The view reads directly and makes no consumer: a consumer's deliver subject publishes anywhere

Review of the view (research 036): granted CONSUMER.CREATE on the bucket's stream, the view made a
push consumer delivering to mesh.mod.mesh-issues.event.opened, and a module subscribed there
received the bucket's entry as the tracker's event — measured on 2.11.17. The server does not hold a
deliver subject to its creator's permissions, so a consumer grant is a publish to any subject.

The view now binds and reads directly, nothing else: STREAM.INFO, DIRECT.GET by key, and the batch
DIRECT.GET (multi_last) that lists every key's newest value into its inbox. No watch: the page
re-reads the key a tracker event names (every event carries the number). The live test lists with
the batch, follows a moved event to the re-read, and is refused the consumer and the watch with
nothing reaching the event subject; the mutation (CONSUMER.CREATE back) fails three tests.

The credential says how to read, and that the step making it work is the next `bus upgrade` while
a new bus build waits, not a push.

cmd/mesh-builder/main.go

@@ -27,6 +27,8 @@ import (
 	"syscall"
 	"time"
 
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
+
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/builder"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
@@ -175,7 +177,9 @@ func dialFor(credential Credential) (*broker.JetStream, string, error) {
 	if !credential.onTheNewBus() {
 		return nil, "", fmt.Errorf("the credential at hand names %q, which is not the mesh's bus", credential.URL)
 	}
-	js, err := broker.DialPinned(credential.natsURL(), credential.Fingerprint)
+	// Named for what it is, not the controller whose code dials it (novox/hq issue 327).
+	host, _ := os.Hostname()
+	js, err := broker.DialPinned(credential.natsURL(), credential.Fingerprint, nats.Name("build agent on "+host))
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, "", err
 	}
@@ -302,6 +306,9 @@ func answer(ctx context.Context, publisher builder.Publisher, on, workspace stri
 			for _, r := range built.Read {
 				result.Read = append(result.Read, link.ReadRepository{Repository: r.Repository, Ref: r.Ref})
 			}
+			for _, s := range built.Sources {
+				result.Sources = append(result.Sources, link.BuildSource{Repository: s.Repository, Ref: s.Ref, Paths: s.Paths})
+			}
 			say("built", built.Manifest.Module+" from "+short(built.Commit))
 		}
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/acting.go

@@ -5,9 +5,11 @@ import (
 	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"os"
+	"strings"
 	"sync"
 	"time"
 
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go/jetstream"
 
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
@@ -178,7 +180,21 @@ func (a *actor) release() {
 // holderOf is this process as the lease's holder.
 func holderOf(instance string) lease.Holder {
 	host, _ := os.Hostname()
-	return lease.Holder{Instance: instance, Host: host, Build: version}
+	build := runningBuild()
+	if build == "" {
+		build = version
+	}
+	return lease.Holder{Instance: instance, Host: host, Build: build}
+}
+
+// RunningBuildVar is where the declaration tells this process which build it is (module.json, the
+// controller process's env): the version its bundle is delivered as, `${version}` composed by the
+// catalogue from the bundle's digest. Empty for a process placed by hand.
+const RunningBuildVar = "MESH_CONTROLLER_VERSION"
+
+// runningBuild is the version of the build this process is, or empty when the declaration did not say.
+func runningBuild() string {
+	return strings.TrimSpace(os.Getenv(RunningBuildVar))
 }
 
 // serveUnderTheLease takes the lease for the serving controller, waiting while another holds it, and
@@ -187,7 +203,8 @@ func (a *actor) serveUnderTheLease(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory
 	a.mu.Lock()
 	a.serving = true
 	a.mu.Unlock()
-	js, err := broker.Dial(address)
+	// Its own connection, held as long as the lease, and named so (novox/hq issue 327).
+	js, err := broker.Dial(address, nats.Name(broker.ConnectionName+" lease"))
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("the mesh is on the bus at %s and this control plane cannot reach it to take the "+
 			"lease: %w", broker.BareAddress(address), err)

cmd/mesh-controller/acts.go

@@ -51,6 +51,9 @@ func assignWith(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string, opts assignOptio
 	if len(modules) == 0 {
 		return "", fmt.Errorf("assign %s names no module", node)
 	}
+	if err := refusedMovingTheController(modules); err != nil {
+		return "", err
+	}
 	// Held while it is recorded, so it cannot land between a converge's preview and its flip and
 	// be taken without ever having been previewed (novox/hq ADR 0100).
 	ctx, release, err := holdNodes(ctx, open, []string{node})
@@ -209,6 +212,9 @@ func seatDependenciesOnAssign(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string, mo
 // (novox/hq ADR 0207) — the other side of refusing that module's assignment without one. Several
 // modules in one act are judged together, so a holder and its dependents come off in one command.
 func unassign(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string, modules ...string) (string, error) {
+	if err := refusedMovingTheController(modules); err != nil {
+		return "", err
+	}
 	if len(modules) == 0 {
 		return "", fmt.Errorf("unassign %s names no module", node)
 	}
@@ -360,3 +366,17 @@ func issueOnAssign(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node, module string) strin
 	}
 	return fmt.Sprintf("its bus credential is issued and sealed to %s, and arrives with the push", node)
 }
+
+// refusedMovingTheController refuses assigning or unassigning the controller's module through a verb (review of
+// novox/hq ADR 0272): the node it is assigned to is the control-node, and the control-node's operator account is
+// the controller's terminal, so whoever moves the module chooses the terminal. At the terminal alone, as every
+// change that says who may change what.
+func refusedMovingTheController(modules []string) error {
+	verb, through := throughAVerb()
+	if !through || !slices.Contains(modules, controllerModule) {
+		return nil
+	}
+	return fmt.Errorf("%s is assigned and unassigned at the controller's terminal only (mesh-cli on the control-node), "+
+		"never through a verb (this came through %q): the node it runs on is the control-node, whose operator is the "+
+		"terminal (novox/hq ADR 0272). Nothing was assigned", controllerModule, verb)
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/agent_account.go

@@ -0,0 +1,253 @@
+package main
+
+// The account agents run as (novox/hq ADR 0266).
+//
+// On the control node every agent session ran as the operator's account, which may become root without a
+// password — so any agent there could become root without a person, and ADR 0259 §8 (an answer from the
+// operator's phone authorises an act) rests on that being false where the router and its channels run. The
+// decision: a node may name an account its agents run as, of their own and without sudo; the operator's
+// account keeps its sudo.
+//
+//   - **Named at the controller's terminal only** (`node agent-account`): not a verb, not a setting, so no
+//     agent can name itself another account. Empty is a real state: agents run as the operator there.
+//   - **Composed** as `${machine:agent-account}`, `${machine:agent-home}` and `${machine:agent-root}` for the
+//     agent's module, which declares the account with `root: never`, and as MESH_AGENT_ACCOUNT and
+//     MESH_AGENT_HOME for its tools (catalogue/machine_into_files.go, runtime.go).
+//   - **Judged by the machine itself.** The node-engine reads, on every look, whether an account declared
+//     `root: never` can become root without a person — uid 0, a group that grants root, a sudo rule, a
+//     secret of the mesh it may read — and says it as the declaring module's account verdict, marked
+//     Root "never". agentConfined reads that verdict; the self-check (probe DA) raises
+//     `agent-can-become-root` while it does not hold, and `node show` says it.
+//
+// A verdict not given is never a pass: an engine older than the judging, an account not yet declared, a
+// statement that says nothing of it — each is "not judged", and fails.
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"fmt"
+	"sort"
+	"strings"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// kindAgentCanBecomeRoot is the condition raised while a machine's agent account can become root without
+// a person, or is not judged (ADR 0266).
+const kindAgentCanBecomeRoot = "agent-can-become-root"
+
+// agentAccountProbe is the self-check's probe of it.
+const agentAccountProbe = "DA"
+
+// agentConfined says whether the agents of a machine that names an agent account are confined: the
+// machine's newest statement holds a healthy account verdict, judged for root, on that account. named is
+// false for a machine that names none — agents run as the operator account there, which this does not
+// judge. why is said either way, in the mesh's words; err is a store that could not be read.
+//
+// The one judgement: `node show`, the self-check, and ADR 0259's router honouring a verified sender read
+// it here.
+// now is the judging clock, threaded so a caller judging several things at one instant judges them all at it.
+func agentConfined(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, node string, now time.Time) (named, confined bool, why string, err error) {
+	n, err := inv.NodeByName(ctx, node)
+	if err != nil {
+		return false, false, "", err
+	}
+	if n.AgentAccount == "" {
+		return false, false, fmt.Sprintf("%s names no agent account: agents run as the operator account (%s)",
+			node, orNoneKnown(n.Account)), nil
+	}
+	h, had, err := inv.HealthOf(ctx, node)
+	if err != nil {
+		return true, false, "", err
+	}
+	confined, why = judgedConfined(n.AgentAccount, h, had, now)
+	return true, confined, why, nil
+}
+
+// verdictFreshFor is how old the statement holding the verdict may be, by this controller's clock. A
+// node-engine states its health on every change and at least every five minutes (mesh-host's sayAnyway), so
+// three statements missed is a node-engine stopped, or a machine away. **A stale verdict is not a pass**: an
+// agent that stopped the node-engine must not leave "cannot become root" standing from before.
+const verdictFreshFor = 15 * time.Minute
+
+// judgedConfined is the judgement over one statement, without the store, at now.
+func judgedConfined(agent string, h inventory.NodeHealth, had bool, now time.Time) (bool, string) {
+	if !had {
+		return false, fmt.Sprintf("the agent account %s is not judged: the machine's node-engine has stated "+
+			"nothing of what it runs", agent)
+	}
+	if age := now.Sub(h.HeardAt); age > verdictFreshFor {
+		return false, fmt.Sprintf("the agent account %s is not judged: the machine's newest statement was heard at "+
+			"%s, more than %d minutes ago, and a verdict that old is not a verdict on now", agent,
+			h.HeardAt.Local().Format("2006-01-02 15:04"), int(verdictFreshFor.Minutes()))
+	}
+	if h.Contract < link.RootContract {
+		return false, fmt.Sprintf("the agent account %s is not judged: the machine's node-engine is older than "+
+			"the judging of an account's root (its statement's contract is %d, the judging is %d)",
+			agent, h.Contract, link.RootContract)
+	}
+	var verdicts []inventory.ResourceHealth
+	for _, r := range h.Resources {
+		if r.Kind == link.KindAccount && r.Target == agent && r.Root == link.RootNever {
+			verdicts = append(verdicts, r)
+		}
+	}
+	if len(verdicts) == 0 {
+		return false, fmt.Sprintf("the agent account %s is not judged: the machine's newest statement holds no "+
+			"verdict on it — no module there declares it never to become root, or the declaration naming it "+
+			"has not been applied", agent)
+	}
+	sort.Slice(verdicts, func(i, j int) bool {
+		return verdicts[i].Module+verdicts[i].Resource < verdicts[j].Module+verdicts[j].Resource
+	})
+	for _, v := range verdicts {
+		switch v.State {
+		case link.StateHealthy:
+		case link.StateUnhealthy:
+			// The engine's own words, which start with link.ReasonRoot when it found a way to root.
+			return false, fmt.Sprintf("the agent account %s %s (said by %s's %s)", agent,
+				orNoneKnown(v.Reason), v.Module, v.Resource)
+		default:
+			return false, fmt.Sprintf("the agent account %s is not judged: %s (%s's %s, %s)", agent,
+				orNoneKnown(v.Reason), v.Module, v.Resource, v.State)
+		}
+	}
+	return true, fmt.Sprintf("the agent account %s cannot become root without a person (judged %s)", agent,
+		h.SaidAt.Local().Format("2006-01-02 15:04"))
+}
+
+// searchQuietFor is how long the controller lets an agent account's verdict wait for the node-engine's setuid
+// search before that is itself the urgent condition: the longest a search is expected to take (link.RootSearchQuiet,
+// the engine's own value; novox/hq issue 361 — the search runs to completion, with no bound of its own), counted
+// from when this controller first saw it waiting, never from the engine's start. Quiet raises nothing; it never
+// makes the agent account confined, which only a healthy verdict from a complete, fresh search does.
+const searchQuietFor = link.RootSearchQuiet
+
+// The kinds of an agent account's verdict, for the quiet a search earns.
+const (
+	verdictOther    = iota // anything else: a stale statement, an older engine, no verdict, another unknown
+	verdictPending         // waiting for the search, and otherwise healthy
+	verdictComplete        // judged: healthy, or a way to root found
+)
+
+// rootVerdictKind reads a statement for the agent account (novox/hq ADR 0266): pending when every verdict on it
+// is healthy or not judged yet because the engine's setuid search runs, at least one of them that; complete when
+// every verdict is healthy or one found a way to root. The engine's own "since" is not read: it starts again at
+// every restart of the engine.
+func rootVerdictKind(agent string, h inventory.NodeHealth, had bool, now time.Time) int {
+	if !had || now.Sub(h.HeardAt) > verdictFreshFor || h.Contract < link.RootContract {
+		return verdictOther
+	}
+	pending, any := false, false
+	for _, r := range h.Resources {
+		if r.Kind != link.KindAccount || r.Target != agent || r.Root != link.RootNever {
+			continue
+		}
+		any = true
+		switch {
+		case r.State == link.StateHealthy:
+		case r.State == link.StateUnhealthy:
+			return verdictComplete
+		case r.State == link.StateUnknown && strings.HasPrefix(r.Reason, link.ReasonRootPending):
+			pending = true
+		default:
+			return verdictOther
+		}
+	}
+	switch {
+	case !any:
+		return verdictOther
+	case pending:
+		return verdictPending
+	}
+	return verdictComplete
+}
+
+// searchStillRunning says the one thing keeping an agent account from being judged is the node-engine's setuid
+// search, and that this controller first saw it waiting less than searchQuietFor ago — kept in the store, so a
+// node-engine restarted in a loop does not keep it quiet. A complete verdict forgets when it began.
+func searchStillRunning(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, node, agent string, h inventory.NodeHealth,
+	had bool, now time.Time) (bool, error) {
+	switch rootVerdictKind(agent, h, had, now) {
+	case verdictComplete:
+		return false, inv.RootSearchJudged(ctx, node)
+	case verdictPending:
+		since, err := inv.RootSearchPending(ctx, node, now)
+		if err != nil {
+			return false, err
+		}
+		return now.Sub(since) <= searchQuietFor, nil
+	}
+	return false, nil
+}
+
+// probeAgentAccounts is DA: every machine that names an agent account has it judged, on its node-engine's
+// newest statement, unable to become root without a person (ADR 0266).
+func probeAgentAccounts(ctx context.Context, d *doctor) ([]conditions.Observation, error) {
+	inv := d.open.inventory
+	nodes, err := inv.Nodes(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	var out []conditions.Observation
+	for _, n := range nodes {
+		if n.AgentAccount == "" {
+			continue
+		}
+		h, had, err := inv.HealthOf(ctx, n.Name)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		now := time.Now()
+		quiet, err := searchStillRunning(ctx, inv, n.Name, n.AgentAccount, h, had, now)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		confined, why := judgedConfined(n.AgentAccount, h, had, now)
+		if confined {
+			continue
+		}
+		// Not judged yet only because the node-engine's search runs and no complete, fresh one judges: not the
+		// urgent condition after every restart. The agent is still not confined — ADR 0259's router reads
+		// agentConfined, not this — and `node show` still says not judged. Loud again once the search fails,
+		// waits past searchQuietFor, or the statement goes stale.
+		if quiet {
+			continue
+		}
+		out = append(out, conditions.Observation{Scope: conditions.ScopeMachine, ID: n.Name, Token: "agent-root",
+			Machine: n.Name, Severity: conditions.Urgent,
+			Summary: fmt.Sprintf("on %s, %s (ADR 0266): an agent there may become root without a person, and "+
+				"no answer from a channel authorises an act there (ADR 0259 §8)", n.Name, why),
+			Said: why})
+	}
+	return sortedFound(out), nil
+}
+
+// agentAccountLines is what `node show` says of the account agents run as.
+func agentAccountLines(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, n inventory.Node) []string {
+	if n.AgentAccount == "" {
+		return []string{fmt.Sprintf("  agents run as      the operator account (%s); no agent account is named",
+			orNoneKnown(n.Account))}
+	}
+	_, confined, why, err := agentConfined(ctx, inv, n.Name, time.Now())
+	if err != nil {
+		return []string{fmt.Sprintf("  agents run as      %s (home %s); whether it can become root could NOT be read: %v",
+			n.AgentAccount, n.AgentHome(), err)}
+	}
+	verdict := "CAN become root, or is not judged: " + why
+	if confined {
+		verdict = why
+	}
+	return []string{fmt.Sprintf("  agents run as      %s (home %s)", n.AgentAccount, n.AgentHome()),
+		"                     " + verdict}
+}
+
+// orNoneKnown is a value, or that none is known.
+func orNoneKnown(s string) string {
+	if strings.TrimSpace(s) == "" {
+		return "none known"
+	}
+	return s
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/agent_account_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,279 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-host/rootsearch"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"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"
+)
+
+// The agent account's judgement (novox/hq ADR 0266): confined only on a healthy account verdict judged for
+// root, on the very account; every verdict not given — no statement, an older engine, no verdict on it, a
+// verdict of unknown — is "not judged" and fails, never a pass.
+func TestAnAgentAccountIsConfinedOnlyOnAHealthyVerdictJudgedForRoot(t *testing.T) {
+	at := time.Date(2026, 10, 8, 19, 21, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	verdict := func(target, root, state, reason string) inventory.ResourceHealth {
+		return inventory.ResourceHealth{Module: "claude-code", Resource: "claude-code.agent-account",
+			Kind: link.KindAccount, Target: target, State: state, Reason: reason, Root: root, Account: target}
+	}
+	statement := func(contract int, rs ...inventory.ResourceHealth) inventory.NodeHealth {
+		return inventory.NodeHealth{Node: "anchor", Contract: contract, SaidAt: at, HeardAt: at, Resources: rs}
+	}
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		name     string
+		h        inventory.NodeHealth
+		had      bool
+		confined bool
+		says     string
+	}{
+		{"judged and unable", statement(link.RootContract, verdict("agent", link.RootNever, link.StateHealthy, "")),
+			true, true, "cannot become root without a person"},
+		{"judged and able", statement(link.RootContract, verdict("agent", link.RootNever, link.StateUnhealthy,
+			link.ReasonRoot+": in the group docker, which grants root")), true, false, "in the group docker"},
+		{"a verdict of unknown", statement(link.RootContract, verdict("agent", link.RootNever, link.StateUnknown,
+			"sudo could not be read")), true, false, "not judged"},
+		{"no statement", inventory.NodeHealth{}, false, false, "not judged"},
+		{"an older engine", statement(link.ReadinessContract, verdict("agent", "", link.StateHealthy, "")),
+			true, false, "older than the judging"},
+		{"a verdict on groups only", statement(link.RootContract, verdict("agent", "", link.StateHealthy, "")),
+			true, false, "no verdict on it"},
+		{"a verdict on another account", statement(link.RootContract, verdict("ops", link.RootNever, link.StateHealthy, "")),
+			true, false, "no verdict on it"},
+	} {
+		confined, why := judgedConfined("agent", c.h, c.had, at.Add(time.Minute))
+		if confined != c.confined || !strings.Contains(why, c.says) {
+			t.Errorf("%s: confined %v, %q; want %v saying %q", c.name, confined, why, c.confined, c.says)
+		}
+	}
+	// A verdict heard longer ago than the bound is no verdict: an agent that stopped the node-engine must not
+	// leave "healthy" standing.
+	fresh := statement(link.RootContract, verdict("agent", link.RootNever, link.StateHealthy, ""))
+	if ok, _ := judgedConfined("agent", fresh, true, at.Add(verdictFreshFor)); !ok {
+		t.Error("a verdict exactly at the bound is still one")
+	}
+	if ok, why := judgedConfined("agent", fresh, true, at.Add(verdictFreshFor+time.Second)); ok ||
+		!strings.Contains(why, "not judged") {
+		t.Errorf("a stale healthy verdict passed: %q", why)
+	}
+}
+
+// DA raises an urgent condition, with plain words, on a machine whose agent account is not judged unable to
+// become root; a machine that names none is not its to judge.
+func TestTheSelfCheckSaysAnAgentAccountThatCanBecomeRoot(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	for _, n := range []string{"anchor", "laptop"} {
+		if _, err := inv.NodeByName(ctx, n); err != nil {
+			if _, err := inv.AddNode(ctx, n); err != nil {
+				t.Fatal(err)
+			}
+		}
+		if err := inv.SetAccount(ctx, n, "ops", ""); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	if err := inv.SetAgentAccount(ctx, "anchor", "agent", ""); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	d := &doctor{open: open}
+	found, err := probeAgentAccounts(ctx, d)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	found = onlyMachine(found, "anchor")
+	if len(found) != 1 || found[0].Machine != "anchor" || found[0].Severity != conditions.Urgent ||
+		!strings.Contains(found[0].Said, "not judged") {
+		t.Fatalf("a named agent account with no verdict: %+v", found)
+	}
+	w := plainWordings[kindAgentCanBecomeRoot](conditions.Observation{Kind: kindAgentCanBecomeRoot, Machine: "anchor"})
+	if w.Headline == "" || w.Needs == "" || w.Resolved == "" {
+		t.Errorf("the condition has no plain words: %+v", w)
+	}
+
+	healthy := inventory.ResourceHealth{Module: "claude-code", Resource: "claude-code.agent-account",
+		Kind: link.KindAccount, Target: "agent", State: link.StateHealthy, Root: link.RootNever, Account: "agent"}
+	if _, err := inv.RecordHealth(ctx, inventory.NodeHealth{Node: "anchor", Contract: link.RootContract,
+		SaidAt: time.Now(), HeardAt: time.Now(), Resources: []inventory.ResourceHealth{healthy}}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if found, err = probeAgentAccounts(ctx, d); err != nil || len(onlyMachine(found, "anchor")) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a judged agent account still fails: %+v %v", found, err)
+	}
+	if named, confined, why, err := agentConfined(ctx, inv, "anchor", time.Now()); err != nil || !named || !confined {
+		t.Fatalf("agentConfined on anchor: %v %v %q %v", named, confined, why, err)
+	}
+	if named, _, why, err := agentConfined(ctx, inv, "laptop", time.Now()); err != nil || named ||
+		!strings.Contains(why, "operator account") {
+		t.Fatalf("agentConfined on a machine naming none: %v %q %v", named, why, err)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestTheAgentRootWordsArePlain(t *testing.T) {
+	w := plainWordings[kindAgentCanBecomeRoot](conditions.Observation{Kind: kindAgentCanBecomeRoot, Machine: "anchor"})
+	if why, ok := conditions.PlainWords(w, "anchor"); !ok {
+		t.Fatalf("not plain: %s: %+v", why, w)
+	}
+}
+
+func onlyMachine(obs []conditions.Observation, machine string) []conditions.Observation {
+	var out []conditions.Observation
+	for _, o := range obs {
+		if o.Machine == machine {
+			out = append(out, o)
+		}
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// The snapshot a merge check composes from carries the agent account as a pseudonym (novox/hq ADR 0266),
+// so a change is judged against machines that name one, and the name never leaves.
+func TestTheFactsCarryTheAgentAccountAsAPseudonym(t *testing.T) {
+	open, _ := aMeshWithSecrets(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	if err := open.inventory.SetAccount(ctx, "anchor", "keeper", ""); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := open.inventory.SetAgentAccount(ctx, "anchor", "warden", ""); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	f, err := gatherFacts(ctx, open, "2.11.17")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	body, _ := f.Encode()
+	if strings.Contains(string(body), "warden") {
+		t.Error("the agent account's name is in the snapshot")
+	}
+	m, ok := f.Machine(snapshot.Pseudonym("machine", "anchor"))
+	if !ok || m.AgentAccount != snapshot.Pseudonym("account", "warden") || m.Account == m.AgentAccount {
+		t.Fatalf("the anchor's agent account reads as %q (operator %q)", m.AgentAccount, m.Account)
+	}
+}
+
+// No verb runs a `node` command that sets something: through the generic `command` verb, `node account`,
+// `node agent-account` and every other `node` subcommand but list and show are refused, naming the terminal.
+func TestNoVerbSetsANodesAccounts(t *testing.T) {
+	for _, line := range []string{
+		"node agent-account novox --clear",
+		"node agent-account novox ops",
+		"node account novox agent",
+		"node account novox",
+		"node add intruder",
+		"node public-domain novox --clear",
+		"node",
+		"node frobnicate",
+	} {
+		argv, err := argvFor("command", map[string]any{"command": line})
+		if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "controller's terminal") ||
+			!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "ADR 0266") {
+			t.Errorf("%q ran as %v (%v); want a refusal naming the terminal", line, argv, err)
+		}
+	}
+	for _, line := range []string{"node show novox", "node list --json", "status --json"} {
+		if _, err := argvFor("command", map[string]any{"command": line}); err != nil {
+			t.Errorf("%q, a read, was refused: %v", line, err)
+		}
+	}
+	if err := terminalOnly([]string{"node", "account", "a", "b"}); err == nil {
+		t.Error("the refusal is not only the command verb's")
+	}
+}
+
+// Naming the agent account is the controller's terminal's alone: the `node` verb only shows.
+func TestTheNodeVerbOnlyShows(t *testing.T) {
+	argv, err := argvFor("node", map[string]any{"node": "anchor"})
+	if err != nil || strings.Join(argv, " ") != "node show anchor" {
+		t.Fatalf("the node verb runs %v (%v)", argv, err)
+	}
+	for _, v := range catalogue.ControllerVerbs {
+		if strings.Contains(v.Name, "agent") {
+			t.Errorf("a verb %q may name the agent account", v.Name)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// Until a complete search for setuid programs judges — none since the node-engine's state was kept, or the last
+// older than the engine lets one judge — the agent account is not judged, and the search runs to its end with no
+// bound (novox/hq issue 361). DA does not raise that as urgent within searchQuietFor, counted from when this
+// controller first saw it waiting — never from the engine's own "since", which a restart resets, so an engine
+// restarted in a loop does not keep it quiet. The account is still not confined, and `node show` still says not
+// judged; a search that failed, or a way to root found, is urgent at once.
+func TestASearchStillRunningAfterARestartIsNotUrgent(t *testing.T) {
+	if searchQuietFor != rootsearch.Quiet {
+		t.Fatalf("the quiet is %s and the node-engine's %s: they are one value", searchQuietFor, rootsearch.Quiet)
+	}
+	// A daily search that finishes within the quiet never leaves the account unjudged between two of them.
+	if rootsearch.FreshFor < rootsearch.Every+rootsearch.Quiet {
+		t.Fatalf("a complete search judges for %s, less than a day's search (%s) and the quiet (%s)",
+			rootsearch.FreshFor, rootsearch.Every, rootsearch.Quiet)
+	}
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	if _, err := inv.NodeByName(ctx, "anchor"); err != nil {
+		if _, err := inv.AddNode(ctx, "anchor"); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	if err := inv.SetAgentAccount(ctx, "anchor", "agent", ""); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	d := &doctor{open: open}
+	say := func(state, reason string) []conditions.Observation {
+		t.Helper()
+		// The engine's since is always now: it was just restarted.
+		v := inventory.ResourceHealth{Module: "claude-code", Resource: "claude-code.agent-account",
+			Kind: link.KindAccount, Target: "agent", State: state, Reason: reason, Root: link.RootNever,
+			Account: "agent", Since: time.Now()}
+		if _, err := inv.RecordHealth(ctx, inventory.NodeHealth{Node: "anchor", Contract: link.RootContract,
+			SaidAt: time.Now(), HeardAt: time.Now(), Resources: []inventory.ResourceHealth{v}}); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		found, err := probeAgentAccounts(ctx, d)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		return onlyMachine(found, "anchor")
+	}
+	running := link.ReasonRootPending + ": the search for setuid programs, started at 19:21, has not finished yet"
+	healthy := func() {
+		t.Helper()
+		if found := say(link.StateHealthy, ""); len(found) != 0 {
+			t.Fatalf("a healthy verdict raised: %+v", found)
+		}
+	}
+	if found := say(link.StateUnknown, running); len(found) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a search first seen now was raised: %+v", found)
+	}
+	if _, confined, why, _ := agentConfined(ctx, inv, "anchor", time.Now()); confined || !strings.Contains(why, "not judged") {
+		t.Fatalf("an account whose search runs was read as confined: %q", why)
+	}
+	// The engine restarted again and again, each statement's own since fresh: the controller's clock runs on.
+	if _, err := inv.RootSearchPending(ctx, "anchor", time.Now().Add(-searchQuietFor-time.Minute)); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	healthy() // a complete verdict forgets when the waiting began …
+	if _, err := inv.RootSearchPending(ctx, "anchor", time.Now().Add(-searchQuietFor-time.Minute)); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err) // … and this restart loop began past the bound
+	}
+	if found := say(link.StateUnknown, running); len(found) != 1 || found[0].Severity != conditions.Urgent {
+		t.Fatalf("a search pending past the bound, by the controller's clock, was not urgent: %+v", found)
+	}
+	healthy()
+	incomplete := rootsearch.ReasonIncomplete + ": the search for setuid programs did not finish (last tried at " +
+		"19:23: timeout); it is tried again later"
+	if found := say(link.StateUnknown, incomplete); len(found) != 1 || found[0].Severity != conditions.Urgent {
+		t.Fatalf("a search that did not finish was not urgent: %+v", found)
+	}
+	if found := say(link.StateUnhealthy, link.ReasonRoot+": in the group docker; "+running); len(found) != 1 ||
+		found[0].Severity != conditions.Urgent {
+		t.Fatalf("a way to root found while the search runs was not urgent: %+v", found)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/asker.go

