Chapter Text
“And that, Senator, is why I would urge you to vote for the Queen’s proposal at the upcoming session of Parliament.” Syd took a step back from the table at the center of the room. It was littered with papers – his papers – containing scientific facts and detailed diagrams.
The old man sitting at the table blinked up at Syd through rheumy eyes. “What are you trying to accomplish, boy?” He asked.
Syd frowned. “As I told you. I strongly advise that-” The senator waved off the rest of his words.
“I know what you’ve been about this past week. Meeting with all the most influential politicians. Consulting scientists. Drumming up support. Does the Queen know you’re doing all this for her? She doesn't, does she.” Syd stiffened, then bowed his head, acknowledging the point. The old man snorted. “Just what I thought. “You’re a bright one, boy. You’re wasted on her.” He sighed. “We all are.”
Syd kept his head bowed. After a moment he said, “Senator, please. Just consider the facts I have shown you. We have the ability to-” He was cut off again by a loud snort.
“To take in an entire city’s worth of refugees? Preposterous! The nobility would have my head, but not before they’d taken yours.” He sighed. “It is a nice thought, boy. But governments are not run on nice thoughts. We need strong leaders, especially at such an unstable time in our history.”
Syd finally raised his head, looking the old man straight in the eye. “You’re right,” he said. “I have been meeting with the other Senators. But I had hoped, sir, that you would be the one man of courage in this entire court.” He took a step forward, the words pouring from him in a torrent. “This isn’t about resources! Eto can bear the burden of every single person in the City Below!” Syd slammed his hands down on the table, setting some papers aflutter. “No, this is about fear. You’re all too afraid to listen to the Queen because in your hearts you know that she’s right!” He stopped. Forcing himself to take a deep breath, he removed his hands from the table. The other man was gripping the arms of his chair tight. He averted his eyes when Syd looked at him. Syd took another deep breath, then looked around. “Perhaps we can approach this from a different angle. Where is Xicero? He was supposed to meet me here. I’m sure he could…”
“It’s better this way, boy.” The old man’s voice had gone hoarse, and he still refused to look up from the floor.
Syd froze. “What have you done?” He whispered. The Senator didn’t answer.
Syd stumbled back. Then he bolted for the door.