Chapter Three: Interrogation
Alec braced himself against the large window of Huerta Memorial Hospital. He peered at the extravagant presidium lake. For now, he had the freedom to roam around his room, that was about it. A meeting with the remaining Council had been scheduled for mid-day. He'd play the obliging prisoner, choosing to ignore the Turian guards stationed outside his room.
Restless, was one way to describe his growing mood. He needed to run, stretch his legs and throw out some biotic moves, to rid the pent-up energy bubbling up inside his system.
Thankfully, the time had come for him to leave the room. The guards escorted him. He noted both distrust and curiosity creep up on their features as they'd narrow their eyes towards him and flex their mandibles.
The elevator rides felt endless, however after 3, or 4, he lost count. Sooner rather than later, he found himself standing outside the former Human Councillors' office.
The holographic lock turned green and the door swished open.
Before him, sat, Sparatus and Valern, with Tevos in the centre.
With a raised hand, she politely dismissed the guards. They both looked towards one another and then towards the Councillors, questionably.
She briefly closed her eyes as she pursed her lips. She noted their hesitance to leave.
"It's alright, gentleman", she stated, "we're not expecting trouble", she looked directly into Alec's direction, before continuing, "are we?"
He crossed his arms loosely against his chest as he cocked his head slightly, "I'm not looking for a death sentence, Councillor, so no. There's nothing to fear from me". 'For now', he thought.
She nodded curtly and again politely dismissed the guards. They obliged. Once the door swished shut, it left just Alec and the three Councillors.
"Please, make yourself comfortable", Tevos gestured with a sweeping wave of her hand.
He cautiously approached the table, the chair screeching on its heels as he pulled it backwards. He ungracefully plonked himself down. Leaning forward, he stated, "so you wanted to interrogate me?"
The Asari shook her head, "not interrogate, Alec, we want to learn more about you".
"Oh yes!" The salarian interjected, "your existence is most interesting".
"I'm more concerned with your Cerberus ties, Shepard", stated Sparatus as he firmly crossed his arms against his chest, "You did save Messana and myself, so I'm willing to hear you out".
Looking towards both Valern and Sparatus, the Asari Councillors' gaze returned to Alec. She then placed open hands before her, "we're here to listen, not accuse".
"Yet! At least", added Sparatus.
The Asari Councillor shook her head, "please excuse my colleague. His concern is solely for the safety of galactic space and his people".
Alec leant back into his chair, shoulders relaxed, time to spin his web of lies, "I understand Councillor", he started as he scratched the back of his neck, "I woke up in an abandoned Cerberus facility, confused and alone. I searched through the logs, everything about me. It's a pretty hard pill to swallow finding out that your entire existence was solely to serve as spare parts. I learnt about the Commander, him being the first SPECTRE, his death, that one is quite interesting, the destruction of the Collectors and course the reapers. I eventually escaped that station and boarded a shuttle, the galactic seat of civilisation seemed at the time, the best place to search for my purpose".
"Doesn't explain how you boarded the Citadel without any immigration procedures flagging", stated Sparatus.
"That one was easy. Genetically, the Commander and I are identical. C-sec scanners wouldn't be able to tell the difference. Funny enough, you get a lot of freebies and discounts here being the Commander. He must have done some marketing campaign".
The councillors looked towards one another, "something, we were unaware of", stated Valern.
"That's because you don't venture to the wards. You should, their a lot more relaxed than the uppity Presidium folk", he responded.
"We will be sure to take that under advisement", commented Tevos.
"Why come and find us during the attack, why not save yourself?" Questioned Sparatus.
"Yes", added Valern, "why did you search for the Council? Why not simply save yourself?"
He shrugged his shoulders, looking towards the floor, he responded, "It's what I thought he'd do…" he paused briefly before addressing the Council again. "Commander Shepard, if he was here, I thought he would try and save the Council".
"He does have a history of it", added Valern.
Opening his hands, palms facing upwards, Alec continued, "I fought my way through a ton of Cerberus troopers to reach the Council. My kill count was probably as high as his. Check security, you can see it for yourself. Or, ask your fellow councillor over here. I near died protecting. Why would I attack Cerberus if I was working for them?" His brows furrowed.
"Security vids confirm this", said Sparatus, "However, it could be explained as you simply trying to deceive us."
"I can understand that line of thinking, Councillor, however that would not explain why I decided to use my own body as a shield to protect Councillor Tevos. It would have been easier to let her die than risk my own safety, no?"
"Yes, and Messana here does vouch for your actions. I can't argue against that", said Sparatus.
"Do we have any more questions?" The Asari asked. The other councillors shook their head. "Well with that, the council will deliberate".
Alec's head cocked, "what does this mean for me?"
The Asari stood from her seat, she then walked the length of the table until she stopped before Alec.
"Extend your hand, please," she ordered.
He obliged.
Waving her hand over his, her teal Omni-tool glowed, activating his own. "The council are providing you with accommodation on the Presidium. For security measures, you will not be able to leave until deliberations are finished".
"Well", he swallowed, "if it's larger than the hospital room, I'll happily take it".
"Then you'll be exceptionally grateful". She smirked down towards him, before looking back and up towards her colleagues. "This meeting with the council has finished". She declared.
Escorted by the same two Turians, Alec made it to his new complex.
His eyes widened in astonishment, "the council surely spare no expense!"