From 6196a4815e8535793c6c75ed10b62a9f9f527c9d Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: jochen <jschoubben@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 12 Oct 2026 11:42:20 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 1/4] Let a merge that shares nothing skip the merge window (hq
 issue 525)
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A merge waited the whole window even when nothing assembling shared anything
with it. It now joins only a batch it is related to (ADR 0304 §1, read by ADR
0306 §3: repository, a module the cut would move, a graph edge, a group head),
folding the newer into the oldest when it relates to two. A merge related to
none starts a batch whose window is closed at once (PlanBatch.CutAtOnce),
unless its delivery group may still have a member to merge (ADR 0306 §2).

The controller cannot see a group's unmerged members (that is mesh-delivery's
record), so a merge from any head still waits, in a batch of its own: the safe
error is to wait. Walks stay one at a time; a batch cut at once queues behind
an open walk. A stop's merges walked again join a related batch, or their own.
---
 cmd/mesh-controller/batches.go         | 245 +++++++++++++++++++++--
 cmd/mesh-controller/batches_test.go    |  41 ++--
 cmd/mesh-controller/batches_watch.go   |   4 +
 cmd/mesh-controller/delivery.go        |  46 +++--
 cmd/mesh-controller/issue459_test.go   |  10 +-
 cmd/mesh-controller/lone_merge_test.go | 261 +++++++++++++++++++++++++
 internal/inventory/plans.go            |   5 +
 7 files changed, 562 insertions(+), 50 deletions(-)
 create mode 100644 cmd/mesh-controller/lone_merge_test.go

diff --git a/cmd/mesh-controller/batches.go b/cmd/mesh-controller/batches.go
index 7b4704a7..25832623 100644
--- a/cmd/mesh-controller/batches.go
+++ b/cmd/mesh-controller/batches.go
@@ -37,6 +37,11 @@ import (
 //     own commit, the newest first, one walk each, until one is delivered; the older ones are then answered
 //     by that one.
 //
+// **A merge waits only for a batch it shares something with** (novox/hq ADR 0304 decision 1, ADR 0306 decisions
+// 2 and 3, issue 525): it joins a batch it is related to, and one that is related to none and whose delivery
+// group has no member still to merge is a batch whose window is closed at once (batchToJoin). Walks stay one at
+// a time: such a batch is cut when no walk is open, and queued behind the one that is otherwise.
+//
 // 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, an own-path batch is cut first and folds
 // no waiting catalogue walk, and a catalogue walk let go while another walk runs starts once it ended — so no
@@ -218,7 +223,7 @@ func (f following) hearMerge(ctx context.Context, m link.SourceMoved, now time.T
 		return cutBatchesHeld(ctx, f.open, now)
 	}
 
-	batch, err := theOpenBatch(ctx, inv, heard, now, own)
+	batch, why, err := batchToJoin(ctx, inv, heard, entries, read, now, own)
 	if err != nil {
 		return notNow(err)
 	}
@@ -229,7 +234,7 @@ func (f following) hearMerge(ctx context.Context, m link.SourceMoved, now time.T
 	if err := keepBatch(ctx, inv, &batch, now, ""); err != nil {
 		return notNow(err)
 	}
-	fmt.Printf("%s merged into %s (%.8s); it joins %s — %s\n", repository, m.Base, m.Commit, batch.ID,
+	fmt.Printf("%s merged into %s (%.8s); %s, it joins %s — %s\n", repository, m.Base, m.Commit, why, batch.ID,
 		batchWords(batch, now))
 	return cutBatchesHeld(ctx, f.open, now)
 }
@@ -320,22 +325,224 @@ func ownPath(touches []inventory.Entry) bool {
 	return false
 }
 
-// theOpenBatch is the batch a merge heard now joins: the one of its kind not yet cut, or a new one.
-func theOpenBatch(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, first inventory.BatchedMerge, now time.Time, own bool) (inventory.Plan, error) {
+// **A merge waits only for a batch it shares something with** (novox/hq ADR 0304 decision 1, as ADR 0306
+// decisions 2 and 3 read it). batchToJoin is the batch a merge heard now joins, and why in words:
+//
+//   - an assembling or queued batch of its kind it is related to (related.go): it joins it and waits for the
+//     window, which its coming restarts. Related to two or more, the newer are folded into the oldest, which
+//     answers all their merges: a merge never waits in two windows, and what it shares with each walks in one.
+//   - none, and its delivery group may have a member still to merge (stillAssembles): a new batch, which waits
+//     for the window as every batch did before ADR 0304, beside the ones it shares nothing with.
+//   - none, and no member of its group is still to merge: a new batch whose window is closed at once. Cut at
+//     once means only that: walks stay one at a time (ADR 0276 decision 4), so with a walk open the batch is
+//     queued behind it as any closed batch is.
+func batchToJoin(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, heard inventory.BatchedMerge, entries []inventory.Entry,
+	read map[string][]inventory.ReadRepository, now time.Time, own bool) (inventory.Plan, string, error) {
+	edges, err := inv.Dependencies(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return inventory.Plan{}, "", err
+	}
+	joins, whys, _, err := relatedBatches(ctx, inv, []inventory.BatchedMerge{heard}, own, "", entries, read, edges)
+	if err != nil {
+		return inventory.Plan{}, "", err
+	}
+	if len(joins) > 0 {
+		into := joins[0]
+		why := "related to " + into.ID + " (" + whys[0] + ")"
+		if len(joins) > 1 {
+			plans, moves, err := foldInto(ctx, inv, &into, joins[1:])
+			if err != nil {
+				return inventory.Plan{}, "", err
+			}
+			if err := inv.SavePlansMoving(ctx, plans, moves); err != nil {
+				return inventory.Plan{}, "", err
+			}
+			var folded []string
+			for i, b := range joins[1:] {
+				folded = append(folded, b.ID+" ("+whys[i+1]+")")
+			}
+			why += ", and to " + strings.Join(folded, ", ") + ", folded into it"
+		}
+		into.Delivery.Batch.CutAtOnce = false
+		return into, why, nil
+	}
+	if waits, why := stillAssembles(heard); waits {
+		// Its own window, beside the batches it shares nothing with: waiting is for its group's members, which
+		// are related to it by their head and join it (ADR 0306 decision 2).
+		b, err := newBatch(ctx, inv, heard, now, own, false)
+		return b, why + ", it waits for the window in a batch of its own", err
+	}
+	b, err := newBatch(ctx, inv, heard, now, own, true)
+	return b, "it shares nothing with a batch assembling and is cut at once", err
+}
+
+// stillAssembles says a merge's delivery group may have a member still to merge, so the merge waits for the
+// merge window whether or not a batch is assembling (novox/hq ADR 0306 decision 2), and why in words.
+//
+// Which members a group has and which of them are merged is mesh-delivery's record, not the controller's: the
+// controller hears a merge's head branch, which is its group's name, and nothing of the pull requests still open
+// on that branch in other repositories. So every merge from a head waits, as every merge did before ADR 0304:
+// the safe error is to wait (issue 525). Only a merge that names no head is known to be no group's.
+func stillAssembles(m inventory.BatchedMerge) (bool, string) {
+	if h := announcedOf(m).Head; h != "" {
+		return true, "group " + h + " may have a member still to merge"
+	}
+	return false, ""
+}
+
+// relatedBatches are the batches not yet cut of a kind, oldest first, parted into those related to merges (with
+// the first reason of each) and the others. Each batch is judged by what its cut would move (ADR 0306 decision
+// 3): its merges' moves as they were kept and as they read now — the catalogue may have moved since a merge was
+// heard — widened to their dependents, and, for a catalogue batch, every walk waiting for its word, which the
+// cut folds in (cutBatch's carry). A merge kept with no moves leaves its batch unknown, related to everything.
+// except is a walk not to count as folded: the one being stopped.
+func relatedBatches(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, merges []inventory.BatchedMerge, own bool,
+	except string, entries []inventory.Entry, read map[string][]inventory.ReadRepository,
+	edges []inventory.Edge) (joins []inventory.Plan, whys []string, others []inventory.Plan, err error) {
 	batches, err := inv.Batches(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
-		return inventory.Plan{}, err
+		return nil, nil, nil, err
 	}
+	var kind []inventory.Plan
 	for _, b := range batches {
 		if b.OwnPath() == own {
-			return b, nil
+			kind = append(kind, b)
 		}
 	}
+	if len(kind) == 0 {
+		return nil, nil, nil, nil
+	}
+	carry := newFootprint()
+	if !own {
+		// An own-path batch folds no waiting walk (cutBatchesHeld); a catalogue batch may fold every one.
+		plans, err := inv.OpenPlans(ctx)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, nil, nil, err
+		}
+		for _, p := range plans {
+			if p.Release != nil || !p.Waiting() || p.ID == except {
+				continue
+			}
+			kept, err := inv.MergesOf(ctx, p.ID)
+			if err != nil {
+				return nil, nil, nil, err
+			}
+			carry = unionFootprint(carry, footprintOfWalk(p, kept))
+		}
+	}
+	mine := footprintAsCut(merges, entries, read, edges)
+	for _, b := range kind {
+		held, err := inv.MergesOf(ctx, b.ID)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, nil, nil, err
+		}
+		if b.Delivery == nil {
+			b.Delivery = &inventory.PlanDelivery{}
+		}
+		if b.Delivery.Batch == nil {
+			b.Delivery.Batch = &inventory.PlanBatch{Own: own}
+		}
+		if ok, why := related(mine, unionFootprint(footprintAsCut(held, entries, read, edges), carry), edges); ok {
+			joins, whys = append(joins, b), append(whys, why)
+		} else {
+			others = append(others, b)
+		}
+	}
+	return joins, whys, others, nil
+}
+
+// footprintAsCut is a batch's footprint as a cut now would read it: footprintOfBatch, widened by the modules each
+// merge moves as the catalogue reads now (planBatch judges each merge again at the cut, so what it moves may
+// have changed since it was heard). Both are kept: when in doubt, related.
+func footprintAsCut(merges []inventory.BatchedMerge, entries []inventory.Entry,
+	read map[string][]inventory.ReadRepository, edges []inventory.Edge) footprint {
+	f := footprintOfBatch(merges, edges)
+	var moved []string
+	for _, m := range merges {
+		s := announcedOf(m).SourceMoved
+		if s.Owner == "" {
+			continue
+		}
+		s.MergedAt = "" // news, whatever a cut marked seen since (as planBatch reads it)
+		for _, e := range wouldMove(s, entries, read) {
+			moved = append(moved, e.Manifest.Module)
+		}
+	}
+	for _, name := range reachableFrom(moved, edges) {
+		f.modules[name] = true
+	}
+	return f
+}
+
+// unionFootprint is what two changes reach together.
+func unionFootprint(a, b footprint) footprint {
+	f := newFootprint()
+	for _, from := range []footprint{a, b} {
+		for k := range from.repos {
+			f.repos[k] = true
+		}
+		for k := range from.modules {
+			f.modules[k] = true
+		}
+		for k := range from.heads {
+			f.heads[k] = true
+		}
+	}
+	f.unknown = a.unknown
+	if f.unknown == "" {
+		f.unknown = b.unknown
+	}
+	return f
+}
+
+// foldInto folds batches into the oldest one related to a merge: the plans to write (into first, so no merge
+// names a plan the store does not hold) and the merges to move, for one SavePlansMoving. The folded batches name
+// the batch that took them over; a stop's closed window and its withheld modules (ADR 0299) go with their merges.
+func foldInto(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, into *inventory.Plan, from []inventory.Plan) ([]*inventory.Plan,
+	[]inventory.MergeMove, error) {
+	if into.Delivery == nil {
+		into.Delivery = &inventory.PlanDelivery{}
+	}
+	if into.Delivery.Batch == nil {
+		into.Delivery.Batch = &inventory.PlanBatch{Own: into.OwnPath()}
+	}
+	plans := []*inventory.Plan{into}
+	var moves []inventory.MergeMove
+	for i := range from {
+		f := from[i]
+		merges, err := inv.MergesOf(ctx, f.ID)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, nil, err
+		}
+		for _, m := range merges {
+			moves = append(moves, inventory.MergeMove{Repository: m.Repository, Commit: m.Commit, Plan: into.ID, Alone: m.Alone})
+		}
+		if f.Delivery == nil {
+			f.Delivery = &inventory.PlanDelivery{}
+		}
+		if w := f.Delivery.Batch; w != nil {
+			into.Delivery.Batch.Closed = into.Delivery.Batch.Closed || w.Closed
+			into.Delivery.Batch.Withheld = union(into.Delivery.Batch.Withheld, w.Withheld)
+			sort.Strings(into.Delivery.Batch.Withheld)
+		}
+		f.State = inventory.PlanSuperseded
+		f.Delivery.Batch = nil
+		f.Delivery.TakenOverBy = into.ID
+		f.Note = fmt.Sprintf("folded into %s before it was cut: a merge related to both joined it, and %s answers "+
+			"its merges", into.ID, into.ID)
+		plans = append(plans, &f)
+	}
+	return plans, moves, nil
+}
+
+// newBatch is a new batch of a kind, kept before its first merge names it: a merge never names a plan the store
+// does not hold. cutAtOnce closes its window at once.
+func newBatch(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, first inventory.BatchedMerge, now time.Time, own,
+	cutAtOnce bool) (inventory.Plan, error) {
 	b := inventory.Plan{ID: fmt.Sprintf("plan-%d", now.UnixNano()), Repository: first.Repository, Branch: first.Branch,
 		Commit: first.Commit, Merged: first.Merged, Created: now, State: inventory.PlanAssembling,
 		Tiers: [][]string{}, Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{},
-		Delivery: &inventory.PlanDelivery{Batch: &inventory.PlanBatch{Own: own}}}
-	// Kept before its first merge names it: a merge never names a plan the store does not hold.
+		Delivery: &inventory.PlanDelivery{Batch: &inventory.PlanBatch{Own: own, CutAtOnce: cutAtOnce}}}
 	if err := inv.SavePlan(ctx, &b); err != nil {
 		return inventory.Plan{}, err
 	}
@@ -367,13 +574,14 @@ func keepBatch(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, b *inventory.Plan,
 	}
 	closes, latest := windowOf(merges, b.Created, window, atMost)
 	b.Delivery.Merges = named
-	var closed bool
+	var closed, cutAtOnce bool
 	var withheld []string
 	if was := b.Delivery.Batch; was != nil {
 		closed, withheld = was.Closed, was.Withheld // a stop's, which no look takes back (novox/hq ADR 0299)
+		cutAtOnce = was.CutAtOnce                   // the merge's, until another joins it (ADR 0304 decision 1)
 	}
 	b.Delivery.Batch = &inventory.PlanBatch{ClosesAt: closes, AtMost: latest, Behind: behind, Own: b.OwnPath(),
-		Closed: closed, Withheld: withheld}
+		Closed: closed, Withheld: withheld, CutAtOnce: cutAtOnce}
 	b.State = inventory.PlanAssembling
 	if behind != "" && windowClosed(*b, now) {
 		b.State = inventory.PlanQueued
@@ -402,13 +610,14 @@ func windowOf(merges []inventory.BatchedMerge, created time.Time, window, atMost
 	return last.Add(window), created.Add(atMost)
 }
 
