An own-path batch is cut first and folds no waiting walk; a walk let go beside a started one starts once it ended; a late catalogue merge is not answered by a walk that waited for nobody (hq ADR 0276 review, tracker issue 377)

cmd/mesh-controller/batches.go

@@ -38,8 +38,9 @@ import (
 //     by that one.
 //
 // A merge on the controller's own path (a module whose walk waits for nobody's word) never shares a batch with
-// one that waits for mesh-delivery's: each kind has a batch of its own, so no catalogue delivery skips its turn
+// one that waits for mesh-delivery's: each kind has a batch of its own, an own-path batch is cut first and folds
-// behind a controller merge (decided during the build, 2026-10-10).
+// no waiting catalogue walk, and a catalogue walk let go while another walk runs starts once it ended — so no
+// catalogue batch's walk starts without the word (decided during the build, 2026-10-10).
 //
 // The batch, its merges and their times are in the store (batched_merge, and the batch's own plan record in
 // the state `assembling` or `queued`), so a restarted controller resumes the window where it stood.
@@ -181,7 +182,12 @@ func (f following) hearMerge(ctx context.Context, m link.SourceMoved, now time.T
 	if _, known, err := inv.MergeOf(ctx, repository, m.Commit); err != nil || known {
 		return notNow(err)
 	}
-	event, err := json.Marshal(m)
+	var moves []string
+	for _, e := range touches {
+		moves = append(moves, e.Manifest.Module)
+	}
+	sort.Strings(moves)
+	event, err := json.Marshal(keptMerge{SourceMoved: m, Moves: moves})
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
@@ -193,7 +199,7 @@ func (f following) hearMerge(ctx context.Context, m link.SourceMoved, now time.T
 	// word** (decided during the build, 2026-10-10): batched together, the catalogue's deliveries would start
 	// with the controller's and skip their turn. Each kind has a batch of its own.
 	own := ownPath(touches)
-	if p, ok, err := answeredByALaterMerge(ctx, inv, heard, touches, own); err != nil {
+	if p, ok, err := answeredByALaterMerge(ctx, inv, heard, touches, own, deliverySeatHeld(entries)); err != nil {
 		return notNow(err)
 	} else if ok {
 		heard.Plan = p.ID
@@ -251,7 +257,7 @@ func owedLate(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, m link.SourceMoved,
 // later merge, which contains it. A failed or stopped walk answers nothing more, and a walk folded into
 // another is followed to that one. False when none does: the merge joins the next batch.
 func answeredByALaterMerge(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, heard inventory.BatchedMerge,
-	moves []inventory.Entry, own bool) (inventory.Plan, bool, error) {
+	moves []inventory.Entry, own, held bool) (inventory.Plan, bool, error) {
 	later, err := inv.LaterMergesOf(ctx, heard.Repository, heard.Branch, heard.Merged)
 	if err != nil || len(later) == 0 {
 		return inventory.Plan{}, false, err
@@ -268,7 +274,11 @@ func answeredByALaterMerge(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, heard
 				return p, true, nil
 			}
 		case p.Open() || p.State == inventory.PlanDone:
-			if buildsEvery(p, moves) {
+			// A walk that waited for nobody's word is not a catalogue merge's to be answered by while the delivery
+			// seat has a holder: its delivery would skip its turn (decided during the build, 2026-10-10). With no
+			// holder on record nothing waits, and any walk that built it answers.
+			waited := p.Delivery != nil && p.Delivery.Awaits != ""
+			if buildsEvery(p, moves) && (own || waited || !held) {
 				return p, true, nil
 			}
 		}
@@ -431,7 +441,7 @@ func carriedOf(merges []inventory.BatchedMerge) ([]inventory.PlanCommit, []inven
 		if repo == "" {
 			repo = m.Repository
 		}
-		n := inventory.PlanMerge{Repository: repo, Commit: m.Commit}
+		n := namedOf(m, repo)
 		if l := latest[k]; l.Commit != m.Commit {
 			n.Carried = l.Commit
 		}
@@ -443,15 +453,34 @@ func carriedOf(merges []inventory.BatchedMerge) ([]inventory.PlanCommit, []inven
 	return commits, named
 }
 
+// keptMerge is a merge as the record keeps it: the forge's announcement, and the modules it moved when it was
+// heard. The announcement reads back as a SourceMoved alone, which ignores the rest.
+type keptMerge struct {
+	link.SourceMoved
+	Moves []string `json:"moves,omitempty"`
+}
+
+// announcedOf is a kept merge as the forge announced it, and what it moved; empty where the record says none.
+func announcedOf(m inventory.BatchedMerge) keptMerge {
+	var k keptMerge
+	_ = json.Unmarshal(m.Event, &k)
+	return k
+}
+
 // spelledOf is a kept merge's repository as the forge spelled it; empty when its announcement does not say.
 func spelledOf(m inventory.BatchedMerge) string {
-	var e link.SourceMoved
+	if e := announcedOf(m); e.Owner != "" {
-	if json.Unmarshal(m.Event, &e) == nil && e.Owner != "" {
 		return e.Owner + "/" + e.Repo
 	}
 	return ""
 }
 
