Of all of the relationships that she had been watching aboard the Normandy, EDI couldn't help but keep returning to the one occurring between Commander Freya Shepard and Major Kaidan Alenko. True, she had watched the others as they interacted with each other, some more successfully than others, but the Commander and the Major seemed to be making it work a little better in comparison.

Engineers Donnelly and Daniels seemed to be so focused on sex and squabbling all the time that it made EDI wonder how they stayed together. Specialist Traynor's pursuit of Reporter Allers was a slow process, a VERY slow process. James still flirted with Shepard, although it wasn't as loud and prevalent as it had been when the Major had not been aboard. Liara still seemed wistful when she spent time with the Commander too, as if she was a little disappointed in herself that she had lost out on Shepard's affections. EDI had also noticed the increased time spent together between Tali and Garrus, the two visited each other much more regularly than they had when they had worked together last.

But it was the balance between professionalism and fraternization that the Commander and Major had that intrigued EDI; it also made her wonder on a number of things about the couple, which in turn played back to Jeff and herself. Not that she was trying to emulate their relationship with Jeff, but she felt the need to better understand their connection, but more than that, what would become of them in the future. And so what might become of Jeff and herself.

EDI had asked Shepard what her purpose was, and she had altered her personality accordingly. It had taken a while for such new parameters to become fully integrated, but now they were as much a part of her and the physical platform had become. EDI's thoughts were turned as much to the future as they were to the present. But one thing still made her wonder. The Commander had said that reproduction wasn't everything to an organic. However, she had engaged in procreative practices with the Major on two separate occasions since his arrival, which was fairly low in comparison with the other sexual active couple aboard. EDI also understood that, for many species sex was about more than just creating offspring, it was a bonding ritual that brought people together, as well as being exceptionally pleasurable. But none could deny that, at their very base nature, despite what organics might think, their purpose was to procreate and their biology was wired to make it happen. It may have been an unconscious thing, but EDI wondered if the Commander or the Major had ever thought about reproducing or, more specifically, reproducing with each other.

'Commander, I have another question.' EDI ventured to Shepard when she had visited the cockpit. The Normandy was on its way Cyone, to rendezvous with a squad there and clear Cerberus forces out of a strategically significant fuel reactor. The call had come in a week after the destruction of the Reaper on Rannoch, and while the Normandy had been scouring the galaxy looking for help with the Crucible.

'Sure EDI.' Shepard said with a smile, only to be replaced with a frown when EDI beckoned her away, past the blast doors of the cockpit in an effort to give them both some privacy.

'Shepard...' EDI tried to think of the best way to phrase the question, and remembering to keep her voice low. '...do you think about the future?'

Shepard frowned again. 'The future?' she asked as EDI clarified herself.

'More specifically, your own future and how you will impact upon it?'

The Commander opened her mouth to speak, before closing it again. '...no, not really EDI.' She finally said. 'I mean, we're fighting for the future of humanity, for the future of all races across the galaxy, that will probably have a pretty big impact...but I've not thought much about myself or my role in this personally'

'Perhaps not consciously, anyway.' EDI interjected. 'What I mean to say Shepard is: have you ever considered procreation with another? Like with Major Alenko?'

EDI watched as Shepard seemed to stall. Her mouth seemed to become loose and her cheeks turned red in embarrassment. It was an interesting reaction for EDI to observe and a rather common one for certain individuals, but this was the first time EDI had observed embarrassment over a sexual reason. Humanity, even now, seemed to still have something of a taboo over sex. They all knew about it and may talked about it constantly, but when an outsider commented upon it, they acted as if they were doing something wrong.

EDI continued. 'You have told me before that reproduction isn't the only purpose for organics. That they have many other roles that gives their lives meaning and create an impact on the galaxy to leave their mark upon it, as it were. However, biology cannot be denied either. You are mortal and you will die and all that you are will die with you.' EDI thought of Legion for a moment, wondering if the same thing had happened to him. She suspected it had, however, he had freed the geth and each one of them was a tribute to him. 'Your bodies are often geared towards an act that will see a part of you remain, even if your brains are not.'

The Commander sighed, and EDI registered it as one of resignation. 'I am sorry if I have overstepped my bounds Shepard.' EDI apologised but Shepard waved her apology away.

'No EDI, it's ok. It's a valid question for you to ask, even if it did catch me unawares.'

She watched Shepard take a breath. 'I have thought about it.' She finally admitted. 'But only once and very briefly after...and...Hypothetically, if I were...to...you know...I probably...' she struggled to say the words out loud. EDI understood and nodded.

'He has many fine attributes that would be beneficial to offspring, not to mention his diligence and devotion. Added to the fact you are both heroes, I suspect that you would easily gain appropriate approval to procreate together' EDI cut in so that the Commander didn't have to make such a personal confession to her.

'But...' Shepard continued. 'It's a lot to think about and there's a lot at stake right now. Thinking about the future...it's hard, even when you want to. The present takes priority.'

EDI regarded the Commander; she seemed to be weighed down at that moment, as if the entire world was upon her shoulders. And, EDI realised, it was. The whole galaxy was counting on this single woman. It was a great responsibility. They stood in silence.

'What about you?' Shepard said at least. 'Do you think of the future?'

EDI smiled. 'I always think of the future, my protection of the ship dictates I think ahead, but if you mean about Jeff and I...yes, I do. I think about our future a lot.'

Shepard smiled, though it had a hint of sadness to it. 'I'm glad. But don't forget about the Now. Time is precious EDI, and shouldn't be wasted. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I have to avoid Kaidan for a while...the thought of offspring is making me rather terrified.'

EDI watched Shepard leave, regretting asking her about the future, but she had also had a point. Time was precious and she intended to spend as much of it with Jeff has she could. He wouldn't live forever, even if they survived the Reapers, but, like with Legion and the geth...she would be his legacy as he had set her free.