-// windowClosed says a batch's window is closed: no merge for the window's length, or its maximum reached.
+// windowClosed says a batch's window is closed: closed by a stop, closed at once for a merge that shares
+// nothing (ADR 0304 decision 1), no merge for the window's length, or its maximum reached.
 func windowClosed(b inventory.Plan, now time.Time) bool {
 	if b.Delivery == nil || b.Delivery.Batch == nil {
 		return true
 	}
 	w := b.Delivery.Batch
-	return w.Closed || !now.Before(w.ClosesAt) || !now.Before(w.AtMost)
+	return w.Closed || w.CutAtOnce || !now.Before(w.ClosesAt) || !now.Before(w.AtMost)
 }
 
 // carriedOf is a set of merges as a walk carries them: the latest merge of each repository's branch, and
@@ -617,8 +826,9 @@ func cutBatchesHeld(ctx context.Context, open *stores, now time.Time) error {
 		return err
 	}
 	// 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).
+	// the catalogue batch queues behind it rather than being cut and overtaken). Several of a kind may be open
+	// since a merge that shares nothing is cut at once (ADR 0304 decision 1): walks stay one at a time, so one
+	// is cut per look, and once its walk started the others are queued behind it.
 	sort.SliceStable(batches, func(i, j int) bool { return batches[i].OwnPath() && !batches[j].OwnPath() })
 	for i := range batches {
 		b := &batches[i]
@@ -886,6 +1096,9 @@ func walkTimesAtCut(batch, walk inventory.Plan, entries []inventory.Entry, now t
 		if !w.AtMost.IsZero() && w.AtMost.Before(closed) {
 			closed = w.AtMost
 		}
+		if w.CutAtOnce && !batch.Created.IsZero() {
+			closed = batch.Created // closed when it was made (ADR 0304 decision 1)
+		}
 		if !closed.IsZero() {
 			if closed.After(now) {
 				closed = now
@@ -1142,6 +1355,10 @@ func batchWords(b inventory.Plan, now time.Time) string {
 	if b.State == inventory.PlanQueued {
 		return fmt.Sprintf("queued behind %s; grouped: %s; plan not yet calculated", w.Behind, grouped)
 	}
+	if w.CutAtOnce {
+		return fmt.Sprintf("cut at once, sharing nothing with a batch assembling; grouped: %s; plan not yet calculated",
+			grouped)
+	}
 	left := w.ClosesAt.Sub(now)
 	if w.AtMost.Before(w.ClosesAt) {
 		left = w.AtMost.Sub(now)
diff --git a/cmd/mesh-controller/batches_test.go b/cmd/mesh-controller/batches_test.go
index 846804ca..45bd6c5d 100644
--- a/cmd/mesh-controller/batches_test.go
+++ b/cmd/mesh-controller/batches_test.go
@@ -58,19 +58,36 @@ func windowed(t *testing.T) *stores {
 // t0 is the moment a test's clock starts: merges are dated by it, and heard after it.
 var t0 = time.Now().UTC().Truncate(time.Second)
 
-// catalogueMerge is a merge of the catalogue changing one module's directory, made at a moment.
+// catalogueMerge is a merge of the catalogue changing one module's directory, made at a moment, from a pull
+// request's head branch of its own, as the forge announces every merge. A merge from a head may have a group
+// member still to merge, which the controller cannot tell, so it waits for the window (novox/hq ADR 0306
+// decision 2, stillAssembles): these merges keep the window's rules of ADR 0276. lone is one from no head.
 func catalogueMerge(commit, module string, made time.Time) link.SourceMoved {
-	return link.SourceMoved{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-catalog", Base: "main", Commit: commit,
+	return link.SourceMoved{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-catalog", Base: "main", Head: "pr/" + commit, Commit: commit,
 		MergedAt: made.Format(time.RFC3339Nano), Paths: []string{"modules/" + module + "/module.json"},
 		ModuleDirs: []string{"modules/" + module}, ModuleDirsSaid: true}
 }
 
-// repoMerge is a merge of a repository of one module's own.
+// repoMerge is a merge of a repository of one module's own, from a head branch of its own (catalogueMerge).
 func repoMerge(repo, commit string, made time.Time) link.SourceMoved {
-	return link.SourceMoved{Owner: "novox", Repo: repo, Base: "main", Commit: commit,
+	return link.SourceMoved{Owner: "novox", Repo: repo, Base: "main", Head: "pr/" + commit, Commit: commit,
 		MergedAt: made.Format(time.RFC3339Nano), Paths: []string{"main.go"}}
 }
 
+// fromHead is a merge from a head branch a test names: merges from one head are members of one delivery group,
+// related by it (novox/hq ADR 0304 decision 1), so they share a batch whatever else they share.
+func fromHead(m link.SourceMoved, head string) link.SourceMoved {
+	m.Head = head
+	return m
+}
+
+// lone is a merge that names no head: known to be no delivery group's, it waits for no window unless it is
+// related to a batch assembling (ADR 0304 decision 1).
+func lone(m link.SourceMoved) link.SourceMoved {
+	m.Head = ""
+	return m
+}
+
 // hear is a merge heard at a moment.
 func hear(t *testing.T, open *stores, m link.SourceMoved, now time.Time) {
 	t.Helper()
@@ -154,7 +171,7 @@ func TestThreeRepositoriesInOneWindowAreOneWalk(t *testing.T) {
 	open := windowed(t)
 	asksRecorded(t)
 	for i, r := range []string{"one", "two", "three"} {
-		hear(t, open, repoMerge(r, "c-"+r, t0.Add(time.Duration(i)*20*time.Second)),
+		hear(t, open, fromHead(repoMerge(r, "c-"+r, t0.Add(time.Duration(i)*20*time.Second)), "feat/three"),
 			t0.Add(time.Duration(i)*20*time.Second+time.Second))
 	}
 	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(41*time.Second+90*time.Second))
@@ -188,8 +205,8 @@ func TestThreeRepositoriesInOneWindowAreOneWalk(t *testing.T) {
 func TestAMergeRestartsTheWindowAndTheMaximumClosesIt(t *testing.T) {
 	open := windowed(t)
 	asksWithPaths(t)
-	hear(t, open, repoMerge("one", "c1", t0), t0)
-	hear(t, open, repoMerge("two", "c2", t0.Add(80*time.Second)), t0.Add(80*time.Second))
+	hear(t, open, fromHead(repoMerge("one", "c1", t0), "feat/both"), t0)
+	hear(t, open, fromHead(repoMerge("two", "c2", t0.Add(80*time.Second)), "feat/both"), t0.Add(80*time.Second))
 	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(100*time.Second))
 	if ws, _ := walks(t, open); len(ws) != 0 {
 		t.Fatal("the window closed 90 seconds after its first merge, not after its last")
@@ -205,7 +222,7 @@ func TestAMergeRestartsTheWindowAndTheMaximumClosesIt(t *testing.T) {
 	for i := 0; i < 12; i++ {
 		last = t0.Add(time.Duration(i) * time.Minute)
 		repo := []string{"one", "two", "three"}[i%3]
-		hear(t, busy, repoMerge(repo, "c"+string(rune('a'+i)), last), last)
+		hear(t, busy, fromHead(repoMerge(repo, "c"+string(rune('a'+i)), last), "feat/busy"), last)
 		if ws, _ := walks(t, busy); len(ws) > 0 {
 			if i != 10 {
 				t.Fatalf("a busy window closed at merge %d (minute %d), not at its maximum", i, i)
@@ -235,7 +252,7 @@ func TestTheAssemblingBatchIsShown(t *testing.T) {
 	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)
+	hear(t, open, fromHead(repoMerge("one", "a6bc0931one", now), dunst.Head), now)
 	out := captured(t, func() error { return plansCommand(t.Context(), nil) })
 	lines := strings.Split(out, "\n")
 	first := lines[0]
@@ -497,8 +514,8 @@ func TestAGroupsOrderBecomesTiersInsideTheWalk(t *testing.T) {
 func TestABatchSurvivesARestart(t *testing.T) {
 	open := windowed(t)
 	asksWithPaths(t)
-	hear(t, open, repoMerge("one", "c1", t0), t0)
-	hear(t, open, repoMerge("two", "c2", t0.Add(30*time.Second)), t0.Add(30*time.Second))
+	hear(t, open, fromHead(repoMerge("one", "c1", t0), "feat/both"), t0)
+	hear(t, open, fromHead(repoMerge("two", "c2", t0.Add(30*time.Second)), "feat/both"), t0.Add(30*time.Second))
 
 	// A new controller: nothing of the first one's but the store.
 	again, err := openStores(t.Context())
@@ -506,7 +523,7 @@ func TestABatchSurvivesARestart(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
 	t.Cleanup(again.Close)
-	hear(t, again, repoMerge("one", "c1", t0), t0.Add(60*time.Second)) // the bus hands it over again
+	hear(t, again, fromHead(repoMerge("one", "c1", t0), "feat/both"), t0.Add(60*time.Second)) // the bus hands it over again
 	cutAt(t, again, t0.Add(119*time.Second))
 	if ws, bs := walks(t, again); len(ws) != 0 || len(bs) != 1 || len(bs[0].Delivery.Merges) != 2 {
 		t.Fatalf("the restarted controller's batch: %d walk(s), %+v", len(ws), bs)
diff --git a/cmd/mesh-controller/batches_watch.go b/cmd/mesh-controller/batches_watch.go
index 891d7601..9881c19e 100644
--- a/cmd/mesh-controller/batches_watch.go
+++ b/cmd/mesh-controller/batches_watch.go
@@ -48,6 +48,10 @@ func gatherBatches(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, now time.Time)
 			if f.atMost.Before(f.closed) {
 				f.closed = f.atMost
 			}
+			if w.Batch.CutAtOnce && !b.Created.IsZero() {
+				// Its window closed when it was made, which is its latest too (ADR 0304 decision 1).
+				f.atMost, f.closed = b.Created, b.Created
+			}
 		}
 		if f.behind != "" {
 			if walk, err := inv.PlanByID(ctx, f.behind); err == nil {
diff --git a/cmd/mesh-controller/delivery.go b/cmd/mesh-controller/delivery.go
index 4055e730..716060fe 100644
--- a/cmd/mesh-controller/delivery.go
+++ b/cmd/mesh-controller/delivery.go
@@ -240,7 +240,7 @@ func stopWalkWithout(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, id, by, why
 		}
 		return p, said, inv.SavePlan(ctx, &p)
 	}
-	target, err := batchToWalkAgain(ctx, inv, again, now)
+	target, folded, foldMoves, err := batchToWalkAgain(ctx, inv, p.ID, again, now)
 	if err != nil {
 		return p, said, fmt.Errorf("%s is not stopped: %w", p.ID, err)
 	}
@@ -261,8 +261,10 @@ func stopWalkWithout(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, id, by, why
 	if len(said.Kept) > 0 {
 		p.Note += "; " + keptWords(said.Kept)
 	}
-	// The batch first, so no merge names a plan the store does not hold; all of it, or nothing (decision 7).
-	if err := inv.SavePlansMoving(ctx, []*inventory.Plan{&target, &p}, moves); err != nil {
+	// The batch first, so no merge names a plan the store does not hold; all of it, or nothing (decision 7) — the
+	// batches folded into it too.
+	if err := inv.SavePlansMoving(ctx, append([]*inventory.Plan{&target, &p}, folded...),
+		append(moves, foldMoves...)); err != nil {
 		return p, said, fmt.Errorf("%s is not stopped, and none of its merges moved: %w", p.ID, err)
 	}
 	// What the batch holds and names now: written again by the cutter's next look should this fail.
@@ -317,36 +319,42 @@ func stopInBatch(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, b *inventory.Pla
 	return nil
 }
 
-// batchToWalkAgain is the batch a stopped walk's merges join: the open batch of their kind, or a new one, not yet
-// written. The kind is read from what the merges moved.
-func batchToWalkAgain(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, again []inventory.BatchedMerge,
-	now time.Time) (inventory.Plan, error) {
+// batchToWalkAgain is the batch a stopped walk's merges join (novox/hq ADR 0299): a batch of their kind not yet cut
+// that they are related to (ADR 0304 decision 1, ADR 0306 decision 3), or a new one, not yet written. Related to
+// two or more, the newer are folded into the oldest: the plans and merge moves that fold them, to be written in
+// the stop's one act. The kind is read from what the merges moved; the stopped walk itself is no walk a cut folds.
+func batchToWalkAgain(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, stopping string, again []inventory.BatchedMerge,
+	now time.Time) (inventory.Plan, []*inventory.Plan, []inventory.MergeMove, error) {
 	own := false
 	for _, n := range movesOf(again) {
 		if _, on := onTheControllersPath[n]; on {
 			own = true
 		}
 	}
-	batches, err := inv.Batches(ctx)
+	entries, read, edges, err := theGraph(ctx, inv)
 	if err != nil {
-		return inventory.Plan{}, err
+		return inventory.Plan{}, nil, nil, err
 	}
-	for _, b := range batches {
-		if b.OwnPath() == own {
-			if b.Delivery == nil {
-				b.Delivery = &inventory.PlanDelivery{}
-			}
-			if b.Delivery.Batch == nil {
-				b.Delivery.Batch = &inventory.PlanBatch{Own: own}
-			}
-			return b, nil
+	joins, _, _, err := relatedBatches(ctx, inv, again, own, stopping, entries, read, edges)
+	if err != nil {
+		return inventory.Plan{}, nil, nil, err
+	}
+	if len(joins) > 0 {
+		into := joins[0]
+		if len(joins) == 1 {
+			return into, nil, nil, nil
 		}
+		plans, moves, err := foldInto(ctx, inv, &into, joins[1:])
+		if err != nil {
+			return inventory.Plan{}, nil, nil, err
+		}
+		return into, plans[1:], moves, nil
 	}
 	first := again[0]
 	return inventory.Plan{ID: fmt.Sprintf("plan-%d", now.UnixNano()), Repository: first.Repository, Branch: first.Branch,
 		Commit: first.Commit, Merged: first.Merged, Created: now, State: inventory.PlanAssembling,
 		Tiers: [][]string{}, Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{},
-		Delivery: &inventory.PlanDelivery{Batch: &inventory.PlanBatch{Own: own}}}, nil
+		Delivery: &inventory.PlanDelivery{Batch: &inventory.PlanBatch{Own: own}}}, nil, nil, nil
 }
 