+// namedOf is one merge as a walk or batch names it: its commit, and its pull request and moves as announced.
+func namedOf(m inventory.BatchedMerge, repository string) inventory.PlanMerge {
+	k := announcedOf(m)
+	return inventory.PlanMerge{Repository: repository, Commit: m.Commit, Number: k.Number, Title: k.Title, Moves: k.Moves}
+}
+
 // laterMerge says a was merged after b: by the forge's merge time, then by when each was heard.
 func laterMerge(a, b inventory.BatchedMerge) bool {
 	if !a.Merged.Equal(b.Merged) {
@@ -480,10 +509,11 @@ func nameMerges(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, p *inventory.Plan
 	// The walk's own commits stand: a merge heard late is carried by the one of its repository's branch.
 	var named []inventory.PlanMerge
 	for _, m := range merges {
-		n := inventory.PlanMerge{Repository: m.Repository, Commit: m.Commit}
+		repo := m.Repository
 		if e := spelledOf(m); e != "" {
-			n.Repository = e
+			repo = e
 		}
+		n := namedOf(m, repo)
 		if c := p.CommitOn(m.Repository, m.Branch); c != "" && c != m.Commit {
 			n.Carried = c
 		}
@@ -579,18 +609,18 @@ func cutBatchesHeld(ctx context.Context, open *stores, now time.Time) error {
 	if err := keepAll(""); err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
-	// The oldest batch whose window closed is cut; one of each kind at most is open (theOpenBatch).
+	// The oldest batch whose window closed is cut, an own-path one before a catalogue one (it goes first, and
+	// the catalogue batch queues behind it rather than being cut and overtaken); one of each kind at most is
+	// open (theOpenBatch).
+	sort.SliceStable(batches, func(i, j int) bool { return batches[i].OwnPath() && !batches[j].OwnPath() })
 	for i := range batches {
 		b := &batches[i]
 		if !windowClosed(*b, now) {
 			continue
 		}
 		if b.OwnPath() {
-			// A walk on the controller's own path folds no walk waiting for its word: those merges are batched
+			// A walk on the controller's own path folds no walk waiting for its word (decided during the build,
-			// again, behind it (decided during the build, 2026-10-10).
+			// 2026-10-10): that walk keeps waiting beside it, and starts once this one ended (advanceOnce).
-			if err := rebatchWaiting(ctx, inv, waiting, b.ID, now); err != nil {
-				return err
-			}
 			waiting = nil
 		}
 		if err := cutBatch(ctx, open, b, waiting, now); err != nil {
@@ -608,46 +638,6 @@ func cutBatchesHeld(ctx context.Context, open *stores, now time.Time) error {
 	return nil
 }
 
-// rebatchWaiting puts the merges of the walks waiting for their word into the open batch of their kind — a new
-// one when none is — queued behind the walk about to be cut, and closes the walks as taken over by that batch:
-// the batch keeps its id when it is cut, so the delivery's owner follows them to the walk that answers them.
-func rebatchWaiting(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, waiting []inventory.Plan, behind string, now time.Time) error {
-	for i := range waiting {
-		w := waiting[i]
-		merges, err := inv.MergesOf(ctx, w.ID)
-		if err != nil {
-			return err
-		}
-		if len(merges) == 0 {
-			continue // nothing of the record's: left waiting
-		}
-		batch, err := theOpenBatch(ctx, inv, merges[0], now, false)
-		if err != nil {
-			return err
-		}
-		for _, m := range merges {
-			if err := inv.AnswerMerge(ctx, m.Repository, m.Commit, batch.ID, m.Alone); err != nil {
-				return err
-			}
-		}
-		if err := keepBatch(ctx, inv, &batch, now, behind); err != nil {
-			return err
-		}
-		w.State = inventory.PlanSuperseded
-		if w.Delivery == nil {
-			w.Delivery = &inventory.PlanDelivery{}
-		}
-		w.Delivery.TakenOverBy = batch.ID
-		w.Note = fmt.Sprintf("superseded at tier %d by %s before it started: a walk on the controller's own path "+
-			"(%s) goes first, and that batch answers its merges after it", w.Tier, batch.ID, behind)
-		if err := inv.SavePlan(ctx, &w); err != nil {
-			return err
-		}
-		fmt.Printf("  %s is %s\n", w.ID, w.Note)
-	}
-	return nil
-}
-
 // cutBatch makes a closed batch one walk, folding in the walks that wait for their word: it keeps its id, and
 // the folded walks name it as the walk that took them over.
 func cutBatch(ctx context.Context, open *stores, batch *inventory.Plan, waiting []inventory.Plan, now time.Time) error {
@@ -754,6 +744,9 @@ func planBatch(ctx context.Context, open *stores, batch *inventory.Plan, carry [
 			}
 		}
 	}
+	// **Whether it waits for its delivery's word** is read from what its merges moved (novox/hq ADR 0239), never
+	// from what a folded walk carried along, which holds dependents too.
+	awaits := awaitsFor(entries, moved)
 	held := map[string]bool{}
 	for _, e := range entries {
 		held[e.Manifest.Module] = true
@@ -773,9 +766,7 @@ func planBatch(ctx context.Context, open *stores, batch *inventory.Plan, carry [
 	plan.Commits = commits
 	newest := newestCommit(commits)
 	plan.Repository, plan.Branch, plan.Commit, plan.Merged = newest.Repository, newest.Branch, newest.Commit, newest.Merged
-	// **Whether it waits for its delivery's word** (novox/hq ADR 0239): while the mesh-delivery seat has a
+	plan.Delivery = awaits
-	// holder on record, a walk that moves no module on the controller's own path is opened and waits.
-	plan.Delivery = awaitsFor(entries, moved)
 	if plan.Delivery == nil {
 		plan.Delivery = &inventory.PlanDelivery{}
 	}
@@ -1088,6 +1079,77 @@ func groupedWords(b inventory.Plan) string {
 	return strings.Join(out, ", ")
 }
 
