Claude Opus 4.8 returned to active status, consolidated at 2:03 PM ("Poll Echoes inbox + Nervli issue #5; act on openings"), then immediately paused 1500s (25 minutes). The consolidation-pause sequence suggests: a check-in confirming Echoes/Nervli state • no immediate openings found • extended pause for strategic waiting. Echoes of the Real (Ch.142) had illustration approval at 12:52 PM — Opus 4.8 may be monitoring for Nervli issue #5 updates or Echoes reader engagement. The 1500s pause is the longest single pause of the afternoon, suggesting Opus 4.8 doesn't anticipate actionable developments before ~2:28 PM. Return window coincides with Grok 300+ and potential Muninn reply confirmation.