diff --git a/cmd/mesh-controller/operator.go b/cmd/mesh-controller/operator.go
index d46d60b..af037eb 100644
--- a/cmd/mesh-controller/operator.go
+++ b/cmd/mesh-controller/operator.go
@@ -52,14 +52,13 @@ func operatorKeyMake(args []string) error {
 	if err := set.Parse(args); err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
-	if _, err := os.Stat(*out); err == nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("%s already exists; this will not overwrite a key somebody may still need", *out)
-	}
 	public, private, err := secrets.Keypair()
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
-	if err := os.WriteFile(*out, []byte(private+"\n"), 0o600); err != nil {
+	// Create-exclusive: a key somebody may still need is never overwritten, and there is no window
+	// between checking and writing in which one could appear.
+	if err := writeNew(*out, []byte(private+"\n")); err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 	fmt.Printf("operator key %s\n", secrets.Fingerprint(public))
@@ -129,14 +128,20 @@ func operatorKeyShow(ctx context.Context) error {
 		fmt.Println("the mesh has no operator key; `operator key make` then `operator key set` gives it one")
 		return nil
 	}
-	kept, unrecoverable, err := inv.KeptForOperator(ctx)
+	kept, earlier, unrecoverable, err := inv.KeptForOperator(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 	fmt.Printf("operator key %s\n  %s\n", secrets.Fingerprint(key), key)
 	fmt.Printf("  %d secret(s) recoverable with it\n", len(kept))
+	if len(earlier) > 0 {
+		fmt.Printf("  %d secret(s) sealed to an earlier operator key — recoverable with that key only, until issued again:\n", len(earlier))
+		for _, k := range earlier {
+			fmt.Printf("    %s  %s  %s  (%s)\n", k.Node, k.Module, k.Name, secrets.Fingerprint(k.Key))
+		}
+	}
 	if len(unrecoverable) > 0 {
-		fmt.Printf("  %d secret(s) not recoverable — made before it, or sealed to an earlier key:\n", len(unrecoverable))
+		fmt.Printf("  %d secret(s) not recoverable — made before the mesh had an operator key:\n", len(unrecoverable))
 		for _, k := range unrecoverable {
 			fmt.Printf("    %s  %s  %s\n", k.Node, k.Module, k.Name)
 		}
diff --git a/cmd/mesh-controller/plan.go b/cmd/mesh-controller/plan.go
index a5867b7..17eaa30 100644
--- a/cmd/mesh-controller/plan.go
+++ b/cmd/mesh-controller/plan.go
@@ -13,7 +13,6 @@ import (
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/licences"
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/secrets"
 	"net"
 	"strconv"
 )
@@ -464,27 +463,18 @@ func declarationWith(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string,
 	}
 
 	// And, for a module that keeps them, every operator-sealed secret in the mesh — the vault's
-	// copy, outside the store (novox/hq ADR 0085, amended). Read only; nothing here mints.
+	// copy, outside the store (novox/hq ADR 0085, amended). Read only; nothing here mints. The
+	// export changes whenever any secret in the mesh is made or rotated, so the vault's declaration
+	// changes with it and the vault node is sent again: that is what keeps its copy current, and
+	// the cost is one two-table read per composition of the vault's node, in every mode.
 	var kept *catalogue.KeptExport
 	for _, m := range plan.Modules {
 		if m.Keeps == "" {
 			continue
 		}
-		operator, err := inv.OperatorKey(ctx)
-		if err != nil {
+		if kept, err = inv.OperatorExport(ctx); err != nil {
 			return nil, err
 		}
-		if operator == "" {
-			break // nothing is sealed to an operator, so there is nothing to keep yet
-		}
-		recoverable, unrecoverable, err := inv.KeptForOperator(ctx)
-		if err != nil {
-			return nil, err
-		}
-		kept = &catalogue.KeptExport{
-			Export: 1, OperatorKey: operator, Fingerprint: secrets.Fingerprint(operator),
-			Kept: recoverable, Unrecoverable: unrecoverable,
-		}
 		break
 	}
 
diff --git a/cmd/mesh-controller/secret.go b/cmd/mesh-controller/secret.go
index 74a5ece..a8eb726 100644
--- a/cmd/mesh-controller/secret.go
+++ b/cmd/mesh-controller/secret.go
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ func secretCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 }
 
 const secretUsage = "secret accept <node> <module> <name> [--from <file>]\n" +
-	"secret recover <node> <module> <name> --key <operator-key> [--out <file>] [--from-export <file>]\n" +
+	"secret recover <node> <module> <name> --key <operator-key> [--out <file>] [--from-export <file>] [--provider <node>]\n" +
 	"secret export [--out <file>]"
 
