modules/mesh-knowledge/cmd/mesh-knowledge/answers.go

@@ -361,6 +361,10 @@ func (k *KB) Get(a GetAsk) (*Got, error) {
 	}
 	if r.Ask != nil {
 		g.Waiting = "the operator's ask: " + r.Ask.Said
+		if r.Ask.Said == AskWaiting && r.Ask.Held != "" {
+			// Held by the router, not shown to the operator yet: said so, with why (ADR 0397, issue 926).
+			g.Waiting = "the operator's ask is held by the router, not yet shown to the operator: " + r.Ask.Held
+		}
 	}
 	if a.Version == 0 {
 		g.Review = reviewSays(e.Working())

modules/mesh-knowledge/cmd/mesh-knowledge/kit_test.go

@@ -367,6 +367,24 @@ func (r *router) answer(id, option string, at time.Time) asks.Warrant {
 	return w
 }
 
+// hold marks an ask as the router does when no channel can carry it yet (ADR 0397): state held, with why.
+func (r *router) hold(id, why string) {
+	r.mu.Lock()
+	defer r.mu.Unlock()
+	rec := r.records[id]
+	rec.State, rec.Held = "held", why
+	r.records[id] = rec
+}
+
+// offer marks a held ask open again, as the router does when a channel can carry it.
+func (r *router) offer(id string) {
+	r.mu.Lock()
+	defer r.mu.Unlock()
+	rec := r.records[id]
+	rec.State, rec.Held = "open", ""
+	r.records[id] = rec
+}
+
 // said is the events said.
 type said struct {
 	mu     sync.Mutex

modules/mesh-knowledge/cmd/mesh-knowledge/operator.go

@@ -222,7 +222,9 @@ func (k *KB) askOperator(ctx context.Context, held *Entry, w *Record, by string,
 
 // routerRecord is the router's record of one ask, as far as this module reads it.
 type routerRecord struct {
-	State   string        `json:"state"`
+	State string `json:"state"`
+	// Held is why no channel can carry the ask yet, while its state is held (ADR 0397).
+	Held    string        `json:"held"`
 	Ask     *asks.Ask     `json:"ask"`
 	Warrant *asks.Warrant `json:"warrant"`
 }
@@ -255,7 +257,15 @@ func (k *KB) Reconcile() ([]string, error) {
 			continue
 		}
 		var rec routerRecord
-		if json.Unmarshal(entry.Value, &rec) != nil || rec.State == "open" || rec.Warrant == nil {
+		if json.Unmarshal(entry.Value, &rec) != nil {
+			continue
+		}
+		// The router holds an ask no channel can carry yet (ADR 0397, issue 926): the record says so, and why,
+		// until it is offered, rather than saying it waits for an answer nobody was shown.
+		if held := heldSays(rec); held != w.Ask.Held && (rec.State == "open" || rec.State == "held") {
+			said = append(said, k.keepHeld(ctx, e, w, held))
+		}
+		if rec.State == "open" || rec.State == "held" || rec.Warrant == nil {
 			continue
 		}
 		said = append(said, k.decide(ctx, e, w, *rec.Warrant))
@@ -263,6 +273,33 @@ func (k *KB) Reconcile() ([]string, error) {
 	return said, nil
 }
 
+// heldSays is why the router holds an ask, in words, or "" when it does not.
+func heldSays(rec routerRecord) string {
+	if rec.State != "held" {
+		return ""
+	}
+	if rec.Held == "" {
+		return "the router holds it; no channel can carry it yet"
+	}
+	return rec.Held
+}
+
+// keepHeld records, on the record that waits for the operator, that the router holds its ask and why (or that it
+// no longer does). The ask stays waiting.
+func (k *KB) keepHeld(ctx context.Context, e *Entry, w *Record, held string) string {
+	w = w.Clone()
+	w.Ask.Held = held
+	why := "the operator's ask is offered by the router"
+	if held != "" {
+		why = "the operator's ask is held by the router: " + held
+	}
+	if err := k.Store.Save(ctx, Version{By: "the knowledge base", At: k.now(), Why: why, Record: w, Insight: e.Pending != nil && e.Pending.IsInsight()},
+		e.Pending == nil, false, e.Revision); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Sprintf("%s: what became of its ask could not be kept (%v)", w.Key(), err)
+	}
+	return fmt.Sprintf("%s: %s", w.Key(), why)
+}
+
 // endAsk records an ask ended without the operator's choice: the record stays proposed.
 func (k *KB) endAsk(ctx context.Context, e *Entry, w *Record, why string) string {
 	w = w.Clone()
@@ -277,6 +314,8 @@ func (k *KB) endAsk(ctx context.Context, e *Entry, w *Record, why string) string
 
 // decide holds one closed ask's warrant to the record, and accepts the record when it is the operator's Approve.
 func (k *KB) decide(ctx context.Context, e *Entry, w *Record, warrant asks.Warrant) string {
+	w = w.Clone()
+	w.Ask.Held = "" // an ask that ended is held no longer
 	if warrant.Outcome != asks.OutcomeChosen {
 		why := "ended " + string(warrant.Outcome)
 		if warrant.Words != "" {

modules/mesh-knowledge/cmd/mesh-knowledge/record.go

@@ -254,6 +254,9 @@ type OperatorAsk struct {
 	// Said is what came of it: waiting, approved, declined, expired, refused (and why).
 	Said    string `json:"said"`
 	Warrant string `json:"warrant,omitempty"`
+	// Held is why the router holds the ask while it waits: no channel can carry it yet (ADR 0397, issue 926).
+	// Empty once the router offers it, or when it ended.
+	Held string `json:"held,omitempty"`
 }
 
 // Drafting is where a prose record stands in the drafting and confirming of its clauses (to-be 55 §7).

modules/mesh-knowledge/cmd/mesh-knowledge/review_test.go

@@ -418,3 +418,54 @@ func TestReserveAsksTheTrackerAndANumberNeverProposedIsWithdrawn(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatal("a withdrawn number took a proposal")
 	}
 }
+
+// An ask the router holds because no channel can carry it yet is shown as held, with the reason, never as waiting
+// for an answer nobody was shown (ADR 0397, issue 926); offered, it waits again; answered, it is decided as ever.
+func TestAnAskTheRouterHoldsIsShownHeldWithTheReason(t *testing.T) {
+	w := imported(t, newMemStore())
+	n := proposed(t, w, "author@g14", true)
+	w.reviewAll(t)
+	id := w.router.asked[0].ID
+	key := Key{KindDecision, n}
+	waiting := func() string {
+		g, err := w.k.Get(GetAsk{Kind: key.Kind, Number: key.Number})
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		return g.Waiting
+	}
+	if got := waiting(); !strings.Contains(got, AskWaiting) {
+		t.Fatalf("before it is held: %q", got)
+	}
+	w.router.hold(id, "Telegram cannot prove who answered")
+	if said, err := w.k.Reconcile(); err != nil || len(said) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("%v %v", said, err)
+	}
+	got := waiting()
+	if !strings.Contains(got, "held by the router") || !strings.Contains(got, "Telegram cannot prove who answered") || strings.Contains(got, AskWaiting) {
+		t.Fatalf("held: %q", got)
+	}
+	if e := mustGet(t, w.k.Store, key); e.Current.Status != StatusProposed || e.Current.Ask.Said != AskWaiting {
+		t.Fatalf("a held ask changed the record: %+v", e.Current.Ask)
+	}
+	if said, _ := w.k.Reconcile(); len(said) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("said again while nothing changed: %v", said)
+	}
+	w.router.offer(id)
+	if _, err := w.k.Reconcile(); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if got := waiting(); got != "the operator's ask: "+AskWaiting {
+		t.Fatalf("offered: %q", got)
+	}
+	// Held, then answered: decided on the warrant, with nothing of the hold left.
+	w.router.hold(id, "Telegram cannot prove who answered")
+	_, _ = w.k.Reconcile()
+	w.router.answer(id, OptionApprove, w.clock.Add(time.Minute))
+	if _, err := w.k.Reconcile(); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if e := mustGet(t, w.k.Store, key); e.Current.Status != StatusAccepted || e.Current.Ask.Held != "" {
+		t.Fatalf("%s %+v", e.Current.Status, e.Current.Ask)
+	}
+}

