diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/approval.go b/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/approval.go
index 32e42916f..9b4c5718f 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/approval.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/approval.go
@@ -313,7 +313,6 @@ func (h *Holder) headsHold(d *Delivery, c *ReadyRun) bool {
 // A Decline stands, and is not ended. An ask none of whose deliveries can still merge by it is taken away after
 // (endAsksOfFinished). Under the lock; the cancels run with the look's asks.
 func (h *Holder) endStaleAsks() {
-	h.endStaleSettles()
 	ending := map[string]bool{}
 	for _, d := range h.deliveries {
 		r := d.Ready
@@ -674,7 +673,7 @@ func (h *Holder) hearAsks() {
 		return
 	}
 	h.mu.Lock()
-	keys := append(h.pendingAsks(), h.settleKeys()...)
+	keys := h.pendingAsks()
 	h.mu.Unlock()
 	for _, key := range keys {
 		answer, err := h.Operator.Where(key)
@@ -686,12 +685,7 @@ func (h *Holder) hearAsks() {
 			continue
 		}
 		h.mu.Lock()
-		var said []func()
-		if h.isSettleKey(key) {
-			h.settled(key, *answer) // a person's settle ask (settle.go, novox/hq ADR 0556 clause 5)
-		} else {
-			said = h.answered(key, *answer)
-		}
+		said := h.answered(key, *answer)
 		h.mu.Unlock()
 		for _, s := range said {
 			s()
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/main.go b/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/main.go
index 6430fa230..5b73dbf71 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/main.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/main.go
@@ -397,30 +397,6 @@ func tools(h *Holder, l *listening) []stdio.Tool {
 				}
 				return h.Close(strArg(a, "id"), strArg(a, "why"))
 			}},
-		{Name: seat + "settle",
-			Description: "Ask the operator to settle deliveries held because their merge reached the trunk without a passing check: " +
-				"one ask on the operator's channel for all of them, as an Approve is asked. The verb moves nothing; on the operator's " +
-				"answer each goes to merged, and whether it is on the machines is derived as for any merge (novox/hq ADR 0556). " +
-				"Refused, nothing asked, when any delivery named is not held or is held for another reason, naming why.",
-			Input: map[string]any{"type": "object", "additionalProperties": false, "required": []string{"ids", "why"},
-				"properties": map[string]any{
-					"ids": map[string]any{"type": "array", "items": map[string]any{"type": "string"}, "minItems": 1,
-						"description": "the held deliveries' ids (owner/repository@commit)"},
-					"why": str("why they may be settled, shown to the operator")}},
-			Run: func(a map[string]any) (any, error) {
-				var ids []string
-				switch v := a["ids"].(type) {
-				case []any:
-					for _, x := range v {
-						if s, ok := x.(string); ok {
-							ids = append(ids, s)
-						}
-					}
-				case []string:
-					ids = v
-				}
-				return h.Settle(ids, strArg(a, "why"), aPerson)
-			}},
 		{Name: "delivery_merge_again",
 			Description: "On the operator's word, ask again at once the merge of an approved delivery the forge refused, or of an approved " +
 				"group held or half merged, at the heads the Approve named (novox/hq issue 1275): every member is read first and " +
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/manifest_test.go b/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/manifest_test.go
index 141ad05c0..2a340989e 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/manifest_test.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/manifest_test.go
@@ -11,7 +11,6 @@ import (
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
-	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-delivery/contracts/go/clients/meshdeliveryclient"
 	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/buscalls"
 	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/seatlist/seatlisttest"
@@ -76,9 +75,9 @@ func TestItClaimsTheDeliverySeatAndFollowsWhatItHandles(t *testing.T) {
 	if len(m.Seats) != 0 {
 		t.Fatal("the manifest declares a seat; mesh-delivery is the mesh's own")
 	}
-	// The eight verbs the seat keeps (ADR 0539 §17): times, what-if, release, stop and retire-history went with the plans; and
-	// settle, a person's ask to settle merges held without a passing check (ADR 0556 clause 5).
-	if want := []string{"deliveries", "show", "groups", "source", "checks", "table", "stalled", "recheck", "close", "settle"}; !reflect.DeepEqual(m.Claims[0].Serves, want) {
+	// The verbs the seat keeps: times, what-if, release, stop and retire-history went with the plans (ADR 0539 §17), and
+	// settle with the merge states (design 47 G §431).
+	if want := []string{"deliveries", "show", "groups", "source", "checks", "table", "stalled", "recheck", "close"}; !reflect.DeepEqual(m.Claims[0].Serves, want) {
 		t.Fatalf("serves %v, wanted %v", m.Claims[0].Serves, want)
 	}
 	// The forge messages' layout is the bridge's published package forgemsg, taken by its series (ADR 0634 §3, design 32).