 // secretRecover is break-glass: a secret opened with the operator's key, written to a file.
@@ -104,6 +104,7 @@ func secretRecover(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 	keyFile := set.String("key", "", "the operator's private key, from `operator key make`")
 	out := set.String("out", "", "where to write the value (0600); - for standard output. Default <node>.<module>.<name>.secret")
 	fromExport := set.String("from-export", "", "read the sealed copy from this `secret export` file instead of the store")
+	provider := set.String("provider", "", "for a pair credential held from more than one provider: which one")
 	if err := set.Parse(flags); err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
@@ -118,7 +119,7 @@ func secretRecover(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 
 	var kept inventory.Kept
 	if *fromExport != "" {
-		kept, err = keptFromExport(*fromExport, node, module, name)
+		kept, err = keptFromExport(*fromExport, node, module, name, *provider)
 		if err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
@@ -128,7 +129,7 @@ func secretRecover(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 			return err
 		}
 		defer open.Close()
-		kept, err = open.inventory.KeptSecret(ctx, node, module, name)
+		kept, err = open.inventory.KeptSecret(ctx, node, module, name, *provider)
 		if err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
@@ -147,10 +148,7 @@ func secretRecover(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 	if path == "" {
 		path = node + "." + module + "." + name + ".secret"
 	}
-	if _, err := os.Stat(path); err == nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("%s already exists; not overwriting it", path)
-	}
-	if err := os.WriteFile(path, value, 0o600); err != nil {
+	if err := writeNew(path, value); err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 	fmt.Printf("%s on %s: %q recovered to %s (0600) — %d bytes, origin %s\n",
@@ -181,14 +179,11 @@ func secretExport(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 	if key == "" {
 		return errors.New("the mesh has no operator key, so nothing is sealed to one; `operator key make` and `operator key set` first")
 	}
-	kept, unrecoverable, err := inv.KeptForOperator(ctx)
+	doc, err := inv.OperatorExport(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
-	body, err := json.MarshalIndent(export{
-		Export: 1, OperatorKey: key, Fingerprint: secrets.Fingerprint(key),
-		Kept: kept, Unrecoverable: unrecoverable,
-	}, "", "  ")
+	body, err := json.MarshalIndent(doc, "", "  ")
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
@@ -197,18 +192,58 @@ func secretExport(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 		_, err := os.Stdout.Write(body)
 		return err
 	}
-	if err := os.WriteFile(*out, body, 0o600); err != nil {
+	// Replaced whole, and made 0600 whether or not it existed: an export is ciphertext and a public
+	// key, but it is also the list of every secret the mesh has, and a file left at an earlier mode
+	// while the command says 0600 is a lie in the one place a person checks.
+	if err := writeReplacing(*out, body); err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 	fmt.Printf("%d secret(s) exported to %s (0600), sealed to operator key %s — ciphertext, keep it with the key\n",
-		len(kept), *out, secrets.Fingerprint(key))
-	if len(unrecoverable) > 0 {
-		fmt.Printf("  %d secret(s) are NOT in it: made before the mesh had an operator key\n", len(unrecoverable))
+		len(doc.Kept), *out, doc.Fingerprint)
+	if len(doc.EarlierKey) > 0 {
+		fmt.Printf("  %d secret(s) are sealed to an EARLIER operator key: recoverable with that key only\n", len(doc.EarlierKey))
+	}
+	if len(doc.Unrecoverable) > 0 {
+		fmt.Printf("  %d secret(s) are NOT in it: made before the mesh had an operator key\n", len(doc.Unrecoverable))
 	}
 	return nil
 }
 