modules/messenger/cmd/messenger/answers_test.go

@@ -310,7 +310,7 @@ func TestAnAskIsOfferedOnEachKindAsFarAsItCanCarryIt(t *testing.T) {
 }
 
 func TestWithoutALinkedAccountOnlyTheMeshMCPServerApproves(t *testing.T) {
-	h, tg, dt, c, _, w := newRouter(t)
+	h, tg, dt, c, store, w := newRouter(t)
 	submit(t, h, "mesh-delivery", heldAsk(c, "d-1"))
 	settle(h, c)
 	// Telegram says only to the account linked as the operator: none linked, it is not used at all.
@@ -320,10 +320,10 @@ func TestWithoutALinkedAccountOnlyTheMeshMCPServerApproves(t *testing.T) {
 	if err := h.Bench.Ready("telegram"); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "send /start to the bot") {
 		t.Errorf("an unlinked Telegram is ready: %v", err)
 	}
-	// The ask offers an approval no channel can carry: refused to its asker, in words.
-	if got := w.of("mesh-delivery"); len(got) != 1 || got[0].Outcome != asks.OutcomeRefused ||
-		!strings.Contains(got[0].Words, "no channel can carry") {
-		t.Fatalf("not refused: %+v", got)
+	// The ask offers an approval no channel can carry: held, not refused, with the reason (ADR 0397, issue 926).
+	if rec := store.asks["mesh-delivery.d-1"]; len(w.of("mesh-delivery")) != 0 || rec.State != StateHeld ||
+		!strings.Contains(rec.HeldWhy, "no Telegram account is linked") {
+		t.Fatalf("not held: %+v %+v", rec, w.of("mesh-delivery"))
 	}
 	if len(dt.sends) != 0 {
 		t.Errorf("the desk was offered an ask with an approval: %+v", dt.sends)
@@ -600,13 +600,13 @@ func TestAnAskIsRefusedInWordsToItsAsker(t *testing.T) {
 	if _, kept := store.asks["mesh-delivery.d-1"]; kept {
 		t.Error("a refused ask was recorded")
 	}
-	// No channel can carry anything: refused, never queued in silence.
-	h2, _, _, c2, _, w2 := newRouter(t)
+	// No channel can carry anything: held with the reason (ADR 0397), never queued in silence.
+	h2, _, _, c2, store2, w2 := newRouter(t)
 	h2.Bench.Stand("telegram", Standing{Ready: false, Why: "no bot token", At: c2.now()})
 	h2.Bench.Stand("desktop", Standing{Ready: false, Why: "no session", At: c2.now()})
 	submit(t, h2, "mesh-delivery", heldAsk(c2, "d-1"))
-	if got := w2.of("mesh-delivery"); len(got) != 1 || !strings.Contains(got[0].Words, "no channel can carry any of its answers now") {
-		t.Errorf("%+v", got)
+	if rec := store2.asks["mesh-delivery.d-1"]; len(w2.of("mesh-delivery")) != 0 || rec.State != StateHeld || !strings.Contains(rec.HeldWhy, "no bot token") {
+		t.Errorf("%+v %+v", rec, w2.of("mesh-delivery"))
 	}
 }
 

modules/messenger/cmd/messenger/asks.go

@@ -7,8 +7,8 @@ package main
 //     bus grants that asker alone; the name is read from the subject, never from the body. It is recorded
 //     in the bucket `asks` under `<asker>.<id>` before the work is acknowledged, so a restart loses none.
 //   - **It is refused at once, in words, on its asker's `decided` subject** when its words break a rule,
-//     when no ready channel can carry any of its answers, or when its asker already has three open. An
-//     option no channel can carry is named in the words, with where it can still be given.
+//     or when its asker already has three open. An ask no ready channel can carry any answer of now is held,
+//     not refused (ADR 0397): kept open, its reason in its record, offered when a channel can carry it.
 //   - **Each option gets a one-time ticket per channel kind that can carry it**: a button carries only the
 //     ticket. Bound to the ask, the option and the kind; dead when the ask closes or expires.
 //   - **An answer is judged in order, refusing at the first failure and saying so on the channel**: the ticket
@@ -38,9 +38,13 @@ var ErrChanged = errors.New("written by another writer first")
 // operator on 2026-10-08, until an authenticator-app code exists).
 const LinkedApproveAfter = time.Hour
 
-// StateOpen is an ask not yet ended; every other state is the asks.Outcome it ended with.
+// StateOpen is an ask not yet ended; every other state is the asks.Outcome it ended with, but one.
 const StateOpen = "open"
 
