diff --git a/modules/artifact-store-tools/cmd/artifact-store-tools/door.go b/modules/artifact-store-tools/cmd/artifact-store-tools/door.go
index 1f010869..4335d786 100644
--- a/modules/artifact-store-tools/cmd/artifact-store-tools/door.go
+++ b/modules/artifact-store-tools/cmd/artifact-store-tools/door.go
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ func (runtimeBus) Publish(subject string, body any) error {
 	return stdio.SeatPublish(subject, body, "")
 }
 
-// follow watches the builder's done keys and the wants: a build's end sweeps (once the lease names no controller) and
+// follow watches the builder's done keys and the wants: a build's end sweeps and
 // observes again; a want changed observes again. Event-driven: nothing reads them on a timer.
 func follow(h *Holder) {
 	<-stdio.Served()
diff --git a/modules/artifact-store-tools/cmd/artifact-store-tools/holder.go b/modules/artifact-store-tools/cmd/artifact-store-tools/holder.go
index 5325b52f..ee0c9242 100644
--- a/modules/artifact-store-tools/cmd/artifact-store-tools/holder.go
+++ b/modules/artifact-store-tools/cmd/artifact-store-tools/holder.go
@@ -9,8 +9,8 @@ package main
 // At each build's end (a done key written) it sweeps as the controller's take-in did: every kept archive held first
 // (ADR 0251 §8), then what is eligible let go of, oldest first, within the same bound per sweep, an index left for a
 // `collect` a person confirms (ADR 0251 §7), each deletion recorded in the hand-act log (seat mesh-hand-acts) and said
-// as artifacts-gone. **Nothing is let go until the controller's lease names a holder that is no controller**: until
-// then the controller's take-in sweeps, and two sweeps never run at once. It also observes S25, image-missing: a want's
+// as artifacts-gone. **No lease turns it** (issue 1126): the controller ended by its unassignment, so its take-in sweeps
+// nothing and this seat is the one sweep. It also observes S25, image-missing: a want's
 // image the store does not hold, a finding in its own state `findings` the condition keeper reads.
 
 import (
@@ -24,7 +24,6 @@ import (
 	"time"
 
 	stdio "git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go"
-	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/buscompose"
 	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/delivery"
 	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/handacts"
@@ -40,7 +39,6 @@ const (
 	HavesRead  = "node-engine.have"
 	// ManifestsRead is the indexer's manifests: the images a manifest pins by itself.
 	ManifestsRead = delivery.IndexerModule + ".manifests"
-	LeaseRead     = buscompose.ControllerLease
 	// FindingsState is the holder's own findings (health.FindingsState): image-missing.
 	FindingsState = health.FindingsState
 	// Module is this module, the observer its findings name.
@@ -58,7 +56,7 @@ const (
 	ImageMissing = "image-missing"
 )
 
-// Bus is what the holder reads and writes on the bus: its read states (wants, builds, haves, the lease), its own
+// Bus is what the holder reads and writes on the bus: its read states (wants, builds, haves), its own
 // findings, and its seat's event. The runtime in main; a test's in memory.
 type Bus interface {
 	Keys(state string) ([]string, error)
@@ -106,13 +104,6 @@ type Build struct {
 	Manifest string
 }
 
-// LeaseAway says the controller's lease names a holder that is no controller: then the seat sweeps.
-func (h *Holder) LeaseAway() bool {
-	raw, found, err := h.Bus.Get(LeaseRead, buscompose.ControllerLeaseKey)
-	away, _ := buscompose.LeaseHandedAway(raw, found, err)
-	return away
-}
-
 // Builds is every done build the builder's keys hold, each with its end.
 func (h *Holder) Builds() ([]Build, error) {
 	keys, err := h.Bus.Keys(BuildsRead)
@@ -495,10 +486,6 @@ func (h *Holder) Collect(why string, confirm bool, most int) (*CollectAnswer, er
 	if most > MostAtAll {
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("collect lets go of at most %d at once, not %d", MostAtAll, most)
 	}
-	if confirm && !h.LeaseAway() {
-		return nil, errors.New("the controller holds its lease, and its take-in sweeps the store until it hands it away: " +
-			"this seat lets nothing go before then (novox/hq ADR 0571 clause 2); ask the controller's collect")
-	}
 	return h.Sweep(context.Background(), Sweeping{Confirmed: confirm, DryRun: !confirm, Most: most, Why: why, By: "collect"})
 }
 
@@ -665,11 +652,8 @@ func (h *Holder) sayGone(j *judged, refs []string, how string) {
 	}
 }
 
-// AfterBuild is the sweep at a build's end: only once the lease names no controller.
+// AfterBuild is the sweep at a build's end.
 func (h *Holder) AfterBuild(key string) {
-	if !h.LeaseAway() {
-		return
-	}
 	a, err := h.Sweep(context.Background(), Sweeping{Most: MostPerSweep, By: "after the build " + key})
 	if err != nil {
 		h.logf("the sweep after %s: %v", key, err)
diff --git a/modules/artifact-store-tools/cmd/artifact-store-tools/holder_integration_test.go b/modules/artifact-store-tools/cmd/artifact-store-tools/holder_integration_test.go
index d9d1b1ae..b97cfd9a 100644
--- a/modules/artifact-store-tools/cmd/artifact-store-tools/holder_integration_test.go
+++ b/modules/artifact-store-tools/cmd/artifact-store-tools/holder_integration_test.go
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 package main
 
 // The seat mesh-artifact-sweep's holder whole against a real bus (novox/hq ADR 0571 clause 2, issue 1955): the builder's done
-// keys, the wants and the controller's lease in a real nats-server's key-value buckets, a build's end heard by a watch
+// keys and the wants in a real nats-server's key-value buckets, no lease key anywhere (issue 1126), a build's end heard by a watch
 // of the builds as the runtime hands it over, each deletion recorded by a request to the seat mesh-hand-acts on the bus,
 // artifacts-gone said on the seat's subject, and S25's finding written to the holder's own bucket. Only the store's
 // door is in memory: its HTTP is the copied registry package's, tested there.
@@ -20,7 +20,6 @@ import (
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go/jetstream"
 
 	stdio "git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go"
-	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/buscompose"
 	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/handacts"
 	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/testbus"
 )
@@ -117,7 +116,7 @@ func (b realBus) Publish(subject string, body any) error {
 	return b.nc.Publish(subject, raw)
 }
 
-func TestTheSeatSweepsAtABuildsEndOnARealBusOnceTheLeaseIsAway(t *testing.T) {
+func TestTheSeatSweepsAtABuildsEndOnARealBusWithNoLease(t *testing.T) {
 	ctx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(context.Background(), 30*time.Second)
 	defer cancel()
 	nc, err := nats.Connect(testbus.URL(t))
@@ -129,7 +128,7 @@ func TestTheSeatSweepsAtABuildsEndOnARealBusOnceTheLeaseIsAway(t *testing.T) {
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
-	for _, s := range []string{BuildsRead, WantsRead, HavesRead, LeaseRead, ManifestsRead, "artifact-store-tools." + FindingsState} {
+	for _, s := range []string{BuildsRead, WantsRead, HavesRead, ManifestsRead, "artifact-store-tools." + FindingsState} {
 		if _, err := js.CreateKeyValue(ctx, jetstream.KeyValueConfig{Bucket: bucketOf(s), History: 5}); err != nil {
 			t.Fatal(err)
 		}
@@ -137,7 +136,7 @@ func TestTheSeatSweepsAtABuildsEndOnARealBusOnceTheLeaseIsAway(t *testing.T) {
 	bus := realBus{ctx: ctx, nc: nc, js: js}
 
 	// The mesh as aMesh lays it, copied onto the real buckets: letta's seven builds, a want, the store's listing.
-	mem, memb, door, _ := aMesh(t, &buscompose.LeaseHolder{Instance: "c1", Host: "novox", Epoch: 3})
+	mem, memb, door, _ := aMesh(t)
 	// The builder's log as written today: aMesh dates it from 2026-10-01 for its fixed clock, and this holder runs on the
 	// real clock, so read as dated the entries fall out of the log's 30 days and every copy is kept as unrecorded.
 	shift := time.Since(memb.log[len(memb.log)-1].At)
@@ -145,7 +144,7 @@ func TestTheSeatSweepsAtABuildsEndOnARealBusOnceTheLeaseIsAway(t *testing.T) {
 		e.At = e.At.Add(shift)
 		bus.log = append(bus.log, e)
 	}
-	for _, s := range []string{BuildsRead, WantsRead, LeaseRead, ManifestsRead} {
+	for _, s := range []string{BuildsRead, WantsRead, ManifestsRead} {
 		keys, _ := memb.Keys(s)
 		for _, k := range keys[:min(len(keys), 6)] { // the seventh build ends later, on the bus
 			raw, _, _ := memb.Get(s, k)
@@ -175,7 +174,7 @@ func TestTheSeatSweepsAtABuildsEndOnARealBusOnceTheLeaseIsAway(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
 	h := &Holder{Bus: findingsAt{realBus: bus}, Door: mem.Door, Listed: mem.Listed, Now: time.Now, Logf: t.Logf}
-	h.Acts = handacts.Recorder{LeaseAway: h.LeaseAway, Ask: func(key string, body any) (json.RawMessage, error) {
+	h.Acts = handacts.Recorder{Ask: func(key string, body any) (json.RawMessage, error) {
 		raw, _ := json.Marshal(body)
 		m, err := nc.Request("mesh.seat."+strings.TrimPrefix(strings.Replace(key, ".", ".tool.", 1), "seat:"), raw, 5*time.Second)
 		if err != nil {
@@ -204,16 +203,8 @@ func TestTheSeatSweepsAtABuildsEndOnARealBusOnceTheLeaseIsAway(t *testing.T) {
 		}
 	}
 
-	// While the lease names the controller, a build's end lets nothing go.
-	ended()
-	if len(door.asked) != 0 {
-		t.Fatalf("before the lease write the store was asked %v", door.asked)
-	}
-	// The lease handed away: the next build's end holds the kept archives and lets go of letta's 2nd, which the 7th moved
-	// past the five newest and no want names (the want keeps the 1st), recording each deletion.
-	if err := bus.Put(LeaseRead, buscompose.ControllerLeaseKey, buscompose.LeaseHolder{HandedTo: "mesh-grants", Why: "the lease write"}); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
+	// No lease key: the build's end holds the kept archives and lets go of letta's 2nd, which the 7th moved past the five
+	// newest and no want names (the want keeps the 1st), recording each deletion.
 	ended()
 	deadline := time.Now().Add(30 * time.Second)
 	for {
diff --git a/modules/artifact-store-tools/cmd/artifact-store-tools/holder_test.go b/modules/artifact-store-tools/cmd/artifact-store-tools/holder_test.go
index f1d6b7a1..eac183db 100644
--- a/modules/artifact-store-tools/cmd/artifact-store-tools/holder_test.go
+++ b/modules/artifact-store-tools/cmd/artifact-store-tools/holder_test.go
@@ -11,7 +11,6 @@ import (
 	"time"
 
 	stdio "git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go"
-	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/buscompose"
 	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/delivery"
 	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/handacts"
 	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/health"
@@ -139,8 +138,8 @@ func archiveRef(module string, n int) string {
 }
 
 // A mesh with seven done builds of letta, the n-th ending n hours after a day began, each with an image and an archive;
-// a want names the first on ace; the store lists them all and one image no build names; the lease as given.
-func aMesh(t *testing.T, lease *buscompose.LeaseHolder) (*Holder, *memBus, *memDoor, *[]string) {
+// a want names the first on ace; the store lists them all and one image no build names; no lease key (issue 1126).
+func aMesh(t *testing.T) (*Holder, *memBus, *memDoor, *[]string) {
 	t.Helper()
 	day := time.Date(2026, 10, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)
 	b := &memBus{states: map[string]map[string][]byte{}, history: map[string][]stdio.StateRevision{}}
@@ -194,9 +193,6 @@ func aMesh(t *testing.T, lease *buscompose.LeaseHolder) (*Holder, *memBus, *memD
 	_ = b.Put(ManifestsRead, mk, json.RawMessage(manifest))
 	want, _ := json.Marshal(delivery.Want{V: delivery.Version, FP: fp(1), Self: true})
 	_ = b.Put(WantsRead, "want.ace.letta", json.RawMessage(want))
-	if lease != nil {
-		_ = b.Put(LeaseRead, buscompose.ControllerLeaseKey, lease)
-	}
 	var acts []string
 	h := &Holder{Bus: b, Door: func() (Door, error) { return door, nil },
 		Listed: func(context.Context) (*View, error) { return &View{L: listing}, nil },
@@ -206,18 +202,14 @@ func aMesh(t *testing.T, lease *buscompose.LeaseHolder) (*Holder, *memBus, *memD
 			acts = append(acts, key+" "+string(raw))
 			return json.RawMessage(`{}`), nil
 		}}}
-	h.Acts.LeaseAway = h.LeaseAway
 	return h, b, door, &acts
 }
 
-// ADR 0571 clause 2: the keep set from the store's listing, the wants and the five newest builds; nothing let go of while
-// the lease names a controller; once it names another holder, a build's end lets go of the eligible within the bound,
-// leaves an index for a confirmed collect, records each deletion and says artifacts-gone.
-func TestTheSeatKeepsTheFiveNewestAndTheWantedAndSweepsOnlyOnceTheLeaseIsAway(t *testing.T) {
-	controller := &buscompose.LeaseHolder{Instance: "c1", Host: "novox", Epoch: 3}
-	handed := &buscompose.LeaseHolder{HandedTo: "mesh-grants", HandedBy: "person.jochen", Why: "the lease write"}
-
-	h, _, _, _ := aMesh(t, controller)
+// ADR 0571 clause 2, 1126/A4/AC2: the keep set from the store's listing, the wants and the five newest builds; with no
+// lease key, a build's end and a confirmed collect let go of the eligible within the bound, leave an index for a
+// confirmed collect, record each deletion as a hand act and say artifacts-gone.
+func TestTheSeatKeepsTheFiveNewestAndTheWantedAndSweepsWithNoLease(t *testing.T) {
+	h, _, _, _ := aMesh(t)
 	r, err := h.Artifacts("")
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
@@ -244,9 +236,10 @@ func TestTheSeatKeepsTheFiveNewestAndTheWantedAndSweepsOnlyOnceTheLeaseIsAway(t
 		t.Errorf("the references are %d, counted %v, at %q", len(r.References), r.Counts, r.Store)
 	}
 
