On the warship Messenger of Hermes, Ahzek Ahriman and his servant, Ignis, study a most unusual prisoner - a metal construct containing the consciousness of a member of a long-extinct race - the necrontyr.

As they interrogate the necron Setekh, he is also learning about them - over and over again as he uses ancient technology to relive the moment and plot his escape. Will he succeed, or will Ahriman prevail?