atomickings | 1962 - Post-Nuclear War

1962 - Post-Nuclear War - Shawtopia

[ there's a struggle to pin him down, and despite his efforts to shove them off of him, Emma's power seems to outweigh his own in this regard. the syringe is administered without his permission, and he's yanked away by Shaw's men, isolated in a room, left to stay in the room that he's been given. the locks are shut tight, but no one can take away his ability to reach out and assure the others that he's fine, he's fine.

except that when he tries to reach out, he hears nothing coming back towards him.

panicked, he screams for Erik, screams for Raven, out loud and in his mind both, and he's desperate for the link, the connection again. he can't even feel Shaw anymore, and his hand grabs for his arm, touches where the serum was administered. he breathes, slowly, trying to regain control - his mind is frenzied, perhaps once it calms, once he's able to calm his panic, he'll be able to reach out to them.

the silence continues. it continues well into the night until the next day, and he knows things are wrong whenever he's shocked by the door opening, whenever he's staring into the face of Sebastian Shaw, eying him carefully as he walks in the room. ]

Whatever you've done to me, it won't happen again.

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[It's a real shame. Shaw hates the idea of anyone being unable to fully appreciate his hospitality. Still, their little blue Beast had cautioned there might be all sorts of side effects from prolonged exposure to the serum.] You know, the more I think about it the more I realize that you and I are doing cutting edge science here. This serum was previously completely untested. I mean, we'd had some thought of what it could do from your furry friend's notes, but this is completely uncharted territory. Looks like I'll need to thank you again.

[Shaw gives a rolling shrug.] Most of your companions rushed to that decision, I'm afraid. Don't worry, I don't actually intend to kill any of you if you don't force my hand. You'd be proud [or something, whatever, Shaw's not so good at guessing what people like Charles feel] of how loyal they've been to you. Quite an army you've been building.

[ he rolls his eyes, sighing. ] Please, do excuse me if I'm not very much excited for the development of a suppressant for the Mutant X gene, and I'm actually terribly shocked you would think such a thing is useful. [ he wrinkles his nose. Hank, deciding to build something that suppresses the outside side-effects of a power's ability - that makes sense.

Shaw, however, seems like a walking contradiction, and he dislikes his friend being used to create something against his will. He dislikes thinking that Hank might be isolated away from them, told to make this serum with no understanding of what it's final use might be. ] Your science, in your eyes, makes mutants into human beings. You're debilitating the race you seem to hold supreme.

[ it's painful not to feel any of them. his hands clench shut. ]

They aren't an army. They're my students and my cohorts; they're my friends. I wouldn't put them in danger if I can help it. [ that's the closest you'll get to having Xavier admit he's willing to compromise, Shaw. ]

[He wags an indulgent finger at Charles.] Not the gene, merely its expression. And I can think of a good number of reasons why this isn't only just useful but, and here's a buzzword for you, strategically viable. For example. [He takes a long drag on his cigarette.] You and I both know humans won't be our only enemies. There will be mutants who refuse to accept the coming paradigm shift, which is their right... and I'll be defending our cause against those who try to disrupt it, which is my right.

[He sighs and shakes his head.] No no, you are not a human, my friend, and you never will be. None of us are. This serum could be permanent for all I know and it still wouldn't make you- [He feigns a look of surprise and covers his mouth in shock.] Oh dear, did I say that out loud?

[His voice softens as he leans in, sympathetic, understanding.] I know you wouldn't Charles. You love these people. They're your family and I can respect that devotion.

[ he is gripping the threadbare sheet on the cot he's been given so hard that he thinks his fingernails might rip straight through the fabric like paper. ] Is that right. And you expect them to just allow you to shoot them up with whatever this might be. [ he's quieter than he feels he should be - he wants to scream at Shaw that of course it's their right, that his defense against a world of people who feel that humanity needs not be exterminated is wrong, everything's wrong wrong wrong.

but what can a man do whenever he's powerless and stuffed into a cell? ] A mutant without powers doesn't simply become human, no. [ he's quiet as he speaks, growing quieter the angrier he gets, practically murmuring -- Shaw would have to come closer, enter the cell if he really truly spoke. ] But you've crippled me, and you seem to have no moral qualms about doing so. [ his mind is swimming with fear about the permanence of their situation, and he's nearly wanting to shake his head in disbelief.

he can't go his entire life without it. not when he's lived his entire life thus far with it, relying on his connection with so many people to be his world; his way of living. ] You have no concept of love, my friend.

