Merge pull request 'Seal core credentials by the controller while the vault does not hold them (issue 908, ADR 0396)' (#356) from fix/908-seal-core-until-vault-holds into main

The composed check of mesh-controller#346 and mesh-host#114 into feat/57-config-and-provisioning was judged by the release branch's controller, which cannot build the node-engine member's validator, so the group could never pass. ADR 0239 §14 has the group's own controller judge when a member moves it; ADR 0358 §2 changes the judge only for a pull request into a release branch. A group member in mesh-controller now judges, with the mesh-host member's validator, built in the isolated judge environment and kept by content; the statuses say the group's controller judged.

Co-Authored-By: Claude <noreply@anthropic.com>

cmd/mesh-builder/main.go

@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@ import (
 	"os/signal"
 	"sort"
 	"strings"
+	"sync"
 	"syscall"
 	"time"
 
@@ -272,7 +273,12 @@ func answer(ctx context.Context, publisher builder.Publisher, on, workspace stri
 	// role's own events under the build's id (novox/hq ADR 0157) — so whoever asked, and anybody
 	// watching, reads the same lines this container's log holds, live, and after the fact from the
 	// stream. Said first, before anything runs, so a build that hangs is one that visibly started.
+	// One line at a time: a check's builds for its merge say their lines while its tests say theirs (novox/hq
+	// issue 716).
+	var saying sync.Mutex
 	say := func(step, message string) {
+		saying.Lock()
+		defer saying.Unlock()
 		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "  [%s] %s\n", step, message)
 		work.Say(step, message)
 		if mine != nil && step != "run" && step != "output" {
@@ -313,20 +319,26 @@ func answer(ctx context.Context, publisher builder.Publisher, on, workspace stri
 			registry = r.Address
 		}
 		spec := checkSpecOf(request)
+		// The judge cache the build agent declares as its own data, never in the workspace: only judge builds and
+		// mesh-lab's replays mount it, never a check's containers, so no pull request's script can write what a judge
+		// is built with or kept as, or what the replays run (novox/hq ADR 0358 §6, issue 709).
+		spec.JudgeCache = judgeCache()
 		// What the merge would move, built by the check for the walk to take (novox/hq ADR 0350 §1): into the
 		// scratch namespace. **Never with the package registry's credential**: this is code nobody has approved
 		// yet, and a recipe could read the credential it is handed (issue 462). A module that resolves packages
 		// at build time has no reuse key anyway, so nothing is lost by refusing it here.
 		if isRegistry && len(spec.Builds) > 0 {
 			spec.BuildWith = &builder.CheckBuilding{Publish: publisher, Scratch: registryHere, Held: request.Held,
-				Seats: request.Seats}
+				Running: request.Check.Running, Seats: request.Seats, Named: namedOf(request.Check.Named)}
 		}
 		var v builder.CheckVerdict
 		v, err = builder.Check(building, builder.Command, spec, workspace, registry, forgeFrom(), say)
 		if err == nil {
 			result.Check = &link.CheckOutcome{Verdict: v.Verdict, Summary: v.Summary, Report: v.Report,
 				Took: v.Took.Round(time.Second).String(), Gate: layerOf(v.Gate), RepoCheck: layerOf(v.Repo),
-				Head: v.Head, Trunk: v.Trunk, Beside: v.Beside, Built: checkBuiltOf(v.Built)}
+				Head: v.Head, Trunk: v.Trunk, Beside: v.Beside, Built: checkBuiltOf(v.Built),
+				Release: v.Release, JudgedBy: v.JudgedBy, BesideAt: v.BesideAt, Validator: v.Validator,
+				Siblings: siblingsOut(v.Siblings), SiblingsUnknown: v.SiblingsUnknown, JudgeFrom: v.JudgeFrom}
 			// What each of a group's heads was judged as (novox/hq ADR 0323 §6).
 			for _, m := range v.Members {
 				result.Check.Members = append(result.Check.Members, link.CheckedMember{Owner: m.Owner, Repo: m.Repo,
@@ -352,15 +364,7 @@ func answer(ctx context.Context, publisher builder.Publisher, on, workspace stri
 				reuse.Pulls = append(reuse.Pulls, builder.PullRef{Owner: p.Owner, Repo: p.Repo, Number: p.Number})
 			}
 			// Only what a verdict names is taken (ADR 0350 §2).
-			for _, b := range request.Reuse.Builds {
+			reuse.Named = namedOf(request.Reuse.Builds)
-				named := builder.NamedBuild{Pull: builder.PullRef{Owner: b.Pull.Owner, Repo: b.Pull.Repo,
-					Number: b.Pull.Number}, Check: b.Check, Module: b.Built.Module, Key: b.Built.Key,
-					Digests: map[string]string{}}
-				for _, m := range b.Built.Made {
-					named.Digests[m.Name] = builder.DigestOf(m.Reference)
-				}
-				reuse.Named = append(reuse.Named, named)
-			}
 			built, err = builder.BuildReusing(building, builder.Labelled(builder.Command, request.ID), publisher, reuse,
 				request.Repository, request.Path, request.Ref, workspace, request.Held, npmrc,
 				forgeFrom(), say, request.Seats)
@@ -469,9 +473,13 @@ func checkSpecOf(request link.BuildRequest) builder.CheckSpec {
 		Owner: c.Owner, Repo: c.Repo, Number: c.Number, Paths: c.Paths, Beside: map[string]builder.Beside{},
 		Modules: c.Modules, New: c.New, Manifests: c.Manifests, Judge: c.Judge, Base: c.Base,
 		Toolchain: builder.ToolchainOf(request.Held), Toolchains: builder.ToolchainsOf(request.Held),
-		Tests: c.Tests, StoreOnly: c.StoreOnly}
+		Tests: c.Tests, StoreOnly: c.StoreOnly, Release: c.Release, SiblingsUnknown: c.SiblingsUnknown}
+	for _, s := range c.Siblings {
+		spec.Siblings = append(spec.Siblings, builder.Sibling{Repository: s.Repository, Number: s.Number, Head: s.Head,
+			Base: s.Base, Dir: s.Dir})
+	}
 	for dir, b := range c.Beside {
-		spec.Beside[dir] = builder.Beside{Repository: b.Repository, Ref: b.Ref}
+		spec.Beside[dir] = builder.Beside{Repository: b.Repository, Ref: b.Ref, Else: b.Else}
 	}
 	for _, b := range c.Builds {
 		spec.Builds = append(spec.Builds, builder.CheckBuildSpec{Module: b.Module, Repository: b.Repository, Path: b.Path,
@@ -484,6 +492,21 @@ func checkSpecOf(request link.BuildRequest) builder.CheckSpec {
 	return spec
 }
 
+// siblingsOut is the siblings a check read as the outcome carries them (novox/hq ADR 0382 §4).
+func siblingsOut(read []builder.JudgedSibling) []link.CheckSibling {
+	var out []link.CheckSibling
+	for _, s := range read {
+		out = append(out, link.CheckSibling{Repository: s.Repository, Number: s.Number, Head: s.Head, Base: s.Base,
+			BaseCommit: s.BaseCommit})
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// judgeCache is the judge cache the build agent's manifest declares (MESH_JUDGE_CACHE, novox/hq ADR 0358 §6): a
+// directory mounted at the same path on the host, so a judge build's mounts name what the agent sees. Empty when the
+// agent declares none, and every judge is then built cold under its check's root.
+func judgeCache() string { return os.Getenv("MESH_JUDGE_CACHE") }
+
 // triedOf is a try's outcome as its log line says it (novox/hq issue 686): the repository's own check's verdict,
 // or the check's where that did not run — a head that does not merge — and the lines naming what failed.
 func triedOf(v builder.CheckVerdict) link.Tried {
@@ -501,11 +524,28 @@ func triedOf(v builder.CheckVerdict) link.Tried {
 	return t
 }
 
+// namedOf are the builds the seat's verdicts name, as the builder believes a scratch record by them (novox/hq ADR
+// 0350 §2, issue 703): each module's key with every artifact's digest.
+func namedOf(builds []link.CheckedBuild) []builder.NamedBuild {
+	var out []builder.NamedBuild
+	for _, b := range builds {
+		named := builder.NamedBuild{Pull: builder.PullRef{Owner: b.Pull.Owner, Repo: b.Pull.Repo,
+			Number: b.Pull.Number}, Check: b.Check, Module: b.Built.Module, Key: b.Built.Key,
+			Digests: map[string]string{}}
+		for _, m := range b.Built.Made {
+			named.Digests[m.Name] = builder.DigestOf(m.Reference)
+		}
+		out = append(out, named)
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
 // checkBuiltOf is a check's builds for its merge as the outcome carries them (novox/hq ADR 0350 §1).
 func checkBuiltOf(built []builder.CheckBuilt) []link.CheckBuilt {
 	var out []link.CheckBuilt
 	for _, b := range built {
-		c := link.CheckBuilt{Module: b.Module, Key: b.Key, NotBuilt: b.NotBuilt, Took: b.Took.Round(time.Second).String()}
+		c := link.CheckBuilt{Module: b.Module, Key: b.Key, NotBuilt: b.NotBuilt, Took: b.Took.Round(time.Second).String(),
+			Kept: b.Kept, Same: b.Same, SameAs: b.SameAs}
 		for _, m := range b.Made {
 			c.Made = append(c.Made, link.MadeArtifact{Name: m.Name, Kind: m.Kind, Reference: m.Reference})
 		}

cmd/mesh-builder/release_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,46 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/builder"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// **A pull request into a release branch reaches the check as one** (novox/hq ADR 0358): the build seat hands the
+// check the release branch and, beside it, the trunk each repository is read at when it has no branch of that name;
+// and it hands the check the judge cache the build agent declares (MESH_JUDGE_CACHE), never a path of its own.
+func TestTheBuildSeatHandsTheCheckItsReleaseBranch(t *testing.T) {
+	spec := checkSpecOf(link.BuildRequest{ID: "b", Repository: "r", Ref: "abc", Check: &link.CheckRequest{
+		Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-catalog", Base: "feat/57", Release: "feat/57",
+		Beside: map[string]link.CheckedOut{"mesh-host": {Repository: "h", Ref: "feat/57", Else: "main"}}}})
+	if spec.Release != "feat/57" || spec.Beside["mesh-host"].Ref != "feat/57" || spec.Beside["mesh-host"].Else != "main" {
+		t.Fatalf("the check was handed release %q and mesh-host %+v", spec.Release, spec.Beside["mesh-host"])
+	}
+	t.Setenv("MESH_JUDGE_CACHE", "/var/lib/mesh/build-agent/judge-cache")
+	if got := judgeCache(); got != "/var/lib/mesh/build-agent/judge-cache" {
+		t.Fatalf("the judge cache the manifest declares is read as %q", got)
+	}
+	t.Setenv("MESH_JUDGE_CACHE", "")
+	if got := judgeCache(); got != "" {
+		t.Fatalf("with no judge cache declared, %q is used", got)
+	}
+}
+
+// The siblings a check is asked to read reach the build seat's spec and, as read, the outcome (novox/hq ADR 0382).
+func TestTheSiblingsAnAskNamesReachTheSpecAndTheOutcome(t *testing.T) {
+	spec := checkSpecOf(link.BuildRequest{Check: &link.CheckRequest{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-host", Base: "main",
+		Siblings:        []link.CheckSibling{{Repository: "novox/mesh-controller", Number: 346, Head: "a", Base: "main", Dir: "mesh-controller"}},
+		SiblingsUnknown: "why"}})
+	if len(spec.Siblings) != 1 || spec.Siblings[0] != (builder.Sibling{Repository: "novox/mesh-controller", Number: 346,
+		Head: "a", Base: "main", Dir: "mesh-controller"}) || spec.SiblingsUnknown != "why" {
+		t.Fatalf("the spec reads %+v", spec)
+	}
+	out := siblingsOut([]builder.JudgedSibling{{Repository: "novox/mesh-controller", Number: 346, Head: "a", Base: "main", BaseCommit: "b"}})
+	if len(out) != 1 || out[0].BaseCommit != "b" || out[0].Number != 346 {
+		t.Fatalf("the outcome reads %+v", out)
+	}
+	if plain := checkSpecOf(link.BuildRequest{Check: &link.CheckRequest{Owner: "o", Repo: "r"}}); plain.Siblings != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("a request that names none has siblings %+v", plain.Siblings)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/acting.go

@@ -26,8 +26,11 @@ import (
 //
 //   - **The serving controller** takes it before it does anything else — before it asserts the bus's
 //     objects, which are the controller's to write — waiting while another holds it, and renews it.
-//     A renewal refused or failed is the lease lost: the gate closes at once and the process exits, so
+//     Another holder seen, or the key's age passed with no renewal made, is the lease lost: the gate
-//     its service manager restarts it as a candidate (serve, in push.go).
+//     closes at once and the process exits, so its service manager restarts it as a candidate (serve,
+//     in push.go). A renewal the bus does not answer in time is not a loss (novox/hq issue 477): the
+//     lease is kept, no new act starts once half the key's age passed unrenewed, and the next renewal
+//     made opens the gate again.
 //   - **A command run at a shell** — `push` in the installer, the lab, a person repairing a mesh whose
 //     controller is down (issue 201) — acts **under the holder's epoch** when a controller holds the
 //     lease: it is the same mesh's word, composed and sent under the store's hold of each machine like

cmd/mesh-controller/addresses_test.go

@@ -140,7 +140,7 @@ func TestTheRegistryTrustAndEveryImageFollowThePortTheNodeGaveTheStore(t *testin
 	}
 
 	// And a replay to the catalogue says where the store is now.
-	announced, err := following{open}.Announceable(ctx)
+	announced, err := following{open: open}.Announceable(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/apply_failing.go

@@ -38,15 +38,61 @@ func watchApplyFailing(f *signalFacts) []conditions.Observation {
 		}
 	}
 	var out []conditions.Observation
+	said := map[string]bool{}
 	for _, d := range f.doing {
 		if !d.Wrong() || d.Since == nil || f.now.Sub(*d.Since) <= applyEvery || !heard[d.Node] {
 			continue
 		}
 		out = append(out, applyFailing(d, f.now))
+		said[d.Node] = true
+	}
+	// **A module's files the provisioner failed to place are a failed apply too** (novox/hq ADR 0362 §3): its client's
+	// newest word, judged by the same bound — the client says a failure once, and fills again on every change —
+	// on a machine whose node-engine applied what it was sent.
+	failed := map[string][]inventory.ProvReport{}
+	for _, r := range f.provFailed {
+		if r.Status != inventory.ProvFailed || f.now.Sub(r.At) <= applyEvery || !heard[r.Node] || said[r.Node] {
+			continue
+		}
+		failed[r.Node] = append(failed[r.Node], r)
+	}
+	for _, node := range sortedNames(failed) {
+		out = append(out, provisioningFailing(node, failed[node], f.now))
 	}
 	return out
 }
 
+// provisioningFailing is one machine's S21 condition for the modules whose files its provisioner client failed to
+// place.
+func provisioningFailing(m string, failed []inventory.ProvReport, now time.Time) conditions.Observation {
+	sort.Slice(failed, func(a, b int) bool { return failed[a].Module < failed[b].Module })
+	var names, words []string
+	since := failed[0].At
+	for _, r := range failed {
+		names = append(names, r.Module)
+		words = append(words, r.Module+": "+oneLine(orNoReason(r.Reason)))
+		if r.At.Before(since) {
+			since = r.At
+		}
+	}
+	o := conditions.Observation{Scope: conditions.ScopeMachine, ID: m, Kind: kindApplyFailing, Machine: m,
+		Severity: conditions.Warning, Said: strings.Join(words, "; "),
+		Resolved: m + " applies what it is sent again"}
+	o.Summary = fmt.Sprintf("%s's provisioner has failed to place the files of %s since %s (bound %s)", m,
+		strings.Join(names, ", "), since.UTC().Format("2006-01-02 15:04 MST"), ago(applyEvery))
+	o.Headline = m + " is not applying its update"
+	o.Explanation = fmt.Sprintf("The provisioner on %s has not been able to write the files of %s for %s. The "+
+		"details say why.", m, strings.Join(names, ", "), humanDuration(now.Sub(since)))
+	return o
+}
+
+func orNoReason(s string) string {
+	if s == "" {
+		return "no reason given"
+	}
+	return s
+}
+
 // applyFailing is one machine's S21 condition.
 func applyFailing(d inventory.Doing, now time.Time) conditions.Observation {
 	m := d.Node

cmd/mesh-controller/batches.go

@@ -688,7 +688,7 @@ func spelledOf(m inventory.BatchedMerge) string {
 func namedOf(m inventory.BatchedMerge, repository string) inventory.PlanMerge {
 	k := announcedOf(m)
 	return inventory.PlanMerge{Repository: repository, Commit: m.Commit, Number: k.Number, Title: k.Title, Moves: k.Moves,
-		Merged: m.Merged, Heard: m.Heard}
+		Head: k.HeadSHA, Merged: m.Merged, Heard: m.Heard}
 }
 
 // laterMerge says a was merged after b: by the forge's merge time, then by when each was heard.
@@ -1000,10 +1000,15 @@ func planBatch(ctx context.Context, open *stores, batch *inventory.Plan, carry [
 	plan.Delivery.Merges = named
 	plan.Delivery.Alone = batch.Delivery != nil && batch.Delivery.Alone
 	plan.Delivery.Withheld = withheld
+	// **Left where it is, a module whose program did not change** (novox/hq issue 721): its check found it the same as
+	// the build the mesh holds.
+	for n, why := range leaveSameAsRunning(ctx, inv, &plan, moved, append(append([]inventory.Edge{}, edges...), ordered...)) {
+		unchanged[n] = why
+	}
 	plan.Delivery.Unchanged = unchangedLeft(unchanged, plan.Modules)
 	// **Its moments and its class** (novox/hq ADR 0282 decision 6): measured, never acted on.
 	plan.Times = walkTimesAtCut(*batch, plan, entries, now)
-	if len(moved) == 0 {
+	if len(moved) == 0 || len(plan.Modules) == 0 {
 		plan.State = inventory.PlanDone
 		plan.Tiers = [][]string{}
 		plan.Note = "moved nothing the mesh holds: nothing to walk"
@@ -1044,7 +1049,7 @@ func planBatch(ctx context.Context, open *stores, batch *inventory.Plan, carry [
 		return nil
 	}
 	// Written and its first tier asked as one act on the plans (novox/hq issue 213), under the caller's hold.
-	if err := askTier(ctx, inv, &plan); err != nil {
+	if err := askTier(ctx, inv, &plan, plan.Tiers[plan.Tier]); err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 	if err := inv.SavePlan(ctx, &plan); err != nil {

cmd/mesh-controller/batches_test.go

@@ -758,7 +758,7 @@ func TestTheCatchUpKeepsWhatACutMadeHistory(t *testing.T) {
 		return entries, read, err
 	}
 	if err := catchUpOnMerges(ctx, time.Now(), unheardMerges{announcedList(lost), open.inventory}, catalogued,
-		(following{open}).SourceMoved, t.Logf); err != nil {
+		(following{open: open}).SourceMoved, t.Logf); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
 	got, _ := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, w.ID)

cmd/mesh-controller/build.go

@@ -852,6 +852,9 @@ type answers struct {
 	sources map[string]inventory.Source
 	// waiting is every machine not running what the mesh would send it.
 	waiting []inventory.Machine
+	// recordedWaits is, per machine, every move of a recorded module that waits there for a person (novox/hq ADR
+	// 0377 §6): the machine is behind for these, and `push <node>` sends them.
+	recordedWaits map[string][]string
 	// reported is every machine's last word beside when it was last sent a declaration — the
 	// pair that answers "has it caught up", which waiting alone cannot (the sent digest is
 	// recorded at send, not at apply).
@@ -931,6 +934,34 @@ type answers struct {
 //
 // Routed through the artifact store as the network reaches it now (novox/hq 04-ISSUES/102): a
 // base is recorded by digest and path, and a build machine needs something it can pull.
+// runningBy is, keyed "<module>/<artifact>", each artifact of the build the mesh has registered for its module, as a
+// builder reaches the artifact store (novox/hq issue 721): what a check compares its builds with. Empty when it cannot
+// be read, said, and then nothing is said unchanged.
+func runningBy(ctx context.Context) map[string]string {
+	open, err := openStores(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "could not read what this mesh runs, so the check compares nothing: %v\n", err)
+		// empty-on-error: said above; a check given nothing to compare with says no module unchanged, and all move
+		return nil
+	}
+	defer open.Close()
+	running, err := open.inventory.RegisteredHeld(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "could not read what this mesh runs, so the check compares nothing: %v\n", err)
+		// empty-on-error: said above; a check given nothing to compare with says no module unchanged, and all move
+		return nil
+	}
+	address, err := whereABuilderReachesTheStore(ctx, open.inventory)
+	if err != nil || address == "" {
+		return running
+	}
+	routed := make(map[string]string, len(running))
+	for key, reference := range running {
+		routed[key] = catalogue.Rerouted(reference, address)
+	}
+	return routed
+}
+
 func heldBy(ctx context.Context) map[string]string {
 	open, err := openStores(ctx)
 	if err != nil {

cmd/mesh-controller/bus_users_closed_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,92 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"errors"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// **Every user's slow consumer is S9's, not the controller's alone** (novox/hq ADR 0357, issue 270). On
+// 2026-10-07 the bus closed two clients on the laptop as slow consumers and nothing raised a condition:
+// the controller heard only its own connection. Said by the bus module and read back, a user the bus
+// closes is one condition naming the module and its machine, raised at the first look and cleared an hour
+// after the last closure.
+func TestAUserTheBusClosedAsASlowConsumerIsOneConditionNamingItsModuleAndMachine(t *testing.T) {
+	closed := time.Date(2026, 10, 14, 12, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	now := closed.Add(20 * time.Second)
+	store := conditions.NewInMemory()
+	k := conditions.NewKeeper(t.Context(), conditions.Options{Store: store, History: store,
+		Teller: &conditions.Told{}, Now: func() time.Time { return now }})
+	t.Cleanup(func() { k.Close(t.Context()) })
+
+	advisories := link.BusClosures([]link.BusClosure{
+		{User: "laptop.claude-code", CID: 10, Reason: "Slow Consumer (Write Deadline)", Opened: closed.Add(-time.Hour),
+			Closed: closed.Add(-10 * time.Minute)},
+		{User: "laptop.claude-code", CID: 44, Reason: "Slow Consumer (Write Deadline)", Opened: closed.Add(-time.Minute),
+			Closed: closed},
+		{User: "anchor.desk", CID: 7, Reason: "Maximum Message Payload Exceeded", Opened: closed.Add(-time.Hour),
+			Closed: closed},
+	}, []string{link.AdvisorySlowConsumer, link.AdvisorySlowConsumer, link.AdvisoryConnectionClosed}, closed.Add(-time.Hour))
+	look := func() {
+		t.Helper()
+		f := &signalFacts{now: now, host: "anchor", advisories: advisories}
+		if err := k.Reconcile(t.Context(), "S9", watchAdvisories(f)); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	look()
+
+	slow, found, err := conditions.ReadOne(t.Context(), store, "bus.laptop.claude-code.slow-consumer")
+	if err != nil || !found {
+		t.Fatalf("no slow-consumer condition for the user: %v %v", found, err)
+	}
+	if slow.Subject.Machine != "laptop" || slow.Observations != 2 || !slow.LastObserved.Equal(closed) {
+		t.Fatalf("the slow consumer is said on %q, %d closure(s), last %s: %+v", slow.Subject.Machine, slow.Observations,
+			slow.LastObserved, slow)
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(slow.Summary, "claude-code on laptop") || strings.Contains(slow.Summary, "laptop.claude-code") {
+		t.Fatalf("the summary does not name the module in words, or carries the dotted user: %q", slow.Summary)
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(slow.Headline, "Claude-code on laptop") {
+		t.Fatalf("the headline is %q", slow.Headline)
+	}
+	cut, found, err := conditions.ReadOne(t.Context(), store, "bus.anchor.desk.connection-closed")
+	if err != nil || !found || cut.Subject.Machine != "anchor" || !strings.Contains(cut.Summary, "maximum message payload exceeded") {
+		t.Fatalf("the user cut off for breaking the bus's rules: %v %v %+v", found, err, cut)
+	}
+
+	// An hour after the newest closure without another, both clear.
+	now = closed.Add(time.Hour + time.Minute)
+	look()
+	for _, key := range []string{"bus.laptop.claude-code.slow-consumer", "bus.anchor.desk.connection-closed"} {
+		if _, found, _ := k.Get(t.Context(), key); found {
+			t.Fatalf("%s is still open an hour after the last closure", key)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// **A read of the bus module's events that fails does not blind S9** (review of #326): the controller's own
+// signals are still said, and the failed read is a condition of its own.
+func TestABusModuleReadThatFailsKeepsTheControllersOwnSignals(t *testing.T) {
+	at := time.Date(2026, 10, 14, 12, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	f := &signalFacts{now: at.Add(time.Minute), host: "anchor",
+		advisories: []link.Advisory{{Kind: link.AdvisorySlowConsumer, ID: "controller", Said: "the controller fell behind",
+			First: at, Last: at, Count: 1}},
+		busFaultsErr: errors.New("nats: timeout")}
+	keys := map[string]bool{}
+	for _, o := range watchAdvisories(f) {
+		keys[o.Key()] = true
+	}
+	if !keys["bus.controller.slow-consumer"] || !keys["bus.bus-module.bus-faults-unread"] {
+		t.Fatalf("observed %v: the controller's own slow consumer and the unread events, both", keys)
+	}
+	for _, row := range signalsTable {
+		if row.Row == "S9" && row.needs(f) != nil {
+			t.Fatal("the S9 row went blind for a read of the bus module's events")
+		}
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/busobjects.go

@@ -49,10 +49,12 @@ func assertBusObjects(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, r broker.Ra
 	// composed from, so a module the mesh grants a consumer's subjects has that consumer waiting.
 	// Done on every raise, not only when a credential is issued: every module moved onto this bus
 	// by the rollout was issued on the old one, and came up with nothing to bind to (2026-09-28).
-	consumers, err := moduleConsumers(ctx, inv)
+	consumers, records, err := moduleConsumersAndRecords(ctx, inv)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
+	// And a grant of a restricted stream that composes nothing, said on every raise and send (novox/hq ADR 0376 §2).
+	sayWithheld(records, "  ")
 	// And the work queues of seats that name their caller or their kind, with each holder's worker
 	// (novox/hq ADR 0259 §3): an ask queues until the router takes it, a channel's work until that kind
 	// takes it.
@@ -60,9 +62,19 @@ func assertBusObjects(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, r broker.Ra
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
+	// And every module's own stream (novox/hq ADR 0363), from the catalogue, before the consumers on it.
+	modStreams, err := inv.DeclaredStreams(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
 	// Every one tried, and every failure named: one module's consumer the bus refuses is no reason
 	// the modules after it in the list hear nothing (novox/hq issue 208, where this runs on each send).
 	var failed []error
+	for _, s := range broker.ModuleStreams(modStreams) {
+		if err := r.EnsureStream(s); err != nil {
+			failed = append(failed, fmt.Errorf("the module stream %s: %w", s.Name, err))
+		}
+	}
 	for _, s := range trafficStreams {
 		if err := r.EnsureStream(s); err != nil {
 			failed = append(failed, fmt.Errorf("the work queue %s: %w", s.Name, err))
@@ -73,11 +85,30 @@ func assertBusObjects(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, r broker.Ra
 			failed = append(failed, fmt.Errorf("the worker %s on %s: %w", c.Name, c.Stream, err))
 		}
 	}
+	restricted := map[string]bool{}
+	for _, s := range modStreams {
+		restricted[s.Name] = s.Restricted
+	}
 	for _, c := range consumers {
-		if err := r.EnsureConsumer(c.Consumer); err != nil {
+		if err := broker.EnsureHeard(r, c.Consumer, restricted[c.Consumer.Stream]); err != nil {
 			failed = append(failed, fmt.Errorf("how %s on %s hears what it consumes: %w", c.Module, c.Node, err))
 		}
 	}
+	// **And a consumer no longer granted loses what it reads through** (novox/hq ADR 0363 §6): every consumer
+	// on a module's stream the composition no longer asks for is removed, on this very send.
+	if p, prunes := r.(broker.Pruner); prunes && len(modStreams) > 0 {
+		var wanted []broker.Consumer
+		for _, c := range consumers {
+			wanted = append(wanted, c.Consumer)
+		}
+		removed, err := broker.PruneHeard(p, modStreams, wanted)
+		if err != nil {
+			failed = append(failed, err)
+		}
+		for _, gone := range removed {
+			fmt.Printf("  removed the consumer %s: its module is no longer granted that stream (novox/hq ADR 0363)\n", gone)
+		}
+	}
 	if len(failed) > 0 {
 		return nil, errors.Join(failed...)
 	}
@@ -136,15 +167,21 @@ func unassertedObservation(err error) conditions.Observation {
 
 // moduleConsumers is every module's durable consumer, from the records the user list is composed from.
 func moduleConsumers(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory) ([]broker.ModuleConsumer, error) {
+	consumers, _, err := moduleConsumersAndRecords(ctx, inv)
+	return consumers, err
+}
+
+// moduleConsumersAndRecords is moduleConsumers with the records they were composed from.
+func moduleConsumersAndRecords(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory) ([]broker.ModuleConsumer, broker.Records, error) {
 	records, err := inv.BusRecords(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
+		return nil, broker.Records{}, err
 	}
 	users, err := broker.Users(records)
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
+		return nil, broker.Records{}, err
 	}
-	return broker.ConsumersOf(users), nil
+	return broker.ConsumersOf(users), records, nil
 }
 
 // seatTrafficObjects is the work queues and workers of seats that name their caller or their kind, from

cmd/mesh-controller/changeplan.go

@@ -73,6 +73,11 @@ func changePlanOf(repository, base, head string, r mergeReach, entries []invento
 					"(issue 280)", busUpgradeNeeded, name, busUpgradeVerb, strings.Join(e.On, ", ")))
 			case name == "nats" || catalogue.ProvidesBus(e.Manifest):
 				p.Steps = append(p.Steps, "a planned bus step: the bus is upgraded by `bus upgrade`, never by an ordinary send")
+			case waits && len(e.On) > 0 && (u.From == catalogue.FromModule || u.From == catalogue.FromData):
+				// Judged per machine by the walk, against the build each was last sent (novox/hq ADR 0377).
+				p.Steps = append(p.Steps, fmt.Sprintf("%s waits for a person: its policy records (%s) — unless on a machine "+
+					"its move recreates none of its containers and moves none of its data, which the walk judges and then sends",
+					name, orNone(u.From)))
 			case waits && len(e.On) > 0:
 				p.Steps = append(p.Steps, fmt.Sprintf("%s waits for a person: its policy records (%s)", name,
 					orNone(u.From)))

cmd/mesh-controller/check.go

@@ -244,6 +244,12 @@ func moduleCheckFor(paths []string, longestMachine int, out io.Writer) error {
 				checks = append(checks, fmt.Sprintf("%v by %s", r["id"], catalogue.HealthWords(h)))
 			}
 		}
+		// And its own runtime's, where it runs as its own account (novox/hq ADR 0366).
+		if own, has := catalogue.OwnRuntimeHealth(m); has {
+			if h, _, _ := catalogue.ReadHealth(own); h.Kind != "" {
+				checks = append(checks, fmt.Sprintf("%v by %s", own["id"], catalogue.HealthWords(h)))
+			}
+		}
 		if len(checks) > 0 {
 			fmt.Fprintf(out, ", ready: %s", strings.Join(checks, "; "))
 		}

cmd/mesh-controller/check_builds_test.go

@@ -125,6 +125,7 @@ func TestAWalksBuildSaysWhetherItReusedOrBuilt(t *testing.T) {
 // build as it judges one the walk built. A scratch reference is refused. Needs the store (MESH_TEST_POSTGRES), and
 // is named in testdata/store-tests.
 func TestAReusedCheckBuildIsRegisteredByItsDigestAndGatedAsABuiltOne(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate's own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	g := aGateMesh(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	inv := g.open.inventory
@@ -190,27 +191,90 @@ func TestAReusedCheckBuildIsRegisteredByItsDigestAndGatedAsABuiltOne(t *testing.
 	}
 }
 
-// A walk's leave names the builds its own pull requests' verdicts made, and none when they cannot be read: the
+// A walk's leave names the builds its own pull requests' verdicts made at the head each merge merged — never an
-// builder takes nothing a verdict does not name (novox/hq ADR 0350 §2).
+// earlier head's — read once per walk, and none when they cannot be read: the builder takes nothing a verdict does
+// not name (novox/hq ADR 0350 §2, issue 703).
 func TestAWalksLeaveNamesTheBuildsItsPullRequestsVerdictsMade(t *testing.T) {
 	was := checkedBuildsOf
-	t.Cleanup(func() { checkedBuildsOf = was })
+	forgetWalkVerdicts()
-	var asked []link.PullRef
+	t.Cleanup(func() { checkedBuildsOf = was; forgetWalkVerdicts() })
-	named := []link.CheckedBuild{{Pull: link.PullRef{Owner: "novox", Repo: "shop", Number: 7}, Check: "build-1",
+	var asked [][]link.PullRef
-		Built: link.CheckBuilt{Module: "app", Key: "r1:1"}}}
+	pull := link.PullRef{Owner: "novox", Repo: "shop", Number: 7}
+	atHead := link.CheckedBuild{Pull: pull, Check: "build-2", Head: "bbbbbbbbbbbb", Built: link.CheckBuilt{Module: "app", Key: "r1:2"}}
+	earlier := link.CheckedBuild{Pull: pull, Check: "build-1", Head: "aaaaaaaaaaaa", Built: link.CheckBuilt{Module: "app", Key: "r1:1"}}
 	checkedBuildsOf = func(_ context.Context, pulls []link.PullRef) ([]link.CheckedBuild, error) {
-		asked = pulls
+		asked = append(asked, pulls)
-		return named, nil
+		return []link.CheckedBuild{atHead, earlier}, nil
 	}
-	pulls := []link.PullRef{{Owner: "novox", Repo: "shop", Number: 7}}
+	pulls := []link.PullRef{pull}
-	if got := reuseWithVerdicts(t.Context(), &link.ReuseAsk{Pulls: pulls}); !reflect.DeepEqual(got.Builds, named) ||
+	heads := map[link.PullRef]string{pull: "bbbbbbbbbbbb0123456789"}
-		!reflect.DeepEqual(asked, pulls) {
+	for range 3 {
-		t.Fatalf("the leave names %+v, read for %+v", got.Builds, asked)
+		if got := reuseWithVerdicts(t.Context(), "plan-1", &link.ReuseAsk{Pulls: pulls}, heads); !reflect.DeepEqual(got.Builds,
+			[]link.CheckedBuild{atHead}) {
+			t.Fatalf("the leave names %+v, not only the merged head's build", got.Builds)
+		}
+	}
+	if !reflect.DeepEqual(asked, [][]link.PullRef{pulls}) {
+		t.Fatalf("the verdicts were read %d times for one walk: %v", len(asked), asked)
+	}
+	// A merge whose head was not said takes nothing.
+	if got := reuseWithVerdicts(t.Context(), "plan-1", &link.ReuseAsk{Pulls: pulls}, nil); got.Builds != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("a merge of no said head names %+v", got.Builds)
 	}
 	checkedBuildsOf = func(context.Context, []link.PullRef) ([]link.CheckedBuild, error) {
 		return nil, errors.New("no bus")
 	}
-	if got := reuseWithVerdicts(t.Context(), &link.ReuseAsk{Pulls: pulls}); got.Builds != nil {
+	if got := reuseWithVerdicts(t.Context(), "plan-2", &link.ReuseAsk{Pulls: pulls}, heads); got.Builds != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("verdicts that could not be read named %+v", got.Builds)
 	}
 }
+
+// A check is handed only the builds earlier checks of its own pull request at its own head made: another pull
+// request's build, or an earlier head's, is never kept (novox/hq issue 703). None when they cannot be read.
+func TestACheckIsHandedOnlyItsOwnHeadsBuilds(t *testing.T) {
+	was := checkedBuildsOf
+	t.Cleanup(func() { checkedBuildsOf = was })
+	pull := link.PullRef{Owner: "novox", Repo: "shop", Number: 7}
+	mine := link.CheckedBuild{Pull: pull, Check: "build-1", Head: "bbbbbbbbbbbb", Built: link.CheckBuilt{Module: "app", Key: "r1:1"}}
+	earlier := link.CheckedBuild{Pull: pull, Check: "build-0", Head: "aaaaaaaaaaaa", Built: link.CheckBuilt{Module: "app", Key: "r1:1"}}
+	another := link.CheckedBuild{Pull: link.PullRef{Owner: "novox", Repo: "shop", Number: 8}, Check: "build-9",
+		Head: "bbbbbbbbbbbb", Built: link.CheckBuilt{Module: "app", Key: "r1:1"}}
+	var asked [][]link.PullRef
+	checkedBuildsOf = func(_ context.Context, pulls []link.PullRef) ([]link.CheckedBuild, error) {
+		asked = append(asked, pulls)
+		return []link.CheckedBuild{mine, earlier, another}, nil
+	}
+	p := link.PullUpdated{Owner: "novox", Repo: "shop", Number: 7, Commit: "bbbbbbbbbbbb0123456789"}
+	builds := []link.CheckBuild{{Module: "app"}}
+	if got := namedForTheCheck(t.Context(), p, builds); !reflect.DeepEqual(got, []link.CheckedBuild{mine}) ||
+		!reflect.DeepEqual(asked, [][]link.PullRef{{pull}}) {
+		t.Fatalf("the check is handed %+v, read for %v", got, asked)
+	}
+	checkedBuildsOf = func(context.Context, []link.PullRef) ([]link.CheckedBuild, error) {
+		return nil, errors.New("no bus")
+	}
+	if got := namedForTheCheck(t.Context(), p, builds); got != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("verdicts that could not be read named %+v", got)
+	}
+}
+
+func forgetWalkVerdicts() {
+	walkVerdicts.Lock()
+	defer walkVerdicts.Unlock()
+	walkVerdicts.read = map[string]verdictsRead{}
+}
+
+// A walk's merged heads are the forge's word for each merge; a merge announced without its head, or a pull request
+// merged at two heads in one walk, has none, and its walk takes no check's build (novox/hq issue 703).
+func TestAWalksMergedHeadsAreTheForgesWord(t *testing.T) {
+	merge := func(number int, head string) inventory.PlanMerge {
+		return inventory.PlanMerge{Repository: "novox/shop", Number: number, Head: head}
+	}
+	p := &inventory.Plan{Delivery: &inventory.PlanDelivery{Merges: []inventory.PlanMerge{
+		merge(7, "aaaaaaaaaaaa1"), merge(8, ""), merge(9, "bbbbbbbbbbbb"), merge(9, "cccccccccccc")}}}
+	heads := mergedHeadsOf(p)
+	shop := func(n int) link.PullRef { return link.PullRef{Owner: "novox", Repo: "shop", Number: n} }
+	if heads[shop(7)] != "aaaaaaaaaaaa1" || heads[shop(8)] != "" || heads[shop(9)] != "" {
+		t.Fatalf("merged heads %v", heads)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/check_siblings.go

@@ -0,0 +1,140 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"fmt"
+	"regexp"
+	"sort"
+	"strings"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// **A delivery group's member is checked beside the other members' heads** (novox/hq ADR 0382, issue 867).
+//
+// A mesh-host change and a mesh-controller change that need each other could not both pass their own merge checks:
+// each was read beside the other's repository at the commit the mesh runs, which holds neither change. So the
+// controller asks mesh-delivery's `groups` once for every pull request's check it asks (§1), and names, in the ask,
+// the group's other open pull requests into a base of the same name, in a repository the build seat reads beside the
+// check — mesh-lab never — each with its whole head. The build seat reads those repositories at the sibling's merge (§2).
+// A pull request for which mesh-delivery answered and named no sibling is asked exactly as before (§7).
+
+// wholeCommit is a commit as the forge says a head: forty hexadecimal characters.
+var wholeCommit = regexp.MustCompile(`^[0-9a-f]{40}$`)
+
+// besideRepositories are the repositories (lower case, owner/repo) a check reads beside its own, by the directory each
+// is found under — the core's, as besideOf clones them, and mesh-sdk beside the controller; never mesh-lab, which is
+// always read at its trunk.
+func besideRepositories(entries []inventory.Entry) map[string]string {
+	read := map[string]string{}
+	for _, e := range entries {
+		dir, core := coreModules[e.Manifest.Module]
+		if !core || e.Provided || e.Source.Repository == "" {
+			continue
+		}
+		read[nameOf(e.Source.Repository)] = dir
+		if dir == "mesh-controller" && e.Source.Seat != "" {
+			read[nameOf(siblingOf(e.Source.Repository, "mesh-sdk"))] = "mesh-sdk"
+		}
+	}
+	delete(read, "")
+	return read
+}
+
+// nameOf is a recorded repository as owner/repo in lower case, empty when it names no owner.
+func nameOf(repository string) string {
+	owner, repo := sourceOwner(repository), sourceName(repository)
+	if owner == "" || repo == "" {
+		return ""
+	}
+	return strings.ToLower(owner + "/" + repo)
+}
+
+// siblingsFor is the pull request's siblings, as mesh-delivery's groups say them (ADR 0382 §1): the other members of
+// the group its head branch names that are open, unmerged and into a base of its own base's name, in a repository the
+// check reads beside it (beside: the directories the ask already names). The second answer is why they could not be
+// learned, empty when they could: the group's members carry no head or base — a mesh-delivery from before the rule.
+func siblingsFor(p link.PullUpdated, entries []inventory.Entry, beside map[string]link.CheckedOut,
+	lines []groupsLine) ([]link.CheckSibling, string) {
+	own := strings.ToLower(p.Owner + "/" + p.Repo)
+	var group *groupsLine
+	if p.Head == "" {
+		// A recheck (mesh-delivery's `recheck` through `delivery check`) carries no head branch name: the group is the one
+		// whose members hold this very pull request, by repository and number.
+		learnable := false
+		for i := range lines {
+			for _, m := range lines[i].Details {
+				learnable = true
+				if p.Number != 0 && m.Number == p.Number && strings.ToLower(m.Repository) == own {
+					group = &lines[i]
+				}
+			}
+		}
+		if group == nil {
+			for _, l := range lines {
+				if len(l.Details) == 0 && len(l.Members) > 0 && !learnable {
+					return nil, "mesh-delivery named the groups' members without their pull requests (a mesh-delivery from before novox/hq ADR 0382): " +
+						"the group of a pull request announced without its head branch cannot be found"
+				}
+			}
+			return nil, "" // a lone pull request
+		}
+	} else {
+		for i := range lines {
+			if lines[i].ID == p.Head {
+				group = &lines[i]
+			}
+		}
+		if group == nil {
+			return nil, ""
+		}
+	}
+	if len(group.Details) == 0 && len(group.Members) > 0 {
+		return nil, "mesh-delivery named the group's members without their heads and bases (a mesh-delivery from before novox/hq ADR 0382)"
+	}
+	read := besideRepositories(entries)
+	var siblings []link.CheckSibling
+	for _, m := range group.Details {
+		repository := strings.ToLower(m.Repository)
+		if repository == own {
+			continue
+		}
+		if !m.Open {
+			continue
+		}
+		if m.Head == "" || m.Base == "" {
+			return nil, "mesh-delivery named " + m.ID + " without its head or base (a mesh-delivery from before novox/hq ADR 0382)"
+		}
+		dir, readBeside := read[repository]
+		if m.Base != p.Base || !readBeside || dir == "mesh-lab" {
+			continue
+		}
+		if _, there := beside[dir]; !there {
+			continue
+		}
+		head := strings.ToLower(m.Head)
+		if !wholeCommit.MatchString(head) {
+			return nil, fmt.Sprintf("mesh-delivery named %s with a head that is not a whole commit (%q)", m.ID, m.Head)
+		}
+		siblings = append(siblings, link.CheckSibling{Repository: m.Repository, Number: m.Number, Head: head, Base: m.Base, Dir: dir})
+	}
+	sort.Slice(siblings, func(i, j int) bool { return siblings[i].Dir < siblings[j].Dir })
+	return siblings, ""
+}
+
+// withSiblings asks mesh-delivery's `groups` once and says in the request the pull request's siblings, or why they
+// could not be learned (ADR 0382 §1): a check never waits on mesh-delivery past groupAskWithin and never fails for it,
+// so a fix to mesh-delivery is still checked without it.
+func withSiblings(ctx context.Context, request *link.BuildRequest, p link.PullUpdated, entries []inventory.Entry) {
+	if request.Check == nil {
+		return
+	}
+	lines, err := groupsAsked(ctx, deliverySeatHeld(entries))
+	if err != nil {
+		request.Check.SiblingsUnknown = fmt.Sprintf("mesh-delivery did not say the group's pull requests (%v): "+
+			"the check reads no siblings", err)
+		return
+	}
+	request.Check.Siblings, request.Check.SiblingsUnknown = siblingsFor(p, entries, request.Check.Beside, lines)
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/check_siblings_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,248 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// **A delivery group's member is checked beside the other members' heads** (novox/hq ADR 0382 §1, §7, issue 867): the
+// controller asks mesh-delivery's `groups` once for every check it asks, and names in the ask the group's other open
+// pull requests into a base of the same name, in a repository the build seat reads beside it — mesh-lab never.
+
+const (
+	headHost       = "1111111111111111111111111111111111111111"
+	headController = "2222222222222222222222222222222222222222"
+	headSDK        = "3333333333333333333333333333333333333333"
+	headLab        = "4444444444444444444444444444444444444444"
+	headHq         = "5555555555555555555555555555555555555555"
+)
+
+func theCoreOnTheGitSeat() []inventory.Entry {
+	onSeat := func(module, repository string) inventory.Entry {
+		e := fromRepo(module, repository, "")
+		e.Source.Seat = "git"
+		return e
+	}
+	nats := onSeat("nats", "novox/mesh-catalog")
+	nats.Source.Path = "modules/nats"
+	held := catalogue.Manifest{Module: "mesh-delivery", Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: catalogue.DeliverySeat, Scope: catalogue.ScopeMesh}}}
+	return []inventory.Entry{onSeat("mesh-controller", "novox/mesh-controller"), onSeat("mesh-host", "novox/mesh-host"),
+		onSeat("node-tools", "novox/mesh-tools"), nats, {Manifest: held, On: []string{"anchor"}}}
+}
+
+func besideTheCore() map[string]link.CheckedOut {
+	return map[string]link.CheckedOut{"mesh-controller": {Repository: "c"}, "mesh-host": {Repository: "h"},
+		"mesh-tools": {Repository: "t"}, "mesh-catalog": {Repository: "k"}, "mesh-sdk": {Repository: "s"}, "mesh-lab": {Repository: "l"}}
+}
+
+func member(repository string, number int, head, base string, open bool) memberLine {
+	return memberLine{ID: repository + "@" + head[:12], Repository: repository, State: "checked", Number: number, Head: head,
+		Base: base, Open: open}
+}
+
+func group(id string, members ...memberLine) groupsLine {
+	line := groupsLine{ID: id, Details: members}
+	for _, m := range members {
+		line.Members = append(line.Members, m.ID+" ("+m.State+")")
+	}
+	return line
+}
+
+func TestASiblingIsTheGroupsOtherOpenPullRequestIntoABaseOfTheSameName(t *testing.T) {
+	entries := theCoreOnTheGitSeat()
+	pull := link.PullUpdated{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-host", Number: 114, Base: "main", Head: "feat/x", Commit: headHost}
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		what    string
+		lines   []groupsLine
+		want    []string
+		unknown string
+	}{
+		{"the other member, open, same base", []groupsLine{group("feat/x",
+			member("novox/mesh-host", 114, headHost, "main", true), member("novox/mesh-controller", 346, headController, "main", true))},
+			[]string{"mesh-controller=novox/mesh-controller#346@" + headController + " onto main"}, ""},
+		{"a member into a base of another name is not one", []groupsLine{group("feat/x",
+			member("novox/mesh-host", 114, headHost, "main", true), member("novox/mesh-controller", 346, headController, "release", true))},
+			nil, ""},
+		{"a member not open (merged or closed) is not one", []groupsLine{group("feat/x",
+			member("novox/mesh-host", 114, headHost, "main", true), member("novox/mesh-controller", 346, headController, "main", false))},
+			nil, ""},
+		{"mesh-lab is never one", []groupsLine{group("feat/x",
+			member("novox/mesh-host", 114, headHost, "main", true), member("novox/mesh-lab", 5, headLab, "main", true))},
+			nil, ""},
+		{"a repository the check reads nothing of is not one", []groupsLine{group("feat/x",
+			member("novox/mesh-host", 114, headHost, "main", true), member("novox/hq", 9, headHq, "main", true))},
+			nil, ""},
+		{"mesh-sdk, read beside the controller, is one", []groupsLine{group("feat/x",
+			member("novox/mesh-host", 114, headHost, "main", true), member("novox/mesh-sdk", 7, headSDK, "main", true))},
+			[]string{"mesh-sdk=novox/mesh-sdk#7@" + headSDK + " onto main"}, ""},
+		{"another group is none of its business", []groupsLine{group("feat/y",
+			member("novox/mesh-host", 114, headHost, "main", true), member("novox/mesh-controller", 346, headController, "main", true))},
+			nil, ""},
+		{"a group of its own alone has none", []groupsLine{group("feat/x", member("novox/mesh-host", 114, headHost, "main", true))},
+			nil, ""},
+		{"an older mesh-delivery names no heads", []groupsLine{{ID: "feat/x",
+			Members: []string{"novox/mesh-host@111111111111 (checked)", "novox/mesh-controller@222222222222 (checked)"}}},
+			nil, "without their heads and bases"},
+		{"a member without its base", []groupsLine{group("feat/x",
+			member("novox/mesh-host", 114, headHost, "main", true), member("novox/mesh-controller", 346, headController, "", true))},
+			nil, "without its head or base"},
+		{"a head that is no commit", []groupsLine{group("feat/x",
+			member("novox/mesh-host", 114, headHost, "main", true), member("novox/mesh-controller", 346, headController[:12]+"zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz", "main", true))},
+			nil, "not a whole commit"},
+	} {
+		got, unknown := siblingsFor(pull, entries, besideTheCore(), c.lines)
+		var said []string
+		for _, s := range got {
+			said = append(said, s.Dir+"="+s.Repository+"#"+itoa(s.Number)+"@"+s.Head+" onto "+s.Base)
+		}
+		if strings.Join(said, ";") != strings.Join(c.want, ";") {
+			t.Errorf("%s: siblings %v, wanted %v", c.what, said, c.want)
+		}
+		if (c.unknown == "") != (unknown == "") || !strings.Contains(unknown, c.unknown) {
+			t.Errorf("%s: could not learn %q, wanted %q", c.what, unknown, c.unknown)
+		}
+	}
+	// A pull request into a release branch has siblings into the release branch of the same name (ADR 0358 §1).
+	release := pull
+	release.Base = "feat/57"
+	lines := []groupsLine{group("feat/x", member("novox/mesh-host", 114, headHost, "feat/57", true),
+		member("novox/mesh-controller", 346, headController, "feat/57", true), member("novox/mesh-tools", 8, headLab, "main", true))}
+	if got, _ := siblingsFor(release, entries, besideTheCore(), lines); len(got) != 1 || got[0].Dir != "mesh-controller" {
+		t.Errorf("into a release branch: %+v", got)
+	}
+	// A recheck announces the pull request without its head branch: its group is the one holding it (repository, number).
+	pull.Head = ""
+	got, unknown := siblingsFor(pull, entries, besideTheCore(), lines)
+	if len(got) != 1 || got[0].Dir != "mesh-tools" || unknown != "" {
+		t.Errorf("a recheck of a group member: %+v %q", got, unknown)
+	}
+	// A pull request in no group, rechecked, is alone: no sibling, and nothing said.
+	pull.Number = 999
+	if got, unknown := siblingsFor(pull, entries, besideTheCore(), lines); got != nil || unknown != "" {
+		t.Errorf("a lone pull request: %+v %q", got, unknown)
+	}
+	if got, unknown := siblingsFor(pull, entries, besideTheCore(), nil); got != nil || unknown != "" {
+		t.Errorf("no groups at all: %+v %q", got, unknown)
+	}
+	// A mesh-delivery that names members without their pull requests cannot find the group of a recheck: it says so.
+	older := []groupsLine{{ID: "feat/x", Members: []string{"novox/mesh-host@111111111111 (checked)"}}}
+	pull.Number = 114
+	if got, unknown := siblingsFor(pull, entries, besideTheCore(), older); got != nil || unknown == "" {
+		t.Errorf("an older mesh-delivery: %+v %q", got, unknown)
+	}
+}
+
+func itoa(n int) string { b, _ := json.Marshal(n); return string(b) }
+
+// Every check asks mesh-delivery's `groups` once; the ask names the sibling's repository, head and base.
+func TestEveryCheckAsksMeshDeliveryOnceAndNamesItsSiblings(t *testing.T) {
+	entries := theCoreOnTheGitSeat()
+	asked := 0
+	was := groupsAsked
+	t.Cleanup(func() { groupsAsked = was })
+	groupsAsked = func(_ context.Context, held bool) ([]groupsLine, error) {
+		asked++
+		if !held {
+			t.Error("the seat is held, yet it was asked as not held")
+		}
+		return []groupsLine{group("feat/x", member("novox/mesh-host", 114, headHost, "main", true),
+			member("novox/mesh-controller", 346, headController, "main", true))}, nil
+	}
+	request := link.BuildRequest{Check: &link.CheckRequest{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-host", Base: "main", Beside: besideTheCore()}}
+	withSiblings(t.Context(), &request, link.PullUpdated{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-host", Base: "main", Head: "feat/x"}, entries)
+	if asked != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("mesh-delivery was asked %d times for one check", asked)
+	}
+	want := link.CheckSibling{Repository: "novox/mesh-controller", Number: 346, Head: headController, Base: "main", Dir: "mesh-controller"}
+	if got := request.Check.Siblings; len(got) != 1 || got[0] != want || request.Check.SiblingsUnknown != "" {
+		t.Fatalf("the ask names siblings %+v, unknown %q", got, request.Check.SiblingsUnknown)
+	}
+	body, _ := json.Marshal(request.Check)
+	if !strings.Contains(string(body), `"siblings":[{"repository":"novox/mesh-controller","number":346,"head":"`+headController+
+		`","base":"main","dir":"mesh-controller"}]`) {
+		t.Fatalf("on the wire: %s", body)
+	}
+}
+
+// When mesh-delivery does not answer in time (or is not held, or answered without the fields), the check reads no
+// sibling and its request says it could not learn them, so a fix to mesh-delivery is still checked without it.
+func TestWhenMeshDeliveryDoesNotAnswerTheCheckReadsNoSiblingAndSaysSo(t *testing.T) {
+	was := groupsAsked
+	t.Cleanup(func() { groupsAsked = was })
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		what string
+		err  error
+		held bool
+	}{{"it did not answer", context.DeadlineExceeded, true}, {"nothing serves it", errors.New("nothing serves mesh-delivery.groups"), true},
+		{"no holder on record", errors.New("no holder of mesh-delivery is on record to say it"), false}} {
+		entries := theCoreOnTheGitSeat()
+		if !c.held {
+			entries = entries[:4]
+		}
+		groupsAsked = func(_ context.Context, held bool) ([]groupsLine, error) {
+			if held != c.held {
+				t.Errorf("%s: held %v", c.what, held)
+			}
+			return nil, c.err
+		}
+		request := link.BuildRequest{Check: &link.CheckRequest{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-host", Base: "main", Beside: besideTheCore()}}
+		withSiblings(t.Context(), &request, link.PullUpdated{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-host", Base: "main", Head: "feat/x"}, entries)
+		if len(request.Check.Siblings) != 0 || !strings.Contains(request.Check.SiblingsUnknown, c.err.Error()) ||
+			!strings.Contains(request.Check.SiblingsUnknown, "reads no siblings") {
+			t.Errorf("%s: siblings %+v, unknown %q", c.what, request.Check.Siblings, request.Check.SiblingsUnknown)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// **A pull request for which mesh-delivery answered and named no sibling is asked exactly as before** (ADR 0382 §7):
+// byte for byte the request it was without the rule.
+func TestAPullRequestWithNoSiblingIsAskedByteForByteAsBefore(t *testing.T) {
+	entries := theCoreOnTheGitSeat()
+	was := groupsAsked
+	t.Cleanup(func() { groupsAsked = was })
+	for _, answer := range [][]groupsLine{nil, {group("feat/other", member("novox/mesh-controller", 346, headController, "main", true))},
+		{group("feat/x", member("novox/mesh-host", 114, headHost, "main", true), member("novox/hq", 3, headHq, "main", true))}} {
+		groupsAsked = func(context.Context, bool) ([]groupsLine, error) { return answer, nil }
+		build := func() link.BuildRequest {
+			return link.BuildRequest{ID: "build-1", Repository: "r", Ref: headHost, Check: &link.CheckRequest{Owner: "novox",
+				Repo: "mesh-host", Number: 114, Base: "main", Beside: besideTheCore(), Modules: []string{"mesh-host"}, Judge: "validator"}}
+		}
+		before, _ := json.Marshal(build())
+		after := build()
+		withSiblings(t.Context(), &after, link.PullUpdated{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-host", Base: "main", Head: "feat/x"}, entries)
+		got, _ := json.Marshal(after)
+		if string(before) != string(got) {
+			t.Fatalf("the request changed:\nbefore %s\nafter  %s", before, got)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// What the build seat's verdict says of its siblings reaches the forge's holder in the controller's `checked`.
+func TestTheVerdictCarriesTheSiblingsAndWhereTheJudgeCameFrom(t *testing.T) {
+	read := []link.CheckSibling{{Repository: "novox/mesh-controller", Number: 346, Head: headController, Base: "main", BaseCommit: headHost}}
+	c := checkedOf(link.BuildResult{ID: "b", Ref: headHost, Checked: &link.CheckRequest{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-host", Number: 114},
+		Check: &link.CheckOutcome{Verdict: "pass", Summary: "ok", Siblings: read, JudgeFrom: "sibling novox/mesh-controller#346 merge abc",
+			Validator: "the change's own validator"}})
+	if len(c.Siblings) != 1 || c.Siblings[0] != read[0] || c.JudgeFrom == "" || c.Validator == "" {
+		t.Fatalf("the verdict says %+v", c)
+	}
+	body, _ := json.Marshal(c)
+	for _, want := range []string{`"siblings":[{"repository":"novox/mesh-controller","number":346,"head":"` + headController +
+		`","base":"main","base_commit":"` + headHost + `"}]`, `"judge_from":"sibling novox/mesh-controller#346 merge abc"`} {
+		if !strings.Contains(string(body), want) {
+			t.Fatalf("the verdict lacks %s:\n%s", want, body)
+		}
+	}
+	unknown := checkedOf(link.BuildResult{ID: "b", Check: &link.CheckOutcome{Verdict: "pass", SiblingsUnknown: "mesh-delivery did not answer"}})
+	if body, _ := json.Marshal(unknown); !strings.Contains(string(body), `"siblings_unknown":"mesh-delivery did not answer"`) ||
+		strings.Contains(string(body), `"siblings":`) {
+		t.Fatalf("the verdict that could not learn them says %s", body)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/checks.go

@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ package main
 import (
 	"context"
 	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"path"
 	"regexp"
@@ -179,6 +180,8 @@ func (f following) PullUpdated(ctx context.Context, p link.PullUpdated) error {
 		return err
 	}
 	request.Check.Plan = &plan
+	// **The group's other open pull requests are read beside it** (novox/hq ADR 0382 §1).
+	withSiblings(ctx, &request, p, entries)
 	seat := buildSeatHeld(ctx)
 	ask, err := askOverOn(seat)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -188,6 +191,8 @@ func (f following) PullUpdated(ctx context.Context, p link.PullUpdated) error {
 	if err := ask.Ask(ctx, request); err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
+	// A new head ends the check of the old one (novox/hq issue 726).
+	endingSupersededChecks(ctx, seat, p, request.ID, f.oneShot)
 	what := "its own merge-check.sh alone: " + noModuleTouched
 	if scope.gated() {
 		what = fmt.Sprintf("the gate over %s (a merge would build %d module(s) in %d tier(s))",
@@ -248,31 +253,16 @@ func checkRequestFor(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p link.PullUpdated, scop
 	if err != nil {
 		return link.BuildRequest{}, err
 	}
-	// Beside it, at what the mesh runs: each core repository by the module the mesh builds from it.
+	// **A pull request into a release branch is judged by that branch** (novox/hq ADR 0358): asked of the forge once.
-	beside := map[string]link.CheckedOut{}
+	release, err := releaseBranchOf(ctx, p, scope, entries)
-	for _, e := range entries {
+	if err != nil {
-		dir, core := coreModules[e.Manifest.Module]
+		return link.BuildRequest{}, err
-		if !core || e.Provided || e.Source.Repository == "" {
-			continue
-		}
-		url, err := clone(e.Source)
-		if err != nil {
-			return link.BuildRequest{}, err
-		}
-		refs := besideRefs(dir, current[e.Manifest.Module].Commit)
-		beside[dir] = link.CheckedOut{Repository: url, Ref: refs[dir]}
-		if dir == "mesh-controller" {
-			beside["mesh-controller-main"] = link.CheckedOut{Repository: url, Ref: refs["mesh-controller-main"]}
-			if e.Source.Seat != "" {
-				for _, sibling := range []string{"mesh-lab", "mesh-sdk"} {
-					if url, err := clone(inventory.Source{Seat: e.Source.Seat, Repository: siblingOf(e.Source.Repository,
-						sibling)}); err == nil {
-						beside[sibling] = link.CheckedOut{Repository: url, Ref: refs[sibling]}
-					}
-				}
-			}
-		}
 	}
+	beside, err := besideOf(entries, func(module string) string { return current[module].Commit }, clone, release)
+	if err != nil {
+		return link.BuildRequest{}, err
+	}
+	builds := checkBuildsOf(p, scope, entries, clone)
 	return link.BuildRequest{
 		ID:         link.NewBuildID(time.Now()),
 		Repository: repository,
@@ -282,10 +272,188 @@ func checkRequestFor(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p link.PullUpdated, scop
 		Source:     sourceOnSeat(source),
 		Check: &link.CheckRequest{Owner: p.Owner, Repo: p.Repo, Number: p.Number, Base: p.Base,
 			Paths: p.Paths, Beside: beside, Modules: scope.Modules, Dependents: scope.Dependents, New: scope.New,
-			Manifests: scope.Manifests, Judge: scope.Judge, Builds: checkBuildsOf(p, scope, entries, clone)},
+			Manifests: scope.Manifests, Judge: scope.Judge, Builds: builds, Named: namedForTheCheck(ctx, p, builds),
+			Release: release, Running: runningBy(ctx)},
 	}, nil
 }
 