+// StateHeld is an ask that broke no rule and that no ready channel can carry now: kept as an open ask, up to its
+// expiry, and offered the moment a channel can carry it (novox/hq ADR 0397, issue 926). It counts as open.
+const StateHeld = "held"
+
 // Ticket is one option's one-time ticket on one channel kind.
 type Ticket struct {
 	Option string `json:"option"`
@@ -60,6 +64,11 @@ type AskRecord struct {
 	Warrant *asks.Warrant     `json:"warrant,omitempty"`
 	// Told: the warrant, or the end, was published to the asker.
 	Told bool `json:"told,omitempty"`
+	// HeldSince and HeldWhy say, while the ask is held, since when and why no channel can carry it: per kind, the
+	// reason from the judgement that judges an answer. The asker reads them in this record, as it reads
+	// the state (the asks protocol has no word for a held ask on `decided`, which means an ask ended).
+	HeldSince time.Time `json:"held-since,omitempty"`
+	HeldWhy   string    `json:"held,omitempty"`
 	// Record is the message the ask is shown on: a condition's key, or its own.
 	Record string `json:"record,omitempty"`
 	// Only is the one account that may answer it, on its kind: an ask of the router's own, put to the account
@@ -498,7 +507,7 @@ func (h *Holder) TakeAsk(verb, asker string, body json.RawMessage) error {
 	open, replaced := 0, ""
 	h.mu.Lock()
 	for k, e := range h.asks {
-		if e.rec.Asker != asker || e.rec.State != StateOpen {
+		if e.rec.Asker != asker || (e.rec.State != StateOpen && e.rec.State != StateHeld) {
 			continue
 		}
 		if a.About != "" && e.rec.Ask.About == a.About {
@@ -512,38 +521,18 @@ func (h *Holder) TakeAsk(verb, asker string, body json.RawMessage) error {
 		h.refuseAsk(asker, a, fmt.Sprintf("its asker already has %d open asks", open))
 		return nil
 	}
-	rec := AskRecord{Asker: asker, Ask: a, State: StateOpen, Opened: now, Tickets: map[string]Ticket{}}
-	// Every option on the kinds that carry the ask's highest level: an ask with an approval is answered only
-	// where it could be approved (answerLevel).
-	for _, kind := range h.carriers(answerLevel(a)) {
-		for _, o := range a.Options {
-			rec.Tickets[ticket()] = Ticket{Option: o.ID, Kind: kind}
-		}
-	}
+	rec := AskRecord{Asker: asker, Ask: a, State: StateOpen, Opened: now, Tickets: h.ticketsFor(a)}
 	if len(rec.Tickets) == 0 {
-		h.refuseAsk(asker, a, "no channel can carry any of its answers now: "+h.whyNot())
-		return nil
+		// Held, not refused (ADR 0397): the ask breaks no rule, and the operator is asked when a channel can carry it.
+		rec.State, rec.HeldSince, rec.HeldWhy = StateHeld, now, h.holdWhy(a)
 	}
 	if replaced != "" {
 		if err := h.closeAsk(replaced, asks.OutcomeReplaced, "a newer ask about the same thing replaced it", nil, "", nil); err != nil && !errors.Is(err, ErrChanged) {
 			return err
 		}
 	}
-	// Shown on the condition it is about, when that is open here; otherwise as a message of its own.
-	h.mu.Lock()
-	target := h.open["ask."+key]
-	// Shown on a condition's message only when asked by the condition's owner: another asker naming a
-	// condition's key does not take its message over.
-	if a.About != "" && asker == ConditionOwner {
-		if r := h.open[a.About]; r != nil && r.Cleared.IsZero() && r.Origin == "condition" {
-			target = r
-		}
-	}
-	h.mu.Unlock()
-	if target != nil {
-		rec.Record = target.Key
-	} else {
-		rec.Record = "ask." + key
+	if rec.State == StateOpen {
+		rec.Record = h.recordFor(asker, key, a)
 	}
 	if h.Asks != nil {
 		rev, err := h.Asks.CreateAsk(key, rec)
@@ -562,6 +551,78 @@ func (h *Holder) TakeAsk(verb, asker string, body json.RawMessage) error {
 	} else {
 		h.keepAsk(key, rec, 0)
 	}
+	if rec.State == StateHeld {
+		h.Logf("[messenger] %s asks %q (%s): held, not shown: %s", asker, a.Headline, a.ID, rec.HeldWhy)
+		return nil
+	}
+	h.showAsk(key, rec, now)
+	return nil
+}
+
+// ticketsFor is every option's ticket on every kind that can carry the ask's highest level now: an ask with an
+// approval is answered only where it could be approved (answerLevel). None when no ready channel can.
+func (h *Holder) ticketsFor(a asks.Ask) map[string]Ticket {
+	out := map[string]Ticket{}
+	for _, kind := range h.carriers(answerLevel(a)) {
+		for _, o := range a.Options {
+			out[ticket()] = Ticket{Option: o.ID, Kind: kind}
+		}
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// holdWhy is why no kind can carry an ask now, per kind and in the words of the judgement that judges an answer
+// (Bench.Ready, the capabilities carriers asks for, approveHolds): never only "no channel" (ADR 0397 §3, issue 926).
+func (h *Holder) holdWhy(a asks.Ask) string {
+	if h.Bench == nil || len(h.Bench.Kinds()) == 0 {
+		return "the mesh has not said which channels exist for answers"
+	}
+	var parts []string
+	for _, k := range h.Bench.Kinds() {
+		switch {
+		case h.Bench.Ready(k.Kind) != nil:
+			parts = append(parts, Display(k.Kind)+": "+h.Bench.Ready(k.Kind).Error())
+		case !h.Bench.Promises(k.Kind, "choice") || !h.Bench.Promises(k.Kind, "exact-render"):
+			parts = append(parts, Display(k.Kind)+" cannot offer a choice shown exactly as the router rendered it")
+		case answerLevel(a) == asks.Approve:
+			if why := h.approveHolds(k.Kind, true); why != "" {
+				if !strings.HasPrefix(why, Display(k.Kind)) {
+					why = Display(k.Kind) + ": " + why
+				}
+				parts = append(parts, why)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	if len(parts) == 0 {
+		return "no channel can carry it now"
+	}
+	return strings.Join(parts, "; ")
+}
+
+// recordFor is the message an ask is shown on: the condition it is about when that is open here, else its own.
+func (h *Holder) recordFor(asker, key string, a asks.Ask) string {
+	h.mu.Lock()
+	defer h.mu.Unlock()
+	// Shown on a condition's message only when asked by the condition's owner: another asker naming a
+	// condition's key does not take its message over.
+	if a.About != "" && asker == ConditionOwner {
+		if r := h.open[a.About]; r != nil && r.Cleared.IsZero() && r.Origin == "condition" {
+			return r.Key
+		}
+	}
+	if r := h.open["ask."+key]; r != nil {
+		return r.Key
+	}
+	return "ask." + key
+}
+
+// showAsk shows an ask that was just taken or just left held: on the condition it is about, or as a message of
+// its own. rec is already recorded.
+func (h *Holder) showAsk(key string, rec AskRecord, now time.Time) {
+	asker, a := rec.Asker, rec.Ask
+	h.mu.Lock()
+	target := h.open[rec.Record]
+	h.mu.Unlock()
 	h.Logf("[messenger] %s asks %q (%s), shown on %s", asker, a.Headline, a.ID, rec.Record)
 	if target != nil {
 		h.mu.Lock()
@@ -571,7 +632,7 @@ func (h *Holder) TakeAsk(verb, asker string, body json.RawMessage) error {
 			h.offerAsk(target)
 		}
 		h.persist(target)
-		return nil
+		return
 	}
 	severity := Warning
 	if a.Urgent {
@@ -585,7 +646,83 @@ func (h *Holder) TakeAsk(verb, asker string, body json.RawMessage) error {
 	h.mu.Unlock()
 	h.deliver(&r, "raised")
 	h.persist(&r)
-	return nil
+}
+
+// releaseHeld judges every held ask again: one a channel can carry now is offered as a new ask would be, its
+// tickets made and its message shown; one still held has its reason kept current. Called whenever the
+// controller's word on the kinds or a channel's standing changes, and every minute (ADR 0397 §2).
+func (h *Holder) releaseHeld() {
+	h.mu.Lock()
+	var held []string
+	for k, e := range h.asks {
+		if e.rec.State == StateHeld {
+			held = append(held, k)
+		}
+	}
+	h.mu.Unlock()
+	sort.Strings(held)
+	now := h.Now()
+	for _, key := range held {
+		e := h.askOf(key)
+		if e == nil {
+			continue
+		}
+		rec, rev := e.rec, e.rev
+		if h.Asks != nil {
+			if got, r, err := h.Asks.GetAsk(key); err == nil && got != nil {
+				rec, rev = *got, r
+			}
+		}
+		if rec.State != StateHeld || !now.Before(rec.Ask.Expires) {
+			continue // ended meanwhile; expiry is the sweep's
+		}
+		rec.Tickets = h.ticketsFor(rec.Ask)
+		if len(rec.Tickets) == 0 {
+			rec.Tickets = nil
+			if why := h.holdWhy(rec.Ask); why != rec.HeldWhy {
+				rec.HeldWhy = why
+				h.saveHeld(key, rec, rev)
+			}
+			continue
+		}
+		rec.State, rec.HeldWhy = StateOpen, ""
+		rec.Record = h.recordFor(rec.Asker, key, rec.Ask)
+		if h.saveHeld(key, rec, rev) {
+			h.showAsk(key, rec, now)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// saveHeld records a held ask's change by compare-and-set, and keeps it; false when another writer was first.
+func (h *Holder) saveHeld(key string, rec AskRecord, rev uint64) bool {
+	if h.Asks != nil {
+		newRev, err := h.Asks.UpdateAsk(key, rec, rev)
+		if err != nil {
+			if errors.Is(err, ErrChanged) {
+				if got, r, gerr := h.Asks.GetAsk(key); gerr == nil && got != nil {
+					h.keepAsk(key, *got, r)
+				}
+			} else {
+				h.Logf("[messenger] could not change the held ask %s: %v", key, err)
+			}
+			return false
+		}
+		rev = newRev
+	}
+	h.keepAsk(key, rec, rev)
+	return true
+}
+
+// ReleaseHeld judges the held asks again at once, outside the work's own turn: the controller's word on the
+// kinds or a channel's standing changed.
+func (h *Holder) ReleaseHeld() {
+	h.warmRootFree(false)
+	h.work.Lock()
+	defer h.work.Unlock()
+	h.mu.Lock()
+	h.init()
+	h.mu.Unlock()
+	h.releaseHeld()
 }
 
