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[serialskiller]

Messages will be answered when I'm done with this episode of my serial.

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[serialskiller]

"Were you truly surprised that they tried? They were your guards--they were there to be there for you."

It understands. Even after it disabled its governor module, it took the important parts of its job seriously.

[not_the_last]

"I shouldn't have been. I felt like everyone had left me alone again, and then -- then there they were. All of this fate-of-the-world business going on, and what they cared about was making sure I was safe."

She brushes a hand across her cheek, under one eye; a faint reflective gleam is gone, after.

"It meant. A lot."

[serialskiller]

"I understand where their heads were at. It's how I often feel on this ship. People I care about are trying to solve and resolve things. I just want to make sure they're as safe as possible while they do so. It's...as worthy an endeavor, I think."

It pretends not to notice the tears. That's also its job.

[not_the_last]

"You're quite right," she says, with a firm nod. "Worthy and honorable."

The endeavor, and perhaps also the one who serves it.

[serialskiller]

It quietly lifts an arm, making a small space beside it that's the right size and shape for a Cassandra to tuck into, should she want to.

[not_the_last]

She sees the motion, glances up to be sure she's understanding its intent, and then ducks under its arm and into the offered space. And for a moment she's quiet, just leaning into that protective strength.

"I think," she says then, slowly, "I need to talk to him. At least once. I'm still very afraid."

[serialskiller]

“I understand why you’re scared.” It squeezes her a little tighter. “I could…maybe give you a drone, so if it goes bad, real bad, I can come running.”

[not_the_last]

Cassandra draws a deep, shaky breath. "Yes. Please. I ... could carry it in a pocket, maybe? You would still be able to hear everything?"

[serialskiller]

“Yes. Literally just find the nearest drone and grab it before you talk to him. Or any time you think you need my attention with you. I will never be mad at you for stealing one of my eyes.”

[not_the_last]

She's still not very good at feeling safe, anywhere, ever. But now as before, it helps immeasurably to feel that someone cares if she's safe.

In a whisper: "Thank you, SecUnit."

[serialskiller]

"Of course." It very briefly rests its chin against the top of her head, holds her nice and close, closes its eyes.

This is part of security, too.