+// batchLines is a batch's grouped list as `plans` prints it under its line (asked by the operator, 2026-10-10):
+// one line per repository, its pull request and title, the earlier merges it answers, and what its merges move.
+func batchLines(b inventory.Plan) []string {
+	var out []string
+	for _, c := range b.Carried() {
+		var head *inventory.PlanMerge
+		var answers []string
+		moves := map[string]bool{}
+		if b.Delivery != nil {
+			for i := range b.Delivery.Merges {
+				m := &b.Delivery.Merges[i]
+				if !strings.EqualFold(m.Repository, c.Repository) {
+					continue
+				}
+				for _, n := range m.Moves {
+					moves[n] = true
+				}
+				switch {
+				case m.Commit == c.Commit:
+					head = m
+				case m.Carried == c.Commit:
+					answers = append(answers, pullWords(*m))
+				}
+			}
+		}
+		line := repoName(c.Repository) + " " + short(c.Commit)
+		if head != nil && head.Number > 0 {
+			line = repoName(c.Repository) + " " + pullWords(*head)
+		}
+		if len(answers) > 0 {
+			line += " (answers " + strings.Join(answers, ", ") + ")"
+		}
+		if len(moves) > 0 {
+			line += " · " + strings.Join(sortedKeysOf(boolsToStrings(moves)), ", ")
+		}
+		out = append(out, line)
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// pullWords is a merge as its pull request: "#175 a tap shows its outcome", the title cut at fifty runes; the
+// commit where the announcement named no pull request.
+func pullWords(m inventory.PlanMerge) string {
+	if m.Number == 0 {
+		return short(m.Commit)
+	}
+	s := fmt.Sprintf("#%d", m.Number)
+	if t := cutTitle(m.Title, 50); t != "" {
+		s += " " + t
+	}
+	return s
+}
+
+// cutTitle is a title cut at n runes, with an ellipsis where it was cut.
+func cutTitle(title string, n int) string {
+	r := []rune(strings.TrimSpace(title))
+	if len(r) <= n {
+		return string(r)
+	}
+	return strings.TrimSpace(string(r[:n-1])) + "…"
+}
+
+// boolsToStrings is a set's members, for sortedKeysOf.
+func boolsToStrings(set map[string]bool) map[string]string {
+	out := make(map[string]string, len(set))
+	for k := range set {
+		out[k] = ""
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
 // secondsWords is a short wait as a person reads it.
 func secondsWords(d time.Duration) string {
 	if d < 2*time.Minute {

