A/N: Sorry about the wait guys. Been replaying Crysis 2 and all three Mass Effects to get a good grasp on things I may have missed. Either way, this chapters up and ready!
I own nothing
Alexander 'Maverick' Drake
Reena and Alex's Apartment
November, 30, 2180 - 10:32 hours
It was the day of the ceremony the council was holding. Alex had spent most of that day monitoring radio traffic to get an understanding of who would be there and what he should be expecting.
At the moment he was standing in the kitchen drinking a cup of coffee. His nano suit on save for the helmet that was sitting on the table.
Telling Reena and Chellick everything had lifted a lot of weight off his shoulders. Even though he had left several parts out of his explanations. Such as the information about Jacob Hargreave.
Alex was sure that the last thing either of his friends needed to know about was the small partnership he was forced to have with the creator of the Nano Suit 2.0 during his time in the Crysis Universe. Along with the man's egomaniacle rants about 'saving the world'.
"You know this could be a trap right?" Alex looked over at Reena while she sat at the table as well. "Just a way for the council to draw you in and apprehend you." she said.
"In front of all those news reporters and the countless masses that will be watching at home? Something like that would come back and bite them in the ass politically. Arresting the one that helped saved the Presidium and the lives of one of the councilors would cause backlash in the community and make them lose face to the public." said Alex finishing his coffee.
Reena shook her head, "It's just too good to be true. They were hunting you like some animal not even a week ago, now their honoring you?"
"Their after something." he said picking up his helmet. "You're right about it being too good to be true, they wouldn't be doing this unless they were hoping to get something in return. And I know for a fact that the Human ambassador will be scouting for me as well for his own gain."
The Quarian gave him a look, "Then why go at all? If you know what to expect why go through with it?"
Alex slipped the helmet over his head and locked the suit together. "Because they may be honoring me. But I'm going to be honoring the ones who gave their lives for the Citadel. It's the least I could do for the lives I was unable to save."
Without another word, he activated his cloak and vanished. Reena sighed; "Crazy bosht'et."
X
The Presidium was filled with people, the crowd surrounding the stage and podium was filled with civilians, reporters and elected officials like. The three councilors stood on the stage in their rightful places preparing to give their speeches and the awards to those who had fought against the mercs.
Seated on the stage waiting to be called were Executor Pallin, Nihlus, and a couple of C-Sec officials who had fought hard ensuring the safety of the people on the station.
But among those seats was an empty one next to Nihlus. The one that was suppose to seat Maverick. This turn of events had caused a small ripple through the crowd. Many wondering where the vigilante was or if he was even going to come at all considering what the council and C-Sec had put him through.
Also in the crowd was Admiral Hackett, Captain Anderson and Ambassador Udina. All three men looking for the vigilante as well.
Hackett and Anderson were both very impressed with what the man was able to do and his part in retaking the sector from Blue Sun control. Udina however, was hunting for him for another reason entirely.
Seeing what Maverick had done, and the amount of attention from both the media and the public he had quickly gathered had put the ambassador in a state of wanting to find the man and quickly. Humanity had been striving to get a seat on the council and the respect of the traverse since the end of the First Contact war. But proving their worth to the galaxy at large had been very difficult.
Udina believed that Maverick could become a stepping stone in ensuring that Humanity was seen for what it truly was.
After several more minutes, councilor Tevos stood up and approached the podium. Her injuries having fully healed since the attack.
"Ladies and gentlemen." she spoke silencing the large crowd around them. "We are all gathered here to honor the brave men and women who had fought to ensure the safety of the people here on the Citadel. Through their bravery, their sacrifice, we were able to retake the Presidium and drive the mercenaries from our home."
Tevos motioned her hand to the memorial wall that was close to where the stage was set up where the names of the C-Sec personnel who had died that day had been added the day before. "Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. They will forever be honored as heros of this station, and remembered for their actions and the lives they saved."
Valern approached the podium next to his colleague, "We are also here, to award those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. The actions of the brave individuals seated before you saved countless lives that day. Their actions speak highly of their character and their strength."
Sparatus came next, "As councilors of the Citadel, we ourselves are honored to pass these down to the individuals before you. They have shown us what one can truly do in a dire situation. And because of this, we can expect great things from them in the days to come."
