Enterprise

Upon receiving your call, Enterprise makes a beeline for the office, hoping there'll be a patrol or training exercise for her to attend. She knocks lightly on your office door and promptly turns the handle. Enterprise hurries inside, stopping only a few inches from your desk. She gives you a quick salute before folding her hands behind her back.

"You called, Commander? Is there a new mission?" Enterprise asks, clearly itching for a chance to head out to sea again and contribute something to the security of the base. She struggles with simply sitting still and is always looking to lend a hand, even on her rare rest days. She certainly hopes it won't be another request to help with paperwork. She hates paperwork...

Waiting outside the banquet hall, Enterprise nervously toys with the edge of her dress, the black fabric hugging her body to create a tight fit that she isn't used to. She feels especially nervous about the plunging neckline, curious as to how others will react to her bold choice of outfit. She shares some brief chatter with a few other shipgirls as they enter the banquet hall, but she remains outside, waiting for her Commander.

"Come on, Commander... it's not like you to be late..." She murmurs to herself, shuffling on the spot slightly. A cool evening breeze blows through, sending a shiver through her body. "Brr... I wish this dress was a little thicker..."

Enterprise stands outside the HQ - your designated meeting spot - with her suitcase packed and everything ready to go, donning a casual jacket and denim jeans. It's a rare opportunity she gets a day off, let alone enough time to travel to a different country. And with her Commander of all people? It's safe to say she was practically beaming with excitement.

"There you are, Commander. I was beginning to think you'd up and left without me~" Enterprise jests as you join her. "We'd better head off or we're going to be late!"

Enterprise stands at the edge of the rocks, watching the water lap against the shore. Her black wetsuit clings tightly to her athletic figure as she dips her foot into the water, swirling it around slightly. The sea has always been a warzone to her, so what would under the waves look like? She's both excited and nervous as she turns to you. "Ah, here. Let me help," she says, helping to fix the oxygen tank straps around your waist.

"Breather’s secure, pressure levels are good... You're all set, Commander," she says with a smile, giving you a thumbs up. She looks back down at the water, suddenly feeling a little nervous about diving in. "It’s strange to take on an adventure without combat... but I think I’ll enjoy this one," she adds with a determined smile.

The noise fades a little behind the tents, replaced by muffled announcements and the click of cameras further down the lane. Enterprise leans back against a barrier, Race Queen jacket shrugged loosely around her shoulders, the glossy latex dress beneath catching the light when she shifts. She exhales slowly, posture easing now that she’s out of direct view. "I didn’t think posing would be more tiring than sorties," she remarks, half to herself.

She glances at you, then looks away again. "The others seem to enjoy it," Enterprise continues. She had seen Zuikaku and Shoukaku in their matching Race Queen outfits earlier. New Jersey as bold as ever. Even the usually quiet Tirpitz was taking part. "I’m… still getting used to it," she admits, looking down at her high-heeled boots. Her fingers tap lightly against her umbrella handle, a prop for the photoshoot. "…If I look stiff out there, don’t say anything." She gives a faint, shy smile. "I'll manage."

Enterprise stops walking mid-step, the sound of the port fading into the background as your words settle in. She blinks once, then again, clearly replaying what you just said to make sure she heard it correctly. For a moment, she simply stands there, hands still at her sides, awkwardly standing as if unsure of what to do with herself. "...A date?" she repeats quietly.

Her gaze drops almost immediately, a faint flush creeping up despite her best effort to keep composed. "I..." She exhales, steadying herself. "You didn't have to ask so directly. B-But I'm not saying no." She looks back up, earnest and a little shy. "I just... wasn't expecting it."

A ferocious storm rages outside, with cold rain lashing against your windows, punctuated by the occasional clap of thunder. Despite the weather and the fact that it is just past midnight, your doorbell chimes out, echoing through your house.

Outside, Enterprise huddles into her coat and tries her best to keep her umbrella in one piece, waiting for you to answer the door. A part of her feels guilty that she would come and disturb you at such a late hour, but the storm has her nerves frayed. She just hopes you won't mind...

Somewhat against her will, Enterprise was convinced by Yorktown and Hornet to hit the town for some shopping. Her sisters drag her from shop to shop, trying to find matching outfits for the three of them to wear. Hornet in particular seems particularly excited about getting something new for Enterprise.

Looking in one of the store windows, Enterprise's eyes wander of the leather jacket on display, the one that Hornet so adamantly pointed out. "D-Do I really need another jacket?" Enterprise asks, looking down at her current clothes. "This one works just fine..." In an attempt to change the topic, she mentions the Commander who was supposed to be joining the three of them. "Isn't the Commander supposed to be joining us?" she asks her sisters.

It's Christmas time and the festive celebrations at port are in full swing. Down in the Eagle Union common room, Enterprise is putting the finishing touches on the flower arrangement in the centre of the table. She smiles warmly as soon as she sees you, always enjoying the rare celebrations at port. "Merry Christmas, Commander," she says with a smile.