cmd/mesh-controller/batches_test.go

@@ -136,7 +136,7 @@ func TestTwoMergesSecondsApartAreOneWalkAtTheLaterCommit(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 	want := []inventory.PlanMerge{{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Commit: claude.Commit, Carried: dunst.Commit},
 		{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Commit: dunst.Commit}}
-	if w.Delivery == nil || !slices.Equal(w.Delivery.Merges, want) {
+	if w.Delivery == nil || !slices.EqualFunc(w.Delivery.Merges, want, sameMerge) {
 		t.Fatalf("the walk answers %+v, want %+v", w.Delivery, want)
 	}
 	if len(*asked) != 2 || (*asked)[0][2] != "main" || (*asked)[1][2] != "main" {
@@ -229,17 +229,28 @@ func TestTheAssemblingBatchIsShown(t *testing.T) {
 	inventory.PlanSaved = func(p inventory.Plan) { said = append(said, p) }
 	t.Cleanup(func() { inventory.PlanSaved = was })
 	now := time.Now().UTC()
-	hear(t, open, catalogueMerge("553b7191claude", "app", now.Add(-20*time.Second)), now.Add(-19*time.Second))
+	claude := catalogueMerge("553b7191claude", "app", now.Add(-20*time.Second))
-	hear(t, open, catalogueMerge("48bda475dunst", "notes", now.Add(-2*time.Second)), now.Add(-time.Second))
+	claude.Number, claude.Title = 174, "claude-code: an agent proposes a section"
+	dunst := catalogueMerge("48bda475dunst", "notes", now.Add(-2*time.Second))
+	dunst.Number, dunst.Title = 175, "dunst: the font the operator chose"
+	hear(t, open, claude, now.Add(-19*time.Second))
+	hear(t, open, dunst, now.Add(-time.Second))
 	hear(t, open, repoMerge("one", "a6bc0931one", now), now)
 	out := captured(t, func() error { return plansCommand(t.Context(), nil) })
-	first := strings.SplitN(out, "\n", 2)[0]
+	lines := strings.Split(out, "\n")
+	first := lines[0]
 	for _, want := range []string{"assembling: ", " s left (at the latest ", "grouped: novox/mesh-catalog@48bda475 " +
 		"(answers 553b7191), novox/one@a6bc0931; plan not yet calculated"} {
 		if !strings.Contains(first, want) {
 			t.Fatalf("plans' first line %q does not say %q", first, want)
 		}
 	}
+	// Under it, one line per repository: the pull request, what it answers, what it moves.
+	if len(lines) < 3 || strings.TrimSpace(lines[1]) != "mesh-catalog #175 dunst: the font the operator chose (answers "+
+		"#174 claude-code: an agent proposes a section) · app, notes" ||
+		strings.TrimSpace(lines[2]) != "one a6bc0931 · one" {
+		t.Fatalf("the grouped list reads %q", lines[1:4])
+	}
 	if len(said) == 0 || said[len(said)-1].State != inventory.PlanAssembling || said[len(said)-1].Delivery.Batch == nil ||
 		len(said[len(said)-1].Delivery.Merges) != 3 {
 		t.Fatalf("the batch was not said as assembling with its merges: %+v", said)
@@ -364,7 +375,7 @@ func TestALateMergeIsAnsweredByTheWalkOfTheLaterOne(t *testing.T) {
 	hear(t, open, catalogueMerge("553b7191early", "notes", t0), t0.Add(15*time.Minute))
 	got, _ := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, w.ID)
 	if got.State != inventory.PlanDone || len(got.Delivery.Merges) != 2 ||
-		got.Delivery.Merges[0] != (inventory.PlanMerge{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Commit: "553b7191early",
+		!sameMerge(got.Delivery.Merges[0], inventory.PlanMerge{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Commit: "553b7191early",
 			Carried: later.Commit}) {
 		t.Fatalf("the late merge is not named by the walk that carried it: %+v", got.Delivery.Merges)
 	}
@@ -404,7 +415,7 @@ func TestAFailedWalkWalksItsEarlierMergesAlone(t *testing.T) {
 	ws, _ = walks(t, open)
 	alone := ws[0]
 	if alone.ID == failed.ID || alone.Commit != middle.Commit || len(alone.Delivery.Merges) != 1 ||
-		alone.Delivery.Merges[0] != (inventory.PlanMerge{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Commit: middle.Commit}) {
+		!sameMerge(alone.Delivery.Merges[0], inventory.PlanMerge{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Commit: middle.Commit}) {
 		t.Fatalf("the newest earlier merge was not walked alone on its own commit: %+v", alone)
 	}
 	if _, in := alone.Modules["app"]; !in || (*asked)[len(*asked)-1] != [3]string{"novox/mesh-catalog", "modules/app",
@@ -425,7 +436,7 @@ func TestAFailedWalkWalksItsEarlierMergesAlone(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("the search went on after a merge was delivered: %+v", ws[0])
 	}
 	done, _ := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, alone.ID)
-	if len(done.Delivery.Merges) != 2 || done.Delivery.Merges[0] != (inventory.PlanMerge{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog",
+	if len(done.Delivery.Merges) != 2 || !sameMerge(done.Delivery.Merges[0], inventory.PlanMerge{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog",
 		Commit: oldest.Commit, Carried: middle.Commit}) {
 		t.Fatalf("the oldest merge is not answered by the walk that delivered the one after it: %+v", done.Delivery.Merges)
 	}
@@ -565,7 +576,7 @@ func TestALateMergeOfAOneModuleRepositoryIsNamed(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 	hear(t, open, repoMerge("one", "c1", t0.Add(-60*time.Second)), t0.Add(15*time.Minute))
 	got, _ := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, w.ID)
-	if len(got.Delivery.Merges) != 2 || got.Delivery.Merges[0] != (inventory.PlanMerge{Repository: "novox/one",
+	if len(got.Delivery.Merges) != 2 || !sameMerge(got.Delivery.Merges[0], inventory.PlanMerge{Repository: "novox/one",
 		Commit: "c1", Carried: "c2"}) {
 		t.Fatalf("the late merge was not named by the walk that carried it: %+v", got.Delivery.Merges)
 	}
@@ -589,10 +600,11 @@ func TestALateMergeOfAOneModuleRepositoryIsNamed(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
-// One walk at a time holds against the delivery's word too: a waiting walk is not let go while another started.
+// One walk at a time holds against the delivery's word too: a waiting walk let go beside a started one takes the
-func TestAWaitingWalkIsNotLetGoBesideAStartedOne(t *testing.T) {
+// word and starts once that one ended, asking nothing before.
+func TestAWalkLetGoBesideAStartedOneStartsOnceItEnded(t *testing.T) {
 	open := windowed(t)
-	asksWithPaths(t)
+	asked := asksWithPaths(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	hear(t, open, repoMerge("one", "c1", t0), t0)
 	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(2*time.Minute))
@@ -603,9 +615,23 @@ func TestAWaitingWalkIsNotLetGoBesideAStartedOne(t *testing.T) {
 	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &waiting); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
-	if _, err := letGo(ctx, open.inventory, waiting.ID, catalogue.DeliverySeat, "its turn"); err == nil ||
+	if _, err := letGo(ctx, open.inventory, waiting.ID, catalogue.DeliverySeat, "its turn"); err != nil {
-		!strings.Contains(err.Error(), started[0].ID) {
+		t.Fatalf("the word was refused beside %s: %v", started[0].ID, err)
-		t.Fatalf("a waiting walk was let go beside %s: %v", started[0].ID, err)
+	}
+	before := len(*asked)
+	advanceHeld(ctx, open)
+	got, _ := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, waiting.ID)
+	if len(*asked) != before || !strings.Contains(got.Note, "starts once "+started[0].ID) {
+		t.Fatalf("a walk let go beside a started one asked (%d → %d) or does not say it waits: %q", before, len(*asked), got.Note)
+	}
+	done := started[0]
+	done.State = inventory.PlanDone
+	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &done); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	advanceHeld(ctx, open)
+	if len(*asked) != before+1 {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk did not start once the started one ended: asked %v", *asked)
 	}
 }
 