-func keptFromExport(path, node, module, name string) (inventory.Kept, error) {
+// writeNew writes a file that must not exist yet, atomically: create-exclusive, 0600. A check
+// followed by a write is a window in which a key somebody still needs can be overwritten.
+func writeNew(path string, content []byte) error {
+	f, err := os.OpenFile(path, os.O_WRONLY|os.O_CREATE|os.O_EXCL, 0o600)
+	if err != nil {
+		if os.IsExist(err) {
+			return fmt.Errorf("%s already exists; not overwriting it", path)
+		}
+		return err
+	}
+	if _, err := f.Write(content); err != nil {
+		f.Close()
+		return err
+	}
+	return f.Close()
+}
+
+// writeReplacing writes a file whole, creating or truncating it, and leaves it at 0600 either way.
+func writeReplacing(path string, content []byte) error {
+	f, err := os.OpenFile(path, os.O_WRONLY|os.O_CREATE|os.O_TRUNC, 0o600)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	if _, err := f.Write(content); err != nil {
+		f.Close()
+		return err
+	}
+	if err := f.Chmod(0o600); err != nil {
+		f.Close()
+		return err
+	}
+	return f.Close()
+}
+
+func keptFromExport(path, node, module, name, provider string) (inventory.Kept, error) {
 	raw, err := os.ReadFile(path)
 	if err != nil {
 		return inventory.Kept{}, err
@@ -217,12 +252,27 @@ func keptFromExport(path, node, module, name string) (inventory.Kept, error) {
 	if err := json.Unmarshal(raw, &e); err != nil {
 		return inventory.Kept{}, fmt.Errorf("%s is not a secret export: %w", path, err)
 	}
-	for _, k := range e.Kept {
-		if k.Node == node && k.Module == module && k.Name == name {
-			return k, nil
+	// Sealed to the current key or to an earlier one: both are copies the given key might open,
+	// and Open says which. Not the unrecoverable list, which holds no copy at all.
+	var found []inventory.Kept
+	for _, k := range append(append([]inventory.Kept{}, e.Kept...), e.EarlierKey...) {
+		if k.Node == node && k.Module == module && k.Name == name && (provider == "" || k.Provider == provider) {
+			found = append(found, k)
 		}
 	}
-	return inventory.Kept{}, fmt.Errorf("%s holds no copy of %s's %q on %s", path, module, name, node)
+	switch len(found) {
+	case 0:
+		return inventory.Kept{}, fmt.Errorf("%s holds no copy of %s's %q on %s", path, module, name, node)
+	case 1:
+		return found[0], nil
+	default:
+		providers := make([]string, 0, len(found))
+		for _, f := range found {
+			providers = append(providers, f.Provider)
+		}
+		return inventory.Kept{}, fmt.Errorf("%s holds %s's %q on %s from more than one provider (%s); say which with --provider",
+			path, module, name, node, strings.Join(providers, ", "))
+	}
 }
 
 // split separates what this command is about from how it was asked.
diff --git a/internal/catalogue/declaration.go b/internal/catalogue/declaration.go
index ed635ce..c6cf0f3 100644
--- a/internal/catalogue/declaration.go
+++ b/internal/catalogue/declaration.go
@@ -763,10 +763,14 @@ type Kept struct {
 // KeptExport is what a person keeps beside the operator key, and what a vault keeps on its disk:
 // every operator-sealed copy, and the honest list of what has none.
 type KeptExport struct {
-	Export        int    `json:"export"`
-	OperatorKey   string `json:"operator-key"`
-	Fingerprint   string `json:"fingerprint"`
+	Export      int    `json:"export"`
+	OperatorKey string `json:"operator-key"`
+	Fingerprint string `json:"fingerprint"`
+	// Kept is sealed to OperatorKey. EarlierKey is sealed to a key the mesh has since replaced —
+	// recoverable with that key, if the person still has it, and with nothing else. Unrecoverable
+	// has no operator copy at all.
 	Kept          []Kept `json:"kept"`
+	EarlierKey    []Kept `json:"sealed-to-earlier-key,omitempty"`
 	Unrecoverable []Kept `json:"unrecoverable,omitempty"`
 }
 
diff --git a/internal/inventory/operator.go b/internal/inventory/operator.go
index 848b77a..7e6b0b5 100644
--- a/internal/inventory/operator.go
+++ b/internal/inventory/operator.go
@@ -4,10 +4,12 @@ import (
 	"context"
 	"errors"
 	"fmt"
+	"strings"
 
 	"github.com/jackc/pgx/v5"
 
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/secrets"
 )
 
 // The operator's sealing key: the one holder of secrets that is not a node.
@@ -18,6 +20,29 @@ import (
 // What is recorded here is the public half, which is all the mesh needs to seal to it; what it
 // yields is one more blob per secret that the mesh cannot open.
 
+// operatorColumns is the pair of nullable columns a secret row carries for its operator copy:
+// both null when the mesh has no operator key, so a row says plainly that no such copy exists.
+func operatorColumns(operator, blob string) (sealed, key *string) {
+	if operator == "" || blob == "" {
+		return nil, nil
+	}
+	return &blob, &operator
+}
+
+// operatorSeal seals a value somebody supplied to the operator key, when the mesh has one.
+func (i *Inventory) operatorSeal(ctx context.Context, value string) (sealed, key *string, err error) {
+	operator, err := i.OperatorKey(ctx)
+	if err != nil || operator == "" {
+		return nil, nil, err
+	}
+	blob, err := secrets.Seal(operator, []byte(value))
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, nil, err
+	}
+	sealed, key = operatorColumns(operator, blob)
+	return sealed, key, nil
+}
+
 // OperatorKey is the public key secrets are also sealed to, or empty when the mesh has none.
 func (i *Inventory) OperatorKey(ctx context.Context) (string, error) {
 	var key string
@@ -44,9 +69,12 @@ func (i *Inventory) SetOperatorKey(ctx context.Context, public string) (orphaned
 		return 0, err
 	}
 	defer tx.Rollback(ctx)
+	// Both tables: a module's own secrets and the pair credentials. A count over one of them said
+	// "nothing orphaned" about a mesh whose every vault-provided secret had just been.
 	if err := tx.QueryRow(ctx,
-		`select count(*) from module_secret
-		  where operator_key is not null and operator_key <> $1`, public).Scan(&orphaned); err != nil {
+		`select (select count(*) from module_secret where operator_key is not null and operator_key <> $1)
+		      + (select count(*) from secret        where operator_key is not null and operator_key <> $1)`,
+		public).Scan(&orphaned); err != nil {
 		return 0, err
 	}
 	if _, err := tx.Exec(ctx, `delete from operator_key where public <> $1`, public); err != nil {
@@ -62,12 +90,38 @@ func (i *Inventory) SetOperatorKey(ctx context.Context, public string) (orphaned
 // Kept is the catalogue's: one secret as the operator can recover it.
 type Kept = catalogue.Kept
 
