Say a placeholder or replaced mesh-sdk pin as a local mesh-sdk, not as a version

The controller's own composition it compared mesh-sdk's with is deleted by the commit before; compose_equal_test.go held the comparison (bothWaysDiffer, madeDiffer and their helpers) and is not needed with nothing to compare against. The made type, which compose_perform_integration_test still reads a store through, moves next to madeIn.

cmd/mesh-builder/holder.go

@@ -14,8 +14,8 @@ import (
 
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go/micro"
 
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/builder"
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
 )
 

cmd/mesh-builder/main.go

@@ -432,6 +432,7 @@ func answer(ctx context.Context, publisher builder.Publisher, on, workspace stri
 			}
 			result.Against = built.Against
 			result.SourceFingerprint = built.Source
+			result.SourceInputs = built.SourceInputs
 			// What the walk did instead of building, or why it built (novox/hq ADR 0350 §3, §4).
 			result.ReuseKey = built.ReuseKey
 			if built.Reused != nil {

cmd/mesh-controller/accept_outside.go

@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ import (
 	"sort"
 	"strings"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 )
 
@@ -55,6 +55,8 @@ func offeredOutsideBy(ctx context.Context, provision string) (string, error) {
 // its next send would, and the machines that could not be resolved, with why.
 func consumersFrom(ctx context.Context, open *stores, provider, providerModule, provision string) (
 	[]inventory.PairEnd, []string, error) {
+	// One reading of the mesh for every machine this looks at.
+	ctx = withInputCache(ctx)
 	nodes, err := open.inventory.Nodes(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, nil, err
@@ -62,7 +64,7 @@ func consumersFrom(ctx context.Context, open *stores, provider, providerModule,
 	var out []inventory.PairEnd
 	var unresolved []string
 	for _, n := range nodes {
-		plan, _, err := planFor(ctx, open, n.Name)
+		plan, _, err := resolveNode(ctx, open, n.Name)
 		if err != nil {
 			unresolved = append(unresolved, fmt.Sprintf("%s: %s", n.Name, oneLine(err.Error())))
 			continue

cmd/mesh-controller/acts.go

@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 	"time"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 )
 
@@ -314,7 +314,7 @@ type afterAct struct {
 // after the write, which can only find more unmet than the closure would: a seat said held there is
 // held in the closure too.
 func resolvedAfter(ctx context.Context, open *stores, shelf map[string]catalogue.Manifest, node string) afterAct {
-	plan, _, err := planFor(ctx, open, node)
+	plan, _, err := resolveNode(ctx, open, node)
 	if err == nil {
 		out := afterAct{plan: plan, unheld: plan.Unheld}
 		for _, m := range plan.Modules {
@@ -355,6 +355,8 @@ func splitModules(field string) []string {
 // Nothing here can fail the act it reports on. A mesh that cannot be read is worth saying and is
 // not a reason to claim the assignment did not happen — it did.
 func blockedElsewhere(ctx context.Context, open *stores, except string) string {
+	// One reading of the mesh for every machine this looks at.
+	ctx = withInputCache(ctx)
 	nodes, err := open.inventory.Nodes(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
 		return "\n\nThe rest of the mesh could not be checked: " + err.Error()
@@ -364,7 +366,7 @@ func blockedElsewhere(ctx context.Context, open *stores, except string) string {
 		if n.Name == except {
 			continue
 		}
-		if _, _, err := planFor(ctx, open, n.Name); err != nil {
+		if _, _, err := resolveNode(ctx, open, n.Name); err != nil {
 			blocked[n.Name] = err.Error()
 		}
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/acts_test.go

@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 	"testing"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 )
 
 // What an assignment says about the machines it was not about.

cmd/mesh-controller/addresses_integration_test.go

@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 	"testing"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/licences"
 )

cmd/mesh-controller/addresses_test.go

@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 	"testing"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
 )
 

cmd/mesh-controller/adopting_test.go

@@ -12,10 +12,10 @@ import (
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/overlay"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/overlay"
 )
 
 // novox/hq ADR 0100: taking a module is its cutover; converging a node is one act, previewed, and

cmd/mesh-controller/adoption.go

@@ -12,9 +12,9 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 	"time"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/overlay"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/overlay"
 )
 
 // A node is adopted or converged (novox/hq ADR 0100), and it is said to be adopted wherever the
@@ -243,7 +243,7 @@ func take(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node, module string, opts takeOptio
 		return "", err
 	}
 	if !slices.Contains(assigned, module) {
-		if plan, _, err := planFor(ctx, open, node); err == nil {
+		if plan, _, err := resolveNode(ctx, open, node); err == nil {
 			if why, runs := plan.Because[module]; runs {
 				return "", fmt.Errorf("%w: %s runs on %s because %s — assign it to %s to take it",
 					inventory.ErrNotAssigned, module, node, why, node)
@@ -649,7 +649,7 @@ func converge(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string, yes bool, digest s
 	if err != nil {
 		return "", err
 	}
-	plan, settings, err := planFor(ctx, open, node)
+	plan, _, err := resolveNode(ctx, open, node)
 	if err != nil {
 		return "", err
 	}
@@ -706,11 +706,8 @@ func converge(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string, yes bool, digest s
 			filter)
 	}
 
-	gens, err := generators(ctx, open)
-	if err != nil {
-		return "", err
-	}
-	with, _, err := renderingFor(ctx, open, node, plan, settings, gens, Reading)
+	// What the filter is derived from: the rendering of this machine as a question reads it, with the private network.
+	with, err := renderingOf(ctx, open, node)
 	if err != nil {
 		return "", err
 	}
@@ -776,7 +773,7 @@ func converge(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string, yes bool, digest s
 		if _, err := inv.Assign(ctx, node, filter); err != nil {
 			return "", err
 		}
-		if _, _, err := planFor(ctx, open, node); err != nil {
+		if _, _, err := resolveNode(ctx, open, node); err != nil {
 			_ = inv.Unassign(ctx, node, filter)
 			return "", fmt.Errorf("%s cannot run %s, so it was not converged: %w", node, filter, err)
 		}

cmd/mesh-controller/agent_account_integration_test.go

@@ -7,8 +7,8 @@ import (
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
+	snapshot "git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/facts"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
-	snapshot "github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/facts"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-host/rootsearch"

cmd/mesh-controller/agent_account_test.go

@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ import (
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"

cmd/mesh-controller/apply_failing.go

@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ const packageManagerKey = "the package manager ("
 func watchApplyFailing(f *signalFacts) []conditions.Observation {
 	heard := map[string]bool{}
 	for _, m := range f.machines {
-		if !m.asleep() && !m.lastHeard.IsZero() && f.now.Sub(m.lastHeard) <= heartbeatBound(m.every) {
+		if !m.asleep() && !m.lastHeard.IsZero() && !m.silent(f.now) {
 			heard[m.name] = true
 		}
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/asker.go

@@ -208,8 +208,11 @@ type asker struct {
 	// raise keeps the asker's own condition (sourceAsker): which conditions needing the operator could not be
 	// asked, and why. Nil raises nothing (a test that does not look).
 	raise func(ctx context.Context, obs []conditions.Observation) error
-	now   func() time.Time
-	logf  func(string, ...any)
+	// tell tells the operator one plain notice that needs no answer (operator-channel.tell, novox/hq ADR 0380):
+	// the refusal of an answer to a plan's ask (ADR 0449 §3). Nil tells nothing (a test that does not look).
+	tell func(ctx context.Context, headline string, lines []string) error
+	now  func() time.Time
+	logf func(string, ...any)
 
 	saidNoRouter bool
 	saidNoGrant  bool
@@ -406,7 +409,9 @@ func (a *asker) reconcile(ctx context.Context) error {
 	for _, r := range all {
 		k := partKey(r.Condition, r.Part)
 		if r.State == string(asks.OutcomeChosen) && now.Sub(r.Ended) < askAgainAfterAnswer {
-			answered[k] = r
+			if prior, has := answered[k]; !has || r.Ended.After(prior.Ended) {
+				answered[k] = r
+			}
 		}
 		if r.State == string(asks.OutcomeRefused) {
 			if prior, has := refused[k]; !has || r.Opened.After(prior.Opened) {
@@ -497,7 +502,9 @@ func (a *asker) reconcile(ctx context.Context) error {
 					continue // refused lately, and nothing it was refused for has changed: asked again after the wait
 				}
 			}
-			if r, done := answered[key]; done && sameAsked(r.Actions, p.actions) {
+			// **A condition raised after the answered ask ended is a new one** (novox/hq ADR 0449 §2): a retried
+			// plan that fails again is asked again, not held back for the hour its earlier answer holds.
+			if r, done := answered[key]; done && sameAsked(r.Actions, p.actions) && !c.Raised.After(r.Ended) {
 				if _, held := byCondition[key]; !held {
 					continue
 				}
@@ -636,6 +643,8 @@ func doesWords(act conditions.Action) string {
 		return "the delivery starts"
 	case act.Verb == broker.ControllerSeat+".plans" && act.Arguments["stop"] != "":
 		return "the delivery is stopped"
+	case act.Verb == broker.ControllerSeat+".plans" && act.Arguments["retry"] != "":
+		return "the failed builds are asked again"
 	case strings.HasSuffix(act.Verb, ".restart"):
 		return "its service is restarted on " + act.Machine
 	}
@@ -884,6 +893,7 @@ func (a *asker) Decided(ctx context.Context, body []byte) error {
 	ended := a.now()
 	if acted != nil {
 		outcome = "failed: " + acted.Error()
+		a.tellRefused(ctx, *r, act, acted)
 	}
 	r.Ended, r.Acted = ended, outcome
 	if _, err := a.store.Change(ctx, r.ID, func(x *asked) bool {
@@ -918,6 +928,55 @@ func (a *asker) Decided(ctx context.Context, body []byte) error {
 	return nil
 }
 
+// tellRefused tells the operator what became of the answer they gave to a plan's ask, when it was not done (novox/hq
+// ADR 0449 §3): the controller's `plans` verb refuses a Retry, Start or Stop when the plan moved on between the ask and
+// the answer, and the refusal was only recorded, so the operator who pressed the answer heard nothing. **A refusal is
+// told as one, and nothing else is**: a verb that said no changed nothing, but a call that got no answer (a timeout, a
+// refused grant) may have run, and is told as not known. One plain notice with the ask's headline, beside the hand act
+// the caller still records. An answer to any other ask is not told here. A notice that cannot be told is said in the
+// log and changes nothing.
+func (a *asker) tellRefused(ctx context.Context, r asked, act conditions.Action, failure error) {
+	if a.tell == nil || act.Verb != broker.ControllerSeat+".plans" {
+		return
+	}
+	var lines []string
+	var refused verbRefused
+	if errors.As(failure, &refused) {
+		lines = []string{
+			fmt.Sprintf("Your answer, %s, could not be done: %s.", act.Label, strings.TrimRight(refusalWords(refused.words, act), ".")),
+			"Nothing was changed.",
+		}
+	} else {
+		lines = []string{
+			fmt.Sprintf("Your answer, %s, was given, and it is not known whether it was done.", act.Label),
+			"Look at the delivery before you answer again.",
+		}
+	}
+	if err := a.tell(ctx, r.Ask.Headline, lines); err != nil {
+		a.logf("the operator could NOT be told that %s was refused (ask %s): %v", act.Label, r.ID, err)
+	}
+}
+
+// refusalWords is a verb's refusal as the operator reads it: the plans named as "the plan" (plainRefusal), and, where
+// the words still carry an identifier the operator's channel withholds, one sentence of the answer's own.
+func refusalWords(words string, act conditions.Action) string {
+	return plainRefusalOr(words, refusalFallback(act))
+}
+
+// refusalFallback is what an answer's refusal says when its own words cannot be said: one sentence for each answer
+// to a plan's ask, never another answer's.
+func refusalFallback(act conditions.Action) string {
+	switch {
+	case act.Arguments["retry"] != "":
+		return "a retry would not run now; the details say why"
+	case act.Arguments["go"] != "":
+		return "the delivery could not be started now; the details say why"
+	case act.Arguments["stop"] != "":
+		return "the delivery could not be stopped now; the details say why"
+	}
+	return "the controller refused it; the details say why"
+}
+
 // handActWarrant is the verb an act the operator chose on a warrant is recorded under: a person's decision,
 // never a repair (handActVerbs).
 const handActWarrant = "warrant"

cmd/mesh-controller/asker_retry_integration_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,141 @@
+//go:build integration
+
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/asks"
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/testbus"
+)
+
+// 1315/AC3: the operator's Retry on a failed plan, acted on through the real callAction and the controller's own
+// `plans` verb, sets the plan building again at its tier and ends its plan-failed condition (novox/hq ADR 0449 §1).
+func TestAWarrantForRetryRetriesAFailedPlanInTheStoreAndEndsItsCondition(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	asked := asksRecorded(t)
+	planMovedHeard(t) // the bus the verb says its moves on, and the hand-act log
+	twoTiers(t, open)
+	before := time.Now().UTC().Add(-time.Hour)
+	ended := before.Add(time.Minute)
+	failed := inventory.Plan{ID: "plan-1315-retry", Repository: "novox/a", Branch: "main", Commit: "c0ffee",
+		Created: before, State: inventory.PlanFailed, Tier: 0, Tiers: [][]string{{"a"}, {"b"}},
+		Note:     "a failed to build in tier 0",
+		Delivery: &inventory.PlanDelivery{},
+		Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{"a": {State: "failed", AskedAt: &before, Build: "build-1",
+			Why: link.KilledByHand}},
+		Times: &inventory.PlanTimes{Cut: &before, Started: &before, Ended: &ended, Class: inventory.ClassLeaf}}
+	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &failed); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+
+	conn, err := nats.Connect(testbus.URL(t))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	defer conn.Close()
+	// The controller's seat answers `plans` as it does: by running the verb.
+	sub, err := conn.Subscribe(link.SeatToolSubject("mesh-controller", "plans"), func(m *nats.Msg) {
+		var args map[string]string
+		_ = json.Unmarshal(m.Data, &args)
+		answer := link.Answer{Result: json.RawMessage(`"ok"`)}
+		if len(args) != 1 || args["retry"] == "" {
+			answer = link.Answer{Error: "the retry was asked with more than the plan"}
+		} else if err := plansCommand(context.Background(), []string{"retry", args["retry"]}); err != nil {
+			answer = link.Answer{Error: err.Error()}
+		}
+		body, _ := json.Marshal(answer)
+		_ = m.Respond(body)
+	})
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	defer func() { _ = sub.Unsubscribe() }()
+
+	// What S23 raises for it, read from the store as the watchdog reads it.
+	raised := func(context.Context) ([]conditions.Condition, error) {
+		facts, err := gatherFailedPlans(ctx, open.inventory, time.Now())
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		var out []conditions.Condition
+		for _, o := range watchPlansFailed(&signalFacts{now: time.Now(), failed: facts}) {
+			out = append(out, conditions.Condition{Key: o.Key(), Kind: o.Kind, Severity: o.Severity, Headline: o.Headline,
+				Explanation: conditions.Verdict(o.Needs, o.Explanation), Needs: o.Needs, Actions: o.Actions})
+		}
+		return out, nil
+	}
+	now := time.Now()
+	store := memAskedStore{}
+	var sent []published
+	var acts []link.HandAct
+	a := &asker{open: raised, store: store,
+		silence: func(context.Context, string, time.Duration, string, string) error { return nil },
+		publish: func(_ context.Context, subject string, body []byte, id string) error {
+			sent = append(sent, published{subject, id, body})
+			return nil
+		},
+		call:   callAction(conn),
+		record: func(_ context.Context, act link.HandAct) error { acts = append(acts, act); return nil },
+		now:    func() time.Time { return now },
+		logf:   t.Logf}
+	cs, _ := raised(ctx)
+	if len(cs) != 1 || len(cs[0].Actions) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("the failed plan raised %+v", cs)
+	}
+	if err := a.reconcile(ctx); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	var w asks.Warrant
+	for _, r := range store {
+		for _, o := range r.Ask.Options {
+			if o.Label == "Retry" {
+				w = asks.Warrant{Ask: r.ID, Asker: "mesh-controller", About: r.Condition, Outcome: asks.OutcomeChosen,
+					Option: o.ID, Label: o.Label, Level: o.Level, Channel: "telegram", Proofs: []string{"P1"}, At: now,
+					AskDigest: r.Ask.Digest(),
+					By:        &asks.Person{Who: asks.Operator, Kind: "telegram", Identity: "42", Verified: "user id verified"}}
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	if w.Ask == "" {
+		t.Fatalf("no ask offers Retry: %+v", store)
+	}
+	body, _ := json.Marshal(w)
+	if err := a.Decided(ctx, body); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := a.Decided(ctx, body); err != nil { // heard again: nothing more
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+
+	p, err := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, failed.ID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	m := p.Modules["a"]
+	if p.State != inventory.PlanBuilding || p.Tier != 0 || m.State != "asked" || m.Build == "" || m.Build == "build-1" {
+		t.Fatalf("after the warrant the plan is %s at tier %d and a is %+v", p.State, p.Tier, m)
+	}
+	if len(*asked) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("the build was asked %d times: %v", len(*asked), *asked)
+	}
+	if got := store[w.Ask]; got.Acted != "done" {
+		t.Fatalf("the ask ended %q", got.Acted)
+	}
+	if len(acts) != 1 || acts[0].Verb != handActWarrant || !strings.Contains(strings.Join(acts[0].Args, " "), "retry="+failed.ID) {
+		t.Fatalf("the warrant was recorded as %+v", acts)
+	}
+	if cs, _ = raised(ctx); len(cs) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the plan-failed condition did not end: %+v", cs)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/asker_test.go

@@ -77,6 +77,15 @@ type askerRig struct {
 	silenced []string
 	acts     []link.HandAct
 	now      time.Time
+	// refuses, when set, is what every verb the asker calls answers; told is every notice the operator was told.
+	refuses error
+	told    []told
+}
+
+// told is one plain notice the asker told the operator.
+type told struct {
+	headline string
+	lines    []string
 }
 
 func newAskerRig(t *testing.T) *askerRig {
@@ -102,6 +111,10 @@ func newAskerRig(t *testing.T) *askerRig {
 		call: func(_ context.Context, a conditions.Action, args map[string]string) error {
 			raw, _ := json.Marshal(args)
 			r.called = append(r.called, a.Verb+"@"+a.Machine+" "+string(raw))
+			return r.refuses
+		},
+		tell: func(_ context.Context, headline string, lines []string) error {
+			r.told = append(r.told, told{headline, lines})
 			return nil
 		},
 		record: func(_ context.Context, act link.HandAct) error { r.acts = append(r.acts, act); return nil },
@@ -1013,3 +1026,215 @@ func TestTheServingAskerJudgesTheGrantForReal(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Errorf("held %v (%q, %v) with nothing to read", held, why, err)
 	}
 }
+
+// failedPlanCondition is the condition S23 raises for a failed delivery plan, as the keeper holds it.
+func failedPlanCondition(plan string) conditions.Condition {
+	p := aFailedPlan(plan, nil)
+	f := calm(time.Date(2026, 10, 19, 18, 30, 0, 0, time.UTC))
+	f.failed = []failedPlanFacts{failedFactsFor(p)}
+	o := watchPlansFailed(f)[0]
+	return conditions.Condition{Key: o.Key(), Kind: o.Kind, Severity: o.Severity, Headline: o.Headline,
+		Explanation: conditions.Verdict(o.Needs, o.Explanation), Needs: o.Needs, Actions: o.Actions}
+}
+
+// 1315/AC1: a failed plan's Retry is asked at the approve level, in the words "the failed builds are asked again".
+func TestAFailedPlansRetryIsAskedAtApproveInItsOwnWords(t *testing.T) {
+	r := newAskerRig(t)
+	c := failedPlanCondition("plan-1792433168676870614")
+	r.open = []conditions.Condition{c}
+	if err := r.a.reconcile(context.Background()); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	sent := r.asksSent(t)
+	if len(sent) != 1 || len(sent[0].Options) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("asked %+v", sent)
+	}
+	o := sent[0].Options[0]
+	if o.Label != "Retry" || o.Level != asks.Approve || o.Does != "the failed builds are asked again" {
+		t.Errorf("the option is %+v", o)
+	}
+	if err := sent[0].Check(r.now); err != nil {
+		t.Errorf("the ask is refused as made: %v", err)
+	}
+	if strings.Contains(sent[0].Explanation, "mesh MCP server") {
+		t.Errorf("the ask still says where else to answer: %q", sent[0].Explanation)
+	}
+}
+
+// 1315/AC2: the warrant calls plans with retry=<plan> and nothing else, once, and is recorded as the hand act;
+// the same warrant heard again does nothing.
+func TestAWarrantForRetryCallsPlansRetryOnceAndIsRecorded(t *testing.T) {
+	plan := "plan-1792433168676870614"
+	r := newAskerRig(t)
+	c := failedPlanCondition(plan)
+	r.open = []conditions.Condition{c}
+	_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+	w := r.warrantFor(t, c.Key, "Retry")
+	answerWith(t, r, w)
+	answerWith(t, r, w)
+	if want := `mesh-controller.plans@ {"retry":"` + plan + `"}`; len(r.called) != 1 || r.called[0] != want {
+		t.Fatalf("called %v, want exactly %s", r.called, want)
+	}
+	if len(r.acts) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("hand-acts %+v", r.acts)
+	}
+	act := r.acts[0]
+	if act.Verb != handActWarrant || strings.Join(act.Args, " ") != "mesh-controller.plans retry="+plan ||
+		act.Ask != w.Ask || act.Condition != c.Key || act.Outcome != "done" || act.Cause != conditions.CauseOperatorAnswer {
+		t.Errorf("the hand-act is %+v", act)
+	}
+	if got := r.store[w.Ask]; got.Acted != "done" {
+		t.Errorf("kept %+v", got)
+	}
+}
+
+// 1316/AC1 and AC2: a Retry or a Stop on a plan that moved on is refused by `plans`; the operator who pressed it is
+// told once, with the ask's headline and the refusal's words, and the hand act records the failure as before.
+func TestARefusedAnswerToAPlansAskIsToldOnceAndStillRecorded(t *testing.T) {
+	plan := "plan-1792433168676870614"
+	waiting := conditions.Condition{Key: "plan." + plan + ".waiting", Severity: conditions.Urgent,
+		Headline: "openrazer delivery waiting to start", Needs: "start it, or stop it.",
+		Explanation: "Needs you: start it, or stop it.", Actions: waitingActions(plan, conditions.Urgent)}
+	for _, tc := range []struct {
+		name  string
+		c     conditions.Condition
+		label string
+	}{
+		{"retry", failedPlanCondition(plan), "Retry"},
+		{"stop", waiting, "Stop"},
+	} {
+		t.Run(tc.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			r := newAskerRig(t)
+			r.refuses = verbRefused{verb: "mesh-controller.plans", words: plan + " is done; there is nothing to retry"}
+			r.open = []conditions.Condition{tc.c}
+			_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+			w := r.warrantFor(t, tc.c.Key, tc.label)
+			answerWith(t, r, w)
+			answerWith(t, r, w) // heard again: told once
+			if len(r.told) != 1 {
+				t.Fatalf("told %+v", r.told)
+			}
+			got := r.told[0]
+			if got.headline != tc.c.Headline {
+				t.Errorf("the headline is %q, not the ask's %q", got.headline, tc.c.Headline)
+			}
+			said := strings.Join(got.lines, " ")
+			if !strings.Contains(said, "the plan is done; there is nothing to retry") || !strings.Contains(said, tc.label) {
+				t.Errorf("the lines do not carry the answer and the refusal's words: %q", said)
+			}
+			if why, ok := conditions.Plain(said); !ok {
+				t.Errorf("the notice is not plain, so the channel would withhold it: %s: %q", why, said)
+			}
+			if len(r.acts) != 1 || !strings.HasPrefix(r.acts[0].Outcome, "failed: ") {
+				t.Errorf("the failure is not recorded as before: %+v", r.acts)
+			}
+			if kept := r.store[w.Ask]; !strings.HasPrefix(kept.Acted, "failed: ") {
+				t.Errorf("kept %+v", kept)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+// 1316/AC3: an answer that is done tells nothing; and a refusal of an answer that is no plan's is not told here.
+func TestADoneAnswerTellsNothingAndOnlyAPlansRefusalIsTold(t *testing.T) {
+	r := newAskerRig(t)
+	c := failedPlanCondition("plan-1792433168676870614")
+	r.open = []conditions.Condition{c}
+	_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+	answerWith(t, r, r.warrantFor(t, c.Key, "Retry"))
+	if len(r.told) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a retry that was done told %+v", r.told)
+	}
+
+	r = newAskerRig(t)
+	r.refuses = verbRefused{verb: "node-service-manager.restart", words: "unit not found"}
+	module := conditions.Condition{Key: "module.openrazer.g14.unhealthy", Severity: conditions.Warning,
+		Headline: "openrazer not working on g14", Needs: "restart its service openrazer-daemon on g14.",
+		Explanation: "Needs you: restart it.", Actions: []conditions.Action{{Label: "Restart",
+			Verb: "node-service-manager.restart", Machine: "g14", Level: conditions.LevelApprove,
+			Arguments: map[string]string{"unit": "openrazer-daemon.service", "scope": "user"}}}}
+	r.open = []conditions.Condition{module}
+	_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+	answerWith(t, r, r.warrantFor(t, module.Key, "Restart"))
+	if len(r.told) != 0 || len(r.acts) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("a refused restart told %+v, acts %+v", r.told, r.acts)
+	}
+}
+
+// 1316, review round 1: a call that got no answer may have run, so it is told as not known, never as "nothing was
+// changed"; and the sentence a refusal falls back to fits the answer given.
+func TestAnAnswerThatGotNoAnswerIsToldAsNotKnownNotAsRefused(t *testing.T) {
+	plan := "plan-1792433168676870614"
+	r := newAskerRig(t)
+	r.refuses = errors.New("mesh-controller did not answer plans within 30s")
+	c := failedPlanCondition(plan)
+	r.open = []conditions.Condition{c}
+	_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+	answerWith(t, r, r.warrantFor(t, c.Key, "Retry"))
+	if len(r.told) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("told %+v", r.told)
+	}
+	said := strings.Join(r.told[0].lines, " ")
+	if !strings.Contains(said, "not known whether") || strings.Contains(said, "Nothing was changed") {
+		t.Errorf("a call that may have run is told as %q", said)
+	}
+	if why, ok := conditions.Plain(said); !ok {
+		t.Errorf("not plain: %s: %q", why, said)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestEachAnswersRefusalFallsBackToItsOwnSentence(t *testing.T) {
+	plan := "plan-1792433168676870614"
+	for _, tc := range []struct {
+		act  conditions.Action
+		want string
+	}{
+		{retryAction(plan), "a retry would not run now"},
+		{conditions.Action{Label: "Start", Verb: "mesh-controller.plans", Arguments: map[string]string{"go": plan}}, "could not be started now"},
+		{conditions.Action{Label: "Stop", Verb: "mesh-controller.plans", Arguments: map[string]string{"stop": plan}}, "could not be stopped now"},
+	} {
+		// Words the operator's channel withholds: a hash and a dotted name.
+		got := refusalWords("build 48bda475dunst at mesh.seat.x refused", tc.act)
+		if !strings.Contains(got, tc.want) {
+			t.Errorf("%s: %q, want %q", tc.act.Label, got, tc.want)
+		}
+		if _, ok := conditions.Plain(got); !ok {
+			t.Errorf("%s: the fallback is not plain: %q", tc.act.Label, got)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// 1314/AC6, ADR 0449 §2: a retried plan that fails again within the hour of the answer is asked again, because the
+// condition that comes back is a new one, raised after the answered ask ended; the same condition still open is not.
+func TestARetriedPlanThatFailsAgainWithinTheHourIsAskedAgain(t *testing.T) {
+	r := newAskerRig(t)
+	c := failedPlanCondition("plan-1792433168676870614")
+	c.Raised = r.now.Add(-time.Minute)
+	r.open = []conditions.Condition{c}
+	_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+	answerWith(t, r, r.warrantFor(t, c.Key, "Retry"))
+	// Still open right after the answer: not asked again at once.
+	r.now = r.now.Add(time.Minute)
+	_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+	if n := len(r.asksSent(t)); n != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("asked again while the same condition stayed open: %d", n)
+	}
+	// The retry ran, the plan left failed and the condition ended.
+	r.now = r.now.Add(time.Minute)
+	r.open = nil
+	_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+	// It fails again, ten minutes after the answer: a condition raised after the answered ask ended.
+	r.now = r.now.Add(8 * time.Minute)
+	again := failedPlanCondition("plan-1792433168676870614")
+	again.Raised = r.now
+	r.open = []conditions.Condition{again}
+	if err := r.a.reconcile(context.Background()); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if n := len(r.asksSent(t)); n != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("the second failure was asked %d times in all, want 2", n)
+	}
+	if len(r.called) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("something retried without an answer: %v", r.called)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/asker_wire.go

@@ -19,8 +19,8 @@ import (
 
 	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/asks"
 
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"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"
@@ -135,6 +135,12 @@ func (b busAsked) All(ctx context.Context) ([]asked, error) {
 	return out, nil
 }
 
+// verbRefused is a verb's own refusal of an act: the seat answered, and said no. Any other error of callAction (a bus
+// that did not answer, a grant that is refused) is not one: the verb may have run.
+type verbRefused struct{ verb, words string }
+
+func (e verbRefused) Error() string { return e.verb + " refused: " + e.words }
+
 // callAction performs an action's verb as the controller, through the grant that names it.
 func callAction(conn *nats.Conn) func(ctx context.Context, a conditions.Action, args map[string]string) error {
 	return func(ctx context.Context, a conditions.Action, args map[string]string) error {
@@ -168,7 +174,23 @@ func callAction(conn *nats.Conn) func(ctx context.Context, a conditions.Action,
 			return err
 		}
 		if answer.Error != "" {
-			return fmt.Errorf("%s refused: %s", a.Verb, answer.Error)
+			return verbRefused{verb: a.Verb, words: answer.Error}
+		}
+		return nil
+	}
+}
+
+// tellThrough tells the operator one plain notice through the operator channel's `tell`, over the controller's own
+// connection and grant (novox/hq ADR 0380); a holder's refusal is an error naming it.
+func tellThrough(conn *nats.Conn) func(ctx context.Context, headline string, lines []string) error {
+	return func(ctx context.Context, headline string, lines []string) error {
+		answer, err := link.AskMeshSeatTool(ctx, conn, "operator-channel", "tell",
+			map[string]any{"headline": headline, "lines": lines}, tellWithin)
+		if err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+		if answer.Error != "" {
+			return fmt.Errorf("operator-channel.tell refused: %s", answer.Error)
 		}
 		return nil
 	}
@@ -576,6 +598,7 @@ func servingAsker(open *stores, conn *nats.Conn, js jetstream.JetStream, keeper
 			_, err := link.RecordHandAct(ctx, conn, act)
 			return err
 		},
+		tell:         tellThrough(conn),
 		routerRecord: routerRecordOf(conn, open.inventory),
 		routerHere:   routerHereIn(open.inventory),
 		grantHeld:    grantHeldIn(open, conn),

cmd/mesh-controller/awaiting_push_integration_test.go

@@ -8,10 +8,11 @@ import (
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/compose"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/overlay"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/overlay"
 )
 
 func TestAModuleAssignedAndNotPushedIsAwaitingAPushNotUncomposable(t *testing.T) {
@@ -25,21 +26,13 @@ func TestAModuleAssignedAndNotPushedIsAwaitingAPushNotUncomposable(t *testing.T)
 
 	// The read the rest of the mesh asks still refuses it, with the composer's typed error: nothing
 	// can be compared about a secret that does not exist (status), and nothing here string-matches.
-	plan, settings, err := planFor(ctx, open, "laptop")
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	gens, err := generators(ctx, open)
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	_, err = declarationWith(ctx, open, "laptop", plan, settings, gens, Reading)
+	_, _, err := composeQuestion(ctx, open, "laptop", compose.Reading, false)
 	var notMade *catalogue.NotMadeError
 	if !errors.As(err, &notMade) || notMade.Module != "keeper" || notMade.Name != "repository" {
 		t.Fatalf("a read composition did not say which secret is not made, typed: %v", err)
 	}
 	// Foreseen, it composes, names what the push makes, and made nothing.
-	foreseen, err := declarationWith(ctx, open, "laptop", plan, settings, gens, Foreseeing)
+	foreseen, _, err := composeQuestion(ctx, open, "laptop", compose.Foreseeing, false)
 	if err != nil || len(foreseen.foreseen) != 1 || foreseen.foreseen[0] != "keeper/repository" {
 		t.Fatalf("foreseen: %v %v", foreseen.foreseen, err)
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/awaiting_push_test.go