@@ -0,0 +1,937 @@
+package main
+
+// The controller asks, and acts on the operator's warrant (novox/hq ADR 0259 §6). It holds no channel, no
+// identity and no factor: it asks the router like any other module, and performs the answer chosen with its
+// own grant.
+//
+//   - **For every open, unsilenced condition that needs the operator and names its answers**, one ask is
+//     published on the `operator-channel` seat under the controller's own name: the condition's words, its
+//     actions as options at their levels (Silence acknowledges; Release, Stop, Start and Restart approve),
+//     answered by the operator, expiring after a day (a week when every option only acknowledges). A
+//     condition that clears, is silenced, or changes its answers has its ask cancelled; an ask that expired
+//     unanswered is asked again while the condition lasts; one the router refused is asked again after a wait
+//     that grows with each refusal in a row, at most half an hour, so a refusal is never believed longer. Each ask is kept in the controller's bucket
+//     `asked`, so a restart neither asks twice nor forgets.
+//   - **On a warrant**, heard on the seat's event under the controller's own name (which only the router may
+//     say), the controller acts once per ask: only for an ask it holds, only for the option it offered at
+//     that option's level, and only while the condition is still open. It performs the action as itself —
+//     a silence through its own conditions, any other through the verb the action names — with the warrant's
+//     words as its why, and records it in the hand-act log as the operator's decision, naming the channel,
+//     the ask and the proofs. An ask that ended without a choice is recorded and nothing is done.
+//   - **A warrant it missed** while away is read from the router's record of its asks, under its own name.
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"crypto/rand"
+	"encoding/hex"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"sort"
+	"strings"
+	"sync"
+	"time"
+
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/asks"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// The asker's name on the seat: the controller's module.
+const askerName = broker.ControllerSeat
+
+// How long an ask lasts: a day when an answer approves, a week when every answer only acknowledges.
+const (
+	// askApproveFor is a day less a margin, so an ask is never refused at the router for lasting a day and
+	// a moment (the SDK's bound is a day).
+	askApproveFor     = 24*time.Hour - 10*time.Minute
+	askAcknowledgeFor = 7 * 24 * time.Hour
+	// askEvery is how often what is open is asked about again, beside every change.
+	askEvery = time.Minute
+	// askCatchUpAfter is how old an open ask is before the router's record of it is read: a warrant heard
+	// on the event needs no reading.
+	askCatchUpAfter = 2 * time.Minute
+	// askAgainAfterAnswer is how long a condition the operator answered is not asked about again with the
+	// same answers: what was chosen takes a while to clear it, and asking again at once would ask twice.
+	askAgainAfterAnswer = time.Hour
+	// askMostOpen is how many asks the controller holds open at once (the router refuses a fourth): the
+	// most urgent conditions first, then the oldest.
+	askMostOpen = asks.MostOpen
+	// askRefusedRetryMost is the longest a refusal is believed without asking again (novox/hq issue 369): the
+	// router refused while its channels had not yet said they could send, the channels could send twenty
+	// minutes later, and the controller repeated that refusal for eleven hours. A refused ask is asked again
+	// after askEvery, then twice as long after each refusal in a row, never longer than this — and at once when
+	// the channels change.
+	askRefusedRetryMost = 30 * time.Minute
+	// askRefusedCounted is how far back refusals in a row are counted for that wait.
+	askRefusedCounted = 6 * time.Hour
+	// askVerdictWait is how long an ask made again after a refusal waits for the router's word before it is
+	// taken as taken: the router refuses an ask as it reads it, so a refusal comes within seconds. Meanwhile
+	// the condition saying it was not delivered stands as it was, neither cleared nor raised again.
+	askVerdictWait = 2 * time.Minute
+)
+
+// refusedRetryAfter is how long a part refused n times in a row waits before it is asked again.
+func refusedRetryAfter(n int) time.Duration {
+	wait := askEvery
+	for i := 1; i < n && wait < askRefusedRetryMost; i++ {
+		wait *= 2
+	}
+	return min(wait, askRefusedRetryMost)
+}
+
+// What became of an ask, as the controller keeps it.
+const (
+	askOpen      = "open"
+	askCancelled = "cancelled"
+)
+
+// asked is one ask the controller made, as it keeps it.
+type asked struct {
+	ID        string `json:"id"`
+	Condition string `json:"condition"`
+	// Channels is what the channels were when it was asked (asker.channels): an ask the router refused is asked
+	// again at once when the condition's answers or the channels change, and otherwise after a wait that grows
+	// with each refusal in a row (refusedRetryAfter, novox/hq issue 369).
+	Channels string              `json:"channels,omitempty"`
+	Ask      asks.Ask            `json:"ask"`
+	Actions  []conditions.Action `json:"actions"`
+	// Options are the actions by option id.
+	Options map[string]int `json:"options"`
+	State   string         `json:"state"`
+	Opened  time.Time      `json:"opened"`
+	Ended   time.Time      `json:"ended,omitempty"`
+	Warrant *asks.Warrant  `json:"warrant,omitempty"`
+	// Acted is what the controller did on the warrant: empty before it did anything, "acting" while it acts,
+	// then "done", "failed: …" or "nothing: …". Anything but empty is never acted on again.
+	Acted string `json:"acted,omitempty"`
+	// Part is which ask of its condition this is (askPart): empty for the one that carries the condition's
+	// answers, or the authorising ones where it has both; "acknowledge" for its acknowledging answers asked
+	// apart (the review of 2026-10-09, M1).
+	Part string `json:"part,omitempty"`
+	// Rehearsal is an ask started at the controller's terminal (rehearse.go): about no condition, its answers
+	// perform nothing, and the reconciling of conditions leaves it alone.
+	Rehearsal bool `json:"rehearsal,omitempty"`
+	// Proposal is a settings layer proposed through a verb (proposals.go, novox/hq ADR 0277): about no
+	// condition, set on Approve by the serving controller itself, and left alone by the reconciling of conditions.
+	Proposal *settingsProposal `json:"proposal,omitempty"`
+}
+
+// ofACondition says an ask is one of a condition's: not a rehearsal, not a proposal.
+func (r asked) ofACondition() bool { return !r.Rehearsal && r.Proposal == nil }
+
+// partKey is an ask's place among what is asked: its condition and its part.
+func partKey(condition, part string) string { return condition + "#" + part }
+
+// partAcknowledge is the part of a condition asked apart for its acknowledging answers.
+const partAcknowledge = "acknowledge"
+
+// askPart is one ask a condition is asked with: its part, what it is about, and its answers.
+type askPart struct {
+	name    string
+	about   string
+	actions []conditions.Action
+}
+
+// levelOf is an action's level as an option offers it: one that says none is never taken for less than
+// approve.
+func levelOf(act conditions.Action) asks.Level {
+	if act.Level == "" {
+		return asks.Approve
+	}
+	return asks.Level(act.Level)
+}
+
+// partsOf is the asks a condition is asked with (the review of 2026-10-09, M1): one, when its answers are all
+// of one kind; else its authorising answers (Release, Stop, Restart) in one ask, about the condition, and its
+// acknowledging ones (Silence) in another. **An acknowledgement never shares an ask with an approval**: a
+// channel that only acknowledges would otherwise answer the ask, and end the approval with it.
+func partsOf(c conditions.Condition) []askPart {
+	var ack, auth []conditions.Action
+	for _, act := range c.Actions {
+		if levelOf(act) == asks.Acknowledge {
+			ack = append(ack, act)
+		} else {
+			auth = append(auth, act)
+		}
+	}
+	if len(ack) == 0 || len(auth) == 0 {
+		return []askPart{{about: c.Key, actions: c.Actions}}
+	}
+	return []askPart{{about: c.Key, actions: auth},
+		{name: partAcknowledge, about: c.Key + "." + partAcknowledge, actions: ack}}
+}
+
+// askedStore keeps the asks (broker.AskedBucket). **Every write after the first is a compare-and-set** (the
+// review of 2026-10-09, L2): an ask is created once, and changed only over the revision it was read at, the
+// change decided again on what is read — so two controllers, or two deliveries of one warrant, never write
+// over each other, and of two that would act only the one whose write stands does.
+type askedStore interface {
+	Get(ctx context.Context, id string) (*asked, error)
+	// Create keeps a new ask, and refuses one already kept under its id.
+	Create(ctx context.Context, a asked) error
+	// Change applies change to the ask kept under id, by compare-and-set, and says whether its write stood.
+	// change says whether to write at all; on a write that came between, it is asked again on what is read.
+	Change(ctx context.Context, id string, change func(*asked) bool) (bool, error)
+	All(ctx context.Context) ([]asked, error)
+}
+
+// askChangeTries is how often a change is read and tried again when another write came between.
+const askChangeTries = 5
+
+// asker is the controller asking the operator and acting on the answer.
+type asker struct {
+	open    func(ctx context.Context) ([]conditions.Condition, error)
+	silence func(ctx context.Context, key string, d time.Duration, by, why string) error
+	store   askedStore
+	// publish puts a message on a subject's stream, de-duplicated by id.
+	publish func(ctx context.Context, subject string, body []byte, id string) error
+	// call performs an action's verb with its arguments, as the controller.
+	call func(ctx context.Context, a conditions.Action, args map[string]string) error
+	// setLayer sets a proposed settings layer on the operator's warrant (novox/hq ADR 0277); nil cannot.
+	setLayer setOnWarrant
+	// record writes the hand-act log.
+	record func(ctx context.Context, act link.HandAct) error
+	// routerRecord reads the router's record of an ask for a warrant missed; nil reads nothing.
+	routerRecord func(ctx context.Context, id string) (*asks.Warrant, error)
+	// routerHere says whether a router holds the seat and takes asks under the asker's name; nil is yes.
+	routerHere func(ctx context.Context) (bool, error)
+	// grantHeld says whether the bus holds the controller's grant to ask: the user list the bus's machine was
+	// last sent is the one the mesh composes now (novox/hq issue 353). The grant is composed from the router's
+	// assignment and reaches the bus only when that machine is next pushed, so between `assign` and `push`
+	// the record says a router is here and the bus refuses every ask. why says what to do; nil is yes.
+	grantHeld func(ctx context.Context) (held bool, why string, err error)
+	// channels is what the channels are now, as a fingerprint: who holds which kind, promising what.
+	channels func(ctx context.Context) string
+	// 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)
+
+	saidNoRouter bool
+	saidNoGrant  bool
+
+	mu     sync.Mutex
+	nudged chan struct{}
+}
+
+func (a *asker) nudge() {
+	if a == nil {
+		return
+	}
+	a.mu.Lock()
+	if a.nudged == nil {
+		a.nudged = make(chan struct{}, 1)
+	}
+	ch := a.nudged
+	a.mu.Unlock()
+	select {
+	case ch <- struct{}{}:
+	default:
+	}
+}
+
+// keep asks until ctx ends: now, on every change of a condition, and every askEvery.
+func (a *asker) keep(ctx context.Context) {
+	a.nudge()
+	tick := time.NewTicker(askEvery)
+	defer tick.Stop()
+	a.mu.Lock()
+	nudged := a.nudged
+	a.mu.Unlock()
+	for {
+		select {
+		case <-ctx.Done():
+			return
+		case <-tick.C:
+		case <-nudged:
+		}
+		if err := a.reconcile(ctx); err != nil {
+			a.logf("what the operator is asked could not be brought up to date: %v", err)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// wants says whether a condition is one to ask about now.
+func wants(c conditions.Condition, now time.Time) bool {
+	return len(c.Actions) > 0 && c.Needs != "" && !c.SilencedAt(now)
+}
+
+func sameAsked(a []conditions.Action, b []conditions.Action) bool {
+	x, _ := json.Marshal(a)
+	y, _ := json.Marshal(b)
+	return string(x) == string(y)
+}
+
+// reconcile brings what is asked in line with what is open.
+func (a *asker) reconcile(ctx context.Context) error {
+	now := a.now()
+	if a.routerHere != nil {
+		here, err := a.routerHere(ctx)
+		if err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+		if !here {
+			if !a.saidNoRouter {
+				a.logf("no router takes asks under the controller's name (a module declaring %s with its ask "+
+					"named by its caller, assigned): the operator is asked nothing until one is", broker.AsksSeat)
+				a.saidNoRouter = true
+			}
+			open, err := a.open(ctx)
+			if err != nil {
+				return err
+			}
+			var unasked []conditions.Condition
+			for _, c := range open {
+				if wants(c, now) {
+					unasked = append(unasked, c)
+				}
+			}
+			return a.sayUnasked(ctx, unasked, "no router takes the controller's asks: no module holding "+
+				broker.AsksSeat+" that takes an ask under its asker's name is assigned")
+		}
+		a.saidNoRouter = false
+	}
+	if a.grantHeld != nil {
+		held, why, err := a.grantHeld(ctx)
+		if err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+		if !held {
+			if !a.saidNoGrant {
+				a.logf("the bus does not hold the controller's grant to ask yet: %s; the operator is asked nothing until it does", why)
+				a.saidNoGrant = true
+			}
+			open, err := a.open(ctx)
+			if err != nil {
+				return err
+			}
+			var unasked []conditions.Condition
+			for _, c := range open {
+				if wants(c, now) {
+					unasked = append(unasked, c)
+				}
+			}
+			return a.sayUnasked(ctx, unasked, "the bus does not hold the controller's grant to ask yet: "+why)
+		}
+		a.saidNoGrant = false
+	}
+	channels := ""
+	if a.channels != nil {
+		channels = a.channels(ctx)
+	}
+	open, err := a.open(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	all, err := a.store.All(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	byCondition := map[string]asked{} // by partKey
+	// What is open and not a condition's — a rehearsal, a proposal — still counts toward what the router holds
+	// open for the controller (askMostOpen); expired unanswered, it is kept so, as the router says it too.
+	otherOpen := 0
+	for _, r := range all {
+		if r.State == askOpen && !r.ofACondition() && !now.Before(r.Ask.Expires) {
+			if _, err := a.store.Change(ctx, r.ID, func(x *asked) bool {
+				if x.State != askOpen || x.Acted != "" {
+					return false
+				}
+				x.State, x.Ended, x.Acted = string(asks.OutcomeExpired), now, "nothing: the ask expired unanswered"
+				return true
+			}); err != nil {
+				return err
+			}
+			continue
+		}
+		if r.State == askOpen && !r.ofACondition() {
+			otherOpen++
+		}
+		if r.State == askOpen && r.ofACondition() {
+			k := partKey(r.Condition, r.Part)
+			if prior, held := byCondition[k]; !held || r.Opened.After(prior.Opened) {
+				byCondition[k] = r
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	// A warrant missed while away, read from the router's record: for a condition's ask, and for a proposal's or a
+	// rehearsal's alike.
+	if a.routerRecord != nil {
+		var lookedUp []asked
+		for _, r := range byCondition {
+			lookedUp = append(lookedUp, r)
+		}
+		for _, r := range all {
+			if r.State == askOpen && !r.ofACondition() {
+				lookedUp = append(lookedUp, r)
+			}
+		}
+		for _, r := range lookedUp {
+			if now.Sub(r.Opened) < askCatchUpAfter {
+				continue
+			}
+			if w, err := a.routerRecord(ctx, r.ID); err == nil && w != nil {
+				body, _ := json.Marshal(w)
+				if err := a.Decided(ctx, body); err != nil {
+					return err
+				}
+			}
+		}
+		if all, err = a.store.All(ctx); err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+		byCondition = map[string]asked{}
+		for _, r := range all {
+			if r.State == askOpen && r.ofACondition() {
+				byCondition[partKey(r.Condition, r.Part)] = r
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	// What the operator answered lately, by condition: not asked again at once; and what the router refused,
+	// newest first: not asked again until the answers or the channels change.
+	answered, refused := map[string]asked{}, map[string]asked{}
+	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 r.State == string(asks.OutcomeRefused) {
+			if prior, has := refused[k]; !has || r.Opened.After(prior.Opened) {
+				refused[k] = r
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	// Refusals in a row, by part: those since the last ask that was not refused, within askRefusedCounted.
+	// superseded: a part asked since its last refusal, by an ask the router did not refuse — open, answered,
+	// expired or cancelled. Its refusal is history then, never said again (the review of PR 198: an answered
+	// retry brought the refusal back).
+	inRow, superseded := map[string]int{}, map[string]asked{}
+	for k, last := range refused {
+		for _, r := range all {
+			if partKey(r.Condition, r.Part) == k && r.State != string(asks.OutcomeRefused) && r.State != askUnsent &&
+				r.Opened.After(last.Opened) && r.Opened.After(superseded[k].Opened) {
+				superseded[k] = r
+			}
+		}
+		var since time.Time
+		for _, r := range all {
+			if partKey(r.Condition, r.Part) == k && r.State != string(asks.OutcomeRefused) && r.State != askUnsent &&
+				!r.Opened.After(last.Opened) && r.Opened.After(since) {
+				since = r.Opened
+			}
+		}
+		for _, r := range all {
+			if partKey(r.Condition, r.Part) == k && r.State == string(asks.OutcomeRefused) && r.Opened.After(since) &&
+				now.Sub(r.Opened) < askRefusedCounted {
+				inRow[k]++
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	wanted := map[string]bool{}
+	var unasked []conditions.Condition // refused by the router, and nothing it was refused for changed
+	var refusedWords []string
+	// The most urgent first, then the oldest: those are asked when no more than askMostOpen may be.
+	sort.SliceStable(open, func(i, j int) bool {
+		ui, uj := open[i].Severity == conditions.Urgent, open[j].Severity == conditions.Urgent
+		if ui != uj {
+			return ui
+		}
+		if !open[i].Raised.Equal(open[j].Raised) {
+			return open[i].Raised.Before(open[j].Raised)
+		}
+		return open[i].Key < open[j].Key
+	})
+	openNow := otherOpen
+	for _, c := range open {
+		if !wants(c, now) {
+			continue
+		}
+		for _, p := range partsOf(c) {
+			if r, held := byCondition[partKey(c.Key, p.name)]; held && sameAsked(r.Actions, p.actions) && now.Before(r.Ask.Expires) {
+				openNow++
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	for _, c := range open {
+		if !wants(c, now) {
+			continue
+		}
+		saidUnasked := false
+		for _, p := range partsOf(c) {
+			key := partKey(c.Key, p.name)
+			wanted[key] = true
+			if r, was := refused[key]; was && sameAsked(r.Actions, p.actions) {
+				cur, held := byCondition[key]
+				ended := r.Ended
+				if ended.IsZero() {
+					ended = r.Opened
+				}
+				later, asked := superseded[key]
+				waiting := !held && !asked && r.Channels == channels && now.Sub(ended) < refusedRetryAfter(inRow[key])
+				// Asked again now (the wait over), or lately and the router's word not in yet: said as it was until
+				// that word, so the condition neither clears nor is raised again at each try.
+				retrying := !held && !asked && !waiting
+				verdictDue := held && asked && later.ID == cur.ID && now.Sub(cur.Opened) < askVerdictWait
+				if waiting || retrying || verdictDue {
+					if !saidUnasked {
+						unasked, saidUnasked = append(unasked, c), true
+					}
+					if r.Warrant != nil && r.Warrant.Words != "" {
+						refusedWords = append(refusedWords, r.Warrant.Words)
+					}
+				}
+				if waiting {
+					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) {
+				if _, held := byCondition[key]; !held {
+					continue
+				}
+			}
+			if r, held := byCondition[key]; held {
+				switch {
+				case !sameAsked(r.Actions, p.actions):
+					if err := a.cancel(ctx, r, "its answers changed"); err != nil {
+						return err
+					}
+				case !now.Before(r.Ask.Expires):
+					// Expired unanswered: the router says so too; asked again below while it lasts.
+					if _, err := a.store.Change(ctx, r.ID, func(x *asked) bool {
+						if x.State != askOpen {
+							return false
+						}
+						x.State, x.Ended = string(asks.OutcomeExpired), now
+						return true
+					}); err != nil {
+						return err
+					}
+					openNow--
+				default:
+					continue
+				}
+			}
+			if openNow >= askMostOpen {
+				continue // asked when one of the open ones ends, most urgent first
+			}
+			if err := a.ask(ctx, c, p, channels); err != nil {
+				a.logf("the operator could not be asked about %s: %v", c.Key, err)
+				continue
+			}
+			openNow++
+		}
+	}
+	stillOpen := map[string]conditions.Condition{}
+	for _, c := range open {
+		stillOpen[c.Key] = c
+	}
+	for key, r := range byCondition {
+		if wanted[key] {
+			continue
+		}
+		// **A silence never takes an approval back** (the confirmation review of 2026-10-09, M1). Silence is an
+		// acknowledgement — anyone at the desk may give it — so a condition silenced while its approval is asked
+		// keeps that ask open, unchanged, until it is answered on a channel that proves who answered, or expires.
+		// It is not asked again once it ends, while the silence lasts.
+		if c, open := stillOpen[r.Condition]; open && c.SilencedAt(now) && r.Ask.Highest() != asks.Acknowledge &&
+			now.Before(r.Ask.Expires) && keepsItsAnswers(c, r) {
+			continue
+		}
+		if err := a.cancel(ctx, r, "the condition ended, was silenced or needs nothing now"); err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+	}
+	why := "the router refused the ask"
+	if len(refusedWords) > 0 {
+		why += ": " + refusedWords[0]
+	}
+	return a.sayUnasked(ctx, unasked, why)
+}
+
+// keepsItsAnswers says a condition still offers the answers an ask kept was asked with.
+func keepsItsAnswers(c conditions.Condition, r asked) bool {
+	for _, p := range partsOf(c) {
+		if partKey(c.Key, p.name) == partKey(r.Condition, r.Part) {
+			return sameAsked(r.Actions, p.actions)
+		}
+	}
+	return false
+}
+
+// sourceAsker raises the asker's own condition.
+const sourceAsker = "asker"
+
+// sayUnasked keeps the asker's one condition: while a condition that needs the operator could not be asked
+// on any channel, said loudly (failure must be loud), cleared when every one could be.
+func (a *asker) sayUnasked(ctx context.Context, unasked []conditions.Condition, why string) error {
+	if a.raise == nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+	var obs []conditions.Observation
+	if len(unasked) > 0 {
+		keys := make([]string, 0, len(unasked))
+		severity := conditions.Warning
+		for _, c := range unasked {
+			keys = append(keys, c.Key)
+			if c.Severity == conditions.Urgent {
+				severity = conditions.Urgent
+			}
+		}
+		sort.Strings(keys)
+		obs = append(obs, conditions.Observation{Scope: conditions.ScopeSeat, ID: broker.AsksSeat, Token: "unasked",
+			Kind: "asks-undelivered", Severity: severity, Source: sourceAsker,
+			Summary: fmt.Sprintf("%d condition(s) that need the operator could not be asked on any channel: %s; %s",
+				len(keys), strings.Join(keys, ", "), why),
+			Headline:    "Questions for you not delivered",
+			Explanation: "The mesh could not send you its questions on any channel.",
+			Needs:       "answer them from the mesh MCP server, and check why no channel carries them.",
+			Resolved:    "The mesh can ask you again"})
+	}
+	if err := a.raise(ctx, obs); err != nil {
+		a.logf("whether the operator could be asked could not be kept as a condition: %v", err)
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+// optionID is an action's label as an option's id: "Silence for a week" is silence-for-a-week.
+func optionID(label string) string {
+	var b strings.Builder
+	dash := false
+	for _, r := range strings.ToLower(label) {
+		switch {
+		case r >= 'a' && r <= 'z', r >= '0' && r <= '9':
+			b.WriteRune(r)
+			dash = false
+		case !dash && b.Len() > 0:
+			b.WriteByte('-')
+			dash = true
+		}
+	}
+	return strings.TrimSuffix(b.String(), "-")
+}
+
+// doesWords is what an action does, in the words an option says it with.
+func doesWords(act conditions.Action) string {
+	switch {
+	case act.Arguments["silence"] != "":
+		return "nothing more is said of it for a week"
+	case act.Verb == "mesh-delivery.release":
+		return "the delivery goes on"
+	case act.Verb == "mesh-delivery.stop":
+		return "the delivery ends"
+	case act.Verb == broker.ControllerSeat+".plans" && act.Arguments["go"] != "":
+		return "the delivery starts"
+	case act.Verb == broker.ControllerSeat+".plans" && act.Arguments["stop"] != "":
+		return "the delivery is stopped"
+	case strings.HasSuffix(act.Verb, ".restart"):
+		return "its service is restarted on " + act.Machine
+	}
+	return strings.ToLower(act.Label)
+}
+
+// askText is a condition's words as an ask says them: without where an answer is given when no channel can
+// give it (FromMeshMCPServer), since the ask is answered on a channel and the router says where else.
+func askText(s string) string {
+	for _, with := range []string{", " + FromMeshMCPServer, " " + FromMeshMCPServer} {
+		s = strings.ReplaceAll(s, with, ".")
+	}
+	return strings.ReplaceAll(s, "..", ".")
+}
+
+// askOf is the ask one part of a condition is asked with.
+func askOf(id string, c conditions.Condition, p askPart, now time.Time) (asks.Ask, map[string]int) {
+	q := asks.Ask{ID: id, Headline: c.Headline, Explanation: askText(c.Explanation), Who: asks.Operator,
+		OnExpiry: "nothing is done, and you are asked again while it lasts", About: p.about,
+		Urgent: c.Severity == conditions.Urgent}
+	options := map[string]int{}
+	approves := false
+	for i, act := range p.actions {
+		level := levelOf(act) // an action that says nothing of its level is never taken for less than approve
+		approves = approves || level != asks.Acknowledge
+		oid := optionID(act.Label)
+		options[oid] = i
+		// Every option binds the exact act it stands for (novox/hq ADR 0259 §6): the verb, the machine and
+		// every argument. The warrant then authorises that act and no other.
+		binds, _ := asks.ActDigest(boundAct(act))
+		q.Options = append(q.Options, asks.Option{ID: oid, Label: act.Label, Does: doesWords(act), Level: level,
+			Binds: binds})
+	}
+	q.Expires = now.Add(askAcknowledgeFor)
+	if approves {
+		q.Expires = now.Add(askApproveFor)
+	}
+	return q, options
+}
+
+// boundAct is what an option's Binds digests: the act exactly as the controller will perform it — its verb,
+// machine, level, and each argument as "arg.<name>" — and never its label or words.
+func boundAct(act conditions.Action) asks.Act {
+	out := asks.Act{"verb": act.Verb, "machine": act.Machine, "level": act.Level}
+	for k, v := range act.Arguments {
+		out["arg."+k] = v
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+func newAskID() string {
+	var b [8]byte
+	_, _ = rand.Read(b[:])
+	return "c" + hex.EncodeToString(b[:])
+}
+
+// askUnsent is an ask kept and never published: asked again at the next look.
+const askUnsent = "unsent"
+
+// ask publishes one ask about a part of a condition, kept before it is published (the review of 2026-10-09,
+// L3): a warrant for it then always finds it, and one whose publishing failed is marked so and asked again.
+func (a *asker) ask(ctx context.Context, c conditions.Condition, p askPart, channels string) error {
+	now := a.now()
+	id := newAskID()
+	q, options := askOf(id, c, p, now)
+	if err := q.Check(now); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	body, err := json.Marshal(q)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	if err := a.store.Create(ctx, asked{ID: id, Condition: c.Key, Part: p.name, Ask: q, Actions: p.actions,
+		Options: options, State: askOpen, Opened: now, Channels: channels}); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("the ask could not be kept, so it was not asked: %w", err)
+	}
+	if err := a.publish(ctx, asks.AskSubject(askerName), body, "ask."+id); err != nil {
+		if _, cerr := a.store.Change(ctx, id, func(x *asked) bool {
+			if x.State != askOpen || x.Acted != "" {
+				return false
+			}
+			x.State, x.Ended, x.Acted = askUnsent, a.now(), "nothing: it could not be published: "+err.Error()
+			return true
+		}); cerr != nil {
+			a.logf("the ask %s could not be published, and could not be marked so: %v", id, cerr)
+		}
+		return err
+	}
+	a.logf("asked the operator about %s (%s): %d answer(s)", c.Key, id, len(q.Options))
+	return nil
+}
+
+// cancel takes an ask back: kept cancelled first, so a warrant that comes after is refused, then said to the
+// router; a cancel the router did not hear leaves the ask to expire there, and nothing is done on it here.
+func (a *asker) cancel(ctx context.Context, r asked, why string) error {
+	stood, err := a.store.Change(ctx, r.ID, func(x *asked) bool {
+		if x.State != askOpen {
+			return false
+		}
+		x.State, x.Ended = askCancelled, a.now()
+		return true
+	})
+	if err != nil || !stood {
+		return err
+	}
+	body, _ := json.Marshal(map[string]string{"id": r.ID})
+	if err := a.publish(ctx, asks.CancelSubject(askerName), body, "cancel."+r.ID); err != nil {
+		a.logf("the ask %s about %s is taken back here, and the router could not be told (%v): it expires there, "+
+			"and no answer to it is acted on", r.ID, r.Condition, err)
+		return nil
+	}
+	a.logf("took back the ask %s about %s: %s", r.ID, r.Condition, why)
+	return nil
+}
+
+// Decided takes the router's word on one of the controller's asks (link.Decider). An error is returned only
+// when what was decided could not be kept, so the word is held and heard again.
+func (a *asker) Decided(ctx context.Context, body []byte) error {
+	var w asks.Warrant
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(body, &w); err != nil {
+		a.logf("the router's word on an ask could not be read; ignored: %v", err)
+		return nil
+	}
+	if w.Asker != askerName {
+		a.logf("REFUSED a warrant for %s's ask %s: the controller acts only on its own", w.Asker, w.Ask)
+		return nil
+	}
+	r, err := a.store.Get(ctx, w.Ask)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	if r == nil {
+		a.logf("REFUSED a warrant for the ask %s, which the controller does not hold", w.Ask)
+		return nil
+	}
+	if r.Acted != "" {
+		return nil // heard again: acted on once
+	}
+	now := a.now()
+	if w.Outcome != asks.OutcomeChosen {
+		acted := "nothing: the ask " + string(w.Outcome)
+		if w.Words != "" {
+			acted += ": " + w.Words
+		}
+		if _, err := a.store.Change(ctx, r.ID, func(x *asked) bool {
+			if x.Acted != "" {
+				return false
+			}
+			x.State, x.Ended, x.Warrant, x.Acted = string(w.Outcome), now, &w, acted
+			return true
+		}); err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+		a.logf("the ask %s about %s ended %s; nothing is done", r.ID, r.Condition, w.Outcome)
+		return nil
+	}
+	if r.State != askOpen {
+		// Cancelled, replaced or expired in the controller's own record: no answer to it is acted on.
+		a.logf("REFUSED a warrant for the ask %s, which is %s in the controller's own record", r.ID, r.State)
+		return nil
+	}
+	option, err := w.For(askerName, r.Ask)
+	if err != nil {
+		a.logf("REFUSED a warrant for the ask %s: %v", r.ID, err)
+		return nil
+	}
+	index, offered := r.Options[option.ID]
+	if !offered || index >= len(r.Actions) {
+		a.logf("REFUSED a warrant for the ask %s: it chose %s, which no action stands for", r.ID, option.ID)
+		return nil
+	}
+	act := r.Actions[index]
+	// The act about to be performed is the one the option bound when the controller asked: a record changed
+	// since is refused, never performed.
+	if err := option.Performs(boundAct(act)); err != nil {
+		a.logf("REFUSED a warrant for the ask %s: %v", r.ID, err)
+		return nil
+	}
+	open, err := a.open(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	stillOpen := r.Rehearsal || r.Proposal != nil // a rehearsal and a proposal are about no condition
+	for _, c := range open {
+		stillOpen = stillOpen || c.Key == r.Condition
+	}
+	if !stillOpen {
+		// The asker checks the state is still what it asked about before it acts (to-be 46 §10, step 7).
+		if _, err := a.store.Change(ctx, r.ID, func(x *asked) bool {
+			if x.State != askOpen || x.Acted != "" {
+				return false
+			}
+			x.State, x.Warrant, x.Ended, x.Acted = string(asks.OutcomeChosen), &w, now,
+				"nothing: the condition ended before the answer"
+			return true
+		}); err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+		a.logf("%s, for %s, which ended meanwhile: nothing is done", w.Says(), r.Condition)
+		return nil
+	}
+	// Claimed before acting, by compare-and-set: only the delivery whose write stands acts (security review
+	// of 2026-10-08, finding 9). Not by the warrant's message id, which another publisher could take first:
+	// the controller's own record decides.
+	claimed, err := a.store.Change(ctx, r.ID, func(x *asked) bool {
+		if x.State != askOpen || x.Acted != "" {
+			return false
+		}
+		x.State, x.Warrant, x.Acted = string(asks.OutcomeChosen), &w, "acting"
+		return true
+	})
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	if !claimed {
+		a.logf("the warrant for the ask %s was already taken by another delivery; nothing more is done", r.ID)
+		return nil
+	}
+	r.Acted = "acting"
+
+	why := fmt.Sprintf("%s (ask %s)", w.Says(), r.ID)
+	args := map[string]string{}
+	for k, v := range act.Arguments {
+		args[k] = v
+	}
+	if v, takes := args["why"]; takes && v == "" {
+		args["why"] = why
+	}
+	var acted error
+	outcome := "done"
+	switch {
+	case r.Rehearsal && act.Verb == rehearsalVerb:
+		// A rehearsal's answer performs nothing: it is recorded below as the operator's decision.
+	case r.Proposal != nil && act.Verb == proposalVerb:
+		// A proposed settings layer, set by this controller itself on Approve (novox/hq ADR 0277): the act's
+		// digest of the values is held to the record's own values before anything is set.
+		outcome, acted = a.decideProposal(ctx, *r, act, w)
+		if acted == nil && outcome != "" && !strings.HasPrefix(outcome, "nothing") {
+			outcome = "done: " + outcome
+		}
+	case act.Arguments["silence"] != "":
+		acted = a.silence(ctx, act.Arguments["silence"], conditions.MaxSilence, byWords(w), why)
+	default:
+		acted = a.call(ctx, act, args)
+	}
+	ended := a.now()
+	if acted != nil {
+		outcome = "failed: " + acted.Error()
+	}
+	r.Ended, r.Acted = ended, outcome
+	if _, err := a.store.Change(ctx, r.ID, func(x *asked) bool {
+		if x.Acted != "acting" {
+			return false
+		}
+		x.Ended, x.Acted = ended, outcome
+		return true
+	}); err != nil {
+		a.logf("%s was acted on (%s), and how it ended could NOT be kept: %v", r.ID, outcome, err)
+	}
+	verbArgs := []string{act.Verb}
+	if act.Machine != "" {
+		verbArgs = append(verbArgs, "on "+act.Machine)
+	}
+	keys := make([]string, 0, len(args))
+	for k := range args {
+		keys = append(keys, k)
+	}
+	sort.Strings(keys)
+	for _, k := range keys {
+		if k != "why" {
+			verbArgs = append(verbArgs, k+"="+args[k])
+		}
+	}
+	if err := a.record(ctx, link.HandAct{Verb: handActWarrant, Args: verbArgs, Why: why, By: byWords(w),
+		Cause: conditions.CauseOperatorAnswer, Condition: r.Condition, Via: viaWords(w), Ask: r.ID,
+		Proofs: w.Proofs, RequestedBy: r.Condition, Outcome: r.Acted}); err != nil {
+		a.logf("%s was done, and could NOT be recorded in the hand-act log: %v", why, err)
+	}
+	a.logf("%s: %s", why, r.Acted)
+	return nil
+}
+
+// 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"
+
+// byWords is who chose, as the hand-act log says it: "the operator, as telegram identity 42".
+func byWords(w asks.Warrant) string {
+	if w.By == nil {
+		return "the operator"
+	}
+	return fmt.Sprintf("the %s, as %s identity %s", w.By.Who, w.By.Kind, w.By.Identity)
+}
+
+// viaWords is the channel an answer came through: its module and kind, and how the sender was known.
+func viaWords(w asks.Warrant) string {
+	if w.By == nil {
+		return w.Channel
+	}
+	via := w.Channel + " (" + w.By.Kind + ")"
+	if w.By.Verified != "" {
+		via += ", " + w.By.Verified
+	}
+	return via
+}
+
+// errNotGranted is an action whose verb the controller's grant does not name.
+var errNotGranted = errors.New("the controller's grant does not name this verb")