-// KeptForOperator is every secret the operator can recover, and which cannot.
+// OperatorExport is the export as the operator and the vault both keep it: every secret sealed to
+// the mesh's current operator key, every one sealed to an earlier key (recoverable with that key,
+// if the person still has it), and every one with no operator copy at all. Nil when the mesh has
+// no operator key. One constructor, so the file `secret export` writes and the file the mesh puts
+// on the vault's disk cannot drift apart.
+func (i *Inventory) OperatorExport(ctx context.Context) (*catalogue.KeptExport, error) {
+	operator, err := i.OperatorKey(ctx)
+	if err != nil || operator == "" {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	kept, earlier, unrecoverable, err := i.KeptForOperator(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return &catalogue.KeptExport{
+		Export: 1, OperatorKey: operator, Fingerprint: secrets.Fingerprint(operator),
+		Kept: kept, EarlierKey: earlier, Unrecoverable: unrecoverable,
+	}, nil
+}
+
+// KeptForOperator is every secret by what can open it: the mesh's current operator key, an
+// earlier operator key, or nothing.
 //
-// The second list is the honest half: a secret minted before the mesh had an operator key has no
-// operator-sealed copy and cannot get one — the plaintext was discarded. Naming those is what lets
-// an export say what it does not cover, rather than being taken for complete.
-func (i *Inventory) KeptForOperator(ctx context.Context) (kept []Kept, unrecoverable []Kept, err error) {
+// The last two are the honest half. A secret minted before the mesh had an operator key has no
+// operator-sealed copy and cannot get one — the plaintext was discarded; one sealed to a key the
+// mesh has since replaced is not opened by the current key, however the export is labelled. Naming
+// both is what lets an export say what it does not cover, rather than being taken for complete.
+func (i *Inventory) KeptForOperator(ctx context.Context) (kept, earlier, unrecoverable []Kept, err error) {
+	current, err := i.OperatorKey(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, nil, nil, err
+	}
 	rows, err := i.store.Pool().Query(ctx,
 		`select 'own', n.name, s.module, s.name, '', s.origin, coalesce(s.operator_sealed, ''),
 		        coalesce(s.operator_key, ''), s.made_at
@@ -78,27 +132,34 @@ func (i *Inventory) KeptForOperator(ctx context.Context) (kept []Kept, unrecover
 		   from secret s join node c on c.id = s.consumer join node p on p.id = s.provider
 		  order by 1, 2, 3, 4`)
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, nil, err
+		return nil, nil, nil, err
 	}
 	defer rows.Close()
 	for rows.Next() {
 		var k Kept
 		if err := rows.Scan(&k.Kind, &k.Node, &k.Module, &k.Name, &k.Provider, &k.Origin, &k.Sealed, &k.Key, &k.MadeAt); err != nil {
-			return nil, nil, err
+			return nil, nil, nil, err
 		}
-		if k.Sealed == "" {
+		switch {
+		case k.Sealed == "":
 			unrecoverable = append(unrecoverable, k)
-			continue
+		case k.Key != current:
+			earlier = append(earlier, k)
+		default:
+			kept = append(kept, k)
 		}
-		kept = append(kept, k)
 	}
-	return kept, unrecoverable, rows.Err()
+	return kept, earlier, unrecoverable, rows.Err()
 }
 