@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ import (
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 )
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ func aKeeper() catalogue.Manifest {
 func pushedBy(t *testing.T, open *stores, node string) string {
 	t.Helper()
 	ctx := t.Context()
-	plan, settings, err := planFor(ctx, open, node)
+	plan, settings, err := resolveNode(ctx, open, node)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
@@ -54,11 +54,10 @@ func pushedBy(t *testing.T, open *stores, node string) string {
 		if err != nil {
 			t.Fatal(err)
 		}
-		names := make([]string, 0, len(plan.Modules))
+		builds = map[string]string{}
 		for _, m := range plan.Modules {
-			names = append(names, m.Module)
+			builds[m.Module] = current[m.Module].Commit
 		}
-		builds = carriedBuilds(names, nil, current, nil)
 	}
 	if err := open.inventory.RecordSent(ctx, record.ID, digest, builds); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)

cmd/mesh-controller/away.go

@@ -0,0 +1,100 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"fmt"
+	"os"
+	"slices"
+	"sort"
+	"strings"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// A machine out of touch when a tier is sent is not sent to and not waited for (novox/hq ADR 0435 §1, issue 1161): the
+// delivery goes on with the machines heard, says the others were away, and the away ones get the builds by the send
+// they are given when heard again (ADR 0353, ADR 0360 §5). Away is the silent check's one verdict, machineFacts.silent
+// over the watchman's presence (ADR 0433 §3), never a second rule; a sleeping machine is away once presence says so.
+
+// awayOf is the machines out of touch at a moment: those the silent check calls silent (a sleeping machine
+// is away once presence says so). A machine
+// never heard from has not joined and is not away.
+func awayOf(machines []machineFacts, now time.Time) map[string]bool {
+	out := map[string]bool{}
+	for _, m := range machines {
+		if m.silent(now) {
+			out[m.name] = true
+		}
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// judgeAway is the walk's reading of which machines are away as a tier is sent: every node with its last-heard time and
+// the watchman's verdict on its presence key. A bus that cannot be asked leaves none away, which is what a walk did
+// before: a machine is not passed on a reading that was not made.
+var judgeAway = func(ctx context.Context, open *stores, now time.Time) (map[string]bool, error) {
+	nodes, err := open.inventory.Nodes(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	address, err := broker.BusAddress()
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	js, err := broker.Dial(address)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	defer js.Close()
+	machines := make([]machineFacts, len(nodes))
+	for i, n := range nodes {
+		machines[i] = machineFacts{name: n.Name, lastHeard: n.LastSeen}
+	}
+	if err := withPresence(ctx, js.Conn(), machines, now); err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return awayOf(machines, now), nil
+}
+
+// rememberAway keeps on the plan the machines of running that are away: sorted, each once.
+func rememberAway(p *inventory.Plan, running []string, away map[string]bool) {
+	for _, n := range running {
+		if away[n] && !slices.Contains(p.Away, n) {
+			p.Away = append(p.Away, n)
+		}
+	}
+	sort.Strings(p.Away)
+}
+
+// runningHeard is the machines of running that the walk waits on for a module: those a send of the walk reached, and
+// those it did not pass as away.
+func runningHeard(p inventory.Plan, running []string, s *inventory.PlanModule) []string {
+	return slices.DeleteFunc(slices.Clone(running), func(n string) bool {
+		if !slices.Contains(p.Away, n) {
+			return false
+		}
+		_, sent := s.Rest[n]
+		return !sent
+	})
+}
+
+// awaySaying is what a plan says of the machines it passed as away, empty when it passed none.
+func awaySaying(p inventory.Plan) string {
+	var said []string
+	for _, n := range p.Away {
+		said = append(said, n+" was away: sent when it is heard again")
+	}
+	return strings.Join(said, "; ")
+}
+
+// judgedAway reads which machines are away for a tier about to be sent, and says when it cannot.
+func judgedAway(ctx context.Context, open *stores, now time.Time) map[string]bool {
+	away, err := judgeAway(ctx, open, now)
+	if err != nil {
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "which machines are away cannot be read, so none is passed over: %v\n", err)
+		return nil // empty-on-error: none is passed over on a reading that was not made; the error is said just above
+	}
+	return away
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/away_integration_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,228 @@
+//go:build integration
+
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"fmt"
+	"strings"
+	"sync"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
+
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/testbus"
+)
+
+// 1161/AC5, with the store and a real bus and no ticker: a plan of two tiers whose first tier runs on a machine away when it
+// is sent finishes that tier without waiting for it and without its bound, sends the second tier to the machine heard
+// alone, and says the machine was away (issue 1161). The machine away keeps its want: it was sent nothing of the plan's
+// builds, so the send it gets when it is heard again carries them (AC3).
+func TestAPlanGoesOnWithoutAMachineAwayWhenItsTierIsSent(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+
+	// laptop is away as every tier is sent; anchor is heard.
+	wasAway := judgeAway
+	judgeAway = func(context.Context, *stores, time.Time) (map[string]bool, error) {
+		return map[string]bool{"laptop": true}, nil
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { judgeAway = wasAway })
+
+	js, err := broker.Dial(testbus.URL(t))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(js.Close)
+	if err := broker.AssertMeshStreams(js); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := js.EnsureControllerBuckets(); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	legacy, err := js.Conn().JetStream()
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	checkEvents = link.OverNATS{Conn: js.Conn(), JS: legacy}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { checkEvents = nil })
+	sentHeard := make(chan *nats.Msg, 32)
+	sub, err := js.Conn().ChanSubscribe(link.SeatEventSubject(link.MeshControllerSeat, link.KeySent), sentHeard)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { _ = sub.Unsubscribe() })
+
+	wasSaved := inventory.PlanSaved
+	inventory.PlanSaved = servingPlanSaved(ctx, checkEvents, open)
+	t.Cleanup(func() { inventory.PlanSaved = wasSaved })
+
+	// The build machine and the machines, as far as the plan meets them: an ask is counted, a send is recorded and kept.
+	var mu sync.Mutex
+	var asks []string
+	var sends [][]string
+	wasAsk := askABuild
+	askABuild = func(_ context.Context, source buildSource, _, _ string) (string, error) {
+		mu.Lock()
+		defer mu.Unlock()
+		id := link.NewBuildID(time.Now().Add(time.Duration(len(asks)) * time.Millisecond))
+		asks = append(asks, source.Repository+"#"+id)
+		return id, nil
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { askABuild = wasAsk })
+	digests := 0
+	wasSend := sendRollout
+	sendRollout = func(ctx context.Context, open *stores, names []string) ([]string, error) {
+		mu.Lock()
+		defer mu.Unlock()
+		sends = append(sends, append([]string(nil), names...))
+		current, err := open.inventory.CurrentBuilds(ctx)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		builds := map[string]string{}
+		for _, m := range []string{"a", "b"} {
+			builds[m] = current[m].Commit
+		}
+		for _, node := range names {
+			digests++
+			if err := open.inventory.RecordSent(ctx, nodeID(t, open, node), fmt.Sprintf("d-%s-%d", node, digests), builds); err != nil {
+				return nil, err
+			}
+		}
+		return names, nil
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { sendRollout = wasSend })
+
+	register := func(m, commit string, asked time.Time) {
+		t.Helper()
+		if err := inv.RegisterModule(ctx, catalogue.Manifest{Module: m, Version: commit},
+			inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/" + m, Seat: "git", Path: "modules/" + m, BuiltFrom: commit, Head: commit,
+				Asked: asked}); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	record := func(id, m, commit string, at time.Time) {
+		t.Helper()
+		b := inventory.Build{ID: id, Module: m, Commit: commit, Repository: "novox/" + m, Path: "modules/" + m, Asked: at, At: at}
+		b.Manifest, _ = json.Marshal(catalogue.Manifest{Module: m, Version: commit})
+		if err := inv.RecordBuild(ctx, b); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	old := time.Now().Add(-2 * time.Hour)
+	for _, m := range []string{"a", "b"} {
+		record("build-"+m+"-1", m, "c1", old)
+		register(m, "c1", old)
+		for _, n := range []string{"anchor", "laptop"} {
+			if _, err := inv.Assign(ctx, n, m); err != nil {
+				t.Fatal(err)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	for _, n := range []string{"anchor", "laptop"} {
+		if err := inv.RecordSent(ctx, nodeID(t, open, n), "d-"+n+"-c1", map[string]string{"a": "c1", "b": "c1"}); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	record("build-a-2", "a", "c2", time.Now().Add(-time.Minute))
+	register("a", "c2", time.Now().Add(-time.Minute))
+
+	// A machine's report on what it was sent, heard as the controller hears it.
+	listener := nudgingListener{Enrolment: link.Enrolment{Inventory: inv}}
+	seq := int64(0)
+	reports := func(node string) {
+		t.Helper()
+		last, found, err := inv.SentTo(ctx, node)
+		if err != nil || !found {
+			t.Fatalf("%s was sent nothing: %v", node, err)
+		}
+		seq++
+		body, _ := json.Marshal(map[string]any{"node": node, "applied": []string{"x.server"}, "declared": last.Digest,
+			"report_sequence": seq})
+		var report link.Report
+		if err := json.Unmarshal(body, &report); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		if _, err := listener.Heard(ctx, report); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	plan := func() inventory.Plan {
+		t.Helper()
+		p, err := inv.PlanByID(ctx, "plan-1160")
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		return p
+	}
+
+	built := time.Now().UTC()
+	p := inventory.Plan{ID: "plan-1160", Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Branch: "main", Commit: "c2", Created: time.Now().UTC(),
+		State: inventory.PlanBuilding, Tiers: [][]string{{"a"}, {"b"}},
+		Delivery: &inventory.PlanDelivery{Order: []inventory.Edge{{From: "b", To: "a", Kind: edgeChangeOrder}}},
+		Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{
+			"a": {State: "built", BuiltAt: &built, Commit: "c2", Build: "build-a-2"},
+			"b": {},
+		}}
+	first, stopFirst := context.WithCancel(ctx)
+	defer stopFirst()
+	waitFirst := startRolloutEvents(first, open, js)
+	// Ends with the test before the cleanups restore what the look reads, which run after it (issue 1338).
+	t.Cleanup(func() { stopFirst(); waitFirst() })
+	if err := inv.SavePlan(ctx, &p); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	eventually(t, "tier 0 sent to anchor alone", func() bool {
+		mu.Lock()
+		defer mu.Unlock()
+		return len(sends) == 1 && strings.Join(sends[0], ",") == "anchor"
+	})
+	reports("anchor")
+	// The note of the move to tier 1 is read in the step that sees it: later steps of the tier say their own.
+	var moved string
+	eventually(t, "tier 1 reached on anchor's report alone", func() bool {
+		if q := plan(); q.Tier == 1 {
+			moved = q.Note
+			return true
+		}
+		return false
+	})
+	if !strings.Contains(moved, "laptop was away: sent when it is heard again") || strings.Contains(moved, "anchor") {
+		t.Errorf("1161/AC2: the plan says %q; want laptop named away and not anchor", moved)
+	}
+	// The ask for tier 1's build is the next step, and records its build id on the module.
+	eventually(t, "tier 1 asked", func() bool { m := plan().Modules["b"]; return m != nil && m.Build != "" })
+	b := plan().Modules["b"]
+	askedAt, _ := link.BuildAskedAt(b.Build)
+	record(b.Build, "b", "c2", askedAt)
+	register("b", "c2", askedAt)
+	planBuilt(ctx, open, "b", "c2", "", askedAt, b.Build)
+	eventually(t, "tier 1 sent to anchor alone", func() bool {
+		mu.Lock()
+		defer mu.Unlock()
+		return len(sends) == 2 && strings.Join(sends[1], ",") == "anchor"
+	})
+	// 1161/AC3: laptop was sent nothing of the plan's builds, so it still wants them for the send it gets when heard again.
+	was, known, err := inv.SentBuilds(ctx, "laptop")
+	if err != nil || !known {
+		t.Fatalf("1161/AC3: laptop's last send: %v, known %v", err, known)
+	}
+	current, err := inv.CurrentBuilds(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if was["a"] == current["a"].Commit || was["a"] != "c1" {
+		t.Errorf("1161/AC3: laptop was last sent a at %q and a is now %q; want it still at c1, owed c2", was["a"], current["a"].Commit)
+	}
+	if got := plan().Away; strings.Join(got, ",") != "laptop" {
+		t.Errorf("1161/AC2: the plan keeps %v away; want laptop", got)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/away_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,67 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"slices"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// A machine out of touch when a tier is sent is not sent to and not waited for (novox/hq ADR 0435 §1, issue 1161): the
+// walk judges it with the silent check's one verdict, machineFacts.silent, and a sleeping machine is away once presence says so.
+
+// 1161/AC1: away is the silent check's verdict; AC4: a machine heard is not away.
+func TestAMachineIsAwayAsTheSilentCheckJudgesIt(t *testing.T) {
+	now := time.Now().UTC()
+	machines := []machineFacts{
+		{name: "heard", lastHeard: now.Add(-time.Minute)},
+		{name: "quiet", lastHeard: now.Add(-silentBound - time.Minute)},
+		{name: "stuck", lastHeard: now, presence: presenceSilent},
+		{name: "back", lastHeard: now.Add(-time.Hour), presence: presenceHeard},
+		{name: "new"},
+	}
+	got := awayOf(machines, now)
+	for node, want := range map[string]bool{"heard": false, "quiet": true, "stuck": true, "back": false,
+		"new": false} {
+		if got[node] != want {
+			t.Errorf("1161/AC1: %s away is %v; want %v (away: %v)", node, got[node], want, got)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// 1161/AC1, AC2: the plan keeps the machines of the tier it passed as away, sorted and once.
+func TestAPlanKeepsTheMachinesItPassedAsAway(t *testing.T) {
+	p := &inventory.Plan{}
+	away := map[string]bool{"g14": true, "ace": true}
+	rememberAway(p, []string{"anchor", "g14"}, away)
+	rememberAway(p, []string{"g14", "ace"}, away)
+	if !slices.Equal(p.Away, []string{"ace", "g14"}) {
+		t.Fatalf("1161/AC2: the plan keeps %v away; want ace, g14", p.Away)
+	}
+}
+
+// 1161/AC2: the plan says it, where its other passed machines are said.
+func TestAPlanSaysTheMachinesItPassedAsAway(t *testing.T) {
+	say := awaySaying(inventory.Plan{Away: []string{"g14"}})
+	if !strings.Contains(say, "g14 was away: sent when it is heard again") {
+		t.Fatalf("1161/AC2: the plan says %q", say)
+	}
+	if got := awaySaying(inventory.Plan{}); got != "" {
+		t.Fatalf("1161/AC2: a plan that passed no machine says %q", got)
+	}
+}
+
+// 1161/AC1: the gate does not wait for a machine passed as away, unless a send reached it; AC4: a machine heard is waited for.
+func TestAGateDoesNotWaitForAMachinePassedAsAway(t *testing.T) {
+	p := inventory.Plan{Away: []string{"g14"}}
+	none := &inventory.PlanModule{}
+	if got := runningHeard(p, []string{"anchor", "g14"}, none); !slices.Equal(got, []string{"anchor"}) {
+		t.Fatalf("1161/AC1: the gate waits on %v; want anchor alone", got)
+	}
+	sent := &inventory.PlanModule{Rest: map[string]inventory.SentDeclaration{"g14": {Digest: "d"}}}
+	if got := runningHeard(p, []string{"anchor", "g14"}, sent); !slices.Equal(got, []string{"anchor", "g14"}) {
+		t.Fatalf("1161/AC4: a machine a send reached is waited for: %v", got)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/backups_before_send_integration_test.go

@@ -10,9 +10,9 @@ import (
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"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"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/testbus"

cmd/mesh-controller/batches.go

@@ -176,6 +176,11 @@ func (f following) hearMerge(ctx context.Context, m link.SourceMoved, now time.T
 				repository, m.Base, m.Commit, already)
 			return nil
 		}
+		if already == 0 {
+			if done, err := f.firstBuilds(ctx, m, entries, read, now); err != nil || done {
+				return err
+			}
+		}
 		fmt.Print(nothingReadsIt(repository, m))
 		return nil
 	}
@@ -362,7 +367,7 @@ func buildsEvery(p inventory.Plan, modules []inventory.Entry) bool {
 // ownPath says a merge touches a module on the controller's own path, whose walk waits for nobody's word.
 func ownPath(touches []inventory.Entry) bool {
 	for _, e := range touches {
-		if _, own := onTheControllersPath[e.Manifest.Module]; own {
+		if onTheOwnPath(e.Manifest.Module, e.Manifest) {
 			return true
 		}
 	}
@@ -742,6 +747,9 @@ func carriedOf(merges []inventory.BatchedMerge) ([]inventory.PlanCommit, []inven
 type keptMerge struct {
 	link.SourceMoved
 	Moves []string `json:"moves,omitempty"`
+	// FirstBuild says the merge is a first merge into a repository the mesh builds nothing from, kept to ask the first
+	// build of its modules once mesh-delivery's word on it is kept (novox/hq ADR 0432, issue 1146).
+	FirstBuild bool `json:"first_build,omitempty"`
 }
 
 // announcedOf is a kept merge as the forge announced it, and what it moved; empty where the record says none.
@@ -937,7 +945,11 @@ func cutUnrelated(ctx context.Context, open *stores, batches, started, waiting [
 	var read map[string][]inventory.ReadRepository
 	var edges []inventory.Edge
 	judged := false
-	openWalks, err := openWalksOf(ctx, inv, started)
+	onPath, err := ownPathNow(ctx, inv)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	openWalks, err := openWalksOf(ctx, inv, started, onPath)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
@@ -970,7 +982,7 @@ func cutUnrelated(ctx context.Context, open *stores, batches, started, waiting [
 		var fold, keep []inventory.Plan
 		if !b.OwnPath() {
 			for _, w := range waiting {
-				ww, err := openWalkOf(ctx, inv, w)
+				ww, err := openWalkOf(ctx, inv, w, onPath)
 				if err != nil {
 					return err
 				}
@@ -1005,7 +1017,7 @@ func cutUnrelated(ctx context.Context, open *stores, batches, started, waiting [
 		if !cut.Open() {
 			continue
 		}
-		w, err := openWalkOf(ctx, inv, cut)
+		w, err := openWalkOf(ctx, inv, cut, onPath)
 		if err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
@@ -1383,8 +1395,9 @@ func classOfModules(modules []string, entries []inventory.Entry) string {
 			}
 		}
 	}
+	onPath := ownPathOf(entries)
 	for _, m := range modules {
-		if _, own := onTheControllersPath[m]; own || resolvers[m] {
+		if _, own := onPath[m]; own || resolvers[m] {
 			return inventory.ClassCore
 		}
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/batches_integration_test.go

@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ import (
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
 )

cmd/mesh-controller/batches_test.go

@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ import (
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
 )

cmd/mesh-controller/bindings.go

@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ import (
 	"context"
 	"fmt"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
 )
 
@@ -73,6 +73,8 @@ func reportKept(ctx context.Context, plan catalogue.Resolution) {
 // sent, on every machine — the resolver kept it there (said, urgent, until a person pins), or a pin
 // moves it (said, so the data goes first), and never anything else.
 func probeBindings(ctx context.Context, d *doctor) ([]conditions.Observation, error) {
+	// One reading of the mesh for every machine this looks at.
+	ctx = withInputCache(ctx)
 	inv := d.open.inventory
 	nodes, err := inv.Nodes(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -80,7 +82,7 @@ func probeBindings(ctx context.Context, d *doctor) ([]conditions.Observation, er
 	}
 	var out []conditions.Observation
 	for _, n := range nodes {
-		plan, _, err := planFor(ctx, d.open, n.Name)
+		plan, _, err := resolveNode(ctx, d.open, n.Name)
 		if err != nil {
 			if unresolvable(err) {
 				// D1 says it, with the binding that refused it when that is why.

cmd/mesh-controller/bindings_integration_test.go

@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 	"testing"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
 )
 
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ func TestTheIncidentAConsumerStaysBesideItsDataUntilAPersonPinsIt(t *testing.T)
 	assignAll([2]string{"laptop", "store"}, [2]string{"laptop", "resolver"}, [2]string{"laptop", "network"},
 		[2]string{"laptop", "board"})
 
-	plan, _, err := planFor(ctx, open, "laptop")
+	plan, _, err := resolveNode(ctx, open, "laptop")
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
@@ -64,7 +64,7 @@ func TestTheIncidentAConsumerStaysBesideItsDataUntilAPersonPinsIt(t *testing.T)
 	if err := inv.Unassign(ctx, "laptop", "store"); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
-	if _, _, err := planFor(ctx, open, "laptop"); err == nil || !unresolvable(err) ||
+	if _, _, err := resolveNode(ctx, open, "laptop"); err == nil || !unresolvable(err) ||
 		!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "board on laptop is bound to laptop/store") ||
 		!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "pin laptop postgres-database anchor store") {
 		t.Fatalf("the consumer's store went and it was answered elsewhere: %v", err)
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ func TestTheIncidentAConsumerStaysBesideItsDataUntilAPersonPinsIt(t *testing.T)
 	if err := inv.PinProvision(ctx, "laptop", "postgres-database", "anchor", "store"); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
-	plan, _, err = planFor(ctx, open, "laptop")
+	plan, _, err = resolveNode(ctx, open, "laptop")
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/bindings_test.go

@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 	"testing"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
 )
 

cmd/mesh-controller/build.go

@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ import (
 	"flag"
 	"fmt"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"io"
 	"os"
 	"slices"
 	"strings"
@@ -14,9 +15,9 @@ import (
 
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
 
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
 	"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"
 )
@@ -152,6 +153,7 @@ func buildFrom(result link.BuildResult) inventory.Build {
 		Path: result.Path,
 		// What it was made from (novox/hq issue 280): two builds with one are one build.
 		SourceFingerprint: result.SourceFingerprint,
+		SourceInputs:      result.SourceInputs,
 		// And its reuse key (novox/hq ADR 0350 §1), which the chain names (ADR 0408 §1).
 		ReuseKey: result.ReuseKey,
 	}
@@ -236,47 +238,56 @@ func buildsCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 	}
 
 	for _, b := range builds {
-		what := b.Module
-		if what == "" {
-			// It failed before knowing what it was building, which is most of the interesting
-			// failures. The repository is what a person has to go and look at.
-			what = "?"
-		}
-		outcome := "built " + short(b.Commit)
-		if !b.Worked() {
-			outcome = "failed"
-		}
-		fmt.Printf("%-18s %-14s %-10s %s  %s\n",
-			what, outcome, b.On, b.At.Local().Format("2006-01-02 15:04"), b.ID)
-		fmt.Printf("    %s", b.Repository)
-		if b.Ref != "" {
-			fmt.Printf(" at %s", b.Ref)
-		}
-		fmt.Println()
-		for _, made := range b.Made {
-			fmt.Printf("    %-10s %s\n", made.Kind, made.Reference)
-		}
-		// What it published and under what reuse key (novox/hq ADR 0408 §1).
-		if p := b.Published; p != nil {
-			if p.Artifact != "" {
-				fmt.Printf("    published  %s\n", p.Artifact)
-			}
-			if p.Package != nil {
-				fmt.Printf("    published  %s@%s\n", p.Package.Name, p.Package.Version)
-			}
-		}
-		if b.ReuseKey != "" {
-			fmt.Printf("    reuse key  %s\n", b.ReuseKey)
-		}
-		if !b.Worked() {
-			// The builder's own first line. The whole failure is often a build log, and printing
-			// it here would bury every other row.
-			fmt.Printf("    %s\n", firstLine(b.Failed))
-		}
+		printBuild(os.Stdout, b)
 	}
 	return nil
 }
 
+// printBuild says one build: what, its outcome, where and when, what it made and published, its reuse key, and its
+// source fingerprint (novox/hq issue 1204: the one tool that reads what the builder recorded it was made from).
+func printBuild(w io.Writer, b inventory.Build) {
+	what := b.Module
+	if what == "" {
+		// It failed before knowing what it was building, which is most of the interesting
+		// failures. The repository is what a person has to go and look at.
+		what = "?"
+	}
+	outcome := "built " + short(b.Commit)
+	if !b.Worked() {
+		outcome = "failed"
+	}
+	fmt.Fprintf(w, "%-18s %-14s %-10s %s  %s\n",
+		what, outcome, b.On, b.At.Local().Format("2006-01-02 15:04"), b.ID)
+	fmt.Fprintf(w, "    %s", b.Repository)
+	if b.Ref != "" {
+		fmt.Fprintf(w, " at %s", b.Ref)
+	}
+	fmt.Fprintln(w)
+	for _, made := range b.Made {
+		fmt.Fprintf(w, "    %-10s %s\n", made.Kind, made.Reference)
+	}
+	// What it published and under what reuse key (novox/hq ADR 0408 §1).
+	if p := b.Published; p != nil {
+		if p.Artifact != "" {
+			fmt.Fprintf(w, "    published  %s\n", p.Artifact)
+		}
+		if p.Package != nil {
+			fmt.Fprintf(w, "    published  %s@%s\n", p.Package.Name, p.Package.Version)
+		}
+	}
+	if b.ReuseKey != "" {
+		fmt.Fprintf(w, "    reuse key  %s\n", b.ReuseKey)
+	}
+	if b.SourceFingerprint != "" {
+		fmt.Fprintf(w, "    source     %s\n", b.SourceFingerprint)
+	}
+	if !b.Worked() {
+		// The builder's own first line. The whole failure is often a build log, and printing
+		// it here would bury every other row.
+		fmt.Fprintf(w, "    %s\n", firstLine(b.Failed))
+	}
+}
+
 // builderCommand issues a build machine its own broker credential.
 //
 // **A build machine is not a node**, and giving it a node's account would let it read another
@@ -473,7 +484,7 @@ func buildOneAsked(ctx context.Context, source buildSource, path, ref string, wa
 		return "", err
 	}
 	// Through a verb, only a repository the catalogue builds from (novox/hq ADR 0266).
-	if err := verbMayAsk(ctx, source, repository); err != nil {
+	if err := verbMayAsk(ctx, source, repository, path); err != nil {
 		return "", err
 	}
 
@@ -812,7 +823,7 @@ func buildAndShow(ctx context.Context, source buildSource, path, ref string, wai
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
-	if err := verbMayAsk(ctx, source, repository); err != nil {
+	if err := verbMayAsk(ctx, source, repository, path); err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 	ident, err := openIdentity(ctx)

cmd/mesh-controller/build_seat_test.go

@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ package main
 import (
 	"testing"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
 )

cmd/mesh-controller/build_source.go

@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 	"time"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
 )
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ func newSourceForms(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory) *sourceForms
 		if world == nil {
 			w := catalogue.World{}
 			if shelf, err := inv.Catalogue(ctx); err == nil {
-				if read, err := theRestOfTheMesh(ctx, inv, shelf, ""); err == nil {
+				if read, err := restOfTheMeshOf(ctx, inv, shelf, ""); err == nil {
 					w = read
 				}
 			}
@@ -567,13 +567,49 @@ func sourceWords(repository, seat string) string {
 	return buildSource{Repository: repository, Seat: seat}.String()
 }
 
+// firstBuildWarrant is what the controller checked before it asks the first build of the modules a merge adds to a
+// repository nothing is built from: the merge was made on the operator's Approve of its head (approvedAnnounced). It
+// travels in the context of that ask alone, in this process, so no verb carries one.
+type firstBuildWarrant struct {
+	repository string // owner/name on the git seat
+	paths      map[string]bool
+	why        string
+}
+
+type firstBuildWarrantKey struct{}
+
+// withFirstBuildWarrant is ctx carrying the warrant for asking the first builds of paths in repository.
+func withFirstBuildWarrant(ctx context.Context, repository string, paths []string, why string) context.Context {
+	w := &firstBuildWarrant{repository: repository, paths: map[string]bool{}, why: why}
+	for _, p := range paths {
+		w.paths[strings.Trim(p, "/")] = true
+	}
+	return context.WithValue(ctx, firstBuildWarrantKey{}, w)
+}
+
+func firstBuildWarrantIn(ctx context.Context) *firstBuildWarrant {
+	w, _ := ctx.Value(firstBuildWarrantKey{}).(*firstBuildWarrant)
+	return w
+}
+
+// covers says the warrant is for exactly this ask: the repository on the git seat, and a module path the merge holds.
+func (w *firstBuildWarrant) covers(source buildSource, path string) bool {
+	return w != nil && source.Seat == gitSeat && strings.EqualFold(strings.Trim(source.Repository, "/"), w.repository) &&
+		w.paths[strings.Trim(path, "/")]
+}
+
 // verbMayAsk refuses, for a call through a verb, a build of a repository the catalogue builds no module from
 // (novox/hq ADR 0266): the build node would run what an agent wrote, and its outcome could never be
 // registered anyway. url is the repository as it is cloned. At the terminal anything may be asked.
-func verbMayAsk(ctx context.Context, source buildSource, url string) error {
+func verbMayAsk(ctx context.Context, source buildSource, url, path string) error {
 	if startedAtTheTerminal() {
 		return nil
 	}
+	// **Or the first build of a module a merge adds on the operator's Approve** (novox/hq ADR 0432, issue 1146): the
+	// controller's own ask, carrying the warrant it checked, for that repository and the module paths the merge holds.
+	if firstBuildWarrantIn(ctx).covers(source, path) {
+		return nil
+	}
 	open, err := openStores(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err

cmd/mesh-controller/build_source_integration_test.go

@@ -134,18 +134,18 @@ func TestAVerbAsksNoBuildOfARepositoryTheCatalogueDoesNotBuildFrom(t *testing.T)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	t.Setenv(verbVar, "build")
 	t.Setenv(link.CallerVar, "node-tools.anchor, through the mesh-controller seat")
-	err := verbMayAsk(ctx, buildSource{Repository: "agent/sudo", Seat: "git"}, "http://forge.internal:20000/agent/sudo.git")
+	err := verbMayAsk(ctx, buildSource{Repository: "agent/sudo", Seat: "git"}, "http://forge.internal:20000/agent/sudo.git", "")
 	var policy *heldAtTheTerminal
 	if !errors.As(err, &policy) {
 		t.Fatalf("a verb's build of an agent's repository was asked: %v", err)
 	}
 	if err := verbMayAsk(ctx, buildSource{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Seat: "git"},
-		"http://forge.internal:20000/novox/mesh-catalog.git"); err != nil {
+		"http://forge.internal:20000/novox/mesh-catalog.git", ""); err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("a verb's build of the catalogue repository was refused: %v", err)
 	}
 	t.Setenv(verbVar, "")
 	t.Setenv(link.CallerVar, "")
-	if err := verbMayAsk(ctx, buildSource{Repository: "agent/sudo", Seat: "git"}, ""); err != nil {
+	if err := verbMayAsk(ctx, buildSource{Repository: "agent/sudo", Seat: "git"}, "", ""); err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("the terminal was refused: %v", err)
 	}
 }
@@ -317,7 +317,7 @@ func TestAModuleMovesOnTheOperatorsApproveOfTheMergeThatMovedIt(t *testing.T) {
 		keptDeliveryMerge = func(_ context.Context, owner, repo string, number int, head string) (deliveryMerge, bool, error) {
 			return a.merge, !c.unkept && owner == "novox" && repo == "mesh-host" && number == 7 && head == a.merge.HeadSHA, nil
 		}
-		routerAskOf = func(_ context.Context, _ catalogueReader, id string) (*asks.Ask, *asks.Warrant, error) {
+		routerAskOf = func(_ context.Context, _ catalogueReader, _, id string) (*asks.Ask, *asks.Warrant, error) {
 			if id != a.merge.AskID {
 				t.Errorf("%s: the router was asked for %q", c.what, id)
 			}

cmd/mesh-controller/build_test.go

@@ -1,9 +1,14 @@
 package main
 
 import (
+	"bytes"
+	"reflect"
+	"strings"
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
+	sdkdelivery "git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/delivery"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
 )
 
@@ -32,3 +37,43 @@ func TestABuildIDSaysWhenItWasAsked(t *testing.T) {
 		}
 	}
 }
+
+// novox/hq issue 1204: builds says the source fingerprint the builder recorded, the one tool that reads it.
+func TestBuildsSaysTheSourceFingerprint(t *testing.T) {
+	at := time.Date(2026, 10, 19, 10, 40, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	built := inventory.Build{ID: "build-1", Module: "mailu", Commit: "b4527d9091e972f28cb365623d9280045e7741a3", On: "ace",
+		Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", At: at, ReuseKey: "r1:abc",
+		SourceFingerprint: "src1:0123456789abcdef0123456789abcdef0123456789abcdef0123456789abcdef"}
+
+	// 1204/AC1
+	var out bytes.Buffer
+	printBuild(&out, built)
+	lines := strings.Split(strings.TrimRight(out.String(), "\n"), "\n")
+	if last := lines[len(lines)-1]; last != "    source     "+built.SourceFingerprint {
+		t.Errorf("last line %q; want the source line after the reuse key:\n%s", last, out.String())
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(lines[len(lines)-2], "reuse key  r1:abc") {
+		t.Errorf("the source line does not follow the reuse key:\n%s", out.String())
+	}
+
+	// 1204/AC2
+	without := built
+	without.SourceFingerprint = ""
+	var plain bytes.Buffer
+	printBuild(&plain, without)
+	if strings.Contains(plain.String(), "source") {
+		t.Errorf("a build with no fingerprint says a source line:\n%s", plain.String())
+	}
+	if want := strings.Join(lines[:len(lines)-1], "\n") + "\n"; plain.String() != want {
+		t.Errorf("the other lines changed:\n%s\nwant\n%s", plain.String(), want)
+	}
+}
+
+// 1215/AC4: what the builder said of the inputs is what the controller keeps of the build.
+func TestTheControllerKeepsTheInputsABuilderSaid(t *testing.T) {
+	in := &sdkdelivery.SourceInputs{Module: "mailu", Tree: "t", Toolchains: map[string]string{"code": "ts sha256:aa 01"}}
+	kept := buildFrom(link.BuildResult{ID: "build-1", Repository: "r", Commit: "c", SourceFingerprint: "src1:x", SourceInputs: in})
+	if !reflect.DeepEqual(kept.SourceInputs, in) {
+		t.Errorf("the controller keeps %+v, the builder said %+v", kept.SourceInputs, in)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/bus_step.go

