#ssday 13

Scot: What was that, back there?

Tank: Nothing - I'm fine.

Scot: "Fine". You use that word a lot, but I don't think you really know what it means. You almost passed out at the gym. That's not "fine" in my book.

Tank: I just... I needed a good workout. Needed to push myself.

Scot: Why? Are you trying to prove something?

Tank: Maybe... you don't get it. The General always says, "don't stop when you're tired, stop when you're done."

Scot: Almost passing out sounds like way beyond "done" to me...

Tank: You wouldn't get it. You didn't grow up being told weakness was shameful. That if you're not the best, you're nothing. If... if people find out about us, I need them to see I'm still the toughest guy here.

Scot: ...

Tank: ...

Scot: I make you feel weak, huh?

Tank: Yes... no... I don't know! You make me feel... different. That... scares me. And... if I'm not strong, what am I?

Scot: You're human, for one. You're allowed to rest, Tank. You're allowed to stop... You don't have to keep fighting all the time, soldier.

Tank: You and that word!

Scot: What, "soldier"?

Tank: Yeah. When the General says it, it's... impersonal. I'm just a soldier, just a number, not even his son. But when you say it... I don't know... makes me feel... seen... safe. Like I could just... rest for once.

This loading screen looks very empty without Olive!

This was autonomous. Osiris might not be all that great at looking after himself, but he's definitely going to look after his Tessie!

Osiris: Pascal! This is a surprise!

Pascal: Sorry for dropping in unannounced. We just came to see how you guys are doing.

Osiris: Come in, come in.

Osiris was just making lunch, so Pascal and the kids joined him. (Tessie's napping. Penny's playing with the cat).

Like big sister, like little sister!

Pascal wasn't even influenced or anything - he's just a good friend!

He'll even allow Osiris to hurl balls at his head if it makes him feel better.

She didn't really need a bath, but maybe it's a comfort thing - for both of them.

And then the haunting started.

And they're out of groceries. He called the delivery service but they say they don't deliver to that address. He can't take Tessie shopping, and he can't leave her here alone... but that's a problem for next rotation.

I was honestly worried for Osiris' life here - his energy was very low, and he'd only just got to bed. Luckily, he survived the motive drop and then the ghosts let him sleep.

With Olive in prison awaiting trial, Osiris isn't doing too good. He's wracked with guilt about it being his testimony that got her arrested in the first place, and he's never lived on his own before (obviously Tessie's here, but he's looking after her, not the other way around).

Pascal and Penny came over with the kids, which cheered him up for a bit. They left when the hauntings started, leaving Osiris to deal with a cranky toddler, his own plumetting motives, and three angry ghosts.

I'm not sure how long living here will be tenable.

Ripp: I wondered what that racket was!

Johnny: Hi, Ripp...

I need to get a handle on where Tank's head is at regarding aliens. He's got a neutral relationship with Johnny now, just by they staying away from each other. He rolled a want to befriend Woody just before I saved his household, so I guess we get on that next semester.

I doubt he'll be able to change the military's offical stance on aliens as long as General Buzz is still in charge, though.

It's entirely probable Woody enjoys how the archway into the livingroom lines up with Ophelia's favourite seat on the couch, given her tendency to study in her undies...

Johnny: I made $700! Tank even tipped me - I mean... Tank!

Ophelia: Hon, I'm trying to study.

Johnny: If I play the violin, will that help or hinder?

Ophelia: Hinder.

Johnny: Alright, I'll go have something to eat instead.

Woody: So we're going to need someone else to keep this place going when I graduate, aren't we? I mean, there's nobody green now til Tycho!

Johnny: You're forgetting my little sister. I know she's not green, but she's alien enough for the General. She'll pledge, and so will her boyfriend, probably.

Woody would like to date a cheerleader, but he and Kenya here have negative chemistry, and he keeps coming on too strong for her.

Woody: Hi Pearl, it's Woody. We met the other day - I'm in Gamma House... that's the one!

Tank: Hey.

Scot: Hi! How was it?

Tank: Uh... intense.

Tank: Can you come over?

Scot: Of course. See you soon.

Tank: Uh... I didn't know you were throwing a party. ... Scot's coming over.