+// besideOf is what a check reads beside its own repository, by the directory it is found under: each core repository
+// by the module the mesh builds from it, at besideRefs — or, for a pull request into a release branch (novox/hq ADR
+// 0358 §3), at its branch of that name where it has one and at its trunk otherwise, the controller's main kept for
+// its judge, and mesh-lab at its trunk whatever the base: its replays run with the container runtime's socket. running
+// is the commit the mesh runs of a module.
+func besideOf(entries []inventory.Entry, running func(module string) string,
+	clone func(inventory.Source) (string, error), release string) (map[string]link.CheckedOut, error) {
+	beside := map[string]link.CheckedOut{}
+	for _, e := range entries {
+		dir, core := coreModules[e.Manifest.Module]
+		if !core || e.Provided || e.Source.Repository == "" {
+			continue
+		}
+		url, err := clone(e.Source)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		refs := besideRefs(dir, running(e.Manifest.Module))
+		at := func(dir, trunk string) link.CheckedOut {
+			if release == "" {
+				return link.CheckedOut{Repository: url, Ref: refs[dir]}
+			}
+			if trunk == "" {
+				trunk = "main"
+			}
+			return link.CheckedOut{Repository: url, Ref: release, Else: trunk}
+		}
+		beside[dir] = at(dir, followedBranch(e.Source.Ref))
+		if dir == "mesh-controller" {
+			// The controller's main stays its main: it judges only a check the running controller predates.
+			beside["mesh-controller-main"] = link.CheckedOut{Repository: url, Ref: refs["mesh-controller-main"]}
+			if release != "" {
+				// mesh-controller has the release branch: that is what makes it one (ADR 0358 §1).
+				beside[dir] = link.CheckedOut{Repository: url, Ref: release}
+			}
+			if e.Source.Seat != "" {
+				for _, sibling := range []string{"mesh-lab", "mesh-sdk"} {
+					if url, err := clone(inventory.Source{Seat: e.Source.Seat, Repository: siblingOf(e.Source.Repository,
+						sibling)}); err == nil {
+						b := link.CheckedOut{Repository: url, Ref: refs[sibling]}
+						// **mesh-lab is read at its trunk, always** (ADR 0358): its replays run with the container
+						// runtime's socket, so they are only ever reviewed code — never a branch anyone may create.
+						if release != "" && sibling != "mesh-lab" {
+							b = link.CheckedOut{Repository: url, Ref: release, Else: "main"}
+						}
+						beside[sibling] = b
+					}
+				}
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return beside, nil
+}
+
+// releaseBranchOf is the release branch a pull request merges into (novox/hq ADR 0358 §1): its base, when that is not
+// its repository's trunk and mesh-controller has a branch of that name; empty otherwise, and the pull request is
+// checked as before it. **A base that is a trunk asks nothing**: the branch a module built from the repository follows
+// (main when it records none), or mesh-controller's own trunk. Any other base is asked of the forge once, and an
+// answer it cannot give is an error, never read as "no release branch".
+func releaseBranchOf(ctx context.Context, p link.PullUpdated, scope checkScope, entries []inventory.Entry) (string, error) {
+	base := p.Base
+	if base == "" {
+		return "", nil
+	}
+	if scope.From != nil && base == trunkOf(scope.From.Source) {
+		return "", nil
+	}
+	var controller *inventory.Entry
+	for i, e := range entries {
+		if e.Manifest.Module == "mesh-controller" && !e.Provided && e.Source.Repository != "" {
+			controller = &entries[i]
+			break
+		}
+	}
+	if controller == nil || base == trunkOf(controller.Source) {
+		return "", nil
+	}
+	if !tryRef.MatchString(base) || strings.Contains(base, "..") {
+		return "", nil // no branch the forge could hold: checked as before
+	}
+	owner, repo := sourceOwner(controller.Source.Repository), sourceName(controller.Source.Repository)
+	if owner == "" || repo == "" {
+		return "", nil
+	}
+	has, err := forgeHasBranch(ctx, owner, repo, base)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("whether %s/%s#%d merges into a release branch cannot be told — the forge did not say "+
+			"whether %s/%s has a branch %s (novox/hq ADR 0358): %w", p.Owner, p.Repo, p.Number, owner, repo, base, err)
+	}
+	if !has {
+		return "", nil
+	}
+	return base, nil
+}
+
+// trunkOf is the branch a module's source follows: main when it records none, or records a commit.
+func trunkOf(s inventory.Source) string {
+	if t := strings.TrimSpace(followedBranch(s.Ref)); t != "" {
+		return t
+	}
+	return "main"
+}
+
+// sourceName is the name of a recorded repository, a path on the git seat or a URL: novox/mesh-host → mesh-host.
+func sourceName(repository string) string {
+	parts := strings.Split(strings.Trim(strings.TrimSuffix(repository, ".git"), "/"), "/")
+	if len(parts) < 2 {
+		return ""
+	}
+	return parts[len(parts)-1]
+}
+
+// forgeHasBranch asks the forge, through its module's tools on the bus, whether a repository has a branch. A
+// variable so a test needs no forge.
+var forgeHasBranch = func(ctx context.Context, owner, repo, branch string) (bool, error) {
+	js, err := aBus()
+	if err != nil {
+		return false, err
+	}
+	defer js.Close()
+	raw, _ := json.Marshal(map[string]any{"path": "/repos/" + owner + "/" + repo + "/branches/" + branch})
+	answer, err := link.Ask(ctx, link.OverNATS{Conn: js.Conn()}, "gitea", "gitea_api", raw, 30*time.Second)
+	if err != nil {
+		return false, err
+	}
+	return branchAnswered(answer, branch)
+}
+
+// branchAnswered reads the forge's answer about a branch: a 404 is "no such branch"; an answer naming the branch is
+// "it has it"; anything else — another error, an unreadable answer, one naming no branch or another — is an error,
+// never read as "no release branch".
+func branchAnswered(answer link.Answer, branch string) (bool, error) {
+	if answer.Error != "" {
+		if strings.Contains(answer.Error, " 404 ") {
+			return false, nil
+		}
+		return false, errors.New(answer.Error)
+	}
+	var found struct {
+		Result struct {
+			Name string `json:"name"`
+		} `json:"result"`
+	}
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(answer.Result, &found); err != nil {
+		return false, fmt.Errorf("the forge's answer about branch %s cannot be read: %w", branch, err)
+	}
+	if found.Result.Name != branch {
+		return false, fmt.Errorf("the forge answered about branch %s naming %q", branch, found.Result.Name)
+	}
+	return true, nil
+}
+
+// namedForTheCheck are the builds earlier checks of the same pull request at the same head named, read once for the
+// check (novox/hq issue 703): asked again because only the trunk moved, the check keeps what they built of a key
+// still the same. Another pull request's build, or one of an earlier head, is never kept. None when they cannot be
+// read, and the check builds, as before.
+func namedForTheCheck(ctx context.Context, p link.PullUpdated, builds []link.CheckBuild) []link.CheckedBuild {
+	if len(builds) == 0 || p.Commit == "" {
+		return nil
+	}
+	pull := link.PullRef{Owner: p.Owner, Repo: p.Repo, Number: p.Number}
+	read, err := checkedBuildsOf(ctx, []link.PullRef{pull})
+	if err != nil {
+		fmt.Printf("  the earlier checks' builds of %s/%s#%d could not be read, so the check builds: %v\n",
+			p.Owner, p.Repo, p.Number, err)
+		// empty-on-error: said above; a check handed no named build builds every module, as before issue 703
+		return nil
+	}
+	var named []link.CheckedBuild
+	for _, b := range read {
+		if b.Pull == pull && link.SameHead(b.Head, p.Commit) {
+			named = append(named, b)
+		}
+	}
+	return named
+}
+
 // checkBuildsOf are the modules a merge of the change would build, in the walk's order, as the check builds them
 // for the walk to take (novox/hq ADR 0350 §1): a module built from the repository checked, at the branch it merges
 // into, from the merge the check makes; any other — a module standing on one — from its own repository at the
@@ -432,6 +600,9 @@ func checkedOf(result link.BuildResult) link.Checked {
 		// repositories read beside it.
 		c.Trunk, c.Beside, c.Took = result.Check.Trunk, result.Check.Beside, result.Check.Took
 		c.Built = result.Check.Built
+		c.Release, c.JudgedBy, c.BesideAt = result.Check.Release, result.Check.JudgedBy, result.Check.BesideAt
+		c.Validator = result.Check.Validator
+		c.Siblings, c.SiblingsUnknown, c.JudgeFrom = result.Check.Siblings, result.Check.SiblingsUnknown, result.Check.JudgeFrom
 		if c.Gate == nil {
 			// A build seat from before the layers: its verdict is the gate's.
 			c.Gate = &link.CheckLayer{Verdict: c.Verdict, Summary: c.Summary}

cmd/mesh-controller/config_move.go

@@ -0,0 +1,616 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"flag"
+	"fmt"
+	"os"
+	"reflect"
+	"sort"
+	"strings"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go/jetstream"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// **The move of config** (novox/hq ADR 0348 §9 and its consequences, design 57 K5, issue 664): every config value a
+// settings layer holds is set in mesh-config, one of the moves of data a release runs once after its delivery, after
+// the move of placement. A module's layer on a node becomes its own value on that node (`module.<node>.<module>.<key>`).
+// A whole-mesh layer has no module value for the whole mesh (ADR 0348 §3): its value becomes mesh config for the
+// predefined key it falls back to where that module alone falls back to the key (claude-code's managed settings
+// become `agent-managed-settings`), and otherwise the module's own value on each node it is assigned to, laid under
+// that node's layer as composition lays it. A key a layer still says by its file's name (nodered's `timeZone`) is
+// set under its config key (`time-zone`, issue 751).
+//
+// **Every node composes byte for byte as before.** The move sets the values, reads every module's resolved values
+// back through mesh-config and compares them with what the layers lay today; only when they agree does it empty the
+// layers it moved (each kept whole in its history first) and turn on the switch (inventory.FinishConfigMove), after
+// which the controller reads mesh-config where it read the layers. A module still in the settings form keeps its
+// layers and is said so. Anything that cannot move as it composes refuses the whole move, by name, before anything
+// is set. Asked again, it sets nothing that is set already.
+
+// configLevel is where mesh-config keeps a value: mesh config, node config, or a module's own value on a node.
+type configLevel struct {
+	Level  string `json:"level"`
+	Node   string `json:"node,omitempty"`
+	Module string `json:"module,omitempty"`
+}
+
+func (l configLevel) valueKey(key string) string {
+	switch l.Level {
+	case "node":
+		return "node." + l.Node + "." + key
+	case "module":
+		return "module." + l.Node + "." + l.Module + "." + key
+	}
+	return "mesh." + key
+}
+
+func (l configLevel) String() string {
+	switch l.Level {
+	case "node":
+		return "node config on " + l.Node
+	case "module":
+		return l.Module + "'s own value on " + l.Node
+	}
+	return "mesh config"
+}
+
+// configSet is one value the move sets in mesh-config, and the layers it comes from.
+type configSet struct {
+	configLevel
+	Key     string `json:"key"`
+	Value   any    `json:"value"`
+	Trusted bool   `json:"trusted,omitempty"`
+	// From is the layers it comes from, as `<module> on <where>: <key as the layer says it>`.
+	From []string `json:"from"`
+	// Already is true when mesh-config holds this value at this level already: nothing is set.
+	Already bool `json:"already,omitempty"`
+}
+
+// configMoveAnswer is what the move of config says it did, or would do.
+type configMoveAnswer struct {
+	// DryRun is true when nothing was set: asked without --confirm.
+	DryRun bool        `json:"dry-run"`
+	Sets   []configSet `json:"sets"`
+	// Moved is each layer whose values the move sets, emptied once they read back.
+	Moved []string `json:"moved"`
+	// Stays is each layer of a module still in the settings form: kept, and composed from as before.
+	Stays []string `json:"stays,omitempty"`
+	// Unread is each layer that composes nothing (its module is not assigned where it says): kept in the history,
+	// emptied, and set nowhere.
+	Unread []string `json:"unread,omitempty"`
+	// Problems is why the move refuses, each by name; nothing is set while there is one.
+	Problems []string `json:"problems,omitempty"`
+	// Switched is true once the controller reads mesh-config where it read the layers.
+	Switched bool `json:"switched"`
+}
+
+// configMovePlan is the move worked out from the layers, before anything is asked of mesh-config.
+type configMovePlan struct {
+	answer configMoveAnswer
+	// moved is the layers the move empties once the values read back.
+	moved []inventory.LayerToMove
+	// expected is, for each module the move reaches, keyed `<node>.<module>`, every value composition lays over
+	// its files today: what mesh-config must resolve for it from mesh config, node config or its own value.
+	expected map[string]map[string]any
+	// modules is each module in the config form, by the nodes it is assigned to: whose resolved values are read back.
+	modules map[string][]string
+}
+
+func whereOf(node string) string {
+	if node == "" {
+		return "the whole mesh"
+	}
+	return node
+}
+
+// planConfigMove works out the move from every layer that holds a value, the catalogue, and where each module is
+// assigned.
+func planConfigMove(layers []inventory.LayerToMove, shelf map[string]catalogue.Manifest,
+	on map[string][]string) configMovePlan {
+	p := configMovePlan{answer: configMoveAnswer{Sets: []configSet{}, Moved: []string{}},
+		expected: map[string]map[string]any{}, modules: map[string][]string{}}
+	problem := func(format string, a ...any) {
+		p.answer.Problems = append(p.answer.Problems, fmt.Sprintf(format, a...))
+	}
+	for name, m := range shelf {
+		if m.DeclaresConfig() {
+			p.modules[name] = on[name]
+		}
+	}
+
+	byModule := map[string]*layersOfModule{}
+	var names []string
+	for _, l := range layers {
+		said := fmt.Sprintf("%s on %s", l.Module, whereOf(l.Node))
+		m, known := shelf[l.Module]
+		if !known || !m.DeclaresConfig() {
+			p.answer.Stays = append(p.answer.Stays, said+" (its module is in the settings form)")
+			continue
+		}
+		if _, placement := catalogue.SplitPlacement(l.Values); len(placement) > 0 {
+			problem("%s still holds placement (%s): run move-placement first", said, strings.Join(movedKeys(placement), ", "))
+			continue
+		}
+		assigned := on[l.Module]
+		if (l.Node == "" && len(assigned) == 0) || (l.Node != "" && !containsString(assigned, l.Node)) {
+			p.answer.Unread = append(p.answer.Unread, said+" (the module is not assigned there, so it composes nothing)")
+			p.moved = append(p.moved, l)
+			continue
+		}
+		// The layer's keys as config keys: a key the file names otherwise is set under its config key.
+		as := catalogue.TakenAs(m)
+		values := map[string]any{}
+		from := map[string]string{}
+		for _, k := range movedKeys(l.Values) {
+			key := k
+			if _, declared := m.Settings[k]; !declared {
+				if renamed, ok := as[k]; ok {
+					key = renamed
+				} else {
+					problem("%s says %q, which %s does not declare: declare it, or clear it from the layer", said, k, l.Module)
+					continue
+				}
+			}
+			if _, both := values[key]; both {
+				// The layer says the key and the file's name for it: the config key wins, as composition has it (issue 751).
+				if key != k {
+					continue
+				}
+			}
+			values[key] = l.Values[k]
+			from[key] = said + ": " + k
+		}
+		om := byModule[l.Module]
+		if om == nil {
+			om = &layersOfModule{nodes: map[string]map[string]any{}, saidAt: map[string]map[string]string{}}
+			byModule[l.Module] = om
+			names = append(names, l.Module)
+		}
+		om.saidAt[l.Node] = from
+		if l.Node == "" {
+			om.mesh = values
+		} else {
+			om.nodes[l.Node] = values
+		}
+		p.moved = append(p.moved, l)
+		p.answer.Moved = append(p.answer.Moved, said)
+	}
+	sort.Strings(names)
+
+	// Which predefined key each module falls back to, so a whole-mesh value goes to mesh config only where no other
+	// module's value moves with it.
+	fallingBack := map[string][]string{}
+	for name, m := range shelf {
+		for _, d := range m.Settings {
+			if d.Predefined != "" && !containsString(fallingBack[d.Predefined], name) {
+				fallingBack[d.Predefined] = append(fallingBack[d.Predefined], name)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+
+	for _, name := range names {
+		m, om := shelf[name], byModule[name]
+		asked := catalogue.AskedKeys(m)
+		keys := map[string]bool{}
+		for k := range om.mesh {
+			keys[k] = true
+		}
+		for _, values := range om.nodes {
+			for k := range values {
+				keys[k] = true
+			}
+		}
+		for _, key := range movedKeys(keys) {
+			d := m.Settings[key]
+			meshValue, meshSays := om.mesh[key]
+			alone := d.Predefined != "" && len(fallingBack[d.Predefined]) == 1
+			if meshSays && alone {
+				p.set(configLevel{Level: "mesh"}, d.Predefined, meshValue, d, om.said("", key))
+			}
+			for _, node := range on[name] {
+				nodeValue, nodeSays := om.nodes[node][key]
+				value := meshValue
+				switch {
+				case nodeSays && meshSays:
+					_, under := meshValue.(map[string]any)
+					_, over := nodeValue.(map[string]any)
+					if under && over && asked[key] {
+						problem("%s on %s lays an object for %q over the whole mesh's, and a placeholder takes it whole "+
+							"where its file merges the two: say the value on %s whole, then move", name, node, key, node)
+						continue
+					}
+					value = catalogue.LaidOver(meshValue, nodeValue)
+				case nodeSays:
+					value = nodeValue
+				case !meshSays:
+					continue
+				}
+				p.expect(node, name, key, value)
+				if nodeSays || !alone {
+					saidBy := om.said(node, key)
+					if meshSays {
+						saidBy = append(om.said("", key), saidBy...)
+					}
+					p.set(configLevel{Level: "module", Node: node, Module: name}, key, value, d, saidBy)
+				}
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	sort.Strings(p.answer.Problems)
+	return p
+}
+
+// layersOfModule is one module's layers as the move reads them: its whole-mesh layer's config values, each node's,
+// and where each key was said, by node ("" for the whole mesh).
+type layersOfModule struct {
+	mesh   map[string]any
+	nodes  map[string]map[string]any
+	saidAt map[string]map[string]string
+}
+
+func (om *layersOfModule) said(node, key string) []string {
+	if s, ok := om.saidAt[node][key]; ok {
+		return []string{s}
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+// set is one value the move sets, judged against its declaration as mesh-config will judge it.
+func (p *configMovePlan) set(level configLevel, key string, value any, d catalogue.SettingDeclaration, from []string) {
+	p.answer.Sets = append(p.answer.Sets, configSet{configLevel: level, Key: key, Value: value, Trusted: d.Trusted,
+		From: from})
+	for _, wrong := range catalogue.ValueProblems(d, value) {
+		p.answer.Problems = append(p.answer.Problems, fmt.Sprintf("%s at %s: %s", key, level, wrong))
+	}
+}
+
+func (p *configMovePlan) expect(node, module, key string, value any) {
+	k := node + "." + module
+	if p.expected[k] == nil {
+		p.expected[k] = map[string]any{}
+	}
+	p.expected[k][key] = value
+}
+
+func movedKeys[V any](m map[string]V) []string {
+	out := make([]string, 0, len(m))
+	for k := range m {
+		out = append(out, k)
+	}
+	sort.Strings(out)
+	return out
+}
+
+// configService is mesh-config as the move asks it: what it holds at each level, what it resolved, and a value set
+// as the controller carries it from its terminal.
+type configService interface {
+	// Values is every value set, by its key in mesh-config_values (`mesh.<key>`, `node.<node>.<key>`,
+	// `module.<node>.<module>.<key>`).
+	Values(ctx context.Context) (map[string]json.RawMessage, error)
+	// Resolved is every resolved value.
+	Resolved(ctx context.Context) ([]resolvedEntry, error)
+	// Set sets one value at its level, by whom and why.
+	Set(ctx context.Context, level configLevel, key string, value any, by, why string) error
+}
+
+// runConfigMove is the move against a store and mesh-config: a dry run says what it would set.
+func runConfigMove(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, config configService, apply bool, by,
+	why string) (configMoveAnswer, error) {
+	layers, holding, err := inv.LayersToMove(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return configMoveAnswer{}, err
+	}
+	entries, err := inv.Catalogued(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return configMoveAnswer{}, err
+	}
+	shelf := map[string]catalogue.Manifest{}
+	on := map[string][]string{}
+	for _, e := range entries {
+		shelf[e.Manifest.Module] = e.Manifest
+		on[e.Manifest.Module] = e.On
+	}
+	p := planConfigMove(layers, shelf, on)
+	if len(holding) > 0 && len(p.answer.Problems) == 0 {
+		p.answer.Problems = append(p.answer.Problems, "a layer still holds placement ("+strings.Join(holding, "; ")+
+			"): run move-placement first")
+	}
+	moved, err := inv.ConfigMoved(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return configMoveAnswer{}, err
+	}
+	p.answer.Switched = moved.Moved
+	if config == nil {
+		return p.answer, errors.New("mesh-config cannot be asked, so nothing was moved")
+	}
+	held, err := config.Values(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return p.answer, fmt.Errorf("what mesh-config holds cannot be read, so nothing was moved: %w", err)
+	}
+	for i := range p.answer.Sets {
+		s := &p.answer.Sets[i]
+		if was, ok := held[s.valueKey(s.Key)]; ok && sameJSON(was, s.Value) {
+			s.Already = true
+		}
+	}
+	p.answer.DryRun = !apply
+	if !apply || len(p.answer.Problems) > 0 {
+		if apply {
+			return p.answer, fmt.Errorf("the move of config refuses, and nothing was set: %s",
+				strings.Join(p.answer.Problems, "; "))
+		}
+		return p.answer, nil
+	}
+	if len(p.moved) == 0 && moved.Moved {
+		return p.answer, nil
+	}
+	for _, s := range p.answer.Sets {
+		if s.Already {
+			continue
+		}
+		said := "moved from the settings layer of " + strings.Join(s.From, " and ") + " (issue 664): " + why
+		if err := config.Set(ctx, s.configLevel, s.Key, s.Value, by, said); err != nil {
+			return p.answer, fmt.Errorf("%s at %s was not set, and no layer was emptied; ask the move again: %w",
+				s.Key, s.configLevel, err)
+		}
+	}
+	// Read back through mesh-config before anything points at it (design 57): every module the move reaches, and
+	// every other in the config form, must resolve exactly what its layers lay today.
+	if differs, err := readsBack(ctx, config, p); err != nil {
+		return p.answer, err
+	} else if len(differs) > 0 {
+		return p.answer, fmt.Errorf("mesh-config does not resolve what the layers lay today, so no layer was emptied and "+
+			"the controller still composes from the layers: %s", strings.Join(differs, "; "))
+	}
+	if err := inv.FinishConfigMove(ctx, p.moved, by, why); err != nil {
+		return p.answer, err
+	}
+	p.answer.Switched = true
+	return p.answer, nil
+}
+
+// readsBack compares what mesh-config resolved with what the layers lay, for every module in the config form on
+// every node it is assigned to, and says each difference. A value the layers do not lay and mesh-config resolves from
+// a level would be laid once the switch is on: a difference too.
+func readsBack(ctx context.Context, config configService, p configMovePlan) ([]string, error) {
+	var resolved []resolvedEntry
+	var err error
+	// mesh-config writes the resolved values with each set; a pass that missed one is put right by its next
+	// resolution, so a difference is read again for a little while before it is said.
+	for wait := 0; ; wait++ {
+		if resolved, err = config.Resolved(ctx); err != nil {
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("mesh-config's resolved values cannot be read back, so no layer was emptied: %w", err)
+		}
+		differs, err := differences(resolved, p)
+		if err != nil || len(differs) == 0 || wait >= readBackTries {
+			return differs, err
+		}
+		select {
+		case <-ctx.Done():
+			return nil, ctx.Err()
+		case <-time.After(readBackEvery):
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// How often, and how many times, the move reads mesh-config's resolved values back before it says they differ.
+var (
+	readBackEvery = 2 * time.Second
+	readBackTries = 15
+)
+
+func differences(resolved []resolvedEntry, p configMovePlan) ([]string, error) {
+	var differs []string
+	for _, module := range movedKeys(p.modules) {
+		for _, node := range p.modules[module] {
+			laid, err := configLaid(resolved, node, module)
+			if err != nil {
+				return nil, err
+			}
+			want := p.expected[node+"."+module]
+			if want == nil {
+				want = map[string]any{}
+			}
+			for _, k := range movedKeys(mergedKeys(laid, want)) {
+				got, has := laid[k]
+				w, wants := want[k]
+				switch {
+				case !wants:
+					differs = append(differs, fmt.Sprintf("%s on %s resolves %s from a level no layer says; clear it "+
+						"there, or set it in a layer first", module, node, k))
+				case !has:
+					differs = append(differs, fmt.Sprintf("%s on %s does not resolve %s from the value moved", module, node, k))
+				case !reflect.DeepEqual(normalJSON(got), normalJSON(w)):
+					differs = append(differs, fmt.Sprintf("%s on %s resolves %s as %s, and its layers lay %s", module,
+						node, k, compactJSON(got), compactJSON(w)))
+				}
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return differs, nil
+}
+
+func mergedKeys(a, b map[string]any) map[string]bool {
+	out := map[string]bool{}
+	for k := range a {
+		out[k] = true
+	}
+	for k := range b {
+		out[k] = true
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+func normalJSON(v any) any {
+	raw, _ := json.Marshal(v)
+	var out any
+	_ = json.Unmarshal(raw, &out)
+	return out
+}
+
+func compactJSON(v any) string {
+	raw, _ := json.Marshal(v)
+	return string(raw)
+}
+
+func sameJSON(raw json.RawMessage, v any) bool {
+	var held any
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(raw, &held); err != nil {
+		return false
+	}
+	return reflect.DeepEqual(held, normalJSON(v))
+}
+
+// busConfig is mesh-config on this controller's bus: its buckets read directly, a value set through its verb in
+// the controller's own name, so mesh-config takes a trusted value as given at the controller's terminal (ADR 0348 §8).
+type busConfig struct{}
+
+func (busConfig) Values(ctx context.Context) (map[string]json.RawMessage, error) {
+	out := map[string]json.RawMessage{}
+	err := onTheBus(func(conn *nats.Conn) error {
+		js, err := jetstream.New(conn)
+		if err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+		ctx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(ctx, 20*time.Second)
+		defer cancel()
+		kv, err := js.KeyValue(ctx, broker.BucketName("mesh-config", "values"))
+		if err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+		w, err := kv.WatchAll(ctx, jetstream.IgnoreDeletes())
+		if err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+		defer func() { _ = w.Stop() }()
+		for e := range w.Updates() {
+			if e == nil {
+				return nil
+			}
+			var v struct {
+				Value json.RawMessage `json:"value"`
+			}
+			if err := json.Unmarshal(e.Value(), &v); err != nil {
+				return fmt.Errorf("mesh-config holds %q, which is not a value: %w", e.Key(), err)
+			}
+			out[e.Key()] = v.Value
+		}
+		return errors.New("mesh-config's values stopped answering")
+	})
+	return out, err
+}
+
+func (busConfig) Resolved(ctx context.Context) ([]resolvedEntry, error) { return readResolved(ctx) }
+
+func (busConfig) Set(ctx context.Context, level configLevel, key string, value any, by, why string) error {
+	args := map[string]any{"action": "set", "key": key, "value": value, "why": why, "by": by}
+	if level.Node != "" {
+		args["node"] = level.Node
+	}
+	if level.Module != "" {
+		args["module"] = level.Module
+	}
+	return onTheBus(func(conn *nats.Conn) error {
+		answer, err := link.AskMeshSeatToolAs(ctx, conn, broker.ControllerName, "mesh-config", "config", args, 30*time.Second)
+		if err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+		if answer.Error != "" {
+			return errors.New(answer.Error)
+		}
+		return nil
+	})
+}
+
+// moveConfigCommand is `move-config`: the move of config (issue 664).
+func moveConfigCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
+	set := flag.NewFlagSet("move-config", flag.ContinueOnError)
+	asJSON := set.Bool("json", false, "answer as JSON")
+	confirm := set.Bool("confirm", false, "set the values and switch, rather than only say what would move")
+	f := addHandActFlags(set)
+	positionals, err := parseAround(set, args)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	if len(positionals) != 0 {
+		return errors.New("move-config [--json] [--confirm --why <text>]")
+	}
+	if !*confirm && f.given() {
+		return errors.New("move-config takes --why only with --confirm: without it nothing is moved. Nothing was done")
+	}
+	if *confirm {
+		if err := f.require("move-config"); err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+	}
+	open, err := openStores(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	defer open.Close()
+	if *confirm {
+		f.record(ctx, "move-config", nil)
+	}
+	why := ""
+	if *confirm {
+		why = strings.TrimSpace(*f.why)
+	}
+	answer, err := runConfigMove(ctx, open.inventory, busConfig{}, *confirm, "the move of config, run by "+link.Caller(), why)
+	if *asJSON {
+		encoder := json.NewEncoder(os.Stdout)
+		encoder.SetIndent("", " ")
+		if encErr := encoder.Encode(answer); encErr != nil {
+			return encErr
+		}
+		return err
+	}
+	fmt.Print(describeConfigMove(answer))
+	return err
+}
+
+// describeConfigMove says the answer as a person reads it.
+func describeConfigMove(a configMoveAnswer) string {
+	var b strings.Builder
+	verb := "set"
+	if a.DryRun {
+		verb = "would set"
+	}
+	for _, s := range a.Sets {
+		state := verb
+		if s.Already {
+			state = "holds already"
+		}
+		fmt.Fprintf(&b, "%s %s = %s at %s (from %s)\n", state, s.Key, compactJSON(s.Value), s.configLevel,
+			strings.Join(s.From, " and "))
+	}
+	for _, s := range a.Unread {
+		fmt.Fprintf(&b, "emptied, set nowhere: %s\n", s)
+	}
+	for _, s := range a.Stays {
+		fmt.Fprintf(&b, "stays: %s\n", s)
+	}
+	for _, s := range a.Problems {
+		fmt.Fprintf(&b, "refused: %s\n", s)
+	}
+	switch {
+	case len(a.Problems) > 0:
+		b.WriteString("nothing was set: the move refuses until each is put right\n")
+	case a.DryRun:
+		fmt.Fprintf(&b, "%d layer(s), %d value(s); nothing was set — with --confirm --why <text> they are\n",
+			len(a.Moved), len(a.Sets))
+	case a.Switched:
+		fmt.Fprintf(&b, "%d layer(s) moved into mesh-config, each kept whole in its history first; the controller "+
+			"reads mesh-config where it read them\n", len(a.Moved))
+	}
+	return b.String()
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/config_moved_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,785 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"fmt"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"reflect"
+	"sort"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	snapshot "github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/facts"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/overlay"
+)
+
+// configuredMesh is every live settings layer (issue 664) — read with the settings verb on 2026-10-15, on the four
+// machines as anchor, laptop, workstation and desktop, the whole mesh's with no node; personal values stood in for,
+// and the placement words left out, which move-placement moves first — with each module in the config form shaped
+// as its definition on the feature branch: its config, its files (templates inlined) and directories, placeholders
+// of kinds this test's mesh does not hold stood in for. A module still in the settings form (the media catalogue's,
+// and kernel) stands in as a mergeable file that takes every key. `on` is where each is assigned, as live.
+type configuredMesh struct {
+	Modules []json.RawMessage   `json:"modules"`
+	Layers  []configuredLayer   `json:"layers"`
+	On      map[string][]string `json:"on"`
+	// Predefined is the catalogue's list of predefined keys, which a module falls back to.
+	Predefined json.RawMessage `json:"predefined"`
+}
+
+type configuredLayer struct {
+	Node   string         `json:"node"`
+	Module string         `json:"module"`
+	Values map[string]any `json:"values"`
+}
+
+var fourMachines = []string{"anchor", "laptop", "workstation", "desktop"}
+
+// aConfiguredMesh is aMesh with two machines more, every module of the configured mesh registered and assigned, and
+// its layers held as the store holds them once move-placement has run.
+func aConfiguredMesh(t *testing.T) (*stores, configuredMesh, map[string]map[string]any) {
+	t.Helper()
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	for i, name := range []string{"workstation", "desktop"} {
+		record, err := inv.AddNode(ctx, name)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		if err := inv.SetPlace(ctx, name, name+".example:51820", "here", false, fmt.Sprintf("10.77.0.%d", i+3)); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		if err := inv.RecordProfile(ctx, record.ID, map[string]any{"capabilities": []any{
+			map[string]any{"name": "container-runtime", "present": true},
+			map[string]any{"name": "systemd", "present": true}}}); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		if err := inv.RecordSealingKey(ctx, record.ID, aPublicKey(t)); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		if err := inv.RecordOverlayKey(ctx, record.ID, aPublicKey(t)); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		if _, err := inv.Assign(ctx, name, overlay.Name); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	raw, err := os.ReadFile(filepath.Join("testdata", "config-moved", "mesh.json"))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	var w configuredMesh
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(raw, &w); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	list, err := catalogue.ParsePredefined(w.Predefined)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	catalogue.UsePredefined(list)
+	served := map[string]map[string]any{}
+	for _, text := range w.Modules {
+		var shape map[string]json.RawMessage
+		if err := json.Unmarshal(text, &shape); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		var name string
+		_ = json.Unmarshal(shape["module"], &name)
+		if s, ok := shape["serves-checked"]; ok {
+			var serves map[string]any
+			if err := json.Unmarshal(s, &serves); err != nil {
+				t.Fatal(err)
+			}
+			served[name] = serves
+			delete(shape, "serves-checked")
+		}
+		text, err := json.Marshal(shape)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		m, err := catalogue.ParseManifest(text)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("%s: %v", name, err)
+		}
+		register(t, open, m)
+	}
+	for _, l := range w.Layers {
+		values, err := json.Marshal(l.Values)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		if l.Node == "" {
+			inv.ExecForTest(t, `insert into settings (node, module, values) values (null, $1, $2)`, l.Module, string(values))
+			continue
+		}
+		inv.ExecForTest(t, `insert into settings (node, module, values) select id, $2, $3 from node where name = $1`,
+			l.Node, l.Module, string(values))
+	}
+	for _, module := range movedKeys(w.On) {
+		for _, node := range w.On[module] {
+			if _, err := assign(ctx, open, node, module); err != nil {
+				t.Fatalf("assign %s %s: %v", node, module, err)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return open, w, served
+}
+
+// standInMeshConfig is mesh-config as this test holds it: each value at its level, and resolved from the catalogue
+// the store holds as mesh-config resolves (novox/hq ADR 0348 §2): the module's own value on the node, else node
+// config then mesh config for the predefined key it falls back to, else its default; a required value nothing sets is
+// unset.
+type standInMeshConfig struct {
+	open   *stores
+	values map[string]any
+	sets   []string
+	// asked is each call of its verb: the action and the level's key.
+	asked []string
+}
+
+func (c *standInMeshConfig) Values(context.Context) (map[string]json.RawMessage, error) {
+	out := map[string]json.RawMessage{}
+	for k, v := range c.values {
+		raw, err := json.Marshal(v)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		out[k] = raw
+	}
+	return out, nil
+}
+
+func (c *standInMeshConfig) Set(_ context.Context, level configLevel, key string, value any, by, why string) error {
+	if by == "" || why == "" {
+		return fmt.Errorf("%s at %s is set without who or why", key, level)
+	}
+	c.values[level.valueKey(key)] = normalJSON(value)
+	c.sets = append(c.sets, level.valueKey(key))
+	return nil
+}
+
+func (c *standInMeshConfig) Resolved(ctx context.Context) ([]resolvedEntry, error) {
+	entries, err := c.open.inventory.Catalogued(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	var out []resolvedEntry
+	for _, e := range entries {
+		m := e.Manifest
+		if !m.DeclaresConfig() {
+			continue
+		}
+		for _, node := range e.On {
+			for _, key := range movedKeys(m.Settings) {
+				d := m.Settings[key]
+				r := resolvedEntry{Node: node, Module: m.Module, Key: key, Source: "default"}
+				value, has := c.values["module."+node+"."+m.Module+"."+key]
+				switch {
+				case has:
+					r.Source = "module"
+				case d.Predefined != "" && c.values["node."+node+"."+d.Predefined] != nil:
+					value, r.Source = c.values["node."+node+"."+d.Predefined], "node"
+				case d.Predefined != "" && c.values["mesh."+d.Predefined] != nil:
+					value, r.Source = c.values["mesh."+d.Predefined], "mesh"
+				case d.Required:
+					r.Source = "unset"
+				default:
+					value = d.Default
+				}
+				if r.Source != "unset" {
+					if r.Value, err = json.Marshal(value); err != nil {
+						return nil, err
+					}
+				}
+				out = append(out, r)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return out, nil
+}
+
+// laid is the stand-in as composition reads it once the switch is on (inventory.ConfigValues).
+func (c *standInMeshConfig) laid(ctx context.Context, node, module string) (map[string]any, error) {
+	resolved, err := c.Resolved(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return configLaid(resolved, node, module)
+}
+
+// snapshotFacts is the facts snapshot as gatherFacts gives it.
+type snapshotFacts = snapshot.Facts
+
+// toldEveryMachine is what each of the four machines is told — every resource and the filter's rules — and what
+// each module that serves something serves, settled from its layers, as JSON a person can diff.
+func toldEveryMachine(t *testing.T, open *stores, served map[string]map[string]any, on map[string][]string) map[string]string {
+	t.Helper()
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	gens, err := generators(ctx, open)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	shelf, err := open.inventory.Catalogue(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	told := map[string]string{}
+	for _, node := range fourMachines {
+		plan, settings, err := planFor(ctx, open, node)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("%s: %v", node, err)
+		}
+		with, _, err := renderingFor(ctx, open, node, plan, settings, gens, Allocating)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("%s: %v", node, err)
+		}
+		composed, err := plan.Compose(with)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("%s: %v", node, err)
+		}
+		rules, err := plan.Rules(with)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("%s: %v", node, err)
+		}
+		settles := map[string]any{}
+		for module, serves := range served {
+			if !containsString(on[module], node) {
+				continue
+			}
+			layers, err := open.inventory.SettingsFor(ctx, node, module)
+			if err != nil {
+				t.Fatal(err)
+			}
+			for name, s := range serves {
+				fact, _ := s.(map[string]any)
+				settled, err := catalogue.Settle(fact, catalogue.WithDefaults(shelf[module], layers))
+				if err != nil {
+					settles[module+" serves "+name] = "error: " + err.Error()
+					continue
+				}
+				settles[module+" serves "+name] = settled
+			}
+		}
+		got, err := json.MarshalIndent(map[string]any{"resources": composed.Resources, "left-out": composed.LeftOut,
+			"rules": rules, "served": settles}, "", "  ")
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		told[node] = string(got)
+	}
+	return told
+}
+
+// effectiveEverywhere is each module's every value on each machine it is assigned to, as `settings show` and
+// `settings preferences` say them (catalogue.Effective): the value, never where it came from, which the move
+// changes by design; a key a layer says by its file's name is read as its config key.
+func effectiveEverywhere(t *testing.T, open *stores, w configuredMesh) map[string]any {
+	t.Helper()
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	shelf, err := open.inventory.Catalogue(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	out := map[string]any{}
+	for _, module := range movedKeys(w.On) {
+		if !shelf[module].DeclaresConfig() {
+			continue
+		}
+		for _, node := range w.On[module] {
+			layers, err := open.inventory.SettingsFor(ctx, node, module)
+			if err != nil {
+				t.Fatal(err)
+			}
+			// A layer's old spelling of a key (nodered's timeZone) is listed beside the key it is the file's name
+			// for, and reaches the file as that key does (issue 751): read as that key, which the move sets.
+			as := catalogue.TakenAs(shelf[module])
+			for _, v := range catalogue.Effective(shelf[module], layers) {
+				if key, old := as[v.Key]; old {
+					out[node+"."+module+"."+key] = normalJSON(v.Value)
+					continue
+				}
+				if _, said := out[node+"."+module+"."+v.Key]; said && v.FromDefault {
+					continue
+				}
+				out[node+"."+module+"."+v.Key] = normalJSON(v.Value)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+func setAt(a configMoveAnswer, key string) []configSet {
+	var out []configSet
+	for _, s := range a.Sets {
+		if s.valueKey(s.Key) == key {
+			out = append(out, s)
+		}
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// **The settings layers move into mesh-config and no machine is told anything new** (novox/hq ADR 0348 §9, design
+// 57 K5, issue 664). Every live layer is seeded as the store holds it once move-placement has run, on modules shaped
+// as their definitions, and every machine composed. The move, asked without confirming, says each value it would set
+// and where from, and sets nothing; confirmed, it sets them in mesh-config, reads them back, empties the layers it
+// moved and switches. Each machine is then told byte for byte what it was told before, every module serves the same,
+// and `settings` lists the same values `config` resolves. Asked again, it sets nothing.
+func TestEveryMachineIsToldTheSameAfterTheMoveOfConfig(t *testing.T) {
+	open, w, served := aConfiguredMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	readBackTries = 0
+	t.Cleanup(func() { readBackTries = 15 })
+	inv := open.inventory
+	config := &standInMeshConfig{open: open, values: map[string]any{}}
+	inv.ReadsConfigFrom(config.laid)
+	before := toldEveryMachine(t, open, served, w.On)
+	listedBefore := effectiveEverywhere(t, open, w)
+	factsBefore, err := gatherFacts(ctx, open, "2.11.17")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+
+	asked, err := runConfigMove(ctx, inv, config, false, "the move of config, run by a test", "")
+	if err != nil || !asked.DryRun || asked.Switched || len(asked.Problems) > 0 || len(config.sets) > 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the move, not confirmed, says %+v (%v) and set %v", asked, err, config.sets)
+	}
+	// nodered's live layer says the file's name for its time zone: set under the config key (issue 751).
+	if s := setAt(asked, "module.anchor.nodered.time-zone"); len(s) != 1 || s[0].Value != "Europe/Brussels" ||
+		!strings.HasSuffix(s[0].From[0], ": timeZone") {
+		t.Errorf("nodered's time zone moves as %+v", s)
+	}
+	for _, s := range asked.Sets {
+		if s.Key == "timeZone" {
+			t.Errorf("a key is set under the file's name: %+v", s)
+		}
+	}
+	// claude-code's whole-mesh managed settings become mesh config for agent-managed-settings (ADR 0348's
+	// consequences), and its whole-mesh layer sets no module value.
+	if s := setAt(asked, "mesh.agent-managed-settings"); len(s) != 1 || s[0].From[0] != "claude-code on the whole mesh: managed_settings" {
+		t.Errorf("claude-code's managed settings move as %+v", s)
+	}
+	for _, node := range fourMachines {
+		if s := setAt(asked, "module."+node+".claude-code.managed_settings"); len(s) > 0 {
+			t.Errorf("claude-code's managed settings are also set on %s: %+v", node, s)
+		}
+	}
+	// A whole-mesh layer of a value no predefined key holds goes to each machine it is assigned to, under that
+	// machine's layer: power's on the workstation is the workstation's, its own elsewhere.
+	if s := setAt(asked, "module.workstation.power.handle-power-key"); len(s) != 1 || s[0].Value != "suspend" {
+		t.Errorf("power's key on the workstation moves as %+v", s)
+	}
+	if s := setAt(asked, "module.anchor.power.handle-power-key"); len(s) != 1 || s[0].Value != "poweroff" {
+		t.Errorf("power's key on the anchor moves as %+v", s)
+	}
+	for _, s := range asked.Sets {
+		if s.Level == "node" {
+			t.Errorf("a machine's layer became node config: %+v", s)
+		}
+	}
+	var stays []string
+	for _, s := range asked.Stays {
+		stays = append(stays, strings.Fields(s)[0])
+	}
+	sort.Strings(stays)
+	if want := []string{"bazarr", "bazarr", "bookshelf", "jackett", "kernel", "kometa", "lidarr", "nzbget", "ombi",
+		"plex", "qbittorrent", "radarr", "sonarr", "tautulli"}; len(stays) < 10 || !containsString(stays, "kernel") {
+		t.Errorf("the layers that stay are %v, want those of %v", stays, want)
+	}
+	if after := toldEveryMachine(t, open, served, w.On); !reflect.DeepEqual(after, before) {
+		t.Fatal("a dry run changed what a machine is told")
+	}
+
+	moved, err := runConfigMove(ctx, inv, config, true, "the move of config, run by a test", "release 57 is delivered")
+	if err != nil || moved.DryRun || !moved.Switched {
+		t.Fatalf("the move says %+v (%v)", moved, err)
+	}
+	if len(config.sets) != len(asked.Sets) {
+		t.Fatalf("the move set %d values, and said it would set %d", len(config.sets), len(asked.Sets))
+	}
+	if held := inv.QueryForTest(t, `select module from settings s where values <> '{}'
+		and module in (select name from module where manifest ? 'config')`); len(held) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a layer of a module in the config form still holds values: %v", held)
+	}
+	after := toldEveryMachine(t, open, served, w.On)
+	for _, node := range fourMachines {
+		if after[node] != before[node] {
+			t.Errorf("%s is told something else after the move:\n%s\nwas:\n%s", node, after[node], before[node])
+		}
+	}
+	if listedAfter := effectiveEverywhere(t, open, w); !reflect.DeepEqual(listedAfter, listedBefore) {
+		t.Errorf("settings lists other values after the move:\n%v\nwas:\n%v", listedAfter, listedBefore)
+	}
+	// And config lists what settings listed: each module's resolved value on each machine is the value settings
+	// said before the move.
+	resolved, err := config.Resolved(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	for _, r := range resolved {
+		said, listed := listedBefore[r.Node+"."+r.Module+"."+r.Key]
+		if r.Source == "unset" {
+			if listed && said != nil {
+				t.Errorf("%s of %s on %s is unset in config, and settings said %v", r.Key, r.Module, r.Node, said)
+			}
+			continue
+		}
+		var v any
+		_ = json.Unmarshal(r.Value, &v)
+		if !listed || !reflect.DeepEqual(v, said) {
+			t.Errorf("config resolves %s of %s on %s as %v, and settings said %v", r.Key, r.Module, r.Node, v, said)
+		}
+	}
+
+	// The facts snapshot carries mesh-config's values for the merge gate, as each machine's layer of each module, and
+	// each machine's declaration composes to the digest it did before the move.
+	factsAfter, err := gatherFacts(ctx, open, "2.11.17")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	// Machines are named in a snapshot by stand-ins of its own; each is found by what it composes.
+	digests := func(f snapshotFacts) ([]string, string) {
+		var out []string
+		zone := ""
+		for _, m := range f.Machines {
+			out = append(out, m.Declaration.Digest)
+			for _, l := range m.Settings {
+				if l.Module == "nodered" {
+					zone = compactJSON(l.Values["time-zone"])
+				}
+			}
+		}
+		sort.Strings(out)
+		return out, zone
+	}
+	was, _ := digests(factsBefore)
+	now, zone := digests(factsAfter)
+	if zone != `"Europe/Brussels"` {
+		t.Errorf("the facts snapshot does not carry nodered's time zone from mesh-config: %s", zone)
+	}
+	if len(now) != len(fourMachines) || now[0] == "" || !reflect.DeepEqual(now, was) {
+		t.Errorf("the declarations in the facts snapshot are %v after the move, %v before", now, was)
+	}
+	for _, s := range factsAfter.Settings {
+		if _, isConfig := map[string]bool{"betterbird": true, "claude-code": true, "power": true, "xdg": true}[s.Module]; isConfig &&
+			len(s.Values) > 0 {
+			t.Errorf("the facts snapshot still carries the whole mesh's layer of %s: %v", s.Module, s.Values)
+		}
+	}
+
+	config.sets = nil
+	again, err := runConfigMove(ctx, inv, config, true, "the move of config, run by a test", "again")
+	if err != nil || len(config.sets) != 0 || len(again.Moved) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("asked again, the move set %v and says %+v (%v)", config.sets, again, err)
+	}
+	if after := toldEveryMachine(t, open, served, w.On); !reflect.DeepEqual(after, before) {
+		t.Fatal("the move asked again changed what a machine is told")
+	}
+}
+
+// **The move refuses what it cannot move as it composes, and sets nothing** (issue 664): a layer that still holds
+// placement (move-placement has not run), a key its module does not declare, and a value its declaration refuses —
+// each said by name; and a value mesh-config resolves from a level no layer says (it would be laid once the switch
+// is on) leaves every layer and the switch as they were.
+func TestTheMoveOfConfigRefusesWhatWouldChangeAMachine(t *testing.T) {
+	open, _, _ := aConfiguredMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	readBackTries = 0
+	t.Cleanup(func() { readBackTries = 15 })
+	inv := open.inventory
+	config := &standInMeshConfig{open: open, values: map[string]any{}}
+	inv.ReadsConfigFrom(config.laid)
+
+	inv.ExecForTest(t, `update settings set values = values || '{"endpoints": {"web": {"reach": "public"}}}'
+		where module = 'nodered'`)
+	inv.ExecForTest(t, `update settings set values = values || '{"colour": "blue"}' where module = 'unifi'`)
+	inv.ExecForTest(t, `update settings set values = '{"font-size": 900}' where module = 'dunst'`)
+	answer, err := runConfigMove(ctx, inv, config, true, "a test", "release 57 is delivered")
+	if err == nil || answer.Switched || len(config.sets) > 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the move went ahead: %+v (%v), set %v", answer, err, config.sets)
+	}
+	for _, want := range []string{"nodered on anchor still holds placement (endpoints): run move-placement first",
+		`unifi on anchor says "colour", which unifi does not declare`, "font-size at dunst's own value on workstation"} {
+		if !strings.Contains(err.Error(), want) {
+			t.Errorf("the refusal does not say %q: %v", want, err)
+		}
+	}
+	inv.ExecForTest(t, `update settings set values = values - 'endpoints' where module = 'nodered'`)
+	inv.ExecForTest(t, `update settings set values = values - 'colour' where module = 'unifi'`)
+	inv.ExecForTest(t, `update settings set values = '{"font-size": 13, "width": 500}' where module = 'dunst'`)
+
+	// Set in mesh-config before the move, on a module whose layers say nothing of it: the switch would lay it.
+	config.values["module.anchor.grafana."+movedKeys(func() map[string]catalogue.SettingDeclaration {
+		shelf, _ := inv.Catalogue(ctx)
+		return shelf["grafana"].Settings
+	}())[0]] = "set before the move"
+	answer, err = runConfigMove(ctx, inv, config, true, "a test", "release 57 is delivered")
+	if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "grafana on anchor resolves") || answer.Switched {
+		t.Fatalf("a value no layer says was laid by the switch: %+v (%v)", answer, err)
+	}
+	if moved, _ := inv.ConfigMoved(ctx); moved.Moved {
+		t.Fatal("the switch is on after a refused move")
+	}
+	if held := inv.QueryForTest(t, `select count(*) from settings where values <> '{}'`); held[0][0] == "0" {
+		t.Fatal("a refused move emptied the layers")
+	}
+}
+
+// The verb's command line: a dry run unless confirmed, and a confirmed move says why, recorded as a person's step of
+// the release, never a repair (issue 664).
+func TestTheMoveOfConfigIsADryRunUnlessConfirmed(t *testing.T) {
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		args map[string]any
+		want string
+	}{
+		{map[string]any{}, "move-config --json"},
+		{map[string]any{"confirm": "true", "why": "release 57 is delivered"}, "move-config --json --confirm --why release 57 is delivered"},
+	} {
+		argv, err := argvFor("move-config", c.args)
+		if err != nil || strings.Join(argv, " ") != c.want {
+			t.Errorf("%v: %q %v, want %q", c.args, argv, err, c.want)
+		}
+	}
+	for _, args := range []map[string]any{{"confirm": "true"}, {"why": "tidy"}, {"node": "anchor"}} {
+		if argv, err := argvFor("move-config", args); err == nil {
+			t.Errorf("%v was composed as %q", args, argv)
+		}
+	}
+	if repairingCommand([]string{"move-config", "--json", "--confirm", "--why", "x"}) != "move-config" {
+		t.Error("a confirmed move through the generic verb would go unrecorded")
+	}
+	if !personsDecision(link.HandAct{Verb: "move-config"}) {
+		t.Error("a move of the release would count toward a healer the mesh lacks")
+	}
+}
+
+// ask is mesh-config's verb as the stand-in answers it: list, set, clear and propose.
+func (c *standInMeshConfig) ask(ctx context.Context, args map[string]any) (json.RawMessage, error) {
+	str := func(k string) string { s, _ := args[k].(string); return s }
+	level := configLevel{Level: "mesh"}
+	switch {
+	case str("module") != "" && str("node") != "":
+		level = configLevel{Level: "module", Node: str("node"), Module: str("module")}
+	case str("node") != "":
+		level = configLevel{Level: "node", Node: str("node")}
+	}
+	c.asked = append(c.asked, str("action")+" "+level.valueKey(str("key")))
+	switch str("action") {
+	case "list":
+		resolved, err := c.Resolved(ctx)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		out := map[string]any{"resolved": []resolvedEntry{}, "set": []any{}}
+		var listed []resolvedEntry
+		for _, r := range resolved {
+			if r.Module == str("module") && (str("node") == "" || r.Node == str("node")) {
+				listed = append(listed, r)
+			}
+		}
+		out["resolved"] = listed
+		var set []any
+		for _, k := range movedKeys(c.values) {
+			parts := strings.SplitN(k, ".", 4)
+			if len(parts) == 4 && parts[0] == "module" && parts[2] == str("module") {
+				set = append(set, map[string]any{"level": configLevel{Level: "module", Node: parts[1], Module: parts[2]},
+					"key": parts[3], "value": c.values[k], "by": "a test"})
+			}
+		}
+		out["set"] = set
+		return json.Marshal(out)
+	case "set":
+		if str("why") == "" || str("by") == "" {
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("a set without why or by: %v", args)
+		}
+		return nil, c.Set(ctx, level, str("key"), args["value"], str("by"), str("why"))
+	case "clear":
+		if _, had := c.values[level.valueKey(str("key"))]; !had {
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("nothing is set for %s", str("key"))
+		}
+		delete(c.values, level.valueKey(str("key")))
+		return json.RawMessage(`{}`), nil
+	case "propose":
+		return json.RawMessage(`{"proposal":"p-1"}`), nil
+	}
+	return nil, fmt.Errorf("the stand-in does not %s", str("action"))
+}
+
+// **`settings` answers by forwarding to `config`** (novox/hq ADR 0348 §1, design 57 K5, issue 664): once the move
+// has run, a module in the config form is shown from mesh-config, its values set and cleared there as its own on the
+// machine (placement still beside the assignment), and proposed through it; a trusted value is refused through a
+// verb, a module value for the whole mesh is refused, and a module still in the settings form keeps today's verb.
+func TestTheSettingsVerbForwardsToConfigOnceTheValuesMoved(t *testing.T) {
+	open, w, served := aConfiguredMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	readBackTries = 0
+	t.Cleanup(func() { readBackTries = 15 })
+	config := &standInMeshConfig{open: open, values: map[string]any{}}
+	inv.ReadsConfigFrom(config.laid)
+	savedRead, savedAsk := readConfigValues, configAsk
+	readConfigValues, configAsk = config.laid, config.ask
+	t.Cleanup(func() { readConfigValues, configAsk = savedRead, savedAsk })
+	if _, err := runConfigMove(ctx, inv, config, true, "a test", "release 57 is delivered"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+
+	shown := stdoutOf(t, func() error { return settingsCommand(ctx, []string{"show", "nodered", "--node", "anchor"}) })
+	for _, want := range []string{`"time-zone": "Europe/Brussels"`, `time-zone = "Europe/Brussels"  (module)`,
+		"mesh-config.config", `"mqtt": {`} {
+		if !strings.Contains(shown, want) {
+			t.Errorf("settings show does not say %q:\n%s", want, shown)
+		}
+	}
+	if strings.Contains(shown, "timeZone") {
+		t.Errorf("settings show still says the file's name:\n%s", shown)
+	}
+
+	config.asked = nil
+	said := stdoutOf(t, func() error {
+		return settingsCommand(ctx, []string{"set", "dunst", `{"font-size": 12, "width": 500}`, "--node", "workstation"})
+	})
+	if config.values["module.workstation.dunst.font-size"] != float64(12) || !strings.Contains(said, "~ font-size") ||
+		containsString(config.asked, "set module.workstation.dunst.width") {
+		t.Fatalf("settings set reached mesh-config as %v (%v):\n%s", config.values, config.asked, said)
+	}
+	told := toldEveryMachine(t, open, served, w.On)["workstation"]
+	if !strings.Contains(told, "12") {
+		t.Error("the workstation is not told the font size set through settings")
+	}
+	if err := settingsCommand(ctx, []string{"set", "dunst", `{"font-size": 12}`, "--node", "workstation"}); err == nil ||
+		!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "would no longer set width") {
+		t.Fatalf("a set dropping a value without --replace: %v", err)
+	}
+	if err := settingsCommand(ctx, []string{"set", "dunst", `{"font-size": 12}`}); err == nil ||
+		!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "no own value for the whole mesh") {
+		t.Fatalf("a module value for the whole mesh: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	t.Setenv(verbVar, "settings")
+	for _, c := range []struct{ module, node, values, key, held, why string }{
+		// A file root reads: refused as before the move (novox/hq issue 339).
+		{"hostname", "anchor", `{"hostname": "elsewhere"}`, "module.anchor.hostname.hostname", "Ace", "issue 339"},
+		{"messenger", "laptop", `{"desktop-machines": ["g14", "shanks"], "time-zone": "UTC"}`,
+			"module.laptop.messenger.time-zone", "Europe/Brussels", "issue 339"},
+	} {
+		err := settingsCommand(ctx, []string{"set", c.module, c.values, "--node", c.node})
+		if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), c.why) || config.values[c.key] != c.held {
+			t.Fatalf("a trusted value of %s through a verb: %v, holds %v", c.module, err, config.values[c.key])
+		}
+	}
+	// And a trusted value no file makes the terminal's is refused as trusted, since mesh-config takes the controller's
+	// word for it (ADR 0348 §8).
+	if err := refuseTrustedThroughAVerb(ctx, inv, "messenger", "laptop", []string{"time-zone"}); err == nil ||
+		!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "ADR 0348 §8") {
+		t.Fatalf("a trusted value through a verb: %v", err)
+	}
+	if err := refuseTrustedThroughAVerb(ctx, inv, "dunst", "workstation", []string{"width"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("a value nobody trusts through a verb: %v", err)
+	}
+	stdoutOf(t, func() error {
+		return settingsCommand(ctx, []string{"set", "dunst", `{"font-size": 12, "width": 600}`, "--node", "workstation"})
+	})
+	if config.values["module.workstation.dunst.width"] != float64(600) {
+		t.Fatalf("a value nobody trusts was not set through a verb: %v", config.values["module.workstation.dunst.width"])
+	}
+	t.Setenv(verbVar, "")
+
+	stdoutOf(t, func() error { return settingsCommand(ctx, []string{"clear", "dunst", "--node", "workstation"}) })
+	for _, k := range []string{"font-size", "width"} {
+		if _, held := config.values["module.workstation.dunst."+k]; held {
+			t.Errorf("settings clear left dunst's %s on the workstation", k)
+		}
+	}
+
+	config.asked = nil
+	proposed := stdoutOf(t, func() error {
+		return settingsCommand(ctx, []string{"propose", "hostname", `{"hostname": "elsewhere"}`, "--node", "anchor"})
+	})
+	if !containsString(config.asked, "propose module.anchor.hostname.hostname") || !strings.Contains(proposed, "p-1") {
+		t.Fatalf("settings propose reached mesh-config as %v:\n%s", config.asked, proposed)
+	}
+
+	config.asked = nil
+	kept := stdoutOf(t, func() error { return settingsCommand(ctx, []string{"show", "kernel", "--node", "laptop"}) })
+	if !strings.Contains(kept, "transparent-huge-pages") || len(config.asked) > 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a module in the settings form is shown as %q, asking mesh-config %v", kept, config.asked)
+	}
+}
+
+// **An approval for a module whose config has moved is refused, and writes nothing** (issue 830, novox/hq ADR 0348):
+// a proposal raised while grafana read its layer (it had none, so the layer is as the operator was shown it) and
+// approved after the move would put its values back into the layer, ReadsConfig would turn false, and the module
+// would compose from emptied layers everywhere.
+func TestAnApprovalRaisedBeforeTheMoveOfConfigIsRefusedAfterIt(t *testing.T) {
+	open, _, _ := aConfiguredMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	readBackTries = 0
+	t.Cleanup(func() { readBackTries = 15 })
+	inv := open.inventory
+	config := &standInMeshConfig{open: open, values: map[string]any{}}
+	inv.ReadsConfigFrom(config.laid)
+	shelf, err := inv.Catalogue(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	key := movedKeys(func() map[string]catalogue.SettingDeclaration { return shelf["grafana"].Settings }())[0]
+	values := map[string]any{key: "raised before the move"}
+	p := settingsProposal{Module: "grafana", Node: "anchor", Values: values, From: "g14/claude-code", At: time.Now(),
+		Digest: layerDigest(values), BeforeDigest: layerDigest(nil)}
+	if _, has, err := inv.Layer(ctx, "anchor", "grafana"); err != nil || has {
+		t.Fatalf("grafana has a layer on anchor before the test: %v %v", has, err)
+	}
+	if moved, err := runConfigMove(ctx, inv, config, true, "a test", "release 57 is delivered"); err != nil || !moved.Switched {
+		t.Fatalf("the move says %+v (%v)", moved, err)
+	}
+	if reads, err := inv.ReadsConfig(ctx, "grafana"); err != nil || !reads {
+		t.Fatalf("grafana does not read config after the move: %v %v", reads, err)
+	}
+	_, err = setLayerIn(open)(ctx, p, "s30", "approved by the operator")
+	if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "moved to mesh-config since the operator was shown the change") ||
+		!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "propose it again") {
+		t.Fatalf("the stale approval: %v", err)
+	}
+	if layer, has, err := inv.Layer(ctx, "anchor", "grafana"); err != nil || has && len(layer) > 0 {
+		t.Errorf("the refused approval wrote the layer: %v %v %v", layer, has, err)
+	}
+	if reads, err := inv.ReadsConfig(ctx, "grafana"); err != nil || !reads {
+		t.Errorf("the refused approval turned ReadsConfig off: %v %v", reads, err)
+	}
+}
+
+// **A proposal of placement only is set after the move, as before** (issue 830): forwardPropose sends it down the
+// old path on purpose, so refusing it would loop the operator (refused, proposed again, refused).
+func TestAPlacementOnlyApprovalRaisedBeforeTheMoveIsSetAfterIt(t *testing.T) {
+	open, _, _ := aConfiguredMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	readBackTries = 0
+	t.Cleanup(func() { readBackTries = 15 })
+	inv := open.inventory
+	config := &standInMeshConfig{open: open, values: map[string]any{}}
+	inv.ReadsConfigFrom(config.laid)
+	values := map[string]any{catalogue.PlacesSetting: map[string]any{"data": "/srv/grafana-data"}}
+	p := settingsProposal{Module: "grafana", Node: "anchor", Values: values, From: "g14/claude-code", At: time.Now(),
+		Digest: layerDigest(values), BeforeDigest: layerDigest(nil)}
+	if _, has, err := inv.Layer(ctx, "anchor", "grafana"); err != nil || has {
+		t.Fatalf("grafana has a layer on anchor before the test: %v %v", has, err)
+	}
+	if moved, err := runConfigMove(ctx, inv, config, true, "a test", "release 57 is delivered"); err != nil || !moved.Switched {
+		t.Fatalf("the move says %+v (%v)", moved, err)
+	}
+	if _, err := setLayerIn(open)(ctx, p, "s31", "approved by the operator"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("the placement-only approval after the move: %v", err)
+	}
+	if _, has, err := inv.Layer(ctx, "anchor", "grafana"); err != nil || !has {
+		t.Errorf("the approval did not set the layer: %v %v", has, err)
+	}
+	if reads, err := inv.ReadsConfig(ctx, "grafana"); err != nil || !reads {
+		t.Errorf("the approval turned ReadsConfig off: %v %v", reads, err)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/config_read.go

@@ -0,0 +1,128 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"strings"
+	"sync"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go/jetstream"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// **Where the controller reads config values once the move has run** (novox/hq ADR 0348 §9, design 57 K5, issue 664):
+// mesh-config_resolved, the bucket mesh-config alone writes, keyed `<node>.<module>.<key>`, each value with the
+// source it came from. Read only for a module the switch reaches (inventory.ReadsConfig), so a controller before the
+// move never asks the bus for config. The exception to ADR 0348 §9 ("the controller holds no config value") that
+// ADR 0349 clause 17's old way needs, until design 57's R1 hands every module to the provisioner.
+
+// resolvedEntry is one key of mesh-config_resolved as the controller reads it: the value and where it came from.
+type resolvedEntry struct {
+	Node   string          `json:"node"`
+	Module string          `json:"module"`
+	Key    string          `json:"key"`
+	Value  json.RawMessage `json:"value,omitempty"`
+	Source string          `json:"source"`
+}
+
+// The sources a resolved value is laid over a module's files from: mesh config, node config and the module's own
+// value. Its manifest's default is composition's already, and a taken key's default is never laid over its file;
+// a required value nothing sets (`unset`) is refused by composition by name, as it is today.
+var laidSources = map[string]bool{"mesh": true, "node": true, "module": true}
+
+// configLaid is the values of one module on one node that are laid over its files, from the resolved entries.
+func configLaid(entries []resolvedEntry, node, module string) (map[string]any, error) {
+	out := map[string]any{}
+	for _, e := range entries {
+		if e.Node != node || e.Module != module || !laidSources[e.Source] {
+			continue
+		}
+		var v any
+		if err := json.Unmarshal(e.Value, &v); err != nil {
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("mesh-config's value %s of %s on %s cannot be read: %w", e.Key, module, node, err)
+		}
+		out[e.Key] = v
+	}
+	return out, nil
+}
+
+// resolvedRead is what one read of the whole bucket held, and when it was read.
+type resolvedRead struct {
+	mu      sync.Mutex
+	at      time.Time
+	entries []resolvedEntry
+}
+
+// resolvedFresh is how long one read of the bucket answers: a plan reads every module of a machine, and one read
+// serves them all; a value set since is read by the next composition.
+const resolvedFresh = 5 * time.Second
+
+var theResolved resolvedRead
+
+// readConfigValues is where an opened inventory reads config values once the switch is on; a test replaces it.
+var readConfigValues inventory.ConfigValues = busConfigValues
+
+// busConfigValues reads one module's config values on one node from mesh-config_resolved (inventory.ConfigValues).
+func busConfigValues(ctx context.Context, node, module string) (map[string]any, error) {
+	theResolved.mu.Lock()
+	defer theResolved.mu.Unlock()
+	if theResolved.entries == nil || time.Since(theResolved.at) > resolvedFresh {
+		entries, err := readResolved(ctx)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		theResolved.entries, theResolved.at = entries, time.Now()
+	}
+	return configLaid(theResolved.entries, node, module)
+}
+
+// readResolved is every entry of mesh-config_resolved, read on the bus.
+func readResolved(ctx context.Context) ([]resolvedEntry, error) {
+	entries := []resolvedEntry{}
+	err := onTheBus(func(conn *nats.Conn) error {
+		js, err := jetstream.New(conn)
+		if err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+		ctx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(ctx, 20*time.Second)
+		defer cancel()
+		kv, err := js.KeyValue(ctx, broker.ConfigResolvedBucket)
+		if err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("%s cannot be opened: %w", broker.ConfigResolvedBucket, err)
+		}
+		w, err := kv.WatchAll(ctx, jetstream.IgnoreDeletes())
+		if err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+		defer func() { _ = w.Stop() }()
+		for {
+			select {
+			case <-ctx.Done():
+				return fmt.Errorf("%s was not read whole: %w", broker.ConfigResolvedBucket, ctx.Err())
+			case e, open := <-w.Updates():
+				if !open {
+					return errors.New(broker.ConfigResolvedBucket + " stopped answering")
+				}
+				if e == nil {
+					return nil
+				}
+				var r resolvedEntry
+				if err := json.Unmarshal(e.Value(), &r); err != nil {
+					return fmt.Errorf("%s holds %q, which is not a resolved value: %w", broker.ConfigResolvedBucket,
+						e.Key(), err)
+				}
+				if r.Node == "" || r.Module == "" || r.Key == "" || !strings.HasPrefix(e.Key(), r.Node+"."+r.Module+".") {
+					return fmt.Errorf("%s holds %q, whose value names another key", broker.ConfigResolvedBucket, e.Key())
+				}
+				entries = append(entries, r)
+			}
+		}
+	})
+	return entries, err
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/core_box.go