@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ import (
 
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"

cmd/mesh-controller/busobjects_test.go

@@ -9,8 +9,8 @@ import (
 
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
 
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"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"
 

cmd/mesh-controller/busy_test.go

@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ import (
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 )
 

cmd/mesh-controller/chain_integration_test.go

@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ import (
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/chain"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/lease"

cmd/mesh-controller/changeplan.go

@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ import (
 	"sort"
 	"strings"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
 )

cmd/mesh-controller/changeplan_test.go

@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 	"testing"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
 )

cmd/mesh-controller/check.go

@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 	"time"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
 )
 

cmd/mesh-controller/check_builds_integration_test.go

@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ import (
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
 )

cmd/mesh-controller/check_builds_test.go

@@ -7,8 +7,8 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 	"testing"
 
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"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"
 )

cmd/mesh-controller/check_here.go

@@ -11,8 +11,8 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 	"time"
 
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/builder"
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
 )
 

cmd/mesh-controller/check_pulls_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,44 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"reflect"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// 1212/AC1 and AC2: the check request names the pulls bucket of each module claiming the delivery seat, in the order
+// of the claimants' names.
+func TestACheckNamesThePullsBucketsOfTheSeatsClaimants(t *testing.T) {
+	for name, c := range map[string]struct {
+		entries []inventory.Entry
+		want    []string
+	}{
+		"only the gate":    {[]inventory.Entry{claimingTheSeat("mesh-delivery-gate"), namedOnly("mesh-delivery")}, []string{"mesh-delivery-gate_pulls"}},
+		"only today's":     {[]inventory.Entry{claimingTheSeat("mesh-delivery"), namedOnly("gitea")}, []string{"mesh-delivery_pulls"}},
+		"both, name order": {[]inventory.Entry{claimingTheSeat("mesh-delivery-gate"), claimingTheSeat("mesh-delivery")}, []string{"mesh-delivery_pulls", "mesh-delivery-gate_pulls"}},
+		"none":             {[]inventory.Entry{namedOnly("gitea")}, nil},
+	} {
+		if got := pullsBucketsOf(c.entries); !reflect.DeepEqual(got, c.want) {
+			t.Errorf("%s: %v, want %v", name, got, c.want)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// 1212/AC1 and AC2: the check a request carries names those buckets (the wiring, not only the helper).
+func TestTheCheckRequestCarriesThePullsBuckets(t *testing.T) {
+	for name, c := range map[string]struct {
+		entries []inventory.Entry
+		want    []string
+	}{
+		"only the gate":    {[]inventory.Entry{claimingTheSeat("mesh-delivery-gate")}, []string{"mesh-delivery-gate_pulls"}},
+		"only today's":     {[]inventory.Entry{claimingTheSeat("mesh-delivery")}, []string{"mesh-delivery_pulls"}},
+		"both, name order": {[]inventory.Entry{claimingTheSeat("mesh-delivery-gate"), claimingTheSeat("mesh-delivery")}, []string{"mesh-delivery_pulls", "mesh-delivery-gate_pulls"}},
+	} {
+		got := checkOf(link.PullUpdated{Owner: "novox", Repo: "a", Number: 7}, checkScope{}, c.entries, nil, nil, nil, nil)
+		if !reflect.DeepEqual(got.Pulls, c.want) || got.Owner != "novox" || got.Number != 7 {
+			t.Errorf("%s: %+v, want pulls %v", name, got, c.want)
+		}
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/check_siblings_test.go

@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 	"testing"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
 )

cmd/mesh-controller/check_test.go

@@ -8,8 +8,8 @@ import (
 
 	"testing"
 
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/beside"
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
 )
 
 // The check anybody can run is the check registration runs (novox/hq issue 148, ADR 0037): a manifest

cmd/mesh-controller/checks.go

@@ -4,6 +4,8 @@ import (
 	"context"
 	"encoding/json"
 	"fmt"
+	"io"
+	"os"
 	"path"
 	"regexp"
 	"runtime/debug"
@@ -12,7 +14,8 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 	"time"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
 )
@@ -72,7 +75,7 @@ type checkScope struct {
 	// Mesh says the repository is the mesh's: modules are built from it on some branch, its owner is the
 	// core's, or the change adds a module to it.
 	Mesh bool
-	// Judge is who judges the gate (link.JudgeSelf, link.JudgeValidator, or the running controller).
+	// Judge is who judges the gate (link.JudgeSelf, or the running controller).
 	Judge string
 	// From is a module built from the repository, for how the mesh clones it; nil when none is.
 	From *inventory.Entry
@@ -98,10 +101,6 @@ func pullScope(p link.PullUpdated, entries []inventory.Entry, read map[string][]
 		switch e.Manifest.Module {
 		case "mesh-controller":
 			s.Judge = link.JudgeSelf
-		case "mesh-host":
-			if s.Judge == "" {
-				s.Judge = link.JudgeValidator
-			}
 		}
 	}
 	for _, d := range r.Added {
@@ -140,18 +139,26 @@ func sourceOwner(repository string) string {
 
 // PullUpdated decides a pull request's merge check, and asks for it when there is something to run.
 func (f following) PullUpdated(ctx context.Context, p link.PullUpdated) error {
+	_, err := f.pullUpdated(ctx, p, os.Stdout)
+	return err
+}
+
+// pullUpdated is PullUpdated saying what it did to w. It returns the id of the check it asked of the build seat, or
+// "" when it said a verdict itself and asked nothing. A command that answers JSON on standard output (`delivery
+// check`) gives it standard error, so its output stays the document alone (novox/hq issue 1311).
+func (f following) pullUpdated(ctx context.Context, p link.PullUpdated, w io.Writer) (string, error) {
 	inv := f.open.inventory
 	entries, err := inv.Catalogued(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
-		return err
+		return "", err
 	}
 	read, err := readForPlanning(ctx, inv)
 	if err != nil {
-		return err
+		return "", err
 	}
 	edges, err := inv.Dependencies(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
-		return err
+		return "", err
 	}
 	scope := pullScope(p, entries, read, edges)
 	// **A cycle of edges fails the check, naming every module and edge** (novox/hq ADR 0419 clause 6), a lone pull
@@ -160,12 +167,12 @@ func (f following) PullUpdated(ctx context.Context, p link.PullUpdated) error {
 		Head: p.Commit, Number: p.Number, Paths: p.Paths, PathsTruncated: p.PathsTruncated, Removed: p.Removed, BaseSHA: p.BaseSHA}
 	if failing, cyclic, err := cycleVerdict(ctx, "", []orderMember{alone},
 		map[string]orderReach{alone.ID: {Moved: scope.Modules}}, edges, entries); err != nil {
-		return err
+		return "", err
 	} else if cyclic {
 		failing.Commit, failing.Trunk = p.Commit, twelve(p.BaseSHA)
-		fmt.Printf("%s/%s#%d (%.8s): %s\n", p.Owner, p.Repo, p.Number, p.Commit, failing.Summary)
-		sayChecked(ctx, failing)
-		return nil
+		fmt.Fprintf(w, "%s/%s#%d (%.8s): %s\n", p.Owner, p.Repo, p.Number, p.Commit, failing.Summary)
+		sayChecked(ctx, w, failing)
+		return "", nil
 	}
 	// **A member of a group whose gate is the composed check's runs its repository's check alone** (novox/hq ADR 0403
 	// clause 1): mesh-delivery is asked once, and says so on the group's line. Told nothing, the pull request is
@@ -178,7 +185,7 @@ func (f following) PullUpdated(ctx context.Context, p link.PullUpdated) error {
 		u, err := inv.UpgradeOf(ctx, module)
 		return u, err == nil
 	})
-	fmt.Print(planText(plan))
+	fmt.Fprint(w, planText(plan))
 	direct := directVerdict(p, plan)
 	if composed {
 		scope.Modules, scope.Dependents, scope.New, scope.Manifests = nil, nil, nil, nil
@@ -186,19 +193,19 @@ func (f following) PullUpdated(ctx context.Context, p link.PullUpdated) error {
 	}
 	switch {
 	case !scope.gated() && !scope.Mesh:
-		fmt.Printf("%s/%s#%d (%.8s): %s, and the repository is not the mesh's: said, nothing run\n",
+		fmt.Fprintf(w, "%s/%s#%d (%.8s): %s, and the repository is not the mesh's: said, nothing run\n",
 			p.Owner, p.Repo, p.Number, p.Commit, noModuleTouched)
-		sayChecked(ctx, direct)
-		return nil
+		sayChecked(ctx, w, direct)
+		return "", nil
 	case !scope.gated() && p.MergeCheckSaid && !p.MergeCheck:
 		direct.RepoCheck = &link.CheckLayer{Verdict: "warning", Summary: noMergeCheck}
-		fmt.Printf("%s/%s#%d (%.8s): %s; %s\n", p.Owner, p.Repo, p.Number, p.Commit, noModuleTouched, noMergeCheck)
-		sayChecked(ctx, direct)
-		return nil
+		fmt.Fprintf(w, "%s/%s#%d (%.8s): %s; %s\n", p.Owner, p.Repo, p.Number, p.Commit, noModuleTouched, noMergeCheck)
+		sayChecked(ctx, w, direct)
+		return "", nil
 	}
 	request, err := checkRequestFor(ctx, f.open, p, scope, entries)
 	if err != nil {
-		return err
+		return "", err
 	}
 	request.Check.Plan = &plan
 	request.Check.Composed = composed
@@ -207,11 +214,11 @@ func (f following) PullUpdated(ctx context.Context, p link.PullUpdated) error {
 	seat := buildSeatHeld(ctx)
 	ask, err := askOverOn(seat)
 	if err != nil {
-		return err
+		return "", err
 	}
 	defer ask.Close()
 	if err := ask.Ask(ctx, request); err != nil {
-		return err
+		return "", err
 	}
 	// **A newer request replaces the one still waiting, and a newer key stops the one running** (novox/hq ADR 0406 §3, §4,
 	// issue 974): the check queue keeps one request a pull request, and a running check watches its key. Nothing is asked
@@ -225,9 +232,9 @@ func (f following) PullUpdated(ctx context.Context, p link.PullUpdated) error {
 			strings.Join(append(append([]string{}, scope.Modules...), prefixedAll("new:", scope.New)...), ", "),
 			scope.Width, scope.Tiers)
 	}
-	fmt.Printf("%s/%s#%d (%.8s): asked %s to check it before it merges — %s — as %s\n", p.Owner, p.Repo, p.Number,
+	fmt.Fprintf(w, "%s/%s#%d (%.8s): asked %s to check it before it merges — %s — as %s\n", p.Owner, p.Repo, p.Number,
 		p.Commit, seat, what, request.ID)
-	return nil
+	return request.ID, nil
 }
 
 // composedWords is what a group member's own verdict says of its gate layer (novox/hq ADR 0403 clause 1).
@@ -270,7 +277,7 @@ func checkRequestFor(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p link.PullUpdated, scop
 	for _, e := range entries {
 		shelf[e.Manifest.Module] = e.Manifest
 	}
-	world, err := theRestOfTheMesh(ctx, open.inventory, shelf, "")
+	world, err := restOfTheMesh(ctx, open, shelf, "")
 	if err != nil {
 		return link.BuildRequest{}, err
 	}
@@ -305,13 +312,19 @@ func checkRequestFor(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p link.PullUpdated, scop
 		Held:       heldBy(ctx),
 		Seats:      seatBases(ctx),
 		Source:     sourceOnSeat(source),
-		Check: &link.CheckRequest{Owner: p.Owner, Repo: p.Repo, Number: p.Number, Base: p.Base, Trunk: p.BaseSHA, Ready: p.Ready,
-			Paths: p.Paths, Beside: beside, Modules: scope.Modules, Dependents: scope.Dependents, New: scope.New,
-			Manifests: scope.Manifests, Judge: scope.Judge, Builds: builds, Named: namedForTheCheck(ctx, p, builds),
-			Running: runningBy(ctx)},
+		Check:      checkOf(p, scope, entries, beside, builds, namedForTheCheck(ctx, p, builds), runningBy(ctx)),
 	}, nil
 }
 
+// checkOf is the check a request carries: the pull request, what the change touches, and the buckets of the pull
+// requests' keys of the modules claiming the delivery seat (novox/hq ADR 0437 §3, issue 1212).
+func checkOf(p link.PullUpdated, scope checkScope, entries []inventory.Entry, beside map[string]link.CheckedOut,
+	builds []link.CheckBuild, named []link.CheckedBuild, running map[string]string) *link.CheckRequest {
+	return &link.CheckRequest{Pulls: pullsBucketsOf(entries), Owner: p.Owner, Repo: p.Repo, Number: p.Number, Base: p.Base,
+		Trunk: p.BaseSHA, Ready: p.Ready, Paths: p.Paths, Beside: beside, Modules: scope.Modules, Dependents: scope.Dependents,
+		New: scope.New, Manifests: scope.Manifests, Judge: scope.Judge, Builds: builds, Named: named, Running: running}
+}
+
 // 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. running is the commit the mesh runs of a module.
 func besideOf(entries []inventory.Entry, running func(module string) string,
@@ -521,7 +534,7 @@ func checked(ctx context.Context, result link.BuildResult) {
 		fmt.Printf("%s: stopped, its pull request's key moved on; the newer check will judge\n", result.ID)
 		return
 	}
-	sayChecked(ctx, checkedOf(result))
+	sayChecked(ctx, os.Stdout, checkedOf(result))
 }
 
 // checkedOf is what a check's outcome says: each layer, and an error — never a pass — for a check that
@@ -637,7 +650,7 @@ func prefixedAll(prefix string, items []string) []string {
 }
 
 // sayChecked says a merge check's verdict on the bus, where the forge's holder hears it.
-func sayChecked(ctx context.Context, c link.Checked) {
+func sayChecked(ctx context.Context, w io.Writer, c link.Checked) {
 	repo := "none"
 	if c.RepoCheck != nil {
 		repo = strings.ToUpper(c.RepoCheck.Verdict) + " — " + c.RepoCheck.Summary
@@ -646,7 +659,7 @@ func sayChecked(ctx context.Context, c link.Checked) {
 	if c.Trunk != "" {
 		judged = " merged into trunk " + c.Trunk
 	}
-	fmt.Printf("%s: %s/%s#%d at %.8s%s checked on %s: gate %s — %s; repository %s\n", c.ID, c.Owner, c.Repo, c.Number,
+	fmt.Fprintf(w, "%s: %s/%s#%d at %.8s%s checked on %s: gate %s — %s; repository %s\n", c.ID, c.Owner, c.Repo, c.Number,
 		c.Commit, judged, orSomewhere(c.On), strings.ToUpper(c.Verdict), c.Summary, repo)
 	if checkEvents == nil {
 		return
@@ -658,6 +671,16 @@ func sayChecked(ctx context.Context, c link.Checked) {
 	stating, stop := context.WithTimeout(context.WithoutCancel(ctx), 10*time.Second)
 	defer stop()
 	if err := checkEvents.PublishSeatEvent(stating, link.MeshControllerSeat, link.KeyChecked, body); err != nil {
-		fmt.Printf("%s: the verdict could not be said, so the pull request is not told it: %v\n", c.ID, err)
+		fmt.Fprintf(w, "%s: the verdict could not be said, so the pull request is not told it: %v\n", c.ID, err)
 	}
 }
+
+// pullsBucketsOf are the buckets of the pull requests' keys a check names for the build agent: one per module
+// claiming the delivery seat, in the order of their names (novox/hq ADR 0437 §3, issue 1212).
+func pullsBucketsOf(entries []inventory.Entry) []string {
+	var out []string
+	for _, m := range claimantsOf(entries, catalogue.DeliverySeat) {
+		out = append(out, broker.BucketName(m, "pulls"))
+	}
+	return out
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/checks_queue_test.go

@@ -10,8 +10,8 @@ import (
 
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
 
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"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"
 )

cmd/mesh-controller/checks_test.go

@@ -53,8 +53,8 @@ func TestThePullRequestIsMappedOntoTheModuleGraph(t *testing.T) {
 			"", "modules/newmod", "modules/newmod/module.json", true, ""},
 		{"the controller judges itself", pull("novox", "mesh-controller", "main", []string{"cmd/x.go"}),
 			"mesh-controller", "", "module.json", true, "self"},
-		{"the node-engine is judged with its validator", pull("novox", "mesh-host", "main", []string{"validate/v.go"}),
-			"mesh-host", "", "module.json", true, "validator"},
+		{"the node-engine is judged by the controller the mesh runs, as any module is (issue 1391)",
+			pull("novox", "mesh-host", "main", []string{"validate/v.go"}), "mesh-host", "", "module.json", true, ""},
 		{"the core's owner, no module: the mesh's, its own check alone", pull("novox", "hq", "main", []string{"README.md"}),
 			"", "", "", true, ""},
 		{"a branch nothing is built from: the mesh's repository, no module", pull("novox", "photos", "master",

cmd/mesh-controller/compose_callers_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,59 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"go/ast"
+	"go/parser"
+	"go/token"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"sort"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+)
+
+// 1389: the controller's own composition is gone. No function of the package is named for it any more, and no function
+// calls one by that name: a name reappearing is a second copy of what mesh-sdk's go/compose holds (novox/hq ADR 0453).
+func TestTheControllersOwnCompositionIsGone(t *testing.T) {
+	gone := map[string]bool{"planFor": true, "declarationWith": true, "composedAndValidated": true, "generators": true,
+		"renderingFor": true, "theRestOfTheMesh": true, "whoResolves": true, "grantsFor": true, "namesInTheMesh": true,
+		"onThePrivateNetwork": true, "passSeatsOn": true, "theMeshPassesSeatsOn": true, "assignmentsOf": true,
+		"licencesFor": true, "seatsOn": true, "composeBusUsers": true, "adoptionFor": true, "localNetworksOf": true}
+	files, err := filepath.Glob("*.go")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	fset := token.NewFileSet()
+	var found []string
+	for _, f := range files {
+		if strings.HasSuffix(f, "_test.go") {
+			continue
+		}
+		file, err := parser.ParseFile(fset, f, nil, 0)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		for _, d := range file.Decls {
+			fn, ok := d.(*ast.FuncDecl)
+			if !ok {
+				continue
+			}
+			if gone[fn.Name.Name] {
+				found = append(found, f+": "+fn.Name.Name+" is declared")
+			}
+			if fn.Body == nil {
+				continue
+			}
+			ast.Inspect(fn.Body, func(n ast.Node) bool {
+				if c, ok := n.(*ast.CallExpr); ok {
+					if id, ok := c.Fun.(*ast.Ident); ok && gone[id.Name] {
+						found = append(found, f+": "+fn.Name.Name+" calls "+id.Name)
+					}
+				}
+				return true
+			})
+		}
+	}
+	sort.Strings(found)
+	for _, one := range found {
+		t.Errorf("%s: the controller's own composition is back; compose through mesh-sdk (compose_sdk.go)", one)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/compose_fallbacks_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,114 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"encoding/base64"
+	"errors"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/compose"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+)
+
+// aCoreInput is an Input of one machine that takes a core module whose credential the vault has not boxed: the composition
+// stands in a vault box for it, and the machine holds the controller's own seal of it.
+func aCoreInput(t *testing.T) (*meshInput, string) {
+	t.Helper()
+	raw := make([]byte, 32)
+	raw[0] = 9
+	key := base64.StdEncoding.EncodeToString(raw)
+	client := catalogue.Manifest{Module: "mesh-provisioner-client", Version: "1",
+		Claims:     []catalogue.Claim{{Name: broker.NodeProvisionerSeat, Scope: catalogue.ScopeNode}},
+		OwnSecrets: catalogue.OwnSecrets{broker.ProvisionerSecret: {Path: "/var/lib/mesh-provisioner-client/broker"}}}
+	return &meshInput{Input: compose.Input{
+		Catalogue: map[string]catalogue.Manifest{client.Module: client},
+		Nodes: []compose.Node{{Name: "laptop", Assigned: []string{client.Module}, SealingKey: key, Stated: true,
+			Contract: compose.VaultBoxContract}},
+		OwnSecrets: []compose.OwnSecretRow{{Node: "laptop", Module: client.Module, Name: broker.ProvisionerSecret,
+			Origin: "made", SealedTo: key, Sealed: "SEALED-BY-THE-CONTROLLER"}},
+	}}, client.Module
+}
+
+// 1385 (the lead's answer 1): where the vault is silent and no box is kept, the declaration carries the controller's own seal
+// for the core credential, as ADR 0396 has it, and stands in for nothing. It failed first: the composition's declaration
+// carried the stand-in box, and a send was refused.
+func TestACoreCredentialTheVaultDidNotBoxIsSealedByTheController(t *testing.T) {
+	in, module := aCoreInput(t)
+	d, _, err := compose.ComposeIn(in.Input, "laptop", compose.Foreseeing)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if len(d.CoreBoxesWanted) != 1 || len(stillForeseen(d)) == 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the composition does not stand in for the vault's box: %v", d.CoreBoxesWanted)
+	}
+	sealed, _, err := sealedByTheController(in, "laptop", d, []string{module})
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if left := stillForeseen(sealed); len(left) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the declaration still stands in for %v", left)
+	}
+	var file map[string]any
+	for _, r := range sealed.Resources {
+		if r["id"] == module+"."+catalogue.NeedID(broker.ProvisionerSecret) {
+			file = r
+		}
+	}
+	if file == nil || file["sealed"] != "SEALED-BY-THE-CONTROLLER" || file[catalogue.VaultSealedField] != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("the core credential is carried as %v: the controller's own seal, not the vault's box", file)
+	}
+	// And a module the vault did answer for is left as it is.
+	other, _, err := sealedByTheController(in, "laptop", d, []string{"another-module"})
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if len(stillForeseen(other)) == 0 {
+		t.Fatal("a module the vault answered for was sealed by the controller")
+	}
+}
+
+// 1383 (the lead's answer 4): the machine that runs the bus is refused where no user has a credential, with busUserList's
+// words, and a machine that does not run the bus is not. It failed first: the Input stood a list in and the bus node composed.
+func TestTheMachineThatRunsTheBusIsRefusedWhereNoUserHasACredential(t *testing.T) {
+	bus := catalogue.Manifest{Module: "nats", Version: "1", BusUsers: "/etc/nats/users.conf",
+		Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: "mesh-broker", Scope: catalogue.ScopeMesh}}}
+	other := catalogue.Manifest{Module: "files", Version: "1"}
+	why := errors.New("this machine runs the bus and not one user has a credential, so the composed list would refuse every connection in the mesh")
+	in := &meshInput{busRefused: why, Input: compose.Input{
+		Catalogue: map[string]catalogue.Manifest{"nats": bus, "files": other},
+		Nodes:     []compose.Node{{Name: "anchor", Assigned: []string{"nats"}}, {Name: "laptop", Assigned: []string{"files"}}},
+	}}
+	if err := refusedBus(in, "anchor"); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "not one user has a credential") {
+		t.Fatalf("the machine that runs the bus is not refused: %v", err)
+	}
+	if err := refusedBus(in, "laptop"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("a machine that does not run the bus is refused: %v", err)
+	}
+	if err := refusedBus(&meshInput{Input: in.Input}, "anchor"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("a bus with users is refused: %v", err)
+	}
+}
+
+// The controller's seal replaces the stand-in box whatever path the resource carries: the path is the manifest's with the
+// machine's words filled in, not the manifest's own. It failed first, with the path compared (the live try: "composed twice and
+// still names ... asked of the vault by the next send").
+func TestTheControllersSealReplacesTheBoxWhateverPathTheFileCarries(t *testing.T) {
+	in, module := aCoreInput(t)
+	d, _, err := compose.ComposeIn(in.Input, "laptop", compose.Foreseeing)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	for _, r := range d.Resources {
+		if _, box := r[catalogue.VaultSealedField]; box {
+			r["path"] = "/home/someone/.var/lib/mesh-provisioner-client/broker"
+		}
+	}
+	sealed, _, err := sealedByTheController(in, "laptop", d, []string{module})
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if left := stillForeseen(sealed); len(left) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the declaration still stands in for %v", left)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/compose_helpers_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,33 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/compose"
+)
+
+// grantsOf is the grants a provider creates for its consumers, the consumers whose identity overflows the provision's bound
+// and the credentials bound to another consumer, as mesh-sdk's rendering gives them for the machine (it replaced the
+// controller's grantsFor, issue 1389).
+func grantsOf(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string) ([]catalogue.Grant, []catalogue.Overflow, []catalogue.Unbound, error) {
+	in, err := inputFor(ctx, open)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, nil, nil, err
+	}
+	rendered, err := compose.Render(in.Input, node, compose.Reading)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, nil, nil, err
+	}
+	return rendered.Rendering.Grants, rendered.Withheld, rendered.Unbound, nil
+}
+
+// madeAndRendered sends to the machine (so everything a send makes is made) and answers its rendering as a question reads it
+// afterwards: what the controller's Allocating rendering was.
+func madeAndRendered(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string) (catalogue.Rendering, error) {
+	if _, err := composeSend(ctx, open, node); err != nil {
+		return catalogue.Rendering{}, err
+	}
+	forgetInput(ctx)
+	return renderingOf(ctx, open, node)
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/compose_input.go