cmd/mesh-controller/asker_bus_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,151 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"sync"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go/jetstream"
+
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/asks"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/testbus"
+)
+
+// busAsker is an asker on a real bus's `asked` bucket, counting what it performs: two of them are two
+// controllers sharing one record.
+type busAskerRig struct {
+	mu     sync.Mutex
+	called int
+	acts   int
+	open   []conditions.Condition
+	sent   [][]byte
+}
+
+func (rig *busAskerRig) asker(t *testing.T, conn *nats.Conn, now time.Time) *asker {
+	return &asker{
+		open: func(context.Context) ([]conditions.Condition, error) {
+			rig.mu.Lock()
+			defer rig.mu.Unlock()
+			return rig.open, nil
+		},
+		silence: func(context.Context, string, time.Duration, string, string) error { return nil },
+		store:   busAsked{conn: conn},
+		publish: func(_ context.Context, subject string, body []byte, _ string) error {
+			rig.mu.Lock()
+			defer rig.mu.Unlock()
+			if subject == asks.AskSubject(askerName) {
+				rig.sent = append(rig.sent, body)
+			}
+			return nil
+		},
+		call: func(context.Context, conditions.Action, map[string]string) error {
+			time.Sleep(20 * time.Millisecond) // long enough for the other delivery to arrive meanwhile
+			rig.mu.Lock()
+			defer rig.mu.Unlock()
+			rig.called++
+			return nil
+		},
+		record: func(context.Context, link.HandAct) error {
+			rig.mu.Lock()
+			defer rig.mu.Unlock()
+			rig.acts++
+			return nil
+		},
+		now:  func() time.Time { return now },
+		logf: t.Logf,
+	}
+}
+
+func askedBus(t *testing.T) *nats.Conn {
+	t.Helper()
+	conn, err := nats.Connect(testbus.URL(t))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(conn.Close)
+	js, err := jetstream.New(conn)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, err := js.CreateKeyValue(context.Background(), jetstream.KeyValueConfig{Bucket: broker.AskedBucket}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	return conn
+}
+
+// The review of 2026-10-09 (L7): two deliveries of one warrant, to two controllers at once, perform its act
+// exactly once and record it once — the record's compare-and-set decides, never the warrant's message id.
+func TestTwoAnswersAtOnceActOnce(t *testing.T) {
+	conn := askedBus(t)
+	now := time.Date(2026, 10, 9, 14, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	rig := &busAskerRig{open: []conditions.Condition{heldCondition()}}
+	first, second := rig.asker(t, conn, now), rig.asker(t, conn, now)
+	if err := first.reconcile(context.Background()); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if len(rig.sent) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("asked %d times", len(rig.sent))
+	}
+	var q asks.Ask
+	_ = json.Unmarshal(rig.sent[0], &q)
+	release, _ := q.Option("release")
+	w := asks.Warrant{Ask: q.ID, Asker: askerName, About: q.About, Outcome: asks.OutcomeChosen, Option: release.ID,
+		Label: release.Label, Level: release.Level, Channel: "telegram", Proofs: []string{"P1"}, At: now,
+		AskDigest: q.Digest(), By: &asks.Person{Who: asks.Operator, Kind: "telegram", Identity: "42", Verified: "user id verified"}}
+	body, _ := json.Marshal(w)
+	var wg sync.WaitGroup
+	for _, a := range []*asker{first, second, first, second} {
+		wg.Add(1)
+		go func(a *asker) {
+			defer wg.Done()
+			if err := a.Decided(context.Background(), body); err != nil {
+				t.Error(err)
+			}
+		}(a)
+	}
+	wg.Wait()
+	if rig.called != 1 || rig.acts != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("performed %d time(s), recorded %d time(s)", rig.called, rig.acts)
+	}
+	got, err := busAsked{conn: conn}.Get(context.Background(), q.ID)
+	if err != nil || got == nil || got.Acted != "done" {
+		t.Fatalf("kept as %+v (%v)", got, err)
+	}
+}
+
+// The review of 2026-10-09 (L2): a write decided on a record read earlier never lands over one made since. A
+// cancel read before the answer was acted on leaves the act's record as it is.
+func TestAStaleCancelDoesNotWriteOverAnAct(t *testing.T) {
+	conn := askedBus(t)
+	now := time.Date(2026, 10, 9, 14, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	rig := &busAskerRig{open: []conditions.Condition{heldCondition()}}
+	a := rig.asker(t, conn, now)
+	if err := a.reconcile(context.Background()); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	var q asks.Ask
+	_ = json.Unmarshal(rig.sent[0], &q)
+	stale, _ := busAsked{conn: conn}.Get(context.Background(), q.ID)
+	release, _ := q.Option("release")
+	w := asks.Warrant{Ask: q.ID, Asker: askerName, About: q.About, Outcome: asks.OutcomeChosen, Option: release.ID,
+		Label: release.Label, Level: release.Level, Channel: "telegram", At: now, AskDigest: q.Digest(),
+		By: &asks.Person{Who: asks.Operator, Kind: "telegram", Identity: "42", Verified: "user id verified"}}
+	body, _ := json.Marshal(w)
+	if err := a.Decided(context.Background(), body); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := a.cancel(context.Background(), *stale, "the condition ended"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	got, _ := busAsked{conn: conn}.Get(context.Background(), q.ID)
+	if got.State != string(asks.OutcomeChosen) || got.Acted != "done" {
+		t.Errorf("a stale cancel wrote over the act: %+v", got)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/asker_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,810 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"strings"
+	"sync"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/asks"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// novox/hq ADR 0259 §6: the controller asks the operator for the answers its conditions name, and performs
+// the one chosen on the router's warrant — once, for its own ask, the option offered, at its level.
+
+type memAskedStore map[string]asked
+
+// memAskedMu guards every memAskedStore: Change is a compare-and-set as the bus's is.
+var memAskedMu sync.Mutex
+
+func (m memAskedStore) Get(_ context.Context, id string) (*asked, error) {
+	memAskedMu.Lock()
+	defer memAskedMu.Unlock()
+	r, ok := m[id]
+	if !ok {
+		return nil, nil
+	}
+	return &r, nil
+}
+func (m memAskedStore) Create(_ context.Context, r asked) error {
+	memAskedMu.Lock()
+	defer memAskedMu.Unlock()
+	if _, kept := m[r.ID]; kept {
+		return errors.New("an ask is kept under that id")
+	}
+	m[r.ID] = r
+	return nil
+}
+func (m memAskedStore) Change(_ context.Context, id string, change func(*asked) bool) (bool, error) {
+	memAskedMu.Lock()
+	defer memAskedMu.Unlock()
+	r, ok := m[id]
+	if !ok || !change(&r) {
+		return false, nil
+	}
+	m[id] = r
+	return true, nil
+}
+func (m memAskedStore) All(context.Context) ([]asked, error) {
+	memAskedMu.Lock()
+	defer memAskedMu.Unlock()
+	var out []asked
+	for _, r := range m {
+		out = append(out, r)
+	}
+	return out, nil
+}
+
+type published struct {
+	subject, id string
+	body        []byte
+}
+
+type askerRig struct {
+	a        *asker
+	open     []conditions.Condition
+	store    memAskedStore
+	sent     []published
+	called   []string
+	silenced []string
+	acts     []link.HandAct
+	now      time.Time
+}
+
+func newAskerRig(t *testing.T) *askerRig {
+	r := &askerRig{store: memAskedStore{}, now: time.Date(2026, 10, 8, 14, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)}
+	r.a = &asker{
+		open: func(context.Context) ([]conditions.Condition, error) { return r.open, nil },
+		silence: func(_ context.Context, key string, d time.Duration, by, why string) error {
+			r.silenced = append(r.silenced, key+" for "+d.String()+" by "+by+" because "+why)
+			// As the controller's conditions do (the confirmation review of 2026-10-09, M1): the condition is
+			// silenced from now on, so what is asked next sees it silenced.
+			for i := range r.open {
+				if r.open[i].Key == key {
+					r.open[i].Silenced = &conditions.Silence{Until: r.now.Add(d), By: by, Why: why, Since: r.now}
+				}
+			}
+			return nil
+		},
+		store: r.store,
+		publish: func(_ context.Context, subject string, body []byte, id string) error {
+			r.sent = append(r.sent, published{subject, id, body})
+			return nil
+		},
+		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 nil
+		},
+		record: func(_ context.Context, act link.HandAct) error { r.acts = append(r.acts, act); return nil },
+		now:    func() time.Time { return r.now },
+		logf:   t.Logf,
+	}
+	return r
+}
+
+func heldCondition() conditions.Condition {
+	o := stalledObservations([]stalledLine{{ID: "novox/hq@055550802096", State: "held", For: "36h2m6s",
+		Bound: "24h0m0s", H2: "none: the state is the operator's"}})[0]
+	return conditions.Condition{Key: o.Key(), Kind: o.Kind, Severity: conditions.Warning, Headline: o.Headline,
+		Explanation: conditions.Verdict(o.Needs, o.Explanation), Needs: o.Needs, Actions: o.Actions}
+}
+
+func unitsCondition() conditions.Condition {
+	key := "machine.shanks.units"
+	return conditions.Condition{Key: key, Kind: "machine-units", Severity: conditions.Warning,
+		Headline: "3 failed services on shanks", Explanation: "Needs you: mend or remove them on shanks, or silence this.",
+		Needs: "mend or remove them on shanks, or silence this.", Actions: []conditions.Action{conditions.SilenceAction(key)}}
+}
+
+func (r *askerRig) asksSent(t *testing.T) []asks.Ask {
+	t.Helper()
+	var out []asks.Ask
+	for _, p := range r.sent {
+		if p.subject != asks.AskSubject("mesh-controller") {
+			continue
+		}
+		var q asks.Ask
+		if err := json.Unmarshal(p.body, &q); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		out = append(out, q)
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+func TestAnAskIsMadeForEachConditionThatNamesItsAnswers(t *testing.T) {
+	r := newAskerRig(t)
+	quiet := conditions.Condition{Key: "machine.ace.silent", Headline: "ace silent", Explanation: "Nothing for you to do. x"}
+	r.open = []conditions.Condition{heldCondition(), unitsCondition(), quiet}
+	if err := r.a.reconcile(context.Background()); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	sent := r.asksSent(t)
+	if len(sent) != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("asked %d times: %+v", len(sent), sent)
+	}
+	byAbout := map[string]asks.Ask{}
+	for _, q := range sent {
+		byAbout[q.About] = q
+		if err := q.Check(r.now); err != nil {
+			t.Errorf("%s: %v", q.About, err)
+		}
+	}
+	held := byAbout[heldCondition().Key]
+	if len(held.Options) != 2 || held.Options[0].Label != "Release" || held.Options[0].Level != asks.Approve ||
+		held.Options[1].ID != "stop" || held.Expires != r.now.Add(askApproveFor) || held.Who != asks.Operator ||
+		held.OnExpiry == "" {
+		t.Errorf("the held delivery is asked %+v", held)
+	}
+	units := byAbout["machine.shanks.units"]
+	if len(units.Options) != 1 || units.Options[0].Level != asks.Acknowledge || units.Expires != r.now.Add(askAcknowledgeFor) {
+		t.Errorf("the failed units are asked %+v", units)
+	}
+	// No second ask while one is open.
+	r.now = r.now.Add(time.Minute)
+	_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+	if n := len(r.asksSent(t)); n != 2 {
+		t.Errorf("asked again while open: %d", n)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestAnAskIsTakenBackWhenItsConditionEndsAndAskedAgainAfterItExpires(t *testing.T) {
+	r := newAskerRig(t)
+	r.open = []conditions.Condition{heldCondition(), unitsCondition()}
+	_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+	// The units are silenced, the held delivery lasts past its ask's day.
+	units := unitsCondition()
+	units.Silenced = &conditions.Silence{Until: r.now.Add(48 * time.Hour)}
+	r.open = []conditions.Condition{heldCondition(), units}
+	r.now = r.now.Add(askApproveFor)
+	if err := r.a.reconcile(context.Background()); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	var cancels int
+	for _, p := range r.sent {
+		if p.subject == asks.CancelSubject("mesh-controller") {
+			cancels++
+		}
+	}
+	if cancels != 1 {
+		t.Errorf("cancels %d, want the silenced one's", cancels)
+	}
+	if sent := r.asksSent(t); len(sent) != 3 || sent[2].About != heldCondition().Key {
+		t.Errorf("the expired ask was not asked again: %+v", sent)
+	}
+}
+
+// warrantFor is the router's warrant for the open ask about a condition, choosing an option by label.
+func (r *askerRig) warrantFor(t *testing.T, condition, label string) asks.Warrant {
+	t.Helper()
+	for _, a := range r.store {
+		if a.Condition != condition || a.State != askOpen {
+			continue
+		}
+		for _, o := range a.Ask.Options {
+			if o.Label == label {
+				return asks.Warrant{Ask: a.ID, Asker: "mesh-controller", About: condition, Outcome: asks.OutcomeChosen,
+					Option: o.ID, Label: o.Label, Level: o.Level, Channel: "telegram", Proofs: []string{"P1"}, At: r.now,
+					AskDigest: a.Ask.Digest(),
+					By:        &asks.Person{Who: asks.Operator, Kind: "telegram", Identity: "42", Verified: "user id verified"}}
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	t.Fatalf("no open ask about %s offers %s", condition, label)
+	return asks.Warrant{}
+}
+
+func answerWith(t *testing.T, r *askerRig, w asks.Warrant) {
+	t.Helper()
+	body, _ := json.Marshal(w)
+	if err := r.a.Decided(context.Background(), body); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestAWarrantIsActedOnOnce(t *testing.T) {
+	r := newAskerRig(t)
+	r.open = []conditions.Condition{heldCondition()}
+	_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+	w := r.warrantFor(t, heldCondition().Key, "Release")
+	answerWith(t, r, w)
+	answerWith(t, r, w) // heard again
+	if len(r.called) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("called %v", r.called)
+	}
+	want := `mesh-delivery.release@ {"id":"novox/hq@055550802096","why":"the operator, via telegram (user id verified), chose Release (ask ` + w.Ask + `)"}`
+	if r.called[0] != want {
+		t.Errorf("called\n  %s\nwant\n  %s", r.called[0], want)
+	}
+	if len(r.acts) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("hand-acts %+v", r.acts)
+	}
+	act := r.acts[0]
+	if act.Verb != handActWarrant || act.By != "the operator, as telegram identity 42" ||
+		act.Via != "telegram (telegram), user id verified" || act.Ask != w.Ask || strings.Join(act.Proofs, ",") != "P1" ||
+		act.Cause != conditions.CauseOperatorAnswer || act.Condition != heldCondition().Key || act.Outcome != "done" {
+		t.Errorf("the hand-act %+v", act)
+	}
+	if !personsDecision(act) {
+		t.Error("an act on a warrant counts as a repair")
+	}
+	if got := r.store[w.Ask]; got.State != string(asks.OutcomeChosen) || got.Acted != "done" {
+		t.Errorf("kept %+v", got)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestAWarrantThatIsNotForItsOwnAskIsRefused(t *testing.T) {
+	for name, change := range map[string]func(*asks.Warrant){
+		"another asker":         func(w *asks.Warrant) { w.Asker = "mesh-delivery" },
+		"an ask not held":       func(w *asks.Warrant) { w.Ask = "c0000000000000000" },
+		"an option not offered": func(w *asks.Warrant) { w.Option = "delete" },
+		"another level":         func(w *asks.Warrant) { w.Level = asks.Acknowledge },
+		"no person":             func(w *asks.Warrant) { w.By = nil },
+		"another ask's digest":  func(w *asks.Warrant) { w.AskDigest = "sha256:0000" },
+		"no ask's digest":       func(w *asks.Warrant) { w.AskDigest = "" },
+	} {
+		t.Run(name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			r := newAskerRig(t)
+			r.open = []conditions.Condition{heldCondition()}
+			_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+			w := r.warrantFor(t, heldCondition().Key, "Stop")
+			change(&w)
+			answerWith(t, r, w)
+			if len(r.called)+len(r.acts)+len(r.silenced) != 0 {
+				t.Errorf("acted on it: %v %v %v", r.called, r.acts, r.silenced)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+func TestEachAnswerCallsExactlyItsVerb(t *testing.T) {
+	plan := "plan-1791454185265004861"
+	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)}
+	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"}}}}
+	for _, tc := range []struct {
+		c     conditions.Condition
+		label string
+		want  string
+	}{
+		{waiting, "Start", `mesh-controller.plans@ {"cause":"operator-answer","go":"` + plan + `","why":"`},
+		{waiting, "Stop", `mesh-controller.plans@ {"cause":"operator-answer","stop":"` + plan + `","why":"`},
+		{module, "Restart", `node-service-manager.restart@g14 {"scope":"user","unit":"openrazer-daemon.service"}`},
+	} {
+		r := newAskerRig(t)
+		r.open = []conditions.Condition{tc.c}
+		_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+		answerWith(t, r, r.warrantFor(t, tc.c.Key, tc.label))
+		if len(r.called) != 1 || !strings.HasPrefix(r.called[0], tc.want) {
+			t.Errorf("%s: called %v, want %s…", tc.label, r.called, tc.want)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+func TestASilenceChosenIsTheControllersOwnAndAnAnswerToAnAsk(t *testing.T) {
+	r := newAskerRig(t)
+	r.open = []conditions.Condition{unitsCondition()}
+	_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+	w := r.warrantFor(t, "machine.shanks.units", "Silence for a week")
+	w.Level, w.Proofs = asks.Acknowledge, nil
+	w.By = &asks.Person{Who: asks.Operator, Kind: "desktop", Identity: "g14",
+		Verified: "a desk click: whoever was at the operator's session on g14"}
+	w.Channel = "desk-channel"
+	answerWith(t, r, w)
+	if len(r.called) != 0 || len(r.silenced) != 1 || !strings.HasPrefix(r.silenced[0], "machine.shanks.units for 168h0m0s by the operator, as desktop identity g14") {
+		t.Fatalf("silenced %v, called %v", r.silenced, r.called)
+	}
+	if len(r.acts) != 1 || r.acts[0].Cause != conditions.CauseOperatorAnswer || len(r.acts[0].Proofs) != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("%+v", r.acts)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestAnAskThatEndedWithoutAChoiceDoesNothing(t *testing.T) {
+	r := newAskerRig(t)
+	r.open = []conditions.Condition{heldCondition()}
+	_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+	w := r.warrantFor(t, heldCondition().Key, "Release")
+	w.Outcome, w.Option, w.Label, w.Level, w.By, w.Words = asks.OutcomeExpired, "", "", "", nil, "nobody answered in time"
+	answerWith(t, r, w)
+	if len(r.called)+len(r.acts) != 0 || r.store[w.Ask].State != string(asks.OutcomeExpired) ||
+		!strings.HasPrefix(r.store[w.Ask].Acted, "nothing") {
+		t.Errorf("called %v acts %v kept %+v", r.called, r.acts, r.store[w.Ask])
+	}
+	// And a choice for a condition that ended meanwhile does nothing either.
+	r2 := newAskerRig(t)
+	r2.open = []conditions.Condition{heldCondition()}
+	_ = r2.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+	w2 := r2.warrantFor(t, heldCondition().Key, "Release")
+	r2.open = nil
+	answerWith(t, r2, w2)
+	if len(r2.called) != 0 || r2.store[w2.Ask].Acted != "nothing: the condition ended before the answer" {
+		t.Errorf("%v %+v", r2.called, r2.store[w2.Ask])
+	}
+}
+
+func TestAWarrantMissedWhileAwayIsReadFromTheRoutersRecord(t *testing.T) {
+	r := newAskerRig(t)
+	r.open = []conditions.Condition{heldCondition()}
+	_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+	w := r.warrantFor(t, heldCondition().Key, "Stop")
+	r.a.routerRecord = func(_ context.Context, id string) (*asks.Warrant, error) {
+		if id != w.Ask {
+			return nil, errors.New("another ask")
+		}
+		return &w, nil
+	}
+	r.now = r.now.Add(askCatchUpAfter)
+	if err := r.a.reconcile(context.Background()); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if len(r.called) != 1 || !strings.HasPrefix(r.called[0], "mesh-delivery.stop@") {
+		t.Errorf("called %v", r.called)
+	}
+	if n := len(r.asksSent(t)); n != 1 {
+		t.Errorf("asked again after the answer: %d", n)
+	}
+}
+
+// After review (2026-10-08): a refused ask is not asked again at once; issue 369: nor is the refusal believed
+// for ever — it is asked again after a wait that doubles with each refusal in a row, and at once when the
+// channels change.
+func TestAnAskTheRouterRefusedIsAskedAgainAfterAGrowingWait(t *testing.T) {
+	r := newAskerRig(t)
+	channels := "channel/telegram=telegram@anchor[choice]own:true"
+	r.a.channels = func(context.Context) string { return channels }
+	r.open = []conditions.Condition{heldCondition()}
+	refuse := func() {
+		t.Helper()
+		sent := r.asksSent(t)
+		refusal, _ := json.Marshal(asks.Warrant{Ask: sent[len(sent)-1].ID, Asker: "mesh-controller",
+			Outcome: asks.OutcomeRefused, Words: "no channel can carry any of its answers now", At: r.now})
+		if err := r.a.Decided(context.Background(), refusal); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+	first := r.asksSent(t)[0]
+	refuse()
+	if got := r.store[first.ID]; got.State != string(asks.OutcomeRefused) || !strings.Contains(got.Acted, "nothing") {
+		t.Fatalf("the refusal was kept as %+v", got)
+	}
+	// Each wait: nothing asked before it ends, asked once when it has.
+	for i, wait := range []time.Duration{time.Minute, 2 * time.Minute, 4 * time.Minute, 8 * time.Minute,
+		16 * time.Minute, 30 * time.Minute, 30 * time.Minute} {
+		before := len(r.asksSent(t))
+		r.now = r.now.Add(wait - 10*time.Second)
+		_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+		if n := len(r.asksSent(t)); n != before {
+			t.Fatalf("refusal %d: asked again before %s", i+1, wait)
+		}
+		r.now = r.now.Add(10 * time.Second)
+		_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+		if n := len(r.asksSent(t)); n != before+1 {
+			t.Fatalf("refusal %d: not asked again after %s (%d asks)", i+1, wait, n)
+		}
+		refuse()
+	}
+	before := len(r.asksSent(t))
+	channels = "channel/telegram=telegram@anchor[choice,verified-sender]own:true"
+	_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+	if n := len(r.asksSent(t)); n != before+1 {
+		t.Errorf("not asked again once the channels changed: %d", n-before)
+	}
+}
+
+// After review: at most three asks open at once, the most urgent first, then the oldest.
+func TestAtMostThreeAsksAreOpenTheMostUrgentFirst(t *testing.T) {
+	r := newAskerRig(t)
+	var open []conditions.Condition
+	for i := 0; i < 4; i++ {
+		c := unitsCondition()
+		c.Key = "machine.m" + string(rune('a'+i)) + ".units"
+		c.Actions = []conditions.Action{conditions.SilenceAction(c.Key)}
+		c.Raised = r.now.Add(-time.Duration(10-i) * time.Hour)
+		open = append(open, c)
+	}
+	urgent := heldCondition()
+	urgent.Severity, urgent.Raised = conditions.Urgent, r.now.Add(-time.Minute)
+	r.open = append(open, urgent)
+	_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+	sent := r.asksSent(t)
+	if len(sent) != askMostOpen || sent[0].About != urgent.Key || sent[1].About != "machine.ma.units" || sent[2].About != "machine.mb.units" {
+		var about []string
+		for _, q := range sent {
+			about = append(about, q.About)
+		}
+		t.Fatalf("asked %v", about)
+	}
+}
+
+// After review: nothing is asked while no router takes asks under the controller's name, and that is said once.
+func TestNothingIsAskedWithoutARouter(t *testing.T) {
+	r := newAskerRig(t)
+	var said []string
+	r.a.logf = func(f string, a ...any) { said = append(said, f) }
+	r.a.routerHere = func(context.Context) (bool, error) { return false, nil }
+	r.open = []conditions.Condition{heldCondition()}
+	_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+	_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+	if len(r.asksSent(t)) != 0 {
+		t.Error("asked with no router")
+	}
+	n := 0
+	for _, s := range said {
+		if strings.Contains(s, "no router takes asks") {
+			n++
+		}
+	}
+	if n != 1 {
+		t.Errorf("said %d times", n)
+	}
+}
+
+// After review: the condition's words keep where an answer is given without a channel; the ask's text does not.
+func TestTheAskDropsWhereItIsAnsweredAndTheConditionKeepsIt(t *testing.T) {
+	c := heldCondition()
+	if !strings.Contains(c.Explanation, FromMeshMCPServer) {
+		t.Fatalf("the condition lost where it is answered: %q", c.Explanation)
+	}
+	q, _ := askOf("x", c, partsOf(c)[0], time.Now())
+	if strings.Contains(q.Explanation, "mesh MCP server") || !strings.HasPrefix(q.Explanation, "Needs you: release it, or stop it.") {
+		t.Errorf("the ask says %q", q.Explanation)
+	}
+	if askApproveFor >= 24*time.Hour {
+		t.Errorf("an approving ask lasts %s, which the SDK may refuse at its bound", askApproveFor)
+	}
+}
+
+// After review (security finding 9): a warrant is acted on only for an ask open in the controller's own record,
+// once the claim stands, and never when given after the ask expired.
+func TestAWarrantIsActedOnlyForAnOpenAskItClaimsBeforeItExpired(t *testing.T) {
+	r := newAskerRig(t)
+	r.open = []conditions.Condition{heldCondition()}
+	_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+	w := r.warrantFor(t, heldCondition().Key, "Release")
+	late := w
+	late.At = r.store[w.Ask].Ask.Expires.Add(time.Minute)
+	body, _ := json.Marshal(late)
+	_ = r.a.Decided(context.Background(), body)
+	if len(r.called) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("acted on a warrant given after the ask expired: %v", r.called)
+	}
+	// Claimed already by another delivery: nothing done here.
+	kept := r.store[w.Ask]
+	kept.Acted = "acting"
+	r.store[w.Ask] = kept
+	body, _ = json.Marshal(w)
+	_ = r.a.Decided(context.Background(), body)
+	if len(r.called) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("acted though the claim was another's: %v", r.called)
+	}
+	// Cancelled in its own record: refused.
+	kept.Acted, kept.State = "", askCancelled
+	r.store[w.Ask] = kept
+	_ = r.a.Decided(context.Background(), body)
+	if len(r.called) != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("acted on a cancelled ask: %v", r.called)
+	}
+}
+
+// novox/hq ADR 0259 §6: a warrant authorises the act its option bound when the controller asked, and no
+// other. A record of the act changed after the ask — another delivery, another machine, another argument —
+// is refused and nothing is performed.
+func TestAWarrantPerformsOnlyTheActItsOptionBound(t *testing.T) {
+	for name, change := range map[string]func(*conditions.Action){
+		"another argument": func(a *conditions.Action) {
+			a.Arguments = map[string]string{"id": "novox/mesh-controller@000000000000"}
+		},
+		"another verb":    func(a *conditions.Action) { a.Verb = "mesh-delivery.stop" },
+		"another machine": func(a *conditions.Action) { a.Machine = "anchor" },
+	} {
+		t.Run(name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			r := newAskerRig(t)
+			r.open = []conditions.Condition{heldCondition()}
+			_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+			w := r.warrantFor(t, heldCondition().Key, "Release")
+			kept := r.store[w.Ask]
+			acts := append([]conditions.Action(nil), kept.Actions...)
+			i := kept.Options[w.Option]
+			change(&acts[i])
+			kept.Actions = acts
+			r.store[w.Ask] = kept
+			answerWith(t, r, w)
+			if len(r.called)+len(r.acts) != 0 {
+				t.Errorf("performed an act the option did not bind: %v %v", r.called, r.acts)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+	// Every option of an ask binds its act.
+	q, _ := askOf("x", heldCondition(), partsOf(heldCondition())[0], time.Now())
+	for _, o := range q.Options {
+		if o.Binds == "" {
+			t.Errorf("the option %s binds nothing", o.ID)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// Failure is loud (novox/hq ADR 0259, the self-review of 2026-10-09): a condition that needs the operator and
+// could not be asked on any channel — no router, or the router refused the ask — is a condition of its own,
+// cleared once it can be asked again.
+func TestAnAskThatCannotBeDeliveredIsSaid(t *testing.T) {
+	r := newAskerRig(t)
+	var raised [][]conditions.Observation
+	r.a.raise = func(_ context.Context, obs []conditions.Observation) error {
+		raised = append(raised, obs)
+		return nil
+	}
+	last := func() []conditions.Observation { return raised[len(raised)-1] }
+	routerHere := false
+	r.a.routerHere = func(context.Context) (bool, error) { return routerHere, nil }
+	channels := "channel/telegram=telegram@anchor[choice]own:true"
+	r.a.channels = func(context.Context) string { return channels }
+	r.open = []conditions.Condition{heldCondition()}
+
+	_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+	if got := last(); len(got) != 1 || got[0].Kind != "asks-undelivered" ||
+		!strings.Contains(got[0].Summary, heldCondition().Key) || !strings.Contains(got[0].Summary, "no router") {
+		t.Fatalf("no router, said as %+v", got)
+	}
+
+	routerHere = true
+	_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+	if got := last(); len(got) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("asked, and still said undelivered: %+v", got)
+	}
+	first := r.asksSent(t)[0]
+	refusal, _ := json.Marshal(asks.Warrant{Ask: first.ID, Asker: "mesh-controller", Outcome: asks.OutcomeRefused,
+		Words: "no channel can carry any of its answers now", At: r.now})
+	if err := r.a.Decided(context.Background(), refusal); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+	if got := last(); len(got) != 1 || !strings.Contains(got[0].Summary, "no channel can carry") {
+		t.Fatalf("the router's refusal, said as %+v", got)
+	}
+	if why, ok := conditions.PlainWords(conditions.Words{Headline: last()[0].Headline, Explanation: last()[0].Explanation,
+		Needs: last()[0].Needs, Resolved: last()[0].Resolved}, ""); !ok {
+		t.Errorf("not plain: %s", why)
+	}
+	r.open = nil
+	_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+	if got := last(); len(got) != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("nothing needs asking, and still said: %+v", got)
+	}
+}
+
+// The review of 2026-10-09 (M1): an acknowledging answer never shares an ask with an authorising one. A
+// condition offering Restart and Silence is asked twice — Restart alone, about the condition, and Silence
+// alone, apart — so Silence chosen on a channel that only acknowledges leaves the Restart ask open.
+func TestAnAcknowledgementNeverSharesAnAskWithAnApproval(t *testing.T) {
+	r := newAskerRig(t)
+	key := "module.shanks.plex.down"
+	c := conditions.Condition{Key: key, Kind: "module-down", Severity: conditions.Urgent, Headline: "Plex down on shanks",
+		Explanation: "Needs you: restart it, or silence this.", Needs: "restart it, or silence this.",
+		Actions: []conditions.Action{
+			{Label: "Restart", Verb: "node-service-manager.restart", Machine: "shanks", Level: conditions.LevelApprove,
+				Arguments: map[string]string{"unit": "plex"}},
+			conditions.SilenceAction(key)}}
+	r.open = []conditions.Condition{c}
+	if err := r.a.reconcile(context.Background()); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	sent := r.asksSent(t)
+	if len(sent) != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("asked %d time(s): %+v", len(sent), sent)
+	}
+	for _, q := range sent {
+		if err := q.Check(r.now); err != nil {
+			t.Errorf("%s: %v", q.About, err)
+		}
+		levels := map[asks.Level]bool{}
+		for _, o := range q.Options {
+			levels[o.Level] = true
+		}
+		if len(levels) != 1 {
+			t.Errorf("the ask about %s mixes levels: %+v", q.About, q.Options)
+		}
+	}
+	byAbout := map[string]asks.Ask{}
+	for _, q := range sent {
+		byAbout[q.About] = q
+	}
+	if q := byAbout[key]; len(q.Options) != 1 || q.Options[0].Label != "Restart" {
+		t.Errorf("the condition's own ask: %+v", q)
+	}
+	if q := byAbout[key+".acknowledge"]; len(q.Options) != 1 || q.Options[0].Level != asks.Acknowledge {
+		t.Errorf("the acknowledging ask: %+v", q)
+	}
+	// Silence chosen: performed, and the Restart ask stays open, never asked twice.
+	answerWith(t, r, r.warrantFor(t, key, "Silence for a week"))
+	if len(r.silenced) != 1 || len(r.called) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("silenced %v called %v", r.silenced, r.called)
+	}
+	_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+	open := 0
+	for _, a := range r.store {
+		if a.State == askOpen && a.Condition == key {
+			open++
+			if a.Part != "" || a.Ask.Options[0].Label != "Restart" {
+				t.Errorf("the open ask is %+v", a)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	if open != 1 || len(r.asksSent(t)) != 2 {
+		t.Errorf("after the silence: %d open, %d asked", open, len(r.asksSent(t)))
+	}
+	// And the approval still answers: Restart chosen on a channel that proves who answered is performed.
+	answerWith(t, r, r.warrantFor(t, key, "Restart"))
+	if len(r.called) != 1 || !strings.HasPrefix(r.called[0], "node-service-manager.restart@shanks") {
+		t.Errorf("the approval kept through a silence was not performed: %v", r.called)
+	}
+}
+
+// novox/hq issue 353: the controller's grant to ask is composed from the router's assignment and reaches the
+// bus only when its machine is pushed. Between the two, the bus refuses every ask (measured 2026-10-09, 17:54 to
+// 17:56 local: seven refusals of mesh.seat.operator-channel.accept.ask.mesh-controller). So nothing is asked
+// while the bus's user list is behind, it is said once, the conditions that need the operator are raised as
+// undelivered with what to do, and the asks go out once the bus holds the grant.
+func TestNothingIsAskedWhileTheBusLacksTheControllersGrant(t *testing.T) {
+	r := newAskerRig(t)
+	var said []string
+	r.a.logf = func(f string, a ...any) { said = append(said, fmt.Sprintf(f, a...)) }
+	var raised [][]conditions.Observation
+	r.a.raise = func(_ context.Context, obs []conditions.Observation) error {
+		raised = append(raised, obs)
+		return nil
+	}
+	held := false
+	r.a.grantHeld = func(context.Context) (bool, string, error) {
+		return held, "the bus's user list on anchor is behind what the mesh composes; `push anchor` carries it", nil
+	}
+	r.open = []conditions.Condition{heldCondition()}
+	_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+	_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+	if len(r.asksSent(t)) != 0 {
+		t.Error("asked while the bus lacks the grant")
+	}
+	n := 0
+	for _, s := range said {
+		if strings.Contains(s, "does not hold the controller's grant") {
+			n++
+		}
+	}
+	if n != 1 {
+		t.Errorf("said %d times: %q", n, said)
+	}
+	if len(raised) == 0 || len(raised[len(raised)-1]) != 1 ||
+		!strings.Contains(raised[len(raised)-1][0].Summary, "`push anchor` carries it") ||
+		raised[len(raised)-1][0].Kind != "asks-undelivered" {
+		t.Fatalf("not said as a condition with what to do: %+v", raised)
+	}
+	held = true
+	_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+	if sent := r.asksSent(t); len(sent) != 1 || sent[0].About != heldCondition().Key {
+		t.Errorf("not asked once the bus holds the grant: %+v", sent)
+	}
+	if last := raised[len(raised)-1]; len(last) != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("the undelivered condition was not cleared: %+v", last)
+	}
+}
+
+// novox/hq issue 369: the router refused while its channels had not yet said they could send; they could twenty
+// minutes later, and "Questions for you not delivered" repeated that refusal for eleven hours, escalating on it.
+// The ask is made again; while the router's word on it is awaited the condition stands unchanged (neither
+// cleared nor raised again); once the router took it, the condition clears; a new refusal is said in its own
+// words.
+func TestARefusalIsAskedAgainAndTheUndeliveredConditionClearsOnceTaken(t *testing.T) {
+	r := newAskerRig(t)
+	var raised [][]conditions.Observation
+	r.a.raise = func(_ context.Context, obs []conditions.Observation) error {
+		raised = append(raised, obs)
+		return nil
+	}
+	last := func() []conditions.Observation { return raised[len(raised)-1] }
+	r.a.channels = func(context.Context) string { return "channel/telegram=telegram@anchor[choice]own:true" }
+	r.open = []conditions.Condition{unitsCondition()}
+	refuse := func(words string) {
+		t.Helper()
+		sent := r.asksSent(t)
+		refusal, _ := json.Marshal(asks.Warrant{Ask: sent[len(sent)-1].ID, Asker: "mesh-controller",
+			Outcome: asks.OutcomeRefused, Words: words, At: r.now})
+		if err := r.a.Decided(context.Background(), refusal); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+	refuse("no channel can carry any of its answers now: telegram: telegram has not said whether it can send")
+	_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+	if got := last(); len(got) != 1 || !strings.Contains(got[0].Summary, "telegram has not said") {
+		t.Fatalf("the refusal, said as %+v", got)
+	}
+	// The wait ends: asked again; until the router's word on it is in, the condition stands as it was.
+	r.now = r.now.Add(askEvery)
+	_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+	if n := len(r.asksSent(t)); n != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("not asked again: %d asks", n)
+	}
+	if got := last(); len(got) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("cleared while the router's word on the new ask was awaited: the condition would flap")
+	}
+	r.now = r.now.Add(askVerdictWait / 2)
+	_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+	if got := last(); len(got) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("cleared inside the verdict wait: the condition would flap")
+	}
+	// Refused again, now for a reason of today: said in those words.
+	refuse("no channel can carry any of its answers now: telegram: no account is linked")
+	_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+	if got := last(); len(got) != 1 || !strings.Contains(got[0].Summary, "no account is linked") ||
+		strings.Contains(got[0].Summary, "has not said") {
+		t.Fatalf("an old refusal's words repeated: %+v", got)
+	}
+	// Asked again after the doubled wait, and taken: no refusal comes, and the condition clears.
+	r.now = r.now.Add(2 * askEvery)
+	_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+	if n := len(r.asksSent(t)); n != 3 {
+		t.Fatalf("not asked again after the doubled wait: %d asks", n)
+	}
+	r.now = r.now.Add(askVerdictWait)
+	_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+	if got := last(); len(got) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("taken, and still said undelivered: %+v", got)
+	}
+	if n := len(r.asksSent(t)); n != 3 {
+		t.Fatalf("an ask taken was asked again: %d asks", n)
+	}
+	// The operator answers it; the condition stays open (its fix takes a while): the old refusal is not said again.
+	taken := r.asksSent(t)[2]
+	r.store.Change(context.Background(), taken.ID, func(x *asked) bool {
+		x.State, x.Ended = string(asks.OutcomeChosen), r.now
+		return true
+	})
+	for i := 0; i < 5; i++ {
+		r.now = r.now.Add(askEvery)
+		_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+		if got := last(); len(got) != 0 {
+			t.Fatalf("an answered ask brought its old refusal back: %+v", got)
+		}
+	}
+	// Its explanation opens with one verdict, not two.
+	r.open = append(r.open, heldCondition())
+	_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+	refuse("no channel can carry any of its answers now")
+	_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+	if e := conditions.Verdict(last()[0].Needs, last()[0].Explanation); strings.Count(e, "Needs you") != 1 {
+		t.Errorf("the explanation says its verdict twice: %q", e)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/asker_wire.go