@@ -0,0 +1,305 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"crypto/ecdh"
+	"crypto/x509"
+	"encoding/base64"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"encoding/pem"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"slices"
+	"sort"
+	"strings"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// The core's own credentials, sealed by the vault (novox/hq ADR 0349 §16, issue 755; the lead's decision on issue 755,
+// notes 4 and 5).
+//
+// For a machine whose engine opens the vault's box (link.VaultBoxContract), each own secret of a module on the core's
+// list (catalogue.CoreCredentialModules) travels as the vault sealed it to that machine's key, which the controller
+// asks for on the send path (`get`, answered to the controller alone and sealed only to the key that machine's engine
+// stated: mesh-vault's core.go) and carries without being able to open it. A machine below that contract is sent the
+// controller's own sealed value, exactly as before.
+//
+// **The vault seals every answer afresh**, so the box last got is kept (inventory.CoreBox) and carried again while the
+// vault's generation and the machine's key are the same: a declaration that changed with every answer would never be
+// current. Every question but a send reads the kept box and asks nothing.
+//
+// **Until the vault holds a machine's core credentials, the controller seals them itself** (novox/hq ADR 0396, issue
+// 908; it replaces the ADR 0349 §16 rule that the controller never does). When the vault does not answer, a credential
+// with a kept box keeps it — the machine keeps the file it has — and one with none has its module composed as for an
+// engine below the contract: with the controller's own sealed value, never left out (a core module left out took the
+// bus's port from the packet filter and cut the remote machines off). Either way the send raises a condition naming
+// the vault and the machine, cleared by the first send the vault answers whole. Only a machine with no sealing key, or
+// one whose key cannot be read, leaves its module out.
+
+// engineOpensVaultBox says whether a machine's node-engine opens the vault's box, by its own newest statement.
+func engineOpensVaultBox(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, node string) (bool, error) {
+	stated, had, err := inv.HealthOf(ctx, node)
+	if err != nil {
+		return false, err
+	}
+	return had && stated.Contract >= link.VaultBoxContract, nil
+}
+
+// coreAnswer is the vault's `get` answer as the controller reads it: the name, the generation and the box, never
+// opened.
+type coreAnswer struct {
+	Name       string          `json:"name"`
+	Generation int             `json:"generation"`
+	Sealed     json.RawMessage `json:"sealed"`
+}
+
+// coreAsk asks the vault for one secret sealed to the given key.
+type coreAsk func(name, publicKey string) (coreAnswer, error)
+
+// coreBoxes is what the vault's boxes make of one machine's composition.
+type coreBoxes struct {
+	// sealed is each core credential's box, by module and name (catalogue.Rendering.VaultSealed).
+	sealed map[string]map[string]json.RawMessage
+	// notPlaced is each core module left out, with why (catalogue.Rendering.NotPlaced).
+	notPlaced map[string]string
+	// keep is each box newly answered, to keep.
+	keep []inventory.CoreBox
+	// byController is each core module the vault did not answer for and no box was kept for, which is composed with
+	// the controller's own seal until the vault holds it (ADR 0396).
+	byController []string
+	// held is each credential the vault did not answer for whose kept box is carried again; silent is why the vault
+	// did not answer, per credential.
+	held, silent []string
+}
+
+// coreModulesOf is every module of the plan on the core's list whose own secrets this machine's declaration carries,
+// with their plain own secret names, sorted: one handed to the provisioner has its secrets from the vault through the
+// client, and one issued outside the mesh is never the vault's to seal here.
+func coreModulesOf(modules []catalogue.Manifest, handed func(catalogue.Manifest) bool) map[string][]string {
+	out := map[string][]string{}
+	for _, m := range modules {
+		if !catalogue.CarriesVaultSealed(m.Module) || (handed != nil && handed(m)) {
+			continue
+		}
+		var names []string
+		for name, own := range m.OwnSecrets.Plain() {
+			if own.IssuedBy != catalogue.IssuedOutside {
+				names = append(names, name)
+			}
+		}
+		if len(names) > 0 {
+			sort.Strings(names)
+			out[m.Module] = names
+		}
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// sealingKeyPEM is a machine's sealing key, recorded raw in base64, as the SPKI PEM the vault seals to.
+func sealingKeyPEM(raw string) (string, error) {
+	b, err := base64.StdEncoding.DecodeString(strings.TrimSpace(raw))
+	if err != nil || len(b) != 32 {
+		return "", errors.New("the machine's sealing key is not a raw X25519 key")
+	}
+	pub, err := ecdh.X25519().NewPublicKey(b)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", err
+	}
+	der, err := x509.MarshalPKIXPublicKey(pub)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", err
+	}
+	return string(pem.EncodeToMemory(&pem.Block{Type: "PUBLIC KEY", Bytes: der})), nil
+}
+
+// coreBoxesOf decides each core credential of a machine: on a send, the vault's answer (the kept box while its
+// generation and key are the same), the kept box where the vault did not answer, or the module left to the controller's
+// own seal where nothing was kept; on any other question, the kept box, or a stand-in the next send asks for. Pure: what to keep and what to
+// say is answered, not done.
+func coreBoxesOf(node, sealingKey string, core map[string][]string, kept map[string]map[string]inventory.CoreBox,
+	choosing Choosing, ask coreAsk) coreBoxes {
+	out := coreBoxes{sealed: map[string]map[string]json.RawMessage{}, notPlaced: map[string]string{}}
+	modules := make([]string, 0, len(core))
+	for m := range core {
+		modules = append(modules, m)
+	}
+	sort.Strings(modules)
+	for _, module := range modules {
+		if sealingKey == "" {
+			out.notPlaced[module] = fmt.Sprintf("%s has no sealing key, so the vault can seal %s's credentials to "+
+				"nothing there (novox/hq ADR 0349 §16)", node, module)
+			continue
+		}
+		key, err := sealingKeyPEM(sealingKey)
+		if err != nil {
+			out.notPlaced[module] = fmt.Sprintf("%s's credentials cannot be asked of the vault: %v", module, err)
+			continue
+		}
+		boxes := map[string]json.RawMessage{}
+		for _, name := range core[module] {
+			k, has := kept[module][name]
+			valid := has && k.SealedTo == sealingKey && len(k.Box) > 0
+			if choosing != Allocating {
+				if valid {
+					boxes[name] = k.Box
+				} else {
+					boxes[name] = catalogue.ForeseenVaultBox
+				}
+				continue
+			}
+			secret := "own/" + node + "/" + module + "/" + name
+			got, err := ask(secret, key)
+			if err == nil && (got.Generation <= 0 || canonicalBox(got.Sealed) == nil) {
+				err = errors.New("it answered no box")
+			}
+			if err != nil {
+				out.silent = append(out.silent, fmt.Sprintf("%s: %v", secret, err))
+				if valid {
+					boxes[name] = k.Box
+					out.held = append(out.held, module+"/"+name)
+					continue
+				}
+				out.byController = append(out.byController, module)
+				break
+			}
+			if valid && k.Generation == got.Generation {
+				boxes[name] = k.Box
+				continue
+			}
+			box := canonicalBox(got.Sealed)
+			boxes[name] = box
+			out.keep = append(out.keep, inventory.CoreBox{Module: module, Name: name, Generation: got.Generation,
+				SealedTo: sealingKey, Box: box})
+		}
+		if _, left := out.notPlaced[module]; !left && !slices.Contains(out.byController, module) {
+			out.sealed[module] = boxes
+		}
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// canonicalBox is the vault's box in the one form the declaration carries — the sealed box's fields, in their order,
+// and nothing else — or nil when it is not one.
+func canonicalBox(raw json.RawMessage) json.RawMessage {
+	var b struct {
+		V   int    `json:"v"`
+		Eph string `json:"eph"`
+		IV  string `json:"iv"`
+		Tag string `json:"tag"`
+		Ct  string `json:"ct"`
+	}
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(raw, &b); err != nil || b.V <= 0 || b.Eph == "" || b.Ct == "" {
+		return nil
+	}
+	out, _ := json.Marshal(b)
+	return out
+}
+
+// coreVault is how a send asks the vault for a core credential: its `get`, in the controller's name. A test stands
+// in for it.
+var coreVault = func(ctx context.Context) coreAsk {
+	vault := theVault(ctx)
+	return func(name, publicKey string) (coreAnswer, error) {
+		raw, err := vault("get", map[string]any{"name": name, "public_key": publicKey})
+		if err != nil {
+			return coreAnswer{}, err
+		}
+		var a coreAnswer
+		if err := json.Unmarshal(raw, &a); err != nil {
+			return coreAnswer{}, fmt.Errorf("the vault's answer is not one: %w", err)
+		}
+		return a, nil
+	}
+}
+
+// coreBoxesFor is coreBoxesOf for one machine, read from and kept in the store, and said on a send.
+func coreBoxesFor(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, node string, modules []catalogue.Manifest,
+	handed func(catalogue.Manifest) bool, choosing Choosing) (coreBoxes, error) {
+	core := coreModulesOf(modules, handed)
+	if len(core) == 0 {
+		if choosing == Allocating {
+			settleVaultSilent(ctx, node)
+		}
+		return coreBoxes{}, nil
+	}
+	key, err := inv.SealingKeyOf(ctx, node)
+	if err != nil {
+		return coreBoxes{}, err
+	}
+	kept, err := inv.KeptCoreBoxes(ctx, node)
+	if err != nil {
+		return coreBoxes{}, err
+	}
+	var ask coreAsk
+	if choosing == Allocating {
+		ask = coreVault(ctx)
+	}
+	out := coreBoxesOf(node, key, core, kept, choosing, ask)
+	for _, b := range out.keep {
+		if err := inv.KeepCoreBox(ctx, node, b); err != nil {
+			return coreBoxes{}, err
+		}
+	}
+	if choosing == Allocating {
+		sayVaultSilent(ctx, node, out)
+	}
+	return out, nil
+}
+
+// kindVaultSilent is a send that did not have the vault's box for a core credential of a machine.
+const kindVaultSilent = "vault-silent"
+
+// vaultSilentObservation is that, as a condition: `machine.<machine>.vault-silent`.
+func vaultSilentObservation(node string, b coreBoxes) conditions.Observation {
+	o := conditions.Observation{Scope: conditions.ScopeMachine, ID: node, Kind: kindVaultSilent, Token: kindVaultSilent,
+		Machine: node, Severity: conditions.Warning, Source: coreDowngradeSource}
+	var said []string
+	if len(b.notPlaced) > 0 {
+		o.Severity = conditions.Urgent
+		var left []string
+		for m := range b.notPlaced {
+			left = append(left, m)
+		}
+		sort.Strings(left)
+		said = append(said, "not placed: "+strings.Join(left, ", "))
+	}
+	if len(b.byController) > 0 {
+		said = append(said, "sealed by the controller until the vault holds it: "+strings.Join(b.byController, ", "))
+	}
+	if len(b.held) > 0 {
+		said = append(said, "kept as last sent: "+strings.Join(b.held, ", "))
+	}
+	o.Summary = fmt.Sprintf("the vault did not answer for the core's credentials on %s; %s", node, strings.Join(said, "; "))
+	o.Said = o.Summary + " — " + strings.Join(b.silent, "; ")
+	return o
+}
+
+// sayVaultSilent raises the condition for a send the vault did not answer whole, and clears it for one it did.
+func sayVaultSilent(ctx context.Context, node string, b coreBoxes) {
+	if len(b.silent) == 0 && len(b.notPlaced) == 0 {
+		settleVaultSilent(ctx, node)
+		return
+	}
+	fmt.Printf("HELD: %s\n", vaultSilentObservation(node, b).Said)
+	if conditionsFrom == nil {
+		return
+	}
+	if _, err := conditionsFrom.Observe(ctx, vaultSilentObservation(node, b)); err != nil {
+		fmt.Printf("the condition for the vault's silence on %s could not be raised: %v\n", node, err)
+	}
+}
+
+// settleVaultSilent clears the condition once a send had every core credential of the machine from the vault.
+func settleVaultSilent(ctx context.Context, node string) {
+	if conditionsFrom == nil {
+		return
+	}
+	key := vaultSilentObservation(node, coreBoxes{}).Key()
+	if _, err := conditionsFrom.Clear(ctx, key, "the vault answered for every core credential of "+node); err != nil {
+		fmt.Printf("the condition %s could not be cleared: %v\n", key, err)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/core_box_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,244 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"reflect"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// The core's own credentials travel sealed by the vault to their machine (novox/hq ADR 0349 §16, issue 755; the lead's
+// decision, issue 755 notes 4 and 5): to an engine that opens the vault's box, the send carries the box the vault
+// answered the controller and never the controller's own seal; when the vault does not answer, a kept box is carried
+// again and a module with none is sealed by the controller (ADR 0396, issue 908), with a condition naming the vault and the machine. An engine below the
+// contract composes exactly as before, and the vault is not asked.
+
+// coreStandIn answers `get` with a box per name and generation, or its silence.
+type coreStandIn struct {
+	asked      []string
+	keys       []string
+	generation int
+	silent     error
+}
+
+func (v *coreStandIn) ask(name, key string) (coreAnswer, error) {
+	v.asked, v.keys = append(v.asked, name), append(v.keys, key)
+	if v.silent != nil {
+		return coreAnswer{}, v.silent
+	}
+	box := `{"v":1,"eph":"ZQ==","iv":"aQ==","tag":"dA==","ct":"` + strings.Repeat("c", len(v.asked)) + `"}`
+	return coreAnswer{Name: name, Generation: v.generation, Sealed: json.RawMessage(box)}, nil
+}
+
+func withVault(t *testing.T, v *coreStandIn) {
+	t.Helper()
+	before := coreVault
+	coreVault = func(context.Context) coreAsk { return v.ask }
+	t.Cleanup(func() { coreVault = before })
+}
+
+func aCoreMesh(t *testing.T, contract int) (*stores, *coreStandIn) {
+	t.Helper()
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	client := aClientModule()
+	register(t, open, client)
+	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "laptop", client.Module); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := issueProvisionerClient(ctx, open.inventory, client, "laptop", broker.Broker{Fingerprint: "ab"},
+		"10.0.0.1:4222"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, err := open.inventory.RecordHealth(ctx, inventory.NodeHealth{Node: "laptop", Contract: contract,
+		SaidAt: time.Now()}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	v := &coreStandIn{generation: 1}
+	withVault(t, v)
+	return open, v
+}
+
+func clientsBroker(resources []map[string]any) map[string]any {
+	for _, r := range resources {
+		if r["id"] == "mesh-provisioner-client.needs-"+broker.ProvisionerSecret {
+			return r
+		}
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+func vaultSilence(t *testing.T, node string) (conditions.Condition, bool) {
+	t.Helper()
+	c, found, err := conditionsFrom.Get(t.Context(), vaultSilentObservation(node, coreBoxes{}).Key())
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	return c, found
+}
+
+func TestTheSendCarriesTheVaultsBoxForACoreCredentialAndKeepsIt(t *testing.T) {
+	open, vault := aCoreMesh(t, link.VaultBoxContract)
+	key, err := open.inventory.SealingKeyOf(t.Context(), "laptop")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	f := clientsBroker(sentTo(t, open, "laptop"))
+	if f == nil || f["sealed"] != nil || f[catalogue.VaultSealedField] == nil {
+		t.Fatalf("the core credential is sent as %v: the vault's box, never the controller's seal", f)
+	}
+	if want := []string{"own/laptop/mesh-provisioner-client/" + broker.ProvisionerSecret}; !reflect.DeepEqual(vault.asked, want) {
+		t.Fatalf("the vault was asked %v", vault.asked)
+	}
+	if want, _ := sealingKeyPEM(key); vault.keys[0] != want {
+		t.Fatalf("the vault was asked to seal to %q, not the machine's key", vault.keys[0])
+	}
+	first, _ := json.Marshal(f[catalogue.VaultSealedField])
+
+	// The vault answers afresh with the same generation: the kept box is carried again, so the declaration is stable.
+	again, _ := json.Marshal(clientsBroker(sentTo(t, open, "laptop"))[catalogue.VaultSealedField])
+	if string(again) != string(first) {
+		t.Fatalf("a fresh box of the same generation changed the declaration: %s, then %s", first, again)
+	}
+	// A rotation in the vault (a newer generation) is carried.
+	vault.generation = 2
+	rotated, _ := json.Marshal(clientsBroker(sentTo(t, open, "laptop"))[catalogue.VaultSealedField])
+	if string(rotated) == string(first) {
+		t.Fatal("a newer generation was not carried")
+	}
+	if _, found := vaultSilence(t, "laptop"); found {
+		t.Fatal("a send the vault answered raised its silence")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestASilentVaultHoldsTheKeptBoxAndSaysSo(t *testing.T) {
+	open, vault := aCoreMesh(t, link.VaultBoxContract)
+	first, _ := json.Marshal(clientsBroker(sentTo(t, open, "laptop"))[catalogue.VaultSealedField])
+	vault.silent = errors.New("no responders")
+	held := clientsBroker(sentTo(t, open, "laptop"))
+	got, _ := json.Marshal(held[catalogue.VaultSealedField])
+	if held == nil || held["sealed"] != nil || string(got) != string(first) {
+		t.Fatalf("a silent vault's credential is sent as %v: the box kept, never the controller's seal", held)
+	}
+	c, found := vaultSilence(t, "laptop")
+	if !found || !strings.Contains(c.Summary, "vault") || !strings.Contains(c.Summary, "laptop") {
+		t.Fatalf("no condition names the vault and the machine: %+v", c)
+	}
+	// The vault answers again: the condition clears.
+	vault.silent = nil
+	sentTo(t, open, "laptop")
+	if _, found := vaultSilence(t, "laptop"); found {
+		t.Fatal("the condition stayed after the vault answered")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestACoreModuleFirstPlacedWhileTheVaultIsSilentIsSealedByTheController(t *testing.T) {
+	open, vault := aCoreMesh(t, link.VaultBoxContract)
+	vault.silent = errors.New("no responders")
+	plan, settings, err := planFor(t.Context(), open, "laptop")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	declared, err := declarationFor(t.Context(), open, "laptop", plan, settings)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	f := clientsBroker(declared.Resources)
+	if f == nil || f["sealed"] == nil || f[catalogue.VaultSealedField] != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("the core credential is composed as %v: the controller's own seal, until the vault holds it", f)
+	}
+	if why, left := declared.leftOutWhy["mesh-provisioner-client"]; left {
+		t.Fatalf("the core module was left out: %v", why)
+	}
+	c, found := vaultSilence(t, "laptop")
+	if !found || !strings.Contains(c.Summary, "sealed by the controller until the vault holds it") {
+		t.Fatalf("the condition does not say why: %+v", c)
+	}
+}
+
+// Issue 908: a machine at the vault-box contract, the vault silent, no kept box: nats is composed with the
+// controller's own seal, never left out, and the vault-silent condition names it.
+func TestReplay908(t *testing.T) {
+	key := "AAECAwQFBgcICQoLDA0ODxAREhMUFRYXGBkaGxwdHh8="
+	core := map[string][]string{"nats": {"password"}}
+	ask := func(name, publicKey string) (coreAnswer, error) { return coreAnswer{}, errors.New("no responders") }
+	got := coreBoxesOf("novox", key, core, nil, Allocating, ask)
+	if _, sealed := got.sealed["nats"]; sealed || len(got.notPlaced) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("nats is vault-sealed %v or not placed %v", got.sealed, got.notPlaced)
+	}
+	if !reflect.DeepEqual(got.byController, []string{"nats"}) {
+		t.Fatalf("nats is not left to the controller's seal: %+v", got)
+	}
+	o := vaultSilentObservation("novox", got)
+	if o.Severity != conditions.Warning || !strings.Contains(o.Summary, "sealed by the controller until the vault holds it: nats") {
+		t.Fatalf("the condition does not name nats: %+v", o)
+	}
+	// A kept box is still carried while the vault is silent.
+	kept := map[string]map[string]inventory.CoreBox{"nats": {"password": {SealedTo: key, Box: json.RawMessage(`{"v":1}`)}}}
+	got = coreBoxesOf("novox", key, core, kept, Allocating, ask)
+	if string(got.sealed["nats"]["password"]) != `{"v":1}` || len(got.byController) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the kept box was not held: %+v", got)
+	}
+}
+
+// An engine below VaultBoxContract is sent the controller's own seal, as before, and the vault is not asked.
+func TestAnEngineBelowTheContractIsSentTheControllersSealAsBefore(t *testing.T) {
+	open, vault := aCoreMesh(t, link.HandedContract)
+	f := clientsBroker(sentTo(t, open, "laptop"))
+	if f == nil || f["sealed"] == nil || f[catalogue.VaultSealedField] != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("an older engine is sent %v", f)
+	}
+	if len(vault.asked) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the vault was asked %v for an older engine", vault.asked)
+	}
+}
+
+// Every question but a send reads the kept box and asks nothing; with none kept, a stand-in the next send asks for.
+func TestOnlyASendAsksTheVault(t *testing.T) {
+	core := map[string][]string{"nats": {"broker"}}
+	key := aPublicKey(t)
+	kept := map[string]map[string]inventory.CoreBox{"nats": {"broker": {Module: "nats", Name: "broker",
+		Generation: 1, SealedTo: key, Box: json.RawMessage(`{"v":1}`)}}}
+	never := func(string, string) (coreAnswer, error) {
+		t.Fatal("the vault was asked by a question that is not a send")
+		return coreAnswer{}, nil
+	}
+	for _, choosing := range []Choosing{Reading, Foreseeing} {
+		if got := coreBoxesOf("anchor", key, core, kept, choosing, never); string(got.sealed["nats"]["broker"]) != `{"v":1}` {
+			t.Errorf("read %s", got.sealed["nats"]["broker"])
+		}
+		if got := coreBoxesOf("anchor", key, core, nil, choosing, never); string(got.sealed["nats"]["broker"]) !=
+			string(catalogue.ForeseenVaultBox) {
+			t.Errorf("with none kept, read %s", got.sealed["nats"]["broker"])
+		}
+	}
+	// A box kept for another key of the machine is never carried.
+	other := coreBoxesOf("anchor", aPublicKey(t), core, kept, Allocating,
+		func(string, string) (coreAnswer, error) { return coreAnswer{}, errors.New("silent") })
+	if _, vaultSealed := other.sealed["nats"]; vaultSealed || !reflect.DeepEqual(other.byController, []string{"nats"}) {
+		t.Fatalf("a box sealed to the machine's old key was carried: %+v", other)
+	}
+}
+
+// The core's modules on a machine: on the list, not handed, with their own secrets but one issued outside.
+func TestTheCoresModulesAreTheListsWithTheirOwnSecrets(t *testing.T) {
+	modules := []catalogue.Manifest{
+		{Module: "nats", OwnSecrets: catalogue.OwnSecrets{"broker": {Path: "/a"}, "given": {Path: "/b",
+			IssuedBy: catalogue.IssuedOutside}}},
+		{Module: "postgres", OwnSecrets: catalogue.OwnSecrets{"superuser": {Path: "/c"}}},
+		{Module: "mesh-provisioner", OwnSecrets: catalogue.OwnSecrets{"broker": {Path: "/d"}}},
+	}
+	got := coreModulesOf(modules, func(m catalogue.Manifest) bool { return m.Module == "mesh-provisioner" })
+	if want := map[string][]string{"nats": {"broker"}}; !reflect.DeepEqual(got, want) {
+		t.Fatalf("got %v, want %v", got, want)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/deadletters_aging.go

@@ -0,0 +1,117 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"fmt"
+	"sort"
+	"strings"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// A dead letter from a restricted stream ages out with its stream (novox/hq ADR 0376 §3, §6).
+//
+// DEAD_LETTERS lets such a message go when its stream's maximum age runs out, so a consumer's `max-deliveries`
+// condition can clear with nobody having delivered it again or dropped it. That is said: the watchdogs remember,
+// from one look to the next, when each restricted dead letter ages out, count those gone once their time passed,
+// say each in the controller's log as it goes, and clear the condition with words saying how many aged out
+// undelivered and from which stream.
+
+// agingTally is what the watchdogs remember of restricted dead letters between looks.
+type agingTally struct {
+	// seen is each consumer's restricted dead letters at the last look, by id, with when each ages out.
+	seen map[string]map[uint64]time.Time
+	// agedOut is how many of each consumer's aged out undelivered while its condition was open.
+	agedOut map[string]int
+}
+
+// look compares this look's restricted dead letters with the last: newly is how many of each consumer's aged out
+// since, and cleared how many aged out in all for each consumer DEAD_LETTERS no longer holds anything of, when any
+// did. held is every consumer's count this look; aging its restricted dead letters.
+func (t *agingTally) look(now time.Time, held map[string]int, aging map[string][]link.Aging) (newly, cleared map[string]int) {
+	if t.seen == nil {
+		t.seen, t.agedOut = map[string]map[uint64]time.Time{}, map[string]int{}
+	}
+	newly, cleared = map[string]int{}, map[string]int{}
+	for key, before := range t.seen {
+		still := map[uint64]bool{}
+		for _, a := range aging[key] {
+			still[a.ID] = true
+		}
+		for id, agesOut := range before {
+			if !still[id] && !agesOut.After(now) {
+				newly[key]++
+			}
+		}
+		if newly[key] == 0 {
+			delete(newly, key)
+		}
+		t.agedOut[key] += newly[key]
+	}
+	for key, n := range t.agedOut {
+		if held[key] > 0 {
+			continue
+		}
+		if n > 0 {
+			cleared[key] = n
+		}
+		delete(t.agedOut, key)
+	}
+	t.seen = map[string]map[uint64]time.Time{}
+	for key, letters := range aging {
+		t.seen[key] = map[uint64]time.Time{}
+		for _, a := range letters {
+			t.seen[key][a.ID] = a.AgesOut
+		}
+	}
+	return newly, cleared
+}
+
+// agedOutResolved is the line a consumer's condition clears with when messages it gave up on aged out undelivered.
+func agedOutResolved(key string, n int) string {
+	stream, _, _ := strings.Cut(key, ".")
+	messages := "a message"
+	if n > 1 {
+		messages = fmt.Sprintf("%d messages", n)
+	}
+	return fmt.Sprintf("Resolved: %s of the stream %s aged out undelivered", messages, stream)
+}
+
+// sayAgedOut says, in the log, what aged out since the last look, and clears the condition of every consumer whose
+// dead letters are all gone with the words saying how many aged out. Before the rows are reconciled, so the
+// condition is cleared with these words and not its own.
+func (w *watchdogs) sayAgedOut(ctx context.Context, f *signalFacts) []string {
+	if f.advisoriesErr != nil || f.deadLettersAging == nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+	newly, cleared := w.aging.look(f.now, f.deadLetters, f.deadLettersAging)
+	var problems []string
+	for _, key := range countedKeys(newly) {
+		stream, consumer, _ := strings.Cut(key, ".")
+		fmt.Printf("%d message(s) %s gave up on aged out of %s undelivered: %s keeps them only for its maximum age "+
+			"(novox/hq ADR 0376)\n", newly[key], link.ConsumerInWords(stream, consumer), "DEAD_LETTERS", stream)
+	}
+	for _, key := range countedKeys(cleared) {
+		stream, consumer, _ := strings.Cut(key, ".")
+		fmt.Printf("%s no longer has a message kept: %d aged out of %s undelivered, so its condition clears "+
+			"(novox/hq ADR 0376)\n", link.ConsumerInWords(stream, consumer), cleared[key], stream)
+		if _, err := w.keeper.ClearSaying(ctx, conditions.Key(conditions.ScopeBus, key, link.AdvisoryMaxDeliveries),
+			fmt.Sprintf("its %d dead letter(s) of %s aged out undelivered", cleared[key], stream),
+			agedOutResolved(key, cleared[key])); err != nil {
+			problems = append(problems, err.Error())
+		}
+	}
+	return problems
+}
+
+// countedKeys is a count's keys in order.
+func countedKeys(m map[string]int) []string {
+	out := make([]string, 0, len(m))
+	for k := range m {
+		out = append(out, k)
+	}
+	sort.Strings(out)
+	return out
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/deadletters_aging_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,69 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// **A dead letter that ages out clears its condition and says so** (novox/hq ADR 0376 §6), on a fake clock: while
+// DEAD_LETTERS holds a restricted stream's messages for a consumer its max-deliveries condition is open; once they
+// have aged out it clears, with words saying how many aged out undelivered and from which stream. One dropped before
+// its age is not counted as aged out, and a consumer of EVENTS clears as before.
+func TestADeadLetterThatAgesOutClearsItsConditionAndSaysSo(t *testing.T) {
+	now := time.Date(2026, 10, 15, 12, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	store := conditions.NewInMemory()
+	told := &conditions.Told{}
+	k := conditions.NewKeeper(t.Context(), conditions.Options{Store: store, History: store, Teller: told,
+		Now: func() time.Time { return now }})
+	w := &watchdogs{keeper: k, started: now.Add(-time.Hour)}
+
+	look := func(at time.Time, held map[string]int, aging map[string][]link.Aging) {
+		f := calm(at)
+		f.deadLetters, f.deadLettersAging = held, aging
+		w.see(t.Context(), f)
+	}
+	mail := "MAIL.ace_mailer"
+	look(now, map[string]int{mail: 3, "EVENTS.media_sonarr": 1}, map[string][]link.Aging{mail: {
+		{ID: 1, AgesOut: now.Add(time.Hour)}, {ID: 2, AgesOut: now.Add(2 * time.Hour)}, {ID: 3, AgesOut: now.Add(3 * time.Hour)}}})
+	if open, _ := k.Open(t.Context()); len(open) != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("open: %+v", open)
+	}
+	// One dropped by a person before its age: not aged out.
+	look(now.Add(30*time.Minute), map[string]int{mail: 2, "EVENTS.media_sonarr": 1}, map[string][]link.Aging{mail: {
+		{ID: 2, AgesOut: now.Add(2 * time.Hour)}, {ID: 3, AgesOut: now.Add(3 * time.Hour)}}})
+	look(now.Add(150*time.Minute), map[string]int{mail: 1}, map[string][]link.Aging{mail: {{ID: 3, AgesOut: now.Add(3 * time.Hour)}}})
+	open, _ := k.Open(t.Context())
+	if len(open) != 1 || open[0].Key != conditions.Key(conditions.ScopeBus, mail, link.AdvisoryMaxDeliveries) {
+		t.Fatalf("after one aged out: %+v", open)
+	}
+	look(now.Add(4*time.Hour), map[string]int{}, map[string][]link.Aging{})
+	if open, _ := k.Open(t.Context()); len(open) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("after all aged out: %+v", open)
+	}
+	k.Close(context.Background()) // everything said is said once it closes
+	var mailCleared, sonarrCleared string
+	for _, e := range told.Said() {
+		if e.Change != conditions.ChangeCleared {
+			continue
+		}
+		switch e.Condition.Key {
+		case conditions.Key(conditions.ScopeBus, mail, link.AdvisoryMaxDeliveries):
+			mailCleared = e.Condition.Resolved
+		case conditions.Key(conditions.ScopeBus, "EVENTS.media_sonarr", link.AdvisoryMaxDeliveries):
+			sonarrCleared = e.Condition.Resolved
+		}
+	}
+	if mailCleared != "Resolved: 2 messages of the stream MAIL aged out undelivered" {
+		t.Fatalf("MAIL's condition cleared with %q", mailCleared)
+	}
+	if sonarrCleared != "Resolved: the messages it gave up on were delivered again or dropped" {
+		t.Fatalf("an EVENTS consumer's condition cleared with %q", sonarrCleared)
+	}
+	if why, ok := conditions.Plain(mailCleared); !ok {
+		t.Fatalf("not plain: %s", why)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/delivery.go

@@ -952,7 +952,7 @@ func deliveryCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 		if *group == "" && len(members) == 1 {
 			// One head, checked again as the forge's announcement would have it (a recheck): the controller's
 			// own path for a pull request, run because the delivery's owner asked.
-			if err := sayingOnTheBus(ctx, inv, func() error { return (following{open}).PullUpdated(ctx, members[0].pull()) }); err != nil {
+			if err := sayingOnTheBus(ctx, inv, func() error { return (following{open: open, oneShot: true}).PullUpdated(ctx, members[0].pull()) }); err != nil {
 				return err
 			}
 			return answer(map[string]any{"rechecked": members[0].ID})
@@ -1051,7 +1051,9 @@ func appliedFrom(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory) inventory.Applie
 			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "the report of %s after %s could not be read: %v\n", node, walkSent.Format(time.RFC3339), err)
 			return inventory.AppliedReport{}, false
 		}
-		return r, ok
+		// And, for each module the send handed to the provisioner, its client's report on that build (novox/hq ADR
+		// 0362): applied only once both said it, at the later; failed if the client failed.
+		return inventory.ProvisionedSend(node, send, r, ok, provLookup(ctx))
 	}
 }
 

cmd/mesh-controller/desk_secret.go

@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ import (
 	"encoding/json"
 	"errors"
 	"fmt"
+	"log"
 	"strings"
 	"time"
 
@@ -54,6 +55,10 @@ type deskGive struct {
 	trusted func(module string) (bool, error)
 	// ask asks one machine's node-launcher.secret and answers its result, or the holder's refusal.
 	ask func(machine string, args map[string]any) (json.RawMessage, error)
+	// promptFor is the one line the secret's declaration asks for it as (novox/hq issue 789): read from the
+	// controller's own catalogue, never from the call or the module's runtime. Nil, or an empty answer, asks by
+	// name alone, as the desk does today.
+	promptFor func(module, name string) (string, error)
 	// accept seals the value as `secret accept` does, and says whether it lives until the module's start.
 	accept func(value string) (untilStart bool, err error)
 	// record writes the act in the hand-act log.
@@ -67,6 +72,9 @@ type deskGive struct {
 	// nil keeps no record (a test that does not look). end closes it with how it ended.
 	open func(node, module, name, desk string) (int64, error)
 	end  func(id int64, outcome string) error
+	// vault, when set, is the path of a module whose secrets are filled the new way (vault_secrets.go): the vault
+	// records the ask, holds its bounds and opens what is typed; open, end and accept are not used.
+	vault vaultAsker
 }
 
 // askedByName is the caller as the prompt names it: the first clause of what the bus said, in the characters
@@ -133,6 +141,9 @@ func (d deskGive) give(node, module, name, desk string) (string, error) {
 				"bus, where an agent may answer first (novox/hq ADR 0259 §10)", module, name, node, module, name)
 		}
 	}
+	if d.vault != nil {
+		return d.giveToVault(node, module, name, desk)
+	}
 	// The bounds, read and kept before anybody is asked to type (novox/hq ADR 0277): one open prompt per secret,
 	// few an hour. How the ask ends is recorded whatever happens below.
 	outcome := "failed"
@@ -153,15 +164,28 @@ func (d deskGive) give(node, module, name, desk string) (string, error) {
 	}
 	// By name, never by words: the holder writes the prompt from these, and says the controller asks, which
 	// the bus alone makes true (broker.ControllerOnly). Who asked is the bus's word on the caller, cut to a
-	// name's characters — never an argument of the call.
+	// name's characters — never an argument of the call. `what` is the catalogue's own words for the secret
-	raw, err := d.ask(desk, map[string]any{
+	// (novox/hq issue 789), never a word the caller chose; omitted when the module declares none, so an old
+	// desk and an old module behave as today.
+	args := map[string]any{
 		"module":          module,
 		"secret":          name,
 		"node":            node,
 		"asked_by":        askedByName(d.askedBy),
 		"seal_to":         public,
 		"timeout_seconds": deskPromptWithin,
-	})
+	}
+	if d.promptFor != nil {
+		what, err := d.promptFor(module, name)
+		if err != nil {
+			outcome = "refused"
+			return "", fmt.Errorf("nobody was asked to type anything: %w", err)
+		}
+		if what != "" {
+			args["what"] = what
+		}
+	}
+	raw, err := d.ask(desk, args)
 	if err != nil {
 		outcome = "refused"
 		return "", fmt.Errorf("the desk on %s could not be asked: %w", desk, err)
@@ -236,8 +260,9 @@ func askAtDesk(ctx context.Context, node, module, name, desk string) error {
 		return err
 	}
 	defer open.Close()
+	askedBy := link.Caller()
 	d := deskGive{
-		askedBy: link.Caller(),
+		askedBy: askedBy,
 		open: func(node, module, name, desk string) (int64, error) {
 			return open.inventory.OpenSecretAsk(ctx, node, module, name, askedByName(link.Caller()), desk)
 		},
@@ -247,7 +272,8 @@ func askAtDesk(ctx context.Context, node, module, name, desk string) error {
 			_, err := open.inventory.NodeByName(ctx, machine)
 			return err
 		},
-		trusted: func(module string) (bool, error) { return open.inventory.RunsAsItsOwnAccount(ctx, module) },
+		trusted:   func(module string) (bool, error) { return open.inventory.RunsAsItsOwnAccount(ctx, module) },
+		promptFor: func(module, name string) (string, error) { return open.inventory.OwnSecretPrompt(ctx, module, name) },
 		ask: func(machine string, args map[string]any) (json.RawMessage, error) {
 			var result json.RawMessage
 			err := onTheBus(func(conn *nats.Conn) error {
@@ -273,7 +299,18 @@ func askAtDesk(ctx context.Context, node, module, name, desk string) error {
 				return err
 			})
 		},
-		announce: func(node, module, name, how string) error { return announceSecretGiven(ctx, node, module, name, how) },
+		announce: func(node, module, name, how string) error {
+			return announceSecretGiven(ctx, node, module, name, how, askedBy)
+		},
+	}
+	// A module whose secrets are filled the new way is asked for by the vault (ADR 0349 clause 9); every other
+	// keeps today's path (clause 17).
+	ours, err := filledTheNewWay(module)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("nothing was asked: %w", err)
+	}
+	if ours {
+		d.vault = theVault(ctx)
 	}
 	words, err := d.give(node, module, name, desk)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -324,10 +361,85 @@ func secretNameWords(name string) string {
 	return strings.Join(strings.FieldsFunc(name, func(r rune) bool { return r == '-' || r == '_' || r == '.' }), " ")
 }
 
-// announceSecretGiven raises it on this controller's keeper.
+// tellWithin is how long the operator channel's `tell` is given to answer: well under a human's patience,
-func announceSecretGiven(ctx context.Context, node, module, name, how string) error {
+// and short because nothing in the call waits on the operator — it asks nothing (novox/hq ADR 0380).
-	return withKeeper(ctx, func(k *conditions.Keeper) error {
+const tellWithin = 10 * time.Second
-		_, err := k.Observe(ctx, secretGivenObservation(node, module, name, how, time.Now()))
+
-		return err
+// askOperatorChannel asks the operator channel's seat (the holder issue 797 gives it) its `tell` verb,
+// through the controller's grant (novox/hq ADR 0380 §8), over this controller's own bus connection; a seam
+// a test replaces whole. The holder's own refusal is an error naming it; an absent holder or a refused
+// grant answer as link.ErrNothingServes or link.ErrGrantRefused (checked with errors.Is), so the caller can
+// tell the two apart from any other failure.
+var askOperatorChannel = func(ctx context.Context, args map[string]any) (json.RawMessage, error) {
+	var result json.RawMessage
+	err := onTheBus(func(conn *nats.Conn) error {
+		answer, err := link.AskMeshSeatTool(ctx, conn, "operator-channel", "tell", args, tellWithin)
+		if err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+		if answer.Error != "" {
+			return fmt.Errorf("operator-channel.tell refused: %s", answer.Error)
+		}
+		result = answer.Result
+		return nil
 	})
+	return result, err
+}
+
+// announceSecretGiven tells the operator, once, that a module's own secret was given (novox/hq ADR 0380):
+// one plain message through the operator channel's `tell`, naming the secret, the module, the machine,
+// where and when it was given and who asked — asking nothing, and opening no condition. **The controller's
+// change waits for that verb at run time, not at merge** (clause 9): while nothing on the bus yet serves it,
+// or the controller's own grant is refused, the secret-given condition is raised exactly as before ADR 0380
+// — any other failure (the holder itself refusing, or answering something unreadable) is the announcement's
+// own failure, said to the caller as it always was.
+func announceSecretGiven(ctx context.Context, node, module, name, how, askedBy string) error {
+	at := time.Now()
+	body := map[string]any{
+		"headline": fmt.Sprintf("A password was entered for %s's %s on %s", module, secretNameWords(name), node),
+		"subject":  node,
+		"lines": []string{
+			fmt.Sprintf("%s at %s, asked by %s.", how, at.Local().Format("15:04"), askedByName(askedBy)),
+			"If that was not you, give it again yourself at the controller's terminal.",
+		},
+	}
+	_, told := askOperatorChannel(ctx, body)
+	switch {
+	case told == nil:
+		clearSecretGivenConditions(ctx)
+		return nil
+	case errors.Is(told, link.ErrNothingServes), errors.Is(told, link.ErrGrantRefused):
+		log.Printf("secret-given: %s's %s on %s could not be told through the operator channel (%v); the "+
+			"secret-given condition is raised as it was before novox/hq ADR 0380 (its clause 9)", module, name,
+			node, told)
+		return withKeeper(ctx, func(k *conditions.Keeper) error {
+			_, err := k.Observe(ctx, secretGivenObservation(node, module, name, how, at))
+			return err
+		})
+	default:
+		return told
+	}
+}
+
+// clearSecretGivenConditions retires every open secret-given condition once a plain message has replaced
+// it (novox/hq ADR 0380 §10): called after the first time a secret-given message is told successfully. No
+// resolved line is sent — the condition is simply gone — and why is kept in the keeper's own history.
+func clearSecretGivenConditions(ctx context.Context) {
+	if err := withKeeper(ctx, func(k *conditions.Keeper) error {
+		open, err := k.Open(ctx)
+		if err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+		for _, c := range open {
+			if c.Kind != kindSecretGiven {
+				continue
+			}
+			if _, err := k.ClearSaying(ctx, c.Key, "retired by novox/hq ADR 0380", ""); err != nil {
+				return err
+			}
+		}
+		return nil
+	}); err != nil {
+		log.Printf("secret-given: the open secret-given conditions, retired by ADR 0380, could not be cleared: %v", err)
+	}
 }

cmd/mesh-controller/desk_secret_test.go

@@ -456,6 +456,52 @@ func TestThePromptNamesWhoAskedFromTheBussWordAlone(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
+// The desk's prompt names which account of a family is asked for, from the catalogue's own words (novox/hq
+// issue 789): a family declaring `prompt` with `{member}` sends `what` with the member's suffix filled in.
+func TestThePromptNamesWhichAccountOfAFamilyIsAsked(t *testing.T) {
+	d, _, _, asked := aDesk(t, sealedTo(t, typed))
+	d.declares = func(module, name string) error {
+		if module != "mesh-mail" || name != "mail-credential-gmail" {
+			return errors.New(module + " does not declare " + name + " as an own secret")
+		}
+		return nil
+	}
+	d.promptFor = func(module, name string) (string, error) {
+		if module == "mesh-mail" && name == "mail-credential-gmail" {
+			return "the password of the mail account gmail", nil
+		}
+		return "", nil
+	}
+	if _, err := d.give("anchor", "mesh-mail", "mail-credential-gmail", "laptop"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if got := (*asked)[0]["what"]; got != "the password of the mail account gmail" {
+		t.Errorf(`"what" = %v`, got)
+	}
+}
+
+// Without a declared prompt, no `what` is sent: an old module, or one that declares none, is asked by name alone,
+// as the desk does today (novox/hq issue 789).
+func TestWithNoDeclaredPromptNoWhatIsSent(t *testing.T) {
+	d, _, _, asked := aDesk(t, sealedTo(t, typed))
+	d.promptFor = func(module, name string) (string, error) { return "", nil }
+	if _, err := d.give("anchor", "telegram", "telegram-token", "laptop"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, there := (*asked)[0]["what"]; there {
+		t.Errorf(`"what" was sent with no declared prompt: %v`, (*asked)[0])
+	}
+	// And with no promptFor wired at all (an older caller of deskGive), same thing: `give` still works, asking
+	// nothing more than it does today.
+	d2, _, _, asked2 := aDesk(t, sealedTo(t, typed))
+	if _, err := d2.give("anchor", "telegram", "telegram-token", "laptop"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, there := (*asked2)[0]["what"]; there {
+		t.Errorf(`"what" was sent with promptFor nil: %v`, (*asked2)[0])
+	}
+}
+
 // An ask for a secret is bounded before anybody is asked to type (ADR 0277): the record refuses it, nothing is
 // asked; and how every ask ends is recorded.
 func TestASecretAskIsBoundedAndItsEndRecorded(t *testing.T) {
@@ -510,3 +556,172 @@ func TestASecretAskIsNeverASecretRead(t *testing.T) {
 		}
 	}
 }
+
+// askOperatorChannelFake replaces askOperatorChannel for the test and records every call it was given.
+func askOperatorChannelFake(t *testing.T, answer func(args map[string]any) (json.RawMessage, error)) *[]map[string]any {
+	t.Helper()
+	var calls []map[string]any
+	was := askOperatorChannel
+	askOperatorChannel = func(_ context.Context, args map[string]any) (json.RawMessage, error) {
+		calls = append(calls, args)
+		return answer(args)
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { askOperatorChannel = was })
+	return &calls
+}
+
+// announceWithRealTell wires a deskGive's announce to the real announceSecretGiven, as askAtDesk does,
+// rather than the fakes the tests above use to look at what `give` does around it.
+func announceWithRealTell(ctx context.Context, askedBy string) func(node, module, name, how string) error {
+	return func(node, module, name, how string) error {
+		return announceSecretGiven(ctx, node, module, name, how, askedBy)
+	}
+}
+
+// novox/hq ADR 0380 clauses 1-2: a secret given at the desk is told to the operator once, in a plain
+// message through the operator channel's `tell`, naming the secret, the module, where and when and who
+// asked, and opens no condition — the kind the review of 2026-10-09 (M4) raised is retired.
+func TestASecretGivenAtTheDeskIsToldOnceAndOpensNoCondition(t *testing.T) {
+	ctx := context.Background()
+	k, _ := withConditionsInMemory(t)
+	calls := askOperatorChannelFake(t, func(map[string]any) (json.RawMessage, error) { return nil, nil })
+	d, _, _, _ := aDesk(t, sealedTo(t, typed))
+	d.announce = announceWithRealTell(ctx, "mail-seats-835@novox")
+	if _, err := d.give("anchor", "telegram", "telegram-token", "laptop"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if len(*calls) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("told the operator %d times, want exactly 1: %v", len(*calls), *calls)
+	}
+	call := (*calls)[0]
+	if call["headline"] != "A password was entered for telegram's telegram token on anchor" {
+		t.Errorf("headline %v", call["headline"])
+	}
+	if call["subject"] != "anchor" {
+		t.Errorf("subject %v", call["subject"])
+	}
+	lines, _ := call["lines"].([]string)
+	if len(lines) != 2 || !strings.Contains(lines[0], "at the desk on laptop at") ||
+		!strings.Contains(lines[0], "asked by mail-seats-835@novox") ||
+		lines[1] != "If that was not you, give it again yourself at the controller's terminal." {
+		t.Errorf("lines %v", lines)
+	}
+	open, err := k.Open(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if len(open) != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("a condition was raised though the operator was told: %+v", open)
+	}
+}
+
+// novox/hq ADR 0380 §9: until the operator channel's `tell` is delivered — nothing yet serves it, or the
+// controller's own grant is refused — the secret-given condition is raised exactly as before.
+func TestASecretGivenAtTheDeskRaisesTheConditionWhileNothingServesTell(t *testing.T) {
+	ctx := context.Background()
+	for _, failure := range []error{link.ErrNothingServes, link.ErrGrantRefused} {
+		k, _ := withConditionsInMemory(t)
+		askOperatorChannelFake(t, func(map[string]any) (json.RawMessage, error) { return nil, failure })
+		d, _, _, _ := aDesk(t, sealedTo(t, typed))
+		d.announce = announceWithRealTell(ctx, "mesh-mail-835, novox")
+		if _, err := d.give("anchor", "telegram", "telegram-token", "laptop"); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		open, err := k.Open(ctx)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		if len(open) != 1 || open[0].Kind != kindSecretGiven {
+			t.Fatalf("%v: the condition was not raised as before: %+v", failure, open)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// novox/hq ADR 0380 §10: once the operator channel is told successfully, every secret-given condition
+// still open from before this change is retired, without a resolved line of its own.
+func TestASuccessfulTellRetiresEveryOpenSecretGivenCondition(t *testing.T) {
+	ctx := context.Background()
+	k, _ := withConditionsInMemory(t)
+	for _, module := range []string{"telegram", "mesh-mail"} {
+		if _, err := k.Observe(ctx, secretGivenObservation("anchor", module, "a-secret", "at the desk on laptop",
+			time.Now())); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	askOperatorChannelFake(t, func(map[string]any) (json.RawMessage, error) { return nil, nil })
+	if err := announceSecretGiven(ctx, "anchor", "telegram", "telegram-token", "at the desk on laptop", "me"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	open, err := k.Open(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if len(open) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the open secret-given conditions were not retired: %+v", open)
+	}
+}
+
+// novox/hq ADR 0380 clause 7: a trusted party's secret given at the controller's terminal is announced
+// before it is kept, and not kept when the announcement fails. It still fails when telling the operator
+// AND raising the fallback condition both fail — nothing silently keeps a trusted party's value unheard.
+func TestATrustedPartysSecretAtTheTerminalIsNotKeptWhenTellAndTheConditionBothFail(t *testing.T) {
+	ctx := context.Background()
+	askOperatorChannelFake(t, func(map[string]any) (json.RawMessage, error) { return nil, link.ErrNothingServes })
+	// conditionsFrom is left nil and there is no bus to dial here, so the fallback condition cannot be
+	// raised either: both of ADR 0380's ways to tell the operator fail.
+	kept := false
+	if _, _, err := keepGiven(true,
+		func() error {
+			return announceSecretGiven(ctx, "anchor", "telegram", "telegram-token", "at the controller's terminal", "me")
+		},
+		func() (bool, error) { kept = true; return false, nil }); err == nil {
+		t.Error("a trusted party's secret was kept though telling the operator and raising the condition both failed")
+	}
+	if kept {
+		t.Error("the value was kept despite the failure")
+	}
+}
+
+// Review round 2 of mesh-controller (feat/mail-seats, head 5f24a47d): ADR 0380 §9's fallback — raising the
+// secret-given condition — answers only link.ErrNothingServes and link.ErrGrantRefused. Any other failure of
+// the operator channel's `tell` (the holder itself refusing, or answering something unreadable) is the
+// announcement's own failure, surfaced to the caller, and opens no condition.
+func TestAnOperatorChannelFailureOtherThanNothingServesOrGrantRefusedSurfacesAndRaisesNoCondition(t *testing.T) {
+	ctx := context.Background()
+	k, _ := withConditionsInMemory(t)
+	refused := errors.New("operator-channel.tell refused: too many lines")
+	askOperatorChannelFake(t, func(map[string]any) (json.RawMessage, error) { return nil, refused })
+	if err := announceSecretGiven(ctx, "anchor", "telegram", "telegram-token", "at the desk on laptop", "me"); err != refused {
+		t.Fatalf("announceSecretGiven = %v, want the refusal itself surfaced", err)
+	}
+	open, err := k.Open(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if len(open) != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("a condition was raised though the failure was neither ErrNothingServes nor ErrGrantRefused: %+v", open)
+	}
+}
+
+// Review round 2 of mesh-controller: a secret accepted at the controller's terminal writes a hand act naming
+// who asked, where and when it was given — and never the value (novox/hq ADR 0380 §6).
+func TestASecretAcceptedAtTheTerminalWritesAHandActNamingWhoWhereAndNeverTheValue(t *testing.T) {
+	act := terminalGiveHandAct("anchor", "telegram", "telegram-token", "mail-seats-835@novox")
+	if act.Verb != "secret accept" || act.Cause != "given-at-the-terminal" {
+		t.Fatalf("act %+v", act)
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(act.Why, "at the controller's terminal") {
+		t.Errorf("the act does not name where: %q", act.Why)
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(act.Why, "asked by mail-seats-835@novox") {
+		t.Errorf("the act does not name who: %q", act.Why)
+	}
+	if strings.Contains(act.Why, typed) {
+		t.Error("the act carries the value")
+	}
+	// When is RecordHandAct's own job (it stamps At with time.Now when the act leaves none, and By with the
+	// caller when the act leaves that empty too): this act leaves both for it to fill.
+	if act.By != "" || !act.At.IsZero() {
+		t.Errorf("the act sets its own who/when instead of leaving them to RecordHandAct: %+v", act)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/doctor.go

@@ -146,6 +146,11 @@ var probeRegistry = []probe{
 	{ID: probeFillID, Asserts: "every module's bucket and log holds less than three quarters of its cap; one " +
 		"said filling is cleared once it holds less than seven tenths", From: "ADR 0297, issue 501",
 		Kind: kindBucketOrLogFilling, Raises: []string{kindBucketOrLogUnread}, Phase: 1, run: probeFill},
+	// A grant of a restricted stream that composes nothing (novox/hq ADR 0376 §2): the module is carried by the
+	// machine's tool runner, which never hears a restricted stream, so it hears nothing it was granted.
+	{ID: probeWithheldID, Asserts: "no grant of a restricted stream names a module that composes nothing for it: every " +
+		"module granted one runs as an account of its own", From: "ADR 0376 §2", Kind: kindGrantComposesNothing,
+		Phase: 1, run: probeWithheldHearing},
 	{ID: "DW", Asserts: "the watchdogs of the signals table ran within three of their intervals",
 		From: "ADR 0227 rule 6: the watchers are watched", Kind: "watchdogs-silent", Phase: 1, run: probeWatchdogs},
 	// The core's health definitions (novox/hq to-be 45 §8, ADR 0236): what a core component's new build is

cmd/mesh-controller/found_wait_test.go

@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@ func foundDirectory(module string, since time.Time) inventory.ResourceHealth {
 }
 
 func TestADirectoryFoundBeforeTheSendIsAWaitForAPerson(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	now := time.Now()
 	sent := now.Add(-time.Minute)
 	f := gateFacts{now: now, health: map[string]inventory.NodeHealth{"laptop": {Node: "laptop", HeardAt: now,
@@ -48,6 +49,7 @@ func TestADirectoryFoundBeforeTheSendIsAWaitForAPerson(t *testing.T) {
 // The whole walk: a module whose directory was used as found long before still gets its fix to every machine,
 // its pass kept and the wait said; a directory this very send found holds it and puts it back.
 func TestAFixGoesThroughPastADirectoryFoundBefore(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	for _, c := range []struct {
 		name   string
 		found  time.Duration // when the directory was found, against now
@@ -116,6 +118,7 @@ func TestAFixGoesThroughPastADirectoryFoundBefore(t *testing.T) {
 
 // The condition says the wait in its own kind: the operator's, never urgent, and cleared once handed over.
 func TestADirectoryUsedAsFoundIsItsOwnCondition(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	k, _ := withConditionsInMemory(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	rs := map[string][]inventory.ResourceHealth{"notes": {foundDirectory("notes", time.Now().Add(-time.Hour))}}

cmd/mesh-controller/gate.go

@@ -235,6 +235,10 @@ type gateFacts struct {
 	sent       map[string]inventory.SentDeclaration
 	sentBuilds map[string]map[string]string
 	commits    map[string]string
+	// provisioned answers each machine's provisioner client's newest report of a module (novox/hq ADR 0349 §15):
+	// a module the gate's send handed to the provisioner is healthy only once it reported that build placed. Nil
+	// reads as nothing said.
+	provisioned inventory.ProvLookup
 }
 
 // heldReading is the provider a module's findings are held under, as "<module> on <machine>", and, when that
@@ -291,7 +295,7 @@ func (f gateFacts) supersededOn(module, machine string) (string, bool) {
 var gatherGateFacts = func(ctx context.Context, open *stores, component string) (gateFacts, error) {
 	inv := open.inventory
 	f := gateFacts{now: time.Now(), reports: map[string]inventory.Reported{}, engines: map[string]string{},
-		rolledBack: witnessed.all()}
+		rolledBack: witnessed.all(), provisioned: provLookup(ctx)}
 	reports, err := inv.LastReports(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
 		return f, err
@@ -368,6 +372,12 @@ func judgeHealth(module, component string, m catalogue.Manifest, machine string,
 	case r.Outcome != inventory.OutcomeApplied:
 		return healthNotYet, fmt.Sprintf("%s reported %q", machine, r.Outcome)
 	}
+	// **And its files placed** (novox/hq ADR 0349 §15): a module the send handed to the provisioner is judged only
+	// once that machine's client reported the build's templates placed, so a module whose files are not yet written
+	// is never judged; a failure there is the build's on that machine.
+	if h, why := judgeProvisioned(module, machine, r, f); h != healthGood {
+		return h, why
+	}
 	// **No new condition about it**: about the machine itself, or naming the module on that machine,
 	// raised since the judging began. The gate's own are not evidence about the build. A fault that was
 	// there at the send and reopened since is not new; one that had cleared before the send and came back
@@ -449,6 +459,32 @@ func judgeHealth(module, component string, m catalogue.Manifest, machine string,
 	return healthGood, ""
 }
 
+// judgeProvisioned is whether a module's files are placed on a machine, for a module the gate's send handed to the
+// provisioner there: healthy for any other.
+func judgeProvisioned(module, machine string, r inventory.Reported, f gateFacts) (health, string) {
+	sent, kept := f.sent[machine]
+	digest := sent.Provisioned[module]
+	if !kept || digest == "" {
+		return healthGood, ""
+	}
+	at := time.Time{}
+	if r.At != nil {
+		at = *r.At
+	}
+	one := inventory.SentDeclaration{Digest: sent.Digest, At: sent.At, Provisioned: map[string]string{module: digest}}
+	got, ok := inventory.ProvisionedSend(machine, one, inventory.AppliedReport{At: at,
+		Outcome: inventory.OutcomeApplied}, true, f.provisioned)
+	switch {
+	case !ok:
+		return healthNotYet, fmt.Sprintf("the provisioner on %s has not reported %s's files placed for the new "+
+			"build", machine, module)
+	case got.Outcome != inventory.OutcomeApplied:
+		return healthBroken, fmt.Sprintf("the provisioner on %s did not place %s's files: %s", machine, module,
+			got.Outcome)
+	}
+	return healthGood, ""
+}
+
 // machineWord is what one judging found wrong with a machine itself, apart from its modules: facts is
 // the judging's facts without those conditions, on what each names among the modules the send moved,
 // and whole what holds the machine back as a whole.

cmd/mesh-controller/gate_followup_test.go

@@ -57,6 +57,7 @@ func healthyContainer(module string) inventory.ResourceHealth {
 // tools' witness put its build back at once, and the send waits for the healthy module's own verdict — a pass,
 // counted over the gate's spacing — before it says its own. The broken one alone is put back.
 func TestAFaultBeforeTheSettleTimeWaitsForTheModuleBesideIt(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
 	open := aMesh(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
@@ -99,6 +100,7 @@ const broker_runtime = "node-tools"
 // **A pass is counted only the gate's spacing after the one before** (review (c)): a send judged every tick
 // while a module beside it is not yet healthy counts the healthy one once.
 func TestAPassIsCountedNoFasterThanTheGatesSpacing(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	open := aMesh(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	withGateBounds(t, time.Hour, time.Hour, time.Hour)
@@ -123,6 +125,7 @@ func TestAPassIsCountedNoFasterThanTheGatesSpacing(t *testing.T) {
 
 // **A carried build's pass carries its own wait, never another's** (review (e)).
 func TestACarriedPassCarriesOnlyItsOwnWait(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	b := aBacklog(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	inv := b.open.inventory
@@ -147,6 +150,7 @@ func TestACarriedPassCarriesOnlyItsOwnWait(t *testing.T) {
 // carried its own module, healthy, and a build waiting on that machine that never became healthy. At the
 // bound the waiting one is put back and marked; the plan's own module keeps its pass, so no walk waits on it.
 func TestThePlansOwnModuleKeepsItsPassWhenItsSendFails(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	g := aGateMesh(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	inv := g.open.inventory
@@ -227,6 +231,7 @@ func TestThePlansOwnModuleKeepsItsPassWhenItsSendFails(t *testing.T) {
 // **A provider waiting for a login says who waits on it** (review (g)): its consumer, failing a check that
 // needs it, is held under it, and the provider's relogin-needed condition lists it and is urgent.
 func TestAProviderWaitingForALoginSaysWhoWaitsOnIt(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	open := aMesh(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	inv := open.inventory
@@ -289,6 +294,7 @@ func TestAProviderWaitingForALoginSaysWhoWaitsOnIt(t *testing.T) {
 // tools are marked and put back in the very judging that found them broken — their registered build is the
 // one before, and the laptop is sent it — while `app` goes on being judged, recovers, and keeps its own pass.
 func TestABrokenModuleIsPutBackAtOnceAndTheOneBesideItGetsItsOwnVerdict(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
 	open := aMesh(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
@@ -431,6 +437,7 @@ func TestABrokenModuleIsPutBackAtOnceAndTheOneBesideItGetsItsOwnVerdict(t *testi
 // **A move from a build not known excuses no wait** (issue 318 review): a plan's own module whose previous
 // build was not recorded, or whose previous manifest is not kept, cannot be shown to have added the group.
 func TestAMoveFromAnUnknownBuildExcusesNoWait(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	open := aMesh(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	inv := open.inventory

cmd/mesh-controller/gate_test.go

@@ -36,6 +36,10 @@ func aGateMesh(t *testing.T) *gateMesh {
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	inv := open.inventory
 	g := &gateMesh{open: open, health: map[string]health{}}
+	// The gate's own tests judge a first machine, as walks a controller before novox/hq ADR 0360 started still are.
+	wasGated := gateFirstMachine
+	gateFirstMachine = true
+	t.Cleanup(func() { gateFirstMachine = wasGated })
 	g.keeper, _ = withConditionsInMemory(t)
 	g.told = &conditions.Told{}
 	was := doctorFrom
@@ -271,6 +275,34 @@ func TestABuildThatPassesItsGateRollsEverywhereUnattended(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
+// A build rolls everywhere with no hand and no gate (novox/hq ADR 0360 §1): both machines in one send, no health
+// judged, and the walk done once both reported on the send. Before, anchor was judged first, then laptop sent.
+func TestABuildRollsToEveryMachineAtOnceWithNoGate(t *testing.T) {
+	g := aGateMesh(t)
+	gateFirstMachine = false
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	judged := false
+	wasGather := gatherGateFacts
+	gatherGateFacts = func(ctx context.Context, open *stores, component string) (gateFacts, error) {
+		judged = true
+		return wasGather(ctx, open, component)
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { gatherGateFacts = wasGather })
+	for i := 0; i < 6; i++ {
+		advancePlans(ctx, g.open)
+	}
+	p := g.plan(t)
+	if !reflect.DeepEqual(g.sent, [][]string{{"anchor", "laptop"}}) {
+		t.Fatalf("sent %v, not both machines in one send", g.sent)
+	}
+	if s := p.Modules["app"]; p.State != inventory.PlanDone || s.Gate != nil || s.FirstAt != nil || judged {
+		t.Fatalf("the plan is %s (%s), app %+v, judged %v", p.State, p.Note, s, judged)
+	}
+	if obs, err := probeGates(ctx, doctorFrom); err != nil || len(obs) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a rolled build left a condition: %+v %v", obs, err)
+	}
+}
+
 // A leaf module passes its gate on one reading, as soon as its first machine is healthy, without waiting out the
 // core's settle time (novox/hq ADR 0282 decision 4 as ADR 0304 decision 3 changed it, issue 524).
 func TestALeafModulePassesOnOneHealthyReading(t *testing.T) {

cmd/mesh-controller/generation.go

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ package main
 
 import (
 	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
 	"fmt"
 	"io"
 	"os"
@@ -60,12 +61,30 @@ type sentRecord struct {
 	toldGeneration int64
 	sender         string
 	modules        []string
+	// plans is each module the send handed to the provisioner, its plan, as JSON (design 57 P6); nil for none.
+	plans []byte
 }
 