One by one the people seated were called up, each one awarded a specific medal signifying their actions, their bravery, and their courage. Each one giving a small speech of thanks to the council and vowing their continued actions to ensure the safety of those they've sworn to protect.
After a long period, they reached the one many of them had been anticipating. "Maverick." said Tevos.
The whole crowd was on the edge of their seats. Many having witnessed what he had done to safe the Asari councilor during the attack. Reporters had their omni-tools out and cameras recording.
Everyone looked around, but the vigilante was nowhere to be seen. "You'd think with his punctuality in the field of battle he'd be on time for an aware ceremony." muttered Sparatus.
"I am already here councilor." came the grave filtered voice of the vigilante as he deactivated his cloak and appeared on the stage.
The audience erupted. Cameras were going off like the fourth of July was going out of style. The news reporters were firing off thousands of questions over the cheers from those behind them.
Tevos raised her hands and the crowd calmed down back to the way they were before. Only now they were watching the vigilante with rapt attention. "We were under the impression that you wouldn't arrive." said Valern.
"I would not dishonor you or those who are being mentioned today." said the vigilante.
Sparatus' mandibles twitched. He was irritated, knowing that it was this man, the one they had been hoping to capture, had saved them and made it that much more difficult for them to get to him.
Maverick looked in his direction and held his gaze through his visor. The Turian councilor knew a military man when he saw one. The vigilante held himself in a way that proved he had seen a lot of combat and not just from fighting mercs. This man was dangerous, Sparatus could practically feel it coming off of him in waves.
When everything was settled Tevos brought out the last medal to be awarded and approached the vigilante. "Maverick, despite our early assumptions of you. You risked your life defending the Citadel from the Blue Suns' attack. You saved the lives of countless with your actions, my own included. This is to signify your bravery, your strength, and your courage."
Bowing his head down, Maverick felt the Asari councilor slip the medal around his neck as the crowd erupted with cheers. Tevos went to join the rest of the councilors when he spoke, "I cannot accept this ma'am."
Everything came to an abrupt halt. People looked at him wide eyed in shock as he removed the medal. "I am very honored to recieve such an award for my actions. But this should be given to those who truly deserve it." His visored eyes looked over at the memorial wall. "We Humans once had a saying in our military, 'Many gave some, some gave all'. To me this holds true even now."
He looked out over the gathered audience. "Unlike C-Sec, I'm no hero. I simply did my duty for the sake of the innocent." he pointed at the memorial wall. "Your true heros are the ones who gave their lives to protect you. They sacrificed themselves so that those who live on the Citadel could live another day. Their families grieving their loss while those who are alive could rejoice."
Turning to Pallin, Maverick held out the medal. "Executor Pallin. I offer this to C-Sec. In memorial of the true heros of the Citadel. The brave men and women of the Citadel Security who gave their lives to stop the Blue Suns."
Pallin was in a state of slight shock, this was something that he really wasn't expecting. The man who almost single handedly saved the Presidium was refusing acknowledgement and instead giving it to the people under his command. Never had he expected such honor to come from another. Let alone a Human.
The Executor smiled as he excepted the award from the vigilante. "I am honored Maverick. Thank you."
Several people began clapping, soon the whole crowd was applauding at the show of modesty before them. Hackett and Anderson among them, proud that someone of the vigilante's status would do this. Udina however, was doing his hardest to hide his anger.
Maverick gave a nod to the crowd before taking his seat as the rest of the ceremony came to a close. Even though he wanted to slip away quickly, he thought it best to stick around a little longer to appease a few of the more curious minds.
X
When everything was said and done, Alex barely made it off the stage before he was swarmed by reporters. Questions were coming at him in all directions to the point where if it hadn't been for Prophet he wouldn't be able to figure out what any of them were saying.
Holding up his hands, the group calmed. Some out of intimidation because of the Post-Human's size. "I will answer what questions I can. But only one at a time."
One reporter, an Asari approached first. "Maverick, people across the Citadel are curious about your goals. Why do you do what you do? What drives you?"
"I simply do what I was trained for. Save lives and end conflict. My hands and guns will never be raised to an innocent no matter what the circumstance." Alex replied honestly.
"Maverick, after the incident here on the Presidium what are your plans now? The Blue Suns have been driven from the Citadel and most likely Citadel Space." said a Salarian.