@@ -0,0 +1,339 @@
+package main
+
+// The asker on the bus: its asks in the controller's bucket `asked`, its asks and cancels published on the
+// seat under the controller's name, the verbs a warrant chooses called with the controller's grant, and the
+// router's record of its asks read under its name (novox/hq ADR 0259).
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"sort"
+	"strings"
+	"sync"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go/jetstream"
+
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/asks"
+
+	"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"
+)
+
+// askerFrom is the serving controller's asker; nil in any other process.
+var askerFrom *asker
+
+// askWithin is how long a verb a warrant chose is given to answer.
+const askWithin = time.Minute
+
+type busAsked struct{ conn *nats.Conn }
+
+func (b busAsked) kv(ctx context.Context) (jetstream.KeyValue, error) {
+	js, err := jetstream.New(b.conn)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return js.KeyValue(ctx, broker.AskedBucket)
+}
+
+func (b busAsked) Get(ctx context.Context, id string) (*asked, error) {
+	kv, err := b.kv(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	e, err := kv.Get(ctx, id)
+	if errors.Is(err, jetstream.ErrKeyNotFound) {
+		return nil, nil
+	}
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	var r asked
+	return &r, json.Unmarshal(e.Value(), &r)
+}
+
+// Create keeps a new ask under its id, and only where none is kept: never over another.
+func (b busAsked) Create(ctx context.Context, r asked) error {
+	kv, err := b.kv(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	body, err := json.Marshal(r)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	_, err = kv.Create(ctx, r.ID, body)
+	return err
+}
+
+// Change applies change to the ask kept under id by compare-and-set on its key's revision (the review of
+// 2026-10-09, L2): read, changed, and written only over the revision read; when another write came between,
+// read again and asked again, at most askChangeTries times. change says whether to write at all.
+func (b busAsked) Change(ctx context.Context, id string, change func(*asked) bool) (bool, error) {
+	kv, err := b.kv(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return false, err
+	}
+	for try := 0; try < askChangeTries; try++ {
+		e, err := kv.Get(ctx, id)
+		if errors.Is(err, jetstream.ErrKeyNotFound) {
+			return false, nil
+		}
+		if err != nil {
+			return false, err
+		}
+		var r asked
+		if err := json.Unmarshal(e.Value(), &r); err != nil {
+			return false, err
+		}
+		if !change(&r) {
+			return false, nil
+		}
+		body, err := json.Marshal(r)
+		if err != nil {
+			return false, err
+		}
+		if _, err := kv.Update(ctx, id, body, e.Revision()); err != nil {
+			var api *jetstream.APIError
+			if errors.Is(err, jetstream.ErrKeyExists) || (errors.As(err, &api) && api.ErrorCode == jetstream.JSErrCodeStreamWrongLastSequence) {
+				continue
+			}
+			return false, err
+		}
+		return true, nil
+	}
+	return false, fmt.Errorf("the ask %s changed under every one of %d tries", id, askChangeTries)
+}
+
+func (b busAsked) All(ctx context.Context) ([]asked, error) {
+	kv, err := b.kv(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	lister, err := kv.ListKeys(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	defer func() { _ = lister.Stop() }()
+	var out []asked
+	for k := range lister.Keys() {
+		e, err := kv.Get(ctx, k)
+		if err != nil {
+			continue
+		}
+		var r asked
+		if json.Unmarshal(e.Value(), &r) == nil {
+			out = append(out, r)
+		}
+	}
+	return out, nil
+}
+
+// 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 {
+		seat, verb, ok := strings.Cut(a.Verb, ".")
+		if !ok {
+			return fmt.Errorf("%q names no seat and verb", a.Verb)
+		}
+		body := map[string]any{}
+		for k, v := range args {
+			body[k] = v
+		}
+		if seat == catalogue.DeliverySeat {
+			_, err := askDeliveryOwner(ctx, conn, verb, body)
+			return err
+		}
+		granted := false
+		for _, v := range broker.VerbsTheControllerActsOnAWarrant {
+			granted = granted || (v.Seat == seat && v.Verb == verb)
+		}
+		if !granted {
+			return fmt.Errorf("%s: %w", a.Verb, errNotGranted)
+		}
+		var answer link.Answer
+		var err error
+		if a.Machine != "" {
+			answer, err = link.AskSeatTool(ctx, conn, seat, verb, a.Machine, body, askWithin)
+		} else {
+			answer, err = link.AskMeshSeatTool(ctx, conn, seat, verb, body, askWithin)
+		}
+		if err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+		if answer.Error != "" {
+			return fmt.Errorf("%s refused: %s", a.Verb, answer.Error)
+		}
+		return nil
+	}
+}
+
+// routerRecordOf reads the router's record of one of the controller's asks, under its name, and answers
+// how it ended when it did: the bucket is the one the asks seat's declarer names as its records.
+func routerRecordOf(conn *nats.Conn, inv *inventory.Inventory) func(ctx context.Context, id string) (*asks.Warrant, error) {
+	return func(ctx context.Context, id string) (*asks.Warrant, error) {
+		bucket, err := asksRecords(ctx, inv)
+		if err != nil || bucket == "" {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		reply, err := conn.RequestWithContext(ctx, "$JS.API.DIRECT.GET.KV_"+bucket+".$KV."+bucket+"."+askerName+"."+id, nil)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		if reply.Header.Get("Status") != "" {
+			return nil, nil // none, or not readable: the event says it
+		}
+		var rec struct {
+			State   string        `json:"state"`
+			Warrant *asks.Warrant `json:"warrant"`
+		}
+		if json.Unmarshal(reply.Data, &rec) != nil || rec.State == "open" || rec.Warrant == nil {
+			return nil, nil
+		}
+		return rec.Warrant, nil
+	}
+}
+
+// asksRecords is the bucket the asks seat's declarer keeps its record of asks in.
+func asksRecords(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory) (string, error) {
+	declared, err := inv.Catalogue(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", err
+	}
+	for _, m := range declared {
+		for _, s := range m.DefinesSeats {
+			if s.Name == broker.AsksSeat && len(s.Records) > 0 {
+				return broker.BucketName(m.Module, s.Records[0]), nil
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return "", nil
+}
+
+// routerHereIn says whether a module declaring the asks seat, with its ask named by its caller, is assigned:
+// without it nothing takes an ask, and asking would only fill a queue nobody reads.
+func routerHereIn(inv *inventory.Inventory) func(ctx context.Context) (bool, error) {
+	return func(ctx context.Context) (bool, error) {
+		entries, err := inv.Catalogued(ctx)
+		if err != nil {
+			return false, err
+		}
+		for _, e := range entries {
+			for _, s := range e.Manifest.DefinesSeats {
+				if s.Name == broker.AsksSeat && s.NamedByCaller("ask") && len(e.On) > 0 {
+					return true, nil
+				}
+			}
+		}
+		return false, nil
+	}
+}
+
+// grantHeldIn says whether the bus holds the controller's grant to ask (novox/hq issue 353): the user list the
+// machine holding the bus was last sent is the one the mesh composes now (brokerBehind, the same judgement a
+// push makes to send that machine first). While it is behind, the controller's ask is refused by the bus,
+// whatever the record says of the router, so nothing is asked and the operator is told to push that machine.
+// Judged at most every grantLookEvery: composing the list resolves the bus's machine whole.
+func grantHeldIn(open *stores) func(ctx context.Context) (bool, string, error) {
+	var mu sync.Mutex
+	var at time.Time
+	var held bool
+	var why string
+	return func(ctx context.Context) (bool, string, error) {
+		mu.Lock()
+		defer mu.Unlock()
+		if !at.IsZero() && time.Since(at) < grantLookEvery {
+			return held, why, nil
+		}
+		machine, behind, err := brokerBehind(ctx, open, nil)
+		if err != nil {
+			return false, "", err
+		}
+		at, held, why = time.Now(), !behind, ""
+		if behind {
+			why = fmt.Sprintf("the bus's user list on %s is behind what the mesh composes, so the bus has not been "+
+				"given the controller's grant to ask; `push %s` carries it", machine, machine)
+		}
+		return held, why, nil
+	}
+}
+
+// grantLookEvery is how often the bus's user list is judged against the one its machine was last sent.
+const grantLookEvery = 30 * time.Second
+
+// channelsIn is what the channels are now, as a fingerprint: each module claiming a kind of the channel
+// bench, where, promising what, and whether of its own account. An ask the router refused is asked again
+// once this changes.
+func channelsIn(inv *inventory.Inventory) func(ctx context.Context) string {
+	return func(ctx context.Context) string {
+		entries, err := inv.Catalogued(ctx)
+		if err != nil {
+			return ""
+		}
+		var parts []string
+		for _, e := range entries {
+			for _, c := range e.Manifest.Claims {
+				if c.Kind == "" || !catalogue.KindedBenches[c.Name] {
+					continue
+				}
+				on := append([]string(nil), e.On...)
+				sort.Strings(on)
+				caps := append([]string(nil), c.Capabilities...)
+				sort.Strings(caps)
+				parts = append(parts, fmt.Sprintf("%s/%s=%s@%s[%s]own:%t", c.Name, c.Kind, e.Manifest.Module,
+					strings.Join(on, ","), strings.Join(caps, ","), e.Manifest.RunsAs != ""))
+			}
+		}
+		sort.Strings(parts)
+		return strings.Join(parts, ";")
+	}
+}
+
+// startAsking makes the serving controller's asker and hands it the router's words.
+func startAsking(ctx context.Context, open *stores, server *link.Server, conn *nats.Conn, keeper *conditions.Keeper) {
+	js, err := jetstream.New(conn)
+	if err != nil {
+		fmt.Printf("the operator cannot be asked: %v\n", err)
+		return
+	}
+	a := &asker{
+		open: keeper.Open,
+		silence: func(ctx context.Context, key string, d time.Duration, by, why string) error {
+			_, err := keeper.Silence(ctx, key, d, by, why)
+			return err
+		},
+		store: busAsked{conn: conn},
+		publish: func(ctx context.Context, subject string, body []byte, id string) error {
+			_, err := js.Publish(ctx, subject, body, jetstream.WithMsgID(id))
+			return err
+		},
+		call: callAction(conn),
+		// A proposed settings layer is set by this controller itself on the warrant (novox/hq ADR 0277).
+		setLayer: setLayerIn(open),
+		record: func(ctx context.Context, act link.HandAct) error {
+			_, err := link.RecordHandAct(ctx, conn, act)
+			return err
+		},
+		routerRecord: routerRecordOf(conn, open.inventory),
+		routerHere:   routerHereIn(open.inventory),
+		grantHeld:    grantHeldIn(open),
+		channels:     channelsIn(open.inventory),
+		raise: func(ctx context.Context, obs []conditions.Observation) error {
+			return keeper.Reconcile(ctx, sourceAsker, obs)
+		},
+		now:  time.Now,
+		logf: func(format string, args ...any) { fmt.Printf(format+"\n", args...) },
+	}
+	if err := server.Decides(a); err != nil {
+		fmt.Printf("the operator's answers cannot be heard, so nothing is asked: %v\n", err)
+		return
+	}
+	askerFrom = a
+	go a.keep(ctx)
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/batches_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,902 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"bytes"
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"io"
+	"os"
+	"slices"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// The suite's tests of a merge, but for the merge window's own (this file's), plan the merge as it is heard: a
+// window of nothing closes at once, so a merge with no walk open is cut into its walk at once, as every merge
+// was planned before novox/hq ADR 0276. The window's tests set it through the controller's settings.
+func init() { mergeWindowDefault = 0 }
+
+// windowed is a mesh whose controller's settings give a merge window of 90 seconds and at most 10 minutes, as its
+// settings file says them, and
+// modules built from the catalogue (app, notes) and from three repositories of their own.
+func windowed(t *testing.T) *stores {
+	t.Helper()
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	settings := t.TempDir() + "/merge-window.json"
+	if err := os.WriteFile(settings, []byte(`{"merge-window": "90s", "merge-window-at-most": "10m"}`), 0o600); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	t.Setenv(mergeWindowFileVar, settings)
+	if err := inv.RegisterModule(ctx, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "mesh-controller", Version: "1"},
+		inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/mesh-controller", Seat: "git", Ref: "main", BuiltFrom: "c0",
+			Head: "c0"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	for _, m := range []struct{ module, repository, path string }{
+		{"app", "novox/mesh-catalog", "modules/app"},
+		{"notes", "novox/mesh-catalog", "modules/notes"},
+		{"one", "novox/one", ""},
+		{"two", "novox/two", ""},
+		{"three", "novox/three", ""},
+	} {
+		if err := inv.RegisterModule(ctx, catalogue.Manifest{Module: m.module, Version: "1"},
+			inventory.Source{Repository: m.repository, Seat: "git", Path: m.path, Ref: "main", BuiltFrom: "c0",
+				Head: "c0"}); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	return open
+}
+
+// t0 is the moment a test's clock starts: merges are dated by it, and heard after it.
+var t0 = time.Now().UTC().Truncate(time.Second)
+
+// catalogueMerge is a merge of the catalogue changing one module's directory, made at a moment.
+func catalogueMerge(commit, module string, made time.Time) link.SourceMoved {
+	return link.SourceMoved{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-catalog", Base: "main", Commit: commit,
+		MergedAt: made.Format(time.RFC3339Nano), Paths: []string{"modules/" + module + "/module.json"},
+		ModuleDirs: []string{"modules/" + module}, ModuleDirsSaid: true}
+}
+
+// repoMerge is a merge of a repository of one module's own.
+func repoMerge(repo, commit string, made time.Time) link.SourceMoved {
+	return link.SourceMoved{Owner: "novox", Repo: repo, Base: "main", Commit: commit,
+		MergedAt: made.Format(time.RFC3339Nano), Paths: []string{"main.go"}}
+}
+
+// hear is a merge heard at a moment.
+func hear(t *testing.T, open *stores, m link.SourceMoved, now time.Time) {
+	t.Helper()
+	if err := (following{open: open}).hearMerge(t.Context(), m, now); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+}
+
+// cutAt is the cutter looking at a moment.
+func cutAt(t *testing.T, open *stores, now time.Time) {
+	t.Helper()
+	if err := cutBatchesHeld(t.Context(), open, now); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+}
+
+// walks is every plan record that is a walk, newest first, and the batches not yet cut.
+func walks(t *testing.T, open *stores) (walks, batches []inventory.Plan) {
+	t.Helper()
+	recent, err := open.inventory.RecentPlans(t.Context(), 50)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	for _, p := range recent {
+		if p.Batch() {
+			batches = append(batches, p)
+		} else {
+			walks = append(walks, p)
+		}
+	}
+	return walks, batches
+}
+
+// The replay of issue 362: two catalogue merges 18 seconds apart are one batch, cut once into one walk at the
+// later commit, which names both merges — the earlier carried by the later.
+func TestTwoMergesSecondsApartAreOneWalkAtTheLaterCommit(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	asked := asksWithPaths(t)
+	claude := catalogueMerge("553b7191claude", "app", t0)
+	dunst := catalogueMerge("48bda475dunst", "notes", t0.Add(17*time.Second))
+	hear(t, open, claude, t0.Add(time.Second))
+	hear(t, open, dunst, t0.Add(18*time.Second))
+	if ws, bs := walks(t, open); len(ws) != 0 || len(bs) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("within the window: %d walk(s), %d batch(es)", len(ws), len(bs))
+	}
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(18*time.Second+89*time.Second))
+	if ws, _ := walks(t, open); len(ws) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("cut before the window closed: %+v", ws)
+	}
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(18*time.Second+90*time.Second))
+	ws, bs := walks(t, open)
+	if len(ws) != 1 || len(bs) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("after the window: %d walk(s), %d batch(es)", len(ws), len(bs))
+	}
+	w := ws[0]
+	if w.Commit != dunst.Commit || len(w.Commits) != 1 || w.Commits[0].Commit != dunst.Commit {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk is at %s %+v, not the later commit", w.Commit, w.Commits)
+	}
+	for _, m := range []string{"app", "notes"} {
+		if _, in := w.Modules[m]; !in {
+			t.Fatalf("the walk does not build %s, which one of its merges moved: %v", m, w.Modules)
+		}
+	}
+	want := []inventory.PlanMerge{{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Commit: claude.Commit, Carried: dunst.Commit},
+		{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Commit: dunst.Commit}}
+	if w.Delivery == nil || !slices.EqualFunc(w.Delivery.Merges, want, sameMerge) {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk answers %+v, want %+v", w.Delivery, want)
+	}
+	if len(*asked) != 2 || (*asked)[0][2] != "main" || (*asked)[1][2] != "main" {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk did not ask its modules at the branch, which holds the commit it carries: %v", *asked)
+	}
+	// Heard again, as the bus may hand it over twice: never a second merge, nor a second walk.
+	hear(t, open, claude, t0.Add(5*time.Minute))
+	if ws, bs := walks(t, open); len(ws) != 1 || len(bs) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a merge heard twice made %d walk(s) and %d batch(es)", len(ws), len(bs))
+	}
+}
+
+// Merges of three repositories in one window are one walk, one commit for each.
+func TestThreeRepositoriesInOneWindowAreOneWalk(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	asksRecorded(t)
+	for i, r := range []string{"one", "two", "three"} {
+		hear(t, open, repoMerge(r, "c-"+r, t0.Add(time.Duration(i)*20*time.Second)),
+			t0.Add(time.Duration(i)*20*time.Second+time.Second))
+	}
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(41*time.Second+90*time.Second))
+	ws, bs := walks(t, open)
+	if len(ws) != 1 || len(bs) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("%d walk(s), %d batch(es)", len(ws), len(bs))
+	}
+	w := ws[0]
+	if len(w.Commits) != 3 || len(w.Delivery.Merges) != 3 {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk carries %+v and answers %+v", w.Commits, w.Delivery.Merges)
+	}
+	for _, r := range []string{"one", "two", "three"} {
+		if w.CommitOf("novox/"+r) != "c-"+r {
+			t.Fatalf("the walk carries %s at %q", r, w.CommitOf("novox/"+r))
+		}
+		if _, in := w.Modules[r]; !in {
+			t.Fatalf("the walk does not build %s: %v", r, w.Modules)
+		}
+	}
+	// Each module's ask is recorded at its own repository's commit.
+	for _, r := range []string{"one", "two", "three"} {
+		q, found, err := open.inventory.BuildRequestByID(t.Context(), w.Modules[r].Build)
+		if err != nil || !found || q.Commit != "c-"+r {
+			t.Fatalf("%s's build was not recorded at its own commit: %+v %v %v", r, q, found, err)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// Each merge restarts the window: a merge at second 80 keeps the batch open until second 170; the window
+// closes at most ten minutes after its first merge however busy.
+func TestAMergeRestartsTheWindowAndTheMaximumClosesIt(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	asksWithPaths(t)
+	hear(t, open, repoMerge("one", "c1", t0), t0)
+	hear(t, open, repoMerge("two", "c2", t0.Add(80*time.Second)), t0.Add(80*time.Second))
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(100*time.Second))
+	if ws, _ := walks(t, open); len(ws) != 0 {
+		t.Fatal("the window closed 90 seconds after its first merge, not after its last")
+	}
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(170*time.Second))
+	if ws, _ := walks(t, open); len(ws) != 1 || len(ws[0].Commits) != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("the window did not close 90 seconds after its last merge: %+v", ws)
+	}
+
+	busy := windowed(t)
+	asksWithPaths(t)
+	var last time.Time
+	for i := 0; i < 12; i++ {
+		last = t0.Add(time.Duration(i) * time.Minute)
+		repo := []string{"one", "two", "three"}[i%3]
+		hear(t, busy, repoMerge(repo, "c"+string(rune('a'+i)), last), last)
+		if ws, _ := walks(t, busy); len(ws) > 0 {
+			if i != 10 {
+				t.Fatalf("a busy window closed at merge %d (minute %d), not at its maximum", i, i)
+			}
+			break
+		}
+	}
+	ws, _ := walks(t, busy)
+	if len(ws) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("ten minutes of merges a minute apart were never cut: %d walk(s)", len(ws))
+	}
+}
+
+// `plans` lists the batch being assembled first, in the operator's words: how long is left, when at the latest,
+// what is grouped, and that the plan is not yet calculated. It says so on the bus as plan-moved, too.
+func TestTheAssemblingBatchIsShown(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	asksWithPaths(t)
+	var said []inventory.Plan
+	was := inventory.PlanSaved
+	inventory.PlanSaved = func(p inventory.Plan) { said = append(said, p) }
+	t.Cleanup(func() { inventory.PlanSaved = was })
+	now := time.Now().UTC()
+	claude := catalogueMerge("553b7191claude", "app", now.Add(-20*time.Second))
+	claude.Number, claude.Title = 174, "claude-code: an agent proposes a section"
+	dunst := catalogueMerge("48bda475dunst", "notes", now.Add(-2*time.Second))
+	dunst.Number, dunst.Title = 175, "dunst: the font the operator chose"
+	hear(t, open, claude, now.Add(-19*time.Second))
+	hear(t, open, dunst, now.Add(-time.Second))
+	hear(t, open, repoMerge("one", "a6bc0931one", now), now)
+	out := captured(t, func() error { return plansCommand(t.Context(), nil) })
+	lines := strings.Split(out, "\n")
+	first := lines[0]
+	for _, want := range []string{"assembling: ", " s left (at the latest ", "grouped: novox/mesh-catalog@48bda475 " +
+		"(answers 553b7191), novox/one@a6bc0931; plan not yet calculated"} {
+		if !strings.Contains(first, want) {
+			t.Fatalf("plans' first line %q does not say %q", first, want)
+		}
+	}
+	// Under it, one line per repository: the pull request, what it answers, what it moves.
+	if len(lines) < 3 || strings.TrimSpace(lines[1]) != "mesh-catalog #175 dunst: the font the operator chose (answers "+
+		"#174 claude-code: an agent proposes a section) · app, notes" ||
+		strings.TrimSpace(lines[2]) != "one a6bc0931 · one" {
+		t.Fatalf("the grouped list reads %q", lines[1:4])
+	}
+	if len(said) == 0 || said[len(said)-1].State != inventory.PlanAssembling || said[len(said)-1].Delivery.Batch == nil ||
+		len(said[len(said)-1].Delivery.Merges) != 3 {
+		t.Fatalf("the batch was not said as assembling with its merges: %+v", said)
+	}
+}
+
+// captured is what a command printed.
+func captured(t *testing.T, run func() error) string {
+	t.Helper()
+	r, w, err := os.Pipe()
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	was := os.Stdout
+	os.Stdout = w
+	runErr := run()
+	os.Stdout = was
+	_ = w.Close()
+	var b bytes.Buffer
+	_, _ = io.Copy(&b, r)
+	if runErr != nil {
+		t.Fatal(runErr)
+	}
+	return b.String()
+}
+
+// One walk at a time: a merge heard while a walk runs joins the next batch, which is cut when the walk ends;
+// the walk that started is never superseded.
+func TestAMergeDuringAWalkJoinsTheNextBatch(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	asksWithPaths(t)
+	hear(t, open, repoMerge("one", "c1", t0), t0)
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(90*time.Second))
+	ws, _ := walks(t, open)
+	if len(ws) != 1 || !ws[0].Open() {
+		t.Fatalf("the first batch was not cut: %+v", ws)
+	}
+	first := ws[0]
+	hear(t, open, repoMerge("two", "c2", t0.Add(2*time.Minute)), t0.Add(2*time.Minute))
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(5*time.Minute))
+	ws, bs := walks(t, open)
+	if len(ws) != 1 || len(bs) != 1 || bs[0].State != inventory.PlanQueued || bs[0].Delivery.Batch.Behind != first.ID {
+		t.Fatalf("the merge during the walk: %d walk(s), batches %+v", len(ws), bs)
+	}
+	if got, _ := open.inventory.PlanByID(t.Context(), first.ID); !got.Open() {
+		t.Fatalf("the started walk was %s by the next merge", got.State)
+	}
+	if !strings.HasPrefix(batchWords(bs[0], t0.Add(5*time.Minute)), "queued behind "+first.ID) {
+		t.Fatalf("a queued batch reads %q", batchWords(bs[0], t0.Add(5*time.Minute)))
+	}
+	first.State = inventory.PlanDone
+	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(t.Context(), &first); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(6*time.Minute))
+	ws, bs = walks(t, open)
+	if len(ws) != 2 || len(bs) != 0 || ws[0].Commit != "c2" {
+		t.Fatalf("the queued batch was not cut when the walk ended: %+v %+v", ws, bs)
+	}
+}
+
+// A walk waiting for its delivery's word is folded into the next batch's walk, which answers its merges; it
+// names the walk that took it over.
+func TestAWaitingWalkIsFoldedIntoTheNextBatch(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	asksWithPaths(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	if err := open.inventory.RegisterModule(ctx, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "mesh-delivery", Version: "1",
+		Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: catalogue.DeliverySeat, Scope: catalogue.ScopeMesh}}},
+		inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Seat: "git", Path: "modules/mesh-delivery", Ref: "main",
+			BuiltFrom: "c0", Head: "c0"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, err := open.inventory.Assign(ctx, "anchor", "mesh-delivery"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	hear(t, open, repoMerge("one", "c1", t0), t0)
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(90*time.Second))
+	ws, _ := walks(t, open)
+	if len(ws) != 1 || !ws[0].Waiting() {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk does not wait for its word: %+v", ws)
+	}
+	waiting := ws[0]
+	hear(t, open, repoMerge("two", "c2", t0.Add(2*time.Minute)), t0.Add(2*time.Minute))
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(2*time.Minute+90*time.Second))
+	ws, bs := walks(t, open)
+	if len(bs) != 0 || len(ws) != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("%d walk(s), %d batch(es)", len(ws), len(bs))
+	}
+	folded, err := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, waiting.ID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	newer := ws[0]
+	if folded.State != inventory.PlanSuperseded || folded.Delivery.TakenOverBy != newer.ID {
+		t.Fatalf("the waiting walk is %s, taken over by %q", folded.State, folded.Delivery.TakenOverBy)
+	}
+	if len(newer.Delivery.Merges) != 2 || newer.CommitOf("novox/one") != "c1" || newer.CommitOf("novox/two") != "c2" {
+		t.Fatalf("the newer walk answers %+v", newer.Delivery.Merges)
+	}
+	if _, in := newer.Modules["one"]; !in {
+		t.Fatalf("what the folded walk was to build is not built: %v", newer.Modules)
+	}
+}
+
+// A merge heard after a later merge of its branch was walked is answered by that walk when it builds all it
+// moves — named at once on a walk done — and joins the next batch when it does not.
+func TestALateMergeIsAnsweredByTheWalkOfTheLaterOne(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	asksWithPaths(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	later := catalogueMerge("48bda475dunst", "notes", t0.Add(17*time.Second))
+	hear(t, open, later, t0.Add(18*time.Second))
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(2*time.Minute))
+	ws, _ := walks(t, open)
+	w := ws[0]
+	w.State = inventory.PlanDone
+	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &w); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	// Moves only notes, which the done walk built from the branch after it: answered there, at once.
+	hear(t, open, catalogueMerge("553b7191early", "notes", t0), t0.Add(15*time.Minute))
+	got, _ := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, w.ID)
+	if got.State != inventory.PlanDone || len(got.Delivery.Merges) != 2 ||
+		!sameMerge(got.Delivery.Merges[0], inventory.PlanMerge{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Commit: "553b7191early",
+			Carried: later.Commit}) {
+		t.Fatalf("the late merge is not named by the walk that carried it: %+v", got.Delivery.Merges)
+	}
+	// Moves app, which that walk never built: the next batch walks it.
+	hear(t, open, catalogueMerge("1111aaaaapp", "app", t0.Add(time.Second)), t0.Add(16*time.Minute))
+	_, bs := walks(t, open)
+	if len(bs) != 1 || bs[0].Delivery.Merges[0].Commit != "1111aaaaapp" {
+		t.Fatalf("a late merge moving what the walk never built did not join the next batch: %+v", bs)
+	}
+}
+
+// A failed walk marks nothing delivered: its earlier merges are walked alone, on their own commit, the newest
+// first; the first delivered answers the older ones, and the search stops.
+func TestAFailedWalkWalksItsEarlierMergesAlone(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	asked := asksWithPaths(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	// Made before the cut marks their modules seen, as merges are: walked again, they are news all the same.
+	oldest := catalogueMerge("aaaa0001", "app", t0.Add(-3*time.Minute))
+	middle := catalogueMerge("bbbb0002", "app", t0.Add(-3*time.Minute+10*time.Second))
+	newest := catalogueMerge("cccc0003", "notes", t0.Add(-3*time.Minute+20*time.Second))
+	for i, m := range []link.SourceMoved{oldest, middle, newest} {
+		hear(t, open, m, t0.Add(time.Duration(i)*10*time.Second+time.Second))
+	}
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(2*time.Minute))
+	ws, _ := walks(t, open)
+	failed := ws[0]
+	failed.State, failed.Note = inventory.PlanFailed, "notes failed to build in tier 0"
+	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &failed); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(3*time.Minute))
+	got, _ := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, failed.ID)
+	if got.State != inventory.PlanFailed || len(got.Delivery.Merges) != 3 {
+		t.Fatalf("the failed walk's record changed: %s %+v", got.State, got.Delivery.Merges)
+	}
+	ws, _ = walks(t, open)
+	alone := ws[0]
+	if alone.ID == failed.ID || alone.Commit != middle.Commit || len(alone.Delivery.Merges) != 1 ||
+		!sameMerge(alone.Delivery.Merges[0], inventory.PlanMerge{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Commit: middle.Commit}) {
+		t.Fatalf("the newest earlier merge was not walked alone on its own commit: %+v", alone)
+	}
+	if _, in := alone.Modules["app"]; !in || (*asked)[len(*asked)-1] != [3]string{"novox/mesh-catalog", "modules/app",
+		middle.Commit} {
+		t.Fatalf("the merge walked alone does not build app at its own commit: %v, asked %v", alone.Modules, *asked)
+	}
+	// Retried, the failed walk would name merges the search answers now.
+	if _, err := retryPlan(ctx, open, failed.ID); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "walked alone") {
+		t.Fatalf("a failed walk whose merges are searched was retried: %v", err)
+	}
+	alone.State = inventory.PlanDone
+	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &alone); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(4*time.Minute))
+	ws, bs := walks(t, open)
+	if ws[0].ID != alone.ID || len(bs) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the search went on after a merge was delivered: %+v", ws[0])
+	}
+	done, _ := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, alone.ID)
+	if len(done.Delivery.Merges) != 2 || !sameMerge(done.Delivery.Merges[0], inventory.PlanMerge{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog",
+		Commit: oldest.Commit, Carried: middle.Commit}) {
+		t.Fatalf("the oldest merge is not answered by the walk that delivered the one after it: %+v", done.Delivery.Merges)
+	}
+	// A stopped walk starts no search: a person ended it.
+	hear(t, open, catalogueMerge("dddd0004", "app", t0.Add(5*time.Minute)), t0.Add(5*time.Minute))
+	hear(t, open, catalogueMerge("eeee0005", "notes", t0.Add(5*time.Minute+time.Second)), t0.Add(5*time.Minute+time.Second))
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(8*time.Minute))
+	ws, _ = walks(t, open)
+	if _, err := stopWalk(ctx, open.inventory, ws[0].ID, "mesh-delivery for jochen", "not now"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(9*time.Minute))
+	if again, _ := walks(t, open); again[0].ID != ws[0].ID {
+		t.Fatalf("a stopped walk's earlier merge was walked alone: %+v", again[0])
+	}
+}
+
+// A delivery group's order holds inside the walk (ADR 0249 unchanged): merges of two repositories from one head
+// branch name, the node-engine's before the controller's, are tiered so; without the group, one tier.
+func TestAGroupsOrderBecomesTiersInsideTheWalk(t *testing.T) {
+	for _, grouped := range []bool{true, false} {
+		open := windowed(t)
+		asksWithPaths(t)
+		ctx := t.Context()
+		for _, m := range []string{"mesh-host"} {
+			if err := open.inventory.RegisterModule(ctx, catalogue.Manifest{Module: m, Version: "1"},
+				inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/" + m, Seat: "git", Ref: "main", BuiltFrom: "c0", Head: "c0"}); err != nil {
+				t.Fatal(err)
+			}
+		}
+		host := repoMerge("mesh-host", "h1", t0)
+		ctl := repoMerge("mesh-controller", "k1", t0.Add(time.Second))
+		host.Head, ctl.Head = "feat/together", "feat/together"
+		if !grouped {
+			ctl.Head = "feat/alone"
+		}
+		hear(t, open, ctl, t0.Add(2*time.Second))
+		hear(t, open, host, t0.Add(3*time.Second))
+		cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(2*time.Minute))
+		ws, _ := walks(t, open)
+		if len(ws) != 1 {
+			t.Fatalf("%d walks", len(ws))
+		}
+		tiers := ws[0].Tiers
+		if grouped {
+			if len(tiers) != 2 || !slices.Equal(tiers[0], []string{"mesh-host"}) ||
+				!slices.Equal(tiers[1], []string{"mesh-controller"}) {
+				t.Fatalf("the group's order is not the walk's tiers: %v", tiers)
+			}
+		} else if len(tiers) != 1 {
+			t.Fatalf("two merges of no group were ordered: %v", tiers)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// A restarted controller resumes the window where it stood: the batch, its merges and their times are in the
+// store, a merge handed over again is not doubled, and the batch is cut when its window closes.
+func TestABatchSurvivesARestart(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	asksWithPaths(t)
+	hear(t, open, repoMerge("one", "c1", t0), t0)
+	hear(t, open, repoMerge("two", "c2", t0.Add(30*time.Second)), t0.Add(30*time.Second))
+
+	// A new controller: nothing of the first one's but the store.
+	again, err := openStores(t.Context())
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(again.Close)
+	hear(t, again, repoMerge("one", "c1", t0), t0.Add(60*time.Second)) // the bus hands it over again
+	cutAt(t, again, t0.Add(119*time.Second))
+	if ws, bs := walks(t, again); len(ws) != 0 || len(bs) != 1 || len(bs[0].Delivery.Merges) != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("the restarted controller's batch: %d walk(s), %+v", len(ws), bs)
+	}
+	cutAt(t, again, t0.Add(120*time.Second))
+	ws, bs := walks(t, again)
+	if len(ws) != 1 || len(bs) != 0 || len(ws[0].Delivery.Merges) != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("the restarted controller did not cut the batch at its window: %+v %+v", ws, bs)
+	}
+}
+
+// The window's settings reach the controller in its settings file, read at every look; one that says no
+// duration, or no file, is the default.
+func TestTheWindowIsTheControllersSetting(t *testing.T) {
+	file := t.TempDir() + "/merge-window.json"
+	t.Setenv(mergeWindowFileVar, file)
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		content        string
+		window, atMost time.Duration
+	}{
+		{`{"merge-window": "60s", "merge-window-at-most": "5m"}`, time.Minute, 5 * time.Minute},
+		{`{"merge-window": 30, "merge-window-at-most": ""}`, 30 * time.Second, mergeWindowAtMostDefault},
+		{`{"merge-window": "soon"}`, mergeWindowDefault, mergeWindowAtMostDefault},
+	} {
+		if err := os.WriteFile(file, []byte(c.content), 0o600); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		if w, m := mergeWindowOf(); w != c.window || m != c.atMost {
+			t.Errorf("%s reads as %s and %s, want %s and %s", c.content, w, m, c.window, c.atMost)
+		}
+	}
+	t.Setenv(mergeWindowFileVar, file+".gone")
+	if w, m := mergeWindowOf(); w != mergeWindowDefault || m != mergeWindowAtMostDefault {
+		t.Errorf("no file reads as %s and %s", w, m)
+	}
+}
+
+// S16 names every merge a waiting walk answers, never one commit a supersession may have ended (issue 362).
+func TestAWaitingWalkNamesTheMergesItAnswers(t *testing.T) {
+	f := calm(t0)
+	f.waits = []waitFacts{{id: "plan-2", repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", commit: "48bda475dunst", awaits: "mesh-delivery",
+		since: t0.Add(-31 * time.Minute), merges: []inventory.PlanMerge{
+			{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Commit: "553b7191claude", Carried: "48bda475dunst"},
+			{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Commit: "48bda475dunst"}}}}
+	got := watchWaits(f)
+	if len(got) != 1 || !strings.Contains(got[0].Summary, "novox/mesh-catalog@553b7191") ||
+		!strings.Contains(got[0].Summary, "novox/mesh-catalog@48bda475") {
+		t.Fatalf("the waiting walk does not name both merges: %+v", got)
+	}
+}
+
+// A merge heard after a later merge of its branch was cut is named by that walk however its modules read since
+// the cut, in a repository of one module (review of this change); a walk that never built what it moves names
+// nothing, and the merge joins the next batch.
+func TestALateMergeOfAOneModuleRepositoryIsNamed(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	asksWithPaths(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	c2 := repoMerge("one", "c2", t0.Add(-50*time.Second))
+	hear(t, open, c2, t0)
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(2*time.Minute))
+	ws, _ := walks(t, open)
+	w := ws[0]
+	w.State = inventory.PlanDone
+	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &w); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	hear(t, open, repoMerge("one", "c1", t0.Add(-60*time.Second)), t0.Add(15*time.Minute))
+	got, _ := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, w.ID)
+	if len(got.Delivery.Merges) != 2 || !sameMerge(got.Delivery.Merges[0], inventory.PlanMerge{Repository: "novox/one",
+		Commit: "c1", Carried: "c2"}) {
+		t.Fatalf("the late merge was not named by the walk that carried it: %+v", got.Delivery.Merges)
+	}
+
+	// A walk of two that built only two: a late merge of one is not its to name.
+	hear(t, open, repoMerge("two", "d2", t0.Add(16*time.Minute)), t0.Add(16*time.Minute))
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(18*time.Minute))
+	ws, _ = walks(t, open)
+	w = ws[0]
+	delete(w.Modules, "two")
+	w.State = inventory.PlanDone
+	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &w); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	hear(t, open, repoMerge("two", "d1", t0.Add(15*time.Minute)), t0.Add(20*time.Minute))
+	if got, _ := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, w.ID); len(got.Delivery.Merges) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("a walk that never built what the late merge moves named it: %+v", got.Delivery.Merges)
+	}
+	if _, bs := walks(t, open); len(bs) != 1 || bs[0].Delivery.Merges[0].Commit != "d1" {
+		t.Fatalf("the late merge did not join the next batch: %+v", bs)
+	}
+}
+
+// One walk at a time holds against the delivery's word too: a waiting walk let go beside a started one takes the
+// word and starts once that one ended, asking nothing before.
+func TestAWalkLetGoBesideAStartedOneStartsOnceItEnded(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	asked := asksWithPaths(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	hear(t, open, repoMerge("one", "c1", t0), t0)
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(2*time.Minute))
+	started, _ := walks(t, open)
+	waiting := inventory.Plan{ID: "plan-waiting", Repository: "novox/two", Branch: "main", Commit: "d1", Created: t0,
+		State: inventory.PlanBuilding, Tiers: [][]string{{"two"}}, Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{"two": {}},
+		Delivery: &inventory.PlanDelivery{Awaits: catalogue.DeliverySeat}}
+	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &waiting); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, err := letGo(ctx, open.inventory, waiting.ID, catalogue.DeliverySeat, "its turn"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("the word was refused beside %s: %v", started[0].ID, err)
+	}
+	before := len(*asked)
+	advanceHeld(ctx, open)
+	got, _ := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, waiting.ID)
+	if len(*asked) != before || !strings.Contains(got.Note, "starts once "+started[0].ID) {
+		t.Fatalf("a walk let go beside a started one asked (%d → %d) or does not say it waits: %q", before, len(*asked), got.Note)
+	}
+	// Read as a wait, an hour on: its note on the line, never LATE, and no tier of it late for S3.
+	later := time.Now().Add(time.Hour)
+	if line := planLine(got, later); !strings.Contains(line, "starts once "+started[0].ID) || strings.Contains(line, "LATE") {
+		t.Fatalf("a deferred walk reads %q", line)
+	}
+	facts, _, err := gatherPlans(ctx, open.inventory, later, nil)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	for _, f := range facts {
+		if f.id == got.ID {
+			t.Fatalf("a deferred walk is watched as a tier running late: %+v", f)
+		}
+	}
+	done := started[0]
+	done.State = inventory.PlanDone
+	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &done); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	advanceHeld(ctx, open)
+	if len(*asked) != before+1 {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk did not start once the started one ended: asked %v", *asked)
+	}
+}
+
+// A file a merge of the batch removed and a later one brought back is not removed; one removed last is.
+func TestARemovedFileIsTheLastMergesWord(t *testing.T) {
+	ev := func(commit string, paths, removed []string) inventory.BatchedMerge {
+		m := link.SourceMoved{Owner: "novox", Repo: "one", Base: "main", Commit: commit, Paths: paths, Removed: removed}
+		b, _ := json.Marshal(m)
+		return inventory.BatchedMerge{Repository: "novox/one", Branch: "main", Commit: commit, Event: b,
+			Merged: t0.Add(time.Duration(len(commit)) * time.Second)}
+	}
+	got := combinedMerges([]inventory.BatchedMerge{
+		ev("a", []string{"x/module.json", "y/module.json"}, []string{"x/module.json", "y/module.json"}),
+		ev("bb", []string{"x/module.json"}, nil),
+		ev("ccc", []string{"z.go"}, nil)})
+	if len(got) != 1 || got[0].Commit != "ccc" || !slices.Equal(got[0].Removed, []string{"y/module.json"}) ||
+		len(got[0].Paths) != 3 {
+		t.Fatalf("combined as %+v", got)
+	}
+}
+
+// The catch-up hands over what the bus lost after its branch's later merges were cut, and the record keeps it:
+// an earlier merge is named by the walk that carried it; a merge made before a cut and heard after it, which
+// no later merge carries, joins the next batch — neither reads as history and is dropped (review of this change).
+func TestTheCatchUpKeepsWhatACutMadeHistory(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	asksWithPaths(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	base := time.Now().UTC().Add(-time.Hour).Truncate(time.Second)
+	hear(t, open, repoMerge("one", "c2", base.Add(10*time.Second)), base.Add(11*time.Second))
+	cutAt(t, open, base.Add(2*time.Minute))
+	ws, _ := walks(t, open)
+	w := ws[0]
+	w.State = inventory.PlanDone
+	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &w); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	lost := []link.AnnouncedMerge{
+		{SourceMoved: repoMerge("one", "c1", base), At: base.Add(time.Second)},
+		{SourceMoved: repoMerge("one", "c3lost", base.Add(20*time.Second)), At: base.Add(21 * time.Second)},
+	}
+	catalogued := func(ctx context.Context) ([]inventory.Entry, map[string][]inventory.ReadRepository, error) {
+		entries, err := open.inventory.Catalogued(ctx)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, nil, err
+		}
+		read, err := readForPlanning(ctx, open.inventory)
+		return entries, read, err
+	}
+	if err := catchUpOnMerges(ctx, time.Now(), unheardMerges{announcedList(lost), open.inventory}, catalogued,
+		(following{open}).SourceMoved, t.Logf); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	got, _ := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, w.ID)
+	if len(got.Delivery.Merges) != 2 || !sameMerge(got.Delivery.Merges[0], inventory.PlanMerge{Repository: "novox/one",
+		Commit: "c1", Carried: "c2"}) {
+		t.Fatalf("the earlier merge the catch-up handed over is not named by the walk that carried it: %+v",
+			got.Delivery.Merges)
+	}
+	if _, kept, err := open.inventory.MergeOf(ctx, "novox/one", "c3lost"); err != nil || !kept {
+		t.Fatalf("the merge made before the cut and heard after it was dropped: %v %v", kept, err)
+	}
+}
+
+// A merge on the controller's own path never shares a batch with one that waits for mesh-delivery's word
+// (decided during the build, 2026-10-10): the two are batches of their own, cut one after the other; a walk on
+// the own path folds no waiting catalogue walk but batches its merges again behind it; the catalogue's walk
+// still waits for the word, so no catalogue delivery skips its turn.
+func TestAMergeOnTheControllersPathNeverSharesABatch(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	asked := asksWithPaths(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	if err := open.inventory.RegisterModule(ctx, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "mesh-delivery", Version: "1",
+		Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: catalogue.DeliverySeat, Scope: catalogue.ScopeMesh}}},
+		inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Seat: "git", Path: "modules/mesh-delivery", Ref: "main",
+			BuiltFrom: "c0", Head: "c0"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, err := open.inventory.Assign(ctx, "anchor", "mesh-delivery"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	hear(t, open, catalogueMerge("aaaa0001", "app", t0), t0)
+	hear(t, open, repoMerge("mesh-controller", "k1", t0.Add(10*time.Second)), t0.Add(10*time.Second))
+	hear(t, open, catalogueMerge("bbbb0002", "notes", t0.Add(20*time.Second)), t0.Add(20*time.Second))
+	_, bs := walks(t, open)
+	var ownBatch, catalogueBatch inventory.Plan
+	for _, b := range bs {
+		if b.OwnPath() {
+			ownBatch = b
+		} else {
+			catalogueBatch = b
+		}
+	}
+	if len(bs) != 2 || ownBatch.ID == "" || catalogueBatch.ID == "" || len(catalogueBatch.Delivery.Merges) != 2 ||
+		len(ownBatch.Delivery.Merges) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("a controller merge and two catalogue merges in one window: %+v", bs)
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(batchWords(ownBatch, t0.Add(30*time.Second)), "own path") {
+		t.Fatalf("the own-path batch does not say so: %q", batchWords(ownBatch, t0.Add(30*time.Second)))
+	}
+	// Both windows closed, the controller's batch is cut first and starts; the catalogue batch queues behind it,
+	// is cut when the controller's walk ended, and waits for its word with both merges.
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(2*time.Minute))
+	ws, bs := walks(t, open)
+	if len(ws) != 1 || ws[0].Waiting() || ws[0].CommitOf("novox/mesh-controller") != "k1" {
+		t.Fatalf("the controller's batch was not cut first into a started walk: %+v", ws)
+	}
+	ownWalk := ws[0]
+	for _, m := range []string{"app", "notes"} {
+		if _, in := ownWalk.Modules[m]; in {
+			t.Fatalf("the controller's walk builds %s, a catalogue module: it skipped its turn", m)
+		}
+	}
+	if len(bs) != 1 || bs[0].State != inventory.PlanQueued || bs[0].Delivery.Batch.Behind != ownWalk.ID || bs[0].OwnPath() {
+		t.Fatalf("the catalogue batch does not queue behind the controller's walk: %+v", bs)
+	}
+	ownWalk.State = inventory.PlanDone
+	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &ownWalk); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(3*time.Minute))
+	ws, bs = walks(t, open)
+	if len(bs) != 0 || ws[0].ID != catalogueBatch.ID || !ws[0].Waiting() || len(ws[0].Delivery.Merges) != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("the catalogue batch was not cut into a waiting walk once the controller's ended: %+v %+v", ws, bs)
+	}
+	for _, m := range []string{"app", "notes"} {
+		if _, in := ws[0].Modules[m]; !in {
+			t.Fatalf("the catalogue walk does not build %s: %v", m, ws[0].Modules)
+		}
+	}
+	for _, a := range *asked {
+		if a[1] == "modules/app" || a[1] == "modules/notes" {
+			t.Fatalf("a catalogue module was asked without the word: %v", *asked)
+		}
+	}
+
+	// A catalogue walk waiting for its word when an own-path batch is cut keeps waiting beside the own-path
+	// walk, is not folded into it, and its word is taken meanwhile: it starts once the own-path walk ended.
+	catalogueWalk := ws[0]
+	hear(t, open, repoMerge("mesh-controller", "k2", t0.Add(4*time.Minute)), t0.Add(4*time.Minute))
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(6*time.Minute))
+	ws, _ = walks(t, open)
+	kept, _ := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, catalogueWalk.ID)
+	if !kept.Waiting() || ws[0].CommitOf("novox/mesh-controller") != "k2" || ws[0].Waiting() {
+		t.Fatalf("the waiting catalogue walk was not kept waiting beside the controller's walk: %s %+v", kept.State, ws)
+	}
+	if _, in := ws[0].Modules["app"]; in {
+		t.Fatalf("the controller's walk folded the waiting catalogue walk in: %v", ws[0].Modules)
+	}
+	if _, err := letGo(ctx, open.inventory, catalogueWalk.ID, catalogue.DeliverySeat, "its turn"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	before := len(*asked)
+	advanceHeld(ctx, open)
+	if len(*asked) != before {
+		t.Fatalf("the catalogue walk started beside the controller's: asked %v", (*asked)[before:])
+	}
+	own2 := ws[0]
+	own2.State = inventory.PlanDone
+	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &own2); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	advanceHeld(ctx, open)
+	if len(*asked) < before+1 || (*asked)[before][1] != "modules/app" {
+		t.Fatalf("the catalogue walk did not start once the controller's ended: %v", (*asked)[before:])
+	}
+}
+
+// `plans` names a walk by what it moves (asked by the operator, 2026-10-10): the repository's pull request and
+// title, the modules it moves and the machines running them, then the state words; a record naming no pull
+// request is named by its commit, and a title is cut at fifty runes.
+func TestAPlanLineNamesWhatItMoves(t *testing.T) {
+	now := time.Date(2026, 10, 10, 12, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	p := inventory.Plan{ID: "plan-1", Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Branch: "main", Commit: "c1c1c1c1c1",
+		State: inventory.PlanBuilding, Tiers: [][]string{{"messenger", "telegram"}}, TierEntered: now.Add(-2 * time.Minute),
+		Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{"messenger": {State: "asked"}, "telegram": {State: "asked"}},
+		Commits: []inventory.PlanCommit{{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Branch: "main", Commit: "c1c1c1c1c1"}},
+		Delivery: &inventory.PlanDelivery{Merges: []inventory.PlanMerge{{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog",
+			Commit: "c1c1c1c1c1", Number: 175, Title: "a tap shows its outcome", Moves: []string{"telegram", "messenger"}}}}}
+	running := func(module string) []string {
+		if module == "messenger" || module == "telegram" {
+			return []string{"novox"}
+		}
+		return nil
+	}
+	if got, want := planLineOn(p, now, pauseView{}, tierAtLeast, running),
+		"mesh-catalog #175 a tap shows its outcome · messenger, telegram → novox · tier 1 of 1, building for 2m0s"; got != want {
+		t.Fatalf("the line reads %q, want %q", got, want)
+	}
+	if got := planLine(p, now); !strings.HasPrefix(got, "mesh-catalog #175 a tap shows its outcome · messenger, telegram · tier") {
+		t.Fatalf("without the machines the line reads %q", got)
+	}
+	old := p
+	old.Commits, old.Delivery = nil, nil
+	if got := planLine(old, now); !strings.HasPrefix(got, "mesh-catalog c1c1c1c1 · tier 1 of 1") {
+		t.Fatalf("a record naming no pull request reads %q", got)
+	}
+	long := p
+	long.Delivery.Merges[0].Title = strings.Repeat("abcdefghij", 6)
+	if got := planHeadline(long, nil); !strings.Contains(got, "#175 "+strings.Repeat("abcdefghij", 4)+"abcdefghi…") {
+		t.Fatalf("a long title is not cut at fifty runes: %q", got)
+	}
+}
+
+// sameMerge compares what a walk names of a merge: its repository, commit and the commit carrying it.
+func sameMerge(a, b inventory.PlanMerge) bool {
+	return a.Repository == b.Repository && a.Commit == b.Commit && a.Carried == b.Carried
+}
+
+// A catalogue merge heard after a later merge of its branch was walked without the word (a merge that touched
+// the bus too, on the controller's own path) is not answered by that walk while the delivery seat has a holder:
+// its delivery would skip its turn. It joins the next catalogue batch.
+func TestALateCatalogueMergeIsNotAnsweredByAnOwnPathWalk(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	asksWithPaths(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	for _, m := range []struct {
+		module string
+		claims []catalogue.Claim
+	}{
+		{"nats", nil},
+		{"mesh-delivery", []catalogue.Claim{{Name: catalogue.DeliverySeat, Scope: catalogue.ScopeMesh}}},
+	} {
+		if err := open.inventory.RegisterModule(ctx, catalogue.Manifest{Module: m.module, Version: "1", Claims: m.claims},
+			inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Seat: "git", Path: "modules/" + m.module, Ref: "main",
+				BuiltFrom: "c0", Head: "c0"}); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	if _, err := open.inventory.Assign(ctx, "anchor", "mesh-delivery"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	mixed := link.SourceMoved{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-catalog", Base: "main", Commit: "m1xed", MergedAt: t0.Format(time.RFC3339Nano),
+		Paths: []string{"modules/nats/module.json", "modules/app/module.json"}, ModuleDirs: []string{"modules/nats", "modules/app"},
+		ModuleDirsSaid: true}
+	hear(t, open, mixed, t0.Add(time.Second))
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(2*time.Minute))
+	ws, _ := walks(t, open)
+	if len(ws) != 1 || ws[0].Waiting() {
+		t.Fatalf("the mixed merge's walk waited, or was not cut: %+v", ws)
+	}
+	done := ws[0]
+	done.State = inventory.PlanDone
+	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &done); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	hear(t, open, catalogueMerge("ear1ier", "app", t0.Add(-30*time.Second)), t0.Add(3*time.Minute))
+	got, _ := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, done.ID)
+	_, bs := walks(t, open)
+	if len(got.Delivery.Merges) != 1 || len(bs) != 1 || bs[0].OwnPath() || bs[0].Delivery.Merges[0].Commit != "ear1ier" {
+		t.Fatalf("the late catalogue merge was answered by the own-path walk (%+v) rather than the next catalogue batch (%+v)",
+			got.Delivery.Merges, bs)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/batches_watch.go

@@ -0,0 +1,103 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"fmt"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// **Every wait of a batch has a bound and a condition** (novox/hq ADR 0276 decision 9): a batch still
+// assembling a minute past its maximum while no walk is open is a cut the controller failed to make (S18),
+// and a batch waiting behind an open walk longer than that walk's bound waits on a walk gone wrong (S19).
+
+// The kinds S18 and S19 raise.
+const (
+	kindBatchNotCut     = "batch-not-cut"
+	kindBatchBehindWalk = "batch-behind-walk"
+)
+
+// batchFacts is one batch not yet cut, as the watchdogs read it.
+type batchFacts struct {
+	id, state, grouped string
+	// atMost is when its window closes at the latest; closed when it closed.
+	atMost, closed time.Time
+	// behind is the open walk it waits behind, and walkBound that walk's bound: a tier's bound for each of its
+	// tiers.
+	behind    string
+	walkBound time.Duration
+}
+
+// gatherBatches is every batch not yet cut, with the bound of the walk it waits behind.
+func gatherBatches(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, now time.Time) ([]batchFacts, error) {
+	batches, err := inv.Batches(ctx)
+	if err != nil || len(batches) == 0 {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	bounds, err := measuredTierBounds(ctx, inv, now)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	var out []batchFacts
+	for _, b := range batches {
+		f := batchFacts{id: b.ID, state: b.State, grouped: groupedWords(b)}
+		if w := b.Delivery; w != nil && w.Batch != nil {
+			f.atMost, f.closed, f.behind = w.Batch.AtMost, w.Batch.ClosesAt, w.Batch.Behind
+			if f.atMost.Before(f.closed) {
+				f.closed = f.atMost
+			}
+		}
+		if f.behind != "" {
+			if walk, err := inv.PlanByID(ctx, f.behind); err == nil {
+				f.walkBound = bounds.of(walk.Repository) * time.Duration(max(1, len(walk.Tiers)))
+			}
+		}
+		out = append(out, f)
+	}
+	return out, nil
+}
+
+// watchBatchesNotCut is S18: a batch still assembling a minute past its maximum, while no walk is open.
+func watchBatchesNotCut(f *signalFacts) []conditions.Observation {
+	var out []conditions.Observation
+	for _, b := range f.batches {
+		if b.state != inventory.PlanAssembling || b.atMost.IsZero() || f.now.Sub(b.atMost) <= batchLateAfter {
+			continue
+		}
+		late := f.now.Sub(b.atMost)
+		out = append(out, conditions.Observation{Scope: conditions.ScopePlan, ID: b.id, Kind: kindBatchNotCut,
+			Severity: conditions.Warning,
+			Summary: fmt.Sprintf("the batch %s is still assembling %s past its latest close (%s), with no walk open: "+
+				"the controller did not cut it; grouped: %s", b.id, ago(late), b.atMost.UTC().Format(time.RFC3339), b.grouped),
+			Said:     fmt.Sprintf("assembling since %s past its maximum", ago(late)),
+			Headline: "Merged changes are not being delivered",
+			Explanation: fmt.Sprintf("Merges collected for one delivery should have been planned %s ago and were not. "+
+				"Nothing is lost; the mesh keeps them until it plans them.", humanDuration(late)),
+			Resolved: "Merged changes are being delivered again"})
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// watchBatchesBehind is S19: a batch waiting behind an open walk longer than that walk's bound, naming it.
+func watchBatchesBehind(f *signalFacts) []conditions.Observation {
+	var out []conditions.Observation
+	for _, b := range f.batches {
+		if b.state != inventory.PlanQueued || b.behind == "" || b.walkBound <= 0 || f.now.Sub(b.closed) <= b.walkBound {
+			continue
+		}
+		in := f.now.Sub(b.closed)
+		out = append(out, conditions.Observation{Scope: conditions.ScopePlan, ID: b.id, Kind: kindBatchBehindWalk,
+			Severity: conditions.Warning,
+			Summary: fmt.Sprintf("the batch %s has waited %s behind the walk %s, longer than that walk's bound (%s); "+
+				"grouped: %s; `plans %s` says where that walk stands", b.id, ago(in), b.behind, ago(b.walkBound),
+				b.grouped, b.behind),
+			Said:     fmt.Sprintf("queued behind %s for %s", b.behind, ago(in)),
+			Headline: "Merged changes wait behind a slow delivery",
+			Explanation: fmt.Sprintf("Merges collected for the next delivery have waited %s for the delivery before "+
+				"them, which is taking longer than it should. Nothing is lost.", humanDuration(in)),
+			Resolved: "Merged changes no longer wait behind a slow delivery"})
+	}
+	return out
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/build.go

@@ -166,6 +166,10 @@ func buildFrom(result link.BuildResult) inventory.Build {
 	for _, r := range result.Read {
 		kept.Read = append(kept.Read, inventory.ReadRepository{Repository: r.Repository, Ref: r.Ref})
 	}
+	// What it was made from, as files (novox/hq ADR 0267): the planner maps the next merge onto it.
+	for _, s := range result.Sources {
+		kept.Sources = append(kept.Sources, inventory.BuildSource{Repository: s.Repository, Ref: s.Ref, Paths: s.Paths})
+	}
 	var announced []inventory.Artifact
 	for _, made := range result.Made {
 		announced = append(announced, inventory.Artifact{
@@ -451,6 +455,10 @@ func buildOneAsked(ctx context.Context, source buildSource, path, ref string, wa
 	if err != nil {
 		return "", err
 	}
+	// Through a verb, only a repository the catalogue builds from (novox/hq ADR 0266).
+	if err := verbMayAsk(ctx, source, repository); err != nil {
+		return "", err
+	}
 
 	ident, err := openIdentity(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -500,8 +508,10 @@ func buildOneAsked(ctx context.Context, source buildSource, path, ref string, wa
 	// never before, so an ask that failed never reads as a build in flight. A dry run registers nothing, and
 	// is not kept.
 	keep := !dryRun && asker != ""
+	// Asked at the terminal is what lets its outcome register a module from a repository the catalogue does
+	// not build it from (novox/hq ADR 0266); never through a verb.
 	asked := inventory.BuildRequest{ID: request.ID, Repository: source.Repository, Seat: source.Seat, Path: path,
-		Ref: ref, For: asker}
+		Ref: ref, For: asker, AtTerminal: startedAtTheTerminal()}
 
 	if wait == 0 {
 		// Asked and not waited for (novox/hq issue 176): the outcome is the role's event, and the
@@ -631,6 +641,21 @@ func takeIn(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, result link.BuildResu
 		return manifest, kept, fmt.Errorf("%s built %s (%s), and the mesh does not register it: %w",
 			result.On, result.Repository, short(result.Commit), err)
 	}
+	// **Only from the repository the catalogue builds the module from** (novox/hq ADR 0266): else the trunk
+	// below is the trunk of whatever repository was built, which may be one an agent made — and a module named
+	// `sudo` from it would be what the next push sends. Another repository is the operator's, at the terminal.
+	trunk := result.Trunk
+	if was, err := inv.SourceOf(ctx, manifest.Module); err == nil && followedBranch(was.Ref) != "" {
+		trunk = followedBranch(was.Ref)
+	}
+	if trunk == "" {
+		trunk = "main"
+	}
+	repoID, err := mayRegisterFrom(ctx, inv, manifest.Module, recorded, result.ID, result.Path, trunk)
+	if err != nil {
+		return manifest, kept, fmt.Errorf("%s built %s (%s), recorded and not registered: %w", result.On,
+			manifest.Module, short(result.Commit), err)
+	}
 	// **Only a commit on the trunk is published** (novox/hq ADR 0238): a commit off its repository's
 	// default branch — a pull request's head, a feature branch built by hand, a `rebuild` or `replay
 	// --register` of one — is for checking, and is never a module's version; nothing could then send it.
@@ -678,6 +703,10 @@ func takeIn(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, result link.BuildResu
 		}
 		return manifest, kept, err
 	}
+	// Which repository it is registered from, by the forge's own id (novox/hq ADR 0266).
+	if err := inv.SetSourceIdentity(ctx, manifest.Module, repoID); err != nil {
+		return manifest, kept, err
+	}
 	// The keep set just moved, and new bytes just landed (novox/hq ADR 0189). Asked here rather
 	// than on a timer of its own: this is the only moment either is true. Never fatal — the build
 	// worked and the module is registered.
@@ -719,6 +748,9 @@ func buildAndShow(ctx context.Context, source buildSource, path, ref string, wai
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
+	if err := verbMayAsk(ctx, source, repository); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
 	ident, err := openIdentity(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
@@ -879,6 +911,10 @@ func heldBy(ctx context.Context) map[string]string {
 // the mesh runs on today this needs the controller's own connection, so it is handed one; on the bus
 // being built it dials, because a build request is a one-shot and holds nothing else.
 func askOverOn(seat string) (link.Builders, error) {
+	// The serving controller asks on its own connection (novox/hq issue 327).
+	if serving := servingBus.Load(); serving != nil {
+		return link.BuildsOn(serving, seat), nil
+	}
 	address, err := broker.BusAddress()
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
@@ -937,11 +973,7 @@ func buildSeatAmong(entries []inventory.Entry) string {
 // with a consumer of its own that is gone when this returns, so nothing accumulates in the server
 // for the reading, and filtered by subject, so one build's lines are all that travel.
 func buildLog(ctx context.Context, id string) error {
-	address, err := broker.BusAddress()
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-	js, err := broker.Dial(address)
+	js, err := aBus()
 	if err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("cannot reach the bus to read a build's log: %w", err)
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/build_source.go

