It was then I caught a glimpse of storm clouds. It lasted an instant before the link was severed. But now I knew what I sought, its shape and feel, it was easier to find it again. This time I held it, and once more I was soaring through Bacchus’ skies.

The storm front lay ahead. Shard did not slow, plunging into the maelstrom, casually riding its winds as she circled towards the storm’s eye.

‘Shard?’ I said, speaking aloud, my voice’s echo reverberating through the cockpit.

‘About bloody time,’ she muttered in response. ‘I was beginning to worry the connection was impossible, and that you were right all along. Terrifying thought.’

‘I’m struggling to maintain a hold.’

‘Be brave. I know how challenging it must be. If you just let me finish manoeuvr­ing this patchwork craft through hundred mile an hour winds, on my way to almost certain destruction against impossible odds, I will be right there offering sympathy for your terrible burden.’

‘Almost certain destruction?’ I asked. ‘Is Flight Commander Shard experiencing doubt?’

Her response was swallowed by a hiss of static.

‘–never cared much for her. Hello? Simlex, are you still there?’

‘Just about.’

‘Good. Because we have arrived.’

She broke through. I remembered the momentary calm I had experienced the last time we crossed that threshold, before I knew the threat within. But this time was nothing like that. I could not process the chaos of circling fighters, but Shard plunged in, finding a place amidst the greenskins. I expected them to turn on her at any moment, but they did not, the scrap-plated Lightning resembling an ork craft just as well as any of the others.

As she completed her first orbit about the sky-fortress, I sought order in the chaos. There were moments when the greenskins seemed to function as a unit, circling as one. But all too easily it broke down, the ork fighters taking the opportunity to race against their rivals, weaving through the circling craft at maximum velocity. A few insisted on flying against the swarm, forcing other jets to evade or collide with them. I watched a score fall, either from flying too fast or taking one too many risks. But there were no further retaliations from the fortress. Perhaps it needed to conserve energy, for the green lightning was now arcing along it, flowing like water, its tributaries pooling at a single point at the base. Even through Iwazar’s eye, I could not look upon it directly. It burned too bright.

‘You have eyes on the ork mechanical?’

‘He is on what I assume to be their bridge.’

‘Any idea where that is? I could try taking a shot at him.’

‘No. Somewhere central, I suppose, but it’s unclear.’

‘Pity. There is something wonderfully clean about dispatching an adversary with a single shot.’

‘It might be too late. The energy is building.’

‘I know. Are you ready?’