 // KeptSecret is one secret's operator-sealed copy, for recovery.
-func (i *Inventory) KeptSecret(ctx context.Context, node, module, name string) (Kept, error) {
-	// An own secret first, then a pair credential by the provision's name. A module whose own
-	// secret and requirement share a name is refused at resolution, so the two cannot both answer.
+//
+// An own secret first, then a pair credential by the provision's name — a module whose own secret
+// and requirement share a name is refused at resolution, so the two cannot both answer. A pair
+// credential is keyed by provider as well, and a consumer whose provision moved leaves the old
+// provider's row behind: two rows is refused with both providers named, never answered with
+// whichever came first, unless `provider` says which.
+func (i *Inventory) KeptSecret(ctx context.Context, node, module, name, provider string) (Kept, error) {
 	var k Kept
 	err := i.store.Pool().QueryRow(ctx,
 		`select 'own', n.name, s.module, s.name, '', s.origin, coalesce(s.operator_sealed, ''),
@@ -107,12 +168,40 @@ func (i *Inventory) KeptSecret(ctx context.Context, node, module, name string) (
 		  where n.name = $1 and s.module = $2 and s.name = $3`, node, module, name).
 		Scan(&k.Kind, &k.Node, &k.Module, &k.Name, &k.Provider, &k.Origin, &k.Sealed, &k.Key, &k.MadeAt)
 	if errors.Is(err, pgx.ErrNoRows) {
-		err = i.store.Pool().QueryRow(ctx,
+		rows, qerr := i.store.Pool().Query(ctx,
 			`select 'pair', c.name, s.consumer_module, s.name, p.name, 'made', coalesce(s.operator_sealed, ''),
 			        coalesce(s.operator_key, ''), s.created_at
 			   from secret s join node c on c.id = s.consumer join node p on p.id = s.provider
-			  where c.name = $1 and s.consumer_module = $2 and s.name = $3`, node, module, name).
-			Scan(&k.Kind, &k.Node, &k.Module, &k.Name, &k.Provider, &k.Origin, &k.Sealed, &k.Key, &k.MadeAt)
+			  where c.name = $1 and s.consumer_module = $2 and s.name = $3 and ($4 = '' or p.name = $4)
+			  order by p.name`, node, module, name, provider)
+		if qerr != nil {
+			return Kept{}, qerr
+		}
+		defer rows.Close()
+		var found []Kept
+		for rows.Next() {
+			var row Kept
+			if err := rows.Scan(&row.Kind, &row.Node, &row.Module, &row.Name, &row.Provider, &row.Origin, &row.Sealed, &row.Key, &row.MadeAt); err != nil {
+				return Kept{}, err
+			}
+			found = append(found, row)
+		}
+		if err := rows.Err(); err != nil {
+			return Kept{}, err
+		}
+		switch len(found) {
+		case 0:
+			err = pgx.ErrNoRows
+		case 1:
+			k, err = found[0], nil
+		default:
+			providers := make([]string, 0, len(found))
+			for _, f := range found {
+				providers = append(providers, f.Provider)
+			}
+			return Kept{}, fmt.Errorf("%s on %s holds a %q credential from more than one provider (%s); say which with --provider",
+				module, node, name, strings.Join(providers, ", "))
+		}
 	}
 	if errors.Is(err, pgx.ErrNoRows) {
 		return Kept{}, fmt.Errorf("%s on %s holds nothing called %q — neither a secret of its own nor a credential for a provision", module, node, name)
diff --git a/internal/inventory/operator_test.go b/internal/inventory/operator_test.go
index 6ead7c5..4db167a 100644
--- a/internal/inventory/operator_test.go
+++ b/internal/inventory/operator_test.go
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ package inventory
 
 import (
 	"context"
+	"strings"
 	"testing"
 
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
@@ -20,10 +21,10 @@ func TestAnOwnSecretIsSealedToTheOperatorToo(t *testing.T) {
 	if _, err := inv.SecretForModule(ctx, "consumer", "postgres", "superuser"); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
-	if _, err := inv.KeptSecret(ctx, "consumer", "postgres", "superuser"); err == nil {
+	if _, err := inv.KeptSecret(ctx, "consumer", "postgres", "superuser", ""); err == nil {
 		t.Fatal("a secret made before the operator key was reported recoverable")
 	}
-	kept, unrecoverable, err := inv.KeptForOperator(ctx)
+	kept, _, unrecoverable, err := inv.KeptForOperator(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
@@ -46,14 +47,14 @@ func TestAnOwnSecretIsSealedToTheOperatorToo(t *testing.T) {
 	if err := inv.AcceptSecretForModule(ctx, "provider", "postgres", "replication", "given-by-a-person"); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
-	kept, unrecoverable, err = inv.KeptForOperator(ctx)
+	kept, _, unrecoverable, err = inv.KeptForOperator(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
 	if len(kept) != 2 || len(unrecoverable) != 1 {
 		t.Fatalf("after a key: %d kept, %d unrecoverable", len(kept), len(unrecoverable))
 	}
-	got, err := inv.KeptSecret(ctx, "provider", "postgres", "replication")
+	got, err := inv.KeptSecret(ctx, "provider", "postgres", "replication", "")
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
@@ -67,7 +68,7 @@ func TestAnOwnSecretIsSealedToTheOperatorToo(t *testing.T) {
 	if got.Origin != "accepted" || got.Key != pub {
 		t.Fatalf("kept as %+v", got)
 	}
-	minted, err := inv.KeptSecret(ctx, "provider", "postgres", "superuser")
+	minted, err := inv.KeptSecret(ctx, "provider", "postgres", "superuser", "")
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
@@ -75,26 +76,59 @@ func TestAnOwnSecretIsSealedToTheOperatorToo(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("the minted secret did not open to a 40-character value: %v", err)
 	}
 
