The morning's sun weakly filtered in through the unapproachable windowpanes of the Tribunal. The hall's congregation was packed, and the air tasted of ill mood yet accentuated by the electricity of anticipation.
The Jury on the other hand, did not mirror the spectator's atmosphere. Admiral Mikhailovich, like General Kalstinus, showed military coolness and discipline. Matriarch Solona I'tom with her attendants displayed practiced and emotionless calm. Grunt and the young warrior radiated barely checked anger. The Urdnot Shaman Eve kept a wary eye on them.
The Quarian and Geth delegations were unreadable.
Joker tugged at the uncomfortably high collar of his formal dress uniform with one of his hands as the material grasped at his freshly shaved neck. He hated the uniform. It was too stuffy, too restrictive. But it felt far better then being cooped up in a chair on a ship going no where. With his other hand he unconsciously rubbed at the top of his one of his legs. The Tribunal looked more like a crucible then the vids were able to show. The chamber was cold, judgmental, critical and unfeeling.
Executor Sohmon was nowhere to be seen, but Prosecutor Jadghund was busy pursing through her data pad and omni tool. Parasinni calmly sat in her chair, waiting for any glimpse of Shepard. The stand where she had been the day before was ghostly vacant.
The gongs sounded loudly in the Tribunal marking the start to the second day.
As the Council fanned in from separate doors, some of the attendees stood up to the sound of the gong like the crack of the whip. The rest stayed in their seats. Each Counselor; Tevos, Valern, Sparatus, and Udina, took up their lofty stand. Though to Joker they did not look to be as high and mighty as they had in the past.
"Citizens." Valern called out. "This marks the start of the second day of this trial. This is the last day where the jury will hear testimony before passing their judgment on the third day."
"The Council has witnessed, and acknowledges the passion that has come from this event." Tevos soothed.
"But we ask you, the Citizens of this great galactic community, to temper those feelings so that order may be restored." Sparatus ordered.
"Where is Shepard!" A man shouted from the crowd. "Where is humanity's first Specter? Where is Humanity's Liberator?! You have called this poor excuse for a trial to order but where is Shepard to defend herself?!"
People who supported Shepard also called out bolstering the man. They stood to their feel shouting; hurling their words and throwing their fists in to the air.
"Shepard is here at the Tribunal. Yet for her safety and the safety of others, she is being tried in absentia today." Udina raised his voice over the crowd in calm by cool manner. "I am sure Shepard's defense is more then capable of representing her; if the Defense can keep itself inline."
"Bring her out! Bring out the Butcher of Torfan! The Monster of Bahak!" A Batarian woman screamed. "I won't fear this Reaper; she must pay for the blood on her hands!"
Others ran to the support of the Batarian woman. Chaos and commotion gripped the tribunal as voices surged and people bucked against each other. C-sec rushed in to try to break up the physical arguments that flared like sparks on an iron anvil.
Only a thunderous crash that sounded from the jury table. "Let me see my Warlord! Counselor if you want your peace so badly, I demand to see her."
Grunt growled.
"Don't think that you can just blunder in here and have your way." The salarian Dalatrass slinked. "If the Krogan cannot understand their place in this trial, or understand that they are a Guest here of the Council, then maybe they should go."
Her words only served to earn her more ire from Krogan delegation, and a severe rebuking glance from the Turians.
"I have to agree with the Krogan Chief." Gianna called out. "I have made several inquiries as to Shepard's Condition and I haven't heard a single word. Shepard is still an Alliance Soldier and her condition and wellbeing should be a concern to the Alliance."
"Defense, I assure you that your inquiries have been heard, and that the Alliance Parliament has received the Executor's response. I am sure the response will soon be relayed to you." Valern replied curtly. "Yet in any case, Executor Sohmon has assured me that Shepard has not been mistreated."
"That answer is not good enough!" Admiral Koros blustered. "The Quarian delegation demands to see Shepard on the stand!"
With the voices that joined the fray, the sound was deafening and did nothing to relieve the oppressive nature of the chamber. Mere moments were all that stood before all out brawls ensued.
Tevos let a biotic boom rip through the Tribunal's open air. The mild shock wave wrangled quiet in the chamber again. Joker felt his ears pop and ring. He shook his head to try to dispel the uncomfortable sensation.