@@ -0,0 +1,436 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"os"
+	"sort"
+	"strings"
+
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/compose"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/overlay"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// The controller's adapter from its stores to mesh-sdk's composition input (novox/hq ADR 0453 clause 3, design 47 R4b,
+// issues 1382 and 1383).
+//
+// **The adapter reads, and perform writes.** readComposeInput asks the stores once for everything the composition reads
+// and returns compose.Input, which the composition never changes; it makes, seals, allocates and records nothing. A
+// pair credential, a port, an own secret or a core box that the next send would make is not made here: the composition
+// names it foreseen, and compose_perform.go makes it for a send, then reads the stores again and composes again. A
+// question (status, facts, probes, the merge gate's reading) never performs.
+//
+// **The Input is built once per operation.** A verb that composes every node reads the stores once and hands the Input to
+// each node's composition of it.
+
+// composeInputBuilt is called once for each Input the adapter builds: the seam a test counts the reads of an operation by
+// (issue 1382, criterion 5).
+var composeInputBuilt = func() {}
+
+// readComposeInput reads the stores once and returns what the composition needs. ctx carries what a send keeps (the
+// recorded modules kept at the build their machine runs, recorded_kept.go): the same contexts every send composes under.
+func readComposeInput(ctx context.Context, open *stores) (*meshInput, error) {
+	in, shape, err := readMeshAndNodes(ctx, open)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	// What each node resolves to, with no credential given (the settings are read before it): the modules whose settings are read, and the
+	// needs whose pair credentials are asked of the stores. Nothing is written by it.
+	unread, err := readSettings(ctx, open, &in)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	plans := map[string]compose.Resolved{}
+	for _, n := range in.Nodes {
+		if shape.refused[n.Name] != nil {
+			continue // refused for what it keeps: nothing of it is read further
+		}
+		resolved, err := compose.Resolve(in, n.Name)
+		switch {
+		case compose.IsUnresolvable(err):
+			// Their set does not compose: nothing of theirs is read further, as the controller never read a thing for a
+			// node that did not resolve.
+			continue
+		case err != nil:
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		plans[n.Name] = resolved
+	}
+	if err := unreadSettings(unread, plans); err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	var busRefused error
+	wouldMake, err := readCredentialsAndBuilds(ctx, open, &in, plans, shape, &busRefused)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	composeInputBuilt()
+	return &meshInput{Input: in, wouldMake: wouldMake, busRefused: busRefused, refused: shape.refused}, nil
+}
+
+// meshInput is the Input an operation composes over, and the pair credentials its reading found none held for: the ones the
+// next send makes, which perform makes.
+type meshInput struct {
+	compose.Input
+	wouldMake []inventory.PairCredential
+	// busRefused is why the bus's user list cannot be composed (no user has a credential): the machine that runs the bus is
+	// refused with it, as the controller's own composition refused it, and no other machine is.
+	busRefused error
+	// refused is, by node, why that machine alone cannot be composed (nodeRefusal).
+	refused map[string]error
+}
+
+// nodeOf is the node of that name in an Input.
+func nodeOf(in compose.Input, name string) (compose.Node, bool) {
+	for _, n := range in.Nodes {
+		if n.Name == name {
+			return n, true
+		}
+	}
+	return compose.Node{}, false
+}
+
+// inputShape is what the first half of the reading found that the second half needs.
+type inputShape struct {
+	sent    map[string]map[string]string // by node: module to the commit last sent
+	kept    map[string]map[string]string // by node: module to the commit kept
+	current map[string]inventory.CurrentBuild
+	// refused is, by node, why a recorded module cannot be kept at the build the machine runs (keepRecorded's refusal, in
+	// its words): that machine alone is refused with it, as planFor refused it, and nothing else of the mesh is.
+	refused map[string]error
+}
+
+// readMeshAndNodes is the mesh-wide and per-node half of the Input (issue 1382).
+func readMeshAndNodes(ctx context.Context, open *stores) (compose.Input, inputShape, error) {
+	inv := open.inventory
+	var in compose.Input
+	shape := inputShape{sent: map[string]map[string]string{}, kept: map[string]map[string]string{}, refused: map[string]error{}}
+
+	shelf, err := inv.Catalogue(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return in, shape, err
+	}
+	in.Catalogue = shelf
+	if in.Holdings, err = inv.Holdings(ctx); err != nil {
+		return in, shape, err
+	}
+	if in.Licences, err = readLicences(ctx, open); err != nil {
+		return in, shape, err
+	}
+
+	nodes, err := inv.Nodes(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return in, shape, err
+	}
+	places, err := inv.Overlays(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return in, shape, err
+	}
+	placed := map[string]inventory.Overlay{}
+	for _, p := range places {
+		placed[p.Name] = p
+	}
+	if shape.current, err = inv.CurrentBuilds(ctx); err != nil {
+		return in, shape, err
+	}
+
+	// The range the mesh allocates from and what its internal names end in, read from the environment here and nowhere else.
+	in.OverlayCIDR = strings.TrimSpace(os.Getenv(OverlayCIDRVar))
+	in.InternalSuffix = overlay.Suffix()
+	if in.Tunnels, err = readTunnels(ctx, inv); err != nil {
+		return in, shape, err
+	}
+	if in.Adopted, err = readAdopted(ctx, inv); err != nil {
+		return in, shape, err
+	}
+	carried, err := inv.CarriedPeers(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return in, shape, err
+	}
+	for _, c := range carried {
+		in.CarriedPeers = append(in.CarriedPeers, compose.CarriedPeer{
+			PublicKey: c.PublicKey, Address: c.Address, EnrolledAs: c.EnrolledAs, Named: c.Named})
+	}
+	if in.Joining, err = inv.NodesWithALiveToken(ctx); err != nil {
+		return in, shape, err
+	}
+
+	keepsSecrets := false
+	for _, m := range shelf {
+		keepsSecrets = keepsSecrets || m.Keeps != ""
+	}
+
+	for _, n := range nodes {
+		var refusal error
+		node, err := readNode(ctx, open, n, placed[n.Name], &refusal)
+		if err != nil {
+			return in, shape, err
+		}
+		if refusal != nil {
+			shape.refused[n.Name] = refusal
+		}
+		shape.sent[n.Name], shape.kept[n.Name] = node.SentBuilds, node.KeptBuilds
+		in.Nodes = append(in.Nodes, node)
+	}
+	if keepsSecrets {
+		if in.OperatorExport, err = inv.OperatorExport(ctx); err != nil {
+			return in, shape, err
+		}
+	}
+	return in, shape, nil
+}
+
+// readNode is one node of the Input: everything the composition reads about it, in the order the controller read it.
+func readNode(ctx context.Context, open *stores, n inventory.Node, place inventory.Overlay,
+	refused *error) (compose.Node, error) {
+	inv := open.inventory
+	out := compose.Node{
+		Name: n.Name,
+		Place: compose.Place{Key: place.Key, Endpoint: place.Endpoint, Site: place.Site, Hub: place.Hub,
+			Address: place.Address},
+		Account: n.Account, AccountHome: n.AccountHome, AgentAccount: n.AgentAccount, AgentAccountHome: n.AgentAccountHome,
+		Adopted: n.Adopted,
+	}
+	var err error
+	if out.Assigned, err = inv.Assigned(ctx, n.Name); err != nil {
+		return out, err
+	}
+	if out.Capabilities, err = inv.ProfileOf(ctx, n.Name); err != nil {
+		return out, err
+	}
+	if out.PublicDomain, err = inv.PublicDomainOf(ctx, n.Name); err != nil {
+		return out, err
+	}
+	if out.Pins, err = inv.PinsFor(ctx, n.Name); err != nil {
+		return out, err
+	}
+	if out.Bound, err = inv.BindingsFor(ctx, n.Name); err != nil {
+		return out, err
+	}
+	given, err := inv.PortsFor(ctx, n.Name)
+	if err != nil {
+		return out, err
+	}
+	for _, a := range given {
+		if out.Ports == nil {
+			out.Ports = map[string]map[int]int{}
+		}
+		if out.Ports[a.Module] == nil {
+			out.Ports[a.Module] = map[int]int{}
+		}
+		out.Ports[a.Module][a.Wanted] = a.Machine
+	}
+	if out.SealingKey, err = inv.SealingKeyOf(ctx, n.Name); err != nil {
+		return out, err
+	}
+	if n.Adopted {
+		if out.Taken, err = inv.Taken(ctx, n.Name); err != nil {
+			return out, err
+		}
+	}
+	if out.OutwardLinks, err = inv.OutwardLinksOf(ctx, n.Name); err != nil {
+		return out, err
+	}
+	account, had, err := inv.MachineOf(ctx, n.Name)
+	if err != nil {
+		return out, err
+	}
+	if had && account.Machine != nil {
+		out.NetworksSaid = true
+		for _, a := range account.Machine.Networks {
+			out.Networks = append(out.Networks, catalogue.AttachedNetwork{Link: a.Link, Network: a.Network})
+		}
+	}
+	if out.Sequence, err = inv.Sequence(ctx, n.ID); err != nil {
+		return out, err
+	}
+	if out.Epoch, err = inv.SentEpoch(ctx, n.ID); err != nil {
+		return out, err
+	}
+	if out.Generation, err = inv.SentGeneration(ctx, n.ID); err != nil {
+		return out, err
+	}
+	if out.ReadsModules, err = inv.ReadsModules(ctx, n.ID); err != nil {
+		return out, err
+	}
+	if out.SentBuilds, out.SentKnown, err = inv.SentBuilds(ctx, n.Name); err != nil {
+		return out, err
+	}
+	runs, err := inv.AssignmentRuns(ctx, n.Name)
+	if err != nil {
+		return out, err
+	}
+	if len(runs) > 0 {
+		out.Runs = make(map[string]compose.Run, len(runs))
+		for module, ref := range runs {
+			out.Runs[module] = compose.Run{Commit: ref.Commit, Build: ref.Build}
+		}
+	}
+	// A recorded module kept at the build this machine runs, in the context a send composes under (recorded_kept.go): its
+	// manifest and the commit, applied to this node's own resolution only.
+	// What cannot be kept refuses this machine alone (keepRecorded's refusal, as planFor returned it).
+	kept, err := recordedKept(ctx, open, n.Name)
+	if err != nil {
+		*refused = err
+	} else if len(kept) > 0 {
+		out.KeptBuilds = kept
+		if out.Kept, err = keptManifests(ctx, open, n.Name, kept); err != nil {
+			*refused = err
+			out.KeptBuilds, out.Kept = nil, nil
+		}
+	}
+	stated, has, err := inv.HealthOf(ctx, n.Name)
+	if err != nil {
+		return out, err
+	}
+	out.Stated = has
+	if has {
+		out.Contract = stated.Contract
+	}
+	return out, nil
+}
+
+// keptManifests is the manifest of each module kept at the build a machine runs: keepRecorded's reads, and its refusals in its
+// words, without putting any of it into a shelf (that is the node's own Kept, applied by the composition).
+func keptManifests(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string, kept map[string]string) (map[string]catalogue.Manifest, error) {
+	// applyKept puts each manifest into the shelf it is given and refuses a build that cannot be read; the shelf here is a
+	// scratch one, whose entries are the kept manifests.
+	scratch := map[string]catalogue.Manifest{}
+	if err := applyKept(ctx, open, node, kept, scratch); err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return scratch, nil
+}
+
+func readTunnels(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory) (map[string]compose.FoundTunnel, error) {
+	found, err := inv.Tunnels(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	if len(found) == 0 {
+		return nil, nil
+	}
+	out := make(map[string]compose.FoundTunnel, len(found))
+	for name, t := range found {
+		out[name] = compose.FoundTunnel{Tunnel: tunnelOf(t.Tunnel), NodeAdopted: t.NodeAdopted}
+	}
+	return out, nil
+}
+
+func readAdopted(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory) (*compose.AdoptedTunnel, error) {
+	tunnel, hub, adopted, err := inv.AdoptedTunnel(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	if hub == "" {
+		return nil, nil
+	}
+	return &compose.AdoptedTunnel{Tunnel: tunnelOf(tunnel), Hub: hub, Adopted: adopted}, nil
+}
+
+func tunnelOf(t inventory.Tunnel) compose.Tunnel {
+	out := compose.Tunnel{Interface: t.Interface, Unit: t.Unit, Config: t.Config, Port: t.Port, MTU: t.MTU,
+		Address: t.Address, Range: t.Range, PublicKey: t.PublicKey}
+	for _, p := range t.Peers {
+		out.Peers = append(out.Peers, compose.TunnelPeer{PublicKey: p.PublicKey, Address: p.Address})
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// readLicences is every licence the mesh holds, with who uses it and the key sealed to each holder: given even where empty,
+// so a holder the mesh holds no key for composes as that, and not as a key that was not asked for.
+func readLicences(ctx context.Context, open *stores) ([]compose.Licence, error) {
+	held, err := open.Licences(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	all, err := held.All(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	var out []compose.Licence
+	for _, one := range all {
+		l := compose.Licence{Name: one.Name, Serves: one.Serves, Keys: map[compose.Holder]string{}}
+		holders, err := held.HoldersOf(ctx, one.Name)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		for _, h := range holders {
+			holder := compose.Holder{Node: h.Node, Module: h.Module}
+			l.Holders = append(l.Holders, holder)
+			key, err := held.KeyFor(ctx, one.Name, h.Node, h.Module)
+			if err != nil {
+				return nil, err
+			}
+			l.Keys[holder] = key
+		}
+		node, module, err := held.ManagerOf(ctx, one.Name)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		l.Manager = compose.Holder{Node: node, Module: module}
+		out = append(out, l)
+	}
+	return out, nil
+}
+
+// readSettings is each node's settings layers for every module that has any, read BEFORE any node is resolved: the first pass
+// resolves a node whose set takes a provider's served facts from the node that runs it, with that node's settings on them
+// (servedOnNode), so a mesh whose provider says ${setting:domain} resolves only with the settings in the Input. A module's
+// settings that fail to read are returned in unread, by node and module, and are an error only for a module a node resolves to
+// (unreadSettings): the controller read none for a module nothing runs.
+func readSettings(ctx context.Context, open *stores, in *compose.Input) (unread map[string]map[string]error, err error) {
+	have, err := open.inventory.ModulesWithSettings(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	names := make([]string, 0, len(have))
+	for module := range have {
+		if _, onShelf := in.Catalogue[module]; onShelf {
+			names = append(names, module)
+		}
+	}
+	sort.Strings(names)
+	for i := range in.Nodes {
+		n := &in.Nodes[i]
+		for _, module := range names {
+			layers, err := open.inventory.SettingsFor(ctx, n.Name, module)
+			if err != nil {
+				if unread == nil {
+					unread = map[string]map[string]error{}
+				}
+				if unread[n.Name] == nil {
+					unread[n.Name] = map[string]error{}
+				}
+				unread[n.Name][module] = err
+				continue
+			}
+			if len(layers) == 0 {
+				continue
+			}
+			if n.Settings == nil {
+				n.Settings = map[string][]catalogue.Layer{}
+			}
+			n.Settings[module] = layers
+		}
+	}
+	return unread, nil
+}
+
+// unreadSettings is the error of a module's settings that did not read, for a module the node resolves to.
+func unreadSettings(unread map[string]map[string]error, plans map[string]compose.Resolved) error {
+	names := make([]string, 0, len(plans))
+	for node := range plans {
+		names = append(names, node)
+	}
+	sort.Strings(names)
+	for _, node := range names {
+		for _, m := range plans[node].Plan.Modules {
+			if err := unread[node][m.Module]; err != nil {
+				return err
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return nil
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/compose_input_credentials.go

@@ -0,0 +1,285 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"sort"
+	"strings"
+
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/compose"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/overlay"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// The second half of the adapter (issue 1383): the credential and build fields of the Input, read and never made.
+
+// readCredentialsAndBuilds fills what the first half left: the credentials, the own secrets, the vault's boxes, the bus,
+// each node's serving key and certificate, and the builds.
+func readCredentialsAndBuilds(ctx context.Context, open *stores, in *compose.Input, plans map[string]compose.Resolved,
+	shape inputShape, busRefused *error) ([]inventory.PairCredential, error) {
+	if err := readIdentity(ctx, open, in); err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	wouldMake, err := readCredentials(ctx, open, in, plans, busRefused)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return wouldMake, readBuilds(ctx, open, in, plans, shape)
+}
+
+// readIdentity is the mesh's authority and each node's serving key and the certificate kept for it, for a mesh in which a
+// module asks for a certificate. It establishes and issues nothing: a certificate not kept yet is composed with a stand-in, and
+// issued by the send (certificateFor).
+func readIdentity(ctx context.Context, open *stores, in *compose.Input) error {
+	needs := false
+	for _, m := range in.Catalogue {
+		needs = needs || m.Certificate != nil
+	}
+	if !needs {
+		return nil
+	}
+	ident, err := open.Identity(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	if certificate, known, err := ident.KnownAuthority(ctx); err != nil {
+		return err
+	} else if known {
+		in.Authority = certificate
+	}
+	nodes, err := open.inventory.Nodes(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	ids := map[string]string{}
+	for _, n := range nodes {
+		ids[n.Name] = n.ID
+	}
+	for i := range in.Nodes {
+		n := &in.Nodes[i]
+		if n.ServingKey, err = ident.ServingKeyOf(ctx, ids[n.Name]); err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+		if n.ServingKey == "" {
+			continue
+		}
+		if certificate, known, err := ident.KeptCertificate(ctx, overlay.InternalName(n.Name), n.ServingKey); err != nil {
+			return err
+		} else if known {
+			n.Certificate = certificate
+		}
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+// readCredentials is how each pair credential a node takes from elsewhere stands, the credentials made for each provider's
+// consumers, the own secrets, the vault's boxes and the bus. It reads and never makes: a credential a send would make is
+// left out (the composition's would-make), a credential only a person gives and nobody gave is not-given, and one the send
+// would be refused is refused with the controller's words.
+func readCredentials(ctx context.Context, open *stores, in *compose.Input, plans map[string]compose.Resolved,
+	busRefused *error) ([]inventory.PairCredential, error) {
+	var wouldMake []inventory.PairCredential
+	inv := open.inventory
+	shelf := in.Catalogue
+	nodeOf := map[string]compose.Node{}
+	for _, n := range in.Nodes {
+		nodeOf[n.Name] = n
+	}
+	names := make([]string, 0, len(plans))
+	for name := range plans {
+		names = append(names, name)
+	}
+	sort.Strings(names)
+	for _, name := range names {
+		resolved := plans[name]
+		nodeShelf := shelfWith(shelf, nodeOf[name].Kept)
+		for _, need := range resolved.Plan.Needs {
+			if need.ByRecord {
+				continue
+			}
+			p := inventory.PairCredential{Name: need.Name, Consumer: name, ConsumerModule: need.For,
+				Provider: need.From, Local: need.Local}
+			if module, outside := issuedOutsideBy(nodeShelf, need); outside {
+				p.Kind, p.ProviderModule = inventory.PairOutside, module
+			} else if need.SharedOwn != "" {
+				p.Kind, p.Own = inventory.PairShared, need.SharedOwn
+				p.ProviderModule = sharedProviderModule(resolved.Plan, shelf, need)
+			}
+			state, err := inv.PairCredentialState(ctx, p)
+			if err != nil {
+				return nil, err
+			}
+			c := compose.Credential{Provision: need.Name, Consumer: name, ConsumerModule: need.For,
+				Provider: need.From, Local: need.Local}
+			switch state.State {
+			case inventory.PairHeld:
+				c.State, c.Sealed = compose.CredentialHeld, state.Sealed
+			case inventory.PairNotGiven:
+				c.State, c.Why = compose.CredentialNotGiven, state.Why
+			case inventory.PairRefused:
+				c.State, c.Why = compose.CredentialRefused, state.Why
+			default:
+				// Left out: a need with no entry is the credential the next send makes, and perform makes it.
+				wouldMake = append(wouldMake, p)
+				continue
+			}
+			in.Credentials = append(in.Credentials, c)
+		}
+	}
+
+	// The credentials made for each provider's consumers, so the grants it must create are read from them.
+	for _, n := range in.Nodes {
+		rows, err := inv.SecretsFrom(ctx, n.Name)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		for _, s := range rows {
+			in.Issued = append(in.Issued, compose.Issued{Provision: s.Name, Consumer: s.Consumer,
+				ConsumerModule: s.ConsumerModule, Local: s.Local, Provider: n.Name, ForProvider: s.ForProvider})
+		}
+	}
+	own, err := inv.OwnSecretRows(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	for _, r := range own {
+		in.OwnSecrets = append(in.OwnSecrets, compose.OwnSecretRow{Node: r.Node, Module: r.Module, Name: r.Name,
+			Origin: r.Origin, SealedTo: r.SealedTo, Sealed: r.Sealed})
+	}
+	for _, n := range in.Nodes {
+		boxes, err := inv.KeptCoreBoxes(ctx, n.Name)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		for module, byName := range boxes {
+			for name, b := range byName {
+				in.KeptCoreBoxes = append(in.KeptCoreBoxes, compose.CoreBox{Node: n.Name, Module: module, Name: name,
+					Generation: b.Generation, SealedTo: b.SealedTo, Box: b.Box})
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	sort.Slice(in.KeptCoreBoxes, func(i, j int) bool {
+		a, b := in.KeptCoreBoxes[i], in.KeptCoreBoxes[j]
+		if a.Node != b.Node {
+			return a.Node < b.Node
+		}
+		if a.Module != b.Module {
+			return a.Module < b.Module
+		}
+		return a.Name < b.Name
+	})
+
+	// The bus: its user list as the controller composes it, for the machine that runs it, and who the mesh has minted a
+	// credential for.
+	var bus []catalogue.Manifest
+	for _, m := range shelf {
+		if m.BusUsers != "" && m.ClaimsSeat("mesh-broker") {
+			bus = append(bus, m)
+		}
+	}
+	if len(bus) > 0 {
+		list, missing, err := busUserList(ctx, inv, bus)
+		if err != nil && !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "not one user has a credential") {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		if err != nil {
+			// The machine that runs the bus is refused, as the controller's own composition refused it: a list that
+			// refuses every connection in the mesh is never composed (refusedBus); the other machines compose.
+			*busRefused = err
+		}
+		in.BusUsers, in.BusMissing = list, missing
+	}
+	if in.BusMinted, err = inv.BusMinted(ctx); err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	if in.BusMemberships, err = inv.BusMemberships(ctx); err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return wouldMake, nil
+}
+
+// readBuilds is the build half of the Input: every repository the mesh built, each module's current build, and the build made
+// from a commit of a module for the machines whose node-engine reads them.
+func readBuilds(ctx context.Context, open *stores, in *compose.Input, plans map[string]compose.Resolved, shape inputShape) error {
+	inv := open.inventory
+	held, err := inv.Held(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	for repository := range held {
+		in.Built = append(in.Built, repository)
+	}
+	sort.Strings(in.Built)
+	in.CurrentBuilds = make(map[string]string, len(shape.current))
+	for module, b := range shape.current {
+		in.CurrentBuilds[module] = b.Commit
+	}
+	// The build made from each commit a declaration may carry, for the machines that read a build per module.
+	for _, n := range in.Nodes {
+		if !n.ReadsModules {
+			continue
+		}
+		resolved, ok := plans[n.Name]
+		if !ok {
+			continue
+		}
+		for _, m := range resolved.Plan.Modules {
+			for _, commit := range []string{shape.current[m.Module].Commit, shape.kept[n.Name][m.Module], shape.sent[n.Name][m.Module]} {
+				if commit == "" {
+					continue
+				}
+				if _, done := in.BuildIDs[m.Module][commit]; done {
+					continue
+				}
+				build, err := inv.BuildOf(ctx, m.Module, commit)
+				if err != nil {
+					return err
+				}
+				if in.BuildIDs == nil {
+					in.BuildIDs = map[string]map[string]string{}
+				}
+				if in.BuildIDs[m.Module] == nil {
+					in.BuildIDs[m.Module] = map[string]string{}
+				}
+				in.BuildIDs[m.Module][commit] = build
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+// shelfWith is the shelf with each module a node keeps at the build it runs put in place of the current one: a copy.
+func shelfWith(shelf map[string]catalogue.Manifest, kept map[string]catalogue.Manifest) map[string]catalogue.Manifest {
+	if len(kept) == 0 {
+		return shelf
+	}
+	out := make(map[string]catalogue.Manifest, len(shelf)+len(kept))
+	for name, m := range shelf {
+		out[name] = m
+	}
+	for name, m := range kept {
+		out[name] = m
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// sharedProviderModule is which module answers a shared credential on the providing node: the one in the plan, else the first
+// the catalogue names (providerModuleOf, in an order that does not move between calls).
+func sharedProviderModule(plan catalogue.Resolution, shelf map[string]catalogue.Manifest, n catalogue.Needed) string {
+	for _, m := range plan.Modules {
+		if _, shared := m.SharedCredentialOf(n.Name); shared {
+			return m.Module
+		}
+	}
+	names := make([]string, 0, len(shelf))
+	for name := range shelf {
+		names = append(names, name)
+	}
+	sort.Strings(names)
+	for _, name := range names {
+		if _, shared := shelf[name].SharedCredentialOf(n.Name); shared {
+			return name
+		}
+	}
+	return ""
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/compose_input_credentials_integration_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,354 @@
+//go:build integration
+
+package main
+
+import (
+	"encoding/json"
+	"fmt"
+	"sort"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/compose"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// tableState is every table's rows and every sequence's last value, as the adapter's reads must leave them.
+func tableState(t *testing.T, inv *inventory.Inventory) map[string]string {
+	t.Helper()
+	out := map[string]string{}
+	for _, row := range inv.QueryForTest(t, `select table_name from information_schema.tables
+		where table_schema = 'public' and table_type = 'BASE TABLE' order by table_name`) {
+		name := strings.Trim(row[0], `"`)
+		count := inv.QueryForTest(t, fmt.Sprintf(`select count(*)::text from %q`, name))
+		out["rows:"+name] = fmt.Sprint(count)
+		digest := inv.QueryForTest(t, fmt.Sprintf(`select coalesce(md5(string_agg(t::text, '|' order by t::text)), '') from %q t`, name))
+		out["content:"+name] = fmt.Sprint(digest)
+	}
+	for _, row := range inv.QueryForTest(t, `select sequencename, coalesce(last_value::text, '') from pg_sequences
+		where schemaname = 'public' order by sequencename`) {
+		out["sequence:"+row[0]] = row[1]
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// 1382/AC4 and 1383/AC6: building the Input writes nothing. The store's rows, their contents and its sequences are the same
+// before and after, on a mesh whose credentials are not made, whose ports are not given and which keeps a recorded build.
+func TestBuildingTheInputWritesNothing(t *testing.T) {
+	open, _ := aMeshWithSecrets(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	// A consumer whose credential nothing has made yet, on a mesh that already composed.
+	register(t, open, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "reports", Version: "1", Requires: []string{"s3-bucket"},
+		Resources: []map[string]any{{"id": "config", "type": "file", "path": "/etc/reports/config.json", "mode": "0600",
+			"content": "{}", "merge": "json"}}})
+	if _, err := inv.Assign(ctx, "laptop", "reports"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	before := tableState(t, inv)
+	if _, err := readComposeInput(ctx, open); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	after := tableState(t, inv)
+	var moved []string
+	for k, v := range after {
+		if before[k] != v {
+			moved = append(moved, k)
+		}
+	}
+	sort.Strings(moved)
+	if len(moved) > 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("building the Input wrote: %v", moved)
+	}
+}
+
+// a consumer of the s3-bucket aMeshWithSecrets' provider offers, with a file the credential goes into.
+func aConsumerOfTheBucket(name string) catalogue.Manifest {
+	return catalogue.Manifest{Module: name, Version: "1", Requires: []string{"s3-bucket"},
+		Secrets: map[string]string{"s3-bucket": "/etc/" + name + "/s3"},
+		Resources: []map[string]any{{"id": "config", "type": "file", "path": "/etc/" + name + "/config.json", "mode": "0600",
+			"content": "{}", "merge": "json"}}}
+}
+
+// 1383/AC1: of a provider's three consumers, two have their credentials made and one has not: Issued holds the two rows, with
+// the copy sealed to the provider, the third is a credential the next send makes, and no row was inserted for it (planFor
+// inserted it, plan.go: SecretFor in every mode).
+func TestAPairCredentialNoRowHoldsIsAWouldMakeAndNoRowIsInserted(t *testing.T) {
+	open, _ := aMeshWithSecrets(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	register(t, open, aConsumerOfTheBucket("reports"))
+	if _, err := inv.Assign(ctx, "laptop", "reports"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	// A send makes the credentials of files and reports; a question makes none.
+	if _, err := composeSend(ctx, open, "laptop"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	register(t, open, aConsumerOfTheBucket("metrics"))
+	if _, err := inv.Assign(ctx, "laptop", "metrics"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	before := tableState(t, inv)
+	in, err := readComposeInput(ctx, open)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	var rows []compose.Issued
+	for _, r := range in.Issued {
+		if r.Provider == "anchor" && r.Provision == "s3-bucket" {
+			rows = append(rows, r)
+			if r.ForProvider == "" {
+				t.Errorf("the row of %s carries no copy sealed to the provider", r.ConsumerModule)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	if len(rows) != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("Issued holds %d row(s) for anchor's s3-bucket, want files and reports: %+v", len(rows), rows)
+	}
+	var would []string
+	for _, p := range in.wouldMake {
+		would = append(would, p.ConsumerModule)
+	}
+	if len(would) != 1 || would[0] != "metrics" {
+		t.Fatalf("the credentials the next send makes are %v, want metrics", would)
+	}
+	for _, c := range in.Credentials {
+		if c.ConsumerModule == "metrics" {
+			t.Errorf("a credential nobody holds has an entry: %+v", c)
+		}
+	}
+	after := tableState(t, inv)
+	for k, v := range after {
+		if before[k] != v {
+			t.Errorf("reading the Input moved %s", k)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// 1383/AC2: a credential only a person gives that nobody gave is not given, and so is one given under a key the machine no
+// longer has; a credential given by a person for the pair and sealed to a key one end no longer has is refused: in the words
+// plan.go and secrets.go use.
+func TestACredentialOnlyAPersonGivesIsNotGivenAndAGivenOneUnderAnOldKeyIsSaidSo(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	register(t, open, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "indexers", Version: "1", Provides: []catalogue.Offer{{
+		Name: "indexer-api", Scope: catalogue.ScopeMesh, Credential: &catalogue.OfferCredential{IssuedBy: catalogue.IssuedOutside}}}})
+	register(t, open, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "grabber", Version: "1", Requires: []string{"indexer-api"},
+		Secrets: map[string]string{"indexer-api": "/etc/grabber/key"}})
+	register(t, open, aConsumerOfTheBucket("ledger"))
+	register(t, open, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "objects", Version: "1", Provides: catalogue.FromAnywhere("s3-bucket")})
+	for _, a := range [][2]string{{"anchor", "indexers"}, {"laptop", "grabber"}, {"anchor", "objects"}, {"laptop", "ledger"}} {
+		if _, err := inv.Assign(ctx, a[0], a[1]); err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("assign %s %s: %v", a[0], a[1], err)
+		}
+	}
+	stateOf := func(provision, consumerModule string) (compose.Credential, bool) {
+		in, err := readComposeInput(ctx, open)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		for _, c := range in.Credentials {
+			if c.Provision == provision && c.ConsumerModule == consumerModule {
+				return c, true
+			}
+		}
+		return compose.Credential{}, false
+	}
+
+	c, found := stateOf("indexer-api", "grabber")
+	if !found || c.State != compose.CredentialNotGiven || !strings.Contains(c.Why, "nobody gave it") {
+		t.Fatalf("a credential nobody gave reads as %+v", c)
+	}
+	if err := inv.AcceptSecretForPair(ctx, "indexer-api", "laptop", "grabber", "anchor", "", "the-key"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if c, found := stateOf("indexer-api", "grabber"); !found || c.State != compose.CredentialHeld || c.Sealed == "" {
+		t.Fatalf("a credential a person gave reads as %+v", c)
+	}
+	// The consumer's machine generated a key of its own since.
+	if err := inv.RecordSealingKey(ctx, nodeID(t, open, "laptop"), aPublicKey(t)); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if c, found := stateOf("indexer-api", "grabber"); !found || c.State != compose.CredentialNotGiven ||
+		!strings.Contains(c.Why, "a sealing key one end no longer has") {
+		t.Fatalf("a credential given under a key the machine no longer has reads as %+v", c)
+	}
+
+	// A credential for a pair, given by a person, under a key one end has since replaced: the mesh cannot make another.
+	if err := inv.RecordSealingKey(ctx, nodeID(t, open, "laptop"), aPublicKey(t)); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := inv.AcceptSecretForPair(ctx, "s3-bucket", "laptop", "ledger", "anchor", "", "the-bucket-key"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := inv.RecordSealingKey(ctx, nodeID(t, open, "laptop"), aPublicKey(t)); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if c, found := stateOf("s3-bucket", "ledger"); !found || c.State != compose.CredentialRefused ||
+		!strings.Contains(c.Why, "was accepted from a person, and a sealing key at one end has changed since") {
+		t.Fatalf("a credential given for the pair under an old key reads as %+v", c)
+	}
+}
+
+// 1383/AC3: the own secrets carry their origin, the key they are sealed to and the sealed value; the vault's kept boxes, the
+// licences (with their keys given, so an empty key means the mesh holds none), the users the bus has minted and the
+// memberships equal what the inventory answers.
+func TestTheAdaptersInputCarriesTheOwnSecretsTheBoxesTheLicencesAndTheBus(t *testing.T) {
+	open, _ := aMeshWithSecrets(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	key, err := inv.SealingKeyOf(ctx, "anchor")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	sealed, err := inv.SecretForModule(ctx, "anchor", "objects", "admin")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	box := json.RawMessage(`{"v":1,"eph":"e","iv":"i","tag":"t","ct":"c"}`)
+	if err := inv.KeepCoreBox(ctx, "anchor", inventory.CoreBox{Module: "objects", Name: "admin", Generation: 4,
+		SealedTo: key, Box: box}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := inv.SeedBusUser(ctx, inventory.BusUser{Username: "anchor.objects", Kind: "module", Node: "anchor",
+		Module: "objects"}, "a-password"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := inv.PutBusMembership(ctx, "laptop", "sealed-membership"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	held, err := open.Licences(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := held.Add(ctx, "claude", "static", map[string]any{"model": "x"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+
+	in, err := readComposeInput(ctx, open)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	var own *compose.OwnSecretRow
+	for i := range in.OwnSecrets {
+		if r := &in.OwnSecrets[i]; r.Node == "anchor" && r.Module == "objects" && r.Name == "admin" {
+			own = r
+		}
+	}
+	if own == nil || own.Origin != "made" || own.SealedTo != key || own.Sealed != sealed {
+		t.Errorf("the own secret reads as %+v; the inventory holds %q sealed to %q", own, sealed, key)
+	}
+	var kept *compose.CoreBox
+	for i := range in.KeptCoreBoxes {
+		if b := &in.KeptCoreBoxes[i]; b.Node == "anchor" && b.Module == "objects" && b.Name == "admin" {
+			kept = b
+		}
+	}
+	if kept == nil || kept.Generation != 4 || kept.SealedTo != key || string(kept.Box) != string(box) {
+		t.Errorf("the kept box reads as %+v", kept)
+	}
+	if got := strings.Join(in.BusMinted, ","); !strings.Contains(got, "anchor.objects") {
+		t.Errorf("BusMinted is %v", in.BusMinted)
+	}
+	if in.BusMemberships["laptop"] != "sealed-membership" {
+		t.Errorf("BusMemberships is %v", in.BusMemberships)
+	}
+	if len(in.Licences) != 1 || in.Licences[0].Name != "claude" || in.Licences[0].Keys == nil {
+		t.Errorf("Licences read as %+v", in.Licences)
+	}
+}
+
+// 1383/AC4: the bus's user list is what busUserList gives for the machine that runs the bus, and the Input carries none when
+// no module of the shelf runs the bus.
+func TestTheBusUsersAreWhatTheControllerComposesForTheMachineThatRunsTheBus(t *testing.T) {
+	open, _ := aMeshWithSecrets(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	in, err := readComposeInput(ctx, open)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if in.BusUsers != "" || len(in.BusMissing) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a mesh whose shelf runs no bus carries a bus user list: %q %v", in.BusUsers, in.BusMissing)
+	}
+	bus := catalogue.Manifest{Module: "nats", Version: "1", BusUsers: "/etc/nats/users.conf",
+		Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: "mesh-broker", Scope: catalogue.ScopeMesh}}}
+	register(t, open, bus)
+	if err := open.inventory.SeedBusUser(ctx, inventory.BusUser{Username: "controller", Kind: "controller"}, "pw"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	in, err = readComposeInput(ctx, open)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	list, missing, _ := busUserList(ctx, open.inventory, []catalogue.Manifest{bus})
+	if in.BusUsers != list || fmt.Sprint(in.BusMissing) != fmt.Sprint(missing) {
+		t.Errorf("the Input carries %q (%v); busUserList gives %q (%v)", in.BusUsers, in.BusMissing, list, missing)
+	}
+}
+
+// 1383/AC5: Built, CurrentBuilds and BuildIDs equal the inventory's Held, CurrentBuilds and BuildOf, and the serving key and
+// the certificate are the machine's.
+func TestTheAdaptersInputCarriesTheBuildsAndTheMachinesKey(t *testing.T) {
+	open, _ := aMeshWithSecrets(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	in, err := readComposeInput(ctx, open)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	held, err := inv.Held(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	var wantBuilt []string
+	for repository := range held {
+		wantBuilt = append(wantBuilt, repository)
+	}
+	sort.Strings(wantBuilt)
+	if fmt.Sprint(in.Built) != fmt.Sprint(wantBuilt) && !(len(in.Built) == 0 && len(wantBuilt) == 0) {
+		t.Errorf("Built is %v, the inventory's %v", in.Built, wantBuilt)
+	}
+	current, err := inv.CurrentBuilds(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	for module, b := range current {
+		if in.CurrentBuilds[module] != b.Commit {
+			t.Errorf("CurrentBuilds[%s] is %q, the inventory's %q", module, in.CurrentBuilds[module], b.Commit)
+		}
+	}
+	for module, byCommit := range in.BuildIDs {
+		for commit, build := range byCommit {
+			if want, _ := inv.BuildOf(ctx, module, commit); want != build {
+				t.Errorf("BuildIDs[%s][%s] is %q, the inventory's %q", module, commit, build, want)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// The lead's answer 4: where the mesh holds no credential for any bus user, the machine that runs the bus is refused with
+// busUserList's words (the controller's composition refused it), the Input still builds, and another machine composes.
+func TestTheBusMachineIsRefusedWhereNoUserHasACredentialAndTheOthersCompose(t *testing.T) {
+	open, _ := aMeshWithSecrets(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	bus := catalogue.Manifest{Module: "nats", Version: "1", BusUsers: "/etc/nats/users.conf",
+		Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: "mesh-broker", Scope: catalogue.ScopeMesh}}}
+	register(t, open, bus)
+	register(t, open, aWebModule())
+	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "anchor", "nats"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "laptop", "web"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, _, err := composeQuestion(ctx, open, "anchor", compose.Foreseeing, false); err == nil ||
+		!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "not one user has a credential") {
+		t.Fatalf("the bus machine is composed: %v", err)
+	}
+	if _, _, err := composeQuestion(ctx, open, "laptop", compose.Foreseeing, false); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("a machine that does not run the bus is refused: %v", err)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/compose_input_integration_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,329 @@
+//go:build integration
+
+package main
+
+import (
+	"reflect"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/compose"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// 1382: the adapter's Input names, for every node, what the inventory answers for it, each compared with the read named
+// beside the field in go/compose/input.go (novox/hq ADR 0453 clause 3).
+func TestTheAdaptersInputNamesWhatTheInventoryAnswersForEachNode(t *testing.T) {
+	open, _ := aMeshWithSecrets(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	if err := inv.SetPublicDomain(ctx, "anchor", "example.test"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, err := inv.PortFor(ctx, "laptop", "files", 8080, false); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	in, err := readComposeInput(ctx, open)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+
+	shelf, err := inv.Catalogue(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if !reflect.DeepEqual(in.Catalogue, shelf) {
+		t.Error("the Input's Catalogue is not the shelf the inventory holds")
+	}
+	nodes, err := inv.Nodes(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if len(in.Nodes) != len(nodes) {
+		t.Fatalf("the Input names %d node(s), the inventory has %d", len(in.Nodes), len(nodes))
+	}
+	places, err := inv.Overlays(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	for _, record := range nodes {
+		n, ok := nodeOf(in.Input, record.Name)
+		if !ok {
+			t.Fatalf("%s is not in the Input", record.Name)
+		}
+		for _, p := range places {
+			if p.Name == record.Name {
+				if want := (compose.Place{Key: p.Key, Endpoint: p.Endpoint, Site: p.Site, Hub: p.Hub, Address: p.Address}); n.Place != want {
+					t.Errorf("%s: Place is %+v, the inventory's %+v", record.Name, n.Place, want)
+				}
+			}
+		}
+		assigned, _ := inv.Assigned(ctx, record.Name)
+		if !reflect.DeepEqual(n.Assigned, assigned) {
+			t.Errorf("%s: Assigned is %v, the inventory's %v", record.Name, n.Assigned, assigned)
+		}
+		caps, _ := inv.ProfileOf(ctx, record.Name)
+		if !reflect.DeepEqual(n.Capabilities, caps) {
+			t.Errorf("%s: Capabilities are %v, the inventory's %v", record.Name, n.Capabilities, caps)
+		}
+		domain, _ := inv.PublicDomainOf(ctx, record.Name)
+		if n.PublicDomain != domain {
+			t.Errorf("%s: PublicDomain is %q, the inventory's %q", record.Name, n.PublicDomain, domain)
+		}
+		if n.Account != record.Account || n.AccountHome != record.AccountHome || n.AgentAccount != record.AgentAccount ||
+			n.AgentAccountHome != record.AgentAccountHome || n.Adopted != record.Adopted {
+			t.Errorf("%s: the accounts or the mode differ from the inventory's: %+v", record.Name, n)
+		}
+		pins, _ := inv.PinsFor(ctx, record.Name)
+		if len(pins) != len(n.Pins) || (len(pins) > 0 && !reflect.DeepEqual(n.Pins, pins)) {
+			t.Errorf("%s: Pins are %v, the inventory's %v", record.Name, n.Pins, pins)
+		}
+		bound, _ := inv.BindingsFor(ctx, record.Name)
+		if len(bound) != len(n.Bound) || (len(bound) > 0 && !reflect.DeepEqual(n.Bound, bound)) {
+			t.Errorf("%s: Bound is %v, the inventory's %v", record.Name, n.Bound, bound)
+		}
+		key, _ := inv.SealingKeyOf(ctx, record.Name)
+		if n.SealingKey != key {
+			t.Errorf("%s: SealingKey is %q, the inventory's %q", record.Name, n.SealingKey, key)
+		}
+		ports, _ := inv.PortsFor(ctx, record.Name)
+		want := map[string]map[int]int{}
+		for _, a := range ports {
+			if want[a.Module] == nil {
+				want[a.Module] = map[int]int{}
+			}
+			want[a.Module][a.Wanted] = a.Machine
+		}
+		if len(want) != len(n.Ports) || (len(want) > 0 && !reflect.DeepEqual(n.Ports, want)) {
+			t.Errorf("%s: Ports are %v, the inventory's %v", record.Name, n.Ports, want)
+		}
+		// The settings of every module it resolves to, layer for layer.
+		resolved, err := compose.Resolve(in.Input, record.Name)
+		if err != nil {
+			continue
+		}
+		for _, m := range resolved.Plan.Modules {
+			layers, err := inv.SettingsFor(ctx, record.Name, m.Module)
+			if err != nil {
+				t.Fatal(err)
+			}
+			if len(layers) != len(n.Settings[m.Module]) || (len(layers) > 0 && !reflect.DeepEqual(n.Settings[m.Module], layers)) {
+				t.Errorf("%s: the settings of %s are %v, the inventory's %v", record.Name, m.Module, n.Settings[m.Module], layers)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	if domain := nodeDomain(in.Input, "anchor"); domain != "example.test" {
+		t.Errorf("anchor's PublicDomain is %q", domain)
+	}
+	if got := nodePorts(in.Input, "laptop"); got["files"][8080] == 0 {
+		t.Errorf("laptop's port for files:8080 is not in the Input: %v", got)
+	}
+}
+
+func nodeDomain(in compose.Input, name string) string {
+	n, _ := nodeOf(in, name)
+	return n.PublicDomain
+}
+
+func nodePorts(in compose.Input, name string) map[string]map[int]int {
+	n, _ := nodeOf(in, name)
+	return n.Ports
+}
+
+// 1382/AC2: a node keeping a recorded module at the build it runs has that module in Kept and KeptBuilds, and the Input's
+// Catalogue is the current shelf, not the kept manifest (R4a review round 1, finding 1).
+func TestANodeKeepingARecordedBuildHasItInKeptAndTheCatalogueStaysCurrent(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	start := time.Now().Add(-time.Hour)
+	image := "registry.invalid:5000/postgres/server@sha256:" + strings.Repeat("a", 64)
+	for _, b := range []link.BuildResult{
+		aContainerBuild(t, "postgres", "c1111111", catalogue.PolicyRecord, start, map[string][2]string{"server": {image, ""}}),
+	} {
+		if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, inv, asTheOperator(t, inv, b)); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	if _, err := inv.Assign(ctx, "anchor", "postgres"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := inv.RecordSent(ctx, nodeID(t, open, "anchor"), "d-anchor", map[string]string{"postgres": "c1111111"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, inv, aContainerBuild(t, "postgres", "c2222222", catalogue.PolicyRecord, start.Add(time.Minute),
+		map[string][2]string{"server": {image, "runtime"}})); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+
+	// A send that is not a person's push keeps the build the machine runs.
+	in, err := readComposeInput(keepingRecorded(ctx), open)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	anchor, _ := nodeOf(in.Input, "anchor")
+	if anchor.KeptBuilds["postgres"] != "c1111111" {
+		t.Fatalf("anchor keeps %v, want postgres at c1111111", anchor.KeptBuilds)
+	}
+	kept, found := anchor.Kept["postgres"]
+	if !found {
+		t.Fatalf("the kept manifest of postgres is not in anchor's Kept: %v", anchor.Kept)
+	}
+	current, err := inv.Catalogue(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if !reflect.DeepEqual(in.Catalogue["postgres"], current["postgres"]) {
+		t.Error("the Input's Catalogue is not the current shelf")
+	}
+	if reflect.DeepEqual(kept, current["postgres"]) {
+		t.Error("the kept manifest is the current one: nothing is kept")
+	}
+	if laptop, _ := nodeOf(in.Input, "laptop"); len(laptop.Kept) != 0 || len(laptop.KeptBuilds) != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("laptop keeps what only anchor runs: %v", laptop.KeptBuilds)
+	}
+
+	// A person's push keeps nothing.
+	pushed, err := readComposeInput(ctx, open)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if a, _ := nodeOf(pushed.Input, "anchor"); len(a.Kept) != 0 || len(a.KeptBuilds) != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("a person's push keeps %v", a.KeptBuilds)
+	}
+}
+
+// 1382/AC3: the seats on record, the tunnels, the adopted tunnel, its carried peers and the nodes joining equal the
+// inventory's answers; the range and the suffix are read from the environment once, here.
+func TestTheAdaptersInputCarriesTheNetworkAsTheInventoryHoldsIt(t *testing.T) {
+	open, _ := aMeshWithSecrets(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	t.Setenv(OverlayCIDRVar, "10.99.0.0/16")
+	t.Setenv("MESH_INTERNAL_SUFFIX", "mesh.test")
+	in, err := readComposeInput(ctx, open)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	holdings, err := inv.Holdings(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if !reflect.DeepEqual(in.Holdings, holdings) {
+		t.Errorf("Holdings are %v, the inventory's %v", in.Holdings, holdings)
+	}
+	tunnels, err := inv.Tunnels(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if len(tunnels) != len(in.Tunnels) {
+		t.Errorf("Tunnels are %v, the inventory's %v", in.Tunnels, tunnels)
+	}
+	if _, hub, _, err := inv.AdoptedTunnel(ctx); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	} else if (hub == "") != (in.Adopted == nil) {
+		t.Errorf("Adopted is %v, the inventory's hub is %q", in.Adopted, hub)
+	}
+	carried, err := inv.CarriedPeers(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if len(carried) != len(in.CarriedPeers) {
+		t.Errorf("CarriedPeers are %v, the inventory's %v", in.CarriedPeers, carried)
+	}
+	joining, err := inv.NodesWithALiveToken(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if len(joining) != len(in.Joining) {
+		t.Errorf("Joining is %v, the inventory's %v", in.Joining, joining)
+	}
+	if in.OverlayCIDR != "10.99.0.0/16" || in.InternalSuffix != "mesh.test" {
+		t.Errorf("the range and the suffix are %q and %q", in.OverlayCIDR, in.InternalSuffix)
+	}
+	// Read once: what the environment says afterwards moves nothing already read.
+	t.Setenv(OverlayCIDRVar, "10.1.0.0/16")
+	if in.OverlayCIDR != "10.99.0.0/16" {
+		t.Error("the range moved with the environment")
+	}
+}
+
+// The lead's equality finding (build 1792487777757012513): a provider on one machine serves a fact that says ${setting:domain},
+// the setting is set for it, and a consumer on another machine takes that fact. The first pass of the adapter resolved every
+// node with no settings in the Input, so the served fact could not be settled and the whole Input failed. The settings are in
+// the Input before any node is resolved, and the Input builds, with the same plan for the consumer as the controller's own
+// composition. It failed first, with the finding's words.
+func TestAServedFactThatSaysASettingIsResolvedWithTheSettingInTheInput(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	register(t, open, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "step-ca", Version: "1",
+		Provides: []catalogue.Offer{{Name: "acme-ca", Scope: catalogue.ScopeMesh}},
+		Serves:   map[string]map[string]any{"acme-ca": {"domain": "${setting:domain}"}}})
+	register(t, open, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "route-proxy", Version: "1", Requires: []string{"acme-ca"}})
+	// The setting is there before the machines are assigned: an assignment resolves the mesh, and a served fact that says
+	// ${setting:domain} resolves only with it.
+	if err := open.inventory.KeepSettings(ctx, "", "step-ca", map[string]any{"domain": "example.test"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "anchor", "step-ca"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "laptop", "route-proxy"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	in, err := readComposeInput(ctx, open)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("the Input cannot be built: %v", err)
+	}
+	if anchor, _ := nodeOf(in.Input, "anchor"); len(anchor.Settings["step-ca"]) == 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the Input does not carry the setting of the provider: %v", anchor.Settings)
+	}
+	oldPlan, _, err := resolveNode(ctx, open, "laptop")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	newPlan, _, err := resolveNode(withInputCache(ctx), open, "laptop")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("the consumer does not resolve: %v", err)
+	}
+	if !reflect.DeepEqual(oldPlan.Needs, newPlan.Needs) {
+		t.Errorf("the consumer's needs are %+v, the controller's own %+v", newPlan.Needs, oldPlan.Needs)
+	}
+	t.Logf("a served fact that says a setting resolves with the setting in the Input: the Input builds and the consumer's needs equal planFor's")
+}
+
+// A setting that nothing sets, in a fact a provider serves, is not the adapter's to hide: the controller's own composition
+// refuses it as well (theRestOfTheMesh returns servedOnNode's error), and the adapter refuses with the same words rather than
+// building an Input that composes a placeholder.
+func TestAServedFactThatSaysAnUnsetSettingIsRefusedAsTheControllerRefusesIt(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	register(t, open, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "step-ca", Version: "1",
+		Provides: []catalogue.Offer{{Name: "acme-ca", Scope: catalogue.ScopeMesh}},
+		Serves:   map[string]map[string]any{"acme-ca": {"domain": "${setting:domain}"}}})
+	register(t, open, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "route-proxy", Version: "1", Requires: []string{"acme-ca"}})
+	// Assigned with the setting there, then the setting is cleared: the mesh the controller holds when someone clears it.
+	if err := open.inventory.KeepSettings(ctx, "", "step-ca", map[string]any{"domain": "example.test"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "anchor", "step-ca"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "laptop", "route-proxy"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := open.inventory.ClearSettings(ctx, "", "step-ca"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	_, _, oldErr := resolveNode(ctx, open, "laptop")
+	_, newErr := readComposeInput(ctx, open)
+	if (oldErr == nil) != (newErr == nil) {
+		t.Fatalf("the controller's composition says %v, the adapter says %v", oldErr, newErr)
+	}
+	if oldErr != nil && !strings.Contains(newErr.Error(), "nothing sets \"domain\"") {
+		t.Errorf("the adapter's words are %q, the controller's %q", newErr, oldErr)
+	}
+	t.Logf("an unset setting in a served fact is refused alike: the controller says %v, the adapter says %v", oldErr != nil, newErr != nil)
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/compose_made_integration_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,54 @@
+//go:build integration
+
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"fmt"
+	"sort"
+)
+
+// made is what a send made in a store, by key and never by value: the machine ports given, the pair credentials and the
+// own secrets.
+type made struct {
+	Ports      []string
+	Pairs      []string
+	OwnSecrets []string
+}
+
+// madeIn is what a store holds that a send makes, by key and never by value.
+func madeIn(ctx context.Context, open *stores) (made, error) {
+	var out made
+	inv := open.inventory
+	nodes, err := inv.Nodes(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return out, err
+	}
+	for _, n := range nodes {
+		ports, err := inv.PortsFor(ctx, n.Name)
+		if err != nil {
+			return out, err
+		}
+		for _, p := range ports {
+			out.Ports = append(out.Ports, fmt.Sprintf("%s %s:%d->%d", n.Name, p.Module, p.Wanted, p.Machine))
+		}
+		rows, err := inv.SecretsFrom(ctx, n.Name)
+		if err != nil {
+			return out, err
+		}
+		for _, s := range rows {
+			out.Pairs = append(out.Pairs, fmt.Sprintf("%s %s on %s from %s local=%s", s.Name, s.ConsumerModule, s.Consumer, n.Name, s.Local))
+		}
+	}
+	own, err := inv.OwnSecretRows(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return out, err
+	}
+	for _, r := range own {
+		out.OwnSecrets = append(out.OwnSecrets, fmt.Sprintf("%s %s/%s (%s)", r.Node, r.Module, r.Name, r.Origin))
+	}
+	sort.Strings(out.Ports)
+	sort.Strings(out.Pairs)
+	sort.Strings(out.OwnSecrets)
+	return out, nil
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/compose_once_integration_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,44 @@
+//go:build integration
+
+package main
+
+import (
+	"testing"
+
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/compose"
+)
+
+// 1382/AC5: composing every node of one operation builds the Input once; without an operation's cache, once for each.
+func TestComposingEveryNodeOfAnOperationBuildsTheInputOnce(t *testing.T) {
+	open, _ := aMeshWithSecrets(t)
+	built := 0
+	was := composeInputBuilt
+	composeInputBuilt = func() { built++ }
+	t.Cleanup(func() { composeInputBuilt = was })
+	ctx := withInputCache(t.Context())
+	nodes, err := open.inventory.Nodes(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	for _, n := range nodes {
+		if _, _, err := resolveNode(ctx, open, n.Name); err != nil && !unresolvable(err) {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		if _, _, err := composeQuestion(ctx, open, n.Name, compose.Reading, false); err != nil && !unresolvable(err) {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	if _, err := generatorsOf(ctx, open); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if built != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("an operation over %d node(s) built the Input %d time(s)", len(nodes), built)
+	}
+	built = 0
+	if _, _, err := resolveNode(t.Context(), open, nodes[0].Name); err != nil && !unresolvable(err) {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if built != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("a composition with no cache built the Input %d time(s)", built)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/compose_perform.go

