The working region was worse than the holding court, not because it was cruel, but because it was honest. The density pressed heavier on the skin, the pathways marked with Sera's authority in clear, continuous lines. Local operators moved past with brief, measuring glances, those who had been told the nine here were sanctioned assets and should not be interfered with. No chains. No cells. Just a cage with better lighting and more traffic.
They were given a low structure of dark stone and muted gold as temporary quarters near the edge of an active transit node. From the open archways they could see Continuum traffic moving in the middle distance-con signings of power, armored relays, distant figures traveling under House colors none of them recognized. It should have felt like an upgrade from sealed containment and instead it felt as if they had been put on a shelf for buyers to get an improved look.
Sun Wukong lasted less than a day before the words came out.