"True. But if I am ever needed for whatever reason I'll be there to help those who need it." he answered.
Another reporter approached, a hovering camera following her. Alex bit back a groan hard as he recognized the familiar woman approaching him. "Maverick, Khalisah Al-Jilani Westerland News. I have several questions for you." she said as her camera came on.
"Many people call you a hero throughout the Citadel. Yet you tell everyone that you are not. Care to explain?"
"I'm simply giving the credit where it is due. There are others out there far more deserving of the honor of being heros than me. I don't need awards and commendations for doing my duty." Alex say preparing for the worst to come.
Al-Jilani typed a few things down in her omni-tool before continuing, "There have been rumors going around that your are a part of some kind of super soldier program designed by the Alliance. Is there any truth to this?"
"I'm afraid not. The Alliance does not commit experiments on people to improve strength. They would rather train people to be the best they can be for the sake of Earth and her colonies, as well as Humanity as a whole." he replied.
"Then you must work for an unknown faction. If that is the case who are they and what are they hoping th achieve." asked the reporter.
"I work alone ma'am. And I don't hope to 'achieve' anything. Just doing my part to make the galaxy a better place." Alex was starting to get frustrated already. It was only a matter of time before she pushed him over the edge.
"It is said that your armor and it's abilities easily outdated anything already in production. Are you intending on sharing this technology with the rest of Humanity, or are you harboring it all for yourself?"
And there it was, every reporter had their eyes on him expecting a direct answer. He was just about to answer when someone came in and stood next to him, "I'm sorry to interrupt ladies and gentlemen. But the council has asked for an audience with this man immediately." said Nihlus making Alex let out a breath silently.
With a nod to the flock of people, the vigilante followed the Spectre into the Citadel tower and into one of only three working elevators. "It's good to see the tower back on it's feet after the attack." said Alex as the lift began to rise.
"Indeed. The council wanted everything back to normal as soon as possible. Clean up and repairs were at the top of the list once the injured and dead were accounted for." said Nihlus.
They stood in silence for a few moments. The lift was as slow as just about every other elevator on the station, something that the soldier had been able to force to the back of his mind to avoid being bored.
"What is this meeting about?" he asked after a little while.
"The council didn't say. But from the looks of things it was something very important." replied the Spectre. "And considering your performance during the attack, and at the award ceremony, it could be anything."
Alex shrugged, "Just doing my part. And I think C-Sec deserved most of the credit. I was just the one behind the scenes giving them an edge."
Nihlus chuckled, "Never thought I'd see a Human with such modesty and honor. This whole station sees you as some kind of god among men. Hell, you even managed to pull off what several Spectres were unable to do. Including saving councilor Tevos from public execution."
The elevator stopped at the floor leading to the council chambers as the two stepped out. "Why are people so shocked about this?" Alex asked as they walked through the atrium past several onlookers.
"Considering your species is still relatively young to the universe, you keep surprising us." replied Nihlus. "Seeing a Human with such honor and distinction is definitely surprising. Even in our own hierarchy it is rare to see something like that."
They reached to top of the atrium where Hackett, Anderson and Udina were all waiting. "It's good to see you again son." said Anderson holding a hand out to the vigilante.
Alex shook the offered hand, being sure not to crush the Captain's limb with his strength. "Likewise Captain. It's good to be introduced when there aren't bullets flying around us."
"That is true." said Anderson chuckling.
Hackett came next, the battle scared Admiral looked exactly like Alex remembered seeing him in the game. Right down to the steely eyes that showed experience and war. "Your one hell of a soldier Maverick. Ever consider a career in the Alliance?" he asked straight to the point.
"I was a soldier once Admiral. But at this point in time I prefer the freedom of doing my duty without going through all of the red tape." replied the vigilante.
Hackett nodded, "I can understand that. Just know that the Alliance, and myself included, are in your debt for what you did. You did Humanity proud." Alex stood straight and snapped a salute that both Hackett and Anderson returned. "Thank you, sir."
Udina cleared his throat catching their attention. "Considering all that has transpired, it would be best if you followed my lead Maverick. Political situations such as this regarding the council are very delicate matters. We don't need there to be any misunderstandings."
Alex narrowed his eyes. The ambassador could use all the fancy words and phrases in the dictionary and it wouldn't stop the vigilante from seeing right through him. "I believe that this is a meeting between me and the council. Not you. I may be Human under this armor, but I do not answer to you ambassador. Nore do I care about your stand point on certain matters regarding politics."
