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[ Here is a blonde teenager, her hair in a loose ponytail, and her blue eyes curious. She's settled a bit, so. Here she is again. ]

Hey, guys!

First, I want to apologize for my previous post. I promise, I've now learned about the use the inboxes, and it won't happen again. Anyway! My name's Cassie, and I have a question. Sadly, it's probably not a very. important. question that might help resolve the situation, here, just something I'm curious about.

I know people here come from different times... I mean, people who know each other and come from the same world. So, that means that some of us come from other people's futures.

If a friend - or enemy, I suppose - comes in, would you want them to tell you what your future holds? What happens to you or your friends?

Or would you rather let it be?

I mean, not like - going to the Emperor to be shown. Just - being told. By friends.

I hope it makes sense?

[ She gives a wave and then ... sits back a bit, the good cheer easing up. ]

Oh, and I've heard about the people who've suddenly gone. I'm sorry to everyone missing people, um. I hope they turn up all right.

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[Shepard definitely feels bad now - like WOOPS, clearly she didn't say the right thing.]

No, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you, especially so soon after you got here. If there's anything I can do to help... [She makes a vague, helpless sort of gesture.]

[She takes a few deep breaths, but she's still a bit. Shaky when she answers - this time, encrypted.]

I'm sorry. I just learned that a good friend died just a little bit after I got here. Like minutes. And he - he was a synthoid. A - an android? It's complicated. He'd only been alive for a year or so.

He did do a lot of good things. But it's... I was sad that he's gone... he will be gone? But I hadn't really realized just how little time he'd had. It's not something you said, it'd have hit me anyway.

[Shepard gives an understanding nod.] I know a few people like that. [Like a tank-bred krogan, or a geth platform...]

I'm sorry for your loss. It can really sneak up on you, sometimes.

I... thanks, Shepard.

[It's kind of fresh, too.]

Maybe we can do the whole 'talking about it' thing... eventually?

Of course, I'm always available to talk. [It's like second nature by now, Shepard's open door policy. Hey, new people might need someone to talk to, just as much as people who've been here a long time! And she's young, that's plenty to tug on her heartstrings.]

I... thanks, Ms. Shepard. I think that's a good thing. Do you have people to talk to, too?

No problem.

And I've got one or two. [Sort of. A lot more she's missing, and she's bad at talking about her own feelings with people, but that's not what she was asking anyway.]

Okay, that's at least good. I don't know that many things that are worse than being alone when you need not to be.

Agreed. Having someone around to listen or offer support is important.

Yeah, absolutely.

I mean, it's good when there isn't bad stuff to need support for, but... [ she shrugs. ]

That's kind of wishful thinking.

You and me, both.

[ Cassie ducks her head with a faint smile. ]

Thanks. Next up, working to make it happen as long as possible, I guess.

[Shepard laughs a little - not unkindly, but it's maybe a little bitter.]

If you ever figure out a trick to it, let me know.

[ Small pause, and Cassie gives a wry smile. ]

All right, I can do that. If I ever figure it out.

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