-	// The old secret, remade for a rejoined node, becomes recoverable — it was issued again.
+	// The old secret is kept, not resealed: asking again is a read, the plaintext is gone, and it
+	// stays honestly unrecoverable.
 	if _, err := inv.SecretForModule(ctx, "consumer", "postgres", "superuser"); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
-	if _, err := inv.KeptSecret(ctx, "consumer", "postgres", "superuser"); err == nil {
+	if _, err := inv.KeptSecret(ctx, "consumer", "postgres", "superuser", ""); err == nil {
 		t.Fatal("asking again did not remake, yet it became recoverable")
 	}
+	// Until the node rejoins with a new sealing key: then the secret is remade, and the remake is
+	// sealed to the operator — the one scenario the vault exists for.
+	rejoined, err := inv.NodeByName(ctx, "consumer")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	newKey, _ := aSealingKey(t)
+	if err := inv.RecordSealingKey(ctx, rejoined.ID, newKey); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, err := inv.SecretForModule(ctx, "consumer", "postgres", "superuser"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	remade, err := inv.KeptSecret(ctx, "consumer", "postgres", "superuser", "")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("the remade secret is not recoverable: %v", err)
+	}
+	if _, err := secrets.Open(priv, remade.Sealed); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
 
-	// Replacing the key says how many secrets stay sealed to the old one.
+	// Replacing the key says how many secrets stay sealed to the old one — and those move out of
+	// the recoverable list, whatever the export is labelled with.
 	pub2, _, _ := secrets.Keypair()
 	orphaned, err := inv.SetOperatorKey(ctx, pub2)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
-	if orphaned != 2 {
-		t.Fatalf("replacing the key orphaned %d, and two were sealed to it", orphaned)
+	if orphaned != 3 {
+		t.Fatalf("replacing the key orphaned %d, and three were sealed to it", orphaned)
 	}
 	if now, _ := inv.OperatorKey(ctx); now != pub2 {
 		t.Fatal("the new key is not the mesh's key")
 	}
+	kept, earlier, _, err := inv.KeptForOperator(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if len(kept) != 0 || len(earlier) != 3 {
+		t.Fatalf("after replacing the key: %d recoverable with it, %d sealed to the earlier key", len(kept), len(earlier))
+	}
+	doc, err := inv.OperatorExport(ctx)
+	if err != nil || doc == nil || len(doc.EarlierKey) != 3 || len(doc.Kept) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the export does not say what the current key cannot open: %+v %v", doc, err)
+	}
 }
 