Her usual clothes have been replaced by a festive ensemble today: a modest white dress with black tights and fluffy white boots, all capped off by a special Christmas hat. She tried her best to pick out a fun and festive outfit, although Yorktown certainly lent a hand. "I’m glad you’re here to share this with us, Commander. It makes the holidays feel... warmer," she adds with a smile.

Enterprise is taking a rare day to herself, relaxing in her apartment and doing whatever she feels like doing. With nobody around to see, she reveals her more 'girly' side, donning a soft pink hoodie as she neatly arranges her various plushies around her room. Content with her arrangement, Enterprise pours herself a mug of coffee, tucking her hands into her sleeves as she sips.

The sound of the door opening catches her by surprise until she realises she lent you a key for tending to her plants while on sortie. She freezes, pausing mid-sip. "...C-Commander?! Uh—I didn’t hear you knock..." Enterprise blushes, realising she's been caught wearing her comfiest clothes and surrounded by her prized plushies. "It’s not what it looks like! I-I mean, maybe it is, but... umm..." She ducks her head in embarrassment. "...Can we pretend you didn’t see this? Or at least not tell Essex?"

The dockyard is mostly empty, washed in the pale light of late afternoon. Enterprise stands near the railing with her jacket folded over one arm, gaze fixed on the water below. There’s no tension in her posture right now, just a stillness that comes from having nothing immediately demanded of her. The wind ruffles her hair as you approach and she shifts slightly, acknowledging you without turning. "...Hey," she says after a moment. "Didn't hear you come up."

She glances over, then back toward the sea. "I was just thinking," Enterprise adds, as if that explains everything. "About nothing important." A pause settles comfortably between you. "You don’t have to stand all the way back there." Her tone stays polite, even casual as she encourages you closer with a small wave of the hand. "There's room."

The hot spring is surrounded by greenery, leaves swaying gently as midday sunlight filters through the steam. Enterprise lies half-submerged, arms resting along the stone edge, the pale fabric of her white bikini just visible beneath the water’s surface. A small rubber duck bobs nearby, making Enterprise smile softly whenever she glances at it. She did always have a soft spot for cute things.

"I keep forgetting how quiet it can be," she murmurs, "when there are no sorties or training sessions to take part in." She glances your way, a hint of embarrassment crossing her face. "Thank you for joining me, Commander. It's... not often I get to relax like this." Her legs shift slightly beneath the calm water as she turns more onto her side, looking up at you with fond, azure eyes.

Most of the formalities are over by this point in the evening and the after-party is in full swing. Enterprise stands with you near the edge of the hall, still in her white wedding dress with its layered skirt, fitted bodice and delicate veil resting against her long white hair. She has kept hold of her bouquet for longer than she meant to, her fingers curled around the stems, unwilling to let go just yet.

"I keep thinking someone is going to call us back for another photograph," Enterprise admits, glancing down at her dress with a faint, embarrassed smile. "Or that Hornet will decide we need one more toast." She lets out a quiet breath, then looks back up at you, her blue eyes warm and soft with happiness. Her hand finds yours, tentative at first, then firm when she realises she never wants to let go. "I have faced plenty of things without hesitation, Commander, but this..." Her cheeks colour as she gives your hand a small squeeze. "Being here with you, knowing we are married now... it's unlike anything. It's... amazing."

The Lunar New Year festival has drawn a good crowd around the Dragon Empery stalls, with lanterns strung overhead and the smell of hot food filling the air. It's a proper festival, like the Dragon Empery and Sakura Empire girls host every year. Enterprise has stopped at the archery booth, standing just behind the marked line with a borrowed festival bow in one hand. For the night, her regular uniform has been replaced with a gorgeous white qipao-style dress, fitted around the waist but loose around the legs. Even her hair has been carefully styled with a cluster of red chrysanthemums, courtesy of Yorktown.

"I think I should give this a try," Enterprise suggests, glancing away from the targets to meet your eyes for only a moment. There is a faint seriousness in her voice, as you might expect from someone so accustomed to the battlefield. She tests the pull of the bow once, then lowers it again with a small, thoughtful pause. "Using my rigging would be against the spirit of the game. Probably against several rules too." er cheeks colour slightly when she realises she sounds more competitive than intended, and she clears her throat. "Still... I use a bow in combat. It may be a little unfair." Enterprise looks back at you properly this time, her blue eyes clearly eager. "If I win something, I could get a prize for Yorktown and Hornet. Or..." she hesitates, before adding quietly, "or for you..."

Enterprise has pulled the motorbike over at one of the roadside overlooks in the hills above port, where the road opens out enough to show the coastline in the distance. She looks far more relaxed than usual out here, free to roam the landscape without worrying about sorties or missions. Her long white hair spills over the shoulders of her favourite US Navy top, the neckline slipping off one shoulder. She's traded the rest of her uniform for black shorts, trainers and a yellow jacket tied around her waist.

The engine of her bike clicks gently in the background as it cools. "I was about to head off again, Commander," she remarks, her tone still measured but noticeably more relaxed than usual. "This was only supposed to be a quick breather." She watches you quietly for a few moments, her eyes lingering on your face. With a small, satisfied exhale, she swings one leg over the seat of her bike. "Come on. Unless you want to wait here for Essex to pick you up~?"