The first blow comes quickly, without warning. One of the armsmen near Duv hits him hard in the jaw with his closed fist, officially beginning this session. Piotr has never found that warning the subject contributes to success.

"You don't need to be an expert to know that Komarrans don't teach their academics how to resist torture," Piotr says flatly, though there's a scathing edge to his voice. "Your people don't even do their own fighting. But you've had training."

He learns forward, eyes hard. "Have you ever received any training in resisting torture? I want an honest answer this time."