@@ -0,0 +1,259 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"io"
+	"os"
+	"slices"
+	"sort"
+	"strconv"
+	"strings"
+
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/compose"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// perform makes what a composition named foreseen (novox/hq ADR 0453 clause 3, design 47 R4b, issue 1385).
+//
+// **The composition makes nothing; a send does.** mesh-sdk's composition over an Input names what the next send would make
+// (the ports it would assign, the credentials it would seal, the core boxes it would ask the vault for, the seats it would
+// pass on, the certificate it would issue) and stands in for each. A send composes, performs, reads the stores again and
+// composes again (send in compose_sdk.go), and refuses to send a declaration that still names anything foreseen. A question
+// (status, facts, probes, the merge gate's reading) never reaches this file.
+//
+// What is made is exactly what the controller's own composition made on the way to a declaration it was going to send:
+//   - every pair credential no row holds, for every machine that resolves, since planning one node resolved them all;
+//   - the seats the mesh passes on, with the hand act (not on a throwaway mesh, whose hand act has nowhere to go);
+//   - the machine ports the node's modules were given none for;
+//   - the node's own secrets, by the controller's own rules (a bus credential nobody issued was refused by the composition);
+//   - the core credentials, asked of the vault every send, so a rotated one reaches the machine;
+//   - the certificate of a machine that was never certified.
+//
+// perform returns whether it made or recorded anything: the reason the caller reads the stores again.
+func perform(ctx context.Context, open *stores, in *meshInput, node string, d compose.Declared) (bool, error) {
+	did := false
+	inv := open.inventory
+
+	// The seats passed on: recorded in the store with the controller's own hand act (ADR 0449 §4, issue 1317).
+	if len(d.Passes.Passes) > 0 {
+		var w io.Writer = os.Stderr
+		if lw, ok := ctx.Value(leftOutKey{}).(io.Writer); ok {
+			w = lw
+		}
+		for _, line := range d.Passes.Said {
+			fmt.Fprintln(w, line)
+		}
+		if performSeatPasses(ctx, seatPassingOn(inv, w), d.Passes.Passes) {
+			did = true
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Every pair credential the stores hold none for: made once and kept, and sealed to both ends before it was ever written
+	// down. The error is the one planFor met: the machine that needs it, and why none could be made.
+	for _, p := range in.wouldMake {
+		if err := makePair(ctx, inv, p); err != nil {
+			return did, fmt.Errorf("%s on %s needs %s from %s and no credential could be made for it: %w",
+				p.ConsumerModule, p.Consumer, p.Name, p.Provider, err)
+		}
+		did = true
+	}
+
+	// The ports this node's modules were given none for.
+	if len(d.ForeseenPorts) > 0 {
+		shelf, err := inv.Catalogue(ctx)
+		if err != nil {
+			return did, err
+		}
+		for _, one := range d.ForeseenPorts {
+			module, port, ok := strings.Cut(one, ":")
+			wanted, perr := strconv.Atoi(port)
+			if !ok || perr != nil {
+				return did, fmt.Errorf("the composition named a port the controller cannot read: %q", one)
+			}
+			fixed := false
+			for _, l := range nodeShelf(in, shelf, node)[module].Listens {
+				if l.Port == wanted {
+					fixed = l.Fixed
+				}
+			}
+			if _, err := inv.PortFor(ctx, node, module, wanted, fixed); err != nil {
+				return did, fmt.Errorf("%s needs %d reachable on %s and it could not be assigned: %w", module, wanted, node, err)
+			}
+			did = true
+		}
+	}
+
+	// The node's own secrets: a module's superuser password, an administrator, an account. The composition refused what the
+	// send refuses (a bus credential nobody issued, a given value under an old key).
+	for _, one := range d.StoodIn {
+		module, name, ok := strings.Cut(one, "/")
+		if !ok || strings.Contains(one, " ") {
+			continue // a grant's sealed copy, the certificate or the bus's list: made below or by nobody
+		}
+		if _, err := inv.SecretForModule(ctx, node, module, name); err != nil {
+			return did, err
+		}
+		did = true
+	}
+
+	// The certificate of a machine that was never certified: issued and kept, with the authority when there is none yet.
+	for _, one := range d.StoodIn {
+		if strings.HasPrefix(one, "the certificate and the authority of ") {
+			if _, _, err := certificateFor(ctx, open, node); err != nil {
+				return did, err
+			}
+			did = true
+			break
+		}
+	}
+	return did, nil
+}
+
+// makePair makes one pair credential by the controller's own read of it: the credential for the pair, or the provider's one
+// credential sealed to this consumer too. A credential only a person gives is never made (it is not a would-make).
+func makePair(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, p inventory.PairCredential) error {
+	var err error
+	switch p.Kind {
+	case inventory.PairShared:
+		_, err = inv.SharedSecretFor(ctx, p.Name, p.Consumer, p.ConsumerModule, p.Provider, p.ProviderModule, p.Local, p.Own)
+	case inventory.PairPlain:
+		_, err = inv.SecretFor(ctx, p.Name, p.Consumer, p.ConsumerModule, p.Provider, p.Local)
+	default:
+		return errors.New("a credential only a person gives is not made")
+	}
+	if inventory.IsNotGiven(err) {
+		return nil
+	}
+	return err
+}
+
+// stillForeseen says what a composed declaration still stands in for: the lists the composition names, and the stand-in itself
+// anywhere in the body (a pair credential's stand-in is not in any list). A declaration that has any is never sent.
+func stillForeseen(d compose.Declared) []string {
+	var left []string
+	left = append(left, d.Foreseen...)
+	left = append(left, d.StoodIn...)
+	for _, p := range d.ForeseenPorts {
+		left = append(left, "the port "+p)
+	}
+	for _, c := range d.CoreBoxesWanted {
+		left = append(left, "the vault's box for "+c.Module+"/"+c.Name)
+	}
+	for _, p := range d.Passes.Passes {
+		left = append(left, "the pass of "+p.Seat.Name+" to "+p.To.Module+" on "+p.To.Node)
+	}
+	if body, err := d.Body(); err == nil {
+		for _, marker := range []string{catalogue.ForeseenSealed, "asked of the vault by the next send", compose.ForeseenCertificate,
+			compose.ForeseenBusUsers} {
+			if strings.Contains(string(body), marker) {
+				left = append(left, "a stand-in: "+marker)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	sort.Strings(left)
+	return slicesCompact(left)
+}
+
+func slicesCompact(in []string) []string {
+	var out []string
+	for _, s := range in {
+		if len(out) == 0 || out[len(out)-1] != s {
+			out = append(out, s)
+		}
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// nodeShelf is the shelf as one node composes its own set: the current one with each module it keeps at the build it runs put
+// in place of the current.
+func nodeShelf(in *meshInput, shelf map[string]catalogue.Manifest, node string) map[string]catalogue.Manifest {
+	n, _ := nodeOf(in.Input, node)
+	return shelfWith(shelf, n.Kept)
+}
+
+// prepareSend is what a send does before it composes, every send and whatever the composition would have named: the
+// controller's own composition did it on the way, so a module's file that names an own secret composes (mesh-sdk's
+// composition can stand in for none: a file naming a secret not made yet is refused in every mode), and the core's credentials
+// are asked of the vault on every send, so a rotated one reaches the machine and a silent vault is said (core_box.go).
+//
+//   - Each own secret of a module the node runs (not one handed to the provisioner, not one issued outside the mesh, not one a
+//     person gives) that no row holds is made, unless the composition would refuse it (a bus credential nobody issued): that
+//     refusal is the composition's to say, in its words.
+//   - The core's credentials are asked of the vault, the boxes newly answered are kept, and the modules the vault did not answer
+//     for with no box kept are returned: the controller seals those itself until the vault holds them (ADR 0396).
+func prepareSend(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string) ([]string, error) {
+	in, err := inputFor(ctx, open)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	if in.refused[node] != nil {
+		return nil, nil // empty-on-error: refused alone for what it keeps; the composition that follows says so, in its words
+	}
+	resolved, err := compose.Resolve(in.Input, node)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, nil // empty-on-error: it does not compose for its own reasons; the composition that follows says them
+	}
+	n, _ := nodeOf(in.Input, node)
+	hands := n.Stated && n.Contract >= compose.HandedContract
+	handing := catalogue.Rendering{Hands: hands, Provisioner: provisionerAccount(resolved.Plan)}
+	inv := open.inventory
+	did := false
+	if n.SealingKey != "" {
+		held := map[string]bool{}
+		for _, r := range in.OwnSecrets {
+			// Held only when sealed to the key the machine has now, or given by a person (which is not the mesh's
+			// to make again): a made row under an old key is re-made, as SecretForModule did.
+			if r.Node == node && (r.SealedTo == n.SealingKey || r.Origin == inventory.OriginAccepted) {
+				held[r.Module+"/"+r.Name] = true
+			}
+		}
+		for _, m := range resolved.Plan.Modules {
+			if handing.Handing(m) {
+				continue
+			}
+			plain := m.OwnSecrets.Plain()
+			names := make([]string, 0, len(plain))
+			for name := range plain {
+				names = append(names, name)
+			}
+			sort.Strings(names)
+			for _, name := range names {
+				if plain[name].IssuedBy == catalogue.IssuedOutside || held[m.Module+"/"+name] {
+					continue
+				}
+				switch name {
+				case "broker":
+					if !slices.Contains(in.BusMinted, node+"."+m.Module) {
+						continue
+					}
+				case compose.ProvisionerSecret:
+					if !slices.Contains(in.BusMinted, "provisioner."+node) {
+						continue
+					}
+				}
+				if _, err := inv.SecretForModule(ctx, node, m.Module, name); err == nil {
+					did = true
+				}
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	var byController []string
+	if n.Stated && n.Contract >= compose.VaultBoxContract {
+		boxes, err := coreBoxesFor(ctx, inv, node, resolved.Plan.Modules, func(m catalogue.Manifest) bool {
+			return handing.Handing(m)
+		}, true)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		did = did || len(boxes.keep) > 0
+		byController = boxes.byController
+	}
+	if did {
+		// What was made is in the stores now: the composition reads them afresh.
+		forgetInput(ctx)
+	}
+	return byController, nil
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/compose_perform_integration_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,235 @@
+//go:build integration
+
+package main
+
+import (
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/compose"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+func aWebModule() catalogue.Manifest {
+	return catalogue.Manifest{Module: "web", Version: "1",
+		Listens:    []catalogue.Listening{{Port: 8080, From: catalogue.FromEverywhere}},
+		OwnSecrets: catalogue.OwnSecrets{"admin": {Path: "/etc/web/admin"}},
+		Resources: []map[string]any{
+			{"id": "server", "type": "container", "name": "web", "ports": []any{"8080"},
+				"image": "registry.example/web@sha256:" + strings.Repeat("a", 64)},
+		}}
+}
+
+// 1385/AC1: a port the composition names foreseen is allocated with the inventory's PortFor for that module and port, a second
+// composition names it no more, and the number is the one the controller's own Allocating composition gives in the same store.
+func TestPerformAllocatesAForeseenPortAndTheNumberIsTheControllers(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	register(t, open, aWebModule())
+	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "laptop", "web"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	in, err := readComposeInput(ctx, open)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	d, _, err := compose.ComposeIn(in.Input, "laptop", compose.Foreseeing)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if len(d.ForeseenPorts) != 1 || d.ForeseenPorts[0] != "web:8080" {
+		t.Fatalf("the composition names the ports %v foreseen, want web:8080", d.ForeseenPorts)
+	}
+	did, err := perform(ctx, open, in, "laptop", d)
+	if err != nil || !did {
+		t.Fatalf("perform did %v: %v", did, err)
+	}
+	held, err := open.inventory.PortsFor(ctx, "laptop")
+	if err != nil || len(held) != 1 || held[0].Module != "web" || held[0].Wanted != 8080 {
+		t.Fatalf("the port perform allocated reads %+v: %v", held, err)
+	}
+	in, err = readComposeInput(ctx, open)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if again, _, err := compose.ComposeIn(in.Input, "laptop", compose.Foreseeing); err != nil || len(again.ForeseenPorts) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a second composition names %v foreseen: %v", again.ForeseenPorts, err)
+	}
+	// The number is the one the controller allocates in the same store.
+	plan, settings, err := resolveNode(ctx, open, "laptop")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	old, err := declarationFor(ctx, open, "laptop", plan, settings)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	after, _, err := compose.ComposeIn(in.Input, "laptop", compose.Foreseeing)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if got, want := portsOf(after.Resources), portsOf(old.Resources); got != want {
+		t.Fatalf("the declaration publishes %s; the controller's allocation publishes %s", got, want)
+	}
+}
+
+func portsOf(resources []map[string]any) string {
+	var out []string
+	for _, r := range resources {
+		if r["type"] == "container" {
+			out = append(out, fmt.Sprint(r["name"], r["ports"]))
+		}
+	}
+	return strings.Join(out, ";")
+}
+
+// 1385/AC2: an own secret named foreseen is made with SecretForModule, and a pair credential the Input names would-make is
+// made as planFor chose; both exist after the send's composition and a second composition names neither.
+func TestPerformMakesTheOwnSecretsAndThePairCredentialsTheCompositionNamed(t *testing.T) {
+	open, _ := aMeshWithSecrets(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	register(t, open, aWebModule())
+	register(t, open, aConsumerOfTheBucket("reports"))
+	for _, m := range []string{"web", "reports"} {
+		if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "laptop", m); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	before, err := madeIn(ctx, open)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	declared, err := composeSend(ctx, open, "laptop")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("the send is refused: %v", err)
+	}
+	if len(declared.foreseen) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the declaration still names %v foreseen", declared.foreseen)
+	}
+	after, err := madeIn(ctx, open)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	madeNow := func(have, was []string) []string {
+		seen := map[string]bool{}
+		for _, s := range was {
+			seen[s] = true
+		}
+		var out []string
+		for _, s := range have {
+			if !seen[s] {
+				out = append(out, s)
+			}
+		}
+		return out
+	}
+	if got := madeNow(after.OwnSecrets, before.OwnSecrets); len(got) != 1 || !strings.Contains(got[0], "web/admin") {
+		t.Errorf("the own secrets made are %v, want laptop web/admin", got)
+	}
+	if got := madeNow(after.Pairs, before.Pairs); len(got) != 1 || !strings.Contains(got[0], "reports") {
+		t.Errorf("the pair credentials made are %v, want the one of reports", got)
+	}
+	// And the credential is the one a second composition reads as held.
+	in, err := readComposeInput(ctx, open)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if len(in.wouldMake) != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("after the send the next send would still make %v", in.wouldMake)
+	}
+	if _, err := inv.SecretsFrom(ctx, "anchor"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+}
+
+// 1385/AC3 (the lead's answer 1): with the vault unreachable and no box of the credential kept, the send carries the
+// controller's own seal for it (ADR 0396), says so as a condition, and keeps no box.
+func TestAVaultThatIsSilentSealsTheSendByTheControllerWhereNoBoxIsKept(t *testing.T) {
+	open, vault := aCoreMesh(t, link.VaultBoxContract)
+	vault.silent = errors.New("no responders")
+	declared, err := composeSend(t.Context(), open, "laptop")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("the send is refused: %v", 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 len(declared.foreseen) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the declaration still names %v foreseen", declared.foreseen)
+	}
+	if c, found := vaultSilence(t, "laptop"); !found || !strings.Contains(c.Summary, "sealed by the controller until the vault holds it") {
+		t.Fatalf("no condition says why: %+v", c)
+	}
+	kept, err := open.inventory.KeptCoreBoxes(t.Context(), "laptop")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if len(kept["mesh-provisioner-client"]) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a box was kept for a credential the vault never boxed: %v", kept)
+	}
+}
+
+// 1385/AC6: perform is idempotent: a second send's composition over the stores it left makes and records nothing.
+func TestAFinishedSendMakesNothingTheSecondTime(t *testing.T) {
+	open, _ := aMeshWithSecrets(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	register(t, open, aWebModule())
+	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "laptop", "web"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, err := composeSend(ctx, open, "laptop"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	before := tableState(t, open.inventory)
+	if _, err := composeSend(ctx, open, "laptop"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	for k, v := range tableState(t, open.inventory) {
+		if before[k] != v {
+			t.Errorf("a second send of the same machine moved %s", k)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// Review round 1, finding 1: a machine that rejoined with a new sealing key keeps its made rows sealed to the old key. A
+// send re-makes them for the new key, as SecretForModule did on main, and the file naming the secret is not refused.
+func TestASendReMakesAnOwnSecretSealedToAKeyTheMachineNoLongerHas(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	register(t, open, aBot("bot", false))
+	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "laptop", "bot"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, err := composeSend(ctx, open, "laptop"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("the first send is refused: %v", err)
+	}
+	if err := inv.RecordSealingKey(ctx, nodeID(t, open, "laptop"), aPublicKey(t)); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, err := composeSend(ctx, open, "laptop"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("a machine that rejoined cannot be sent to: %v", err)
+	}
+	in, err := readComposeInput(ctx, open)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	n, _ := nodeOf(in.Input, "laptop")
+	found := false
+	for _, r := range in.OwnSecrets {
+		if r.Node == "laptop" && r.Module == "bot" && r.Name == "token" {
+			found = true
+			if r.SealedTo != n.SealingKey {
+				t.Fatalf("the own secret is still sealed to a key the machine no longer has")
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	if !found {
+		t.Fatal("the own secret has no row")
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/compose_sdk.go