+	all := []string{archiveRef("letta", 2), imageRef("letta", 2), mirror(1)}
 	for _, c := range []struct {
 		name    string
-		lease   *buscompose.LeaseHolder
+		how     string // "build" (a build's end), "collect" (a confirmed collect), or a sweep asked with most
 		index   bool
 		most    int
 		letGo   []string
@@ -254,45 +247,58 @@ func TestTheSeatKeepsTheFiveNewestAndTheWantedAndSweepsOnlyOnceTheLeaseIsAway(t
 		skipped int
 		unlog   int
 	}{
-		{name: "the lease names a controller", lease: controller},
-		{name: "no lease key", lease: nil},
-		{name: "handed away", lease: handed, most: MostPerSweep, letGo: []string{archiveRef("letta", 2), imageRef("letta", 2), mirror(1)}},
-		{name: "an index waits", lease: handed, index: true, most: MostPerSweep, letGo: []string{archiveRef("letta", 2), mirror(1)}, skipped: 1},
-		{name: "bounded", lease: handed, most: 1, letGo: []string{archiveRef("letta", 2)}, left: 2},
+		{name: "a build's end", how: "build", letGo: all},
+		{name: "a confirmed collect", how: "collect", letGo: all},
+		{name: "a sweep", most: MostPerSweep, letGo: all},
+		{name: "an index waits", index: true, most: MostPerSweep, letGo: []string{archiveRef("letta", 2), mirror(1)}, skipped: 1},
+		{name: "bounded", most: 1, letGo: []string{archiveRef("letta", 2)}, left: 2},
 		// A kept build the log no longer holds: what it stood on is unknown, so no copy goes.
-		{name: "a kept build's bases unknown", lease: handed, most: MostPerSweep, letGo: []string{archiveRef("letta", 2), imageRef("letta", 2)}, unlog: 3},
+		{name: "a kept build's bases unknown", most: MostPerSweep, letGo: []string{archiveRef("letta", 2), imageRef("letta", 2)}, unlog: 3},
 	} {
 		t.Run(c.name, func(t *testing.T) {
-			h, b, door, acts := aMesh(t, c.lease)
+			h, b, door, acts := aMesh(t)
 			door.indexes[imageRef("letta", 2)] = c.index
 			if c.unlog > 0 {
 				b.log = append(b.log[:c.unlog-1:c.unlog-1], b.log[c.unlog:]...)
 			}
-			if c.most == 0 {
+			switch c.how {
+			case "build":
 				h.AfterBuild("letta.x")
-				if _, err := h.Collect("tidy", true, 0); err == nil {
-					t.Error("a confirmed collect was let through while the controller sweeps")
+				var gone []string
+				for _, x := range door.asked {
+					if r, ok := strings.CutPrefix(x, "let go "); ok {
+						gone = append(gone, r)
+					}
 				}
-				if len(door.asked) != 0 || len(*acts) != 0 || len(b.published) != 0 {
-					t.Fatalf("before the lease write the store was asked %v, acts %v, said %v", door.asked, *acts, b.published)
+				if fmt.Sprint(gone) != fmt.Sprint(c.letGo) {
+					t.Fatalf("a build's end let go of %v, want %v", gone, c.letGo)
+				}
+			default:
+				var a *CollectAnswer
+				var err error
+				if c.how == "collect" {
+					a, err = h.Collect("tidy", true, 0)
+				} else {
+					a, err = h.Sweep(context.Background(), Sweeping{Most: c.most, By: "after the build letta.x"})
+				}
+				if err != nil {
+					t.Fatal(err)
+				}
+				if fmt.Sprint(a.LetGo) != fmt.Sprint(c.letGo) || a.Left != c.left || a.Skipped != c.skipped || a.Held != 6 || a.Missing != 0 {
+					t.Fatalf("let go of %v (left %d, skipped %d, held %d, missing %d), want %v", a.LetGo, a.Left, a.Skipped, a.Held, a.Missing, c.letGo)
 				}
-				return
-			}
-			a, err := h.Sweep(context.Background(), Sweeping{Most: c.most, By: "after the build letta.x"})
-			if err != nil {
-				t.Fatal(err)
-			}
-			if fmt.Sprint(a.LetGo) != fmt.Sprint(c.letGo) || a.Left != c.left || a.Skipped != c.skipped || a.Held != 6 || a.Missing != 0 {
-				t.Fatalf("let go of %v (left %d, skipped %d, held %d, missing %d), want %v", a.LetGo, a.Left, a.Skipped, a.Held, a.Missing, c.letGo)
 			}
 			// Every kept archive held before the first deletion.
-			first := -1
-			for i, x := range door.asked {
-				if strings.HasPrefix(x, "let go ") && first < 0 {
-					first = i
+			held := 0
+			for _, x := range door.asked {
+				if strings.HasPrefix(x, "let go ") {
+					break
+				}
+				if strings.HasPrefix(x, "hold ") {
+					held++
 				}
 			}
-			if first != 6 {
+			if held != 6 {
 				t.Errorf("the store was asked %v: the six kept archives are held first", door.asked)
 			}
 			if len(*acts) != len(c.letGo) || !strings.HasPrefix((*acts)[0], "seat:mesh-hand-acts.hand-act ") ||
@@ -310,7 +316,7 @@ func TestTheSeatKeepsTheFiveNewestAndTheWantedAndSweepsOnlyOnceTheLeaseIsAway(t
 // S25 (image-missing): a want whose build names an image the store does not hold is a finding in the seat's own state,
 // written once and deleted once the store holds it again; images names what a machine's wants and haves name.
 func TestAWantedImageTheStoreLacksIsAFindingAndImagesNamesWantsAndHaves(t *testing.T) {
-	h, b, _, _ := aMesh(t, nil)
+	h, b, _, _ := aMesh(t)
 	view, _ := h.Listed(context.Background())
 	repo, digest, _ := splitReference(imageRef("letta", 1))
 	delete(view.L.Repos[repo].Revisions, digest)
diff --git a/modules/artifact-store-tools/cmd/artifact-store-tools/main.go b/modules/artifact-store-tools/cmd/artifact-store-tools/main.go
index ea1f28e0..8eb92fba 100644
--- a/modules/artifact-store-tools/cmd/artifact-store-tools/main.go
+++ b/modules/artifact-store-tools/cmd/artifact-store-tools/main.go
@@ -1,8 +1,7 @@
 // The artifact-store-tools module's Go bundle (novox/hq ADR 0251 §1–3, ADR 0571 clause 2, to-be 51): a process the
 // node's runtime launches and speaks MCP over stdio to. It says what the artifact store holds — its repositories, its
 // size, and what the mesh keeps of each manifest — read from the store's own files through the store's own container,
-// and it holds the seat mesh-artifact-sweep: the keep set, the sweep at each build's end once the controller's lease names
-// no controller, and S25's image-missing.
+// and it holds the seat mesh-artifact-sweep: the keep set, the sweep at each build's end, and S25's image-missing.
 //
 // **A module beside the store, not the store's own.** A module that provides the artifact store cannot also build an
 // artifact: building publishes to the store, so the store would be needed to create itself. So these tools are a
@@ -29,7 +28,7 @@ func main() {
 	}
 	h := &Holder{Bus: runtimeBus{}, Door: DoorAt(os.Getenv("MESH_ARTIFACT_STORE_ADDRESS_FILE")), Listed: s.View,
 		Now: time.Now, Logf: logf}
-	h.Acts = handacts.Recorder{Ask: stdio.Ask, LeaseAway: h.LeaseAway}
+	h.Acts = handacts.Recorder{Ask: stdio.Ask}
 	go follow(h)
 	// An empty name serves as the module the runtime names (MESH_SERVED_MODULE): artifact-store-tools.
 	if err := stdio.Serve("", append(Tools(s, h, &Catalogue{Ask: stdio.Ask}), SeatTools(h, s)...)); err != nil {
diff --git a/modules/artifact-store-tools/cmd/artifact-store-tools/store_test.go b/modules/artifact-store-tools/cmd/artifact-store-tools/store_test.go
index e0617a03..87ba350f 100644
--- a/modules/artifact-store-tools/cmd/artifact-store-tools/store_test.go
+++ b/modules/artifact-store-tools/cmd/artifact-store-tools/store_test.go
@@ -436,7 +436,7 @@ func TestTheToolsServedAreTheToolsTheManifestNames(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("served %v, manifest %v", served, listed)
 	}
 	// ADR 0571 clause 2: it holds the seat mesh-artifact-sweep and serves its verbs, and calls no verb of the controller's;
-	// the lease is the one controller state it reads (clause 10's exemption).
+	// it reads no controller state, the lease neither (issue 1126).
 	want := []string{"seat:mesh-hand-acts.hand-act", CatalogueModules, CatalogueModule}
 	if !reflect.DeepEqual(m.Invokes, want) {
 		t.Errorf("invokes %v", m.Invokes)
@@ -455,7 +455,7 @@ func TestTheToolsServedAreTheToolsTheManifestNames(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Errorf("claims %+v, serves %v, the seat's verbs %v", m.Claims, verbs, contract)
 	}
 	for _, r := range m.Reads {
-		if strings.HasPrefix(r, "mesh-controller.") && r != LeaseRead {
+		if strings.HasPrefix(r, "mesh-controller.") {
 			t.Errorf("reads the controller's %s", r)
 		}
 	}
diff --git a/modules/artifact-store-tools/module.json b/modules/artifact-store-tools/module.json
index f1ef7a43..eda3a100 100644
--- a/modules/artifact-store-tools/module.json
+++ b/modules/artifact-store-tools/module.json
@@ -27,8 +27,7 @@
     "mesh-delivery-builder.builds",
     "mesh-delivery-builder.build-log",
     "mesh-delivery-indexer.manifests",
-    "node-engine.have",
-    "mesh-controller.lease"
+    "node-engine.have"
   ],
   "state": [
     "findings"
diff --git a/modules/mesh-conditions/cmd/mesh-conditions/compare.go b/modules/mesh-conditions/cmd/mesh-conditions/compare.go
index b73e0a85..e1583e7a 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-conditions/cmd/mesh-conditions/compare.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-conditions/cmd/mesh-conditions/compare.go
@@ -3,8 +3,8 @@ package main
 // **Built dark, compared, then switched by the operator** (novox/hq ADR 0564 clause 9; issue 1952 C5, C8): `compare`
 // lists the open keys of the keeper and of the controller, each difference with its reason; the kinds that end with the
 // controller, the kinds only the keeper raises and the keys held while their module is delivered are listed apart and
-// not counted. `take-over` raises an approve ask under the keeper's own name (ADR 0259), refused while compare shows a
-// difference, and on the warrant writes the take-over key naming the keeper. `hand-back` is gone (issue 774): nothing
+// not counted. `take-over` is refused (issue 1126): the keeper is the one source since the controller ended by its
+// unassignment; a yes to an ask raised before still writes the take-over key naming the keeper. `hand-back` is gone (issue 774): nothing
 // reads the take-over key any more, so it is answered as gone and changes nothing.
 
 import (
@@ -91,7 +91,7 @@ func (k *Keeper) Compare() (Comparison, error) {
 		}
 		switch {
 		case homed && (home.Carried || home.Replaced):
-			why := "ends with the controller: carried from its bucket until the lease write"
+			why := "ends with the controller: no longer carried (issue 1126)"
 			if home.Replaced {
 				why = "ends with the controller: its fault is observed otherwise"
 			}
@@ -125,41 +125,12 @@ type Asks interface {
 	Ask(a asks.Ask) error
 }
 
-// TakeOver raises the approve ask of a switch to the keeper, refused while compare differs or after the lease write.
+// TakeOver is refused: the keeper is the one source of conditions since the controller ended (issue 1126).
 func (k *Keeper) TakeOver(a Asks, by, why string) (map[string]any, error) {
 	if strings.TrimSpace(why) == "" {
 		return nil, errors.New("a take-over says why")
 	}
-	if k.LeaseAway() {
-		return nil, errors.New("the controller's lease is handed away: the keeper is the one source already")
-	}
-	cmp, err := k.Compare()
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
-	if !cmp.Empty() {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("refused: compare shows %d difference(s), the first %s (%s); the take-over waits for none",
-			len(cmp.Differences), cmp.Differences[0].Key, cmp.Differences[0].Reason)
-	}
-	now := k.Now().UTC()
-	id := fmt.Sprintf("take-over-%d", now.UnixNano())
-	act := asks.Act{"verb": Seat + ".take-over", "module": Module, "ask": id}
-	bind, err := asks.ActDigest(act)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
-	ask := asks.Ask{ID: id, Headline: "Switch the mesh's alarms to the new keeper?", Who: asks.Operator,
-		Explanation: fmt.Sprintf("The new condition keeper holds the same %d open alarms as the controller. Your yes makes "+
-			"the alarm messages come from the keeper, with the same words. It can be handed back until the controller "+
-			"gives up its lease.", cmp.Same),
-		Options: []asks.Option{{ID: "yes", Label: "Yes, switch", Does: "Alarms come from the keeper.", Level: asks.Approve, Binds: bind},
-			{ID: "no", Label: "No, leave it", Does: "Alarms keep coming from the controller.", Level: asks.Acknowledge}},
-		Expires: now.Add(asks.ApproveLasts - time.Minute), OnExpiry: "Alarms keep coming from the controller.",
-		About: Module + "-take-over", Details: "Asked by " + by + ": " + why}
-	if err := a.Ask(ask); err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
-	return map[string]any{"asked": id, "same": cmp.Same, "apart": len(cmp.Apart)}, nil
+	return nil, errors.New("the keeper is the one source already: the controller ended by its unassignment (issue 1126)")
 }
 
 // Warranted is the act on the operator's answer: a yes, compare still empty, writes the take-over key naming the keeper.
diff --git a/modules/mesh-conditions/cmd/mesh-conditions/hold.go b/modules/mesh-conditions/cmd/mesh-conditions/hold.go
index d51e4308..1a26a5ba 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-conditions/cmd/mesh-conditions/hold.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-conditions/cmd/mesh-conditions/hold.go
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ package main
 // **A module being delivered raises no condition until its delivery ends** (novox/hq ADR 0564 clause 13 and Limits 12;
 // issue 1952 C7, C8). The keeper reads the assigner's wants and the nodes' haves, and judges a module's delivery on a
 // node with mesh-sdk's delivery.MotionOf, as the view does. While it is delivered there, a finding about it there, or
-// about what it serves, and a condition carried from the controller's bucket on those subjects, is kept in the state
+// about what it serves, is kept in the state
 // `held` and raises nothing. When the delivery ends, healthy at the want or failed, what still stands is raised once,
 // saying it happened during the delivery; what went is dropped with a log line. The hold lasts at most the delivery's
 // bound, a key of the state `bounds` whose time to live is the bound: its expiry raises what is held, saying the delivery
@@ -98,17 +98,11 @@ func (k *Keeper) motion(node, module string) (delivery.Motion, delivery.Want) {
 }
 
 // holdFor says whether key is held now, and as what. Called with mu held.
-func (k *Keeper) holdFor(key string, f *health.Finding, carried *health.Condition, open bool) (held, bool) {
-	if open || (f == nil && carried == nil) {
+func (k *Keeper) holdFor(key string, f *health.Finding, open bool) (held, bool) {
+	if open || f == nil {
 		return held{}, false
 	}
-	var kind, source string
-	var subject health.Subject
-	if f != nil {
-		kind, source, subject = f.Kind, f.Source, f.Subject
-	} else {
-		kind, source, subject = carried.Kind, carried.Source, carried.Subject
-	}
+	kind, source, subject := f.Kind, f.Source, f.Subject
 	if _, raisedOut := k.outOfHold[key]; raisedOut {
 		return held{}, false
 	}
diff --git a/modules/mesh-conditions/cmd/mesh-conditions/hold_test.go b/modules/mesh-conditions/cmd/mesh-conditions/hold_test.go
index 3a454a94..9beaa64c 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-conditions/cmd/mesh-conditions/hold_test.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-conditions/cmd/mesh-conditions/hold_test.go
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ const (
 )
 
 // ADR 0564 clause 13 and Limits 12 (issue 1952 C7, C8): a delivery of mesh-controller on novox replayed want by have.
-// Its own findings and the carried controller-deaf raise nothing during it and none after when they went; one still
+// Its own findings raise nothing during it and none after when they went; one still
 // standing at the end is raised once with its during-the-delivery line; one past the bound with its did-not-end line; a
 // failed delivery raises what stands at once; another module's and the machine's own are raised at once; compare lists a
 // held key as held.
@@ -34,8 +34,6 @@ func TestADeliveryHoldsItsOwnFindingsUntilItEnds(t *testing.T) {
 		raw, _ := json.Marshal(delivery.Have{V: delivery.Version, FP: fp, Composed: composed, Phase: phase, Health: h})
 		return raw
 	}
-	deaf, _ := json.Marshal(health.Condition{Key: "core.controller.deaf", Kind: "controller-deaf", Source: "S4",
-		Subject: health.Subject{Scope: health.ScopeCore, ID: "controller"}, Severity: health.Urgent, Summary: "deaf", Resolver: "self"})
 	for _, c := range []struct {
 		name string
 		// end is the have the delivery ends with, or nil for a delivery past its bound.
@@ -68,9 +66,6 @@ func TestADeliveryHoldsItsOwnFindingsUntilItEnds(t *testing.T) {
 				t.Fatal(err)
 			}
 		}
-		if err := r.k.Controller("core.controller.deaf", deaf, false); err != nil {
-			t.Fatal(err)
-		}
 		// The delivery's bound is its own key's time to live, the module's bound (the default where it names none).
 		if r.st.ttls["bounds/novox.mesh-controller"] != delivery.DefaultDeliveryBound {
 			t.Errorf("%s: the bound key lives %s", c.name, r.st.ttls["bounds/novox.mesh-controller"])
@@ -86,11 +81,10 @@ func TestADeliveryHoldsItsOwnFindingsUntilItEnds(t *testing.T) {
 				held++
 			}
 		}
-		if held != 2 {
+		if held != 1 {
 			t.Errorf("%s: compare lists %d held, %+v", c.name, held, cmp)
 		}
-		// The carried condition about the controller goes within the delivery; its own finding goes unless it stands.
-		_ = r.k.Controller("core.controller.deaf", nil, true)
+		// Its own finding goes unless it stands.
 		if !c.standing {
 			_ = r.k.Finding(watchman, own, nil, true)
 		}
@@ -106,8 +100,8 @@ func TestADeliveryHoldsItsOwnFindingsUntilItEnds(t *testing.T) {
 		if co, open := r.open(own); c.standing != open || (open && !strings.Contains(co.Explanation, c.line)) {
 			t.Errorf("%s: its own condition is %v: %q", c.name, open, co.Explanation)
 		}
-		if _, open := r.open("core.controller.deaf"); open || len(r.k.Held()) != 0 {
-			t.Errorf("%s: the carried deaf condition was raised, or something is still held: %+v", c.name, r.k.Held())
+		if len(r.k.Held()) != 0 {
+			t.Errorf("%s: something is still held: %+v", c.name, r.k.Held())
 		}
 	}
 	// A seat's finding is about the module the placement says holds the seat on that node (the lead, 2026-10-29): held
diff --git a/modules/mesh-conditions/cmd/mesh-conditions/homes.go b/modules/mesh-conditions/cmd/mesh-conditions/homes.go
index 61e5acbd..c900b8cf 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-conditions/cmd/mesh-conditions/homes.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-conditions/cmd/mesh-conditions/homes.go
@@ -2,8 +2,8 @@ package main
 
 // **Where each condition kind lives after the take-over** (novox/hq ADR 0564 clauses 4, 6, 7 and 9, the Context's probe
 // table; issue 1952 C3, C5): data, so a kind's home is a row and never code. `compare` reads it to tell a difference from
-// a kind that ends with the controller or that the controller never raises, and the keeper reads it to carry, until the
-// lease write, the controller's conditions of the kinds that end with it.
+// a kind that ends with the controller or that the controller never raises, and the keeper reads it to clear, once, what
+// it carried of the kinds that ended with the controller (EndCarried, issue 1126).
 //
 // The rows are ADR 0564's and the lead's table of 2026-10-29, by the controller's source of each kind. A kind with no
 // row is named by `compare` as "no home decided".
@@ -17,8 +17,8 @@ type Home struct {
 	Controller bool
 	// Observer is the module whose findings raise it after the take-over; empty for a kind that ends.
 	Observer string
-	// Carried says it ends with the controller's lease and is carried from the controller's bucket until then
-	// (clause 9: S4, S7, S12, S13, S14, S25, D5, D9, H-controller).
+	// Carried says it ended with the controller: carried from its bucket while it ran (clause 9: S4, S7, S12, S13, S14,
+	// S25, D5, D9, H-controller), cleared once by EndCarried and never carried again (issue 1126).
 	Carried bool
 	// Replaced says the kind itself ends and another observes its fault (D1, D10, the stuck probe): listed apart in
 	// compare and not carried.
diff --git a/modules/mesh-conditions/cmd/mesh-conditions/keeper.go b/modules/mesh-conditions/cmd/mesh-conditions/keeper.go
index 8d5edca3..daabadb3 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-conditions/cmd/mesh-conditions/keeper.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-conditions/cmd/mesh-conditions/keeper.go
@@ -1,9 +1,10 @@
 package main
 
 // The condition keeper (novox/hq ADR 0564 clauses 2, 3, 7, 8, 9 and 13; issue 1952 C2, C3, C7): the one writer of the
-// mesh's open conditions. It watches every observer's `findings`, the healers' `attempts`, the controller's lease
-// alone (its `conditions` are no longer read, issue 774), and the assigner's wants and the nodes' haves for the hold. From
-// all of them it derives, per key, the condition that should be open, and writes the difference by compare-and-set,
+// mesh's open conditions. It watches every observer's `findings`, the healers' `attempts`, and the assigner's wants and
+// the nodes' haves for the hold; nothing of the controller (its `conditions` are no longer read, issue 774, and its lease
+// turns nothing, issue 1126: the controller ended by its unassignment). From all of them it derives, per key, the
+// condition that should be open, and writes the difference by compare-and-set,
 // saying each transition as the controller says it (go/health) and keeping it in `history`. Nothing clears a condition
 // but its finding going (ADR 0231 §14).
 
