Ash had been listening at doors again, which was the single most useful habit anyone in the expedition possessed.
He found Hajin on the engine stair at midmorning, towing the Watcher by one sleeve, entitled as only a child who has decided something matters can be.
"The old records talk about being three," Ash reported, breathless from the towing. "She says they are not allowed to open for grown-ups."
"The archive she keeps is nonbinding," the Watcher said, settling onto the stair beside Hajin with her staff across her knees.
"It shows what happened, nothing more. It cannot command, teach, or bind any viewer who touches it."
"Meaning the council never bothered to seal it," Hajin said.
"Meaning the council never believed anyone would need it again," she said, her old eyes holding the patience of a woman who had outlived several councils.
"Your engine disagrees with them this week."