Of course not Charles, don't be silly. Luckily neither the administration nor efficacy of the serum will be contingent on consent. [He's of course watching every twitch of Charles' hands and rise and fall of his voice with extreme interest. He'll have a long, long time to get to know the telepath's mannerisms, after all.

Too bad he doesn't want to come into the cell, Charles. Not today at least. One day, yes. Very much yes.] You're applying morality where it doesn't fit. There is no morality besides survival of the fittest. You should be wanting to shake my hand and kiss my boots. I'm securing our future.

[Another smirk, lazily sucking at the end of his cigarette.] Love is chemicals. Oxytocin, dopamine, the frantic urge to reproduce and find others to fend off predators you can't manage on your own. That's all it ever was.

You realise how terrible that is? That you can't even afford basic decency for not only humans, but mutantkind as well? An injection that takes away their abilities to fight back against you, and you plan to dispense it without their consent. Do you even understand what a wretched thing that is to do to someone? [ but Shaw comes from a time; Charles remembers the wretched memories all too well of what he's done to Erik, it's no surprise he would do it to others. ]

Our future. [ he laughs, bitterly. ] A future in which you're not sure I'll even get my power back. A future in which you're keeping mutants as prisoners. Do you honestly think I'd ever shake your hand for the deplorable things you've done and continue to do?

[ something they can at least relate to - scientific analysis of what the actual love means. Charles closes his eyes. ] And I'm sure a man like you would be above such basic neurochemistry. Oxytocin, seratonin, dopamine, yes, but what great things you can do with compassion. How it feels to be able to give someone what they need rather than force your desires on someone else. You've no idea what that feels like.

Omelets and eggs, my friend. If mutants don't have enough sense and gratitude to align themselves with my cause then they are, by definition, against it. And while I like to think of myself as a pretty easygoing guy, the one thing I will not tolerate is opposition. [Really, arguing this sort of thing against a man who comes from a time and place where the Hippocratic Oath was less of an oath and more of a vague suggestion isn't exactly going to get Charles anywhere. There's no way for anyone to appeal to morality because there is no morality there. At least, not in the sense Charles and most of humanity shares.]

Yes, Charles. Our future. There will have to be sacrifices as there are always sacrifices on the road to destiny. [He keeps a straight face for all of two seconds and then grins.] I'm just messing with you. I'm doing this because you were in my way and now you're not and you're a means to an end for controlling Magneto. Surprise, I guess.

[chuckle] I'm the master of my own body. Neurotransmitters are just that: chemicals, coupled with synapses firing in the brain. Your compassion is sweet. Really, it is. But it's exactly what landed you here, with me, in this cell, alone and powerless.

Obviously so. In your eyes, anyhow. [ he still doesn't understand how you can completely have no decency regarding other lives. there's no point, however, in arguing. there's no point in trying to change his mind, and Charles is beginning to realize all too soon how much the other man is the most dangerous he could imagine. he's a sociopath, honestly. there's no point in trying to appeal to his human side. ]

Surprise surprise. [ he's dry, sarcastic, angry ] I doubt you'll be able to use me to control Erik, however. You'll be surprised how self-motivated the man can be. [ he doesn't want to give Shaw the idea of using him to control him. even if Erik is more caring than Shaw is, even though Erik does care about him -- without a shadow of a doubt -- Charles doesn't want Shaw to think he'd be able to use him to manipulate Erik. ]

Perhaps you're right. [ it's a harsh reality, but it's true. nonetheless, he finds himself almost piteous towards Shaw. ] Was there something else you needed from me? I'd rather be alone. [ at least than to face Shaw. ]

[He waves a hand dismissively.] Yes yes, your entirely unsubtle hints about how you don't agree with me are getting old. Not to worry. I'm not too concerned about whether or not you agree with me. Granted it'd be nice to have you eventually come to your senses but it's certainly not a requirement for us to work together. [Yeah, Erik wasn't kidding when he spoke about Shaw as an absolute monster. Empathy, compassion, all these things lack the slightest value in Shaw's eyes.

