— Bashir, who's been manipulated, controlled, and...

cosmictuesdays

asked:

Bashir, who's been manipulated, controlled, and exploited for nearly all of his natural life, would be perfectly aware of what Garak is doing with him - and for the first time in his life, he'd let it go as far as he wants but no farther than that, and find a way to use someone for his own ends as well. (Speaking in a perfect Northern lilt, "You realize I speak Kardasi?" "Since WHEN?" "Since last week.") When would Garak realize that this Human isn't nearly as soft as he thought he'd be?

Probably around the time Bashir sells Garak out to his ambitious underling, who’s been aching for a shot at a bigger job. The only reason it doesn’t work out for Garak is that Tain quietly has the underling killed. Favouritism, maybe. But also, it’s useful for Tain to have an operative who is slavishly loyal. Clearly said ambitious underling would not have been quite as loyal as Tain might have liked.

Meanwhile, Garak is staring at Bashir over his comm console, eyes wide.

“You told Het I’d be there!”

“I did.”

“You told him I’d be lightly armed!”

“Yes.”

“How did you know?”

“I pay attention.”

Oh, dear, Garak realizes, he does. He really, really does. He’s one to watch, this Julian Bashir, because Garak is no longer sure who, exactly, is playing who…

(and oh dear, why does he want to smile?)