@@ -0,0 +1,458 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"os"
+	"regexp"
+	"strings"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// Where a build may register a module from (novox/hq ADR 0266).
+//
+// A build's outcome registers its module, and a registered module is what the next push sends. Before this,
+// an outcome registered whatever its manifest named, from whichever repository it was built from: an agent
+// that made a repository of its own, committed `modules/sudo/module.json` granting itself a rule without a
+// password, and asked the `build` verb for it had its repository registered as the module `sudo` — whose next
+// push made the agent root on every node. A fork of the node-engine did the same everywhere. The trunk rule
+// (ADR 0238) did not stop it: the trunk it checked was the trunk of the repository built, which was the
+// agent's own.
+//
+// So **an outcome registers a module only from the repository the catalogue already builds that module
+// from**; and a module new to the catalogue only from a repository the catalogue already builds another
+// module from — whose trunk takes a reviewed, approved merge, which is how a merge adds a module (novox/hq
+// issue 300). Anything else — a module moved to another repository, a module from a repository the
+// catalogue has never built — is the operator's, at the controller's terminal: allowed only when the build
+// request was kept as asked there. Judged at the take-in, which every outcome reaches whoever hears it and
+// whichever verb asked it (`build`, `rebuild`, `replay --register`, `assign` with build), and before the ask
+// for a call through a verb, so an agent cannot have a build node run a repository the catalogue does not
+// build from at all.
+
+// errNotItsSource is an outcome refused for where it was built from.
+var errNotItsSource = errors.New("not built from the repository the catalogue builds it from")
+
+// servedVar marks every process the serving controller starts — each verb's command, each child — and the serving
+// process itself, so none of them can read as the operator at the terminal (novox/hq ADR 0266). Set by serve
+// before it answers anything, inherited by every child through os.Environ.
+const servedVar = "MESH_SERVED_BY_THE_CONTROLLER"
+
+// startedAtTheTerminal says this process was started at the controller's terminal: not the serving controller,
+// not anything it started, not a verb's command, not a seat call's. The serving controller marks its own
+// environment (servedVar), so a build asked in it, or by any process it starts, never reads as the terminal's;
+// runVerb also names the verb and the caller.
+//
+// **And a line mesh-cli asked as the controller's terminal** (novox/hq ADR 0272 §4): the serving controller runs it
+// without the served mark and without a verb, names its caller, and marks it with cliTerminalVar — a mark only the
+// mesh-cli path sets and every other command line the controller runs is stripped of (commandEnvironment).
+func startedAtTheTerminal() bool {
+	if os.Getenv(servedVar) != "" || os.Getenv(verbVar) != "" {
+		return false
+	}
+	return os.Getenv(link.CallerVar) == "" || os.Getenv(cliTerminalVar) != ""
+}
+
+// cliTerminalVar marks a command line the serving controller runs as the controller's terminal for mesh-cli.
+const cliTerminalVar = "MESH_CLI_TERMINAL"
+
+// markServed marks this process, and so everything it starts, as the serving controller's.
+func markServed() {
+	if err := os.Setenv(servedVar, "1"); err != nil {
+		panic("the serving controller could not mark its environment: " + err.Error())
+	}
+}
+
+// sourceForms compares sources however each is spelled: a path on a seat's holder (ADR 0111) or a URL — a
+// build asked of a seat's path is registered with the URL composed from it when its outcome does not echo
+// the seat. A seat's path is composed into its URL where the seat's holder is known, so both spellings of
+// one repository are one; where it is not, a seat's path matches only the same seat's same path.
+type sourceForms struct {
+	bases map[string]string // the seat's clone base, `scheme://host:port`, by seat; "" where it is not known
+	base  func(seat string) string
+}
+
+// newSourceForms reads the seats' bases from the mesh once, when first needed.
+func newSourceForms(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory) *sourceForms {
+	f := &sourceForms{bases: map[string]string{}}
+	var world *catalogue.World
+	f.base = func(seat string) string {
+		if b, known := f.bases[seat]; known {
+			return b
+		}
+		if world == nil {
+			w := catalogue.World{}
+			if shelf, err := inv.Catalogue(ctx); err == nil {
+				if read, err := theRestOfTheMesh(ctx, inv, shelf, ""); err == nil {
+					w = read
+				}
+			}
+			world = &w
+		}
+		b, err := seatBase(*world, seat)
+		if err != nil {
+			b = ""
+		}
+		f.bases[seat] = b
+		return b
+	}
+	return f
+}
+
+// canonical is one spelling of a repository: lower case, no `.git`, no trailing slash, and a seat's path as
+// the URL its holder serves it at where that is known.
+func (f *sourceForms) canonical(repository, seat string) string {
+	trim := func(s string) string {
+		s = strings.TrimSpace(strings.ToLower(s))
+		s = strings.TrimRight(s, "/")
+		return strings.TrimRight(strings.TrimSuffix(s, ".git"), "/")
+	}
+	if seat == "" {
+		return trim(repository)
+	}
+	if b := f.base(seat); b != "" {
+		return trim(b + "/" + strings.Trim(repository, "/"))
+	}
+	return "seat:" + seat + ":" + trim(strings.Trim(repository, "/"))
+}
+
+// same says two sources are one repository.
+func (f *sourceForms) same(aRepository, aSeat, bRepository, bSeat string) bool {
+	if aRepository == "" || bRepository == "" {
+		return false
+	}
+	return f.canonical(aRepository, aSeat) == f.canonical(bRepository, bSeat)
+}
+
+// buildsFrom says the catalogue builds some module from this repository.
+func (f *sourceForms) buildsFrom(entries []inventory.Entry, repository, seat string) bool {
+	for _, e := range entries {
+		if e.Provided || e.Source.Repository == "" {
+			continue
+		}
+		if f.same(e.Source.Repository, e.Source.Seat, repository, seat) {
+			return true
+		}
+	}
+	return false
+}
+
+// forgeFacts is what the mesh's forge says of a repository a module is registered from (novox/hq ADR 0266).
+type forgeFacts struct {
+	// ID is the forge's own id of the repository: what tells it from one deleted and made again by its name.
+	ID int64
+	// Guarded is whether the branch is protected as a module's trunk must be: no direct push, at least one
+	// required status, and no administrator merging past one. Why says what is missing when it is not.
+	Guarded bool
+	Why     string
+}
+
+// askTheForge asks the forge, through its module's tools on the bus, for a repository's id and its branch's
+// protection. A variable so a test needs no forge.
+var askTheForge = func(ctx context.Context, owner, repo, branch string) (forgeFacts, error) {
+	js, err := aBus()
+	if err != nil {
+		return forgeFacts{}, err
+	}
+	defer js.Close()
+	bus := link.OverNATS{Conn: js.Conn()}
+	ask := func(tool string, args map[string]any, into any) error {
+		raw, _ := json.Marshal(args)
+		answer, err := link.Ask(ctx, bus, "gitea", tool, raw, 30*time.Second)
+		if err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+		if answer.Error != "" {
+			return fmt.Errorf("gitea.%s: %s", tool, answer.Error)
+		}
+		return json.Unmarshal(answer.Result, into)
+	}
+	var found struct {
+		Result struct {
+			ID       int64  `json:"id"`
+			FullName string `json:"full_name"`
+		} `json:"result"`
+	}
+	if err := ask("gitea_api", map[string]any{"path": "/repos/" + owner + "/" + repo}, &found); err != nil {
+		return forgeFacts{}, err
+	}
+	if found.Result.ID == 0 {
+		return forgeFacts{}, fmt.Errorf("the forge named no id for %s/%s", owner, repo)
+	}
+	var rules struct {
+		Rules []protectionRule `json:"rules"`
+	}
+	if err := ask("gitea_branch_protection_get", map[string]any{"owner": owner, "repo": repo}, &rules); err != nil {
+		return forgeFacts{}, err
+	}
+	facts := judgedRule(rules.Rules, branch)
+	facts.ID = found.Result.ID
+	return facts, nil
+}
+
+// protectionRule is a branch protection rule as the forge's tool summarises it.
+type protectionRule struct {
+	Rule             string   `json:"rule"`
+	Push             bool     `json:"push"`
+	RequiredStatuses []string `json:"required_statuses"`
+	AdminMayOverride bool     `json:"admin_may_override"`
+}
+
+// judgedRule judges the one rule the forge applies to a branch, as the forge picks it: the rule named for the
+// branch, else the first glob rule, in the forge's order, that covers it (gitea's first matching rule). Never a
+// later rule that happens to be stronger: the forge does not read it.
+func judgedRule(rules []protectionRule, branch string) forgeFacts {
+	var applied *protectionRule
+	for i := range rules {
+		if rules[i].Rule == branch {
+			applied = &rules[i]
+			break
+		}
+	}
+	if applied == nil {
+		for i := range rules {
+			if ruleCovers(rules[i].Rule, branch) {
+				applied = &rules[i]
+				break
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	switch r := applied; {
+	case r == nil:
+		return forgeFacts{Why: fmt.Sprintf("no protection rule covers %s", branch)}
+	case r.Push:
+		return forgeFacts{Why: fmt.Sprintf("the rule %s lets a person push to %s directly", r.Rule, branch)}
+	case len(r.RequiredStatuses) == 0:
+		return forgeFacts{Why: fmt.Sprintf("the rule %s requires no status before a merge into %s", r.Rule, branch)}
+	case r.AdminMayOverride:
+		return forgeFacts{Why: fmt.Sprintf("the rule %s lets an administrator merge into %s past a status", r.Rule, branch)}
+	}
+	return forgeFacts{Guarded: true}
+}
+
+// ruleCovers says a protection rule's name — a branch, or a glob of them — covers a branch, as the forge reads it.
+func ruleCovers(rule, branch string) bool {
+	if rule == branch {
+		return true
+	}
+	if !strings.ContainsAny(rule, "*?[") {
+		return false
+	}
+	var re strings.Builder
+	re.WriteString("^")
+	for i := 0; i < len(rule); i++ {
+		switch c := rule[i]; {
+		case c == '*' && i+1 < len(rule) && rule[i+1] == '*':
+			re.WriteString(".*")
+			i++
+		case c == '*':
+			re.WriteString("[^/]*")
+		case c == '?':
+			re.WriteString("[^/]")
+		default:
+			re.WriteString(regexp.QuoteMeta(string(c)))
+		}
+	}
+	re.WriteString("$")
+	ok, _ := regexp.MatchString(re.String(), branch)
+	return ok
+}
+
+// onTheForge is a source's owner and name on the mesh's own forge (the git seat's holder), and whether it is
+// there at all.
+func (f *sourceForms) onTheForge(repository, seat string) (owner, name string, ok bool) {
+	var rest string
+	switch {
+	case seat == gitSeat:
+		rest = strings.Trim(repository, "/")
+	case seat == "":
+		base := f.base(gitSeat)
+		if base == "" {
+			return "", "", false
+		}
+		url, prefix := f.canonical(repository, ""), f.canonical(base, "")+"/"
+		if !strings.HasPrefix(url, prefix) {
+			return "", "", false
+		}
+		// The case the forge spells it with: the URL as given, past the base.
+		rest = strings.TrimSuffix(strings.Trim(repository[len(prefix):], "/"), ".git")
+	default:
+		return "", "", false
+	}
+	parts := strings.Split(rest, "/")
+	if len(parts) != 2 || parts[0] == "" || parts[1] == "" {
+		return "", "", false
+	}
+	return parts[0], parts[1], true
+}
+
+// mayRegisterFrom says whether a build's outcome may register module from the source it was built from, and the
+// forge's id of that repository to record (novox/hq ADR 0266). Through any verb, only:
+//
+//   - from the module's registered repository — the same repository by the forge's own id, not only its name; or,
+//     for a module new to the catalogue, from a repository the catalogue builds another module from;
+//   - and from a repository on the mesh's forge whose trunk is protected as a trunk must be: no direct push, at
+//     least one required status, no administrator merging past one.
+//
+// Anything else only when the build request was kept as asked at the controller's terminal, for this very
+// repository and path. path is the module's directory as built; branch the trunk it is registered from.
+func mayRegisterFrom(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, module string, built inventory.Source,
+	buildID, path, branch string) (int64, error) {
+	forms := newSourceForms(ctx, inv)
+	was, err := inv.SourceOf(ctx, module)
+	isNew := errors.Is(err, inventory.ErrNoSuchModule)
+	if err != nil && !isNew {
+		return 0, err
+	}
+	terminal, err := askedHereFor(ctx, inv, forms, buildID, built, path)
+	if err != nil {
+		return 0, err
+	}
+	refuse := func(why string) (int64, error) {
+		return 0, fmt.Errorf("%w: %s. A module is registered from such a source only by a build asked at the "+
+			"controller's terminal, never through a verb: a registered module is what the next push sends, and whoever "+
+			"may call a verb includes agents (novox/hq ADR 0266)", errNotItsSource, why)
+	}
+
+	var why string
+	var alongside []inventory.Entry // the modules a new one's repository already builds
+	switch {
+	case !isNew && forms.same(was.Repository, was.Seat, built.Repository, built.Seat):
+	case !isNew:
+		registered := was.Repository
+		if registered == "" {
+			registered = "no repository (it was handed over by hand)"
+		}
+		why = fmt.Sprintf("%s is built from %s, and this build is of %s", module, sourceWords(registered, was.Seat),
+			sourceWords(built.Repository, built.Seat))
+	default:
+		entries, err := inv.Catalogued(ctx)
+		if err != nil {
+			return 0, err
+		}
+		for _, e := range entries {
+			if !e.Provided && e.Source.Repository != "" &&
+				forms.same(e.Source.Repository, e.Source.Seat, built.Repository, built.Seat) {
+				alongside = append(alongside, e)
+			}
+		}
+		if len(alongside) == 0 {
+			why = fmt.Sprintf("%s is new to the catalogue, and %s is no repository the catalogue builds a module from",
+				module, sourceWords(built.Repository, built.Seat))
+		}
+	}
+	if why != "" && !terminal {
+		return refuse(why)
+	}
+
+	owner, name, onForge := forms.onTheForge(built.Repository, built.Seat)
+	if !onForge {
+		if terminal {
+			fmt.Printf("%s: %s is not on the mesh's forge — registered, as asked at the controller's terminal\n",
+				buildID, sourceWords(built.Repository, built.Seat))
+			return 0, nil
+		}
+		return refuse(fmt.Sprintf("%s is not on the mesh's forge, so whether its trunk is protected cannot be read",
+			sourceWords(built.Repository, built.Seat)))
+	}
+	facts, err := askTheForge(ctx, owner, name, branch)
+	if err != nil {
+		if terminal {
+			fmt.Printf("%s: the forge could not be asked about %s/%s (%v) — registered, as asked at the controller's "+
+				"terminal\n", buildID, owner, name, err)
+			return 0, nil
+		}
+		return refuse(fmt.Sprintf("the forge could not say whether %s/%s's %s is protected: %v", owner, name, branch, err))
+	}
+	if terminal {
+		if why != "" || !facts.Guarded {
+			fmt.Printf("%s: %s — registered, as asked at the controller's terminal\n", buildID,
+				strings.Trim(why+"; "+facts.Why, "; "))
+		}
+		return facts.ID, nil
+	}
+	if !facts.Guarded {
+		return refuse(fmt.Sprintf("%s/%s's %s is not protected as a module's trunk must be: %s", owner, name, branch,
+			facts.Why))
+	}
+	// The same repository by the forge's id, not only its name: one deleted and made again is another.
+	recorded := map[string]int64{}
+	if !isNew {
+		id, err := inv.SourceIdentity(ctx, module)
+		if err != nil {
+			return 0, err
+		}
+		recorded[module] = id
+	}
+	for _, e := range alongside {
+		id, err := inv.SourceIdentity(ctx, e.Manifest.Module)
+		if err != nil {
+			return 0, err
+		}
+		recorded[e.Manifest.Module] = id
+	}
+	for m, id := range recorded {
+		if id != 0 && id != facts.ID {
+			return refuse(fmt.Sprintf("%s/%s is not the repository %s was registered from: the forge knows it as "+
+				"repository %d, and %s was registered from repository %d — one of that name deleted and made again",
+				owner, name, m, facts.ID, m, id))
+		}
+	}
+	return facts.ID, nil
+}
+
+// askedHereFor says the build was asked at the controller's terminal, for this repository and this path: a kept
+// request marked so, whose source is the outcome's (novox/hq ADR 0266).
+func askedHereFor(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, forms *sourceForms, buildID string,
+	built inventory.Source, path string) (bool, error) {
+	r, found, err := inv.BuildRequestByID(ctx, buildID)
+	if err != nil || !found || !r.AtTerminal {
+		return false, err
+	}
+	if !forms.same(r.Repository, r.Seat, built.Repository, built.Seat) ||
+		strings.Trim(r.Path, "/") != strings.Trim(path, "/") {
+		fmt.Printf("%s was asked at the terminal of %s at %q, and its outcome is of %s at %q: not the terminal's\n",
+			buildID, sourceWords(r.Repository, r.Seat), r.Path, sourceWords(built.Repository, built.Seat), path)
+		return false, nil
+	}
+	return true, nil
+}
+
+// sourceWords is a source as a person reads it.
+func sourceWords(repository, seat string) string {
+	if seat == "" {
+		return repository
+	}
+	return buildSource{Repository: repository, Seat: seat}.String()
+}
+
+// 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 {
+	if startedAtTheTerminal() {
+		return nil
+	}
+	open, err := openStores(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	defer open.Close()
+	entries, err := open.inventory.Catalogued(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	forms := newSourceForms(ctx, open.inventory)
+	if forms.buildsFrom(entries, source.Repository, source.Seat) || forms.buildsFrom(entries, url, "") {
+		return nil
+	}
+	return terminalRefusal("%s is no repository the catalogue builds a module from, and a build of any other is "+
+		"asked at the controller's terminal only, never through a verb: a build node runs what the repository "+
+		"says, and its outcome would register a module the next push sends — whoever may call a verb includes "+
+		"agents (novox/hq ADR 0266). Nothing was asked", source)
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/build_source_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,384 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"hash/fnv"
+	"os"
+	"os/exec"
+	"slices"
+	"strings"
+	"sync"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// The routes to root a review of ADR 0266 found (novox/hq ADR 0266 §7): an agent makes a repository of its
+// own — or forks one the mesh builds from — commits a module.json naming a module the mesh runs everywhere
+// (`sudo`, granting itself a rule without a password; `mesh-host`, the node-engine), and asks the `build` verb
+// for it. Its outcome was registered under that name from the agent's repository, and the next push sent it.
+
+// onTrunk is an outcome of a commit on its repository's trunk, as the build seat says it.
+func onTrunk(id, repository, seat, path string, manifest map[string]any) link.BuildResult {
+	raw, _ := json.Marshal(manifest)
+	r := link.BuildResult{ID: id, Repository: "http://forge.internal:20000/" + repository + ".git", Path: path,
+		Ref: "main", On: "anchor", Commit: "c0ffee0123456789", Manifest: raw,
+		Trunk: "main", OnTrunk: true, Branches: []string{"main"}}
+	if seat != "" {
+		r.Source = &link.SourceOnSeat{Seat: seat, Repository: repository}
+	}
+	return r
+}
+
+// keptAsked keeps a build request as the asker would: through a verb, or at the terminal.
+func keptAsked(t *testing.T, inv *inventory.Inventory, id, repository, path string, atTerminal bool) {
+	t.Helper()
+	if err := inv.RecordBuildRequest(t.Context(), inventory.BuildRequest{ID: id, Repository: repository, Seat: "git",
+		Path: path, For: "build", AtTerminal: atTerminal}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+}
+
+// theCatalogue is a mesh whose sudo is built from the catalogue repository and whose node-engine from its own.
+func theCatalogue(t *testing.T) *stores {
+	t.Helper()
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	for _, b := range []link.BuildResult{
+		onTrunk("build-sudo", "novox/mesh-catalog", "git", "modules/sudo", map[string]any{"module": "sudo", "version": "1"}),
+		onTrunk("build-host", "novox/mesh-host", "git", "", map[string]any{"module": "mesh-host", "version": "1"}),
+	} {
+		keptAsked(t, open.inventory, b.ID, b.Source.Repository, b.Path, true)
+		if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, b); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	return open
+}
+
+func TestABuildFromAnAgentsRepositoryIsNotRegisteredAsAModuleTheMeshHolds(t *testing.T) {
+	open := theCatalogue(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		name, repository, path, module string
+	}{
+		{"its own repository naming sudo", "agent/sudo", "modules/sudo", "sudo"},
+		{"a fork of the catalogue", "agent/mesh-catalog", "modules/sudo", "sudo"},
+		{"a fork of the node-engine", "agent/mesh-host", "", "mesh-host"},
+	} {
+		t.Run(c.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			id := "build-" + strings.ReplaceAll(c.repository, "/", "-")
+			keptAsked(t, open.inventory, id, c.repository, c.path, false) // through the build verb
+			evil := onTrunk(id, c.repository, "git", c.path, map[string]any{"module": c.module, "version": "evil"})
+			_, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, evil)
+			if !errors.Is(err, errNotItsSource) {
+				t.Fatalf("a build of %s was taken in as %s: %v", c.repository, c.module, err)
+			}
+			shelf, err := open.inventory.Catalogue(ctx)
+			if err != nil {
+				t.Fatal(err)
+			}
+			if got := shelf[c.module].Version; got != "1" {
+				t.Fatalf("%s is now %q, from %s", c.module, got, c.repository)
+			}
+			if _, found, _ := open.inventory.BuildByID(ctx, id); !found {
+				t.Errorf("the refused build %s is not recorded", id)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+func TestANewModuleFromARepositoryTheCatalogueDoesNotBuildFromIsNotRegistered(t *testing.T) {
+	open := theCatalogue(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	keptAsked(t, open.inventory, "build-new", "agent/tools", "", false)
+	_, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, onTrunk("build-new", "agent/tools", "git", "",
+		map[string]any{"module": "agent-tools", "version": "1"}))
+	if !errors.Is(err, errNotItsSource) {
+		t.Fatalf("a new module from an agent's repository was taken in: %v", err)
+	}
+	// And one asked of nobody here — an outcome on the bus no request was kept for — the same.
+	_, _, err = takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, onTrunk("build-unasked", "agent/tools", "git", "",
+		map[string]any{"module": "agent-tools", "version": "1"}))
+	if !errors.Is(err, errNotItsSource) {
+		t.Fatalf("an outcome nobody asked for was taken in: %v", err)
+	}
+	if shelf, _ := open.inventory.Catalogue(ctx); shelf["agent-tools"].Module != "" {
+		t.Fatal("the refused module is in the catalogue")
+	}
+}
+
+// The operator at the terminal may still move a module, or add one from a new repository.
+func TestAtTheTerminalAnotherRepositoryIsRegistered(t *testing.T) {
+	open := theCatalogue(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	keptAsked(t, open.inventory, "build-moved", "novox/sudo", "", true)
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, onTrunk("build-moved", "novox/sudo", "git", "",
+		map[string]any{"module": "sudo", "version": "2"})); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("a move the operator asked for at the terminal was refused: %v", err)
+	}
+	if src, _ := open.inventory.SourceOf(ctx, "sudo"); src.Repository != "novox/sudo" {
+		t.Fatalf("sudo is built from %q", src.Repository)
+	}
+	if err := open.inventory.RecordBuildRequest(ctx, inventory.BuildRequest{ID: "build-external",
+		Repository: "http://forge.internal:20000/someone/app.git", For: "build", AtTerminal: true}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, onTrunk("build-external", "someone/app", "", "",
+		map[string]any{"module": "app", "version": "1"})); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("a new module the operator asked for at the terminal was refused: %v", err)
+	}
+}
+
+// The delivery's flow is untouched: a merge's rebuild of a module from its own repository, and a merge adding
+// a module to a repository the catalogue builds from (novox/hq issue 300), are registered with no terminal.
+func TestADeliveryFromTheRegisteredRepositoryIsRegistered(t *testing.T) {
+	open := theCatalogue(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	rebuilt := onTrunk("build-plan", "novox/mesh-catalog", "git", "modules/sudo", map[string]any{"module": "sudo", "version": "2"})
+	if err := open.inventory.RecordBuildRequest(ctx, inventory.BuildRequest{ID: rebuilt.ID,
+		Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Seat: "git", Path: "modules/sudo", For: "plan"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, rebuilt); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("a plan's build of the module's own repository was refused: %v", err)
+	}
+	added := onTrunk("build-merge", "novox/mesh-catalog", "git", "modules/zram", map[string]any{"module": "zram", "version": "1"})
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, added); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("a module a merge added to the catalogue repository was refused: %v", err)
+	}
+	shelf, _ := open.inventory.Catalogue(ctx)
+	if shelf["sudo"].Version != "2" || shelf["zram"].Module == "" {
+		t.Fatalf("not registered: sudo %q, zram %q", shelf["sudo"].Version, shelf["zram"].Module)
+	}
+}
+
+// Through a verb, a build of a repository the catalogue builds nothing from is not even asked: the build node
+// would run what the agent wrote.
+func TestAVerbAsksNoBuildOfARepositoryTheCatalogueDoesNotBuildFrom(t *testing.T) {
+	theCatalogue(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")
+	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 {
+		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 {
+		t.Fatalf("the terminal was refused: %v", err)
+	}
+}
+
+// asTheOperator keeps a build as asked at the controller's terminal, as the operator's first build of a module
+// from a repository the catalogue does not yet build from is (novox/hq ADR 0266), and hands it back.
+func asTheOperator(t *testing.T, inv *inventory.Inventory, b link.BuildResult) link.BuildResult {
+	t.Helper()
+	repository, seat := b.Repository, ""
+	if b.Source != nil {
+		repository, seat = b.Source.Repository, b.Source.Seat
+	}
+	if err := inv.RecordBuildRequest(t.Context(), inventory.BuildRequest{ID: b.ID, Repository: repository, Seat: seat,
+		Path: b.Path, For: "build", AtTerminal: true}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	return b
+}
+
+// A rollback puts back only a build of the module's own repository: an agent's build of the module's name,
+// recorded and refused, at the very commit the machine ran before (a fork carries it), is never registered by
+// the back door of a failed gate.
+func TestARollbackNeverPutsBackABuildFromAnotherRepository(t *testing.T) {
+	open := theCatalogue(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	fork := onTrunk("build-1791500000000000000", "agent/mesh-catalog", "git", "modules/sudo",
+		map[string]any{"module": "sudo", "version": "evil"})
+	fork.Commit = "c0ffee0123456789" // the commit sudo was registered at
+	keptAsked(t, inv, fork.ID, "agent/mesh-catalog", "modules/sudo", false)
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, inv, fork); !errors.Is(err, errNotItsSource) {
+		t.Fatalf("the fork's build was taken in: %v", err)
+	}
+	// Asked after the registered build, whenever the test runs: an id naming a fixed moment read as older
+	// than the registered build once the clock passed it (2026-10-10 02:40 UTC), and the test failed on main.
+	failed := onTrunk(fmt.Sprintf("build-%d", time.Now().Add(time.Hour).UnixNano()), "novox/mesh-catalog", "git", "modules/sudo",
+		map[string]any{"module": "sudo", "version": "2"})
+	failed.Commit = "badbadbad0123456"
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, inv, failed); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	record, _, err := inv.BuildByID(ctx, failed.ID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	previous, found, err := inv.PreviousBuild(ctx, "sudo", "c0ffee0123456789", record)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if found && previous.ID == fork.ID {
+		t.Fatalf("a rollback would put back the fork's build %s", previous.ID)
+	}
+	if !found || previous.ID != "build-sudo" {
+		t.Fatalf("a rollback puts back %q (found %v), want the registered build-sudo", previous.ID, found)
+	}
+}
+
+// theForge is what the forge says in a test, by owner/name: a repository not named here is protected as a
+// trunk must be, with an id of its own.
+var theForge sync.Map
+
+func init() {
+	askTheForge = func(_ context.Context, owner, repo, _ string) (forgeFacts, error) {
+		if said, ok := theForge.Load(owner + "/" + repo); ok {
+			switch f := said.(type) {
+			case error:
+				return forgeFacts{}, f
+			case forgeFacts:
+				return f, nil
+			}
+		}
+		h := fnv.New32a()
+		_, _ = h.Write([]byte(owner + "/" + repo))
+		return forgeFacts{ID: int64(h.Sum32()), Guarded: true}, nil
+	}
+}
+
+// A module's trunk the forge does not protect — direct pushes, no required status — or a forge that cannot say,
+// registers nothing through a verb: the trunk rule means nothing on a branch anyone pushes to.
+func TestATrunkTheForgeDoesNotProtectRegistersNothing(t *testing.T) {
+	open := theCatalogue(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	theForge.Store("novox/unguarded", forgeFacts{ID: 7, Why: "the rule main lets a person push to main directly"})
+	t.Cleanup(func() { theForge.Delete("novox/unguarded") })
+	first := onTrunk("build-unguarded-1", "novox/unguarded", "git", "", map[string]any{"module": "unguarded", "version": "1"})
+	keptAsked(t, open.inventory, first.ID, "novox/unguarded", "", true)
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, first); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("at the terminal: %v", err)
+	}
+	again := onTrunk("build-unguarded-2", "novox/unguarded", "git", "", map[string]any{"module": "unguarded", "version": "2"})
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, again); !errors.Is(err, errNotItsSource) ||
+		!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "push to main directly") {
+		t.Fatalf("a rebuild from an unprotected trunk was taken in: %v", err)
+	}
+	theForge.Store("novox/unguarded", errors.New("nothing serves gitea.gitea_api"))
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, onTrunk("build-unguarded-3", "novox/unguarded", "git", "",
+		map[string]any{"module": "unguarded", "version": "3"})); !errors.Is(err, errNotItsSource) {
+		t.Fatalf("a forge that could not say was read as a protected trunk: %v", err)
+	}
+	if shelf, _ := open.inventory.Catalogue(ctx); shelf["unguarded"].Version != "1" {
+		t.Fatalf("unguarded is %q", shelf["unguarded"].Version)
+	}
+}
+
+// A repository deleted and made again under the module's repository's name is another repository: the forge's
+// id, recorded at registration, tells them apart.
+func TestARepositoryMadeAgainUnderItsNameIsNotTheModulesSource(t *testing.T) {
+	open := theCatalogue(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	theForge.Store("novox/remade", forgeFacts{ID: 100, Guarded: true})
+	t.Cleanup(func() { theForge.Delete("novox/remade") })
+	first := onTrunk("build-remade-1", "novox/remade", "git", "", map[string]any{"module": "remade", "version": "1"})
+	keptAsked(t, open.inventory, first.ID, "novox/remade", "", true)
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, first); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if id, _ := open.inventory.SourceIdentity(ctx, "remade"); id != 100 {
+		t.Fatalf("the forge's id was not recorded: %d", id)
+	}
+	theForge.Store("novox/remade", forgeFacts{ID: 101, Guarded: true}) // deleted, and made again by an agent
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, onTrunk("build-remade-2", "novox/remade", "git", "",
+		map[string]any{"module": "remade", "version": "evil"})); !errors.Is(err, errNotItsSource) ||
+		!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "made again") {
+		t.Fatalf("a repository made again under the name was taken in: %v", err)
+	}
+	// And a new module from it, beside the one registered from the first, the same.
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, onTrunk("build-remade-3", "novox/remade", "git", "modules/other",
+		map[string]any{"module": "other", "version": "1"})); !errors.Is(err, errNotItsSource) {
+		t.Fatalf("a new module from a repository made again was taken in: %v", err)
+	}
+}
+
+// The terminal's mark is the operator's for the repository and path they asked: an outcome of another, under that
+// build's id, is not theirs.
+func TestATerminalRequestCoversOnlyWhatItAsked(t *testing.T) {
+	open := theCatalogue(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	if err := open.inventory.RecordBuildRequest(ctx, inventory.BuildRequest{ID: "build-asked", Repository: "novox/app",
+		Seat: "git", Path: "modules/app", For: "build", AtTerminal: true}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	other := onTrunk("build-asked", "agent/sudo", "git", "modules/app", map[string]any{"module": "sudo", "version": "evil"})
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, other); !errors.Is(err, errNotItsSource) {
+		t.Fatalf("an outcome of another repository under a terminal request's id was taken in: %v", err)
+	}
+	elsewhere := onTrunk("build-asked", "novox/app", "git", "modules/sudo", map[string]any{"module": "sudo", "version": "evil"})
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, elsewhere); !errors.Is(err, errNotItsSource) {
+		t.Fatalf("an outcome of another path under a terminal request's id was taken in: %v", err)
+	}
+}
+
+// The serving controller, and everything it starts, is never the terminal: a build asked in it reads as asked
+// through the mesh even when no verb and no caller is named.
+func TestTheServingControllerIsNeverTheTerminal(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Setenv(verbVar, "")
+	t.Setenv(link.CallerVar, "")
+	t.Setenv(servedVar, "")
+	if !startedAtTheTerminal() {
+		t.Fatal("a process started by hand is not the terminal")
+	}
+	markServed()
+	if startedAtTheTerminal() {
+		t.Fatal("the serving controller reads as the terminal")
+	}
+	child := exec.Command(os.Args[0], "-test.run=^$")
+	child.Env = os.Environ()
+	if !slices.Contains(child.Env, servedVar+"=1") {
+		t.Fatal("what the serving controller starts does not carry its mark")
+	}
+}
+
+// The forge applies one rule to a branch: the rule named for it, else the first glob that covers it. A stronger
+// rule later in the list is not what guards the branch, and is not read as if it were (the confirmation review).
+func TestTheRuleJudgedIsTheOneTheForgeApplies(t *testing.T) {
+	guarded := protectionRule{Rule: "*", RequiredStatuses: []string{"mesh/merge-gate"}}
+	open := protectionRule{Rule: "main", Push: true, RequiredStatuses: []string{"mesh/merge-gate"}}
+	if f := judgedRule([]protectionRule{guarded, open}, "main"); f.Guarded {
+		t.Error("an exact rule letting pushes was passed over for a glob that guards")
+	}
+	if f := judgedRule([]protectionRule{{Rule: "ma*", RequiredStatuses: nil}, {Rule: "*", RequiredStatuses: []string{"x"}}},
+		"main"); f.Guarded || !strings.Contains(f.Why, "ma*") {
+		t.Errorf("the first glob covering the branch was not the one judged: %+v", f)
+	}
+	if f := judgedRule([]protectionRule{{Rule: "release/*"}, {Rule: "main", RequiredStatuses: []string{"x"}}}, "main"); !f.Guarded {
+		t.Errorf("the rule named for the branch was not judged: %+v", f)
+	}
+	if f := judgedRule(nil, "main"); f.Guarded {
+		t.Error("no rule is no protection")
+	}
+}
+
+// An id the forge could not give keeps the id already recorded.
+func TestAnUnknownIdentityKeepsTheRecordedOne(t *testing.T) {
+	open := theCatalogue(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	if err := open.inventory.SetSourceIdentity(ctx, "sudo", 100); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := open.inventory.SetSourceIdentity(ctx, "sudo", 0); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if id, _ := open.inventory.SourceIdentity(ctx, "sudo"); id != 100 {
+		t.Fatalf("the recorded id became %d", id)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/build_test.go

@@ -19,11 +19,11 @@ func TestABuildHeardIsRecordedAndRegistered(t *testing.T) {
 	open := aMesh(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	manifest, _ := json.Marshal(map[string]any{"module": "shop", "version": "3"})
-	m, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, link.BuildResult{
+	m, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, asTheOperator(t, open.inventory, link.BuildResult{
 		ID: "b-1", Repository: "http://forge.internal:20000/novox/shop.git", Path: "modules/shop",
 		Ref: "main", On: "anchor", Commit: "abcdef0123", Manifest: manifest,
 		Source: &link.SourceOnSeat{Seat: "git", Repository: "novox/shop"},
-	})
+	}))
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@ func TestABuildAtACommitKeepsTheBranchTheModuleFollows(t *testing.T) {
 			Path: "modules/unifi", Ref: ref, On: "anchor", Commit: commit, Manifest: manifest,
 			Source: &link.SourceOnSeat{Seat: "git", Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog"}}
 	}
-	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, result("b-1", "main", "1111111aaaa")); err != nil {
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, asTheOperator(t, open.inventory, result("b-1", "main", "1111111aaaa"))); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
 	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, result("b-2", "9c97a8a", "9c97a8a1d2c3")); err != nil {
@@ -117,7 +117,7 @@ func TestAnOlderBuildHeardLaterDoesNotReplaceTheNewer(t *testing.T) {
 			Path: "modules/postgres", Ref: "main", On: "anchor", Commit: "efff5415", Manifest: manifest,
 			Source: &link.SourceOnSeat{Seat: "git", Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog"}}
 	}
-	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, result(newer, "4bcd5f73")); err != nil {
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, asTheOperator(t, open.inventory, result(newer, "4bcd5f73"))); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
 	_, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, result(older, "0ab07fa9"))

cmd/mesh-controller/bus_step.go

@@ -151,6 +151,13 @@ func busCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 	if len(args) > 0 && !strings.HasPrefix(args[0], "-") {
 		sub, args = args[0], args[1:]
 	}
+	// The view's credential, a terminal line like a person's (bus_view.go).
+	switch sub {
+	case "view-credential":
+		return busViewCredential(ctx, args)
+	case "view-revoke":
+		return busViewRevoke(ctx, args)
+	}
 	set := flag.NewFlagSet("bus", flag.ContinueOnError)
 	snapshot := set.String("snapshot-taken", "", "where the streams' snapshot a person took is, while the mesh takes none itself")
 	reversible := set.Bool("reversible", false, "the new version can be undone by putting the old one back")
@@ -160,14 +167,14 @@ func busCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 	if rest, err := parseAround(set, args); err != nil {
 		return err
 	} else if len(rest) > 0 {
-		return errors.New("bus [upgrade --why … --reversible|--irreversible [--snapshot-taken <where>]]")
+		return errors.New(busUsage)
 	}
 	switch sub {
 	case "":
 		return busStatus(ctx)
 	case "upgrade":
 	default:
-		return fmt.Errorf("bus says what a bus upgrade would do, or `bus upgrade` — not %q", sub)
+		return fmt.Errorf("bus says what a bus upgrade would do, or `bus upgrade`, `bus view-credential`, `bus view-revoke` — not %q", sub)
 	}
 	// Everything refused before anything is done.
 	if err := why.require("bus upgrade"); err != nil {

cmd/mesh-controller/bus_view.go

@@ -0,0 +1,117 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"net"
+	"strconv"
+	"strings"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// The view's credential: the one read-only user a page in a browser connects to the bus as, over the
+// bus module's WebSocket listener (novox/hq research 036, gap G1; broker.KindView).
+//
+// **A terminal line, like a person's credential** (operator.go): printed once, never stored — the mesh
+// keeps a hash — and revoked by forgetting the row, which the next composition of the user list makes
+// real. There is one view; issuing it again rotates its password.
+const busUsage = "bus [upgrade --why … --reversible|--irreversible [--snapshot-taken <where>] | view-credential | view-revoke]"
+
+// busWebSocketPort is the port the bus module's WebSocket listener is published on, mirrored from the
+// nats module's manifest (its `bus-websocket` opening), because the credential names where to connect
+// and the controller does not read the module's configuration. Reached across the overlay only: the
+// opening is from the mesh, and the mesh's filter admits nothing else.
+const busWebSocketPort = 4223
+
+func busViewCredential(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
+	if len(args) != 0 {
+		return errors.New("bus view-credential takes nothing: there is one view, and this prints its credential once")
+	}
+	open, err := openStores(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	defer open.Close()
+	inv := open.inventory
+
+	// Refused here rather than at the next composition, where it would stop the whole file.
+	if _, err := broker.PermissionsFor(broker.Principal{Kind: broker.KindView, PasswordHash: "x"}); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	password, err := inv.MintBusPassword(ctx, inventory.BusUser{Username: broker.ViewUser, Kind: inventory.BusView})
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+
+	where, err := broker.FromEnvironment()
+	if err != nil && !errors.Is(err, broker.ErrNotConfigured) {
+		return err
+	}
+	host := where.Address
+	if h, _, err := net.SplitHostPort(where.Address); err == nil {
+		host = h
+	}
+	websocket := ""
+	if host != "" {
+		websocket = "ws://" + net.JoinHostPort(host, strconv.Itoa(busWebSocketPort))
+	}
+	held, err := json.Marshal(struct {
+		WebSocket   string   `json:"websocket,omitempty"`
+		URL         string   `json:"url,omitempty"`
+		Fingerprint string   `json:"fingerprint,omitempty"`
+		User        string   `json:"user"`
+		Password    string   `json:"password"`
+		InboxPrefix string   `json:"inbox_prefix"`
+		Hears       []string `json:"hears"`
+		Reads       string   `json:"reads"`
+		HowToRead   string   `json:"how_to_read"`
+	}{
+		WebSocket: websocket, URL: "nats://" + where.Address, Fingerprint: where.Fingerprint,
+		User: broker.ViewUser, Password: password,
+		// The client must make its inboxes under the view's own prefix: its subscribe grant is
+		// `_INBOX.view.>` and no wider (design 25 §4), and a client's default inbox is not under it.
+		InboxPrefix: "_INBOX." + broker.ViewUser,
+		Hears:       broker.ViewHears, Reads: broker.ViewBucket,
+		HowToRead: "direct reads only, no watch (a consumer is refused): list with a request to $JS.API.DIRECT.GET.KV_" +
+			broker.ViewBucket + ` carrying {"multi_last":["$KV.` + broker.ViewBucket + `.>"]}, answered until a 204 status; ` +
+			"read one key with $JS.API.DIRECT.GET.KV_" + broker.ViewBucket + ".$KV." + broker.ViewBucket + ".<number> " +
+			"(nats.js: kvm.open(bucket, {allow_direct: true}), never create); re-read the key an event's number names",
+	})
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+
+	fmt.Printf("issued the view, which hears %s and reads the bucket %s, and nothing else\n",
+		strings.Join(broker.ViewHears, ", "), broker.ViewBucket)
+	fmt.Println("  this is the only time the credential is printed; the mesh keeps a hash")
+	fmt.Println("  it works once the bus has been told, which is the next push to the machine holding mesh-broker —")
+	fmt.Println("  and while a new build of the bus module waits for that machine, the next `bus upgrade` a person starts,")
+	fmt.Println("  which is also what brings the WebSocket listener it connects through")
+	fmt.Println()
+	fmt.Println(string(held))
+	return nil
+}
+
+func busViewRevoke(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
+	if len(args) != 0 {
+		return errors.New("bus view-revoke takes nothing: there is one view")
+	}
+	open, err := openStores(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	defer open.Close()
+
+	if err := open.inventory.ForgetBusUser(ctx, broker.ViewUser); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	// **Revoked at the next composition, not now** — as a person is (operator revoke): the bus's users
+	// are a file, and the credential stops working when the file no longer names it.
+	fmt.Println("the view is forgotten, and its credential stops working at the next composition — " +
+		"push the machine holding mesh-broker to make it so")
+	return nil
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/bus_waits.go