 // leaveOut splits a walk's merges by the merges named to leave out, each `<repository>@<commit>` (a commit's
diff --git a/cmd/mesh-controller/issue459_test.go b/cmd/mesh-controller/issue459_test.go
index 37f1782e..9fef7a86 100644
--- a/cmd/mesh-controller/issue459_test.go
+++ b/cmd/mesh-controller/issue459_test.go
@@ -127,7 +127,7 @@ func TestAStopWithoutAMergeWalksTheOthersAgain(t *testing.T) {
 	asksRecorded(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	cat := catalogueMerge("cat1aaaaaaaa", "app", t0)
-	one := repoMerge("one", "one1bbbbbbbb", t0.Add(5*time.Second))
+	one := fromHead(repoMerge("one", "one1bbbbbbbb", t0.Add(5*time.Second)), cat.Head)
 	hear(t, open, cat, t0.Add(time.Second))
 	hear(t, open, one, t0.Add(6*time.Second))
 	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(2*time.Minute))
@@ -186,7 +186,7 @@ func TestAStopWithoutAMergeEndsTheMergesThatContainIt(t *testing.T) {
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	first := catalogueMerge("cat1aaaaaaaa", "app", t0)
 	later := catalogueMerge("cat2cccccccc", "notes", t0.Add(10*time.Second))
-	one := repoMerge("one", "one1bbbbbbbb", t0.Add(5*time.Second))
+	one := fromHead(repoMerge("one", "one1bbbbbbbb", t0.Add(5*time.Second)), first.Head)
 	hear(t, open, first, t0.Add(time.Second))
 	hear(t, open, one, t0.Add(6*time.Second))
 	hear(t, open, later, t0.Add(11*time.Second))
@@ -242,7 +242,7 @@ func TestAStopWalksTheOthersAgainInTheOpenBatch(t *testing.T) {
 	asksRecorded(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	cat := catalogueMerge("cat1aaaaaaaa", "app", t0)
-	one1 := repoMerge("one", "one1bbbbbbbb", t0.Add(5*time.Second))
+	one1 := fromHead(repoMerge("one", "one1bbbbbbbb", t0.Add(5*time.Second)), cat.Head)
 	hear(t, open, cat, t0.Add(time.Second))
 	hear(t, open, one1, t0.Add(6*time.Second))
 	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(2*time.Minute))
@@ -294,7 +294,7 @@ func TestAStopNamesWhatStaysOnTheMachinesAndWhatStillCarriesIt(t *testing.T) {
 	asksRecorded(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	cat := catalogueMerge("cat1aaaaaaaa", "app", t0)
-	one1 := repoMerge("one", "one1bbbbbbbb", t0.Add(5*time.Second))
+	one1 := fromHead(repoMerge("one", "one1bbbbbbbb", t0.Add(5*time.Second)), cat.Head)
 	hear(t, open, cat, t0.Add(time.Second))
 	hear(t, open, one1, t0.Add(6*time.Second))
 	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(2*time.Minute))
@@ -339,7 +339,7 @@ func TestAStopWithoutAMergeLeavesItOutOfABatch(t *testing.T) {
 	asksRecorded(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	cat := catalogueMerge("cat1aaaaaaaa", "app", t0)
-	one := repoMerge("one", "one1bbbbbbbb", t0.Add(5*time.Second))
+	one := fromHead(repoMerge("one", "one1bbbbbbbb", t0.Add(5*time.Second)), cat.Head)
 	hear(t, open, cat, t0.Add(time.Second))
 	hear(t, open, one, t0.Add(6*time.Second))
 	_, bs := walks(t, open)
diff --git a/cmd/mesh-controller/lone_merge_test.go b/cmd/mesh-controller/lone_merge_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..1861bda9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/cmd/mesh-controller/lone_merge_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,261 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// The tests of novox/hq issue 525's window skip: a merge waits for the merge window only when a batch assembling
+// holds a merge related to it, or its delivery group may have a member still to merge (ADR 0304 decision 1, ADR
+// 0306 decisions 2 and 3). Walks stay one at a time.
+
+// A merge from no head that shares nothing, with no walk open, is cut into its walk when it is heard: no window.
+func TestALoneMergeSharingNothingIsCutAtOnce(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	asksWithPaths(t)
+	hear(t, open, lone(repoMerge("one", "c1", t0)), t0)
+	ws, bs := walks(t, open)
+	if len(ws) != 1 || len(bs) != 0 || !ws[0].Open() || ws[0].Commit != "c1" {
+		t.Fatalf("a lone merge sharing nothing: %d walk(s) %+v, %d batch(es)", len(ws), ws, len(bs))
+	}
+	if ws[0].Times == nil || ws[0].Times.WindowClosed == nil || !ws[0].Times.WindowClosed.Equal(t0) {
+		t.Fatalf("its window closed at %+v; want when it was heard, %s", ws[0].Times, t0)
+	}
+}
+
+// A merge related to the batch assembling joins it and waits for the window, which its coming restarts: by its
+// repository, by a module in common (a dependent of what the batch moves), by an edge of the module graph between
+// their modules (one that widens nothing), or by its delivery group's head.
+func TestARelatedMergeJoinsTheBatchAndWaitsForTheWindow(t *testing.T) {
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	for _, c := range []string{"same repository", "a module in common", "an edge of the graph", "the same group head"} {
+		t.Run(c, func(t *testing.T) {
+			open := windowed(t)
+			asksWithPaths(t)
+			inv := open.inventory
+			first := repoMerge("one", "c1", t0)
+			second := lone(repoMerge("two", "c2", t0.Add(10*time.Second)))
+			why := map[string]string{"same repository": "both change novox/one", "a module in common": "both move two",
+				"an edge of the graph": "two depends on builder (built-by)",
+				"the same group head":  "both are members of group " + first.Head}[c]
+			switch c {
+			case "same repository":
+				second = lone(repoMerge("one", "c2", t0.Add(10*time.Second)))
+			case "a module in common":
+				// two is built on one: a merge of one moves two too.
+				if err := inv.RegisterModule(ctx, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "two", Version: "1",
+					Build: &catalogue.Build{On: []catalogue.BuildsOn{{Arg: "BASE", Module: "one"}}}},
+					inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/two", Seat: "git", Ref: "main", BuiltFrom: "c0", Head: "c0"}); err != nil {
+					t.Fatal(err)
+				}
+			case "an edge of the graph":
+				// two is built by the build machine: an edge that orders and widens nothing.
+				if err := inv.RegisterModule(ctx, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "builder", Version: "1",
+					Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: "mesh-build-machine", Scope: catalogue.ScopeMesh}}},
+					inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/builder", Seat: "git", Ref: "main", BuiltFrom: "c0", Head: "c0"}); err != nil {
+					t.Fatal(err)
+				}
+				first = repoMerge("builder", "c1", t0)
+			case "the same group head":
+				second = fromHead(repoMerge("two", "c2", t0.Add(10*time.Second)), first.Head)
+			}
+			hear(t, open, first, t0)
+			said := captured(t, func() error {
+				return (following{open: open}).hearMerge(ctx, second, t0.Add(10*time.Second))
+			})
+			if !strings.Contains(said, "("+why+")") {
+				t.Fatalf("the merge was not said related by %q: %s", why, said)
+			}
+			ws, bs := walks(t, open)
+			if len(ws) != 0 || len(bs) != 1 || len(bs[0].Delivery.Merges) != 2 {
+				t.Fatalf("the related merge: %d walk(s), batches %+v", len(ws), bs)
+			}
+			if bs[0].Delivery.Batch.CutAtOnce {
+				t.Fatal("a batch a related merge joined is cut at once")
+			}
+			cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(99*time.Second))
+			if ws, _ := walks(t, open); len(ws) != 0 {
+				t.Fatalf("cut before the window the related merge restarted closed: %+v", ws)
+			}
+			cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(100*time.Second))
+			ws, bs = walks(t, open)
+			if len(ws) != 1 || len(bs) != 0 || len(ws[0].Delivery.Merges) != 2 {
+				t.Fatalf("after the window: %d walk(s), %d batch(es)", len(ws), len(bs))
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+// A merge from a head names its delivery group, which may have a member still to merge: it waits for the window
+// even with no batch assembling, and beside a batch it shares nothing with, in a batch of its own (ADR 0306
+// decision 2). A merge from another head that shares nothing does not join it.
+func TestAMergeOfAGroupWaitsEvenAlone(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	asksWithPaths(t)
+	hear(t, open, fromHead(repoMerge("one", "c1", t0), "feat/x"), t0)
+	ws, bs := walks(t, open)
+	if len(ws) != 0 || len(bs) != 1 || bs[0].Delivery.Batch.CutAtOnce || windowClosed(bs[0], t0) {
+		t.Fatalf("a group's merge alone: %d walk(s), batches %+v", len(ws), bs)
+	}
+	if !strings.HasPrefix(batchWords(bs[0], t0), "assembling: 90 s left") {
+		t.Fatalf("it reads %q", batchWords(bs[0], t0))
+	}
+	hear(t, open, fromHead(repoMerge("two", "c2", t0.Add(5*time.Second)), "feat/y"), t0.Add(5*time.Second))
+	if _, bs := walks(t, open); len(bs) != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("a merge sharing nothing joined another's batch: %d batch(es)", len(bs))
+	}
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(89*time.Second))
+	if ws, _ := walks(t, open); len(ws) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("cut before its window closed: %+v", ws)
+	}
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(90*time.Second))
+	ws, bs = walks(t, open)
+	if len(ws) != 1 || ws[0].Commit != "c1" || len(bs) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("at its window: %d walk(s) %+v, %d batch(es)", len(ws), ws, len(bs))
+	}
+}
+
+// A merge related to two batches assembling folds the newer into the older, which answers every merge of both
+// and names nothing twice; the folded one names the batch that took it over.
+func TestAMergeRelatedToTwoBatchesFoldsThem(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	asksWithPaths(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	hear(t, open, fromHead(repoMerge("one", "c1", t0), "feat/a"), t0)
+	hear(t, open, fromHead(repoMerge("two", "c2", t0.Add(5*time.Second)), "feat/b"), t0.Add(5*time.Second))
+	_, bs := walks(t, open)
+	if len(bs) != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("two merges sharing nothing: %d batch(es)", len(bs))
+	}
+	older, newer := bs[1], bs[0] // newest first
+	// Of one's repository and from two's head: related to both.
+	hear(t, open, fromHead(repoMerge("one", "c3", t0.Add(10*time.Second)), "feat/b"), t0.Add(10*time.Second))
+	_, bs = walks(t, open)
+	if len(bs) != 1 || bs[0].ID != older.ID || len(bs[0].Delivery.Merges) != 3 {
+		t.Fatalf("after a merge related to both: batches %+v; want %s answering three merges", bs, older.ID)
+	}
+	folded, err := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, newer.ID)
+	if err != nil || folded.State != inventory.PlanSuperseded || folded.Delivery == nil ||
+		folded.Delivery.TakenOverBy != older.ID {
+		t.Fatalf("the newer batch reads %s %+v (%v)", folded.State, folded.Delivery, err)
+	}
+	if left, _ := open.inventory.MergesOf(ctx, newer.ID); len(left) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the folded batch still answers %+v", left)
+	}
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(100*time.Second))
+	ws, bs := walks(t, open)
+	var cut []inventory.Plan
+	for _, w := range ws {
+		if w.State != inventory.PlanSuperseded {
+			cut = append(cut, w)
+		}
+	}
+	if len(cut) != 1 || len(bs) != 0 || cut[0].ID != older.ID || cut[0].CommitOf("novox/one") != "c3" ||
+		cut[0].CommitOf("novox/two") != "c2" {
+		t.Fatalf("the folded batch's walk: %+v, %d batch(es)", cut, len(bs))
+	}
+}
+
+// With a walk open, a batch cut at once still waits for it, said queued behind it (walks stay one at a time, ADR
+// 0276 decision 4); it is cut once that walk ended, with no window to wait for.
+func TestACutAtOnceBatchQueuesBehindAnOpenWalk(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	asksWithPaths(t)
+	hear(t, open, repoMerge("one", "c1", t0), t0)
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(90*time.Second))
+	ws, _ := walks(t, open)
+	if len(ws) != 1 || !ws[0].Open() {
+		t.Fatalf("no walk open: %+v", ws)
+	}
+	first := ws[0]
+	heard := t0.Add(100 * time.Second)
+	hear(t, open, lone(repoMerge("two", "c2", heard)), heard)
+	ws, bs := walks(t, open)
+	if len(ws) != 1 || len(bs) != 1 || bs[0].State != inventory.PlanQueued || bs[0].Delivery.Batch.Behind != first.ID ||
+		!bs[0].Delivery.Batch.CutAtOnce {
+		t.Fatalf("a lone merge during a walk: %d walk(s), batches %+v", len(ws), bs)
+	}
+	if !strings.HasPrefix(batchWords(bs[0], heard), "queued behind "+first.ID) {
+		t.Fatalf("it reads %q", batchWords(bs[0], heard))
+	}
+	first.State = inventory.PlanDone
+	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(t.Context(), &first); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	cutAt(t, open, heard.Add(time.Second))
+	ws, bs = walks(t, open)
+	if len(ws) != 2 || len(bs) != 0 || ws[0].Commit != "c2" {
+		t.Fatalf("the queued batch was not cut once the walk ended: %+v %+v", ws, bs)
+	}
+	if ws[0].Times == nil || ws[0].Times.WindowClosed == nil || !ws[0].Times.WindowClosed.Equal(heard) {
+		t.Fatalf("its window closed at %+v; want when its merge was heard, %s", ws[0].Times, heard)
+	}
+}
+
+// A stopped walk's other merges are walked again in a batch they are related to, and a batch of their own when
+// they share nothing with the one assembling (ADR 0299, ADR 0304 decision 1): never in a batch of another
+// change, whose window the stop would close.
+func TestAStopWalksTheOthersAgainInABatchOfTheirOwnWhenTheyShareNothing(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	endsItsLine(t)
+	asksRecorded(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	cat := catalogueMerge("cat1aaaaaaaa", "app", t0)
+	one := fromHead(repoMerge("one", "one1bbbbbbbb", t0.Add(5*time.Second)), cat.Head)
+	hear(t, open, cat, t0.Add(time.Second))
+	hear(t, open, one, t0.Add(6*time.Second))
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(2*time.Minute))
+	ws, _ := walks(t, open)
+	walk := ws[0]
+	hear(t, open, repoMerge("two", "two1cccccccc", t0.Add(3*time.Minute)), t0.Add(3*time.Minute))
+	_, bs := walks(t, open)
+	if len(bs) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("the merge heard while the walk ran is in %d batches", len(bs))
+	}
+	other := bs[0]
+	_, said, err := stopWalkWithout(ctx, open.inventory, walk.ID, "mesh-delivery for jochen", "its group stopped",
+		[]string{"novox/mesh-catalog@" + cat.Commit}, t0.Add(3*time.Minute+10*time.Second))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if said.WalkedAgainBy == "" || said.WalkedAgainBy == other.ID {
+		t.Fatalf("walked again by %q; want a batch of its own, not %s", said.WalkedAgainBy, other.ID)
+	}
+	b, _ := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, other.ID)
+	if b.Delivery.Batch == nil || b.Delivery.Batch.Closed || len(b.Delivery.Merges) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("the other change's batch reads %+v; want it untouched by the stop", b.Delivery)
+	}
+}
+
+// A catalogue batch's cut folds in every walk waiting for its delivery's word (cutBatch's carry), so what that
+// walk moves is the batch's too: a lone merge related to the waiting walk joins the batch assembling and waits for
+// its window, rather than being cut at once as sharing nothing with what the batch's own merges move.
+func TestALoneMergeRelatedToAWalkTheCutFoldsJoinsTheBatch(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	asksWithPaths(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	if err := open.inventory.RegisterModule(ctx, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "mesh-delivery", Version: "1",
+		Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: catalogue.DeliverySeat, Scope: catalogue.ScopeMesh}}},
+		inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Seat: "git", Path: "modules/mesh-delivery", 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)
+	}
+	hear(t, open, repoMerge("one", "c1", t0), t0)
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(90*time.Second))
+	if ws, _ := walks(t, open); len(ws) != 1 || !ws[0].Waiting() {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk does not wait for its word: %+v", ws)
+	}
+	hear(t, open, repoMerge("three", "c3", t0.Add(2*time.Minute)), t0.Add(2*time.Minute))
+	hear(t, open, lone(repoMerge("one", "c2", t0.Add(2*time.Minute+5*time.Second))), t0.Add(2*time.Minute+5*time.Second))
+	_, bs := walks(t, open)
+	if len(bs) != 1 || len(bs[0].Delivery.Merges) != 2 || bs[0].Delivery.Batch.CutAtOnce {
+		t.Fatalf("a lone merge related to the waiting walk: batches %+v", bs)
+	}
+}
diff --git a/internal/inventory/plans.go b/internal/inventory/plans.go
index f90999a8..01fde9fa 100644
--- a/internal/inventory/plans.go
+++ b/internal/inventory/plans.go
@@ -117,6 +117,11 @@ type PlanBatch struct {
 	// the batch's walk does not build them.
 	Closed   bool     `json:"closed,omitempty"`
 	Withheld []string `json:"withheld,omitempty"`
+	// CutAtOnce says the batch's window closed when it was made: its merge shares nothing with a batch
+	// assembling and has no delivery group member still to merge, so it waits for no window (novox/hq ADR 0304
+	// decision 1, ADR 0306 decisions 2 and 3). A merge that joins it later opens its window again. It is not
+	// Closed, which is a stop's.
+	CutAtOnce bool `json:"cut_at_once,omitempty"`
 }
 