Speaking of eyes, Shaw's light up at the anger in Charles' voice.] I'm sorry Charlie, did I touch a nerve there? Don't you worry about a thing. I'm more than capable of taking care of Magneto's wellbeing again. [Charles doesn't have to worry about that because Shaw's had that idea for quite awhile, thank you very much. Shaw has so very many ideas of how to manipulate Lehnsherr and to what ends - and of course, starting with his lover makes complete and total sense.]

Well, I certainly don't want to overstay my welcome. I imagine you'll want to get settled into this new headspace of yours. I hear it's quite disorienting until your body gets used to being powerless again. Give it a week, perhaps too, and I'm sure you'll be up to your old talkative self again.

I'm not a young boy, Sebastian. [ first name basis, now, because it's rather frustrating at that. ] I'm not a man that you can simply mold and develop into your personal little monster. Don't attempt to try, because you will certainly fail. [ oh, but he has no clue. no idea what Shaw has in store for him. but he'd like to think that he's strong enough to handle what ever the man can throw at him.

at him lighting up, he laughs, wryly. ] Oh, no, my friend. There aren't any nerves touched. Erik is fully capable of being his own man, his own person. He won't allow you to manipulate him any longer. [ he hopes, god he hopes. he hates the very idea of Erik bending to this man's will. ] He does not need you to "take care" of his well-being.

[ he breathes out a sigh of relief. ] I'm fine. I doubt that I'll be very ready to speak to you, but I'm perfectly fine. Thank you for your hospitality, or rather lack thereof.

[The difference, of course, being that Shaw doesn't care what Charles calls him, isn't frustrated in the slightest. Someone has the upper hand here.] I would never dream of doing that, Charles. You're your own person. I trust you'll make the right decisions on your own given enough time.

[He sighs and leans in, a mimic of sympathy on his face.] Some friendly advice, professor? Magneto's going to break your heart. He'll do it again and again if you keep thinking of him like you do.

[He straightens his posture and stretches a little.] Don't worry. I'll be back before you know it. You might even start to miss me.

I'm so glad you're aware. [ someone does, and as much as Charles is trying to grasp the idea of being able to outsmart or outthink Shaw, he's somewhat hypersensitive to the fact that he is certainly at a point where he has no ability to fight back.

As far as Erik breaking his heart, for some reason, that's enough. That's enough to have him get up from his bed, to have him go to the bars, to have him grip those tightly. ] You know nothing of Erik. Nor do you know anything of our relationship. Do stop trying to act like you have any idea.

[ just leave. just LEAVE. just leave. Even without the telepathy, Charles thinks it as hard as he possibly can. ]

[At the outburst Shaw leans in and gets right in Charles' face. His expression is curious, fascinated but detached, and his voice completely unsurprised.] I was there when Magneto was born, professor. I saw him when he was at his weakest. I raised him like he was my own son. [And the sick, disgusting part is that this is truly how he views it: Erik is Shaw's progeny, for all intents and purposes.] You offer him hope but I gave him purpose. He doesn't need your hope.

[Shaw eyes the door of the cell and turns back to look at Charles.] Would punching me make you feel any better, do you think?

[ part of him thinks he can grab him from here -- yank around one of the cement blocks and slam Shaw's head into the cell door if he can. ] He was at his weakest thanks to you. You raised him like a weapon, a monster, hardly like a son! [ he knows he's shouting now, he's losing the composure, the carefully complacent status he was trying to hold onto so tightly. ] You raised him into a man who knows nothing but rage, chaos, and fear and expected him to flourish!

[ he breathes out in heavy breathes, trying to compose himself, but there's anger there that he so rarely lets free. he's been angry on Erik's behalf ever since the first night he dragged him out of the water. ]

Yes. Though I'd like to do far more than just punch you.