 // sentRecordOf is a composed send's record: its sender is the caller this process acts for.
 func sentRecordOf(ctx context.Context, d sendable) sentRecord {
-	return sentRecord{sequence: d.Sequence, epoch: d.actingEpoch, generation: d.composedFrom,
+	r := sentRecord{sequence: d.Sequence, epoch: d.actingEpoch, generation: d.composedFrom,
 		toldGeneration: d.Generation, sender: senderOf(callerOf(ctx)), modules: d.modules}
+	if len(d.plans) > 0 {
+		kept := map[string]keptPlan{}
+		for module, p := range d.plans {
+			kept[module] = keptPlan{Plan: p, RequiredBy: d.requiredBy[module]}
+		}
+		// A map of plain strings and slices: it marshals.
+		r.plans, _ = json.Marshal(kept)
+	}
+	return r
+}
+
+// keptPlan is a handed module's plan as a send keeps it (migration 0100): the plan, and for a module only pulled in
+// by another, the module that requires it (issue 765, inventory.SentProvisioningPlans).
+type keptPlan struct {
+	catalogue.Plan
+	RequiredBy string `json:"required-by,omitempty"`
 }
 
 // callerOf is who asked for what this process does: the seat call's caller when ctx belongs to one, the

cmd/mesh-controller/given_test.go

@@ -8,7 +8,8 @@ import (
 )
 
 // A rotation asked through the seat carries why to the command, which records it in the hand-act
-// log (novox/hq ADR 0228); why with a provision is refused as passed over, not dropped.
+// log (novox/hq ADR 0228); and with a provision too, since the vault asks why of every rotation of a
+// credential it holds (issue 767).
 func TestARotationThroughTheSeatCarriesWhy(t *testing.T) {
 	argv, err := argvFor("rotate", map[string]any{"node": "anchor", "module": "letta",
 		"secret": "server-password", "why": "leaked into logs", "cause": "leaked"})
@@ -19,8 +20,10 @@ func TestARotationThroughTheSeatCarriesWhy(t *testing.T) {
 	if err != nil || strings.Join(argv, " ") != "secret rotate anchor letta server-password" {
 		t.Fatalf("without why: %v %v", argv, err)
 	}
-	if argv, err := argvFor("rotate", map[string]any{"provision": "postgres-database", "why": "leaked"}); err == nil {
+	argv, err = argvFor("rotate", map[string]any{"provision": "postgres-database", "consumer": "ace", "why": "leaked",
-		t.Fatalf("why beside a provision was passed over: %v", argv)
+		"cause": "leaked"})
+	if err != nil || strings.Join(argv, " ") != "rotate postgres-database --consumer ace --why leaked --cause leaked" {
+		t.Fatalf("why beside a provision: %v %v", argv, err)
 	}
 }
 

cmd/mesh-controller/group_wait.go

@@ -8,6 +8,8 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 	"time"
 
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
+
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
@@ -34,32 +36,62 @@ type groupMember struct {
 	Repository, State string
 }
 
+// groupsLine is one group as mesh-delivery's `groups` says it: its id (the head branch name), its members as text and,
+// from a mesh-delivery that knows novox/hq ADR 0382, each member again as an object (`member_details`) naming its pull
+// request's number, whole head, base branch and whether it is open.
+type groupsLine struct {
+	ID      string       `json:"id"`
+	Members []string     `json:"members"`
+	Details []memberLine `json:"member_details,omitempty"`
+}
+
+// memberLine is one member of a group, as `groups` says it beside its text.
+type memberLine struct {
+	ID         string `json:"id"`
+	Repository string `json:"repository"`
+	State      string `json:"state"`
+	Number     int    `json:"number"`
+	Head       string `json:"head"`
+	Base       string `json:"base"`
+	Open       bool   `json:"open"`
+}
+
+// groupsAsked is mesh-delivery's `groups`: every group it keeps, or an error when it cannot be asked or did not
+// answer within groupAskWithin. A seam a test replaces.
+var groupsAsked = func(ctx context.Context, held bool) ([]groupsLine, error) {
+	if !held {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("no holder of %s is on record to say it", catalogue.DeliverySeat)
+	}
+	// On the bus as this process is: the serving controller's own connection, lent, or — in a verb that runs as a command
+	// of its own, such as a recheck's `delivery check` — one dialled for the moment (onTheBus).
+	var raw json.RawMessage
+	err := onTheBus(func(conn *nats.Conn) error {
+		asking, cancel := context.WithTimeout(ctx, groupAskWithin)
+		defer cancel()
+		var err error
+		raw, err = askDeliveryOwner(asking, conn, "groups", map[string]any{})
+		return err
+	})
+	if err != nil {
+		if errors.Is(err, link.ErrNothingServes) {
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("nothing serves %s.groups", catalogue.DeliverySeat)
+		}
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	var lines []groupsLine
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(raw, &lines); err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("%s.groups answered something unreadable: %w", catalogue.DeliverySeat, err)
+	}
+	return lines, nil
+}
+
 // 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 {
+	lines, err := groupsAsked(ctx, 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

cmd/mesh-controller/handacts.go

@@ -105,6 +105,12 @@ var handActVerbs = []handActVerb{
 	// (ADR 0257).
 	{Verb: "mirrors", Decision: "which copies in the store no record names are the mesh's is a person's " +
 		"word (ADR 0257)"},
+	// A move of data a release runs once after its delivery (design 57): a person's step of the release, never a
+	// repair.
+	{Verb: "move-placement", Decision: "a release's move of data runs once after its delivery, on a person's " +
+		"word (design 57, issue 736)"},
+	{Verb: "move-config", Decision: "a release's move of data runs once after its delivery, on a person's " +
+		"word (design 57, issue 664)"},
 	{Verb: "bus upgrade", Decision: "the bus is never rolled by the mesh: replacing it is a planned step a " +
 		"person starts (ADR 0236)"},
 	{Verb: "upgrade release-backlog", Decision: "after a release plan failed, the next opens only when a " +
@@ -118,6 +124,9 @@ var handActVerbs = []handActVerb{
 	{Verb: "secret accept", Decision: "a value an outside party issued is given by a person, at their desk"},
 	{Verb: "secret rotate", Decision: "a value a person judged disclosed is replaced on their word",
 		DecidedFor: []string{causeLeakedInLogs}},
+	// A provider's credential the vault holds, rotated there on a person's word (issue 767): the same judgement.
+	{Verb: "rotate", Decision: "a value a person judged disclosed is replaced on their word",
+		DecidedFor: []string{causeLeakedInLogs}},
 }
 
 // personsDecision is whether an act in the log is a person's decision by design, by the verb that

cmd/mesh-controller/healers.go

@@ -642,7 +642,8 @@ func planStale(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, p inventory.Plan)
 				if err != nil {
 					return "", "", err
 				}
-				if u.RollOut {
+				// A recorded module whose move goes out on a machine is still the walk's to send (novox/hq ADR 0377).
+				if u.RollOut || len(wentOut(s.Recorded)) > 0 {
 					return "", "", nil
 				}
 			}

cmd/mesh-controller/heard_withheld.go

@@ -0,0 +1,66 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"fmt"
+	"strings"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+)
+
+// A grant of a restricted stream that composes nothing (novox/hq ADR 0376 §2).
+//
+// A restricted stream is heard only by a module that runs as an account of its own (`runs-as`, ADR 0259): the
+// tool runner's bus account is the one every agent session on its machine reaches the bus as, so the controller
+// composes no consumer, grant or bind word for a module it carries (broker.ComposedHears). Where a grant still
+// names such a module, the module hears nothing it was granted, and that is said — in `doctor` and in the
+// controller's log on every raise and send — naming the module, the stream and the remedy. Never silent.
+
+const (
+	// probeWithheldID is the self-check's probe of it, and kindGrantComposesNothing the condition it raises.
+	probeWithheldID          = "D-heard"
+	kindGrantComposesNothing = "grant-composes-nothing"
+)
+
+// probeWithheldHearing says every granted hearing of a restricted stream composed for nothing.
+func probeWithheldHearing(ctx context.Context, d *doctor) ([]conditions.Observation, error) {
+	records, err := d.open.inventory.BusRecords(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return withheldObservations(broker.WithheldOf(records)), nil
+}
+
+// withheldObservations is each withheld hearing as a condition of its module on its machine.
+func withheldObservations(withheld []broker.Withheld) []conditions.Observation {
+	var out []conditions.Observation
+	for _, w := range withheld {
+		out = append(out, conditions.Observation{Scope: conditions.ScopeModule,
+			ID:   w.Module + "." + strings.ToLower(w.Stream) + "." + w.Node,
+			Kind: kindGrantComposesNothing, Machine: w.Node, Severity: conditions.Warning,
+			Summary: w.Said(), Said: fmt.Sprintf("%s on %s granted %s; composed nothing", w.Module, w.Node, w.Stream)})
+	}
+	return sortedFound(out)
+}
+
+// sayWithheld puts every withheld hearing in the controller's log, once per raise or send that composes it.
+func sayWithheld(records broker.Records, indent string) {
+	for _, w := range broker.WithheldOf(records) {
+		fmt.Printf("%sA GRANT COMPOSES NOTHING: %s\n", indent, w.Said())
+	}
+}
+
+// withheldWords are the plain words of a withheld hearing: the module, the machine and what to do.
+func withheldWords(o conditions.Observation) words {
+	module, m := "a module", machineOr(o, "a machine")
+	if o.Scope == conditions.ScopeModule && idPart(o, 0) != "" {
+		module = idPart(o, 0)
+	}
+	return words{Headline: clip(conditions.Capital(fmt.Sprintf("%s on %s hears nothing it was granted", module, m)), 60),
+		Needs: fmt.Sprintf("give %s an account of its own in its manifest; the details say which stream.", module),
+		Explanation: fmt.Sprintf("You granted %s part of a stream that only modules running under an account of "+
+			"their own may hear. It runs inside the shared tool runner on %s, which every assistant session there "+
+			"also uses, so the mesh gives it none of that stream.", module, m),
+		Resolved: fmt.Sprintf("%s on %s hears what it was granted, or is no longer granted it", module, m)}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/heard_withheld_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+)
+
+// A grant naming a module the tool runner carries composes nothing, and doctor says so in plain words, naming the
+// module, the stream and the remedy (novox/hq ADR 0376 §2).
+func TestAGrantThatComposesNothingIsSaid(t *testing.T) {
+	records := broker.Records{Nodes: []string{"ace"}, Assigned: map[string][]broker.Declared{"ace": {
+		{Module: broker.RuntimeModule},
+		{Module: "reader", Hears: []broker.Heard{{Stream: "MAIL", Emitter: "mesh-mail", Restricted: true,
+			Filters: []string{"mesh.stream.mesh-mail.event.mail.mesh.>"}}}},
+		{Module: "mailer", RunsAs: "mailer", Hears: []broker.Heard{{Stream: "MAIL", Emitter: "mesh-mail", Restricted: true,
+			Filters: []string{"mesh.stream.mesh-mail.event.mail.mesh.>"}}}},
+	}}}
+	found := withheldObservations(broker.WithheldOf(records))
+	if len(found) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("said %+v", found)
+	}
+	o := found[0]
+	if o.Kind != kindGrantComposesNothing || o.Machine != "ace" || !strings.Contains(o.Summary, "reader on ace") ||
+		!strings.Contains(o.Summary, "MAIL") || !strings.Contains(o.Summary, "runs-as") {
+		t.Fatalf("%+v", o)
+	}
+	w := plainWordings[kindGrantComposesNothing](o)
+	if why, ok := conditions.PlainWords(w, "ace"); !ok {
+		t.Fatalf("not plain: %s (%+v)", why, w)
+	}
+	registered := false
+	for _, p := range probeRegistry {
+		if p.ID == probeWithheldID && p.Kind == kindGrantComposesNothing && p.run != nil {
+			registered = true
+		}
+	}
+	if !registered {
+		t.Fatal("doctor does not run the probe of a grant that composes nothing")
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/held_back.go

@@ -146,7 +146,23 @@ func heldMachines(ctx context.Context, open *stores, names []string) (map[string
 				same[m] = current[m].Commit
 			}
 		}
-		why := heldBack(node, modules, same, known, current, plans)
+		// A move under a module's own `record` that recreates nothing and moves no data goes as a module that rolls
+		// out goes (novox/hq ADR 0377): a walk's to send, not a person's.
+		here, copied := current, false
+		for m, was := range same {
+			if now, held := current[m]; held && now.OwnRecord() && !f.identical(m, was, now.Commit) && f.rolls(m, was) {
+				if !copied {
+					copied = true
+					here = make(map[string]inventory.CurrentBuild, len(current))
+					for k, v := range current {
+						here[k] = v
+					}
+				}
+				now.RollOut = true
+				here[m] = now
+			}
+		}
+		why := heldBack(node, modules, same, known, here, plans)
 		// And a build no gate has seen is not carried by a send that does not judge it (ADR 0236).
 		for _, mv := range f.moves(node, modules, same, known, false) {
 			if planStillToSend(plans, mv.Module, node) == "" {

cmd/mesh-controller/issue352_test.go

@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ import (
 // another send reaches anchor, unreported; the gate still passes. And a send that moves a judged module
 // to another build supersedes the judging: no verdict, nothing put back.
 func TestReplay352(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
 	t.Run("a newer send to the judged machine does not unreport the gate's", testANewerSendDoesNotUnreportTheGatesOwn)
 	t.Run("a send that moves the module supersedes the judging", testASendThatMovesTheModuleSupersedesTheJudging)
@@ -67,6 +68,7 @@ func testANewerSendDoesNotUnreportTheGatesOwn(t *testing.T) {
 
 // A plan's own first send waits while a release judges the same module on that machine with another build.
 func TestAPlansFirstSendWaitsForAReleaseJudgingTheModuleThere(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
 	b := aBacklog(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
@@ -82,6 +84,7 @@ func TestAPlansFirstSendWaitsForAReleaseJudgingTheModuleThere(t *testing.T) {
 
 // A merge plan's judging is superseded the same way: another send moved its module on the first machine.
 func TestAPlansJudgingIsSupersededByASendThatMovesItsModule(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
 	g := aGateMesh(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
@@ -140,6 +143,7 @@ func testASendThatMovesTheModuleSupersedesTheJudging(t *testing.T) {
 // A report is on the gate's own send: the declaration itself, or one sequenced after it; a gate kept
 // without its send reads the report against the send made last, as before. Pure.
 func TestAReportIsHeldAgainstTheGatesOwnSend(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	sent := inventory.SentDeclaration{Digest: "d-490", Sequence: 490}
 	for _, c := range []struct {
 		r    inventory.Reported
@@ -185,6 +189,7 @@ func TestAReportIsHeldAgainstTheGatesOwnSend(t *testing.T) {
 // A gate judges only the build the machine was last sent: last sent another build of the module, the
 // judging is superseded, whatever the machine reports. Pure.
 func TestAGateJudgesOnlyTheBuildTheMachineWasLastSent(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	at := time.Now()
 	f := gateFacts{now: at, reports: map[string]inventory.Reported{"anchor": {Node: "anchor", Outcome: inventory.OutcomeApplied,
 		At: &at, Current: true}}, engines: map[string]string{}, served: map[string]served{}, rolledBack: map[string][]lease.Rollback{},
@@ -212,6 +217,7 @@ func TestAGateJudgesOnlyTheBuildTheMachineWasLastSent(t *testing.T) {
 // A move of another build of a module to a machine where a release or a plan is judging that module
 // waits for that judging; the same build to that machine is already there. Pure.
 func TestAWalkWaitsForAJudgingOfTheSameModuleOnThatMachine(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	at := time.Now()
 	release := inventory.Plan{ID: "release-1", State: inventory.PlanRolling, Release: &inventory.PlanRelease{
 		Gate: &inventory.PlanGate{Machines: []string{"novox"}, Carried: []inventory.CarriedMove{
@@ -249,6 +255,7 @@ func TestAWalkWaitsForAJudgingOfTheSameModuleOnThatMachine(t *testing.T) {
 // The controller is never put back to a build that reaches less of the store's schema than the store
 // has, or to one that never said what it reaches: the current build is kept, and the condition says so.
 func TestTheControllerIsNotPutBackToABuildOlderThanTheStoresSchema(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	open := aMesh(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	inv := open.inventory
@@ -345,6 +352,7 @@ func TestTheControllerIsNotPutBackToABuildOlderThanTheStoresSchema(t *testing.T)
 
 // The lease's holder names the build the declaration told it it is, and the version stamp only without one.
 func TestTheHolderNamesTheBuildTheDeclarationToldIt(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	t.Setenv(RunningBuildVar, " ad62528c47c7 ")
 	if h := holderOf("x"); h.Build != "ad62528c47c7" {
 		t.Fatalf("the holder's build is %q", h.Build)

cmd/mesh-controller/issue648_test.go

@@ -20,8 +20,8 @@ func TestANoMoveTierWaitsForNoNewReport(t *testing.T) {
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	inv := g.open.inventory
 
-	// app is the build machine, so a module of the next tier is built by it: the tier gates the next on app
+	// app holds the build seat, so a module of the next tier is built by it; since novox/hq ADR 0360 §3 that gates
-	// running on its machines.
+	// nothing.
 	for _, m := range []catalogue.Manifest{
 		{Module: "app", Version: "c2", Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: "node-build-agent", Scope: catalogue.ScopeNode}}},
 		{Module: "web", Version: "w1"},
@@ -71,7 +71,8 @@ func TestANoMoveTierWaitsForNoNewReport(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("the walk waits on a no-move tier for a report nothing will cause: tier %d, %s %q", p.Tier, p.State, p.Note)
 	}
 
-	// A machine that has not answered its last send is still waited on: no move is not "never sent".
+	// A machine that has not answered its last send is not waited on either: a built-by edge gates no tier
+	// (novox/hq ADR 0360 §3). Before, the walk waited for app on laptop.
 	p.Tier, p.State, p.Note = 0, inventory.PlanRolling, ""
 	if err := inv.RecordSent(ctx, nodeID(t, g.open, "laptop"), "d-laptop-later", map[string]string{"app": "c1"}); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
@@ -81,7 +82,7 @@ func TestANoMoveTierWaitsForNoNewReport(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 	advancePlans(ctx, g.open)
 	p = g.plan(t)
-	if p.Tier != 0 || !strings.Contains(p.Note, "waiting for app on laptop") {
+	if p.Tier < 1 || strings.Contains(p.Note, "waiting for app") {
-		t.Fatalf("a machine that has not answered its last send was not waited on: tier %d, %q", p.Tier, p.Note)
+		t.Fatalf("the walk waits on a built-by edge: tier %d, %q", p.Tier, p.Note)
 	}
 }

cmd/mesh-controller/issued.go

@@ -43,6 +43,32 @@ const issuedAsk = 20 * time.Second
 // issuedProvider is one assignment of a module whose offer says its software issues the provision's credential.
 type issuedProvider struct {
 	Node, Module, Tool string
+	// Holders are the provision's holders from this assignment's machine, named to the vault, whose tool may answer
+	// a value for each (issue 749).
+	Holders []issuedHolder
+}
+
+// issuedHolder is one holder of a provision from a provider: a consuming module on one machine (issue 749).
+type issuedHolder struct {
+	Node   string `json:"node"`
+	Module string `json:"module"`
+}
+
+func (h issuedHolder) String() string { return h.Module + " on " + h.Node }
+
+// issuedHoldersFrom are the provision's holders from provider, each consuming module on each machine once.
+func issuedHoldersFrom(holders []inventory.Holder, provider string) []issuedHolder {
+	seen := map[issuedHolder]bool{}
+	var out []issuedHolder
+	for _, h := range holders {
+		one := issuedHolder{Node: h.Consumer, Module: h.ConsumerModule}
+		if h.Provider != provider || seen[one] {
+			continue
+		}
+		seen[one] = true
+		out = append(out, one)
+	}
+	return out
 }
 
 // issuedTaker is the line's work, with what it reaches handed in: the store, the bus and the sends.
@@ -53,6 +79,10 @@ type issuedTaker struct {
 	keep      func(provision, provider, value string) (inventory.IssuedKept, error)
 	record    func(act link.HandAct) error
 	send      func(machines []string) error
+	// ofTheVault says whether a provider module's secrets are filled the new way; for one that is, the value goes
+	// into the vault (vault, vault_secrets.go) and nothing is kept, sealed or sent here. Nil is none.
+	ofTheVault vaultSwitch
+	vault      vaultAsker
 }
 
 // take asks every provider of the provision for its software's value and keeps each; it answers what it did, in
@@ -90,6 +120,15 @@ func (t issuedTaker) take(provision string) (string, error) {
 
 // takeFrom is one provider: asked, opened, kept, recorded and sent when it changed.
 func (t issuedTaker) takeFrom(provision string, p issuedProvider) (string, error) {
+	if t.ofTheVault != nil {
+		ours, err := t.ofTheVault(p.Module)
+		if err != nil {
+			return "", err
+		}
+		if ours {
+			return t.takeIntoVault(provision, p)
+		}
+	}
 	public, private, err := secrets.Keypair()
 	if err != nil {
 		return "", fmt.Errorf("no key could be made to take the value: %w", err)
@@ -174,6 +213,16 @@ func issuedProvidersOf(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, provision
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, true, err
 	}
+	out, err := issuedProvidersFrom(shelf, holders, func(node string) ([]string, error) {
+		return inv.Assigned(ctx, node)
+	}, provision)
+	return out, true, err
+}
+
+// issuedProvidersFrom are the assignments to ask, from the provision's holders: on every machine providing it, the
+// assigned modules whose offer says their software issues it, each with that machine's holders (issue 749).
+func issuedProvidersFrom(shelf map[string]catalogue.Manifest, holders []inventory.Holder,
+	assignedOn func(node string) ([]string, error), provision string) ([]issuedProvider, error) {
 	nodes := map[string]bool{}
 	for _, h := range holders {
 		nodes[h.Provider] = true
@@ -185,13 +234,17 @@ func issuedProvidersOf(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, provision
 	sort.Strings(names)
 	var out []issuedProvider
 	for _, node := range names {
-		assigned, err := inv.Assigned(ctx, node)
+		assigned, err := assignedOn(node)
 		if err != nil {
-			return nil, true, err
+			return nil, err
 		}
-		out = append(out, issuedOn(shelf, node, assigned, provision)...)
+		on := issuedOn(shelf, node, assigned, provision)
+		for i := range on {
+			on[i].Holders = issuedHoldersFrom(holders, node)
+		}
+		out = append(out, on...)
 	}
-	return out, true, nil
+	return out, nil
 }
 
 // offersIssued is whether any module offers the provision with a credential its software issues.
@@ -262,7 +315,9 @@ func secretIssued(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 				return err
 			})
 		},
-		send: func(machines []string) error { return sendTo(ctx, open, machines) },
+		send:       func(machines []string) error { return sendTo(ctx, open, machines) },
+		ofTheVault: filledTheNewWay,
+		vault:      theVault(ctx),
 	}
 	words, err := t.take(provision)
 	if words != "" {

cmd/mesh-controller/issued_test.go

@@ -193,7 +193,7 @@ func TestTheProvidersAskedAreTheOffersThatSaySo(t *testing.T) {
 		"jellyfin": {Module: "jellyfin", Provides: []catalogue.Offer{{Name: "plex-api"}}},
 	}
 	got := issuedOn(shelf, "ace", []string{"jellyfin", "plex", "kometa"}, "plex-api")
-	if len(got) != 1 || got[0] != (issuedProvider{Node: "ace", Module: "plex", Tool: "plex_issued_credential"}) {
+	if len(got) != 1 || got[0].Node != "ace" || got[0].Module != "plex" || got[0].Tool != "plex_issued_credential" {
 		t.Fatalf("the providers asked: %+v", got)
 	}
 	if err := issuedRefusesRotation(shelf, "plex-api"); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "secret issued plex-api") {
@@ -216,3 +216,84 @@ func TestAnIssuedValueIsADecisionInTheHandActLog(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 	t.Fatal("secret issued is not in the hand-act table")
 }
+
+// **A need's credential is the vault's for its holder alone** (issue 757) exactly when its providing module is marked
+// moved, so `secret issued` goes to the vault naming each holder, and its software issues the provision's credential.
+func TestANeedIsIssuedToItsHolderOnlyWhereTheProviderIsMovedAndItsSoftwareIssuesIt(t *testing.T) {
+	forge := func(moved bool, issued bool) catalogue.Manifest {
+		offer := catalogue.Offer{Name: "gitea-read"}
+		if issued {
+			offer.Credential = &catalogue.OfferCredential{IssuedBy: catalogue.IssuedBySoftware, Tool: "gitea_agent_token"}
+		}
+		return catalogue.Manifest{Module: "gitea", Moved: moved, Provides: []catalogue.Offer{offer}}
+	}
+	shared := func(moved bool) catalogue.Manifest {
+		return catalogue.Manifest{Module: "gitea", Moved: moved, OwnSecrets: catalogue.OwnSecrets{"key": {Path: "/k"}},
+			Provides: []catalogue.Offer{{Name: "gitea-read", Credential: &catalogue.OfferCredential{Own: "key"}}}}
+	}
+	given := func() catalogue.Manifest {
+		return catalogue.Manifest{Module: "gitea", Moved: true, Provides: []catalogue.Offer{{Name: "gitea-read",
+			Credential: &catalogue.OfferCredential{IssuedBy: catalogue.IssuedOutside}}}}
+	}
+	need := catalogue.Needed{Name: "gitea-read", From: "novox", Module: "gitea", For: "claude-code"}
+	for why, c := range map[string]struct {
+		shelf map[string]catalogue.Manifest
+		need  catalogue.Needed
+		want  bool
+	}{
+		"moved and issued by its software": {map[string]catalogue.Manifest{"gitea": forge(true, true)}, need, true},
+		"not moved":                        {map[string]catalogue.Manifest{"gitea": forge(false, true)}, need, false},
+		"a login for each consumer":        {map[string]catalogue.Manifest{"gitea": forge(true, false)}, need, true},
+		"a login for each, not moved":      {map[string]catalogue.Manifest{"gitea": forge(false, false)}, need, false},
+		"a credential every holder shares": {map[string]catalogue.Manifest{"gitea": shared(true)}, need, false},
+		"a credential a person gives":      {map[string]catalogue.Manifest{"gitea": given()}, need, false},
+		"a provider not on the shelf":      {map[string]catalogue.Manifest{}, need, false},
+		"answered by a record": {map[string]catalogue.Manifest{"gitea": forge(true, true)},
+			catalogue.Needed{Name: "gitea-read", ByRecord: true, Module: "gitea", For: "claude-code"}, false},
+	} {
+		if got := issuedToHolder(c.shelf, c.need); got != c.want {
+			t.Errorf("%s: issued to its holder is %v, want %v", why, got, c.want)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// **The vault is a moved provider for its consumers' credentials** (issue 793): its pair rows are the vault's since
+// V3, so a need of `secret` is issued to its holder and answered by a moved provider, whether or not the module is
+// marked moved; another module is not.
+func TestTheModuleHoldingTheVaultSeatCountsAsMovedForItsConsumers(t *testing.T) {
+	vault := catalogue.Manifest{Module: "mesh-vault", Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: "mesh-vault"}},
+		Provides: []catalogue.Offer{{Name: "secret"}}}
+	other := catalogue.Manifest{Module: "mesh-vault", Provides: []catalogue.Offer{{Name: "secret"}}}
+	need := catalogue.Needed{Name: "secret", Local: "admin", From: "novox", Module: "mesh-vault", For: "gitea"}
+	if !issuedToHolder(map[string]catalogue.Manifest{"mesh-vault": vault}, need) ||
+		!providerMoved(map[string]catalogue.Manifest{"mesh-vault": vault}, need) {
+		t.Error("the vault's consumer is not answered by a moved provider")
+	}
+	if issuedToHolder(map[string]catalogue.Manifest{"mesh-vault": other}, need) ||
+		providerMoved(map[string]catalogue.Manifest{"mesh-vault": other}, need) {
+		t.Error("a module not holding the vault seat counts as moved")
+	}
+}
+
+// **A provision answered by the helper makes its provider a moved one for that provision alone** (issue 792): the
+// provides entry says `"answered-by": "helper"`, the module need not be marked moved, and no credential is the vault's
+// for it. Another provision of the module, or a module without the entry, does not count.
+func TestAnOfferAnsweredByTheHelperCountsAsMovedForThatProvisionOnly(t *testing.T) {
+	proxy := catalogue.Manifest{Module: "route-proxy", Provides: []catalogue.Offer{
+		{Name: "route", AnsweredBy: catalogue.AnsweredByHelper}, {Name: "other"}}}
+	plain := catalogue.Manifest{Module: "route-proxy", Provides: []catalogue.Offer{{Name: "route"}}}
+	shelf := func(m catalogue.Manifest) map[string]catalogue.Manifest {
+		return map[string]catalogue.Manifest{m.Module: m}
+	}
+	route := catalogue.Needed{Name: "route", From: "novox", Module: "route-proxy", For: "gitea"}
+	other := catalogue.Needed{Name: "other", From: "novox", Module: "route-proxy", For: "gitea"}
+	if !providerMoved(shelf(proxy), route) {
+		t.Error("a provision answered by the helper is not answered by a moved provider")
+	}
+	if providerMoved(shelf(proxy), other) || providerMoved(shelf(plain), route) {
+		t.Error("a provision not answered by the helper counts as moved")
+	}
+	if issuedToHolder(shelf(proxy), route) {
+		t.Error("the flag made a credential the vault's")
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/issued_to_vault.go

@@ -0,0 +1,67 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"fmt"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// A covered account is handed to the vault when it is minted (novox/hq ADR 0374, issue 787).
+//
+// **Covered** are the bus accounts `module issue` mints for a core module (catalogue.CoreCredentialModules) or for a
+// module marked moved; no other account is. Until the vault makes bus accounts (ADR 0113 clause 6, issue 774) the
+// controller mints such an account and writes its hash to the bus's user list, as before, and then hands the whole
+// value at once to the vault's `accept` with origin `issued`: sealed here to the key the vault made for that call, so
+// the vault alone opens it (ADR 0349 clause 8). The vault keeps it as the module's own secret on that machine and
+// raises `secret-changed`; a re-issue is the same hand with a new value, which replaces the old in place. An account
+// not covered is minted and kept as it was and handed to nobody.
+
+// vaultAskerForIssue is the vault as `module issue` asks it. A test replaces it.
+var vaultAskerForIssue = func(ctx context.Context) vaultAsker { return theVault(ctx) }
+
+// accountIsCovered says whether the bus accounts minted for m are the vault's to hold (ADR 0374 clause 1).
+func accountIsCovered(m catalogue.Manifest) bool {
+	return catalogue.CarriesVaultSealed(m.Module) || m.Moved
+}
+
+// vaultInstalled says whether the vault is assigned to any machine. Until it is, as in genesis (ADR 0113 §15 to §18,
+// mesh-host's bootstrap, which issues the bus's and the provisioner's accounts before the vault step), there is no
+// vault to hand to: the value is kept in the controller's store as before, and the vault takes it afterwards by the
+// move (move-in takes a value of the controller's store with origin made, accepted or issued, as it is). Only a
+// vault that is installed and does not answer fails the issue.
+func vaultInstalled(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory) (bool, error) {
+	entries, err := inv.Catalogued(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return false, err
+	}
+	for _, e := range entries {
+		if e.Manifest.Module == "mesh-vault" && len(e.On) > 0 {
+			return true, nil
+		}
+	}
+	return false, nil
+}
+
+// handIssuedToVault hands the value just minted for module's own secret name on node to the vault, when the module's
+// accounts are covered, and does nothing otherwise. Loud when the vault does not take it: the bus's user list
+// already holds the new hash, so a vault that kept the old value would serve a password that no longer logs in.
+func handIssuedToVault(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, m catalogue.Manifest, node, name, held string) error {
+	if !accountIsCovered(m) {
+		return nil
+	}
+	if installed, err := vaultInstalled(ctx, inv); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("whether the vault is installed cannot be read, so %s of %s was not handed to it: %w", name,
+			m.Module, err)
+	} else if !installed {
+		return nil
+	}
+	target := ownSecretArgs(node, m.Module, name)
+	target["origin"] = "issued"
+	if _, err := acceptIntoVault(vaultAskerForIssue(ctx), target, held, "module issue"); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("the credential is minted and kept here, and the bus's user list holds its hash, but the "+
+			"vault did not take %s of %s on %s: %w (`module issue` again hands a new one)", name, m.Module, node, err)
+	}
+	return nil
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/issued_to_vault_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,157 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+)
+
+// Every other test mints without a vault to hand to: a stand-in that takes anything, replaced by the tests below.
+func init() {
+	vaultAskerForIssue = func(context.Context) vaultAsker { return newStandInVault(nil).ask }
+}
+
+// A covered account is handed to the vault when it is minted (novox/hq ADR 0374, issue 787): the whole value, sealed
+// to the key the vault made for the call, with origin issued. A module that is neither core nor moved hands nothing.
+func TestModuleIssueHandsACoveredAccountToTheVaultAndOnlyThat(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	theVaultIsInstalled(t, open)
+	inv := open.inventory
+	known := broker.Broker{Fingerprint: "ab"}
+
+	core := aProvisioner()
+	core.Module = "nats"
+	moved := aBot("moved-bot", true)
+	moved.OwnSecrets["broker"] = catalogue.OwnSecret{Path: "/var/lib/moved-bot/broker"}
+	plain := aBot("kept-bot", false)
+	plain.OwnSecrets["broker"] = catalogue.OwnSecret{Path: "/var/lib/kept-bot/broker"}
+
+	vault := newStandInVault(t)
+	vaultAskerForIssue = func(context.Context) vaultAsker { return vault.ask }
+	t.Cleanup(func() {
+		vaultAskerForIssue = func(context.Context) vaultAsker { return newStandInVault(nil).ask }
+	})
+
+	for _, m := range []catalogue.Manifest{core, moved, plain} {
+		register(t, open, m)
+		if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "laptop", m.Module); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	issue := func(m catalogue.Manifest, password string) {
+		t.Helper()
+		if err := issueWith(ctx, inv, m, "laptop", "", known, "10.0.0.1:4222", "module."+m.Module+".laptop", password); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+
+	issue(core, "first-core-password")
+	issue(moved, "first-moved-password")
+	issue(plain, "kept-password")
+	if err := issueProvisionerClient(ctx, inv, core, "laptop", known, "10.0.0.1:4222"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+
+	said := vault.said()
+	for _, want := range []string{`"module":"nats"`, `"module":"moved-bot"`, `"name":"broker"`,
+		`"name":"` + broker.ProvisionerSecret + `"`, `"node":"laptop"`} {
+		if !strings.Contains(said, want) {
+			t.Errorf("the vault was told %s, without %s", said, want)
+		}
+	}
+	if n := strings.Count(said, `"origin":"issued"`); n != 3 {
+		t.Errorf("%d accounts were handed with origin issued, want 3 (the core's two and the moved module's): %s", n, said)
+	}
+	if strings.Contains(said, "kept-bot") {
+		t.Errorf("an account that is neither core nor moved was handed to the vault: %s", said)
+	}
+	if strings.Contains(said, "first-core-password") || strings.Contains(said, "first-moved-password") {
+		t.Errorf("a value crossed the bus in the clear: %s", said)
+	}
+
+	// A re-issue hands the new value, which the vault opens: the whole {url, fingerprint, node, user, password}.
+	issue(moved, "second-moved-password")
+	if got := vault.taken["accept"]; !strings.Contains(got, "second-moved-password") ||
+		!strings.Contains(got, `"user":"module.moved-bot.laptop"`) || !strings.Contains(got, `"node":"laptop"`) ||
+		!strings.Contains(got, `"url":"nats://10.0.0.1:4222"`) || !strings.Contains(got, `"fingerprint":"ab"`) {
+		t.Errorf("the vault was handed %q after a re-issue, not the new account whole", got)
+	}
+}
+
+// A vault that does not take the value fails the issue loudly: the bus's user list holds the new hash already.
+func TestModuleIssueFailsWhenTheVaultDoesNotTakeACoveredAccount(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	moved := aBot("moved-bot", true)
+	moved.OwnSecrets["broker"] = catalogue.OwnSecret{Path: "/var/lib/moved-bot/broker"}
+	theVaultIsInstalled(t, open)
+	register(t, open, moved)
+	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "laptop", moved.Module); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	vault := newStandInVault(t)
+	vault.refuse = errors.New("the vault is not there")
+	vaultAskerForIssue = func(context.Context) vaultAsker { return vault.ask }
+	t.Cleanup(func() {
+		vaultAskerForIssue = func(context.Context) vaultAsker { return newStandInVault(nil).ask }
+	})
+	err := issueWith(ctx, open.inventory, moved, "laptop", "", broker.Broker{Fingerprint: "ab"}, "10.0.0.1:4222",
+		"module.moved-bot.laptop", "pw")
+	if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "vault did not take") {
+		t.Fatalf("a vault that took nothing was reported as %v", err)
+	}
+}
+
+func theVaultIsInstalled(t *testing.T, open *stores) {
+	t.Helper()
+	vault := catalogue.Manifest{Module: "mesh-vault", Version: "1"}
+	register(t, open, vault)
+	if _, err := assign(t.Context(), open, "laptop", vault.Module); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+}
+
+// In genesis the bus's and the provisioner's accounts are issued before the vault is installed (ADR 0113 §15 to §18):
+// there is no vault to hand to, so nothing is asked and nothing fails, and the value stays in the controller's store
+// as before, for the move to carry into the vault. Once the vault is installed, one that does not answer fails.
+func TestModuleIssueBeforeTheVaultIsInstalledKeepsTheValueAndHandsNothing(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	known := broker.Broker{Fingerprint: "ab"}
+	core := aProvisioner()
+	core.Module = "nats"
+	register(t, open, core)
+	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "laptop", core.Module); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	vault := newStandInVault(t)
+	vault.refuse = errors.New("there is no vault yet")
+	vaultAskerForIssue = func(context.Context) vaultAsker { return vault.ask }
+	t.Cleanup(func() {
+		vaultAskerForIssue = func(context.Context) vaultAsker { return newStandInVault(nil).ask }
+	})
+
+	if err := issueWith(ctx, inv, core, "laptop", "", known, "10.0.0.1:4222", "module.nats.laptop", "pw"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("genesis's issue of the bus's account failed with no vault installed: %v", err)
+	}
+	if err := issueProvisionerClient(ctx, inv, core, "laptop", known, "10.0.0.1:4222"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("genesis's issue of the client's account failed with no vault installed: %v", err)
+	}
+	if said := vault.said(); said != "" {
+		t.Errorf("the vault was asked before it was installed: %s", said)
+	}
+	if _, held, err := inv.ModuleSecretIfIssued(ctx, "laptop", "nats", "broker"); err != nil || !held {
+		t.Errorf("the value is not kept in the controller's store (held %v, %v)", held, err)
+	}
+
+	theVaultIsInstalled(t, open)
+	if err := issueWith(ctx, inv, core, "laptop", "", known, "10.0.0.1:4222", "module.nats.laptop", "pw2"); err == nil {
+		t.Error("a vault that is installed and does not answer did not fail the issue")
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/lean_walk_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,242 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"slices"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// novox/hq ADR 0360 §4, §5: a walk ends on its machines' reports — every machine sent has reported on its send,
+// or is silent past ApplySilentAfter — and names a failed or refused apply; it never waits for a health reading.
+func TestAWalkEndsOnItsMachinesReports(t *testing.T) {
+	now := time.Date(2026, 10, 14, 12, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	sent := now.Add(-time.Minute)
+	long := now.Add(-inventory.ApplySilentAfter - time.Minute)
+	at := now.Add(-10 * time.Second)
+	p := inventory.Plan{Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{
+		"app": {Rest: map[string]inventory.SentDeclaration{
+			"ace":    {Digest: "d-ace", At: sent},
+			"novox":  {Digest: "d-novox", At: sent},
+			"shanks": {Digest: "d-shanks", At: sent},
+			"laptop": {Digest: "d-laptop", At: long},
+		}},
+		"proxy": {Rest: map[string]inventory.SentDeclaration{"ace": {Digest: "d-ace", At: sent}}},
+	}}
+	reports := []inventory.Reported{
+		{Node: "ace", Outcome: inventory.OutcomeApplied, At: &at, Declared: "d-ace"},
+		{Node: "novox", Outcome: inventory.OutcomeFailed, At: &at, Declared: "d-novox"},
+		{Node: "shanks", Outcome: inventory.OutcomeApplied, At: &at, Declared: "d-before"},
+	}
+	waiting, failed, silent := walkReports(p, reports, now, nil)
+	if !slices.Equal(waiting, []string{"shanks"}) || !slices.Equal(failed, []string{"novox"}) ||
+		!slices.Equal(silent, []string{"laptop"}) {
+		t.Fatalf("waiting %v, failed %v, silent %v", waiting, failed, silent)
+	}
+	reports[2].Declared = "d-shanks"
+	if waiting, _, _ := walkReports(p, reports, now, nil); len(waiting) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk still waits once every machine reported: %v", waiting)
+	}
+}
+
+// withTheGate turns the first-machine gate on for a test of its own path: kept for the walks a controller before
+// novox/hq ADR 0360 started.
+func withTheGate(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Helper()
+	was := gateFirstMachine
+	gateFirstMachine = true
+	t.Cleanup(func() { gateFirstMachine = was })
+}
+
+// Every machine heard from is sent at once and passed on its applied report, with no judging (novox/hq ADR 0360 §7);
+// before, the first machine was judged before the rest were sent (ADR 0353 §1).
+func TestAReleaseSendsEveryMachineAtOnce(t *testing.T) {
+	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
+	b := aBacklogOnThree(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	said := events(t)
+	for i := 0; i < 12; i++ {
+		advancePlans(ctx, b.open)
+	}
+	p := b.release(t)
+	if p.State != inventory.PlanDone || len(p.Release.Done) != 3 {
+		t.Fatalf("the release is %s: %s %+v", p.State, p.Note, p.Release)
+	}
+	for _, n := range []string{"desk", "laptop", "anchor"} {
+		if !slices.Contains(*said, "send "+n) {
+			t.Fatalf("%s was not sent: %v", n, *said)
+		}
+	}
+	if slices.Contains(*said, "judge") {
+		t.Fatalf("a machine was judged by its health: %v", *said)
+	}
+	if v, found, err := b.open.inventory.GateOf(ctx, "build-late-c2"); err != nil || !found || v.Verdict != inventory.GatePassed {
+		t.Fatalf("late's pass on laptop was not kept: %+v %v %v", v, found, err)
+	}
+}
+
+// A machine that reports its apply failed is named and fails the release, with nothing put back, and every other
+// machine goes on to its own report (novox/hq ADR 0360 §5, §7); before, it was put back (ADR 0353 §3).
+func TestAMachineThatFailsItsApplyIsNamedAndNothingIsPutBack(t *testing.T) {
+	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
+	b := aBacklogOnThree(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := b.open.inventory
+	b.broken["desk"] = true // desk fails what it is sent
+	advancePlans(ctx, b.open)
+	for i := 0; i < 12 && b.release(t).Open(); i++ {
+		advancePlans(ctx, b.open)
+	}
+	p := b.release(t)
+	if p.State != inventory.PlanFailed || !slices.Equal(p.Release.Failed, []string{"desk"}) {
+		t.Fatalf("the release is %s: %s %+v", p.State, p.Note, p.Release)
+	}
+	if !slices.Contains(p.Release.Done, "laptop") || !slices.Contains(p.Release.Done, "anchor") {
+		t.Fatalf("the others have no verdict of their own: %+v", p.Release)
+	}
+	if v, found, err := inv.GateOf(ctx, "build-late-c2"); err != nil || !found || v.Verdict != inventory.GatePassed {
+		t.Fatalf("late's pass on laptop was not kept: %+v %v %v", v, found, err)
+	}
+	if sent, _, _ := inv.SentBuilds(ctx, "desk"); sent["app"] != "c2" {
+		t.Fatalf("desk was put back: %v", sent)
+	}
+}
+
+// A release's send kept before it was made, and made, is judged by the controller that takes over without being
+// made again (ADR 0353 §8), with every machine sent at once (ADR 0360 §7).
+func TestAReleaseSendKeptAndMadeIsNotMadeAgainAtOnce(t *testing.T) {
+	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
+	b := aBacklog(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := b.open.inventory
+	p, err := releaseBacklog(ctx, b.open, "")
+	if err != nil || p == nil {
+		t.Fatalf("no release opened: %v", err)
+	}
+	if _, err := advanceRelease(ctx, b.open, p); err != nil || p.Release.Gates["anchor"] == nil || !p.Release.Gates["anchor"].Pending {
+		t.Fatalf("the send was not kept before it was made: %+v %v", p.Release, err)
+	}
+	if err := inv.SavePlan(ctx, p); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	// The send is made, and the controller is replaced before it keeps it.
+	if _, err := sendRollout(ctx, b.open, []string{"anchor"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	advancePlans(ctx, b.open)
+	if n := len(slices.DeleteFunc(slices.Clone(b.sent), func(s []string) bool { return !slices.Equal(s, []string{"anchor"}) })); n != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("anchor was sent again: %v", b.sent)
+	}
+	g := b.release(t).Release.Gates["anchor"]
+	if g == nil || g.Pending || g.Since == nil || len(g.Carried) == 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("anchor is not judged on the send made: %+v", g)
+	}
+}
+
+// A machine of the rest that says nothing on its send is left silent after fifteen minutes: not failed, not put
+// back; a rest that went silent whole ends failed, said as a condition (ADR 0353 §4); its step also sent anchor, so the release is done, not failed (ADR 0360 §7).
+func TestAMachineSilentPastItsBoundIsLeftAndSaidAtOnce(t *testing.T) {
+	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
+	b := aBacklog(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := b.open.inventory
+	reporting := sendRollout
+	sendRollout = func(ctx context.Context, open *stores, names []string) ([]string, error) {
+		if slices.Equal(names, []string{"laptop"}) { // laptop sleeps: sent, and says nothing
+			b.sent = append(b.sent, names)
+			current, _ := open.inventory.CurrentBuilds(ctx)
+			return names, open.inventory.RecordSent(ctx, nodeID(t, open, "laptop"), "d-laptop-asleep",
+				map[string]string{"app": current["app"].Commit, "late": current["late"].Commit, "same": current["same"].Commit})
+		}
+		return reporting(ctx, open, names)
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { sendRollout = reporting })
+	for i := 0; i < 8; i++ {
+		advancePlans(ctx, b.open)
+	}
+	p := b.release(t)
+	g := p.Release.Gates["laptop"]
+	if !p.Open() || g == nil || g.Verdict != "" || g.Silent {
+		t.Fatalf("laptop is judged before fifteen minutes: %s %s %+v", p.State, p.Note, g)
+	}
+	since := time.Now().Add(-inventory.ApplySilentAfter - time.Minute)
+	g.Since = &since
+	if err := inv.SavePlan(ctx, &p); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	advancePlans(ctx, b.open)
+	p = b.release(t)
+	// anchor applied in the same step, so the release is done, laptop named silent (novox/hq ADR 0360 §7).
+	if p.State != inventory.PlanDone || !slices.Equal(p.Release.Silent, []string{"laptop"}) || len(p.Release.Failed) > 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the release is %s: %s %+v", p.State, p.Note, p.Release)
+	}
+	if failed, _ := inv.GateFailed(ctx, "build-late-c2"); failed {
+		t.Fatal("a silent machine's build was marked failed")
+	}
+	if sent, _, _ := inv.SentBuilds(ctx, "laptop"); sent["late"] != "c2" {
+		t.Fatalf("laptop was put back: %v", sent)
+	}
+	obs, err := silentObservation(ctx, inv)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if len(obs) != 1 || obs[0].Kind != "release-silent" || !slices.Equal(obs[0].Also, []string{"laptop"}) {
+		t.Fatalf("the silence is not said: %+v", obs)
+	}
+}
+
+// Issue 840 (novox/hq ADR 0362 §1-5): a walk's end counts a machine's send of a provisioned module applied only once
+// the engine and the machine's provisioner client both said so.
+func TestAWalkEndWaitsForTheProvisioner(t *testing.T) {
+	now := time.Date(2026, 10, 15, 12, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	at := now.Add(-10 * time.Second)
+	plan := func(sentAt time.Time) inventory.Plan {
+		return inventory.Plan{Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{"app": {Rest: map[string]inventory.SentDeclaration{
+			"ace": {Digest: "d-ace", At: sentAt, Provisioned: map[string]string{"app": "t1"}},
+			"g14": {Digest: "d-g14", At: sentAt, Provisioned: map[string]string{"app": "t1"}},
+		}}}}
+	}
+	reports := []inventory.Reported{
+		{Node: "ace", Outcome: inventory.OutcomeApplied, At: &at, Declared: "d-ace"},
+		{Node: "g14", Outcome: inventory.OutcomeApplied, At: &at, Declared: "d-g14"},
+	}
+	says := map[string]inventory.ProvReport{}
+	prov := func(node, module string) (inventory.ProvReport, bool) { r, ok := says[node+"/"+module]; return r, ok }
+	applied := inventory.ProvReport{Status: inventory.ProvApplied, Templates: "t1", At: at}
+
+	// (a) the engine applied, the client has not said: the end waits on both.
+	waiting, failed, silent := walkReports(plan(now.Add(-time.Minute)), reports, now, prov)
+	if !slices.Equal(waiting, []string{"ace", "g14"}) || len(failed)+len(silent) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a: waiting %v, failed %v, silent %v", waiting, failed, silent)
+	}
+	// ace's client applied, g14's failed on that build (b): ace done, g14 a failed apply naming the reason.
+	says["ace/app"] = applied
+	says["g14/app"] = inventory.ProvReport{Status: inventory.ProvFailed, Templates: "t1", Reason: "no value", At: at}
+	waiting, failed, silent = walkReports(plan(now.Add(-time.Minute)), reports, now, prov)
+	if len(waiting) != 0 || len(silent) != 0 || len(failed) != 1 || !strings.HasPrefix(failed[0], "g14 (") ||
+		!strings.Contains(failed[0], "no value") {
+		t.Fatalf("b: waiting %v, failed %v, silent %v", waiting, failed, silent)
+	}
+	// (c) no client report past ApplySilentAfter: named silent, never applied.
+	delete(says, "g14/app")
+	waiting, failed, silent = walkReports(plan(now.Add(-inventory.ApplySilentAfter-time.Minute)), reports, now, prov)
+	if len(waiting) != 0 || len(failed) != 0 || !slices.Equal(silent, []string{"g14"}) {
+		t.Fatalf("c: waiting %v, failed %v, silent %v", waiting, failed, silent)
+	}
+	// both said it: nothing waits.
+	says["g14/app"] = applied
+	if waiting, failed, silent = walkReports(plan(now.Add(-time.Minute)), reports, now, prov); len(waiting)+len(failed)+len(silent) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("both said: waiting %v, failed %v, silent %v", waiting, failed, silent)
+	}
+	// (d) a send handing nothing to the provisioner is the engine's report alone, as before.
+	bare := plan(now.Add(-time.Minute))
+	bare.Modules["app"].Rest = map[string]inventory.SentDeclaration{"ace": {Digest: "d-ace", At: now.Add(-time.Minute)}}
+	if waiting, failed, silent = walkReports(bare, reports, now, func(string, string) (inventory.ProvReport, bool) {
+		return inventory.ProvReport{}, false
+	}); len(waiting)+len(failed)+len(silent) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("d: waiting %v, failed %v, silent %v", waiting, failed, silent)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/main.go

@@ -121,6 +121,10 @@ func run() error {
 		return imagesCommand(ctx, args[1:])
 	case "mirrors":
 		return mirrorsCommand(ctx, args[1:])
+	case "move-placement":
+		return movePlacementCommand(ctx, args[1:])
+	case "move-config":
+		return moveConfigCommand(ctx, args[1:])
 	case "plans":
 		return plansCommand(ctx, args[1:])
 	case "delivery":
@@ -275,6 +279,10 @@ func usage() {
   artifacts [--json] [--repository <r>] [--collected]   every artifact the mesh made: kept and why, eligible, collected (ADR 0251)
   collect [--json] [--most <n>]  what the store's sweep would let go of, now; nothing is done
   collect --confirm --why <text> [--most <n>]   run the sweep now: hold every kept archive, let go of the eligible
+  move-placement [--json]        which settings layers still hold placement keys (endpoints, expose, reach, ports); nothing is moved
+  move-placement --confirm --why <text>   move them beside the assignment, once, after the delivery (issue 736)
+  move-config [--json]           every config value the settings layers hold, and where in mesh-config it goes; nothing is set
+  move-config --confirm --why <text>   set them in mesh-config, read them back, and read config from there (issue 664)
   images <node> [--json]         every container image the machine's declaration names, now and as last sent
   seats [--json]                 every seat this mesh defines, what it delivers, and who holds it
   seat rename <from> <to>        rename a seat; its former name still resolves (ADR 0122)
@@ -331,7 +339,7 @@ func usage() {
   licence add|list|use|key       model access, under the name a person calls it
   licence manager <name> <node>  the node that holds a refreshable licence's refresh token
   licence refresh <name>         mint a new access token and seal it to every holder
-  rotate <provision> [--consumer <n>] [--module <m>]  a new credential for every holder, both ends at once
+  rotate <provision> [--consumer <n>] [--module <m>] [--why <text>]  a new credential for every holder, both ends at once (--why where the vault holds it)
   ask <module> <tool> [json]           call one of a module's tools over the broker, and print its answer
   pin <node> <provision> <from-node> <module>
                                  which provider this one gets a provision from: the module, and its node

cmd/mesh-controller/merge_gate.go

@@ -585,11 +585,18 @@ func shelfWithChange(base map[string]catalogue.Manifest, sources map[string]inve
 			return err
 		}
 		m, err := catalogue.ParseManifestWith(raw, predefined)
+		// The manifest as written, still naming its templates: what the stand-in build resolves, as a real build
+		// does, so a moved module is handed its templates (issue 876).
+		written := m
+		var texts map[string]string
 		if err == nil {
 			// Each template's text from the tree beside the manifest, as the build reads it back from the archive it
 			// packs (novox/hq ADR 0349 §2): so a change to a template alone is a change to its module.
 			m, err = catalogue.WithTemplatesFrom(m, filepath.Dir(path))
 		}
+		if err == nil && written.Templated() {
+			texts, err = catalogue.ReadTemplates(written, filepath.Dir(path))
+		}
 		if err != nil {
 			if inScope(dir) {
 				failures = append(failures, fmt.Sprintf("%s: the controller judging this (%s) refuses it — %s",
@@ -614,7 +621,7 @@ func shelfWithChange(base map[string]catalogue.Manifest, sources map[string]inve
 				"of one module name (issue 239)", orRoot(dir), m.Module, s.Repository))
 			return nil
 		}
-		resolved, err := standInBuild(m)
+		resolved, err := standInBuild(written, texts)
 		if err == nil {
 			// As registration reads a built manifest: strictly, again (takeIn).
 			var raw []byte
@@ -737,15 +744,24 @@ func builtAlike(m catalogue.Manifest) string {
 // standInBuild resolves a manifest as a build would, with artifacts nobody built: a digest made from the
 // module's and the artifact's names, in the store's own vocabulary. Composition and validation read the
 // shape of a reference, never its bytes.
-func standInBuild(m catalogue.Manifest) (catalogue.Manifest, error) {
+func standInBuild(m catalogue.Manifest, texts map[string]string) (catalogue.Manifest, error) {
 	if m.Build == nil {
 		return m.Resolve(nil)
 	}
+	// The templates archive carries each template's text by its path inside the archive, as a build reads it back.
+	archive, inside := catalogue.TemplatesArtifact(m), m.TemplatesDir()+"/"
+	read := map[string]string{}
+	for template, text := range texts {
+		read[strings.TrimPrefix(template, inside)] = text
+	}
 	var built []catalogue.Built
 	for _, a := range m.Build.Artifacts {
 		sum := sha256.Sum256([]byte("gate\x00" + m.Module + "\x00" + a.Name))
 		digest := fmt.Sprintf("sha256:%x", sum)
 		b := catalogue.Built{Name: a.Name, Kind: a.Kind, Digest: digest}
+		if a.Name == archive && archive != "" {
+			b.Texts = read
+		}
 		switch a.Kind {
 		case catalogue.ArtifactImage, catalogue.ArtifactUpstream:
 			b.Reference = catalogue.ArtifactStoreScheme + m.Module + "/" + a.Name + "@" + digest
@@ -1097,6 +1113,19 @@ func raiseFromFacts(ctx context.Context, open *stores, f snapshot.Facts, shelf m
 					continue
 				}
 			}
+			// And the provisioner client's account, the same way (novox/hq ADR 0349 clause 11, design 57 P3).
+			if a.Provider == "" && a.Name == broker.ProvisionerSecret {
+				if pm, held := shelf[a.Module]; !held || !runsTheProvisionerClient(pm) {
+					continue
+				}
+				if _, err := inv.MintBusPassword(ctx, inventory.BusUser{Kind: inventory.BusProvisioner, Node: m.Name,
+					Module: a.Module, Username: broker.Principal{Kind: broker.KindProvisioner, Node: m.Name,
+						Module: a.Module}.Username()}); err != nil {
+					notes = append(notes, fmt.Sprintf("%s's provisioner client account for %s is not kept: %s",
+						m.Described(), a.Module, oneLine(err.Error())))
+					continue
+				}
+			}
 			var err error
 			if a.Provider == "" {
 				err = inv.AcceptSecretForModule(ctx, m.Name, a.Module, a.Name, standIn)

cmd/mesh-controller/meshcli.go

@@ -7,7 +7,10 @@ import (
 	"fmt"
 	"os/exec"
 	"slices"
+	"sort"
 	"strings"
+	"sync"
+	"time"
 
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
@@ -123,8 +126,82 @@ func answerMeshCLI(inv *inventory.Inventory) link.CLIHandler {
 // cliJournal says one line in the controller's journal (its standard output); a variable so a test can read it.
 var cliJournal = func(line string) { fmt.Println(line) }
 
-// runForMeshCLI runs a judged line and answers what it said. Every line is said in the journal first: its call,
+// onlyReads says a line only reads, judged by the generic `command` verb's reading forms (novox/hq ADR 0266) — the
-// who asked on which node, its command word only, and how it runs (review of ADR 0272).
+// same allow list that decides what an ordinary call may run, never a second list kept here — judged on the line's
+// every word, so `plans go`, `conditions silence` and `settings set` are not reads while `plans`, `conditions` and
+// `settings show` are. A line those forms do not name is not judged a read, and is said (novox/hq issue 762).
+func onlyReads(asked link.CLIAsked, v cliVerdict) bool {
+	if v.refused != "" || len(asked.Line) == 0 || len(asked.Stdin) > 0 || cliServers[asked.Line[0]] {
+		return false
+	}
+	return commandReads(asked.Line) == nil && terminalOnly(asked.Line) == nil
+}
+
+// readCalls counts the read calls said in no line, per caller, until the next hourly line says them.
+type readCalls struct {
+	mu     sync.Mutex
+	counts map[string]int
+}
+
+// cliReads are this controller's read calls not yet said.
+var cliReads = &readCalls{}
+
+func (r *readCalls) add(caller string) {
+	r.mu.Lock()
+	defer r.mu.Unlock()
+	if r.counts == nil {
+		r.counts = map[string]int{}
+	}
+	r.counts[caller]++
+}
+
+// said is the line that says the read calls counted since the last, and starts counting again; empty when there
+// were none, so an idle hour says nothing.
+func (r *readCalls) said(over time.Duration) string {
+	r.mu.Lock()
+	counts := r.counts
+	r.counts = nil
+	r.mu.Unlock()
+	if len(counts) == 0 {
+		return ""
+	}
+	callers := make([]string, 0, len(counts))
+	for c := range counts {
+		callers = append(callers, c)
+	}
+	sort.Strings(callers)
+	parts := make([]string, len(callers))
+	for i, c := range callers {
+		parts[i] = fmt.Sprintf("%s %d", c, counts[c])
+	}
+	return fmt.Sprintf("mesh-cli read calls in the last %s, said in no line of their own: %s", over,
+		strings.Join(parts, ", "))
+}
+
+// readCallsEvery is how often the count of read calls is said.
+const readCallsEvery = time.Hour
+
+// sayReadCalls says, every readCallsEvery until ctx ends, how many read calls each caller made — when any did — so
+// a runaway poller stays visible while its calls write no line each (novox/hq issue 762).
+func sayReadCalls(ctx context.Context) {
+	tick := time.NewTicker(readCallsEvery)
+	defer tick.Stop()
+	for {
+		select {
+		case <-ctx.Done():
+			return
+		case <-tick.C:
+			if line := cliReads.said(readCallsEvery); line != "" {
+				cliJournal(line)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// runForMeshCLI runs a judged line and answers what it said. Every line that changes something, is refused or fails
+// is said in the journal: its call, who asked on which node, its command word only, and how it runs (review of ADR
+// 0272). A line that only reads and succeeds is counted instead, and the count said hourly (novox/hq issue 762): a
+// page polling `plans` every few seconds would otherwise write thousands of lines a day.
 func runForMeshCLI(ctx context.Context, node string, asked link.CLIAsked, v cliVerdict) link.CLIAnswer {
 	how := "as an ordinary call"
 	switch {
@@ -137,7 +214,23 @@ func runForMeshCLI(ctx context.Context, node string, asked link.CLIAsked, v cliV
 	if call == "" {
 		call = "(no call)"
 	}
-	cliJournal(fmt.Sprintf("mesh-cli %s: %s on %s asked %q, %s", call, asked.Account, node, asked.Line[0], how))
+	line := fmt.Sprintf("mesh-cli %s: %s on %s asked %q, %s", call, asked.Account, node, asked.Line[0], how)
+	if !onlyReads(asked, v) {
+		cliJournal(line)
+		return runJudgedLine(ctx, node, asked, v)
+	}
+	answer := runJudgedLine(ctx, node, asked, v)
+	if answer.Exit != 0 || answer.Refused != "" {
+		// A read that was refused or failed is said, as a change is.
+		cliJournal(fmt.Sprintf("%s, and it failed (exit %d)", line, answer.Exit))
+	} else {
+		cliReads.add(fmt.Sprintf("%s on %s", asked.Account, node))
+	}
+	return answer
+}
+
+// runJudgedLine runs a line runForMeshCLI has said or counted.
+func runJudgedLine(ctx context.Context, node string, asked link.CLIAsked, v cliVerdict) link.CLIAnswer {
 	if v.refused != "" {
 		return link.CLIRefusal(v.refused)
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/meshcli_reads_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,123 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// echoFails makes the echoing test binary end with a failure, as a read that failed would.
+const echoFails = "MESH_TEST_ECHO_FAILS"
+
+// journalled runs lines through runForMeshCLI and answers what the journal said, with a fresh count of read calls.
+func journalled(t *testing.T) *[]string {
+	t.Helper()
+	t.Setenv(echoEnvironment, "1")
+	said := &[]string{}
+	was, wasReads := cliJournal, cliReads
+	cliJournal = func(line string) { *said = append(*said, line) }
+	cliReads = &readCalls{}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { cliJournal, cliReads = was, wasReads })
+	return said
+}
+
+// **A call that only reads writes no journal line; one that changes something does** (novox/hq issue 762).
+func TestAReadCallWritesNoJournalLine(t *testing.T) {
+	said := journalled(t)
+	ctx := link.WithCallID(context.Background(), "call-1")
+	ordinary := cliVerdict{why: "not the terminal"}
+	for _, line := range [][]string{{"plans"}, {"status"}, {"conditions"}, {"node", "list"}, {"builds"}, {"queue"},
+		{"settings", "show", "zsh"}, {"plans", "--json"}} {
+		if a := runForMeshCLI(ctx, "g14", cliAsked("jochen", 1000, line...), ordinary); a.Exit != 0 || a.Refused != "" {
+			t.Fatalf("%q did not run: %+v", line, a)
+		}
+	}
+	runForMeshCLI(ctx, "control", cliAsked("jochen", 1000, "plans"), cliVerdict{terminal: true, why: "the terminal"})
+	if len(*said) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("read calls wrote journal lines: %q", *said)
+	}
+	runForMeshCLI(ctx, "control", cliAsked("jochen", 1000, "assign", "g14", "zsh"), cliVerdict{terminal: true, why: "the terminal"})
+	if len(*said) != 1 || !strings.Contains((*said)[0], `asked "assign"`) {
+		t.Fatalf("a call that changes something was not said: %q", *said)
+	}
+}
+
+// **A refused or failed read keeps its line** (novox/hq issue 762).
+func TestAFailedOrRefusedReadIsSaid(t *testing.T) {
+	said := journalled(t)
+	runForMeshCLI(context.Background(), "g14", cliAsked("root", 0, "plans"), cliVerdict{refused: "root is not answered"})
+	t.Setenv(echoFails, "1")
+	a := runForMeshCLI(context.Background(), "g14", cliAsked("jochen", 1000, "plans"), cliVerdict{why: "not the terminal"})
+	if a.Exit == 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the read did not fail: %+v", a)
+	}
+	if len(*said) != 2 || !strings.Contains((*said)[0], "refused") || !strings.Contains((*said)[1], "failed (exit 3)") {
+		t.Fatalf("the journal said %q", *said)
+	}
+	if line := cliReads.said(readCallsEvery); line != "" {
+		t.Fatalf("a failed read was counted as a read: %q", line)
+	}
+}
+
+// **A verb is classed by what the call does, not its name** (novox/hq issue 762): the same command word reads with
+// some arguments and writes with others, and a line no reading form names is said.
+func TestAVerbIsClassedByItsArguments(t *testing.T) {
+	ordinary := cliVerdict{why: "not the terminal"}
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		line  []string
+		reads bool
+	}{
+		{[]string{"settings", "show", "zsh"}, true},
+		{[]string{"settings", "preferences"}, true},
+		{[]string{"settings", "set", "zsh", `{"a":1}`}, false},
+		{[]string{"settings", "clear", "zsh"}, false},
+		{[]string{"plans"}, true},
+		{[]string{"plans", "p-1"}, true},
+		{[]string{"plans", "go", "p-1"}, false},
+		{[]string{"plans", "--json", "stop", "p-1"}, false},
+		{[]string{"plans", "close", "p-1"}, false},
+		{[]string{"plans", "retry", "p-1"}, false},
+		{[]string{"conditions"}, true},
+		{[]string{"conditions", "show", "x"}, true},
+		{[]string{"conditions", "silence", "x"}, false},
+		{[]string{"doctor", "run"}, false},
+		{[]string{"node", "account", "g14", "x"}, false},
+		{[]string{"assign", "g14", "zsh"}, false},
+		{[]string{"a-command-added-later"}, false},
+		{[]string{"serve"}, false},
+	} {
+		if got := onlyReads(cliAsked("jochen", 1000, c.line...), ordinary); got != c.reads {
+			t.Errorf("%q judged a read: %v, want %v", c.line, got, c.reads)
+		}
+	}
+	if onlyReads(cliAsked("jochen", 1000, "plans"), cliVerdict{refused: "no"}) {
+		t.Error("a refused line judged a read")
+	}
+	stdin := cliAsked("jochen", 1000, "status")
+	stdin.Stdin = []byte("x")
+	if onlyReads(stdin, cliVerdict{terminal: true}) {
+		t.Error("a line carrying standard input judged a read")
+	}
+}
+
+// **Once an hour the read calls are counted per caller, only if there were any** (novox/hq issue 762).
+func TestTheReadCallsAreCountedPerCaller(t *testing.T) {
+	said := journalled(t)
+	ordinary := cliVerdict{why: "not the terminal"}
+	for range 3 {
+		runForMeshCLI(context.Background(), "g14", cliAsked("jochen", 1000, "plans"), ordinary)
+	}
+	runForMeshCLI(context.Background(), "ace", cliAsked("jochen", 1000, "status"), ordinary)
+	if len(*said) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("read calls wrote lines: %q", *said)
+	}
+	line := cliReads.said(readCallsEvery)
+	if !strings.Contains(line, "jochen on ace 1, jochen on g14 3") || !strings.Contains(line, "1h0m0s") {
+		t.Fatalf("the hourly line said %q", line)
+	}
+	if again := cliReads.said(readCallsEvery); again != "" {
+		t.Fatalf("an hour with no read calls said %q", again)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/missed_merges.go