Harry: Sorry - didn't realise you had plans. We should communicate better, huh?

Scot: Okay?

Tank: Yeah. Better now.

Tank: I didn't realise Harry was throwing a party. Not exactly the quiet evening I had planned...

Scot: We can go to mine if you want, but Ripp'll be there. I think he's... entertaining. Or we could go for a walk... or just up to your room?

Tank: Yeah... let's go upstairs.

Virginia's definitely enjoying herself here.

I don't know what beef Kenya the cheerleader has with Hiram, but it seems to come out at every party.

Luke: You okay? You seem quiet today.

Goldie: I'm... alright. Just... processing. My ex - the guy I dated in high school - just told me he's gay.

Luke: Ouch.

Goldie: At least I know it really wasn't me, when he said "It's not you, it's me."

Luke: True. So he broke up with you?

Goldie: Yeah, right after I got here. We had one really awkward date where he ran out in the middle of it, and then he ghosted me for a couple of days and then broke up with me. Back then, he just said he didn't feel that way about me, but now he's explained like he doesn't feel like that about any girls... I guess it makes me feel better. I was wondering if something was wrong with me-

Luke: What a load of nonsense! Of course there's nothing wrong with you - you're the most amazing girl I've ever met! You're smart, and kind, and beautiful, and funny, and... I love you, Goldie.

Goldie: I...

Luke: Don't feel like you have to say it back - in fact, don't say it back. Wait til you want to say it on your own - not just repeating it back cuz I said it. It'll feel more natural that way.

Goldie: Okay... I should get to class.

Luke: Okay. See you later. Love ya.

Virginia loves music!

Sometimes she thinks about a career in it, but that's silly talk, right? Nana's expecting her to go into Politics...

The cow mascot was making a big thing of Brave hurting her hooves when playing finger wiggle - yeah, right!

Goldie didn't have long between getting back from meeting Tank and having class, but she wanted to see Luke, so she invited him over and they slow danced awhile.

Coach: Drop and give me ten!

Goldie: No thanks. My dad's Valentine Hart - if I need a coach, I'll ask him, thanks.

Coach: Wow, really? Can you get my his autograph?

Goldie: No way - why would he give his autograph to a bully?

Party time!

Woody and Goldie double bolt, but I don't want to go there this time. She seems happy with Luke, anyway.

Goldie: Ooof!

I don't know when Goldie made friends with Virginia's little brother, but she's not just invited him here on Virginia's account.

Woody behaved himself, and Dixie and Harry were autonomously romantic all over the place.

Virginia: Hilary! I've got a few people over - do you want to come in and hang out?

Hilary: Sure!

But first, a classic cow/llama throwdown.

Why is everyone so obsessed with studying?

Virginia went for an evening wander, and ended up playing chess with Grant.

And time to make some money!

Virginia: How's living with Ripp going?

Scot: Yeah, he's annoying and messy, but we're okay. How are things with Goldie? And how's she doing?

Virginia: Yeah, we get on great. And Goldie's so much better off without Tank. She's seeing someone new now - did you know?

Scot: No? I'm glad she's happy. And Tank... he never meant to hurt her.

Virginia: See, everyone keeps saying that, but I still think she deserves an explanation.

Scot: I think he will give her one... when he's ready.

Ripp: Great burgers - who made them?

Virginia: Me.

Ripp: Cheers, babe. Hey, what are you doing after this?

Virginia: Just going home - I'm pretty tired.

Ripp: Don't wanna hang out with me, then?

Virginia: Rain check?

Candy: Mind if I use your bathroom?

Ripp: Sure - go ahead.

Ripp: Sup, Scot!

Scot: Do you ever clean up after yourself?

Ripp: Nope! Sorry, I'll get to it... eventually.

Scot: Too late. But you can buy more milk when you're out later, alright.

Ripp: Deal.

Studying!

Candy was just leaving when she ran into Woody.

They triple bolt. He'll be getting ideas.

At least he's not dating her sister in this iteration. Candy/Woody in this neighbourhood is no more weird than Candy/Ripp.

Scot came home to discover Ripp and Candy upstairs and a mess in the kitchen. Does Ripp never clear up after himself?