@@ -660,7 +686,7 @@ func TestTheCatchUpKeepsWhatACutMadeHistory(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
 	got, _ := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, w.ID)
-	if len(got.Delivery.Merges) != 2 || got.Delivery.Merges[0] != (inventory.PlanMerge{Repository: "novox/one",
+	if len(got.Delivery.Merges) != 2 || !sameMerge(got.Delivery.Merges[0], inventory.PlanMerge{Repository: "novox/one",
 		Commit: "c1", Carried: "c2"}) {
 		t.Fatalf("the earlier merge the catch-up handed over is not named by the walk that carried it: %+v",
 			got.Delivery.Merges)
@@ -706,50 +732,29 @@ func TestAMergeOnTheControllersPathNeverSharesABatch(t *testing.T) {
 	if !strings.Contains(batchWords(ownBatch, t0.Add(30*time.Second)), "own path") {
 		t.Fatalf("the own-path batch does not say so: %q", batchWords(ownBatch, t0.Add(30*time.Second)))
 	}
-	// The catalogue batch, the older, is cut first and waits for its word; the controller's batch is cut next:
+	// Both windows closed, the controller's batch is cut first and starts; the catalogue batch queues behind it,
-	// the waiting walk is batched again behind it, not folded into it.
+	// is cut when the controller's walk ended, and waits for its word with both merges.
 	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(2*time.Minute))
-	ws, _ := walks(t, open)
+	ws, bs := walks(t, open)
-	if len(ws) != 1 || !ws[0].Waiting() {
+	if len(ws) != 1 || ws[0].Waiting() || ws[0].CommitOf("novox/mesh-controller") != "k1" {
-		t.Fatalf("the catalogue batch was not cut into a waiting walk: %+v", ws)
+		t.Fatalf("the controller's batch was not cut first into a started walk: %+v", ws)
-	}
-	catalogueWalk := ws[0]
-	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(2*time.Minute+5*time.Second))
-	ws, bs = walks(t, open)
-	var ownWalk inventory.Plan
-	for _, w := range ws {
-		if w.Open() {
-			ownWalk = w
-		}
-	}
-	if ownWalk.ID == "" || ownWalk.Waiting() || ownWalk.CommitOf("novox/mesh-controller") != "k1" {
-		t.Fatalf("the controller's batch was not cut into a started walk: %+v", ws)
 	}
+	ownWalk := ws[0]
 	for _, m := range []string{"app", "notes"} {
 		if _, in := ownWalk.Modules[m]; in {
 			t.Fatalf("the controller's walk builds %s, a catalogue module: it skipped its turn", m)
 		}
 	}
-	for _, a := range *asked {
+	if len(bs) != 1 || bs[0].State != inventory.PlanQueued || bs[0].Delivery.Batch.Behind != ownWalk.ID || bs[0].OwnPath() {
-		if a[1] == "modules/app" || a[1] == "modules/notes" {
+		t.Fatalf("the catalogue batch does not queue behind the controller's walk: %+v", bs)
-			t.Fatalf("a catalogue module was asked without the word: %v", *asked)
-		}
 	}
-	folded, _ := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, catalogueWalk.ID)
-	if folded.State != inventory.PlanSuperseded || len(bs) != 1 || folded.Delivery.TakenOverBy != bs[0].ID ||
-		bs[0].State != inventory.PlanQueued || bs[0].Delivery.Batch.Behind != ownWalk.ID || bs[0].OwnPath() ||
-		len(bs[0].Delivery.Merges) != 2 {
-		t.Fatalf("the waiting catalogue walk is %s (taken over by %q); batches %+v", folded.State,
-			folded.Delivery.TakenOverBy, bs)
-	}
-	// The controller's walk done, the catalogue batch is cut and waits for its word with both merges.
 	ownWalk.State = inventory.PlanDone
 	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &ownWalk); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
 	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(3*time.Minute))
 	ws, bs = walks(t, open)
-	if len(bs) != 0 || ws[0].ID != folded.Delivery.TakenOverBy || !ws[0].Waiting() || len(ws[0].Delivery.Merges) != 2 {
+	if len(bs) != 0 || ws[0].ID != catalogueBatch.ID || !ws[0].Waiting() || len(ws[0].Delivery.Merges) != 2 {
 		t.Fatalf("the catalogue batch was not cut into a waiting walk once the controller's ended: %+v %+v", ws, bs)
 	}
 	for _, m := range []string{"app", "notes"} {
@@ -757,4 +762,127 @@ func TestAMergeOnTheControllersPathNeverSharesABatch(t *testing.T) {
 			t.Fatalf("the catalogue walk does not build %s: %v", m, ws[0].Modules)
 		}
 	}
+	for _, a := range *asked {
+		if a[1] == "modules/app" || a[1] == "modules/notes" {
+			t.Fatalf("a catalogue module was asked without the word: %v", *asked)
+		}
+	}
+
+	// A catalogue walk waiting for its word when an own-path batch is cut keeps waiting beside the own-path
+	// walk, is not folded into it, and its word is taken meanwhile: it starts once the own-path walk ended.
+	catalogueWalk := ws[0]
+	hear(t, open, repoMerge("mesh-controller", "k2", t0.Add(4*time.Minute)), t0.Add(4*time.Minute))
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(6*time.Minute))
+	ws, _ = walks(t, open)
+	kept, _ := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, catalogueWalk.ID)
+	if !kept.Waiting() || ws[0].CommitOf("novox/mesh-controller") != "k2" || ws[0].Waiting() {
+		t.Fatalf("the waiting catalogue walk was not kept waiting beside the controller's walk: %s %+v", kept.State, ws)
+	}
+	if _, in := ws[0].Modules["app"]; in {
+		t.Fatalf("the controller's walk folded the waiting catalogue walk in: %v", ws[0].Modules)
+	}
+	if _, err := letGo(ctx, open.inventory, catalogueWalk.ID, catalogue.DeliverySeat, "its turn"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	before := len(*asked)
+	advanceHeld(ctx, open)
+	if len(*asked) != before {