@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ func owedToTheRecord(ctx context.Context, announced merges, m link.SourceMoved,
 
 // catchingUpOnMerges reads back the forge's announcements on a timer, until the context ends.
 func catchingUpOnMerges(ctx context.Context, open *stores, announced merges) {
-	f := following{open}
+	f := following{open: open}
 	catalogued := func(ctx context.Context) ([]inventory.Entry, map[string][]inventory.ReadRepository, error) {
 		entries, err := open.inventory.Catalogued(ctx)
 		if err != nil {

cmd/mesh-controller/module_health.go

@@ -240,6 +240,7 @@ func judgeModuleHealth(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, k *conditi
 			continue
 		}
 		o := moduleUnhealthyObservation(m, node, unhealthy[m])
+		declaredSeverity(&o, hold, m)
 		if hold != nil {
 			if by, held := hold.heldWith(node, m, unhealthy[m]); held {
 				// Held under the provider's condition: nothing of its own, and the provider's says it waits. The
@@ -347,6 +348,7 @@ func sayWaiters(ctx context.Context, k *conditions.Keeper, hold *holding, p cata
 	} else {
 		_, rest := besideAWait(p.Module, rs)
 		o = moduleUnhealthyObservation(p.Module, p.Node, rest)
+		declaredSeverity(&o, hold, p.Module)
 		if said, waits := personWait(p.Module, p.Node, rest); waits {
 			o = reloginObservation(p.Module, p.Node, said, operatorOn(ctx, hold.inv, p.Node), rest)
 		}
@@ -481,6 +483,19 @@ func sayWaitingOn(o *conditions.Observation, waiters []string) {
 	o.Explanation += fmt.Sprintf(" %d module(s) that depend on it wait for it.", len(waiters))
 }
 
+// declaredSeverity raises a module's unhealthy condition urgent when its manifest declares `unhealthy` urgent
+// (novox/hq ADR 0355 §1). Only that condition changes (ADR 0355 §4): a wait for a new login, a module that needs
+// the operator and a directory used as found keep their severities, and without the field, or without a manifest
+// to read it from, it stays the warning it was.
+func declaredSeverity(o *conditions.Observation, hold *holding, module string) {
+	if o.Kind != kindModuleUnhealthy || hold == nil {
+		return
+	}
+	if m, ok := hold.manifestOf(module); ok && m.UnhealthyIsUrgent() {
+		o.Severity = conditions.Urgent
+	}
+}
+
 // moduleUnhealthyObservation is a module unhealthy on a machine, in words: the summary names the module,
 // the machine and what is wrong with each resource; the detail — targets, streaks, since — is evidence.
 func moduleUnhealthyObservation(module, node string, rs []inventory.ResourceHealth) conditions.Observation {

cmd/mesh-controller/modules.go

@@ -446,6 +446,10 @@ func settingsCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 		if len(positionals) == 2 {
 			values = positionals[1]
 		}
+		// Once its config values are mesh-config's, they are proposed there (issue 664).
+		if forwarded, err := forwardPropose(ctx, inv, positionals[0], *node, values, *clear); forwarded || err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
 		return proposeCommand(ctx, positionals[0], *node, values, *clear, *replace)
 	case "proposals":
 		if len(positionals) > 1 || *node != "" || *clear || *replace || *history {
@@ -466,6 +470,15 @@ func settingsCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 		where = *node
 	}
 
+	// Once the move of config has run, a module in the config form is read and set through mesh-config (issue 664).
+	if (args[0] == "set" && len(positionals) == 2) || ((args[0] == "show" && !*history) || args[0] == "clear") &&
+		len(positionals) == 1 {
+		if forwarded, err := forwardSettings(ctx, inv, args[0], positionals[0], *node, positionals, *replace); forwarded ||
+			err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+	}
+
 	switch args[0] {
 	case "set":
 		if len(positionals) != 2 {
@@ -949,7 +962,55 @@ func issueOnTheNewBus(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, m catalogue
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
-	return issueWith(ctx, inv, m, node, busAddress, known, reachable, user, password)
+	if err := issueWith(ctx, inv, m, node, busAddress, known, reachable, user, password); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	if !runsTheProvisionerClient(m) {
+		return nil
+	}
+	return issueProvisionerClient(ctx, inv, m, node, known, reachable)
+}
+
+// runsTheProvisionerClient says a module runs its machine's provisioner client, which reaches the bus on an
+// account of its own (novox/hq ADR 0349 clause 11, design 57 P3): it claims the seat and declares the own secret
+// that account is delivered in. The same test the bus's user list makes (inventory's declaredFor).
+func runsTheProvisionerClient(m catalogue.Manifest) bool {
+	_, reads := m.OwnSecrets[broker.ProvisionerSecret]
+	return reads && m.ClaimsSeat(broker.NodeProvisionerSeat)
+}
+
+// issueProvisionerClient gives a machine's provisioner client its account: minted under the client's own name,
+// never the module's or the tool runner's, and sealed to the machine as the module's own secret
+// broker.ProvisionerSecret, which the client's service reads (novox/hq ADR 0349 clause 11, design 57 P3). No
+// claims and no consumer: the client holds no seat on this account and is delivered nothing but its answers.
+func issueProvisionerClient(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, m catalogue.Manifest, node string,
+	known broker.Broker, reachable string) error {
+	user := broker.Principal{Kind: broker.KindProvisioner, Node: node, Module: m.Module}.Username()
+	password, err := inv.MintBusPassword(ctx, inventory.BusUser{
+		Username: user, Kind: inventory.BusProvisioner, Node: node, Module: m.Module,
+	})
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	held, err := json.Marshal(struct {
+		URL         string `json:"url"`
+		Fingerprint string `json:"fingerprint,omitempty"`
+		Node        string `json:"node"`
+		User        string `json:"user"`
+		Password    string `json:"password"`
+	}{URL: "nats://" + reachable, Fingerprint: known.Fingerprint, Node: node, User: user, Password: password})
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	if err := inv.AcceptSecretForModule(ctx, node, m.Module, broker.ProvisionerSecret, string(held)); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	if err := handIssuedToVault(ctx, inv, m, node, broker.ProvisionerSecret, string(held)); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	fmt.Printf("bus user %s minted for %s's provisioner client, scoped to %s's keys, its reports and the vault\n",
+		user, m.Module, node)
+	return nil
 }
 
 // busKindOf is what a module's bus user is recorded as: the node's tool runtime where the module is
@@ -994,6 +1055,9 @@ func issueWith(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, m catalogue.Manife
 	if err := inv.AcceptSecretForModule(ctx, node, m.Module, "broker", string(held)); err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
+	if err := handIssuedToVault(ctx, inv, m, node, "broker", string(held)); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
 
 	// And how it hears what it consumes. Derived from its declaration, and only when it declared
 	// something: a module that consumes nothing needs no consumer, and creating one would be a

cmd/mesh-controller/person_wait_test.go

@@ -30,6 +30,7 @@ func userUnit(module, account string) inventory.ResourceHealth {
 // Only what depends on the new login alone is a wait; anything else unhealthy of the module is judged as
 // before, so that a fault is never excused.
 func TestOnlyWhatDependsOnTheNewLoginIsAWait(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	notInGroup := relogin("lights", "operator")
 	notInGroup.Reason = "not in the group lights: the apply has not put operator there; its outcome says why"
 	systemUnit := userUnit("lights", "operator")
@@ -74,6 +75,7 @@ func TestOnlyWhatDependsOnTheNewLoginIsAWait(t *testing.T) {
 // The gate reads a wait for a person as its own reading, never a fault, and passes with it; the same module
 // with a container down beside it is not yet healthy, as before.
 func TestAWaitForAPersonIsAPassCarriedAlong(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	now := time.Now()
 	since := now.Add(-time.Minute)
 	account := relogin("lights", "operator")
@@ -102,6 +104,7 @@ func TestAWaitForAPersonIsAPassCarriedAlong(t *testing.T) {
 // The module's condition says the wait in one sentence for a person, and clears on the first statement that
 // no longer says it — said as the module's own fault when its unit still fails after the new login.
 func TestTheReloginConditionSaysTheWaitAndClearsAfterTheLogin(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	open := aMesh(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	k, _ := withConditionsInMemory(t)
@@ -158,6 +161,7 @@ func TestTheReloginConditionSaysTheWaitAndClearsAfterTheLogin(t *testing.T) {
 // A module that is healthy on its own keeps its pass when another module of the same send fails at the
 // bound: it is neither put back nor left without a verdict for every other walk to wait on.
 func TestAModuleHealthyOnItsOwnKeepsItsPassWhenItsSendFails(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	b := aBacklog(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	inv := b.open.inventory
@@ -207,6 +211,7 @@ func TestAModuleHealthyOnItsOwnKeepsItsPassWhenItsSendFails(t *testing.T) {
 // What the operator reads of the wait (ADR 0253, ADR 0254): it needs them, so it is never quiet, and it offers
 // no button, since nothing but their own new login can do it.
 func TestTheReloginConditionNeedsTheOperatorAndOffersNoButton(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	o := reloginObservation("openrazer", "g14", "relogin needed on g14: …", "operator", []inventory.ResourceHealth{
 		relogin("openrazer", "operator"), userUnit("openrazer", "operator")})
 	plainExample(t, o, "openrazer waits for a new login on g14",
@@ -238,6 +243,7 @@ func TestTheReloginConditionNeedsTheOperatorAndOffersNoButton(t *testing.T) {
 // When a module not working turns into one waiting for a new login, and back, the clearing line says what it
 // became, never that it works again (issue 318 review).
 func TestAConditionThatBecameTheOtherKindSaysSoWhenItClears(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	open := aMesh(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	store := conditions.NewInMemory()
@@ -286,6 +292,7 @@ func TestAConditionThatBecameTheOtherKindSaysSoWhenItClears(t *testing.T) {
 
 // Which moves add an account group, read from the builds' manifests (issue 318 review).
 func TestOnlyAMoveThatAddsAnAccountGroupCanBringAWait(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	user := func(groups ...any) catalogue.Manifest {
 		return catalogue.Manifest{Module: "lights", Resources: []map[string]any{{"id": "operator", "type": "user",
 			"name": "operator", "groups": groups}}}

cmd/mesh-controller/placement_move.go

@@ -0,0 +1,99 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"flag"
+	"fmt"
+	"os"
+	"strings"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// movePlacementAnswer is what the move of placement says it did, or would do (issue 736).
+type movePlacementAnswer struct {
+	// DryRun is true when nothing was moved: asked without --confirm.
+	DryRun bool `json:"dry-run"`
+	// Moved is each layer that held a placement key among its settings, and which keys.
+	Moved []inventory.MovedLayer `json:"moved"`
+}
+
+// movePlacementCommand is `move-placement`: the move of placement out of the settings layers (novox/hq ADR 0348
+// clause 11, issue 736), one of the moves of data a release runs once after its delivery (design 57).
+func movePlacementCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
+	set := flag.NewFlagSet("move-placement", flag.ContinueOnError)
+	asJSON := set.Bool("json", false, "answer as JSON")
+	confirm := set.Bool("confirm", false, "move the keys, rather than only say which layers hold them")
+	f := addHandActFlags(set)
+	positionals, err := parseAround(set, args)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	if len(positionals) != 0 {
+		return errors.New("move-placement [--json] [--confirm --why <text>]")
+	}
+	if !*confirm && f.given() {
+		return errors.New("move-placement takes --why only with --confirm: without it nothing is moved. Nothing was done")
+	}
+	if *confirm {
+		// A move a person asks for says why, before anything is asked of the store.
+		if err := f.require("move-placement"); err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+	}
+	open, err := openStores(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	defer open.Close()
+	if *confirm {
+		f.record(ctx, "move-placement", nil)
+	}
+	answer, err := runMovePlacement(ctx, open.inventory, *confirm)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	if *asJSON {
+		encoder := json.NewEncoder(os.Stdout)
+		encoder.SetIndent("", " ")
+		return encoder.Encode(answer)
+	}
+	fmt.Print(describeMovePlacement(answer))
+	return nil
+}
+
+// runMovePlacement is the move against a store: a dry run says what it would move.
+func runMovePlacement(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, apply bool) (movePlacementAnswer, error) {
+	moved, err := inv.MovePlacement(ctx, apply)
+	if err != nil {
+		return movePlacementAnswer{}, err
+	}
+	return movePlacementAnswer{DryRun: !apply, Moved: moved}, nil
+}
+
+// describeMovePlacement says the answer as a person reads it.
+func describeMovePlacement(a movePlacementAnswer) string {
+	if len(a.Moved) == 0 {
+		return "no settings layer holds a placement key: nothing to move\n"
+	}
+	var b strings.Builder
+	verb := "moved"
+	if a.DryRun {
+		verb = "would move"
+	}
+	for _, m := range a.Moved {
+		where := m.Node
+		if where == "" {
+			where = "the whole mesh"
+		}
+		fmt.Fprintf(&b, "%s on %s: %s %s\n", m.Module, where, verb, strings.Join(m.Keys, ", "))
+	}
+	if a.DryRun {
+		fmt.Fprintf(&b, "%d layer(s); nothing was moved — with --confirm --why <text> they are\n", len(a.Moved))
+	} else {
+		fmt.Fprintf(&b, "%d layer(s) moved beside their assignments, each kept whole in its history first\n", len(a.Moved))
+	}
+	return b.String()
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/placement_words_moved_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,243 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"encoding/json"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"reflect"
+	"sort"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// wordedMesh is every live layer that says `endpoints`, `expose`, `reach` or `ports` (issue 736) — 36, read with
+// the settings verb on 2026-10-14, ace's as anchor's and novox's as laptop's, one stand-in for an address — split as
+// the store holds them once migration 0097 has run: the four words still among the settings, `places` and
+// `accesses` already beside them. With each module shaped as its definition in the catalogue (mesh-catalog's, and
+// the media catalogue's) is where the four words reach: its listens, what its containers publish and on which
+// network, its route, its directories and accesses, and its mergeable files — every key of the layer, or the keys
+// they name. The shapes are the modules'; the files' text and the images are the test's.
+type wordedMesh struct {
+	Modules []json.RawMessage `json:"modules"`
+	Layers  []struct {
+		Node      string         `json:"node"`
+		Module    string         `json:"module"`
+		Settings  map[string]any `json:"settings"`
+		Placement map[string]any `json:"placement"`
+	} `json:"layers"`
+}
+
+func theWordedMesh(t *testing.T) wordedMesh {
+	t.Helper()
+	raw, err := os.ReadFile(filepath.Join("testdata", "placement-words-moved", "mesh.json"))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	var w wordedMesh
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(raw, &w); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	return w
+}
+
+// aMeshWithTheWordsInItsLayers is aMesh with every module of the worded mesh registered, a route provider on both
+// machines, and its layers held as the store holds them before the four words move.
+func aMeshWithTheWordsInItsLayers(t *testing.T) (*stores, wordedMesh) {
+	t.Helper()
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	w := theWordedMesh(t)
+	image := "registry.invalid:5000/library@sha256:" + strings.Repeat("a", 64)
+	register(t, open, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "proxy", Version: "1", Provides: catalogue.FromAnywhere("route"),
+		Receives: map[string]string{"route": "/var/lib/proxy/routes.json"}})
+	for _, text := range w.Modules {
+		m, err := catalogue.ParseManifest([]byte(strings.ReplaceAll(string(text), "IMAGE", image)))
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		register(t, open, m)
+	}
+	on := map[string][]string{"anchor": {"proxy"}, "laptop": {"proxy"}}
+	for _, l := range w.Layers {
+		settings, err := json.Marshal(l.Settings)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		inv.ExecForTest(t, `insert into settings (node, module, values) select id, $2, $3 from node where name = $1`,
+			l.Node, l.Module, string(settings))
+		if l.Placement != nil {
+			placement, err := json.Marshal(l.Placement)
+			if err != nil {
+				t.Fatal(err)
+			}
+			inv.ExecForTest(t, `insert into placement (node, module, values) select id, $2, $3 from node where name = $1`,
+				l.Node, l.Module, string(placement))
+		}
+		on[l.Node] = append(on[l.Node], l.Module)
+	}
+	for _, node := range []string{"anchor", "laptop"} {
+		if err := inv.SetPublicDomain(ctx, node, node+".example.test"); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		if _, err := assign(ctx, open, node, on[node]...); err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("assign %s %v: %v", node, on[node], err)
+		}
+	}
+	return open, w
+}
+
+// toldOfTheWords is what a machine is told of the modules whose layers say the four words, and of the route
+// provider that serves their names: those modules' resources and the filter's rules, as JSON a person can diff.
+func toldOfTheWords(t *testing.T, open *stores, node string) string {
+	t.Helper()
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	gens, err := generators(ctx, open)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	plan, settings, err := planFor(ctx, open, node)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	with, _, err := renderingFor(ctx, open, node, plan, settings, gens, Allocating)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	composed, err := plan.Compose(with)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if len(composed.LeftOut) > 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("%s leaves out %v", node, composed.LeftOut)
+	}
+	rules, err := plan.Rules(with)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	ours := map[string]bool{"proxy": true}
+	for _, l := range theWordedMesh(t).Layers {
+		ours[l.Module] = true
+	}
+	var told []map[string]any
+	for _, r := range composed.Resources {
+		if ours[composed.Owner[r["id"].(string)]] {
+			told = append(told, r)
+		}
+	}
+	sort.Slice(told, func(i, j int) bool { return told[i]["id"].(string) < told[j]["id"].(string) })
+	got, err := json.MarshalIndent(map[string]any{"resources": told, "rules": rules}, "", "  ")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	return string(got) + "\n"
+}
+
+// sameAsTheGolden holds what a machine is told to the golden file the controller before issue 736 wrote from the
+// same seed (MESH_WRITE_GOLDEN=1 writes it instead).
+func sameAsTheGolden(t *testing.T, open *stores, when string) {
+	t.Helper()
+	for _, node := range []string{"anchor", "laptop"} {
+		got := toldOfTheWords(t, open, node)
+		golden := filepath.Join("testdata", "placement-words-moved", node+".json")
+		if os.Getenv("MESH_WRITE_GOLDEN") != "" {
+			if err := os.MkdirAll(filepath.Dir(golden), 0o755); err != nil {
+				t.Fatal(err)
+			}
+			if err := os.WriteFile(golden, []byte(got), 0o644); err != nil {
+				t.Fatal(err)
+			}
+			continue
+		}
+		want, err := os.ReadFile(golden)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		if string(want) != got {
+			t.Errorf("%s: %s is told something else:\n%s\nwas:\n%s", when, node, got, want)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// **The four words leave the settings layers and no machine is told anything new** (novox/hq ADR 0348 clause 11,
+// issue 736). Every live layer that says `endpoints`, `expose`, `reach` or `ports` is seeded as the store holds it
+// after delivery, on a module shaped as its definition is, and every machine's declaration is composed. What each
+// is told is byte for byte what the controller before this change composed from the same seed.
+func TestADeclarationIsTheSameWhileTheWordsAreStillInTheLayers(t *testing.T) {
+	open, _ := aMeshWithTheWordsInItsLayers(t)
+	sameAsTheGolden(t, open, "before the move")
+}
+
+// **And after the move, still nothing new** (issue 736). The move of placement, asked without confirming, says
+// every layer that holds one of the four words and moves nothing; confirmed, it moves them all, no settings layer
+// holds a placement key after, and each machine is told byte for byte what it was told before the move — and what
+// the controller before this change told it. Asked again, it moves nothing.
+func TestADeclarationIsTheSameAfterTheMoveOfPlacement(t *testing.T) {
+	open, w := aMeshWithTheWordsInItsLayers(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	asked, err := runMovePlacement(ctx, inv, false)
+	if err != nil || !asked.DryRun || len(asked.Moved) != len(w.Layers) {
+		t.Fatalf("the move, not confirmed, says %+v (%v); %d layers hold the words", asked, err, len(w.Layers))
+	}
+	if held := inv.QueryForTest(t, `select module from settings where values ?| $1`, catalogue.PlacementKeys()); len(held) != len(w.Layers) {
+		t.Fatalf("the move, not confirmed, moved something: %d layers still hold the words", len(held))
+	}
+	sameAsTheGolden(t, open, "after the move was asked without confirming")
+
+	moved, err := runMovePlacement(ctx, inv, true)
+	if err != nil || moved.DryRun || !reflect.DeepEqual(moved.Moved, asked.Moved) {
+		t.Fatalf("the move says %+v (%v), it said it would move %+v", moved, err, asked.Moved)
+	}
+	if held := inv.QueryForTest(t, `select module from settings where values ?| $1`, catalogue.PlacementKeys()); len(held) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a settings layer still holds a placement key: %v", held)
+	}
+	sameAsTheGolden(t, open, "after the move")
+
+	if again, err := runMovePlacement(ctx, inv, true); err != nil || len(again.Moved) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("asked again, the move moved %+v (%v)", again, err)
+	}
+	if said := describeMovePlacement(movePlacementAnswer{}); !strings.Contains(said, "nothing to move") {
+		t.Fatalf("an empty move says %q", said)
+	}
+}
+
+// The verb's command line: a dry run unless confirmed, and a confirmed move says why, recorded as a person's step
+// of the release, never a repair (issue 736).
+func TestTheMoveOfPlacementIsADryRunUnlessConfirmed(t *testing.T) {
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		args map[string]any
+		want string
+	}{
+		{map[string]any{}, "move-placement --json"},
+		{map[string]any{"confirm": "false"}, "move-placement --json"},
+		{map[string]any{"confirm": "true", "why": "release 57 is delivered"}, "move-placement --json --confirm --why release 57 is delivered"},
+	} {
+		argv, err := argvFor("move-placement", c.args)
+		if err != nil || strings.Join(argv, " ") != c.want {
+			t.Errorf("%v: %q %v, want %q", c.args, argv, err, c.want)
+		}
+	}
+	for _, args := range []map[string]any{
+		{"confirm": "true"},            // a move without a why
+		{"why": "tidy"},                // a why for a dry run, recorded nowhere
+		{"confirm": "yes", "why": "x"}, // a switch is true or false
+		{"node": "anchor"},
+	} {
+		if argv, err := argvFor("move-placement", args); err == nil {
+			t.Errorf("%v was composed as %q", args, argv)
+		}
+	}
+	if repairingCommand([]string{"move-placement", "--json", "--confirm", "--why", "x"}) != "move-placement" {
+		t.Error("a confirmed move through the generic verb would go unrecorded")
+	}
+	if repairingCommand([]string{"move-placement", "--json"}) != "" {
+		t.Error("a dry run was taken for an act by hand")
+	}
+	if !personsDecision(link.HandAct{Verb: "move-placement"}) {
+		t.Error("a move of the release would count toward a healer the mesh lacks")
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/plain_words.go

@@ -117,6 +117,8 @@ var plainWordings = map[string]func(conditions.Observation) words{
 				"reaches it. It keeps running what it has.", m),
 			Resolved: m + " can get new instructions again"}
 	}),
+	// A grant of a restricted stream that composes nothing (novox/hq ADR 0376 §2).
+	kindGrantComposesNothing: worded(withheldWords),
 	kindAgentCanBecomeRoot: worded(func(o conditions.Observation) words {
 		m := machineOr(o, "a machine")
 		return words{Headline: "Sessions on " + m + " could become root",
@@ -184,6 +186,15 @@ var plainWordings = map[string]func(conditions.Observation) words{
 	}),
 	// The controller or the node-engine kept at the build a machine was last sent, over an older record (novox/hq
 	// issue 201).
+	kindVaultSilent: worded(func(o conditions.Observation) words {
+		m := machineOr(o, "a machine")
+		return words{Headline: "The vault did not give " + m + " the core's credentials",
+			Needs: "check the vault answers (vault_status); the next send asks it again.",
+			Explanation: fmt.Sprintf("The bus's and the provisioner's credentials reach %s sealed by the vault, and "+
+				"the vault did not answer the last send for them. %s keeps the files it has; a core module not "+
+				"there yet is sealed by the controller until the vault holds it.", m, m),
+			Resolved: "Resolved: the vault gave " + m + " the core's credentials"}
+	}),
 	kindCoreDowngrade: worded(func(o conditions.Observation) words {
 		m := machineOr(o, "a machine")
 		component := idPart(o, 0)
@@ -620,6 +631,18 @@ var plainWordings = map[string]func(conditions.Observation) words{
 			Explanation: "The bus reports a listener too slow to keep up, so messages to it are late.",
 			Resolved:    "The listener keeps up again"}
 	}),
+	kindBusFaultsUnread: worded(func(o conditions.Observation) words {
+		return words{Headline: "Slow clients of the bus cannot be checked",
+			Explanation: "The controller could not read what the bus said about its clients' connections, so a " +
+				"client the bus cut off would go unnoticed. It tries again at every check.",
+			Resolved: "Resolved: the bus's clients are checked again"}
+	}),
+	"connection-closed": worded(func(o conditions.Observation) words {
+		return words{Headline: "The bus cut a client off",
+			Explanation: "The bus closed a client's connection because it broke the bus's rules, so what it was " +
+				"sending was lost.",
+			Resolved: "Resolved: the client keeps to the bus's rules"}
+	}),
 	kindBusReconnects: worded(func(o conditions.Observation) words {
 		return words{Headline: "A client keeps losing the bus",
 			Explanation: "One of the mesh's clients lost its connection to the bus again and again in the last hour. " +

cmd/mesh-controller/plan.go

@@ -150,6 +150,10 @@ func planFor(ctx context.Context, open *stores, nodeName string) (catalogue.Reso
 	// password a provider is told to create is the one its consumer was given — and sealed to
 	// this node before it was ever written down, so nothing between here and there can read it.
 	for i, n := range resolved.Needs {
+		// **Issued for this holder alone and kept by the vault** (issue 757): where this consumer is handed to the
+		// provisioner, its machine's client asks the vault for it, and the declaration carries no value.
+		resolved.Needs[i].IssuedToHolder = issuedToHolder(shelf, n)
+		resolved.Needs[i].ProviderMoved = providerMoved(shelf, n)
 		if n.ByRecord {
 			// Answered by something the mesh holds, so there is no pair-wise secret between two
 			// machines. Its key was supplied by a person and sealed to this node then; the mesh
@@ -476,9 +480,23 @@ func declarationWith(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string,
 	out := sendable{Resources: composed.Resources, Adoption: adoption,
 		Received: composed.Received, Mesh: with.Mesh, BusUsers: with.BusUsers,
 		LeftOut: sortedKeysOf(composed.LeftOut), leftOutWhy: composed.LeftOut, withheld: with.Withheld,
-		unbound: with.Unbound, foreseen: composed.Foreseen, unplaced: composed.Unplaced,
+		unbound: with.Unbound, foreseen: composed.Foreseen, unplaced: composed.Unplaced, handedOnly: composed.HandedOnly,
-		modules:      namedModules(plan, composed.LeftOut),
+		modules: namedModules(plan, composed.LeftOut),
+		Filled:  composed.Filled, plans: composed.Plans,
 		localNetwork: catalogue.LocalNetworkPorts(rules, with.LocalNetworks)}
+	if len(composed.Filled) > 0 {
+		out.Provisioner = with.Provisioner
+	}
+	// A handed module only pulled in by another keeps what requires it, for its value of its own in the assignments
+	// mirror (issue 765).
+	for module := range composed.Plans {
+		if by := plan.RequiredBy(module); by != "" {
+			if out.requiredBy == nil {
+				out.requiredBy = map[string]string{}
+			}
+			out.requiredBy[module] = by
+		}
+	}
 	// And which build of each module it carries, for the send to record (novox/hq issue 259, ADR
 	// 0221). Read only on the send path: a question about what would be sent records nothing.
 	if choosing == Allocating {
@@ -591,6 +609,10 @@ func reportLeftOut(node string, declared sendable) {
 	for _, u := range declared.unplaced {
 		fmt.Printf("%s: %s\n", node, u)
 	}
+	// And each file only the provisioner's client fills, left out because the module is not handed here.
+	for _, u := range declared.handedOnly {
+		fmt.Printf("%s: %s\n", node, u)
+	}
 }
 
 // busCredentialIssued refuses an own secret called `broker` whose bus account nobody issued.
@@ -601,10 +623,17 @@ func reportLeftOut(node string, declared sendable) {
 // cannot read and report the machine applied. Refused by name, with the verb — on the send, and on
 // a question asked ahead of it (Foreseeing), so that one is never told the push will make it.
 func busCredentialIssued(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, node, module, name string) error {
-	if name != "broker" {
+	var user string
+	switch name {
+	case "broker":
+		user = broker.Principal{Kind: broker.KindModule, Node: node, Module: module}.Username()
+	case broker.ProvisionerSecret:
+		// And the machine's provisioner client's account, issued with its module (novox/hq ADR 0349 clause 11,
+		// design 57 P3): the same refusal, for the same reason.
+		user = broker.Principal{Kind: broker.KindProvisioner, Node: node, Module: module}.Username()
+	default:
 		return nil
 	}
-	user := broker.Principal{Kind: broker.KindModule, Node: node, Module: module}.Username()
 	if _, minted, err := inv.BusUserHash(ctx, user); err != nil {
 		return err
 	} else if !minted {
@@ -728,7 +757,18 @@ func renderingFor(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string,
 	// per node, so a module running on three machines has three.
 	needed := map[string]map[string]string{}
 	foreseen := map[string]map[string]bool{}
+	// **A module handed to the provisioner here has its secrets from the vault** (novox/hq ADR 0349 §7, §11,
+	// design 57 V4): its machine's client asks for each, so the controller makes, reads and seals none of them for
+	// this machine. Every other module's are made and sealed as before.
+	hands, err := engineTakesHanded(ctx, inv, node)
+	if err != nil {
+		return catalogue.Rendering{}, inventory.Node{}, err
+	}
+	handing := catalogue.Rendering{Hands: hands, Provisioner: provisionerAccount(plan)}
 	for _, m := range plan.Modules {
+		if handing.Handing(m) {
+			continue
+		}
 		// **A secret family is never made** (novox/hq ADR 0283): each member a person gave on this machine is
 		// placed, and one not given is nothing — the module says it waits for it.
 		for _, family := range m.OwnSecrets.Families() {
@@ -822,6 +862,22 @@ func renderingFor(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string,
 			needed[m.Module][name] = sealed
 		}
 	}
+	// **The core's own credentials as the vault sealed them** (novox/hq ADR 0349 §16, issue 755), for an engine that
+	// opens the vault's box (core_box.go): the declaration carries the box, never the seal made above. Below that
+	// contract nothing here is asked and the composition is as it was.
+	var core coreBoxes
+	opensBox, err := engineOpensVaultBox(ctx, inv, node)
+	if err != nil {
+		return catalogue.Rendering{}, inventory.Node{}, err
+	}
+	if opensBox {
+		core, err = coreBoxesFor(ctx, inv, node, plan.Modules, func(m catalogue.Manifest) bool {
+			return handing.Handing(m)
+		}, choosing)
+		if err != nil {
+			return catalogue.Rendering{}, inventory.Node{}, err
+		}
+	}
 	// And a certificate for this machine's name inside the mesh, when anything on it asks. Issued
 	// rather than stored: the node's key does not change, so signing again produces an equally
 	// valid certificate and there is nothing to keep in step.
@@ -1016,8 +1072,11 @@ func renderingFor(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string,
 		ReadsHealth:   readsHealth,
 		JudgesRoot:    judgesRoot,
 		ReadsBusy:     readsBusy,
+		Hands:         hands,
+		Provisioner:   provisionerAccount(plan),
 		BusMembership: memberships[node],
 		Settings:      settings, Generators: gens, Grants: grants, Needed: needed, Foreseen: foreseen, Ports: ports,
+		VaultSealed: core.sealed, NotPlaced: core.notPlaced,
 		Certificate: certificate, Authority: authority, Mesh: private, Names: names,
 		Machines: machines, Zones: zones, Holders: replicas,
 		Suffix: overlay.Suffix(), MeshRange: meshRange, TunnelInterface: overlay.Interface, Accounts: accounts, Foundation: foundation,
@@ -1059,6 +1118,35 @@ func engineReadsBusy(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, node string)
 	return had && stated.Contract >= link.BusyContract, nil
 }
 
+// engineTakesHanded says whether a machine's node-engine writes a filled file on the provisioner client's word alone
+// (link.HandedContract, design 57 P7), by its own newest statement: only there is a moved module handed to the
+// provisioner (design 57 P6). Anywhere else a filled file would have two writers, and the module is sent as before.
+func engineTakesHanded(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, node string) (bool, error) {
+	stated, had, err := inv.HealthOf(ctx, node)
+	if err != nil {
+		return false, err
+	}
+	return had && stated.Contract >= link.HandedContract, nil
+}
+
+// provisionerAccount is the account the provisioner's client runs as on this machine (novox/hq ADR 0349 §4): the user
+// the process of the module running it runs as, empty where no such module is on the machine.
+func provisionerAccount(plan catalogue.Resolution) string {
+	for _, m := range plan.Modules {
+		if !runsTheProvisionerClient(m) {
+			continue
+		}
+		for _, r := range m.Resources {
+			if r["type"] == "process" {
+				if user, _ := r["user"].(string); user != "" && user != "root" {
+					return user
+				}
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return ""
+}
+
 // busyNotSent is, for a node-engine that does not read a container's busy, each container whose module declares
 // one: not sent it, so replaced at once while it may hold work (novox/hq ADR 0335). Nothing for one that reads it.
 func busyNotSent(modules []catalogue.Manifest, reads bool) []string {
@@ -1846,6 +1934,42 @@ func issuedOutsideBy(shelf map[string]catalogue.Manifest, n catalogue.Needed) (s
 	return catalogue.OffersIssuedOutside(shelf, n.Name)
 }
 
+// issuedToHolder is whether the vault keeps a need's credential for its holder alone (issues 749, 757 and 779): its
+// providing module is marked moved, so the vault holds the credential in a row of its own for each holder
+// (filledTheNewWay), and its offer says either that the provider's software issues the provision's credential, or
+// that the provider gives each consumer a login of its own (form pair, ADR 0158 §11). A credential every holder
+// shares, or one a person gives, is neither.
+func issuedToHolder(shelf map[string]catalogue.Manifest, n catalogue.Needed) bool {
+	if n.ByRecord || n.Module == "" {
+		return false
+	}
+	provider, known := shelf[n.Module]
+	if !known || !movedProvider(provider) {
+		return false
+	}
+	if _, issued := provider.IssuedCredentialOf(n.Name); issued {
+		return true
+	}
+	return provider.CredentialFormOf(n.Name) == catalogue.CredentialFormPair
+}
+
+// providerMoved is whether a need is answered by a module marked moved (issue 788), or by one whose offer of the
+// provision says the provider helper answers it (issue 792).
+func providerMoved(shelf map[string]catalogue.Manifest, n catalogue.Needed) bool {
+	if n.ByRecord || n.Module == "" {
+		return false
+	}
+	provider, known := shelf[n.Module]
+	return known && (movedProvider(provider) || provider.AnsweredByHelperFor(n.Name))
+}
+
+// movedProvider is whether a provider's credentials are the vault's: the module is marked moved, or it holds the
+// mesh-vault seat, whose pair rows have been in the vault since V3 (issue 793), so its consumers' credentials
+// (gitea's internal token and admin password) are filled from those very rows with the values unchanged.
+func movedProvider(m catalogue.Manifest) bool {
+	return m.Moved || slices.ContainsFunc(m.Claims, func(c catalogue.Claim) bool { return c.Name == "mesh-vault" })
+}
+
 func providerModuleOf(resolved catalogue.Resolution, open *stores, ctx context.Context, n catalogue.Needed) string {
 	for _, m := range resolved.Modules {
 		if _, shared := m.SharedCredentialOf(n.Name); shared {

cmd/mesh-controller/plan_retry.go

@@ -372,6 +372,13 @@ func joinAPlan(ctx context.Context, open *stores, module string) (bool, string,
 	if !found {
 		return false, "", nil
 	}
+	// **A walk that waits for its delivery's word asks nothing** (novox/hq ADR 0239, issue 754): a rebuild does not
+	// join it, and its outcome is not the walk's. The walk asks its own tier once it has its word.
+	if p.Waiting() {
+		return false, fmt.Sprintf("not joining %s (%s at %s): it waits for %s's word, so this build is not its "+
+			"outcome; once let go, the walk asks %s itself", p.ID, p.Repository, short(p.Commit), p.Delivery.Awaits,
+			module), nil
+	}
 	entries, err := inv.Catalogued(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
 		return false, "", err

cmd/mesh-controller/planner_records_test.go

@@ -133,7 +133,7 @@ func TestASharedRepositoryIsPlannedFromTheRecordedBuildSources(t *testing.T) {
 		{"the route proxy's program: the route proxy alone", "mesh-controller",
 			[]string{"examples/route-proxy/main.go"}, "route-proxy", true},
 		{"a package all three build from: all three", "mesh-controller",
-			[]string{"internal/broker/broker.go"}, "mesh-controller | build-agent | route-proxy", false},
+			[]string{"internal/broker/broker.go"}, "mesh-controller,route-proxy | build-agent", false},
 		{"the route proxy's directory in the catalogue: it alone", "mesh-catalog",
 			[]string{"modules/route-proxy/module.json"}, "route-proxy", false},
 		{"the build agent's directory: it alone, nothing it builds", "mesh-catalog",

cmd/mesh-controller/planner_rules_test.go

@@ -145,8 +145,9 @@ func TestAPlanIsWhatTheChangeTouchedAndWhatIsBuiltOnIt(t *testing.T) {
 			repo: "one", paths: []string{"modules/a/x", "modules/x/y"}, want: "a,x"},
 		{what: "built-by never widens", edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("x", builtBy, "a")},
 			repo: "one", paths: []string{"modules/a/x"}, want: "a"},
-		{what: "built-by orders", edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("x", builtBy, "a")},
+		// Whichever builder runs builds it (novox/hq ADR 0360 §3): built-by orders nothing, as before it ordered.
-			repo: "one", paths: []string{"modules/a/x", "modules/x/y"}, want: "a | x"},
+		{what: "built-by does not order", edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("x", builtBy, "a")},
+			repo: "one", paths: []string{"modules/a/x", "modules/x/y"}, want: "a,x"},
 		{what: "worker-of never widens", edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("x", workerOf, "a")},
 			repo: "one", paths: []string{"modules/a/x"}, want: "a"},
 		{what: "worker-of orders", edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("x", workerOf, "a")},
@@ -296,18 +297,18 @@ func TestASharedRepositoryMovesOnlyWhatItsBuildSourceHolds(t *testing.T) {
 			[]string{"internal/inventory/migrations/0088-a-build-says-its-build-source.sql"}, read,
 			"mesh-controller | build-agent", ""},
 		// A package all three build from: all three; the build seat's holder after the controller whose worker
-		// it binds (worker-of, issue 206), the proxy after the holder that builds it (built-by).
+		// it binds (worker-of, issue 206), the proxy beside the controller: built-by orders nothing (ADR 0360 §3).
 		{"a package all three build from: all three", "mesh-controller",
-			[]string{"internal/broker/broker.go"}, read, "mesh-controller | build-agent | route-proxy", ""},
+			[]string{"internal/broker/broker.go"}, read, "mesh-controller,route-proxy | build-agent", ""},
 		{"a vendored package all three build from: all three", "mesh-controller",
-			[]string{"vendor/github.com/nats-io/nats.go/nats.go"}, read, "mesh-controller | build-agent | route-proxy", ""},
+			[]string{"vendor/github.com/nats-io/nats.go/nats.go"}, read, "mesh-controller,route-proxy | build-agent", ""},
 		{"go.sum: all three", "mesh-controller",
-			[]string{"go.sum"}, read, "mesh-controller | build-agent | route-proxy", ""},
+			[]string{"go.sum"}, read, "mesh-controller,route-proxy | build-agent", ""},
 		{"a file added to the proxy's package: the proxy", "mesh-controller",
 			[]string{"examples/route-proxy/new.go"}, read, "route-proxy", ""},
 		// Before any build source is said: as before.
 		{"no build source said: a README moves all three, as before", "mesh-controller",
-			[]string{"README.md"}, unsaid, "mesh-controller | build-agent | route-proxy", ""},
+			[]string{"README.md"}, unsaid, "mesh-controller,route-proxy | build-agent", ""},
 		// In the catalogue, where they live, each by its own build source.
 		{"the route proxy's recipe: it alone", "mesh-catalog",
 			[]string{"modules/route-proxy/Dockerfile"}, read, "route-proxy", ""},
@@ -331,7 +332,7 @@ func TestASharedRepositoryMovesOnlyWhatItsBuildSourceHolds(t *testing.T) {
 	// Files not all said: everything the repository builds, as before.
 	m := link.SourceMoved{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-controller", Base: "main", Commit: "head",
 		Paths: []string{"README.md"}, PathsTruncated: true}
-	if got := tiered(reachOfMerge(m, entries, read, edges).Plan.Tiers); got != "mesh-controller | build-agent | route-proxy" {
+	if got := tiered(reachOfMerge(m, entries, read, edges).Plan.Tiers); got != "mesh-controller,route-proxy | build-agent" {
 		t.Errorf("a merge whose files were not all said: planned %q, wanted all three", got)
 	}
 }
@@ -452,8 +453,9 @@ func TestAPlanIsTheTouchedModulesAndWhatIsReachableAlongTheWideningEdges(t *test
 	kinds := []string{inventory.EdgeStandsOn, inventory.EdgeDeclared, inventory.EdgePackages,
 		inventory.EdgeBuiltBy, inventory.EdgeWorkerOf}
 	widens := map[string]bool{inventory.EdgeStandsOn: true, inventory.EdgeDeclared: true}
+	// Built-by orders nothing since novox/hq ADR 0360 §3.
 	orders := map[string]bool{inventory.EdgeStandsOn: true, inventory.EdgeDeclared: true,
-		inventory.EdgeBuiltBy: true, inventory.EdgeWorkerOf: true}
+		inventory.EdgeWorkerOf: true}
 	// Directory names drawn from one pool, so two repositories hold directories of the same name, and one
 	// is a prefix of another.
 	dirs := []string{"a", "ab", "b", "c", "lib/x", "lib/y", "modules/a", "modules/a/sub"}

cmd/mesh-controller/probes.go

@@ -929,6 +929,12 @@ func streamDiffers(want broker.Stream, have nats.StreamConfig) string {
 		differs = append(differs, fmt.Sprintf("keeps one of a message id for %s, defined %s", have.Duplicates,
 			time.Duration(want.DuplicatesSeconds)*time.Second))
 	}
+	if want.AllowMsgTTL && !have.AllowMsgTTL {
+		differs = append(differs, "takes no time to live of a message's own, defined to (novox/hq ADR 0376)")
+	}
+	if want.Restricted && have.Metadata[broker.RestrictedMetadata] != "true" {
+		differs = append(differs, "does not say it is restricted, so a message kept from it would not age out with it")
+	}
 	if want.DiscardNew && have.Discard != nats.DiscardNew {
 		differs = append(differs, "drops what it holds when full, defined to refuse what comes next")
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/proposals.go

@@ -54,6 +54,7 @@ import (
 
 	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/asks"
 
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
@@ -906,6 +907,21 @@ func setLayerIn(open *stores) setOnWarrant {
 			return "", fmt.Errorf("the layer of %s on %s changed since the operator was shown the change: it is not set; "+
 				"propose it again", p.Module, p.where())
 		}
+		// A proposal that carries config values, raised before the module's config moved, is not applied after it: its
+		// values in the layer would turn ReadsConfig off and undo the move (issue 830, novox/hq ADR 0348). A proposal
+		// of placement only is set as before: forwardPropose sends it down this path on purpose.
+		carried := p.Values
+		if p.Clear {
+			carried = before
+		}
+		if config, _ := catalogue.SplitPlacement(carried); len(config) > 0 {
+			if reads, err := inv.ReadsConfig(ctx, p.Module); err != nil {
+				return "", err
+			} else if reads {
+				return "", fmt.Errorf("the config of %s moved to mesh-config since the operator was shown the change: it is "+
+					"not set; propose it again (it then goes to mesh-config)", p.Module)
+			}
+		}
 		var changed string
 		if p.Clear {
 			if err := inv.ClearSettingsBy(ctx, p.Node, p.Module, setBy); err != nil {

cmd/mesh-controller/provisioned.go

@@ -0,0 +1,100 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"fmt"
+	"os"
+
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// What a machine's provisioner client said of a module's files (novox/hq ADR 0362, ADR 0349 §15, design 57 P6,
+// issue 672), read where a walk's end and a gate count a machine's send applied: a module the send handed to the
+// provisioner is applied there only once the client reported `prov.applied` on that build's templates as well.
+
+// provAppliedOn is the client's newest report of a module on a machine, from the stream that keeps it
+// (broker.ProvAppliedStream); false when it has said nothing of it. A variable so a test can say the client's words.
+var provAppliedOn = func(ctx context.Context, node, module string) (inventory.ProvReport, bool, error) {
+	var raw []byte
+	var said bool
+	read := func(js nats.JetStreamContext) error {
+		var err error
+		raw, said, err = broker.LastProvApplied(js, node, module)
+		return err
+	}
+	var err error
+	if d := doctorFrom; d != nil && d.js != nil {
+		err = read(d.js.Context())
+	} else {
+		err = onTheBus(func(conn *nats.Conn) error {
+			js, err := conn.JetStream(nats.Context(ctx))
+			if err != nil {
+				return err
+			}
+			return read(js)
+		})
+	}
+	if err != nil || !said {
+		return inventory.ProvReport{}, false, err
+	}
+	var r inventory.ProvReport
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(raw, &r); err != nil {
+		return inventory.ProvReport{}, false, fmt.Errorf("what %s's provisioner client said of %s is not its report: %w",
+			node, module, err)
+	}
+	return r, true, nil
+}
+
+// provLookup answers the clients' reports for one reading; a report that cannot be read is not counted, which
+// leaves the machine waiting, then silent, never applied — and is said.
+func provLookup(ctx context.Context) inventory.ProvLookup {
+	return func(node, module string) (inventory.ProvReport, bool) {
+		r, said, err := provAppliedOn(ctx, node, module)
+		if err != nil {
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "what %s's provisioner client said of %s could not be read: %v\n", node, module, err)
+			return inventory.ProvReport{}, false
+		}
+		return r, said
+	}
+}
+
+// provisioningFailed is every module whose files a machine's provisioner client last said it failed to place, from
+// the stream that keeps their reports.
+func provisioningFailed(js nats.JetStreamContext) ([]inventory.ProvReport, error) {
+	all, err := broker.ProvAppliedReports(js)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	var out []inventory.ProvReport
+	for subject, raw := range all {
+		var r inventory.ProvReport
+		if err := json.Unmarshal(raw, &r); err != nil {
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("what was said on %s is not a provisioner client's report: %w", subject, err)
+		}
+		if r.Status == inventory.ProvFailed {
+			out = append(out, r)
+		}
+	}
+	return out, nil
+}
+
+// provisionedOutcome is a machine's report of one send as a delivery's end counts it (novox/hq ADR 0362 §1-5, issue
+// 840): the engine's own report, combined with its provisioner client's for a send that handed modules to it. The
+// outcome of a client's failure begins inventory.OutcomeProvisioningFailed; a report not yet applied on both sides
+// is none (false). A send handing nothing is the engine's report unchanged. onSend says the report is about the send.
+func provisionedOutcome(node string, sent inventory.SentDeclaration, r inventory.Reported, onSend bool,
+	prov inventory.ProvLookup) (string, bool) {
+	if len(sent.Provisioned) == 0 {
+		return r.Outcome, onSend
+	}
+	engine := inventory.AppliedReport{Outcome: r.Outcome}
+	if r.At != nil {
+		engine.At = *r.At
+	}
+	got, ok := inventory.ProvisionedSend(node, sent, engine, onSend, prov)
+	return got.Outcome, ok
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/provisioned_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,114 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"encoding/json"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// The controller hands a moved module to the provisioner, and counts it applied only once its files are placed
+// (design 57 P6, issue 672; novox/hq ADR 0349 §4, §15, ADR 0362).
+
+// A declaration that hands files says which, and whose client fills them; one that hands none is byte for byte
+// what it was.
+func TestADeclarationNamesTheFilledFilesOnlyWhenItHandsAny(t *testing.T) {
+	plain := sendable{Resources: []map[string]any{{"id": "notify.configuration", "type": "file", "path": "/x",
+		"content": "a"}}, Sequence: 4}
+	before, err := plain.Body()
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if strings.Contains(string(before), "filled_files") || strings.Contains(string(before), "provisioner_account") {
+		t.Fatalf("a declaration handing nothing names filled files: %s", before)
+	}
+	handing := plain
+	handing.Filled, handing.Provisioner = []string{"/x"}, "mesh-provisioner-client"
+	body, err := handing.Body()
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	var envelope struct {
+		Filled      []string `json:"filled_files"`
+		Provisioner string   `json:"provisioner_account"`
+	}
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(body, &envelope); err != nil || len(envelope.Filled) != 1 || envelope.Filled[0] != "/x" ||
+		envelope.Provisioner != "mesh-provisioner-client" {
+		t.Fatalf("the handing declaration says %s", body)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestTheProvisionersAccountIsTheClientsProcessUser(t *testing.T) {
+	client := catalogue.Manifest{Module: "mesh-provisioner-client",
+		OwnSecrets: catalogue.OwnSecrets{"provisioner-broker": {Path: "/var/lib/x/broker"}},
+		Claims:     []catalogue.Claim{{Name: "node-provisioner", Scope: "node"}},
+		Resources: []map[string]any{{"id": "account", "type": "user", "name": "mesh-provisioner-client"},
+			{"id": "client", "type": "process", "name": "mesh-provisioner-client", "user": "mesh-provisioner-client"}}}
+	if got := provisionerAccount(catalogue.Resolution{Modules: []catalogue.Manifest{client}}); got != "mesh-provisioner-client" {
+		t.Fatalf("the client's account is %q", got)
+	}
+	if got := provisionerAccount(catalogue.Resolution{}); got != "" {
+		t.Fatalf("a machine without a client names %q", got)
+	}
+}
+
+// The first-machine gate counts a handed module healthy only once its node's prov.applied for the new build has
+// come (ADR 0349 §15, kept by ADR 0362 for a walk finishing at its gate); a failure there fails it.
+func TestTheGateWaitsForTheProvisionersReport(t *testing.T) {
+	now := time.Date(2026, 10, 14, 23, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	since := now.Add(-time.Minute)
+	reported := now.Add(-50 * time.Second)
+	digest := "sha256:" + strings.Repeat("d", 64)
+	facts := func(said map[string]inventory.ProvReport) gateFacts {
+		return gateFacts{now: now,
+			reports: map[string]inventory.Reported{"g14": {Node: "g14", Outcome: inventory.OutcomeApplied,
+				At: &reported, Current: true}},
+			sent: map[string]inventory.SentDeclaration{"g14": {Digest: "sent", At: since,
+				Provisioned: map[string]string{"dunst": digest}}},
+			provisioned: func(node, module string) (inventory.ProvReport, bool) {
+				r, ok := said[node+"."+module]
+				return r, ok
+			}}
+	}
+	m := catalogue.Manifest{Module: "dunst"}
+	if h, why := judgeHealth("dunst", "", m, "g14", since, facts(nil)); h != healthNotYet ||
+		!strings.Contains(why, "has not reported dunst's files placed") {
+		t.Fatalf("judged without the provisioner's report: %v %q", h, why)
+	}
+	failed := map[string]inventory.ProvReport{"g14.dunst": {Status: inventory.ProvFailed, Templates: digest,
+		Reason: "a value is not there", At: now.Add(-10 * time.Second)}}
+	if h, why := judgeHealth("dunst", "", m, "g14", since, facts(failed)); h != healthBroken ||
+		!strings.Contains(why, "a value is not there") {
+		t.Fatalf("a failed placing is not the build's failure there: %v %q", h, why)
+	}
+	placed := map[string]inventory.ProvReport{"g14.dunst": {Status: inventory.ProvApplied, Templates: digest,
+		At: now.Add(-10 * time.Second)}}
+	if h, why := judgeHealth("dunst", "", m, "g14", since, facts(placed)); strings.Contains(why, "provisioner") {
+		t.Fatalf("placed, the module is still held on the provisioner: %v %q", h, why)
+	}
+	// A module the send did not hand is judged as before.
+	if h, why := judgeHealth("picom", "", catalogue.Manifest{Module: "picom"}, "g14", since, facts(nil)); strings.Contains(why, "provisioner") {
+		t.Fatalf("a module not handed waits on the provisioner: %v %q", h, why)
+	}
+}
+
+// A machine whose provisioner client failed to place a module's files has a failed apply, said as apply-failing
+// once the failure outlasts an apply interval, with the client's reason (ADR 0362 §3).
+func TestAFailedPlacingRaisesApplyFailing(t *testing.T) {
+	now := time.Date(2026, 10, 4, 14, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	f := calm(now)
+	f.provFailed = []inventory.ProvReport{{Node: "anchor", Module: "dunst", Status: inventory.ProvFailed,
+		Reason: "the templates cannot be fetched", At: now.Add(-time.Minute)}}
+	if got := watchApplyFailing(f); len(got) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("raised within an apply interval: %+v", got)
+	}
+	f.provFailed[0].At = now.Add(-10 * time.Minute)
+	got := watchApplyFailing(f)
+	if len(got) != 1 || got[0].Key() != "machine.anchor.apply-failing" ||
+		!strings.Contains(got[0].Summary, "dunst") || !strings.Contains(got[0].Said, "the templates cannot be fetched") {
+		t.Fatalf("a failed placing is not raised as anchor's apply-failing: %+v", got)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/provisioner_account_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,62 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"slices"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+func aProvisioner() catalogue.Manifest {
+	return catalogue.Manifest{Module: "mesh-provisioner", Version: "1",
+		DefinesSeats: []catalogue.SeatDeclaration{{Name: broker.NodeProvisionerSeat, Scope: catalogue.ScopeNode,
+			Serves: []catalogue.Verb{{Name: "get"}}}},
+		Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: broker.NodeProvisionerSeat, Scope: catalogue.ScopeNode}},
+		OwnSecrets: catalogue.OwnSecrets{"broker": {Path: "/run/mesh-provisioner/broker"},
+			broker.ProvisionerSecret: {Path: "/run/mesh-provisioner/client"}},
+	}
+}
+
+// A machine's provisioner client is issued an account of its own, under its own name, sealed to the machine as the
+// module's own secret its service reads (novox/hq ADR 0349 clause 11, design 57 P3); until it is, a push refuses
+// to invent one, as it does for a module's `broker`.
+func TestTheProvisionerClientsAccountIsIssuedForItsServiceAndNeverInvented(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	m := aProvisioner()
+	register(t, open, m)
+	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "laptop", m.Module); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := busCredentialIssued(ctx, inv, "laptop", m.Module, broker.ProvisionerSecret); err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("a push would seal a placeholder for the client's account before it was issued")
+	}
+
+	if err := issueProvisionerClient(ctx, inv, m, "laptop", broker.Broker{Fingerprint: "ab"}, "10.0.0.1:4222"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, minted, err := inv.BusUserHash(ctx, "provisioner.laptop"); err != nil || !minted {
+		t.Fatalf("the client's account is not minted: %v %v", minted, err)
+	}
+	states, err := inv.SecretsOf(ctx, "laptop", m.Module)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if !slices.ContainsFunc(states, func(s inventory.SecretState) bool { return s.Name == broker.ProvisionerSecret }) {
+		t.Fatalf("the client's account is not sealed to the machine for its service: %+v", states)
+	}
+	if err := busCredentialIssued(ctx, inv, "laptop", m.Module, broker.ProvisionerSecret); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("an issued client account is refused: %v", err)
+	}
+	if !runsTheProvisionerClient(m) {
+		t.Fatal("the module is not read as running the client")
+	}
+	unread := m
+	unread.OwnSecrets = catalogue.OwnSecrets{"broker": {Path: "/run/broker"}}
+	if runsTheProvisionerClient(unread) {
+		t.Fatal("a module with nowhere to read the client's account is read as running it")
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/push.go

@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 	"time"
 
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
@@ -194,7 +195,7 @@ func serve(ctx context.Context) (err error) {
 	// And what the catalogue decided a build meant. The builder's own result is already handled
 	// above; this is the other half — the control plane is the only one of the three that knows
 	// which machines run the thing, so it is the one that acts (novox/hq ADR 0072).
-	if err := server.Follows(following{open}); err != nil {
+	if err := server.Follows(following{open: open}); err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 	// And the merges the bus announced and never handed over, read back on a timer and acted on late
@@ -202,7 +203,7 @@ func serve(ctx context.Context) (err error) {
 	go catchingUpOnMerges(ctx, open, server)
 	// And a catalogue that has just started, asking for what it missed. The same type answers
 	// both: what a build meant and what the builds were are two questions about one record.
-	if err := server.Answers(following{open}); err != nil {
+	if err := server.Answers(following{open: open}); err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 	// And what providers say about consumers they keep failing, kept for `status` (novox/hq ADR
@@ -256,7 +257,7 @@ func serve(ctx context.Context) (err error) {
 			go forgetChecksOfWalk(context.WithoutCancel(ctx), open.inventory, p)
 		}
 	}
-	if err := server.Checks(following{open}); err != nil {
+	if err := server.Checks(following{open: open}); err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 	// Composed now and kept current, before the verb that answers from it is served.
@@ -264,6 +265,12 @@ func serve(ctx context.Context) (err error) {
 	// The facts snapshot a merge check is fed (novox/hq to-be 45 §9): kept current while this
 	// controller holds the lease, read by the build seat from the artifact store.
 	go exportingFacts(ctx, open, bus.Conn.ConnectedServerVersion)
+	// The record mirrors (novox/hq ADR 0289, design 57 F3): the assignments and each registered module's
+	// declared config on the bus, written from the store only when a record changed, by the lease holder.
+	// The provisioner's plan of each handed module, as its machine was last sent it (design 57 P6), in the module's
+	// assignment.
+	inv.SetProvisioningPlans(inv.SentProvisioningPlans)
+	go mirroringRecords(ctx, inv, bus.Conn, bus)
 	// Every call carries the lease's epoch, and its record is written only under the lease (novox/hq
 	// to-be 45 §6).
 	link.Calls.UnderLease(func() (uint64, error) { return theLease.epoch(ctx) })
@@ -296,6 +303,8 @@ func serve(ctx context.Context) (err error) {
 		return err
 	}
 	defer stopCLI()
+	// Its read calls write no line each; how many each caller made is said once an hour (novox/hq issue 762).
+	go sayReadCalls(ctx)
 	// And says so on the bus (novox/hq ADR 0197): what it serves, as the NATS services protocol asks.
 	stopAnnouncing, err := bus.Announce(seatAnnouncement(handlers), log.New(os.Stdout, "", log.LstdFlags))
 	if err != nil {
@@ -1386,6 +1395,13 @@ func issueMemberships(ctx context.Context, open *stores, server *link.Server, se
 	if issued > 0 {
 		fmt.Printf("  issued %d membership(s)\n", issued)
 	}
+	// **And what every other machine hears of a module's stream** (novox/hq ADR 0363 §6): a grant the provider's
+	// setting changed reaches a consumer on a machine this send does not reach. Its membership is issued again
+	// as last issued, with only what it hears changed, so nothing else of it moves before its own send.
+	reheard := reissueHearing(ctx, bus, records, where, sent)
+	if reheard > 0 {
+		fmt.Printf("  issued %d membership(s) again for what they hear of a module's stream\n", reheard)
+	}
 	if len(refused) > 0 {
 		// Returned, never passed over (novox/hq issue 249): the declarations of the machines they are
 		// for are not sent, and the rollout that asked is tried again rather than waiting for a push.
@@ -1685,7 +1701,7 @@ func recordSent(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, node string, body
 	// send that is away look failed: it is said, loudly, and the machine's own record stands.
 	err = inv.RecordSentWith(kept, record.ID, digest, builds, epoch, sent.toldGeneration, inventory.Send{
 		Sequence: sent.sequence, Epoch: int64(sent.epoch), Sender: sent.sender, Generation: sent.generation,
-		Digest: digest, Modules: sent.modules})
+		Digest: digest, Modules: sent.modules, Provisioning: sent.plans})
 	var unrecorded *inventory.SendNotRecordedError
 	switch {
 	case errors.As(err, &unrecorded):
@@ -1744,3 +1760,78 @@ func schemaReach() (int, error) {
 	}
 	return reach, nil
 }
+
+// reissueHearing issues again, on every machine not just sent, the membership of each assignment whose
+// `consumes` names a module owning a stream, when what it hears changed: read as last issued from the bus,
+// its `hears` replaced, and published. One that was never issued is left to its own send. Failures are said
+// and passed over: the send that carries the grant is not the consumer's, and its own next send issues it.
+func reissueHearing(ctx context.Context, bus link.OverNATS, records broker.Records, where broker.Placements,
+	sent []readyNode) int {
+	reached := map[string]bool{}
+	for _, s := range sent {
+		reached[s.node] = true
+	}
+	issued := 0
+	for node, declared := range records.Assigned {
+		if reached[node] {
+			continue
+		}
+		for _, d := range declared {
+			if !d.HearsAStream {
+				continue
+			}
+			subject := broker.MembershipSubject(node, d.Module)
+			last, err := bus.JS.GetLastMsg(broker.AssignmentsStream, subject)
+			if err != nil {
+				if !errors.Is(err, nats.ErrMsgNotFound) {
+					fmt.Printf("  %s on %s: its membership could not be read to issue what it hears again: %v\n",
+						d.Module, node, err)
+				}
+				continue
+			}
+			body, changed, err := withHearing(last.Data, broker.HeardIssuedFor(node, d))
+			if err != nil {
+				fmt.Printf("  %s on %s: its membership could not be read to issue what it hears again: %v\n",
+					d.Module, node, err)
+				continue
+			}
+			if !changed {
+				continue
+			}
+			if err := bus.PublishMembership(ctx, node, d.Module, body); err != nil {
+				fmt.Printf("  %s on %s: what it hears could not be issued again: %v\n", d.Module, node, err)
+				continue
+			}
+			issued++
+		}
+	}
+	return issued
+}
+
+// withHearing is a membership as issued with its `hears` replaced, and whether that changed it. Pure.
+func withHearing(issued []byte, hears []broker.HeardIssued) ([]byte, bool, error) {
+	var fields map[string]json.RawMessage
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(issued, &fields); err != nil {
+		return nil, false, err
+	}
+	var had []broker.HeardIssued
+	if raw, ok := fields["hears"]; ok {
+		if err := json.Unmarshal(raw, &had); err != nil {
+			return nil, false, err
+		}
+	}
+	if slices.Equal(had, hears) {
+		return issued, false, nil
+	}
+	if len(hears) == 0 {
+		delete(fields, "hears")
+	} else {
+		raw, err := json.Marshal(hears)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, false, err
+		}
+		fields["hears"] = raw
+	}
+	body, err := json.Marshal(fields)
+	return body, true, err
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/queue.go

