No one particularly cares to have their veracity called into question when they have been completely forthcoming. Trust is more valuable than most believe.

[A beat.]

He isn't worth the dirt under your boots. You don't have to do this.

[Mozenrath sighs] I just want someone else to say I'm telling the truth. [He looks at him.] I trust you. But all supporting me has done for you is bring up accusations that you're covering for me.

It isn't a question of whether you trust me, but of whether I trust you.

[He shakes his head and glances around the room. Not searching, this time.]

The only one leveling such an accusation against me has been Nygma. Any others who believe him now doubt him after my response today.

Are you certain it is worth it to you? To have your privacy violated again simply to prove the first violation was unwarranted?

I just want someone else to be sure.

I believe you based on trust. If I am covering for you, it is on blind faith alone.

[Frown.]

The Doctor has told me he will lie to Nygma, if necessary. He will tell him you've been wholly honest. If you're hiding anything, Mozenrath - anything at all - you turn your hypothetical concerns into reality.

[He stands up, angry] And why is that acceptable?! Why would it be fine for him to turn around and lie for me? I don't want anyone to lie for me. I don't care if Nygma is ever told! I don't want people to think I'm right; I want to be right. Don't you get that?

[He just watches the outburst without comment until it seems like a good moment to step in.]

Why is it necessary for someone else to know you're right? You know you are.

[He holds up a hand.]

Nothing about this situation is acceptable. Nygma, the Doctor - none of it. It is a violation of everything I have worked to achieve with you. You have been wronged, rather than disciplined, for an error in judgement you made seven months ago. And I feel, in subjecting yourself to the Doctor, you are wronging yourself.

But it's your choice, in the end. Whatever the outcome, you will have my trust.

[Mozenrath crosses his arms and sits back down]

I do know I'm right. And I've always known. So it doesn't help for you to tell me that all over again. This entire place treats the Inmates like it's not enough, so it's not.

[And there's nothing else to say, because...it's true.]

Your word is enough for me. However, if you feel this is necessary, I can't stop you.

...Can I trust him?

[A long silence ensues. He's visible working this one out, because...so many variables. Finally:]

Martha does.

[He laughs a little] I'm not sure if I find that assuring.

The Doctors, more than any of her other trusted friends, she has good reason. She traveled with the one with the glasses, and before she and I -

[Abrupt halt, heel turn about face.]

If she trusts them, so do I.

[Knocks on the door finally, waylaid by his brief conversation with Nygma. In fact, he's just starting to put his communicator away.]

[Mozenrath checks much as he did with Snape before allowing the Doctor to enter, looking a little sullen.]

[Snape exchanges a questioning glance with Mozenrath. Go or stay?]

I think Mr. Nygma has calmed a bit. He seems to have realized his valiant crusade lost sight of its original intent. [He wonders inside anyway, giving a quick glance around.]

[Mozenrath shares a look with Snape and pointedly shuts the door. Even with his assurances, he just kind of wants him there.]

I'll believe that when I see it.

[He sits down on the divan]

So what is this going to entail? I want it over with.

Edited 2011-07-22 11:03 pm (UTC)

[Well, that answers that. He stands back away from the door and turns his attention to the Doctor, giving him a nod. Permission to go through with this. But this is Mozenrath's show, after all. He remains silent, otherwise.]

[He thought about bringing up Eddie's request to have a recording of the proceeding but... the situation seems to have become as stressful as possible for all parties.]

You have certain points on your face. I touch them, and then I'm capable of reading any surface thoughts. [After he drops his psychic barriers, which he hates doing. Hates. But sometimes it's for the better and here he's getting more used to it.]

I'll ask you specific questions to keep your mind on topic. And I don't plan to keep whatever it is that you remember. I'll forcibly make myself forget it later once we're done.

[Mozenrath sighs, closing eyes eyes.] Let's get on with it, then. I'm ready.

I'll need to sit somewhere. Facing you. [Because this sort of thing completely disoriented his physical senses.]

[Mozenrath made a beckoning gesture. The chair behind his desk lifted into the air and floated over to settle in front of him.]

Will this do?

Everyone gets the fun telekenetics but me. [This is almost a lie. If the technology is Gallifreyan, he has the strength to mentally manipulate it. Even if Omega constructed it. But.... That doesn't count for chairs and spoons and those would just be fun. He has a seat in the newly arrived object and lifts his hands to the sides of Mozenrath's face.]

What happened when Mr. Nygma came to see you?

[A slow breath.]

We had a conversation before. Brief. He listed symptoms to me, and mentioned in his public post someone having been dosed with something. He wanted to know what I had given away recently that could have caused those symptoms. I was taken aback and asked for more information. He refused to give any and instead told me to give him my journal so he could see a list of my customers. I told him I would not give him such a list. He said I would, and so on. The next thing I knew, he was trying to pick the lock on my door. I opened it, and I was using magic to show I could attack him. [he holds up a hand, and fire moves about his fingertips] Like this. He hit me with his cane and forced his way into the room, tackling me. I told him repeatedly to leave. He refused to leave without that list. I used my power to lift him away from me and keep him suspended. He was trying to draw a weapon when I told him he could either leave, or I would actually harm him. He pointed a gun at me. I threw him out into the hallway and tried to shut the door on him. He attempted to use his cane to force his way into the room. I did everything I could to force him to pull back -- I'm not physically strong -- including lighting the cane on fire. All the while he was threatening to have me set to zero for assaulting a warden. I told him to go to my Warden at one point but he simply said I should oblige so that I could keep my privileges from being taken away. Shortly afterward Snape must have heard the scuffle because he came along and chased him off.