@@ -46,10 +47,8 @@ var Observers = []string{health.WatchmanModule, health.SelfCheckModule, health.H
 
 // The other states it reads, as `<module>.<name>`.
 const (
-	AttemptsRead       = health.HealersModule + "." + health.AttemptsState
-	ControllerLease    = "mesh-controller.lease"
-	ControllerLeaseKey = "holder"
-	WantsRead          = delivery.AssignerModule + ".wants"
+	AttemptsRead = health.HealersModule + "." + health.AttemptsState
+	WantsRead    = delivery.AssignerModule + ".wants"
 	// PlacementRead is the mesh-placement seat's placement, read for which module holds a seat on a node (hold.go; the
 	// lead, 2026-10-29, for ADR 0564 clause 2's inputs).
 	PlacementRead   = delivery.PlacementRead
@@ -68,7 +67,7 @@ type Store interface {
 	CreateTTL(state, key string, value any, ttl time.Duration) error
 }
 
-// held is a finding or a carried condition kept while its module is delivered (clause 13 (b)).
+// held is a finding kept while its module is delivered (clause 13 (b)).
 type held struct {
 	Key     string          `json:"key"`
 	Node    string          `json:"node"`
@@ -104,8 +103,9 @@ type Keeper struct {
 	findings map[string]map[string]health.Finding
 	blind    map[string]string
 	attempts map[string]health.Attempt
+	// ctrl is the controller's conditions as Controller hands them: compare's other side alone, never a condition's
+	// input (issue 1126). Nothing feeds it since issue 774; it goes with compare.
 	ctrl     map[string]health.Condition
-	leaseOut bool
 	takeover health.Takeover
 	wants    map[string]delivery.Want
 	haves    map[string]delivery.Have
@@ -209,7 +209,8 @@ func (k *Keeper) Attempt(key string, value []byte, deleted bool) error {
 	return k.Settle(condition)
 }
 
-// Controller takes one change of the controller's `conditions` bucket (clauses 8, 9): read until the lease write.
+// Controller takes one change of the controller's `conditions` bucket, for compare alone: no condition is carried from
+// it (issue 1126).
 func (k *Keeper) Controller(key string, value []byte, deleted bool) error {
 	k.mu.Lock()
 	k.init()
@@ -219,38 +220,57 @@ func (k *Keeper) Controller(key string, value []byte, deleted bool) error {
 		var c health.Condition
 		if err := json.Unmarshal(value, &c); err != nil {
 			k.mu.Unlock()
-			k.Logf("the controller's condition %s is not readable, so nothing is carried from it: %v", key, err)
+			k.Logf("the controller's condition %s is not readable, so compare does not list it: %v", key, err)
 			return nil
 		}
 		k.ctrl[key] = c
 	}
 	k.mu.Unlock()
-	return k.Settle(key)
+	return nil
 }
 
-// Lease takes the controller's lease key as read (clause 8, Limits 8): once it is handed to a holder that is no
-// controller, nothing more is carried from the controller's bucket, and the kinds that ended with it clear.
-func (k *Keeper) Lease(away bool) error {
-	k.mu.Lock()
-	k.init()
-	was := k.leaseOut
-	k.leaseOut = away
-	keys := make([]string, 0, len(k.ctrl))
-	for key := range k.ctrl {
-		keys = append(keys, key)
-	}
-	k.mu.Unlock()
-	if was == away {
-		return nil
-	}
-	return k.settleAll(keys)
-}
+// endedWhy is why a condition of a kind that ended with the controller is cleared.
+const endedWhy = "its kind ended with the controller, which was unassigned (issue 1126): no finding raises it again"
 
-// LeaseAway says whether the controller's lease is handed away.
-func (k *Keeper) LeaseAway() bool {
-	k.mu.Lock()
-	defer k.mu.Unlock()
-	return k.leaseOut
+// EndCarried clears, once, every open condition of a kind that ended with the controller (Homes' Carried) that no
+// observer's finding names: carried from the controller's bucket while it ran, nothing raises it again (issue 1126).
+// It answers how many it cleared.
+func (k *Keeper) EndCarried() (int, error) {
+	open, err := k.Open()
+	if err != nil {
+		return 0, err
+	}
+	n := 0
+	var problems []string
+	for _, c := range open {
+		if h, ok := k.homeOf(c.Kind); !ok || !h.Carried {
+			continue
+		}
+		k.mu.Lock()
+		k.init()
+		f := k.wanted(c.Key)
+		k.mu.Unlock()
+		if f != nil {
+			continue
+		}
+		raw, rev, found, err := k.Store.Get(ConditionsState, c.Key)
+		if err != nil || !found {
+			continue
+		}
+		var was health.Condition
+		if json.Unmarshal(raw, &was) != nil {
+			continue
+		}
+		if err := k.clear(c.Key, was, rev, k.Now().UTC(), endedWhy); err != nil {
+			problems = append(problems, fmt.Sprintf("%s: %v", c.Key, err))
+			continue
+		}
+		n++
+	}
+	if len(problems) > 0 {
+		return n, errors.New(strings.Join(problems, "; "))
+	}
+	return n, nil
 }
 
 // Takeover takes the keeper's own take-over key as read.
@@ -287,9 +307,9 @@ func (k *Keeper) settleAll(keys []string) error {
 	return nil
 }
 
-// wanted is what the inputs say key should be: a finding of an observer, or a condition carried from the controller's
-// bucket of a kind that ends with the controller, until the lease write (clause 9). Nil when nothing says it.
-func (k *Keeper) wanted(key string) (*health.Finding, *health.Condition) {
+// wanted is what the inputs say key should be: a finding of an observer. Nil when nothing says it; nothing is carried
+// from the controller's bucket (issue 1126).
+func (k *Keeper) wanted(key string) *health.Finding {
 	observers := make([]string, 0, len(k.findings))
 	for o := range k.findings {
 		observers = append(observers, o)
@@ -297,18 +317,10 @@ func (k *Keeper) wanted(key string) (*health.Finding, *health.Condition) {
 	sort.Strings(observers)
 	for _, o := range observers {
 		if f, ok := k.findings[o][key]; ok {
-			return &f, nil
+			return &f
 		}
 	}
-	if c, ok := k.ctrl[key]; ok && !k.leaseOut && k.endsWithController(c) {
-		return nil, &c
-	}
-	return nil, nil
-}
-
-func (k *Keeper) endsWithController(c health.Condition) bool {
-	h, ok := k.homeOf(c.Kind)
-	return ok && h.Carried
+	return nil
 }
 
 // settleOnce is one try of Settle.
@@ -326,11 +338,11 @@ func (k *Keeper) settleOnce(key string) error {
 	}
 	k.mu.Lock()
 	k.init()
-	f, carried := k.wanted(key)
-	hold, holding := k.holdFor(key, f, carried, open)
+	f := k.wanted(key)
+	hold, holding := k.holdFor(key, f, open)
 	k.mu.Unlock()
 
-	if f == nil && carried == nil {
+	if f == nil {
 		k.dropHeld(key, "its finding went while its module was delivered")
 		if !open {
 			return nil
@@ -341,7 +353,7 @@ func (k *Keeper) settleOnce(key string) error {
 		return k.keepHeld(hold)
 	}
 	k.dropHeld(key, "")
-	next := k.derive(key, was, open, f, carried, now)
+	next := k.derive(key, was, open, f, now)
 	events := transitions(was, next, open)
 	if len(events) == 0 && open && sameBody(was, next) {
 		return nil
@@ -359,28 +371,16 @@ func (k *Keeper) settleOnce(key string) error {
 	k.mu.Unlock()
 	for _, e := range events {
 		e.Condition, e.At, e.Event = next, now, health.EventFor(e.Change)
-		e.Show = k.show(next, carried != nil)
+		e.Show = health.ShowKeeper(next.Key)
 		k.tell(e)
 	}
 	return nil
 }
 
-func (k *Keeper) show(c health.Condition, carried bool) string {
-	if carried {
-		return health.ShowController(c.Key)
-	}
-	return health.ShowKeeper(c.Key)
-}
-
 // derive is the condition key should be now, from what was open and what the inputs say.
-func (k *Keeper) derive(key string, was health.Condition, open bool, f *health.Finding, carried *health.Condition, now time.Time) health.Condition {
+func (k *Keeper) derive(key string, was health.Condition, open bool, f *health.Finding, now time.Time) health.Condition {
 	var c health.Condition
 	switch {
-	case carried != nil:
-		// Raised and cleared as the controller's bucket says, with its show and actions (Limits 9).
-		c = *carried
-		c.Epoch = 0
-		c.LooksUnread = ""
 	case open:
 		c = was
 		k.fromFinding(&c, *f, now)
@@ -402,9 +402,7 @@ func (k *Keeper) derive(key string, was health.Condition, open bool, f *health.F
 		}
 		k.mu.Unlock()
 	}
-	if carried == nil {
-		k.overlay(&c, now)
-	}
+	k.overlay(&c, now)
 	if !open {
 		k.mu.Lock()
 		if line := k.outOfHold[key]; line != "" {
@@ -447,9 +445,7 @@ func (k *Keeper) fromFinding(c *health.Condition, f health.Finding, now time.Tim
 	_ = now
 }
 
-// overlay writes the healers' attempts into the condition (clause 7) and, until the lease write, what the controller's
-// bucket holds for the same key (clause 8): its tried, its resolver and escalation, and its silence where the keeper has
-// none of its own.
+// overlay writes the healers' attempts into the condition (clause 7); nothing of the controller's bucket (issue 1126).
 func (k *Keeper) overlay(c *health.Condition, now time.Time) {
 	k.mu.Lock()
 	var mine []health.Attempt
@@ -458,18 +454,8 @@ func (k *Keeper) overlay(c *health.Condition, now time.Time) {
 			mine = append(mine, a)
 		}
 	}
-	ctrl, carry := k.ctrl[c.Key]
-	carry = carry && !k.leaseOut
 	k.mu.Unlock()
 	sort.Slice(mine, func(i, j int) bool { return mine[i].Begun.Before(mine[j].Begun) })
-	if carry && len(ctrl.Tried) > 0 {
-		c.Tried = append([]health.Tried(nil), ctrl.Tried...)
-		if ctrl.Escalated() {
-			c.Resolver, c.Severity = health.ResolverOperator, health.Urgent
-		} else if ctrl.Resolver != "" && ctrl.Resolver != health.ResolverSelf {
-			c.Resolver = ctrl.Resolver
-		}
-	}
 	for _, a := range mine {
 		t := a.Tried()
 		if !containsTried(c.Tried, t) {
@@ -487,9 +473,6 @@ func (k *Keeper) overlay(c *health.Condition, now time.Time) {
 	if len(c.Tried) > health.KeptTried {
 		c.Tried = c.Tried[len(c.Tried)-health.KeptTried:]
 	}
-	if carry && c.Silenced == nil && ctrl.Silenced != nil && now.Before(ctrl.Silenced.Until) {
-		c.Silenced = ctrl.Silenced
-	}
 }
 
 func containsTried(list []health.Tried, t health.Tried) bool {
@@ -556,7 +539,7 @@ func (k *Keeper) clear(key string, was health.Condition, rev uint64, now time.Ti
 	k.mu.Unlock()
 	cleared := now
 	k.tell(health.Event{Condition: was, Event: health.EventCleared, At: now, Change: health.ChangeCleared, Why: why,
-		Cleared: &cleared, Show: k.show(was, false)})
+		Cleared: &cleared, Show: health.ShowKeeper(was.Key)})
 	return nil
 }
 
@@ -623,9 +606,6 @@ func (k *Keeper) Resync() (int, error) {
 			seen[key] = true
 		}
 	}
-	for key := range k.ctrl {
-		seen[key] = true
-	}
 	k.mu.Unlock()
 	keys := make([]string, 0, len(seen))
 	for key := range seen {
diff --git a/modules/mesh-conditions/cmd/mesh-conditions/keeper_test.go b/modules/mesh-conditions/cmd/mesh-conditions/keeper_test.go
index 21a28ee4..d061f720 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-conditions/cmd/mesh-conditions/keeper_test.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-conditions/cmd/mesh-conditions/keeper_test.go
@@ -141,7 +141,7 @@ func finding(t *testing.T, observer, scope, id, kind, source string, sev health.
 }
 
 // ADR 0564 clauses 2, 3, 7, 8 (issue 1952 C2, C3): a finding raises, changes and clears its condition; a blind observer
-// clears nothing; the healers' attempts and the controller's escalation reach the condition; a reopening within ten
+// clears nothing; the healers' attempts reach the condition; a reopening within ten
 // minutes is the same fault; a silence is a transition in history.
 func TestTheKeeperRaisesChangesAndClearsFromFindings(t *testing.T) {
 	r := newRig()
@@ -206,25 +206,12 @@ func TestTheKeeperRaisesChangesAndClearsFromFindings(t *testing.T) {
 			}
 			return ""
 		}},
-		// Until the lease write the controller's escalation for the same key reaches the condition (clause 8).
-		{name: "the controller's escalation is carried", do: func() error {
-			ctrl, _ := json.Marshal(health.Condition{Key: key, Kind: "silent", Severity: health.Urgent, Resolver: health.ResolverOperator,
-				Tried: []health.Tried{{At: r.now, What: "x", Outcome: "escalated", By: "healer H1"}}})
-			_ = r.k.Attempt("h3-1", nil, true)
-			_ = r.k.Attempt("h3-2", nil, true)
-			return r.k.Controller(key, ctrl, false)
-		}, check: func(c health.Condition, _ bool) string {
-			if c.Resolver != health.ResolverOperator || c.Severity != health.Urgent {
-				return fmt.Sprintf("%+v", c)
-			}
-			return ""
-		}},
 	}
 	for _, s := range steps {
 		if err := s.do(); err != nil {
 			t.Fatalf("%s: %v", s.name, err)
 		}
-		if got := r.changes(); s.said != "" && got != s.said || s.said == "" && got != "" && s.name != "the controller's escalation is carried" {
+		if got := r.changes(); s.said != "" && got != s.said || s.said == "" && got != "" {
 			t.Errorf("%s: said %q, want %q", s.name, got, s.said)
 		}
 		if s.check != nil {
@@ -243,28 +230,64 @@ func TestTheKeeperRaisesChangesAndClearsFromFindings(t *testing.T) {
 	if !strings.Contains(string(raw0), `"show":"mesh-conditions.conditions key=machine.g14.silent"`) {
 		t.Errorf("the first transition is %s", raw0)
 	}
-	// A carried kind (it ends with the controller) is raised and cleared as the controller's bucket says, until the
-	// lease is handed away, with the controller's show (clause 9, Limits 9).
-	deaf, _ := json.Marshal(health.Condition{Key: "core.controller.deaf", Kind: "controller-deaf", Source: "S4",
-		Subject: health.Subject{Scope: health.ScopeCore, ID: "controller"}, Severity: health.Urgent, Summary: "deaf", Resolver: "self", Epoch: 9})
-	if err := r.k.Controller("core.controller.deaf", deaf, false); err != nil {
+}
+
+// 1126/A5/AC2: the keeper carries no controller condition: the controller's bucket, as Controller hands it, opens no
+// condition and changes none (no escalation, no silence). What it carried while the controller ran, still open, is cleared
+// once by EndCarried, said as cleared; a condition an observer's finding holds stays; a second EndCarried clears nothing.
+func TestTheKeeperCarriesNoControllerConditionAndClearsWhatItCarriedOnce(t *testing.T) {
+	r := newRig()
+	key, raw := finding(t, watchman, health.ScopeMachine, "g14", "silent", "S1", health.Warning, r.now)
+	if err := r.k.Finding(watchman, key, raw, false); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
-	if c, open := r.open("core.controller.deaf"); !open || c.Epoch != 0 || r.said[0].Show != "mesh-controller.conditions key=core.controller.deaf" {
-		t.Errorf("a carried kind is %+v, said %+v", c, r.said)
-	}
 	r.said = nil
-	if err := r.k.Lease(true); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
+	until := r.now.Add(time.Hour)
+	for _, c := range []health.Condition{
+		{Key: "core.controller.deaf", Kind: "controller-deaf", Source: "S4", Subject: health.Subject{Scope: health.ScopeCore, ID: "controller"},
+			Severity: health.Urgent, Summary: "deaf", Resolver: "self"},
+		{Key: key, Kind: "silent", Severity: health.Urgent, Resolver: health.ResolverOperator,
+			Tried:    []health.Tried{{At: r.now, What: "x", Outcome: "escalated", By: "healer H1"}},
+			Silenced: &health.Silence{Until: until}},
+	} {
+		raw, _ := json.Marshal(c)
+		if err := r.k.Controller(c.Key, raw, false); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		if _, err := r.k.Resync(); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
 	}
-	if _, open := r.open("core.controller.deaf"); open || r.changes() != "cleared core.controller.deaf" {
-		t.Error("a carried kind outlived the lease write")
+	if _, open := r.open("core.controller.deaf"); open || r.changes() != "" {
+		t.Error("the controller's condition was carried")
+	}
+	if c, _ := r.open(key); c.Severity != health.Warning || c.Resolver != health.ResolverSelf || len(c.Tried) != 0 || c.Silenced != nil {
+		t.Errorf("the controller's escalation reached the keeper's condition: %+v", c)
+	}
+	// Carried while the controller ran: two of kinds that ended with it, still open in conditions.
+	for _, c := range []health.Condition{
+		{Key: "core.controller.deaf", Kind: "controller-deaf", Severity: health.Urgent, Resolver: "self", Count: 1},
+		{Key: "seat.vault.ace.holder-silent", Kind: "holder-silent", Severity: health.Warning, Resolver: "self", Count: 1},
+	} {
+		if _, err := r.st.Create(ConditionsState, c.Key, c); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	n, err := r.k.EndCarried()
+	if err != nil || n != 2 || r.changes() != "cleared core.controller.deaf, cleared seat.vault.ace.holder-silent" {
+		t.Fatalf("EndCarried cleared %d (%v)", n, err)
+	}
+	if _, open := r.open(key); !open {
+		t.Error("a condition a finding holds was cleared")
+	}
+	if n, err := r.k.EndCarried(); err != nil || n != 0 || r.changes() != "" {
+		t.Errorf("a second EndCarried cleared %d (%v)", n, err)
 	}
 }
 
 // ADR 0564 clause 9 (issue 1952 C5, C8; the lead 2026-10-29): compare counts only what both sides can raise. A key held
 // while its module is delivered, a kind that ends with the controller and a kind the controller never raises are listed
-// apart; a kind with no home decided is a difference naming the gap; take-over is refused while compare differs, and
+// apart; a kind with no home decided is a difference naming the gap; take-over is refused (issue 1126), and
 // hand-back is gone (issue 774, review g1): answered as gone, naming its record, and writing nothing.
 func TestCompareCountsOnlyWhatBothSidesRaise(t *testing.T) {
 	r := newRig()
@@ -296,7 +319,7 @@ func TestCompareCountsOnlyWhatBothSidesRaise(t *testing.T) {
 		"delivery.x.mystery":   "no home is decided for the kind mystery",
 		"bus.x.consumer-wrong": "mesh-self-check has not written its finding",
 		// A kind of a probe the operator dropped (2026-10-30) is carried, never missing.
-		"seat.vault.ace.holder-silent": "carried from its bucket until the lease write (dropped 2026-10-30 by the operator",
+		"seat.vault.ace.holder-silent": "no longer carried (issue 1126) (dropped 2026-10-30 by the operator",
 		// The controller's own bus upgrade ends with its lease (the operator, 2026-10-31; issue 1952).
 		"bus.nats.upgrade-failed": "ends with the controller",
 	} {
@@ -332,17 +355,14 @@ func TestCompareCountsOnlyWhatBothSidesRaise(t *testing.T) {
 	if len(Homes) != 84 || carried != 34 { // 19 of ADR 0564, the 63 of the table, plan-failed and stalled
 		t.Errorf("the table holds %d kinds, %d carried", len(Homes), carried)
 	}
-	if _, err := r.k.TakeOver(nil, "jochen", "now"); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "2 difference") {
-		t.Errorf("take-over while compare differs: %v", err)
+	if _, err := r.k.TakeOver(nil, "jochen", "now"); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "one source already") {
+		t.Errorf("take-over: %v", err)
 	}
-	for _, away := range []bool{false, true} {
-		_ = r.k.Lease(away)
-		if _, err := r.k.HandBack("jochen", "back"); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "hand-back is gone") ||
-			!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "ADR 0564 clause 9") {
-			t.Errorf("hand-back with the lease away %v: %v, want it answered as gone naming its record", away, err)
-		}
-		if _, _, found, _ := r.k.Store.Get(TakeoverState, health.TakeoverKey); found {
-			t.Errorf("hand-back with the lease away %v wrote the take-over key", away)
-		}
+	if _, err := r.k.HandBack("jochen", "back"); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "hand-back is gone") ||
+		!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "ADR 0564 clause 9") {
+		t.Errorf("hand-back: %v, want it answered as gone naming its record", err)
+	}
+	if _, _, found, _ := r.k.Store.Get(TakeoverState, health.TakeoverKey); found {
+		t.Error("hand-back or take-over wrote the take-over key")
 	}
 }
diff --git a/modules/mesh-conditions/cmd/mesh-conditions/main.go b/modules/mesh-conditions/cmd/mesh-conditions/main.go
index fde9df9a..c41a63ee 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-conditions/cmd/mesh-conditions/main.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-conditions/cmd/mesh-conditions/main.go
@@ -15,7 +15,6 @@ import (
 	stdio "git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go"
 	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/asker"
 	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/asks"
-	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/buscompose"
 	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/health"
 )
 