 // OwnPath says the record is a batch of merges on the controller's own path.

From 4d203b5a5de1bb0f0c1a7c57a846ffcc7f00e524 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: jochen <jschoubben@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:07:49 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 2/4] Ask mesh-delivery whether a merge's group still assembles
 (hq issue 525)
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit

A merge from any head waited for the window because the controller could not
see a group's members, so the window skip changed nothing in production and
unrelated merges walked one after another. The controller now asks
mesh-delivery's groups, within 3 s and before the plans are held: a merge
waits only when its head's group has another member whose pull request is
open and whose merge it does not keep yet (ADR 0306 §2). No answer means it
waits, and its batch says why. A headed merge in no waiting group and related
to no batch is cut at once, as one from no head is (ADR 0304 §1, ADR 0306 §3).

The controller's grant names mesh-delivery.groups. The installer's first user
list in mesh-host must carry it too before the genesis test can pass.
---
 cmd/mesh-controller/batches.go         |  56 +++++-----
 cmd/mesh-controller/batches_test.go    |  53 +++++++++-
 cmd/mesh-controller/group_wait.go      | 140 +++++++++++++++++++++++++
 cmd/mesh-controller/issue459_test.go   |   6 ++
 cmd/mesh-controller/lone_merge_test.go |  92 ++++++++++++++--
 internal/broker/nats.go                |   5 +-
 internal/broker/testdata/composed.conf |   2 +-
 internal/inventory/plans.go            |   3 +
 8 files changed, 312 insertions(+), 45 deletions(-)
 create mode 100644 cmd/mesh-controller/group_wait.go

diff --git a/cmd/mesh-controller/batches.go b/cmd/mesh-controller/batches.go
index 25832623..15cd862b 100644
--- a/cmd/mesh-controller/batches.go
+++ b/cmd/mesh-controller/batches.go
@@ -178,6 +178,11 @@ func (f following) hearMerge(ctx context.Context, m link.SourceMoved, now time.T
 		fmt.Printf("%s merged into %s (%.8s); nothing the mesh holds reads it\n", repository, m.Base, m.Commit)
 		return nil
 	}
+	// **Its delivery group's word, before the plans are held** (ADR 0306 decision 2): a slow answer holds up no walk.
+	waits, err := groupWait(ctx, inv, m, deliverySeatHeld(entries))
+	if err != nil {
+		return notNow(err)
+	}
 	release, err := inv.HoldPlans(ctx, true)
 	if err != nil {
 		return notNow(err)
@@ -223,7 +228,7 @@ func (f following) hearMerge(ctx context.Context, m link.SourceMoved, now time.T
 		return cutBatchesHeld(ctx, f.open, now)
 	}
 
-	batch, why, err := batchToJoin(ctx, inv, heard, entries, read, now, own)
+	batch, why, err := batchToJoin(ctx, inv, heard, entries, read, now, own, waits)
 	if err != nil {
 		return notNow(err)
 	}
@@ -331,13 +336,14 @@ func ownPath(touches []inventory.Entry) bool {
 //   - an assembling or queued batch of its kind it is related to (related.go): it joins it and waits for the
 //     window, which its coming restarts. Related to two or more, the newer are folded into the oldest, which
 //     answers all their merges: a merge never waits in two windows, and what it shares with each walks in one.
-//   - none, and its delivery group may have a member still to merge (stillAssembles): a new batch, which waits
-//     for the window as every batch did before ADR 0304, beside the ones it shares nothing with.
+//   - none, and its delivery group has a member still to merge, or mesh-delivery could not say (groupWait, waits
+//     names why): a new batch, which waits for the window, beside the ones it shares nothing with; its words say
+//     why.
 //   - none, and no member of its group is still to merge: a new batch whose window is closed at once. Cut at
 //     once means only that: walks stay one at a time (ADR 0276 decision 4), so with a walk open the batch is
 //     queued behind it as any closed batch is.
 func batchToJoin(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, heard inventory.BatchedMerge, entries []inventory.Entry,
-	read map[string][]inventory.ReadRepository, now time.Time, own bool) (inventory.Plan, string, error) {
+	read map[string][]inventory.ReadRepository, now time.Time, own bool, waits string) (inventory.Plan, string, error) {
 	edges, err := inv.Dependencies(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
 		return inventory.Plan{}, "", err
@@ -366,28 +372,14 @@ func batchToJoin(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, heard inventory.
 		into.Delivery.Batch.CutAtOnce = false
 		return into, why, nil
 	}
-	if waits, why := stillAssembles(heard); waits {
+	if waits != "" {
 		// Its own window, beside the batches it shares nothing with: waiting is for its group's members, which
 		// are related to it by their head and join it (ADR 0306 decision 2).
-		b, err := newBatch(ctx, inv, heard, now, own, false)
-		return b, why + ", it waits for the window in a batch of its own", err
+		b, err := newBatch(ctx, inv, heard, now, own, false, waits)
+		return b, waits + ", it waits for the window in a batch of its own", err
 	}
-	b, err := newBatch(ctx, inv, heard, now, own, true)
-	return b, "it shares nothing with a batch assembling and is cut at once", err
-}
-
-// stillAssembles says a merge's delivery group may have a member still to merge, so the merge waits for the
-// merge window whether or not a batch is assembling (novox/hq ADR 0306 decision 2), and why in words.
-//
-// Which members a group has and which of them are merged is mesh-delivery's record, not the controller's: the
-// controller hears a merge's head branch, which is its group's name, and nothing of the pull requests still open
-// on that branch in other repositories. So every merge from a head waits, as every merge did before ADR 0304:
-// the safe error is to wait (issue 525). Only a merge that names no head is known to be no group's.
-func stillAssembles(m inventory.BatchedMerge) (bool, string) {
-	if h := announcedOf(m).Head; h != "" {
-		return true, "group " + h + " may have a member still to merge"
-	}
-	return false, ""
+	b, err := newBatch(ctx, inv, heard, now, own, true, "")
+	return b, "it shares nothing with a batch assembling and no member of a group is still to merge: it is cut at once", err
 }
 
 // relatedBatches are the batches not yet cut of a kind, oldest first, parted into those related to merges (with
@@ -536,13 +528,13 @@ func foldInto(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, into *inventory.Pla
 }
 
 // newBatch is a new batch of a kind, kept before its first merge names it: a merge never names a plan the store
-// does not hold. cutAtOnce closes its window at once.
+// does not hold. cutAtOnce closes its window at once; waits says why it waits for its group, when it does.
 func newBatch(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, first inventory.BatchedMerge, now time.Time, own,
-	cutAtOnce bool) (inventory.Plan, error) {
+	cutAtOnce bool, waits string) (inventory.Plan, error) {
 	b := inventory.Plan{ID: fmt.Sprintf("plan-%d", now.UnixNano()), Repository: first.Repository, Branch: first.Branch,
 		Commit: first.Commit, Merged: first.Merged, Created: now, State: inventory.PlanAssembling,
 		Tiers: [][]string{}, Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{},
-		Delivery: &inventory.PlanDelivery{Batch: &inventory.PlanBatch{Own: own, CutAtOnce: cutAtOnce}}}
+		Delivery: &inventory.PlanDelivery{Batch: &inventory.PlanBatch{Own: own, CutAtOnce: cutAtOnce, Waits: waits}}}
 	if err := inv.SavePlan(ctx, &b); err != nil {
 		return inventory.Plan{}, err
 	}
@@ -576,12 +568,14 @@ func keepBatch(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, b *inventory.Plan,
 	b.Delivery.Merges = named
 	var closed, cutAtOnce bool
 	var withheld []string
+	var waits string
 	if was := b.Delivery.Batch; was != nil {
 		closed, withheld = was.Closed, was.Withheld // a stop's, which no look takes back (novox/hq ADR 0299)
 		cutAtOnce = was.CutAtOnce                   // the merge's, until another joins it (ADR 0304 decision 1)
+		waits = was.Waits                           // its group's, as said when it was made (ADR 0306 decision 2)
 	}
 	b.Delivery.Batch = &inventory.PlanBatch{ClosesAt: closes, AtMost: latest, Behind: behind, Own: b.OwnPath(),
-		Closed: closed, Withheld: withheld, CutAtOnce: cutAtOnce}
+		Closed: closed, Withheld: withheld, CutAtOnce: cutAtOnce, Waits: waits}
 	b.State = inventory.PlanAssembling
 	if behind != "" && windowClosed(*b, now) {
 		b.State = inventory.PlanQueued
@@ -1366,8 +1360,12 @@ func batchWords(b inventory.Plan, now time.Time) string {
 	if left < 0 {
 		left = 0
 	}
-	return fmt.Sprintf("assembling: %s left (at the latest %s); grouped: %s; plan not yet calculated",
-		secondsWords(left), w.AtMost.Local().Format("15:04:05"), grouped)
+	waits := ""
+	if w.Waits != "" {
+		waits = " — " + w.Waits
+	}
+	return fmt.Sprintf("assembling: %s left (at the latest %s)%s; grouped: %s; plan not yet calculated",
+		secondsWords(left), w.AtMost.Local().Format("15:04:05"), waits, grouped)
 }
 
 // groupedWords is a batch's commits, each with the earlier merges it answers.
diff --git a/cmd/mesh-controller/batches_test.go b/cmd/mesh-controller/batches_test.go
index 45bd6c5d..beab9582 100644
--- a/cmd/mesh-controller/batches_test.go
+++ b/cmd/mesh-controller/batches_test.go
@@ -34,6 +34,7 @@ func windowed(t *testing.T) *stores {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
 	t.Setenv(mergeWindowFileVar, settings)
+	noGroups(t)
 	if err := inv.RegisterModule(ctx, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "mesh-controller", Version: "1"},
 		inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/mesh-controller", Seat: "git", Ref: "main", BuiltFrom: "c0",
 			Head: "c0"}); err != nil {
@@ -59,9 +60,9 @@ func windowed(t *testing.T) *stores {
 var t0 = time.Now().UTC().Truncate(time.Second)
 
 // catalogueMerge is a merge of the catalogue changing one module's directory, made at a moment, from a pull
-// request's head branch of its own, as the forge announces every merge. A merge from a head may have a group
-// member still to merge, which the controller cannot tell, so it waits for the window (novox/hq ADR 0306
-// decision 2, stillAssembles): these merges keep the window's rules of ADR 0276. lone is one from no head.
+// request's head branch of its own, as the forge announces every merge. Whether its head names a delivery group
+// with a member still to merge is mesh-delivery's word, which windowed stubs as no group at all (noGroups); a test
+// whose merges wait for the window as a group's says so (groupsWaiting).
 func catalogueMerge(commit, module string, made time.Time) link.SourceMoved {
 	return link.SourceMoved{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-catalog", Base: "main", Head: "pr/" + commit, Commit: commit,
 		MergedAt: made.Format(time.RFC3339Nano), Paths: []string{"modules/" + module + "/module.json"},
@@ -74,6 +75,40 @@ func repoMerge(repo, commit string, made time.Time) link.SourceMoved {
 		MergedAt: made.Format(time.RFC3339Nano), Paths: []string{"main.go"}}
 }
 