@@ -138,9 +137,9 @@ func TestItClaimsTheDeliverySeatAndFollowsWhatItHandles(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("the manifest still names check-gates-merge (%v)", err)
 	}
 	// W11.20: the gate keeps its records in a ledger and reads its fill before it opens one, so it is held off a machine whose
-	// tool runner answers neither (the fill a capability of its own, the lead's ruling).
-	if !reflect.DeepEqual(m.Capabilities, []string{buscalls.LedgerCalls, buscalls.LedgerFillCalls}) {
-		t.Fatalf("capabilities %v, want %s and %s", m.Capabilities, buscalls.LedgerCalls, buscalls.LedgerFillCalls)
+	// tool runner answers neither (the fill and the removal one capability, ledger-upkeep-calls, design 47 G §587).
+	if !reflect.DeepEqual(m.Capabilities, []string{buscalls.LedgerCalls, buscalls.LedgerUpkeepCalls}) {
+		t.Fatalf("capabilities %v, want %s and %s", m.Capabilities, buscalls.LedgerCalls, buscalls.LedgerUpkeepCalls)
 	}
 	// What it reads: the checker's verdicts alone (issue 1302; they go with the checker). The teller's answers and the delivery
 	// view's reach, which `deliveries` and `show` derive whether a merge is on the machines from (ADR 0556 clause 4), are no
@@ -286,12 +285,12 @@ func TestTheGateHoldsTheSeatAsTheSDKsTableOfRelease6HasIt(t *testing.T) {
 			served[verb] = true
 		}
 	}
-	for removed := range meshdeliveryclient.RemovedVerbs() {
+	for _, removed := range []string{"settle"} { // design 47 G §431
 		if served[removed] {
-			t.Errorf("the gate serves %s, which release 6 removed: the SDK answers it by name", removed)
+			t.Errorf("the gate serves %s, which G removed with the merge states", removed)
 		}
 		if slices.Contains(manifest.Claims[0].Serves, removed) {
-			t.Errorf("the manifest serves %s, which release 6 removed", removed)
+			t.Errorf("the manifest serves %s, which G removed with the merge states", removed)
 		}
 	}
 	for _, verb := range []string{"deliveries", "show", "groups", "checks", "table", "stalled", "recheck", "close"} {
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/model.go b/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/model.go
index 340bd7dac..6f275fb34 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/model.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/model.go
@@ -106,10 +106,6 @@ type Delivery struct {
 	// trunk's head, before the operator is asked (novox/hq ADR 0421 §3, issue 1022). Cleared when it is asked.
 	FreshWanted bool `json:"fresh_wanted,omitempty"`
 
-	// Settle is the settle ask a person had written for it while it is held for a merge without a passing check (settle.go,
-	// novox/hq ADR 0556 clause 5): its key in the gate's asks, why, who asked and when, and the operator's answer once read.
-	Settle *SettleAsk `json:"settle,omitempty"`
-
 	Transitions []Transition `json:"transitions,omitempty"`
 	// Owed are the forge's and the bus's effects of its transitions not yet done: said only after the
 	// delivery is kept, retried until done.
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/record.go b/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/record.go
index f99abaa03..1d5123b51 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/record.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/record.go
@@ -275,7 +275,7 @@ type RecordLedger interface {
 	Apply(instance, operation string, body any) (uint64, error)
 	// Get is the instance's state and the sequence of its last operation; a nil state when it has none.
 	Get(instance string) (json.RawMessage, uint64, error)
-	// Remove removes a record with its operations and its snapshot (OpRemove); an error when any of them stays.
+	// Remove removes a record with its operations and its snapshot through the tool runner's ledger removal.
 	Remove(instance string) error
 }
 
@@ -312,15 +312,16 @@ func applyCall(instance, operation string, body any) (buscalls.Applied, error) {
 	return got, nil
 }
 
-// Remove applies OpRemove and reads the ledger's answer: a removal that left the record's operations, its snapshot or its
-// state is an error, so the retention says it rather than leaving a record's history to grow unseen.
+// Remove asks the tool runner to remove the record's operations, its snapshot and its keys (buscalls.LedgerRemove, design
+// 47 G §587); an instance the ledger does not hold answers none removed, so a removal said twice changes nothing.