+		t.Fatalf("the catalogue walk started beside the controller's: asked %v", (*asked)[before:])
+	}
+	own2 := ws[0]
+	own2.State = inventory.PlanDone
+	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &own2); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	advanceHeld(ctx, open)
+	if len(*asked) < before+1 || (*asked)[before][1] != "modules/app" {
+		t.Fatalf("the catalogue walk did not start once the controller's ended: %v", (*asked)[before:])
+	}
+}
+
+// `plans` names a walk by what it moves (asked by the operator, 2026-10-10): the repository's pull request and
+// title, the modules it moves and the machines running them, then the state words; a record naming no pull
+// request is named by its commit, and a title is cut at fifty runes.
+func TestAPlanLineNamesWhatItMoves(t *testing.T) {
+	now := time.Date(2026, 10, 10, 12, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	p := inventory.Plan{ID: "plan-1", Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Branch: "main", Commit: "c1c1c1c1c1",
+		State: inventory.PlanBuilding, Tiers: [][]string{{"messenger", "telegram"}}, TierEntered: now.Add(-2 * time.Minute),
+		Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{"messenger": {State: "asked"}, "telegram": {State: "asked"}},
+		Commits: []inventory.PlanCommit{{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Branch: "main", Commit: "c1c1c1c1c1"}},
+		Delivery: &inventory.PlanDelivery{Merges: []inventory.PlanMerge{{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog",
+			Commit: "c1c1c1c1c1", Number: 175, Title: "a tap shows its outcome", Moves: []string{"telegram", "messenger"}}}}}
+	running := func(module string) []string {
+		if module == "messenger" || module == "telegram" {
+			return []string{"novox"}
+		}
+		return nil
+	}
+	if got, want := planLineOn(p, now, pauseView{}, tierAtLeast, running),
+		"mesh-catalog #175 a tap shows its outcome · messenger, telegram → novox · tier 1 of 1, building for 2m0s"; got != want {
+		t.Fatalf("the line reads %q, want %q", got, want)
+	}
+	if got := planLine(p, now); !strings.HasPrefix(got, "mesh-catalog #175 a tap shows its outcome · messenger, telegram · tier") {
+		t.Fatalf("without the machines the line reads %q", got)
+	}
+	old := p
+	old.Commits, old.Delivery = nil, nil
+	if got := planLine(old, now); !strings.HasPrefix(got, "mesh-catalog c1c1c1c1 · tier 1 of 1") {
+		t.Fatalf("a record naming no pull request reads %q", got)
+	}
+	long := p
+	long.Delivery.Merges[0].Title = strings.Repeat("abcdefghij", 6)
+	if got := planHeadline(long, nil); !strings.Contains(got, "#175 "+strings.Repeat("abcdefghij", 4)+"abcdefghi…") {
+		t.Fatalf("a long title is not cut at fifty runes: %q", got)
+	}
+}
+
+// sameMerge compares what a walk names of a merge: its repository, commit and the commit carrying it.
+func sameMerge(a, b inventory.PlanMerge) bool {
+	return a.Repository == b.Repository && a.Commit == b.Commit && a.Carried == b.Carried
+}
+
+// A catalogue merge heard after a later merge of its branch was walked without the word (a merge that touched
+// the bus too, on the controller's own path) is not answered by that walk while the delivery seat has a holder:
+// its delivery would skip its turn. It joins the next catalogue batch.
+func TestALateCatalogueMergeIsNotAnsweredByAnOwnPathWalk(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	asksWithPaths(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	for _, m := range []struct {
+		module string
+		claims []catalogue.Claim
+	}{
+		{"nats", nil},
+		{"mesh-delivery", []catalogue.Claim{{Name: catalogue.DeliverySeat, Scope: catalogue.ScopeMesh}}},
+	} {
+		if err := open.inventory.RegisterModule(ctx, catalogue.Manifest{Module: m.module, Version: "1", Claims: m.claims},
+			inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Seat: "git", Path: "modules/" + m.module, Ref: "main",
+				BuiltFrom: "c0", Head: "c0"}); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	if _, err := open.inventory.Assign(ctx, "anchor", "mesh-delivery"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	mixed := link.SourceMoved{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-catalog", Base: "main", Commit: "m1xed", MergedAt: t0.Format(time.RFC3339Nano),
+		Paths: []string{"modules/nats/module.json", "modules/app/module.json"}, ModuleDirs: []string{"modules/nats", "modules/app"},
+		ModuleDirsSaid: true}
+	hear(t, open, mixed, t0.Add(time.Second))
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(2*time.Minute))
+	ws, _ := walks(t, open)
+	if len(ws) != 1 || ws[0].Waiting() {
+		t.Fatalf("the mixed merge's walk waited, or was not cut: %+v", ws)
+	}
+	done := ws[0]
+	done.State = inventory.PlanDone
+	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &done); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	hear(t, open, catalogueMerge("ear1ier", "app", t0.Add(-30*time.Second)), t0.Add(3*time.Minute))
+	got, _ := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, done.ID)
+	_, bs := walks(t, open)
+	if len(got.Delivery.Merges) != 1 || len(bs) != 1 || bs[0].OwnPath() || bs[0].Delivery.Merges[0].Commit != "ear1ier" {
+		t.Fatalf("the late catalogue merge was answered by the own-path walk (%+v) rather than the next catalogue batch (%+v)",
+			got.Delivery.Merges, bs)
+	}
 }