+// noGroups stubs mesh-delivery's word on groups for a test: no head names a group.
+func noGroups(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Helper()
+	was := deliveryGroupOf
+	deliveryGroupOf = func(context.Context, bool, string) ([]groupMember, bool, error) { return nil, false, nil }
+	t.Cleanup(func() { deliveryGroupOf = was })
+}
+
+// groupsWaiting stubs mesh-delivery's word on groups for a test: each head named is a group with a member of another
+// repository whose pull request is open (novox/elsewhere, ready), so a merge from it waits for the window (ADR 0306
+// decision 2); every other head names no group.
+func groupsWaiting(t *testing.T, heads ...string) {
+	t.Helper()
+	was := deliveryGroupOf
+	deliveryGroupOf = func(_ context.Context, _ bool, head string) ([]groupMember, bool, error) {
+		if slices.Contains(heads, head) {
+			return []groupMember{{Repository: "novox/elsewhere", State: "ready"}}, true, nil
+		}
+		return nil, false, nil
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { deliveryGroupOf = was })
+}
+
+// everyHeadWaits stubs mesh-delivery's word on groups for a test whose merges each wait for the window as they did
+// before novox/hq ADR 0304: every head is a group with a member of another repository still to merge.
+func everyHeadWaits(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Helper()
+	was := deliveryGroupOf
+	deliveryGroupOf = func(context.Context, bool, string) ([]groupMember, bool, error) {
+		return []groupMember{{Repository: "novox/elsewhere", State: "ready"}}, true, nil
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { deliveryGroupOf = was })
+}
+
 // fromHead is a merge from a head branch a test names: merges from one head are members of one delivery group,
 // related by it (novox/hq ADR 0304 decision 1), so they share a batch whatever else they share.
 func fromHead(m link.SourceMoved, head string) link.SourceMoved {
@@ -125,6 +160,7 @@ func walks(t *testing.T, open *stores) (walks, batches []inventory.Plan) {
 // later commit, which names both merges — the earlier carried by the later.
 func TestTwoMergesSecondsApartAreOneWalkAtTheLaterCommit(t *testing.T) {
 	open := windowed(t)
+	everyHeadWaits(t)
 	asked := asksWithPaths(t)
 	claude := catalogueMerge("553b7191claude", "app", t0)
 	dunst := catalogueMerge("48bda475dunst", "notes", t0.Add(17*time.Second))
@@ -169,6 +205,7 @@ func TestTwoMergesSecondsApartAreOneWalkAtTheLaterCommit(t *testing.T) {
 // Merges of three repositories in one window are one walk, one commit for each.
 func TestThreeRepositoriesInOneWindowAreOneWalk(t *testing.T) {
 	open := windowed(t)
+	groupsWaiting(t, "feat/three")
 	asksRecorded(t)
 	for i, r := range []string{"one", "two", "three"} {
 		hear(t, open, fromHead(repoMerge(r, "c-"+r, t0.Add(time.Duration(i)*20*time.Second)), "feat/three"),
@@ -204,6 +241,7 @@ func TestThreeRepositoriesInOneWindowAreOneWalk(t *testing.T) {
 // closes at most ten minutes after its first merge however busy.
 func TestAMergeRestartsTheWindowAndTheMaximumClosesIt(t *testing.T) {
 	open := windowed(t)
+	groupsWaiting(t, "feat/both", "feat/busy")
 	asksWithPaths(t)
 	hear(t, open, fromHead(repoMerge("one", "c1", t0), "feat/both"), t0)
 	hear(t, open, fromHead(repoMerge("two", "c2", t0.Add(80*time.Second)), "feat/both"), t0.Add(80*time.Second))
@@ -217,6 +255,7 @@ func TestAMergeRestartsTheWindowAndTheMaximumClosesIt(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 
 	busy := windowed(t)
+	groupsWaiting(t, "feat/both", "feat/busy")
 	asksWithPaths(t)
 	var last time.Time
 	for i := 0; i < 12; i++ {
@@ -240,6 +279,7 @@ func TestAMergeRestartsTheWindowAndTheMaximumClosesIt(t *testing.T) {
 // what is grouped, and that the plan is not yet calculated. It says so on the bus as plan-moved, too.
 func TestTheAssemblingBatchIsShown(t *testing.T) {
 	open := windowed(t)
+	groupsWaiting(t, "pr/553b7191claude")
 	asksWithPaths(t)
 	var said []inventory.Plan
 	was := inventory.PlanSaved
@@ -377,6 +417,7 @@ func TestAWaitingWalkIsFoldedIntoTheNextBatch(t *testing.T) {
 // moves — named at once on a walk done — and joins the next batch when it does not.
 func TestALateMergeIsAnsweredByTheWalkOfTheLaterOne(t *testing.T) {
 	open := windowed(t)
+	everyHeadWaits(t)
 	asksWithPaths(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	later := catalogueMerge("48bda475dunst", "notes", t0.Add(17*time.Second))
@@ -408,6 +449,7 @@ func TestALateMergeIsAnsweredByTheWalkOfTheLaterOne(t *testing.T) {
 // first; the first delivered answers the older ones, and the search stops.
 func TestAFailedWalkWalksItsEarlierMergesAlone(t *testing.T) {
 	open := windowed(t)
+	everyHeadWaits(t)
 	asked := asksWithPaths(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	// Made before the cut marks their modules seen, as merges are: walked again, they are news all the same.
@@ -476,6 +518,7 @@ func TestAFailedWalkWalksItsEarlierMergesAlone(t *testing.T) {
 func TestAGroupsOrderBecomesTiersInsideTheWalk(t *testing.T) {
 	for _, grouped := range []bool{true, false} {
 		open := windowed(t)
+		everyHeadWaits(t)
 		asksWithPaths(t)
 		ctx := t.Context()
 		for _, m := range []string{"mesh-host"} {
@@ -513,6 +556,7 @@ func TestAGroupsOrderBecomesTiersInsideTheWalk(t *testing.T) {
 // store, a merge handed over again is not doubled, and the batch is cut when its window closes.
 func TestABatchSurvivesARestart(t *testing.T) {
 	open := windowed(t)
+	groupsWaiting(t, "feat/both")
 	asksWithPaths(t)
 	hear(t, open, fromHead(repoMerge("one", "c1", t0), "feat/both"), t0)
 	hear(t, open, fromHead(repoMerge("two", "c2", t0.Add(30*time.Second)), "feat/both"), t0.Add(30*time.Second))
@@ -580,6 +624,7 @@ func TestAWaitingWalkNamesTheMergesItAnswers(t *testing.T) {
 // nothing, and the merge joins the next batch.
 func TestALateMergeOfAOneModuleRepositoryIsNamed(t *testing.T) {
 	open := windowed(t)
+	everyHeadWaits(t)
 	asksWithPaths(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	c2 := repoMerge("one", "c2", t0.Add(-50*time.Second))
@@ -733,6 +778,7 @@ func TestTheCatchUpKeepsWhatACutMadeHistory(t *testing.T) {
 // still waits for the word, so no catalogue delivery skips its turn.
 func TestAMergeOnTheControllersPathNeverSharesABatch(t *testing.T) {
 	open := windowed(t)
+	everyHeadWaits(t)
 	asked := asksWithPaths(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	if err := open.inventory.RegisterModule(ctx, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "mesh-delivery", Version: "1",
@@ -877,6 +923,7 @@ func sameMerge(a, b inventory.PlanMerge) bool {
 // its delivery would skip its turn. It joins the next catalogue batch.
 func TestALateCatalogueMergeIsNotAnsweredByAnOwnPathWalk(t *testing.T) {
 	open := windowed(t)
+	everyHeadWaits(t)
 	asksWithPaths(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	for _, m := range []struct {
diff --git a/cmd/mesh-controller/group_wait.go b/cmd/mesh-controller/group_wait.go
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..dc293819
--- /dev/null
+++ b/cmd/mesh-controller/group_wait.go
@@ -0,0 +1,140 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"strings"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// **A delivery group still assembles** (novox/hq ADR 0306 decision 2): a merge whose delivery group has a member
+// not yet merged waits for the merge window, whether or not a batch is assembling, so the group's members walk in
+// one batch, in their order (ADR 0276 decision 5). Which groups exist and where each member stands is
+// mesh-delivery's record (ADR 0239): a group is the pull requests of two repositories or more sharing a head
+// branch name, which is its id. The controller asks it, through its `groups` verb, when a merge from a head is
+// heard; a member whose pull request is open (proposed, checked, ready or rejected) is still to merge. When
+// mesh-delivery does not answer within groupAskWithin, or answers something unreadable, the merge waits: the safe
+// error is to wait, and its batch says why.
+
+// groupAskWithin is how long mesh-delivery is given to say a merge's group, while the merge is being heard.
+var groupAskWithin = 3 * time.Second
+
+// openPullStates are the states of a delivery whose pull request is open and not merged (mesh-delivery's table):
+// a member in one of them is still to merge. Closed unmerged is stopped, final, and waits for nothing.
+var openPullStates = map[string]bool{"proposed": true, "checked": true, "ready": true, "rejected": true}
+
+// groupMember is one member of a delivery group as mesh-delivery's `groups` says it: `<owner/repo>@<commit> (state)`.
+type groupMember struct {
+	Repository, State string
+}
+
+// deliveryGroupOf is what mesh-delivery says of the group a head names: its members, and whether the head names a
+// group at all; an error when it cannot be asked or did not answer. A seam a test replaces.
+var deliveryGroupOf = func(ctx context.Context, held bool, head string) ([]groupMember, bool, error) {
+	if !held {
+		return nil, false, fmt.Errorf("no holder of %s is on record to say it", catalogue.DeliverySeat)
+	}
+	serving := servingBus.Load()
+	if serving == nil {
+		return nil, false, errors.New("this controller is not on the bus")
+	}
+	asking, cancel := context.WithTimeout(ctx, groupAskWithin)
+	defer cancel()
+	raw, err := askDeliveryOwner(asking, serving.Conn(), "groups", map[string]any{})
+	if err != nil {
+		if errors.Is(err, link.ErrNothingServes) {
+			return nil, false, fmt.Errorf("nothing serves %s.groups", catalogue.DeliverySeat)
+		}
+		return nil, false, err
+	}
+	var lines []struct {
+		ID      string   `json:"id"`
+		Members []string `json:"members"`
+	}
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(raw, &lines); err != nil {
+		return nil, false, fmt.Errorf("%s.groups answered something unreadable: %w", catalogue.DeliverySeat, err)
+	}
+	for _, l := range lines {
+		if l.ID != head {
+			continue
+		}
+		var members []groupMember
+		for _, s := range l.Members {
+			members = append(members, memberOf(s))
+		}
+		return members, true, nil
+	}
+	return nil, false, nil
+}
+
+// memberOf reads one member as `groups` says it: `novox/mesh-sdk@d41d255f28ad (held)`.
+func memberOf(s string) groupMember {
+	id, state := strings.TrimSpace(s), ""
+	if i := strings.LastIndex(id, " ("); i >= 0 && strings.HasSuffix(id, ")") {
+		id, state = id[:i], id[i+2:len(id)-1]
+	}
+	repository, _, _ := strings.Cut(id, "@")
+	return groupMember{Repository: repository, State: state}
+}
+
+// groupWait says whether a merge heard now waits for the window for its delivery group, and why in words; nothing
+// when it names no head, its head names no group, or every other member is merged or closed. A member of another
+// repository whose merge this controller already keeps in a batch not yet cut is merged, whatever mesh-delivery
+// says yet (it marks a member merged once its walk opened). Asked before the plans are held: a slow answer holds
+// up no walk.
+func groupWait(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, m link.SourceMoved, held bool) (string, error) {
+	if m.Head == "" {
+		return "", nil
+	}
+	members, isGroup, err := deliveryGroupOf(ctx, held, m.Head)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Sprintf("%s did not say whether group %s has a member still to merge (%v): it waits for the "+
+			"window, the safe side", catalogue.DeliverySeat, m.Head, err), nil
+	}
+	if !isGroup {
+		return "", nil
+	}
+	kept, err := keptFromHead(ctx, inv, m.Head)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", err
+	}
+	var open []string
+	for _, g := range members {
+		if strings.EqualFold(g.Repository, m.Owner+"/"+m.Repo) || kept[strings.ToLower(g.Repository)] ||
+			!openPullStates[g.State] {
+			continue
+		}
+		open = append(open, g.Repository+" ("+g.State+")")
+	}
+	if len(open) == 0 {
+		return "", nil
+	}
+	return "group " + m.Head + " has a member still to merge: " + strings.Join(open, ", "), nil
+}
+
+// keptFromHead are the repositories (lower case) of the merges from a head that batches not yet cut hold.
+func keptFromHead(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, head string) (map[string]bool, error) {
+	batches, err := inv.Batches(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	out := map[string]bool{}
+	for _, b := range batches {
+		merges, err := inv.MergesOf(ctx, b.ID)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		for _, k := range merges {
+			if announcedOf(k).Head == head {
+				out[strings.ToLower(k.Repository)] = true
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return out, nil
+}
diff --git a/cmd/mesh-controller/issue459_test.go b/cmd/mesh-controller/issue459_test.go
index 9fef7a86..7fec24d4 100644
--- a/cmd/mesh-controller/issue459_test.go
+++ b/cmd/mesh-controller/issue459_test.go
@@ -123,6 +123,7 @@ func TestDeliveryStopTakesTheMergesToLeaveOut(t *testing.T) {
 // that builds the other repository's module alone.
 func TestAStopWithoutAMergeWalksTheOthersAgain(t *testing.T) {
 	open := windowed(t)
+	groupsWaiting(t, "pr/cat1aaaaaaaa")
 	endsItsLine(t)
 	asksRecorded(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
@@ -181,6 +182,7 @@ func TestAStopWithoutAMergeWalksTheOthersAgain(t *testing.T) {
 // ended. A merge the walk does not answer is refused, and nothing ends.
 func TestAStopWithoutAMergeEndsTheMergesThatContainIt(t *testing.T) {
 	open := windowed(t)
+	groupsWaiting(t, "pr/cat1aaaaaaaa")
 	endsItsLine(t)
 	asksRecorded(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
@@ -238,6 +240,7 @@ func TestAStopWithoutAMergeEndsTheMergesThatContainIt(t *testing.T) {
 // (review of #232): its window closes, and its walk is at the newer commit, answering both.
 func TestAStopWalksTheOthersAgainInTheOpenBatch(t *testing.T) {
 	open := windowed(t)
+	groupsWaiting(t, "pr/cat1aaaaaaaa")
 	endsItsLine(t)
 	asksRecorded(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
@@ -290,6 +293,7 @@ func TestAStopWalksTheOthersAgainInTheOpenBatch(t *testing.T) {
 // that walked its merges again is refused a retry, saying why.
 func TestAStopNamesWhatStaysOnTheMachinesAndWhatStillCarriesIt(t *testing.T) {
 	open := windowed(t)
+	groupsWaiting(t, "pr/cat1aaaaaaaa")
 	endsItsLine(t)
 	asksRecorded(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
@@ -335,6 +339,7 @@ func TestAStopNamesWhatStaysOnTheMachinesAndWhatStillCarriesIt(t *testing.T) {
 // with the others and withholds the stopped merge's modules; with every merge left out, the batch is stopped.
 func TestAStopWithoutAMergeLeavesItOutOfABatch(t *testing.T) {
 	open := windowed(t)
+	everyHeadWaits(t)
 	endsItsLine(t)
 	asksRecorded(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
@@ -382,6 +387,7 @@ func TestAStopWithoutAMergeLeavesItOutOfABatch(t *testing.T) {
 // else since it was read refuses all of it, and no merge moves, no plan is written.
 func TestSavingPlansAndMovingMergesIsOneAct(t *testing.T) {
 	open := windowed(t)
+	everyHeadWaits(t)
 	endsItsLine(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	hear(t, open, catalogueMerge("cat1aaaaaaaa", "app", t0), t0.Add(time.Second))
diff --git a/cmd/mesh-controller/lone_merge_test.go b/cmd/mesh-controller/lone_merge_test.go
index 1861bda9..1a291896 100644
--- a/cmd/mesh-controller/lone_merge_test.go
+++ b/cmd/mesh-controller/lone_merge_test.go
@@ -1,6 +1,8 @@
 package main
 
