‘Some things, though I cannot tell if they are memories or something imparted by the drill abbots. Or maybe my own fantasies. Either way, the schola progenium made me what I am, shaped every part of my being. How then, can I ever do as I please?’

She glared at me, and I at her. How long the impasse would have endured is hard to say, for in that moment of oppressive silence I heard a faint tapping at the bars of the cell.

‘Excuse me. Sir? And, sir?’

Plient was standing outside the bars. He looked grey and thin, and a trio of fresh scars were carved into his head.

‘Plient! Good to see you.’ Shard smiled. ‘Tell me, what’s on the menu today? Yesterday’s slop was almost palatable.’

‘I… I don’t think there will be anything, sir. I think the kitchens have been destroyed.’

‘I see.’ She nodded. ‘And the wine cellar?’

‘Buried beneath rubble.’

‘Unfortunate. In that case, why are you here?’

‘To release the propagandist,’ he replied, unlatching a key from his belt. ‘I’m very sorry, sir. I’m not sure why you are down here. A message was dispatched from high command stating it was vital you were seized and brought into custody.’

‘Who sent it?’

‘Hard to say, sir. It’s no longer there. No trace of it,’ he said, setting key to lock. ‘I’m sorry they were rough, sir.’

I shook my head. ‘It matters not. No doubt it saved my life. Is the war still raging?’

‘No, sir.’

‘Did we… win?’

‘No, sir.’

He unlocked the door, but struggled to open it one-handed, the bottom bars catching on the floor and throwing up sparks. I stepped forward to assist. Shard remained on the bunk.

‘What now then?’ I said. ‘If the orks have won, why are we still alive?’

‘Because we’re boring,’ Shard replied. ‘They’ve brought down our planes and firebombed the remaining ground targets. But following up and accounting for every survivor isn’t how orks wage war, unless they require slaves. This lot seem more preoccupied with the next fight.’

‘What’s left to fight, sir?’

‘Well, they could look for another airbase.’ Shard shrugged. ‘Or maybe some of our ground forces?’

‘If you say so, sir.’

She sat up, glaring at him. ‘Do you have something to say, flight sergeant? I might be in a cell, but I would remind you I am your superior. Yours, and everyone else’s.’

‘No, sir. Only…’

‘Only they haven’t gone anywhere,’ I whispered.