 func (sdkLedger) Remove(instance string) error {
-	got, err := applyCall(instance, OpRemove, map[string]any{})
+	out, err := ledgerCall(buscalls.LedgerRemove, buscalls.LedgerRemoveRequest{Ledger: RecordsLedger, Instance: instance})
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
-	if !got.Removed {
-		return fmt.Errorf("the ledger removed %s but kept its operations or its snapshot (removed false at sequence %d)", instance, got.Sequence)
+	var got buscalls.LedgerRemoved
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(out, &got); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("the ledger's answer to the removal of %s is not readable: %w", instance, err)
 	}
 	return nil
 }
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/record_test.go b/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/record_test.go
index a5d091560..d1a7f09e4 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/record_test.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/record_test.go
@@ -787,19 +787,33 @@ func TestTheRecordsToolsReadThemAndEndOneByHand(t *testing.T) {
 			t.Fatalf("a second repair did something: %+v", lines)
 		}
 	})
-	t.Run("a removal that keeps the record's operations is an error", func(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Run("a removal asks the runtime's ledger removal of the instance, and one said twice changes nothing", func(t *testing.T) {
 		was := ledgerCall
 		t.Cleanup(func() { ledgerCall = was })
-		removed := false
+		var asked []buscalls.LedgerRemoveRequest
 		ledgerCall = func(method string, body any) (json.RawMessage, error) {
-			return json.Marshal(buscalls.Applied{Taken: true, Sequence: 4, Removed: removed})
+			in, ok := body.(buscalls.LedgerRemoveRequest)
+			if method != buscalls.LedgerRemove || !ok {
+				t.Fatalf("the removal called %s with %T", method, body)
+			}
+			asked = append(asked, in)
+			if len(asked) == 1 {
+				return json.Marshal(buscalls.LedgerRemoved{Instance: in.Instance, Operations: 3, Bytes: 900})
+			}
+			return json.Marshal(buscalls.LedgerRemoved{Instance: in.Instance})
 		}
-		if err := (sdkLedger{}).Remove("record/47_G/0011223344556677"); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "kept its operations") {
-			t.Fatalf("a removal that kept its operations: %v", err)
+		const inst = "record/47_G/0011223344556677"
+		for range 2 {
+			if err := (sdkLedger{}).Remove(inst); err != nil {
+				t.Fatal(err)
+			}
 		}
-		removed = true
-		if err := (sdkLedger{}).Remove("record/47_G/0011223344556677"); err != nil {
-			t.Fatal(err)
+		if len(asked) != 2 || asked[0].Ledger != RecordsLedger || asked[0].Instance != inst {
+			t.Fatalf("asked %+v", asked)
+		}
+		ledgerCall = func(string, any) (json.RawMessage, error) { return nil, errors.New("the runtime is away") }
+		if err := (sdkLedger{}).Remove(inst); err == nil {
+			t.Fatal("a removal the runtime did not answer was taken as done")
 		}
 	})
 }
@@ -810,8 +824,7 @@ func TestTheRecordsToolsReadThemAndEndOneByHand(t *testing.T) {
 func TestTheRecordsLedgerSaysFillingFullAndRoom(t *testing.T) {
 	const capBytes = 10 << 20
 	filled := func(bytes uint64) *buscalls.Fill {
-		return &buscalls.Fill{History: buscalls.Fill{Count: 1, Bytes: bytes, MaxBytes: capBytes},
-			State: buscalls.Fill{Bytes: 1, MaxBytes: 64 << 20}}
+		return &buscalls.Fill{Count: 1, Bytes: bytes, MaxBytes: capBytes}
 	}
 	heads := map[string]string{"novox/app@111111111111": strings.Repeat("1", 40)}
 	at := time.Date(2026, 11, 9, 20, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/recordfill.go b/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/recordfill.go
index 0154b4317..22565c04e 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/recordfill.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/recordfill.go
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ func (sdkLedger) Fill() (buscalls.Fill, error) {
 	return got, nil
 }
 
-// Fill is the records' ledger's store nearest its cap.
+// Fill is the records' ledger's history against its cap (design 47 G §587).
 func (rs *Records) Fill() (buscalls.Fill, error) {
 	fr, ok := rs.Ledger.(fillReader)
 	if !ok {
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ func (rs *Records) Fill() (buscalls.Fill, error) {
 	if err != nil {
 		return buscalls.Fill{}, fmt.Errorf("the records' ledger cannot say its fill: %w", err)
 	}
-	return f.Fullest(), nil
+	return f, nil
 }
 
 // pastFilling is a fill at or past FillingPercent of its cap.
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/settle.go b/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/settle.go
deleted file mode 100644
index b43aa67c5..000000000
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/settle.go
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,277 +0,0 @@
-package main
-
-import (
-	"fmt"
-	"sort"
-	"strings"
-	"time"
-
-	occ "git.novox.be/novox/mesh-contracts/operator-and-conversation/go/clients/operatorchannelclient"
-	oc "git.novox.be/novox/mesh-contracts/operator-and-conversation/go/seats/operatorchannel"
-	mdc "git.novox.be/novox/mesh-delivery/contracts/go/clients/meshdeliveryclient"
-)
-
-// A person settles a delivery held because its merge reached the trunk without a passing check (novox/hq ADR 0556 clause 5).
-// The verb `settle` moves nothing: it writes one ask, for every delivery named, into the gate's asks, which the teller puts to
-// the operator as it puts an Approve, its options binding mesh-delivery.settle (mdc.AskVerb). On the answer settle each
-// delivery takes the table's asked row held → merged with the operator's words; on leave they stay held. Whether a settled
-// merge is on the machines is then derived as for any merge (reached.go). A hold of another kind, or a delivery not held, is
-// refused, naming why.
