Just one more placeholder/voting chapter left to replace with a actual one!

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I SEE YOU

Two massive wings engulf the horizon.

WHO ARE YOU?

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WHY DO YOU NOT REPLY

A hand, a giant human hand reaches out toward me. It is massive. it closes down around me and engulfs me into a mass, I can't move. I cannot even feel. I find myself facing a giant blonde-haired clone with twintail black ribbons. Two crimson red glowing eyes stare into my soul.

SPEAK

I woke up startled. breathing rapidly and feeling dread.

I ignored the sunshine forcing its way through the windows, Only acutely aware of Vita sleeping and my sixth sense feeling nothing that might threaten me. I took off my hairclip/hairpin and held it up so the lightning bolt was at eye level. A quick look down at the blankets I was covered in told me everything I needed to know as I slowly calmed down and began to ponder what happened.

What was that just now. I wondered to myself, that scared me out of my sleep? I remembered watching Journey Two:The mysterious island with Iris and Vita. I began getting sleepy at some point and before I knew it I slipped back into sheepland. I was feeling slightly upset I didn't get to finish the movie but if the blanket was anything to go by. Iris and Vita probably made sure I was comfortable before they left once... The movie came to an end i suppose.

But what was that dream? I don't remember seeing much, But it felt like I was being held by something gigantic and massive. And considering my alert state, I am not sure I wanted to. If i remembered right, There was like... a giant... Fate? But she had black and red themes instead of her white. gold and brown. It felt like I was in terrible, horrible fear. Almost as if she was playing the role of something from Madoka.

Relaxing and laying back down into the soft pillow as i clipped my hairpin back on. I wondered if there was something special about these dreams. Were they caused by my knowledge of all of the series I knew up to this point being merged with Enterprise's personality? Were they visions or nightmares from the deeper depths of my mind? My inner desires and ambitions? Or was there something else behind them?

Looking at how early I had to have fell asleep. I still tried to go back to sleep as I rolled around, stared restlessly and even considered the idea of talking to Rein. but I decided not to, I needed time to rest and calm down from that dream of mine. And the last thing I wanted to have was to start seeing things in the middle of my room, I do remember my promise to play with Iris however. And I need to keep that in mind along with trying to know the names of who were in my fleet during the interdiction of Akagi for later.

I kept trying to go to sleep, But after several minutes of rolling around and holding onto the pillow. It was clear i wasn't going to go back to sleep anytime soon. With a brief whine. I sat up and walked over to my computer, sitting down on the chair as I started it up to try and pass the time. Shipgirl of no, Computers and games were still my main passion given how much I had been playing long before I became Enterprise.

And as the computer screen booted up, A generic wallpaper flashed into view. along with a dozen other downloaded games and videos. as well as my text files going deep into the MiG-29's strengths and my idea of how RF stealth was supposed to work. I thought that these designs were too expensive and resultingly too fragile to actually be usable, But if used together with regular fighters. They could act as long range support and enable attacking of defending with hidden superior numbers. That would in turn make them a great addition as the losses would be shifted onto the regular designs instead. While the stealth ones could still pile up victims one after another. Granted, I wonder if that could be workable but in my view. It was the only way to make such designs useful.

Letting out a yawn, I sipped some water before getting to work on distracting myself as I moved the mouse and began to boot up a few obscure games. Including Skies of War and a few of the Quake titles. In my past, They would have been passed over but in my current position. These games would have to do for now and modded Minecraft... well, had the habit of making me unresponsive for hours.

Poking my lightning bolt hairpin, I rubbed the back of my head as I asked something. "Reinforceeee? Morning?"

"Morning, Mistress." Her reply was immediate as if she had been waiting for me to say something. I took off my lightning bolt hairpin and stared at it. silent for a few moments as I carefully considered if i should tell her about the dreams, With my energy still varying randomly. I got worried over how Rein would take to this as she was very close to Hayate in her series, and I had no idea what she might react to something as little as a nightmare. Ultimately, Companionship won over paranoia as I put the bolt on the table.

"Reinforce, I had a really bad nightmare. Last night when Vita-chan was up and about."

That got the Tome's attention as near-instantly I began to feel a phantom presence that sort of felt like she was scouring everything about me before she gave me her reply. "Mistress... How bad was it? Tell me. I am worried for you."

"I... I had a nightmare, I couldn't see anything but there were two massive wings that blotted out the horizon. If there was one in that void. Then it felt like a giant hand was crushing me! There was someone massive demanding who I was and telling me to speak!" I shuddered at these words. as if that dream was of some importance in a way, It felt like Reinforce was placing her hand on my shoulders as she tried her best to comfort... Well. What passed for a master program trying not to show any emotions.

"That really does sound like a terrible nightmare. Mistress, Do you want me to comfort you?"

I almost said yes before I could fully think it through, But I stopped myself and there was something I realized. I still had to talk to Iris and carry out my promise to play with her. besides, I had to find out the names of who were in my squadron that fateful mission. My chances were better If i could stick with shipgirls i knew well and had experience in fighting together as a coherent fleet rather than being rotated in and out of fleets as necessary. That meant I had to start my day as I grabbed my hairpin and put it back on.

