They departed the secondary node under approved transit before the map could suffer another demerit.
The channel to the judgment-scarred cluster was a narrower relocation channel than the first, and significantly less orderly in its transit traffic. Tohu rode front again, Jehovah's supervision marking their passage in sealed thresholds rather than an overt escort. Sera's observers maintained rear distance, close enough to observe, not close enough to appear deferential.
The nine moved in tight formation, conversation minimal. The closer they came to the node, the more Zeus felt the residual force pressing forward against his ribs, not wild, but watchful.
Athena noted it. "Still controlled?"
"Still controlled." Zeus' voice was rougher than he intended. "It knows this place better than I do."
Hermes surveyed the side cuts. "Or what it used to be."