 import (
+	"context"
+	"errors"
 	"strings"
 	"testing"
 	"time"
@@ -35,6 +37,7 @@ func TestARelatedMergeJoinsTheBatchAndWaitsForTheWindow(t *testing.T) {
 	for _, c := range []string{"same repository", "a module in common", "an edge of the graph", "the same group head"} {
 		t.Run(c, func(t *testing.T) {
 			open := windowed(t)
+			groupsWaiting(t, "pr/c1")
 			asksWithPaths(t)
 			inv := open.inventory
 			first := repoMerge("one", "c1", t0)
@@ -90,39 +93,103 @@ func TestARelatedMergeJoinsTheBatchAndWaitsForTheWindow(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
-// A merge from a head names its delivery group, which may have a member still to merge: it waits for the window
-// even with no batch assembling, and beside a batch it shares nothing with, in a batch of its own (ADR 0306
-// decision 2). A merge from another head that shares nothing does not join it.
+// A merge from a head whose delivery group has a member still to merge waits for the window, even with no batch
+// assembling, and says why; its sibling joins the same batch by their head (ADR 0306 decision 2). A merge from a
+// head that names no group shares nothing and is cut at once, as one from no head is.
 func TestAMergeOfAGroupWaitsEvenAlone(t *testing.T) {
 	open := windowed(t)
 	asksWithPaths(t)
+	groupsWaiting(t, "feat/x")
 	hear(t, open, fromHead(repoMerge("one", "c1", t0), "feat/x"), t0)
 	ws, bs := walks(t, open)
 	if len(ws) != 0 || len(bs) != 1 || bs[0].Delivery.Batch.CutAtOnce || windowClosed(bs[0], t0) {
 		t.Fatalf("a group's merge alone: %d walk(s), batches %+v", len(ws), bs)
 	}
-	if !strings.HasPrefix(batchWords(bs[0], t0), "assembling: 90 s left") {
-		t.Fatalf("it reads %q", batchWords(bs[0], t0))
+	if words := batchWords(bs[0], t0); !strings.HasPrefix(words, "assembling: 90 s left") ||
+		!strings.Contains(words, "group feat/x has a member still to merge: novox/elsewhere (ready)") {
+		t.Fatalf("it reads %q", words)
 	}
-	hear(t, open, fromHead(repoMerge("two", "c2", t0.Add(5*time.Second)), "feat/y"), t0.Add(5*time.Second))
-	if _, bs := walks(t, open); len(bs) != 2 {
-		t.Fatalf("a merge sharing nothing joined another's batch: %d batch(es)", len(bs))
+	hear(t, open, fromHead(repoMerge("two", "c2", t0.Add(5*time.Second)), "feat/x"), t0.Add(5*time.Second))
+	if _, bs := walks(t, open); len(bs) != 1 || len(bs[0].Delivery.Merges) != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("the group's second member did not join the first: %+v", bs)
 	}
-	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(89*time.Second))
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(94*time.Second))
 	if ws, _ := walks(t, open); len(ws) != 0 {
 		t.Fatalf("cut before its window closed: %+v", ws)
 	}
-	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(90*time.Second))
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(95*time.Second))
 	ws, bs = walks(t, open)
-	if len(ws) != 1 || ws[0].Commit != "c1" || len(bs) != 1 {
+	if len(ws) != 1 || len(bs) != 0 || ws[0].CommitOf("novox/one") != "c1" || ws[0].CommitOf("novox/two") != "c2" {
 		t.Fatalf("at its window: %d walk(s) %+v, %d batch(es)", len(ws), ws, len(bs))
 	}
 }
 
+// A merge from a head that names no group, sharing nothing, with no walk open, is cut at once.
+func TestAHeadedMergeInNoGroupIsCutAtOnce(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	asksWithPaths(t)
+	hear(t, open, fromHead(repoMerge("one", "c1", t0), "fix/alone"), t0)
+	if ws, bs := walks(t, open); len(ws) != 1 || len(bs) != 0 || !ws[0].Open() {
+		t.Fatalf("a headed merge in no group: %d walk(s), %d batch(es)", len(ws), len(bs))
+	}
+}
+
+// When mesh-delivery cannot say a head's group, the merge waits for the window, the safe side, and its batch says
+// why.
+func TestAGroupNobodyCanSayWaits(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	asksWithPaths(t)
+	was := deliveryGroupOf
+	deliveryGroupOf = func(context.Context, bool, string) ([]groupMember, bool, error) {
+		return nil, false, errors.New("nothing serves mesh-delivery.groups")
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { deliveryGroupOf = was })
+	hear(t, open, fromHead(repoMerge("one", "c1", t0), "feat/x"), t0)
+	ws, bs := walks(t, open)
+	if len(ws) != 0 || len(bs) != 1 || bs[0].Delivery.Batch.CutAtOnce {
+		t.Fatalf("a merge whose group nobody could say: %d walk(s), batches %+v", len(ws), bs)
+	}
+	if words := batchWords(bs[0], t0); !strings.Contains(words, "mesh-delivery did not say whether group feat/x has a "+
+		"member still to merge (nothing serves mesh-delivery.groups): it waits for the window, the safe side") {
+		t.Fatalf("it reads %q", words)
+	}
+}
+
+// A member counts as still to merge only while its pull request is open, and not once this controller keeps its
+// merge: a group whose other members are merged or closed makes nobody wait.
+func TestAGroupsMergedOrClosedMembersMakeNobodyWait(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	asksWithPaths(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	members := []groupMember{{Repository: "novox/one", State: "ready"}, {Repository: "novox/two", State: "published"},
+		{Repository: "novox/three", State: "stopped"}}
+	was := deliveryGroupOf
+	deliveryGroupOf = func(context.Context, bool, string) ([]groupMember, bool, error) { return members, true, nil }
+	t.Cleanup(func() { deliveryGroupOf = was })
+	m := fromHead(repoMerge("one", "c1", t0), "feat/x")
+	if why, err := groupWait(ctx, open.inventory, m, true); err != nil || why != "" {
+		t.Fatalf("the group's other members are merged or closed, yet: %q %v", why, err)
+	}
+	members = append(members, groupMember{Repository: "novox/four", State: "checked"})
+	if why, _ := groupWait(ctx, open.inventory, m, true); !strings.Contains(why, "novox/four (checked)") {
+		t.Fatalf("an open member: %q", why)
+	}
+	// novox/four's merge is kept in a batch already: merged, whatever mesh-delivery says yet.
+	hear(t, open, fromHead(repoMerge("two", "c4", t0), "feat/x"), t0)
+	members[3].Repository = "novox/two"
+	if why, _ := groupWait(ctx, open.inventory, m, true); why != "" {
+		t.Fatalf("a member this controller keeps the merge of still waits: %q", why)
+	}
+	if got := memberOf("novox/mesh-sdk@d41d255f28ad (held)"); got != (groupMember{Repository: "novox/mesh-sdk", State: "held"}) {
+		t.Fatalf("a member reads %+v", got)
+	}
+}
+
 // A merge related to two batches assembling folds the newer into the older, which answers every merge of both
 // and names nothing twice; the folded one names the batch that took it over.
 func TestAMergeRelatedToTwoBatchesFoldsThem(t *testing.T) {
 	open := windowed(t)
+	groupsWaiting(t, "feat/a", "feat/b")
 	asksWithPaths(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	hear(t, open, fromHead(repoMerge("one", "c1", t0), "feat/a"), t0)
@@ -164,6 +231,7 @@ func TestAMergeRelatedToTwoBatchesFoldsThem(t *testing.T) {
 // 0276 decision 4); it is cut once that walk ended, with no window to wait for.
 func TestACutAtOnceBatchQueuesBehindAnOpenWalk(t *testing.T) {
 	open := windowed(t)
+	groupsWaiting(t, "pr/c1")
 	asksWithPaths(t)
 	hear(t, open, repoMerge("one", "c1", t0), t0)
 	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(90*time.Second))
@@ -201,6 +269,7 @@ func TestACutAtOnceBatchQueuesBehindAnOpenWalk(t *testing.T) {
 // change, whose window the stop would close.
 func TestAStopWalksTheOthersAgainInABatchOfTheirOwnWhenTheyShareNothing(t *testing.T) {
 	open := windowed(t)
+	groupsWaiting(t, "pr/cat1aaaaaaaa")
 	endsItsLine(t)
 	asksRecorded(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
@@ -236,6 +305,7 @@ func TestAStopWalksTheOthersAgainInABatchOfTheirOwnWhenTheyShareNothing(t *testi
 // its window, rather than being cut at once as sharing nothing with what the batch's own merges move.
 func TestALoneMergeRelatedToAWalkTheCutFoldsJoinsTheBatch(t *testing.T) {
 	open := windowed(t)
+	groupsWaiting(t, "pr/c3")
 	asksWithPaths(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	if err := open.inventory.RegisterModule(ctx, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "mesh-delivery", Version: "1",
diff --git a/internal/broker/nats.go b/internal/broker/nats.go
index 2280c9cf..ab48ea46 100644
--- a/internal/broker/nats.go
+++ b/internal/broker/nats.go
@@ -262,9 +262,12 @@ func MaySubscribe(perms Permissions, subject string) bool {
 // delivery held past its bound, and calls them on the operator's warrant, with its why.
 //
 // And, since novox/hq ADR 0282, `times`: the self-check reads the delivery times to say a delivery over its budget.
+//
+// And, since novox/hq ADR 0306, `groups`: a merge heard from a head waits for the window while its delivery group
+// has a member still to merge.
 var VerbsTheControllerAsksTheDeliveryOwner = []SeatVerb{{Seat: "mesh-delivery", Verb: "stalled"},
 	{Seat: "mesh-delivery", Verb: "close"}, {Seat: "mesh-delivery", Verb: "release"}, {Seat: "mesh-delivery", Verb: "stop"},
-	{Seat: "mesh-delivery", Verb: "times"}}
+	{Seat: "mesh-delivery", Verb: "times"}, {Seat: "mesh-delivery", Verb: "groups"}}
 
 // VerbsTheControllerActsOnAWarrant are the other seat verbs the controller calls when the operator's warrant
 // chooses them (novox/hq ADR 0259): a machine's service restarted, and a walk started or stopped through the
diff --git a/internal/broker/testdata/composed.conf b/internal/broker/testdata/composed.conf
index ea22d3c5..b3003837 100644
--- a/internal/broker/testdata/composed.conf
+++ b/internal/broker/testdata/composed.conf
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ accounts {
     jetstream: enabled
     users = [
       { user: "controller", password: "$2a$11$cccccccccccccccccccccc", permissions: {
-        publish: { allow: ["$JS.ACK.CONTROL.controller.>", "$JS.ACK.DEAD_LETTER_NOTICES.controller.>", "$JS.ACK.EVENTS.controller.>", "$JS.API.>", "$KV.SEAT_MESH_BUILD_MACHINE_cancelled.>", "$KV.SEAT_NODE_BUILD_AGENT_cancelled.>", "$KV.mesh-controller_asked.>", "$KV.mesh-controller_calls.>", "$KV.mesh-controller_condition-history.>", "$KV.mesh-controller_conditions.>", "$KV.mesh-controller_hand-acts.>", "$KV.mesh-controller_lease.>", "$SRV.INFO", "_INBOX.enrol.>", "mesh.again.>", "mesh.assignment.>", "mesh.events.dead.>", "mesh.mod.*.tool.>", "mesh.node.>", "mesh.seat.mesh-build-machine.accept.>", "mesh.seat.mesh-build-machine.tool.>", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.applied", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.built-before", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.checked", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.condition-changed", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.condition-cleared", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.condition-raised", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.doctor-heartbeat", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.healer-acted", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.plan-moved", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.refused", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.rolled-back", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.secret-replaced", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.tool.plans", "mesh.seat.mesh-delivery.tool.close", "mesh.seat.mesh-delivery.tool.release", "mesh.seat.mesh-delivery.tool.stalled", "mesh.seat.mesh-delivery.tool.stop", "mesh.seat.mesh-delivery.tool.times", "mesh.seat.node-backup.tool.backed-up.*", "mesh.seat.node-backup.tool.now.*", "mesh.seat.node-build-agent.accept.>", "mesh.seat.node-build-agent.tool.>", "mesh.seat.node-intrusion-prevention.tool.banned.*", "mesh.seat.node-launcher.tool.secret.*", "mesh.seat.node-service-manager.tool.restart.*"] }
+        publish: { allow: ["$JS.ACK.CONTROL.controller.>", "$JS.ACK.DEAD_LETTER_NOTICES.controller.>", "$JS.ACK.EVENTS.controller.>", "$JS.API.>", "$KV.SEAT_MESH_BUILD_MACHINE_cancelled.>", "$KV.SEAT_NODE_BUILD_AGENT_cancelled.>", "$KV.mesh-controller_asked.>", "$KV.mesh-controller_calls.>", "$KV.mesh-controller_condition-history.>", "$KV.mesh-controller_conditions.>", "$KV.mesh-controller_hand-acts.>", "$KV.mesh-controller_lease.>", "$SRV.INFO", "_INBOX.enrol.>", "mesh.again.>", "mesh.assignment.>", "mesh.events.dead.>", "mesh.mod.*.tool.>", "mesh.node.>", "mesh.seat.mesh-build-machine.accept.>", "mesh.seat.mesh-build-machine.tool.>", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.applied", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.built-before", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.checked", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.condition-changed", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.condition-cleared", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.condition-raised", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.doctor-heartbeat", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.healer-acted", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.plan-moved", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.refused", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.rolled-back", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.secret-replaced", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.tool.plans", "mesh.seat.mesh-delivery.tool.close", "mesh.seat.mesh-delivery.tool.groups", "mesh.seat.mesh-delivery.tool.release", "mesh.seat.mesh-delivery.tool.stalled", "mesh.seat.mesh-delivery.tool.stop", "mesh.seat.mesh-delivery.tool.times", "mesh.seat.node-backup.tool.backed-up.*", "mesh.seat.node-backup.tool.now.*", "mesh.seat.node-build-agent.accept.>", "mesh.seat.node-build-agent.tool.>", "mesh.seat.node-intrusion-prevention.tool.banned.*", "mesh.seat.node-launcher.tool.secret.*", "mesh.seat.node-service-manager.tool.restart.*"] }
         subscribe: { allow: ["$JS.API.>", "$JS.EVENT.ADVISORY.CONSUMER.DELETED.>", "$JS.EVENT.ADVISORY.CONSUMER.MAX_DELIVERIES.>", "$SRV.INFO", "$SRV.INFO.mesh-controller", "$SRV.INFO.mesh-controller.>", "$SRV.PING", "$SRV.PING.mesh-controller", "$SRV.PING.mesh-controller.>", "$SRV.STATS", "$SRV.STATS.mesh-controller", "$SRV.STATS.mesh-controller.>", "_DELIVER.controller", "_DELIVER.controller.>", "_INBOX.controller.>", "mesh.control.>", "mesh.mod.*.event.provisioner.failing", "mesh.mod.*.event.provisioner.recovered", "mesh.mod.*.event.provisioner.retirement", "mesh.mod.gitea.event.pull.merged", "mesh.mod.gitea.event.pull.updated", "mesh.mod.mesh-catalog.event.catching-up", "mesh.mod.mesh-catalog.event.upgraded", "mesh.seat.mesh-build-machine.event.built", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.tool.>", "mesh.seat.node-build-agent.event.built", "mesh.seat.operator-channel.event.decided.mesh-controller"] }
         allow_responses: { max: 1, ttl: "1m" }
       } }
diff --git a/internal/inventory/plans.go b/internal/inventory/plans.go
index 01fde9fa..b37d69f4 100644
--- a/internal/inventory/plans.go
+++ b/internal/inventory/plans.go
@@ -122,6 +122,9 @@ type PlanBatch struct {
 	// decision 1, ADR 0306 decisions 2 and 3). A merge that joins it later opens its window again. It is not
 	// Closed, which is a stop's.
 	CutAtOnce bool `json:"cut_at_once,omitempty"`
+	// Waits says why a batch made for one merge waits for the window: its delivery group has a member still to
+	// merge, or mesh-delivery could not say whether it has (novox/hq ADR 0306 decision 2).
+	Waits string `json:"waits,omitempty"`
 }
 
