The major walked into the precinct, waving in greeting to each officer while they maintained a brisk stride. Arriving at the holding cells, they narrowed their eyes at the Special detective from another time. “You summoned me in particular, Paddock?”
The officer nodded, seeming to ignore the dirty looks, “Absolutely, Major Tomas. I am under the impression that the Zora case is under your jurisdiction. I believe that makes you the most qualified to handle the interview.” Major Tomas sighed and nodded. Dean reassured, “We have the Falos breathing down our neck for various reasons right now. You are the only one I can count on to resolve this safely.”
Tomas shook her head, “This is petty grunt work. I should be out there in the field. You are-“
“I agree.” She froze. “You shouldn’t be the one doing this. I’ve seen your record and you are exactly the kind of officer we need out there. But sometimes the greater good requires doing what needs doing and not what we want to be doing.” He sighed, “I’ll take your place in the field and on patrols until the case has been resolved.”
She hesitated but asked, “Why aren’t you doing it?”
His eyes became downcast, “The Falos claim that despite being properly screened and cleared of all wrongdoing that I am a co-conspirator. Can’t go anywhere near the case. The chief gave me permission to pick the officer and I trust you.” He walked away, patting her on the back, “Show them true justice, Major.”
She was at a complete loss. This was the same anomaly that Zora had brought into the world. The same officer that aided in her use of the Light of Dawn. Cleared of all wrongdoing and now requesting her? Complimenting her case record? This was so strange. Walking up to the folder on the desk and flipping through it, she paused at one part. “Turned herself in? Accused of genocide? Public execution?” Well, that would explain why they brought her. Zora was a criminal, no doubt, but this didn’t match her MO.
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Walking back to the interview room, she showed her ID and filled out the proper logs. Entering the room, she looked at Zora’s true face for the first time. Her eyes were distant as though her mind was elsewhere. Upon seeing the officer, a genuine and warm smile crossed her face. Despite the situation, it felt like she had just come to visit Zora in her home for a meal. Sitting down across from her long time prey, Tomas asked, “Are you Zora?”
The woman nodded, “Yes. Anisa Sasori is my given name. You can use whichever you prefer.”
Seeing a chance to keep the prisoner casual and agreeable, Tomas responded, “Thank you, Ms.Sasori. Now, according to my report you and your compatriots were found on the Tak’Nasi homeworld with very few survivors, not a building left standing, and were claiming to have wiped out the Tak’Nasi as a culture. Am I reading this correctly?”
The prisoner nodded, remorse in her voice, “Yes. We may have been defending ourselves, but that was the end result.” She looked away, clearly worried about something but Tomas didn’t get the impression it was to hide anything. Tomas snapped a few times and Ms.Sasori nodded, seeming to return to the conversation. “Yes. Thank you. Anyway, I turned myself in to minimize any casualties and to allow the investigation to be conducted in full.”
Tomas couldn’t shake something in that so she pushed it, “Ms.Sasori, you mention casualties. When we last crossed paths, your deadliest weapon was your blaster and the cannon on your ship. You say casualties like it is a certainty that you could have escaped if you chose.”
Zora nodded, her tone matter-of-fact and the welcoming air faded for a moment, “I still could. I am here out of respect for your ideals and a sense of Justice, not as a prisoner.”
Tomas leaned back in her chair, understanding the situation better now, “Alright, Ms.Sasori. Let’s say I believe that boast. Would you be opposed to telling me your side of events? Enlightening me?”
Zora nodded, “You are the one who needs to hear it most.”