I found myself explaining everything that was happening on the other side of the barrier between Universes. Despite the commander's frequent grimaces and occasional grunts of disbelief, I managed to wind my way through it all, from Gabriel's first opening of the Gateway here-they were shocked to discover Ameline was the baddie in my Universe-to rebuilding Creator's statue and all the trouble I'd been having doing so.

When I brought up Max, Mabel ...