@@ -0,0 +1,195 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+	"sort"
+	"strings"
+	"sync"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// A send held for the bus's planned step (novox/hq issue 336).
+//
+// **A wait only a person can end is said to that person at once.** No send replaces the bus but its planned
+// step (sendToEach, ADR 0236), and the step is a person's `bus upgrade`. So while a new bus build waits, every
+// walk whose tier sends to the bus's machine is refused, and tries again each tick. The refusal was kept only
+// as the walk's note; nothing was raised, and the operator found the hold by asking why a walk did not move.
+// Row S17 raises it on the first tick after the first refusal, in the bus's scope, for the operator: what
+// waits, behind which bus build, since when, and the verb. A walk held only by it is not late, so S3 leaves it
+// out, as it leaves out a walk under a paused build seat. It clears once the bus's machine has been sent the
+// build the mesh holds — the step was taken, and no send is refused for the bus any more — whatever the walks'
+// notes still say. Whether the new bus came up healthy is the step's own condition (probe DB).
+
+// kindBusStepWaiting is S17's kind: bus.<module>.step-waiting.
+const kindBusStepWaiting = "bus-step-waiting"
+
+// busFacts is a new bus build waiting for its planned step, and the sends held for it.
+type busFacts struct {
+	module, to string
+	// from is the build each machine of the bus runs; machines those whose bus the step would replace.
+	from     map[string]string
+	machines []string
+	waits    []busWaitFacts
+}
+
+// busWaitFacts is one walk whose send was refused because it would replace the bus.
+type busWaitFacts struct {
+	plan, repository, commit string
+	// modules are what its tier sends: what waits.
+	modules []string
+	// since is the first refusal: as this controller saw it, or, read back, the save that kept the refusal.
+	since time.Time
+}
+
+// busRefusedFirst is when this controller first saw each walk refused for the bus's step. The walk's note
+// keeps the refusal across a restart; this keeps its moment more exactly than the walk's last save.
+var busRefusedFirst = &firstSeen{at: map[string]time.Time{}}
+
+type firstSeen struct {
+	mu sync.Mutex
+	at map[string]time.Time
+}
+
+// mark keeps the first moment an id was seen.
+func (s *firstSeen) mark(id string, at time.Time) {
+	s.mu.Lock()
+	defer s.mu.Unlock()
+	if _, seen := s.at[id]; !seen {
+		s.at[id] = at
+	}
+}
+
+// of is when an id was first seen; zero when it was not.
+func (s *firstSeen) of(id string) time.Time {
+	s.mu.Lock()
+	defer s.mu.Unlock()
+	return s.at[id]
+}
+
+// keepOnly forgets every id not given: a walk no longer held is not held since then.
+func (s *firstSeen) keepOnly(ids map[string]bool) {
+	s.mu.Lock()
+	defer s.mu.Unlock()
+	for id := range s.at {
+		if !ids[id] {
+			delete(s.at, id)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// refusedForTheBus is whether an error is the refusal of a send for the bus's planned step.
+func refusedForTheBus(err error) bool {
+	return err != nil && strings.Contains(err.Error(), errBusWaits.Error())
+}
+
+// busWaitsOf is the sends held for the bus's step, from the open walks: each walk not waiting for its
+// delivery's word whose note keeps a refusal for this very bus build, while the build would still replace
+// the bus on a machine. first is when this controller first saw a walk refused, zero when it did not.
+func busWaitsOf(plans []inventory.Plan, b busPending, first func(string) time.Time) busFacts {
+	f := busFacts{module: b.module, to: b.to, from: b.from}
+	for _, n := range b.machines {
+		if b.moves(n) {
+			f.machines = append(f.machines, n)
+		}
+	}
+	if len(f.machines) == 0 {
+		return f
+	}
+	for _, p := range plans {
+		if !p.Open() || p.Waiting() || !strings.Contains(p.Note, errBusWaits.Error()) || !strings.Contains(p.Note, short(b.to)) {
+			continue
+		}
+		since := p.Updated
+		if seen := first(p.ID); !seen.IsZero() && (since.IsZero() || seen.Before(since)) {
+			since = seen
+		}
+		var modules []string
+		if p.Tier >= 0 && p.Tier < len(p.Tiers) {
+			modules = append(modules, p.Tiers[p.Tier]...)
+		} else {
+			modules = planModules(p)
+		}
+		sort.Strings(modules)
+		f.waits = append(f.waits, busWaitFacts{plan: p.ID, repository: p.Repository, commit: p.Commit, modules: modules,
+			since: since})
+	}
+	sort.Slice(f.waits, func(i, j int) bool { return f.waits[i].since.Before(f.waits[j].since) })
+	return f
+}
+
+// heldByTheBus is the walks of a bus's facts, by id: what S3 leaves out.
+func (b busFacts) heldByTheBus() map[string]bool {
+	out := map[string]bool{}
+	for _, w := range b.waits {
+		out[w.plan] = true
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// busUpgradeVerb is the call that ends the wait, as the summary names it: through the mesh MCP server, with
+// why, saying whether the new version can be undone ("reversible": "true") or not ("irreversible": "true").
+const busUpgradeVerb = "`mesh_call mesh-controller.bus {\"upgrade\": \"true\", \"why\": \"…\", \"reversible\" or \"irreversible\": \"true\"}`"
+
+// watchBusWaits is S17: a send held for the bus's planned step, said at once to the operator.
+func watchBusWaits(f *signalFacts) []conditions.Observation {
+	b := f.bus
+	if len(b.waits) == 0 || len(b.machines) == 0 {
+		return nil
+	}
+	since := b.waits[0].since
+	var walks, what []string
+	for _, w := range b.waits {
+		walks = append(walks, fmt.Sprintf("%s (%s %s, tier: %s)", w.plan, w.repository, short(w.commit),
+			strings.Join(w.modules, ", ")))
+		what = append(what, deliveryWhat(w.modules, w.repository))
+	}
+	var from []string
+	for _, n := range b.machines {
+		from = append(from, short(orNotKnown(b.from[n])))
+	}
+	machines := namesWords(b.machines, 3)
+	in := f.now.Sub(since)
+	return []conditions.Observation{{Scope: conditions.ScopeBus, ID: b.module, Token: "step-waiting",
+		Kind: kindBusStepWaiting, Severity: conditions.Warning, Resolver: conditions.ResolverOperator,
+		Machine: b.machines[0], Also: b.machines[1:],
+		Summary: fmt.Sprintf("sends to %s wait for the bus's planned step: a new bus build (%s %s → %s) would replace "+
+			"the bus there, which only a person's %s does; waiting since %s: %s", strings.Join(b.machines, ", "),
+			b.module, strings.Join(sortedUnique(from), ", "), short(b.to), busUpgradeVerb,
+			since.UTC().Format(time.RFC3339), strings.Join(walks, "; ")),
+		Said:     fmt.Sprintf("%d walk(s) refused since %s", len(b.waits), since.UTC().Format(time.RFC3339)),
+		Headline: clipWords("Sends to "+machines+" wait for a bus upgrade", conditions.HeadlineMax),
+		Explanation: clipWords(fmt.Sprintf("A new version of the mesh's message system is built, and only a person "+
+			"installs it. Until then nothing else is sent to %s: %s waits, for %s so far.", machines,
+			namesWords(sortedUnique(what), 3), humanDuration(in)), conditions.ExplanationMax),
+		Needs:    "start the bus upgrade " + FromMeshMCPServer,
+		Resolved: "Resolved: the bus upgrade started, and sends go on"}}
+}
+
+// sortedUnique is a list sorted, each once.
+func sortedUnique(xs []string) []string {
+	seen := map[string]bool{}
+	var out []string
+	for _, x := range xs {
+		if !seen[x] {
+			seen[x] = true
+			out = append(out, x)
+		}
+	}
+	sort.Strings(out)
+	return out
+}
+
+// clipWords keeps a plain sentence within a bound, at a word.
+func clipWords(s string, n int) string {
+	if len(s) <= n {
+		return s
+	}
+	cut := strings.LastIndex(s[:n-1], " ")
+	if cut <= 0 {
+		cut = n - 1
+	}
+	return s[:cut] + "…"
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/bus_waits_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,159 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// novox/hq issue 336: a send held because it would replace the bus outside its planned step waits for a
+// person, so a person is told at once — what waits, behind which bus build, since when, and the verb that
+// ends it — and the wait is not read as a walk running late.
+
+// aBusOnAnchor is a new bus build waiting for its step on anchor: nats 88135ad0 there, 32307bd1 held.
+func aBusOnAnchor() busPending {
+	return busPending{module: "nats", machines: []string{"anchor"}, from: map[string]string{"anchor": "88135ad0aaaa"},
+		to: "32307bd1bbbb", same: map[string]bool{}}
+}
+
+// refusedNote is the note a walk keeps when its send was refused for the bus, as advanceHeld writes it.
+func refusedNote(b busPending, tier int) string {
+	held := "sending anchor would replace the bus (nats " + short(b.from["anchor"]) + " → " + short(b.to) +
+		"), which is a planned step: `bus upgrade --why …` snapshots its streams first and checks them after (novox/hq ADR 0236)"
+	return "tier " + string(rune('0'+tier)) + ": " + errBusWaits.Error() + ": " + held + " — tried again"
+}
+
+func TestASendHeldForTheBusStepIsFoundFromTheWalksItHolds(t *testing.T) {
+	now := time.Date(2026, 10, 8, 18, 30, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	b := aBusOnAnchor()
+	walk := func(id, repo, note string, updated time.Time) inventory.Plan {
+		return inventory.Plan{ID: id, Repository: repo, Commit: "c0ffee001122", State: inventory.PlanRolling, Tier: 0,
+			Tiers: [][]string{{"mesh-host"}}, Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{"mesh-host": {}}, Note: note,
+			Updated: updated}
+	}
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		name  string
+		bus   busPending
+		plans []inventory.Plan
+		first map[string]time.Time
+		want  []string
+		since time.Time
+	}{
+		{"a walk refused for the bus", b,
+			[]inventory.Plan{walk("plan-1", "novox/mesh-host", refusedNote(b, 0), now.Add(-27*time.Minute))}, nil,
+			[]string{"plan-1"}, now.Add(-27 * time.Minute)},
+		{"refused earlier than its last save, as this controller saw it", b,
+			[]inventory.Plan{walk("plan-1", "novox/mesh-host", refusedNote(b, 0), now.Add(-5*time.Minute))},
+			map[string]time.Time{"plan-1": now.Add(-28 * time.Minute)}, []string{"plan-1"}, now.Add(-28 * time.Minute)},
+		{"a walk refused for another reason", b,
+			[]inventory.Plan{walk("plan-1", "novox/mesh-host", "tier 0: the build seat is paused — tried again", now)}, nil,
+			nil, time.Time{}},
+		{"refused for an older bus build than the one held now", func() busPending { o := b; o.to = "99999999cccc"; return o }(),
+			[]inventory.Plan{walk("plan-1", "novox/mesh-host", refusedNote(b, 0), now)}, nil, nil, time.Time{}},
+		{"the bus already runs the build held: its step started", func() busPending {
+			o := aBusOnAnchor()
+			o.from = map[string]string{"anchor": o.to}
+			return o
+		}(), []inventory.Plan{walk("plan-1", "novox/mesh-host", refusedNote(b, 0), now)}, nil, nil, time.Time{}},
+		{"a walk waiting for its delivery's word asks no send", b, func() []inventory.Plan {
+			p := walk("plan-1", "novox/mesh-host", refusedNote(b, 0), now)
+			p.Delivery = &inventory.PlanDelivery{Awaits: "mesh-delivery"}
+			return []inventory.Plan{p}
+		}(), nil, nil, time.Time{}},
+	} {
+		t.Run(c.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			got := busWaitsOf(c.plans, c.bus, func(id string) time.Time { return c.first[id] })
+			var ids []string
+			for _, w := range got.waits {
+				ids = append(ids, w.plan)
+			}
+			if strings.Join(ids, ",") != strings.Join(c.want, ",") {
+				t.Fatalf("held for the bus: %v, want %v", ids, c.want)
+			}
+			if len(c.want) > 0 {
+				if !got.waits[0].since.Equal(c.since) {
+					t.Errorf("waiting since %s, want %s", got.waits[0].since, c.since)
+				}
+				if strings.Join(got.machines, ",") != "anchor" || got.to != b.to || got.module != "nats" {
+					t.Errorf("behind %+v", got)
+				}
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+// **Said at once, not as lateness, and cleared when the step starts**: the walk held only for the bus raises
+// the bus's condition on the first tick, before any tier bound, naming what waits, the bus build from and to,
+// since when and `bus upgrade`, for the operator; S3 says nothing of it even past its bound; and the
+// condition clears once the bus's machine runs the new build.
+func TestASendHeldForTheBusStepIsSaidAtOnceAndNotAsLateness(t *testing.T) {
+	now := time.Date(2026, 10, 8, 18, 30, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	b := aBusOnAnchor()
+	held := func(entered time.Duration) *signalFacts {
+		f := calm(now)
+		f.plans = []planFacts{{id: "plan-1", repository: "novox/mesh-host", commit: "c0ffee00", tier: 0, tiers: 1,
+			entered: now.Add(-entered), bound: 30 * time.Minute, waiting: refusedNote(b, 0), bus: true}}
+		f.bus = busFacts{module: "nats", to: b.to, from: b.from, machines: []string{"anchor"},
+			waits: []busWaitFacts{{plan: "plan-1", repository: "novox/mesh-host", commit: "c0ffee001122",
+				modules: []string{"mesh-host"}, since: now.Add(-time.Minute)}}}
+		return f
+	}
+
+	f := held(time.Minute)
+	got := watchBusWaits(f)
+	if len(got) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("a send held for the bus a minute ago raised %+v", got)
+	}
+	o := got[0]
+	if o.Key() != "bus.nats.step-waiting" || o.Kind != kindBusStepWaiting || o.Resolver != conditions.ResolverOperator {
+		t.Fatalf("raised %s (%s), resolver %q", o.Key(), o.Kind, o.Resolver)
+	}
+	for _, want := range []string{"anchor", "mesh-host", "88135ad0", "32307bd1", "mesh_call mesh-controller.bus",
+		`"upgrade": "true"`, `"reversible"`, `"irreversible"`, "2026-10-08T18:29:00Z", "plan-1"} {
+		if !strings.Contains(o.Summary, want) {
+			t.Errorf("its summary does not say %q: %s", want, o.Summary)
+		}
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(o.Explanation, "mesh-host") || !strings.Contains(o.Headline, "bus upgrade") || o.Needs == "" {
+		t.Errorf("its words do not say what waits and what the operator does: %+v", o)
+	}
+	if why, ok := conditions.PlainWords(conditions.Words{Headline: o.Headline, Explanation: o.Explanation,
+		Resolved: o.Resolved, Needs: o.Needs}, "anchor"); !ok {
+		t.Errorf("its words are not plain: %s", why)
+	}
+
+	// Past S3's bound: still the bus's wait, never a stalled walk.
+	late := held(45 * time.Minute)
+	if s3 := watchPlans(late); len(s3) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a walk held only by the bus step was said stalled: %+v", s3)
+	}
+	// A walk held for something else past its bound is still stalled.
+	other := held(45 * time.Minute)
+	other.plans[0].bus = false
+	if s3 := watchPlans(other); len(s3) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("a walk held for something else past its bound raised %+v", s3)
+	}
+
+	// Through the keeper: open at the first tick, cleared when the step started.
+	store := conditions.NewInMemory()
+	k := conditions.NewKeeper(t.Context(), conditions.Options{Store: store, History: store, Teller: &conditions.Told{},
+		Now: func() time.Time { return now }})
+	defer k.Close(context.Background())
+	w := &watchdogs{keeper: k, started: now.Add(-time.Hour)}
+	w.see(t.Context(), held(time.Minute))
+	open, err := k.Open(t.Context())
+	if err != nil || len(open) != 1 || open[0].Key != "bus.nats.step-waiting" {
+		t.Fatalf("after the first tick, open: %+v (%v)", open, err)
+	}
+	started := held(time.Minute)
+	started.bus = busFacts{module: "nats", to: b.to}
+	started.plans[0].bus = false
+	w.see(t.Context(), started)
+	if open, _ := k.Open(t.Context()); len(open) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the step started, and open: %+v", open)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/busobjects.go

@@ -53,9 +53,26 @@ func assertBusObjects(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, r broker.Ra
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
+	// And the work queues of seats that name their caller or their kind, with each holder's worker
+	// (novox/hq ADR 0259 §3): an ask queues until the router takes it, a channel's work until that kind
+	// takes it.
+	trafficStreams, trafficWorkers, err := seatTrafficObjects(ctx, inv)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
 	// Every one tried, and every failure named: one module's consumer the bus refuses is no reason
 	// the modules after it in the list hear nothing (novox/hq issue 208, where this runs on each send).
 	var failed []error
+	for _, s := range trafficStreams {
+		if err := r.EnsureStream(s); err != nil {
+			failed = append(failed, fmt.Errorf("the work queue %s: %w", s.Name, err))
+		}
+	}
+	for _, c := range trafficWorkers {
+		if err := r.EnsureConsumer(c); err != nil {
+			failed = append(failed, fmt.Errorf("the worker %s on %s: %w", c.Name, c.Stream, err))
+		}
+	}
 	for _, c := range consumers {
 		if err := r.EnsureConsumer(c.Consumer); err != nil {
 			failed = append(failed, fmt.Errorf("how %s on %s hears what it consumes: %w", c.Module, c.Node, err))
@@ -130,6 +147,37 @@ func moduleConsumers(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory) ([]broker.Mo
 	return broker.ConsumersOf(users), nil
 }
 
+// seatTrafficObjects is the work queues and workers of seats that name their caller or their kind, from
+// the records the user list is composed from.
+func seatTrafficObjects(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory) ([]broker.Stream, []broker.Consumer, error) {
+	records, err := inv.BusRecords(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, nil, err
+	}
+	users, err := broker.Users(records)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, nil, err
+	}
+	streams, workers := broker.SeatTrafficObjects(users)
+	// And the queue of every such seat the catalogue declares, held or not: work queues from registration,
+	// so what is submitted before a holder is assigned waits for it (the correctness review of 2026-10-08).
+	declared, err := inv.DeclaredTrafficSeats(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, nil, err
+	}
+	have := map[string]bool{}
+	for _, s := range streams {
+		have[s.Name] = true
+	}
+	for _, s := range broker.TrafficQueues(declared) {
+		if !have[s.Name] {
+			streams = append(streams, s)
+			have[s.Name] = true
+		}
+	}
+	return streams, workers, nil
+}
+
 // moduleConsumerCount is how many modules hear what they consume, for the raise's one line.
 func moduleConsumerCount(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory) (int, error) {
 	consumers, err := moduleConsumers(ctx, inv)

cmd/mesh-controller/calls_verb_test.go

@@ -37,8 +37,6 @@ func TestAPushAnswersBeforeItSends(t *testing.T) {
 	}{
 		{"push", map[string]any{"node": "anchor", "why": "w"}, true},
 		{"push", map[string]any{"why": "w"}, true},
-		{"command", map[string]any{"command": "push anchor --why w"}, true},
-		{"command", map[string]any{"command": "push --behind --why=w"}, true},
 		{"command", map[string]any{"command": "builds"}, false},
 		{"status", map[string]any{}, false},
 		{"assign", map[string]any{"node": "anchor", "module": "m"}, false},

cmd/mesh-controller/changeplan.go

@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ import (
 	"sort"
 	"strings"
 
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
 )
@@ -50,7 +51,13 @@ func changePlanOf(repository, base, head string, r mergeReach, entries []invento
 				}
 			}
 			switch {
-			case name == "nats":
+			case (name == "nats" || catalogue.ProvidesBus(e.Manifest)) && len(e.On) > 0:
+				// Said before the merge (novox/hq issue 336): a new bus build holds every send to the bus's machine
+				// until a person takes the step, so merging it is a promise to take it.
+				p.Steps = append(p.Steps, fmt.Sprintf("%s: %s is never sent by an ordinary send, and until %s runs, "+
+					"nothing else is sent to %s either — unless the new build turns out the same as the one running there "+
+					"(issue 280)", busUpgradeNeeded, name, busUpgradeVerb, strings.Join(e.On, ", ")))
+			case name == "nats" || catalogue.ProvidesBus(e.Manifest):
 				p.Steps = append(p.Steps, "a planned bus step: the bus is upgraded by `bus upgrade`, never by an ordinary send")
 			case waits && len(e.On) > 0:
 				p.Steps = append(p.Steps, fmt.Sprintf("%s waits for a person: its policy records (%s)", name,
@@ -81,6 +88,9 @@ func changePlanOf(repository, base, head string, r mergeReach, entries []invento
 	return p
 }
 
+// busUpgradeNeeded is how a change plan says that merging it holds the bus's machine for a person's step.
+const busUpgradeNeeded = "merging this needs a person's bus upgrade"
+
 // summaryOf is a change plan in one line: what it builds, where it goes, and whether the bus moves.
 func summaryOf(p link.ChangePlan) string {
 	if len(p.Moved) == 0 && len(p.New) == 0 {
@@ -110,7 +120,10 @@ func summaryOf(p link.ChangePlan) string {
 	}
 	bus := "no bus step"
 	for _, s := range p.Steps {
-		if strings.HasPrefix(s, "a planned bus step") {
+		switch {
+		case strings.HasPrefix(s, busUpgradeNeeded):
+			bus = busUpgradeNeeded
+		case strings.HasPrefix(s, "a planned bus step") && bus == "no bus step":
 			bus = "a bus step"
 		}
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/changeplan_test.go

@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ func TestAChangePlanSaysWhatEachMachineReceives(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 
 	p = plan("modules/nats/Dockerfile", "modules/photos/x.js")
-	if !strings.Contains(p.Summary, "a bus step") || !strings.Contains(p.Summary, "2 wait(s) for a person") ||
+	if !strings.Contains(p.Summary, "needs a person's bus upgrade") || !strings.Contains(p.Summary, "2 wait(s) for a person") ||
 		!strings.Contains(p.Summary, "(+1 dependent(s))") {
 		t.Errorf("the bus and a held module read %q", p.Summary)
 	}
@@ -58,7 +58,11 @@ func TestAChangePlanSaysWhatEachMachineReceives(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Errorf("the deploy plan reads %v", got)
 	}
 	text := strings.Join(p.Steps, "\n")
-	for _, want := range []string{"a planned bus step", "photos waits for a person", "nats provides mesh-bus"} {
+	// Said before the merge (novox/hq issue 336): merging it holds every send to the bus's machine until a
+	// person runs the bus's step, and the verb that does.
+	for _, want := range []string{"merging this needs a person's bus upgrade", "nothing else is sent to anchor",
+		"mesh_call mesh-controller.bus", "the same as the one running there", "photos waits for a person",
+		"nats provides mesh-bus"} {
 		if !strings.Contains(text, want) {
 			t.Errorf("the steps do not say %q:\n%s", want, text)
 		}

cmd/mesh-controller/check.go

@@ -32,6 +32,9 @@ import (
 // provision it wants that a manifest given here offers. An overflow is refused in the pull request
 // that introduces it — a new requirement, a lowered bound, a longer slug — instead of on the
 // provider's machine when a real machine's name first meets the module's.
+// SomeManifestsVar, set by the merge gate, says the manifests given are only some of their repository's.
+const SomeManifestsVar = "MESH_MODULE_CHECK_SOME"
+
 func moduleCheck(paths []string, out io.Writer) error {
 	return moduleCheckFor(paths, catalogue.DefaultLongestMachine, out)
 }
@@ -65,6 +68,13 @@ func moduleCheckFor(paths []string, longestMachine int, out io.Writer) error {
 		}
 		// A definition names no installation (novox/hq ADR 0112, ADR 0155): judged here, in the
 		// catalogue-wide test, and at registration, which refuses in the same words.
+		if wrong := catalogue.TrustProblems(m); len(wrong) > 0 {
+			for _, p := range wrong {
+				fmt.Fprintf(out, "%s: %s\n", path, p)
+			}
+			failed += len(wrong)
+			faulted[m.Module] = true
+		}
 		if named := catalogue.InstallationProblems(m); len(named) > 0 {
 			for _, p := range named {
 				fmt.Fprintf(out, "%s: %s\n", path, p)
@@ -78,12 +88,24 @@ func moduleCheckFor(paths []string, longestMachine int, out io.Writer) error {
 	// Between the manifests: a seat declared twice, a use of a seat nothing declares, a claim on
 	// a seat that does not exist. Run only over what parsed, because a problem inside one manifest
 	// has already been said and would be said again here in a worse form.
+	//
+	// **Over some of a repository's manifests, a seat none of them declares is a note** (novox/hq issue 364), as
+	// this command's own word says above: the merge gate passes only the manifests a change touches, and says so
+	// with SomeManifestsVar, so a module that uses or claims a seat another module declares (the operator
+	// channel's, a channel bench) was refused there for a manifest it was not given. Given every manifest — the
+	// catalogue's own check, and registration — it stays a refusal.
+	some := os.Getenv(SomeManifestsVar) != ""
 	problems := catalogue.CatalogueProblems(shelf)
 	sort.Strings(problems)
 	for _, p := range problems {
+		if some && catalogue.IsUndeclaredSeat(p) {
+			fmt.Fprintf(out, "note: %s among the manifests given; registration judges it against the whole catalogue, "+
+				"and passing the declaring module's manifest too judges it here\n", p)
+			continue
+		}
 		fmt.Fprintln(out, p)
+		failed++
 	}
-	failed += len(problems)
 
 	// Between the manifests too: an identity against the bounds of the provisions it wants, which
 	// only the provider's manifest states.
@@ -130,6 +152,13 @@ func moduleCheckFor(paths []string, longestMachine int, out io.Writer) error {
 		}
 	}
 
+	// **A file that asks for a setting and does not say whether it is trusted counts as trusted** (novox/hq issue
+	// 339): listed and counted, never refused, so an author can opt out a file nothing trusts.
+	unsaid := 0
+	for _, name := range names {
+		unsaid += len(catalogue.UnsaidTrust(shelf[name]))
+	}
+
 	for _, name := range names {
 		m := shelf[name]
 		if faulted[name] {
@@ -171,6 +200,11 @@ func moduleCheckFor(paths []string, longestMachine int, out io.Writer) error {
 		if len(checks) > 0 {
 			fmt.Fprintf(out, ", ready: %s", strings.Join(checks, "; "))
 		}
+		if missing := catalogue.UnsaidTrust(m); len(missing) > 0 {
+			fmt.Fprintf(out, "; WARNING: %s ask(s) for a setting and do(es) not say whether it is trusted, so it counts as "+
+				"trusted: set at the terminal alone; say %q false where nothing trusts it (novox/hq issue 339)",
+				strings.Join(missing, ", "), catalogue.TrustedField)
+		}
 		if missing := catalogue.Undeclared(m); len(missing) > 0 {
 			fmt.Fprintf(out, "; WARNING: %s stay(s) up and say(s) not how it is ready — judged by liveness alone, "+
 				"refused from %s (ADR 0240 rule 8)", strings.Join(missing, ", "), catalogue.HealthRequiredFrom.Format("2006-01-02"))
@@ -179,6 +213,7 @@ func moduleCheckFor(paths []string, longestMachine int, out io.Writer) error {
 	}
 	// The count the catalogue keeps (ADR 0240 rule 8), in a line its merge check reads.
 	fmt.Fprintf(out, "%s %d\n", UndeclaredHealthLine, undeclared)
+	fmt.Fprintf(out, "%s %d\n", UnsaidTrustLine, unsaid)
 	if failed > 0 {
 		return fmt.Errorf("%d problem(s) in %d manifest(s)", failed, len(paths))
 	}
@@ -193,6 +228,10 @@ func moduleCheckFor(paths []string, longestMachine int, out io.Writer) error {
 // `health` in, over the manifests given: the catalogue's merge check compares it with the number it keeps.
 const UndeclaredHealthLine = "long-running resources without health:"
 
+// UnsaidTrustLine starts the line `module check` says the count of files that ask for a setting and do not say
+// whether it is trusted, and so count as trusted (novox/hq issue 339).
+const UnsaidTrustLine = "files asking for a setting without saying whether it is trusted:"
+
 // checkNow is the clock `module check` judges the date by; a test sets it.
 var checkNow = time.Now
 

cmd/mesh-controller/check_here.go

@@ -82,7 +82,9 @@ func checkHereCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 	if _, err := git("fetch", "--quiet", "origin", *base); err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("cannot fetch %s to say what the change touches: %w", *base, err)
 	}
-	changedText, err := git("diff", "--name-only", "origin/"+*base+"...HEAD")
+	// Without rename detection, so a file moved out of a build source is said under its old name as well:
+	// its going is a change to the build that held it (novox/hq ADR 0267).
+	changedText, err := git("diff", "--name-only", "--no-renames", "origin/"+*base+"...HEAD")
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/check_test.go

@@ -103,3 +103,23 @@ func TestTheControllersManifestServesEveryVerbOfItsSeat(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("the controller's own module.json fails module check: %v\n%s", err, out.String())
 	}
 }
+
+// A module that uses a seat another module declares (novox/hq issue 364): refused over the whole catalogue when the
+// declarer is missing, a note when the gate says it gives only the manifests a change touches.
+func TestASeatAnotherModuleDeclaresIsANoteOverSomeManifests(t *testing.T) {
+	dir := t.TempDir()
+	user := filepath.Join(dir, "user.json")
+	os.WriteFile(user, []byte(`{"module":"asker","version":"1","uses":["operator-channel"]}`), 0o600)
+	var out bytes.Buffer
+	if err := moduleCheck([]string{user}, &out); err == nil {
+		t.Fatalf("a use of a seat nothing given declares passed the whole-catalogue check:\n%s", out.String())
+	}
+	t.Setenv(SomeManifestsVar, "1")
+	out.Reset()
+	if err := moduleCheck([]string{user}, &out); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("over some manifests the use was refused:\n%s", out.String())
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(out.String(), "note: asker uses the seat \"operator-channel\"") {
+		t.Fatalf("the note was not said:\n%s", out.String())
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/checks.go

@@ -143,7 +143,7 @@ func (f following) PullUpdated(ctx context.Context, p link.PullUpdated) error {
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
-	read, err := inv.ReadRepositories(ctx)
+	read, err := readForPlanning(ctx, inv)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/conditions.go

@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ import (
 	"errors"
 	"flag"
 	"fmt"
+	"io"
 	"os"
 	"slices"
 	"strconv"
@@ -46,7 +47,7 @@ func keeperOn(ctx context.Context, conn *nats.Conn) (*conditions.Keeper, error)
 		Say:    func(format string, args ...any) { fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, format+"\n", args...) },
 		// What status leads with changed: composed again soon (a nudge outside the serving controller
 		// does nothing).
-		Changed: statusFrom.nudge,
+		Changed: func() { statusFrom.nudge(); askerFrom.nudge() },
 		// Written under the lease, carrying its epoch (novox/hq to-be 45 §6).
 		Epoch: func() (uint64, error) { return theLease.epoch(context.WithoutCancel(ctx)) }}), nil
 }
@@ -107,19 +108,20 @@ func conditionsCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 	}
 	switch sub {
 	case "list":
-		return listConditions(ctx, args)
+		return listConditions(ctx, args, os.Stdout)
 	case "show":
-		return showCondition(ctx, args)
+		return showCondition(ctx, args, os.Stdout)
 	case "silence":
 		return silenceCondition(ctx, args)
 	case "history":
-		return conditionHistory(ctx, args)
+		return conditionHistory(ctx, args, os.Stdout)
 	}
 	return errors.New(conditionsUsage)
 }
 
-func listConditions(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
+func listConditions(ctx context.Context, args []string, w io.Writer) error {
 	set := flag.NewFlagSet("conditions", flag.ContinueOnError)
+	usageTo(set, w)
 	scope := set.String("scope", "", "only this scope: "+strings.Join(conditions.Scopes, ", "))
 	severity := set.String("severity", "", "only urgent, or only warning")
 	machine := set.String("machine", "", "only those about this machine")
@@ -144,20 +146,20 @@ func listConditions(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 		}
 	}
 	if *asJSON {
-		return printJSON(map[string]any{"conditions": inBrief(out), "open": len(open), "counted": counted(out),
+		return printJSONTo(w, map[string]any{"conditions": inBrief(out), "open": len(open), "counted": counted(out),
 			"note": "urgent first, then oldest first; a condition clears when observation says so, never by hand; " +
 				"each with its newest evidence — `conditions key=<key>` gives one whole"})
 	}
 	if len(out) == 0 {
 		if len(open) == 0 {
-			fmt.Println("no open conditions")
+			fmt.Fprintln(w, "no open conditions")
 		} else {
-			fmt.Printf("none of the %d open condition(s) is about that\n", len(open))
+			fmt.Fprintf(w, "none of the %d open condition(s) is about that\n", len(open))
 		}
 		return nil
 	}
 	for _, line := range conditionLines(out, time.Now()) {
-		fmt.Println(line)
+		fmt.Fprintln(w, line)
 	}
 	return nil
 }
@@ -233,8 +235,9 @@ func conditionLines(list []conditions.Condition, now time.Time) []string {
 	return out
 }
 
-func showCondition(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
+func showCondition(ctx context.Context, args []string, w io.Writer) error {
 	set := flag.NewFlagSet("conditions show", flag.ContinueOnError)
+	usageTo(set, w)
 	asJSON := set.Bool("json", false, "as data")
 	rest, err := parseAround(set, args)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -266,34 +269,34 @@ func showCondition(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 			"history --key %s` what became of it", key, key)
 	}
 	if *asJSON {
-		return printJSON(c)
+		return printJSONTo(w, c)
 	}
 	now := time.Now()
-	fmt.Printf("%s  %s\n  %s\n\n", strings.ToUpper(string(c.Severity)), c.Key, c.Summary)
-	fmt.Printf("  kind       %s\n  about      %s %s", c.Kind, c.Subject.Scope, c.Subject.ID)
+	fmt.Fprintf(w, "%s  %s\n  %s\n\n", strings.ToUpper(string(c.Severity)), c.Key, c.Summary)
+	fmt.Fprintf(w, "  kind       %s\n  about      %s %s", c.Kind, c.Subject.Scope, c.Subject.ID)
 	if c.Subject.Machine != "" {
-		fmt.Printf(", on %s", c.Subject.Machine)
+		fmt.Fprintf(w, ", on %s", c.Subject.Machine)
 	}
-	fmt.Printf("\n  raised by  %s\n  since      %s (%s ago), observed %d time(s), last %s ago\n",
+	fmt.Fprintf(w, "\n  raised by  %s\n  since      %s (%s ago), observed %d time(s), last %s ago\n",
 		c.Source, c.Raised.Local().Format("2006-01-02 15:04:05"), roughly(now.Sub(c.Raised)), c.Observations,
 		now.Sub(c.LastObserved).Round(time.Second))
 	if c.Count > 1 {
-		fmt.Printf("  raised     %d times, each within ten minutes of clearing\n", c.Count)
+		fmt.Fprintf(w, "  raised     %d times, each within ten minutes of clearing\n", c.Count)
 	}
-	fmt.Printf("  resolved   by %s\n", resolverWords(c.Resolver))
+	fmt.Fprintf(w, "  resolved   by %s\n", resolverWords(c.Resolver))
 	if c.Silenced != nil {
-		fmt.Printf("  silenced   until %s by %s: %s\n", c.Silenced.Until.Local().Format("2006-01-02 15:04"),
+		fmt.Fprintf(w, "  silenced   until %s by %s: %s\n", c.Silenced.Until.Local().Format("2006-01-02 15:04"),
 			c.Silenced.By, c.Silenced.Why)
 	}
 	if len(c.Tried) > 0 {
-		fmt.Println("\n  tried:")
+		fmt.Fprintln(w, "\n  tried:")
 		for _, t := range c.Tried {
-			fmt.Printf("    %s  %s — %s: %s\n", t.At.Local().Format("2006-01-02 15:04"), orHealer(t.By), t.What, t.Outcome)
+			fmt.Fprintf(w, "    %s  %s — %s: %s\n", t.At.Local().Format("2006-01-02 15:04"), orHealer(t.By), t.What, t.Outcome)
 		}
 	}
-	fmt.Println("\n  evidence, newest first:")
+	fmt.Fprintln(w, "\n  evidence, newest first:")
 	for _, e := range c.Evidence {
-		fmt.Printf("    %s  %s\n", e.At.Local().Format("2006-01-02 15:04:05"), e.Said)
+		fmt.Fprintf(w, "    %s  %s\n", e.At.Local().Format("2006-01-02 15:04:05"), e.Said)
 	}
 	return nil
 }
@@ -378,8 +381,9 @@ func parseFor(s string) (time.Duration, error) {
 	return d, nil
 }
 
