This surprised me, and felt wrong. But I was too elated to dwell on misgivings. For I finally had a means to see through an ace’s eyes, to capture their battles as though I were a true combatant.

In my excitement, I neglected to give due consideration to what that word meant.

Chapter sixteen

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

I will never forget the morning of that flight.

The sky was crisp, even if the air was muggy, and the morning dew gleamed from the fuselage of the Marauder bomber designated Hephaestus. It was a colossal aircraft, the largest I’d seen, requiring a crew of six and carrying sufficient payload to wipe out an armoured convoy. I could just spy Mizar, nestled on the underside of the craft thanks to Plient’s handywork.

Hephaestus, along with twin sister bombers, dwarfed the squadrons of Thunder­bolt fighters that would provide an escort. It was a majestic sight beholding the invincible force, and my heart swelled to be a modest part of it. Even the stench of promethium was somehow invigorating, for it bore the sweet scent of humanity’s industry. I slowed to take in the scene, but Shard’s elbow jarred into my back.

‘We have a schedule,’ she snapped, pushing past me.

I did not reply; her expression did not warrant one. Her perpetual sneer was today a snarl, her gaze seeking fault wherever it fell. The rest of the aces and flight crew said little, I assume to appease her. Still, their expressions were not as reassuring as the sight of the planes had been. They were hardened and stoic, but shared none of the savage joy of our xenos foes.

Wing Commander Prospherous struck a more positive note. He and two senior officers oversaw our departure. The soldiers saluted as they passed, and I attempted to do likewise, but he beckoned me over.

‘Propagandist Simlex,’ he said, offering his hand. ‘I wanted to personally wish you good luck. You are a brave man to fly into an active warzone.’

I shook his hand. ‘Your soldiers risk their lives daily for the Imperium,’ I said. ‘I am no fighter, but how can I risk any less in fulfilling my duty?’

He smiled. ‘Let us hope it does not come to that. You are, after all, flying with the very best.’

I followed his gaze to Shard, who was clambering into the cockpit. From my vantage point, I could not see what caused her such offence, only that she snatched something from the console, berating one of the other soldiers before hurling it into the mud.

‘Clean up after yourself,’ she spat, as the man clawed at the quagmire, I presume to retrieve his discarded property. Perhaps it was a good luck charm, or token from his family.

I glanced at Prospherous. ‘She does not seem in best spirits.’