A disappearance, an impending execution, the arrival of a new selection of stolen supposed barriers to the end of the multiverse as we know it. Never a dull moment in Abraxas.

"Maybe even Ambrose understands that there are limits to our collective tolerance. At least he can dress a death sentence up in legality."

An under-the-radar prisoner abduction for who knows what purpose, though? Start broadcasting that one before you've got something to show for it and you're going to rock the boat a little more than you might have liked.

It's building to something. All of it - this strange and tentative peace, gilded cages for well behaved birds up above and the poorly kept coop for the others down below, all the actions not yet taken.

"I wonder if he thinks he has a handle on it."