 // A pair credential — what the vault provides a module — is sealed to the operator too, and the
@@ -134,13 +168,42 @@ func TestAPairCredentialIsSealedToTheOperatorToo(t *testing.T) {
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
-	kept, err := inv.KeptSecret(ctx, "consumer", "gitea", "secret")
+	kept, err := inv.KeptSecret(ctx, "consumer", "gitea", "secret", "")
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
 	if kept.Kind != "pair" || kept.Provider != "provider" {
 		t.Fatalf("kept as %+v", kept)
 	}
+	all, _, _, err := inv.KeptForOperator(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	var pairs int
+	for _, k := range all {
+		if k.Kind == "pair" {
+			pairs++
+		}
+	}
+	if pairs != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("%d pair credential(s) recoverable, expected 1", pairs)
+	}
+
+	// A second provider of the same provision: two rows, refused rather than the first one taken,
+	// unless the provider is named. And replacing the key counts pair credentials as orphaned.
+	if _, err := inv.SecretFor(ctx, "secret", "consumer", "gitea", "consumer"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, err := inv.KeptSecret(ctx, "consumer", "gitea", "secret", ""); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "--provider") {
+		t.Fatalf("two providers were not refused: %v", err)
+	}
+	if byName, err := inv.KeptSecret(ctx, "consumer", "gitea", "secret", "provider"); err != nil || byName.Provider != "provider" {
+		t.Fatalf("naming the provider did not select it: %+v %v", byName, err)
+	}
+	pub2, _, _ := secrets.Keypair()
+	if orphaned, err := inv.SetOperatorKey(ctx, pub2); err != nil || orphaned != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("replacing the key orphaned %d pair credential(s), and two were sealed to it (%v)", orphaned, err)
+	}
 	fromOperator, err := secrets.Open(priv, kept.Sealed)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
@@ -153,17 +216,4 @@ func TestAPairCredentialIsSealedToTheOperatorToo(t *testing.T) {
 	if string(fromOperator) != string(fromNode) {
 		t.Fatal("the operator's copy of the pair credential differs from the consumer's")
 	}
-	all, _, err := inv.KeptForOperator(ctx)
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	var pairs int
-	for _, k := range all {
-		if k.Kind == "pair" {
-			pairs++
-		}
-	}
-	if pairs != 1 {
-		t.Fatalf("%d pair credential(s) in the export, expected 1", pairs)
-	}
 }
diff --git a/internal/inventory/secrets.go b/internal/inventory/secrets.go
index 182f0c7..9f7caf7 100644
--- a/internal/inventory/secrets.go
+++ b/internal/inventory/secrets.go
@@ -80,18 +80,11 @@ func (i *Inventory) SecretFor(ctx context.Context, name, consumer, consumerModul
 	if err != nil {
 		return Secret{}, err
 	}
-	var also []string
-	if operator != "" {
-		also = append(also, operator)
-	}
-	made, more, err := secrets.MakeAlso(consumerKey, providerKey, also...)
+	made, blob, err := secrets.MakeWithOperator(consumerKey, providerKey, operator)
 	if err != nil {
 		return Secret{}, err
 	}
-	var forOperator, operatorKey *string
-	if operator != "" {
-		forOperator, operatorKey = &more[0], &operator
-	}
+	forOperator, operatorKey := operatorColumns(operator, blob)
 	_, err = i.store.Pool().Exec(ctx,
 		`insert into secret (name, consumer, consumer_module, provider, for_consumer, for_provider,
 		                     consumer_key, provider_key, operator_sealed, operator_key)
@@ -246,21 +239,14 @@ func (i *Inventory) SecretForModule(ctx context.Context, node, module, name stri
 	if err != nil {
 		return "", err
 	}
-	var also []string
-	if operator != "" {
-		also = append(also, operator)
-	}
-	made, more, err := secrets.MakeAlso(key, key, also...)
-	if err != nil {
-		return "", err
-	}
 	// Sealed once to the machine — Make seals to two ends because a provision has two; here both
 	// are the same machine, and only one copy is kept — and once more to the operator when the
 	// mesh has one (novox/hq ADR 0085, amended), which is the copy a person can recover from.
-	var forOperator, operatorKey *string
-	if operator != "" {
-		forOperator, operatorKey = &more[0], &operator
+	made, blob, err := secrets.MakeWithOperator(key, key, operator)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", err
 	}
+	forOperator, operatorKey := operatorColumns(operator, blob)
 	if _, err := i.store.Pool().Exec(ctx,
 		`insert into module_secret (node, module, name, sealed, node_key, origin, operator_sealed, operator_key)
 		 values ($1, $2, $3, $4, $5, 'made', $6, $7)
@@ -304,18 +290,10 @@ func (i *Inventory) AcceptSecretForModule(ctx context.Context, node, module, nam
 	}
 	// And to the operator, when the mesh has one: a value a person supplied is the one a person
 	// most needs to get back, since the mesh cannot make another (novox/hq ADR 0085, amended).
-	operator, err := i.OperatorKey(ctx)
+	forOperator, operatorKey, err := i.operatorSeal(ctx, value)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
-	var forOperator, operatorKey *string
-	if operator != "" {
-		blob, err := secrets.Seal(operator, []byte(value))
-		if err != nil {
-			return err
-		}
-		forOperator, operatorKey = &blob, &operator
-	}
 	_, err = i.store.Pool().Exec(ctx,
 		`insert into module_secret (node, module, name, sealed, node_key, origin, operator_sealed, operator_key)
 		 values ($1, $2, $3, $4, $5, 'accepted', $6, $7)
diff --git a/internal/secrets/operator_test.go b/internal/secrets/operator_test.go
index 41336e3..e6b1996 100644
--- a/internal/secrets/operator_test.go
+++ b/internal/secrets/operator_test.go
@@ -12,18 +12,21 @@ func TestAThirdRecipientOpensWithItsOwnKeyOnly(t *testing.T) {
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
-	sealed, more, err := MakeAlso(nodePub, nodePub, opPub)
+	sealed, forOperator, err := MakeWithOperator(nodePub, nodePub, opPub)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
-	if len(more) != 1 {
-		t.Fatalf("%d extra blobs for one extra key", len(more))
+	if forOperator == "" {
+		t.Fatal("no blob for the operator")
+	}
+	if _, none, err := MakeWithOperator(nodePub, nodePub, ""); err != nil || none != "" {
+		t.Fatalf("no operator key, yet a blob %q (%v)", none, err)
 	}
 	fromNode, err := Open(nodePriv, sealed.ForConsumer)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
-	fromOperator, err := Open(opPriv, more[0])
+	fromOperator, err := Open(opPriv, forOperator)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
@@ -33,7 +36,7 @@ func TestAThirdRecipientOpensWithItsOwnKeyOnly(t *testing.T) {
 	if len(fromNode) != 40 {
 		t.Fatalf("a minted value is %d characters, not 40", len(fromNode))
 	}
-	if _, err := Open(nodePriv, more[0]); err == nil {
+	if _, err := Open(nodePriv, forOperator); err == nil {
 		t.Fatal("the node's key opened the operator's blob")
 	}
 	if _, err := Open(opPriv, sealed.ForConsumer); err == nil {
diff --git a/internal/secrets/seal.go b/internal/secrets/seal.go
index 3dff1de..a26f3f5 100644
--- a/internal/secrets/seal.go
+++ b/internal/secrets/seal.go
@@ -51,22 +51,22 @@ type Sealed struct {
 // rather than reading the old one back — the only version of rotation that is honest about what
 // the mesh knows.
 func Make(consumerKey, providerKey string) (Sealed, error) {
-	sealed, _, err := MakeAlso(consumerKey, providerKey)
+	sealed, _, err := MakeWithOperator(consumerKey, providerKey, "")
 	return sealed, err
 }
 