[Shaw's voice is quiet with more than a hint of a sneer.] Oh but he did flourish. He flourished beautifully. You have no idea how long and how far he tracked me, once we let him free. He wasn't a monster. He has never been a monster. What he is - what he will be once I've set him back on his path - is perfect.

[He pulls keys from his pocket and, without further comment, opens the door. His arms are wide and he raises an eyebrow at Charles.] Well?

[ with every word about Erik, Charles is growing angrier and angrier. Angry enough that as soon as the door is open he's rushing out to take Shaw up on that offer, wrenching a hand in his shirt to keep him still before his curled up fist connects with the side of his cheek.

one hit, and then another, and then another. he doesn't even think to leave the area, doesn't even think about making a run for it, just longs to make this man feel even an ounce of the pain that he's put Erik through. he's not a fighter, but he feels like he might've broken the man's nose and given him a lovely bruised black eye, his knuckles bloodied with the last hit that he manages to get in before he's backing away. ]

You deserve more than that.

[ so much for Charles the peacemaker. ]

[Shaw knows how to take a hit. For all his posturing and behind the scenes manipulation, let no one say he doesn't know how to handle himself in a fight. And though he doesn't stop Charles for a second in his violent assault he does move with his punches so there's only so much damage. (Comparatively speaking, of course. It won't be nearly as cathartic for Charles if some of the punches don't land solid, and that's what all this is about.

Even as he's being wailed on, even as he knows that his nose just broke and he'll need to do something about that blood dripping everywhere - he just got Charles Xavier to willingly attack a man who refused to hit back. Furthermore, he got Charles to come out of his cage to hit him and then purposefully return to the cage. Not bad for twelve hours into the first serum dose.]

What's stopping you giving it to me?

[ Part of him is holding back because he doesn't know when the man will strike him in return. for all that he seems fully willing to take a few punches, Charles is already deeply annoyed that he's been brought to such a point. he manages to hear his nose crack and watches as blood dribbles down, and that's when he's stopped, that's when he's back in the cell.

He couldn't get out if he tried, he doesn't think. The cell is protection, Shaw can't get a good hit on him any more than Charles can get a nice punch landed through the concrete beams that line his cell. He breathes hard, trying to suck in a breath, only to tend to his bloodied knuckles, cradling them in his hand. ]

I don't trust you. [ Straight to the point. ] And I'm not going to hurt you any more than I already have. That isn't what I want.

[Shaw carefully wipes at the blood trickling down his nose with a folded handkerchief, red quickly staining the soft, white fabric. He replaces the cloth in an inside pocket of his jacket and closes the door to Charles' cell, locking it again with a satisfying click. At least, Shaw finds it satisfying. Shaw's found every moment of this little interaction enormously satisfying.]

We all do exactly what we want every moment of the day, Charlie. Stop pretending you're so much more evolved than the rest of us. Because I guarantee you, you are not.

[ He turns his back on him, pulling away into the corner of his cell, as if hiding behind his cot might make him disappear. He wants to disappear from this place, finding the interaction to be quite the opposite of satisfactory. If anything, Charles is unnerved. He's unnerved at the blood on his knuckles, afraid that the mental connection with his team mates may be severed for good, and most of all, this man is unnerving. ]

At the very least, I know I'm better than you. Mutant or not, you're certainly the lowest man I've ever had the displeasure of meeting. Leave me alone.

[ He closes his eyes, refusing to allow Shaw to continue getting a rise out of him - he recites genomes and genetic aberrations to himself, as if reading his thesis aloud - he's read it so many times to study, he nearly knows it by heart now. He'd rather be alone with nothing in his head to distract him, nothing but genetics and remembering how Erik's arms felt wrapped around him. ]

[Shaw cannot wait to give Emma an update on the Xavier situation when he sees her later. It almost makes up for the face she'll make at having to bandage his face while he leaks red all over her outfit.]

Of course. I hope you sleep well, Charles. I'll be watching.

[He turns and leaves, a heavy door shutting behind him. Charles is all alone.]

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1962 - Post-Nuclear War - Shawtopia

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