TWO WORLDS, ONE LEGACY
Author: TrueWarrior
Rating: T
Synopsis: Doubt slowly begins to linger between Shinzon, Suran, and Sela. Is there something the Praetor is hiding?
Author's Note: Used some minor elements from the novel for pacing and the script
Distribution: Ask first
TWO
The Value of Patience
Suran was trying his best to control his rising temper. It did him no good to further raise his voice at the Praetor, but he was beginning to lose his patience. He did not know how much longer he would be able to maintain his cool face and doubt as to if he was worthy to lead the Empire was slowly starting to steep inside.
Beside him, Sela remained silent, watching the exchange between the commander and Praetor. What could she say that wasn't already said before? "We supported you, Shinzon, when you assassinated the Senate," Suran breathed, " You told us the timing was perfect for an attack on the Federation. I don't understand why now you delay."
Shinzon tried to keep control of his own inner disappointment. He sat in his chair, having listened to Suran prattle for the last hour. "You don't have to understand."
"And bringing the Enterprise here?!" Suran challenged, "What possible purpose that serve?"
Shinzon smiled briefly. "I have a purpose."
"Then perhaps you will enlighten us?"
"SILENCE, ROMULAN!" Shinzon snapped, slamming a clenched fist on the armrest of his seat. At once, Suran fell silent. Regaining his composure, Shinzon quietly chided, "You really must learn patience, Commander. Spend eighteen hours every day under the lash of a Romulan guard, and you'll soon understand patience. Now go."
With an uncharacteristic mental snarl, Suran turned on his heel and departed. Sela followed suit minus the escalating rage. "Commander Sela," Shinzon called after her, "Please remain."
She followed his request and turned to face him. His gaze was penetrating, and if it were not for his humanness, which she found to be somewhat attractive, she had to hold her inner repulsion. She gave up on that side of her own upbringing. But something about his gaze was unsettling. Despite being older than he, he seemed to size up her beauty. It was almost disconcerting, but she had to admit, it was somewhat flattering.
Once the others had gone, he spoke again, this time casually. "Do you remember talking about the power of words?"
She didn't hesitate in answering, "Yes, Praetor."
Shinzon absently nodded. "There's another word I want you to consider: allegiance. It's something I demand from those who serve me."
"Do I serve you?" Sela asked.
"Yes," Shinzon answered tactfully. "And I think, faithfully. Commander Suran on the other hand gives me pause."
For a moment, Sela hesitated. She took note at Shinzon, sensing a deep sense of loyalty toward his Reman brothers. She admired that about him: there were many in the fleet as well as the Senate who respected her. Since Pardek's unceremonious departure from his seat on the Senate, her allies seemed to dwindle in number. At one moment, she whimsically thought to seek out Tomalak. They had not seen eye-to-eye, but she respected him. It was that undying and unflinching loyalty to the people of Romulus, that motivated her. Suran was similar, as was Tomalak. Spying on one another, though frowned upon by several by-the-book commanders such as Suran, was a duty fitting of the Tal Shiar.
When she spoke to him again, it was in a pleasing, subdued tone. "Here's another word, Praetor. Trust. Do you trust me?" She circled him, moving closer lightly, silently. "How far does that trust extend? How deep does it go? What must a commander do to prove herself faithful to you?" She smiled and whispered, "What must a woman do?" She lifted her hand to gently touch his jaw.
At that, Shinzon grabbed her wrist and stopped her. "You are not a woman," he spat, "You're not even fully Romulan. You are and always will be rhede hwaiae, an outsider. But I've followed your career with rising interest and you fascinate me. Serve me faithfully, and you will be rewarded. Keep those lovely eyes on Commander Suran. And at the first sign of treachery..."
He kept his grip on Sela's wrist and drew her closer. She internally winced, thankful that his grip had not broken any of her bones. "Dispose of him," she whispered, her voice strained.
"Then you will have proven yourself," Shinzon acknowledged and released her. "Now go." He saw her dip her head in a low bow and start to leave. She barely made it up to the small steps when he called out to her again, still brimming with venom. "And Commander!" His gaze was almost murderous. "If you ever touch me again... I'll kill you."
Sela nodded again and bowed subserviently. As soon as she was out of the room, she heard Shinzon groan slightly, as if afflicted by some sort of pain. She stopped outside the hall and peered out the small slivers of slab on the doors as the Praetor's viceroy lightly pressed his hand on Shinzon's chest.
What was going on?