@@ -0,0 +1,500 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"bytes"
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"fmt"
+	"io"
+	"os"
+	"slices"
+	"sort"
+	"strings"
+	"sync"
+
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/compose"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/validate"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// The controller's composition on mesh-sdk's (novox/hq ADR 0453 clause 3, design 47 R4b, issues 1386 to 1388): every
+// caller that planned or composed a node reads the Input once for its operation (compose_input.go), asks the SDK to
+// compose over it, and, when it sends, performs what the composition names foreseen (compose_perform.go) and composes again.
+
+// inputCacheKey carries an operation's Input in its context, so the planning of every node of one verb reads the stores once.
+type inputCacheKey struct{}
+
+type inputCache struct {
+	mu sync.Mutex
+	by map[string]*meshInput
+}
+
+// withInputCache is ctx for an operation: the Input read for it is kept until a send changes what it read. A context that
+// carries none reads the stores for each composition, which is correct and slow.
+func withInputCache(ctx context.Context) context.Context {
+	if _, ok := ctx.Value(inputCacheKey{}).(*inputCache); ok {
+		return ctx
+	}
+	return context.WithValue(ctx, inputCacheKey{}, &inputCache{by: map[string]*meshInput{}})
+}
+
+// freshInput is ctx for one composition whose Input is read afresh and kept only until the composition makes something: a
+// send that is composed after another one made and recorded things (a push's machines, one after the other).
+func freshInput(ctx context.Context) context.Context {
+	return context.WithValue(ctx, inputCacheKey{}, &inputCache{by: map[string]*meshInput{}})
+}
+
+// keptSignature is what the Input read depends on in ctx: which recorded modules each machine keeps at the build it runs
+// (recorded_kept.go), so an Input read for a person's push is never taken for one read for a gated send.
+func keptSignature(ctx context.Context) string {
+	skip, on := keptExcept(ctx)
+	var names []string
+	for m := range skip {
+		names = append(names, m)
+	}
+	sort.Strings(names)
+	every, _ := ctx.Value(keepEveryBuildKey{}).(string)
+	settings, _ := ctx.Value(keepForSettingsKey{}).(string)
+	return fmt.Sprintf("kept=%v;except=%v;every=%s;settings=%s", on, names, every, settings)
+}
+
+// inputFor is the Input for ctx's operation.
+func inputFor(ctx context.Context, open *stores) (*meshInput, error) {
+	cache, ok := ctx.Value(inputCacheKey{}).(*inputCache)
+	if !ok {
+		return readComposeInput(ctx, open)
+	}
+	sig := keptSignature(ctx)
+	cache.mu.Lock()
+	defer cache.mu.Unlock()
+	if in := cache.by[sig]; in != nil {
+		return in, nil
+	}
+	in, err := readComposeInput(ctx, open)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	cache.by[sig] = in
+	return in, nil
+}
+
+// forgetInput drops what the operation read, because a send made or recorded something it read.
+func forgetInput(ctx context.Context) {
+	if cache, ok := ctx.Value(inputCacheKey{}).(*inputCache); ok {
+		cache.mu.Lock()
+		cache.by = map[string]*meshInput{}
+		cache.mu.Unlock()
+	}
+}
+
+// resolveNode works out everything a node should run, from what was assigned to it (planFor on the SDK): over the Input,
+// writing nothing. A failure to compose the node's own modules is marked notResolvable, as planFor marked it; every other
+// failure is returned as it is.
+func resolveNode(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string) (catalogue.Resolution, catalogue.SettingsBy, error) {
+	in, err := inputFor(ctx, open)
+	if err != nil {
+		return catalogue.Resolution{}, nil, err
+	}
+	if err := in.refused[node]; err != nil {
+		return catalogue.Resolution{}, nil, err
+	}
+	resolved, err := compose.Resolve(in.Input, node)
+	if err != nil {
+		if compose.IsUnresolvable(err) {
+			return catalogue.Resolution{}, nil, notResolvable{err}
+		}
+		return catalogue.Resolution{}, nil, err
+	}
+	logUnheld(node, resolved.Plan.Unheld)
+	return resolved.Plan, resolved.Settings, nil
+}
+
+// generatorsOf is what every node's declaration is composed with, over the whole mesh (generators on the SDK).
+func generatorsOf(ctx context.Context, open *stores) (map[string]catalogue.Generator, error) {
+	in, err := inputFor(ctx, open)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return compose.Generators(in.Input)
+}
+
+// renderingOf is what a machine is rendered with as a question reads it (nothing made), with the private network: what the
+// filter's rules, the roster and the like are derived from.
+func renderingOf(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string) (catalogue.Rendering, error) {
+	in, err := inputFor(ctx, open)
+	if err != nil {
+		return catalogue.Rendering{}, err
+	}
+	rendered, err := compose.Render(in.Input, node, compose.Reading)
+	if err != nil {
+		return catalogue.Rendering{}, markUnresolvable(err)
+	}
+	with := rendered.Rendering
+	if with.Generators, err = compose.Generators(in.Input); err != nil {
+		return catalogue.Rendering{}, err
+	}
+	return with, nil
+}
+
+// whoResolvesOn is the machines whose resolution answers a requirement, and why the others did not (whoResolves over the
+// Input): by what a module provides, not by its name. A machine whose set does not compose is in refused, said; one the mesh
+// could not be asked about is an error, never a refusal (novox/hq 04-ISSUES/152).
+func whoResolvesOn(ctx context.Context, open *stores, requirement string) (map[string]bool, map[string]string, error) {
+	in, err := inputFor(ctx, open)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, nil, err
+	}
+	on := map[string]bool{}
+	refused := map[string]string{}
+	for _, n := range in.sortedNodes() {
+		if err := in.refused[n.Name]; err != nil {
+			return nil, nil, fmt.Errorf("whether %s answers %q cannot be read: %w", n.Name, requirement, err)
+		}
+		resolved, err := compose.Resolve(in.Input, n.Name)
+		switch {
+		case compose.IsUnresolvable(err):
+			refused[n.Name] = err.Error()
+			continue
+		case err != nil:
+			return nil, nil, fmt.Errorf("whether %s answers %q cannot be read: %w", n.Name, requirement, err)
+		}
+		for _, m := range resolved.Plan.Modules {
+			for _, offered := range m.Offers() {
+				if offered == requirement {
+					on[n.Name] = true
+				}
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return on, refused, nil
+}
+
+// sortedNodes is the Input's nodes by name, the order the controller reads them in.
+func (in *meshInput) sortedNodes() []compose.Node {
+	out := append([]compose.Node(nil), in.Nodes...)
+	sort.Slice(out, func(i, j int) bool { return out[i].Name < out[j].Name })
+	return out
+}
+
+// composeQuestion composes a node's declaration as a question asks it: nothing is made, and what a send would make is a
+// stand-in (Foreseeing) or left out (Reading). It also answers what the node-engine's validator refuses of it. The lines the
+// composition found are said where the controller says its own (standard error, or the writer an act gave).
+//
+// withOrder says the declaration carries the order it was last sent under (composedAndValidated's, which a comparison with the
+// last send needs); without it the order is none, as declarationWith left it for the sender to stamp.
+func composeQuestion(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string, mode compose.Mode, withOrder bool) (sendable, []string, error) {
+	in, err := inputFor(ctx, open)
+	if err != nil {
+		return sendable{}, nil, err
+	}
+	if err := in.refused[node]; err != nil {
+		return sendable{}, nil, err
+	}
+	d, problems, err := compose.ComposeIn(in.Input, node, mode)
+	if err != nil {
+		return sendable{}, nil, markUnresolvable(err)
+	}
+	if err := refusedBus(in, node); err != nil {
+		return sendable{}, nil, err
+	}
+	sayFound(ctx, d)
+	out := sendableOf(d)
+	if !withOrder {
+		out.Sequence, out.Epoch, out.Generation = 0, 0, 0
+	}
+	return out, problems, nil
+}
+
+// refusedBus is why the node cannot be composed because it runs the bus and the bus's user list cannot be: no user has a
+// credential, so the list would refuse every connection in the mesh (busUserList). The controller's own composition refused that
+// machine with those words; no other machine is refused for it. nil when nothing refuses the node.
+func refusedBus(in *meshInput, node string) error {
+	if in.busRefused == nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+	resolved, err := compose.Resolve(in.Input, node)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil // it does not compose for its own reasons, which are said
+	}
+	for _, m := range resolved.Plan.Modules {
+		if m.BusUsers != "" && m.ClaimsSeat("mesh-broker") {
+			return in.busRefused
+		}
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+// markUnresolvable is an error of a node whose own set does not compose, as planFor marked it.
+func markUnresolvable(err error) error {
+	if compose.IsUnresolvable(err) {
+		return notResolvable{err}
+	}
+	return err
+}
+
+// composeSend composes a node's declaration to send it, as the Allocating composition did: composed over what is read,
+// then what it named foreseen is made (perform), the stores are read again and it is composed again. A declaration that
+// still names anything foreseen is refused, said, and never sent.
+func composeSend(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string) (sendable, error) {
+	declared, _, err := composeSendValidated(ctx, open, node)
+	return declared, err
+}
+
+// composeSendValidated is composeSend and what the node-engine's validator refuses of the declaration it composed, for the
+// merge gate's two passes (composedAndValidated in its Allocating mode).
+func composeSendValidated(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string) (sendable, []string, error) {
+	// The core modules whose credentials the controller sealed itself because the vault was silent and no box was kept
+	// (ADR 0396): the composition stands in a vault box for each, and a send carries the controller's own seal instead.
+	byController, err := prepareSend(ctx, open, node)
+	if err != nil {
+		return sendable{}, nil, err
+	}
+	for attempt := 0; ; attempt++ {
+		in, err := inputFor(ctx, open)
+		if err != nil {
+			return sendable{}, nil, err
+		}
+		if err := in.refused[node]; err != nil {
+			return sendable{}, nil, err
+		}
+		d, problems, err := compose.ComposeIn(in.Input, node, compose.Foreseeing)
+		if err != nil {
+			return sendable{}, nil, markUnresolvable(err)
+		}
+		if err := refusedBus(in, node); err != nil {
+			return sendable{}, nil, err
+		}
+		if len(byController) > 0 {
+			if d, problems, err = sealedByTheController(in, node, d, byController); err != nil {
+				return sendable{}, nil, err
+			}
+		}
+		left := stillForeseen(d)
+		resolved, rerr := compose.Resolve(in.Input, node)
+		if rerr != nil {
+			return sendable{}, nil, markUnresolvable(rerr)
+		}
+		if len(resolved.Foreseen) > 0 {
+			left = append(left, resolved.Foreseen...)
+		}
+		if len(left) == 0 && len(in.wouldMake) == 0 {
+			sayFound(ctx, d)
+			out := sendableOf(d)
+			// The sender stamps the order it allots (order.stamp); a composition for a send carries none of its own.
+			out.Sequence, out.Epoch, out.Generation = 0, 0, 0
+			here, _ := nodeOf(in.Input, node)
+			out.Builds = buildsOf(in.Input, here, resolved.Plan, d.LeftOutWhy)
+			out.Bindings = boundToData(resolved.Plan, d.LeftOutWhy)
+			if len(d.Filled) > 0 {
+				if out.plans, err = handedPlans(in, node, resolved); err != nil {
+					return sendable{}, nil, err
+				}
+			}
+			return out, problems, nil
+		}
+		if attempt > 0 {
+			return sendable{}, nil, fmt.Errorf("%s was composed twice and still names what only a send makes (%s): nothing is sent "+
+				"that stands in for a value", node, strings.Join(left, "; "))
+		}
+		if _, err := perform(ctx, open, in, node, d); err != nil {
+			return sendable{}, nil, err
+		}
+		// What was made is in the stores now: the next read is a fresh one.
+		forgetInput(ctx)
+	}
+}
+
+// restOfTheMesh is what every other machine holds and offers (theRestOfTheMesh over the Input), for a question: the lines it
+// finds are said where the controller says its own, and a seat it would pass on is passed by the next send (perform), not by
+// the question. shelf, when given, replaces the Input's catalogue: a caller composing a change's shelf.
+func restOfTheMesh(ctx context.Context, open *stores, shelf map[string]catalogue.Manifest, exclude string) (catalogue.World, error) {
+	in, err := inputFor(ctx, open)
+	if err != nil {
+		return catalogue.World{}, err
+	}
+	input := in.Input
+	if shelf != nil {
+		input.Catalogue = shelf
+	}
+	world, passes, left, err := compose.TheRestOfTheMesh(input, exclude)
+	if err != nil {
+		return catalogue.World{}, err
+	}
+	var w io.Writer = os.Stderr
+	if lw, ok := ctx.Value(leftOutKey{}).(io.Writer); ok {
+		w = lw
+	}
+	for _, l := range left {
+		fmt.Fprintln(w, l.String())
+	}
+	for _, line := range passes.Said {
+		fmt.Fprintln(w, line)
+	}
+	return world, nil
+}
+
+// restOfTheMeshOf is restOfTheMesh for a caller that holds the inventory alone: the other stores the Input reads are opened for
+// the call and let go of again.
+func restOfTheMeshOf(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, shelf map[string]catalogue.Manifest, exclude string) (catalogue.World, error) {
+	open := &stores{inventory: inv}
+	defer func() {
+		if open.licences != nil {
+			open.licences.Close()
+		}
+		if open.identity != nil {
+			open.identity.Close()
+		}
+	}()
+	return restOfTheMesh(ctx, open, shelf, exclude)
+}
+
+// sayFound says the lines a composition found while composing, once each: a machine left out of the rest of the mesh, a seat
+// that two claimants could take, the bus's users left out for want of a credential.
+func sayFound(ctx context.Context, d compose.Declared) {
+	if len(d.Said) == 0 {
+		return
+	}
+	var w io.Writer = os.Stderr
+	if lw, ok := ctx.Value(leftOutKey{}).(io.Writer); ok {
+		w = lw
+	}
+	for _, line := range d.Said {
+		fmt.Fprintln(w, line)
+	}
+}
+
+// sendableOf is a composed declaration as the controller's sends know it.
+func sendableOf(d compose.Declared) sendable {
+	out := sendable{Resources: d.Resources, Sequence: d.Sequence, Epoch: d.Epoch, Generation: d.Generation,
+		ReadsModules: d.ReadsModules, moduleOf: d.ModuleOf, buildIDs: d.BuildIDs, modules: d.Modules,
+		localNetwork: d.LocalNetwork, Received: d.Received, Mesh: d.Mesh, BusUsers: d.BusUsers,
+		LeftOut: d.LeftOut, leftOutWhy: d.LeftOutWhy, withheld: d.Withheld, unbound: d.Unbound, foreseen: d.Foreseen,
+		unplaced: d.Unplaced, handedOnly: d.HandedOnly, Filled: d.Filled, Provisioner: d.Provisioner,
+		requiredBy: d.RequiredBy}
+	if d.Adoption != nil {
+		out.Adoption = &adoptionEnvelope{Taken: d.Adoption.Taken, Untaken: d.Adoption.Untaken}
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// buildsOf is the build of each module a declaration for the node carries, as a send records it (novox/hq issue 259): the
+// module's current build for each module in it, the build it was last sent for one left out of it, and a module kept at the
+// build the machine runs carried at that one (ADR 0245). Never nil.
+func buildsOf(in compose.Input, node compose.Node, plan catalogue.Resolution, leftOut map[string]string) map[string]string {
+	before := node.SentBuilds
+	if !node.SentKnown {
+		before = nil
+	}
+	out := map[string]string{}
+	for _, m := range plan.Modules {
+		if _, left := leftOut[m.Module]; left {
+			if was, kept := before[m.Module]; kept {
+				out[m.Module] = was
+			}
+			continue
+		}
+		out[m.Module] = in.CurrentBuilds[m.Module]
+	}
+	for m, was := range node.KeptBuilds {
+		if _, carried := out[m]; carried {
+			out[m] = was
+		}
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// handedPlans is the plan of each module handed to the provisioner, which the assignments mirror keeps with the send (design
+// 57 P6): the composition's declaration does not carry it, so it is composed from the same rendering again.
+func handedPlans(in *meshInput, node string, resolved compose.Resolved) (map[string]catalogue.Plan, error) {
+	rendered, err := compose.Render(in.Input, node, compose.Foreseeing)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	gens, err := compose.Generators(in.Input)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	with := rendered.Rendering
+	with.Generators = gens
+	composed, err := resolved.Plan.Compose(with)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return composed.Plans, nil
+}
+
+// sealedByTheController is the declaration with the controller's own seal in place of the vault's box for each core module the
+// vault did not answer for and no box was kept for (core_box.go, ADR 0396): the file carries "sealed", as the controller's
+// composition sent it, until the vault holds the credential. What the composition stood in for the box is replaced and no longer
+// wanted; the validator is run again over the body.
+func sealedByTheController(in *meshInput, node string, d compose.Declared, modules []string) (compose.Declared, []string, error) {
+	rendered, err := compose.Render(in.Input, node, compose.Foreseeing)
+	if err != nil {
+		return d, nil, err
+	}
+	stood, _ := compactBox(catalogue.ForeseenVaultBox)
+	var wanted []compose.CoreBoxWanted
+	var foreseen []string
+	for _, w := range d.CoreBoxesWanted {
+		if !slices.Contains(modules, w.Module) {
+			wanted = append(wanted, w)
+			continue
+		}
+		sealed := rendered.Rendering.Needed[w.Module][w.Name]
+		if sealed == "" {
+			return d, nil, fmt.Errorf("%s/%s on %s has no seal of the controller's to carry until the vault holds it", w.Module, w.Name, node)
+		}
+		for _, r := range d.Resources {
+			box, isBox := r[catalogue.VaultSealedField]
+			// By the resource's id alone: its path is the manifest's with the machine's words filled in, and so is not the
+			// manifest's own.
+			if !isBox || r["id"] != w.Module+"."+catalogue.NeedID(w.Name) {
+				continue
+			}
+			if had, err := compactBox(box); err != nil || had != stood {
+				continue
+			}
+			delete(r, catalogue.VaultSealedField)
+			r["sealed"] = sealed
+		}
+	}
+	// A stand-in box that is left is said by its resource, never sent and never guessed at.
+	for _, r := range d.Resources {
+		if box, has := r[catalogue.VaultSealedField]; has {
+			if had, err := compactBox(box); err == nil && had == stood {
+				if id, _ := r["id"].(string); slices.ContainsFunc(modules, func(m string) bool { return strings.HasPrefix(id, m+".") }) {
+					return d, nil, fmt.Errorf("%s on %s still carries a stand-in for the vault's box, and the controller has "+
+						"no seal of its own for it", id, node)
+				}
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	d.CoreBoxesWanted = wanted
+	for _, f := range d.Foreseen {
+		module, _, _ := strings.Cut(f, "/")
+		if !slices.Contains(modules, module) {
+			foreseen = append(foreseen, f)
+		}
+	}
+	d.Foreseen = foreseen
+	body, err := d.Body()
+	if err != nil {
+		return d, nil, err
+	}
+	return d, validate.Declaration(body), nil
+}
+
+// compactBox is a value as the compact JSON it marshals to, so a box is compared by what it says and not by the type that
+// holds it.
+func compactBox(v any) (string, error) {
+	raw, err := json.Marshal(v)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", err
+	}
+	var out bytes.Buffer
+	if err := json.Compact(&out, raw); err != nil {
+		return "", err
+	}
+	return out.String(), nil
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/compose_sdk_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,111 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"reflect"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/compose"
+)
+
+// A declaration as the SDK composes it is the one the controller sends, byte for byte, whatever it carries: the body is the
+// envelope's only marshaller on either side (design 47 R4b, issue 1386).
+func TestASendableIsTheComposedDeclarationByteForByte(t *testing.T) {
+	d := compose.Declared{
+		Resources: []map[string]any{{"id": "files.config", "type": "file"}, {"id": "mesh.hosts", "type": "file"}},
+		Sequence:  7, Epoch: 3, Generation: 9, ReadsModules: true,
+		ModuleOf: map[string]string{"files.config": "files"}, BuildIDs: map[string]string{"files": "b-1"},
+		Adoption: &compose.Adoption{Taken: []string{"files"}, Untaken: map[string][]string{"nats": {"nats.server"}}},
+		Filled:   []string{"/etc/files/filled.json"}, Provisioner: "mesh-provisioner",
+		LeftOut: []string{"cache"}, LeftOutWhy: map[string]string{"cache": "a setting cannot compose"},
+	}
+	want, err := d.Body()
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	got, err := sendableOf(d).Body()
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if string(got) != string(want) {
+		t.Fatalf("the controller would send\n%s\nand the composition made\n%s", got, want)
+	}
+	if empty, err := sendableOf(compose.Declared{}).Body(); err != nil || !strings.Contains(string(empty), `"owns_nothing":true`) {
+		t.Fatalf("an empty declaration is not deliberate: %s %v", empty, err)
+	}
+}
+
+// 1386: what a send records as carried: the current build of each module it carries, the build a module left out of it was last
+// sent (when that is known), and a module kept at the build the machine runs at that one. (The controller's carriedOn recorded
+// the same; mesh-sdk's node_test TestAModuleLeftOutKeepsTheBuildItWasLastSent holds the left-out case.)
+func TestWhatASendRecordsAsCarriedIsWhatTheControllerRecorded(t *testing.T) {
+	plan := catalogue.Resolution{Modules: []catalogue.Manifest{{Module: "postgres"}, {Module: "files"}, {Module: "cache"}}}
+	leftOut := map[string]string{"cache": "a setting cannot compose"}
+	for name, c := range map[string]struct {
+		sent  map[string]string
+		known bool
+		kept  map[string]string
+		want  map[string]string
+	}{
+		"nothing sent": {want: map[string]string{"postgres": "p2", "files": "f2"}},
+		"sent and kept": {sent: map[string]string{"postgres": "p1", "cache": "c1", "files": "f1"}, known: true,
+			kept: map[string]string{"postgres": "p1"}, want: map[string]string{"postgres": "p1", "files": "f2", "cache": "c1"}},
+		"sent but not known":   {sent: map[string]string{"cache": "c1"}, want: map[string]string{"postgres": "p2", "files": "f2"}},
+		"kept a module not in": {known: true, kept: map[string]string{"mail": "m1"}, want: map[string]string{"postgres": "p2", "files": "f2"}},
+	} {
+		in := compose.Input{CurrentBuilds: map[string]string{"postgres": "p2", "files": "f2", "cache": "c2"}}
+		node := compose.Node{SentBuilds: c.sent, SentKnown: c.known, KeptBuilds: c.kept}
+		if got := buildsOf(in, node, plan, leftOut); !reflect.DeepEqual(got, c.want) {
+			t.Errorf("%s: a send records %v, want %v", name, got, c.want)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// 1385: a declaration that stands in for a value anywhere is still foreseen, in a list the composition names or in the body
+// alone (a pair credential's stand-in is in no list); one that stands in for nothing is not. It failed first, before the body
+// was scanned.
+func TestADeclarationThatStandsInForAValueIsStillForeseen(t *testing.T) {
+	clean := compose.Declared{Resources: []map[string]any{{"id": "files.config", "type": "file", "content": "ok"}}}
+	if left := stillForeseen(clean); len(left) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a declaration that stands in for nothing is foreseen: %v", left)
+	}
+	for name, d := range map[string]compose.Declared{
+		"an own secret":     {StoodIn: []string{"files/admin"}},
+		"a port":            {ForeseenPorts: []string{"files:80"}},
+		"a core box":        {CoreBoxesWanted: []compose.CoreBoxWanted{{Node: "anchor", Module: "mesh-vault", Name: "root"}}},
+		"a pass of a seat":  {Passes: compose.Passes{Passes: []catalogue.SeatPass{{Seat: catalogue.Seat{Name: "mesh-store"}}}}},
+		"a pair credential": {Resources: []map[string]any{{"id": "files.needs-db", "sealed": catalogue.ForeseenSealed}}},
+		"the certificate":   {Resources: []map[string]any{{"id": "proxy.cert", "content": compose.ForeseenCertificate}}},
+		"the bus's list":    {Resources: []map[string]any{{"id": "nats.users", "content": compose.ForeseenBusUsers}}},
+		"the vault's box":   {Resources: []map[string]any{{"id": "x", "box": catalogue.ForeseenVaultBox}}},
+	} {
+		if left := stillForeseen(d); len(left) == 0 {
+			t.Errorf("%s: a declaration that stands in for it is not foreseen", name)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// 1386: an Input read for a person's push is never the one read for a send that keeps recorded builds, and the cache is
+// emptied by what a send made.
+func TestAnInputIsCachedPerWhatItKeepsAndForgottenAfterASend(t *testing.T) {
+	ctx := withInputCache(context.Background())
+	plain := keptSignature(ctx)
+	kept := keptSignature(keepingRecorded(ctx))
+	bus := keptSignature(keepingRecorded(ctx, "nats"))
+	every := keptSignature(keepingEveryBuild(ctx, "anchor"))
+	for name, sig := range map[string]string{"a push": plain, "a kept send": kept, "the bus step": bus, "the grants step": every} {
+		for other, o := range map[string]string{"a push": plain, "a kept send": kept, "the bus step": bus, "the grants step": every} {
+			if name != other && sig == o {
+				t.Errorf("%s and %s read the same Input", name, other)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	cache := ctx.Value(inputCacheKey{}).(*inputCache)
+	cache.by[plain] = &meshInput{}
+	forgetInput(ctx)
+	if len(cache.by) != 0 {
+		t.Fatal("what a send made left the Input it read in the cache")
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/composed_member_check_test.go

@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 	"testing"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
 )

cmd/mesh-controller/composed_verdict_test.go

@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 	"testing"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
 )

cmd/mesh-controller/config_move.go

@@ -15,8 +15,8 @@ import (
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go/jetstream"
 
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"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"
 )

cmd/mesh-controller/config_moved_integration_test.go

@@ -13,8 +13,8 @@ import (
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/overlay"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/overlay"
 )
 
 func aConfiguredMesh(t *testing.T) (*stores, configuredMesh, map[string]map[string]any) {

cmd/mesh-controller/config_moved_test.go

@@ -7,8 +7,8 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 	"testing"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
-	snapshot "github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/facts"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
+	snapshot "git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/facts"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
 )
 
@@ -127,21 +127,17 @@ type snapshotFacts = snapshot.Facts
 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)
+		plan, _, err := resolveNode(ctx, open, node)
 		if err != nil {
 			t.Fatalf("%s: %v", node, err)
 		}
-		with, _, err := renderingFor(ctx, open, node, plan, settings, gens, Allocating)
+		with, err := madeAndRendered(ctx, open, node)
 		if err != nil {
 			t.Fatalf("%s: %v", node, err)
 		}

cmd/mesh-controller/core_box.go

@@ -13,10 +13,9 @@ import (
 	"sort"
 	"strings"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/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,
@@ -40,15 +39,6 @@ import (
 // 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 {
@@ -121,7 +111,7 @@ func sealingKeyPEM(raw string) (string, error) {
 // 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 {
+	allocating bool, 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 {
@@ -143,7 +133,7 @@ func coreBoxesOf(node, sealingKey string, core map[string][]string, kept map[str
 		for _, name := range core[module] {
 			k, has := kept[module][name]
 			valid := has && k.SealedTo == sealingKey && len(k.Box) > 0
-			if choosing != Allocating {
+			if !allocating {
 				if valid {
 					boxes[name] = k.Box
 				} else {
@@ -218,10 +208,10 @@ var coreVault = func(ctx context.Context) coreAsk {
 
 // 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) {
+	handed func(catalogue.Manifest) bool, allocating bool) (coreBoxes, error) {
 	core := coreModulesOf(modules, handed)
 	if len(core) == 0 {
-		if choosing == Allocating {
+		if allocating {
 			settleVaultSilent(ctx, node)
 		}
 		return coreBoxes{}, nil
@@ -235,16 +225,16 @@ func coreBoxesFor(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, node string, mo
 		return coreBoxes{}, err
 	}
 	var ask coreAsk
-	if choosing == Allocating {
+	if allocating {
 		ask = coreVault(ctx)
 	}
-	out := coreBoxesOf(node, key, core, kept, choosing, ask)
+	out := coreBoxesOf(node, key, core, kept, allocating, ask)
 	for _, b := range out.keep {
 		if err := inv.KeepCoreBox(ctx, node, b); err != nil {
 			return coreBoxes{}, err
 		}
 	}
-	if choosing == Allocating {
+	if allocating {
 		sayVaultSilent(ctx, node, out)
 	}
 	return out, nil

cmd/mesh-controller/core_box_integration_test.go

@@ -10,8 +10,8 @@ import (
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"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"
 )
@@ -96,7 +96,7 @@ func TestASilentVaultHoldsTheKeptBoxAndSaysSo(t *testing.T) {
 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")
+	plan, settings, err := resolveNode(t.Context(), open, "laptop")
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/core_box_test.go

@@ -8,8 +8,8 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 	"testing"
 
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"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"
 )
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ 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)
+	got := coreBoxesOf("novox", key, core, nil, true, 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)
 	}
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ func TestReplay908(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 	// 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)
+	got = coreBoxesOf("novox", key, core, kept, true, ask)
 	if string(got.sealed["nats"]["password"]) != `{"v":1}` || len(got.byController) != 0 {
 		t.Fatalf("the kept box was not held: %+v", got)
 	}
@@ -99,17 +99,17 @@ func TestOnlyASendAsksTheVault(t *testing.T) {
 		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}` {
+	for _, allocating := range []bool{false} {
+		if got := coreBoxesOf("anchor", key, core, kept, allocating, 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"]) !=
+		if got := coreBoxesOf("anchor", key, core, nil, allocating, 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,
+	other := coreBoxesOf("anchor", aPublicKey(t), core, kept, true,
 		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)

cmd/mesh-controller/credential_on_assign_test.go

@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 	"testing"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 )
 
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ func TestAssigningAModuleThatSpeaksOnTheBusNamesItsCredential(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 
 	// And the push refuses to send it, naming the same verb, rather than sealing a placeholder.
-	plan, settings, err := planFor(ctx, open, "laptop")
+	plan, settings, err := resolveNode(ctx, open, "laptop")
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/data.go

@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ import (
 
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
@@ -152,6 +152,8 @@ type consumerCopy struct {
 
 // probeData is D13.
 func probeData(ctx context.Context, d *doctor) ([]conditions.Observation, error) {
+	// One reading of the mesh for every machine this looks at.
+	ctx = withInputCache(ctx)
 	if d.js == nil {
 		return nil, errors.New("no bus to ask the machines over")
 	}
@@ -180,7 +182,7 @@ func probeData(ctx context.Context, d *doctor) ([]conditions.Observation, error)
 	}
 	var machines []*machine
 	for _, n := range nodes {
-		plan, _, err := planFor(ctx, open, n.Name)
+		plan, _, err := resolveNode(ctx, open, n.Name)
 		if err != nil {
 			if ctx.Err() != nil {
 				return nil, ctx.Err()
@@ -849,7 +851,7 @@ func deleteRetiredData(ctx context.Context, conn *nats.Conn, open *stores, r inv
 		return fmt.Errorf("%s of %s on %s was never measured, so where it is was never said; nothing was deleted",
 			r.Item, r.Module, r.Machine)
 	}
-	if plan, _, err := planFor(ctx, open, r.Machine); err == nil {
+	if plan, _, err := resolveNode(ctx, open, r.Machine); err == nil {
 		for _, m := range plan.Modules {
 			if _, still := m.DataItem(r.Item); still && m.Module == r.Module {
 				return fmt.Errorf("%s runs on %s again and declares %s: it is not retired any more. Nothing was done",

cmd/mesh-controller/data_integration_test.go

@@ -8,8 +8,8 @@ import (
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"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/testbus"

cmd/mesh-controller/data_test.go

@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ import (
 
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 )

cmd/mesh-controller/deadletters.go

@@ -9,8 +9,8 @@ import (
 
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
 
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"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/link"
 )

cmd/mesh-controller/delivery.go

@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ import (
 
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
 )
@@ -42,13 +42,53 @@ import (
 // `delivery order` (a group's order from the graph), `delivery check` (a group's heads composed), `delivery
 // go`, `delivery stop` and `delivery walks`.
 