-
-// The settle ask's two answers, both at the level approve.
-const (
-	OptionSettle = "settle"
-	OptionLeave  = "leave"
-)
-
-// SettleAsk is the settle ask a delivery is covered by.
-type SettleAsk struct {
-	Key      string     `json:"key"`
-	Asking   int        `json:"asking,omitempty"`
-	Why      string     `json:"why"`
-	By       string     `json:"by,omitempty"`
-	At       time.Time  `json:"at"`
-	Answered *time.Time `json:"answered,omitempty"`
-	Answer   string     `json:"answer,omitempty"`
-	Words    string     `json:"words,omitempty"`
-}
-
-// Settle is the `settle` verb: one ask of the operator for every delivery named, each held for a merge without a passing
-// check. Nothing moves until the operator answers.
-func (h *Holder) Settle(ids []string, why, by string) (map[string]any, error) {
-	why = strings.TrimSpace(why)
-	if why == "" {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("settle says why: it is shown to the operator")
-	}
-	if len(ids) == 0 {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("settle names at least one held delivery (ids)")
-	}
-	if h.Operator == nil {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("this owner has no way to ask the operator")
-	}
-	h.mu.Lock()
-	var covered []*Delivery
-	var refused []string
-	seen := map[string]bool{}
-	for _, id := range ids {
-		id = strings.TrimSpace(id)
-		if seen[id] {
-			continue
-		}
-		seen[id] = true
-		d := h.deliveries[id]
-		switch {
-		case d == nil:
-			refused = append(refused, id+": no such delivery")
-		case d.State != Held:
-			refused = append(refused, fmt.Sprintf("%s: it is %s, not held", id, d.State))
-		case !heldUnchecked(d):
-			refused = append(refused, fmt.Sprintf("%s: it is held for another reason, which settle does not take (%s)", id, d.HeldWhy))
-		default:
-			covered = append(covered, d)
-		}
-	}
-	if len(refused) > 0 {
-		h.mu.Unlock()
-		sort.Strings(refused)
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("settle refused, nothing asked: %s", strings.Join(refused, "; "))
-	}
-	sort.Slice(covered, func(i, j int) bool { return covered[i].ID < covered[j].ID })
-	var names []string
-	var heads []mdc.Head
-	for _, d := range covered {
-		names = append(names, d.ID)
-		heads = append(heads, mdc.Head{Repository: d.Repository, Number: d.Number, Head: d.Commit})
-	}
-	group := mdc.SettleGroup(names)
-	key, err := mdc.MergeAskKey(group, heads)
-	if err != nil {
-		h.mu.Unlock()
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("the settle ask has no key: %w", err)
-	}
-	now := h.Now()
-	// The same deliveries asked again (the ask lapsed, or was left unanswered) are a new asking of the same key, under its own
-	// router id: the router drops a second ask under an id it kept.
-	asking := 1 // the first asking (Ask.Asking: 0 or 1 is the first, n the n-th)
-	for _, d := range covered {
-		if d.Settle != nil && d.Settle.Key == key && max(d.Settle.Asking, 1) >= asking {
-			asking = max(d.Settle.Asking, 1) + 1
-		}
-	}
-	ask, err := gateAsk(group, heads, asking, composeSettleAsk(mdc.AskingID(key, asking), covered, why, now))
-	if err != nil {
-		h.mu.Unlock()
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("the settle ask is not one the operator can be asked: %w", err)
-	}
-	earlier := map[string]bool{}
-	for _, d := range covered {
-		if d.Settle != nil && d.Settle.Answered == nil && d.Settle.Key != key {
-			earlier[d.Settle.Key] = true
-		}
-		d.Settle = &SettleAsk{Key: key, Asking: asking, Why: why, By: by, At: now}
-		h.keep(d)
-	}
-	// An earlier settle ask of another set that no delivery waits for any more is taken away (issue 774): its question is
-	// gone, and left standing it would hold the teller's room at the router until it lapsed.
-	for _, d := range h.deliveries {
-		if d.Settle != nil {
-			delete(earlier, d.Settle.Key)
-		}
-	}
-	gone := make([]string, 0, len(earlier))
-	for k := range earlier {
-		gone = append(gone, k)
-	}
-	sort.Strings(gone)
-	h.mu.Unlock()
-	for _, k := range gone {
-		h.Logf("[mesh-delivery] the settle ask %s is taken away: settle asked again for another set, and no delivery waits for it", k)
-		h.cancelSettle(k)()
-	}
-	if err := h.Operator.Ask(key, ask); err != nil {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("the settle ask %s could not be written (call settle again): %w", key, err)
-	}
-	h.Logf("[mesh-delivery] asked the operator to settle %s: %s", strings.Join(names, ", "), why)
-	return map[string]any{"asked": key, "deliveries": names,
-		"said": fmt.Sprintf("The operator is asked once to settle %d deliveries; nothing moves until the answer.", len(covered))}, nil
-}
-
-// settleAct is what a settle ask's answer binds: its verb (mesh-delivery.settle), this ask, the answer and the heads.