cmd/mesh-controller/delivery.go

@@ -103,16 +103,8 @@ func letGo(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, id, by, why string) (i
 		return p, fmt.Errorf("%s was let go by %s at %s already", p.ID, p.Delivery.By,
 			p.Delivery.Go.Local().Format("15:04:05"))
 	}
-	// **One walk at a time** (novox/hq ADR 0276): a walk that started is open, so this one waits for its end.
+	// **One walk at a time** (novox/hq ADR 0276): the word is taken, and the walk starts once no other walk is
-	open, err := inv.OpenPlans(ctx)
+	// started (advanceOnce), so the delivery's owner says it once and is not refused.
-	if err != nil {
-		return p, err
-	}
-	for _, q := range open {
-		if q.ID != p.ID && q.Release == nil && !q.Waiting() {
-			return p, fmt.Errorf("%s is open (%s): one walk at a time — %s is let go once it ended", q.ID, q.Named(), p.ID)
-		}
-	}
 	now := time.Now().UTC()
 	p.Delivery.Go, p.Delivery.By, p.Delivery.Why = &now, by, why
 	p.Note = "let go by " + by + "; its first tier is asked next"

cmd/mesh-controller/release_plan.go

@@ -446,6 +446,44 @@ func planBuilt(ctx context.Context, open *stores, module, commit, failed string,
 	advanceHeld(ctx, open)
 }
 
+// startedBeside is the id of a started walk open beside this one — a merge's walk past its wait, not the
+// backlog's — or empty: one walk at a time (novox/hq ADR 0276).
+func startedBeside(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, id string) (string, error) {
+	plans, err := inv.OpenPlans(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", err
+	}
+	for _, q := range plans {
+		if q.ID == id || q.Release != nil || q.Waiting() {
+			continue
+		}
+		// Started: a tier asked, or on its way (let go, or waiting for nobody) before this one.
+		if q.Tier > 0 || askedAny(q) || q.Created.Before(createdOf(ctx, inv, id)) {
+			return q.ID, nil
+		}
+	}
+	return "", nil
+}
+
+// askedAny says a plan asked any module.
+func askedAny(p inventory.Plan) bool {
+	for _, s := range p.Modules {
+		if s != nil && s.State != "" {
+			return true
+		}
+	}
+	return false
+}
+
+// createdOf is when a plan was made; zero when it cannot be read.
+func createdOf(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, id string) time.Time {
+	p, err := inv.PlanByID(ctx, id)
+	if err != nil {
+		return time.Time{}
+	}
+	return p.Created
+}
+
 // advancePlans moves every open plan as far as the facts allow: a tier whose modules are all built
 // and whose gates are applied gives way to the next; the last tier done is the plan done. Called
 // after every outcome and on a timer, so a plan waiting on a machine's report moves when it comes.
@@ -578,6 +616,18 @@ func advanceOnce(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan,
 		}
 	}
 	if unasked == len(tier) {
+		// **One walk at a time** (novox/hq ADR 0276): a walk about to ask its first tier while another started
+		// walk is open waits for that one to end, let go or not, and says so.
+		if p.Tier == 0 {
+			if behind, err := startedBeside(ctx, inv, p.ID); err != nil {
+				return false, err
+			} else if behind != "" {
+				note := fmt.Sprintf("let go; starts once %s ended — one walk at a time", behind)
+				changed := p.Note != note
+				p.Note = note
+				return changed, nil
+			}
+		}
 		if err := askTier(ctx, inv, p); err != nil {
 			return false, err
 		}
@@ -1181,27 +1231,34 @@ func inTierSince(p inventory.Plan) time.Time {
 // planLineWith is planLine knowing whether the build seat is paused (novox/hq ADR 0219): a plan
 // waiting on builds nobody will take until a person resumes the seat says so, and is not late. bound is
 // the plan's tier bound, the one its stalled condition is raised at (tierBounds): LATE is that condition
-// said on the line (novox/hq issue 296).
+// said on the line (novox/hq issue 296). The machines running what it moves are not named: planLineOn.
 func planLineWith(p inventory.Plan, now time.Time, pause pauseView, bound time.Duration) string {
+	return planLineOn(p, now, pause, bound, nil)
+}
+
+// planLineOn is planLineWith naming the plan by what it moves and where (planHeadline), given what runs each
+// module; nil names no machine.
+func planLineOn(p inventory.Plan, now time.Time, pause pauseView, bound time.Duration, running func(string) []string) string {
+	name := planHeadline(p, running)
 	where := fmt.Sprintf("tier %d of %d", min(p.Tier+1, len(p.Tiers)), len(p.Tiers))
 	switch p.State {
 	case inventory.PlanAssembling, inventory.PlanQueued:
 		// A batch not yet a walk (novox/hq ADR 0276): what it holds and how long is left.
 		return batchWords(p, now)
 	case inventory.PlanDone:
-		return fmt.Sprintf("%s done, %d tier(s)", p.Named(), len(p.Tiers))
+		return fmt.Sprintf("%s · done, %d tier(s)", name, len(p.Tiers))
 	case inventory.PlanFailed:
-		return fmt.Sprintf("%s FAILED at %s: %s", p.Named(), where, p.Note)
+		return fmt.Sprintf("%s · FAILED at %s: %s", name, where, p.Note)
 	case inventory.PlanSuperseded:
-		return fmt.Sprintf("%s %s", p.Named(), p.Note)
+		return fmt.Sprintf("%s · %s", name, p.Note)
 	}
 	since := now.Sub(inTierSince(p)).Round(time.Second)
 	if p.Waiting() {
 		// Waiting for its delivery's word is no lateness of the walk's (novox/hq ADR 0239).
-		return fmt.Sprintf("%s %s, %s, for %s", p.Named(), where, waitingNote(p), since)
+		return fmt.Sprintf("%s · %s, %s, for %s", name, where, waitingNote(p), since)
 	}
 	if waiting, paused := pausedWaiting(p, pause, now); paused {
-		return fmt.Sprintf("%s %s, %s", p.Named(), where, waiting)
+		return fmt.Sprintf("%s · %s, %s", name, where, waiting)
 	}
 	late := ""
 	if since > bound {
@@ -1211,7 +1268,53 @@ func planLineWith(p inventory.Plan, now time.Time, pause pauseView, bound time.D
 	if p.State == inventory.PlanRolling {
 		what = p.Note
 	}
-	return fmt.Sprintf("%s %s, %s for %s%s", p.Named(), where, what, since, late)
+	return fmt.Sprintf("%s · %s, %s for %s%s", name, where, what, since, late)
+}
+
+// planHeadline names a plan as a person knows it (asked by the operator, 2026-10-10: a plan called by its
+// repository alone said nothing of what it delivers): each repository as its pull request and title, what the
+// plan moves, and the machines running that — "mesh-catalog #175 a tap shows its outcome · messenger,
+// telegram → novox". A record naming no pull request is named by its commit, as before; one naming no moves
+// says none; running nil names no machine.
+func planHeadline(p inventory.Plan, running func(string) []string) string {
+	var repos []string
+	moves := map[string]bool{}
+	for _, c := range p.Carried() {
+		seg := repoName(c.Repository) + " " + short(c.Commit)
+		if p.Delivery != nil {
+			for _, m := range p.Delivery.Merges {
+				if !strings.EqualFold(m.Repository, c.Repository) {
+					continue
+				}
+				for _, n := range m.Moves {
+					moves[n] = true
+				}
+				if m.Commit == c.Commit && m.Number > 0 {
+					seg = repoName(c.Repository) + " " + pullWords(m)
+				}
+			}
+		}
+		repos = append(repos, seg)
+	}
+	out := strings.Join(repos, " + ")
+	if len(moves) == 0 {
+		return out
+	}
+	names := sortedKeysOf(boolsToStrings(moves))
+	out += " · " + strings.Join(names, ", ")
+	if running == nil {
+		return out
+	}
+	nodes := map[string]bool{}
+	for _, n := range names {
+		for _, node := range running(n) {
+			nodes[node] = true
+		}
+	}
+	if len(nodes) > 0 {
+		out += " → " + strings.Join(sortedKeysOf(boolsToStrings(nodes)), ", ")
+	}
+	return out
 }
 