@@ -340,7 +340,10 @@ func cancelAsk(ctx context.Context, js *broker.JetStream, open *stores, seat str
 		return "", fmt.Errorf("%s is marked cancelled and could not be deleted from the queue (seq %d): %w — a "+
 			"holder taking it ends it as cancelled", ask.ID, ask.Seq, err)
 	}
-	recordCancelled(ctx, open, ask)
+	// A check ended because its pull request has a newer head records nothing (novox/hq issue 726): open is nil.
+	if open != nil {
+		recordCancelled(ctx, open, ask)
+	}
 	return cancelSaid(ask, seat, removed), nil
 }
 
@@ -518,7 +521,9 @@ func rebuildCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 	}
 
 	// **A module a plan holds unbuilt, or failed, joins that plan** rather than running beside it: the
-	// plan would ask it again, or stay failed on an outcome a rebuild has replaced.
+	// plan would ask it again, or stay failed on an outcome a rebuild has replaced. A walk waiting for its word
+	// is not joined (novox/hq issue 754): the rebuild runs beside it, and says so.
+	var beside string
 	if module != "" {
 		joined, said, err := joinAPlan(ctx, open, module)
 		if err != nil {
@@ -528,6 +533,7 @@ func rebuildCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 			fmt.Println(said)
 			return nil
 		}
+		beside = said
 	}
 	id, err := askABuild(ctx, source, path, ref)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -535,6 +541,10 @@ func rebuildCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 	}
 	recordAsked(ctx, inventory.BuildRequest{ID: id, Repository: source.Repository, Seat: source.Seat, Path: path,
 		Ref: ref, For: "rebuild"})
+	if beside != "" {
+		fmt.Printf("rebuild asked as %s, beside the walk: %s\n", id, beside)
+		return nil
+	}
 	fmt.Printf("rebuild asked as %s\n", id)
 	return nil
 }

cmd/mesh-controller/queue_test.go

@@ -616,6 +616,7 @@ func TestKillAndPauseAskTheHolderOnTheMachine(t *testing.T) {
 // A plan that stopped at its first machine is retried: the module sent to that machine again, the
 // send recorded as the first anew, and the plan goes on — unless a newer plan holds the module.
 func TestAPlanStoppedAtItsFirstMachineIsRetried(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate's own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	open := aMesh(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	asked := asksRecorded(t)
@@ -636,8 +637,9 @@ func TestAPlanStoppedAtItsFirstMachineIsRetried(t *testing.T) {
 	stopped := inventory.Plan{ID: "plan-rollout", Repository: "novox/a", Branch: "main", Commit: "c0ffee",
 		Created: long, State: inventory.PlanFailed, Tiers: [][]string{{"a"}, {"b"}},
 		Note: "a stopped at its first machine in tier 0: laptop refused what it was sent",
-		Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{"a": {State: "built", BuiltAt: &long, Commit: "c0ffee",
+		// Asked by the plan, as every module a plan holds built is (novox/hq issue 754).
-			First: []string{"laptop"}, FirstAt: &long, Why: "laptop refused what it was sent"}}}
+		Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{"a": {State: "built", AskedAt: &long, Build: "build-a", BuiltAt: &long,
+			Commit: "c0ffee", First: []string{"laptop"}, FirstAt: &long, Why: "laptop refused what it was sent"}}}
 	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &stopped); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/record_mirrors.go

@@ -0,0 +1,106 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"fmt"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go/jetstream"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/recordmirror"
+)
+
+// The controller's record mirrors on the bus (novox/hq ADR 0289, design 54, design 57 F3): the assignments,
+// and each registered module's declared config, which mesh-config resolves a module's config values from.
+//
+// **Built from the store, on a tick of their own, by the lease holder alone.** A record changes through a
+// verb that runs as a command of its own, a reconcile, a merge's registration or a pending assignment made,
+// so no one call site sees every change; what every change has in common is that it is committed to the
+// store. So the serving controller reads the store every mirrorEvery and writes only what differs from what
+// the bucket holds (ADR 0289 §1): a quiet mesh writes nothing, and a change rolled back is never read. A
+// mirror is therefore at most mirrorEvery behind its store.
+
+// mirrorEvery is how often the mirrors are compared with the store: two small reads of the store.
+const mirrorEvery = 10 * time.Second
+
+// mirroringRecords keeps the mirrors current for as long as this controller serves: ctx ends when it stops.
+func mirroringRecords(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, conn *nats.Conn, announce recordmirror.Announcer) {
+	api, err := jetstream.New(conn)
+	if err != nil {
+		fmt.Printf("the record mirrors are not kept: %v\n", err)
+		return
+	}
+	holds := func() bool {
+		epoch, err := theLease.epoch(ctx)
+		return err == nil && epoch > 0
+	}
+	epoch := func() uint64 {
+		e, _ := theLease.epoch(ctx)
+		return e
+	}
+	sources := map[string]func(context.Context) (map[string][]byte, error){
+		recordmirror.Assignments.Name:    inv.AssignmentsMirror,
+		recordmirror.DeclaredConfig.Name: inv.DeclaredConfigMirror,
+		recordmirror.Predefined.Name:     inv.PredefinedMirror,
+	}
+	writers := map[string]*recordmirror.Writer{}
+	failing := map[string]string{}
+	tick := time.NewTicker(mirrorEvery)
+	defer tick.Stop()
+	for {
+		if holds() {
+			for _, m := range recordmirror.Mirrors() {
+				why := mirrorOnce(ctx, api, m, writers, sources[m.Name], announce, epoch, holds)
+				if why != failing[m.Name] {
+					if why != "" {
+						fmt.Printf("the %s mirror cannot be kept: %s\n", m.Name, why)
+					} else {
+						fmt.Printf("the %s mirror is kept again\n", m.Name)
+					}
+					failing[m.Name] = why
+				}
+			}
+		}
+		select {
+		case <-ctx.Done():
+			return
+		case <-tick.C:
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// mirrorOnce brings one mirror to what the store holds, and answers why it could not; empty when it could.
+func mirrorOnce(ctx context.Context, api jetstream.JetStream, m recordmirror.Mirror, writers map[string]*recordmirror.Writer,
+	source func(context.Context) (map[string][]byte, error), announce recordmirror.Announcer, epoch func() uint64,
+	holds func() bool) string {
+	reading, cancel := context.WithTimeout(ctx, 30*time.Second)
+	defer cancel()
+	w := writers[m.Name]
+	if w == nil {
+		kv, err := api.KeyValue(reading, m.Bucket)
+		if err != nil {
+			return fmt.Sprintf("the bucket %s cannot be read: %v", m.Bucket, err)
+		}
+		w = &recordmirror.Writer{Mirror: m, KV: kv, Announce: announce, Epoch: epoch, Holds: holds}
+		writers[m.Name] = w
+	}
+	want, err := source(reading)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Sprintf("the store cannot be read: %v", err)
+	}
+	lost := w.LostEvents
+	r, err := w.Sync(reading, want)
+	if r.Written+r.Removed > 0 {
+		fmt.Printf("the %s mirror moved: %d written, %d removed\n", m.Name, r.Written, r.Removed)
+	}
+	if w.LostEvents > lost {
+		fmt.Printf("the %s mirror lost %d event(s): the bucket holds the change, its notice was refused twice\n",
+			m.Name, w.LostEvents-lost)
+	}
+	if err != nil {
+		return err.Error()
+	}
+	return ""
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/recorded_kept.go

@@ -158,6 +158,12 @@ func recordedKept(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string) (map[string]st
 		if f.identical(m, was, now.Commit) {
 			continue
 		}
+		// **Under its own `record`, a move that recreates nothing and moves no data is not kept** (novox/hq ADR 0377
+		// §1): it goes as a module that rolls out goes. A person's `record`, the bus, and a move that cannot be
+		// judged are kept as before (§4, §5).
+		if !every && f.rolls(m, was) {
+			continue
+		}
 		out[m] = was
 	}
 	// **And the controller and the node-engine at the build the machine was last sent, over an older record**

cmd/mesh-controller/recorded_moves.go

@@ -0,0 +1,213 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"fmt"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// Under a module's own `record`, a move that recreates no container and moves no data rolls out (novox/hq ADR
+// 0377, changing ADR 0242 §1 and ADR 0360 §1).
+//
+// A module records because its manifest says so, because it keeps irreplaceable data, because a person set it, or
+// because it provides the bus. The first two hold for a reason the manifest shows — a change that recreates mail's
+// containers interrupts everyone's mail, a new database image may upgrade its databases in place — and that hold
+// also held the moves that interrupt nothing: on 2026-10-15 the database server moved with only its tools bundle
+// changed, its walk said it "recreates none of its containers", and ace stayed behind until a person pushed.
+//
+// So **a move under a module's own `record` is judged per machine, against the build that machine was last sent**
+// (§2): when it recreates none of the module's containers and moves none of its data (catalogue.Holds, §3) it
+// goes as a module that rolls out goes — a walk sends it, and every other send treats it as a move waiting for its
+// walk — and otherwise it is kept at the build the machine runs, as before. The module's policy stays `record`. A
+// move that cannot be judged waits (§4); a person's `record` and the bus hold every move (§5); and each walk says
+// per machine which way a recorded module went (§6).
+
+// recordedRollsWhy is what a walk says of a recorded module's move that went out (ADR 0377 §6).
+const recordedRollsWhy = "went out: it recreates none of its containers and moves none of its data (novox/hq ADR 0377)"
+
+// recordVerdict is one machine's move of a recorded module: whether it rolls out, and what the walk says of it.
+type recordVerdict struct {
+	rolls bool
+	// said is what the walk says: recordedRollsWhy, or "waits: " and why — the recreate words, the data change
+	// named, the person's or the bus's hold, or that it could not be judged.
+	said string
+}
+
+// recordedMove judges a module's move on a machine from the build it was last sent (`was`) to the one it would be
+// sent now. A module that rolls out rolls; one whose policy is a person's or the bus's waits, said; one under its
+// own `record` rolls when the move recreates nothing and moves no data, and waits when it does or cannot be judged.
+func (f moveFacts) recordedMove(module, was string) recordVerdict {
+	now := f.current[module]
+	switch {
+	case now.RollOut:
+		return recordVerdict{rolls: true}
+	case now.From == catalogue.FromPerson:
+		return recordVerdict{said: "waits: a person set it to record, and holds every move of it until they push (novox/hq ADR 0377 §5)"}
+	case now.From == catalogue.FromBus:
+		return recordVerdict{said: "waits: it provides the bus, which moves only by the bus step a person starts (novox/hq ADR 0377 §5)"}
+	case !now.OwnRecord():
+		return recordVerdict{said: "waits: its policy records"}
+	case f.judge == nil:
+		return recordVerdict{said: "waits: it could not be judged — the build records were not read (novox/hq ADR 0377 §4)"}
+	}
+	return f.judge(module, was, now.Commit)
+}
+
+// rolls is whether a module's move on a machine from `was` goes as a move that rolls out (ADR 0377 §1).
+func (f moveFacts) rolls(module, was string) bool {
+	return f.recordedMove(module, was).rolls
+}
+
+// recordJudge is the judging of moves under a module's own `record`, reading the build records once per move and
+// the catalogue once (ADR 0377 §2–§4).
+func recordJudge(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory) func(module, was, now string) recordVerdict {
+	judged := map[string]recordVerdict{}
+	var shelf map[string]catalogue.Manifest
+	var shelfErr error
+	shelfRead := false
+	return func(module, was, now string) recordVerdict {
+		key := module + "\x00" + was + "\x00" + now
+		if v, seen := judged[key]; seen {
+			return v
+		}
+		v := func() recordVerdict {
+			cannot := func(why string) recordVerdict {
+				return recordVerdict{said: "waits: it could not be judged — " + why + " (novox/hq ADR 0377 §4)"}
+			}
+			if was == "" {
+				return cannot("what the machine was last sent of it is not known")
+			}
+			from, found, err := inv.ManifestAt(ctx, module, was)
+			if err != nil {
+				return cannot(fmt.Sprintf("its build %s, which the machine was last sent, cannot be read: %v", short(was), err))
+			}
+			if !found {
+				return cannot(fmt.Sprintf("its build %s, which the machine was last sent, is not in the build records", short(was)))
+			}
+			if !shelfRead {
+				shelf, shelfErr = inv.Catalogue(ctx)
+				shelfRead = true
+			}
+			if shelfErr != nil {
+				return cannot(fmt.Sprintf("the build it would be sent cannot be read: %v", shelfErr))
+			}
+			to, held := shelf[module]
+			if !held {
+				return cannot("the build it would be sent is not in the catalogue")
+			}
+			if why := catalogue.Holds(from, to); why != "" {
+				return recordVerdict{said: "waits: " + why}
+			}
+			return recordVerdict{rolls: true, said: recordedRollsWhy}
+		}()
+		judged[key] = v
+		return v
+	}
+}
+
+// judgeRecordedInWalk judges, for a walk carrying a module whose policy records, each machine running it whose
+// build would move (ADR 0377 §2), keeps on the plan which way each went (§6), says it on the controller's log, and
+// answers the machines its move goes out to. Judged once per walk: a walk read again answers what it kept.
+func judgeRecordedInWalk(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, p *inventory.Plan, module string,
+	state *inventory.PlanModule) ([]string, error) {
+	if state.Recorded != nil {
+		return wentOut(state.Recorded), nil
+	}
+	running, err := inv.Running(ctx, module)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	f, err := readMoveFacts(ctx, inv)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	now := f.current[module]
+	said := map[string]string{}
+	for _, n := range running {
+		sent, known, err := inv.SentBuilds(ctx, n)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		was, carried := sent[module]
+		if known && carried && f.identical(module, was, now.Commit) {
+			continue // no move there
+		}
+		v := f.recordedMove(module, was)
+		if !known {
+			v = recordVerdict{said: "waits: it could not be judged — what " + n + " was last sent is not known (novox/hq ADR 0377 §4)"}
+		}
+		said[n] = v.said
+		fmt.Printf("%s: %s on %s %s\n", p.ID, module, n, v.said)
+	}
+	if len(said) > 0 {
+		state.Recorded = said
+	}
+	return wentOut(said), nil
+}
+
+// wentOut is the machines a recorded module's move went out to, sorted.
+func wentOut(recorded map[string]string) []string {
+	var out []string
+	for _, n := range sortedKeysOf(recorded) {
+		if recorded[n] == recordedRollsWhy {
+			out = append(out, n)
+		}
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// recordedSaid is, for a walk's note at its end, which way each recorded module it carried went on each machine
+// (ADR 0377 §6).
+func recordedSaid(p inventory.Plan) []string {
+	var out []string
+	for _, m := range sortedKeysOf(planModuleNames(p)) {
+		s := p.Modules[m]
+		for _, n := range sortedKeysOf(s.Recorded) {
+			out = append(out, fmt.Sprintf("%s on %s %s", m, n, s.Recorded[n]))
+		}
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+func planModuleNames(p inventory.Plan) map[string]string {
+	out := map[string]string{}
+	for m, s := range p.Modules {
+		if s != nil && len(s.Recorded) > 0 {
+			out[m] = m
+		}
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// recordedWaiting is, on one machine, every move of a recorded module that waits for a person, each said with why
+// (ADR 0377 §6): what `status` names the machine behind for, with `push <node>` as the remedy. A move under a
+// module's own `record` that recreates nothing and moves no data is not among them: it goes with its walk.
+func recordedWaiting(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, f moveFacts, node string) ([]string, error) {
+	sent, known, err := inv.SentBuilds(ctx, node)
+	if err != nil || !known {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	var out []string
+	for _, m := range sortedKeysOf(sent) {
+		was := sent[m]
+		now, held := f.current[m]
+		if !held || now.RollOut || now.Commit == "" || was == "" || f.identical(m, was, now.Commit) {
+			continue
+		}
+		if v := f.recordedMove(m, was); !v.rolls {
+			out = append(out, fmt.Sprintf("%s %s → %s %s", m, short(was), short(now.Commit), v.said))
+		}
+	}
+	return out, nil
+}
+
+// stringsKeys is a map of lists as a map of its keys, for sortedKeysOf.
+func stringsKeys(m map[string][]string) map[string]string {
+	out := map[string]string{}
+	for k := range m {
+		out[k] = k
+	}
+	return out
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/recorded_moves_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,361 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"fmt"
+	"slices"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// Under a module's own `record`, a move that recreates no container and moves no data rolls out (novox/hq ADR
+// 0377). Seen 2026-10-15: the database server moved with only its tools bundle changed, its walk said it
+// "recreates none of its containers", and ace stayed behind until a person pushed.
+
+// aMailu is a mail module as the catalogue declares it, small: it records because its manifest says so, keeps its
+// mailboxes as data, mounts its environment file, and serves its tools from a bundle.
+func aMailu(policy bool) catalogue.Manifest {
+	raw := `{"module":"mailu","version":"1","tools":["mailu_status"],
+	  "data":{"own":[{"id":"mail","path":"${dir:data-mail}","class":"valuable","why":"every mailbox"}]},
+	  "bundles":[{"name":"tools","source":"store/mailu-tools@sha256:aaa","digest":"sha256:aaa"}],
+	  "resources":[
+	    {"id":"state","type":"directory"},
+	    {"id":"mesh-state","type":"directory"},
+	    {"id":"data-mail","type":"directory"},
+	    {"id":"config-env","type":"file","path":"${dir:state}/mailu.env","content":"A=1"},
+	    {"id":"runtime-config","type":"file","path":"${dir:mesh-state}/config.json","content":"{}"},
+	    {"id":"imap","type":"container","name":"mailu-imap","image":"registry.invalid/imap@sha256:1",
+	     "volumes":["${dir:data-mail}:/mail"],"env-file":["${dir:state}/mailu.env"]}]}`
+	var m catalogue.Manifest
+	if err := json.Unmarshal([]byte(raw), &m); err != nil {
+		panic(err)
+	}
+	if policy {
+		m.Upgrade = &catalogue.UpgradePolicy{Policy: catalogue.PolicyRecord, Why: "people's mail: a person chooses the moment"}
+	}
+	return m
+}
+
+func resourceOf(m *catalogue.Manifest, id string) map[string]any {
+	for _, r := range m.Resources {
+		if r["id"] == id {
+			return r
+		}
+	}
+	panic("no resource " + id)
+}
+
+// recordedMesh is a mesh running mailu at build c1 on anchor and laptop, as each was last sent.
+type recordedMesh struct {
+	open *stores
+	sent [][]string
+}
+
+func aRecordedMesh(t *testing.T, c1 catalogue.Manifest) *recordedMesh {
+	t.Helper()
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	rm := &recordedMesh{open: open}
+	rm.register(t, c1, "c1", time.Now().Add(-2*time.Hour))
+	for _, n := range []string{"anchor", "laptop"} {
+		if _, err := inv.Assign(ctx, n, c1.Module); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		if err := inv.RecordSent(ctx, nodeID(t, open, n), "d-"+n+"-c1", map[string]string{c1.Module: "c1"}); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	return rm
+}
+
+// register keeps a build of a module and makes it the mesh's.
+func (rm *recordedMesh) register(t *testing.T, m catalogue.Manifest, commit string, at time.Time) {
+	t.Helper()
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	raw, _ := json.Marshal(m)
+	if err := rm.open.inventory.RecordBuild(ctx, inventory.Build{ID: "build-" + m.Module + "-" + commit, Module: m.Module,
+		Commit: commit, Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Path: "modules/" + m.Module, Manifest: raw, Asked: at, At: at}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := rm.open.inventory.RegisterModule(ctx, m, inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Seat: "git",
+		Path: "modules/" + m.Module, BuiltFrom: commit, Head: commit, Asked: at}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+}
+
+// keptOn is what an ordinary send — a walk's, a healer's — keeps on a machine: module → the build it keeps.
+func (rm *recordedMesh) keptOn(t *testing.T, node string) map[string]string {
+	t.Helper()
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	under, err := sendKeeps(ctx, rm.open.inventory)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	kept, err := recordedKept(under, rm.open, node)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	return kept
+}
+
+// walk opens a merge's walk of mailu's c2, built, and walks it with every send composed as an ordinary send
+// composes it — a recorded module kept where its move waits — and applied at once.
+func (rm *recordedMesh) walk(t *testing.T) inventory.Plan {
+	t.Helper()
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := rm.open.inventory
+	wasSend := sendRollout
+	n := 0
+	sendRollout = func(ctx context.Context, open *stores, names []string) ([]string, error) {
+		rm.sent = append(rm.sent, append([]string(nil), names...))
+		current, err := open.inventory.CurrentBuilds(ctx)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		for _, node := range names {
+			kept := rm.keptOn(t, node)
+			builds := map[string]string{"mailu": current["mailu"].Commit}
+			if was, held := kept["mailu"]; held {
+				builds["mailu"] = was
+			}
+			n++
+			digest := fmt.Sprintf("d-%s-%d", node, n)
+			if err := inv.RecordSent(ctx, nodeID(t, open, node), digest, builds); err != nil {
+				return nil, err
+			}
+			if _, err := inv.RecordDoing(ctx, nodeID(t, open, node), inventory.Doing{Node: node,
+				Outcome: inventory.OutcomeApplied, Declared: digest, Applied: 1, At: time.Now()}); err != nil {
+				return nil, err
+			}
+		}
+		return names, nil
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { sendRollout = wasSend })
+	built := time.Now().UTC()
+	plan := inventory.Plan{ID: "plan-mailu", Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Branch: "main", Commit: "c2",
+		Created: built, State: inventory.PlanBuilding, Tiers: [][]string{{"mailu"}},
+		Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{"mailu": {State: "built", BuiltAt: &built, Commit: "c2", Build: "build-mailu-c2"}}}
+	if err := inv.SavePlan(ctx, &plan); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	for i := 0; i < 8; i++ {
+		advancePlans(ctx, rm.open)
+	}
+	p, err := inv.PlanByID(ctx, "plan-mailu")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	return p
+}
+
+func (rm *recordedMesh) sentBuild(t *testing.T, node string) string {
+	t.Helper()
+	sent, _, err := rm.open.inventory.SentBuilds(t.Context(), node)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	return sent["mailu"]
+}
+
+// recordedWaitsOn is what `status` names a machine behind for, waiting for a person (ADR 0377 §6).
+func (rm *recordedMesh) recordedWaitsOn(t *testing.T, node string) []string {
+	t.Helper()
+	f, err := readMoveFacts(t.Context(), rm.open.inventory)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	held, err := recordedWaiting(t.Context(), rm.open.inventory, f, node)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	return held
+}
+
+// §1, §6: a module that records because its manifest says so, whose move changes only its tools bundle, goes out
+// with its walk to every machine, without a push; the walk says per machine that it went out and why; the policy
+// still reads record; and status names no machine behind for it.
+func TestARecordedModulesBundleOnlyMoveRollsOutInItsWalk(t *testing.T) {
+	c1 := aMailu(true)
+	rm := aRecordedMesh(t, c1)
+	c2 := aMailu(true)
+	c2.Bundles[0].Digest, c2.Bundles[0].Source = "sha256:bbb", "store/mailu-tools@sha256:bbb"
+	c2.Tools = append(c2.Tools, "mailu_queue")
+	rm.register(t, c2, "c2", time.Now().Add(-time.Minute))
+
+	for _, n := range []string{"anchor", "laptop"} {
+		if _, kept := rm.keptOn(t, n)["mailu"]; kept {
+			t.Fatalf("an ordinary send to %s keeps mailu at c1 for a move that recreates nothing", n)
+		}
+	}
+	p := rm.walk(t)
+	if p.State != inventory.PlanDone {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk is %s: %s", p.State, p.Note)
+	}
+	for _, n := range []string{"anchor", "laptop"} {
+		if got := rm.sentBuild(t, n); got != "c2" {
+			t.Fatalf("%s was sent mailu %s; want c2, with its walk", n, got)
+		}
+		if said := p.Modules["mailu"].Recorded[n]; said != recordedRollsWhy {
+			t.Fatalf("the walk says of mailu on %s %q", n, said)
+		}
+		if held := rm.recordedWaitsOn(t, n); len(held) != 0 {
+			t.Fatalf("status names %s behind for %v", n, held)
+		}
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(p.Note, "mailu on anchor went out") || !strings.Contains(p.Note, "mailu on laptop went out") {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk's note does not say which way mailu went: %q", p.Note)
+	}
+	if u, err := rm.open.inventory.UpgradeOf(t.Context(), "mailu"); err != nil || u.Policy() != catalogue.PolicyRecord {
+		t.Fatalf("mailu's policy is %q (%v); want record still", u.Policy(), err)
+	}
+}
+
+// §1, §2, §6: a move that recreates a container — a new image, or a changed declaration — still waits for a push;
+// the walk says per machine that it waits, with the recreate words; and status names the machine behind, with
+// `push <node>` as the remedy. A bundle-only change on top of it stays held: it is judged against what the machine
+// was last sent.
+func TestARecordedModulesMoveThatRecreatesAContainerWaits(t *testing.T) {
+	for name, change := range map[string]func(m *catalogue.Manifest){
+		"image": func(m *catalogue.Manifest) { resourceOf(m, "imap")["image"] = "registry.invalid/imap@sha256:2" },
+		"spec":  func(m *catalogue.Manifest) { resourceOf(m, "imap")["health"] = map[string]any{"kind": "runtime"} },
+	} {
+		t.Run(name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			rm := aRecordedMesh(t, aMailu(true))
+			c2 := aMailu(true)
+			change(&c2)
+			c2.Bundles[0].Digest = "sha256:bbb"
+			rm.register(t, c2, "c2", time.Now().Add(-time.Minute))
+			p := rm.walk(t)
+			for _, n := range []string{"anchor", "laptop"} {
+				if got := rm.sentBuild(t, n); got != "c1" {
+					t.Fatalf("%s was sent mailu %s; want c1 kept, waiting for a push", n, got)
+				}
+				if said := p.Modules["mailu"].Recorded[n]; !strings.HasPrefix(said, "waits: recreates 1 of mailu's 1") {
+					t.Fatalf("the walk says of mailu on %s %q", n, said)
+				}
+				if held := rm.recordedWaitsOn(t, n); len(held) != 1 || !strings.Contains(held[0], "recreates") {
+					t.Fatalf("status names %s behind for %v", n, held)
+				}
+			}
+			// §2: the next build changes only the bundle, and the machines were last sent c1: still held.
+			c3 := c2
+			c3.Bundles = []catalogue.Bundle{{Name: "tools", Source: "store/mailu-tools@sha256:ccc", Digest: "sha256:ccc"}}
+			rm.register(t, c3, "c3", time.Now())
+			if kept := rm.keptOn(t, "anchor"); kept["mailu"] != "c1" {
+				t.Fatalf("a bundle-only build on top of a held container change is not held: %v", kept)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+// §3: a move touching a file a container mounts, a directory holding declared data, the data declaration or a
+// provider waits.
+func TestARecordedModulesMoveThatTouchesDataOrAProviderWaits(t *testing.T) {
+	for name, c := range map[string]struct {
+		change func(m *catalogue.Manifest)
+		says   string
+	}{
+		"a mounted file":   {func(m *catalogue.Manifest) { resourceOf(m, "config-env")["content"] = "A=2" }, "which its container imap mounts"},
+		"a data directory": {func(m *catalogue.Manifest) { resourceOf(m, "data-mail")["mode"] = "0700" }, "data-mail"},
+		"the data declaration": {func(m *catalogue.Manifest) {
+			m.Data = &catalogue.Data{Own: []catalogue.DataItem{{ID: "mail", Path: "${dir:data-mail}", Class: "irreplaceable", Why: "x"}}}
+		}, "data declaration"},
+		"a provider": {func(m *catalogue.Manifest) { m.Requires = append(m.Requires, "postgres-database") }, "what it requires"},
+	} {
+		t.Run(name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			rm := aRecordedMesh(t, aMailu(true))
+			c2 := aMailu(true)
+			c.change(&c2)
+			rm.register(t, c2, "c2", time.Now().Add(-time.Minute))
+			kept := rm.keptOn(t, "anchor")
+			if kept["mailu"] != "c1" {
+				t.Fatalf("an ordinary send does not keep mailu at c1: %v", kept)
+			}
+			held := rm.recordedWaitsOn(t, "anchor")
+			if len(held) != 1 || !strings.Contains(held[0], c.says) {
+				t.Fatalf("status says %v; want it to name %q", held, c.says)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+// §5: a module a person set to record, and the bus, wait on a bundle-only move.
+func TestAPersonsRecordAndTheBusHoldEveryMove(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Run("a person sets record", func(t *testing.T) {
+		rm := aRecordedMesh(t, aMailu(false))
+		c2 := aMailu(false)
+		c2.Bundles[0].Digest = "sha256:bbb"
+		rm.register(t, c2, "c2", time.Now().Add(-time.Minute))
+		if err := rm.open.inventory.SetUpgradeOf(t.Context(), "mailu", inventory.Upgrade{Why: "the migration week", By: "jochen"}); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		p := rm.walk(t)
+		if got := rm.sentBuild(t, "anchor"); got != "c1" {
+			t.Fatalf("a person's record was walked past: anchor was sent %s", got)
+		}
+		if said := p.Modules["mailu"].Recorded["anchor"]; !strings.Contains(said, "a person set it to record") {
+			t.Fatalf("the walk says %q", said)
+		}
+		if held := rm.recordedWaitsOn(t, "anchor"); len(held) != 1 {
+			t.Fatalf("status names anchor behind for %v", held)
+		}
+	})
+	t.Run("the bus", func(t *testing.T) {
+		bus := aMailu(false)
+		bus.Module = "nats"
+		bus.Provides = []catalogue.Offer{{Name: "mesh-bus"}}
+		bus.Data = nil
+		rm := aRecordedMesh(t, bus)
+		c2 := bus
+		c2.Bundles = []catalogue.Bundle{{Name: "tools", Source: "store/nats-tools@sha256:bbb", Digest: "sha256:bbb"}}
+		rm.register(t, c2, "c2", time.Now().Add(-time.Minute))
+		if kept := rm.keptOn(t, "anchor"); kept["nats"] != "c1" {
+			t.Fatalf("the bus moved by an ordinary send: %v", kept)
+		}
+		f, err := readMoveFacts(t.Context(), rm.open.inventory)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		if v := f.recordedMove("nats", "c1"); v.rolls || !strings.Contains(v.said, "bus") {
+			t.Fatalf("the bus's move: %+v", v)
+		}
+	})
+}
+
+// §4: a move whose earlier build is not in the build records cannot be judged, waits, and is said so.
+func TestARecordedMoveThatCannotBeJudgedWaits(t *testing.T) {
+	rm := aRecordedMesh(t, aMailu(true))
+	c2 := aMailu(true)
+	c2.Bundles[0].Digest = "sha256:bbb"
+	rm.register(t, c2, "c2", time.Now().Add(-time.Minute))
+	// anchor was last sent a build the records do not hold.
+	if err := rm.open.inventory.RecordSent(t.Context(), nodeID(t, rm.open, "anchor"), "d-anchor-c0",
+		map[string]string{"mailu": "c0"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	f, err := readMoveFacts(t.Context(), rm.open.inventory)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if v := f.recordedMove("mailu", "c0"); v.rolls || !strings.Contains(v.said, "could not be judged") ||
+		!strings.Contains(v.said, "not in the build records") {
+		t.Fatalf("an unjudgeable move: %+v", v)
+	}
+	if _, _, err := planFor(keepingRecorded(t.Context()), rm.open, "anchor"); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "push anchor") {
+		t.Fatalf("a send that cannot keep the unjudged build did not refuse with its remedy: %v", err)
+	}
+	// laptop, judged from c1, goes; anchor waits.
+	p := rm.walk(t)
+	if said := p.Modules["mailu"].Recorded["anchor"]; !strings.Contains(said, "could not be judged") {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk says of anchor %q", said)
+	}
+	if !slices.Contains(wentOut(p.Modules["mailu"].Recorded), "laptop") || rm.sentBuild(t, "laptop") != "c2" {
+		t.Fatalf("laptop, judged from c1, did not go: %+v", p.Modules["mailu"].Recorded)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/reissue_hearing_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,39 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"encoding/json"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+)
+
+// A membership issued again for what it hears changes nothing else of it (novox/hq ADR 0363 §6).
+func TestAMembershipIssuedAgainChangesOnlyWhatItHears(t *testing.T) {
+	issued := []byte(`{"node":"ace","module":"reader","receives":{"x":[1]},"emits":"mesh.mod.reader.event.{event}"}`)
+	hears := []broker.HeardIssued{{Stream: "MAIL", Consumer: "ace_reader"}}
+	body, changed, err := withHearing(issued, hears)
+	if err != nil || !changed {
+		t.Fatalf("changed %v, %v", changed, err)
+	}
+	var got map[string]any
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(body, &got); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if got["receives"] == nil || got["emits"] != "mesh.mod.reader.event.{event}" || got["hears"] == nil {
+		t.Fatalf("issued again as %s", body)
+	}
+	if _, again, _ := withHearing(body, hears); again {
+		t.Fatal("the same hearing issued again counts as a change")
+	}
+	gone, changed, err := withHearing(body, nil)
+	if err != nil || !changed {
+		t.Fatalf("a withdrawal: %v, %v", changed, err)
+	}
+	got = nil
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(gone, &got); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, still := got["hears"]; still {
+		t.Fatalf("a withdrawn hearing is still issued: %s", gone)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/release.go

@@ -83,6 +83,9 @@ type moveFacts struct {
 	plans  []inventory.Plan
 	// self is the release walking these moves, whose own gates are no other walk's (novox/hq ADR 0353).
 	self string
+	// judge judges a move under a module's own `record` (novox/hq ADR 0377): nil when the facts were not read,
+	// and every such move then waits.
+	judge func(module, was, now string) recordVerdict
 }
 
 type walkingKey struct{}
@@ -109,6 +112,7 @@ func readMoveFacts(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory) (moveFacts, er
 	}
 	f.plans, err = inv.OpenPlans(ctx)
 	f.self, _ = ctx.Value(walkingKey{}).(string)
+	f.judge = recordJudge(ctx, inv)
 	return f, err
 }
 
@@ -172,7 +176,8 @@ func inRun(run map[string]bool, commit string) bool {
 }
 
 // moves is what a machine's next send would move that no gate has seen: modules whose policy rolls out
-// (a recorded one is a person's push), that the machine was sent before, moving to a build not identical
+// (a recorded one is a person's push, unless its move under its own record recreates nothing and moves no data —
+// novox/hq ADR 0377), that the machine was sent before, moving to a build not identical
 // to the one it runs and that has passed no gate. A machine whose last send's builds are not known names
 // none: the cascade holds it whole (ADR 0221).
 //
@@ -185,7 +190,7 @@ func (f moveFacts) moves(node string, modules []string, sent map[string]string,
 	for _, m := range modules {
 		now := f.current[m]
 		was, carried := sent[m]
-		if !now.RollOut || !carried || f.identical(m, was, now.Commit) || (!all && f.gated(m, now.Commit)) {
+		if !carried || f.identical(m, was, now.Commit) || (!all && f.gated(m, now.Commit)) || !f.rolls(m, was) {
 			continue
 		}
 		out = append(out, inventory.CarriedMove{Module: m, Node: node, From: was, To: now.Commit})
@@ -750,6 +755,11 @@ func advanceRelease(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan) (bool,
 	if r.Rest {
 		return advanceRest(ctx, open, p, now)
 	}
+	if r.Gate == nil && !gateFirstMachine {
+		// **No first machine** (novox/hq ADR 0360 §7): every machine heard from is sent at once, in one step.
+		r.Rest = true
+		return advanceRest(ctx, open, p, now)
+	}
 	if r.Gate == nil {
 		heard, err := releaseHeard(ctx, open)
 		if err != nil {
@@ -1003,7 +1013,16 @@ func advanceRest(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan, now time.
 		}
 		// **A machine that says nothing on its send is left silent, not failed** (ADR 0353 §4): it is not judged
 		// until it reports, and past ApplySilentAfter it is listed and left.
-		if !reportedOnSend(byNode[node], node, g) {
+		outcome, reported := byNode[node].Outcome, reportedOnSend(byNode[node], node, g)
+		if sent, kept := g.Sent[node]; kept && !gateFirstMachine {
+			// A module handed to the provisioner is applied only once its client said so too (ADR 0362, issue 840).
+			carried := make([]string, 0, len(g.Carried))
+			for _, c := range g.Carried {
+				carried = append(carried, c.Module)
+			}
+			outcome, reported = provisionedOutcome(node, sent.Only(carried...), byNode[node], reported, provLookup(ctx))
+		}
+		if !reported {
 			if now.Sub(*g.Since) > inventory.ApplySilentAfter {
 				g.Silent = true
 				r.Silent = append(r.Silent, node)
@@ -1015,6 +1034,32 @@ func advanceRest(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan, now time.
 			judging = append(judging, node+": not yet reported on its send")
 			continue
 		}
+		if !gateFirstMachine {
+			// **Judged by its report alone** (novox/hq ADR 0360 §7): applied passes; failed or refused is named and
+			// fails the walk, with nothing put back — apply-failing says it.
+			switch outcome {
+			case inventory.OutcomeApplied:
+				decide(g, inventory.GatePassed, node+" reported it applied its send (novox/hq ADR 0360)", now)
+				passCarried(ctx, open, p, g, "")
+				r.Done = append(r.Done, node)
+				changed = true
+			case inventory.OutcomeFailed, inventory.OutcomeRefused:
+				decide(g, inventory.GateFailed, fmt.Sprintf("%s %s its send", node, outcome), now)
+				r.Failed = append(r.Failed, node)
+				changed = true
+				notes = append(notes, fmt.Sprintf("%s %s its send: nothing put back, apply-failing says it", node, outcome))
+			default:
+				if strings.HasPrefix(outcome, inventory.OutcomeProvisioningFailed) {
+					decide(g, inventory.GateFailed, fmt.Sprintf("%s: %s", node, outcome), now)
+					r.Failed = append(r.Failed, node)
+					changed = true
+					notes = append(notes, fmt.Sprintf("%s: %s: nothing put back, apply-failing says it", node, outcome))
+					continue
+				}
+				judging = append(judging, node+": not yet reported on its send")
+			}
+			continue
+		}
 		verdict, err := judgeMoves(ctx, open, g, nil, now)
 		if err != nil {
 			return changed, err
@@ -1099,6 +1144,9 @@ func advanceRest(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan, now time.
 // keptStepGrew says why a step's kept sends would now carry a build no gate passed that they were not kept with;
 // empty when none would.
 func keptStepGrew(ctx context.Context, open *stores, r *inventory.PlanRelease, pending []string) (string, error) {
+	if !gateFirstMachine {
+		return "", nil // every machine goes at once (novox/hq ADR 0360 §7): a send carries what waits when it is made
+	}
 	f, err := readMoveFacts(ctx, open.inventory)
 	if err != nil {
 		return "", err
@@ -1207,7 +1255,11 @@ func openRestStep(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan) (bool, s
 	if err != nil {
 		return false, "", err
 	}
-	step := restStep(nodes, waiting, f.gated, func(module string) bool { return oneAtATime(module, shelf[module]) })
+	// **Every machine at once** (novox/hq ADR 0360 §2, §7): no build waits for one machine to pass first.
+	step := nodes
+	if gateFirstMachine {
+		step = restStep(nodes, waiting, f.gated, func(module string) bool { return oneAtATime(module, shelf[module]) })
+	}
 	if len(step) == 0 {
 		if len(walked) > 0 {
 			return false, "waiting before " + strings.Join(walked, "; "), nil

cmd/mesh-controller/release_branch_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,273 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+	"reflect"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// **A pull request into a release branch is judged by that branch** (novox/hq ADR 0358, issue 704): a base that is
+// not its repository's trunk, where mesh-controller has a branch of that name, is a release branch; the check then
+// reads every repository beside it at its branch of that name where it has one, else at its trunk. Any other base is
+// checked exactly as before.
+
+const aRelease = "feat/57-config-and-provisioning"
+
+// theCore is the mesh's core as a check reads it beside: the controller, the node-engine, the tool runner and the
+// catalogue's bus, on the git seat.
+func theCore() []inventory.Entry {
+	onSeat := func(module, repository string) inventory.Entry {
+		e := fromRepo(module, repository, "")
+		e.Source.Seat = "git"
+		return e
+	}
+	nats := onSeat("nats", "novox/mesh-catalog")
+	nats.Source.Path = "modules/nats"
+	return []inventory.Entry{onSeat("mesh-controller", "novox/mesh-controller"), onSeat("mesh-host", "novox/mesh-host"),
+		onSeat("node-tools", "novox/mesh-tools"), nats, onSeat("gitea", "novox/mesh-catalog")}
+}
+
+// aForgeWithBranches stands in for the forge: which branches each repository has, and how often it was asked.
+func aForgeWithBranches(t *testing.T, branches map[string][]string, failing error) *int {
+	t.Helper()
+	asked := 0
+	was := forgeHasBranch
+	t.Cleanup(func() { forgeHasBranch = was })
+	forgeHasBranch = func(_ context.Context, owner, repo, branch string) (bool, error) {
+		asked++
+		if failing != nil {
+			return false, failing
+		}
+		for _, b := range branches[owner+"/"+repo] {
+			if b == branch {
+				return true, nil
+			}
+		}
+		return false, nil
+	}
+	return &asked
+}
+
+func TestABaseIsAReleaseBranchWhenTheControllerHasABranchOfThatName(t *testing.T) {
+	entries := theCore()
+	scopeOf := func(p link.PullUpdated) checkScope { return pullScope(p, entries, nil, nil) }
+	pull := func(repo, base string) link.PullUpdated {
+		return link.PullUpdated{Owner: "novox", Repo: repo, Number: 286, Base: base, Commit: "abc",
+			Paths: []string{"modules/gitea/index.ts"}}
+	}
+
+	asked := aForgeWithBranches(t, map[string][]string{"novox/mesh-controller": {"main", aRelease}}, nil)
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		what    string
+		p       link.PullUpdated
+		release string
+		asks    int
+	}{
+		{"a pull request into the trunk asks nothing and is no release", pull("mesh-catalog", "main"), "", 0},
+		{"a catalogue pull request into the release branch", pull("mesh-catalog", aRelease), aRelease, 1},
+		{"a controller pull request into the release branch", pull("mesh-controller", aRelease), aRelease, 1},
+		{"a base mesh-controller has no branch of is checked as today", pull("mesh-catalog", "feat/other"), "", 1},
+		{"no base: as today", pull("mesh-catalog", ""), "", 0},
+	} {
+		*asked = 0
+		got, err := releaseBranchOf(t.Context(), c.p, scopeOf(c.p), entries)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("%s: %v", c.what, err)
+		}
+		if got != c.release || *asked != c.asks {
+			t.Errorf("%s: release %q after %d question(s) to the forge, not %q after %d", c.what, got, *asked,
+				c.release, c.asks)
+		}
+	}
+
+	// The branch a module built from the repository follows is its trunk: never asked about.
+	photos := fromRepo("photos", "novox/photos", "")
+	photos.Source.Ref = "nox-mesh"
+	withPhotos := append(theCore(), photos)
+	p := link.PullUpdated{Owner: "novox", Repo: "photos", Base: "nox-mesh", Commit: "abc", Paths: []string{"x.js"}}
+	*asked = 0
+	if got, err := releaseBranchOf(t.Context(), p, pullScope(p, withPhotos, nil, nil), withPhotos); err != nil ||
+		got != "" || *asked != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a module's own trunk read as release %q (%v) after %d question(s)", got, err, *asked)
+	}
+
+	// A forge that cannot answer is an error, never "no release branch".
+	aForgeWithBranches(t, nil, errors.New("nothing serves gitea.gitea_api"))
+	q := pull("mesh-catalog", aRelease)
+	if _, err := releaseBranchOf(t.Context(), q, scopeOf(q), entries); err == nil ||
+		!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "cannot be told") {
+		t.Fatalf("an unanswered forge was read as an answer: %v", err)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestBesideAReleaseBranchCheckEachRepositoryIsReadAtThatBranchElseItsTrunk(t *testing.T) {
+	entries := theCore()
+	clone := func(s inventory.Source) (string, error) { return "http://git/" + s.Repository + ".git", nil }
+	running := func(module string) string { return "running-" + module }
+
+	beside, err := besideOf(entries, running, clone, aRelease)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	at := func(repo string, ref, orElse string) link.CheckedOut {
+		return link.CheckedOut{Repository: "http://git/novox/" + repo + ".git", Ref: ref, Else: orElse}
+	}
+	want := map[string]link.CheckedOut{
+		// The judge: mesh-controller's release branch, which it has.
+		"mesh-controller":      at("mesh-controller", aRelease, ""),
+		"mesh-controller-main": at("mesh-controller", "main", ""),
+		// A controller pull request into the release branch reads mesh-host at that branch where it has one.
+		"mesh-host":    at("mesh-host", aRelease, "main"),
+		"mesh-tools":   at("mesh-tools", aRelease, "main"),
+		"mesh-catalog": at("mesh-catalog", aRelease, "main"),
+		// mesh-lab at its trunk, always: its replays run with the container runtime's socket.
+		"mesh-lab": at("mesh-lab", "main", ""),
+		"mesh-sdk": at("mesh-sdk", aRelease, "main"),
+	}
+	if !reflect.DeepEqual(beside, want) {
+		t.Fatalf("beside a release-branch check:\n got %v\nwant %v", beside, want)
+	}
+
+	// Any other base: exactly as before — what the mesh runs, the catalogue's and the lab's main.
+	beside, err = besideOf(entries, running, clone, "")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	want = map[string]link.CheckedOut{
+		"mesh-controller":      at("mesh-controller", "running-mesh-controller", ""),
+		"mesh-controller-main": at("mesh-controller", "main", ""),
+		"mesh-host":            at("mesh-host", "running-mesh-host", ""),
+		"mesh-tools":           at("mesh-tools", "running-node-tools", ""),
+		"mesh-catalog":         at("mesh-catalog", "main", ""),
+		"mesh-lab":             at("mesh-lab", "main", ""),
+		"mesh-sdk":             at("mesh-sdk", sdkPinned(), ""),
+	}
+	if !reflect.DeepEqual(beside, want) {
+		t.Fatalf("beside a trunk check:\n got %v\nwant %v", beside, want)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestAReleaseBranchVerdictNamesTheBranchTheJudgeAndWhatItRead(t *testing.T) {
+	asked := &link.CheckRequest{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-catalog", Number: 286, Base: aRelease, Release: aRelease}
+	c := checkedOf(link.BuildResult{ID: "b", Ref: "aaaaaaaaaaaa0000", Checked: asked, Check: &link.CheckOutcome{
+		Verdict: "pass", Head: "aaaaaaaaaaaa", Trunk: "111111111111", Gate: &link.CheckLayer{Verdict: "pass"},
+		RepoCheck: &link.CheckLayer{Verdict: "pass"}, Release: aRelease, JudgedBy: "fcdecb436117",
+		Beside:    map[string]string{"mesh-host": "222222222222", "mesh-lab": "333333333333"},
+		BesideAt:  map[string]string{"mesh-host": aRelease, "mesh-lab": "main"},
+		Validator: "mesh-host's validator of " + aRelease + " at 222222222222"}})
+	if c.Release != aRelease || c.JudgedBy != "fcdecb436117" {
+		t.Fatalf("the verdict names release %q judged by %q", c.Release, c.JudgedBy)
+	}
+	if c.BesideAt["mesh-host"] != aRelease || c.BesideAt["mesh-lab"] != "main" || c.Beside["mesh-host"] != "222222222222" ||
+		c.Validator != "mesh-host's validator of "+aRelease+" at 222222222222" {
+		t.Fatalf("the verdict names what it read beside it as %v at %v", c.Beside, c.BesideAt)
+	}
+}
+
+// **Clause 5** (ADR 0358 §5): a release branch's own pull request into its trunk is no release-branch check: the forge
+// is asked nothing, the request names no release branch, and the repositories beside it are read as for any trunk
+// pull request. Its delivery group's composed check is asked as for any other (askGroupCheck, unchanged).
+func TestAReleaseBranchsPullRequestIntoItsTrunkIsCheckedAsAnyTrunkPullRequest(t *testing.T) {
+	entries := theCore()
+	asked := aForgeWithBranches(t, map[string][]string{"novox/mesh-controller": {"main", aRelease}}, nil)
+	for _, repo := range []string{"mesh-catalog", "mesh-controller", "mesh-host"} {
+		p := link.PullUpdated{Owner: "novox", Repo: repo, Number: 400, Head: aRelease, Base: "main", Commit: "abc",
+			Paths: []string{"modules/gitea/index.ts"}}
+		got, err := releaseBranchOf(t.Context(), p, pullScope(p, entries, nil, nil), entries)
+		if err != nil || got != "" || *asked != 0 {
+			t.Fatalf("%s's release branch into main read as release %q (%v) after %d question(s)", repo, got, err, *asked)
+		}
+	}
+	clone := func(s inventory.Source) (string, error) { return "http://git/" + s.Repository + ".git", nil }
+	beside, err := besideOf(entries, func(module string) string { return "running-" + module }, clone, "")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	for dir, b := range beside {
+		if b.Ref == aRelease || b.Else != "" {
+			t.Fatalf("beside a trunk pull request %s is read at %+v", dir, b)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// **A forge answer that names no branch is an error**, never "no release branch"; a 404 is "no such branch".
+func TestTheForgesAnswerAboutABranchIsReadStrictly(t *testing.T) {
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		what   string
+		answer link.Answer
+		has    bool
+		fails  bool
+	}{
+		{"the branch named", link.Answer{Result: []byte(`{"result":{"name":"` + aRelease + `"}}`)}, true, false},
+		{"not found", link.Answer{Error: "Gitea API /repos/novox/mesh-controller/branches/x: 404 {\"message\":\"not found\"}"},
+			false, false},
+		{"an empty branch name", link.Answer{Result: []byte(`{"result":{"name":""}}`)}, false, true},
+		{"no result", link.Answer{Result: []byte(`{}`)}, false, true},
+		{"another branch named", link.Answer{Result: []byte(`{"result":{"name":"main"}}`)}, false, true},
+		{"unreadable", link.Answer{Result: []byte(`not json`)}, false, true},
+		{"another error", link.Answer{Error: "Gitea API: 500 internal"}, false, true},
+	} {
+		has, err := branchAnswered(c.answer, aRelease)
+		if has != c.has || (err != nil) != c.fails {
+			t.Errorf("%s: has %v, error %v", c.what, has, err)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// **The trunk is the repository's own, not a name**: a repository whose trunk is not main, one that follows main, and
+// a controller whose trunk is not main.
+func TestATrunkIsTheBranchTheRepositoryFollows(t *testing.T) {
+	asked := aForgeWithBranches(t, map[string][]string{"novox/mesh-controller": {"main", aRelease, "master"}}, nil)
+	legacy := fromRepo("legacy", "novox/legacy", "")
+	legacy.Source.Ref = "master"
+	onMain := fromRepo("photos", "novox/photos", "")
+	onMain.Source.Ref = "main"
+	entries := append(theCore(), legacy, onMain)
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		what, repo, base, release string
+		asks                      int
+	}{
+		{"a repository whose trunk is master, into master", "legacy", "master", "", 0},
+		{"a repository whose trunk is master, into the release branch", "legacy", aRelease, aRelease, 1},
+		{"a repository whose module follows main, into main", "photos", "main", "", 0},
+		{"a repository whose module follows main, into the release branch", "photos", aRelease, aRelease, 1},
+	} {
+		*asked = 0
+		p := link.PullUpdated{Owner: "novox", Repo: c.repo, Base: c.base, Commit: "abc", Paths: []string{"x"}}
+		got, err := releaseBranchOf(t.Context(), p, pullScope(p, entries, nil, nil), entries)
+		if err != nil || got != c.release || *asked != c.asks {
+			t.Errorf("%s: release %q (%v) after %d question(s), not %q after %d", c.what, got, err, *asked, c.release, c.asks)
+		}
+	}
+
+	// A controller whose trunk is not main: main may be a release branch there, and its own trunk never is.
+	core := theCore()
+	core[0].Source.Ref = "trunk"
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		base, release string
+		asks          int
+	}{{"trunk", "", 0}, {"main", "main", 1}} {
+		*asked = 0
+		p := link.PullUpdated{Owner: "novox", Repo: "hq", Base: c.base, Commit: "abc", Paths: []string{"x"}}
+		got, err := releaseBranchOf(t.Context(), p, pullScope(p, core, nil, nil), core)
+		if err != nil || got != c.release || *asked != c.asks {
+			t.Errorf("hq into %s, the controller following trunk: release %q (%v) after %d question(s)", c.base, got, err,
+				*asked)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// trunkOf: the branch a source follows, and main when it records none or records a commit (issue 215's rule).
+func TestATrunkIsMainWhenTheSourceRecordsNone(t *testing.T) {
+	for ref, want := range map[string]string{"": "main", "main": "main", "master": "master", "nox-mesh": "nox-mesh",
+		"0123456789abcdef0123456789abcdef01234567": "main", "  ": "main"} {
+		if got := trunkOf(inventory.Source{Ref: ref}); got != want {
+			t.Errorf("a source recording %q follows %q, not %q", ref, got, want)
+		}
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/release_plan.go

@@ -9,11 +9,13 @@ import (
 	"slices"
 	"sort"
 	"strings"
+	"sync"
 	"time"
 
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
 
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/builder"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
 )
@@ -26,6 +28,10 @@ import (
 // alone cannot (a tier waiting for machines to report); a controller replaced mid-plan finds the
 // plan where it left it.
 
+// gateFirstMachine sends a module that rolls out to one machine first and judges it there (ADR 0236). Off since
+// novox/hq ADR 0360: the gate's code is kept for the walks a controller before it started, and its tests turn it on.
+var gateFirstMachine = false
+
 // planWaitBound is how long a plan may wait on one thing before `status` names it red.
 const planWaitBound = 30 * time.Minute
 
@@ -42,29 +48,15 @@ func tiersOf(set []string, edges []inventory.Edge) [][]string {
 	for _, m := range set {
 		deps[m] = map[string]bool{}
 	}
-	// The build seat's holders follow the controller that defines their worker (EdgeWorkerOf,
-	// novox/hq issue 206), so the built-by edge from that controller to such a holder yields: the
-	// controller is built by whichever build machine is running, as the runtime image always was.
-	worker := map[string]map[string]bool{}
-	for _, e := range edges {
-		if e.Kind == inventory.EdgeWorkerOf && in[e.From] && in[e.To] {
-			if worker[e.To] == nil {
-				worker[e.To] = map[string]bool{}
-			}
-			worker[e.To][e.From] = true
-		}
-	}
 	for _, e := range edges {
 		// A code dependency — B packages A's source — rebuilds B with A, in the same tier: B's
-		// build needs nothing of A's first. The other kinds order: stands-on and declared after
+		// build needs nothing of A's first. Stands-on and declared order after the base is built, and the
-		// the base is built, built-by after the build machine is built and running — except for
+		// build seat's holder follows the controller that defines its worker (EdgeWorkerOf, issue 206).
-		// what the build machine itself stands on, and for the controller whose worker the build
-		// machine binds. The runtime image is built by the builder and the builder is built on the
-		// runtime image; the image comes first, built by the builder that is running.
 		if !in[e.From] || !in[e.To] || e.From == e.To || e.Kind == inventory.EdgePackages {
 			continue
 		}
-		if e.Kind == inventory.EdgeBuiltBy && (isBaseOf(e.From, e.To, edges, in) || worker[e.From][e.To]) {
+		// **Being built by the builder orders nothing** (novox/hq ADR 0360 §3): whichever builder runs builds it.
+		if e.Kind == inventory.EdgeBuiltBy {
 			continue
 		}
 		deps[e.From][e.To] = true
@@ -105,29 +97,6 @@ func tiersOf(set []string, edges []inventory.Edge) [][]string {
 	return tiers
 }
 
-// isBaseOf says whether `to` stands on `base`, directly or through other bases in the set, along
-// the build edges alone.
-func isBaseOf(base, to string, edges []inventory.Edge, in map[string]bool) bool {
-	seen := map[string]bool{}
-	var walk func(string) bool
-	walk = func(m string) bool {
-		if m == base {
-			return true
-		}
-		if seen[m] {
-			return false
-		}
-		seen[m] = true
-		for _, e := range edges {
-			if e.From == m && in[e.To] && (e.Kind == inventory.EdgeStandsOn || e.Kind == inventory.EdgeDeclared) && walk(e.To) {
-				return true
-			}
-		}
-		return false
-	}
-	return walk(to)
-}
-
 // reachableFrom is the moved modules plus everything that depends on them, through every layer:
 // what a merge rebuilds. Along the code and build edges only: a module *built by* the build machine
 // is not changed by a new build machine, so a built-by edge orders and gates a plan and never
@@ -163,7 +132,7 @@ func reachableFrom(moved []string, edges []inventory.Edge) []string {
 }
 
 // hasCycle says whether the tiers' last tier holds modules that still depend on each other. A packages
-// edge orders nothing (tiersOf), so a module and what packages its source share a tier by rule: that is
+// or built-by edge orders nothing (tiersOf), so a module and what packages its source share a tier by rule: that is
 // no cycle, and saying one was is a false report in every such plan's log.
 func hasCycle(tiers [][]string, edges []inventory.Edge) bool {
 	if len(tiers) == 0 {
@@ -174,7 +143,7 @@ func hasCycle(tiers [][]string, edges []inventory.Edge) bool {
 		last[m] = true
 	}
 	for _, e := range edges {
-		if e.Kind == inventory.EdgePackages {
+		if e.Kind == inventory.EdgePackages || e.Kind == inventory.EdgeBuiltBy {
 			continue
 		}
 		if last[e.From] && last[e.To] {
@@ -220,12 +189,6 @@ func gates(p inventory.Plan, edges []inventory.Edge, rollsOut func(string) bool)
 		return nil
 	}
 	inTier := map[string]bool{}
-	all := map[string]bool{}
-	for _, tier := range p.Tiers {
-		for _, m := range tier {
-			all[m] = true
-		}
-	}
 	for _, m := range p.Tiers[p.Tier] {
 		inTier[m] = true
 	}
@@ -240,8 +203,8 @@ func gates(p inventory.Plan, edges []inventory.Edge, rollsOut func(string) bool)
 	for _, e := range edges {
 		// A delivery group's order inside a walk (novox/hq ADR 0276 decision 5) gates as built-by does: the
 		// member before is running on its machines before the member after is asked.
-		ordered := e.Kind == edgeGroupOrder ||
+		// A built-by edge waits for nothing since novox/hq ADR 0360 §3.
-			e.Kind == inventory.EdgeBuiltBy && !isBaseOf(e.From, e.To, edges, all)
+		ordered := e.Kind == edgeGroupOrder
 		if later[e.From] && inTier[e.To] && ordered && !seen[e.To] && rollsOut(e.To) {
 			seen[e.To] = true
 			out = append(out, e.To)
@@ -296,10 +259,11 @@ func applied(module string, builtAt time.Time, running []string, reports []inven
 	return len(waiting) == 0, waiting
 }
 
-// askTier asks the build machine for every module of the tier, and marks each asked. A module
+// askTier asks the build machine for the named modules of the plan's tier — all of it, or what of it is still
+// unasked (novox/hq issue 754) — and marks each asked. A module
 // the catalogue no longer holds, or whose ask could not be made, is a failure of the plan: a tier
 // half asked is a tier that will never complete.
-func askTier(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, p *inventory.Plan) error {
+func askTier(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, p *inventory.Plan, names []string) error {
 	entries, err := inv.Catalogued(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
@@ -308,12 +272,62 @@ func askTier(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, p *inventory.Plan) e
 	for _, e := range entries {
 		byName[e.Manifest.Module] = e
 	}
-	for _, name := range p.Tiers[p.Tier] {
+	for _, name := range names {
 		askModule(ctx, p, name, byName)
 	}
 	return nil
 }
 
+// unaskedOf are the modules of a plan's current tier it has still to ask: those it never asked, and one it holds
+// built that it never asked for (novox/hq issue 754) — a build taken in by a controller from before a walk took
+// only its own asks, somebody else's, which the walk would otherwise send as its own (ADR 0219). A tier partly asked is asked the rest, not
+// waited on for ever: a walk that waits for every build of a tier it never asked whole never moves again.
+func unaskedOf(p inventory.Plan) []string {
+	if p.Tier >= len(p.Tiers) {
+		return nil
+	}
+	var out []string
+	for _, m := range p.Tiers[p.Tier] {
+		s := p.Modules[m]
+		switch {
+		case s == nil || s.State == "":
+			out = append(out, m)
+		case s.State == "built" && s.Build == "" && s.AskedAt == nil:
+			out = append(out, m)
+		}
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// askedInTier says the plan asked a module of its current tier itself: under an id, or at a time it kept.
+func askedInTier(p inventory.Plan) bool {
+	if p.Tier >= len(p.Tiers) {
+		return false
+	}
+	for _, m := range p.Tiers[p.Tier] {
+		if s := p.Modules[m]; s != nil && (s.Build != "" || s.AskedAt != nil) {
+			return true
+		}
+	}
+	return false
+}
+
+// takesOutcome says whether a build's outcome is the plan's for a module of its current tier (novox/hq ADR 0219,
+// issues 219 and 754). **A walk that waits for its delivery's word asks nothing, and so is answered by nothing**
+// (ADR 0239): a rebuild that lands in the wait is somebody else's build. **Nor is a module the plan never asked
+// answered**: taken, the plan held a module built that it never asked, and waited for the rest of the tier for
+// ever. Asked under an id, the plan takes that id's outcome and no other; asked before ids were kept, a build
+// asked at or after the plan's ask.
+func takesOutcome(p inventory.Plan, state *inventory.PlanModule, asked time.Time, id string) bool {
+	if p.Waiting() || state == nil || (state.Build == "" && state.AskedAt == nil) {
+		return false
+	}
+	if state.Build != "" {
+		return state.Build == id
+	}
+	return !askedBefore(asked, state.AskedAt)
+}
+
 // askABuild is how a plan asks for one build, not waited for, and learns the id it asked under. A
 // variable so a test of what a plan does around an ask needs no build machine.
 //
@@ -386,15 +400,73 @@ var checkedBuildsOf = func(ctx context.Context, pulls []link.PullRef) ([]link.Ch
 	return link.ReadCheckBuilds(ctx, js, buildSeatHeld(ctx), pulls, time.Now().Add(-builder.CheckBuildsKept))
 }
 
+// mergedHeadsOf are the head commits the walk's merges merged, by pull request (novox/hq issue 703): a pull request
+// merged twice in one walk, or whose head the announcement did not say, has none, and takes no check's build.
+func mergedHeadsOf(p *inventory.Plan) map[link.PullRef]string {
+	heads := map[link.PullRef]string{}
+	if p.Delivery == nil {
+		return heads
+	}
+	seen := map[link.PullRef]bool{}
+	for _, m := range p.Delivery.Merges {
+		pull, ok := pullOf(m)
+		if !ok {
+			continue
+		}
+		if seen[pull] && heads[pull] != m.Head {
+			heads[pull] = ""
+			continue
+		}
+		seen[pull] = true
+		heads[pull] = m.Head
+	}
+	return heads
+}
+
+// walkVerdicts are the checks' builds a walk read, by the walk's plan: read once per walk (novox/hq issue 649), not
+// once per module it asks for. Kept a day; a walk lasts minutes.
+var walkVerdicts = struct {
+	sync.Mutex
+	read map[string]verdictsRead
+}{read: map[string]verdictsRead{}}
+
+type verdictsRead struct {
+	at     time.Time
+	builds []link.CheckedBuild
+}
+
 // reuseWithVerdicts is a walk's leave with the builds its pull requests' verdicts name: the only builds the builder
-// may take (ADR 0350 §2). When they cannot be read the leave names none, and the walk builds, saying why.
+// may take (ADR 0350 §2), and **only those of a check of the head each merge merged** (novox/hq issue 703): a build
-func reuseWithVerdicts(ctx context.Context, r *link.ReuseAsk) *link.ReuseAsk {
+// a check made at an earlier head of the same pull request is never registered. Read once per walk. When they
-	builds, err := checkedBuildsOf(ctx, r.Pulls)
+// cannot be read the leave names none, and the walk builds, saying why.
-	if err != nil {
+func reuseWithVerdicts(ctx context.Context, walk string, r *link.ReuseAsk, heads map[link.PullRef]string) *link.ReuseAsk {
-		fmt.Printf("  the checks' builds of %d pull request(s) could not be read, so the walk builds: %v\n", len(r.Pulls), err)
+	walkVerdicts.Lock()
-		return r
+	read, known := walkVerdicts.read[walk]
+	walkVerdicts.Unlock()
+	if !known || walk == "" {
+		builds, err := checkedBuildsOf(ctx, r.Pulls)
+		if err != nil {
+			fmt.Printf("  the checks' builds of %d pull request(s) could not be read, so the walk builds: %v\n", len(r.Pulls), err)
+			return r
+		}
+		read = verdictsRead{at: time.Now(), builds: builds}
+		if walk != "" {
+			walkVerdicts.Lock()
+			for id, w := range walkVerdicts.read {
+				if time.Since(w.at) > 24*time.Hour {
+					delete(walkVerdicts.read, id)
+				}
+			}
+			walkVerdicts.read[walk] = read
+			walkVerdicts.Unlock()
+		}
+	}
+	r.Builds = nil
+	for _, b := range read.builds {
+		if link.SameHead(b.Head, heads[b.Pull]) {
+			r.Builds = append(r.Builds, b)
+		}
 	}
-	r.Builds = builds
 	return r
 }
 