-func settleAct(group, ask, option string, heads map[string]string) occ.Act {
-	return occ.Act{"verb": mdc.AskVerb(group), "ask": ask, "option": option, "heads": headsString(heads)}
-}
-
-// composeSettleAsk is the operator's ask to settle these held deliveries.
-func composeSettleAsk(id string, ds []*Delivery, why string, now time.Time) oc.Ask {
-	var a oc.Ask
-	a.ID, a.Who, a.Expires = id, occ.Operator, occ.FormatTime(now.Add(AskLasts))
-	a.OnExpiry = "they stay held; settle asks again"
-	a.About = "delivery.settle"
-	var pulls, lines []string
-	heads := map[string]string{}
-	for _, d := range ds {
-		pulls = append(pulls, pullSaid(d))
-		heads[d.ID] = d.Commit
-		lines = append(lines, phone(fmt.Sprintf("%s %q merged at %s without a passing check", pullSaid(d), d.Title,
-			shortOf(d.MergedAs, 12)), 400))
-	}
-	a.Headline = phone(fmt.Sprintf("Settle %d merges made without a passing check", len(ds)), occ.HeadlineLength)
-	a.Explanation = strings.Join([]string{
-		phone(fmt.Sprintf("%s reached main without a passing check and are held. Settle ends the hold: each reads merged, and on the machines once every machine runs it. Leave keeps them held.",
-			strings.Join(pulls, ", ")), occ.SummaryLength),
-		phone("Why: "+why, occ.PointLength),
-	}, "\n")
-	a.Details = strings.Join(lines, "\n")
-	group := mdc.SettleGroup(func() []string {
-		var ids []string
-		for _, d := range ds {
-			ids = append(ids, d.ID)
-		}
-		return ids
-	}())
-	for _, o := range []struct{ id, label, does string }{
-		{OptionSettle, "Settle", "each delivery named ends its hold and reads merged"},
-		{OptionLeave, "Leave", "they stay held"},
-	} {
-		binds, _ := occ.ActDigest(settleAct(group, id, o.id, heads))
-		a.Options = append(a.Options, oc.Option{ID: o.id, Label: o.label, Does: o.does, Level: occ.Approve, Binds: binds})
-	}
-	return a
-}
-
-// isSettleKey is whether an ask key is a settle ask's; under the lock.
-func (h *Holder) isSettleKey(key string) bool {
-	_, group, _, err := mdc.ParseAskKey(key)
-	return err == nil && strings.HasPrefix(group, mdc.SettleGroupPrefix)
-}
-
-// settleKeys are the settle asks waiting for an answer; under the lock.
-func (h *Holder) settleKeys() []string {
-	seen := map[string]bool{}
-	var out []string
-	for _, d := range h.deliveries {
-		if s := d.Settle; s != nil && s.Answered == nil && d.State == Held && !seen[s.Key] {
-			seen[s.Key] = true
-			out = append(out, s.Key)
-		}
-	}
-	sort.Strings(out)
-	return out
-}
-
-// settled applies the teller's answer to a settle ask; under the lock. The teller held the warrant (the act it bound is
-// mesh-delivery.settle); an answer to an earlier asking, or one choosing what the ask did not offer, moves nothing.
-func (h *Holder) settled(key string, ans Answer) {
-	var covered []*Delivery
-	for _, d := range h.deliveries {
-		if d.Settle != nil && d.Settle.Key == key && d.Settle.Answered == nil {
-			covered = append(covered, d)
-		}
-	}
-	if len(covered) == 0 {
-		h.Logf("[mesh-delivery] the answer to the settle ask %s covers no delivery that waits for it: nothing settled", key)
-		return
-	}
-	sort.Slice(covered, func(i, j int) bool { return covered[i].ID < covered[j].ID })
-	if asked, at, ok := strings.Cut(ans.Warrant, "@"); ok && at != "" && asked != mdc.AskingID(key, covered[0].Settle.Asking) {
-		h.Logf("[mesh-delivery] the answer to the settle ask %s was given to another asking (%s): not taken", key, asked)
-		return
-	}
-	if ans.Option != OptionSettle && ans.Option != OptionLeave {
-		h.refuse(fmt.Errorf("the answer to the settle ask %s chose %s, which it did not offer: nothing settled", key, ans.Option))
-		return
-	}
-	now := h.Now()
-	for _, d := range covered {
-		d.Settle.Answered, d.Settle.Answer, d.Settle.Words = &now, ans.Option, ans.Words
-		if ans.Option == OptionLeave {
-			h.Logf("[mesh-delivery] %s: the operator left it held (%s)", d.ID, ans.Words)
-			h.keep(d)
-			continue
-		}
-		t, err := Apply(d, EvSettled, true, Facts{Now: now, By: "the operator", Why: "settled: " + ans.Words})
-		if err != nil {
-			h.refuse(err)
-			h.keep(d)
-			continue
-		}
-		d.HeldWhy = ""
-		h.moved(d, []Transition{t})
-	}
-	// Answered: the ask is taken away, as a merge ask is once acted on.