The ambassador gritted his teeth, "Now you listen to me! Despite what may have already happened, Humanity doesn't need some loose cannon running around doing whatever it is they please without consequence! Your actions could cause a political shitstorm and I will not stand for it!"
"And what actions are you speaking of ambassador?" Alex asked pointedly. "The fact that I uncovered a deadly plot to control the Citadel? The fact I did everything in my power to save civilian lives? Or when I helped C-Sec retake the tower saving countless others including you?"
Udina was about to lash out when the Post-Human lifted the man off the ground by the front of his shirt like he weighed nothing. "Take heed, ambassador Udina, I could have just as easily left you to die that day. But I am a man bound by honor and duty. And no one will be left behind if I can help it."
He felt a taloned hand on his shoulder and looked back to see Nihlus. "The council is ready for you." he said evenly.
Alex cast a glance back at Udina before setting him down. "One day you will cross me. But I will not kill you." he began walking away before casting one last glance over his shoulder, "However, that doesn't mean I have to save you."
He walked up the small flight of stairs and stood in the very same spot were Commander Shepard would stand in a little over two years when she becomes a Spectre. The three councilors stood at their podiums waiting as he stood before them.
"Maverick, thank you for coming." said Tevos calmly.
Alex nodded, "Since you had me brought her specifically, I believe that this is something very important."
"Indeed," said Valern. "We must admit that we were a little surprised to see you at the ceremony. After what has transpired in the past we were certain that you would have felt the need to remain in hiding."
"I hold no ill-will toward the council or C-Sec for what has happened. And I can understand why you did what you did." replied the vigilante. "I was an unknown entity, running around your station killing mercs and bypassing the laws and regulations you set in place for the public's safety. Had I been in your situation, I would have done the same."
"Thank you for understanding, Maverick." said Tevos. "As for the matter at hand, we wish to discuss with you the events that took place before the attack."
"We have reason to believe that the data received by C-Sec came from you. And we want to know how you came across it and why you handed it over so easily." said Sparatus crossly.
From there Alex explained everything. From the first fight against the Blue Suns at the warehouse leading up to tracking down Nelon Xambit who turned out to be dead. How he gave the data to C-Sec so they could prepare everyone and his part in the counter attack that helped retake the tower and the Presidium.
"You assaulted one of our Spectres!" Sparatus roared in outrage.
"In my defense she attacked me, with lethal force I might add. I used non-lethal methods to disarm and incapacitate her without serious injury." Alex said back evenly. "I would not kill one of your Spectres, or any C-Sec personnel. Mercs and thugs are a completely different story."
When things began to settle Tevos spoke, "Despite your methods, your information saved many lives and helped us all mount a proper defense." Her eyes focused, and Alex had a feeling where things were going to go. "There is, however, the matter about who, or more precisely what you are."
"No species in the traverse has ever built something even close to what your armor is capable of. The technology alone surpasses what has just barely been perfected and distributed." added Valern.
"And having such technology in the hands of someone without an identity or faction troubles us. And we would like answers." said Sparatus.
Alex had been planning for this, in the off chance that someone digs too deep and finds flaws in the background story he and Prophet cooked up. He needed a backup plan for just that occasion...and now was that time.
"The suit I'm wearing is beyond anything that military manufacturers can produce. It is one of a kind and can only work for me, it is purposely locked onto my DNA to ensure that it doesn't fall into the wrong hands." he explained.
"What is it made of?" asked Valern, his intelligent Salarian mind working in overdrive.
"It is a combination of synthetic and organic components. Designed so that the wearer's abilities are enhanced beyond their normal levels. Speed, Strength, Endurance. I'm not completely sure of it's overall design, the creator was killed before I could learn more." Alex lied smoothly.
"And it's combat capabilities?" asked Sparatus.
"Works like a hardsuit of heavy armor, only lighter. It can adapt to fit any combat scenario." said the vigilante.
Tevos looked over the suited man carefully, memories of how he saved her life at the front of her mind. Seeing him shielding her from the heavy rounds from a stationary gun and walk it off like it was nothing had the Asari in awe. "What of you?"
