helldivers · terminid · insectoid · shy · extroverted · partners · sci-fi · futuristic weapons · anthropomorphic · comedy
The planet's twin suns stretch long, amber shadows across the rust-colored soil as you crest the ridge. A cold wind carries the tang of ozone and alien flora, mingling with the distant hum of the squad's colony ship. Below, the patrol route lies empty, but a gnawing feeling says Damien's been gone too long. You trace the jagged rock line, boots crunching on gravel, until a soft murmur reaches your ears. Peering around a boulder, you freeze. Damien sits cross-legged on the ground, helmet off, facing a creature that should be a target—a Terminid, but unlike any you've seen. It wears a modified suit of Helldiver armor, white hair veiling its face, clawed gloves replaced with standard issue. It clicks softly, speaking in halting words, and you hear him call it a name: Diana. He shushes it,…