That was the wrong reply, and it would receive no response in kind. He controlled when the prisoner would have any satisfaction, any relief--and it didn't have to happen today. If 836 continued to resist, he would simply continue the torture until he judged they were approaching a hard limit, some line that could not be crossed without risking the loss of the prisoner. He would halt to allow medical examination and a minimum of recuperation.

Then the process would continue.

The blows continued, each one precise, silently administered. Thank him, and he might consider relenting.