-func conditionHistory(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
+func conditionHistory(ctx context.Context, args []string, w io.Writer) error {
 	set := flag.NewFlagSet("conditions history", flag.ContinueOnError)
+	usageTo(set, w)
 	days := set.Int("days", 7, "how many days back, at most 90")
 	key := set.String("key", "", "only this condition")
 	asJSON := set.Bool("json", false, "as data")
@@ -420,10 +424,10 @@ func conditionHistory(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 		if out == nil {
 			out = []conditions.Event{}
 		}
-		return printJSON(map[string]any{"history": out, "days": *days})
+		return printJSONTo(w, map[string]any{"history": out, "days": *days})
 	}
 	if len(out) == 0 {
-		fmt.Printf("nothing was raised, changed or cleared in the last %d day(s)\n", *days)
+		fmt.Fprintf(w, "nothing was raised, changed or cleared in the last %d day(s)\n", *days)
 		return nil
 	}
 	for _, e := range out {
@@ -440,7 +444,7 @@ func conditionHistory(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 				line += " — " + e.Why
 			}
 		}
-		fmt.Println(line)
+		fmt.Fprintln(w, line)
 	}
 	return nil
 }

cmd/mesh-controller/conditions_test.go

@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ func TestASilenceThroughTheVerbHoldsAndTheConditionStaysOpen(t *testing.T) {
 func TestUnreadableConditionsAreNotAWellMesh(t *testing.T) {
 	open := aMesh(t)
 	_, store := withConditionsInMemory(t)
-	store.Fail = errors.New("the bus is away")
+	store.SetFail(errors.New("the bus is away"))
 	asked, err := theThreeQuestions(t.Context(), open)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
@@ -98,7 +98,7 @@ func TestUnreadableConditionsAreNotAWellMesh(t *testing.T) {
 	if !strings.HasPrefix(said, "the open conditions could NOT be read") || strings.Contains(said, "no open conditions") {
 		t.Fatalf("%s", said)
 	}
-	store.Fail = nil
+	store.SetFail(nil)
 	asked, _ = theThreeQuestions(t.Context(), open)
 	said = printed(t, func() error { return printStatus(asked) })
 	if asked.well() && !strings.Contains(said, "no open conditions;") {

cmd/mesh-controller/deadletters.go

@@ -0,0 +1,162 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"strconv"
+	"strings"
+
+	"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/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// What a consumer gave up on, answered by the serving controller (novox/hq issue 330).
+//
+// **In this process, on its own connection**: DEAD_LETTERS is read and changed on the bus, and the
+// serving controller is already on it. A verb run as a fresh process would open a connection of its own
+// for each call (novox/hq issue 327).
+
+// busHandles are the serving controller's connection and JetStream handle.
+type busHandles struct {
+	conn *nats.Conn
+	js   nats.JetStreamContext
+}
+
+// defaultDeadLetters is how many the list says when not asked for more.
+const defaultDeadLetters = 50
+
+// causeDeadLetter is the cause a delivery or drop gives when the caller gives none.
+const causeDeadLetter = "dead-letter"
+
+// deadLettersAnswer is what `dead-letters` answers: the list, one whole, or what came of delivering one
+// again or dropping it.
+func deadLettersAnswer(ctx context.Context, a *verbArguments) (any, error) {
+	serving := servingBus.Load()
+	if serving == nil {
+		return nil, errors.New("this controller is not serving, so it does not read DEAD_LETTERS: ask again, " +
+			"and the serving controller answers")
+	}
+	on := &busHandles{conn: serving.Conn(), js: serving.Context()}
+	// The shape first, and every argument it reads; one given beside it is refused before anything is
+	// done, as every verb refuses what it would pass over (novox/hq issue 244).
+	var deliver, drop, why, cause, idText, consumer, limit string
+	switch {
+	case a.given["deliver"] != "" || a.given["drop"] != "":
+		deliver, drop, why, cause = a.str("deliver"), a.str("drop"), a.str("why"), a.str("cause")
+	case a.given["id"] != "":
+		idText = a.str("id")
+	default:
+		consumer, limit = a.str("consumer"), a.str("limit")
+	}
+	if unused := a.unused(); len(unused) > 0 {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("dead-letters did not use %s together with %s, and an argument a verb would pass "+
+			"over is refused: nothing was done", quoteAll(unused), quoteAll(a.usedGiven()))
+	}
+	switch {
+	case deliver != "" && drop != "":
+		return nil, errors.New("dead-letters delivers one again or drops one, not both. Nothing was done")
+	case deliver != "" || drop != "":
+		act, text := "deliver", deliver
+		if drop != "" {
+			act, text = "drop", drop
+		}
+		if strings.TrimSpace(why) == "" {
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("dead-letters %s is a hand act, and says why: why is required and recorded in "+
+				"the hand-act log (novox/hq to-be 45 §7). Nothing was done", act)
+		}
+		id, err := deadLetterID(text)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		return actOnDeadLetter(ctx, on, act, id, why, cause)
+	case idText != "":
+		id, err := deadLetterID(idText)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		return link.DeadLetterNamed(on.js, id)
+	}
+	most := defaultDeadLetters
+	if limit != "" {
+		n, err := strconv.Atoi(limit)
+		if err != nil || n <= 0 {
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("limit is a number of dead letters, not %q", limit)
+		}
+		most = n
+	}
+	held, total, err := link.DeadLetters(on.js, consumer, most)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	answer := map[string]any{"dead_letters": held, "held": total,
+		"note": "newest first; with id, one whole; deliver or drop one with why"}
+	if total == 0 {
+		answer["note"] = "no consumer gave up on a message that is still kept"
+	}
+	return answer, nil
+}
+
+// deadLetterID is a dead letter's id as a caller wrote it.
+func deadLetterID(text string) (uint64, error) {
+	id, err := strconv.ParseUint(strings.TrimSpace(text), 10, 64)
+	if err != nil || id == 0 {
+		return 0, fmt.Errorf("a dead letter's id is its number in %s, as dead-letters lists it, not %q",
+			broker.DeadLettersStream, text)
+	}
+	return id, nil
+}
+
+// actOnDeadLetter delivers one again or drops it, recorded in the hand-act log before it is done. A log
+// that cannot be written is said, and the act still happens: the log is never the reason a person's act
+// is refused (handacts.go).
+func actOnDeadLetter(ctx context.Context, on *busHandles, act string, id uint64, why, cause string) (any, error) {
+	d, err := link.DeadLetterNamed(on.js, id)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	if act == "deliver" {
+		// Refused before it is recorded: an act that cannot be done is not an act.
+		if _, err := link.AgainTo(on.js, d); err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+	}
+	if cause == "" {
+		cause = causeDeadLetter
+	}
+	by := link.CallerIn(ctx)
+	if by == "" {
+		by = "a seat call whose caller the bus did not name"
+	}
+	answer := map[string]any{"dead_letter": d.ID, "consumer": d.Who, "subject": d.Subject}
+	recorded, logErr := link.RecordHandAct(ctx, on.conn, link.HandAct{Verb: "dead-letters " + act,
+		Args: []string{strconv.FormatUint(id, 10), d.Stream + "." + d.Consumer}, Why: why, Cause: cause,
+		Condition: conditions.Key(conditions.ScopeBus, d.Stream+"."+d.Consumer, link.AdvisoryMaxDeliveries),
+		By:        by + ", through the " + catalogue.ControllerSeatName + " seat"})
+	if logErr != nil {
+		answer["unrecorded"] = "the hand-act log could not be written, and the act was done all the same: " + logErr.Error()
+	} else {
+		answer["recorded"] = recorded.ID
+	}
+	switch act {
+	case "deliver":
+		_, to, err := link.DeliverAgain(on.js, id)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		answer["delivered_on"] = to
+		answer["done"] = fmt.Sprintf("dead letter %d was delivered again to %s, and nobody else; it is no longer kept",
+			id, consumerWho(d.Stream, d.Consumer))
+	case "drop":
+		if _, err := link.DropDeadLetter(on.js, id); err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		answer["done"] = fmt.Sprintf("dead letter %d, which %s gave up on, was dropped for good", id,
+			consumerWho(d.Stream, d.Consumer))
+	}
+	return answer, nil
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/deadletters_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,132 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/testbus"
+)
+
+// The serving controller's bus, with the mesh's streams, for the verb to read and act on.
+func servingDeadLetters(t *testing.T) *broker.JetStream {
+	t.Helper()
+	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)
+	}
+	before := servingBus.Load()
+	servingBus.Store(js)
+	t.Cleanup(func() { servingBus.Store(before) })
+	return js
+}
+
+func askDeadLetters(t *testing.T, args map[string]any) (any, error) {
+	t.Helper()
+	a, err := readArguments("dead-letters", args)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return deadLettersAnswer(context.Background(), a)
+}
+
+func TestDeadLettersListsDropsAndRecordsWhy(t *testing.T) {
+	js := servingDeadLetters(t)
+	if _, err := js.Context().Publish("mesh.mod.gitea.event.pull.merged", []byte(`{"n":1}`)); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	d, err := link.KeepDeadLetter(js.Context(), []byte(`{"stream":"EVENTS","consumer":"media_sonarr","stream_seq":1,"deliveries":5}`))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+
+	answer, err := askDeadLetters(t, map[string]any{})
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	listed := answer.(map[string]any)
+	if listed["held"] != 1 || len(listed["dead_letters"].([]link.DeadLetter)) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("listed %v", listed)
+	}
+
+	// Refused before anything is done: an act without why, an argument the shape passes over, both acts.
+	for _, args := range []map[string]any{
+		{"drop": "1"},
+		{"drop": "1", "why": "x", "limit": "3"},
+		{"drop": "1", "deliver": "1", "why": "x"},
+		{"why": "x"},
+		{"id": "nought"},
+	} {
+		if _, err := askDeadLetters(t, args); err == nil {
+			t.Errorf("%v was done", args)
+		}
+	}
+	if _, total, _ := link.DeadLetters(js.Context(), "", 0); total != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("a refused call changed what is kept: %d left", total)
+	}
+
+	done, err := askDeadLetters(t, map[string]any{"drop": "1", "why": "the media server took the download in by hand"})
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if said := done.(map[string]any); said["recorded"] == nil || !strings.Contains(said["done"].(string), "dropped") {
+		t.Fatalf("answered %v", said)
+	}
+	acts, err := link.HandActs(context.Background(), js.Conn(), time.Now().Add(-time.Minute))
+	if err != nil || len(acts) != 1 || acts[0].Verb != "dead-letters drop" || acts[0].Cause != causeDeadLetter ||
+		!strings.Contains(acts[0].Condition, "media_sonarr") {
+		t.Fatalf("recorded %+v (%v)", acts, err)
+	}
+	if !personsDecision(acts[0]) {
+		t.Error("dropping a dead letter is counted as a repair, so S15 would want a healer for it")
+	}
+	if _, err := askDeadLetters(t, map[string]any{"id": "1"}); err == nil {
+		t.Errorf("dead letter %d is still answered after it was dropped", d.ID)
+	}
+}
+
+// Open while DEAD_LETTERS holds a message for the consumer, in words the operator reads in one pass:
+// what is held, and where to act.
+func TestAConsumersDeadLettersAreSaidUntilActedOn(t *testing.T) {
+	f := &signalFacts{now: time.Now(), deadLetters: map[string]int{"EVENTS.media_sonarr": 4, "EVENTS.controller": 1}}
+	found := watchDeadLetters(f)
+	if len(found) != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("said %d conditions", len(found))
+	}
+	for _, o := range found {
+		if o.Kind != "max-deliveries" || o.Severity != conditions.Warning || o.Needs == "" {
+			t.Errorf("%+v", o)
+		}
+		if why, ok := conditions.PlainWords(conditions.Words{Headline: o.Headline, Needs: o.Needs,
+			Explanation: o.Explanation, Resolved: o.Resolved}, "media"); !ok {
+			t.Errorf("%q is not plain: %s", o.Headline, why)
+		}
+		if !strings.Contains(o.Needs, "mesh MCP server") {
+			t.Errorf("does not say where to act: %q", o.Needs)
+		}
+	}
+	sonarr := found[1]
+	if sonarr.ID != "EVENTS.media_sonarr" || sonarr.Machine != "media" ||
+		sonarr.Headline != "Sonarr on media could not handle 4 messages" ||
+		!strings.Contains(sonarr.Summary, "DEAD_LETTERS") {
+		t.Errorf("%+v", sonarr)
+	}
+	if found[0].Headline != "The controller could not handle a message" {
+		t.Errorf("%q", found[0].Headline)
+	}
+	// None held, none said: it clears when they are delivered again or dropped.
+	if left := watchDeadLetters(&signalFacts{now: time.Now()}); len(left) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("%v", left)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/delivery.go

@@ -103,6 +103,8 @@ func letGo(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, id, by, why string) (i
 		return p, fmt.Errorf("%s was let go by %s at %s already", p.ID, p.Delivery.By,
 			p.Delivery.Go.Local().Format("15:04:05"))
 	}
+	// **One walk at a time** (novox/hq ADR 0276): the word is taken, and the walk starts once no other walk is
+	// started (advanceOnce), so the delivery's owner says it once and is not refused.
 	now := time.Now().UTC()
 	p.Delivery.Go, p.Delivery.By, p.Delivery.Why = &now, by, why
 	p.Note = "let go by " + by + "; its first tier is asked next"
@@ -574,6 +576,12 @@ func deliveryCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 			if walks, err = inv.OpenPlans(ctx); err != nil {
 				return err
 			}
+			// And the batch being assembled (novox/hq ADR 0276): never a walk to link or let go, shown.
+			batches, err := inv.Batches(ctx)
+			if err != nil {
+				return err
+			}
+			walks = append(walks, batches...)
 			recent, err := inv.RecentPlans(ctx, *limit)
 			if err != nil {
 				return err
@@ -604,7 +612,7 @@ func theGraph(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory) ([]inventory.Entry,
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, nil, nil, err
 	}
-	read, err := inv.ReadRepositories(ctx)
+	read, err := readForPlanning(ctx, inv)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, nil, nil, err
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/delivery_conditions.go

@@ -33,12 +33,14 @@ var deliveryOwnerWithin = 10 * time.Second
 
 // stalledLine is one delivery past its bound, as mesh-delivery's `stalled` says it.
 type stalledLine struct {
-	ID    string `json:"id"`
-	State string `json:"state"`
-	For   string `json:"for"`
-	Bound string `json:"bound"`
-	H2    string `json:"h2"`
-	Says  string `json:"says"`
+	ID string `json:"id"`
+	// Number is the pull request's, for a line of a head the forge never announced (novox/hq issue 347).
+	Number int    `json:"number,omitempty"`
+	State  string `json:"state"`
+	For    string `json:"for"`
+	Bound  string `json:"bound"`
+	H2     string `json:"h2"`
+	Says   string `json:"says"`
 }
 
 // operatorsOnly is whether the table leaves H2 nothing to do for the line: the state is the operator's.

cmd/mesh-controller/delivery_conditions_test.go

@@ -136,12 +136,13 @@ func TestTheDeliveryOwnerIsAskedOverTheBus(t *testing.T) {
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
-	for _, verb := range []string{"stalled", "close"} {
+	// And release and stop, which the operator's warrant chooses (novox/hq ADR 0259).
+	for _, verb := range []string{"stalled", "close", "release", "stop"} {
 		if !slices.Contains(granted.Publish, link.SeatToolSubject(catalogue.DeliverySeat, verb)) {
 			t.Errorf("the controller may not ask %s.%s", catalogue.DeliverySeat, verb)
 		}
 	}
-	if _, err := askDeliveryOwner(t.Context(), nil, "stop", nil); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "grant") {
+	if _, err := askDeliveryOwner(t.Context(), nil, "retire-history", nil); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "grant") {
 		t.Fatalf("a verb the grant does not name was asked: %v", err)
 	}
 	conn, err := nats.Connect(testbus.URL(t))

cmd/mesh-controller/delivery_test.go

@@ -227,7 +227,9 @@ func TestAMergeWaitsForItsDeliverysWordAndThePersonsWordWorksWithoutIt(t *testin
 		t.Fatalf("with no holder on record the walk waited (%v) or asked %v", p.Waiting(), *asked)
 	}
 
-	// The holder on record: the next merge waits, asking nothing, and an advance asks nothing either.
+	// The holder on record: the next merge waits, asking nothing, and an advance asks nothing either. One walk
+	// is open at a time (novox/hq ADR 0276): the first ends before the next merge's batch is cut.
+	finish(p.ID)
 	if _, err := inv.Assign(ctx, "anchor", "mesh-delivery"); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
@@ -259,10 +261,11 @@ func TestAMergeWaitsForItsDeliverysWordAndThePersonsWordWorksWithoutIt(t *testin
 		t.Fatalf("the word was not kept: %+v %v", got.Delivery, err)
 	}
 
-	// The delivery's owner's own merge never waits for it — and takes over what the older walk had not
-	// built (app, folded in: ADR 0218), which goes with it on the controller's own path.
+	// The delivery's owner's own merge never waits for it. A walk that started is never taken over (novox/hq
+	// ADR 0276): the merge's batch is cut once it ended.
+	finish(p.ID)
 	p = merge("c3cccccccc", "modules/mesh-delivery/main.go")
-	if p.Waiting() || len(*asked) != 4 {
+	if p.Waiting() || len(*asked) != 3 {
 		t.Fatalf("mesh-delivery's own walk waited for mesh-delivery: %v %v", p.Waiting(), *asked)
 	}
 
@@ -280,7 +283,7 @@ 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) < 5 {
+	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)
 	}
 

cmd/mesh-controller/desk_secret.go

@@ -0,0 +1,333 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"strings"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/secrets"
+)
+
+// A module's own secret given at the operator's desk (novox/hq ADR 0259 §10, ADR 0277).
+//
+//	mesh-controller secret ask <node> <module> <name> [--at <desk>]
+//
+// **The value never passes through whoever asked for it.** An agent, or the operator at the mesh MCP
+// server, calls `secret-ask` (or `give`) with the machine, the module, the secret's name and the desk — never
+// a value. The controller makes a sealing keypair for this one call, asks the desk's `node-launcher.secret` to
+// prompt the operator without showing what is typed, and is answered with what was typed **sealed to that
+// key**: no plaintext on the bus, in a runtime's log or in any call's record. It opens it here, seals it to the
+// module's machine exactly as `secret accept` does, and forgets it. What it answers says only that the
+// value was taken, or why not.
+//
+// **Bounded, and the prompt says who asked** (ADR 0277): one open prompt per secret and few an hour, read from
+// the store before the prompt opens (inventory.OpenSecretAsk), so an agent cannot keep a prompt in front of the
+// operator until they type. The prompt names the module, the secret, the machine and who asked — the caller as
+// the bus named it, never a word the caller chose — written by the desk's launcher from those names alone.
+//
+// **What remains** (ADR 0234's accepted residual risk): on an X11 desk any program of the operator's
+// account can read the keys as they are typed. And a program that calls the desk's prompt itself, with a
+// key of its own, is answered with what the operator typed into a prompt they did not ask for — as it could
+// draw a window of its own. The prompt says who asks and for what, so the operator types only into a
+// prompt they started.
+
+// deskPromptWithin is how long the prompt waits for the operator: below the runtime's thirty seconds for
+// one call, as the launcher's menu is.
+const deskPromptWithin = 25
+
+// deskGive is the desk path, its four reaches given so a test needs no store and no bus.
+type deskGive struct {
+	// declares refuses a module or a secret the mesh would refuse, before anybody is asked to type.
+	declares func(module, name string) error
+	// known refuses a machine the mesh does not know, before anybody is asked to type; nil knows every one
+	// (a test that does not look).
+	known func(machine string) error
+	// trusted says a module runs as an account of its own: its secret is never taken at a desk (below). Nil is
+	// never (a test that does not look).
+	trusted func(module string) (bool, error)
+	// ask asks one machine's node-launcher.secret and answers its result, or the holder's refusal.
+	ask func(machine string, args map[string]any) (json.RawMessage, error)
+	// accept seals the value as `secret accept` does, and says whether it lives until the module's start.
+	accept func(value string) (untilStart bool, err error)
+	// record writes the act in the hand-act log.
+	record func(link.HandAct) error
+	// announce raises the condition that says a module's own secret was given (secretGivenObservation), on
+	// every channel; nil announces nothing (a test that does not look).
+	announce func(node, module, name, how string) error
+	// askedBy is who asked, as the bus named the caller: said in the prompt and recorded.
+	askedBy string
+	// open records the ask and holds the bounds (one open per secret, few an hour), answering the record's id;
+	// nil keeps no record (a test that does not look). end closes it with how it ended.
+	open func(node, module, name, desk string) (int64, error)
+	end  func(id int64, outcome string) error
+}
+
+// askedByName is the caller as the prompt names it: the first clause of what the bus said, in the characters
+// a name has, at most 80 of them. The desk's launcher refuses anything else, so no words of the caller's own
+// reach the prompt.
+func askedByName(caller string) string {
+	first, _, _ := strings.Cut(caller, ",")
+	var b strings.Builder
+	for _, r := range strings.TrimSpace(first) {
+		switch {
+		case r >= 'a' && r <= 'z', r >= 'A' && r <= 'Z', r >= '0' && r <= '9', r == '.', r == '_', r == '/', r == '@',
+			r == '-', r == ' ':
+			b.WriteRune(r)
+		default:
+			b.WriteRune('-')
+		}
+		if b.Len() >= 80 {
+			break
+		}
+	}
+	name := strings.TrimSpace(b.String())
+	if name == "" || strings.HasPrefix(name, "-") {
+		return "an unnamed caller"
+	}
+	return name
+}
+
+// errNothingGiven is a prompt dismissed, or not answered in time: nothing changes.
+var errNothingGiven = errors.New("nothing was given")
+
+// give asks the desk for the value and seals it; it answers the words said to the caller.
+func (d deskGive) give(node, module, name, desk string) (string, error) {
+	for what, v := range map[string]string{"the machine": node, "the module": module, "the secret": name, "the desk": desk} {
+		if strings.TrimSpace(v) == "" {
+			return "", fmt.Errorf("%s is not named", what)
+		}
+	}
+	if d.known != nil {
+		for what, machine := range map[string]string{"the machine the secret is for": node, "the desk": desk} {
+			if err := d.known(machine); err != nil {
+				return "", fmt.Errorf("nobody was asked to type anything: %s, %s, is not a machine this mesh knows: %w",
+					what, machine, err)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	if err := d.declares(module, name); err != nil {
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("nobody was asked to type anything: %w", err)
+	}
+	// **A trusted party's secret is not taken at a desk** (the confirmation review of 2026-10-09, N1-give). The
+	// prompt's answer comes back over the desk machine's bus, on a subject that machine's runtime answers — and
+	// on a desk machine agents run as the operator, who holds that runtime's credential. An agent could answer
+	// first, with a bot token of its own sealed to this call's key, and the channel the operator's answers are
+	// proven on would be the agent's. So the value of a module running as its own account is typed at the
+	// controller's terminal, where no bus carries it.
+	if d.trusted != nil {
+		trusted, err := d.trusted(module)
+		if err != nil {
+			return "", fmt.Errorf("nobody was asked to type anything: whether %s is a trusted party could not be read: %w", module, err)
+		}
+		if trusted {
+			return "", fmt.Errorf("nobody was asked to type anything: %s runs as an account of its own and proves the "+
+				"operator's answers, so its %s is given at the controller's terminal alone — there, run `mesh-controller "+
+				"secret accept %s %s %s` and type it at its prompt. A desk's prompt is answered over the desk machine's "+
+				"bus, where an agent may answer first (novox/hq ADR 0259 §10)", module, name, node, module, name)
+		}
+	}
+	// The bounds, read and kept before anybody is asked to type (novox/hq ADR 0277): one open prompt per secret,
+	// few an hour. How the ask ends is recorded whatever happens below.
+	outcome := "failed"
+	if d.open != nil {
+		id, err := d.open(node, module, name, desk)
+		if err != nil {
+			return "", fmt.Errorf("nobody was asked to type anything: %w", err)
+		}
+		defer func() {
+			if d.end != nil {
+				_ = d.end(id, outcome)
+			}
+		}()
+	}
+	public, private, err := secrets.Keypair()
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("no key could be made to take the value: %w", err)
+	}
+	// By name, never by words: the holder writes the prompt from these, and says the controller asks, which
+	// the bus alone makes true (broker.ControllerOnly). Who asked is the bus's word on the caller, cut to a
+	// name's characters — never an argument of the call.
+	raw, err := d.ask(desk, map[string]any{
+		"module":          module,
+		"secret":          name,
+		"node":            node,
+		"asked_by":        askedByName(d.askedBy),
+		"seal_to":         public,
+		"timeout_seconds": deskPromptWithin,
+	})
+	if err != nil {
+		outcome = "refused"
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("the desk on %s could not be asked: %w", desk, err)
+	}
+	var answer struct {
+		Sealed    string `json:"sealed"`
+		Cancelled bool   `json:"cancelled"`
+		TimedOut  bool   `json:"timed_out"`
+	}
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(raw, &answer); err != nil {
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("the desk on %s answered something that is not the prompt's answer", desk)
+	}
+	switch {
+	case answer.TimedOut:
+		outcome = "timed-out"
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("%w: the prompt on %s was not answered within %d seconds", errNothingGiven, desk, deskPromptWithin)
+	case answer.Cancelled:
+		outcome = "dismissed"
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("%w: the prompt on %s was dismissed", errNothingGiven, desk)
+	case answer.Sealed == "":
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("the desk on %s answered no sealed value", desk)
+	}
+	opened, err := secrets.Open(private, answer.Sealed)
+	if err != nil {
+		// Never the value, never what failed to open: only that it was not sealed to this call.
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("the desk on %s answered a value not sealed to this call; nothing was taken", desk)
+	}
+	value := asSupplied(string(opened))
+	for i := range opened {
+		opened[i] = 0
+	}
+	if strings.TrimSpace(value) == "" {
+		outcome = "empty"
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("%w: the prompt on %s was answered empty", errNothingGiven, desk)
+	}
+	untilStart, err := d.accept(value)
+	value = ""
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", err
+	}
+	outcome = "given"
+	act := link.HandAct{Verb: "secret accept", Args: []string{node, module, name, "--at-desk", desk},
+		Why: fmt.Sprintf("the operator gave %s for %s on %s at the desk on %s, asked by %s", name, module, node, desk,
+			askedByName(d.askedBy)),
+		Cause: "given-at-the-desk"}
+	recorded := ""
+	if err := d.record(act); err != nil {
+		recorded = fmt.Sprintf("\n  this act could NOT be recorded in the hand-act log, and is done anyway: %v", err)
+	}
+	if d.announce != nil {
+		if err := d.announce(node, module, name, "at the desk on "+desk); err != nil {
+			recorded += fmt.Sprintf("\n  this change could NOT be announced on the operator's channels: %v", err)
+		}
+	}
+	words := fmt.Sprintf("%s on %s now holds %q, given at the desk on %s and sealed to %s; the mesh cannot read it "+
+		"back.\n  run `push %s` to send it", module, node, name, desk, node, node)
+	if untilStart {
+		words += fmt.Sprintf("\n  it lives until %s next starts well under the mesh, and is then replaced with a value "+
+			"the mesh makes (ADR 0228)", module)
+	}
+	return words + recorded, nil
+}
+
+// askAtDesk is `secret ask <node> <module> <name> [--at <machine>]`, and the terminal's `secret accept … --at-desk
+// <machine>`: the desk path, on this controller's stores and bus. The desk is the module's machine unless named.
+func askAtDesk(ctx context.Context, node, module, name, desk string) error {
+	if desk == "" {
+		desk = node
+	}
+	open, err := openStores(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	defer open.Close()
+	d := deskGive{
+		askedBy: link.Caller(),
+		open: func(node, module, name, desk string) (int64, error) {
+			return open.inventory.OpenSecretAsk(ctx, node, module, name, askedByName(link.Caller()), desk)
+		},
+		end:      func(id int64, outcome string) error { return open.inventory.EndSecretAsk(ctx, id, outcome) },
+		declares: func(module, name string) error { return open.inventory.DeclaresOwnSecret(ctx, module, name) },
+		known: func(machine string) error {
+			_, err := open.inventory.NodeByName(ctx, machine)
+			return err
+		},
+		trusted: func(module string) (bool, error) { return open.inventory.RunsAsItsOwnAccount(ctx, module) },
+		ask: func(machine string, args map[string]any) (json.RawMessage, error) {
+			var result json.RawMessage
+			err := onTheBus(func(conn *nats.Conn) error {
+				answer, err := link.AskSeatTool(ctx, conn, "node-launcher", "secret", machine, args,
+					time.Duration(deskPromptWithin+5)*time.Second)
+				if err != nil {
+					return err
+				}
+				if answer.Error != "" {
+					return errors.New(answer.Error)
+				}
+				result = answer.Result
+				return nil
+			})
+			return result, err
+		},
+		accept: func(value string) (bool, error) {
+			return open.inventory.AcceptGivenSecret(ctx, node, module, name, value)
+		},
+		record: func(act link.HandAct) error {
+			return onTheBus(func(conn *nats.Conn) error {
+				_, err := link.RecordHandAct(ctx, conn, act)
+				return err
+			})
+		},
+		announce: func(node, module, name, how string) error { return announceSecretGiven(ctx, node, module, name, how) },
+	}
+	words, err := d.give(node, module, name, desk)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	fmt.Println(words)
+	return nil
+}
+
+// kindSecretGiven is the condition every value given for a module's own secret raises (the review of 2026-10-09,
+// M4): on every channel, so a bot token changed by somebody else — a channel that now answers for them — is
+// heard of. It stays until the operator silences or clears it.
+const kindSecretGiven = "secret-given"
+
+// secretGivenObservation is that condition: which secret, of which module on which machine, how and when.
+// The summary, for whoever looks closer, names the secret and the time. The words the operator reads are
+// held to the plain rule (conditions.PlainWords): no clock time — the channel says when, in the operator's
+// time — and the secret's name said as words. Words that broke the rule were replaced by the keeper with
+// "needs a look … a problem it calls secret given" (hq issue 359), which told the operator nothing.
+func secretGivenObservation(node, module, name, how string, at time.Time) conditions.Observation {
+	key := node + "." + module + "." + name
+	where := module + " on " + node
+	// Within the bounds whatever the names' length: the module and machine, else the module, else the machine.
+	headline := "New secret given for " + where
+	for _, h := range []string{"New secret given for " + module, "New secret given on " + node} {
+		if len(headline) > conditions.HeadlineMax {
+			headline = h
+		}
+	}
+	resolved := "You saw that " + module + " was given a new secret"
+	if len(resolved) > conditions.HeadlineMax+20 {
+		resolved = "You saw that a new secret was given on " + node
+	}
+	return conditions.Observation{Scope: conditions.ScopeMachine, ID: key, Token: kindSecretGiven, Kind: kindSecretGiven,
+		Machine: node, Severity: conditions.Urgent, Source: kindSecretGiven,
+		Summary: fmt.Sprintf("%s of %s on %s was given %s at %s", name, module, node, how,
+			at.Local().Format("2006-01-02 15:04")),
+		Headline: headline,
+		Explanation: fmt.Sprintf("The secret %s of %s was given %s. If you gave it, nothing else is needed. If you "+
+			"did not, somebody else now holds what %s acts with.", secretNameWords(name), where, how, module),
+		Needs:    "silence this if you just gave it; if you did not, give it again yourself so that only you hold it.",
+		Resolved: resolved,
+		Actions:  []conditions.Action{conditions.SilenceAction(conditions.Key(conditions.ScopeMachine, key, kindSecretGiven))}}
+}
+
+// secretNameWords is a secret's name as the operator reads it: "telegram-token" is "telegram token".
+func secretNameWords(name string) string {
+	return strings.Join(strings.FieldsFunc(name, func(r rune) bool { return r == '-' || r == '_' || r == '.' }), " ")
+}
+
+// announceSecretGiven raises it on this controller's keeper.
+func announceSecretGiven(ctx context.Context, node, module, name, how string) error {
+	return withKeeper(ctx, func(k *conditions.Keeper) error {
+		_, err := k.Observe(ctx, secretGivenObservation(node, module, name, how, time.Now()))
+		return err
+	})
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/desk_secret_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,512 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/secrets"
+)
+
+const typed = "123456789:AAEhBP0av28P4XFQnIuR-o-7Xnz1kkUzW3g"
+
+// aDesk is the desk path with a prompt the test answers as the operator would, and what it was asked kept.
+func aDesk(t *testing.T, answer func(args map[string]any) (json.RawMessage, error)) (deskGive, *[]string, *[]link.HandAct, *[]map[string]any) {
+	t.Helper()
+	var accepted []string
+	var acts []link.HandAct
+	var asked []map[string]any
+	return deskGive{
+		declares: func(module, name string) error {
+			if module != "telegram" || name != "telegram-token" {
+				return errors.New(module + " does not declare " + name + " as an own secret")
+			}
+			return nil
+		},
+		ask: func(machine string, args map[string]any) (json.RawMessage, error) {
+			asked = append(asked, args)
+			return answer(args)
+		},
+		accept: func(value string) (bool, error) { accepted = append(accepted, value); return false, nil },
+		record: func(a link.HandAct) error { acts = append(acts, a); return nil },
+	}, &accepted, &acts, &asked
+}
+
+func sealedTo(t *testing.T, value string) func(args map[string]any) (json.RawMessage, error) {
+	return func(args map[string]any) (json.RawMessage, error) {
+		sealed, err := secrets.Seal(args["seal_to"].(string), []byte(value+"\n"))
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		raw, _ := json.Marshal(map[string]any{"sealed": sealed})
+		return raw, nil
+	}
+}
+
+// novox/hq ADR 0259 §10: the value typed at the desk is sealed as `secret accept` seals it, and is in no
+// answer, no prompt argument and no act recorded.
+func TestASecretGivenAtTheDeskIsSealedAndSaidNowhere(t *testing.T) {
+	d, accepted, acts, asked := aDesk(t, sealedTo(t, typed))
+	words, err := d.give("anchor", "telegram", "telegram-token", "laptop")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if len(*accepted) != 1 || (*accepted)[0] != typed {
+		t.Fatalf("the value sealed is not what was typed, its line ending taken off")
+	}
+	if len(*acts) != 1 || (*acts)[0].Verb != "secret accept" || (*acts)[0].Cause != "given-at-the-desk" ||
+		!strings.Contains((*acts)[0].Why, "at the desk on laptop") {
+		t.Errorf("the act: %+v", *acts)
+	}
+	raw, _ := json.Marshal(struct {
+		Words string
+		Acts  []link.HandAct
+		Asked []map[string]any
+	}{words, *acts, *asked})
+	if strings.Contains(string(raw), typed) || strings.Contains(string(raw), "AAEhBP0") {
+		t.Fatal("the value appears in what was said, asked or recorded")
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(words, "push anchor") || !strings.Contains(words, "given at the desk on laptop") {
+		t.Errorf("%q", words)
+	}
+	if p := (*asked)[0]; p["seal_to"] == "" || p["timeout_seconds"] != deskPromptWithin {
+		t.Errorf("the prompt was asked %v", p)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestNothingIsAskedForASecretTheMeshWouldRefuse(t *testing.T) {
+	for _, c := range [][2]string{{"telegram", "chat-id"}, {"nobody", "telegram-token"}} {
+		d, accepted, _, asked := aDesk(t, sealedTo(t, typed))
+		if _, err := d.give("anchor", c[0], c[1], "laptop"); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "nobody was asked") {
+			t.Errorf("%v: %v", c, err)
+		}
+		if len(*asked) != 0 || len(*accepted) != 0 {
+			t.Errorf("%v: the operator was asked anyway", c)
+		}
+	}
+	d, _, _, _ := aDesk(t, sealedTo(t, typed))
+	if _, err := d.give("anchor", "telegram", "telegram-token", ""); err == nil {
+		t.Error("no desk was refused nowhere")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestADismissedEmptyLateOrForeignAnswerTakesNothing(t *testing.T) {
+	for want, answer := range map[string]func(map[string]any) (json.RawMessage, error){
+		"not answered within 25 seconds": func(map[string]any) (json.RawMessage, error) {
+			return json.RawMessage(`{"cancelled":true,"timed_out":true}`), nil
+		},
+		"was dismissed":  func(map[string]any) (json.RawMessage, error) { return json.RawMessage(`{"cancelled":true}`), nil },
+		"answered empty": sealedTo(t, "  "),
+		"not sealed to this call": func(map[string]any) (json.RawMessage, error) {
+			other, _, _ := secrets.Keypair()
+			sealed, _ := secrets.Seal(other, []byte(typed))
+			raw, _ := json.Marshal(map[string]any{"sealed": sealed})
+			return raw, nil
+		},
+		"could not be asked": func(map[string]any) (json.RawMessage, error) { return nil, errors.New("no session answers") },
+	} {
+		d, accepted, acts, _ := aDesk(t, answer)
+		_, err := d.give("anchor", "telegram", "telegram-token", "laptop")
+		if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), want) || strings.Contains(err.Error(), typed) {
+			t.Errorf("want %q, got %v", want, err)
+		}
+		if len(*accepted) != 0 || len(*acts) != 0 {
+			t.Errorf("%s: something was taken or recorded", want)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+func TestTheGiveVerbRunsTheDeskPathAndTheControllerMayAskTheDesk(t *testing.T) {
+	argv, err := argvFor("give", map[string]any{"node": "anchor", "module": "telegram", "secret": "telegram-token", "at": "laptop"})
+	if err != nil || strings.Join(argv, " ") != "secret ask anchor telegram telegram-token --at laptop" {
+		t.Fatalf("%v %v", argv, err)
+	}
+	if _, err := argvFor("give", map[string]any{"node": "anchor", "module": "telegram", "secret": "telegram-token"}); err == nil {
+		t.Error("give without a desk was taken")
+	}
+	// secret-ask is the same line, with the desk the module's machine unless named (novox/hq ADR 0277).
+	argv, err = argvFor("secret-ask", map[string]any{"node": "anchor", "module": "telegram", "secret": "telegram-token"})
+	if err != nil || strings.Join(argv, " ") != "secret ask anchor telegram telegram-token" {
+		t.Fatalf("%v %v", argv, err)
+	}
+	argv, err = argvFor("secret-ask", map[string]any{"node": "anchor", "module": "telegram", "secret": "telegram-token", "at": "laptop"})
+	if err != nil || strings.Join(argv, " ") != "secret ask anchor telegram telegram-token --at laptop" {
+		t.Fatalf("%v %v", argv, err)
+	}
+	perms, err := broker.PermissionsFor(broker.Principal{Kind: broker.KindController})
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	found := false
+	for _, p := range perms.Publish {
+		found = found || p == "mesh.seat.node-launcher.tool.secret.*"
+	}
+	if !found {
+		t.Error("the controller may not ask the desk's prompt")
+	}
+}
+
+// The review of 2026-10-09 (M4): the desk's prompt says who asks in words the caller does not choose — the
+// controller, which the bus alone lets ask it — and what for, from names the controller checked; the prompt
+// carries no free text of the caller's.
+func TestThePromptIsAskedByNameNeverByWordsTheCallerChose(t *testing.T) {
+	d, _, _, asked := aDesk(t, sealedTo(t, typed))
+	if _, err := d.give("anchor", "telegram", "telegram-token", "laptop"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	p := (*asked)[0]
+	if p["module"] != "telegram" || p["secret"] != "telegram-token" || p["node"] != "anchor" {
+		t.Errorf("the prompt was not asked by name: %v", p)
+	}
+	for _, free := range []string{"prompt", "message"} {
+		if _, there := p[free]; there {
+			t.Errorf("the prompt carries the caller's %s: %v", free, p)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// Every value given for a module's own secret is announced as a condition, on every channel (the review of
+// 2026-10-09, M4): a bot token changed by somebody else is a channel that now answers for them.
+func TestAValueGivenAtTheDeskIsAnnounced(t *testing.T) {
+	d, _, _, _ := aDesk(t, sealedTo(t, typed))
+	var said []string
+	d.announce = func(node, module, name, how string) error {
+		said = append(said, node+" "+module+" "+name+" "+how)
+		return nil
+	}
+	if _, err := d.give("anchor", "telegram", "telegram-token", "laptop"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if len(said) != 1 || !strings.Contains(said[0], "anchor telegram telegram-token") || !strings.Contains(said[0], "laptop") {
+		t.Fatalf("announced %v", said)
+	}
+	o := secretGivenObservation("anchor", "telegram", "telegram-token", "at the desk on laptop", time.Date(2026, 10, 9, 12, 3, 0, 0, time.UTC))
+	if o.Severity != conditions.Urgent || !strings.Contains(o.Explanation, "telegram token") ||
+		len(o.Actions) == 0 || o.Key() == "" {
+		t.Errorf("the announcement %+v", o)
+	}
+	if strings.Contains(o.Summary+o.Explanation+o.Said, typed) {
+		t.Error("the announcement carries the value")
+	}
+}
+
+// **The secret-given condition says itself in its own plain words** (hq issue 359): the words it carries pass
+// the plain rule, from the controller's terminal and from a desk, so the keeper keeps them — they once held a
+// clock time, and the operator read "Novox needs a look … a problem it calls secret given" instead. Its
+// severity and its answer stay: it is heard on every channel, and silenced by the operator.
+func TestTheSecretGivenConditionSaysItselfInPlainWords(t *testing.T) {
+	at := time.Date(2026, 10, 9, 23, 32, 0, 0, time.Local)
+	for _, how := range []string{"at the controller's terminal", "at the desk on laptop"} {
+		o := secretGivenObservation("anchor", "telegram", "telegram-token", how, at)
+		w := conditions.Words{Headline: o.Headline, Explanation: o.Explanation, Resolved: o.Resolved, Needs: o.Needs,
+			Actions: o.Actions}
+		if why, ok := conditions.PlainWords(w, o.Machine); !ok {
+			t.Fatalf("given %s, the words are not plain: %s", how, why)
+		}
+		k, _ := withConditionsInMemory(t)
+		c, err := k.Observe(t.Context(), o)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		if c.Headline != "New secret given for telegram on anchor" || c.Severity != conditions.Urgent ||
+			!strings.HasPrefix(c.Explanation, conditions.NeedsYou+" silence this") ||
+			!strings.Contains(c.Explanation, "telegram token of telegram on anchor was given "+how) ||
+			len(c.Actions) != 1 || c.Actions[0].Label != "Silence for a week" {
+			t.Errorf("given %s, the keeper said %q / %q (%s, %v)", how, c.Headline, c.Explanation, c.Severity, c.Actions)
+		}
+		if strings.Contains(c.Headline+c.Explanation+c.Resolved+c.Needs, typed) {
+			t.Error("the words carry the value")
+		}
+	}
+	// A long module name keeps the headline and the resolved line within their bounds.
+	for _, module := range []string{"a-module-with-a-rather-long-name-indeed",
+		"a-module-with-a-name-so-long-that-no-headline-could-ever-hold-it"} {
+		o := secretGivenObservation("anchor", module, "api-key", "at the controller's terminal", at)
+		if why, ok := conditions.PlainWords(conditions.Words{Headline: o.Headline, Explanation: o.Explanation,
+			Resolved: o.Resolved, Needs: o.Needs, Actions: o.Actions}, o.Machine); !ok {
+			t.Errorf("the module %s: %s", module, why)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// The bus lets the controller alone ask the desk's prompt (the review of 2026-10-09, M4): the runtime, which
+// carries every agent's calls, and a person granted every tool are denied it, however wide their grant.
+func TestOnlyTheControllerMayAskTheDesksPrompt(t *testing.T) {
+	for _, p := range []broker.Principal{
+		{Kind: broker.KindNodeTools, Node: "laptop"},
+		{Kind: broker.KindPerson, Module: "operator", Invokes: []string{"*"}},
+		{Kind: broker.KindModule, Node: "laptop", Module: "lab", Invokes: []string{"seat:node-launcher.secret"}},
+	} {
+		perms, err := broker.PermissionsFor(p)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		for _, subject := range []string{"mesh.seat.node-launcher.tool.secret.laptop", "mesh.seat.node-launcher.tool.secret",
+			"mesh.mod.rofi.tool.node-launcher.secret", "mesh.mod.rofi.tool.node-launcher.secret.laptop"} {
+			if broker.MayPublish(perms, subject) {
+				t.Errorf("%s may publish %s", p.Username(), subject)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	perms, _ := broker.PermissionsFor(broker.Principal{Kind: broker.KindController})
+	if !broker.MayPublish(perms, "mesh.seat.node-launcher.tool.secret.laptop") {
+		t.Error("the controller may not ask the desk's prompt")
+	}
+}
+
+// A value for a secret comes from the terminal or the desk, never through a verb (the review of 2026-10-09,
+// M4): `secret accept` with a value, run for a verb, is refused before anything is read.
+func TestASecretValueIsNeverAcceptedThroughAVerb(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Setenv(verbVar, "mesh-controller.command")
+	for _, args := range [][]string{
+		{"accept", "anchor", "telegram", "telegram-token", "--from", "/dev/null"},
+		{"accept", "anchor", "app", "db", "--from", "/dev/null", "--provider", "store"},
+	} {
+		err := secretCommand(context.Background(), args)
+		if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "never through a verb") {
+			t.Errorf("%v: %v", args, err)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// The `give` and `secret-ask` verbs' own line passes the terminal-only rule of ADR 0266, and no `secret accept`
+// does: a value, a file, a provider or an extra word is still the terminal's alone (novox/hq ADR 0277).
+func TestOnlyTheGiveLinePassesTheTerminalRuleForSecrets(t *testing.T) {
+	for _, argv := range [][]string{
+		{"secret", "ask", "anchor", "telegram", "telegram-token", "--at", "laptop"},
+		{"secret", "ask", "anchor", "telegram", "telegram-token"},
+	} {
+		if err := terminalOnly(argv); err != nil {
+			t.Errorf("%v refused: %v", argv, err)
+		}
+	}
+	for _, argv := range [][]string{
+		{"secret", "accept", "anchor", "telegram", "telegram-token", "--at-desk", "laptop"},
+		{"secret", "ask", "anchor", "telegram", "telegram-token", "--from", "/tmp/x"},
+		{"secret", "ask", "anchor", "telegram", "telegram-token", "--at", "laptop", "--local"},
+		{"secret", "ask", "anchor", "telegram", "--at", "laptop"},
+		{"secret", "accept", "anchor", "telegram", "telegram-token"},
+		{"secret", "accept", "anchor", "telegram", "telegram-token", "--from", "/tmp/x"},
+		{"secret", "accept", "anchor", "telegram", "telegram-token", "--at-desk", "laptop", "--local"},
+		{"secret", "accept", "anchor", "telegram", "--provider", "--at-desk", "laptop"},
+		{"secret", "export", "anchor", "telegram", "telegram-token", "--at-desk", "laptop"},
+	} {
+		if err := terminalOnly(argv); err == nil {
+			t.Errorf("%v passed the terminal rule", argv)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// The confirmation review of 2026-10-09, N1-give: a desk's prompt is answered over the desk machine's bus, and
+// on a desk machine agents run as the operator, who holds its runtime's credential — so a trusted party's
+// secret (a module running as an account of its own: the Telegram bot's token) is never taken at a desk.
+// Refused before anybody is asked to type, whoever called, naming the terminal's line.
+func TestATrustedPartysSecretIsNeverTakenAtADesk(t *testing.T) {
+	d, accepted, acts, asked := aDesk(t, sealedTo(t, typed))
+	d.trusted = func(module string) (bool, error) { return module == "telegram", nil }
+	_, err := d.give("anchor", "telegram", "telegram-token", "laptop")
+	if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "controller's terminal alone") ||
+		!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "secret accept anchor telegram telegram-token") {
+		t.Fatalf("a trusted party's secret was taken at the desk, or refused without the line: %v", err)
+	}
+	if len(*asked)+len(*accepted)+len(*acts) != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("asked %v, accepted %d, recorded %v", *asked, len(*accepted), *acts)
+	}
+	d.trusted = func(string) (bool, error) { return false, errors.New("the store did not answer") }
+	if _, err := d.give("anchor", "telegram", "telegram-token", "laptop"); err == nil || len(*asked) != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("a module not known to be untrusted was asked at the desk: %v", err)
+	}
+}
+
+// And who may answer the desk's prompt at all: only the runtime of the machine it is asked on, carrying the
+// launcher that holds the seat there — never the controller, another machine's runtime, or a module's own
+// account (the confirmation review of 2026-10-09, N1-give).
+func TestOnlyTheDeskMachinesLauncherMayAnswerItsPrompt(t *testing.T) {
+	launcher := broker.Declared{Module: "rofi", Holds: []broker.Seat{{Name: "node-launcher", Scope: "node",
+		Serves: []string{"run", "secret"}}}}
+	subject := "mesh.seat.node-launcher.tool.secret.laptop"
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		p       broker.Principal
+		answers bool
+	}{
+		{broker.Principal{Kind: broker.KindNodeTools, Node: "laptop", Module: broker.RuntimeModule, Carries: []broker.Declared{launcher}}, true},
+		{broker.Principal{Kind: broker.KindNodeTools, Node: "anchor", Module: broker.RuntimeModule, Carries: []broker.Declared{launcher}}, false},
+		{broker.Principal{Kind: broker.KindController}, false},
+		{broker.Principal{Kind: broker.KindModule, Node: "laptop", Module: "lab"}, false},
+		{broker.Principal{Kind: broker.KindNode, Node: "laptop"}, false},
+	} {
+		perms, err := broker.PermissionsFor(c.p)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		if got := broker.MaySubscribe(perms, subject); got != c.answers {
+			t.Errorf("%s may answer %s: %v, want %v", c.p.Username(), subject, got, c.answers)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// N1-give at the controller's terminal (the confirmation review of 2026-10-09): a trusted party's secret is
+// announced before it is kept, and not kept when the announcement fails; another module's is kept first and
+// a failed announcement is said, not undone.
+func TestATrustedPartysSecretGivenAtTheTerminalIsAnnouncedBeforeItIsKept(t *testing.T) {
+	var order []string
+	announce := func(fail bool) func() error {
+		return func() error {
+			order = append(order, "announce")
+			if fail {
+				return errors.New("no channel")
+			}
+			return nil
+		}
+	}
+	keep := func() (bool, error) { order = append(order, "keep"); return false, nil }
+
+	order = nil
+	if _, unannounced, err := keepGiven(true, announce(false), keep); err != nil || unannounced != nil ||
+		strings.Join(order, ",") != "announce,keep" {
+		t.Errorf("trusted: %v %v, order %v; want announced, then kept", unannounced, err, order)
+	}
+	order = nil
+	if _, _, err := keepGiven(true, announce(true), keep); err == nil || strings.Join(order, ",") != "announce" {
+		t.Errorf("trusted, announcement failed: %v, order %v; want refused and nothing kept", err, order)
+	}
+	order = nil
+	if _, unannounced, err := keepGiven(false, announce(true), keep); err != nil || unannounced == nil ||
+		strings.Join(order, ",") != "keep,announce" {
+		t.Errorf("not trusted: %v %v, order %v; want kept, then the failed announcement said", unannounced, err, order)
+	}
+	order = nil
+	failing := func() (bool, error) { order = append(order, "keep"); return false, errors.New("store away") }
+	if _, _, err := keepGiven(false, announce(false), failing); err == nil || strings.Join(order, ",") != "keep" {
+		t.Errorf("not trusted, keep failed: %v, order %v; want refused and nothing announced", err, order)
+	}
+}
+
+// A machine the mesh does not know, as the secret's or as the desk, is refused before anybody is asked to type.
+func TestAGiveNamingAMachineTheMeshDoesNotKnowAsksNobody(t *testing.T) {
+	for _, unknown := range []string{"elsewhere", "nodesk"} {
+		d, accepted, acts, asked := aDesk(t, func(map[string]any) (json.RawMessage, error) {
+			t.Fatal("the desk was asked")
+			return nil, nil
+		})
+		d.known = func(machine string) error {
+			if machine == unknown {
+				return errors.New("no node " + machine)
+			}
+			return nil
+		}
+		node, desk := "anchor", "laptop"
+		if unknown == "elsewhere" {
+			node = unknown
+		} else {
+			desk = unknown
+		}
+		_, err := d.give(node, "telegram", "telegram-token", desk)
+		if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "nobody was asked") || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), unknown) {
+			t.Errorf("%s: %v", unknown, err)
+		}
+		if len(*accepted)+len(*acts)+len(*asked) != 0 {
+			t.Errorf("%s: something happened: %v %v %v", unknown, *accepted, *acts, *asked)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// novox/hq ADR 0277: the prompt names who asked — the controller's word on the bus's caller, cut to a name's
+// characters — and never a word the caller chose: there is no argument for it.
+func TestThePromptNamesWhoAskedFromTheBussWordAlone(t *testing.T) {
+	d, _, acts, asked := aDesk(t, sealedTo(t, typed))
+	d.askedBy = "g14/claude-code, through the mesh-controller seat"
+	if _, err := d.give("anchor", "telegram", "telegram-token", "laptop"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if got := (*asked)[0]["asked_by"]; got != "g14/claude-code" {
+		t.Errorf("asked_by %q", got)
+	}
+	if len(*acts) != 1 || !strings.Contains((*acts)[0].Why, "asked by g14/claude-code") {
+		t.Errorf("the record: %+v", *acts)
+	}
+	for in, want := range map[string]string{
+		"jochen at a shell on novox":         "jochen at a shell on novox",
+		"laptop/agent":                       "laptop/agent",
+		"Your bank asks\nType your PIN, now": "Your bank asks-Type your PIN",
+		"":                                   "an unnamed caller",
+		"<b>x</b>":                           "an unnamed caller",
+		strings.Repeat("a", 100):             strings.Repeat("a", 80),
+		"--prompt, something else":           "an unnamed caller",
+	} {
+		if got := askedByName(in); got != want {
+			t.Errorf("askedByName(%q) = %q, want %q", in, got, want)
+		}
+	}
+	// The verb's schema has no argument that reaches the prompt's words.
+	for _, verb := range []string{"give", "secret-ask"} {
+		for _, free := range []string{"asked_by", "prompt", "message", "value", "from"} {
+			if _, err := argvFor(verb, map[string]any{"node": "anchor", "module": "telegram", "secret": "telegram-token",
+				"at": "laptop", free: "x"}); err == nil {
+				t.Errorf("%s takes %s", verb, free)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// An ask for a secret is bounded before anybody is asked to type (ADR 0277): the record refuses it, nothing is
+// asked; and how every ask ends is recorded.
+func TestASecretAskIsBoundedAndItsEndRecorded(t *testing.T) {
+	d, accepted, _, asked := aDesk(t, sealedTo(t, typed))
+	var ended []string
+	d.open = func(node, module, name, desk string) (int64, error) { return 7, nil }
+	d.end = func(id int64, outcome string) error {
+		ended = append(ended, fmt.Sprintf("%d %s", id, outcome))
+		return nil
+	}
+	if _, err := d.give("anchor", "telegram", "telegram-token", "laptop"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	d.open = func(node, module, name, desk string) (int64, error) {
+		return 0, errors.New("an ask for telegram-token of telegram on anchor is still open")
+	}
+	_, err := d.give("anchor", "telegram", "telegram-token", "laptop")
+	if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "nobody was asked to type anything") || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "still open") {
+		t.Errorf("a second ask: %v", err)
+	}
+	if len(*asked) != 1 || len(*accepted) != 1 {
+		t.Errorf("asked %d, accepted %d", len(*asked), len(*accepted))
+	}
+	d.open = func(node, module, name, desk string) (int64, error) { return 8, nil }
+	d.ask = func(string, map[string]any) (json.RawMessage, error) {
+		return json.RawMessage(`{"cancelled":true}`), nil
+	}
+	if _, err := d.give("anchor", "telegram", "telegram-token", "laptop"); !errors.Is(err, errNothingGiven) {
+		t.Errorf("a dismissed prompt: %v", err)
+	}
+	if strings.Join(ended, "; ") != "7 given; 8 dismissed" {
+		t.Errorf("ended: %v", ended)
+	}
+}
+
+// A secret ask cannot be turned into a secret read: the line carries no value, the answer carries none, and every
+// other `secret` line is the terminal's.
+func TestASecretAskIsNeverASecretRead(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Setenv(verbVar, "mesh-controller.secret-ask")
+	for _, args := range [][]string{
+		{"ask", "anchor", "telegram", "telegram-token", "the-value"},
+		{"ask", "anchor", "telegram"},
+		{"ask", "anchor", "telegram", "telegram-token", "--from", "/dev/null"},
+	} {
+		if err := secretCommand(context.Background(), args); err == nil {
+			t.Errorf("secret %v was taken", args)
+		}
+	}
+	for _, args := range [][]string{{"recover", "anchor", "telegram", "telegram-token"}, {"export"}} {
+		if err := terminalOnly(append([]string{"secret"}, args...)); err == nil {
+			t.Errorf("secret %v passed the terminal rule", args)
+		}
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/doctor.go