-// onTheControllersPath are the modules whose walk never waits for the delivery's owner, and what each is.
+// onTheControllersPath are the modules, by name, whose walk never waits for the delivery's owner, and what each is.
+// The delivery's owner is not among them: it is whichever module claims the seat (ownPathOf, novox/hq ADR 0437 §3).
 var onTheControllersPath = map[string]string{
-	"mesh-controller":      "the controller",
-	"mesh-host":            "the node-engine",
-	"node-tools":           "the node tools",
-	"nats":                 "the bus",
-	catalogue.DeliverySeat: "the delivery's owner",
+	"mesh-controller": "the controller",
+	"mesh-host":       "the node-engine",
+	"node-tools":      "the node tools",
+	"nats":            "the bus",
+}
+
+// claimantsOf are the modules among the catalogued entries that claim a seat, each once, in name order.
+func claimantsOf(entries []inventory.Entry, seat string) []string {
+	var out []string
+	for _, e := range entries {
+		if e.Manifest.ClaimsSeat(seat) && !slices.Contains(out, e.Manifest.Module) {
+			out = append(out, e.Manifest.Module)
+		}
+	}
+	sort.Strings(out)
+	return out
+}
+
+// ownPathOf is the controller's own path among these entries: the modules by name, and the modules that claim
+// the delivery seat, which is how the delivery's owner is found (novox/hq ADR 0437 §3).
+func ownPathOf(entries []inventory.Entry) map[string]string {
+	own := make(map[string]string, len(onTheControllersPath)+1)
+	for m, what := range onTheControllersPath {
+		own[m] = what
+	}
+	for _, m := range claimantsOf(entries, catalogue.DeliverySeat) {
+		own[m] = "the delivery's owner"
+	}
+	return own
+}
+
+// onTheOwnPath is whether one module, with its manifest at hand, is on the controller's own path.
+func onTheOwnPath(module string, m catalogue.Manifest) bool {
+	_, named := onTheControllersPath[module]
+	return named || m.ClaimsSeat(catalogue.DeliverySeat)
+}
+
+// ownPathNow is ownPathOf the catalogue as it is.
+func ownPathNow(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory) (map[string]string, error) {
+	entries, err := inv.Catalogued(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return ownPathOf(entries), nil
 }
 
 // deliverySeatHeld is whether a module claiming the delivery seat is assigned somewhere: the seat has a
@@ -69,8 +109,9 @@ func awaitsFor(entries []inventory.Entry, modules []string) *inventory.PlanDeliv
 	if !deliverySeatHeld(entries) {
 		return nil
 	}
+	onPath := ownPathOf(entries)
 	for _, m := range modules {
-		if _, own := onTheControllersPath[m]; own {
+		if _, own := onPath[m]; own {
 			return nil
 		}
 	}
@@ -327,16 +368,17 @@ func stopInBatch(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, b *inventory.Pla
 // the stop's one act. The kind is read from what the merges moved; the stopped walk itself is no walk a cut folds.
 func batchToWalkAgain(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, stopping string, again []inventory.BatchedMerge,
 	now time.Time) (inventory.Plan, []*inventory.Plan, []inventory.MergeMove, error) {
-	own := false
-	for _, n := range movesOf(again) {
-		if _, on := onTheControllersPath[n]; on {
-			own = true
-		}
-	}
 	entries, read, edges, err := theGraph(ctx, inv)
 	if err != nil {
 		return inventory.Plan{}, nil, nil, err
 	}
+	own := false
+	onPath := ownPathOf(entries)
+	for _, n := range movesOf(again) {
+		if _, on := onPath[n]; on {
+			own = true
+		}
+	}
 	joins, _, _, err := relatedBatches(ctx, inv, again, own, stopping, entries, read, edges)
 	if err != nil {
 		return inventory.Plan{}, nil, nil, err
@@ -742,6 +784,27 @@ func reachOfMembers(members []orderMember, entries []inventory.Entry, read map[s
 	return out
 }
 
+// changeMember is one change as the planner is asked about it, the same for `delivery plan` and `plans --what-if`.
+func changeMember(repository, base, head string, paths, removed []string, moduleDirs *[]string) orderMember {
+	m := orderMember{ID: repository + "@" + head, Repository: repository, Base: base, Head: head,
+		Paths: paths, Removed: removed}
+	if moduleDirs != nil {
+		m.ModuleDirs, m.ModuleDirsSaid = *moduleDirs, true
+	}
+	return m
+}
+
+// deliveryPlanDocument is the answer of `delivery plan` and of `plans --what-if … --data`: one change's
+// change plan with its reach, the mesh's own part in it and whether the gate would run. One function, so
+// the two verbs cannot differ (novox/hq ADR 0450 §2, issue 1324).
+func deliveryPlanDocument(m orderMember, entries []inventory.Entry, read map[string][]inventory.ReadRepository,
+	edges []inventory.Edge, policy policyOf) map[string]any {
+	s := pullScope(m.pull(), entries, read, edges)
+	plan := changePlanOf(m.Repository, m.Base, m.Head, s.Reach, entries, policy)
+	return map[string]any{"plan": plan, "reach": orderReach{Moved: s.Modules, Dependents: s.Dependents,
+		New: s.New, Manifests: s.Manifests}, "mesh": s.Mesh, "gated": s.gated()}
+}
+
 // deliveryCommand is `delivery`, the controller's verbs for the delivery's owner:
 //
 //	delivery plan --repository owner/repo --head <commit> [--base main] --paths a,b [--module-dirs …] [--removed …]
@@ -763,6 +826,8 @@ func deliveryCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 	moduleDirs := set.String("module-dirs", "", "the directories holding a module.json at the head, comma-separated")
 	removed := set.String("removed", "", "the files it deletes, comma-separated")
 	membersJSON := set.String("members", "", "a group's members, as JSON")
+	membersFile := set.String("members-file", "", "a file of a group's members, as JSON: the same as --members, for a list "+
+		"too long for an argument (novox/hq issue 1272)")
 	group := set.String("group", "", "a delivery group's id")
 	ready := set.Bool("ready", false, "the head's pull request is marked ready: its check is queued before every other check "+
 		"(novox/hq ADR 0406 §3)")
@@ -777,6 +842,13 @@ func deliveryCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 		return err
 	}
 	var members []orderMember
+	if *membersFile != "" {
+		raw, err := os.ReadFile(*membersFile)
+		if err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("--members-file: %w", err)
+		}
+		*membersJSON = string(raw)
+	}
 	if *membersJSON != "" {
 		if err := json.Unmarshal([]byte(*membersJSON), &members); err != nil {
 			return fmt.Errorf("the members are not readable: %w", err)
@@ -804,22 +876,15 @@ func deliveryCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 		if *repository == "" || *head == "" && *paths == "" {
 			return errors.New("delivery plan --repository owner/repo --head <commit> --paths a,b")
 		}
-		m := orderMember{ID: *repository + "@" + *head, Repository: *repository, Base: *base, Head: *head,
-			Paths: splitList(*paths), Removed: splitList(*removed)}
-		if d := moduleDirsOf(*moduleDirs); d != nil {
-			m.ModuleDirs, m.ModuleDirsSaid = *d, true
-		}
+		m := changeMember(*repository, *base, *head, splitList(*paths), splitList(*removed), moduleDirsOf(*moduleDirs))
 		entries, read, edges, err := theGraph(ctx, inv)
 		if err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
-		s := pullScope(m.pull(), entries, read, edges)
-		plan := changePlanOf(*repository, *base, *head, s.Reach, entries, func(module string) (inventory.Upgrade, bool) {
+		return answer(deliveryPlanDocument(m, entries, read, edges, func(module string) (inventory.Upgrade, bool) {
 			u, err := inv.UpgradeOf(ctx, module)
 			return u, err == nil
-		})
-		return answer(map[string]any{"plan": plan, "reach": orderReach{Moved: s.Modules, Dependents: s.Dependents,
-			New: s.New, Manifests: s.Manifests}, "mesh": s.Mesh, "gated": s.gated()})
+		}))
 	case "order":
 		if len(members) == 0 {
 			return errors.New("delivery order --members <json>: a group has members")
@@ -837,10 +902,14 @@ 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: open, oneShot: true}).PullUpdated(ctx, members[0].pull()) }); err != nil {
-				return err
-			}
-			return answer(map[string]any{"rechecked": members[0].ID})
+			return recheckOneHead(members[0].ID, answer, func() (string, error) {
+				var asked string
+				err := sayingOnTheBus(ctx, inv, func() (err error) {
+					asked, err = (following{open: open, oneShot: true}).pullUpdated(ctx, members[0].pull(), os.Stderr)
+					return err
+				})
+				return asked, err
+			})
 		}
 		if *group == "" || len(members) < 2 {
 			return errors.New("delivery check --group <id> --members <json> (two heads or more), or --members <one head>")
@@ -935,7 +1004,7 @@ func deliveryCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 			walks[i].Phases = walks[i].WalkPhases(now, appliedFrom(ctx, inv))
 		}
 		return answer(map[string]any{"held": deliverySeatHeld(entries), "walks": walks,
-			"own-path": sortedKeysOf(ownPathWords())})
+			"own-path": sortedKeysOf(ownPathOf(entries))})
 	}
 	return fmt.Errorf("delivery %s: plan, order, check, go, stop, backups-again or walks", sub)
 }
@@ -1006,9 +1075,6 @@ func recordWalkPhases(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, now time.Ti
 	return nil
 }
 
-// ownPathWords is the controller's own path as words, for an answer.
-func ownPathWords() map[string]string { return onTheControllersPath }
-
 // theGraph is what the planner reads.
 func theGraph(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory) ([]inventory.Entry, map[string][]inventory.ReadRepository,
 	[]inventory.Edge, error) {
@@ -1094,7 +1160,7 @@ func askGroupCheck(ctx context.Context, open *stores, group string, members []or
 	if failing, cyclic, err := cycleVerdict(ctx, group, members, reach, edges, entries); err != nil {
 		return "", err
 	} else if cyclic {
-		sayChecked(ctx, failing)
+		sayChecked(ctx, os.Stderr, failing)
 		return failing.ID, nil
 	}
 	primary := groupPrimary(members, reach)
@@ -1113,7 +1179,7 @@ func askGroupCheck(ctx context.Context, open *stores, group string, members []or
 	request.Check.Group = group
 	// A group's check is queued as ready when any member's pull request is marked ready.
 	request.Check.Ready = slices.ContainsFunc(members, func(m orderMember) bool { return m.Ready })
-	world, err := theRestOfTheMesh(ctx, open.inventory, shelfOf(entries), "")
+	world, err := restOfTheMesh(ctx, open, shelfOf(entries), "")
 	if err != nil {
 		return "", err
 	}
@@ -1181,8 +1247,32 @@ func shelfOf(entries []inventory.Entry) map[string]catalogue.Manifest {
 // On the save that starts the walk and the one that ends it, the walk also says what it touches, its bound and,
 // at the end, its outcome (novox/hq ADR 0308 decision 1, walk_said.go), read from facts; nil facts say only what
 // the walk recorded.
+//
+// The plan the announcement is made from is a copy that shares nothing with the walk, taken before the goroutine
+// starts: the walk goes on writing its steps' maps and pointers while the announcement is marshalled and its
+// touches read (novox/hq issue 1260), and it says the plan as it was when this was called.
 func sayPlanMoved(ctx context.Context, bus link.Bus, facts walkFacts, p inventory.Plan) {
-	go publishPlanMoved(ctx, bus, facts, p)
+	kept, err := copyOfPlan(p)
+	if err != nil {
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "%s: kept, and could not be said as plan-moved: %v\n", p.ID, err)
+		return
+	}
+	go publishPlanMoved(ctx, bus, facts, kept)
+}
+
+// copyOfPlan is the plan with nothing shared with the original: its JSON round trip, which is all of it but what
+// the plan never keeps (WalkSaid), carried over.
+func copyOfPlan(p inventory.Plan) (inventory.Plan, error) {
+	raw, err := json.Marshal(p)
+	if err != nil {
+		return inventory.Plan{}, err
+	}
+	var kept inventory.Plan
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(raw, &kept); err != nil {
+		return inventory.Plan{}, err
+	}
+	kept.WalkSaid = p.WalkSaid
+	return kept, nil
 }
 
 func publishPlanMoved(ctx context.Context, bus link.Bus, facts walkFacts, p inventory.Plan) {
@@ -1290,3 +1380,25 @@ func overNATS(conn *nats.Conn) (link.Bus, error) {
 	}
 	return link.OverNATS{Conn: conn, JS: js}, nil
 }
+
+// recheckAnswer is what `delivery check` answers for one head: the id of the check asked of the build seat (empty when
+// the controller said the verdict itself and asked nothing), which mesh-delivery reads, and the head rechecked.
+func recheckAnswer(asked, member string) map[string]any {
+	return map[string]any{"asked": asked, "rechecked": member}
+}
+
+// recheckOneHead runs a one-head `delivery check` and answers it as data. Standard output is the answer's JSON alone,
+// or the seat verb reads no answer from it (novox/hq issue 1311): while the check runs, whatever it prints to standard
+// output (the controller's own path prints its prose there, as do the stores it reads) goes to standard error.
+func recheckOneHead(member string, answer func(any) error, ask func() (string, error)) error {
+	real := os.Stdout
+	os.Stdout = os.Stderr
+	asked, err := func() (string, error) {
+		defer func() { os.Stdout = real }()
+		return ask()
+	}()
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	return answer(recheckAnswer(asked, member))
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/delivery_changes.go

@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ import (
 	"sync"
 	"time"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
 )

cmd/mesh-controller/delivery_check_answer_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,85 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"bytes"
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"fmt"
+	"os"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// `delivery check` with one head answers the id of the check it asked, as data (novox/hq issue 1311): the prose
+// the check says goes to standard error, so standard output is the document alone and answerOf reads it.
+func TestDeliveryCheckOfOneHeadAnswersTheRequestID(t *testing.T) {
+	argv := []string{"delivery", "check", "--members", "[]"}
+	doc, err := json.Marshal(recheckAnswer("check-42", "novox/x@abc"))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	// Seen failing first: the prose the command used to print on standard output before the document.
+	polluted := append([]byte("novox/x#7 (abc): asked the build seat as check-42\n"), doc...)
+	if got := answerOf(argv, polluted, "", true); got.Answer != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("prose before the document should leave no answer; got %v", got.Answer)
+	}
+	got := answerOf(argv, doc, "novox/x#7 (abc): asked the build seat as check-42\n", true)
+	m, ok := got.Answer.(map[string]any)
+	if !ok || m["asked"] != "check-42" || m["rechecked"] != "novox/x@abc" {
+		t.Fatalf("the answer is %v; want asked check-42 and rechecked novox/x@abc", got.Answer)
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(got.Output, "asked the build seat") {
+		t.Fatalf("the prose is still said in the text: %q", got.Output)
+	}
+}
+
+// The text of the other callers does not change: sayChecked writes the same line to the writer it is given, and
+// the controller's own path still gives PullUpdated standard output.
+func TestSayCheckedWritesTheSameLineToItsWriter(t *testing.T) {
+	var w bytes.Buffer
+	sayChecked(context.Background(), &w, link.Checked{ID: "c1", Owner: "novox", Repo: "x", Number: 7, Commit: "0123456789abcdef",
+		Verdict: "pass", Summary: "fine"})
+	want := "c1: novox/x#7 at 01234567 checked on a machine that did not say which: gate PASS — fine; repository none\n"
+	if w.String() != want {
+		t.Fatalf("sayChecked said %q; want %q", w.String(), want)
+	}
+}
+
+// Whatever the check prints to standard output while it runs (checks.go namedForTheCheck, the inventory's pointer
+// repair) must not reach the answer's standard output: it is exactly one JSON document (novox/hq issue 1311).
+func TestOneHeadRecheckLeavesStandardOutputTheAnswerAlone(t *testing.T) {
+	r, w, err := os.Pipe()
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	e, ew, err := os.Pipe()
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	realOut, realErr := os.Stdout, os.Stderr
+	os.Stdout, os.Stderr = w, ew
+	runErr := recheckOneHead("novox/x@abc", func(v any) error { return json.NewEncoder(os.Stdout).Encode(v) },
+		func() (string, error) {
+			fmt.Println("  the earlier checks' builds could not be read, so the check builds")
+			fmt.Fprintln(os.Stdout, "repaired a pointer")
+			return "check-42", nil
+		})
+	os.Stdout, os.Stderr = realOut, realErr
+	w.Close()
+	ew.Close()
+	if runErr != nil {
+		t.Fatal(runErr)
+	}
+	var out, errOut bytes.Buffer
+	_, _ = out.ReadFrom(r)
+	_, _ = errOut.ReadFrom(e)
+	var doc map[string]any
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(out.Bytes(), &doc); err != nil || doc["asked"] != "check-42" || doc["rechecked"] != "novox/x@abc" {
+		t.Fatalf("standard output %q is not the answer alone (%v)", out.String(), err)
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(errOut.String(), "repaired a pointer") {
+		t.Fatalf("the prose should be on standard error: %q", errOut.String())
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/delivery_conditions.go

@@ -10,8 +10,8 @@ import (
 
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
 
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"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/link"
 )
@@ -55,6 +55,17 @@ type stalledLine struct {
 	Bound string `json:"bound"`
 	H2    string `json:"h2"`
 	Says  string `json:"says"`
+	// Severity is "urgent" for a group held or half merged and a refused member (novox/hq issues 1275, 1278); empty
+	// or anything else is a warning, as before.
+	Severity string `json:"severity,omitempty"`
+}
+
+// severity is the condition's severity a stalled line asks: urgent when it says so, a warning otherwise.
+func (l stalledLine) severity() conditions.Severity {
+	if l.Severity == string(conditions.Urgent) {
+		return conditions.Urgent
+	}
+	return conditions.Warning
 }
 
 // waitingCheck is one merge check a stalled line waits on, as mesh-delivery gives it: its context, its state —
@@ -165,7 +176,7 @@ func stalledObservations(lines []stalledLine) []conditions.Observation {
 	out := make([]conditions.Observation, 0, len(lines))
 	for _, l := range lines {
 		o := conditions.Observation{Scope: conditions.ScopeDelivery, ID: l.ID, Kind: kindDeliveryStalled,
-			Severity: conditions.Warning,
+			Severity: l.severity(),
 			Summary: fmt.Sprintf("the delivery %s has been %s for %s, past its bound of %s (%s): healer H2 may %s — "+
 				"`mesh-delivery.show %s`", l.ID, l.State, l.For, l.Bound, l.Says, l.H2, l.ID),
 			Said: fmt.Sprintf("%s for %s", l.State, l.For)}

cmd/mesh-controller/delivery_conditions_test.go

@@ -13,8 +13,8 @@ import (
 
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
 
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"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"

cmd/mesh-controller/delivery_edges_test.go

@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 	"testing"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 )
 

cmd/mesh-controller/delivery_integration_test.go

@@ -8,9 +8,9 @@ import (
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"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"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/testbus"
@@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ func TestAMergeWaitsForItsDeliverysWordAndThePersonsWordWorksWithoutIt(t *testin
 	advanceHeld(ctx, open)
 	got, _ = inv.PlanByID(ctx, p.ID)
 	if got.Waiting() || !strings.HasPrefix(got.Delivery.By, "a person") || len(*asked) < 4 {
-		t.Fatalf("a person's word did not start the walk: %+v, asked %v", got.Delivery, *asked)
+		t.Fatalf("a person's word did not start the walk: %+v, asked %v, state %q, tier %d, note %q", got.Delivery, *asked, got.State, got.Tier, got.Note)
 	}
 
 	// The owner's stop: failed, said as stopped by it.

cmd/mesh-controller/delivery_stalled_severity_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,37 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"encoding/json"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+)
+
+func severityRaisedFor(t *testing.T, line string) conditions.Severity {
+	t.Helper()
+	var l stalledLine
+	if err := json.Unmarshal([]byte(line), &l); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	got := stalledObservations([]stalledLine{l})
+	if len(got) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("%d conditions", len(got))
+	}
+	return got[0].Severity
+}
+
+func TestAnUrgentStalledLineRaisesAnUrgentCondition(t *testing.T) { // 1278/AC1
+	line := `{"id":"novox/mesh-delivery#5","state":"held","for":"3m0s","bound":"0s","h2":"close","says":"held","severity":"urgent"}`
+	if got := severityRaisedFor(t, line); got != conditions.Urgent {
+		t.Errorf("an urgent line raised %q", got)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestAStalledLineWithoutOrWithAnUnknownSeverityRaisesAWarning(t *testing.T) { // 1278/AC2
+	for _, extra := range []string{``, `,"severity":""`, `,"severity":"critical"`, `,"severity":"warning"`} {
+		line := `{"id":"novox/a#1","state":"unanswered","for":"3m0s","bound":"2m0s","h2":"close","says":"x"` + extra + `}`
+		if got := severityRaisedFor(t, line); got != conditions.Warning {
+			t.Errorf("the line %s raised %q", extra, got)
+		}
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/delivery_test.go

@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 	"testing"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 )
 

cmd/mesh-controller/dependents_test.go

@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ package main
 import (
 	"testing"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 )
 

cmd/mesh-controller/doctor.go

@@ -120,6 +120,16 @@ var probeRegistry = []probe{
 	{ID: probeDeliveriesID, Asserts: "no delivery is held past its state's bound unsaid: mesh-delivery's " +
 		"`stalled`, each with the transition its table lets healer H2 take", From: "ADR 0239",
 		Kind: kindDeliveryStalled, Phase: 3, run: probeDeliveries},
+	// What the watchman says stopped moving (ADR 0433 §2, issue 1156): each key of its stuck bucket not moved, but a
+	// node's presence, which the silent check takes.
+	{ID: probeStuckID, Asserts: "no key the watchman says stopped moving is left unsaid: each key of its stuck bucket " +
+		"not moved is a condition of the delivery scope until it says moved", From: "ADR 0433 §2, issue 1156",
+		Kind: kindStuck, Phase: 3, run: probeStuck},
+	// A first merge into a repository the mesh builds nothing from, kept waiting for mesh-delivery's word on the
+	// operator's Approve (novox/hq ADR 0432, issue 1146): said past a bound, never only in a log line (ADR 0426 §3, §8).
+	{ID: probeFirstBuildsID, Asserts: "no first merge into a repository the mesh builds nothing from waits more than ten " +
+		"minutes for mesh-delivery's announcement of the operator's Approve of its head", From: "ADR 0432, issue 1146",
+		Kind: kindFirstBuildUnasked, Phase: 3, run: probeFirstBuilds},
 	// The delivery budgets (novox/hq ADR 0282 decision 7): the newest delivery of each class within its budget,
 	// read from mesh-delivery's `times`; a measurement said, never a delivery held.
 	{ID: probeBudgetsID, Asserts: "the newest delivery of a leaf module ran on every machine within three minutes of " +
@@ -178,6 +188,10 @@ var probeRegistry = []probe{
 	{ID: backupHeldProbe, Asserts: "no delivery plan is held for a backup before its send that failed or did not " +
 		"answer in ten minutes", From: "ADR 0404 decision 4, issue 1066", Kind: kindBackupHeld, Phase: 1,
 		run: probeBackupHeld},
+	// A plan's send key the bus refused (ADR 0433 §4, issue 1157): in place of the timer that stood in for it.
+	{ID: sendKeyRefusedID, Asserts: "no delivery plan's key that watches a machine for its report was refused by the " +
+		"bus at the newest look", From: "ADR 0433 §4, issue 1157", Kind: kindSendKeyRefused, Phase: 1,
+		run: probeSendKeyRefused},
 }
 
 // probeVerdict is one probe's outcome in a run.

cmd/mesh-controller/doctor_test.go

@@ -10,8 +10,8 @@ import (
 
 	"golang.org/x/net/dns/dnsmessage"
 
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"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/link"
 )

cmd/mesh-controller/durations.go

@@ -72,8 +72,6 @@ func summarise(ds []inventory.Duration) []durationSummary {
 		switch k.kind {
 		case inventory.DurationApply:
 			s.Suggests = "S2 bound max(2m, 3×last apply) ≈ " + round(max(2*time.Minute, 3*at(0.9))) + " at the p90"
-		case inventory.DurationHeartbeatGap:
-			s.Suggests = "S1 bound 3×interval ≈ " + round(3*at(0.5))
 		}
 		out = append(out, s)
 	}
@@ -138,7 +136,7 @@ func durationsCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 		return nil
 	}
 	if len(summary) == 0 {
-		fmt.Printf("nothing measured in the last %d day(s): the serving controller records apply, heartbeat-gap, "+
+		fmt.Printf("nothing measured in the last %d day(s): the serving controller records apply, "+
 			"plan-tier and build durations as it hears them\n", *days)
 		return nil
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/epoch_send_test.go

@@ -42,12 +42,8 @@ func TestAMachineIsSentTheEpochOnlyOnceItSaysItReadsOne(t *testing.T) {
 	if err := inv.RecordReadsEpoch(ctx, anchor.ID, true); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
-	gens, err := generators(ctx, open)
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
 	d := &bodiesDelivery{recordedDelivery: recordedDelivery{inv: inv}, bodies: map[string][]byte{}}
-	if _, err := sendRound(ctx, open, []string{"anchor", "laptop"}, composeForPush(open, gens), d, "", nil); err != nil {
+	if _, err := sendRound(ctx, open, []string{"anchor", "laptop"}, composeForPush(open), d, "", nil); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
 	carried := func(node string) (epoch float64, has bool) {
@@ -89,12 +85,8 @@ func TestNothingIsComposedOrSentWithoutTheLease(t *testing.T) {
 	was := epochForActs
 	epochForActs = func(context.Context) (uint64, error) { return 0, errors.New("this controller lost the lease") }
 	t.Cleanup(func() { epochForActs = was })
-	gens, err := generators(ctx, open)
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
 	d := &bodiesDelivery{recordedDelivery: recordedDelivery{inv: open.inventory}, bodies: map[string][]byte{}}
-	refused, err := sendRound(ctx, open, []string{"anchor"}, composeForPush(open, gens), d, "", nil)
+	refused, err := sendRound(ctx, open, []string{"anchor"}, composeForPush(open), d, "", nil)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/facts.go

@@ -14,13 +14,12 @@ import (
 	"sync"
 	"time"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-host/validate"
-
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/compose"
+	snapshot "git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/facts"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/artifacts"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/builder"
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
-	snapshot "github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/facts"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
 )
@@ -170,10 +169,15 @@ func factsStore(ctx context.Context, open *stores) (string, error) {
 	return address, nil
 }
 
+// writtenFormat is the format of the snapshot this controller writes: 1, the format its own reader knew before mesh-sdk's
+// go/facts took the type over (issue 1390, novox/hq ADR 0456). The readers (the merge gate, the check) read formats 1 and
+// 2; the writer moves to 2, which also carries each machine's grants and bindings, in a later release of its own.
+const writtenFormat = 1
+
 // gatherFacts composes one snapshot from the store: read only, nothing made, nothing sent.
 func gatherFacts(ctx context.Context, open *stores, busVersion string) (snapshot.Facts, error) {
 	inv := open.inventory
-	f := snapshot.Facts{Format: snapshot.Format, Taken: time.Now().UTC(), Controller: snapshot.Build{Version: version}}
+	f := snapshot.Facts{Format: writtenFormat, Taken: time.Now().UTC(), Controller: snapshot.Build{Version: version}}
 	f.Versions.Bus = busVersion
 	storeVersion, err := inv.ServerVersion(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -263,7 +267,9 @@ func gatherFacts(ctx context.Context, open *stores, busVersion string) (snapshot
 		f.Controller.Commit = c.Commit
 	}
 
-	gens, gensErr := generators(ctx, open)
+	// The Input every machine's declaration below is composed over is read once for the whole snapshot.
+	ctx = withInputCache(ctx)
+	_, gensErr := generatorsOf(ctx, open)
 	hostShelf := shelf[hostModule]
 	meshWide := map[string]bool{}
 	engines := map[string]bool{}
@@ -361,7 +367,7 @@ func gatherFacts(ctx context.Context, open *stores, busVersion string) (snapshot
 				m.Settings = append(m.Settings, snapshot.Settings{Module: module, Values: scrub.Values(layer.Whole())})
 			}
 		}
-		m.Declaration = declarationFacts(ctx, open, n.Name, gens, gensErr, scrub)
+		m.Declaration = declarationFacts(ctx, open, n.Name, gensErr, scrub)
 		if ctx.Err() != nil {
 			return snapshot.Facts{}, ctx.Err()
 		}
@@ -456,14 +462,14 @@ func gatherFacts(ctx context.Context, open *stores, busVersion string) (snapshot
 
 // declarationFacts is how one machine's declaration composes now, as the next push would compose it and
 // without making anything (D1's composition), and whether the node-engine's validator takes it.
-func declarationFacts(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string, gens map[string]catalogue.Generator,
-	gensErr error, scrub *snapshot.Scrubber) snapshot.Declaration {
+func declarationFacts(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string, gensErr error,
+	scrub *snapshot.Scrubber) snapshot.Declaration {
 	var d snapshot.Declaration
 	if gensErr != nil {
 		d.Problems = []string{scrub.Text("the private network cannot be computed: " + oneLine(gensErr.Error()))}
 		return d
 	}
-	declared, problems, err := composedAndValidated(ctx, open, node, gens, Foreseeing)
+	declared, problems, err := composeQuestion(ctx, open, node, compose.Foreseeing, true)
 	if err != nil {
 		d.Problems = []string{scrub.Text(oneLine(err.Error()))}
 		return d
@@ -496,41 +502,6 @@ func declarationFacts(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string, gens map[s
 	return d
 }
 
-// composedAndValidated composes one machine's declaration — as a push would (Allocating) or as the next
-// push will without making anything (Foreseeing) — with the order it was last sent, and runs the
-// node-engine's own validator over the body. An error is that it did not compose; problems are what the
-// validator refuses.
-func composedAndValidated(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string, gens map[string]catalogue.Generator,
-	choosing Choosing) (sendable, []string, error) {
-	plan, settings, err := planFor(ctx, open, node)
-	if err != nil {
-		return sendable{}, nil, err
-	}
-	declared, err := declarationWith(ctx, open, node, plan, settings, gens, choosing)
-	if err != nil {
-		return sendable{}, nil, err
-	}
-	record, err := open.inventory.NodeByName(ctx, node)
-	if err != nil {
-		return sendable{}, nil, err
-	}
-	if declared.Sequence, err = open.inventory.Sequence(ctx, record.ID); err != nil {
-		return sendable{}, nil, err
-	}
-	if declared.Epoch, err = open.inventory.SentEpoch(ctx, record.ID); err != nil {
-		return sendable{}, nil, err
-	}
-	// And the generation it was last sent, as the would-send is (novox/hq issue 234).
-	if declared.Generation, err = open.inventory.SentGeneration(ctx, record.ID); err != nil {
-		return sendable{}, nil, err
-	}
-	body, err := declared.Body()
-	if err != nil {
-		return sendable{}, nil, err
-	}
-	return declared, validate.Declaration(body), nil
-}
-
 // resourceNames are a declaration's resources as `type:id`, sorted.
 func resourceNames(resources []map[string]any) []string {
 	out := make([]string, 0, len(resources))

cmd/mesh-controller/facts_format_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,58 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"encoding/json"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	snapshot "git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/facts"
+)
+
+// 1390 (novox/hq ADR 0456): the snapshot this controller writes is format 1, and the reader it shares with the build seat
+// (mesh-sdk's go/facts) takes formats 1 and 2 and refuses one newer than it knows. The writer moves to format 2 in a release
+// of its own. It failed first with the controller's own reader, which refused format 2 as newer than it knew.
+func TestTheWriterWritesFormatOneAndTheReaderTakesBothFormats(t *testing.T) {
+	if writtenFormat != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("the writer writes format %d, not 1", writtenFormat)
+	}
+	taken := time.Date(2026, 10, 20, 9, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	for format, want := range map[int]bool{1: true, 2: true, 3: false} {
+		body, err := (snapshot.Facts{Format: format, Taken: taken}).Encode()
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		f, err := snapshot.Decode(body)
+		switch {
+		case want && err != nil:
+			t.Errorf("format %d is refused: %v", format, err)
+		case want && f.Format != format:
+			t.Errorf("format %d is read as %d", format, f.Format)
+		case !want && (err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "newer")):
+			t.Errorf("format %d is not refused as newer: %v", format, err)
+		}
+	}
+	// What the writer composes carries no field of format 2: a reader of 1 and of 2 read it alike.
+	body, err := (snapshot.Facts{Format: writtenFormat, Taken: taken, Machines: []snapshot.Machine{{Name: "abcdef", Length: 6}}}).Encode()
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	var raw struct {
+		Format   int                          `json:"facts"`
+		Machines []map[string]json.RawMessage `json:"machines"`
+	}
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(body, &raw); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if raw.Format != 1 {
+		t.Errorf("the snapshot says format %d", raw.Format)
+	}
+	for _, m := range raw.Machines {
+		if _, has := m["grants"]; has {
+			t.Error("a format 1 snapshot carries grants")
+		}
+		if _, has := m["bindings"]; has {
+			t.Error("a format 1 snapshot carries bindings")
+		}
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/facts_test.go

