‘These are sad tidings,’ said Justinian, ‘but they hold the kernel of the future in them. We have our new brothers to meet and fight with. There is opportunity for glory for us, always, wherever we go and no matter the livery we wear. I thank Captain Felix for letting us know. I am sure the Lord Commander was curious to know why he wished to do this. It is a sign of how much Felix cares for us, to bear the primarch’s scrutiny.’ He gestured at the dispensing machine at the rear of the room. ‘I wish for something better to toast you with, my brother, but all we have is nutrient gruel.’

‘No ale,’ said Bjarni sadly.

‘No wine,’ added Kalael.

‘We have each other,’ said Justinian, ‘for a few weeks more. That is all that matters. We shall fight all the harder for knowing our brothers wage war elsewhere. This is not the end, but the beginning.’

Felix nodded. This was the response he was hoping for. He should have kept himself above all this, but the primarch had proved remarkably amenable to his request, and he needed to say goodbye properly. For all his words, in all likelihood he would not see any of them again.

‘To Captain Felix!’ said Justinian. ‘To our dear friend and brother, Decimus!’

‘Felix! Felix! Felix!’ the others shouted, banging their fists on the tables.

They spoke a while of old times, and gradually the company dispersed back to their duties. Felix tarried too long. Realising he was late to attend the primarch, he made his farewells.

Lieutenant Sarkis caught Felix’s arm in his augmetic hand before he left. ‘Are you sure that was wise, Decimus, performing such a role? Should you have not left it to me?’

‘I am sorry that I denied you the opportunity.’

Sarkis’ skin was wrinkled around his many augmetics. They crinkled further around a metal-toothed smile. ‘Oh no, I am glad you did. You did a far better job of mollifying Bjarni than I would have done. Had I given that news, I would be fighting him right now.’

‘You exaggerate.’

‘Not by much. You have a more human touch than I.’

Felix glanced at the bare metal fingers grasping his armour.

‘Does the primarch really know you have done this?’ asked Sarkis.

‘He did not seem overly concerned.’

Sarkis stared hard at Felix through an eye crafted from living diamond. ‘You are bold, to presume the primarch’s thoughts.’

‘We have become close.’

‘Then I pray it does not bring you trouble.’

‘I can hide nothing from him,’ replied Felix, ‘but there are some things I cannot keep from my brothers.’