 // OwnPath says the record is a batch of merges on the controller's own path.

From 6e5a1df57557c869d8d6a8b7dc362b5a34123a76 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: jochen <jschoubben@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:31:50 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 3/4] Judge the installer's user list against mesh-host with
 the groups grant (hq issue 525)

The controller now asks mesh-delivery.groups, and mesh-host a76baa4b carries
that grant in the installer's first user list (mesh-host #85). The captured
copy is moved to that commit so the genesis test judges the list that ships.
---
 testdata/beside/CAPTURED                      |  2 +-
 .../examples/foundation-first-node-nats.lock  |  2 +-
 .../apply/placement_guard.go.captured         | 69 ++++++++++++++++++-
 3 files changed, 68 insertions(+), 5 deletions(-)

diff --git a/testdata/beside/CAPTURED b/testdata/beside/CAPTURED
index 29b367c5..a37baf3b 100644
--- a/testdata/beside/CAPTURED
+++ b/testdata/beside/CAPTURED
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ private addresses. That is acceptable while mesh-controller is private; if it ev
 a second place to clean besides the catalogue itself.
 
 mesh-catalog  b9de001833b1b61b297182b8e3bcdae1cbdeace9  modules/*/module.json, modules/nats/Dockerfile
-mesh-host     bd5cc6980419c1bd4824be6d58dfebd2381a9de3  examples/foundation-first-node-nats.lock
+mesh-host     a76baa4b47f07a8b2bab065603414530bd02b53a  examples/foundation-first-node-nats.lock
 mesh-sdk      33917f91ac3cc213b879b32f3c70e2aa70395f98  conformance/events/module-event.json
 
 To move them, from this repository's root, with the two repositories checked out beside it:
diff --git a/testdata/beside/mesh-host/examples/foundation-first-node-nats.lock b/testdata/beside/mesh-host/examples/foundation-first-node-nats.lock
index d40283a2..25d84627 100644
--- a/testdata/beside/mesh-host/examples/foundation-first-node-nats.lock
+++ b/testdata/beside/mesh-host/examples/foundation-first-node-nats.lock
@@ -161,7 +161,7 @@
       "type": "file",
       "path": "/var/lib/mesh-bus-conf/accounts.conf",
       "mode": "0600",
-      "content": "// The first user list, carried by the installer because at genesis there is no mesh to\n// compose one. A bootstrap credential, rotated with the store's and replaced by the\n// controller's own composition from its first start onward.\naccounts {\n  MESH {\n    jetstream: enabled\n    users = [\n      { user: \"controller\", password: \"$2a$10$AHqJgOifIVbU41KmATiMhuXFs8xa7Wl2HuN4UVBCXdN2jIQzjqApy\", permissions: {\n        publish: { allow: [\"$JS.ACK.CONTROL.controller.>\", \"$JS.ACK.EVENTS.controller.>\", \"$JS.ACK.DEAD_LETTER_NOTICES.controller.>\", \"$JS.API.>\", \"$KV.mesh-controller_asked.>\", \"$KV.mesh-controller_calls.>\", \"$KV.mesh-controller_hand-acts.>\", \"$KV.mesh-controller_conditions.>\", \"$KV.mesh-controller_condition-history.>\", \"$KV.mesh-controller_lease.>\", \"$KV.SEAT_MESH_BUILD_MACHINE_cancelled.>\", \"$KV.SEAT_NODE_BUILD_AGENT_cancelled.>\", \"_INBOX.enrol.>\", \"mesh.assignment.>\", \"mesh.mod.*.tool.>\", \"mesh.node.>\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-build-machine.accept.>\", \"mesh.seat.node-build-agent.accept.>\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-build-machine.tool.>\", \"mesh.seat.node-build-agent.tool.>\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.applied\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.built-before\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.refused\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.rolled-back\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.checked\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.plan-moved\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.condition-raised\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.condition-changed\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.condition-cleared\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.doctor-heartbeat\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.secret-replaced\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.healer-acted\", \"$SRV.INFO\", \"mesh.seat.node-intrusion-prevention.tool.banned.*\", \"mesh.seat.node-backup.tool.backed-up.*\", \"mesh.seat.node-backup.tool.now.*\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-delivery.tool.stalled\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-delivery.tool.close\", \"mesh.seat.node-launcher.tool.secret.*\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-delivery.tool.release\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-delivery.tool.stop\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-delivery.tool.times\", \"mesh.seat.node-service-manager.tool.restart.*\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-controller.tool.plans\", \"mesh.events.dead.>\", \"mesh.again.>\"] }\n        subscribe: { allow: [\"$JS.API.>\", \"$JS.EVENT.ADVISORY.CONSUMER.MAX_DELIVERIES.>\", \"$JS.EVENT.ADVISORY.CONSUMER.DELETED.>\", \"_DELIVER.controller\", \"_DELIVER.controller.>\", \"_INBOX.controller.>\", \"mesh.control.>\", \"mesh.mod.*.event.provisioner.failing\", \"mesh.mod.*.event.provisioner.recovered\", \"mesh.mod.*.event.provisioner.retirement\", \"mesh.mod.gitea.event.pull.merged\", \"mesh.mod.gitea.event.pull.updated\", \"mesh.mod.mesh-catalog.event.catching-up\", \"mesh.mod.mesh-catalog.event.upgraded\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-build-machine.event.built\", \"mesh.seat.node-build-agent.event.built\", \"mesh.seat.operator-channel.event.decided.mesh-controller\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-controller.tool.>\", \"$SRV.PING\", \"$SRV.INFO\", \"$SRV.PING.mesh-controller\", \"$SRV.PING.mesh-controller.>\", \"$SRV.INFO.mesh-controller\", \"$SRV.INFO.mesh-controller.>\", \"$SRV.STATS\", \"$SRV.STATS.mesh-controller\", \"$SRV.STATS.mesh-controller.>\"] }\n        allow_responses: { max: 1, ttl: \"1m\" }\n      } }\n    ]\n  }\n}\n"
+      "content": "// The first user list, carried by the installer because at genesis there is no mesh to\n// compose one. A bootstrap credential, rotated with the store's and replaced by the\n// controller's own composition from its first start onward.\naccounts {\n  MESH {\n    jetstream: enabled\n    users = [\n      { user: \"controller\", password: \"$2a$10$AHqJgOifIVbU41KmATiMhuXFs8xa7Wl2HuN4UVBCXdN2jIQzjqApy\", permissions: {\n        publish: { allow: [\"$JS.ACK.CONTROL.controller.>\", \"$JS.ACK.EVENTS.controller.>\", \"$JS.ACK.DEAD_LETTER_NOTICES.controller.>\", \"$JS.API.>\", \"$KV.mesh-controller_asked.>\", \"$KV.mesh-controller_calls.>\", \"$KV.mesh-controller_hand-acts.>\", \"$KV.mesh-controller_conditions.>\", \"$KV.mesh-controller_condition-history.>\", \"$KV.mesh-controller_lease.>\", \"$KV.SEAT_MESH_BUILD_MACHINE_cancelled.>\", \"$KV.SEAT_NODE_BUILD_AGENT_cancelled.>\", \"_INBOX.enrol.>\", \"mesh.assignment.>\", \"mesh.mod.*.tool.>\", \"mesh.node.>\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-build-machine.accept.>\", \"mesh.seat.node-build-agent.accept.>\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-build-machine.tool.>\", \"mesh.seat.node-build-agent.tool.>\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.applied\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.built-before\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.refused\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.rolled-back\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.checked\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.plan-moved\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.condition-raised\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.condition-changed\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.condition-cleared\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.doctor-heartbeat\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.secret-replaced\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.healer-acted\", \"$SRV.INFO\", \"mesh.seat.node-intrusion-prevention.tool.banned.*\", \"mesh.seat.node-backup.tool.backed-up.*\", \"mesh.seat.node-backup.tool.now.*\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-delivery.tool.stalled\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-delivery.tool.close\", \"mesh.seat.node-launcher.tool.secret.*\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-delivery.tool.release\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-delivery.tool.stop\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-delivery.tool.times\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-delivery.tool.groups\", \"mesh.seat.node-service-manager.tool.restart.*\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-controller.tool.plans\", \"mesh.events.dead.>\", \"mesh.again.>\"] }\n        subscribe: { allow: [\"$JS.API.>\", \"$JS.EVENT.ADVISORY.CONSUMER.MAX_DELIVERIES.>\", \"$JS.EVENT.ADVISORY.CONSUMER.DELETED.>\", \"_DELIVER.controller\", \"_DELIVER.controller.>\", \"_INBOX.controller.>\", \"mesh.control.>\", \"mesh.mod.*.event.provisioner.failing\", \"mesh.mod.*.event.provisioner.recovered\", \"mesh.mod.*.event.provisioner.retirement\", \"mesh.mod.gitea.event.pull.merged\", \"mesh.mod.gitea.event.pull.updated\", \"mesh.mod.mesh-catalog.event.catching-up\", \"mesh.mod.mesh-catalog.event.upgraded\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-build-machine.event.built\", \"mesh.seat.node-build-agent.event.built\", \"mesh.seat.operator-channel.event.decided.mesh-controller\", \"mesh.seat.mesh-controller.tool.>\", \"$SRV.PING\", \"$SRV.INFO\", \"$SRV.PING.mesh-controller\", \"$SRV.PING.mesh-controller.>\", \"$SRV.INFO.mesh-controller\", \"$SRV.INFO.mesh-controller.>\", \"$SRV.STATS\", \"$SRV.STATS.mesh-controller\", \"$SRV.STATS.mesh-controller.>\"] }\n        allow_responses: { max: 1, ttl: \"1m\" }\n      } }\n    ]\n  }\n}\n"
     },
     {
       "id": "broker",
diff --git a/testdata/beside/mesh-host/internal/apply/placement_guard.go.captured b/testdata/beside/mesh-host/internal/apply/placement_guard.go.captured
index 49c1d83e..01112d50 100644
--- a/testdata/beside/mesh-host/internal/apply/placement_guard.go.captured
+++ b/testdata/beside/mesh-host/internal/apply/placement_guard.go.captured
@@ -31,6 +31,13 @@ package apply
 //  5. **A mount source that is a refused directory or a refused access is refused with it**: the container
 //     would otherwise bind the very path the engine would not place, and the runtime creates a missing one
 //     as root.
+//  6. **A file is judged as a directory is** (novox/hq issue 495): never one of the machine's own roots, nor
+//     in a tree nothing is placed in (rule 2), and never below a directory or an access refused here. A file
+//     or an archive below a refused path is refused with it, whichever module declares it and in whatever
+//     order. Rules 3 and 4 are a directory's owner and do not reach a file: a file below /etc is the mesh's
+//     ordinary configuration, and one below a home is judged by home_links.go and agent_home_guard.go.
+//     A refused directory also gates the rest of its module, as a step that did not complete does
+//     (apply.go's `gated`): what a module declares after its directory was written for that directory.
 //
 // Each is a failed resource with its reason in the node's report; nothing is touched. Paths are judged as
 // declared and again with every link in them resolved, so a link at /srv/x pointing at /etc places nothing.
@@ -400,6 +407,7 @@ const (
 	placingDirectory placing = iota
 	placingAccess
 	placingMount
+	placingFile
 )
 
 // refusePath says why a path is not placed or mounted; nil when it may be. module is the resource's module,
@@ -466,7 +474,7 @@ func refuseOne(path string, kind placing, module, owner string) *PlacementRefuse
 	for _, part := range strings.Split(path, "/") {
 		ssh = ssh || part == ".ssh"
 	}
-	if ssh && kind != placingDirectory {
+	if ssh && (kind == placingAccess || kind == placingMount) {
 		return &PlacementRefusedError{Path: path, Why: "it is an account's .ssh, which holds its keys and who may " +
 			"log in as it, and is never an access or a mount"}
 	}
@@ -502,8 +510,12 @@ func moduleOfID(id string) string {
 	return module
 }
 
