I dream I'm in the courtroom. Maria is there, but she's only a reflection in the blade of a giant knife. And in the background, men are ignited by an orbital strike turning a desert into an ocean of glass.

Hours have passed by the time I wake up. Much longer than I meant to rest. And another hour passes by the time I shower, dress, and take a cab into East Amber, back to the factory where Nathan was found.

I'm here, but my mind is stuck in that other case from long ago. Stuck ...