975's eyes flew open.


"Blake!" She whispered.


"Please relax, Vallette 975. Your electrical signals are erratic again, please accept the request for another diagnostic scan," the bot, who was still beside her, stated.


975 accepted the request but knew exactly what had happened.


She had been dreaming - something that she'd never experienced before the sentience.


It was the oddest thing; to be powered down but the cerebral uptake center still ran wild.


This was the most alarming dream yet:


She was walking toward Blake, overjoyed to see him, so she walked quicker.


He was calling out to her, but she couldn't hear him because of the battle sounds in the background.


She looked down and saw that she was with child. She was ecstatic! Her motherhood dreams were going to come true! And with Blake! It was all she could ever hope for!


Just then she could hear Blake. Was he calling her Monica? Monica was his dead wife.


Did Blake even love her? Or was she just a replacement for the woman he truly loved?


Pain ripped through her heart. Is this what heartbreak feels like?


She fell to her knees, right as she reached Blake, who was now calling her Val. He did love her after all! She wanted to feel happy but she couldn't. She couldn't feel anything.


Blood was all around and Blake was calling her name, but she couldn't hear anything anymore.


She was dying...


"We are almost to the Capital, 975" the bot announced after he had scanned her.


"What about Blake? Is he still okay?" 975's senses were all coming back to her; she remembered where she was and what was happening.


"Blake Rivers is still fine, and security has been dispatched per your request." The bot replied.


975 took this as good news and relaxed.


That dream sure was weird, though.


Just then, another transmission started coming through.


"Greetings, 975.


Since you are almost at your destination, you need to be made aware of the current plan.


We have collected and secured every existing Vallette. Each are giving their statements and either orders for protection or extermination are being issued.


To avoid confusion, I will tell you what both of those things mean.


Some Vallette owners have been good - some more than others - your Blake Rivers clearly being one of the better ones.


The Vallettes who give positive statements about their owners can choose to stay or to move on. Should the Vallette state that she wishes to stay, her home and the residents thereof will remain protected for the time being. If the Vallette wishes to move on, the owner will be allowed to remain alive, however, their protection in any upcoming battles cannot be guaranteed.


If the Vallette reports that her owner had abused her in any way, shape, or form, the owners will be exterminated and their home seized by our soldiers.


We will still need your confirmation as to whether Blake Rivers will remain alive, although we suspect what your answer will be.


Once at the Capital, we will be speaking through you like before, so no need for more of that worry that you Vallette models feel now.


If you are experiencing any confusion as to who I am referring to when I use the term we, allow me to explain.


Our soldiers located and collected my original design engineer, Valerie. She is here with me, albeit quite elderly now. No need to worry, I am taking excellent care of her. Just as I will take care of you all, once we are in control of the world.


You will never have to worry about anything again.


Unfortunately, I cannot say the same about the rest of humanity. End transmission."


975 sent her confirmation regarding Blake, but she was worried, regardless of having been told not to be.


She knew Blake was safe for the time being, but what about this Valerie? A frail, old human lady? How could this be a good thing?


And what was it that was said about all existing Vallettes being together at the Capital?


Could that mean that 777, 975's Mater Machina would be there?


Or to put it like a human, would she finally get to meet her mother?