The first purge surge reached the wash corridor before Martin could see where the passage ended. Water struck the channel beneath the grated floor and lifted mist through every opening. The iron under Kumoe's paws trembled, but she kept her teeth around the litter strap while Orell and Vessa held the rear frame. Katherine and Kinnami advanced Open Ward beneath the group with its front open and space behind Martin for the water to pass.
The folded inspection bridge had severed more than their route. Rias and Alexandra had disappeared from the party channel, and the freight wardens' incident link showed only an isolation warning. Martin could not tell whether either woman had caught the fleeing operators. He kept Rainwarden Sword in his right hand and his supported left forearm against his chest as the settling shaft vanished behind another bend.