"This is no longer a topic for open debate!" The normally calm and cool Asari Councilor bit." We see your demands Admiral. But our decision stands, unless further testimony otherwise changes our minds."
It was rare that Tevos displayed anything other then serene calm. Even the other councilors were taken aback.
Joker's face heated with anger. "They want mind changing testimony, I'll give it to um!" He seethed and he started to stand. Dr. Chalkwas checked him through putting a firm grip on his right arm. He look over to the Doctor who only shook her head, no.
"If the Krogan delegation wishes to leave; we wish them peace." Tevos said evenly. "But if they, or any other delegation does so, they will forfeit their voice in Shepard's verdict."
Joker saw the massive Krogan clinch his fists. Joker could tell that the Chief was smoldering, but he held his tongue. The Salarian Dalatrass, on the other hand, gave off a contented smirk.
Tevos leveled her eyes on Cassandra. "I feel that I do not have say how much damage your words caused over the ensuing night Prosecutor. Your words were reckless. If it had been anyone else I would even say they were even malicious and filled with caustic intent."
Cassandra slightly bowed. "I was only presenting fact yesterday Councilor. My words were not meant to cause trouble, but I do not apologize for stating the truth.
"Tell that to the people who were shot last night Prosecutor." Valern hissed. " And as far as what you said as being true, that remains to be seen."
"With all due respect Councilor. The shootings, while regrettable, were instigated by the people who were shot. They were all wearing costumes mimicking Reaper creations." Sohmon shouted as he came in to through a side door. "Prosecutor Jagdhund's words may have been a catalyst for what happened last night, but they were not a cause, and are not the issue. More then one officer I personally interviewed told me that the costumed people who were running at them were screaming 'Free Shepard. Free the last Reaper'."
Sparatus' mandibles twitched with interest. "I have to agree with the Executor. I hope that this is further proof as to how unstable a situation this is unless we correct it."
"And just how would you 'correct it' Councilor." Gianna called out acidly. "By executing of one of your Specters?"
"How typical. Always jumping to conclusions." Sparatus growled.
"Enough!" Udina charged in. "As it seems that the prosecutor's words are a topic that will not rest I move to have the Prosecution bring forth it's evidence before any more witnesses are called."
The other Councilors gave their own nods of agreement.
"Does the Defense have any objection it would like to state?" Valern asked.
"Besides the obvious? No." Gianna said leaning forward. "In fact I think we will find this at the very least, entertaining."
Valern only shook his head in disapproval.
"Prosecutor Jagdhund. You have the floor." Tevos stated.
Cassandra stood and bowed graciously and walked in to the open stage. "Thank you."
"Pompous..." Joker growled. "Have I said that I really don't like that woman?'
Chalkwas said nothing as she continued to look down at the Tribunal floor.
"Good people of this Tribunal." Cassandra said clearly. "What I said to Captain Alenko yesterday is true. El'Jaid Shepard, Humanity's first Specter died over ten years ago. I won't review Shepard's history anymore, because I believe everyone now has an understanding of who the woman was. I also want to spare Shepard's crew any more grief, especially for those who have grown to care about a fallacy."
Joker gripped his hands in to fists, grinding them on his knees.
Cassandra didn't let up. "I have proof that the thing that everyone saw yesterday, the thing that calls itself Shepard is an abomination. It has the very essence of which terrorized the Galaxy just three years ago. A creature that manipulates those around it. A lab experiment created to destroy and ruin. A monster that took the Butcher of Torfan's form and has thrived off of it."
She sauntered to the outside of the floor.
"Dr. Orslan. Please come forward."
Joker watched a small frail white haired man wearing a crisp business suite walk down the steep stairway to the floor below. In the crook of his arm he cradled a data pad like a valuable treasure map of old. The man shuffled forward with a slow and feeble pace. As the guards let him pass, Joker could see that the man's eyes were turned upwards to the Council in awe.
"Take a picture pal. It'll last longer." Joker growled.
"It is a pleasure to be in your presence Council." The man croaked.
The Councilors gave the man a conciliatory nod of their heads.
"Dr. Orslan thank you for coming. I know you have been extremely busy the past days." Cassandra said warmly.
"Yes. Very busy indeed. Amazing really." The Dr. said as his eyes pursed through his pad. "We have much to discuss concerning this Subject. Much."
