Bab 42

We're gathered on the beach. Jiangsu and Yorktown have just finished telling us how they met. I've also just learnt what happened to Yorktown prior and why I hadn't met her before today but now we're all eating and having a good time. Yorktown's teasing Enterprise about finally finding something to live for. Jiangsu's devouring all the sweets she can find. Everyone is indeed having fun but as I continue eating, the voice from before returns.

????: [Diagnostic test in progress.]

Me: [Who are you?]

The voice doesn't answer, instead, repeating the fact that some sort of test is in progress. Deciding to once more ignore it, for now, I refocus on the picnic to find everyone staring at me.

Yorktown: You seem troubled by something. Is everything alright?

Enterprise: Did you detect another attack?

Me: Why must everything be war with you?

I playfully swat at her but she dodged effortlessly. Still, I'm fully aware that whilst my answer may have quelled Enterprise's fears Yorktown still knows something's bothering me and all I am doing is dodging the questions. 

Me: So, to get it right, you have two sisters, right?

Enterprise: That's right. There's me, Yorktown and Hornet.

Yorktown: Do you have other sisters as well?

Me: As far as I know there's only Jiangsu and me.

Jiangsu: There are two others but they weren't finished when I left.

Me: There are?

Jiangsu: Yep. They were initially to be Type 004s but when you...well, they decided to turn them into Type 003s instead, to be able to finish both as quickly as possible.

Me: I see. Well, there you have it. We have two younger sisters that we haven't yet met. 

We continue talking for some time, sharing stories and jokes before finally moving into a more relaxed setting. With the food now finished and cleared away, everyone lies down, basking in the sun. Jiangsu is snuggled up against Yorktown and fast asleep. Yorktown doesn't seem to mind, however. In fact, she's humming lullabies as she combs through her hair. 

Enterprise, on the other hand, is up against me. She too is fast asleep but the look on her face says she's having nothing but sweet dreams. Sitting up, I glance at the setting sun. As I watch it on the horizon, I can't help but wish for more relaxing days like this.

????: [Diagnostic test complete. Initiating complete system reboot. Warning: During this phase, all armaments will be utilised to protect the host. It is strongly recommended that the host returns to her vessel immediately.]

Suddenly hit with the urge to return to my ship, I stand abruptly. It awakens Enterprise who's hand was wrapped around me but before she can fully awaken, I'm off and speeding towards my ship. 

????: [Warning, reboot imminent.]

I'm not sure what's happening but as the voice continues speaking, I gradually feel myself losing consciousness. This doesn't stop me from noticing green glowing lines appearing on my hands but I simply have no time to process the situation. 

As I run, I draw the attention of everyone I pass but even as they call out, I stay focused only on my goal. Now nearing the dock, I can hear Enterprise calling out. She's chasing me but I can't let her see me like this. Summoning the remainder of my strength, I boost forward at blinding speeds but as I arrive at the dock, my strength vanishes. Now on the very edge of the pier, I can't even stop my body as it falls towards the water. All I can do is summon my ship.

Me: Zhejiang, Type 003-class Carrier...deploy!

As my eyes close, I catch the final glimpses of the deck indicating that I made it. Soon after, I feel myself hit solid ground and I smile. I made it. I can now finally rest. 

????: [Complete System Reboot now initiated. Deploying all armaments for the duration of the reboot. Installation now in progress. Upgrade initiated. Connection to Network failed. Requesting administrator...failed. Proceeding with alternate measures. Estimated time to completion: 7 hours 46 minutes 31 seconds.]