Still alive.

The Death Pall had come. But your colony and your Highmate had endured.