 // askKinds are the kinds an open ask about a record is offered on.
@@ -670,12 +807,13 @@ func (h *Holder) closeAsk(key string, outcome asks.Outcome, words string, w *ask
 			rec, rev = *got, r
 		}
 	}
-	if rec.State != StateOpen {
+	if rec.State != StateOpen && rec.State != StateHeld {
 		h.keepAsk(key, rec, rev)
 		return ErrChanged
 	}
 	now := h.Now()
 	rec.State = string(outcome)
+	rec.HeldWhy = ""
 	rec.Closed = now
 	if t, ok := rec.Tickets[used]; ok {
 		t.Used = true
@@ -852,9 +990,9 @@ func (h *Holder) sweepAsks(now time.Time) {
 	var expired, untold []string
 	for k, e := range h.asks {
 		switch {
-		case e.rec.State == StateOpen && !now.Before(e.rec.Ask.Expires):
+		case (e.rec.State == StateOpen || e.rec.State == StateHeld) && !now.Before(e.rec.Ask.Expires):
 			expired = append(expired, k)
-		case e.rec.State != StateOpen && !e.rec.Told && e.rec.Warrant != nil:
+		case e.rec.State != StateOpen && e.rec.State != StateHeld && !e.rec.Told && e.rec.Warrant != nil:
 			untold = append(untold, k)
 		}
 	}
@@ -1154,6 +1292,9 @@ type AskView struct {
 	Offered  []string `json:"offered_on,omitempty"`
 	Answer   string   `json:"answer,omitempty"`
 	Told     bool     `json:"asker_told"`
+	// HeldSince and HeldWhy: while the ask is held, since when and why no channel can carry it yet (ADR 0397 §4).
+	HeldSince string `json:"held_since,omitempty"`
+	HeldWhy   string `json:"held_why,omitempty"`
 }
 
 // AsksNow is every ask, open first, newest first.
@@ -1165,6 +1306,9 @@ func (h *Holder) AsksNow() []AskView {
 		v := AskView{Key: k, Asker: e.rec.Asker, Headline: e.rec.Ask.Headline, State: e.rec.State,
 			Opened: e.rec.Opened.UTC().Format(time.RFC3339), Expires: e.rec.Ask.Expires.UTC().Format(time.RFC3339),
 			Told: e.rec.Told}
+		if e.rec.State == StateHeld {
+			v.HeldSince, v.HeldWhy = e.rec.HeldSince.UTC().Format(time.RFC3339), e.rec.HeldWhy
+		}
 		kinds := map[string]bool{}
 		for _, t := range e.rec.Tickets {
 			kinds[t.Kind] = true
@@ -1183,8 +1327,9 @@ func (h *Holder) AsksNow() []AskView {
 		out = append(out, v)
 	}
 	sort.Slice(out, func(i, j int) bool {
-		if (out[i].State == StateOpen) != (out[j].State == StateOpen) {
-			return out[i].State == StateOpen
+		oi, oj := out[i].State == StateOpen || out[i].State == StateHeld, out[j].State == StateOpen || out[j].State == StateHeld
+		if oi != oj {
+			return oi
 		}
 		return out[i].Opened > out[j].Opened
 	})