Joker heard Chalkwas give a huff next to him. "Such a pompus oaf..." She hissed.
"I take it you know him Doc? I swear I've seen him before..." Joker said as he squinted his eyes trying to remember.
"Know him? I had to suffer him. The damn man thinks he is God's gift to Alliance military medicine. You probably recognize him from the Alliance medical station on Tau Sar. The Alliance Brass wanted the Normandy crew checked out by a 'third' party after the battle for the Citadel against Saren." Chalkwas said sourly.
"Oh...that guy." Joker winced.
"How he has kept his medical I'll never know. He was convinced Kaidan's migraines were caused by a brain tumor and not his L2 implants." Chalkwas said crossly.
"The guy had me stare at ink blots for three hours. Said I was sexually repressed..." Joker soured.
-"That seems to explain a lot."- EDI cooed in his ear.
Joker felt his face heat up. "He also seemed convinced I was gay."
-"...I would say that is highly inaccurate."- EDI called back.
Laughter filled his ear piece, and Joker's couldn't help but feel the fire of embarrassment creeping over him. Chalkwas gave him a sideways glance, and he immediately wondered exactly how much she had heard. "Kris, don't tell me your hanging out in the cockpit."
-"Someone has to keep your lady friend company. I have to say Clown; for a VI, she's a feisty one. You'll have to put me in touch with the programmer who worked their magic on her."-
You have no idea. No idea at all...Joker whispered.
Joker's attention as Cassandra called out to Dr. Orslan.
"Dr., could you please tell this chamber what your background is and why you are here?"
"Certainly. I am a general practitioner in military medicine, but have specialties in reconstructive surgery and genetics. I was contacted by the Alliance that Council Security needed some assistance with...unique...medical scans and tissue samples."
"Objection!" Admiral Macholvich called out. "I was not made aware that medical data was going to be apart of this trial."
"And you don't have to be Admiral." Udina called out. "The Alliance Parliament knows, and that is sufficient." Udina turned his eyes to the floor. "Continue. Please."
"Were you aware at the time that the scan belonged to the defendant?" Cassandra asked.
"No."
"What are your reactions to your findings?"
"Astonishing, and terrifying." The Doctor tapped a few keys in to his omni tool and a holo projector beamed to life for all to see. Page files on top of page file poured on to the screen.
"What you see here are the results of medical scans that were obtained from the defendant when she was apprehended by Council Security. I was also able to obtain cell and tissue samples from her clothing as well. The results are absolutely remarkable." Dr. Orslan said breathlessly.
An unveiled CGI rendered representation of Shepard's medical scan constructed itself on the floor. The Doctor approach it very much the same way a master sculptor would with one of his greatest works. Half the model melted away in to various layers giving every being in the tribunal a near perfect view of Shepard body peeled to it's very core.
"Very astounding. One of the best, if not the best examples of skeletal and muscular reconstruction I have ever seen; especially considering the abundant evidence of fatal trauma."
Joker clinched his hands as he saw the old man flaunt and fawn over the image. The tribunal buzzed with awe and shock.
"Doctor. You said Fatal trauma." Cassandra stated pointedly. "So from your observations, The Alliance records are correct. The subject died?"
"Oh yes. based on the scans, the skeletal structure shows scars of immense impact trauma as well as signs of extreme cold, and abundant evidence of exposure to gamma radiation. But the reconstruction is nearly flawless though." Dr. Orslan took the model's left arm and expanded the view. "The work is far too detailed to be a simple clone of a dead body. Which can only mean that original body is was the basis for the work. Several areas of the forearm as you can see, show signs of repeated breaks; but the bone knitting was masterfully done. Near perfect, and ten times as strong. The body structure also shows areas of synthetic bone regrowth. This is done when large pieces of the bone are missing or broken beyond repair. Also done if limb cannot be regrown. Very expensive and time consuming."
"It is impressive really." Joker heard Chalkwas speak with a smile on her lips. "Her body has taken so much punishment, but it continues to improve and grow. Sixty percent of her left femur used to be artificial..."
Dr. Orslan took the Left eye from the model's skull and the image grew to the size of small melon in his hand. "The cyber-optics used to replaced the lenses and iris are ground breaking. Even more so how they have adapted and integrated in to the basic anatomy of the eye itself. This isn't a basic artificial implant, but an anatomical adaptation."
