Dirk Gibbons is at his desk when the mirror-headed snake slithers in, scales scraping against the doorway. His reaction is near-instant. While his personal lantern can be twisted, in emergencies, to melt flesh, the effect is carried by light: a mirrored foe is immune. Instead, he dives for his slowing mask. He fumbles for it, curses, but it is too late - minnow-quick, the serpent lunges, Dirk is rushed with the image of his own stricken face - and suddenly he's in a desert. At his feet, a baby is crying.

He ducks down and scans the horizon. Nothing. He has no idea how the monarchies found him, or what that creature was, or how he was transported here ... but he expects danger. He takes inventory. No mask, but his lantern hangs from his belt. With it, he can create food and water to survive. While he's a spy, not an engineer, he's picked up enough to apply some more ... exotic ... effects and defend himself if necessary.

The infant wails. He squints, hesitates. Who would leave a child in the middle of a desert?