modules/messenger/cmd/messenger/bus_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,380 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"bufio"
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"io"
+	"os"
+	"os/exec"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"strconv"
+	"strings"
+	"sync"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/asks"
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats-server/v2/server"
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go/jetstream"
+)
+
+// The router started whole over a real bus (novox/hq ADR 0391, issue 926). A JetStream server is linked into the
+// test and started for it alone; the module is this test binary started again as the bundle, speaking MCP on its
+// standard streams to a runtime played here, which does what the tool runner does for it: its state is buckets
+// of the bus, an ask submitted on the seat's subject is work handed to the bundle, what the bundle publishes on a
+// seat is published on the bus, an event on the bus is handed to the bundle, and the controller's membership is
+// the kinds this test says. It runs in the forge's merge check, not on the way.
+
+const bundleVar = "MESH_MESSENGER_TEST_BUNDLE"
+
+func TestMain(m *testing.M) {
+	if os.Getenv(bundleVar) == "1" {
+		kindsEvery = 200 * time.Millisecond
+		main()
+		os.Exit(0)
+	}
+	os.Exit(m.Run())
+}
+
+type busRuntime struct {
+	t    *testing.T
+	nc   *nats.Conn
+	js   jetstream.JetStream
+	in   io.WriteCloser
+	mu   sync.Mutex // writes to the bundle, and the fields below
+	next int
+	wait map[string]chan json.RawMessage
+
+	kinds     []map[string]any
+	kindsRead int
+	subscribed,
+	taking bool
+	buckets map[string]jetstream.KeyValue
+}
+
+func newBusRuntime(t *testing.T) *busRuntime {
+	t.Helper()
+	s, err := server.NewServer(&server.Options{Host: "127.0.0.1", Port: server.RANDOM_PORT, JetStream: true, StoreDir: t.TempDir(), NoLog: true, NoSigs: true})
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	go s.Start()
+	if !s.ReadyForConnections(30 * time.Second) {
+		t.Fatal("no bus within 30s")
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { s.Shutdown(); s.WaitForShutdown() })
+	nc, err := nats.Connect(s.ClientURL())
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(nc.Close)
+	js, _ := jetstream.New(nc)
+	return &busRuntime{t: t, nc: nc, js: js, wait: map[string]chan json.RawMessage{}, buckets: map[string]jetstream.KeyValue{}}
+}
+
+func (r *busRuntime) bucket(name string) jetstream.KeyValue {
+	r.mu.Lock()
+	defer r.mu.Unlock()
+	if kv, ok := r.buckets[name]; ok {
+		return kv
+	}
+	kv, err := r.js.CreateOrUpdateKeyValue(context.Background(), jetstream.KeyValueConfig{Bucket: name})
+	if err != nil {
+		r.t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	r.buckets[name] = kv
+	return kv
+}
+
+func (r *busRuntime) setKinds(caps map[string][]string) {
+	var out []map[string]any
+	for kind, c := range caps {
+		out = append(out, map[string]any{"seat": asks.ChannelSeat, "kind": kind, "module": kind, "node": "test", "capabilities": c})
+	}
+	r.mu.Lock()
+	r.kinds = out
+	r.mu.Unlock()
+}
+
+func (r *busRuntime) say(m map[string]any) {
+	m["jsonrpc"] = "2.0"
+	raw, _ := json.Marshal(m)
+	r.mu.Lock()
+	defer r.mu.Unlock()
+	_, _ = r.in.Write(append(raw, '\n'))
+}
+
+// request is a request to the bundle (work, an event, a tool call) and its answer.
+func (r *busRuntime) request(method string, params any) (json.RawMessage, error) {
+	r.mu.Lock()
+	r.next++
+	id := "runtime-" + strconv.Itoa(r.next)
+	ch := make(chan json.RawMessage, 1)
+	r.wait[id] = ch
+	r.mu.Unlock()
+	r.say(map[string]any{"id": id, "method": method, "params": params})
+	select {
+	case raw := <-ch:
+		return raw, nil
+	case <-time.After(60 * time.Second):
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("%s was not answered in 60 s", method)
+	}
+}
+
+func (r *busRuntime) start(dir string) {
+	r.t.Helper()
+	settings := filepath.Join(dir, "settings.json")
+	_ = os.WriteFile(settings, []byte(`{}`), 0o600)
+	cmd := exec.Command(os.Args[0], "-test.run=^$")
+	cmd.Env = append(os.Environ(), bundleVar+"=1", "MESH_MESSENGER_SETTINGS="+settings, "MESH_MESSENGER_STATE="+dir,
+		"MESH_SERVED_MODULE=messenger", "MESH_MODULE=messenger", "MESH_NODE=test")
+	in, _ := cmd.StdinPipe()
+	out, _ := cmd.StdoutPipe()
+	cmd.Stderr = busLog{r.t}
+	if err := cmd.Start(); err != nil {
+		r.t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	r.in = in
+	go r.read(out)
+	r.t.Cleanup(func() { _ = in.Close(); _ = cmd.Wait() })
+}
+
+type busLog struct{ t *testing.T }
+
+func (l busLog) Write(p []byte) (int, error) { l.t.Logf("bundle: %s", p); return len(p), nil }
+
+func (r *busRuntime) read(out io.Reader) {
+	sc := bufio.NewScanner(out)
+	sc.Buffer(make([]byte, 1<<20), 1<<24)
+	for sc.Scan() {
+		var m struct {
+			ID     json.RawMessage `json:"id"`
+			Method string          `json:"method"`
+			Params json.RawMessage `json:"params"`
+		}
+		if json.Unmarshal(sc.Bytes(), &m) != nil {
+			continue
+		}
+		if m.Method == "" {
+			var id string
+			_ = json.Unmarshal(m.ID, &id)
+			r.mu.Lock()
+			ch := r.wait[id]
+			delete(r.wait, id)
+			r.mu.Unlock()
+			if ch != nil {
+				ch <- append([]byte(nil), sc.Bytes()...)
+			}
+			continue
+		}
+		go r.runtime(m.ID, m.Method, m.Params)
+	}
+}
+
+// runtime is what the tool runner does for the bundle: only what the router uses.
+func (r *busRuntime) runtime(id json.RawMessage, method string, params json.RawMessage) {
+	var p struct {
+		State    string          `json:"state"`
+		Key      string          `json:"key"`
+		Value    json.RawMessage `json:"value"`
+		Revision uint64          `json:"revision"`
+		Body     json.RawMessage `json:"body"`
+		Subject  string          `json:"subject"`
+		Pattern  string          `json:"pattern"`
+		Worker   string          `json:"worker"`
+	}
+	_ = json.Unmarshal(params, &p)
+	ctx := context.Background()
+	const changed = -32010
+	code := -32000
+	result, err := func() (any, error) {
+		switch method {
+		case "mesh/state.get":
+			e, err := r.bucket(p.State).Get(ctx, p.Key)
+			if errors.Is(err, jetstream.ErrKeyNotFound) {
+				return nil, nil
+			}
+			if err != nil {
+				return nil, err
+			}
+			return map[string]any{"key": p.Key, "value": json.RawMessage(e.Value()), "revision": e.Revision()}, nil
+		case "mesh/state.put":
+			rev, err := r.bucket(p.State).Put(ctx, p.Key, p.Value)
+			return map[string]any{"revision": rev}, err
+		case "mesh/state.create":
+			rev, err := r.bucket(p.State).Create(ctx, p.Key, p.Value)
+			if errors.Is(err, jetstream.ErrKeyExists) {
+				code = changed
+			}
+			return map[string]any{"revision": rev}, err
+		case "mesh/state.update":
+			rev, err := r.bucket(p.State).Update(ctx, p.Key, p.Value, p.Revision)
+			if err != nil {
+				code = changed
+			}
+			return map[string]any{"revision": rev}, err
+		case "mesh/state.delete":
+			err := r.bucket(p.State).Delete(ctx, p.Key)
+			return map[string]any{}, err
+		case "mesh/state.keys":
+			keys, err := r.bucket(p.State).Keys(ctx)
+			if errors.Is(err, jetstream.ErrNoKeysFound) {
+				return []string{}, nil
+			}
+			return keys, err
+		case "mesh/subscribe":
+			if strings.HasPrefix(p.Pattern, asks.IntakeSeat) {
+				r.mu.Lock()
+				r.subscribed = true
+				r.mu.Unlock()
+			}
+			return map[string]any{}, nil
+		case "mesh/seat.take":
+			r.mu.Lock()
+			r.taking = true
+			r.mu.Unlock()
+			return map[string]any{}, nil
+		case "mesh/seat.answer", "mesh/publish":
+			return map[string]any{}, nil
+		case "mesh/seat.kinds":
+			r.mu.Lock()
+			defer r.mu.Unlock()
+			r.kindsRead++
+			return r.kinds, nil
+		case "mesh/seat.publish":
+			return map[string]any{}, r.nc.Publish(p.Subject, p.Body)
+		case "mesh/ask":
+			if p.Key == RootFreeVerb {
+				var a struct {
+					Machines []string `json:"machines"`
+				}
+				_ = json.Unmarshal(p.Body, &a)
+				var out []RootVerdict
+				for _, m := range a.Machines {
+					out = append(out, RootVerdict{Machine: m, Free: true})
+				}
+				return map[string]any{"machines": out}, nil
+			}
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("the test runtime answers nothing for %s", p.Key)
+		}
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("the runtime offers no %s", method)
+	}()
+	if err != nil {
+		r.say(map[string]any{"id": id, "error": map[string]any{"code": code, "message": err.Error()}})
+		return
+	}
+	r.say(map[string]any{"id": id, "result": result})
+}
+
+// forward hands the bundle what is published on the bus that it takes: an ask submitted to the seat as work,
+// a channel's word as an event.
+func (r *busRuntime) forward() {
+	if _, err := r.nc.Subscribe("mesh.seat."+asks.Seat+".accept.ask.*", func(m *nats.Msg) {
+		_, _ = r.request("mesh/work", map[string]any{"work": map[string]any{"worker": AsksWorker, "subject": m.Subject, "body": json.RawMessage(m.Data)}})
+	}); err != nil {
+		r.t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, err := r.nc.Subscribe("mesh.seat."+asks.IntakeSeat+".event.>", func(m *nats.Msg) {
+		key := strings.Replace(strings.TrimPrefix(m.Subject, "mesh.seat."), ".event", "", 1)
+		_, _ = r.request("mesh/event", map[string]any{"envelope": map[string]any{"key": key, "node": "test", "body": json.RawMessage(m.Data)}})
+	}); err != nil {
+		r.t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+}
+
+func (r *busRuntime) until(what string, within time.Duration, ok func() bool) {
+	r.t.Helper()
+	for deadline := time.Now().Add(within); time.Now().Before(deadline); time.Sleep(100 * time.Millisecond) {
+		if ok() {
+			return
+		}
+	}
+	r.t.Fatalf("not within %s: %s", within, what)
+}
+
+func (r *busRuntime) askRecord(key string) *AskRecord {
+	e, err := r.bucket("asks").Get(context.Background(), key)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+	var rec AskRecord
+	_ = json.Unmarshal(e.Value(), &rec)
+	return &rec
+}
+
+// A held ask over the real bus (ADR 0397, issue 926): taken while the controller's word on Telegram lacks a
+// verified sender, it is held with the reason and its asker is told nothing of an end; once the word gives it a
+// verified sender, it is offered on Telegram.
+func TestAnApprovalAskIsHeldThenOfferedWhenAChannelCanCarryItOverTheBus(t *testing.T) {
+	r := newBusRuntime(t)
+	away := []string{"deliver", "reaches-away", "choice", "edit", "exact-render"}
+	r.setKinds(map[string][]string{"telegram": away})
+	now := time.Now().UTC()
+	// The operator's account, linked long enough ago to approve.
+	id := Identity{Kind: "telegram", Identity: "42", Display: "Jo", Linked: now.Add(-3 * time.Hour), ApproveFrom: now.Add(-2 * time.Hour)}
+	raw, _ := json.Marshal(id)
+	if _, err := r.bucket("identities").Put(context.Background(), identityKey("telegram", "42"), raw); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	var told, shown []json.RawMessage // shown is kept to say nothing was shown while held
+	var seen sync.Mutex
+	collect := func(into *[]json.RawMessage) nats.MsgHandler {
+		return func(m *nats.Msg) { seen.Lock(); *into = append(*into, append([]byte(nil), m.Data...)); seen.Unlock() }
+	}
+	if _, err := r.nc.Subscribe(asks.DecidedSubject("mesh-delivery"), collect(&told)); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, err := r.nc.Subscribe(asks.ChannelSubject(asks.Show, "telegram"), collect(&shown)); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	r.forward()
+	r.start(t.TempDir())
+	r.until("the bundle subscribed, takes asks and read the kinds", 20*time.Second, func() bool {
+		r.mu.Lock()
+		defer r.mu.Unlock()
+		return r.subscribed && r.taking && r.kindsRead > 0
+	})
+	standing, _ := json.Marshal(Standing{Ready: true, At: time.Now().UTC()})
+	if err := r.nc.Publish(asks.IntakeSubject(asks.StandingWhat, "telegram"), standing); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	time.Sleep(time.Second)
+	c := &clock{t: time.Now().UTC()}
+	submitted, _ := json.Marshal(heldAsk(c, "d-1"))
+	if err := r.nc.Publish(asks.AskSubject("mesh-delivery"), submitted); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	r.until("the ask is recorded held with the reason", 20*time.Second, func() bool {
+		rec := r.askRecord("mesh-delivery.d-1")
+		return rec != nil && rec.State == StateHeld && strings.Contains(rec.HeldWhy, "Telegram cannot prove who answered")
+	})
+	rec := r.askRecord("mesh-delivery.d-1")
+	if len(rec.Tickets) != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("a held ask has tickets: %+v", rec)
+	}
+	seen.Lock()
+	if len(told) != 0 || len(shown) != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("a held ask was refused or shown: told %s, shown %s", told, shown)
+	}
+	seen.Unlock()
+	// The asks verb shows it held, since when, and why.
+	out, err := r.request("tools/call", map[string]any{"name": "operator-channel.asks", "arguments": map[string]any{}})
+	if err != nil || !strings.Contains(string(out), `held_why`) || !strings.Contains(string(out), `held`) {
+		t.Errorf("the asks verb: %s %v", out, err)
+	}
+	// The controller's word now gives Telegram a verified sender: the ask is offered there.
+	r.setKinds(map[string][]string{"telegram": append(append([]string{}, away...), "verified-sender")})
+	r.until("the ask is offered", 30*time.Second, func() bool {
+		rec := r.askRecord("mesh-delivery.d-1")
+		return rec != nil && rec.State == StateOpen && len(rec.Tickets) == 3 && rec.HeldWhy == ""
+	})
+	// Its message is the router's ordinary one for a new ask, said after the burst window (BurstWindow), which a
+	// unit test covers with a clock; this test waits for no half minute.
+	if rec := r.askRecord("mesh-delivery.d-1"); rec.Tickets == nil {
+		t.Errorf("offered with no tickets: %+v", rec)
+	}
+}

