Sphinx waved down his guards, who were apparently starting to worry. They really didn’t have any sort of formal training, and were honestly civilians that they had given guns. As such, Sphinx would consider them as much a threat to his own life as they would be to any potential threats if they began to panic. “Hang on a minute,” he said, trying to placate them.

The minds inside of the room were warded from the influence of his telepathy, but that didn’t mean that they were the only minds in the room. His eyes once more took on an ethereal glow as he psychic powers sprang back to life. Sphinx mentally searched the small domicile thoroughly, mostly concentrating his efforts around the floors and walls. He quickly found what he was looking for: a mouse. Sphinx entered the rodent’s mind, a task not unlike putting a round peg in a square hole, and assumed control over its senses. The tiny creature had just become eyes and ears for Sphinx inside of the shack.

The mouse’s sight wasn’t particularly sharp, but it would be sufficient for gaining a better grasp of what Sphinx was contending with. He gave it a strong suggestion to scurry into the main room, closer to the two persons, and the overwhelmed rodent had little choice but to obey the mind that had come to dominate its own. Silently skittering closer to the individuals, Sphinx was able to get a decent look at whoever had been blocking out his attempts at telepathy.

[hr]

Sekhem’s suggestion was received about as well as he had expected it to be. There were dissidents, of course, but most had nothing more than [i]ad hominems[/i] and uncredited accusations with which to oppose him. Others vied for his proposal and credibility, Pariah included. Sekhem looked to Nightshade smugly, his attempt at a smile looking more like a grimace. Even so, the look in his eyes conveyed to her all that needed to be said. He didn’t need to fight her off. Her allies would do that for him. He looked then to Lonestar, but it was only a passing glance; no need to give anything away. He was on the take, of course. Lonestar had been hesitant to throw in his lot with Sekhem, but unlike most in attendance, he had a family. As such had greater personal responsibilities to fulfil, as well as far more to lose.

Discussion moved on to the upcoming mayoral election. Sekhem’s continued belief was that the impending (that is to say, deliberate) conflict with the nearby settlement would indefinitely postpone such elections, but he listened in regardless. As always, the superhuman collective was terrified of having to give up any of its power. It was only natural, Sekhem supposed, considering that subservience would be alien to self-important “heroes” such as these. Sekhem idly considered which candidates would have an effect on his greater plans. Most of the lesser superhumans, and nearly any civilian would have no bearing; they could be dealt with easily enough. Pariah’s competency would be a greater risk, but he was disliked by the masses, and unlikely to win an honest poll. Cassandra stood a better chance of being elected, but she ruled so much of the Citadel already that civilians would likely to balk at the idea of handing her the rest of the Citadel. Or at the very least, Sekhem could make sure that they held that sentiment.

Plans were discussed for further expansion and urban renewal. Interesting ideas, and Sekhem was not totally surprised that he and Cassandra had most followed the same course of thought regarding these plans. The woman was at least partially aware that she was more or less treading into Sekhem’s territory with these plans, and offered him a sort of apologetic acknowledgment.

Sekhem kept his features stern, yet civil, as he replied, “Of course, the Morale Committee would be honored to dedicate manpower to the success and efficiency of these projects. Such is our specialty, after all.” While his words seemed perfectly diplomatic, they carried a subtext that only pragmatists such as himself and Cassandra would notice. More or less, his true statement was, “You’ve ventured into my territory. Cut me in, or I’ll impede you at every turn.”

The meeting came close to adjournment when the developing situation was radioed in. Sekhem traveled with the rest of the present party to the main gates, where they found the Mythic host. There were a lot of them, but Sekhem could tell apart true strength from the deliberate appearance of strength. They were starving, sick and wounded. Mostly noncombatants, with their strongest warriors put at the front for appearances. If they tried to attack, they would accomplish little beyond breaking themselves upon the Citadel’s walls.

Apparently this was a diplomatic visit, if Gariel was to be believed. Sekhem still didn’t like the look of it. This was a mass emigration, this much was obvious. Something had to have driven them together like this, as such hated rivals as Dwarves and Elves would have never aligned willingly. Not to mention that this was likely the bulk of their population. If diplomacy failed, they would likely all be killed. Fear most likely drove them to this desperate move, but fear of what?

Pariah offered Sekhem to accompany Cassandra’s diplomatic party. Of all of the people in the Citadel, Sekhem had no stronger enemy and likely ally than Pariah. The man trusted no one, and in doing so was never fully trusted. He used this as his strength, to make the decisions that no one else could. Sekhem respected this, and knew fully well how to play it to his own advantage.

Before the diplomatic party set out, Sekhem stood close in to Pariah and spoke quietly so that only he could hear, “They’re running from something. I don’t know what, but if it could unite them, it could also destroy them. They’re seeking asylum, I have no doubt. We can’t support an influx of numbers that large, and the civilians will never tolerate it.” Sekhem spoke plain truths that most were loath to even consider, but Pariah was the only man to both acknowledge and act on them. “If an… [i]incident[/i] were to break out at the meeting… Withdraw until they meet the walls. Then attack their flanks with mages. Their warriors are few and they will break quickly. Crush them now, and they will never return.”

Without another word or even a passing glance to Pariah, Sekhem stepped away to join the gathering diplomatic party, not waiting for Pariah’s response. They both knew what had to be done. The only matter was if he had the stomach to see it through. Sekhem had seen the man tested before, but not like this. His choice was to either damn to Mythics to pitiless deaths in the wastes, or upset the stability of the Citadel. In either case, he played right into Sekhem’s hands.