-// refusedPlaces judges every directory and access of a declaration before anything is applied, and answers
-// each refusal by path: what is refused is refused again as a container's mount source.
+// refusedPlaces judges every directory, access, file and archive of a declaration before anything is applied,
+// and answers each refusal by path: what is refused is refused again as a container's mount source.
+//
+// Directories and accesses first, so a file or an archive below one of them is refused with it whatever order
+// they are declared in (novox/hq issue 495): the engine refused Docker's data root as a directory and then wrote
+// a file into it, because nothing judged the file's path.
 func refusedPlaces(resources []declaration.Resource) map[string]error {
 	out := map[string]error{}
 	for _, r := range resources {
@@ -520,9 +532,60 @@ func refusedPlaces(resources []declaration.Resource) map[string]error {
 			out[filepath.Clean(r.Target())] = err
 		}
 	}
+	trees := make(map[string]error, len(out))
+	for path, err := range out {
+		trees[path] = err
+	}
+	for _, r := range resources {
+		var err error
+		switch res := r.(type) {
+		case *declaration.File:
+			if err = belowRefused(res.Path, trees); err == nil {
+				err = refusePath(res.Path, placingFile, moduleOfID(res.ID), "")
+			}
+		case *declaration.Archive:
+			// Only below a refused path: where an archive may unpack is otherwise the archive's own judgement
+			// (archive.go), and the engine's own module unpacks its versions into its own tree.
+			err = belowRefused(res.Path, trees)
+		default:
+			continue
+		}
+		if err != nil {
+			out[filepath.Clean(r.Target())] = err
+		}
+	}
 	return out
 }
 
+// belowRefused says why a path below a refused directory or access is refused with it; nil when it is below
+// none. Judged as declared and with its links resolved, as refusePath judges.
+func belowRefused(path string, refused map[string]error) error {
+	clean := filepath.Clean(path)
+	if !filepath.IsAbs(clean) {
+		return nil
+	}
+	for _, p := range []string{clean, resolved(clean)} {
+		// The deepest refused tree it is below, so the same declaration always gives the same reason.
+		var tree string
+		for t := range refused {
+			if below(p, t) && len(t) > len(tree) {
+				tree = t
+			}
+		}
+		if tree == "" {
+			continue
+		}
+		why := refused[tree]
+		reason := why.Error()
+		var refusal *PlacementRefusedError
+		if errors.As(why, &refusal) {
+			reason = refusal.Why
+		}
+		return &PlacementRefusedError{Path: clean, Why: "it is below " + tree + ", which is refused: " + reason}
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
 // refuseMounts says why a container's mounts are not made; nil when they may be.
 func refuseMounts(c *declaration.Container, refused map[string]error) error {
 	for _, v := range c.Volumes {

From 71b3aeaf2c742ddce6c5c658f210203c3e5ad5e4 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: jochen <jschoubben@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:54:11 +0200
Subject: [PATCH 4/4] Keep a group member of the other kind's batch from being
 overtaken (hq issue 525)
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit

A merge's group member counted as merged when its merge waited in any batch,
but kinds never share a batch: the later member got a batch of its own, cut
at once, and walked before the earlier member's batch was cut, breaking the
group's order (ADR 0276 §5). Only a member kept in a batch of the merge's own
kind counts as merged now; one kept in the other kind's keeps the merge
waiting, and its batch names that member, so the two are cut in the order
their windows close (review of #250).
---
 cmd/mesh-controller/batches.go         |  4 +-
 cmd/mesh-controller/group_wait.go      | 54 ++++++++++++-------
 cmd/mesh-controller/lone_merge_test.go | 73 ++++++++++++++++++++++++--
 3 files changed, 108 insertions(+), 23 deletions(-)

diff --git a/cmd/mesh-controller/batches.go b/cmd/mesh-controller/batches.go
index 15cd862b..9f030a6c 100644
--- a/cmd/mesh-controller/batches.go
+++ b/cmd/mesh-controller/batches.go
@@ -179,7 +179,8 @@ func (f following) hearMerge(ctx context.Context, m link.SourceMoved, now time.T
 		return nil
 	}
 	// **Its delivery group's word, before the plans are held** (ADR 0306 decision 2): a slow answer holds up no walk.
-	waits, err := groupWait(ctx, inv, m, deliverySeatHeld(entries))
+	own := ownPath(touches)
+	waits, err := groupWait(ctx, inv, m, deliverySeatHeld(entries), own)
 	if err != nil {
 		return notNow(err)
 	}
@@ -208,7 +209,6 @@ func (f following) hearMerge(ctx context.Context, m link.SourceMoved, now time.T
 	// **A merge on the controller's own path never shares a batch with one that waits for the delivery's
 	// 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, deliverySeatHeld(entries)); err != nil {
 		return notNow(err)
 	} else if ok {
diff --git a/cmd/mesh-controller/group_wait.go b/cmd/mesh-controller/group_wait.go
index dc293819..391a9b28 100644
--- a/cmd/mesh-controller/group_wait.go
+++ b/cmd/mesh-controller/group_wait.go
@@ -84,14 +84,29 @@ func memberOf(s string) groupMember {
 }
 
 // groupWait says whether a merge heard now waits for the window for its delivery group, and why in words; nothing
-// when it names no head, its head names no group, or every other member is merged or closed. A member of another
-// repository whose merge this controller already keeps in a batch not yet cut is merged, whatever mesh-delivery
-// says yet (it marks a member merged once its walk opened). Asked before the plans are held: a slow answer holds
-// up no walk.
-func groupWait(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, m link.SourceMoved, held bool) (string, error) {
+// when it names no head, its head names no group, or every other member is merged or closed. own is the merge's
+// kind (ownPath).
+//
+// A member of another repository whose merge this controller already keeps in a batch not yet cut of the same
+// kind is merged, whatever mesh-delivery says yet (it marks a member merged once its walk opened): the merge joins
+// that batch by their head. One kept in a batch of the other kind keeps the merge waiting, whatever mesh-delivery
+// says (review of #250): kinds never share a batch, so the merge's batch is a new one, and cut at once it would
+// walk before that member's batch is cut and break the group's order (ADR 0276 decision 5). Waiting, the two
+// batches are cut in the order their windows close, an own-path one first at one look, as cutBatchesHeld cuts
+// every pair of kinds.
+//
+// Asked before the plans are held: a slow answer holds up no walk.
+func groupWait(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, m link.SourceMoved, held, own bool) (string, error) {
 	if m.Head == "" {
 		return "", nil
 	}
+	same, other, err := keptFromHead(ctx, inv, m.Head, own)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", err
+	}
+	if len(other) > 0 {
+		return "group " + m.Head + " has a member waiting in a batch of the other kind: " + strings.Join(other, ", "), nil
+	}
 	members, isGroup, err := deliveryGroupOf(ctx, held, m.Head)
 	if err != nil {
 		return fmt.Sprintf("%s did not say whether group %s has a member still to merge (%v): it waits for the "+
@@ -100,13 +115,9 @@ func groupWait(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, m link.SourceMoved
 	if !isGroup {
 		return "", nil
 	}
-	kept, err := keptFromHead(ctx, inv, m.Head)
-	if err != nil {
-		return "", err
-	}
 	var open []string
 	for _, g := range members {
-		if strings.EqualFold(g.Repository, m.Owner+"/"+m.Repo) || kept[strings.ToLower(g.Repository)] ||
+		if strings.EqualFold(g.Repository, m.Owner+"/"+m.Repo) || same[strings.ToLower(g.Repository)] ||
 			!openPullStates[g.State] {
 			continue
 		}
@@ -118,23 +129,30 @@ func groupWait(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, m link.SourceMoved
 	return "group " + m.Head + " has a member still to merge: " + strings.Join(open, ", "), nil
 }
 
-// keptFromHead are the repositories (lower case) of the merges from a head that batches not yet cut hold.
-func keptFromHead(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, head string) (map[string]bool, error) {
+// keptFromHead are the merges from a head that batches not yet cut hold: the repositories (lower case) of those in
+// a batch of the kind own says, and, in words, each of the other kind with its batch.
+func keptFromHead(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, head string, own bool) (map[string]bool, []string, error) {
 	batches, err := inv.Batches(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
+		return nil, nil, err
 	}
-	out := map[string]bool{}
+	same := map[string]bool{}
+	var other []string
 	for _, b := range batches {
 		merges, err := inv.MergesOf(ctx, b.ID)
 		if err != nil {
-			return nil, err
+			return nil, nil, err
 		}
 		for _, k := range merges {
-			if announcedOf(k).Head == head {
-				out[strings.ToLower(k.Repository)] = true
+			if announcedOf(k).Head != head {
+				continue
+			}
+			if b.OwnPath() == own {
+				same[strings.ToLower(k.Repository)] = true
+			} else {
+				other = append(other, fmt.Sprintf("%s@%s in %s", k.Repository, short(k.Commit), b.ID))
 			}
 		}
 	}
-	return out, nil
+	return same, other, nil
 }
diff --git a/cmd/mesh-controller/lone_merge_test.go b/cmd/mesh-controller/lone_merge_test.go
index 1a291896..7ab1dbc3 100644
--- a/cmd/mesh-controller/lone_merge_test.go
+++ b/cmd/mesh-controller/lone_merge_test.go
@@ -167,17 +167,17 @@ func TestAGroupsMergedOrClosedMembersMakeNobodyWait(t *testing.T) {
 	deliveryGroupOf = func(context.Context, bool, string) ([]groupMember, bool, error) { return members, true, nil }
 	t.Cleanup(func() { deliveryGroupOf = was })
 	m := fromHead(repoMerge("one", "c1", t0), "feat/x")
-	if why, err := groupWait(ctx, open.inventory, m, true); err != nil || why != "" {
+	if why, err := groupWait(ctx, open.inventory, m, true, false); err != nil || why != "" {
 		t.Fatalf("the group's other members are merged or closed, yet: %q %v", why, err)
 	}
 	members = append(members, groupMember{Repository: "novox/four", State: "checked"})
-	if why, _ := groupWait(ctx, open.inventory, m, true); !strings.Contains(why, "novox/four (checked)") {
+	if why, _ := groupWait(ctx, open.inventory, m, true, false); !strings.Contains(why, "novox/four (checked)") {
 		t.Fatalf("an open member: %q", why)
 	}
 	// novox/four's merge is kept in a batch already: merged, whatever mesh-delivery says yet.
 	hear(t, open, fromHead(repoMerge("two", "c4", t0), "feat/x"), t0)
 	members[3].Repository = "novox/two"
-	if why, _ := groupWait(ctx, open.inventory, m, true); why != "" {
+	if why, _ := groupWait(ctx, open.inventory, m, true, false); why != "" {
 		t.Fatalf("a member this controller keeps the merge of still waits: %q", why)
 	}
 	if got := memberOf("novox/mesh-sdk@d41d255f28ad (held)"); got != (groupMember{Repository: "novox/mesh-sdk", State: "held"}) {
@@ -329,3 +329,70 @@ func TestALoneMergeRelatedToAWalkTheCutFoldsJoinsTheBatch(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("a lone merge related to the waiting walk: batches %+v", bs)
 	}
 }
+
+// A delivery group with a member of each kind (review of #250): a merge on the controller's own path and a
+// catalogue merge never share a batch, so the later member cannot join the earlier one's. Kept in a batch of the
+// other kind, the earlier member keeps the later one waiting, whatever mesh-delivery says yet — never cut at once
+// to walk before it. The two batches are then cut in the order their windows close (cutBatchesHeld: the oldest
+// closed batch first, an own-path one first at one look, and the other queued behind a walk that started): the
+// earlier member's window closes first, so it walks first, in both orders.
+func TestAGroupAcrossBothKindsKeepsItsOrder(t *testing.T) {
+	for _, ownFirst := range []bool{true, false} {
+		name := "catalogue member first"
+		if ownFirst {
+			name = "controller member first"
+		}
+		t.Run(name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			open := windowed(t)
+			asksWithPaths(t)
+			ctx := t.Context()
+			was := deliveryGroupOf
+			// mesh-delivery still says both members ready: it marks one merged only once its walk opened.
+			deliveryGroupOf = func(context.Context, bool, string) ([]groupMember, bool, error) {
+				return []groupMember{{Repository: "novox/mesh-controller", State: "ready"},
+					{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", State: "ready"}}, true, nil
+			}
+			t.Cleanup(func() { deliveryGroupOf = was })
+			own := fromHead(repoMerge("mesh-controller", "k1", t0), "feat/both-kinds")
+			cat := fromHead(catalogueMerge("cat1aaaaaaaa", "app", t0), "feat/both-kinds")
+			first, second := cat, own
+			if ownFirst {
+				first, second = own, cat
+			}
+			second.MergedAt = t0.Add(10 * time.Second).Format(time.RFC3339Nano)
+			hear(t, open, first, t0)
+			hear(t, open, second, t0.Add(10*time.Second))
+			ws, bs := walks(t, open)
+			if len(ws) != 0 || len(bs) != 2 {
+				t.Fatalf("both members heard: %d walk(s), %d batch(es); want two batches, nothing cut", len(ws), len(bs))
+			}
+			later := bs[0] // newest first
+			if later.Delivery.Batch.CutAtOnce || !strings.Contains(later.Delivery.Batch.Waits,
+				"has a member waiting in a batch of the other kind: novox/"+first.Repo+"@") {
+				t.Fatalf("the later member's batch reads %+v; want it waiting for the earlier member", later.Delivery.Batch)
+			}
+			// The earlier member's window closes first: its batch alone is cut.
+			cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(90*time.Second))
+			ws, bs = walks(t, open)
+			if len(ws) != 1 || !ws[0].Open() || ws[0].CommitOf("novox/"+first.Repo) != first.Commit || len(bs) != 1 ||
+				bs[0].ID != later.ID {
+				t.Fatalf("at the earlier window: walks %+v, batches %+v; want the earlier member alone cut", ws, bs)
+			}
+			earlier := ws[0]
+			// The later member's window closes while the earlier walk runs: it queues behind it.
+			cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(100*time.Second))
+			if _, bs := walks(t, open); len(bs) != 1 || bs[0].State != inventory.PlanQueued || bs[0].Delivery.Batch.Behind != earlier.ID {
+				t.Fatalf("the later member's batch does not queue behind the earlier walk: %+v", bs)
+			}
+			earlier.State = inventory.PlanDone
+			if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &earlier); err != nil {
+				t.Fatal(err)
+			}
+			cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(101*time.Second))
+			got, err := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, later.ID)
+			if err != nil || got.Batch() || got.CommitOf("novox/"+second.Repo) != second.Commit {
+				t.Fatalf("the later member was not walked after the earlier: %s %v", got.State, err)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}