@@ -437,7 +509,8 @@ func askModule(ctx context.Context, p *inventory.Plan, name string, byName map[s
 	}
 	// **The walk takes the check's build of the same key** (novox/hq ADR 0350 §2): its ask says so, with the pull
 	// requests it answers, whose checks name the part of a differing key.
-	id, err := askABuild(withReuse(ctx, reuseWithVerdicts(ctx, reuseAskOf(p))), source, e.Source.Path, ref)
+	id, err := askABuild(withReuse(ctx, reuseWithVerdicts(ctx, p.ID, reuseAskOf(p), mergedHeadsOf(p))), source,
+		e.Source.Path, ref)
 	if err != nil {
 		state.State = "failed"
 		state.Why = err.Error()
@@ -504,22 +577,15 @@ func planBuiltSaying(ctx context.Context, open *stores, module, commit, failed s
 		if !inTier {
 			continue
 		}
-		state := p.Modules[module]
-		if state == nil {
-			state = &inventory.PlanModule{}
-			p.Modules[module] = state
-		}
 		// **The plan's own ask is its outcome, by id** (novox/hq ADR 0219); another build of the module
 		// is, as before, when it was asked at or after the plan's ask (issue 219).
 		// **A module asked under an id is answered by that id's outcome and no other** (novox/hq ADR
 		// 0219): a replay, a rebuild beside the plan, or an older ask finishing late is somebody else's
 		// build, made from other source, and settling the plan with it would send that. A plan from
-		// before ids were kept is matched as it was: by when the build was asked (issue 219).
+		// before ids were kept is matched as it was: by when the build was asked (issue 219). A walk
-		if state.Build != "" {
+		// waiting for its word, or a module it never asked, takes no outcome at all (issue 754).
-			if state.Build != id {
+		state := p.Modules[module]
-				continue
+		if !takesOutcome(*p, state, asked, id) {
-			}
-		} else if askedBefore(asked, state.AskedAt) {
 			continue
 		}
 		if failed != "" && deletedAtSource(failed) {
@@ -725,17 +791,11 @@ func advanceOnce(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan,
 		return true, nil
 	}
 	tier := p.Tiers[p.Tier]
-	// Not yet asked: ask.
+	// Not yet asked: ask — the whole tier, or what of it is still unasked (novox/hq issue 754).
-	unasked := 0
+	if unasked := unaskedOf(*p); len(unasked) > 0 {
-	for _, m := range tier {
-		if s := p.Modules[m]; s == nil || s.State == "" {
-			unasked++
-		}
-	}
-	if unasked == len(tier) {
 		// **One walk at a time** (novox/hq ADR 0276): a walk about to ask its first tier while another started
 		// walk is open waits for that one to end, let go or not, and says so.
-		if p.Tier == 0 {
+		if p.Tier == 0 && !askedInTier(*p) {
 			if behind, err := startedBeside(ctx, inv, p.ID, p.Created); err != nil {
 				return false, err
 			} else if behind != "" {
@@ -745,7 +805,10 @@ func advanceOnce(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan,
 				return changed, nil
 			}
 		}
-		if err := askTier(ctx, inv, p); err != nil {
+		if len(unasked) < len(tier) {
+			fmt.Printf("%s: tier %d was asked in part; asking the rest: %s\n", p.ID, p.Tier, strings.Join(unasked, ", "))
+		}
+		if err := askTier(ctx, inv, p, unasked); err != nil {
 			return false, err
 		}
 		return true, nil
@@ -802,13 +865,32 @@ func advanceOnce(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan,
 	together := map[string]bool{}
 	for _, m := range tier {
 		state := p.Modules[m]
-		if state == nil || state.SentAt != nil || state.State == planDeleted || !rollsOut(m) {
+		if state == nil || state.SentAt != nil || state.State == planDeleted {
 			continue
 		}
+		// **A recorded module goes where its move recreates nothing and moves no data** (novox/hq ADR 0377): judged
+		// per machine against the build it was last sent, said per machine, and sent only there.
+		var goes map[string]bool
+		if !rollsOut(m) {
+			out, err := judgeRecordedInWalk(ctx, inv, p, m, state)
+			if err != nil {
+				return false, err
+			}
+			if len(out) == 0 {
+				continue
+			}
+			goes = map[string]bool{}
+			for _, n := range out {
+				goes[n] = true
+			}
+		}
 		running, err := inv.Running(ctx, m)
 		if err != nil {
 			return false, err
 		}
+		if goes != nil {
+			running = slices.DeleteFunc(running, func(n string) bool { return !goes[n] })
+		}
 		runningOf[m] = running
 		// **A build whose source is unchanged is never a move** (novox/hq issue 280): made from the source
 		// of the build every machine running it was sent, it is registered with that build's artifacts —
@@ -828,6 +910,12 @@ func advanceOnce(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan,
 		if err != nil {
 			return false, err
 		}
+		// **Every machine at once** (novox/hq ADR 0360 §1, §2): a module that rolls out is sent to every machine
+		// running it in one step, with no first machine and no gate, whatever module it is. A module a controller
+		// before ADR 0360 already sent to its first machine finishes under its gate.
+		if !gateFirstMachine && state.FirstAt == nil {
+			policy.Together = true
+		}
 		var reports []inventory.Reported
 		if !policy.Together {
 			// Read for the choice of the first machine as well as for its report.
@@ -1057,15 +1145,110 @@ func advanceOnce(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan,
 			return changed, nil
 		}
 	}
+	// **A walk ends on its machines' reports** (novox/hq ADR 0360 §4, §5): after its last tier, every machine it sent
+	// has reported on that send, or is silent past ApplySilentAfter; never a health reading.
+	end := ""
+	if p.Tier == len(p.Tiers)-1 {
+		reports, err := inv.LastReports(ctx)
+		if err != nil {
+			return false, err
+		}
+		waiting, failed, silent := walkReports(*p, reports, time.Now().UTC(), provLookup(ctx))
+		if len(waiting) > 0 {
+			note := "sent; waiting for " + strings.Join(waiting, ", ") + " to report on their send"
+			changed := p.State != inventory.PlanRolling || p.Note != note
+			p.State = inventory.PlanRolling
+			p.Note = note
+			return changed, nil
+		}
+		var said []string
+		if len(failed) > 0 {
+			said = append(said, "failed or refused its send (apply-failing says it): "+strings.Join(failed, ", "))
+		}
+		if len(silent) > 0 {
+			said = append(said, fmt.Sprintf("said nothing on its send within %s: %s", inventory.ApplySilentAfter,
+				strings.Join(silent, ", ")))
+		}
+		said = append(said, recordedSaid(*p)...)
+		end = strings.Join(said, "; ")
+		// **The new controller's user list follows its walk** (ADR 0236 §34, read without the gate since ADR 0360):
+		// once a walk that moved the controller ends, the bus's machine is sent the list it composes, if behind.
+		if s := p.Modules[catalogue.ControllerSeatName]; s != nil && s.SentAt != nil && s.Gate == nil && !noMove(s) {
+			carryUserList(ctx, open, p)
+		}
+	}
 	p.Tier++
 	p.State = inventory.PlanBuilding
-	p.Note = ""
+	p.Note = end
 	if p.Tier < len(p.Tiers) {
 		fmt.Printf("%s: tier %d done; asking tier %d: %s\n", p.ID, p.Tier-1, p.Tier, strings.Join(p.Tiers[p.Tier], ", "))
 	}
 	return true, nil
 }
 
+// walkReports is, for every machine a walk sent its rest, whether it reported on that send (novox/hq ADR 0360 §4):
+// those still waiting, those that reported a failed or refused apply, and those silent past ApplySilentAfter,
+// each sorted. Pure.
+func walkReports(p inventory.Plan, reports []inventory.Reported, now time.Time, prov inventory.ProvLookup) (waiting, failed, silent []string) {
+	byNode := map[string]inventory.Reported{}
+	for _, r := range reports {
+		byNode[r.Node] = r
+	}
+	// The modules of this delivery sent to each machine: a machine is judged on those, not on every module its
+	// declaration hands to the provisioner (ADR 0362 §1-2, issue 840).
+	carried := map[string][]string{}
+	for m, s := range p.Modules {
+		if s == nil {
+			continue
+		}
+		for node := range s.Rest {
+			carried[node] = append(carried[node], m)
+		}
+	}
+	seen := map[string]bool{}
+	for _, s := range p.Modules {
+		if s == nil {
+			continue
+		}
+		for node, sent := range s.Rest {
+			sent = sent.Only(carried[node]...)
+			if seen[node] {
+				continue
+			}
+			r := byNode[node]
+			at := sent.At
+			if at.IsZero() && s.SentAt != nil {
+				at = *s.SentAt
+			}
+			// A module handed to the provisioner is applied only once its client said so too (ADR 0362 §1-5).
+			outcome, reported := provisionedOutcome(node, sent, r, r.At != nil && sent.ReportsOn(r), prov)
+			switch {
+			case reported:
+				seen[node] = true
+				switch {
+				case outcome == inventory.OutcomeFailed || outcome == inventory.OutcomeRefused:
+					failed = append(failed, node)
+				case strings.HasPrefix(outcome, inventory.OutcomeProvisioningFailed):
+					failed = append(failed, node+" ("+outcome+")")
+				}
+			case !at.IsZero() && now.Sub(at) > inventory.ApplySilentAfter:
+				seen[node] = true
+				silent = append(silent, node)
+			default:
+				if !slices.Contains(waiting, node) {
+					waiting = append(waiting, node)
+				}
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	// A machine one module's send was reported on and another's not yet is the same send: reported.
+	waiting = slices.DeleteFunc(waiting, func(n string) bool { return seen[n] })
+	sort.Strings(waiting)
+	sort.Strings(failed)
+	sort.Strings(silent)
+	return waiting, failed, silent
+}
+
 // restOf is, for one module, every machine of its rest that the send reached and what it carried there.
 func restOf(to, sent []string, what map[string]inventory.SentDeclaration) map[string]inventory.SentDeclaration {
 	out := map[string]inventory.SentDeclaration{}
@@ -1809,6 +1992,12 @@ func plansCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 				case s != nil && s.Gate != nil:
 					fmt.Printf("    %-22s %s\n", "", gateLine(s.Gate))
 				}
+				// Which way a recorded module went on each machine (novox/hq ADR 0377 §6).
+				if s != nil {
+					for _, n := range sortedKeysOf(s.Recorded) {
+						fmt.Printf("    %-22s on %s %s\n", "", n, s.Recorded[n])
+					}
+				}
 				// What the send to its first machine did to its containers (ADR 0245).
 				if s != nil && s.Gate != nil {
 					for _, c := range s.Gate.Carried {

cmd/mesh-controller/release_plan_test.go

@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 package main
 
 import (
+	"slices"
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
@@ -49,8 +50,10 @@ func TestAMergeIsPlannedInTiersAlongTheThreeKindsOfDependency(t *testing.T) {
 	if pos["mesh-tools"] != 0 || pos["builder"] != 1 {
 		t.Fatalf("the runtime then the builder: %v", tiers)
 	}
-	if !(pos["shop"] > pos["builder"] && pos["postgres"] > pos["builder"]) {
+	// Built-by orders nothing (novox/hq ADR 0360 §3): what the builder builds is beside it, after the runtime it
-		t.Fatalf("what the builder builds comes after the builder: %v", tiers)
+	// stands on.
+	if pos["shop"] != 1 || pos["postgres"] != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("what the builder builds waits for the builder: %v", tiers)
 	}
 	if pos["shop-plugin"] <= pos["shop"] {
 		t.Fatalf("a plugin after what it is declared on: %v", tiers)
@@ -67,24 +70,23 @@ func TestAMergeIsPlannedInTiersAlongTheThreeKindsOfDependency(t *testing.T) {
 	// A change to a package all three build from moves all three. The builder holds
 	// the build seat, whose worker the controller defines, so it follows the controller (worker-of,
 	// novox/hq issue 206), and the controller's built-by edge to it yields: the controller is built by the
-	// build machine that is running. The proxy is built by the new builder: the controller, the builder,
+	// build machine that is running. The proxy is built by whichever builder runs, so it goes beside the
-	// the proxy — the live plan of every controller merge. (This read "the builder, then the controller
+	// controller (novox/hq ADR 0360 §3; it read "the controller, the builder, the proxy" before).
-	// and the proxy together" before issue 206, and the fixture had no worker-of edge.)
 	small := reachableFrom([]string{"mesh-controller", "builder", "route-proxy"}, edges)
 	smallTiers := tiersOf(small, edges)
-	if got := tiered(smallTiers); got != "mesh-controller | builder | route-proxy" {
+	if got := tiered(smallTiers); got != "mesh-controller,route-proxy | builder" {
-		t.Fatalf("the controller, then the builder, then the proxy: %v", smallTiers)
+		t.Fatalf("the controller and the proxy, then the builder: %v", smallTiers)
 	}
 	// The builder alone moved: the builder, and nothing it builds.
 	if only := reachableFrom([]string{"builder"}, edges); len(only) != 1 {
 		t.Fatalf("a build machine change rebuilds the build machine alone: %v", only)
 	}
 
-	// Only a runtime dependency gates on deployment, and only when the module rolls out.
+	// Nothing waits on deployment for a built-by edge (novox/hq ADR 0360 §3): the builder gates no tier after it.
 	p := planOfMerge(link.SourceMoved{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-tools", Commit: "abc"}, []string{"mesh-tools"}, edges)
 	p.Tier = pos["builder"]
 	rollsOut := func(m string) bool { return m == "builder" }
-	if g := gates(p, edges, rollsOut); len(g) != 1 || g[0] != "builder" {
+	if g := gates(p, edges, rollsOut); len(g) != 0 {
 		t.Fatalf("the builder gates the tier after it: %v", g)
 	}
 	p.Tier = 0
@@ -253,10 +255,10 @@ func TestAChangeToTheBuildAgentRebuildsTheBuildAgentAlone(t *testing.T) {
 			t.Fatalf("%v planned %v: the build agent alone", paths, p.Tiers)
 		}
 	}
-	// With what it builds moved beside it, the agent comes first and they follow: an order, not a widening.
+	// With what it builds moved beside it, both go in one tier (novox/hq ADR 0360 §3): built-by orders nothing.
 	p := planOfMerge(link.SourceMoved{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-catalog", Commit: "abc"},
 		[]string{"build-agent", "redis"}, edges)
-	if len(p.Tiers) != 2 || p.Tiers[0][0] != "build-agent" || p.Tiers[1][0] != "redis" || len(p.Modules) != 2 {
+	if len(p.Tiers) != 1 || !slices.Equal(p.Tiers[0], []string{"build-agent", "redis"}) || len(p.Modules) != 2 {
-		t.Fatalf("the agent, then what moved beside it: %v", p.Tiers)
+		t.Fatalf("the agent and what moved beside it, in one tier: %v", p.Tiers)
 	}
 }

cmd/mesh-controller/release_provisioned_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,172 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"slices"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// handingAnchor makes every send to anchor hand the provisioner the given modules (module -> templates digest), and
+// the clients' words the given reports (key `node/module`), as the stream would give them (issue 840, ADR 0362).
+func handingAnchor(t *testing.T, b *backlogMesh, handed map[string]string) map[string]inventory.ProvReport {
+	t.Helper()
+	says := map[string]inventory.ProvReport{}
+	wasSays := provAppliedOn
+	provAppliedOn = func(_ context.Context, node, module string) (inventory.ProvReport, bool, error) {
+		r, ok := says[node+"/"+module]
+		return r, ok, nil
+	}
+	inner := sendRollout
+	sendRollout = func(ctx context.Context, open *stores, names []string) ([]string, error) {
+		got, err := inner(ctx, open, names)
+		if err != nil {
+			return got, err
+		}
+		for _, n := range names {
+			if n != "anchor" {
+				continue
+			}
+			inv := open.inventory
+			s, _, err := inv.SentTo(ctx, n)
+			if err != nil {
+				return nil, err
+			}
+			builds, _, err := inv.SentBuilds(ctx, n)
+			if err != nil {
+				return nil, err
+			}
+			plans := map[string]inventory.Provisioning{}
+			for m, d := range handed {
+				plans[m] = inventory.Provisioning{Templates: inventory.TemplatesArchive{Digest: d}}
+			}
+			raw, err := json.Marshal(plans)
+			if err != nil {
+				return nil, err
+			}
+			id := nodeID(t, open, n)
+			if err := inv.RecordSentWith(ctx, id, s.Digest, builds, 0, 0, inventory.Send{Node: id, Provisioning: raw}); err != nil {
+				return nil, err
+			}
+		}
+		return got, nil
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { sendRollout, provAppliedOn = inner, wasSays })
+	return says
+}
+
+func stepRelease(t *testing.T, b *backlogMesh, n int) inventory.Plan {
+	t.Helper()
+	for i := 0; i < n; i++ {
+		advancePlans(t.Context(), b.open)
+	}
+	return b.release(t)
+}
+
+// Issue 840 (novox/hq ADR 0362 §1-5): the release's rest gate, which every delivery passes since ADR 0360, counts a
+// machine's send of a provisioned module applied only once the engine and the machine's provisioner client both said
+// so; a failed client is a failed apply named with its reason; none past ApplySilentAfter is silent, never done.
+func TestTheRestGateWaitsForTheProvisioner(t *testing.T) {
+	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
+	applied := inventory.ProvReport{Status: inventory.ProvApplied, Templates: "t1", At: time.Now()}
+
+	t.Run("a engine applied, the client has not said: no verdict, the release stays open", func(t *testing.T) {
+		b := aBacklog(t)
+		handingAnchor(t, b, map[string]string{"app": "t1"})
+		p := stepRelease(t, b, 8)
+		g := p.Release.Gates["anchor"]
+		if !p.Open() || g == nil || g.Verdict != "" || g.Silent || slices.Contains(p.Release.Done, "anchor") {
+			t.Fatalf("anchor is judged before its provisioner reported: %s %s %+v", p.State, p.Note, g)
+		}
+		if !slices.Contains(p.Release.Done, "laptop") {
+			t.Fatalf("laptop hands nothing and passes on the engine's report: %+v", p.Release)
+		}
+	})
+	t.Run("b the client failed: a failed apply named with the reason", func(t *testing.T) {
+		b := aBacklog(t)
+		says := handingAnchor(t, b, map[string]string{"app": "t1"})
+		says["anchor/app"] = inventory.ProvReport{Status: inventory.ProvFailed, Templates: "t1", Reason: "no value", At: time.Now()}
+		p := stepRelease(t, b, 8)
+		g := p.Release.Gates["anchor"]
+		if g == nil || g.Verdict != inventory.GateFailed || !slices.Contains(p.Release.Failed, "anchor") ||
+			!strings.Contains(p.Note, "provisioning failed (app: no value)") {
+			t.Fatalf("the failure is not named: %s %q %+v %+v", p.State, p.Note, g, p.Release)
+		}
+	})
+	t.Run("c no client report past ApplySilentAfter: silent, never done", func(t *testing.T) {
+		b := aBacklog(t)
+		handingAnchor(t, b, map[string]string{"app": "t1"})
+		p := stepRelease(t, b, 8)
+		g := p.Release.Gates["anchor"]
+		if g == nil {
+			t.Fatalf("no gate: %+v", p.Release)
+		}
+		since := time.Now().Add(-inventory.ApplySilentAfter - time.Minute)
+		g.Since = &since
+		if err := b.open.inventory.SavePlan(t.Context(), &p); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		p = stepRelease(t, b, 1)
+		if !slices.Equal(p.Release.Silent, []string{"anchor"}) || slices.Contains(p.Release.Done, "anchor") {
+			t.Fatalf("anchor is not silent: %s %s %+v", p.State, p.Note, p.Release)
+		}
+	})
+	t.Run("d both applied: the gate passes", func(t *testing.T) {
+		b := aBacklog(t)
+		says := handingAnchor(t, b, map[string]string{"app": "t1"})
+		says["anchor/app"] = applied
+		p := stepRelease(t, b, 8)
+		if p.State != inventory.PlanDone || !slices.Contains(p.Release.Done, "anchor") || len(p.Release.Failed) > 0 {
+			t.Fatalf("the release is %s: %s %+v", p.State, p.Note, p.Release)
+		}
+	})
+	t.Run("e a send handing nothing passes on the engine's report", func(t *testing.T) {
+		b := aBacklog(t)
+		p := stepRelease(t, b, 8)
+		if p.State != inventory.PlanDone || !slices.Contains(p.Release.Done, "anchor") {
+			t.Fatalf("the release is %s: %s %+v", p.State, p.Note, p.Release)
+		}
+	})
+	t.Run("f a module the delivery does not carry does not touch its end", func(t *testing.T) {
+		// anchor's declaration also hands `same`, rebuilt with the very bytes and so not carried: its failed report
+		// is none of this delivery's.
+		b := aBacklog(t)
+		says := handingAnchor(t, b, map[string]string{"app": "t1", "same": "t9"})
+		says["anchor/app"] = applied
+		says["anchor/same"] = inventory.ProvReport{Status: inventory.ProvFailed, Templates: "t9", Reason: "stuck", At: time.Now()}
+		p := stepRelease(t, b, 8)
+		if p.State != inventory.PlanDone || !slices.Contains(p.Release.Done, "anchor") || len(p.Release.Failed) > 0 {
+			t.Fatalf("another module's failure ended this delivery: %s %s %+v", p.State, p.Note, p.Release)
+		}
+	})
+}
+
+// Issue 840: a walk's end waits on the modules it sent to a machine, not on every module that machine's declaration
+// hands to the provisioner.
+func TestAWalkEndWaitsOnlyOnTheModulesItSent(t *testing.T) {
+	now := time.Date(2026, 10, 15, 12, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	at := now.Add(-10 * time.Second)
+	handed := map[string]string{"app": "t1", "other": "t2"}
+	p := inventory.Plan{Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{"app": {Rest: map[string]inventory.SentDeclaration{
+		"ace": {Digest: "d-ace", At: now.Add(-time.Minute), Provisioned: handed}}}}}
+	reports := []inventory.Reported{{Node: "ace", Outcome: inventory.OutcomeApplied, At: &at, Declared: "d-ace"}}
+	says := map[string]inventory.ProvReport{"ace/app": {Status: inventory.ProvApplied, Templates: "t1", At: at}}
+	prov := func(node, module string) (inventory.ProvReport, bool) { r, ok := says[node+"/"+module]; return r, ok }
+	// other has said nothing: not this walk's to wait for.
+	if waiting, failed, silent := walkReports(p, reports, now, prov); len(waiting)+len(failed)+len(silent) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("missing: waiting %v, failed %v, silent %v", waiting, failed, silent)
+	}
+	says["ace/other"] = inventory.ProvReport{Status: inventory.ProvFailed, Templates: "t2", Reason: "stuck", At: at}
+	if waiting, failed, silent := walkReports(p, reports, now, prov); len(waiting)+len(failed)+len(silent) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("failed: waiting %v, failed %v, silent %v", waiting, failed, silent)
+	}
+	// once the walk carries it too, it does.
+	p.Modules["other"] = &inventory.PlanModule{Rest: p.Modules["app"].Rest}
+	if _, failed, _ := walkReports(p, reports, now, prov); len(failed) != 1 || !strings.Contains(failed[0], "other: stuck") {
+		t.Fatalf("a carried module's failure is not named: %v", failed)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/release_test.go

@@ -111,8 +111,13 @@ func aBacklog(t *testing.T) *backlogMesh {
 			if err := open.inventory.RecordSent(ctx, nodeID(t, open, node), digest, carried); err != nil {
 				return nil, err
 			}
+			// A broken machine reports its apply failed (novox/hq ADR 0360 §7: the report is the verdict).
+			outcome := inventory.OutcomeApplied
+			if b.broken[node] {
+				outcome = inventory.OutcomeFailed
+			}
 			if _, err := open.inventory.RecordDoing(ctx, nodeID(t, open, node), inventory.Doing{Node: node,
-				Outcome: inventory.OutcomeApplied, Declared: digest, Applied: 1, At: time.Now()}); err != nil {
+				Outcome: outcome, Declared: digest, Applied: 1, At: time.Now()}); err != nil {
 				return nil, err
 			}
 		}
@@ -164,6 +169,7 @@ func (b *backlogMesh) release(t *testing.T) inventory.Plan {
 // The backlog goes out one machine at a time: the first judged before the second is sent, each build's
 // pass kept; a rebuild with the same bytes is no move at all; and a send outside a gate is refused.
 func TestTheBacklogIsReleasedOneMachineAtATimeEachJudged(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate's own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
 	b := aBacklog(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
@@ -219,6 +225,7 @@ func TestTheBacklogIsReleasedOneMachineAtATimeEachJudged(t *testing.T) {
 // A release that fails on its first machine puts back what it carried there, goes no further, and the
 // next one waits for a person, said as a condition; a person releases it with why.
 func TestAFailedReleaseIsPutBackAndTheNextWaitsForAPerson(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate's own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	b := aBacklog(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	inv := b.open.inventory

cmd/mesh-controller/replay318_test.go

@@ -31,6 +31,7 @@ import (
 // nothing is put back, the walk goes on to the workstation, and openrazer's condition says, in one sentence
 // for the operator, that a new login is needed on the laptop.
 func TestReplay318(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	open := aMesh(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	inv := open.inventory

cmd/mesh-controller/replay335_test.go

@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ import (
 // at its gate with the pass's own words, and put it back. Written with only what the controller had before
 // its fix, so it is laid over the commit before.
 func TestReplay335(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	t.Run("the first machine's later reports", testAPassedGateIsNotJudgedAgainFromTheFirstMachinesLaterReports)
 	t.Run("a walk stopped after the pass", testAWalkStoppedAfterItsGatePassedKeepsThePass)
 }
@@ -77,6 +78,7 @@ func testAWalkStoppedAfterItsGatePassedKeepsThePass(t *testing.T) {
 // the first send is older than the wait for a first machine's report. Read before the pass is taken over, the
 // carried module's step said the first machine never applied it, and the passed build was put back.
 func TestACarriedModuleTakesItsLeadsPassBeforeItsStepIsRead(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
 	tm := aTierMesh(t, "m01", "m02")
 	ctx := t.Context()

cmd/mesh-controller/replay336_test.go

@@ -19,6 +19,7 @@ import (
 // had before its fix — the stores, register, assign, a plan saved and advanced, the watchdogs' gathering and
 // seeing — so it is laid over the commit before.
 func TestReplay336(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	open := aMesh(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	inv := open.inventory

cmd/mesh-controller/replay867_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,469 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"crypto/sha256"
+	"encoding/hex"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"net"
+	"net/http"
+	"net/http/httptest"
+	"os"
+	"os/exec"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/builder"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	meshfacts "github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/facts"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// TestReplay867 is the replay of novox/hq issue 867, written with only what the controller and the build seat had
+// before the fix, so mesh-lab's prover can lay it over the commit before. A mesh-host change (#114) and a
+// mesh-controller change (#346) of one delivery group need each other: the node-engine change's own check reads the
+// controller's lock beside it, which only the controller change brings; the controller change builds only with the
+// validator word only the node-engine change brings. Each was read beside the other's repository at the commit the mesh
+// runs, which holds neither change, so neither could pass its own merge check — and the pair could not merge.
+//
+// It runs the whole path: the forge announces each pull request (following.PullUpdated), the controller asks
+// mesh-delivery which pull requests the group holds, the ask is queued for the build seat, and the build seat's check
+// (builder.Check, with a container runtime that runs each container's command on this machine) judges it.
+func TestReplay867(t *testing.T) { replay867(t, false) }
+
+// TestReplay867Recheck is the same pair re-checked through mesh-delivery (`delivery check` with one member): the forge's
+// announcement is not repeated, so the pull request reaches the controller without its head branch name.
+func TestReplay867Recheck(t *testing.T) { replay867(t, true) }
+
+func replay867(t *testing.T, recheck bool) {
+	if _, err := exec.LookPath("go"); err != nil {
+		t.Skip("no Go toolchain on this machine to build a judge with")
+	}
+	r := theGroupOfIssue867(t)
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		what, repo string
+		number     int
+		head       string
+		module     string
+	}{{"the node-engine change", "mesh-host", 114, r.hostHead, "mesh-host"},
+		{"the controller change", "mesh-controller", 346, r.controllerHead, "mesh-controller"}} {
+		v := r.checked(t, c.repo, c.number, c.head, recheck)
+		if v.Gate == nil || v.Gate.Verdict != "pass" || v.Repo == nil || v.Repo.Verdict != "pass" {
+			t.Errorf("%s (%s#%d) did not pass its own merge check beside its group: gate %+v, repository %+v\n%s",
+				c.what, c.repo, c.number, v.Gate, v.Repo, v.Report)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// theIssue867 is the two repositories as the trunk holds them and each pull request's head.
+type theIssue867 struct {
+	open                     *stores
+	hostHead, controllerHead string
+	js                       interface{ Conn() *nats.Conn }
+	judgeCache               string
+	registry                 string
+	hostRepo, controllerRepo string
+	groups                   string // what mesh-delivery's groups answers
+}
+
+func r867Git(t *testing.T, dir string, args ...string) string {
+	t.Helper()
+	cmd := exec.Command("git", args...)
+	cmd.Dir = dir
+	cmd.Env = append(os.Environ(), "GIT_AUTHOR_NAME=t", "GIT_AUTHOR_EMAIL=t@example.org",
+		"GIT_COMMITTER_NAME=t", "GIT_COMMITTER_EMAIL=t@example.org")
+	out, err := cmd.CombinedOutput()
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("git %v: %v\n%s", args, err, out)
+	}
+	return strings.TrimSpace(string(out))
+}
+
+func r867Commit(t *testing.T, dir string, files map[string]string) string {
+	t.Helper()
+	for name, body := range files {
+		if err := os.MkdirAll(filepath.Dir(filepath.Join(dir, name)), 0o755); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		if err := os.WriteFile(filepath.Join(dir, name), []byte(body), 0o755); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	r867Git(t, dir, "add", "-A")
+	r867Git(t, dir, "commit", "--quiet", "-m", "x")
+	return r867Git(t, dir, "rev-parse", "HEAD")
+}
+
+// r867Controller is a controller whose judge says who it is and the validator word it was built with.
+func r867Controller(who, extra string) map[string]string {
+	return map[string]string{
+		"go.mod":             "module example.org/judge\n\ngo 1.22\n\nrequire github.com/novox/mesh-host v0.0.0\n",
+		"vendor/modules.txt": "# github.com/novox/mesh-host v0.0.0\n## explicit; go 1.22\ngithub.com/novox/mesh-host/validate\n",
+		"vendor/github.com/novox/mesh-host/validate/v.go":             "package validate\n\nconst Word = \"the vendored validator\"\n",
+		"vendor/github.com/novox/mesh-host/internal/declaration/d.go": "package declaration\n",
+		"cmd/mesh-controller/main.go": `package main
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+	"os"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-host/validate"
+)
+
+func main() {
+	if len(os.Args) == 2 && os.Args[1] == "merge-gate" {
+		fmt.Println("usage: merge-gate --facts <file> --store <postgres>")
+		os.Exit(2)
+	}
+	fmt.Printf("{\"verdict\":\"pass\",\"summary\":\"%s with %s\"}\n", "` + who + `", validate.Word` + extra + `)
+}
+`,
+	}
+}
+
+func theGroupOfIssue867(t *testing.T) *theIssue867 { return theGroupOfIssue867Into(t, "main") }
+
+// theGroupOfIssue867Into is the group with both pull requests into base: main, or a release branch both repositories
+// hold, cut from their trunks.
+func theGroupOfIssue867Into(t *testing.T, base string) *theIssue867 {
+	t.Helper()
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	r := &theIssue867{open: open, judgeCache: t.TempDir()}
+	root := filepath.Join(t.TempDir(), "novox")
+	controller, host := filepath.Join(root, "mesh-controller"), filepath.Join(root, "mesh-host")
+	r.hostRepo, r.controllerRepo = host, controller
+	for _, d := range []string{controller, host} {
+		if err := os.MkdirAll(d, 0o755); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		r867Git(t, d, "init", "--quiet", "-b", "main")
+	}
+	// The trunks.
+	files := r867Controller("the controller", "")
+	files["lock.txt"] = "foundation: old\n"
+	files["module.json"] = `{"module":"mesh-controller"}`
+	files[builder.CheckScript] = "true\n"
+	r867Commit(t, controller, files)
+	r867Commit(t, host, map[string]string{"validate/v.go": "package validate\n\nconst Word = \"the trunk's validator\"\n",
+		"internal/declaration/d.go": "package declaration\n", "module.json": `{"module":"mesh-host"}`,
+		builder.CheckScript: "set -e\ngrep -q 'foundation: new' \"$MESH_CHECK_BESIDE/mesh-controller/lock.txt\"\n"})
+	if base != "main" {
+		for _, d := range []string{controller, host} {
+			r867Git(t, d, "branch", base, "main")
+		}
+	}
+	// The two pull requests of one group, feat/867.
+	r867Git(t, controller, "checkout", "--quiet", "-b", "feat/867", base)
+	change := r867Controller("the controller", "+validate.More")
+	change["lock.txt"] = "foundation: new\n"
+	r.controllerHead = r867Commit(t, controller, change)
+	r867Git(t, controller, "checkout", "--quiet", "main")
+	r867Git(t, host, "checkout", "--quiet", "-b", "feat/867", base)
+	r.hostHead = r867Commit(t, host, map[string]string{"validate/more.go": "package validate\n\nconst More = \" and more\"\n"})
+	r867Git(t, host, "checkout", "--quiet", "main")
+
+	followed := func(string) string { return "main" }
+	for _, m := range []struct{ module, dir string }{{"mesh-controller", controller}, {"mesh-host", host}} {
+		// The mesh runs each at its trunk's head, the commit a check reads it at beside another repository's change.
+		running := r867Git(t, m.dir, "rev-parse", "main")
+		if err := open.inventory.RegisterModule(t.Context(), catalogue.Manifest{Module: m.module, Version: "1"},
+			inventory.Source{Repository: m.dir, Ref: followed(m.module), BuiltFrom: running, Head: running}); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	if base != "main" {
+		// A module built from the controller's repository follows the release branch, as the mesh runs it there: a pull
+		// request into the release branch moves it, so the composed check's gate runs.
+		running := r867Git(t, controller, "rev-parse", "main")
+		if err := open.inventory.RegisterModule(t.Context(), catalogue.Manifest{Module: "zz-agent", Version: "1"},
+			inventory.Source{Repository: controller, Ref: base, BuiltFrom: running, Head: running}); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	holdTheDeliverySeat(t, open)
+
+	// mesh-delivery says the group: two open pull requests into main, each with its head.
+	was := askDeliveryOwner
+	t.Cleanup(func() { askDeliveryOwner = was })
+	askDeliveryOwner = func(_ context.Context, _ *nats.Conn, verb string, _ map[string]any) (json.RawMessage, error) {
+		if verb != "groups" {
+			t.Fatalf("asked the owner %s", verb)
+		}
+		return json.RawMessage(r.groups), nil
+	}
+	r.groups = (`[{"id":"feat/867","members":["` + root + `/mesh-host@` + r.hostHead[:12] + ` (checked)","` +
+		root + `/mesh-controller@` + r.controllerHead[:12] + ` (checked)"],"member_details":[` +
+		`{"id":"novox/mesh-host@` + r.hostHead[:12] + `","repository":"novox/mesh-host","state":"checked","number":114,"head":"` +
+		r.hostHead + `","base":"` + base + `","open":true},` +
+		`{"id":"novox/mesh-controller@` + r.controllerHead[:12] + `","repository":"novox/mesh-controller","state":"checked","number":346,"head":"` +
+		r.controllerHead + `","base":"` + base + `","open":true}]}]`)
+	r.registry = r867Registry(t)
+	r867Runtime(t)
+	return r
+}
+
+// checked is a pull request announced by the forge, asked of the build seat by the controller, and checked there.
+func (r *theIssue867) checked(t *testing.T, repo string, number int, head string, recheck bool) builderVerdict {
+	t.Helper()
+	js, ask := aBuildQueue(t)
+	_ = ask
+	servingBus.Store(js)
+	t.Cleanup(func() { servingBus.Store(nil) })
+	p := link.PullUpdated{Owner: "novox", Repo: repo, Number: number, Base: "main", Head: "feat/867", Commit: head,
+		Paths: []string{"lock.txt", "validate/more.go", "cmd/mesh-controller/main.go"}, ModuleDirsSaid: true,
+		MergeCheck: true, MergeCheckSaid: true}
+	if recheck {
+		// As `delivery check --members <one head>` builds it from mesh-delivery's member: no head branch name.
+		p = orderMember{ID: "novox/" + repo + "@" + head[:12], Repository: "novox/" + repo, Base: "main", Head: head,
+			Number: number, Paths: p.Paths, ModuleDirsSaid: true}.pull()
+		p.MergeCheck, p.MergeCheckSaid = true, true
+	}
+	if err := (following{open: r.open, oneShot: true}).PullUpdated(t.Context(), p); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	q, err := link.ReadQueue(t.Context(), js, link.TheBuildMachine)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if len(q.Asks) == 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("%s#%d: nothing was asked of the build seat", repo, number)
+	}
+	request := q.Asks[len(q.Asks)-1].Request
+	// What the build seat makes of the ask: the fields the two share, by name.
+	var spec builder.CheckSpec
+	body, _ := json.Marshal(request.Check)
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(body, &spec); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	spec.ID, spec.Repository, spec.Ref = request.ID, request.Repository, request.Ref
+	spec.Toolchain, spec.JudgeCache = "golang", r.judgeCache
+	v, err := builder.Check(t.Context(), builder.Command, spec, t.TempDir(), r.registry, builder.GitCredential{}, nil)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	return v
+}
+
+type builderVerdict = builder.CheckVerdict
+
+func r867Registry(t *testing.T) string {
+	t.Helper()
+	body, err := json.Marshal(meshfacts.Facts{Format: meshfacts.Format, Taken: time.Now().UTC(),
+		Versions: meshfacts.Versions{Bus: "2.11.17", Store: "17.11"}, Machines: []meshfacts.Machine{{Name: "abcdef", Length: 6}}})
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	sum := sha256.Sum256(body)
+	digest := "sha256:" + hex.EncodeToString(sum[:])
+	manifest, _ := json.Marshal(map[string]any{"schemaVersion": 2, "layers": []map[string]any{
+		{"mediaType": meshfacts.MediaType, "digest": digest, "size": len(body)}}})
+	srv := httptest.NewServer(http.HandlerFunc(func(w http.ResponseWriter, req *http.Request) {
+		switch {
+		case strings.Contains(req.URL.Path, "/manifests/"):
+			w.Write(manifest)
+		case strings.HasSuffix(req.URL.Path, "/blobs/"+digest):
+			w.Write(body)
+		default:
+			http.NotFound(w, req)
+		}
+	}))
+	t.Cleanup(srv.Close)
+	return strings.TrimPrefix(srv.URL, "http://")
+}
+
+// r867Runtime puts a container runtime on PATH that runs every container's command on this machine, in the directory
+// and with the environment the check gives it, and a store and a bus that answer.
+func r867Runtime(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Helper()
+	bus, err := net.Listen("tcp", "127.0.0.1:0")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { bus.Close() })
+	go func() {
+		for {
+			c, err := bus.Accept()
+			if err != nil {
+				return
+			}
+			c.Close()
+		}
+	}()
+	dir := t.TempDir()
+	script := `#!/bin/sh
+cmd="$1"; shift
+case "$cmd" in
+ps|rm|exec) exit 0 ;;
+port) echo "` + bus.Addr().String() + `"; exit 0 ;;
+run)
+  workdir=""; detached=""
+  while [ $# -gt 0 ]; do
+    case "$1" in
+      -d) detached=1; shift ;;
+      --rm) shift ;;
+      --workdir) workdir="$2"; shift 2 ;;
+      --env) export "$2"; shift 2 ;;
+      --network|--volume|--user|--label|--name|-p|-e) shift 2 ;;
+      *) break ;;
+    esac
+  done
+  if [ -n "$detached" ]; then echo a-container; exit 0; fi
+  shift
+  cd "$workdir" && exec "$@" ;;
+esac
+exit 1
+`
+	if err := os.WriteFile(filepath.Join(dir, "docker"), []byte(script), 0o755); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	t.Setenv("PATH", dir+string(os.PathListSeparator)+os.Getenv("PATH"))
+	t.Setenv("GOTOOLCHAIN", "local")
+}
+
+// A recheck runs as a command of its own (`delivery check` with one member), where the controller is not the serving
+// one and holds no connection: it dials the bus for the moment and asks mesh-delivery's `groups` as the daemon does.
+// This drives the verb on a test bus with a fake mesh-delivery answering `groups`, with no stub of the seam between.
+func TestTheRecheckVerbAsksMeshDeliveryOnABusOfItsOwn(t *testing.T) {
+	realAsk := askDeliveryOwner
+	r := theGroupOfIssue867(t)
+	askDeliveryOwner = realAsk
+	js, _ := aBuildQueue(t)
+	if servingBus.Load() != nil {
+		t.Fatal("this test is of a process that is not the serving controller")
+	}
+	asked := 0
+	wrapped, _ := json.Marshal(map[string]any{"content": []map[string]any{{"type": "text", "text": r.groups}}})
+	sub, err := js.Conn().Subscribe(link.SeatToolSubject(catalogue.DeliverySeat, "groups"), func(m *nats.Msg) {
+		asked++
+		body, _ := json.Marshal(link.Answer{Result: wrapped})
+		_ = m.Respond(body)
+	})
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { _ = sub.Unsubscribe() })
+	member := `[{"id":"novox/mesh-host@` + r.hostHead[:12] + `","repository":"novox/mesh-host","base":"main","head":"` +
+		r.hostHead + `","number":114,"paths":["validate/more.go"],"module_dirs_said":true}]`
+	if err := deliveryCommand(t.Context(), []string{"check", "--members", member}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	q, err := link.ReadQueue(t.Context(), js, link.TheBuildMachine)
+	if err != nil || len(q.Asks) == 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("nothing was asked of the build seat: %v", err)
+	}
+	c := q.Asks[len(q.Asks)-1].Request.Check
+	if c.SiblingsUnknown != "" || len(c.Siblings) != 1 || c.Siblings[0].Repository != "novox/mesh-controller" ||
+		c.Siblings[0].Number != 346 || c.Siblings[0].Head != r.controllerHead {
+		t.Fatalf("the recheck learned siblings %+v, unknown %q", c.Siblings, c.SiblingsUnknown)
+	}
+	if asked != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("mesh-delivery was asked %d times", asked)
+	}
+}
+
+// **A delivery group's composed check is judged by the group's own controller** (novox/hq ADR 0239 §14), into a release
+// branch too: the controller member and the mesh-host member of the pair are consistent only together (the controller
+// calls what only the node-engine change brings), and both merge into a release branch. The release judge (the
+// controller of the release branch with the validator of its own) cannot build it; the group's own controller, as
+// merged, with the node-engine member's validator, can. It drives askGroupCheck and the build seat's Check for real.
+func TestAGroupsCompositionIntoAReleaseBranchIsJudgedByItsOwnController(t *testing.T) {
+	groupIntoARelease(t, false)
+}
+
+// The shape the live check had: the node-engine member is the group's primary, so the composed request is asked with
+// Judge "validator" (a union of modules that includes mesh-host's) and the release branch set; the release judge then
+// put this change's validator into the old controller and "judge-with-this-validator" did not build.
+func TestAGroupsCompositionJudgedWithTheValidatorIntoAReleaseBranchIsJudgedByItsOwnController(t *testing.T) {
+	groupIntoARelease(t, true)
+}
+
+func groupIntoARelease(t *testing.T, hostPrimary bool) {
+	if _, err := exec.LookPath("go"); err != nil {
+		t.Skip("no Go toolchain on this machine to build a judge with")
+	}
+	const release = "feat/r"
+	r := theGroupOfIssue867Into(t, release)
+	aForgeWithBranches(t, map[string][]string{"novox/mesh-controller": {release}}, nil)
+	// The pair renames what the validator says: the node-engine change drops Word for Word2, the controller change
+	// calls Word2. The controller of the release branch calls Word, so it does not build with the new validator; the
+	// controller change does not build with the validator it vendors. Only together are they consistent.
+	r867Git(t, r.hostRepo, "checkout", "--quiet", "-b", "swap", release)
+	r.hostHead = r867Commit(t, r.hostRepo, map[string]string{"validate/v.go": "package validate\n\nconst Word2 = \"the new validator\"\n"})
+	r867Git(t, r.hostRepo, "checkout", "--quiet", "main")
+	r867Git(t, r.controllerRepo, "checkout", "--quiet", "-b", "swap", release)
+	swapped := strings.Replace(r867Controller("the controller", "")["cmd/mesh-controller/main.go"], "validate.Word)", "validate.Word2)", 1)
+	r.controllerHead = r867Commit(t, r.controllerRepo, map[string]string{"cmd/mesh-controller/main.go": swapped})
+	r867Git(t, r.controllerRepo, "checkout", "--quiet", "main")
+	js, _ := aBuildQueue(t)
+	servingBus.Store(js)
+	t.Cleanup(func() { servingBus.Store(nil) })
+	members := []orderMember{
+		{ID: "novox/mesh-controller@" + r.controllerHead[:12], Repository: "novox/mesh-controller", Base: release,
+			Head: r.controllerHead, Number: 346, Paths: []string{"lock.txt", "cmd/mesh-controller/main.go"}, ModuleDirsSaid: true},
+		{ID: "novox/mesh-host@" + r.hostHead[:12], Repository: "novox/mesh-host", Base: release, Head: r.hostHead, Number: 114,
+			Paths: []string{"validate/v.go"}, ModuleDirsSaid: true}}
+	if hostPrimary {
+		members[0], members[1] = members[1], members[0]
+	}
+	if _, err := askGroupCheck(t.Context(), r.open, "feat/867", members); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	q, err := link.ReadQueue(t.Context(), js, link.TheBuildMachine)
+	if err != nil || len(q.Asks) == 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("nothing was asked of the build seat: %v", err)
+	}
+	request := q.Asks[len(q.Asks)-1].Request
+	if request.Check.Release != release || request.Check.Group != "feat/867" || len(request.Check.Members) != 1 || len(request.Check.Modules) == 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the composed check is asked as release %q, group %q, %d other head(s)", request.Check.Release,
+			request.Check.Group, len(request.Check.Members))
+	}
+	if hostPrimary {
+		if request.Check.Repo != "mesh-host" {
+			t.Fatalf("the primary is %s, not the node-engine", request.Check.Repo)
+		}
+		// As the live ask had it (the mesh-host module among the union's): the node-engine's validator judges.
+		request.Check.Judge = link.JudgeValidator
+	}
+	// What the build seat makes of the ask.
+	var wire map[string]json.RawMessage
+	body, _ := json.Marshal(request.Check)
+	_ = json.Unmarshal(body, &wire)
+	delete(wire, "group")
+	delete(wire, "members")
+	body, _ = json.Marshal(wire)
+	var spec builder.CheckSpec
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(body, &spec); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	for _, m := range request.Check.Members {
+		spec.Group = append(spec.Group, builder.GroupHead{Owner: m.Owner, Repo: m.Repo, Repository: m.Repository, Ref: m.Ref,
+			Paths: m.Paths, Base: m.Base})
+	}
+	spec.ID, spec.Repository, spec.Ref = request.ID, request.Repository, request.Ref
+	spec.Toolchain, spec.JudgeCache = "golang", r.judgeCache
+	v, err := builder.Check(t.Context(), builder.Command, spec, t.TempDir(), r.registry, builder.GitCredential{}, nil)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if v.Gate == nil || v.Gate.Verdict != "pass" {
+		t.Fatalf("the group's composition into %s was not judged by its own controller: %+v\n%s", release, v.Gate, v.Report)
+	}
+	if mark := "[release " + release + ", judged by the group's controller " + v.JudgedBy + "] "; !strings.HasPrefix(v.Gate.Summary, mark) ||
+		!strings.Contains(v.Report, "by the group's controller at "+v.JudgedBy) {
+		t.Fatalf("the statuses and the report do not say the group's controller judged:\n%s\n%s", v.Gate.Summary, v.Report)
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(v.Gate.Summary, "the new validator") {
+		t.Fatalf("the gate was judged by %q, not by the group's controller with the node-engine member's validator", v.Gate.Summary)
+	}
+	if !strings.HasPrefix(v.JudgeFrom, "the group's own controller") || !strings.Contains(v.Validator, "the group's mesh-host merge") {
+		t.Fatalf("the verdict does not say where the judge and the validator came from: %q / %q", v.JudgeFrom, v.Validator)
+	}
+	if v.Release != release || v.JudgedBy == "" {
+		t.Fatalf("the verdict names release %q judged by %q", v.Release, v.JudgedBy)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/replays_test.go

@@ -139,6 +139,7 @@ func TestReplay273AConsumerBesideItsStoreStaysBoundToIt(t *testing.T) {
 // one, kept below. Heard as bytes, so an older controller reads them as it reads any report — this file is
 // written only with what the controller had before the judging, for the prover to lay over that commit.
 func TestReplayCrashLoopFailsItsGateOnTheFirstMachine(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate's own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	open := aMesh(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	inv := open.inventory

cmd/mesh-controller/rest_at_once_test.go

@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ import (
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 )
 
-// novox/hq ADR 0353: after its first machine passes, a build goes to every other machine at once, each judged by
+// novox/hq ADR 0353, kept behind gateFirstMachine for walks a controller before ADR 0360 started: after its first machine passes, a build goes to every other machine at once, each judged by
 // its own gate and a failing one put back by itself; and a gate's readings outlive the controller that took them —
 // a machine already sent what a send is for is not sent again, and its judging goes on from what was read.
 //
@@ -62,6 +62,7 @@ func events(t *testing.T) *[]string {
 // Once the first machine passed, the rest are both sent before either is judged (ADR 0353 §1); before, the second
 // was judged to its verdict before the third was sent.
 func TestAReleaseSendsTheRestAtOnceAfterTheFirstPasses(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t)
 	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
 	b := aBacklogOnThree(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
@@ -89,6 +90,7 @@ func TestAReleaseSendsTheRestAtOnceAfterTheFirstPasses(t *testing.T) {
 // A machine of the rest whose gate fails is put back at once, and the other machine of the step goes on to its own
 // verdict (ADR 0353 §3); before, the walk stopped at the failure and the machine after it was never sent.
 func TestARestMachineThatFailsIsPutBackAloneAndTheOthersAreJudgedOn(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t)
 	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
 	b := aBacklogOnThree(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
@@ -125,6 +127,7 @@ func TestARestMachineThatFailsIsPutBackAloneAndTheOthersAreJudgedOn(t *testing.T
 // A walk whose first machine already runs its build under another walk's gate sends nothing and goes on from that
 // gate's readings (ADR 0353 §7); before, it sent the machine again and judged from its first reading.
 func TestAWalkTakesOverTheReadingsOfAGateJudgingTheSameBuildThere(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t)
 	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
 	b := aBacklog(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
@@ -163,6 +166,7 @@ func TestAWalkTakesOverTheReadingsOfAGateJudgingTheSameBuildThere(t *testing.T)
 // A walk's first send that was made and not kept — the controller replaced between the two — is not made again
 // by the controller that takes over: the gate counts from that send (ADR 0353 §5, §6).
 func TestAFirstSendMadeAndNotKeptIsNotSentAgain(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t)
 	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
 	g := aGateMesh(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
@@ -200,6 +204,7 @@ func TestAFirstSendMadeAndNotKeptIsNotSentAgain(t *testing.T) {
 // A release's send kept before it was made, and made, is judged by the controller that takes over without being
 // made again (ADR 0353 §8).
 func TestAReleaseSendKeptAndMadeIsNotMadeAgain(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t)
 	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
 	b := aBacklog(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
@@ -231,6 +236,7 @@ func TestAReleaseSendKeptAndMadeIsNotMadeAgain(t *testing.T) {
 // A build no gate has passed goes to one machine of a step, its first; a machine that would be its second waits
 // for the next step, and one whose every build passed goes now (ADR 0353 §2).
 func TestABuildThatPassedNoGateGoesToOneMachineOfAStep(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t)
 	waiting := map[string][]inventory.CarriedMove{
 		"desk":   {{Module: "app", To: "c2"}, {Module: "new", To: "n1"}},
 		"laptop": {{Module: "app", To: "c2"}, {Module: "new", To: "n1"}},
@@ -251,6 +257,7 @@ func TestABuildThatPassedNoGateGoesToOneMachineOfAStep(t *testing.T) {
 // The node-engine and the mesh's resolver go to the rest one machine at a time, even passed (ADR 0353 §9): a step
 // carries either to one machine only, while what else passed goes everywhere at once.
 func TestTheNodeEngineAndTheResolverGoToTheRestOneAtATime(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t)
 	waiting := map[string][]inventory.CarriedMove{
 		"desk":   {{Module: hostModule, To: "h2"}},
 		"laptop": {{Module: hostModule, To: "h2"}, {Module: "app", To: "c2"}},
@@ -277,6 +284,7 @@ func TestTheNodeEngineAndTheResolverGoToTheRestOneAtATime(t *testing.T) {
 
 // A first machine that fails still stops the walk (ADR 0236 §5, kept by ADR 0353 §3): the rest are never sent.
 func TestAFirstMachineThatFailsStillStopsTheWalk(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t)
 	b := aBacklogOnThree(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	gateEvery = 0
@@ -298,6 +306,7 @@ func TestAFirstMachineThatFailsStillStopsTheWalk(t *testing.T) {
 // The control node is sent last in a step of the rest (ADR 0353 §1): the machine holding the controller is
 // ordered after every other.
 func TestTheControlNodeIsSentLastInAStep(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t)
 	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
 	b := aBacklogOnThree(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
@@ -322,6 +331,7 @@ func TestTheControlNodeIsSentLastInAStep(t *testing.T) {
 // A machine of the rest that says nothing on its send is left silent after fifteen minutes: not failed, not put
 // back; a rest that went silent whole ends failed, said as a condition (ADR 0353 §4).
 func TestARestMachineSilentPastItsBoundIsLeftAndSaid(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t)
 	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
 	b := aBacklog(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()

cmd/mesh-controller/rollout.go

@@ -379,6 +379,19 @@ func rolloutMint(ctx context.Context, again bool) error {
 			}
 			modules++
 
+		case broker.KindProvisioner:
+			// A machine's provisioner client, on an account of its own (novox/hq ADR 0349 clause 11), delivered
+			// to the module running it.
+			m, inShelf := shelf[p.Module]
+			if !inShelf || !runsTheProvisionerClient(m) {
+				skipped++
+				continue
+			}
+			if err := issueProvisionerClient(ctx, inv, m, p.Node, known, busAddress); err != nil {
+				return err
+			}
+			modules++
+
 		default:
 			skipped++
 		}

cmd/mesh-controller/rotate.go

@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ import (
 	"flag"
 	"fmt"
 	"sort"
+	"strings"
 
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 )
@@ -39,6 +40,9 @@ func rotateCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 	// of one provision, each with its own credential; one module that leaked its credential (novox/hq
 	// issue 268) is no reason to restart every other one on the machine.
 	module := set.String("module", "", "only this consuming module's credential")
+	// Why, which the vault asks of every rotation (issue 767) and the hand-act log records; required only where a
+	// provider's credential is the vault's, so nothing the operator typed before changes meaning.
+	why := addHandActFlags(set)
 	positionals, err := parseAround(set, args)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
@@ -89,17 +93,6 @@ func rotateCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 
 	// Every machine at both ends, named before anything changes. A person about to rotate a
 	// production credential is entitled to know the blast radius before it is the past tense.
-	affected := map[string]bool{}
-	for _, h := range holders {
-		affected[h.Consumer] = true
-		affected[h.Provider] = true
-	}
-	machines := make([]string, 0, len(affected))
-	for name := range affected {
-		machines = append(machines, name)
-	}
-	sort.Strings(machines)
-
 	fmt.Printf("rotating %s for %d holder(s):\n", provision, len(holders))
 	for _, h := range holders {
 		// The module, because a machine may hold several credentials for one provision and
@@ -107,6 +100,35 @@ func rotateCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 		fmt.Printf("  %s on %s, from %s%s\n", h.ConsumerModule, h.Consumer, h.Provider, asLocal(h.Local))
 	}
 
+	// **The vault's, where the provider is filled the new way** (issue 767, ADR 0349 clause 8): its credential is
+	// the vault's, so the vault remakes it and its holders take it from there; the controller writes no value of its
+	// own and sends nothing for it. Which holders go where is read before anything changes.
+	toVault, today, err := rotateRoutes(holders,
+		func(provider, provision string) (string, error) { return offeringModuleOn(ctx, provider, provision) },
+		filledTheNewWay)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("nothing was rotated: %w", err)
+	}
+	if len(toVault) > 0 && !why.given() {
+		return errors.New("not rotated: the vault holds this credential and rotates it only with a reason, " +
+			"`--why \"…\"`; nothing was asked")
+	}
+	if why.given() {
+		why.record(ctx, "rotate", append([]string{provision}, rotateNarrowArgs(*only, *module)...))
+	}
+	for _, g := range toVault {
+		words, err := rotateProvisionInVault(theVault(ctx), g, *only, *module, actingAs(), *why.why)
+		if err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+		fmt.Println(words)
+	}
+	if len(today) == 0 {
+		return nil
+	}
+	holders = today
+	machines := machinesOf(holders)
+
 	for _, h := range holders {
 		if err := inv.RotateSecret(ctx, h.Provision, h.Consumer, h.ConsumerModule, h.Provider, h.Local); err != nil {
 			// Partly rotated, and said so plainly. What is gone is remade on the next push, so
@@ -137,6 +159,21 @@ func rotateCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 	return nil
 }
 
+// machinesOf is every machine at both ends of these holders, in order.
+func machinesOf(holders []inventory.Holder) []string {
+	affected := map[string]bool{}
+	for _, h := range holders {
+		affected[h.Consumer] = true
+		affected[h.Provider] = true
+	}
+	machines := make([]string, 0, len(affected))
+	for name := range affected {
+		machines = append(machines, name)
+	}
+	sort.Strings(machines)
+	return machines
+}
+
 // ofModule is the holders whose consuming module is this one; all of them when none is named.
 func ofModule(holders []inventory.Holder, module string) []inventory.Holder {
 	if module == "" {
@@ -165,3 +202,96 @@ func asLocal(local string) string {
 	}
 	return " (as " + local + ")"
 }
+
+// rotateGroup is the holders of one provider's credential for one provision whose provider is filled the new way:
+// the vault's to rotate (issue 767).
+type rotateGroup struct {
+	Provider, Provision, Module string
+	Holders                     []inventory.Holder
+}
+
+// rotateRoutes says which holders the vault rotates, grouped by provider and provision, and which today's path
+// does: the vault's are those whose provider's offering module on its machine is filled the new way (the switch
+// `accept --provider` reads too). Anything that cannot be read is an error, never today's path by default: a value
+// remade where its holders no longer look would be reported rotated and change nothing.
+func rotateRoutes(holders []inventory.Holder, offering func(provider, provision string) (string, error),
+	ofTheVault vaultSwitch) ([]rotateGroup, []inventory.Holder, error) {
+	type key struct{ provider, provision string }
+	decided := map[key]int{} // index into groups, or -1 for today's path
+	var groups []rotateGroup
+	var today []inventory.Holder
+	for _, h := range holders {
+		k := key{h.Provider, h.Provision}
+		i, seen := decided[k]
+		if !seen {
+			module, err := offering(h.Provider, h.Provision)
+			if err != nil {
+				return nil, nil, fmt.Errorf("which module offers %s on %s cannot be read: %w", h.Provision, h.Provider, err)
+			}
+			ours := false
+			if module != "" {
+				if ours, err = ofTheVault(module); err != nil {
+					return nil, nil, err
+				}
+			}
+			i = -1
+			if ours {
+				i = len(groups)
+				groups = append(groups, rotateGroup{Provider: h.Provider, Provision: h.Provision, Module: module})
+			}
+			decided[k] = i
+		}
+		if i < 0 {
+			today = append(today, h)
+			continue
+		}
+		groups[i].Holders = append(groups[i].Holders, h)
+	}
+	return groups, today, nil
+}
+
+// rotateNarrowArgs is --consumer and --module as typed, for the hand-act log.
+func rotateNarrowArgs(consumer, module string) []string {
+	var out []string
+	if consumer != "" {
+		out = append(out, "--consumer", consumer)
+	}
+	if module != "" {
+		out = append(out, "--module", module)
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// rotateProvisionInVault asks the vault to rotate one provider's credential for a provision (issue 767): a shared
+// value is made anew for every holder, and the vault refuses it for one consumer alone; for a provider whose
+// consumers keep a login each (ADR 0158 §11), consumer and module name whose own login is remade, and only theirs.
+// The vault says secret-changed and each holder takes the new value from it; nothing is sealed or sent here.
+func rotateProvisionInVault(ask vaultAsker, g rotateGroup, consumer, module, by, why string) (string, error) {
+	if strings.TrimSpace(why) == "" {
+		return "", errors.New("not rotated: the vault rotates a credential only with a reason, `--why \"…\"`; nothing was asked")
+	}
+	args := provisionArgs(g.Provider, g.Provision)
+	args["by"], args["why"] = by, strings.TrimSpace(why)
+	if consumer != "" {
+		args["consumer"] = consumer
+	}
+	if module != "" {
+		args["consumer_module"] = module
+	}
+	changed, err := endVaultCall(ask, "rotate", args)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("%s from %s not rotated, and nothing else was: %w", g.Provision, g.Provider, err)
+	}
+	if len(changed.Each) > 0 {
+		each := make([]string, 0, len(changed.Each))
+		for _, c := range changed.Each {
+			each = append(each, fmt.Sprintf("%s (generation %d)", c.Name, c.Generation))
+		}
+		return fmt.Sprintf("rotated in the vault, each consumer's own login of %s from %s, asked by %s: %s; the values "+
+			"are sealed and not shown, and each holder takes its own from the vault", g.Provision, g.Provider,
+			changed.By, strings.Join(each, ", ")), nil
+	}
+	return fmt.Sprintf("rotated %s in the vault (generation %d), one value for every holder of %s from %s, asked by "+
+		"%s; the value is sealed and not shown, and each holder takes it from the vault", changed.Name,
+		changed.Generation, g.Provision, g.Provider, changed.By), nil
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/rotate_vault_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,124 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// `rotate <provision>` reaches the vault for a provider filled the new way (issue 767), and the controller writes no
+// value of its own for it: its holders go to the vault, named by provider and provision, and no other holder does.
+func TestARotationOfAProvisionTheVaultOwnsGoesToTheVaultAndNotTheControllersStore(t *testing.T) {
+	holders := []inventory.Holder{
+		{Provision: "postgres-database", Consumer: "g14", ConsumerModule: "gitea", Provider: "novox"},
+		{Provision: "postgres-database", Consumer: "ace", ConsumerModule: "umami", Provider: "novox"},
+		{Provision: "postgres-database", Consumer: "ace", ConsumerModule: "n8n", Provider: "ace"},
+	}
+	offering := func(provider, provision string) (string, error) {
+		if provider == "novox" {
+			return "postgres", nil
+		}
+		return "postgres-old", nil
+	}
+	var asked []string
+	moved := func(module string) (bool, error) {
+		asked = append(asked, module)
+		return module == "postgres", nil
+	}
+	vault, today, err := rotateRoutes(holders, offering, moved)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if len(vault) != 1 || vault[0].Provider != "novox" || vault[0].Provision != "postgres-database" ||
+		vault[0].Module != "postgres" || len(vault[0].Holders) != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("to the vault: %+v", vault)
+	}
+	if len(today) != 1 || today[0].Provider != "ace" {
+		t.Fatalf("today's path rotates a holder the vault owns, or misses one it does not: %+v", today)
+	}
+	if fmt.Sprint(asked) != "[postgres postgres-old]" {
+		t.Fatalf("the switch was read for %v, not the offering module", asked)
+	}
+}
+
+// A switch that cannot be read, or a provider whose offering module cannot be found, routes nothing: an error
+// before anything changes, never today's path by default.
+func TestARotationWhoseOwnerCannotBeReadChangesNothing(t *testing.T) {
+	holders := []inventory.Holder{{Provision: "postgres-database", Consumer: "g14", ConsumerModule: "gitea",
+		Provider: "novox"}}
+	broken := func(string) (bool, error) { return false, errors.New("the catalogue is unreadable") }
+	if _, _, err := rotateRoutes(holders, func(string, string) (string, error) { return "postgres", nil }, broken); err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("an unreadable switch fell back to today's path")
+	}
+	fine := func(string) (bool, error) { return true, nil }
+	if _, _, err := rotateRoutes(holders, func(string, string) (string, error) { return "", errors.New("no store") },
+		fine); err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("an unreadable provider fell back to today's path")
+	}
+}
+
+// What the vault is told: the provider and provision, and --consumer and --module as the one consumer whose own
+// login is remade; nothing named when the operator named nobody, so a shared value is rotated for every holder.
+func TestTheVaultIsToldTheProvisionAndTheConsumerTheOperatorNamed(t *testing.T) {
+	group := rotateGroup{Provider: "novox", Provision: "postgres-database", Module: "postgres"}
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		consumer, module string
+		want, absent     []string
+	}{
+		{"", "", []string{`"provider":"novox"`, `"provision":"postgres-database"`, `"why":"yearly"`,
+			`"by":"g14/claude-code"`}, []string{`"consumer"`, `"consumer_module"`}},
+		{"g14", "", []string{`"consumer":"g14"`}, []string{`"consumer_module"`}},
+		{"", "gitea", []string{`"consumer_module":"gitea"`}, []string{`"consumer":`}},
+		{"g14", "gitea", []string{`"consumer":"g14"`, `"consumer_module":"gitea"`}, nil},
+	} {
+		var said string
+		ask := func(verb string, args map[string]any) (json.RawMessage, error) {
+			raw, _ := json.Marshal(map[string]any{"verb": verb, "args": args})
+			said = string(raw)
+			return json.Marshal(vaultChanged{Name: "provision/novox/postgres-database", By: "g14/claude-code",
+				Each: []vaultChanged{{Name: "pair/novox/postgres-database/g14/gitea", Generation: 3}}})
+		}
+		words, err := rotateProvisionInVault(ask, group, c.consumer, c.module, "g14/claude-code", "yearly")
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		if !strings.Contains(said, `"verb":"rotate"`) {
+			t.Fatalf("%+v: the vault was asked %s", c, said)
+		}
+		for _, w := range c.want {
+			if !strings.Contains(said, w) {
+				t.Errorf("%+v: the vault was not told %s: %s", c, w, said)
+			}
+		}
+		for _, a := range c.absent {
+			if strings.Contains(said, a) {
+				t.Errorf("%+v: the vault was told %s: %s", c, a, said)
+			}
+		}
+		if !strings.Contains(words, "pair/novox/postgres-database/g14/gitea (generation 3)") {
+			t.Errorf("%+v: the operator was not told whose login was remade: %s", c, words)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// The vault rotates only with a why: asked of the vault without one, nothing is sent; and the vault's refusal (a
+// shared value named for one consumer) is the operator's answer, not a rotation in the controller's store.
+func TestARotationInTheVaultSaysWhyAndPassesOnItsRefusal(t *testing.T) {
+	group := rotateGroup{Provider: "anchor", Provision: "stand-in-api", Module: "stand-in"}
+	sent := 0
+	ask := func(string, map[string]any) (json.RawMessage, error) {
+		sent++
+		return nil, errors.New("not rotated: provision/anchor/stand-in-api is one value every holder shares")
+	}
+	if _, err := rotateProvisionInVault(ask, group, "", "", "g14/claude-code", " "); err == nil || sent != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a rotation without a why reached the vault: %v", err)
+	}
+	if _, err := rotateProvisionInVault(ask, group, "g14", "", "g14/claude-code", "suspected"); err == nil ||
+		!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "every holder shares") {
+		t.Fatalf("the vault's refusal was not said: %v", err)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/runtime_health_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,55 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// novox/hq ADR 0366 §3: a module's own runtime stated unhealthy by its runtime-health raises the module's usual
+// condition, module.<module>.<machine>.unhealthy, through ADR 0240's path, saying the tool's reason, and the first
+// statement that says it healthy clears it.
+func TestAnUnhealthyOwnRuntimeRaisesTheModulesUsualCondition(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv, k := open.inventory, conditionsFrom
+	const key = "module.mesh-vault.anchor.unhealthy"
+	said := func(at time.Time, state, reason string) link.Health {
+		return link.Health{Contract: link.LivenessContract, At: at, Resources: []link.ResourceHealth{{
+			Module: "mesh-vault", Resource: "mesh-vault.own-runtime", Kind: "process", Target: "mesh-vault-runtime.service",
+			State: state, Reason: reason, Since: at, Check: "tool"}}}
+	}
+	why := "re-sealing to the operator key failed on 3 passes in a row: the operator key is not readable"
+	for i := 0; i < 2; i++ {
+		at := h0.Add(time.Duration(i) * time.Minute)
+		if err := stateHealth(ctx, inv, k, "anchor", said(at, link.StateUnhealthy, why), at); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	c, had, err := k.Get(ctx, key)
+	if err != nil || !had {
+		t.Fatalf("two unhealthy statements of its own runtime raised no %s: %v", key, err)
+	}
+	evidence := ""
+	for _, e := range c.Evidence {
+		evidence += e.Said + "\n"
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(c.Summary+evidence, "operator key is not readable") {
+		t.Errorf("the condition does not say the tool's reason: %s / %s", c.Summary, evidence)
+	}
+	at := h0.Add(3 * time.Minute)
+	if err := stateHealth(ctx, inv, k, "anchor", said(at, link.StateHealthy, ""), at); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	list, err := k.Open(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	for _, o := range list {
+		if o.Key == key {
+			t.Fatalf("a healthy statement did not clear %s", key)
+		}
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/same_program.go

