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Possession
Seven
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"What do you want from me, Shinzon?" This time the Doctor's tone was probing and resolute. She had found her voice, and spoken with both Troi and Picard about Shinzon's violation. This time, she was ready for him.
"All I want Doctor, is to know you better." Shinzon sensed her will and was glad to see she would challenge him this time. It made the game that much more enjoyable.
"Surely you must understand that you and I are very different. I see that we have little to discuss." Beverly concentrated on the way his thoughts played in her head, the feeling of him in her consciousness. It was disgusting. Shinzon was cold, his thoughts calculating and at the same time filled with rage. But what made her skin crawl and the hair on her neck rise was the black, slick feel of the Viceroy underneath it. She felt his thoughts as well, a black miasma that reminded her of the creature that had murdered Tasha.
"Do not judge me so quickly Beverly. Have you no compassion in your heart? Have you no feeling for the passions of youth? Let us think hypothetically for a moment. You have a son of your own – am I not so worthy as he of guidance and understanding?" Shinzon raised an eyebrow as he sat calmly in his quarters, eyes closed and lights dimmed. He waited for her response and was not disappointed by the flare of passion the mention of Wesley engendered.
Beverly felt fear and rage fire in her heart as Shinzon mentioned Wesley. Jean-Luc had warned her that his attacks would be strategic, meant to keep her off guard. Her job now was to slowly squeeze him out – or to force him to withdraw voluntarily. She reminded herself that he was only using Wes to get to her.
"It's interesting you mention my son. His own childhood was difficult. Nothing like yours, though, I'm sure. Tell me about your youth Shinzon." Beverly went on the offensive. If she could make the conversation unpleasant enough, maybe he would lose interest.
"You would find my early years distasteful, Doctor. They are not to be dwelt upon when with pleasant company such as yourself." Shinzon frowned, then smirked as he switched his own approach, recognizing her attempt to put him on the defensive. "I believe you understand a personal unwillingness to reminisce about the past. After all, you and I are both orphans."
Beverly sighed. She had anticipated this turn before she'd even brought up the topic. It was easy enough to see that he would seek a weakness in her through Arveda. "I understand how it feels to be without a family Shinzon. Fortunately I've met wonderful people who have made me feel secure and loved. I'm sure that's something you still miss. After all, you sought us out, Shinzon, both Jean-Luc and myself." She pulled her thoughts together as she continued to press her own point. She could feel his curiosity as she did so. "I can see why you came looking for Jean-Luc. He's a wonderful father figure. You mentioned Wes – who would not be the man he is now if it weren't for the Captain. He's willing to be here for you too, Shinzon, if you give him a chance. So am I." She continued as she felt him respond in shock to her openness. "But we are peaceful. We don't' agree with your use of force or deception. Jean-Luc and I can only help you if you'll come to us in love – not anger."
The Praetor's silence was all the victory she needed. Unlike Jean-Luc, Beverly was able to make herself vulnerable to the young warlord. It was something he did not expect – something in fact he had never experienced. That vulnerability was perhaps the only weapon she had to which Shinzon had no response. She was tempted to use the pause to escape. But she was not just a woman – she was a Starfleet officer. And she sensed an opportunity. "Are you willing to do that, Shinzon?" Through the telepathic link she tried to convey as much compassion as she was able. It was utterly disarming.
She was suddenly struck by a wave of bitter anger. "I have no mother, Doctor. I need no mother. I was tempered by the mines of Remus. You cannot step in now and change the course of my life. I will make my own way, and my own name. I don't need you or the weak heart of Jean-Luc Picard to credentialize me with a meaningless human concept of family."
As he had before when Jean-Luc had come too close to the heart of his personal demons, Shinzon suddenly and fully retreated. He stood abruptly from his chair and began to pace, yelling at his Viceroy. "Damn that human bitch!" He slammed his fist on his desk, causing his glass of water to skitter off and shatter on the floor. "She will regret her arrogance, and so will the rest of the cowards in Starfleet. We will delay no more. Ready the Scimitar." He met the dark smiling eyes of the Viceroy, who nodded and quickly left the Praetor to his own means, a shadowy figure bathed in starlight.
Again Beverly felt that sickening sense of empty coldness in her mind. Her hair was damp with sweat, as was her entire uniform. She felt the stirrings of a mighty headache at the front of her skull. Exhausted, she turned and fell into the warm and strong embrace of Jean-Luc Picard. They stood together in her quarters, her body wracked with fatigued sobs as she accepted his silent comfort.
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