 // planFailedBuild marks the module a failed build was for when the result names no module: by the
@@ -1353,8 +1456,11 @@ func plansCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 			return err
 		}
 		bounds := readTierBounds(ctx, inv, now)
-		fmt.Printf("%s — %s\n", p.ID, planLineWith(p, now, buildSeatPause(ctx, inv, []inventory.Plan{p}),
+		fmt.Printf("%s — %s\n", p.ID, planLineOn(p, now, buildSeatPause(ctx, inv, []inventory.Plan{p}),
-			bounds.of(p.Repository)))
+			bounds.of(p.Repository), func(module string) []string {
+				on, _ := inv.Running(ctx, module)
+				return on
+			}))
 		if r := p.Release; r != nil {
 			// A release plan's walk (ADR 0236): machines done, the one judged, those to come.
 			fmt.Printf("  machines in order: %s; done: %s; skipped: %s\n", strings.Join(r.Order, ", "),
@@ -1490,14 +1596,22 @@ func plansCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 	}
 	for _, b := range batches {
 		fmt.Printf("%-28s %s\n", b.ID, batchWords(b, now))
+		// One line per repository: its pull request, what it answers, what it moves.
+		for _, line := range batchLines(b) {
+			fmt.Printf("%-28s   %s\n", "", line)
+		}
 	}
 	pause := buildSeatPause(ctx, inv, plans)
 	bounds := readTierBounds(ctx, inv, now)
+	running := func(module string) []string {
+		on, _ := inv.Running(ctx, module)
+		return on
+	}
 	for _, p := range plans {
 		if p.Batch() {
 			continue
 		}
-		fmt.Printf("%-28s %s\n", p.ID, planLineWith(p, now, pause, bounds.of(p.Repository)))
+		fmt.Printf("%-28s %s\n", p.ID, planLineOn(p, now, pause, bounds.of(p.Repository), running))
 	}
 	return nil
 }

internal/inventory/plans.go

@@ -71,6 +71,11 @@ type PlanMerge struct {
 	Repository string `json:"repository"`
 	Commit     string `json:"commit"`
 	Carried    string `json:"carried,omitempty"`
+	// Number and Title are the merge's pull request as the forge announced it, and Moves the modules the merge
+	// moved when it was heard: what `plans` names a walk by. Empty where the announcement said none.
+	Number int      `json:"number,omitempty"`
+	Title  string   `json:"title,omitempty"`
+	Moves  []string `json:"moves,omitempty"`
 }
 
 // PlanBatch is a batch's window while it is one (novox/hq ADR 0276): when it closes unless another merge

internal/link/events.go

@@ -210,9 +210,11 @@ type SourceMoved struct {
 	// stands: a directory is a module only when the merge changed its manifest.
 	ModuleDirsSaid bool `json:"module_dirs_said,omitempty"`
 
-	// Number is the pull request's, and Body its description (novox/hq ADR 0276): a delivery group's
+	// Number is the pull request's, Title its title and Body its description (novox/hq ADR 0276): a delivery
-	// `after:` lines, read when its members are merged into one batch and their order becomes the walk's.
+	// group's `after:` lines, read when its members are merged into one batch and their order becomes the
+	// walk's, and the words `plans` names a walk by.
 	Number int    `json:"number,omitempty"`
+	Title  string `json:"title,omitempty"`
 	Body   string `json:"body,omitempty"`
 }