@@ -106,14 +105,11 @@ func Keep(k *Keeper) {
 		}
 		return nil
 	}
-	watch(k, ControllerLease, "", func(c stdio.StateChange) error {
-		if c.Key != ControllerLeaseKey {
-			return nil
-		}
-		away, why := buscompose.LeaseHandedAway(c.Value, c.Op == "put", nil)
-		logf("the controller's lease: %s", why)
-		return said(k.Lease(away))
-	})
+	// Once at start: what was carried from the controller's bucket while it ran is cleared (issue 1126); nothing raises
+	// those kinds again.
+	if n, err := k.EndCarried(); n > 0 || err != nil {
+		logf("cleared %d condition(s) of kinds that ended with the controller: %v", n, err)
+	}
 	watch(k, WantsRead, "", func(c stdio.StateChange) error { return said(k.Want(c.Key, c.Value, c.Op != "put")) })
 	watch(k, HavesRead, "", func(c stdio.StateChange) error { return said(k.Have(c.Key, c.Value, c.Op != "put")) })
 	watch(k, AttemptsRead, health.HealersModule+" attempts", func(c stdio.StateChange) error {
diff --git a/modules/mesh-conditions/cmd/mesh-conditions/manifest_test.go b/modules/mesh-conditions/cmd/mesh-conditions/manifest_test.go
index 55dcea7f..d22707dd 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-conditions/cmd/mesh-conditions/manifest_test.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-conditions/cmd/mesh-conditions/manifest_test.go
@@ -29,14 +29,14 @@ func TestTheManifestSaysWhatTheCodeDoes(t *testing.T) {
 		!slices.Equal(Verbs, catalogue.VerbNames(seat.Serves)) {
 		t.Errorf("module %s runs as %s and claims %+v; the seat serves %v", m.Module, m.RunsAs, m.Claims, catalogue.VerbNames(seat.Serves))
 	}
-	reads := []string{ControllerLease, WantsRead, HavesRead, AttemptsRead, PlacementRead}
+	reads := []string{WantsRead, HavesRead, AttemptsRead, PlacementRead}
 	for _, o := range Observers {
 		reads = append(reads, o+"."+health.FindingsState)
 	}
 	slices.Sort(reads)
 	got := slices.Clone(m.Reads)
 	slices.Sort(got)
-	if slices.Contains(m.Reads, "mesh-controller.conditions") || !slices.Equal(got, reads) || slices.Contains(m.Reads, health.HealersModule+"."+health.WouldState) {
+	if slices.Contains(m.Reads, "mesh-controller.conditions") || slices.Contains(m.Reads, "mesh-controller.lease") || !slices.Equal(got, reads) || slices.Contains(m.Reads, health.HealersModule+"."+health.WouldState) {
 		t.Errorf("reads %v, want %v and never the healers' would", got, reads)
 	}
 	ttl, keyTTL := map[string]int{}, map[string]bool{}
diff --git a/modules/mesh-conditions/cmd/mesh-conditions/tools.go b/modules/mesh-conditions/cmd/mesh-conditions/tools.go
index 4ff0ee80..d62b6e11 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-conditions/cmd/mesh-conditions/tools.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-conditions/cmd/mesh-conditions/tools.go
@@ -73,8 +73,8 @@ func Tools(k *Keeper, a Asks) []stdio.Tool {
 		{Name: Seat + ".compare", Description: "The keeper's open conditions against the controller's, each difference with " +
 			"its reason; what ends with the controller, what only the keeper raises and what is held listed apart.",
 			Run: func(map[string]any) (any, error) { return k.Compare() }},
-		{Name: Seat + ".take-over", Description: "Ask the operator's Approve to switch the readers of conditions to the " +
-			"keeper; refused while compare differs.",
+		{Name: Seat + ".take-over", Description: "Refused: the keeper is the one source of conditions since the " +
+			"controller ended by its unassignment (issue 1126); kept as the seat's verb until the seat drops it.",
 			Input: obj(map[string]any{"why": str("why now")}, "why"),
 			Run: func(args map[string]any) (any, error) {
 				return k.TakeOver(a, stdio.CallerOf(args), strArg(args, "why"))
@@ -212,7 +212,7 @@ func (k *Keeper) Inputs() map[string]any {
 		findings[o] = len(fs)
 	}
 	return map[string]any{"findings": findings, "blind": k.blind, "attempts": len(k.attempts),
-		"controller-conditions": len(k.ctrl), "lease-handed-away": k.leaseOut, "follow": k.takeover.Follow,
+		"controller-conditions": len(k.ctrl), "follow": k.takeover.Follow,
 		"wants": len(k.wants), "haves": len(k.haves)}
 }
 
diff --git a/modules/mesh-conditions/cmd/mesh-conditions/whole_integration_test.go b/modules/mesh-conditions/cmd/mesh-conditions/whole_integration_test.go
index f8881730..b788bafb 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-conditions/cmd/mesh-conditions/whole_integration_test.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-conditions/cmd/mesh-conditions/whole_integration_test.go
@@ -261,7 +261,7 @@ func TestTheKeeperWholeRaisesAndClearsOnTheBus(t *testing.T) {
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
-	buckets := []string{"mesh-controller_conditions", "mesh-controller_lease", "mesh-delivery-assigner_wants", "node-engine_have", "mesh-delivery-assigner_placement",
+	buckets := []string{"mesh-controller_conditions", "mesh-delivery-assigner_wants", "node-engine_have", "mesh-delivery-assigner_placement",
 		"mesh-healers_attempts"}
 	for _, o := range Observers {
 		buckets = append(buckets, o+"_findings")
diff --git a/modules/mesh-conditions/module.json b/modules/mesh-conditions/module.json
index addf5483..7a02f96e 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-conditions/module.json
+++ b/modules/mesh-conditions/module.json
@@ -28,7 +28,6 @@
     "mesh-provisioner.findings",
     "artifact-store-tools.findings",
     "mesh-healers.attempts",
-    "mesh-controller.lease",
     "mesh-delivery-assigner.wants",
     "node-engine.have",
     "mesh-delivery-assigner.placement"
diff --git a/modules/mesh-config/README.md b/modules/mesh-config/README.md
index 69a9cab4..fb841a1e 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-config/README.md
+++ b/modules/mesh-config/README.md
@@ -75,6 +75,5 @@ Each directory or archive this module declares says how it treats a file it did
   controller told by `pull-declares`; the controller's mirrors are no longer read (ADR 0565 §4, issue 774).
   `config_take_over` asks the operator's Approve, refused while any difference stands and switched on the Approve only
   if none stands then. `config_hand_back` is gone: it answers so and changes nothing. `config_declared` and `config_resync` read and write again what it keeps.
-- From the controller's lease write a trusted value is set only through propose and the operator's Approve.
-- Its sets, clears and warrants are recorded in the hand-act log of the seat `mesh-hand-acts`, falling back to the
-  controller's while that seat has no holder and the controller holds its lease.
+- A trusted value is set only through propose and the operator's Approve: no controller relay is trusted (issue 1126).
+- Its sets, clears and warrants are recorded in the hand-act log of the seat `mesh-hand-acts` alone.
diff --git a/modules/mesh-config/cmd/mesh-config/config.go b/modules/mesh-config/cmd/mesh-config/config.go
index 1928a3df..1db9388f 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-config/cmd/mesh-config/config.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-config/cmd/mesh-config/config.go
@@ -16,9 +16,10 @@ import (
 // values it moves; records the change in the history and the hand-act log; raises `config-changed`; and answers
 // with each module on each node whose value moved. A config change opens no walk and waits at no first-node gate.
 //
-// **Trusted values at the terminal or on the operator's Approve.** A trusted value (ADR 0348 §8) is set only by a
-// call the controller carries from its terminal, or on the operator's warrant for a proposal (proposals.go, design
-// 57 K4); a set through the verb is refused and names the proposal as the way.
+// **Trusted values on the operator's Approve alone.** A trusted value (ADR 0348 §8) is set only on the operator's
+// warrant for a proposal (proposals.go, design 57 K4); a set through the verb is refused and names the proposal as the
+// way. No controller relay is trusted (ADR 0565 §13, issue 1126): the controller ended by its unassignment, so no lease
+// turns its terminal on.
 
 // ControllerCaller is the controller's bus user: the one caller that carries a value given at its terminal.
 const ControllerCaller = "controller"
@@ -275,9 +276,9 @@ func (c *Config) change(call Call) (*SetAnswer, error) {
 			return nil, fmt.Errorf("%s is refused for %s at %s: %s", show(value), call.Key, level,
 				strings.Join(problems, "; "))
 		}
-		if trusted && call.approval == nil && !c.atTheTerminal(call) {
-			return nil, fmt.Errorf("%s is trusted (it decides what runs or who can reach what), so it is set only at "+
-				"the controller's terminal or on the operator's Approve (novox/hq ADR 0348 §8); %s is not the terminal: "+
+		if trusted && call.approval == nil {
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("%s is trusted (it decides what runs or who can reach what), so it is set only on "+
+				"the operator's Approve (novox/hq ADR 0348 §8; no controller relay is trusted, ADR 0565 §13), not by %s: "+
 				"propose it instead, with config's action propose", call.Key, call.Caller)
 		}
 		v := Value{Value: compact(raw), By: by, Via: call.Caller, Why: strings.TrimSpace(call.Why), At: now}
@@ -293,9 +294,9 @@ func (c *Config) change(call Call) (*SetAnswer, error) {
 		if !had {
 			return nil, fmt.Errorf("nothing is set for %s at %s, so there is nothing to clear", call.Key, level)
 		}
-		if trusted && call.approval == nil && !c.atTheTerminal(call) {
-			return nil, fmt.Errorf("%s is trusted, so it is cleared only at the controller's terminal or on the "+
-				"operator's Approve (novox/hq ADR 0348 §8); %s is not the terminal: propose the clear instead, with "+
+		if trusted && call.approval == nil {
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("%s is trusted, so it is cleared only on the operator's Approve (novox/hq ADR 0348 "+
+				"§8; no controller relay is trusted, ADR 0565 §13), not by %s: propose the clear instead, with "+
 				"config's action propose and clear", call.Key, call.Caller)
 		}
 		if err := c.Store.Delete(ValuesState, vk); err != nil {
@@ -326,13 +327,6 @@ func (c *Config) change(call Call) (*SetAnswer, error) {
 	return answer, nil
 }
 
-// atTheTerminal says a call is the controller's relay of its terminal, which holds only until the controller's lease is
-// handed away: from the lease write a trusted value is set only through propose and the operator's Approve, whoever
-// calls (novox/hq ADR 0565 §13).
-func (c *Config) atTheTerminal(call Call) bool {
-	return call.Caller == ControllerCaller && !c.leaseAway()
-}
-
 // declared is the rule a value at a level is held to, and whether it is trusted; refused, naming the declared
 // keys, for a key the module or the list of predefined keys does not declare (ADR 0348 §10).
 func (c *Config) declared(s Sources, level Level, key string) (rule, bool, error) {
diff --git a/modules/mesh-config/cmd/mesh-config/config_test.go b/modules/mesh-config/cmd/mesh-config/config_test.go
index 37270958..7201384a 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-config/cmd/mesh-config/config_test.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-config/cmd/mesh-config/config_test.go
@@ -404,10 +404,10 @@ func TestTheVerbRefusesWhatADeclarationDoesNotAllow(t *testing.T) {
 		{"a value not in its enum", Call{Key: "position", Value: "middle", Node: "g14", Module: "dunst"}, "is not one of"},
 		{"a value not matching its pattern", Call{Key: "origin", Value: "Home 1", Node: "g14", Module: "dunst"},
 			"does not match the pattern"},
-		{"a trusted value at the mesh, not from the terminal", Call{Key: "agent-managed-settings",
-			Value: map[string]any{"a": 1.0}}, "set only at the controller's terminal"},
-		{"a trusted module value, not from the terminal", Call{Key: "managed", Value: map[string]any{},
-			Node: "g14", Module: "claude-code"}, "set only at the controller's terminal"},
+		{"a trusted value at the mesh, not on an Approve", Call{Key: "agent-managed-settings",
+			Value: map[string]any{"a": 1.0}}, "set only on the operator's Approve"},
+		{"a trusted module value, not on an Approve", Call{Key: "managed", Value: map[string]any{},
+			Node: "g14", Module: "claude-code"}, "set only on the operator's Approve"},
 		{"a change without why", Call{Key: "font-size", Value: 12.0, Why: " "}, "say why"},
 		{"an unproven caller", Call{Key: "font-size", Value: 12.0, Caller: Unproven}, "no proven caller"},
 		{"by from anyone but the controller", Call{Key: "font-size", Value: 12.0, By: "jochen"}, "only the controller says"},
@@ -438,23 +438,27 @@ func TestTheVerbRefusesWhatADeclarationDoesNotAllow(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
-// **A trusted value from the controller's terminal is set**, with who gave it there (ADR 0348 §8).
-func TestATrustedValueFromTheTerminalIsSetWithWhoGaveIt(t *testing.T) {
-	c, m := aMesh(t)
-	a := set(t, c, Call{Key: "agent-managed-settings", Value: map[string]any{"b": 2.0, "a": 1.0},
-		Caller: ControllerCaller, By: "jochen"})
-	if string(a.Value) != `{"a":1,"b":2}` {
-		t.Errorf("the value is written as %s", a.Value)
-	}
-	r := m.resolved(t, "g14", "claude-code", "managed")
-	if r.Source != SourceMesh || !r.Trusted || string(r.Value) != `{"a":1,"b":2}` {
-		t.Errorf("claude-code's managed settings resolve as %+v", r)
-	}
-	e, _ := m.Get(ValuesState, "mesh.agent-managed-settings")
-	var v Value
-	_ = json.Unmarshal(e.Value, &v)
-	if v.By != "jochen" || v.Via != ControllerCaller {
-		t.Errorf("the value says it was set by %s via %s", v.By, v.Via)
+// 1126/A5/AC1: **no controller relay is trusted.** With no lease key (the controller ended by its unassignment), a trusted
+// value set or cleared by the controller's account is refused, naming propose; nothing is written (ADR 0565 §13).
+func TestNoControllerRelayIsTrusted(t *testing.T) {
+	for _, call := range []Call{
+		{Action: "set", Key: "agent-managed-settings", Value: map[string]any{"a": 1.0}},
+		{Action: "set", Key: "managed", Node: "g14", Module: "claude-code", Value: map[string]any{"a": 1.0}},
+		{Action: "clear", Key: "agent-managed-settings"},
+	} {
+		c, m := aMesh(t)
+		m.mirror(t, ValuesState, "mesh.agent-managed-settings", `{"value":{"b":2},"by":"person.jochen","via":"person.jochen"}`)
+		call.Caller, call.By, call.Why = ControllerCaller, "jochen", "at the terminal"
+		_, err := c.Change(call)
+		if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "propose") {
+			t.Errorf("%s %s from the controller: %v", call.Action, call.Key, err)
+		}
+		if v, _ := storedValue(t, m, "mesh.agent-managed-settings"); string(v.Value) != `{"b":2}` {
+			t.Errorf("%s %s from the controller left %s", call.Action, call.Key, v.Value)
+		}
+		if _, held := storedValue(t, m, "module.g14.claude-code.managed"); held {
+			t.Errorf("%s %s from the controller wrote claude-code's own value", call.Action, call.Key)
+		}
 	}
 }
 
diff --git a/modules/mesh-config/cmd/mesh-config/main.go b/modules/mesh-config/cmd/mesh-config/main.go
index d799a03b..1311eb3d 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-config/cmd/mesh-config/main.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-config/cmd/mesh-config/main.go
@@ -19,7 +19,6 @@ import (
 
 	stdio "git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go"
 	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/asks"
-	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/buscompose"
 	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/handacts"
 )
 
@@ -77,15 +76,7 @@ func (runtimeStore) Emit(event string, body any) error { return stdio.Emit(event
 
 // recorder records into the hand-act log of the seat mesh-hand-acts alone (novox/hq ADR 0565 §11, issue 1953): the manifest
 // invokes no verb of the controller and the SDK recorder has no fall back to its log.
-var recorder = handacts.Recorder{Ask: stdio.Ask, LeaseAway: func() bool {
-	e, err := stdio.State(LeaseRead).Get(buscompose.ControllerLeaseKey)
-	var raw []byte
-	if e != nil {
-		raw = e.Value
-	}
-	away, _ := buscompose.LeaseHandedAway(raw, e != nil, err)
-	return away
-}}
+var recorder = handacts.Recorder{Ask: stdio.Ask}
 
 // HandAct records a change in the hand-act log (to-be 45 §7).
 func (runtimeStore) HandAct(what, why, cause string) error {
@@ -238,7 +229,7 @@ func Tools(c *Config) []stdio.Tool {
 			"one level: mesh config (no module, no node) or node config (a node) for a predefined key, or a " +
 			"module's own value on one node (module and node). Each set or clear needs why, is validated against " +
 			"its declaration, names each module on each node whose value moves, and is kept in the history with " +
-			"who and why. A trusted value is set only at the controller's terminal or on the operator's Approve: " +
+			"who and why. A trusted value is set only on the operator's Approve: " +
 			"propose asks the operator, under mesh-config's own name on a channel that proves who answered, and sets " +
 			"the value on Approve if what it was shown against still stands; proposals lists them, or one with " +
 			"proposal. A proposal naming the open pull request that introduces its key (pull) is judged against what " +
diff --git a/modules/mesh-config/cmd/mesh-config/manifest_test.go b/modules/mesh-config/cmd/mesh-config/manifest_test.go
index fb80765e..19e66dab 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-config/cmd/mesh-config/manifest_test.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-config/cmd/mesh-config/manifest_test.go
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ func TestEveryStateAndActHasItsTool(t *testing.T) {
 		ProposalsState: "config proposals", PullsState: "config list", KeptState: "config list", HistoryLog: "config history",
 		DeclaredState: DeclaredTool, TakeoverState: DeclaredTool,
 		PlacementRead: CompareTool, WantsRead: CompareTool, BuildsRead: CompareTool, ModulesRead: DeclaredTool,
-		ManifestsRead: DeclaredTool, IndexerPredefinedRead: CompareTool, CandidatesRead: CompareTool, LeaseRead: HandBackTool,
+		ManifestsRead: DeclaredTool, IndexerPredefinedRead: CompareTool, CandidatesRead: CompareTool,
 		"a resolution": ResyncTool, "the indexer's candidates taken": ResyncTool, "a take-over decided": TakeOverTool,
 	}
 	served := map[string]bool{}
diff --git a/modules/mesh-config/cmd/mesh-config/proposals_test.go b/modules/mesh-config/cmd/mesh-config/proposals_test.go
index 64a23994..65c668bb 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-config/cmd/mesh-config/proposals_test.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-config/cmd/mesh-config/proposals_test.go
@@ -266,8 +266,8 @@ func TestATrustedValueIsProposedAskedUnderItsOwnNameAndSetOnTheOperatorsApprove(
 func TestAnApproveIsRefusedWhenTheStoredValueChangedSince(t *testing.T) {
 	c, m, r := aProposingMesh(t)
 	a := propose(t, c, Call{Key: "agent-managed-settings", Value: map[string]any{"a": 1.0}})
-	// Set at the terminal meanwhile.
-	set(t, c, Call{Key: "agent-managed-settings", Value: map[string]any{"b": 2.0}, Caller: ControllerCaller, By: "jochen"})
+	// Changed meanwhile.
+	m.mirror(t, ValuesState, "mesh.agent-managed-settings", `{"value":{"b":2},"by":"person.jochen","via":"person.jochen"}`)
 	m.events = nil
 	r.choose(t, a.Proposal, OptionApprove, nil)
 	said, _ := c.Decide()
@@ -501,8 +501,7 @@ func TestAClearIsProposedAndATrustedSetNamesTheProposal(t *testing.T) {
 	if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "propose it instead") {
 		t.Errorf("a trusted set through the verb: %v", err)
 	}
-	set(t, c, Call{Key: "managed", Value: map[string]any{"a": 1.0}, Node: "g14", Module: "claude-code",
-		Caller: ControllerCaller, By: "jochen"})
+	m.mirror(t, ValuesState, "module.g14.claude-code.managed", `{"value":{"a":1},"by":"person.jochen","via":"person.jochen"}`)
 	a := propose(t, c, Call{Key: "managed", Clear: true, Node: "g14", Module: "claude-code"})
 	ask := r.asks[a.Proposal]
 	if !strings.HasPrefix(ask.Headline, "Clear managed for claude-code on g14") ||
diff --git a/modules/mesh-config/cmd/mesh-config/takeover.go b/modules/mesh-config/cmd/mesh-config/takeover.go
index 39d09015..eefae9ad 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-config/cmd/mesh-config/takeover.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-config/cmd/mesh-config/takeover.go
@@ -26,7 +26,6 @@ import (
 	"time"
 
