Mithias' eyes flashed briefly when Jack mentioned the world being populated only by robots. It revealed that Jack had not only believed in the inevitability of nuclear winter, but also that he had considered the potential for a surviving race of machines. The implication was there, that Jack had been preparing for it all along. It was almost a confession.

But would Jack go so far as to bring about the nuclear war and the end of mortal days himself? It didn't seem so, but Mithias was afraid of just this. Jack seemed to believe that Magnus would bring it on the world without any help, that it was inevitable, but Mithias didn't think Jack was the type to sit back and wait. No, he would set it up. He would make it happen within his own lifetime, just for the satisfaction of seeing it. that's who he was. Surely, as soon as he had what he needed, Jack would flip a switch and all hell would rise.

The vampire laced his fingers in front of him and looked pensive. 

If Magnus was killed during Jack's lifetime, then certainly the human scientist would find a new 'master' to serve, until he could bring about his arrmageadon. Whichever "side" Jack was on wouldn't matter. The end would be the same. If the world avoided nuclear war, then certainly Jack would cause it, just to beget his robotic race, his own version of immortality. Mithias burned with the question of how far the warped mortal had already gone.

After a few moments, Mithias regained his forlorn expression and continued softly. "I am impressed that you confide in me, Stine. However, it is no secret to 'us' that you hold no loyalty to Magnus and that you expect him to fall. I grant that there is some wisdom in your stance, but you would be killed immediately for admitting this to anyone else. Personally, I don't believe the outlook is so bleak. Humans are extremely reluctant to destroy their world by using such toxic weapons. Many of them may elect to submit if they believe they will survive and be treated fairly. There need not be 'mutually assured destruction.' Certainly, if Magnus stops at the borders, declares this a sovereign vampire country, and negotiates treaties with our neighboring countries, we could remain and even be recognized as independent in time. We also have supporters in other lands. Vampires, with their power and wisdom, are more capable of ruling than humans ever could. If Magnus plays his cards right, we may walk a line into the future between SOLDIER domination and complete obliteration, at least for a time. No one has any interest in nuclear war, I'm afraid. Perhaps not forever, but I expect Magnus' reign to last quite some time." Mithias waved a hand dismissively as he leaned back again. "All of this is merely the continuation of the eternal war between our species. The price of true peace is, and will always be, death. Isn't that right, Stine?" Mithias was nothing if not fatalistic.

"The only thing I foresee that could change everything would be Magnus' death. He could be betrayed, die in combat like a fool, or be killed by an assassin sent by our enemies... His leadership would then fall to whoever has the most strength and ambition for it. One would hope it would be me, much to my dismay, but I already know it would fall to Dresden, a cruel vampire who would not be so kind to tolerate the likes of you, Stine. He would be a terrible tyrant, as so would be Rhyss, if it came to him. Then there is also, Gabriel, but I can tell you right now, he wouldn't be within a hundred thousand miles of here." Mithias sighed quietly. He knew Gabriel wouldn't want to see his lovely world destroyed and run by robots, but the only fraction of him that was present was what lived in Mithias. It was up to him alone. 

Dinner was almost over, but by now Mithias was certain of his conclusions. He needed to kill Jack before Jack killed him, which would certainly be as soon as Jack's plans were in motion and he was ready to shirk off the rule of Magnus and destroy the world. The vampire reflected on what a loss it would be to destroy such a beautiful mind and childlike love for knowledge. Alas, the corruption and wrath of Jack's darker half was too strong to allow. It was too dangerous a combination. Jack hadn't tried to kill Mithias yet, so perhaps there was still time, or perhaps Jack still needed Mithias for something. An unexpected, toothy grin suddenly appeared on Mithias' face as he held his glass characteristically. As if taunting him, he asked, "What is it you still want, Jack?"