-	h.cancels = append(h.cancels, h.cancelSettle(key))
-}
-
-// cancelSettle takes a settle ask away from the gate's asks.
-func (h *Holder) cancelSettle(key string) func() {
-	return func() {
-		if h.Operator == nil {
-			return
-		}
-		if err := h.Operator.Cancel(key); err != nil {
-			h.Logf("[mesh-delivery] the settle ask %s could not be taken away (taken away again at the next look): %v", key, err)
-		}
-	}
-}
-
-// endStaleSettles takes away every settle ask nobody answered within its bound; its deliveries stay held and settle may ask
-// again. Under the lock; the cancels run with the look's asks.
-func (h *Holder) endStaleSettles() {
-	done := map[string]bool{}
-	for _, d := range h.deliveries {
-		s := d.Settle
-		if s == nil || s.Answered != nil || done[s.Key] || h.Now().Before(s.At.Add(AskLasts)) {
-			continue
-		}
-		done[s.Key] = true
-		h.Logf("[mesh-delivery] the settle ask %s lapsed with no answer: taken away, %s stays held", s.Key, d.ID)
-		h.cancels = append(h.cancels, h.cancelSettle(s.Key))
-	}
-	for _, d := range h.deliveries {
-		if s := d.Settle; s != nil && done[s.Key] {
-			now := h.Now()
-			s.Answered, s.Answer = &now, "lapsed"
-			h.keep(d)
-		}
-	}
-}
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/settle_test.go b/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/settle_test.go
deleted file mode 100644
index ee06dcc21..000000000
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/settle_test.go
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,127 +0,0 @@
-package main
-
-import (
-	"slices"
-	"strings"
-	"testing"
-	"time"
-
-	occ "git.novox.be/novox/mesh-contracts/operator-and-conversation/go/clients/operatorchannelclient"
-	mdc "git.novox.be/novox/mesh-delivery/contracts/go/clients/meshdeliveryclient"
-)
-
-// 1280 (novox/hq ADR 0556 clause 5): settle writes one ask for several deliveries held for a merge without a passing check and
-// moves none of them; it refuses, asking nothing, a delivery held for another reason and one not held, naming why; the
-// operator's Leave keeps them held, and Settle, asked again under a new asking, moves each to merged with the operator's words.
-func TestSettleAsksTheOperatorOnceAndMovesOnlyOnTheAnswer(t *testing.T) {
-	w := newWorld(t)
-	w.op.auto = false
-	merged := w.now.Add(-time.Hour)
-	put := func(id string, state State, why string) *Delivery {
-		repo, commit, _ := strings.Cut(id, "@")
-		d := &Delivery{ID: id, Repository: repo, Commit: commit, Number: len(id), Title: "a fix", State: state, Since: merged,
-			MergedAs: "m" + commit, MergedAt: merged, HeldWhy: why}
-		w.h.mu.Lock()
-		w.h.keep(d)
-		w.h.mu.Unlock()
-		return d
-	}
-	a := put("novox/web@aaaaaaaaaaaa", Held, HeldUnchecked)
-	b := put("novox/sdk@bbbbbbbbbbbb", Held, HeldUnchecked)
-	put("novox/web@cccccccccccc", Held, "a conflict on the trunk")
-	put("novox/web@dddddddddddd", Merged, "")
-	for ids, words := range map[string]string{
-		"novox/web@aaaaaaaaaaaa novox/web@cccccccccccc": "held for another reason",
-		"novox/web@aaaaaaaaaaaa novox/web@dddddddddddd": "not held",
-		"novox/web@aaaaaaaaaaaa novox/web@eeeeeeeeeeee": "no such delivery",
-	} {
-		if _, err := w.h.Settle(strings.Fields(ids), "on every machine since 10-25", aPerson); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), words) {
-			t.Errorf("settle %s: %v, want refused naming %q", ids, err, words)
-		}
-	}
-	if _, err := w.h.Settle([]string{a.ID}, " ", aPerson); err == nil {
-		t.Error("a settle with no why was asked")
-	}
-	if w.op.count() != 0 {
-		t.Fatalf("a refused settle asked the operator: %d asks", w.op.count())
-	}
-	out, err := w.h.Settle([]string{b.ID, a.ID}, "on every machine since 10-25", aPerson)
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	key, _ := out["asked"].(string)
-	if open := w.op.open(); len(open) != 1 || open[0] != key || w.op.count() != 1 {
-		t.Fatalf("asks open %v (asked %d), want the one key %s", open, w.op.count(), key)
-	}
-	ask := w.op.ask(key)
-	heads := map[string]string{a.ID: a.Commit, b.ID: b.Commit}
-	group := mdc.SettleGroup([]string{a.ID, b.ID})
-	for _, o := range ask.Options {
-		if want, _ := occ.ActDigest(settleAct(group, ask.ID, o.ID, heads)); o.Binds != want {
-			t.Errorf("the option %s binds %s, not mesh-delivery.settle of these heads", o.ID, o.Binds)
-		}
-	}
-	w.h.hearAsks()
-	if a.State != Held || b.State != Held {
-		t.Fatalf("moved before an answer: %s, %s", a.State, b.State)
-	}
-	w.op.answer(key, OptionLeave)
-	w.h.hearAsks()
-	if a.State != Held || a.Settle == nil || a.Settle.Answer != OptionLeave {
-		t.Fatalf("after Leave: %s %+v", a.State, a.Settle)
-	}
-	// Asked again: a new asking of the same key, under its own id.