 	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/asks"
-	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/buscompose"
 	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/delivery"
 )
 
@@ -41,8 +40,6 @@ const (
 	// IndexerPredefinedRead and CandidatesRead are the indexer's states (ADR 0565 §2).
 	IndexerPredefinedRead = delivery.IndexerModule + "." + delivery.IndexerPredefinedState
 	CandidatesRead        = delivery.IndexerModule + "." + delivery.IndexerConfigCandidatesState
-	// LeaseRead is the controller's lease: after its write hand-back is gone and the terminal sets nothing (§13).
-	LeaseRead = buscompose.ControllerLease
 )
 
 // The sources the switch names.
@@ -95,17 +92,6 @@ func (c *Config) source() (Switch, error) {
 	return s, nil
 }
 
-// leaseAway says the controller's lease is handed away (ADR 0561 §3's reading).
-func (c *Config) leaseAway() bool {
-	e, err := c.Store.Get(LeaseRead, buscompose.ControllerLeaseKey)
-	var raw []byte
-	if e != nil {
-		raw = e.Value
-	}
-	away, _ := buscompose.LeaseHandedAway(raw, e != nil, err)
-	return away
-}
-
 // ---- declared --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 // DeclaredKept is one key of `declared`: a module's declarations as the manifest the indexer's `modules.<module>`
diff --git a/modules/mesh-config/cmd/mesh-config/takeover_test.go b/modules/mesh-config/cmd/mesh-config/takeover_test.go
index 4df66d23..91ed0105 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-config/cmd/mesh-config/takeover_test.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-config/cmd/mesh-config/takeover_test.go
@@ -118,8 +118,7 @@ func TestCompareListsEveryDifferenceAndTheTakeOverWaitsForNone(t *testing.T) {
 }
 
 // The operator's Approve switches config to the indexer: pull-declares is refused, the list and the pull requests'
-// config come from the indexer; hand-back is gone, and a switch naming the controller is read as the indexer; from the
-// lease write a trusted value is set only on an Approve; declared is written once per manifest (ADR 0565 §3, §4, §13).
+// config come from the indexer; hand-back is gone, and a switch naming the controller is read as the indexer; declared is written once per manifest (ADR 0565 §3, §4, §13).
 func TestTheTakeOverAndTheHandBack(t *testing.T) {
 	c, m, r := anAgreeingMesh(t)
 	steps := []struct {
@@ -174,15 +173,6 @@ func TestTheTakeOverAndTheHandBack(t *testing.T) {
 			res, err := c.Reconcile()
 			return res.SourceGone + "|" + string(m.resolved(t, "g14", "dunst", "width").Value), err
 		}, "is gone: config no longer reads its records"},
-		{"the lease is written", func() (string, error) {
-			m.mirror(t, LeaseRead, "holder", `{"handed-to":"the operator's hand-over"}`)
-			return "lease", nil
-		}, "lease"},
-		{"the terminal sets no trusted value after the lease write", func() (string, error) {
-			_, err := c.Change(Call{Action: "set", Key: "managed", Module: "claude-code", Node: "g14", Value: map[string]any{},
-				Why: "x", Caller: ControllerCaller, By: "person.jochen"})
-			return "", err
-		}, "propose"},
 	}
 	for _, s := range steps {
 		got, err := s.do()
diff --git a/modules/mesh-config/module.json b/modules/mesh-config/module.json
index b486b86e..f8ae2d62 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-config/module.json
+++ b/modules/mesh-config/module.json
@@ -37,8 +37,7 @@
     "mesh-delivery-indexer.modules",
     "mesh-delivery-indexer.manifests",
     "mesh-delivery-indexer.predefined",
-    "mesh-delivery-indexer.config-candidates",
-    "mesh-controller.lease"
+    "mesh-delivery-indexer.config-candidates"
   ],
   "tools": [
     "config_compare",
diff --git a/modules/mesh-healers/README.md b/modules/mesh-healers/README.md
index d00cdb1b..2563ada9 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-healers/README.md
+++ b/modules/mesh-healers/README.md
@@ -15,15 +15,15 @@ Each act is begun by a create of its key in `attempts` before it is made and fin
 mid-act has spent it and a second instance cannot begin it again. The condition keeper writes the condition's
 `tried`, resolver and escalation from `attempts`; a healer writes no condition.
 
-**Only once the controller's lease names no controller.** Until the write that hands the lease away, each act it would
-take is written to `would`, never to `attempts`: it counts for no budget, settle or brake and reaches no condition.
+**They act, and no lease turns it** (issue 1126): the controller ended by its unassignment. While it ran, each act a
+healer would take was written to `would`, never to `attempts`; nothing writes `would` any more.
 
 Each key of `attempts` and `would` lives a week from its last write, its own time to live (the buckets are declared
-`key-ttl`): nothing else deletes `would`, and once the lease is handed away nothing is written there. The healers' waits
+`key-ttl`): nothing else deletes `would`. The healers' waits
 are keys of `wakes` whose time to live is the wait: `settle.<condition key>` ends with a settle and judges the condition
 again, `fortnight` ends when S15's oldest counted act leaves the fortnight and counts again. The watch of `wakes` hears
 each expiry; no timer runs in the process. A wait still running is on the bus across a restart; one that expired while
-no instance watched is judged at the start, once the lease is first read.
+no instance watched is judged at the start.
 
 S15: it hears the seat mesh-hand-acts' `act-recorded` and watches the controller's hand-act log and writes `healer-wanted` for a cause repaired by hand twice within a
 fortnight; a drill and a person's decision by design never count.
@@ -31,8 +31,8 @@ fortnight; a drill and a person's decision by design never count.
 ## What it keeps
 
 - `mesh-healers_attempts`: every act and escalation, each key kept a week.
-- `mesh-healers_would`: the newest act it would take per healer and condition while the controller holds the lease,
-  each key kept a week.
+- `mesh-healers_would`: the newest act it would take per healer and condition while the controller ran, each key
+  kept a week; nothing writes it any more.
 - `mesh-healers_findings`: the brake, its own blindness, and S15.
 - `mesh-healers_wakes`: the waits, each key living as long as it waits.
 
@@ -41,6 +41,6 @@ fortnight; a drill and a person's decision by design never count.
 - `mesh-healers.healers`: the registry, the acts of the last days, the would-acts, the brake, whether it acts and why;
   `recount=true` counts the hand-act log again.
 - `mesh-healers.heal`: one act now on an open condition, by key and why.
-- `mesh-healers.drill`: records a drill in the hand-act log of the seat `mesh-hand-acts` as `hand-act drill` (the
-  controller's `drill` while that seat has no holder and the controller holds its lease). S15 never counts a drill.
+- `mesh-healers.drill`: records a drill in the hand-act log of the seat `mesh-hand-acts` as `hand-act drill`; with
+  no holder of that seat it is refused. S15 never counts a drill.
 - `healers_findings`, `healers_would`, `healers_wakes`: the reads of its buckets.
diff --git a/modules/mesh-healers/cmd/mesh-healers/healers.go b/modules/mesh-healers/cmd/mesh-healers/healers.go
index 31bc2606..778016a5 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-healers/cmd/mesh-healers/healers.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-healers/cmd/mesh-healers/healers.go
@@ -9,10 +9,9 @@ package main
 // healer's to say: the condition clears when its observer no longer sees it, and the condition keeper writes `tried`,
 // the resolver and the escalation into the condition from `attempts`.
 //
-// **Only once the controller's lease names no controller** (ADR 0564 §8): until then each act it would take is
-// written to the bucket `would`, never to `attempts`, so a would-act counts for no budget, settle or brake, reaches
-// no `tried` and escalates nothing. `would` keeps each key a week (its bucket's age): nothing else deletes it, and once
-// the lease is handed away nothing is written there again.
+// **They act, and no lease turns it** (issue 1126): the controller ended by its unassignment, so the gate on its lease
+// (ADR 0564 §8) is gone. The bucket `would` holds what they would have done while it ran, each key kept a week (its
+// bucket's age); nothing writes there any more.
 
 import (
 	"encoding/json"
@@ -42,8 +41,6 @@ const (
 	AttemptsState  = health.AttemptsState
 	WouldState     = health.WouldState
 	FindingsState  = health.FindingsState
-	LeaseRead      = buscompose.ControllerLease
-	LeaseKey       = buscompose.ControllerLeaseKey
 	ConditionsRead = "mesh-conditions.conditions"
 	ActedEvent     = health.EventHealerActed
 	// ActedSubject is where the seat says it, which its consumers hear (catalogue.SeatSays).
@@ -115,8 +112,8 @@ type Condition struct {
 func (c Condition) Escalated() bool { return c.Resolver == "operator" && len(c.Tried) > 0 }
 
 // Attempt, Would and Acted are mesh-sdk's health layouts: an act begun in `attempts` (its key
-// `<healer>.<condition key>.<begun ns>` is the healers' own), an act written to `would` while the lease names a
-// controller (one key per healer and condition, `<healer>.<condition key>`, its newest), and the body of healer-acted,
+// `<healer>.<condition key>.<begun ns>` is the healers' own), an act written to `would` while the controller ran
+// (one key per healer and condition, `<healer>.<condition key>`, its newest), and the body of healer-acted,
 // epoch left out (ADR 0564 Limits 10).
 type (
 	Attempt = health.Attempt
@@ -182,48 +179,14 @@ type Healers struct {
 	Registry []Healer
 
 	mu sync.Mutex
-	// lease is the controller's lease as last read: acting is on only while it is handed away.
-	acting   bool
-	leaseWhy string
 	// declined is why each condition was last passed over, said once.
 	declined map[string]string
 	// acts are the hand-act log as watched, for S15.
 	acts map[string]HandAct
 }
 
-// LeaseHeard records what the lease says: acting is on only while it names a holder that is no controller (ADR 0564
-// §8, Limits 8, as ADR 0561 §3's reader reads it).
-func (h *Healers) LeaseHeard(raw []byte, found bool, readErr error) {
-	on, why := buscompose.LeaseHandedAway(raw, found, readErr)
-	h.mu.Lock()
-	flipped := on != h.acting || h.leaseWhy == ""
-	h.acting, h.leaseWhy = on, leaseWords(on, why)
-	h.mu.Unlock()
-	if flipped {
-		h.Logf("[%s] the healers %s: %s", Module, map[bool]string{true: "ACT", false: "act in shadow"}[on], h.leaseWhy)
-	}
-}
-
-// leaseWords says the lease's state as the healers read it; the SDK's words speak of minting.
-func leaseWords(on bool, why string) string {
-	if on {
-		return "the controller's lease is handed away: the healers act"
-	}
-	if strings.Contains(why, "cannot be read") || strings.Contains(why, "not readable") {
-		return "the controller's lease cannot be read, so it is taken to name a controller: every act is written as would"
-	}
-	return "the controller's lease names a controller (or none is written, so one may take it): every act is written as would"
-}
-
-// Acting says whether the healers act, and why.
-func (h *Healers) Acting() (bool, string) {
-	h.mu.Lock()
-	defer h.mu.Unlock()
-	if h.leaseWhy == "" {
-		return false, "the controller's lease has not been read yet: every act is written as would"
-	}
-	return h.acting, h.leaseWhy
-}
+// actingWhy is why the healers act: what the tool `healers` says.
+const actingWhy = "the healers act: the controller ended by its unassignment, so no lease turns them (issue 1126)"
 
 // healerFor is the healer that acts here on a kind.
 func (h *Healers) healerFor(kind string) (Healer, bool) {
@@ -235,7 +198,7 @@ func (h *Healers) healerFor(kind string) (Healer, bool) {
 	return Healer{}, false
 }
 
-// Heard is a condition the keeper raised or changed: judged, and acted on, written as would, or passed over.
+// Heard is a condition the keeper raised or changed: judged, and acted on or passed over.
 func (h *Healers) Heard(body []byte) error {
 	var c Condition
 	if err := json.Unmarshal(body, &c); err != nil {
@@ -265,13 +228,6 @@ func (h *Healers) Judge(c Condition, by string) (string, error) {
 	}
 	delete(h.declined, c.Key)
 	now := h.Now()
-	if !h.acting {
-		w := Would{Healer: row.ID, Condition: c.Key, Kind: c.Kind, Act: row.Repair, At: now.UTC(), Why: h.whyNot()}
-		if err := h.Store.PutTTL(WouldState, row.ID+"."+c.Key, w, KeptFor); err != nil {
-			return "", fmt.Errorf("the would-act of %s on %s is not written: %w", row.ID, c.Key, err)
-		}
-		return fmt.Sprintf("healer %s would act on %s: %s", row.ID, c.Key, w.Why), nil
-	}
 	all, err := h.attempts()
 	if err != nil {
 		h.blind(err)
@@ -299,13 +255,6 @@ func (h *Healers) Judge(c Condition, by string) (string, error) {
 	return h.act(row, c, budget, len(spent), by)
 }
 
-func (h *Healers) whyNot() string {
-	if h.leaseWhy == "" {
-		return "the controller's lease has not been read yet"
-	}
-	return h.leaseWhy
-}
-
 // act is one healer's act: begun by a create in attempts, made, finished, and said.
 func (h *Healers) act(row Healer, c Condition, budget string, spent int, by string) (string, error) {
 	begun := h.Now().UTC()
@@ -379,7 +328,7 @@ func (h *Healers) tell(e Acted) {
 	}
 }
 
-// Rearm is the healers' start, once the lease is first read: a settle whose key expired while no instance watched has
+// Rearm is the healers' start: a settle whose key expired while no instance watched has
 // no expiry left to hear, so each newest act whose settle ended within its window is judged at once. A settle still
 // running keeps its key on the bus and needs nothing.
 func (h *Healers) Rearm() {
@@ -611,14 +560,14 @@ func (h *Healers) see(source string, found []Observation) {
 // --- H3 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 // moduleOf is the module whose objects a condition names: a consumer of a module's own (`<stream>.<module>`). The
-// controller's own consumers are not a module's: the controller asserts them itself until its lease.
+// controller's own consumers are not a module's: they go with the controller's leftovers (issue 1126).
 func moduleOf(c Condition) (string, string) {
 	stream, consumer, ok := strings.Cut(c.Subject.ID, ".")
 	if c.Kind != "consumer-lost" || !ok || stream == "" || consumer == "" {
 		return "", "it names no consumer of a module whose objects the grants part asserts"
 	}
 	if consumer == buscompose.ControllerName || strings.HasPrefix(consumer, buscompose.ControllerName+"-") {
-		return "", "the consumer is the controller's own, which the controller asserts itself while it holds its lease"
+		return "", "the consumer is the controller's own, which the grants part does not assert"
 	}
 	return consumer, ""
 }
diff --git a/modules/mesh-healers/cmd/mesh-healers/healers_test.go b/modules/mesh-healers/cmd/mesh-healers/healers_test.go
index dcc42ae0..ddf57bd4 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-healers/cmd/mesh-healers/healers_test.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-healers/cmd/mesh-healers/healers_test.go
@@ -154,10 +154,6 @@ func (w *world) fresh() {
 	}
 }
 
-func (w *world) handAway() {
-	w.h.LeaseHeard([]byte(`{"handed-to":"the operator's hand-over"}`), true, nil)
-}
-
 // lost is a module's consumer the bus does not hold, as D6 raises it.
 func lost(module string) Condition {
 	return Condition{Key: "bus.EVENTS." + module + ".missing", Kind: "consumer-lost", Severity: "warning", Resolver: "self",
@@ -170,47 +166,21 @@ func body(c Condition) []byte {
 	return raw
 }
 
-// No act is made while the lease names a controller: each is written to would, never to attempts, so it counts for no
-// budget or brake and nothing is asked or said; one is made from the write that hands the lease away (ADR 0564 §8).
-func TestTheHealersActOnlyOnceTheLeaseNamesNoController(t *testing.T) {
-	cases := []struct {
-		name  string
-		lease func(h *Healers)
-		acts  bool
-	}{
-		{"never read", func(*Healers) {}, false},
-		{"absent", func(h *Healers) { h.LeaseHeard(nil, false, nil) }, false},
-		{"unreadable", func(h *Healers) { h.LeaseHeard(nil, false, errors.New("timeout")) }, false},
-		{"a controller holds it", func(h *Healers) {
-			h.LeaseHeard([]byte(`{"instance":"novox/1/2026-10-27","epoch":57}`), true, nil)
-		}, false},
-		{"handed away", func(h *Healers) { h.LeaseHeard([]byte(`{"handed-to":"the operator"}`), true, nil) }, true},
+// 1126/A4/AC1: with no lease key read at all (the controller ended by its unassignment), a condition a healer covers is
+// acted on: one attempt, finished, asked and said, and nothing written to would.
+func TestTheHealersActWithNoLease(t *testing.T) {
+	w := newWorld()
+	if err := w.h.Heard(body(lost("records"))); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
-	for _, tc := range cases {
-		w := newWorld()
-		tc.lease(w.h)
-		if err := w.h.Heard(body(lost("records"))); err != nil {
-			t.Fatalf("%s: %v", tc.name, err)
-		}
-		attempts, would := w.store.keys(AttemptsState), w.store.keys(WouldState)
-		if tc.acts {
-			if len(attempts) != 1 || len(would) != 0 || len(w.asked) != 1 || !strings.Contains(w.asked[0], `"module":"records"`) ||
-				len(w.said) != 1 || w.said[0].Outcome != OutcomeActed {
-				t.Errorf("%s: attempts %v, would %v, asked %v, said %+v", tc.name, attempts, would, w.asked, w.said)
-				continue
-			}
-			a := w.store.attempt(t, attempts[0])
-			if a.Outcome != OutcomeActed || a.Finished == nil || a.Healer != "H3" || a.Condition != "bus.EVENTS.records.missing" {
-				t.Errorf("%s: the attempt is %+v", tc.name, a)
-			}
-			continue
-		}
-		if len(attempts) != 0 || len(w.asked) != 0 || len(w.said) != 0 || !slices.Equal(would, []string{"H3.bus.EVENTS.records.missing"}) {
-			t.Errorf("%s: attempts %v, would %v, asked %v, said %v", tc.name, attempts, would, w.asked, w.said)
-		}
-		if _, braked, _ := w.store.Get(FindingsState, brakeKey); braked {
-			t.Errorf("%s: a would-act moved the brake", tc.name)
-		}
+	attempts, would := w.store.keys(AttemptsState), w.store.keys(WouldState)
+	if len(attempts) != 1 || len(would) != 0 || len(w.asked) != 1 || !strings.Contains(w.asked[0], `"module":"records"`) ||
+		len(w.said) != 1 || w.said[0].Outcome != OutcomeActed {
+		t.Fatalf("attempts %v, would %v, asked %v, said %+v", attempts, would, w.asked, w.said)
+	}
+	a := w.store.attempt(t, attempts[0])
+	if a.Outcome != OutcomeActed || a.Finished == nil || a.Healer != "H3" || a.Condition != "bus.EVENTS.records.missing" {
+		t.Errorf("the attempt is %+v", a)
 	}
 }
 