modules/messenger/cmd/messenger/held_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,142 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"encoding/json"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/asks"
+)
+
+// A held ask (novox/hq ADR 0397, issue 926): an ask that breaks no rule but that no ready channel can carry now
+// is kept, not refused, and offered the moment a channel can carry it.
+
+// withoutVerifiedSender is the controller's word on the kinds when Telegram's claim lacks verified-sender, as
+// on 2026-10-16 (issue 930).
+func withoutVerifiedSender(h *Holder) {
+	h.Bench.SetKinds([]KindInfo{
+		{Kind: "telegram", Module: "telegram", Node: "anchor", Capabilities: []string{"deliver", "reaches-away", "choice", "edit", "exact-render"}},
+		{Kind: "desktop", Module: "desk-channel", Node: "anchor", Capabilities: []string{"deliver", "choice", "edit", "exact-render", "private"}},
+	})
+}
+
+func withVerifiedSender(h *Holder) {
+	h.Bench.SetKinds([]KindInfo{
+		{Kind: "telegram", Module: "telegram", Node: "anchor", Capabilities: []string{"deliver", "reaches-away", "choice", "edit", "verified-sender", "exact-render"}},
+		{Kind: "desktop", Module: "desk-channel", Node: "anchor", Capabilities: []string{"deliver", "choice", "edit", "exact-render", "private"}},
+	})
+}
+
+func recordJSON(t *testing.T, store *memAsks, key string) string {
+	t.Helper()
+	raw, _ := json.Marshal(store.asks[key])
+	return string(raw)
+}
+
+func TestAnApprovalAskNoChannelCanCarryIsHeldAndItsAskerToldWhy(t *testing.T) {
+	h, tg, dt, c, store, w := newRouter(t)
+	link(h, store, c, "42", c.now().Add(-2*time.Hour))
+	withoutVerifiedSender(h)
+	submit(t, h, "mesh-delivery", heldAsk(c, "d-1"))
+	settle(h, c)
+	for _, g := range w.of("mesh-delivery") {
+		t.Errorf("the asker was told it ended: %+v", g)
+	}
+	rec, kept := store.asks["mesh-delivery.d-1"]
+	if !kept || rec.State != StateHeld || len(rec.Tickets) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("not held: %+v", rec)
+	}
+	for _, want := range []string{"Telegram cannot prove who answered", "held"} {
+		if !strings.Contains(recordJSON(t, store, "mesh-delivery.d-1"), want) {
+			t.Errorf("the record does not say %q: %s", want, recordJSON(t, store, "mesh-delivery.d-1"))
+		}
+	}
+	if strings.Contains(rec.HeldWhy, "no channel") && !strings.Contains(rec.HeldWhy, "Telegram") {
+		t.Errorf("only no channel: %q", rec.HeldWhy)
+	}
+	if len(tg.sends) != 0 || len(dt.sends) != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("a held ask was shown: %d %d", len(tg.sends), len(dt.sends))
+	}
+}
+
+func TestAHeldAskIsOfferedWhenTheKindsChange(t *testing.T) {
+	h, tg, _, c, store, w := newRouter(t)
+	link(h, store, c, "42", c.now().Add(-2*time.Hour))
+	withoutVerifiedSender(h)
+	submit(t, h, "mesh-delivery", heldAsk(c, "d-1"))
+	c.pass(time.Minute)
+	stand(h, c)
+	h.Tick() // still held: the reason is unchanged
+	if rec := store.asks["mesh-delivery.d-1"]; rec.State != StateHeld || len(tg.sends) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("offered too soon: %+v", rec)
+	}
+	withVerifiedSender(h)
+	h.Tick()
+	settle(h, c)
+	rec := store.asks["mesh-delivery.d-1"]
+	if rec.State != StateOpen || len(rec.Tickets) != 3 || rec.HeldWhy != "" {
+		t.Fatalf("not offered: %+v", rec)
+	}
+	if len(tg.sends) != 1 || labelsOf(tg.sends[0]) != "Release, Stop, Silence for a week" {
+		t.Fatalf("telegram was sent %+v", tg.sends)
+	}
+	if got := w.of("mesh-delivery"); len(got) != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("an offer is not an end: %+v", got)
+	}
+	// Answered as any ask is.
+	out, err := h.Chosen("telegram", choiceOf(ticketFor(tg.sends[0], "Release"), "42", c.now()))
+	if err != nil || out != "chosen" {
+		t.Fatalf("%s %v", out, err)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestAHeldAskExpiresAsAnyOpenAskDoes(t *testing.T) {
+	h, _, _, c, store, w := newRouter(t)
+	withoutVerifiedSender(h)
+	submit(t, h, "mesh-delivery", heldAsk(c, "d-1"))
+	c.pass(3 * time.Hour)
+	stand(h, c)
+	h.Tick()
+	got := w.of("mesh-delivery")
+	if len(got) != 1 || got[0].Outcome != asks.OutcomeExpired || store.asks["mesh-delivery.d-1"].State != string(asks.OutcomeExpired) {
+		t.Fatalf("%+v %+v", got, store.asks["mesh-delivery.d-1"])
+	}
+}
+
+func TestAHeldAskCountsTowardTheOpenAsksOfItsAsker(t *testing.T) {
+	h, _, _, c, _, w := newRouter(t)
+	withoutVerifiedSender(h)
+	for i := 1; i <= 4; i++ {
+		a := heldAsk(c, "d-"+string(rune('0'+i)))
+		a.About = "about-" + string(rune('0'+i))
+		submit(t, h, "mesh-delivery", a)
+	}
+	got := w.of("mesh-delivery")
+	if len(got) != 1 || got[0].Outcome != asks.OutcomeRefused || !strings.Contains(got[0].Words, "already has 3 open asks") {
+		t.Fatalf("%+v", got)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestTheAsksVerbShowsAHeldAskWithSinceAndWhy(t *testing.T) {
+	h, _, _, c, _, _ := newRouter(t)
+	withoutVerifiedSender(h)
+	submit(t, h, "mesh-delivery", heldAsk(c, "d-1"))
+	raw, _ := json.Marshal(h.AsksNow())
+	for _, want := range []string{`"state":"held"`, `"held_since"`, `"held_why":"`, "Telegram cannot prove who answered"} {
+		if !strings.Contains(string(raw), want) {
+			t.Errorf("the asks verb lacks %q: %s", want, raw)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+func TestAHeldAskNamesEveryKindAndWhyWhenNoChannelIsReady(t *testing.T) {
+	h, _, _, c, store, _ := newRouter(t)
+	h.Bench.Stand("telegram", Standing{Ready: false, Why: "no bot token", At: c.now()})
+	h.Bench.Stand("desktop", Standing{Ready: false, Why: "no session", At: c.now()})
+	submit(t, h, "mesh-delivery", heldAsk(c, "d-1"))
+	why := store.asks["mesh-delivery.d-1"].HeldWhy
+	if store.asks["mesh-delivery.d-1"].State != StateHeld || !strings.Contains(why, "Telegram: no bot token") || !strings.Contains(why, "the desk: no session") {
+		t.Fatalf("%q", why)
+	}
+}

