"Oh? Well, that is unfortunate," says Erica, her sarcasm betrayed more by the context than her tone of voice. "We need to take that sword right now, though, so I'm afraid we'll have to reschedule."

Her words tug on Howard's mind through the force. It might be enough if he's some kind of weak-minded pawn, but otherwise it's nothing more than amusing banter.

Erica looks at Howard with an analytical eye. "So, to repeat Mr. Huang's question, what are you doing here? Who do you work for?"

Her mind trick is a bit stronger when she's asking questions. She has both her own skills and Akechi's to thank for that. Still, there's nothing in her toolbox that can keep Howard from fighting in silence if that's what he wants.