@@ -219,7 +189,6 @@ func TestTheHealersActOnlyOnceTheLeaseNamesNoController(t *testing.T) {
 // in an hour and lets go an hour after the last (ADR 0231 §21, ADR 0564 §7).
 func TestBudgetSettleEscalationAndBrake(t *testing.T) {
 	w := newWorld()
-	w.handAway()
 	c := lost("records")
 	_ = w.store.Put(ConditionsRead, c.Key, c)
 	settle := settlePrefix + c.Key
@@ -247,7 +216,6 @@ func TestBudgetSettleEscalationAndBrake(t *testing.T) {
 		switch s.how {
 		case "restart":
 			w.fresh()
-			w.handAway()
 			w.h.Rearm()
 		case "expire":
 			w.h.WakeHeard(settle, OpExpire)
@@ -277,28 +245,24 @@ func TestBudgetSettleEscalationAndBrake(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 	// A settle whose key expired while no instance watched is judged at the start.
 	r := newWorld()
-	r.handAway()
 	_ = r.store.Put(ConditionsRead, c.Key, c)
 	if _, err := r.h.Judge(c, ""); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
 	r.now = r.now.Add(7 * time.Minute)
 	r.fresh()
-	r.handAway()
 	r.h.Rearm()
 	if len(r.said) != 2 || r.said[1].Outcome != OutcomeEscalated {
 		t.Errorf("a settle that ended unheard is not judged at the start: %+v", r.said)
 	}
 	// A second instance cannot begin the act an attempt's key already holds.
 	x := newWorld()
-	x.handAway()
 	_ = x.store.CreateTTL(AttemptsState, attemptKey("H3", lost("mail").Key, x.now.UTC()), Attempt{}, KeptFor)
 	if said, _ := x.h.Judge(lost("mail"), ""); !strings.Contains(said, "another instance") || len(x.asked) != 0 {
 		t.Errorf("a second instance acted: %q, asked %v", said, x.asked)
 	}
 	// The brake: twelve acts in the hour stop every healer, said as an urgent finding.
 	b := newWorld()
-	b.handAway()
 	for i := 0; i < BrakeLimit; i++ {
 		b.now = b.now.Add(time.Minute)
 		_ = b.store.CreateTTL(AttemptsState, attemptKey("H3", "x", b.now), Attempt{Healer: "H3", Condition: "x", BudgetKey: "x",
@@ -325,7 +289,6 @@ func TestBudgetSettleEscalationAndBrake(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 	// Blind to what they did, they act on nothing and say so.
 	z := newWorld()
-	z.handAway()
 	z.store.keysErr[AttemptsState] = errors.New("the bus is away")
 	if _, err := z.h.Judge(lost("mail"), ""); err == nil || len(z.asked) != 0 {
 		t.Errorf("blind, the healers acted: %v", err)
@@ -350,7 +313,6 @@ func TestTheRegistryAndWhatH3Answers(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 	for _, tc := range cases {
 		w := newWorld()
-		w.handAway()
 		said, _ := w.h.Judge(tc.c, "")
 		if acted := len(w.asked) == 1; acted != tc.holds {
 			t.Errorf("%s: acted %v, want %v (%s)", tc.c.Key, acted, tc.holds, said)
@@ -420,7 +382,6 @@ func TestACauseRepairedByHandTwiceIsAHealerWanted(t *testing.T) {
 // answer every bucket.
 func TestTheVerbsAndReads(t *testing.T) {
 	w := newWorld()
-	w.handAway()
 	c := lost("records")
 	_ = w.store.Put(ConditionsRead, c.Key, c)
 	if _, err := w.h.Heal(c.Key, "", "person.jochen"); err == nil {
@@ -444,28 +405,19 @@ func TestTheVerbsAndReads(t *testing.T) {
 	if a["acting"] != true || len(a["acts"].([]Attempt)) != 1 || len(a["healers"].([]map[string]any)) != 3 {
 		t.Errorf("healers answered %v", a)
 	}
-	// drill records into mesh-hand-acts as a drill, and never into the controller's log, whoever holds the lease
-	// (ADR 0565 §11, issue 1955).
+	// drill records into mesh-hand-acts as a drill, and never into the controller's log (ADR 0565 §11, issue 1955).
 	drills := []struct {
-		name      string
-		seatGone  bool
-		leaseAway bool
-		args      map[string]any
-		log, err  string
+		name     string
+		seatGone bool
+		args     map[string]any
+		log, err string
 	}{
-		{"into the seat", false, true, map[string]any{"what": "stopped records", "why": "does it raise"}, handacts.LogSeat, ""},
-		{"into the seat under a controller's lease", false, false, map[string]any{"what": "stopped records", "why": "x"}, handacts.LogSeat, ""},
-		{"no holder: refused, the controller's not asked", true, false, map[string]any{"what": "stopped records", "why": "x"}, "", "nothing was recorded"},
-		{"no holder, lease away", true, true, map[string]any{"what": "stopped records", "why": "x"}, "", "nothing was recorded"},
-		{"says nothing", false, true, map[string]any{}, "", "says what"},
+		{"into the seat", false, map[string]any{"what": "stopped records", "why": "does it raise"}, handacts.LogSeat, ""},
+		{"no holder: refused, the controller's not asked", true, map[string]any{"what": "stopped records", "why": "x"}, "", "nothing was recorded"},
+		{"says nothing", false, map[string]any{}, "", "says what"},
 	}
 	for _, d := range drills {
 		x := newWorld()
-		if d.leaseAway {
-			x.handAway()
-		} else {
-			x.h.LeaseHeard([]byte(`{"instance":"novox/1","epoch":5}`), true, nil)
-		}
 		var asked []string
 		x.h.Ask = func(key string, body any) (json.RawMessage, error) {
 			raw, _ := json.Marshal(body)
diff --git a/modules/mesh-healers/cmd/mesh-healers/main.go b/modules/mesh-healers/cmd/mesh-healers/main.go
index 90b482af..07c2980d 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-healers/cmd/mesh-healers/main.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-healers/cmd/mesh-healers/main.go
@@ -1,8 +1,8 @@
 // mesh-healers: the holder of the seat mesh-healers (novox/hq ADR 0564 §7, §8). A Go bundle served by a runtime of its
 // own, on its own bus account (`runs-as`), so that its account alone writes its buckets: `attempts` (every act begun,
-// made and finished, and every escalation, kept a week), `would` (what it would have done while the controller holds
-// its lease, kept a week) and `findings` (the brake, its blindness, and S15). It hears the condition keeper's
-// condition-raised and condition-changed on a durable consumer, watches the controller's lease, and counts the seat's hand acts
+// made and finished, and every escalation, kept a week), `would` (what it would have done while the controller ran,
+// kept a week; nothing writes it any more) and `findings` (the brake, its blindness, and S15). It hears the condition keeper's
+// condition-raised and condition-changed on a durable consumer, and counts the seat's hand acts
 // for S15. stdout is the MCP channel; what this module says, it says on stderr.
 package main
 
@@ -11,7 +11,6 @@ import (
 	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"os"
-	"sync"
 	"time"
 
 	stdio "git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go"
@@ -56,14 +55,9 @@ func main() {
 	h := &Healers{Store: runtimeStore{}, Registry: Registry(), Now: time.Now, Logf: logf,
 		Ask:     func(key string, body any) (json.RawMessage, error) { return stdio.Ask(key, body) },
 		Publish: stdio.SeatPublish}
-	// The lease first: until it is read the healers write would-acts only. Once it is first read, a settle that ended
-	// while no instance watched is judged (Rearm); the waits still running are keys on the bus, heard on their expiry.
-	var started sync.Once
-	go stdio.State(LeaseRead).Follow(LeaseKey, func(c stdio.StateChange) error {
-		h.LeaseHeard(c.Value, c.Op == "put", nil)
-		started.Do(func() { go h.Rearm() })
-		return nil
-	})
+	// At start, a settle that ended while no instance watched is judged (Rearm); the waits still running are keys on
+	// the bus, heard on their expiry.
+	go h.Rearm()
 	go stdio.State(WakesState).Follow("", func(c stdio.StateChange) error {
 		h.WakeHeard(c.Key, c.Op)
 		return nil
diff --git a/modules/mesh-healers/cmd/mesh-healers/manifest_test.go b/modules/mesh-healers/cmd/mesh-healers/manifest_test.go
index f9ccac51..8a6bd2cc 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-healers/cmd/mesh-healers/manifest_test.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-healers/cmd/mesh-healers/manifest_test.go
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ type manifest struct {
 
 // The manifest says what the code does: it claims the seat mesh-healers once for the mesh with its verbs (ADR 0564 §1,
 // §7), runs on its own account, says healer-acted, hears the keeper's raised and changed, asks only the grants part's
-// assert, reads the lease, the keeper's conditions and the hand-act log, and keeps attempts and would a week each.
+// assert, reads the keeper's conditions (never the controller's lease, issue 1126) and the hand-act log, and keeps attempts and would a week each.
 // Every state it keeps has a tool that reads it, and every act it takes by itself a tool that starts it (ADR 0564 §12).
 func TestTheManifestSaysWhatTheCodeDoes(t *testing.T) {
 	raw, err := os.ReadFile(filepath.Join("..", "..", "module.json"))
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ func TestTheManifestSaysWhatTheCodeDoes(t *testing.T) {
 		{"emits (healer-acted is the seat's, said on its subject)", m.Emits, nil},
 		{"consumes", m.Consumes, []string{RaisedEvent, ChangedEvent, RecordedEvent}},
 		{"invokes", m.Invokes, []string{AssertTool, "seat:mesh-hand-acts.hand-act", "seat:mesh-hand-acts.hand-acts"}},
-		{"reads", m.Reads, []string{LeaseRead, ConditionsRead}},
+		{"reads", m.Reads, []string{ConditionsRead}},
 	} {
 		if !slices.Equal(c.got, c.want) {
 			t.Errorf("%s %v, want %v", c.name, c.got, c.want)
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ func TestTheManifestSaysWhatTheCodeDoes(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 	readBy := map[string]string{AttemptsState: HealersTool, WouldState: WouldTool, FindingsState: FindingsTool,
 		WakesState: WakesTool, "a settle's end": HealTool,
-		"an act on an event": HealTool, "S15's count": HealersTool + " recount=true", "the lease as read": HealersTool}
+		"an act on an event": HealTool, "S15's count": HealersTool + " recount=true"}
 	tools := map[string]bool{}
 	for _, tool := range Tools(&Healers{}) {
 		tools[tool.Name] = true
diff --git a/modules/mesh-healers/cmd/mesh-healers/tools.go b/modules/mesh-healers/cmd/mesh-healers/tools.go
index c26a30f9..e5f1dc25 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-healers/cmd/mesh-healers/tools.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-healers/cmd/mesh-healers/tools.go
@@ -38,8 +38,8 @@ func Tools(h *Healers) []stdio.Tool {
 	return []stdio.Tool{
 		{Name: HealersTool,
 			Description: "The mesh's healers (novox/hq ADR 0564 §7, §8): the registry, every act and escalation of the last " +
-				"days (the bucket attempts), whether the mesh-wide brake holds, whether they act or only write what they " +
-				"would do while the controller holds its lease, and the would-acts. recount=true counts the hand-act log " +
+				"days (the bucket attempts), whether the mesh-wide brake holds, that they act (no lease turns them, " +
+				"issue 1126), and the would-acts kept from while the controller ran. recount=true counts the hand-act log " +
 				"again for S15 (a cause repaired by hand twice in a fortnight).",
 			Input: obj(map[string]any{
 				"days":    map[string]any{"type": "number", "description": "how many days of acts back (default 7)"},
@@ -47,8 +47,7 @@ func Tools(h *Healers) []stdio.Tool {
 			Run: func(a map[string]any) (any, error) { return h.Answer(intArg(a, "days", 7), boolArg(a, "recount")) }},
 		{Name: HealTool,
 			Description: "One healer's act now on an open condition, by its key, within its budget and the brake, as an " +
-				"event would have it — or, while the controller holds its lease, the act it would take written as would. " +
-				"Says what was done.",
+				"event would have it. Says what was done.",
 			Input: obj(map[string]any{
 				"key": map[string]any{"type": "string", "description": "the condition's key"},
 				"why": map[string]any{"type": "string", "description": "why, in a sentence"}}),
@@ -76,8 +75,8 @@ func Tools(h *Healers) []stdio.Tool {
 			Input: obj(map[string]any{"key": map[string]any{"type": "string"}}),
 			Run:   func(a map[string]any) (any, error) { return h.read(WakesState, strArg(a, "key")) }},
 		{Name: WouldTool,
-			Description: "What the healers would have done while the controller holds its lease (their bucket would, each " +
-				"key kept a week): one per healer and condition, its newest; or one whole by key.",
+			Description: "What the healers would have done while the controller ran (their bucket would, each " +
+				"key kept a week; nothing writes it any more): one per healer and condition, its newest; or one whole by key.",
 			Input: obj(map[string]any{"key": map[string]any{"type": "string"}}),
 			Run:   func(a map[string]any) (any, error) { return h.read(WouldState, strArg(a, "key")) }},
 	}
@@ -147,7 +146,6 @@ func (h *Healers) Answer(days int, recount bool) (any, error) {
 			"budget": fmt.Sprintf("%d act(s) within %s, %s apart at least", r.Budget, r.Window, r.Settle),
 			"then":   r.Then, "acts-in": r.ActsIn, "from": r.From})
 	}
-	acting, why := h.Acting()
 	would, err := h.read(WouldState, "")
 	if err != nil {
 		would = map[string]any{"unread": err.Error()}
@@ -161,7 +159,7 @@ func (h *Healers) Answer(days int, recount bool) (any, error) {
 	if recent == nil {
 		recent = []Attempt{}
 	}
-	return map[string]any{"healers": rows, "acts": recent, "days": days, "acting": acting, "why": why, "would": would,
+	return map[string]any{"healers": rows, "acts": recent, "days": days, "acting": true, "why": actingWhy, "would": would,
 		"brake":    map[string]any{"holds": braked, "said": said, "limit": BrakeLimit, "window": BrakeWindow.String()},
 		"declined": declined,
 		"note":     "a heal is never a hand act; whether it repaired anything is the condition's clearing to say"}, nil
diff --git a/modules/mesh-healers/cmd/mesh-healers/whole_integration_test.go b/modules/mesh-healers/cmd/mesh-healers/whole_integration_test.go
index 081e878c..be4abc4e 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-healers/cmd/mesh-healers/whole_integration_test.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-healers/cmd/mesh-healers/whole_integration_test.go
@@ -5,9 +5,9 @@ package main
 // mesh-healers whole against a real bus (novox/hq ADR 0564 §7, §8; issue 1952 H3): the built binary, played over its
 // real stdin and stdout as the node's tool runtime plays it (mesh/state.* and watches answered from a real nats-server's
 // key-value buckets, the keeper's events handed over as the runtime hands them, the grants part's assert answered). An
-// induced failure, a module's consumer gone, is only written as would while the controller holds its lease; from the
-// write that hands the lease away a healer acts, its attempt on the bus and healer-acted said; past twelve acts in the
-// hour the brake stops every healer, said as an urgent finding on the bus.
+// induced failure, a module's consumer gone, is acted on with no lease key anywhere (issue 1126), its attempt on the bus
+// and healer-acted said, nothing written as would; past twelve acts in the hour the brake stops every healer, said as an
+// urgent finding on the bus.
 
 import (
 	"bufio"
@@ -320,7 +320,7 @@ func raised(key, module string) []byte {
 	return raw
 }
 
-// 1952/H3: an induced failure; the healer acts only from the lease write, and brakes.
+// 1952/H3, 1126/A4: an induced failure with no lease key; the healer acts, and brakes.
 func TestTheHealersWholeActOnTheBusAndBrake(t *testing.T) {
 	ctx, cancel := context.WithCancel(context.Background())
 	t.Cleanup(cancel)
@@ -341,7 +341,7 @@ func TestTheHealersWholeActOnTheBusAndBrake(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
 	for _, b := range []string{Module + "_" + AttemptsState, Module + "_" + WouldState, Module + "_" + FindingsState, Module + "_" + WakesState,
-		"mesh-controller_lease", "mesh-conditions_conditions", "mesh-controller_hand-acts"} {
+		"mesh-conditions_conditions", "mesh-controller_hand-acts"} {
 		if _, err := js.CreateKeyValue(ctx, jetstream.KeyValueConfig{Bucket: b}); err != nil {
 			t.Fatal(err)
 		}
@@ -357,10 +357,6 @@ func TestTheHealersWholeActOnTheBusAndBrake(t *testing.T) {
 		k, _ := bucket(name).Keys(ctx)
 		return k
 	}
-	lease := bucket("mesh-controller_lease")
-	if _, err := lease.Put(ctx, LeaseKey, []byte(`{"instance":"novox/1/2026-10-27","epoch":57}`)); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
 	acted, err := nc.SubscribeSync("mesh.seat." + Seat + ".event." + ActedEvent)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
@@ -385,24 +381,11 @@ func TestTheHealersWholeActOnTheBusAndBrake(t *testing.T) {
 		_ = json.Unmarshal(raw, &a)
 		return a
 	}
-	eventually(t, "the lease read as a controller's", func() bool {
-		a := healers()
-		return a != nil && strings.Contains(fmt.Sprint(a["why"]), "names a controller")
-	})
+	eventually(t, "the healers acting", func() bool { return healers()["acting"] == true })
 