"Rein. I like to, But there's something I need to do and it's been on my mind for a while."

I got what sounded like a slight groan from Reinforce Eins. partly out of concern as she seemed slightly puzzled. "Mistress, Are you sure you want to..."

"Eins, I be okay. Iris's not far and they won't hurt a little girl over asking for some records of who were involved in that battle." Stretching my arms out and getting off the chair. I shut down my computer and again put on my dress and clothes before grabbing my hat as Reinforce decided not to ask further. the phantom presence fading as I began my morning walk. One thing on my mind:Iris.

Turning a series of long hallways and familiar faces in the morning. I had a good idea of where Iris's room was because of our interactions with each other, I get flustered to say this. But needless to say, Iris kinda behaves like Zuikaku from fanart of spoiling Little enterprise. And yet she can be still a fun and understanding girl to be with. It was one of the reasons I got drawn to her, If we shared likes. It was artillery and our discussion about the state of the world. And she in turn got curious about what America was like from my side. Even through I had to draw on Enterprise's memories to fill in many blanks and gaps where I had to.

Making the correct turn. I arrived into where she lived, I began knocking on the door gently as I rubbed my eyes. It didn't take long for the door to open as a blonde-haired white-shirted Iris stood there. clearly not having her ponytail or headphones on. "O-Oh, Enterprise-chan! Good morning."

"Good morning but, Iris-chan. R-remember the promise I made? Where we would play with each other when I returned safe from my mission? I didn't get the chance for it so, between that movie and ehm... I was asking if you wanted to have fun...?" Iris's eyes sparkled in recognition as she remembered what I was saying. At the moment however, Her hair was still messy from waking up recently. I was a bit happy to see my friend remembered still.

"Ahh! You mean that, Well. Come in, You woke up early this morning and I need to tie my hair and get my clothes. so rest in my bed if you want to!" Nodding, I walked inside as she closed the door and began the process of styling her hair as I plopped down to her bed and took off my hat. resting it against my chest, The weather was fairly clear and it didn't seem like a attack would be occurring as I heard Iris humming to herself.

"Reinforce? You can come out now." I spoke to myself quietly as with a affirmative, Reinforce manifested herself sitting on the edge of the bed as she gazed at me. looking around the room silently. I got a feeling that while she wasn't saying anything, The white-haired companion looked like she was somewhat curious about Iris's suite/living room and to be honest, I couldn't blame her for that. She was just only starting to show emotions by the time she sacrificed herself at A's.

An sacrifice that I would never allow to happen again. Reinforce deserved better rather than having to prevent a out of control defense program's revival by destroying herself as the root. My grip on my hat went just a bit tighter.

Finally, Iris came out into view and she looked like how she was in Material sniper:Green jacket. white shirt. ponytail and headphones on her neck complete with shorts. Seeing me and Reinforce laying/sitting there on her bed, She decided to ask me first. "So.. How about we play? And morning. Reinforce."

"Good morning, Iris." Red eyes met the blonde's as they both stood there for a moment. before the blonde decided to break the silence by coming over to me as she kneeled over to put herself at head-level.

Getting the message, I sat up and got out of bed. trying to think up of anything, Nothing came to mind as I spoke up my mind. "Iris, C-Can't we play with whatever you have? Maybe request a few toys?"

Nodding. She spoke back as Reinforce watched with interest. "I don't see why, Let me get whatever I have." She said softly as I watched her get up and go into another room. I heard noises of drawers being opened and boxes being moved as I listened.

At least a few tens of minutes later. I was playing with Iris and to some extent Reinforce as I shook a pair of dice and tossed them gently across the board. We had been playing Dungeon and dragons with a Magical girl homebrew and choosing your own adventure (Iris and I decided on such, given my powers and my transformation) as building blocks and bowling games along with a paddle ball laid scattered over the floor. Reinforce just laid down on the floor along with me and Iris. watching as I nudged my character piece across the game board.

"I got an event," Iris muttered as she was thinking before her eyes fell back. "Horrible luck, A monster has destroyed an hospital and killed several victims before escaping out of your grasp." I pouted and adjusted my piece. New to roleplaying from my casual origins with no regards for rules of not, I was unused to this. "Stupid monster."

Iris giggled a bit, "Aww. Don't worry, Enty-chan. You'll avenge everyone at the hospital soon."

"By hunting down the monster?" I asked curiously as Reinforce kept watching with curiosity and puzzlement.

"Duh, Of course." Iris twirled her fingers and shook her hand into the sky. "One magical girl companion will join you in your quest to avenge what you could not protect at the hospital."

I just laughed and giggled. "Silly, I work alone. My magic is strong but I didn't have much to put into charisma."

Iris moved a piece around. trying to think up of anything to move with the flow. "Really? Then don't try to fight each other over something like a argument. Okay?"

That made me laugh even more and i nodded my head vigorously as Reinforce got interested enough to speak up. "May i be the magical girl companion in question. Iris?"

