He wondered whether to call this meeting in the holodeck and arrive on horseback like the Pony Express. But instead he just rode into Manhattan’s office on a bad mood, parcel tucked under his arm like some kind of ticking time bomb.

“Mr Manhattan,” he forewent any pleasantries to get straight to the matter at hand, “I have a delivery from the doctor. She would have brought it herself but she’s currently operating on one of your officers. Lt Synthi-er!”

• Captain Zachariah Cobb