‘I know you’re not OK,’ said Shannon, ‘so I won’t ask. Just remember that you’re not alone.’

‘What did yours say?’

Shannon seemed surprised at the bluntness of his question. Or maybe the fact he had even asked. The letters had been private, after all.

But Ewan’s prediction was right. Shannon didn’t mind sharing.

‘He told me he was proud of me,’ she said, ‘and how great it was that I chose the good of humanity instead of a life of luxury with my dad. He told me I was just what the team needed – the right balance of fiery determination and lucid self-control, if I got his words right.’

Ewan smiled, fighting back tears. It sounded enough like McCormick.

‘He also said I’ll need to prepare myself for New London,’ Shannon continued. ‘I can’t go on forever just doing missions in the countryside. Before this war ends, I’ll have to go back and face him.’

She lifted her head from Ewan, so she could turn and face him.

‘And he told me to look after you,’ she finished. ‘When times get tough, you’ll need the support of your girlfriend.’

McCormick worked it out? He knew w hat was going on between us?

Hell, he probably worked it out before we did.

‘So what about you?’ she asked. ‘What did he say?’

Ewan looked at the face-down paper, and decided to tell her. She had trusted him, so it was only right to trust her back. She had earned it.

‘He wants me to lead the war against your father.’

Ewan did not know what reaction to expect, but Shannon smiled.

‘He gave me a bunch of leadership advice,’ he continued, ‘then told me not to worry because the others will follow me. I don’t know what to make of that.’

‘I think you are worth it,’ said Shannon. ‘Whether or not you realise it, the others look up to you.’

Ewan looked at her with blatant doubt in his eyes.

‘You’re usually the only one in the battlefield who knows what’s going on,’ she continued. ‘The one who keeps fighting when others lose motivation. Someone with a chaotic background who can think straight anyway. The guy who fights tooth and nail so naturally because he’s been doing it his whole life. It’s enough to inspire anyone.’

Ewan started to laugh.

‘Shut your mouth and listen,’ said Shannon. ‘Since I first met you, you’ve been to the Inner City and got out alive. You’ve gone to Oakenfold and escaped. Last night you got up to Floor C without dying. I know you don’t realise, but the others are amazed by all that. If you talk to them, they’ll listen. If you lead, they’ll follow.’

Ewan decided not to tell Shannon she was wrong. McCormick himself had advised him to listen to his soldiers.

And incredibly, she changed his mind.