We were riding against the flow of traffic now, the smaller boats deferring to the canal’s edges. Their wares were as blighted as before, but more troubling was the discolouration of their hulls. The wood was bleached a sandy yellow by the swamp water, but its boards were marred by ugly black stains. It made me think of the governor’s château, and the discolouration I had discovered behind the hidden panel. It was as though something was slowly poisoning this world. Except the orks, who seemed to thrive despite the blight.

I felt footsteps behind me, but did not turn, maintaining the pretence I was absorbed in my work. But a heavyset figure squatted down beside me, his presence forcing me to shuffle along. I glanced across, and found myself staring down the imposing whiskers of Flight Commander Gradeolous.

‘Not enjoying the festivities, Simlex?’ he asked. It felt an odd question, given the sternness of his manner.

‘I am calibrating today’s pict files,’ I replied, though I doubted he was listening, or that my answer mattered overly. He had addressed me to initiate a conversation, and knew where it next led. If I had told him I was too preoccupied by his dashing moustache to enjoy the festivities I’m sure it would not have had the slightest impact on what he said next.

‘Do you still enjoy flying with Shard?’

‘Enjoy is a strong word. I have obtained useful footage. That is sufficient.’

He grunted in response. He seemed to stare straight ahead, but from the corner of my eye I saw his gaze flicker to the empty sky.

‘You do not seem to be indulging with the rest,’ I said.

‘I am on duty. I do not fraternise,’ he replied as he unscrewed the cap on a battered hip flask and took a long draw. ‘The governor requested I provide protection for this excursion. I have no time for chit-chat.’

A greenish insect, its wingspan the width of my shoulders, smashed into the field before us. It was unclear if the encounter was by chance, or the creature sought to attack us, but either way its body erupted in a neat plume of flame.

‘I would have thought us already well protected,’ I said.

Gradeolous shook his head. ‘From petty annoyances? Perhaps. But greater dangers lurk in the skies above.’

I followed his gaze, though saw nothing.

‘Forgive my ignorance, flight commander, but how can you defend us from down here?’

‘Because I am more than a fighter, I am a commander,’ he replied, pointing upwards. ‘Observe.’

I followed his gaze while he whispered into his vox. Something glinted in the sky.

‘My squadron, the Sharks,’ he said. ‘They are ever vigilant, but you may relax. This airspace is clear and far from the hotspots.’

‘I was unaware we were being monitored.’