@@ -7,8 +7,8 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 	"testing"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
-	snapshot "github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/facts"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
+	snapshot "git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/facts"
 )
 
 // The facts snapshot (novox/hq to-be 45 §9): composed from the store, every machine under a pseudonym
@@ -42,12 +42,8 @@ func aMeshWithSecrets(t *testing.T) (*stores, []string) {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
 	// A push's worth of composition, which makes the pair credential the consumer is sent.
-	gens, err := generators(ctx, open)
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
 	for _, node := range []string{"laptop", "anchor"} {
-		if _, _, err := composedAndValidated(ctx, open, node, gens, Allocating); err != nil {
+		if _, err := composeSend(ctx, open, node); err != nil {
 			t.Fatalf("%s does not compose: %v", node, err)
 		}
 	}
@@ -68,6 +64,9 @@ func TestTheFactsCarryNoSecretNoAddressAndNoName(t *testing.T) {
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
+	if f.Format != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("the writer wrote format %d: it keeps format 1 until its own release moves it (issue 1390)", f.Format)
+	}
 	body, err := f.Encode()
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)

cmd/mesh-controller/first_build_ask_integration_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,84 @@
+//go:build integration
+
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/asks"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/identity"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// aForgeAndABuildSeat gives a test what a real ask of a build needs: the forge holding the git seat, assigned to anchor, so
+// the clone URL composes; the identity store; the build seat's queue on a real bus; and the environment of the serving controller, which is
+// never the controller's terminal (a verb's, in effect: startedAtTheTerminal is false).
+func aForgeAndABuildSeat(t *testing.T, open *stores) *broker.JetStream {
+	t.Helper()
+	js, _ := aBuildQueue(t)
+	// The ask signs what it sends with the controller's identity, as the serving controller does.
+	identity.ForTest(t)
+	forge, err := catalogue.ParseManifest([]byte(`{"module":"gitea","version":"1",
+	  "claims":[{"name":"git","scope":"mesh"}],"provides":[{"name":"git","scope":"mesh"}],
+	  "serves":{"git":{"scheme":"http","port":3000}}}`))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	register(t, open, forge)
+	if _, err := assign(t.Context(), open, "anchor", "gitea"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	t.Setenv(servedVar, "1")
+	return js
+}
+
+// 1146/AC9, through the real ask (askABuild, buildOneAsked, verbMayAsk) and a real bus: the first build of a module a
+// merge adds on the operator's Approve is queued on the build seat; the same ask without that warrant, and the warrant's
+// ask for a path the merge does not hold, are refused by the guard of a build through a verb.
+func TestTheApprovedFirstBuildPassesTheGuardOfAVerbAndIsQueued(t *testing.T) {
+	const head, commit = "a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1", "0177ea7a00000000"
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	js := aForgeAndABuildSeat(t, open)
+
+	a := aDeliveryMergeOf(t, head, map[string]string{"novox/mesh-delivery@a1a1a1a1a1a1": head})
+	wasKept, wasAsk := keptDeliveryMerge, routerAskOf
+	keptDeliveryMerge = func(context.Context, string, string, int, string) (deliveryMerge, bool, error) {
+		return a.merge, true, nil
+	}
+	routerAskOf = func(context.Context, catalogueReader, string, string) (*asks.Ask, *asks.Warrant, error) {
+		return &a.ask, &a.warrant, nil
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { keptDeliveryMerge, routerAskOf = wasKept, wasAsk })
+
+	// Without the warrant the guard refuses, whatever the repository holds.
+	_, err := askABuild(ctx, buildSource{Repository: "novox/mesh-delivery", Seat: "git"}, "", "main")
+	var policy *heldAtTheTerminal
+	if !errors.As(err, &policy) {
+		t.Fatalf("1146/AC9: a first build asked without the warrant was not refused: %v", err)
+	}
+	// And a path the merge does not hold is refused on the warrant.
+	warranted := withFirstBuildWarrant(ctx, "novox/mesh-delivery", []string{""}, "the Approve")
+	if _, err := askABuild(warranted, buildSource{Repository: "novox/mesh-delivery", Seat: "git"}, "other", "main"); !errors.As(err, &policy) {
+		t.Fatalf("1146/AC9: the warrant covered a path the merge does not hold: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	m := link.SourceMoved{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-delivery", Base: "main", HeadSHA: head, Commit: commit, Number: 7,
+		MergedAt: time.Now().Add(-time.Hour).UTC().Format(time.RFC3339Nano), Paths: []string{"module.json", "main.go"},
+		ModuleDirs: []string{"."}, ModuleDirsSaid: true}
+	if err := (following{open: open}).SourceMoved(ctx, m); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	queue, err := link.ReadQueue(ctx, js, link.TheBuildMachine)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if len(queue.Asks) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("1146/AC9: the build queue holds %+v, want the one first build", queue)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/first_build_warrant_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,29 @@
+package main
+
+import "testing"
+
+// 1146/AC9: the warrant the controller checked covers exactly the repository on the git seat and the module paths the
+// merge holds; nothing else passes verbMayAsk on it.
+func TestTheFirstBuildWarrantCoversOnlyItsRepositoryAndItsModulePaths(t *testing.T) {
+	ctx := withFirstBuildWarrant(t.Context(), "novox/mesh-delivery", []string{"", "view"}, "the Approve")
+	w := firstBuildWarrantIn(ctx)
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		source buildSource
+		path   string
+		covers bool
+	}{
+		{buildSource{Repository: "novox/mesh-delivery", Seat: "git"}, "", true},
+		{buildSource{Repository: "novox/mesh-delivery", Seat: "git"}, "/view/", true},
+		{buildSource{Repository: "novox/mesh-delivery", Seat: "git"}, "other", false},
+		{buildSource{Repository: "agent/mesh-delivery", Seat: "git"}, "", false},
+		{buildSource{Repository: "novox/mesh-delivery"}, "", false},
+		{buildSource{Repository: "novox/mesh-delivery", Seat: "elsewhere"}, "", false},
+	} {
+		if got := w.covers(c.source, c.path); got != c.covers {
+			t.Errorf("1146/AC9: %v at %q covered = %v, want %v", c.source, c.path, got, c.covers)
+		}
+	}
+	if firstBuildWarrantIn(t.Context()).covers(buildSource{Repository: "novox/mesh-delivery", Seat: "git"}, "") {
+		t.Error("1146/AC9: a context with no warrant covers an ask")
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/first_builds.go

@@ -0,0 +1,221 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"strings"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// firstBuilds asks the first build of every module a merge adds to a repository no registered module is built from, when
+// the merge was announced as made on the operator's Approve of that head (novox/hq ADR 0432, issue 1146): the modules'
+// directories are the ones the announcement says hold a module.json at the merge commit, as touchedBy reads them. The
+// merge is kept, so the build's outcome is judged by the rule that registers it (mayRegisterFrom, approvedMove).
+//
+// **Complete in either order, with no timer** (ADR 0426): when mesh-delivery's word is kept first, it is found here; when
+// the forge's merge is heard first, the merge is kept as a first merge waiting for the word, and keepingDeliveryMerges
+// runs this again when the word is kept (resumeFirstBuilds). A word that says no (a Decline, another head) asks nothing and
+// says why. Answers whether the merge was dealt with here.
+func (f following) firstBuilds(ctx context.Context, m link.SourceMoved, entries []inventory.Entry,
+	read map[string][]inventory.ReadRepository, now time.Time) (bool, error) {
+	inv := f.open.inventory
+	repository := m.Owner + "/" + m.Repo
+	added, why, err := firstBuildsOf(ctx, inv, m, entries, read)
+	switch {
+	case errors.Is(err, errFirstNotApproved):
+		fmt.Printf("%s merged into %s (%.8s) adds %s, and no build is asked: %v\n", repository, m.Base, m.Commit,
+			strings.Join(addedDirs(m, entries, read), ", "), err)
+		return true, nil
+	case errors.Is(err, errNotAnnounced):
+		// Kept, waiting for mesh-delivery's word: a restart keeps it, and the word's arrival asks the builds.
+		if kerr := keepFirstMerge(ctx, inv, m, now, true); kerr != nil {
+			return true, notNow(kerr)
+		}
+		fmt.Printf("%s merged into %s (%.8s) adds %s; it is kept, and the first build is asked when mesh-delivery "+
+			"announces the merge on the operator's Approve\n", repository, m.Base, m.Commit,
+			strings.Join(addedDirs(m, entries, read), ", "))
+		return true, nil
+	case err != nil:
+		return true, notNow(err)
+	case len(added) == 0:
+		return false, nil
+	}
+	if err := askFirstBuilds(ctx, inv, m, now, added, why); err != nil {
+		return true, notNow(err)
+	}
+	return true, nil
+}
+
+// keepFirstMerge keeps a first merge as the controller heard it, waiting (no plan answers it).
+func keepFirstMerge(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, m link.SourceMoved, now time.Time, waitingForWord bool) error {
+	merged, err := time.Parse(time.RFC3339Nano, m.MergedAt)
+	if err != nil {
+		merged = now
+	}
+	event, err := json.Marshal(keptMerge{SourceMoved: m, FirstBuild: waitingForWord})
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	_, err = inv.AddMerge(ctx, inventory.BatchedMerge{Repository: m.Owner + "/" + m.Repo, Branch: m.Base, Commit: m.Commit,
+		Merged: merged.UTC(), Heard: now, Event: event})
+	return err
+}
+
+// askFirstBuilds keeps the merge, asks the builds, and marks the merge as no longer waiting for them.
+func askFirstBuilds(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, m link.SourceMoved, now time.Time, added []string,
+	why string) error {
+	repository := m.Owner + "/" + m.Repo
+	if err := keepFirstMerge(ctx, inv, m, now, false); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	fmt.Printf("%s merged into %s (%.8s) on the operator's Approve (%s): the mesh builds nothing from it yet, so the "+
+		"first build of %s is asked\n", repository, m.Base, m.Commit, why, strings.Join(added, ", "))
+	// The ask carries the warrant just checked, for this repository and these module paths alone: the guard of a build
+	// through a verb (verbMayAsk) lets exactly that through.
+	paths := make([]string, 0, len(added))
+	for _, dir := range added {
+		if dir == "." {
+			dir = ""
+		}
+		paths = append(paths, dir)
+	}
+	askBuilds(withFirstBuildWarrant(ctx, repository, paths, why), inv, m, buildSource{Repository: repository, Seat: gitSeat}, added)
+	// Answered: it no longer waits, so the word's arrival again asks nothing twice.
+	return inv.AnswerMerge(ctx, repository, m.Commit, inventory.WaitingRecord, false)
+}
+
+// resumeFirstBuilds runs firstBuilds for the first merges waiting for the word mesh-delivery just announced for a pull
+// request's head: the other order of the same two events.
+func (f following) resumeFirstBuilds(ctx context.Context, d deliveryMerge) error {
+	actingOnMerges.Lock()
+	defer actingOnMerges.Unlock()
+	inv := f.open.inventory
+	waiting, err := inv.WaitingMerges(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return notNow(err)
+	}
+	for _, w := range waiting {
+		k := announcedOf(w)
+		if !k.FirstBuild || !strings.EqualFold(k.Owner+"/"+k.Repo, d.Owner+"/"+d.Repo) || k.Number != d.Number ||
+			k.HeadSHA != d.HeadSHA {
+			continue
+		}
+		entries, err := inv.Catalogued(ctx)
+		if err != nil {
+			return notNow(err)
+		}
+		read, err := readForPlanning(ctx, inv)
+		if err != nil {
+			return notNow(err)
+		}
+		added, why, err := firstBuildsOf(ctx, inv, k.SourceMoved, entries, read)
+		switch {
+		case errors.Is(err, errFirstNotApproved):
+			fmt.Printf("%s/%s merged into %s (%.8s) was waiting for mesh-delivery's word, and no build is asked: %v\n",
+				k.Owner, k.Repo, k.Base, k.Commit, err)
+			if aerr := inv.AnswerMerge(ctx, w.Repository, w.Commit, inventory.WaitingRecord, false); aerr != nil {
+				return notNow(aerr)
+			}
+		case err != nil:
+			return notNow(err)
+		case len(added) > 0:
+			if err := askFirstBuilds(ctx, inv, k.SourceMoved, time.Now().UTC(), added, why); err != nil {
+				return notNow(err)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+// errFirstNotApproved says a merge into a repository the mesh builds nothing from is not one the operator approved.
+var errFirstNotApproved = errors.New("it is no merge made on the operator's Approve of its head, so a hand `build` " +
+	"registers a module from a repository the mesh does not build yet")
+
+// addedDirs are the module directories the merge adds to a repository no registered module is built from, none where
+// the merge is not into the trunk or some module is built from the repository already.
+func addedDirs(m link.SourceMoved, entries []inventory.Entry, read map[string][]inventory.ReadRepository) []string {
+	if m.Base != "main" {
+		return nil
+	}
+	for _, e := range entries {
+		if !e.Provided && sameRepository(e.Source.Repository, m) {
+			return nil
+		}
+	}
+	_, added, _ := touchedBy(nil, entries, m, read)
+	return added
+}
+
+// firstBuildsOf is the directories whose first build a merge asks, and the warrant it was made on; none when the merge
+// is no first merge into a repository the mesh builds nothing from. errFirstNotApproved when it is and the word on record
+// is no Approve of its head; errNotAnnounced when mesh-delivery's word is not kept yet.
+func firstBuildsOf(ctx context.Context, inv catalogueReader, m link.SourceMoved, entries []inventory.Entry,
+	read map[string][]inventory.ReadRepository) ([]string, string, error) {
+	added := addedDirs(m, entries, read)
+	if len(added) == 0 {
+		return nil, "", nil
+	}
+	why, err := approvedAnnounced(ctx, inv, m.Owner, m.Repo, keptMerge{SourceMoved: m})
+	switch {
+	case err == nil:
+		return added, why, nil
+	case errors.Is(err, errWordNotAnApprove):
+		return nil, "", fmt.Errorf("%w (%v)", errFirstNotApproved, err)
+	}
+	// Not announced yet, or the bus or the store could not be asked: the caller waits or tries again, and asks nothing.
+	return nil, "", err
+}
+
+// probeFirstBuildsID is the probe that reads the first merges waiting for mesh-delivery's word.
+const probeFirstBuildsID = "D18"
+
+// kindFirstBuildUnasked is what a first merge waiting too long for mesh-delivery's word raises.
+const kindFirstBuildUnasked = "first-build-unasked"
+
+// firstBuildWaitBound is how long a first merge waits for mesh-delivery's announcement of the operator's Approve before
+// it is said: a bound in the sense of ADR 0426 §3, not a delay. Nothing waits on it: the word's arrival asks the builds
+// at once, and the merge is said, never dropped, once it is past this (issue 1146).
+const firstBuildWaitBound = 10 * time.Minute
+
+// firstBuildObservations are the conditions of the first merges waiting past the bound, one for each; a merge answered is
+// no longer listed as waiting, so its condition clears with the next look.
+func firstBuildObservations(waiting []inventory.BatchedMerge, now time.Time) []conditions.Observation {
+	var out []conditions.Observation
+	for _, w := range waiting {
+		k := announcedOf(w)
+		if !k.FirstBuild || now.Sub(w.Heard) <= firstBuildWaitBound {
+			continue
+		}
+		repository := k.Owner + "/" + k.Repo
+		for_ := now.Sub(w.Heard).Round(time.Minute)
+		out = append(out, conditions.Observation{Scope: conditions.ScopeMerge,
+			ID: fmt.Sprintf("%s_%.8s", repository, k.Commit), Kind: kindFirstBuildUnasked, Severity: conditions.Warning,
+			Summary: fmt.Sprintf("the merge %.8s of %s adds modules the mesh builds nothing from yet, and has waited %s for "+
+				"mesh-delivery's announcement of the operator's Approve of its head: no build is asked", k.Commit, repository, for_),
+			Said: fmt.Sprintf("%s at %s waits for mesh-delivery's word on pull request %d (head %.8s)", repository, k.Commit,
+				k.Number, k.HeadSHA),
+			Headline: fmt.Sprintf("The first build of %s is not asked: no Approve was announced", repository),
+			Explanation: fmt.Sprintf("The merge %.8s into %s adds modules the mesh builds nothing from yet. It registers them "+
+				"only when mesh-delivery announces that it merged the pull request on your Approve of that head, and no such "+
+				"announcement has come in %s. The merge is kept, and the builds are asked the moment the announcement is kept.",
+				k.Commit, repository, for_),
+			Resolved: "mesh-delivery announces the merge, or a hand `build` registers the modules",
+		})
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// probeFirstBuilds is D18: no first merge waits past its bound for mesh-delivery's word unsaid.
+func probeFirstBuilds(ctx context.Context, d *doctor) ([]conditions.Observation, error) {
+	waiting, err := d.open.inventory.WaitingMerges(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return firstBuildObservations(waiting, time.Now().UTC()), nil
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/first_builds_integration_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,183 @@
+//go:build integration
+
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"slices"
+	"sync"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go/jetstream"
+
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/testbus"
+)
+
+// 1146/AC7, whole against a real bus and the store, in both orders of the two events (novox/hq ADR 0432, issue 1146):
+// mesh-delivery #7 merged on the operator's Approve into a repository the mesh builds nothing from. The forge's merge,
+// heard as the controller hears it (SourceMoved), and mesh-delivery's word, published on the subject the controller
+// consumes with the router's record of the ask in its bucket, come in either order; each way the first build of the
+// module the merge commit holds is asked exactly once, its outcome registers the module, and it is in the catalogue.
+// Without the Approve in the record nothing is asked. Store-backed: skips without one.
+func TestAMergeOnTheApproveIntoANewRepositoryAsksTheFirstBuildAndItsOutcomeRegistersTheModule(t *testing.T) {
+	const head, commit = "a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1", "0177ea7a00000000"
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		what        string
+		wordFirst   bool
+		approved    bool // the router's record holds the operator's Approve of the merged head
+		wantRegiter bool
+	}{
+		{what: "the forge's merge before mesh-delivery's word", approved: true, wantRegiter: true},
+		{what: "mesh-delivery's word before the forge's merge", wordFirst: true, approved: true, wantRegiter: true},
+		{what: "a word whose record holds no Approve", wordFirst: true},
+	} {
+		t.Run(c.what, func(t *testing.T) {
+			open := aMesh(t)
+			ctx := t.Context()
+			inv := open.inventory
+			// The real ask, guard and queue included: only its answers are kept, so the build's outcome can be matched.
+			aForgeAndABuildSeat(t, open)
+			// Written by the controller's merge path on its own goroutine, read by the test: under one lock.
+			var mu sync.Mutex
+			var asks [][3]string
+			var ids []string
+			asked := func() [][3]string { mu.Lock(); defer mu.Unlock(); return slices.Clone(asks) }
+			realAsk := askABuild
+			askABuild = func(c context.Context, source buildSource, path, ref string) (string, error) {
+				id, err := realAsk(c, source, path, ref)
+				if err == nil {
+					mu.Lock()
+					asks = append(asks, [3]string{source.Repository, path, ref})
+					ids = append(ids, id)
+					mu.Unlock()
+				}
+				return id, err
+			}
+			t.Cleanup(func() { askABuild = realAsk })
+			if err := inv.RegisterModule(ctx, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "operator-channel", Version: "1",
+				DefinesSeats: []catalogue.SeatDeclaration{{Name: broker.AsksSeat, Records: []string{"asks"}}}},
+				inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Seat: "git", Path: "modules/operator-channel", BuiltFrom: "c0ffee"}); err != nil {
+				t.Fatal(err)
+			}
+			js, err := broker.Dial(testbus.URL(t))
+			if err != nil {
+				t.Fatal(err)
+			}
+			t.Cleanup(js.Close)
+			if err := broker.AssertMeshStreams(js); err != nil {
+				t.Fatal(err)
+			}
+			if err := js.EnsureControllerBuckets(); err != nil {
+				t.Fatal(err)
+			}
+			api, err := jetstream.New(js.Conn())
+			if err != nil {
+				t.Fatal(err)
+			}
+			records, err := api.CreateKeyValue(ctx, jetstream.KeyValueConfig{Bucket: broker.BucketName("operator-channel", "asks")})
+			if err != nil {
+				t.Fatal(err)
+			}
+			a := aDeliveryMergeOf(t, head, map[string]string{"novox/mesh-delivery@a1a1a1a1a1a1": head})
+			if c.approved {
+				record, _ := json.Marshal(map[string]any{"state": "closed", "ask": a.ask, "warrant": a.warrant})
+				if _, err := records.Put(ctx, theDelivery+"."+a.merge.AskID, record); err != nil {
+					t.Fatal(err)
+				}
+			}
+
+			following := following{open: open}
+			server := link.ConnectNats(js, nil, noListener{})
+			if err := server.KeepsDeliveryMerges(keepingDeliveryMerges{js: server.JetStream, catalog: theDeliveryClaims, kept: following.resumeFirstBuilds}); err != nil {
+				t.Fatal(err)
+			}
+			if err := broker.AssertServingConsumers(js); err != nil {
+				t.Fatal(err)
+			}
+			serving, stop := context.WithCancel(context.Background())
+			done := make(chan struct{})
+			go func() { defer close(done); _ = server.Serve(serving) }()
+			t.Cleanup(func() { stop(); <-done })
+			servingBus.Store(js)
+			t.Cleanup(func() { servingBus.Store(nil) })
+
+			word := func() {
+				t.Helper()
+				body, _ := json.Marshal(a.merge)
+				if _, err := js.Context().Publish(broker.DeliveryMergedSubjectOf(theDelivery), body); err != nil {
+					t.Fatal(err)
+				}
+				becomes(t, 15*time.Second, "the word being kept", func() bool {
+					_, kept, err := keptDeliveryMerge(ctx, "novox", "mesh-delivery", 7, head)
+					return err == nil && kept
+				})
+				time.Sleep(500 * time.Millisecond) // the keeper's hook runs as the word is kept
+			}
+			forge := func() {
+				t.Helper()
+				m := link.SourceMoved{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-delivery", Base: "main", HeadSHA: head, Commit: commit, Number: 7,
+					MergedAt: time.Now().Add(-time.Second).UTC().Format(time.RFC3339Nano), Paths: []string{"module.json", "main.go"},
+					ModuleDirs: []string{"."}, ModuleDirsSaid: true}
+				if err := following.SourceMoved(ctx, m); err != nil {
+					t.Fatal(err)
+				}
+			}
+			if c.wordFirst {
+				word()
+				forge()
+			} else {
+				forge()
+				if len(asked()) != 0 {
+					t.Fatalf("1146/AC7: the merge asked %v before mesh-delivery's word was kept", asked())
+				}
+				word()
+			}
+			if !c.wantRegiter {
+				if len(asked()) != 0 {
+					t.Fatalf("1146/AC7: a merge whose record holds no Approve asked %v", asked())
+				}
+				return
+			}
+			want := [3]string{"novox/mesh-delivery", "", "main"}
+			becomes(t, 10*time.Second, "the first build asked", func() bool { return len(asked()) >= 1 })
+			if got := asked(); len(got) != 1 || got[0] != want {
+				t.Fatalf("1146/AC7: the merge asked %v, want %v once", got, want)
+			}
+			mu.Lock()
+			first := ids[0]
+			mu.Unlock()
+			build := onTrunk(first, "novox/mesh-delivery", "git", "", map[string]any{"module": "mesh-delivery-view", "version": "1"})
+			build.Commit = commit
+			if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, inv, build); err != nil {
+				t.Fatalf("1146/AC7: the outcome of the first build was refused: %v", err)
+			}
+			src, err := inv.SourceOf(ctx, "mesh-delivery-view")
+			if err != nil || src.Repository != "novox/mesh-delivery" {
+				t.Fatalf("1146/AC7: the module is built from %q (%v)", src.Repository, err)
+			}
+			if _, known := inventoryHolds(t, inv, "mesh-delivery-view"); !known {
+				t.Fatal("1146/AC7: the module is not in the catalogue")
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+func inventoryHolds(t *testing.T, inv *inventory.Inventory, module string) (inventory.Entry, bool) {
+	t.Helper()
+	entries, err := inv.Catalogued(t.Context())
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	for _, e := range entries {
+		if e.Manifest.Module == module {
+			return e, true
+		}
+	}
+	return inventory.Entry{}, false
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/first_builds_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,106 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"slices"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/asks"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// 1146/AC6: the first merge into a repository no registered module is built from asks the first build of every module
+// the merge commit holds when it was made on the operator's Approve of that head, and asks nothing without it.
+func TestAFirstMergeIntoANewRepositoryAsksItsModulesBuildsOnlyOnTheApprove(t *testing.T) {
+	const head = "a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1"
+	now := time.Date(2026, 10, 19, 0, 6, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	mergedAt := now.Add(-time.Hour).Format(time.RFC3339Nano)
+	heard := link.SourceMoved{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-delivery", Base: "main", HeadSHA: head, Commit: "0177ea7a",
+		Number: 1, MergedAt: mergedAt, ModuleDirsSaid: true, ModuleDirs: []string{"watchman", "view"},
+		Paths: []string{"view/module.json", "watchman/module.json", "README.md"}}
+	built := inventory.Entry{Source: inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Seat: "git"}}
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		what    string
+		change  func(*anApprovedMerge, *link.SourceMoved, *[]inventory.Entry)
+		unkept  bool
+		dirs    []string
+		refused bool
+		waits   bool
+	}{
+		{what: "the Approve of the merged head", dirs: []string{"view", "watchman"}},
+		{what: "a Decline", refused: true, change: func(a *anApprovedMerge, _ *link.SourceMoved, _ *[]inventory.Entry) {
+			a.warrant.Option, a.warrant.Label, a.merge.Option = "decline", "Decline", "decline"
+		}},
+		{what: "no word of mesh-delivery yet, however long ago the merge was made", unkept: true, waits: true},
+		{what: "a module already built from the repository", change: func(_ *anApprovedMerge, _ *link.SourceMoved, e *[]inventory.Entry) {
+			*e = append(*e, inventory.Entry{Source: inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/mesh-delivery", Seat: "git"}})
+		}},
+		{what: "a merge into another branch", change: func(_ *anApprovedMerge, m *link.SourceMoved, _ *[]inventory.Entry) { m.Base = "feat" }},
+		{what: "a merge that holds no module.json", change: func(_ *anApprovedMerge, m *link.SourceMoved, _ *[]inventory.Entry) {
+			m.ModuleDirs, m.Paths = nil, []string{"README.md"}
+		}},
+	} {
+		t.Run(c.what, func(t *testing.T) {
+			a := aDeliveryMergeOf(t, head, map[string]string{"novox/mesh-delivery@a1a1a1a1a1a1": head})
+			a.merge.Number = 1
+			m, entries := heard, []inventory.Entry{built}
+			if c.change != nil {
+				c.change(&a, &m, &entries)
+			}
+			wasKept, wasAsk := keptDeliveryMerge, routerAskOf
+			t.Cleanup(func() { keptDeliveryMerge, routerAskOf = wasKept, wasAsk })
+			keptDeliveryMerge = func(context.Context, string, string, int, string) (deliveryMerge, bool, error) {
+				return a.merge, !c.unkept, nil
+			}
+			routerAskOf = func(context.Context, catalogueReader, string, string) (*asks.Ask, *asks.Warrant, error) {
+				return &a.ask, &a.warrant, nil
+			}
+			dirs, _, err := firstBuildsOf(t.Context(), nil, m, entries, nil)
+			switch {
+			case c.waits && !errors.Is(err, errNotAnnounced):
+				t.Fatalf("1146/AC6: %s: want a wait for the word, got %v", c.what, err)
+			case c.refused && !errors.Is(err, errFirstNotApproved):
+				t.Fatalf("1146/AC6: %s: want the Approve missing, got %v (dirs %v)", c.what, err, dirs)
+			case !c.refused && !c.waits && err != nil:
+				t.Fatalf("1146/AC6: %s: %v", c.what, err)
+			case !slices.Equal(dirs, c.dirs):
+				t.Fatalf("1146/AC6: %s: first builds asked of %v, want %v", c.what, dirs, c.dirs)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+// 1146/AC8: a first merge waiting past the bound for mesh-delivery's word is said, naming the repository, the commit and
+// the missing word; one inside the bound, one that is no first merge, and one answered (no longer waiting) are not.
+func TestAFirstMergeWaitingPastItsBoundIsSaidAndClearsWhenAnswered(t *testing.T) {
+	now := time.Date(2026, 10, 19, 1, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	waiting := func(commit string, first bool, heard time.Time) inventory.BatchedMerge {
+		event, _ := json.Marshal(keptMerge{SourceMoved: link.SourceMoved{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-delivery", Base: "main",
+			Commit: commit, Number: 1, HeadSHA: "a1a1a1a1a1a1"}, FirstBuild: first})
+		return inventory.BatchedMerge{Repository: "novox/mesh-delivery", Branch: "main", Commit: commit, Heard: heard, Event: event}
+	}
+	got := firstBuildObservations([]inventory.BatchedMerge{
+		waiting("0177ea7a00", true, now.Add(-firstBuildWaitBound-time.Minute)),
+		waiting("1111111100", true, now.Add(-time.Minute)),
+		waiting("2222222200", false, now.Add(-time.Hour)),
+	}, now)
+	if len(got) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("1146/AC8: %d conditions raised, want the one merge past the bound: %+v", len(got), got)
+	}
+	o := got[0]
+	if o.Kind != kindFirstBuildUnasked || o.Scope != conditions.ScopeMerge || o.Severity != conditions.Warning ||
+		!strings.Contains(o.Summary, "novox/mesh-delivery") || !strings.Contains(o.Summary, "0177ea7a") ||
+		!strings.Contains(o.Summary, "announcement of the operator's Approve") {
+		t.Fatalf("1146/AC8: the condition is %+v", o)
+	}
+	// Answered, the merge is no longer listed as waiting: nothing is observed, and the condition clears.
+	if cleared := firstBuildObservations(nil, now); len(cleared) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("1146/AC8: an answered merge still raises %+v", cleared)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/fixclass_test.go

@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ package main
 import (
 	"testing"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
 )
@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@ func TestAChangePlanSaysTheClassOfWhatItMoves(t *testing.T) {
 	resolver := entry("dnsmasq", "modules/dnsmasq")
 	resolver.Manifest.Claims = []catalogue.Claim{{Name: resolverSeat}}
 	delivery := entry(catalogue.DeliverySeat, "modules/mesh-delivery")
+	delivery.Manifest.Claims = []catalogue.Claim{{Name: catalogue.DeliverySeat}}
 	webApp := entry("photos", "modules/photos")
 	entries := []inventory.Entry{gitea, resolver, delivery, webApp}
 	// photos stands on gitea: a change to gitea moves photos as its dependent.
@@ -44,7 +45,7 @@ func TestAChangePlanSaysTheClassOfWhatItMoves(t *testing.T) {
 		{"a leaf and a core module together: the slowest-budgeted", []string{"modules/gitea/index.ts", "modules/dnsmasq/module.json"}, inventory.ClassCore},
 		{"nothing any module's build reads", []string{"README.md"}, "none"},
 		{"a new leaf module alone", []string{"modules/weather/module.json"}, inventory.ClassLeaf},
-		{"a new module on the controller's own path, by its own class", []string{"next/mesh-delivery/module.json"}, inventory.ClassCore},
+		{"a new module on the controller's own path, by its own class", []string{"next/mesh-host/module.json"}, inventory.ClassCore},
 		{"a new leaf module beside a core one moved", []string{"modules/weather/module.json", "modules/dnsmasq/module.json"}, inventory.ClassCore},
 	} {
 		if got := plan(c.paths...).Class; got != c.want {

cmd/mesh-controller/gate.go

@@ -13,8 +13,8 @@ import (
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go/micro"
 
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"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/lease"
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ var (
 // own path, or one holding the mesh's resolver. Every other module is a leaf. Its class sets the module's
 // delivery budget; how many readings its gate takes is gateRuleOf's.
 func coreModule(module string, m catalogue.Manifest) bool {
-	if _, own := onTheControllersPath[module]; own {
+	if onTheOwnPath(module, m) {
 		return true
 	}
 	for _, c := range m.Claims {
@@ -106,7 +106,7 @@ func gateRuleOf(module string, m catalogue.Manifest) gateRule {
 	case coreComponent(module) == lease.ComponentNodeTools:
 		return gateRule{passes: 1, witnessed: true, said: "the tool runner's rule: one reading once it answers, " +
 			"after the node-engine's witness window (novox/hq ADR 0351)"}
-	case module == catalogue.DeliverySeat:
+	case m.ClaimsSeat(catalogue.DeliverySeat):
 		return gateRule{passes: 1, said: "mesh-delivery's rule: one reading (novox/hq ADR 0351)"}
 	case coreModule(module, m):
 		return gateRule{passes: gatePasses, within: gateWithin, said: fmt.Sprintf("the core's rule: %d readings, "+

cmd/mesh-controller/gate_followup_test.go

@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ import (
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/lease"