"I always way impressed how Miranda got her eyes just right. She did better then correct. She got them right. The right shape. The right color..." Chalkwas said quietly as she looked on with clinical interest. "But I am sure her hand was guided more then the shaper."
Joker continued to be riveted to the spectacle on the floor.
"So Doctor, I take it you observed several physical augmentations?" Cassandra asked.
"Augmentations? Don't be preposterous!" Orslan said in distaste. "These are adaptations!"
He magnified Shepard's left leg, peeling away the skin and exposing digitized muscle and bone, then even deeper to show the very fibers.
"Her entire muscular system has been reinforced with carbon-kevlar fiber. Everything from her quads, to even her heart. Her bones have been graphed to allow breaks to heal quicker. Conduits, for what I can only surmise to be medigel, range through out her whole body. The majority of these are at key sites for medigel injections. This work is masterful, and was methodical in planning."
"Could you tell use the purpose behind these adaptations?"
"Humm." The doctor growled. "Shouldn't it be obvious?" He took the model's spinal column then stripped in away to show Shepard's nervous system. It glowed with bright blue nodes. "The subject's nervous system has over seventy five times the normal concentration of element zero compared to an average human biotic. To manage and harness that concentration of eezo without it being deadly to the subject, a lattice resembling an L5X implant and amplifier has been grafted through out the subject's body. spine This explains much when it comes to the subject's...notoriety as being a Vanguard."
The Doctor stood beside the model with his hands clasped behind his back. "Implants of this nature are not technically possible due to the probability of the procedure killing the patient, and the constant tuning and refining the lattice would require. But again I noticed where this has been...modified. The subject doesn't need a Biotic amp. In fact her using an amp is tantamount to putting even stronger lenses on a satellite that can already see across the galaxy."
"Mordin was a genius. While I patched Shepard up, I let him go hog-wild with introducing modifications to Cerberus's handiwork." Chalkwas spoke fondly. "Miranda at first objected. I think she hated the idea of someone smarter them herself getting a good look at Shepard. Shepard condoned Mordin's experiments on her, and over time Miranda just gave up trying to out talk him. His modifications though paled in comparison with other things that were at work. And he knew it."
Orslan wiped away the majority of the model leaving only bits and pieces behind. "Implants have been used extensively. Some may regulate the subject's hormonal balance, or rather augment it. The brain, while largely intact, uses implants as well, but they seem to be in an inactive state. Most likely they were installed to maintaining basic mental function while the brain recuperated."
"Doctor. That is impressive analytical work you have done." Cassandra said dryly. "But are these just normal routine scans?"
"Oh yes yes, the scans used here are nothing out of the ordinary. Just routine like a normal physical examination."
"So I take it that these scan able to identify a person as well?"
"With ease. Simple skin flakes is all that it would take to have a 98.63% positive identity."
"And what were you able to find Doctor? Did you confirm that the Subject is Shepard?"
The tribunal stilled with anticipated silence. Every eye was pointed at the small man below. Every being cemented in place. Joker found himself clinching his hands to the sides of his seat.
Just say Yes!
"What I found was a false positive." Dr. Orlan said simply.
"What?!" Joker blurted out.
Chalkwas continued to look on, unsurprised.
"A false positive from an identity test that is nearly fool proof? Why hasn't this been caught before? Were you able to find the cause?" Cassandra asked coyly.
"Not surprising really. Only a full and current medical scan protocol would find this deviation. Most security protocols are not nearly as strict. They can't be or else the lines would never end!" The Doctor said chuckling. "A situation similar to this occurs most frequently with identical twins. Their genetics are so close that one twin's identity can be easily mistaken for the others."
"First she's a Reaper, and now they think she's an evil twin running around? I think they have been hitting red sand a little too hard." Joker growled.
"Yet this was not the case with the subject. Shepard had no siblings. It took much deeper analysis for me to find the root cause." Dr. Orslan announced.
"What exactly did you find Dr. Orslan?"
"The subject's body regenerates cells on a near cancerous level. The rate is barely sufficient enough to give the cells enough time to mature and function normally before they die and are replaced. By the time I ran the scan, the Subject's sample had decayed so much that it had set off the false positive."
"The rate is 6.7 times normal." Chalkwas stated in detached observation. "But I doubt he really looked that close at the details."
