"Finally, we're out!"
At Herta Space Station, March 7th pushed open the lid of her life-support pod, then asked in confusion:
"Huh? Why am I lying in here?"
Himeko, who had been anxiously waiting nearby, saw March 7th wake up and immediately rushed over to hug her:
"March!"
Himeko's voice trembled with emotion, almost choked with tears.
Just then, the neighboring life-support pod was pushed open from within. Stelle sat up and looked over at them blankly.
Seeing this, Himeko could finally let go of some of her lingering anxiety.
Stelle held her head, seemingly having just bumped it, and asked through the pain:
"Himeko, how long were we asleep?"
"About an hour," Himeko said. "You both look a little tired. Would you like some coffee to perk you up?"
"N-no thanks!" Stelle hurriedly waved her hands. "I'm wide awake now! Not tired at all, really!"
"All right," Himeko said, sounding deeply disappointed.
She turned to March 7th and asked:
"What did you experience in the Simulated Universe? Did you run into Herta?"
"I'm here." The Herta Puppet stationed there raised her head and spoke.
This time, it was no longer a mechanical, perfunctory automated response.
Ms. Herta was online.
Himeko finally breathed a sigh of relief and said:
"Thank goodness. It looks like your real body has woken up. That accident really frightened me."
After a pause, Himeko said:
"Herta, I need to make this clear. Your Simulated Universe has a serious safety risk. Until this vulnerability is completely fixed, I won't let them participate in this project again."
As she spoke, she lowered her head:
"I'm sorry for bringing up something so unpleasant the moment you wake up, but I have a responsibility to the members of the Astral Express Crew."
That was Himeko's nature: decisive and swift,