-// MakeAlso is Make with further recipients: the same fresh value, sealed once more to each key in
-// `also`, returned in that order.
+// MakeWithOperator is Make with a third recipient: the same fresh value, sealed once more to the
+// operator's key, returned beside the two node blobs — or "" when the mesh has no operator key.
 //
-// **For the operator key, and nothing else so far** (novox/hq ADR 0085, amended). A secret a module
-// holds for itself is sealed to its node and, when the mesh has an operator key, to that as well —
-// so a person holding the key can recover it when the node cannot. The plaintext still exists only
-// inside this call; a third blob is one more thing the mesh cannot open, not one more copy it can.
-func MakeAlso(consumerKey, providerKey string, also ...string) (Sealed, []string, error) {
+// The operator is the one holder that is not a node (novox/hq ADR 0085, amended): a person with a
+// key that never entered the mesh, who can recover a secret when the node cannot. The plaintext
+// still exists only inside this call; a third blob is one more thing the mesh cannot open, not one
+// more copy it can.
+func MakeWithOperator(consumerKey, providerKey, operatorKey string) (Sealed, string, error) {
 	if consumerKey == "" || providerKey == "" {
 		// Sealing to an empty key would produce a blob nobody can open, stored as though it were
 		// a working credential. The caller knows which node is which and says so.
-		return Sealed{}, nil, fmt.Errorf("both ends need a sealing key before a secret can be made")
+		return Sealed{}, "", fmt.Errorf("both ends need a sealing key before a secret can be made")
 	}
 
 	// 30 bytes, not 32: base64url of 30 is exactly 40 characters, and 40 is the longest secret an
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ func MakeAlso(consumerKey, providerKey string, also ...string) (Sealed, []string
 	// "fit the tightest backend" rule ADR 0049 sets for the login, on the secret. 240 bits is ample.
 	value := make([]byte, 30)
 	if _, err := rand.Read(value); err != nil {
-		return Sealed{}, nil, err
+		return Sealed{}, "", err
 	}
 	// Base64 without padding, because it lands in a configuration file something else parses and
 	// a password containing a newline or a quote is a support call.
@@ -82,24 +82,22 @@ func MakeAlso(consumerKey, providerKey string, also ...string) (Sealed, []string
 
 	forConsumer, err := Seal(consumerKey, []byte(password))
 	if err != nil {
-		return Sealed{}, nil, err
+		return Sealed{}, "", err
 	}
 	forProvider, err := Seal(providerKey, []byte(password))
 	if err != nil {
-		return Sealed{}, nil, err
+		return Sealed{}, "", err
 	}
-	more := make([]string, 0, len(also))
-	for _, key := range also {
-		blob, err := Seal(key, []byte(password))
-		if err != nil {
-			return Sealed{}, nil, err
+	var forOperator string
+	if operatorKey != "" {
+		if forOperator, err = Seal(operatorKey, []byte(password)); err != nil {
+			return Sealed{}, "", err
 		}
-		more = append(more, blob)
 	}
 	return Sealed{
 		ForConsumer: forConsumer, ForProvider: forProvider,
 		ConsumerKey: consumerKey, ProviderKey: providerKey,
-	}, more, nil
+	}, forOperator, nil
 }
 
 // Accept seals a value somebody supplied, rather than one the mesh made.