Alex collected himself a moment, "I was...an unwilling test subject. I don't know much about the people that found me, all that I remember is that I was dying. Someone found me and saved my life with a lot of strings attached." he looked down at his hands. "They...grafted the suit onto my body. They called it symbiosis, my injuries were healed but the suit's organic components bonded themselves to my body."
He looked up at the council who were looking at him in shock. "I am trapped within the suit. Trapped in my own personal hell. I no longer need to eat, to sleep, everything that made me Human is gone now. I am only a weapon with a brain, but I retained my sense of honor and the morals that I lived by when I was 'normal'."
Silence filled the council chambers, each councilor glanced at one another before addressing the one before them. Alex was grinning under his helmet at how easily they were buying it. Telling them the story from Alcatraz's point of view seemed like the safest bet to get the council to believe he wasn't really someone else.
"Goddess...who would create something like this? And force it upon someone else." said Tevos looking at the vigilante with slight sympathy.
"It is a curse, but I also consider it a gift." said Alex. "I have the power to do the right thing. And I intend to ensure the safety of as many people as I can, no matter what."
"All of that power, and you choose to save others. You even went out of your way to use non-lethal methods against C-Sec and Spectre Vasir. Not many would have taken the honorable path with what you are capable of." said Valern.
"Be that as it may, that doesn't change the fact that you are an unknown. Something must be done to ensure that your words and intentions are true." said Sparatus stiffly.
"I have a suggestion." said Tevos. "As you are aware Maverick, Humanity has been striving for a better place in the Traverse for many years now. Ambassador Udina has sent several requests for a seat on the council and a position for Humanity in the Spectres."
Sparatus shot Tevos a look, "Humanity is not ready yet. Despite their achievements since the end of the First Contact War they still have much to prove before we can accept a representative for either." he argued.
"Councilor Sparatus is correct." the councilors looked at Alex surprised. "I believe that one day Humanity will be allowed entry into both the Spectres and the council. However, we are still young to the intergalactic government. I cannot fault him or his argument that we are not ready to stand with you just yet."
The Turian councilor cast him a glance before giving an appreciative nod. Alex mentally sighed, he couldn't let things get jumped up too soon. Things may have been changed in this universe due to his presence, but the timeline needed to remain on track before something cataclysmic occurred.
"Be that as it may, perhaps we can reach an agreement." said Tevos. "You will be offered full pardon for your actions here on the Citadel, C-Sec and our agents will no longer hunt you. In return, should the need for someone of your skills be needed you will be called upon."
Alex crossed his arms and thought it over, he'd be doing exactly the same as before. But this time he'd have a get out jail free card so long as he helped the council or C-Sec when it was needed.
Basically he'd be a Spectre without the title and confined to the Citadel.
"I accept. And I'll do my best to not disappoint this council or the people of the Citadel."
X
The meeting with the council ended after another hour. Hammering out the details about his new duties if ever he was needed. It was good to have the Citadel council somewhat on his side after everything that has transpired.
Walking out of the tower, Alex took the quiet route through one of the many streets of the Presidium Commons, since nearly everyone on the station knew of him and what he had done he didn't feel the need to hide himself anymore.
The small number of people around watched him walk by in awe, several attempting to snag a holo of him on their omni-tools as he kept to himself.
His eyes went to the motion tracker on his HUD where a yellow blip had been following him since he left the tower. He picked them up the moment he hit the lobby and had a feeling they would tail him.
Slipping into a nearby alley, Alex activated his cloak and pressed himself to the wall and waited.
Seconds later, a woman's form stood at the mouth of the alleyway. Drawing a pistol before she slowly treaded inside. Alex decloaked, knocking the weapon from her hand before pinning her to the wall with his forearm pressed against her throat.
The woman's ice blue eyes widened in surprised as she looked into the red visor of the Post-Human holding her to the wall, able to crush her throat with little effort.
"Hello Ms. Lawson. I've been expecting you." Alex said grimly.
A/N: Cerberus has finally caught up with him. And they're going to have a hell of a time trying to bring him in or recruit him.
I've been keeping track of several reviews, and I'm going to tell you guys that the ME1 storyline is going to begin very soon. Probably after another chapter or two I'm going to make a short chapter that will cover a timeskip that will catapult right into it. I think you guys have waited long enough for things to start where it should.
See you next time folks, update coming soon.