Aline takes a breath. ‘Unfortunate. You were the only intended casualty. An error evidently occurred.’ She shakes her head. ‘The termination order was issued to prevent this kind of suffering, Gabi, to allow you to die with honour. As befits someone of your rank.’

The General makes a noise and drops her head to the floor. She sat in the same attitude in the train car, staring at the dying ant. Had she known, even then, that she was doomed?

‘What happens to the traitor?’ she asks, her voice a husk. ‘When I die, what will be done with her?’

I keep my eyes averted, clenching my hand to stop myself from touching the bandages about my neck. They cannot have sent me here for this.

The Commander seems surprised. ‘She is obviously of unsound mind. But if you wish it, we’ll make special dispensation and send her to be cared for in a secure facility.’ She does even glance my way. ‘We will do that much, in recognition of your great service, General. In recognition of your legacy.’

‘My legacy,’ the General murmurs, and raises her head. Her eyes are red-rimmed but dry. ‘Yes. I see.’

‘General.’ I reach for her.

‘Stand aside, traitor. This is not your choice.’ For an instant, a tiny smile twists her lips. ‘Strange, but I’m pleased you’re here.’ She holds out a hand. ‘I thank you for your efforts.’

I force myself to return the gesture. Her fingers are small and callused in mine.

‘Alright,’ she says, letting go, locking her hands behind her back. ‘I’m ready.’

The Commander nods. ‘Medic?’

‘What about her?’ the medic asks, eyeing me with hatred as they climb to their feet.

‘She will remain silent, if she wishes to live. An escort is already on its way.’

Swallowing hard, the medic goes to the workbench and fills a fresh syringe from a vial that waits there.

‘On my word,’ the Commander says.

The medic sets the point of the needle against the General’s arm.

I cannot watch. Instead, I lower my head to stare at the unconscious captain, blood beating in my ears, so certain that this is wrong… Then, something catches my gaze: the holster at the captain’s belt hangs empty, where before it contained a pistol. I look up at the General in alarm.

She and the Commander stare at each other, their pupils like the dots on two sets of dice. The air shudders around me.

‘N—’ I begin.

An explosion like thunder and the medic is thrown back against the wall, their chest burst open by a plasma bullet. The General spins and fires directly into the camera. It shatters and the screen goes blank.

She turns and smiles, her face coated in blood, the pistol glowing in her hand.

‘Run,’ she says.

Two: The Book Of Malady

TWO

THE

BOOK

OF

MALADY

COLD METAL. PAIN on the wings of black birds. A figure gloved in blood…