modules/messenger/cmd/messenger/holder.go

@@ -759,6 +759,7 @@ func (h *Holder) Tick() {
 	h.mu.Unlock()
 	sort.Slice(recs, func(i, j int) bool { return recs[i].Raised.Before(recs[j].Raised) })
 	h.sweepAsks(now)
+	h.releaseHeld()
 	h.breakGlass()
 	h.boundWalks(now)
 	h.duePasses(now)

modules/messenger/cmd/messenger/main.go

@@ -481,6 +481,7 @@ func listenForChannels(h *Holder) {
 			var s Standing
 			if json.Unmarshal(e.Body, &s) == nil {
 				h.Stand(kind, s)
+				h.ReleaseHeld() // a channel's standing changed: held asks are judged again (ADR 0397 §2)
 			}
 		}
 		return nil
@@ -542,6 +543,9 @@ func answerProofs(h *Holder) {
 	}
 }
 
+// kindsEvery is how often the controller's word on the kinds is read again (a test bundle reads it faster).
+var kindsEvery = 30 * time.Second
+
 // followKinds reads, every half minute, which channel kinds the controller says exist and what each
 // promises: never from a channel.
 func followKinds(h *Holder) {
@@ -561,9 +565,10 @@ func followKinds(h *Holder) {
 				}
 			}
 			h.Bench.SetKinds(out)
+			h.ReleaseHeld() // a held ask is judged again when the kinds change (ADR 0397 §2)
 			said = ""
 		}
-		time.Sleep(30 * time.Second)
+		time.Sleep(kindsEvery)
 	}
 }
 