-	if _, err := w.h.Settle([]string{a.ID, b.ID}, "asked again", aPerson); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	if again := w.op.ask(key); again.ID == ask.ID || a.Settle.Asking != 2 {
-		t.Fatalf("asked again under %s (asking %d), want a new id", again.ID, a.Settle.Asking)
-	}
-	// An answer under a settle key no delivery waits for moves nothing.
-	other, _ := mdc.MergeAskKey(mdc.SettleGroup([]string{"novox/web@ffffffffffff"}), []mdc.Head{{Repository: "novox/web", Number: 1, Head: "ffffffffffff"}})
-	w.h.mu.Lock()
-	w.h.settled(other, Answer{Option: OptionSettle, Warrant: "x@now", Words: "chose Settle"})
-	w.h.mu.Unlock()
-	if a.State != Held || b.State != Held || !strings.Contains(w.logbuf.String(), "covers no delivery") {
-		t.Fatalf("an answer for other ids moved %s, %s", a.State, b.State)
-	}
-	w.op.answer(key, OptionSettle)
-	w.h.hearAsks()
-	w.h.mu.Lock()
-	cancels := len(w.h.cancels)
-	w.h.mu.Unlock()
-	if cancels == 0 {
-		t.Error("the answered settle ask is not taken away")
-	}
-	for _, d := range []*Delivery{a, b} {
-		last := d.Transitions[len(d.Transitions)-1]
-		if d.State != Merged || last.Event != EvSettled || last.By != "the operator" || !strings.Contains(last.Why, "chose Settle") {
-			t.Errorf("%s after Settle: %s, %+v", d.ID, d.State, last)
-		}
-	}
-	// A settle ask nobody answers within its bound is taken away; its delivery stays held.
-	c := put("novox/web@999999999999", Held, HeldUnchecked)
-	if _, err := w.h.Settle([]string{c.ID}, "once more", aPerson); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	w.later(AskLasts + time.Minute)
-	w.h.mu.Lock()
-	w.h.endStaleSettles()
-	w.h.mu.Unlock()
-	if c.State != Held || c.Settle.Answer != "lapsed" {
-		t.Errorf("a lapsed settle ask: %s %+v", c.State, c.Settle)
-	}
-	// Issue 774: a settle asked again for another set of deliveries is another key; the earlier ask, which no delivery waits
-	// for any more, is taken away at once, not left to hold the teller's room at the router until it lapses.
-	e, f := put("novox/web@eeeeeeeeeeee", Held, HeldUnchecked), put("novox/web@ffffffffffff", Held, HeldUnchecked)
-	first, err := w.h.Settle([]string{e.ID}, "one", aPerson)
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	if _, err := w.h.Settle([]string{e.ID, f.ID}, "both", aPerson); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	if k := first["asked"].(string); !slices.Contains(w.op.cancelled, k) || slices.Contains(w.op.open(), k) {
-		t.Errorf("the earlier settle ask %s stands once no delivery waits for it: open %v, taken away %v", k, w.op.open(), w.op.cancelled)
-	}
-}
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/table.go b/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/table.go
index 771116f70..e79102a52 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/table.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/table.go
@@ -77,7 +77,6 @@ const (
 	EvMerged          Event = "merged"           // it reached the trunk
 	EvMergedUnchecked Event = "merged-unchecked" // it reached the trunk without a passing check
 	EvTrunkMoved      Event = "trunk moved"      // another merge moved its trunk, and its verdict names the trunk commit before (novox/hq ADR 0323)
-	EvSettled         Event = "settled"          // the operator settled a merge held without a passing check (novox/hq ADR 0556 clause 5)
 )
 
 // HeldUnchecked is the why of a delivery held because its merge reached the trunk without a passing check: the one hold a
@@ -186,20 +185,6 @@ var Table = []Row{
 	{From: []State{Proposed, Rejected}, Event: EvMergedUnchecked, To: Held,
 		Guard: "merged without a passing check — a verdict known with it is taken first: only a person decides what follows",
 		Holds: func(d *Delivery, f Facts) error { return unless(d.MergedAs != "", "not merged") }},
-	// **A person settles a merge held without a passing check** (novox/hq ADR 0556 clause 5): only on the operator's answer to
-	// the settle ask, with its words; a hold of another kind is not taken here. Whether it is on the machines is then derived.