@@ -0,0 +1,176 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"fmt"
+	"slices"
+	"sort"
+	"strings"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// **A module moves only when its program changes** (novox/hq issue 721). A merge check builds every module the
+// delivery plan moves and compares each with the build the mesh holds of it; a walk is cut without a module whose
+// check found its whole image the same as that build, while the mesh still holds it, and says so among the modules
+// it left unchanged. A merge of one sentence in a package a program imports but never reaches moves no build of it.
+
+// sameAsRunning are the modules of a walk its checks found the same as the build the mesh holds, each with what its
+// check said. **Only when every pull request the walk answers was checked at the head it merged, and every one of
+// those checks built the module and found it the same as the build the mesh still holds**: a merge the walk answers
+// without a pull request, a check of another head, a check that built it differently, or a held build that moved
+// since, leaves the module in the walk.
+func sameAsRunning(plan *inventory.Plan, builds []link.CheckedBuild, held map[string]string) map[string]string {
+	if plan.Delivery == nil || len(plan.Delivery.Merges) == 0 {
+		return nil
+	}
+	for _, m := range plan.Delivery.Merges {
+		if _, ok := pullOf(m); !ok {
+			return nil
+		}
+	}
+	pulls := reuseAskOf(plan).Pulls
+	heads := mergedHeadsOf(plan)
+	out := map[string]string{}
+	for name := range plan.Modules {
+		said := ""
+		for _, pull := range pulls {
+			b, ok := checkedBuildOf(builds, pull, heads[pull], name)
+			if !ok || !stillHeld(b.Built, name, held) {
+				said = ""
+				break
+			}
+			if said == "" {
+				said = b.Built.Same
+			}
+		}
+		if said != "" {
+			out[name] = said
+		}
+	}
+	if len(out) == 0 {
+		return nil
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// checkedBuildOf is the newest build a check of the pull request at head made of the module; false when none did.
+func checkedBuildOf(builds []link.CheckedBuild, pull link.PullRef, head, module string) (link.CheckedBuild, bool) {
+	if head == "" {
+		return link.CheckedBuild{}, false
+	}
+	for _, b := range builds {
+		if b.Pull == pull && b.Built.Module == module && link.SameHead(b.Head, head) {
+			return b, true
+		}
+	}
+	return link.CheckedBuild{}, false
+}
+
+// stillHeld is whether a check found every artifact of the module the same as a build the mesh still holds.
+func stillHeld(b link.CheckBuilt, module string, held map[string]string) bool {
+	if b.Same == "" || b.NotBuilt != "" || len(b.Made) == 0 || len(b.SameAs) != len(b.Made) {
+		return false
+	}
+	for _, m := range b.Made {
+		was := pinnedDigest(b.SameAs[m.Name])
+		if was == "" || was != pinnedDigest(held[module+"/"+m.Name]) {
+			return false
+		}
+	}
+	return true
+}
+
+// pinnedDigest is a reference's pinned digest, empty when it is not pinned.
+func pinnedDigest(ref string) string {
+	if i := strings.LastIndex(ref, "@"); i >= 0 {
+		return ref[i+1:]
+	}
+	return ""
+}
+
+// leaveSameAsRunning takes from a walk being cut every module its checks found the same as the build the mesh holds
+// (sameAsRunning), and every dependent in the walk only for one of those (withDependentsOf): what was taken, with why. **Anything not read leaves the walk as it was**, said.
+func leaveSameAsRunning(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, plan *inventory.Plan, moved []string,
+	edges []inventory.Edge) map[string]string {
+	if plan.Delivery == nil || len(plan.Modules) == 0 {
+		return nil
+	}
+	pulls := reuseAskOf(plan).Pulls
+	if len(pulls) == 0 {
+		return nil
+	}
+	builds, err := checkedBuildsOf(ctx, pulls)
+	if err != nil {
+		fmt.Printf("  the checks' builds could not be read, so every module moves: %v\n", err)
+		// empty-on-error: said above; nothing left out of the walk is the safe answer, every module moves as before
+		return nil
+	}
+	held, err := inv.RegisteredHeld(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		fmt.Printf("  what the mesh holds could not be read, so every module moves: %v\n", err)
+		// empty-on-error: said above; nothing left out of the walk is the safe answer, every module moves as before
+		return nil
+	}
+	same := withDependentsOf(sameAsRunning(plan, builds, held), plan, moved, edges)
+	if len(same) == 0 {
+		return nil
+	}
+	names := make([]string, 0, len(same))
+	for n := range same {
+		names = append(names, n)
+	}
+	sort.Strings(names)
+	withhold(plan, names, nil)
+	for _, n := range names {
+		fmt.Printf("  %s left out: %s\n", n, same[n])
+	}
+	return same
+}
+
+// withDependentsOf adds to the modules found the same every module of the walk that is in it only as a dependent of
+// one of them (novox/hq ADR 0267 rule 3): **a dependent is left out when its base comes out the same**, since the
+// base it stands on stays the build the mesh holds. A module a merge moves itself, or a dependent of a base that
+// still moves, stays. moved are the modules the walk's merges move; edges the graph the walk was planned along.
+func withDependentsOf(same map[string]string, plan *inventory.Plan, moved []string, edges []inventory.Edge) map[string]string {
+	if len(same) == 0 {
+		return same
+	}
+	var still []string
+	for _, n := range moved {
+		if same[n] == "" {
+			still = append(still, n)
+		}
+	}
+	keep := map[string]bool{}
+	for _, n := range reachableFrom(still, edges) {
+		keep[n] = true
+	}
+	// Until nothing more is found: a dependent of a dependent left out is left out too.
+	for grew := true; grew; {
+		grew = false
+		for n := range plan.Modules {
+			if keep[n] || same[n] != "" {
+				continue
+			}
+			var bases []string
+			for _, e := range edges {
+				ordering := e.Kind == inventory.EdgeBuiltBy || e.Kind == inventory.EdgeWorkerOf ||
+					e.Kind == inventory.EdgePackages || e.Kind == edgeGroupOrder
+				if !ordering && e.From == n && same[e.To] != "" && !slices.Contains(bases, e.To) {
+					bases = append(bases, e.To)
+				}
+			}
+			sort.Strings(bases)
+			if len(bases) == 0 {
+				// In the walk for no base found the same: whatever brought it in is not said here, so it moves.
+				continue
+			}
+			same[n] = "unchanged: it is in the walk only for " + strings.Join(bases, ", ") +
+				", which came out the same as the build the mesh holds (ADR 0267 rule 3)"
+			grew = true
+		}
+	}
+	return same
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/same_program_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,141 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// TestAWalkLeavesOutAModuleWhoseProgramDidNotChange is novox/hq issue 721: mesh-controller #335 changed one sentence
+// that mesh-builder never reaches; its check found build-agent the same as the build the mesh holds, so the walk moves
+// mesh-controller alone and says build-agent is unchanged.
+func TestAWalkLeavesOutAModuleWhoseProgramDidNotChange(t *testing.T) {
+	pull := link.PullRef{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-controller", Number: 335}
+	head := "34050dc6aaaabbbbccccdddd"
+	aPlan := func() *inventory.Plan {
+		return &inventory.Plan{Tiers: [][]string{{"mesh-controller", "build-agent"}},
+			Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{"mesh-controller": {}, "build-agent": {}},
+			Delivery: &inventory.PlanDelivery{Merges: []inventory.PlanMerge{{Repository: "novox/mesh-controller",
+				Commit: "c2ec0a60", Number: 335, Head: head}}}}
+	}
+	held := map[string]string{"build-agent/agent": "store/build-agent@sha256:aaaa",
+		"mesh-controller/controller": "store/mesh-controller@sha256:cccc"}
+	builds := []link.CheckedBuild{
+		{Pull: pull, Head: head[:12], Built: link.CheckBuilt{Module: "build-agent", Key: "k1",
+			Made:   []link.MadeArtifact{{Name: "agent", Kind: "image", Reference: "scratch/build-agent@sha256:bbbb"}},
+			Same:   "unchanged: its program is the same as running build agent aaaa",
+			SameAs: map[string]string{"agent": "10.0.0.1:5000/build-agent@sha256:aaaa"}}},
+		{Pull: pull, Head: head[:12], Built: link.CheckBuilt{Module: "mesh-controller", Key: "k2",
+			Made: []link.MadeArtifact{{Name: "controller", Kind: "image", Reference: "scratch/mesh-controller@sha256:dddd"}}}},
+	}
+
+	p := aPlan()
+	same := sameAsRunning(p, builds, held)
+	if len(same) != 1 || same["build-agent"] == "" {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk leaves out %v, want build-agent alone", same)
+	}
+	withhold(p, []string{"build-agent"}, nil)
+	if len(p.Tiers) != 1 || len(p.Tiers[0]) != 1 || p.Tiers[0][0] != "mesh-controller" {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk moves %v, want mesh-controller alone", p.Tiers)
+	}
+
+	// **The held build moved since the check**: what it was compared with no longer runs.
+	moved := map[string]string{"build-agent/agent": "store/build-agent@sha256:eeee"}
+	if same := sameAsRunning(aPlan(), builds, moved); len(same) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a module compared with a build the mesh no longer holds is left out: %v", same)
+	}
+	// **A check of another head** says nothing of this merge.
+	other := aPlan()
+	other.Delivery.Merges[0].Head = "ffffffffffffffff"
+	if same := sameAsRunning(other, builds, held); len(same) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a check of another head left out %v", same)
+	}
+	// **Another pull request the walk answers** that did not find it the same leaves it in.
+	two := aPlan()
+	two.Delivery.Merges = append(two.Delivery.Merges, inventory.PlanMerge{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog",
+		Commit: "1234", Number: 9, Head: "abcdefabcdefabcdef"})
+	if same := sameAsRunning(two, builds, held); len(same) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a module another merge moves is left out: %v", same)
+	}
+	// **A merge with no pull request** leaves the walk as it is.
+	direct := aPlan()
+	direct.Delivery.Merges[0].Number = 0
+	if same := sameAsRunning(direct, builds, held); len(same) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a walk answering a merge without a pull request left out %v", same)
+	}
+}
+
+// TestADependentOfABaseThatCameOutTheSameIsLeftOut is ADR 0267 rule 3 (novox/hq issue 607): a dependent is in a walk
+// for its base; when the base comes out the same as the build the mesh holds, the dependent stands on that build
+// still, and leaves the walk with it — and so does a dependent of that dependent. One a merge moves itself stays.
+func TestADependentOfABaseThatCameOutTheSameIsLeftOut(t *testing.T) {
+	edges := []inventory.Edge{{From: "app", To: "base", Kind: inventory.EdgeDeclared},
+		{From: "app2", To: "app", Kind: inventory.EdgeDeclared}, {From: "own", To: "base", Kind: inventory.EdgeDeclared}}
+	plan := &inventory.Plan{Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{"base": {}, "app": {}, "app2": {}, "own": {}}}
+	same := withDependentsOf(map[string]string{"base": "unchanged: its program is the same"}, plan,
+		[]string{"base", "own"}, edges)
+	if !strings.Contains(same["app"], "only for base") || !strings.Contains(same["app2"], "only for app") {
+		t.Fatalf("the dependents of a base that came out the same are not left out: %v", same)
+	}
+	if _, left := same["own"]; left {
+		t.Fatalf("a module its merge moves itself is left out for its base: %v", same)
+	}
+	// A dependent of a base that still moves stays.
+	edges = append(edges, inventory.Edge{From: "app", To: "own", Kind: inventory.EdgeDeclared})
+	same = withDependentsOf(map[string]string{"base": "unchanged"}, plan, []string{"base", "own"}, edges)
+	if _, left := same["app"]; left {
+		t.Fatalf("a dependent of a base that still moves is left out: %v", same)
+	}
+}
+
+// Against the store, the path a real merge takes (novox/hq issues 721 and 611): a merge whose check built its one
+// module the same as the build the mesh holds is cut into a walk done with nothing to walk, whose record names the
+// module unchanged and why — the walk mesh-delivery reads as delivered, never stranded.
+func TestAWalkWhoseEveryBuildCameOutTheSameIsDone(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	endsItsLine(t)
+	asksRecorded(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	if err := inv.RecordBuild(ctx, inventory.Build{ID: "build-one", Repository: "novox/one", Ref: "main",
+		Module: "one", Commit: "c0", On: "builder", Asked: t0.Add(-time.Hour),
+		Made:    []inventory.Artifact{{Name: "one", Kind: "image", Reference: "store/one@sha256:aaaa"}},
+		Sources: []inventory.BuildSource{{Paths: []string{"main.go", "go.mod"}}}}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	// What runs: the module registered with that build's image (RegisteredHeld reads the module table).
+	if err := inv.RegisterModule(ctx, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "one", Version: "1", Resources: []map[string]any{
+		{"id": "app", "type": "container", "name": "one", "image": "store/one@sha256:aaaa"}}},
+		inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/one", Ref: "main", BuiltFrom: "c0", Asked: time.Now()}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	pull := link.PullRef{Owner: "novox", Repo: "one", Number: 7}
+	was := checkedBuildsOf
+	checkedBuildsOf = func(context.Context, []link.PullRef) ([]link.CheckedBuild, error) {
+		return []link.CheckedBuild{{Pull: pull, Head: "headaaaaaaaa", Built: link.CheckBuilt{Module: "one", Key: "k",
+			Made:   []link.MadeArtifact{{Name: "one", Kind: "image", Reference: "scratch/one@sha256:bbbb"}},
+			Same:   "unchanged: its program is the same as running build one aaaa",
+			SameAs: map[string]string{"one": "10.0.0.1:5000/one@sha256:aaaa"}}}}, nil
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { checkedBuildsOf = was })
+	code := repoMerge("one", "one1aaaaaaaa", t0)
+	code.Number, code.HeadSHA = 7, "headaaaaaaaa1111"
+	hear(t, open, code, t0.Add(time.Second))
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(2*time.Minute))
+	ws, _ := walks(t, open)
+	if len(ws) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("walks: %+v", ws)
+	}
+	w := ws[0]
+	if w.State != inventory.PlanDone || len(w.Tiers) != 0 || len(w.Modules) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk reads %s, tiers %v, modules %v; want done with nothing to walk", w.State, w.Tiers, w.Modules)
+	}
+	if w.Delivery == nil || !strings.Contains(w.Delivery.Unchanged["one"], "its program is the same as running build") {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk does not say one matched what runs: %+v", w.Delivery)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/sayable_test.go

@@ -43,6 +43,9 @@ func TestMain(m *testing.M) {
 	}
 	if os.Getenv(echoEnvironment) != "" {
 		fmt.Printf("verb=%q caller=%q terminal=%v\n", os.Getenv("MESH_VERB"), os.Getenv("MESH_CALLER"), startedAtTheTerminal())
+		if os.Getenv(echoFails) != "" {
+			os.Exit(3)
+		}
 		os.Exit(0)
 	}
 	conditions.Unsayable = func(o conditions.Observation, field string, r outward.Refusal) {

cmd/mesh-controller/seatverbs.go

@@ -730,6 +730,38 @@ func (a *verbArguments) commandLine() ([]string, error) {
 			return nil, fmt.Errorf("%w: letting go of artifacts is a hand act, which says why. Nothing was done", err)
 		}
 		return append(argv, "--confirm", "--why", why), nil
+	// The move of placement out of the settings layers (issue 736), a dry run unless confirmed.
+	case "move-placement":
+		argv := []string{"move-placement", "--json"}
+		why := str("why")
+		if !on("confirm") {
+			if why != "" {
+				return nil, errors.New("move-placement takes why only with confirm: without confirm nothing is " +
+					"moved, and a reason for nothing would be recorded nowhere. Nothing was done")
+			}
+			return argv, nil
+		}
+		if err := need("why"); err != nil {
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("%w: moving the settings layers' placement is an act by hand, which says why. "+
+				"Nothing was done", err)
+		}
+		return append(argv, "--confirm", "--why", why), nil
+	// The move of config into mesh-config (issue 664), a dry run unless confirmed.
+	case "move-config":
+		argv := []string{"move-config", "--json"}
+		why := str("why")
+		if !on("confirm") {
+			if why != "" {
+				return nil, errors.New("move-config takes why only with confirm: without confirm nothing is set, " +
+					"and a reason for nothing would be recorded nowhere. Nothing was done")
+			}
+			return argv, nil
+		}
+		if err := need("why"); err != nil {
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("%w: moving the settings layers into mesh-config is an act by hand, which says why. "+
+				"Nothing was done", err)
+		}
+		return append(argv, "--confirm", "--why", why), nil
 	case "images":
 		if err := need("node"); err != nil {
 			return nil, err
@@ -837,6 +869,13 @@ func (a *verbArguments) commandLine() ([]string, error) {
 			return nil, err
 		}
 		return []string{"secret", "ask", str("node"), str("module"), str("secret"), "--at", str("at")}, nil
+	case "secret-move":
+		// The move of the controller's secrets into the vault (design 57's V3, issue 676): no value in the arguments
+		// or the answer, a machine's name at most.
+		if n := str("node"); n != "" {
+			return []string{"secret", "move", n}, nil
+		}
+		return []string{"secret", "move"}, nil
 	case "issued":
 		// The credential a provider's software issued, taken from the provider (novox/hq ADR 0305): no value in
 		// the arguments, the provision alone.
@@ -866,6 +905,13 @@ func (a *verbArguments) commandLine() ([]string, error) {
 			if m := str("module"); m != "" {
 				argv = append(argv, "--module", m)
 			}
+			// Why, which the vault asks of a rotation of a credential it holds (issue 767); a cause only beside it.
+			if w := str("why"); w != "" {
+				argv = append(argv, "--why", w)
+				if c := str("cause"); c != "" {
+					argv = append(argv, "--cause", c)
+				}
+			}
 			return argv, nil
 		}
 		_, node := a.given["node"]
@@ -1036,6 +1082,10 @@ var jsonVerbs = map[string]bool{"status": true, "seats": true, "plan": true, "co
 	"hand-acts": true, "durations": true, "conditions": true, "doctor": true, "retire": true, "cleanup": true, "data": true,
 	// What the records say the registries may keep (novox/hq ADR 0251).
 	"artifacts": true, "collect": true, "images": true, "mirrors": true,
+	// The move of placement says each layer it moved (issue 736).
+	"move-placement": true,
+	// The move of config says each value it set and where from (issue 664).
+	"move-config": true,
 	// The delivery's owner's verbs answer JSON where they read (plan, order, check, walks) — novox/hq ADR 0239.
 	"delivery": true,
 	// The build queue, each ask with its position among the waiting (novox/hq issue 455).
@@ -1081,6 +1131,10 @@ func repairingCommand(argv []string) string {
 		return "collect"
 	case argv[0] == "mirrors" && slices.Contains(argv, "--confirm"):
 		return "mirrors"
+	case argv[0] == "move-placement" && slices.Contains(argv, "--confirm"):
+		return "move-placement"
+	case argv[0] == "move-config" && slices.Contains(argv, "--confirm"):
+		return "move-config"
 	}
 	return ""
 }
@@ -1732,6 +1786,16 @@ func takenFromTheProvider(argv []string) bool {
 		!strings.HasPrefix(argv[2], "-")
 }
 
+// movedByTheirMachines is exactly the line the `secret-move` verb composes: `secret move`, or `secret move <node>`
+// (design 57's V3, issue 676). It carries no value and answers none: each machine opens what was sealed to it and
+// hands it to the vault, which never replaces a value it holds.
+func movedByTheirMachines(argv []string) bool {
+	if len(argv) < 2 || argv[0] != "secret" || argv[1] != "move" {
+		return false
+	}
+	return len(argv) == 2 || (len(argv) == 3 && argv[2] != "" && !strings.HasPrefix(argv[2], "-"))
+}
+
 // terminalOnly refuses, through any verb, a command that is the operator's at the controller's terminal
 // alone (novox/hq ADR 0266). **Every `node` subcommand that is not a read**: `node account` and
 // `node agent-account` above all. Whoever may call a verb includes agents, and an agent that named itself
@@ -1748,7 +1812,8 @@ func terminalOnly(argv []string) error {
 	// Of a secret's commands only rotation, which seals the new value to the machine that uses it, and the
 	// `give` verb's own line: an own secret typed by the operator into the desk's hidden prompt, sealed to this
 	// call and then to the module's machine, so no value travels in the verb or its answer (hq ADR 0259 §10).
-	if argv[0] == "secret" && (len(argv) < 2 || argv[1] != "rotate") && !givenAtTheDesk(argv) && !takenFromTheProvider(argv) {
+	if argv[0] == "secret" && (len(argv) < 2 || argv[1] != "rotate") && !givenAtTheDesk(argv) && !takenFromTheProvider(argv) &&
+		!movedByTheirMachines(argv) {
 		return terminalRefusal("secret %s is run at the controller's terminal only, never through a verb: accepting, "+
 			"recovering or exporting a secret hands it to whoever asks, and that includes agents (novox/hq ADR "+
 			"0266). Nothing was done", strings.Join(argv[1:], " "))

cmd/mesh-controller/seatverbs_schema_test.go

@@ -285,6 +285,8 @@ var accountedFlags = map[string]map[string]string{
 	"collect":            {"json": "set by the verb: the answer is data"},
 	"images":             {"json": "set by the verb: the answer is data"},
 	"mirrors":            {"json": "set by the verb: the answer is data"},
+	"move-placement":     {"json": "set by the verb: the answer is data"},
+	"move-config":        {"json": "set by the verb: the answer is data"},
 	"conditions history": {"json": "set by the verb: the answer is data"},
 	"conditions show":    {"json": "set by the verb: the answer is data"},
 	"healers":            {"json": "set by the verb: the answer is data"},

cmd/mesh-controller/secret.go

@@ -12,8 +12,11 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 	"time"
 
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
+
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/secrets"
 )
 
@@ -50,6 +53,9 @@ func secretCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 		return secretRecover(ctx, args[1:])
 	case "export":
 		return secretExport(ctx, args[1:])
+	case "move":
+		// The controller's secrets moved into the vault, each by the machine it was sealed to (design 57's V3).
+		return secretMove(ctx, args[1:])
 	default:
 		return errors.New(secretUsage)
 	}
@@ -108,7 +114,12 @@ func secretCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 		if value == "" {
 			return errors.New("there is nothing to seal")
 		}
-		return acceptForProvision(ctx, node, module, name, value)
+		// The provider's module decides the path: filled the new way, the vault keeps the provision's credential.
+		return bySwitch(module, filledTheNewWay,
+			func() error { return acceptForProvision(ctx, node, module, name, value) },
+			func() error {
+				return said(acceptIntoVault(theVault(ctx), provisionArgs(node, name), value, actingAs()))
+			})
 	}
 	if *desk != "" {
 		if *from != "" || *provider != "" {
@@ -125,23 +136,112 @@ func secretCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 	if value == "" {
 		return errors.New("there is nothing to seal")
 	}
+	// The module whose secrets hold the value decides the path: with --provider, the value is the provider's one
+	// credential for the provision, so the provider's module decides, as for an outside offer above.
+	decides := module
+	if *provider != "" {
+		if decides, err = offeringModuleOn(ctx, *provider, name); err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+	}
+	return bySwitch(decides, filledTheNewWay,
+		func() error { return acceptKept(ctx, node, module, name, *provider, *local, value) },
+		func() error {
+			// Sealed here to the vault's key for this one call; only the sealed box leaves this process.
+			target := ownSecretArgs(node, module, name)
+			if *provider != "" {
+				if *local != "" {
+					return errors.New("--local names a credential inside the module; the vault keeps one credential " +
+						"per provider and provision, so it takes no --local: nothing was sealed")
+				}
+				target = provisionArgs(*provider, name)
+			}
+			if *provider != "" {
+				return said(acceptIntoVault(theVault(ctx), target, value, actingAs()))
+			}
+			return giveIntoVault(ctx, node, module, name, target, value)
+		})
+}
 
+// announceTheGiven is the announcement of a secret given at the terminal (announceSecretGiven, the step acceptKept
+// runs); a variable so a test can make it fail.
+var announceTheGiven = announceSecretGiven
+
+// giveIntoVault is `secret accept` of a module's own secret for a module filled the new way, under the same
+// N1-give rule as acceptKept, through the same steps (keepGiven, announceSecretGiven): a module that runs as an
+// account of its own is announced on the operator's channels before the vault is asked, and when the announcement
+// fails nothing is sealed and the vault is never called; any other is sealed first and announced after.
+func giveIntoVault(ctx context.Context, node, module, name string, target map[string]any, value string) error {
+	open, err := openStores(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	defer open.Close()
+	trusted, err := open.inventory.RunsAsItsOwnAccount(ctx, module)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	var words string
+	askedBy := link.Caller()
+	_, unannounced, err := keepGiven(trusted,
+		func() error {
+			return announceTheGiven(ctx, node, module, name, "at the controller's terminal", askedBy)
+		},
+		func() (bool, error) {
+			var err error
+			words, err = acceptIntoVault(theVault(ctx), target, value, actingAs())
+			return false, err
+		})
+	if err != nil {
+		if trusted && unannounced != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("%s runs as an account of its own, and the change of its %s could not be announced on "+
+				"your channels first, so nothing was sealed and the vault was not asked: %w", module, name, err)
+		}
+		return err
+	}
+	fmt.Println(words)
+	if unannounced != nil {
+		fmt.Printf("  this change could NOT be announced on the operator's channels: %v\n", unannounced)
+	}
+	// The giving is recorded, never the value (novox/hq ADR 0380 §6), as acceptKept records its own.
+	act := terminalGiveHandAct(node, module, name, askedBy)
+	if err := onTheBus(func(conn *nats.Conn) error {
+		_, err := link.RecordHandAct(ctx, conn, act)
+		return err
+	}); err != nil {
+		fmt.Printf("  this act could NOT be recorded in the hand-act log, and is done anyway: %v\n", err)
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+// said prints what was done, or answers why not.
+func said(words string, err error) error {
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	fmt.Println(words)
+	return nil
+}
+
+// acceptKept is today's `secret accept`: the value sealed into the controller's store, for a module whose secrets
+// are filled the old way.
+func acceptKept(ctx context.Context, node, module, name, provider, local, value string) error {
 	open, err := openStores(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 	defer open.Close()
 
-	if *provider != "" {
+	if provider != "" {
 		// Into the pair, not into the module's own secrets: what the provider is asked to create
 		// and what the consumer reads are the same value, and neither end can be told a different
 		// one later without the other (novox/hq 04-ISSUES/070).
-		if err := open.inventory.AcceptSecretForPair(ctx, name, node, module, *provider, *local, value); err != nil {
+		if err := open.inventory.AcceptSecretForPair(ctx, name, node, module, provider, local, value); err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
-		fmt.Printf("%s on %s now holds %q from %s%s, sealed to both machines.\n", module, node, name, *provider, asLocal(*local))
+		fmt.Printf("%s on %s now holds %q from %s%s, sealed to both machines.\n", module, node, name, provider, asLocal(local))
 		fmt.Printf("  the mesh cannot read it back, will not replace it with one of its own, and will not rotate it\n")
-		fmt.Printf("  run `push %s` and `push %s` to send it\n", *provider, node)
+		fmt.Printf("  run `push %s` and `push %s` to send it\n", provider, node)
 		return nil
 	}
 	// A trusted party's secret is announced before it is kept (the confirmation review of 2026-10-09, N1-give):
@@ -151,8 +251,11 @@ func secretCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
+	askedBy := link.Caller()
 	untilStart, unannounced, err := keepGiven(trusted,
-		func() error { return announceSecretGiven(ctx, node, module, name, "at the controller's terminal") },
+		func() error {
+			return announceSecretGiven(ctx, node, module, name, "at the controller's terminal", askedBy)
+		},
 		func() (bool, error) { return open.inventory.AcceptGivenSecret(ctx, node, module, name, value) })
 	if err != nil {
 		if trusted && unannounced != nil {
@@ -164,6 +267,15 @@ func secretCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 	if unannounced != nil {
 		fmt.Printf("  this change could NOT be announced on the operator's channels: %v\n", unannounced)
 	}
+	// The giving is recorded, never the value (novox/hq ADR 0380 §6): the desk already logs its own act; the
+	// terminal's own secret accept did not until now.
+	act := terminalGiveHandAct(node, module, name, askedBy)
+	if err := onTheBus(func(conn *nats.Conn) error {
+		_, err := link.RecordHandAct(ctx, conn, act)
+		return err
+	}); err != nil {
+		fmt.Printf("  this act could NOT be recorded in the hand-act log, and is done anyway: %v\n", err)
+	}
 	// Not printed back, and there is nowhere it could be printed from: it is sealed to that
 	// machine and the mesh cannot read it again.
 	fmt.Printf("%s on %s now holds %q, sealed to that machine.\n", module, node, name)
@@ -206,7 +318,8 @@ const secretUsage = "secret rotate <node> <module> <name> [--why <text> [--cause
 	"secret accept <node> <module> <name> [--from <file> | --at-desk <machine>] [--provider <node> [--local <name>]]\n" +
 	"secret accept <provider's node> <provider module> <provision> [--from <file>]   (a credential issued outside the mesh, for every consumer)\n" +
 	"secret recover <node> <module> <name> --key <operator-key> [--out <file>] [--from-export <file>] [--provider <node>]\n" +
-	"secret export [--out <file>]"
+	"secret export [--out <file>]\n" +
+	"secret move [<node>]   (every secret the controller holds, moved into the vault by the machine it was sealed to)"
 
 // secretRecover is break-glass: a secret opened with the operator's key, written to a file.
 //
@@ -485,6 +598,26 @@ func secretRotate(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 		return errors.New(secretUsage)
 	}
 	node, module, name := rest[0], rest[1], rest[2]
+	return bySwitch(module, filledTheNewWay,
+		func() error { return rotateKept(ctx, node, module, name, why) },
+		func() error {
+			reason := ""
+			if why.why != nil {
+				reason = strings.TrimSpace(*why.why)
+			}
+			words, err := rotateInVault(theVault(ctx), ownSecretArgs(node, module, name), actingAs(), reason)
+			if err != nil {
+				return err
+			}
+			why.record(ctx, "secret rotate", []string{node, module, name})
+			fmt.Println(words)
+			return nil
+		})
+}
+
+// rotateKept is today's `secret rotate`: made anew in the controller's store and sent, for a module whose
+// secrets are filled the old way.
+func rotateKept(ctx context.Context, node, module, name string, why handActFlags) error {
 	open, err := openStores(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
@@ -541,6 +674,16 @@ func whoAsked() string {
 	return "the mesh"
 }
 
+// terminalGiveHandAct is the hand-act log's entry for a secret accepted at the controller's terminal
+// (novox/hq ADR 0380 §6): who asked, where and that it happened — never the value, which the act never
+// carries a field for.
+func terminalGiveHandAct(node, module, name, askedBy string) link.HandAct {
+	return link.HandAct{Verb: "secret accept", Args: []string{node, module, name},
+		Why: fmt.Sprintf("the operator gave %s for %s on %s at the controller's terminal, asked by %s", name, module,
+			node, askedByName(askedBy)),
+		Cause: "given-at-the-terminal"}
+}
+
 // keepGiven keeps a value given at the controller's terminal, and announces it on the operator's channels
 // (the confirmation review of 2026-10-09, N1-give). **A trusted party's — a module running as an account of its
 // own: the router, a verified channel — is announced before it is kept, and not kept when the announcement

cmd/mesh-controller/secret_move.go

@@ -0,0 +1,336 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"os"
+	"strings"
+	"sync"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// `secret move` — the controller's secrets move into the vault (novox/hq ADR 0349 clause 7; design 57's V3, issue 676;
+// the operator's decision of 2026-10-14 on that issue). Run once, after the feature's delivery.
+//
+// **The controller cannot open what it holds, so each machine moves its own.** For every machine — or the ones named —
+// the controller reads every row sealed to it, as the store holds it, and asks that machine's node-engine to move each
+// one, signed (link.AskMoveSecret): the engine opens it with its sealing key and hands it to the vault's move-in, sealed
+// to the call's key, keeping its origin and generation. The vault takes it from that engine alone, never over a value
+// it holds, and reads back what it kept to the engine, which compares; the engine answers only then. What moved is
+// recorded here, never a value. Nothing is rotated, and nothing points at the vault because of this: a module's
+// secrets are filled from the vault only once it moves (V4, issue 647).
+//
+// **A machine asleep is moved when it is next heard from**: once the move has started, a machine that reports is moved
+// in the background (moveWhenHeard), and what is left of it is said on the next `secret move`.
+//
+// The controller's record of asks at a desk, which holds no value, is copied as it is, once (`move-asks`).
+
+const secretMoveUsage = "secret move [<node>] — move every secret the controller holds into the vault, as it is: each " +
+	"machine's node-engine opens what was sealed to it and hands it to the vault, which reads it back; no value is " +
+	"rotated, and a machine not answering is moved when it is next heard from"
+
+// moveAsk is the ask of one row of a machine's engine.
+type moveAsk func(row inventory.SecretToMove, ask link.MoveSecretAsk) (link.MoveSecretAnswer, error)
+
+// nodeMove is what the move did on one machine.
+type nodeMove struct {
+	Node    string
+	Moved   int
+	Already int
+	// Refused are the rows not moved, each with why; Changed the rows changed in the store after they moved.
+	Refused []string
+	Changed []string
+	// Unreached is why the machine's engine could not be asked: it is moved when next heard from.
+	Unreached error
+	// Left is how many rows were not asked because the machine was not reached.
+	Left int
+	// Failed is why its rows could not be read.
+	Failed error
+}
+
+// done says nothing is left to move on the machine.
+func (m nodeMove) done() bool {
+	return m.Failed == nil && m.Unreached == nil && len(m.Refused) == 0
+}
+
+func (m nodeMove) String() string {
+	var b strings.Builder
+	if m.Failed != nil {
+		fmt.Fprintf(&b, "%s: its rows could not be read, nothing was moved: %v\n", m.Node, m.Failed)
+		return b.String()
+	}
+	fmt.Fprintf(&b, "%s: %d moved into the vault and read back the same, %d there already", m.Node, m.Moved, m.Already)
+	if n := len(m.Refused); n > 0 {
+		fmt.Fprintf(&b, ", %d not moved", n)
+	}
+	b.WriteString("\n")
+	for _, r := range m.Refused {
+		fmt.Fprintf(&b, "  not moved: %s\n", r)
+	}
+	for _, c := range m.Changed {
+		fmt.Fprintf(&b, "  %s was changed in the controller's store after it moved; the vault keeps what it took, "+
+			"and the move never replaces it\n", c)
+	}
+	if m.Unreached != nil {
+		fmt.Fprintf(&b, "  %d left: %s was not reached (%v); it is moved when it is next heard from\n", m.Left, m.Node,
+			m.Unreached)
+	}
+	return b.String()
+}
+
+// moveRowAsk is a row as its machine's engine is asked to move it.
+func moveRowAsk(r inventory.SecretToMove) link.MoveSecretAsk {
+	a := link.MoveSecretAsk{Origin: r.Origin, Generation: r.Generation, MadeAt: r.MadeAt.UTC(), Sealed: r.Sealed,
+		SealedTo: r.SealedTo}
+	if r.Own() {
+		a.Module, a.Name = r.Module, r.Name
+	} else {
+		a.Provider, a.Provision, a.Consumer, a.ConsumerModule, a.Local = r.Provider, r.Provision, r.Consumer,
+			r.ConsumerModule, r.Local
+	}
+	return a
+}
+
+// moveNode moves every row sealed to one machine that has not moved, one ask each, and records what the vault kept.
+// The first ask the engine does not answer ends the machine's turn: the rest wait for it to be heard from again.
+func moveNode(node string, rows func(string) ([]inventory.SecretToMove, error), ask moveAsk,
+	record func(inventory.SecretToMove, int) error) nodeMove {
+	m := nodeMove{Node: node}
+	all, err := rows(node)
+	if err != nil {
+		m.Failed = err
+		return m
+	}
+	for n, r := range all {
+		switch {
+		case r.Moved != nil && r.Moved.Digest == r.Digest:
+			m.Already++
+			continue
+		case r.Moved != nil:
+			m.Changed = append(m.Changed, r.Secret)
+			continue
+		case !r.Current:
+			m.Refused = append(m.Refused, fmt.Sprintf("%s is sealed to an earlier sealing key of %s, which no longer "+
+				"opens it: nothing can move it; it moves once it is made or accepted again", r.Secret, node))
+			continue
+		}
+		answer, err := ask(r, moveRowAsk(r))
+		if err != nil {
+			m.Unreached, m.Left = err, len(all)-n
+			return m
+		}
+		if answer.Refused != "" {
+			m.Refused = append(m.Refused, fmt.Sprintf("%s: %s", r.Secret, answer.Refused))
+			continue
+		}
+		if answer.Secret != r.Secret {
+			m.Refused = append(m.Refused, fmt.Sprintf("%s: the vault kept it as %s, not under the name the move "+
+				"gives it", r.Secret, answer.Secret))
+			continue
+		}
+		if err := record(r, answer.Generation); err != nil {
+			m.Refused = append(m.Refused, fmt.Sprintf("%s is in the vault, but that it moved could not be recorded: %v",
+				r.Secret, err))
+			continue
+		}
+		if answer.Unchanged {
+			m.Already++
+		} else {
+			m.Moved++
+		}
+	}
+	return m
+}
+
+// movedAsksAtOnce is how many rows of the record of asks one call to the vault carries (mesh-vault MovedAsksAtOnce).
+const movedAsksAtOnce = 500
+
+// moveAsks copies the controller's record of asks into the vault, in parts, and answers how many it copied.
+func moveAsks(asks []inventory.SecretAsk, vault vaultAsker) (int, error) {
+	copied := 0
+	for start := 0; start < len(asks); start += movedAsksAtOnce {
+		end := min(start+movedAsksAtOnce, len(asks))
+		var rows []map[string]any
+		for _, a := range asks[start:end] {
+			row := map[string]any{"id": a.ID, "node": a.Node, "module": a.Module, "name": a.Name, "desk": a.Desk,
+				"asked_by": a.AskedBy, "opened_at": a.OpenedAt.UTC().Format(time.RFC3339Nano)}
+			if a.EndedAt != nil {
+				row["ended_at"], row["outcome"] = a.EndedAt.UTC().Format(time.RFC3339Nano), a.Outcome
+			}
+			rows = append(rows, row)
+		}
+		raw, err := vault("move-asks", map[string]any{"asks": rows})
+		if err != nil {
+			return copied, fmt.Errorf("the vault did not take the record of asks after %d rows: %w", copied, err)
+		}
+		var said struct {
+			Copied  int `json:"copied"`
+			Already int `json:"already"`
+		}
+		_ = json.Unmarshal(raw, &said)
+		copied += said.Copied + said.Already
+	}
+	return copied, nil
+}
+
+// moveOnTheBus is the move's ask over the bus, signed with the mesh's key.
+func moveOnTheBus(ctx context.Context, open *stores, conn *nats.Conn, by string) (moveAsk, error) {
+	ident, err := open.Identity(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("the mesh's signing key cannot be read, so nothing was asked: %w", err)
+	}
+	return func(r inventory.SecretToMove, row link.MoveSecretAsk) (link.MoveSecretAnswer, error) {
+		return link.AskMoveSecret(ctx, conn, ident, r.Node, by, row, link.MoveSecretWithin)
+	}, nil
+}
+
+// secretMove is `secret move [<node>]`: the record of asks copied once, then every machine's rows — or one's — and
+// what moved said per machine. Any row not moved fails the command, said by name.
+func secretMove(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
+	if len(args) > 1 || (len(args) == 1 && (args[0] == "" || strings.HasPrefix(args[0], "-"))) {
+		return errors.New(secretMoveUsage)
+	}
+	open, err := openStores(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	defer open.Close()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	by := actingAs()
+	if by == "" {
+		by = handOverBy()
+	}
+	move, err := inv.StartSecretMove(ctx, by)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	var nodes []string
+	if len(args) == 1 {
+		if _, err := inv.NodeByName(ctx, args[0]); err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("nothing was moved: %w", err)
+		}
+		nodes = args
+	} else {
+		all, err := inv.Nodes(ctx)
+		if err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+		for _, n := range all {
+			nodes = append(nodes, n.Name)
+		}
+	}
+	fmt.Printf("the move of the secrets into the vault, started %s by %s\n", move.StartedAt.Local().Format("2006-01-02 15:04"),
+		move.StartedBy)
+	if move.AsksMovedAt == nil {
+		asks, err := inv.SecretAsks(ctx, time.Time{})
+		if err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+		copied, err := moveAsks(asks, theVault(ctx))
+		if err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("the record of asks was not copied, and no secret was moved: %w", err)
+		}
+		if err := inv.RecordAsksMoved(ctx); err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+		fmt.Printf("the record of asks at a desk: %d rows copied into the vault as they are\n", copied)
+	}
+	failed := 0
+	err = onTheBus(func(conn *nats.Conn) error {
+		ask, err := moveOnTheBus(ctx, open, conn, "the move of the secrets, by "+by)
+		if err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+		for _, node := range nodes {
+			m := moveNode(node, func(n string) ([]inventory.SecretToMove, error) { return inv.SecretsToMoveFrom(ctx, n) },
+				ask, func(r inventory.SecretToMove, g int) error { return inv.RecordSecretMoved(ctx, r, g) })
+			fmt.Print(m.String())
+			if m.Failed != nil || len(m.Refused) > 0 {
+				failed++
+			}
+		}
+		return nil
+	})
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	if failed > 0 {
+		return fmt.Errorf("on %d machine(s) a secret was not moved, said above by name", failed)
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+// moveHeard is the machines being moved in the background now, and when each was last moved, so a machine that reports
+// often is not asked again before moveHeardEvery has passed.
+var moveHeard = struct {
+	sync.Mutex
+	running map[string]bool
+	last    map[string]time.Time
+}{running: map[string]bool{}, last: map[string]time.Time{}}
+
+// moveHeardEvery is how often a machine heard from is moved at most.
+const moveHeardEvery = 10 * time.Minute
+
+// moveWhenHeard moves what is left of a machine that was just heard from, once the move has started: a machine asleep
+// when it started is moved when it next reports. What it did is said on the controller's output, and recorded for the
+// next `secret move`.
+func moveWhenHeard(ctx context.Context, open *stores, conn *nats.Conn, node string) {
+	if open == nil || conn == nil || node == "" {
+		return
+	}
+	moveHeard.Lock()
+	if moveHeard.running[node] || time.Since(moveHeard.last[node]) < moveHeardEvery {
+		moveHeard.Unlock()
+		return
+	}
+	moveHeard.running[node], moveHeard.last[node] = true, time.Now()
+	moveHeard.Unlock()
+	defer func() {
+		moveHeard.Lock()
+		delete(moveHeard.running, node)
+		moveHeard.Unlock()
+	}()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	move, started, err := inv.SecretMoveStarted(ctx)
+	if err != nil || !started {
+		return
+	}
+	rows, err := inv.SecretsToMoveFrom(ctx, node)
+	if err != nil {
+		return
+	}
+	left := false
+	for _, r := range rows {
+		left = left || (r.Moved == nil && r.Current)
+	}
+	if !left {
+		return
+	}
+	ask, err := moveOnTheBus(ctx, open, conn, "the move of the secrets, by "+move.StartedBy+", on hearing from "+node)
+	if err != nil {
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "mesh-controller: %s was heard from and its secrets not moved: %v\n", node, err)
+		return
+	}
+	m := moveNode(node, func(string) ([]inventory.SecretToMove, error) { return rows, nil }, ask,
+		func(r inventory.SecretToMove, g int) error { return inv.RecordSecretMoved(ctx, r, g) })
+	if m.done() {
+		fmt.Printf("mesh-controller: %s was heard from; the move of its secrets is done: %s", node, m.String())
+		return
+	}
+	fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "mesh-controller: %s was heard from; the move of its secrets is not done: %s", node, m.String())
+}
+
+// moveHeardOn is the connection a machine heard from is moved over: the serving controller's bus.
+func moveHeardOn() *nats.Conn {
+	if js := servingBus.Load(); js != nil {
+		return js.Conn()
+	}
+	return nil
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/secret_move_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,158 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+func aRowToMove(secret string, current bool) inventory.SecretToMove {
+	return inventory.SecretToMove{Secret: secret, Node: "anchor", Module: "postgres", Name: strings.TrimPrefix(secret, "own/anchor/postgres/"),
+		Origin: "made", Generation: "g-1", MadeAt: time.Unix(1, 0), Sealed: "c2VhbGVk", SealedTo: "k", Current: current,
+		Digest: "sha256:" + secret}
+}
+
+// Each row sealed to a machine is asked of its engine once, as the store holds it; what the vault kept and read back
+// the same is recorded; a row the vault held already counts as there; a row moved before is not asked again, and one
+// changed in the store since it moved is said; a row sealed to a key the machine no longer has is said, not asked.
+func TestAMachinesRowsAreMovedOnceEachAndWhatMovedIsSaid(t *testing.T) {
+	rows := []inventory.SecretToMove{
+		aRowToMove("own/anchor/postgres/superuser", true),
+		aRowToMove("own/anchor/postgres/replication", true),
+		aRowToMove("own/anchor/postgres/old-key", false),
+		aRowToMove("own/anchor/postgres/refused", true),
+		aRowToMove("own/anchor/postgres/moved-before", true),
+		aRowToMove("own/anchor/postgres/changed-since", true),
+	}
+	rows[4].Moved = &inventory.SecretMoved{Node: "anchor", Generation: 1, Digest: rows[4].Digest}
+	rows[5].Moved = &inventory.SecretMoved{Node: "anchor", Generation: 1, Digest: "sha256:something before"}
+	var asked []link.MoveSecretAsk
+	ask := func(r inventory.SecretToMove, row link.MoveSecretAsk) (link.MoveSecretAnswer, error) {
+		asked = append(asked, row)
+		switch r.Secret {
+		case "own/anchor/postgres/refused":
+			return link.MoveSecretAnswer{Refused: "the vault already holds another value; nothing was moved"}, nil
+		case "own/anchor/postgres/replication":
+			return link.MoveSecretAnswer{Secret: r.Secret, Generation: 3, Unchanged: true}, nil
+		}
+		return link.MoveSecretAnswer{Secret: r.Secret, Generation: 1}, nil
+	}
+	recorded := map[string]int{}
+	record := func(r inventory.SecretToMove, generation int) error { recorded[r.Secret] = generation; return nil }
+	m := moveNode("anchor", func(string) ([]inventory.SecretToMove, error) { return rows, nil }, ask, record)
+	if m.Moved != 1 || m.Already != 2 || len(m.Refused) != 2 || len(m.Changed) != 1 || m.Unreached != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("the move said %+v", m)
+	}
+	if len(asked) != 3 || asked[0].Module != "postgres" || asked[0].Name != "superuser" || asked[0].Sealed != "c2VhbGVk" ||
+		asked[0].Origin != "made" || asked[0].Generation != "g-1" || asked[0].SealedTo != "k" {
+		t.Fatalf("asked %+v", asked)
+	}
+	if recorded["own/anchor/postgres/superuser"] != 1 || recorded["own/anchor/postgres/replication"] != 3 || len(recorded) != 2 {
+		t.Errorf("recorded %v", recorded)
+	}
+	said := m.String()
+	for _, want := range []string{"anchor: 1 moved into the vault and read back the same, 2 there already",
+		"own/anchor/postgres/old-key", "earlier sealing key", "own/anchor/postgres/refused", "already holds another value",
+		"own/anchor/postgres/changed-since", "changed in the controller's store after it moved"} {
+		if !strings.Contains(said, want) {
+			t.Errorf("the move did not say %q:\n%s", want, said)
+		}
+	}
+	if strings.Contains(said, "c2VhbGVk") {
+		t.Error("the move said a sealed value")
+	}
+}
+
+// A machine that does not answer is left for when it is next heard from: nothing more is asked of it now, and that
+// is said; a pair is asked with both its ends and never as an own secret.
+func TestAMachineNotAnsweringIsMovedWhenNextHeardFrom(t *testing.T) {
+	pair := inventory.SecretToMove{Secret: "pair/anchor/database/shanks/gitea", Node: "shanks", Provider: "anchor",
+		Provision: "database", Consumer: "shanks", ConsumerModule: "gitea", Origin: "accepted", Sealed: "x",
+		SealedTo: "k", Current: true}
+	rows := []inventory.SecretToMove{pair, pair}
+	calls := 0
+	var asked link.MoveSecretAsk
+	ask := func(_ inventory.SecretToMove, row link.MoveSecretAsk) (link.MoveSecretAnswer, error) {
+		calls++
+		asked = row
+		return link.MoveSecretAnswer{}, errors.New("nothing on shanks answers a move")
+	}
+	m := moveNode("shanks", func(string) ([]inventory.SecretToMove, error) { return rows, nil }, ask,
+		func(inventory.SecretToMove, int) error { t.Fatal("recorded"); return nil })
+	if calls != 1 || m.Unreached == nil || !strings.Contains(m.String(), "moved when it is next heard from") {
+		t.Fatalf("calls %d, %+v: %s", calls, m, m.String())
+	}
+	if asked.Module != "" || asked.Provider != "anchor" || asked.Consumer != "shanks" || asked.ConsumerModule != "gitea" {
+		t.Errorf("the pair was asked as %+v", asked)
+	}
+	failing := moveNode("x", func(string) ([]inventory.SecretToMove, error) { return nil, errors.New("no store") }, nil, nil)
+	if failing.Failed == nil {
+		t.Error("a store that cannot be read was not said")
+	}
+}
+
+// The record of asks is copied into the vault in parts, as it is: every row's fields, nothing more.
+func TestTheRecordOfAsksIsCopiedInParts(t *testing.T) {
+	ended := time.Unix(100, 0).UTC()
+	var asks []inventory.SecretAsk
+	for n := 1; n <= movedAsksAtOnce+3; n++ {
+		asks = append(asks, inventory.SecretAsk{ID: int64(n), Node: "anchor", Module: "telegram", Name: "token",
+			AskedBy: "g14/claude-code", Desk: "laptop", OpenedAt: time.Unix(int64(n), 0).UTC(), EndedAt: &ended,
+			Outcome: "given"})
+	}
+	var parts []int
+	vault := func(verb string, args map[string]any) (json.RawMessage, error) {
+		if verb != "move-asks" {
+			t.Fatalf("asked %s", verb)
+		}
+		rows := args["asks"].([]map[string]any)
+		parts = append(parts, len(rows))
+		if rows[0]["desk"] != "laptop" || rows[0]["asked_by"] != "g14/claude-code" || rows[0]["outcome"] != "given" ||
+			rows[0]["id"] == nil || rows[0]["opened_at"] == nil || rows[0]["ended_at"] == nil {
+			t.Fatalf("a row went as %v", rows[0])
+		}
+		return json.Marshal(map[string]int{"copied": len(rows)})
+	}
+	copied, err := moveAsks(asks, vault)
+	if err != nil || copied != movedAsksAtOnce+3 || len(parts) != 2 || parts[0] != movedAsksAtOnce {
+		t.Fatalf("copied %d in %v, %v", copied, parts, err)
+	}
+	if _, err := moveAsks(asks, func(string, map[string]any) (json.RawMessage, error) {
+		return nil, errors.New("the vault is away")
+	}); err == nil {
+		t.Error("a copy the vault refused was not said")
+	}
+}
+
+// The verb runs the move's one line through the seat and nothing else of the secret commands.
+func TestTheMoveIsAVerbOfItsOwn(t *testing.T) {
+	argv, err := argvFor("secret-move", map[string]any{})
+	if err != nil || strings.Join(argv, " ") != "secret move" {
+		t.Fatalf("argv %v, %v", argv, err)
+	}
+	argv, err = argvFor("secret-move", map[string]any{"node": "anchor"})
+	if err != nil || strings.Join(argv, " ") != "secret move anchor" {
+		t.Fatalf("argv %v, %v", argv, err)
+	}
+	if err := terminalOnly([]string{"secret", "move", "anchor"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("the move's line was refused through its verb: %v", err)
+	}
+	for _, line := range [][]string{{"secret", "move", "--from", "x"}, {"secret", "move", "a", "b"}} {
+		if err := terminalOnly(line); err == nil {
+			t.Errorf("%q ran through a verb", line)
+		}
+	}
+	found := false
+	for _, v := range catalogue.ControllerVerbs {
+		found = found || v.Name == "secret-move"
+	}
+	if !found {
+		t.Fatal("the controller's seat does not declare the secret-move verb")
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/sendable.go

@@ -77,6 +77,9 @@ type sendable struct {
 	// unplaced is every contribution its holder's template could not render, naming its module and
 	// why (novox/hq ADR 0255): left out of this declaration, for push and plan to say, never on the wire.
 	unplaced []string
+	// handedOnly is each file left out because only the provisioner's client fills it and the module is not handed
+	// here (a provider's consumers file, ADR 0373).
+	handedOnly []string
 	// Builds is the build of each module this declaration carries — module to the commit its build
 	// was made from — recorded with the send and never on the wire (novox/hq issue 259, ADR 0221).
 	// Composed only on the send path; nil records that it is not known.
@@ -84,6 +87,16 @@ type sendable struct {
 	// Bindings is where each consumer of a provision that keeps its data is bound in this declaration
 	// (novox/hq ADR 0232), recorded with the send and never on the wire. Composed only on the send path.
 	Bindings []inventory.Binding
+	// Filled is the path of every file this declaration hands to the provisioner, and Provisioner the account the
+	// client that fills them runs as (novox/hq ADR 0349 §4, §5, design 57 P6): on the wire as `filled_files` and
+	// `provisioner_account`, both absent when nothing is handed, so every other declaration is byte for byte what
+	// it was. plans is each handed module's plan, kept with the send for the assignments mirror; never on the wire.
+	Filled      []string
+	Provisioner string
+	plans       map[string]catalogue.Plan
+	// requiredBy is, for each handed module only pulled in by another, the module that requires it (issue 765): kept
+	// beside its plan, so the assignments mirror gives the plan a value of its own. Never on the wire.
+	requiredBy map[string]string
 }
 
 // adoptionEnvelope is what an adopted node is told about its mode. Taken is every module taken on
@@ -113,6 +126,10 @@ func (s sendable) Body() ([]byte, error) {
 	if s.Generation > 0 {
 		envelope["generation"] = s.Generation
 	}
+	if len(s.Filled) > 0 {
+		envelope["filled_files"] = s.Filled
+		envelope["provisioner_account"] = s.Provisioner
+	}
 	// An empty declaration is deliberate here — the node owns nothing the mesh put there
 	// (novox/hq issue 127) — and the host refuses an empty body unless it is told the emptiness
 	// is meant, so a truncated or mis-composed body is never mistaken for "own nothing".

cmd/mesh-controller/sent_required_by_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,125 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"encoding/json"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// A send keeps, beside each handed module's plan, what requires a module only pulled in (issue 765), so the
+// assignments mirror gives that plan a value of its own; an assigned module's plan is kept as the bytes it was.
+func TestASendKeepsWhatRequiresAPulledInModule(t *testing.T) {
+	plan := catalogue.Plan{Templates: catalogue.PlanTemplates{Source: "http://store:5000/v2/notify/files",
+		Digest: "sha256:" + strings.Repeat("d", 64)},
+		Files: []catalogue.PlanFile{{ID: "rc", Path: "/home/op/rc", Template: "rc", OwnerAtRuntime: "owned"}}}
+	r := sentRecordOf(t.Context(), sendable{plans: map[string]catalogue.Plan{"dunst": plan, "notify": plan},
+		requiredBy: map[string]string{"notify": "desk"}})
+	kept := string(r.plans)
+	want := `{"dunst":{"templates":{"source":"http://store:5000/v2/notify/files","digest":"sha256:` +
+		strings.Repeat("d", 64) + `"},"files":[{"id":"rc","path":"/home/op/rc","template":"rc","owner-at-runtime":"owned"}]},` +
+		`"notify":{"templates":{"source":"http://store:5000/v2/notify/files","digest":"sha256:` + strings.Repeat("d", 64) +
+		`"},"files":[{"id":"rc","path":"/home/op/rc","template":"rc","owner-at-runtime":"owned"}],"required-by":"desk"}}`
+	if kept != want {
+		t.Fatalf("the send keeps\n%s\nwant\n%s", kept, want)
+	}
+}
+
+// **A module only pulled in by another is handed on a machine that can take it** (issue 765): on a contract-11
+// node running a client, a moved module that nothing assigned there, required by one that is, has its files and its
+// own secret handed like an assigned one's, no secret of it made or sealed by the controller, and its plan mirrored
+// under its own key, saying what requires it. A module not moved, pulled in the same way, is sent as before.
+func TestAModulePulledInIsHandedOnAMachineThatCanTakeItAndMirrored(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	client := aClientModule()
+	moved, kept := aBot("moved-bot", true), aBot("kept-bot", false)
+	moved.Provides = []catalogue.Offer{{Name: "moved-bot-api"}}
+	kept.Provides = []catalogue.Offer{{Name: "kept-bot-api"}}
+	desk := catalogue.Manifest{Module: "desk", Version: "1", Requires: []string{"moved-bot-api", "kept-bot-api"}}
+	for _, m := range []catalogue.Manifest{client, moved, kept, desk} {
+		register(t, open, m)
+	}
+	for _, m := range []string{client.Module, desk.Module} {
+		if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "laptop", m); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	if err := issueProvisionerClient(ctx, inv, client, "laptop", broker.Broker{Fingerprint: "ab"}, "10.0.0.1:4222"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, err := inv.RecordHealth(ctx, inventory.NodeHealth{Node: "laptop", Contract: link.HandedContract,
+		SaidAt: time.Now()}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+
+	plan, settings, err := planFor(ctx, open, "laptop")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if plan.RequiredBy("moved-bot") != "desk" || plan.RequiredBy("kept-bot") != "desk" {
+		t.Fatalf("the bots are on laptop because %v", plan.Because)
+	}
+	declared, err := declarationFor(ctx, open, "laptop", plan, settings)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	var movedToken, keptToken, movedConf map[string]any
+	for _, r := range declared.Resources {
+		switch r["id"] {
+		case "moved-bot.needs-token":
+			movedToken = r
+		case "kept-bot.needs-token":
+			keptToken = r
+		case "moved-bot.conf":
+			movedConf = r
+		}
+	}
+	if movedToken == nil || movedToken["sealed"] != nil || movedToken["owner-at-runtime"] != "owned" {
+		t.Fatalf("the pulled-in moved module's secret file is sent as %v: placed, with no value", movedToken)
+	}
+	if movedConf == nil || movedConf["content"] != nil || movedConf["owner-at-runtime"] != "owned" {
+		t.Fatalf("the pulled-in moved module's templated file is sent as %v: placed, with no text", movedConf)
+	}
+	if keptToken == nil || keptToken["sealed"] == nil {
+		t.Fatalf("the pulled-in module not moved has its secret sent as %v: sealed, as before", keptToken)
+	}
+	if _, held, err := inv.ModuleSecretIfIssued(ctx, "laptop", "moved-bot", "token"); err != nil || held {
+		t.Fatalf("the send made the pulled-in handed module's secret in the controller's store (held %v, %v)", held, err)
+	}
+	if _, has := declared.plans["kept-bot"]; has || len(declared.plans) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("the send hands %v", declared.plans)
+	}
+
+	record, err := inv.NodeByName(ctx, "laptop")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := inv.RecordSentWith(ctx, record.ID, "first", nil, 0, 0, inventory.Send{Digest: "first",
+		Provisioning: sentRecordOf(ctx, declared).plans}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	inv.SetProvisioningPlans(inv.SentProvisioningPlans)
+	mirror, err := inv.AssignmentsMirror(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	var value inventory.AssignmentMirrored
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(mirror["laptop.moved-bot"], &value); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("no value for the pulled-in module: %s (%v)", mirror["laptop.moved-bot"], err)
+	}
+	if value.RequiredBy != "desk" || !value.Assigned.IsZero() || value.Provisioning == nil ||
+		len(value.Provisioning.Files) != 1 || value.Provisioning.Files[0].Path != "/etc/moved-bot/bot.conf" ||
+		len(value.Provisioning.Secrets) != 1 || value.Provisioning.Secrets[0].Name != "token" {
+		t.Fatalf("the pulled-in module is mirrored as %s", mirror["laptop.moved-bot"])
+	}
+	if _, has := mirror["laptop.kept-bot"]; has {
+		t.Fatalf("a pulled-in module not handed is mirrored: %s", mirror["laptop.kept-bot"])
+	}
+}