 	// The runtime's consumer holds an event until the bundle subscribes: delivered once it hears them.
 	eventually(t, "the healers hearing the keeper's conditions", func() bool { return p.hears(RaisedEvent) && p.hears(ChangedEvent) })
-	// The controller holds the lease: the induced failure is written as would, never acted on.
-	p.deliver(RaisedEvent, raised("bus.EVENTS.records.missing", "records"))
-	eventually(t, "the would-act written", func() bool { return len(keys(Module+"_"+WouldState)) == 1 })
-	if k := keys(Module + "_" + AttemptsState); len(k) != 0 {
-		t.Fatalf("acted under the controller's lease: %v", k)
-	}
-	// The write that hands the lease away: the same failure is acted on.
-	if _, err := lease.Put(ctx, LeaseKey, []byte(`{"handed-to":"the operator's hand-over"}`)); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	eventually(t, "the healers acting", func() bool { return healers()["acting"] == true })
+	// No lease key: the induced failure is acted on.
 	p.deliver(RaisedEvent, raised("bus.EVENTS.records.missing", "records"))
 	eventually(t, "the act begun and finished on the bus", func() bool {
 		k := keys(Module + "_" + AttemptsState)
@@ -412,6 +395,9 @@ func TestTheHealersWholeActOnTheBusAndBrake(t *testing.T) {
 		e, err := bucket(Module+"_"+AttemptsState).Get(ctx, k[0])
 		return err == nil && strings.Contains(string(e.Value()), `"outcome":"acted"`)
 	})
+	if k := keys(Module + "_" + WouldState); len(k) != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("written as would: %v", k)
+	}
 	msg, err := acted.NextMsg(10 * time.Second)
 	if err != nil || !strings.Contains(string(msg.Data), `"healer":"H3"`) {
 		t.Fatalf("healer-acted was not said: %v", err)
diff --git a/modules/mesh-healers/module.json b/modules/mesh-healers/module.json
index fc05d31a..041b1612 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-healers/module.json
+++ b/modules/mesh-healers/module.json
@@ -24,7 +24,6 @@
     "seat:mesh-hand-acts.hand-acts"
   ],
   "reads": [
-    "mesh-controller.lease",
     "mesh-conditions.conditions"
   ],
   "state": [
diff --git a/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/enrolment_test.go b/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/enrolment_test.go
index d8e04307..420a4ac7 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/enrolment_test.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/enrolment_test.go
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ func (l *loginsState) Keys() ([]string, error) {
 	return out, nil
 }
 
-// enrolling is a vault that mints, with the lease handed away, a loaded user list at revision 570, the bus on novox, the
+// enrolling is a vault that mints, with no lease heard (issue 1126), a loaded user list at revision 570, the bus on novox, the
 // nodes g14, ace and novox placed, their existing logins adopted, and hand acts of person.jochen's.
 type enrolling struct {
 	testVault
@@ -87,7 +87,6 @@ func newEnrolling(t *testing.T) *enrolling {
 	e := &enrolling{testVault: v, accounts: &fakeAccounts{keys: map[string]AccountHash{}}, logins: &loginsState{keys: map[string]NodeLogin{}}, acts: map[string]HandActSeen{}}
 	v.Accounts, v.Logins = e.accounts, e.logins
 	v.Placement = placementsOf(t, map[string][]string{"novox": {"nats"}, "g14": {"web"}, "ace": {"shop"}})
-	v.LeaseHeard([]byte(`{"handed-to":"the operator's hand-over"}`), true, nil)
 	v.LoadedListHeard(570)
 	v.TokenBase = func() (TokenBase, error) {
 		return TokenBase{Broker: "tls://10.77.0.1:4222", Fingerprint: "sha256:bus"}, nil
diff --git a/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/lease.go b/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/lease.go
deleted file mode 100644
index 85264172..00000000
--- a/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/lease.go
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,41 +0,0 @@
-package main
-
-// The controller's lease as the vault reads it (novox/hq ADR 0561 §3): handed away only to a holder that is no
-// controller, and not for a controller's value, a key deleted or expired, or one that cannot be read. It turns retirement
-// (retire.go) and rotation (rotation.go), never minting: the vault mints every wanted account it holds no value for,
-// whoever holds the lease (mint.go, issue 774). No clock and no setting turns it. A key's age passing is heard by no
-// watch, so the lease is read afresh before a retirement or a rotation (LeaseRead).
-
-import "git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/buscompose"
-
-// LeaseHeard is the watch of the controller's lease: it records whether it is handed away, and says when that turned.
-func (v *Vault) LeaseHeard(raw []byte, found bool, readErr error) {
-	if !v.setLease(raw, found, readErr) {
-		return
-	}
-	on, why := v.leaseHanded()
-	v.log("the controller's lease is %s: %s", map[bool]string{true: "HANDED AWAY", false: "not handed away"}[on], why)
-}
-
-// setLease records what the lease says, and answers whether minting turned on or off by it.
-func (v *Vault) setLease(raw []byte, found bool, readErr error) bool {
-	on, why := buscompose.LeaseHandedAway(raw, found, readErr)
-	m := &v.minting
-	m.mu.Lock()
-	defer m.mu.Unlock()
-	flipped := on != m.on || m.why == ""
-	if flipped {
-		m.since = v.Now().UTC()
-	}
-	m.on, m.why = on, why
-	return flipped
-}
-
-// leaseAfresh reads the lease again before a retirement or a rotation, where the vault can: a key that expired since is heard by no watch.
-func (v *Vault) leaseAfresh() {
-	if v.LeaseRead == nil {
-		return
-	}
-	raw, found, err := v.LeaseRead()
-	v.setLease(raw, found, err)
-}
diff --git a/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/main.go b/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/main.go
index a76ac978..253dd233 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/main.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/main.go
@@ -58,7 +58,7 @@ func build() *Env {
 	watchedPlan := func(key string) ([]byte, error) { raw, err := assigned.Read(key); return asAssignment(key, raw, err) }
 	env.Vault = &Vault{Store: store, Own: own, Askers: Declared{Read: watchedPlan, Confirm: readAssignment, Store: store},
 		Assignments: Mirror{Keys: assignmentKeys, Read: readAssignment}, Emit: emit, Ask: stdio.Ask,
-		Now: time.Now, Log: say, Accounts: busAccounts{}, Haves: readHave, LeaseRead: readLease, WantRead: readWant,
+		Now: time.Now, Log: say, Accounts: busAccounts{}, Haves: readHave, WantRead: readWant,
 		HaveKeys: func() ([]string, error) { return stdio.State(HaveRead).Keys() }, Placement: placement, Signers: busSigners{},
 		AskCallers: askCallers(os.Getenv("MESH_VAULT_SECRET_ASK_CALLERS")), EnrolCallers: askCallers(os.Getenv("MESH_VAULT_ENROLMENT_CALLERS")),
 		Logins: busNodeLogins{}, ReadAct: readHandAct, TokenBase: TokenBaseFromFile(os.Getenv("MESH_VAULT_STATE")),
@@ -229,34 +229,6 @@ func readWant(user string) ([]byte, bool, error) {
 	return e.Value, true, nil
 }
 
-// readLease is the controller's lease key, read through the runtime under the vault's own account (its manifest reads it).
-func readLease() ([]byte, bool, error) {
-	e, err := stdio.State(LeaseRead).Get(LeaseKey)
-	if err != nil || e == nil {
-		return nil, false, err
-	}
-	return e.Value, true, nil
-}
-
-// watchLease turns minting on and off as the controller's lease is written (lease.go, ADR 0561 §3): a watch, never a
-// poll; and the lease is read afresh before every mint. It answers whether the watch began.
-func watchLease(env *Env) bool {
-	if env.Vault == nil {
-		return true
-	}
-	env.Vault.LeaseHeard(readLease())
-	err := stdio.State(LeaseRead).Watch(LeaseKey, func(c stdio.StateChange) error {
-		deleted := c.Op == "delete" || c.Op == "purge" || len(c.Value) == 0
-		env.Vault.LeaseHeard(c.Value, !deleted, nil)
-		return nil
-	})
-	if err != nil {
-		say("the controller's lease is not watched, so minting stays as last read; begun again at the next pass: %v", err)
-		return false
-	}
-	return true
-}
-
 // adoptOperatorKey takes the operator key from the export the mesh writes to the vault's root (what
 // `operator key set` recorded; the controller keeps only a public half there), and seals again any
 // operator copy not yet sealed to the current key. Run every minute, so a failure partway is finished. It
@@ -319,7 +291,6 @@ func main() {
 		// The operator key first: nothing is kept without it, so a want heard before it would not be minted.
 		env.pass()
 		watched, watching := watchHandings(env), watchAssignments()
-		lease := watchLease(env)
 		wants := watchWants(env)
 		leavers := watchLeavers(env)
 		for {
@@ -332,9 +303,6 @@ func main() {
 			if !watching {
 				watching = watchAssignments()
 			}
-			if !lease {
-				lease = watchLease(env)
-			}
 			if !wants {
 				wants = watchWants(env)
 			}
diff --git a/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/mint.go b/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/mint.go
index 86f73cfd..414cf5bd 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/mint.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/mint.go
@@ -11,10 +11,10 @@ package main
 // on `secret-changed` and composes.
 //
 // **The vault is the one issuer** (issue 774, research 072's gap "vault mints after the lease"): it mints every wanted
-// account it holds no value for, whoever holds the controller's lease, and the controller mints none once a vault is
-// installed (mesh-controller forwards `module issue` and its assignment's issue to issue-account). No account depends
-// on a node reporting to the controller. The lease still turns retirement and rotation (retire.go, rotation.go), and
-// vault_status names it. **Never two issuers of one value** (§3, §4): an account whose value the vault holds, or whose
+// account it holds no value for, and the controller mints none once a vault is installed (mesh-controller forwards
+// `module issue` and its assignment's issue to issue-account). No account depends on a node reporting to the
+// controller. No lease turns minting, retirement or rotation: the controller ended by its unassignment (issue 1126).
+// **Never two issuers of one value** (§3, §4): an account whose value the vault holds, or whose
 // hash it adopted, is never minted; the node accounts and the controller's own are never wanted; a value the controller
 // moves in never replaces one held (move.go), and one it hands with origin issued never replaces an account the vault
 // minted (AcceptTake): during the delivery an older controller may still mint, and the vault's value wins.
@@ -38,23 +38,13 @@ import (
 // WantedRead is the grants part's state of wanted accounts, as the vault's manifest reads it.
 const WantedRead = buscompose.GrantsAccounts
 
-// LeaseRead is the controller's lease, as the vault's manifest reads it, and LeaseKey its one key.
-const (
-	LeaseRead = buscompose.ControllerLease
-	LeaseKey  = buscompose.ControllerLeaseKey
-)
-
 // AccountIssuedEvent is what the vault says when it minted an account (mesh-sdk buscompose.AccountIssued).
 const AccountIssuedEvent = buscompose.AccountIssuedEvent
 
-// minting is what the vault knows of the wanted accounts and of the controller's lease, kept in memory and read again
-// from the bus at every start: the grants part's state and the lease are the record, never this. on, why and since are
-// the lease (handed away or not), which turns retirement and rotation, never minting.
+// minting is what the vault knows of the wanted accounts, kept in memory and read again from the bus at every start:
+// the grants part's state is the record, never this.
 type minting struct {
-	mu    sync.Mutex
-	on    bool
-	why   string
-	since time.Time
+	mu sync.Mutex
 	// wants are the wanted accounts, by user, as last heard.
 	wants map[string]buscompose.WantedAccount
 	// heldBack are the wanted users the vault did not mint, with why (vault_status).
@@ -81,34 +71,25 @@ type Minted struct {
 	Hashed bool `json:"hashed"`
 }
 
-// MintState is what vault_status says of minting: always on (the vault is the one issuer, issue 774), and the lease,
-// which turns retirement and rotation.
+// MintState is what vault_status says of minting: always on (the vault is the one issuer, issue 774).
 type MintState struct {
-	On  bool   `json:"on"`
-	Why string `json:"why"`
-	// Lease is whether the controller's lease is handed away, LeaseWhy why, and Since when that last turned.
-	Lease    bool              `json:"lease_handed_away"`
-	LeaseWhy string            `json:"lease_why"`
-	Since    time.Time         `json:"since,omitzero"`
+	On       bool              `json:"on"`
+	Why      string            `json:"why"`
 	Wanted   int               `json:"wanted"`
 	HeldBack map[string]string `json:"held_back"`
 	Minted   []Minted          `json:"minted"`
 }
 
-// mintingWhy is why the vault mints, whoever holds the lease.
+// mintingWhy is why the vault mints.
 const mintingWhy = "the vault is the one issuer of bus accounts: it mints every wanted account it holds no value for " +
-	"and adopted no hash of, whoever holds the controller's lease (issue 774)"
+	"and adopted no hash of (issue 774)"
 
 // MintState answers how minting stands. A user held back whose account the vault holds a value for meanwhile (moved in,
 // handed, or minted by another path) is not said held back: it is not (issue 774, 2026-10-31).
 func (v *Vault) MintState() MintState {
 	m := &v.minting
 	m.mu.Lock()
-	out := MintState{On: true, Why: mintingWhy, Lease: m.on, LeaseWhy: m.why, Since: m.since, Wanted: len(m.wants),
-		HeldBack: map[string]string{}, Minted: []Minted{}}
-	if out.LeaseWhy == "" {
-		out.LeaseWhy = leaseUnread
-	}
+	out := MintState{On: true, Why: mintingWhy, Wanted: len(m.wants), HeldBack: map[string]string{}, Minted: []Minted{}}
 	wants := map[string]buscompose.WantedAccount{}
 	for u, why := range m.heldBack {
 		out.HeldBack[u] = why
@@ -143,19 +124,6 @@ func (v *Vault) holdsAccount(w buscompose.WantedAccount) bool {
 	return err == nil && BusAccountValue(secret, value)
 }
 
-// leaseUnread is why nothing is retired or rotated before the lease is read.
-const leaseUnread = "the controller's lease has not been read yet, so nothing is retired or rotated"
-
-// leaseHanded says whether the controller's lease is handed away, and why: what retirement and rotation wait for.
-func (v *Vault) leaseHanded() (bool, string) {
-	v.minting.mu.Lock()
-	defer v.minting.mu.Unlock()
-	if v.minting.why == "" {
-		return false, leaseUnread
-	}
-	return v.minting.on, v.minting.why
-}
-
 func (v *Vault) holdBack(user, why string) {
 	m := &v.minting
 	m.mu.Lock()
diff --git a/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/mint_integration_test.go b/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/mint_integration_test.go
index 62b39a82..e631d5d0 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/mint_integration_test.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/mint_integration_test.go
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ package main
 // The vault whole against a real bus (novox/hq ADR 0561 §1 to §4, issue 774's acceptance 12): the built binary, played
 // over its real stdin and stdout as the node's tool runtime plays it (tools/call with the caller in _meta; mesh/state.*
 // and mesh/publish answered from a real nats-server's key-value buckets and subjects), its store in a directory of its
-// own. A want written to the grants part's state is minted whoever holds the controller's lease (issue 774: the vault is
+// own. A want written to the grants part's state is minted with no lease asked (issue 774: the vault is
 // the one issuer): the hash is in bus-accounts, own answers the value sealed to the node, the value is the controller's
 // shape and its hash's password, account-issued is said; an adopted user is never minted.
 
@@ -330,7 +330,7 @@ func TestTheVaultWholeMintsOnTheBusWhoeverHoldsTheLease(t *testing.T) {
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
-	for _, b := range []string{"mesh-vault_bus-accounts", "mesh-grants_accounts", "mesh-controller_lease",
+	for _, b := range []string{"mesh-vault_bus-accounts", "mesh-grants_accounts",
 		"mesh-provisioner_plans", "node-engine_have", "mesh-delivery-assigner_placement"} {
 		if _, err := js.CreateKeyValue(ctx, jetstream.KeyValueConfig{Bucket: b, History: 2}); err != nil {
 			t.Fatal(err)
@@ -372,14 +372,13 @@ func TestTheVaultWholeMintsOnTheBusWhoeverHoldsTheLease(t *testing.T) {
 		_ = json.Unmarshal(raw, &s)
 		return s.Minting
 	}
-	// The controller holds the lease, and the want is minted all the same.
-	p.put(t, "mesh-controller.lease", LeaseKey, map[string]any{"instance": "novox/1/2026-10-27", "epoch": 57})
+	// No lease key: the want is minted all the same (issue 1126).
 	x, y := aWant("mod-x"), aWant("mod-y")
 	p.put(t, "mesh-vault.bus-accounts", y.User, AccountHash{User: y.User, Hash: "$2a$04$adoptedadoptedadoptedadoptedadoptedadoptedadopte", Adopted: true})
 	p.put(t, "mesh-grants.accounts", x.User, x)
 	p.put(t, "mesh-grants.accounts", y.User, y)
-	eventually(t, "the account minted under the controller's lease", func() bool { return p.hashOf(t, x.User) != nil })
-	if st := status(); !st.On || st.Lease || len(st.HeldBack) != 0 {
+	eventually(t, "the account minted", func() bool { return p.hashOf(t, x.User) != nil })
+	if st := status(); !st.On || len(st.HeldBack) != 0 {
 		t.Errorf("vault_status says %+v", st)
 	}
 	nodePub, nodePriv := aSealingKey(t)
diff --git a/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/mint_test.go b/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/mint_test.go
index 7ec6151c..d1fc78b3 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/mint_test.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/mint_test.go
@@ -24,9 +24,9 @@ func wantRaw(t *testing.T, w buscompose.WantedAccount) []byte {
 	return raw
 }
 
-// mintingVault is a vault with a state of bus accounts, ace's sealing key stated, ace's modules assigned, and minting
-// turned on or off as on says.
-func mintingVault(t *testing.T, on bool) (testVault, *fakeAccounts, string) {
+// mintingVault is a vault with a state of bus accounts, ace's sealing key stated and ace's modules assigned. No lease is
+// heard: none turns minting, retirement or rotation (issue 1126).
+func mintingVault(t *testing.T) (testVault, *fakeAccounts, string) {
 	t.Helper()
 	plans := assignments{"ace.mod-x": `{"node":"ace","module":"mod-x"}`, "ace.mod-y": `{"node":"ace","module":"mod-y"}`}
 	v := newVault(t, nil)
@@ -37,11 +37,6 @@ func mintingVault(t *testing.T, on bool) (testVault, *fakeAccounts, string) {
 	if err := v.recordNodeKey("ace", pub, "node.ace"); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
-	if on {
-		v.LeaseHeard([]byte(`{"handed-to":"the operator's hand-over"}`), true, nil)
-	} else {
-		v.LeaseHeard([]byte(`{"instance":"novox/1/2026-10-27","epoch":57}`), true, nil)
-	}
 	return v, accounts, priv
 }
 
@@ -49,7 +44,7 @@ func mintingVault(t *testing.T, on bool) (testVault, *fakeAccounts, string) {
 // shape as the module's broker, its hash in bus-accounts, said account-issued before secret-changed, and answered by own
 // sealed to the node; a value held or a hash adopted is never minted.
 func TestTheVaultMintsAWantedAccountOnceAndNothingItHolds(t *testing.T) {
-	v, accounts, nodePriv := mintingVault(t, true)
+	v, accounts, nodePriv := mintingVault(t)
 	w := aWant("mod-x")
 	before := len(v.bus.events)
 	v.WantHeard(w.User, wantRaw(t, w), false)
@@ -107,11 +102,11 @@ func TestTheVaultMintsAWantedAccountOnceAndNothingItHolds(t *testing.T) {
 }
 