@@ -673,7 +678,7 @@ func tools(h *Holder, l *listening) []stdio.Tool {
 				"whether condition events arrive, and the rules it applies.",
 			Run: func(map[string]any) (any, error) { return h.Status(l.get()), nil }},
 		{Name: "operator-channel.asks",
-			Description: "The asks this router holds (novox/hq ADR 0259): open first, then the last month's — each " +
+			Description: "The asks this router holds (novox/hq ADR 0259): open (or held, with since when and why no channel can carry it yet) first, then the last month's — each " +
 				"one's asker, headline, state, when it opened and expires, the channels it was offered on, how it " +
 				"ended (the warrant: who chose what, through which channel), and whether its asker was told.",
 			Run: func(map[string]any) (any, error) { return h.AsksNow(), nil }},

modules/messenger/go.mod

@@ -1,5 +1,22 @@
 module messenger
 
-go 1.22
+go 1.25.0
 
-require git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261013182924-5933eb757d44
+require (
+	git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261013182924-5933eb757d44
+	github.com/nats-io/nats-server/v2 v2.11.17
+	github.com/nats-io/nats.go v1.51.0
+)
+
+require (
+	github.com/antithesishq/antithesis-sdk-go v0.7.0-default-no-op // indirect
+	github.com/google/go-tpm v0.9.8 // indirect
+	github.com/klauspost/compress v1.18.5 // indirect
+	github.com/minio/highwayhash v1.0.4 // indirect
+	github.com/nats-io/jwt/v2 v2.8.1 // indirect
+	github.com/nats-io/nkeys v0.4.15 // indirect
+	github.com/nats-io/nuid v1.0.1 // indirect
+	golang.org/x/crypto v0.50.0 // indirect
+	golang.org/x/sys v0.43.0 // indirect
+	golang.org/x/time v0.15.0 // indirect
+)

modules/messenger/go.sum

@@ -1,8 +1,27 @@
-git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.13 h1:Su4JYpZ+zhNovkGA2DgxiZdcuHpjw2tPJzc/7PljhXg=
-git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.13/go.mod h1:GFuZUElBZ9A++mxgIKo97aXXo+kV0uJ/UkbhQPPIbrY=
-git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261013141520-9588871d6629 h1:7TYFV1Q6Mcz+lsLP/sds87tysET4rKCn3rRIQV8gNmA=
-git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261013141520-9588871d6629/go.mod h1:GFuZUElBZ9A++mxgIKo97aXXo+kV0uJ/UkbhQPPIbrY=
-git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261013145622-f4745447ba6d h1:HEJyqorKktrkJPeeJdwEo0kdrJjH3fm/YVS9MGftCqY=
-git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261013145622-f4745447ba6d/go.mod h1:GFuZUElBZ9A++mxgIKo97aXXo+kV0uJ/UkbhQPPIbrY=
 git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261013182924-5933eb757d44 h1:r5xIo5qWOXQdCSMxvqJy8kV4U+P/QWXFK6971Ha6wU8=
 git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261013182924-5933eb757d44/go.mod h1:GFuZUElBZ9A++mxgIKo97aXXo+kV0uJ/UkbhQPPIbrY=
+github.com/antithesishq/antithesis-sdk-go v0.7.0-default-no-op h1:Z/MZK75wC/NSrkgqeNIa7jexam9uWzhLmFTSCPI/kn0=
+github.com/antithesishq/antithesis-sdk-go v0.7.0-default-no-op/go.mod h1:FQyySiasQQM8735Ddel3MRojmy4dA1IqCeyJ5jmPMbI=
+github.com/google/go-tpm v0.9.8 h1:slArAR9Ft+1ybZu0lBwpSmpwhRXaa85hWtMinMyRAWo=
+github.com/google/go-tpm v0.9.8/go.mod h1:h9jEsEECg7gtLis0upRBQU+GhYVH6jMjrFxI8u6bVUY=
+github.com/klauspost/compress v1.18.5 h1:/h1gH5Ce+VWNLSWqPzOVn6XBO+vJbCNGvjoaGBFW2IE=
+github.com/klauspost/compress v1.18.5/go.mod h1:cwPg85FWrGar70rWktvGQj8/hthj3wpl0PGDogxkrSQ=
+github.com/minio/highwayhash v1.0.4 h1:asJizugGgchQod2ja9NJlGOWq4s7KsAWr5XUc9Clgl4=
+github.com/minio/highwayhash v1.0.4/go.mod h1:GGYsuwP/fPD6Y9hMiXuapVvlIUEhFhMTh0rxU3ik1LQ=
+github.com/nats-io/jwt/v2 v2.8.1 h1:V0xpGuD/N8Mi+fQNDynXohVvp7ZztevW5io8CUWlPmU=
+github.com/nats-io/jwt/v2 v2.8.1/go.mod h1:nWnOEEiVMiKHQpnAy4eXlizVEtSfzacZ1Q43LIRavZg=
+github.com/nats-io/nats-server/v2 v2.11.17 h1:GKEghcFK6A+aFx11Yf1LjgLC3txAwvyhnYzhBIQZA8I=
+github.com/nats-io/nats-server/v2 v2.11.17/go.mod h1:B1sFVz4StNosQ903ak4N1G01Fl/9f8e06mXpFIE2K24=
+github.com/nats-io/nats.go v1.51.0 h1:ByW84XTz6W03GSSsygsZcA+xgKK8vPGaa/FCAAEHnAI=
+github.com/nats-io/nats.go v1.51.0/go.mod h1:26HypzazeOkyO3/mqd1zZd53STJN0EjCYF9Uy2ZOBno=
+github.com/nats-io/nkeys v0.4.15 h1:JACV5jRVO9V856KOapQ7x+EY8Jo3qw1vJt/9Jpwzkk4=
+github.com/nats-io/nkeys v0.4.15/go.mod h1:CpMchTXC9fxA5zrMo4KpySxNjiDVvr8ANOSZdiNfUrs=
+github.com/nats-io/nuid v1.0.1 h1:5iA8DT8V7q8WK2EScv2padNa/rTESc1KdnPw4TC2paw=
+github.com/nats-io/nuid v1.0.1/go.mod h1:19wcPz3Ph3q0Jbyiqsd0kePYG7A95tJPxeL+1OSON2c=
+golang.org/x/crypto v0.50.0 h1:zO47/JPrL6vsNkINmLoo/PH1gcxpls50DNogFvB5ZGI=
+golang.org/x/crypto v0.50.0/go.mod h1:3muZ7vA7PBCE6xgPX7nkzzjiUq87kRItoJQM1Yo8S+Q=
+golang.org/x/sys v0.21.0/go.mod h1:/VUhepiaJMQUp4+oa/7Zr1D23ma6VTLIYjOOTFZPUcA=
+golang.org/x/sys v0.43.0 h1:Rlag2XtaFTxp19wS8MXlJwTvoh8ArU6ezoyFsMyCTNI=
+golang.org/x/sys v0.43.0/go.mod h1:4GL1E5IUh+htKOUEOaiffhrAeqysfVGipDYzABqnCmw=
+golang.org/x/time v0.15.0 h1:bbrp8t3bGUeFOx08pvsMYRTCVSMk89u4tKbNOZbp88U=
+golang.org/x/time v0.15.0/go.mod h1:Y4YMaQmXwGQZoFaVFk4YpCt4FLQMYKZe9oeV/f4MSno=