Unseen: Mass Effect FanFiction

Chapter 11

Three hours later, Shepard was still being questioned. Most of the questions consisted of the notes and Alec Ryder's involvement with the Science Academy. Nothing had been brought up about the A.I. at all.

"One last question Shepard," Councilor Valern said. "Do you know if the A.I has been created?"

'You better lie,' Sam reminded her for the 100th time.

"I don't know," Shepard replied. "I was under the impression that it wasn't."

"What do you mean, you don't know?" Councilor Sparatus asked, in confusion. "You were at the Science Academy, closely working with Alec Ryder. How is it you don't know?"

"I- don't remember much," Shepard replied hesitantly. "Everything- is -a bit hazy. I- don't even remember grabbing those notes. From the notes you've shown me, I can see that I wrote them. I understand what they mean and can translate them but that's about it."

"What is the last thing you remember?" Councilor Tevos asked, her face indicating she was thinking very hard about the situation.

"Only the day of our arrival," Shepard replied. "We met Alec soon afterward. Dinner was served and- well- everything else gets a bit hazy."

"I have- bits of memory- bits of flashbacks that I don't recall very well," Shepard continued.

"Dr. Megan did say you sustain a lot of damage to some areas of your brain and various organs," Councilor Tevos stated. "What else did you forget?"

"I- don't know," Shepard said quietly. "I'm not- I- don't-I- can't remember."

The Councilors just looked at her but didn't continue their questioning.

"That's all the questions we have," Councilor Valern said. "We will convene and return shortly."

'Is there a reason why I lied to the Councilors?' Shepard asked SAM as the Councilors left the podiums.

'You should thank me,' he replied smugly. 'I have seen what's on their omni-tool it's not pretty. You could end up in jail.'

'Thanks for the heads up,' Shepard replied sarcastically. 'What else do you have planned?'

'We are leaving the Citadel as soon as we get out of here,' he replied. 'I've arranged everything to be taken care of.'

'Where are we going?' Shepard asked curiously. 'Are we going after Alec? Why was he not detained in a cell? Why is he free?'

Before SAM could reply, the Councilors came back with their verdict.

This is it, Shepard thought, a bit nervous forgetting about SAM and his plan for the moment.

"Captain Shepard," Councilor Tevos began. "The Council commends you for your heroic effort in bringing Alec Ryder to justice. Without the evidence, the Council would not have been able to stop the creation of an A.I."

"However," Councilor Tevos said her voice turning a bit grim. "Given the circumstances and the nature of your injuries, the Council has agreed to release you from their services."

There were a few murmurs from the crowd but Shepard wasn't surprised by the turn of events. She would have done the same thing in their shoes.

'There's more,' SAM whispered almost seeming to enjoy himself.

"Per your request, the Alliance has accepted your retirement."

Shepard stood frozen, not reacting as the Councilor continued her speech over the roaring crowd.