The central chamber’s sound changed when Iven entered the last accessible bay.
Not louder. Clearer.
The new receiving bank had withdrawn into its own safe state, so its local motor no longer masked the joined shaft beyond the gap. Iven heard the central check take load, the fan drawing air above the working floor, and the short metallic answer of Venn’s staff against stone.
Thirty-five meters separated the near plinth from the far service strip.
Below, hot return moved through the catch channel. The maintenance bridge remained drawn back. The near plinth’s outer edge had weathered into soft little flakes. Its center was sound. Iven put his starting foot there.
Nall stood behind the fixed barrier with Kesh.
Farther back, the local operators held their own stops. The rear workrooms were empty. Brin’s receiving pair had counted their people out. Neri, Mara, and Hend waited where work could begin after the floor was secured.
No ally stood on Venn’s side.
