Saneer: “About Mycroft?”

Guildbreaker: “Most people in the world feel strongly about Mycroft Canner. Is there anyone who doesn’t? Your Typer twin? Your set-set? Someone new you’ve brought into your circle? Someone Tully Mardi brought in?”

Saneer: “Not that I can… think of. No. Everyone has an opinion of Mycroft.”

I will note that Saneer paused. They paused before responding, and in the middle, and afterwards bit their lower lip. There is someone new in Sniper’s inner circle. Possibly several people. Definitely someone specific whom Lesley Saneer distrusts enough to fear betrayal. I will devise a [test/trap] for this suspect. Meanwhile, I have sown doubt in Lesley Saneer’s mind. If I am right, Saneer will perhaps expose the traitor on their own, and liberate Sniper. If I am wrong, then at least the distrust I have instilled will weaken the enemy. I have no reservations about using such tactics. The Empire is in danger.

As for my investigation of the violation of our Sanctum Sanctorum…

SECTION DELETED

DICTUM ABSOLUTUM—MMCDLIV: lxiii

DAMNATIO MEMORIAE

… I made progress. I focused on the detail that the attack took place when not only dominus Jehovah but the Emperor and their intimates, including Mycroft Canner and myself, were safely absent from the tower. All else is condemned to silence.

ANALYSIS (June 10): Sniper has now been missing fifty-seven days. Despite the hope offered by the appearance of their chapter, I grow pessimistic about the chances that, if I do find them, they will be in a fit state (psychological or physical) to control their faction. My next move must be to identify this untrustworthy new ally of O.S. who may be the culprit. Since Lesley Saneer will not reveal the names of their collaborators, I will use other means to identify those likely to have entered Sniper’s circle. But this must wait. In five days begins the terra ignota of Ockham Prospero Saneer. Even Sniper, on whose fate hang both this Olympic truce and dominus Jehovah’s Great Conversation, must wait while I shape the precedent by which humanity will someday judge my Emperor, their Imperator Destinatus, and myself.

—Mycroft “Martin” Guildbreaker, Vicarius Familiarisque

CHAPTER THE SIXTEENTH

The Witch

Written August 16, 2454

Event of June 14

Herstedvester Compound

Thisbe: “Finally! You’re nearly late enough to make me lose my bet.”

I: “Hello, Thisbe. Are they treating you well?”

Thisbe: “You’re not. Six weeks without a visit? Unforgivable.”

I: “I haven’t needed—”

Thisbe: “At least tell me you’ve brought me a change of clothes. I’m not going out in these.”