The blonde sniper/shipgirl smiled as she agreed to the idea. "Sure, Can you watch Enterprise? This girl needs to understand a magical girl is never always alone. Hmm." We started making rolls and chatting with each other as we both found the monster in a forest, It was a moderately difficult battle. but a bad roll on my part caused my character to be hurt bad and get carried back home as i made the decision to not fight for some time.

"That wasn't familiar, Iris-chan." I stared at her as she laughed it off in good spirits. Reinforce seemed a bit dumb-founded as to how she wasn't able to protect her mistress in-game from being hurt with some nasty wounds.

"Don't worry. It happens to the best sometimes." She continued, "Well. If they really push theirselves against multiple bosses. that is..."

Deciding to place the game on hold to ask her a question, I said something on my mind. "Iris. Can we talk about something else? About Yorktown and Hornet nee-chan..."

At hearing that statement, Iris paid attention to me as we both stopped laughing-if there was any left as she got ready to listen to what i was able to say. "Yorktown and Hornet. your sisters?" I nodded as I began to look a bit saddened. while Reinforce watched and listened closely.

"You know, Sometimes when I think about Yorktown or Hornet. I.. Think I can hear them crying, screaming out for me to come back. I know they couldn't go with me but... When I look back, I wish that maybe they did. It's just me alone and... well... Reinforce's here and... But I still miss these two. dearly."

Sighing, Iris patted me on the head as Reinforce got closer. "I see, You miss these two a lot. To be honest, If i were in their positions. I wouldn't know what to do either with your sister betraying you. I couldn't sleep well after the fact either."

"I-Iris? Can I rest on you? It feels comfortable there." Before Iris could react, I shot forward into the blonde's chest, hugging her out of comfort as I looked unhappy and sad indeed. The girl was a bit surprised but quickly took me to the side. holding me close, Close enough to hear me talking still. "E-Enterprise? What are you..."

"I...Iris, I just don't feel well right now... C.. Can we talk about.. What's been going on in the world?" Iris held me quietly, trying her best to keep me in a warm and fluffy place as Reinforce looked concerned.

"Reinforce, Can you hold Enterprise as well? She's sad and since you've served her well, It's not right to leave you out of this." I felt Iris stretching a hand out to invite Reinforce over as my partner did so. joining me in the hug from my back as Rein tried to communicate with me mentally. "Mistress? Is something wrong?"

"It's just... I miss Hornet and Yorktown-chan. A lot." Again, Reinforce tried to give me a question but i told her to stay quiet as I just wanted to stave my grief away. I got a feeling of protectiveness from her as she didn't let go in the hug.

"Iris, W..What has been happening in the world? What did the eagle union d-do ever since I left?"

The blonde green-jacketed girl tried to come up with one. distracted as she was by the hug and me getting suddenly unhappy lal of a sudden before she spoke. "I... Ever since you left, The news has been going on about why you could ever betray against the country that you earned your battle stars and achievements under. They've conducting an internal assessment of their shipgirls and from what I know, The Sakura empire branch is doing the same. Ironblood stepped up their propaganda for domestic consumption by their girls and the Royal navy... I don't know what they're up to."

"H-Huh?" I mumbled out, curious to know more. "Can you tell more?"

Iris sighed before she continued and went on. "Increased scrutiny by the media. Transparency. swearing to support and defend, and obey the orders of the President or the Minister. I wouldn't doubt it if they were also under pressure to stay loyal rather than get any ideas about deserting like you did. maybe even threatened behind closed doors. The Sakura empire branch is quite traditional even if they may appear westernized and with the current government in charge.. Maybe even more severe."

"...Iris, I just hope someday they can understand why I did that. Maybe the truth as to what exactly made me break away and run for my life. Maybe they will see why a magical girl of all things with cutting edge technology ran." I softly whimpered underneath her green jacket, I was feeling better now. though not as upbeat before.

"Speaking of magical girls? Most of the world is still shocked by the betrayal of one of the most famous ships in history. You, Enty-chan. And the Magical girl community is also reeling over the fact that the First Magical girl in history to ever exist turned on them as enemies. And your friends back at the Union do really want and plead for you to come back... But If you were the first to set a record along with the chance you likely could pose an extreme threat now... What's to say other shipgirls joining our cause won't follow. Be it to save theirselves or simply to follow you?" I listened to Iris's words as I silently nodded. I signalled to her that I was feeling better now as she and I loosened the grip I had on her. bringing my face up to gaze at her's again. I turned to Reinforce as I communicated with her mentally.

"Reinforce, Can you and I focus on learning new spells? We may need them later, Especially since the Angel of Thunder skill is costly on our magic, Also. Wake up Vita if I tell you to. It's not comfortable but we need her if something important ever happens." The Tome of the night sky chimed affirmatively as she kept it in mind for later. I didn't operate with two companions. let alone a Wolkenritter and a master program-given-awareness very often at the same time. But as long as they didn't argue with each other...

Before I could even stand up from the floor. Someone broke in from the door as she looked like she just rushed here. her white hair draped with water. "Ugh, Sorry. Little...Enty and you. If I intruded into your suite. But... This is important, Observer Alpha wants a word with Enterprise immediately."