"So the subject's entire cell structure regenerates on a scale that is far above normal? Why?" Cassandra asked.
"Well the reason really isn't that important. It is how the Subject is able to maintain living animation that is!" Orslan said excitedly.
He wiped away the remaining traces that once had been the image of Shepard and replaced with a grotesque image. Dozens of people jumped and shouted at the multi-limbed and alien form. It looked like the unholy cross between a praying mantis, a cuttlefish, and a spider.
"Working nano-technology!" The Dr. exclaimed. "I would never have thought it possible until I saw it. This particular example is 10 times smaller than a human red blood cell. Others I examined were much larger. All had different functions, but their basic role was the same."
"And what was their role?" Cassandra smiled.
"Simple really. To keep Shepard alive." A voice shouted.
Out of the stark silence and gasps of disquiet Joker heard the callus and mocking sound of clapping hands. He turned his head to see who it was.
"What the Hell does she think she is doing?!" Chalkwas hissed as she watch the spectacle unfold.
Commander Miranda Alenko gracefully and slowly walked down the stairs to the Tribunal floor, her hands lazily coming together again and again as if they were laughing.
"Orslan you always were...a good story teller." Miranda said sweetly as she undid her rank epaulets On her uniform. "And you were always reliable too." Next came her ribbons and medals. "Pity though that you always seem to leave out the juicy details." She seduced as she sauntered languidly down the steps.
"Commander Alenko. What is the meaning of this interruption?!" Udina roared from his stand.
"Why I am only here to set the record straight, Counselor." She popped her rank pins off her uniform's collar. "You see the good Doctor has neglected much, I'm sure, due to his advanced age. He also doesn't know much. I feel that if the Prosecution is willing to pursue this foolish trial, then they should know more of they are really dealing with." She started to unfasten her coat, taking her time undoing every button. Slipping each golden piece in to her hand like a coin. She spread apart her now undone uniform coat revealing the black skin tight tank top underneath. It was as if she was stripping for a lover, and everyone was watching.
She approached the guards standing at the small gate leading to the floor of the Tribunal. Miranda shot them an impatient look, and they in-turn didn't move. Joker could see two other guards rushing down the steps to catch her.
"Tell me Jagdhund. Wouldn't you like a chance to know the truth? I'm sure the jury would." Miranda called out saucily.
For a moment Cassandra just looked at the Miranda. Joker could see the prosecutor sizing her up, surprised, but not willing to blindly show it.
"What exactly could you bring to the table that Dr. Orslan cannot?" Cassandra asked as she walked over to Miranda.
"Simple. I bring experience. Far more than he does. I know and understand what really makes Shepard tick."
Cassandra gave off an icy smile. "And what is that."
"Didn't your little song bird tell you Prosecutor?" Miranda crooned as she turned her gaze toward the doctor as she shrugged off a guard's encroaching hand. The Doctor simply cowered under her gaze.
"I didn't think so. All he has is a glimpse through the key hole of the door, but I have a full picture. You see by bringing Shepard back from the dead, I looked in the very face of God and spat in his face."
Moments of quiet and silence passed. None of the Councilors daring to utter a word. It was a stalemate of wills. But Joker already knew who would win it.
"Then please Commander Alenko," Cassandra said sweetly with a biting smile. "Tell me more."
Joker saw Sohmon give the guards an approving look and they backed away.
Cold and calculating confidence radiated from Miranda as she flowed out on to the Tribunal Floor.
Joker saw a VI suddenly appear.
"Please identify your self for Tribunal Records." It's said in a sterile and impersonal tone.
Joker to see Miranda giving the Council a remanding glare.
"It is simple policy Commander. Nothing more." Tevos said serenely.
"Fine then." Miranda retorted sharply as she took off her hat with her free hand. In it she unceremoniously dumped her pins, ribbons, pedants and medals. She looked to Dr. Orslan who looked back to her with a meek-ish face. She held the over flowing hat to him. "Please hand this to Admiral Mikhailovich."
The small older man went forward, took the cap and did what he was told.
"Please identify yourself for Tribunal Records." The AI repeated.
Miranda looked over to the astonished Admiral who took the cap from the Doctor. "Please give Alliance Command my regards, and my resignation." She said acidly.
Joker saw Miranda turn to the VI. "My name is Miranda Lawson. Director of Project Lazarus."