-	{From: []State{Held}, Event: EvSettled, To: Merged, Act: true,
-		Guard: "held because its merge reached the trunk without a passing check, and the operator answered settle to the ask " +
-			"`settle` wrote, with the words of that answer",
-		Holds: func(d *Delivery, f Facts) error {
-			switch {
-			case !heldUnchecked(d):
-				return errors.New("it is not held for a merge without a passing check: " + d.HeldWhy)
-			case f.By == "" || f.Why == "":
-				return errors.New("a settle names the operator's answer and its words")
-			}
-			return nil
-		}},
 	{From: []State{Rejected, Ready}, Event: EvRecheck, To: Proposed, Act: true,
 		Guard: "a person asked, with why, or its group changed",
 		Holds: func(d *Delivery, f Facts) error { return unless(f.Why != "", "a recheck says why") }},
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/table_test.go b/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/table_test.go
index 1469a95a5..a9a034cec 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/table_test.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/table_test.go
@@ -34,9 +34,6 @@ func aDeliveryFor(r Row) (*Delivery, Facts) {
 	case EvTrunkMoved:
 		d.Check = &Verdict{Gate: "pass", Head: "c0ffee000000", Trunk: "d28ca95bbbbb"}
 		d.TrunkNow = "690966dccccccccc"
-	case EvSettled:
-		d.MergedAs, d.HeldWhy = "aaaa1111", HeldUnchecked
-		f.Why, f.By = "settled: the operator chose Settle", "the operator"
 	}
 	return d, f
 }
@@ -106,7 +103,7 @@ func TestEveryRowOfTheTableIsTakenWhenItsGuardHoldsAndRefusedWhenNot(t *testing.
 
 func TestEveryPairTheTableDoesNotHoldIsRefusedByName(t *testing.T) {
 	events := []Event{EvAnnounced, EvAccepted, EvRefused, EvRecheck, EvReask, EvLost, EvNewHead, EvClosed, EvMerged,
-		EvMergedUnchecked, EvTrunkMoved, EvSettled}
+		EvMergedUnchecked, EvTrunkMoved}
 	for _, from := range append([]State{None}, AllStates...) {
 		for _, ev := range events {
 			for _, act := range []bool{false, true} {
@@ -131,17 +128,14 @@ func TestEveryPairTheTableDoesNotHoldIsRefusedByName(t *testing.T) {
 // The rules the table is for, read off the table.
 func TestTheTableKeepsItsRules(t *testing.T) {
 	for _, r := range Table {
-		// The one row out of a final state is a person's settle of a merge held without a passing check, taken on the
-		// operator's answer (novox/hq ADR 0556 clause 5): it is already on the trunk, and moves from held to merged.
-		settle := r.Event == EvSettled && r.Act && len(r.From) == 1 && r.From[0] == Held && r.To == Merged
 		for _, from := range r.From {
 			// Nothing else leaves a final state.
-			if from.Final() && !settle {
+			if from.Final() {
 				t.Errorf("%s is final and the table leaves it by %s", from, r.Event)
 			}
 		}
 		// Only a ready delivery is merged, and nothing but its merge, or a merge without a passing check, puts one on the trunk.
-		if r.To == Merged && !settle && !(r.Event == EvMerged && len(r.From) == 1 && r.From[0] == Ready) {
+		if r.To == Merged && !(r.Event == EvMerged && len(r.From) == 1 && r.From[0] == Ready) {
 			t.Errorf("%v —%s→ merged: only a ready delivery's merge merges", r.From, r.Event)
 		}
 		if r.To == Held && r.Event != EvMergedUnchecked {
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/verbs.go b/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/verbs.go
index 18378d182..7c0ea4fe6 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/verbs.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/cmd/mesh-delivery-gate/verbs.go
@@ -351,8 +351,5 @@ func (h *Holder) Status(listening string) map[string]any {
 // read; the gate moves nothing after the merge.
 func HeldLine(d *Delivery) string {
 	line := fmt.Sprintf("%s held since %s: %s", d.ID, d.Since.UTC().Format(time.RFC3339), d.HeldWhy)
-	if heldUnchecked(d) {
-		line += " (mesh-delivery.settle asks the operator to settle it, ADR 0556)"
-	}
 	return line
 }
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/module.json b/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/module.json
index 141daa397..514b72be9 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/module.json
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-gate/module.json
@@ -15,8 +15,7 @@
         "table",
         "stalled",
         "recheck",
-        "close",
-        "settle"
+        "close"
       ]
     }
   ],
@@ -327,7 +326,7 @@
   ],
   "capabilities": [
     "ledger-calls",
-    "ledger-fill"
+    "ledger-upkeep-calls"
   ],
   "reads": [
     "mesh-delivery-checker.verdicts"