 // 774/AC8, after research 072's gap "vault mints after the lease": the vault is the one issuer, so a wanted account is
-// minted while the controller still holds the lease (never an adopted one), vault_status says minting is on and the
-// lease apart, and a want held back is not said held back once the vault holds its value. During the delivery an older
+// minted with no lease asked (never an adopted one), vault_status says minting is on and names no lease (issue 1126),
+// and a want held back is not said held back once the vault holds its value. During the delivery an older
 // controller may still mint: its value handed with origin issued never replaces the account the vault minted.
 func TestTheVaultMintsWhoeverHoldsTheLease(t *testing.T) {
-	v, accounts, _ := mintingVault(t, false)
+	v, accounts, _ := mintingVault(t)
 	accounts.keys = map[string]AccountHash{"ace.mod-y": {User: "ace.mod-y", Hash: "$2a$04$adopted", Adopted: true}}
 	for _, m := range []string{"mod-x", "mod-y"} {
 		w := aWant(m)
@@ -119,14 +114,14 @@ func TestTheVaultMintsWhoeverHoldsTheLease(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 	minted, held, _ := v.Store.Read("own/ace/mod-x/broker")
 	if !held {
-		t.Fatalf("not minted under the controller's lease: %+v", v.MintState())
+		t.Fatalf("not minted: %+v", v.MintState())
 	}
 	if _, held, _ := v.Store.Read("own/ace/mod-y/broker"); held {
 		t.Error("an adopted account was minted")
 	}
 	st := v.MintState()
-	if !st.On || st.Lease || !strings.Contains(st.LeaseWhy, "controller holds the lease") || len(st.HeldBack) != 0 {
-		t.Errorf("under the controller's lease vault_status says %+v", st)
+	if !st.On || strings.Contains(st.Why, "lease") || len(st.HeldBack) != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("vault_status says %+v", st)
 	}
 	// An older controller's covered account, handed with origin issued: refused, the vault's value kept.
 	x := aWant("mod-x")
@@ -156,7 +151,7 @@ func TestTheVaultMintsWhoeverHoldsTheLease(t *testing.T) {
 // 774/AC10 issue-account (novox/hq ADR 0561 §9): the verb mints one wanted user now, read afresh, whoever holds the lease;
 // it is refused for a node's account and the controller's, and for a user nobody wants; a user held already is said so.
 func TestIssueAccountMintsOneWantedUserNowAndRefusesTheRest(t *testing.T) {
-	v, _, _ := mintingVault(t, false)
+	v, _, _ := mintingVault(t)
 	w := aWant("mod-x")
 	raw := wantRaw(t, w)
 	v.WantRead = func(user string) ([]byte, bool, error) {
@@ -191,7 +186,7 @@ func TestIssueAccountMintsOneWantedUserNowAndRefusesTheRest(t *testing.T) {
 // over the second login `<user>--b`, never of a node's account, the controller's or an adopted hash, and `rotate` of a
 // covered account stays refused, so nothing rotates in place.
 func TestOneRotationBeginsPerRevisionOfTheLoadedList(t *testing.T) {
-	v, accounts, _ := mintingVault(t, true)
+	v, accounts, _ := mintingVault(t)
 	for _, m := range []string{"mod-x", "mod-y"} {
 		w := aWant(m)
 		v.WantHeard(w.User, wantRaw(t, w), false)
@@ -227,7 +222,7 @@ func TestOneRotationBeginsPerRevisionOfTheLoadedList(t *testing.T) {
 
 // A mint that failed (here: no operator key yet, so nothing can be kept) is tried again at the pass, never lost.
 func TestAFailedMintIsTriedAgainAtThePass(t *testing.T) {
-	v, accounts, _ := mintingVault(t, true)
+	v, accounts, _ := mintingVault(t)
 	key, _ := v.Store.OperatorKey()
 	if err := v.Store.setOperatorKey("", "the test", v.Now()); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
@@ -250,7 +245,7 @@ func TestAFailedMintIsTriedAgainAtThePass(t *testing.T) {
 // broker-management on 2026-10-30, issue 774) is replaced by a minted account when the grants part wants its user;
 // a held account still never is.
 func TestAHeldValueThatIsNoAccountIsReplacedByAMintedOne(t *testing.T) {
-	v, accounts, _ := mintingVault(t, true)
+	v, accounts, _ := mintingVault(t)
 	w := aWant("mod-x")
 	if _, err := v.Put("own/ace/mod-x/broker", `{"password":"pw"}`, "the test"); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
diff --git a/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/noderotation.go b/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/noderotation.go
index 9c074f3f..8409482d 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/noderotation.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/noderotation.go
@@ -268,10 +268,6 @@ func (v *Vault) RotateNode(caller string, a RotateNodeArgs) (RotateNodeAnswer, e
 	if v.Accounts == nil {
 		return RotateNodeAnswer{}, errors.New("the vault has no state of bus accounts to write to")
 	}
-	v.leaseAfresh()
-	if on, why := v.leaseHanded(); !on {
-		return RotateNodeAnswer{}, fmt.Errorf("no rotation begins: %s", why)
-	}
 	v.minting.mu.Lock()
 	revision := v.minting.loadedRevision
 	v.minting.mu.Unlock()
@@ -596,10 +592,6 @@ func (v *Vault) RotationPass() {
 	if err != nil || len(running) > 0 {
 		return
 	}
-	v.leaseAfresh()
-	if on, _ := v.leaseHanded(); !on {
-		return
-	}
 	bus, err := v.busNode()
 	if err != nil {
 		return
diff --git a/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/retire.go b/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/retire.go
index 5862adf7..6cdb489a 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/retire.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/retire.go
@@ -7,8 +7,8 @@ package main
 // retired in its store, keeping it (a value is deleted only by a person, ADR 0230). As ADR 0230 §15 and §18 have it, the
 // same set of accounts gone must stand for five passes and ten minutes first, and a set of more than three, or more than
 // half of the accounts held, waits for a person, who retires them with `account_retire`. Wanted again, an account is
-// re-enabled at once: the mark taken off and its hash written again. Nothing is retired while the controller holds the
-// lease (it forgets the accounts it mints), or before the wanted accounts are read whole.
+// re-enabled at once: the mark taken off and its hash written again. Nothing is retired before the wanted accounts are read
+// whole. No lease turns it: the controller ended by its unassignment (issue 1126).
 
 import (
 	"errors"
@@ -135,8 +135,6 @@ func (v *Vault) RetirePass() {
 	if v.Accounts == nil {
 		return
 	}
-	v.leaseAfresh()
-	on, leaseWhy := v.leaseHanded()
 	m := &v.minting
 	m.mu.Lock()
 	read := m.retiring.wantsRead
@@ -150,9 +148,6 @@ func (v *Vault) RetirePass() {
 	case !read:
 		reset("the wanted accounts are not read whole yet, so none is known to be gone")
 		return
-	case !on:
-		reset("nothing is retired: " + leaseWhy)
-		return
 	}
 	gone, held, err := v.goneAccounts()
 	if err != nil {
@@ -239,12 +234,7 @@ func (v *Vault) RetireAccounts(caller string, users []string, why string) (any,
 	if len(users) == 0 {
 		return nil, errors.New("account_retire names the accounts (`users`), as vault_status lists them waiting")
 	}
-	// As the passes: never while the controller holds the lease (it forgets the accounts it mints), nor before the wanted
-	// accounts are read whole (an account not read yet is not known to be gone).
-	v.leaseAfresh()
-	if on, why := v.leaseHanded(); !on {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("nothing was retired: %s", why)
-	}
+	// As the passes: never before the wanted accounts are read whole (an account not read yet is not known to be gone).
 	v.minting.mu.Lock()
 	read := v.minting.retiring.wantsRead
 	v.minting.mu.Unlock()
diff --git a/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/retire_test.go b/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/retire_test.go
index 2c4fe6ae..e4e4c55e 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/retire_test.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/retire_test.go
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ import (
 // more than three, or more than half of those held, at once: past that it waits for a person (account_retire). Wanted
 // again, it is re-enabled at once; and a retired account is not hashed again at a start.
 func TestAWantGoneRetiresItsAccountOnlyWithinTheBounds(t *testing.T) {
-	v, accounts, _ := mintingVault(t, true)
+	v, accounts, _ := mintingVault(t)
 	clock := time.Date(2026, 10, 28, 9, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)
 	v.Now = func() time.Time { return clock }
 	modules := []string{"m1", "m2", "m3", "m4", "m5", "m6", "m7", "m8"}
@@ -65,14 +65,7 @@ func TestAWantGoneRetiresItsAccountOnlyWithinTheBounds(t *testing.T) {
 	if _, err := v.RetireAccounts("person.jochen", []string{"ace.m2"}, "test"); err == nil {
 		t.Error("retired by hand an account still wanted")
 	}
-	// Never while the controller holds the lease, nor before the wants are read whole.
-	held := v.LeaseRead
-	v.LeaseRead = func() ([]byte, bool, error) { return []byte(`{"instance":"novox/1","epoch":57}`), true, nil }
-	if _, err := v.RetireAccounts("person.jochen", []string{"ace.m5"}, "the modules left"); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "controller holds the lease") {
-		t.Errorf("retired by hand under the controller's lease: %v", err)
-	}
-	v.LeaseRead = held
-	v.LeaseHeard([]byte(`{"handed-to":"the operator's hand-over"}`), true, nil)
+	// Never before the wants are read whole; no lease is asked (issue 1126).
 	v.minting.mu.Lock()
 	v.minting.retiring.wantsRead = false
 	v.minting.mu.Unlock()
diff --git a/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/rotation.go b/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/rotation.go
index 9f1d6312..4322e626 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/rotation.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/rotation.go
@@ -4,9 +4,8 @@ package main
 // 2026-10-27). A module's, a process's or a provisioner client's account rotates over two credentials (ADR 0114 §10):
 // a second login, `<user>--b`, carrying the first login's permissions verbatim, which the bus composer composes only while
 // the account's key in `bus-accounts` names it in `rotating`. The vault starts at most one rotation per revision of the
-// user list the bus loaded. What composes and delivers the second login is a subtask of its own, before the lease write;
-// until it is built nothing begins a rotation, and `rotate` of a covered account stays refused, so nothing rotates in
-// place.
+// user list the bus loaded, and no lease turns it (issue 1126). `rotate` of a covered account stays refused, so nothing
+// rotates in place.
 
 import (
 	"fmt"
@@ -42,9 +41,6 @@ func (v *Vault) BeginRotation(user string) (Rotating, error) {
 	if nodeOrController(user) {
 		return Rotating{}, fmt.Errorf("%s does not rotate here: a node's account and the controller's keep the hash they have (ADR 0561 §4)", user)
 	}
-	if on, why := v.leaseHanded(); !on {
-		return Rotating{}, fmt.Errorf("no rotation begins: %s", why)
-	}
 	v.minting.mu.Lock()
 	revision := v.minting.loadedRevision
 	v.minting.mu.Unlock()
diff --git a/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/rotation_integration_test.go b/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/rotation_integration_test.go
index 3a80e078..2db1d205 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/rotation_integration_test.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/rotation_integration_test.go
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ func TestTheVaultWholeRotatesANodesLoginWithAStandInEngine(t *testing.T) {
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
-	for _, b := range []string{"mesh-vault_bus-accounts", "mesh-vault_node-logins", "mesh-grants_accounts", "mesh-controller_lease",
+	for _, b := range []string{"mesh-vault_bus-accounts", "mesh-vault_node-logins", "mesh-grants_accounts",
 		"mesh-provisioner_plans", "node-engine_have", "mesh-delivery-assigner_placement"} {
 		if _, err := js.CreateKeyValue(ctx, jetstream.KeyValueConfig{Bucket: b, History: 2}); err != nil {
 			t.Fatal(err)
@@ -90,7 +90,8 @@ func TestTheVaultWholeRotatesANodesLoginWithAStandInEngine(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 	go p.serve(stdout)
 
-	// The bus node (novox, running nats) and the node that rotates (g14); the lease handed away; g14's login adopted from
+	// The bus node (novox, running nats) and the node that rotates (g14); no lease key anywhere (issue 1126: the controller
+	// ended by its unassignment); g14's login adopted from
 	// the loaded list, its password known to the engine.
 	for node, modules := range map[string][]string{"novox": {"nats"}, "g14": {"web"}} {
 		pl := delivery.Placement{V: delivery.Version, Node: node}
@@ -108,7 +109,6 @@ func TestTheVaultWholeRotatesANodesLoginWithAStandInEngine(t *testing.T) {
 			}
 		}
 	}
-	p.put(t, "mesh-controller.lease", LeaseKey, map[string]any{"handed-to": "the operator's hand-over"})
 	oldPassword := "the-old-password-of-g14"
 	oldHash, _ := bcrypt.GenerateFromPassword([]byte(oldPassword), bcrypt.MinCost)
 	p.put(t, "mesh-vault.bus-accounts", "node.g14", AccountHash{User: "node.g14", Hash: string(oldHash), Adopted: true})
diff --git a/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/tools.go b/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/tools.go
index ce181856..bdf87dde 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/tools.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/tools.go
@@ -307,7 +307,7 @@ func definitions(env *Env) []toolDef {
 		{Name: Seat + ".issue-account",
 			Description: "Mint one bus account the grants part wants, now (novox/hq ADR 0561 §9): the recovery when the vault did not " +
 				"hear a want, and what the controller's `module issue` forwards to (issue 774). Reads the wanted key afresh from " +
-				"mesh-grants.accounts and mints it as a want would, whoever holds the controller's lease: never for a node's " +
+				"mesh-grants.accounts and mints it as a want would: never for a node's " +
 				"account or the controller's, never a user nobody wants, and never anew for one whose value the vault holds or whose hash it adopted (it says so). Answers " +
 				"whether it minted, the secret and generation, never the value or the hash.",
 			Input: map[string]any{"user": str("the bus user, e.g. ace.mesh-build-go")},
@@ -645,7 +645,6 @@ func definitions(env *Env) []toolDef {
 			Description: "What needs a person's eye in the vault: operator copies still sealed to an earlier key, the operator " +
 				"key the mesh's export holds if the vault refused it, how often the record of hand-outs was rolled, and " +
 				"minting (novox/hq ADR 0561 §9, issue 774): the vault mints every wanted bus account it holds no value for, " +
-				"whoever holds the controller's lease; whether that lease is handed away (it turns retirement and rotation), " +
 				"every wanted account it holds back with why (never one whose value it holds), and those it minted.",
 			run: func(string, map[string]any) (any, error) {
 				if env.Vault == nil {
diff --git a/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/vault.go b/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/vault.go
index 010e2808..531e8349 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/vault.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/vault.go
@@ -69,9 +69,7 @@ type Vault struct {
 	WantRead func(user string) ([]byte, bool, error)
 	// Placement reads the seat's placement (placed.go): where modules stand once the assignments are gone.
 	Placement PlacementReader
-	// LeaseRead reads the controller's lease afresh before a mint (lease.go): nil reads it only as the watch hands it.
-	LeaseRead func() ([]byte, bool, error)
-	// minting is the switch on the lease and what the vault knows of the wanted bus accounts (mint.go).
+	// minting is what the vault knows of the wanted bus accounts (mint.go).
 	minting minting
 	// Signers is the vault's state `signers`, where it publishes its signing halves (signing.go, ADR 0550 §2): nil writes
 	// none.
diff --git a/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/vault_test.go b/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/vault_test.go
index 5bda6d41..e380ed56 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/vault_test.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-vault/cmd/mesh-vault/vault_test.go
@@ -135,7 +135,7 @@ func filesUnder(t *testing.T, dir string) map[string]string {
 // (ADR 0547 clause 9), opened in accounts.go alone. It reads five buckets of others', and only reads them: the
 // seat mesh-provisioner's plans, for what each node's plan names (ADR 0570 clause 2), (askers.go, design 57 V4), the node-engines' haves, where
 // the bus node hands the loaded list's hashes sealed to the vault (adopt.go, ADR 0547 clause 9), the grants part's wanted
-// accounts and the controller's lease (mint.go, lease.go, ADR 0561 §2, §3), and the seat's placement (placed.go), in
+// accounts (mint.go, ADR 0561 §2), and the seat's placement (placed.go), in
 // main.go alone.
 func TestNoBucketHoldsASecret(t *testing.T) {
 	raw, err := os.ReadFile("../../module.json")
@@ -151,9 +151,9 @@ func TestNoBucketHoldsASecret(t *testing.T) {
 			"buckets are the accounts' hashes (ADR 0547 clause 9), the signing keys' public halves (ADR 0550 §2) and the "+
 			"credentials' outcomes, names and generations alone (ADR 0570 clauses 3, 6) and each node's login in use (ADR 0583)", s)
 	}
-	if r, _ := json.Marshal(manifest["reads"]); string(r) != `["node-engine.have","mesh-grants.accounts","mesh-controller.lease","mesh-delivery-assigner.placement","mesh-provisioner.plans","mesh-provisioner.provisions"]` {
+	if r, _ := json.Marshal(manifest["reads"]); string(r) != `["node-engine.have","mesh-grants.accounts","mesh-delivery-assigner.placement","mesh-provisioner.plans","mesh-provisioner.provisions"]` {
 		t.Errorf("the manifest reads %s: the vault reads the seat mesh-provisioner's plans and provisions, the haves, the "+
-			"grants part's wanted accounts, the lease and the placement alone", r)
+			"grants part's wanted accounts and the placement alone, never the controller's lease (issue 1126)", r)
 	}
 	sources, _ := filepath.Glob("*.go")
 	bucket := regexp.MustCompile(`stdio\.State\(|nats-io|jetstream|KeyValue`)
@@ -195,9 +195,6 @@ func TestNoBucketHoldsASecret(t *testing.T) {
 			code = []byte(strings.Replace(string(code), "stdio.State(HaveRead).Keys(", "", 1))
 			code = []byte(strings.Replace(string(code), "stdio.State(WantedRead).Watch(", "", 1))
 			code = []byte(strings.Replace(string(code), "stdio.State(WantedRead).Get(", "", 1))
-			// And the controller's lease, one read and one watch (ADR 0561 §3).
-			code = []byte(strings.Replace(string(code), "stdio.State(LeaseRead).Get(", "", 1))
-			code = []byte(strings.Replace(string(code), "stdio.State(LeaseRead).Watch(", "", 1))
 			// And the seat's placement, where modules stand (placed.go): its keys and one key, read.
 			code = []byte(strings.Replace(string(code), "stdio.State(PlacementRead).Keys(", "", 1))
 			code = []byte(strings.Replace(string(code), "stdio.State(PlacementRead).Get(", "", 1))
@@ -922,7 +919,7 @@ func TestTheRecordOfHandOutsIsBounded(t *testing.T) {
 // broker-nats-tools, wanted as a process account, has the random value the controller moved in replaced by a minted
 // account, and a value that is no account is refused for it from then on.
 func TestABusAccountIsKeptOnlyAsAnAccount(t *testing.T) {
-	v, accounts, _ := mintingVault(t, true)
+	v, accounts, _ := mintingVault(t)
 	const tools, address = "own/novox/nats/broker-nats-tools", "own/novox/mesh-controller/broker-address"
 	for _, row := range []struct {
 		name, value string
diff --git a/modules/mesh-vault/module.json b/modules/mesh-vault/module.json
index 7e3d2cc3..dcfa8eb1 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-vault/module.json
+++ b/modules/mesh-vault/module.json
@@ -32,7 +32,6 @@
   "reads": [
     "node-engine.have",
     "mesh-grants.accounts",
-    "mesh-controller.lease",
     "mesh-delivery-assigner.placement",
     "mesh-provisioner.plans",
     "mesh-provisioner.provisions"