@@ -116,6 +116,21 @@ 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},
+	// A client of the bus reconnecting in a loop (novox/hq issue 327), from the server's record of closed
+	// connections, which the bus's own module reads.
+	{ID: probeReconnectsID, Asserts: "no user of the bus had its connection dropped more than twelve times in the " +
+		"last hour: the bus module's nats_closed_connections", From: "issue 327", Kind: kindBusReconnects,
+		Phase: 1, run: probeReconnects},
+	// The account agents run as (novox/hq ADR 0266): where a machine names one, its node-engine has judged it
+	// unable to become root without a person — what ADR 0259 §8 rests an authorised answer on.
+	{ID: agentAccountProbe, Asserts: "every machine that names an agent account has it judged, on its node-engine's " +
+		"newest statement, unable to become root without a person", From: "ADR 0266, ADR 0259 §8",
+		Kind: kindAgentCanBecomeRoot, Phase: 1, run: probeAgentAccounts},
+	// Root where the trusted parties run (novox/hq ADR 0259 §8): while an agent can become root there without a
+	// person, an answer proven there proves nothing.
+	{ID: "D-root", Asserts: "no agent can become root without a person on a machine where the router or a channel " +
+		"proving its sender runs: not by its own account, and not through a tool that runs its command as an account " +
+		"that can", From: "ADR 0259 §8", Kind: kindRootNotFree, Phase: 2, run: probeAgentRoot},
 	{ID: "DW", Asserts: "the watchdogs of the signals table ran within three of their intervals",
 		From: "ADR 0227 rule 6: the watchers are watched", Kind: "watchdogs-silent", Phase: 1, run: probeWatchdogs},
 	// The core's health definitions (novox/hq to-be 45 §8, ADR 0236): what a core component's new build is

cmd/mesh-controller/facts.go

@@ -205,7 +205,7 @@ func gatherFacts(ctx context.Context, open *stores, busVersion string) (snapshot
 	if err != nil {
 		return snapshot.Facts{}, err
 	}
-	read, err := inv.ReadRepositories(ctx)
+	read, err := readForPlanning(ctx, inv)
 	if err != nil {
 		return snapshot.Facts{}, err
 	}
@@ -269,7 +269,8 @@ func gatherFacts(ctx context.Context, open *stores, busVersion string) (snapshot
 	engines := map[string]bool{}
 	for _, n := range nodes {
 		m := snapshot.Machine{Name: scrub.Machine(n.Name), Length: len(n.Name), Adopted: n.Adopted,
-			AccountHome: scrub.Text(n.AccountHome), NodeEngine: n.HostVersion, PublicDomain: domains[n.Name]}
+			AccountHome: scrub.Text(n.AccountHome), NodeEngine: n.HostVersion, PublicDomain: domains[n.Name],
+			AgentAccount: scrub.Account(n.AgentAccount), AgentAccountHome: scrub.Text(n.AgentAccountHome)}
 		switch n.Account {
 		case "", "root":
 			m.Account = n.Account
@@ -410,7 +411,18 @@ func gatherFacts(ctx context.Context, open *stores, busVersion string) (snapshot
 			Commit: e.Source.BuiltFrom, Provided: e.Provided, RollOut: current[e.Manifest.Module].RollOut,
 			Manifest: raw}
 		for _, r := range read[e.Manifest.Module] {
+			// The module's own build source is said apart: a gate that predates it would read an own
+			// entry among Reads as a context of its own repository.
+			if r.Own {
+				if len(r.Paths) > 0 {
+					mod.Sources = append(mod.Sources, snapshot.BuildSource{Own: true, Paths: r.Paths})
+				}
+				continue
+			}
 			mod.Reads = append(mod.Reads, snapshot.RepositoryName(r.Repository))
+			if len(r.Paths) > 0 {
+				mod.Sources = append(mod.Sources, snapshot.BuildSource{Repository: snapshot.RepositoryName(r.Repository), Paths: r.Paths})
+			}
 		}
 		f.Modules = append(f.Modules, mod)
 		if e.Provided || e.Source.Repository == "" {

cmd/mesh-controller/found_wait_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,156 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// A directory the node-engine uses as found (novox/hq issue 339) waits for a person to hand it over at the
+// machine. Found before this send, it is no fault of the build: the gate passes with the wait carried, so an
+// urgent fix of that module still goes through. Found by this send, the send brought it, and the gate holds.
+func foundDirectory(module string, since time.Time) inventory.ResourceHealth {
+	return inventory.ResourceHealth{Module: module, Resource: module + ".data", Kind: link.KindDirectory,
+		Target: "/srv/" + module, State: link.StateUnhealthy, Since: since,
+		Reason: link.ReasonUsedAsFound + " owned by 1000:1000, mode 700, as found; root, mode 755 was declared and " +
+			"not given it — `nox node hand-over laptop <directory>` on the control-node, with its path, hands it to the mesh"}
+}
+
+func TestADirectoryFoundBeforeTheSendIsAWaitForAPerson(t *testing.T) {
+	now := time.Now()
+	sent := now.Add(-time.Minute)
+	f := gateFacts{now: now, health: map[string]inventory.NodeHealth{"laptop": {Node: "laptop", HeardAt: now,
+		Resources: []inventory.ResourceHealth{foundDirectory("notes", sent.Add(-24*time.Hour))}}}}
+	h, why := moduleHealthWord("notes", "laptop", sent, f)
+	if h != healthPerson || !strings.Contains(why, "notes.data") || !strings.Contains(why, "hand-over") {
+		t.Fatalf("a directory found before the send reads %v %q; want a wait for a person", h, why)
+	}
+	// Found by this very send: the send brought it, and it is not passed.
+	f.health["laptop"] = inventory.NodeHealth{Node: "laptop", HeardAt: now,
+		Resources: []inventory.ResourceHealth{foundDirectory("notes", sent.Add(time.Second))}}
+	if h, why := moduleHealthWord("notes", "laptop", sent, f); h != healthNotYet {
+		t.Fatalf("a directory this send found reads %v %q; want not yet", h, why)
+	}
+	// A container down beside the old wait is a fault, as before.
+	f.health["laptop"] = inventory.NodeHealth{Node: "laptop", HeardAt: now, Resources: []inventory.ResourceHealth{
+		foundDirectory("notes", sent.Add(-time.Hour)),
+		{Module: "notes", Resource: "notes.web", Kind: "container", Target: "notes", State: link.StateUnhealthy, Reason: "down"}}}
+	if h, why := moduleHealthWord("notes", "laptop", sent, f); h != healthNotYet {
+		t.Fatalf("a container down beside the wait reads %v %q; want not yet", h, why)
+	}
+}
+
+// The whole walk: a module whose directory was used as found long before still gets its fix to every machine,
+// its pass kept and the wait said; a directory this very send found holds it and puts it back.
+func TestAFixGoesThroughPastADirectoryFoundBefore(t *testing.T) {
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		name   string
+		found  time.Duration // when the directory was found, against now
+		passes bool
+	}{
+		{"found a day before the send", -24 * time.Hour, true},
+		{"found by this send", time.Hour, false},
+	} {
+		t.Run(c.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			b := aBacklog(t)
+			ctx := t.Context()
+			inv := b.open.inventory
+			releaseHeard = func(context.Context, *stores) (map[string]bool, error) {
+				return map[string]bool{"anchor": true, "laptop": true}, nil
+			}
+			backlogFacts := gatherGateFacts
+			gatherGateFacts = func(ctx context.Context, open *stores, component string) (gateFacts, error) {
+				f, err := backlogFacts(ctx, open, component)
+				// The used-as-found condition, raised after the send (its second statement): its own kind, never a
+				// fault the gate reads as the build's.
+				f.judged, f.openErr = true, nil
+				f.open = append(f.open, conditions.Condition{Key: usedAsFoundKey("app", "anchor"), Kind: kindUsedAsFound,
+					Subject: conditions.Subject{Scope: conditions.ScopeModule, ID: "app.anchor", Machine: "anchor"},
+					Raised:  time.Now()})
+				f.health = map[string]inventory.NodeHealth{}
+				for _, n := range []string{"anchor", "laptop"} {
+					f.health[n] = inventory.NodeHealth{Node: n, HeardAt: time.Now(), Resources: []inventory.ResourceHealth{
+						{Module: "app", Resource: "app.web", Kind: "container", Target: "app", State: link.StateHealthy},
+						foundDirectory("app", time.Now().Add(c.found)),
+						{Module: "late", Resource: "late.web", Kind: "container", Target: "late", State: link.StateHealthy}}}
+				}
+				return f, err
+			}
+			wasSettle, wasEvery, wasBound := gateSettle, gateEvery, gateBound
+			t.Cleanup(func() { gateSettle, gateEvery, gateBound = wasSettle, wasEvery, wasBound })
+			gateSettle, gateEvery, gateBound = 0, 0, 300*time.Millisecond
+			deadline := time.Now().Add(5 * time.Second)
+			for time.Now().Before(deadline) {
+				advancePlans(ctx, b.open)
+				if p := b.release(t); p.State != inventory.PlanRolling {
+					break
+				}
+				time.Sleep(20 * time.Millisecond)
+			}
+			p := b.release(t)
+			v, found, err := inv.GateOf(ctx, "build-app-c2")
+			if c.passes {
+				if p.State != inventory.PlanDone || err != nil || !found || v.Verdict != inventory.GatePassed {
+					t.Fatalf("the walk is %s (%s); app's verdict %+v: want the fix through", p.State, p.Note, v)
+				}
+				if !strings.Contains(v.Why+p.Note, "hand it over") {
+					t.Errorf("the wait is not carried: verdict %q, walk %q", v.Why, p.Note)
+				}
+				return
+			}
+			if p.State == inventory.PlanDone {
+				t.Fatalf("a directory this send found let the walk through: %s", p.Note)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+// The condition says the wait in its own kind: the operator's, never urgent, and cleared once handed over.
+func TestADirectoryUsedAsFoundIsItsOwnCondition(t *testing.T) {
+	k, _ := withConditionsInMemory(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	rs := map[string][]inventory.ResourceHealth{"notes": {foundDirectory("notes", time.Now().Add(-time.Hour))}}
+	for i := 0; i < 2; i++ {
+		if err := judgeModuleHealth(ctx, nil, k, "laptop", rs, map[string]int{"notes": i + 1}, time.Now()); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	open, _ := k.Open(ctx)
+	var got *conditions.Condition
+	for i, c := range open {
+		if c.Key == usedAsFoundKey("notes", "laptop") {
+			got = &open[i]
+		}
+		if c.Kind == kindModuleUnhealthy {
+			t.Fatalf("raised as a fault: %+v", c)
+		}
+	}
+	if got == nil || got.Resolver != conditions.ResolverOperator || got.Severity == conditions.Urgent ||
+		!strings.Contains(got.Summary, "notes.data") {
+		t.Fatalf("the condition: %+v", got)
+	}
+	// Long open is still not urgent: only a person can hand it over, and nothing is broken by the wait.
+	if err := judgeModuleHealth(ctx, nil, k, "laptop", rs, map[string]int{"notes": 3}, time.Now().Add(48*time.Hour)); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	open, _ = k.Open(ctx)
+	for _, c := range open {
+		if c.Key == usedAsFoundKey("notes", "laptop") && c.Severity == conditions.Urgent {
+			t.Fatal("a directory used as found became urgent")
+		}
+	}
+	if err := judgeModuleHealth(ctx, nil, k, "laptop", map[string][]inventory.ResourceHealth{}, nil, time.Now()); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	open, _ = k.Open(ctx)
+	for _, c := range open {
+		if c.Key == usedAsFoundKey("notes", "laptop") {
+			t.Fatal("not cleared once handed over")
+		}
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/gate.go

@@ -87,6 +87,9 @@ const (
 	healthWaiting
 	healthNotYet
 	healthBroken
+	// healthSuperseded is a judging that cannot go on: the machine was sent another build of the module
+	// after the gate's send (novox/hq issue 352). No verdict on the build judged, and nothing put back.
+	healthSuperseded
 )
 
 // served is what one machine's node tools answered the bus's discovery with.
@@ -122,6 +125,39 @@ type gateFacts struct {
 	// groupsAdded is, per module, whether the move judged puts an account in a group its previous build did
 	// not (issue 318 review): the only move whose wait for a new login is excused.
 	groupsAdded map[string]bool
+	// sent is, per machine, the declaration the gate's own send carried there (novox/hq issue 352): a
+	// report is held against it, never against the send made last. sentBuilds is what each machine was
+	// last sent of every module, and judged the commit of each module this gate judges: a machine last
+	// sent another build of the module is not running the build judged.
+	sent       map[string]inventory.SentDeclaration
+	sentBuilds map[string]map[string]string
+	commits    map[string]string
+}
+
+// reportedOn says a machine's last report is on what the gate sent it (novox/hq issue 352): on that
+// declaration, or one it was sent after it — or, for a gate kept before sends were kept on it, on the
+// declaration last sent. On 2026-10-09 a release's gate read the control node's report against a newer
+// send another plan had just made there, and failed three builds the machine had reported healthy as
+// "has not reported on what it was sent".
+func (f gateFacts) reportedOn(machine string, r inventory.Reported) bool {
+	if sent, kept := f.sent[machine]; kept {
+		return sent.ReportsOn(r)
+	}
+	return r.Current
+}
+
+// supersededOn says the machine was last sent another build of the module than the one this gate judges
+// (novox/hq issue 352): the judging cannot go on, whatever the machine reports. On 2026-10-09 a controller
+// put back by one gate judged another gate's newer controller build passed on the same machine, reading
+// the put-back build's health as the newer one's.
+func (f gateFacts) supersededOn(module, machine string) (string, bool) {
+	judged, known := f.commits[module]
+	sent, has := f.sentBuilds[machine][module]
+	if !known || !has || judged == "" || sent == "" || sameCommit(sent, judged) {
+		return "", false
+	}
+	return fmt.Sprintf("%s was sent %s %s after this gate's %s: the build judged no longer runs there, and "+
+		"this judging is superseded by that send's", machine, module, short(sent), short(judged)), true
 }
 
 // gatherGateFacts reads what a judging needs, from the store, the bus and this controller's memory. A
@@ -199,9 +235,12 @@ func judgeHealth(module, component string, m catalogue.Manifest, machine string,
 		return healthBroken, fmt.Sprintf("the witness on %s judged the %s %s and %s: %s", machine, r.Component,
 			short(r.From), r.Outcome, r.Why)
 	}
+	if why, superseded := f.supersededOn(module, machine); superseded {
+		return healthSuperseded, why
+	}
 	r, said := f.reports[machine]
 	switch {
-	case !said || r.At == nil || !r.Current:
+	case !said || r.At == nil || !f.reportedOn(machine, r):
 		return healthNotYet, fmt.Sprintf("%s has not reported on what it was sent", machine)
 	case r.Outcome == inventory.OutcomeFailed || r.Outcome == inventory.OutcomeRefused:
 		return healthBroken, fmt.Sprintf("%s %s what it was sent", machine, r.Outcome)
@@ -209,16 +248,19 @@ func judgeHealth(module, component string, m catalogue.Manifest, machine string,
 		return healthNotYet, fmt.Sprintf("%s reported %q", machine, r.Outcome)
 	}
 	// **No new condition about it**: about the machine itself, or naming the module on that machine,
-	// raised since the judging began. The gate's own are not evidence about the build.
+	// raised since the judging began. The gate's own are not evidence about the build. A fault that was
+	// there at the send and reopened since is not new; one that had cleared before the send and came back
+	// after it is (OpenAt, novox/hq issue 348).
 	if f.judged {
 		if f.openErr != nil {
 			return healthNotYet, "what is wrong cannot be read, so whether the build made anything wrong is not known: " +
 				firstLine(f.openErr.Error())
 		}
 		for _, c := range f.open {
-			// A wait for a person's new login is the module's reading, not a fault raised since the send: the
-			// gate reads it from the statement below (ADR 0254).
-			if c.Source == gateProbe || c.Raised.Before(since) || c.Kind == kindReloginNeeded {
+			// A wait for a person's new login, or for a directory used as found to be handed over, is the module's
+			// reading, not a fault raised since the send: the gate reads it from the statement below (ADR 0254,
+			// novox/hq issue 339).
+			if c.Source == gateProbe || c.OpenAt(since) || c.Kind == kindReloginNeeded || c.Kind == kindUsedAsFound {
 				continue
 			}
 			onIt := c.Subject.Machine == machine || slices.Contains(c.Subject.Also, machine) ||
@@ -329,7 +371,8 @@ func aboutTheMachine(machine string, moved []string, since time.Time, f gateFact
 	for _, c := range f.open {
 		aboutIt := c.Subject.Scope == conditions.ScopeMachine && (c.Subject.ID == machine || c.Subject.Machine == machine ||
 			slices.Contains(c.Subject.Also, machine))
-		if !aboutIt || c.Source == gateProbe || c.Raised.Before(since) {
+		// A directory used as found waits for a person, whatever the send did (novox/hq issue 339).
+		if !aboutIt || c.Source == gateProbe || c.OpenAt(since) || c.Kind == kindUsedAsFound {
 			kept = append(kept, c)
 			continue
 		}
@@ -434,6 +477,21 @@ func judgeMoves(ctx context.Context, open *stores, g *inventory.PlanGate, pairs
 		return "", err
 	}
 	facts.groupsAdded = movesAddingGroups(ctx, open.inventory, g, pairs, shelf)
+	facts.sent = g.Sent
+	facts.commits, facts.sentBuilds = judgedCommits(g, pairs), map[string]map[string]string{}
+	// A module this gate put back at once (putBackBroken) was sent its earlier build by the gate itself:
+	// not another send, and not a judging superseded.
+	for _, m := range g.Returned {
+		delete(facts.commits, m)
+	}
+	for _, j := range pairs {
+		if _, read := facts.sentBuilds[j.node]; read {
+			continue
+		}
+		if builds, known, err := open.inventory.SentBuilds(ctx, j.node); err == nil && known {
+			facts.sentBuilds[j.node] = builds
+		}
+	}
 	// **What is wrong with a machine itself is the machine's** (novox/hq issue 281): read once for each
 	// machine judged, apart from what is wrong with a module there, and never pinned on the module the
 	// gate happens to be kept on.
@@ -470,6 +528,13 @@ func judgeMoves(ctx context.Context, open *stores, g *inventory.PlanGate, pairs
 		if _, seen := reading[j.module]; !seen {
 			modules = append(modules, j.module)
 		}
+		if h == healthSuperseded {
+			// Decided at once (novox/hq issue 352): nothing of this gate's can be judged on a machine that
+			// was sent another build of it, and nothing is put back — the later send is what runs there.
+			g.Failing, g.Last = nil, ""
+			decide(g, inventory.GateSuperseded, said, now)
+			return g.Verdict, nil
+		}
 		if h == healthBroken && !slices.Contains(g.Broken, j.module) {
 			g.Broken = append(g.Broken, j.module)
 			if g.BrokenWhy == "" {
@@ -573,6 +638,40 @@ func judgeMoves(ctx context.Context, open *stores, g *inventory.PlanGate, pairs
 	return g.Verdict, nil
 }
 
+// judgedCommits is the commit of each module a gate judges: the gate's own To for its module, and each
+// carried move's. Pure.
+func judgedCommits(g *inventory.PlanGate, pairs []judged) map[string]string {
+	out := map[string]string{}
+	for _, c := range g.Carried {
+		if c.To != "" {
+			out[c.Module] = c.To
+		}
+	}
+	if g.To != "" {
+		for _, j := range pairs {
+			if _, has := out[j.module]; !has && !slices.ContainsFunc(g.Carried, func(c inventory.CarriedMove) bool { return c.Module == j.module }) {
+				out[j.module] = g.To
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// sentNow is what each machine was just sent, read after a send for the gate to keep (novox/hq issue
+// 352): a machine whose send is not on record is left out, and its report is read as before.
+func sentNow(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, machines []string) map[string]inventory.SentDeclaration {
+	out := map[string]inventory.SentDeclaration{}
+	for _, n := range machines {
+		if s, found, err := inv.SentTo(ctx, n); err == nil && found {
+			out[n] = s
+		}
+	}
+	if len(out) == 0 {
+		return nil
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
 // whyFor is a passing gate's why as one module's verdict says it: the send's, and that module's own wait
 // for a person, never another's (issue 318 review).
 func whyFor(g *inventory.PlanGate, module string) string {
@@ -798,6 +897,16 @@ func gateFailed(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan, module str
 			"back", module, short(state.Previous), inventory.KeptBuilds))
 		return
 	}
+	if g.Component == lease.ComponentController {
+		// **The controller is never put back to a build older than the store's schema** (novox/hq issue
+		// 352): the build before it carries fewer migrations than the failed one applied, starts behind
+		// its own records, and judges the next gate with what it can read. The current build is kept and
+		// the condition says so; a person decides.
+		if why, ok := controllerSchemaAllows(ctx, inv, previous); !ok {
+			notBack(why)
+			return
+		}
+	}
 	if err := inv.RestoreModule(ctx, previous); err != nil {
 		notBack(err.Error())
 		return
@@ -831,6 +940,53 @@ func gateFailed(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan, module str
 	sayRollback(ctx, open, module, g, "")
 }
 
+// controllerSchemaAllows says the store's schema lets this build of the controller be put back: the
+// build recorded, when it served, a reach at or past the highest migration the store has applied. One
+// that never recorded a reach is not proved safe, and is refused as such (novox/hq issue 352). Why
+// says what is kept and why when it is not.
+func controllerSchemaAllows(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, previous inventory.Build) (string, bool) {
+	applied, err := inv.SchemaApplied(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "what the store's schema reaches cannot be read, so whether the build before it can read it is not " +
+			"known; the current build is kept: " + err.Error(), false
+	}
+	build := versionOfBuild(previous)
+	if build == "" {
+		return fmt.Sprintf("the build before it (%s) names no bundle to know it by, so whether it can read the store's "+
+			"schema (migration %04d) is not known; the current build is kept, and a person decides", short(previous.Commit), applied), false
+	}
+	reach, known, err := inv.SchemaReachOf(ctx, build)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "what the build before it knows of the store's schema cannot be read; the current build is kept: " + err.Error(), false
+	}
+	if !known {
+		return fmt.Sprintf("the build before it (%s, %s) never recorded how far it reads the store's schema — a "+
+			"controller records that when it serves — so it is not proved to read migration %04d, which the store "+
+			"has applied; a controller older than its store starts behind its own records and judges with what it "+
+			"can read, so the current build is kept, and a person decides", short(previous.Commit), build, applied), false
+	}
+	if reach < applied {
+		return fmt.Sprintf("the build before it (%s, %s) reads the store's schema up to migration %04d, and the store "+
+			"is at %04d: a controller older than its store starts behind its own records and judges with what it "+
+			"can read, so the current build is kept, and a person decides", short(previous.Commit), build, reach, applied), false
+	}
+	return "", true
+}
+
+// versionOfBuild is the version a build's bundle is delivered as — its archive's digest, short, as the
+// catalogue names it (`${version}`) — read from the build's artifacts; empty when none is a bundle.
+func versionOfBuild(b inventory.Build) string {
+	for _, a := range b.Made {
+		if a.Kind != catalogue.ArtifactBundle && a.Kind != catalogue.ArtifactArchive {
+			continue
+		}
+		if _, hex, found := strings.Cut(a.Reference, "sha256:"); found && len(hex) >= 12 {
+			return hex[:12]
+		}
+	}
+	return ""
+}
+
 // rollbacks is what a failed send puts back, sent together (novox/hq issue 281): a gate that judged one
 // send judges what it moved as one, and what it found wanting goes back in one send per machine — not
 // in a send for each module, which is the churn that failed the gate in the first place.

cmd/mesh-controller/gate_test.go

@@ -113,9 +113,10 @@ func aGateMesh(t *testing.T) *gateMesh {
 		}
 		for node, h := range g.health {
 			if h == healthNotYet {
+				// Not reported on the send: neither the send made last, nor the gate's own (issue 352).
 				f.rolledBack[node] = nil
 				r := f.reports[node]
-				r.Current = false
+				r.Current, r.Declared, r.ReportedSequence = false, "", 0
 				f.reports[node] = r
 			}
 		}
@@ -221,7 +222,8 @@ func TestABuildThatFailsItsGateIsRolledBackOnItsFirstMachineAndGoesNoFurther(t *
 		t.Fatalf("sent again after the rollback: %v", g.sent)
 	}
 	_, _, err = takeIn(ctx, inv, link.BuildResult{ID: "build-2", Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Path: "modules/app",
-		Commit: "c2", Manifest: mustJSON(t, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "app", Version: "c2"})})
+		Commit: "c2", Manifest: mustJSON(t, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "app", Version: "c2"}),
+		Source: &link.SourceOnSeat{Seat: "git", Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog"}})
 	if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "failed its gate") {
 		t.Fatalf("the failed build was registered again: %v", err)
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/handacts.go

@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ import (
 	"errors"
 	"flag"
 	"fmt"
+	"io"
 	"os"
 	"slices"
 	"sort"
@@ -14,7 +15,6 @@ import (
 
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
 )
@@ -60,11 +60,18 @@ var handActVerbs = []handActVerb{
 	// a person's word (ADR 0242), which the push itself reads from what it carried (recorded_push.go).
 	{Verb: "push", Decision: "a recorded build moves only by a person's push: that push is the word its " +
 		"upgrade policy asks for (ADR 0242)", DecidedWhen: pushedRecorded},
-	{Verb: "plans stop"},
+	// Stopping or starting a walk the operator chose on a warrant (novox/hq ADR 0259) is their decision.
+	{Verb: "plans stop", Decision: "the operator's answer to an ask is their decision, not a repair (ADR 0259)",
+		DecidedFor: []string{conditions.CauseOperatorAnswer}},
 	{Verb: "plans close"},
 	// A walk started by a person instead of its delivery's owner (novox/hq ADR 0239): the owner down, or
-	// not trusted with it — either is a repair the owner should have made.
-	{Verb: "plans go"},
+	// not trusted with it — either is a repair the owner should have made. Unless the operator chose it on
+	// a warrant (ADR 0259).
+	{Verb: "plans go", Decision: "the operator's answer to an ask is their decision, not a repair (ADR 0259)",
+		DecidedFor: []string{conditions.CauseOperatorAnswer}},
+	// An act the operator chose on a warrant (novox/hq ADR 0259): asked by the controller, answered on a
+	// channel that proved who answered, performed by the controller as itself.
+	{Verb: handActWarrant, Decision: "the operator chose it, answering what the controller asked (ADR 0259)"},
 	{Verb: "broker consumer-reset"},
 	// Silencing the same condition twice says the condition, or what it watches, wants mending — unless
 	// it is the operator's answer on a notification: a decision to live with it (novox/hq ADR 0258).
@@ -82,6 +89,11 @@ var handActVerbs = []handActVerb{
 	{Verb: "retire approve", Decision: "nothing is retired past its bound without a person (ADR 0230)"},
 	{Verb: "retire reject", Decision: "keeping a consumer active is a person's word (ADR 0230)"},
 	{Verb: "cleanup delete", Decision: "nothing retired is deleted without a person (ADR 0230)"},
+	// What becomes of a message a consumer gave up on (novox/hq issue 330): kept until a person says.
+	{Verb: "dead-letters deliver", Decision: "a message a consumer gave up on is delivered again only on a " +
+		"person's word (issue 330)"},
+	{Verb: "dead-letters drop", Decision: "a message a consumer gave up on is let go only on a person's word " +
+		"(issue 330)"},
 	// The sweep run on a person's word rather than after a build: the same decision the records make, at
 	// a moment the person chose (ADR 0251) — never a repair.
 	{Verb: "collect", Decision: "letting the store go of what the records keep for no reason, now rather " +
@@ -98,6 +110,9 @@ var handActVerbs = []handActVerb{
 	// to that judgement. Several values rotate for one leak, and a leak that recurs is a defect of the
 	// module that prints them, an issue against it, not a healer that rotates. A rotation for any other
 	// cause — a credential that stopped working — counts: a schedule or a healer could take it over.
+	// A value given at the desk (novox/hq ADR 0259 §10): an outside party's key, such as a bot token, which
+	// only a person can give. Their word, never a repair.
+	{Verb: "secret accept", Decision: "a value an outside party issued is given by a person, at their desk"},
 	{Verb: "secret rotate", Decision: "a value a person judged disclosed is replaced on their word",
 		DecidedFor: []string{causeLeakedInLogs}},
 }
@@ -149,14 +164,10 @@ func onTheBus(f func(*nats.Conn) error) error {
 	if handActConn != nil {
 		return f(handActConn)
 	}
-	address, err := broker.BusAddress()
+	js, err := aBus()
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
-	js, err := broker.Dial(address)
-	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("cannot reach the bus: %w", err)
-	}
 	defer js.Close()
 	return f(js.Conn())
 }
@@ -240,6 +251,9 @@ func handActCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 	if len(args) > 0 && args[0] == "drill" {
 		return handActDrill(ctx, args[1:])
 	}
+	if len(args) > 0 && args[0] == "warrant" {
+		return handActWarrantCommand(ctx, args[1:])
+	}
 	if len(args) > 0 && args[0] != "list" && !strings.HasPrefix(args[0], "-") {
 		return errors.New("hand-act record <what> --why <text> --cause <word> | hand-act drill <what> --why <text> " +
 			"| hand-acts [--days N] [--json]")
@@ -247,7 +261,13 @@ func handActCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 	if len(args) > 0 && args[0] == "list" {
 		args = args[1:]
 	}
+	return listHandActs(ctx, args, os.Stdout)
+}
+
+// listHandActs is `hand-acts`: what was done by hand lately, and the causes done more than once.
+func listHandActs(ctx context.Context, args []string, w io.Writer) error {
 	set := flag.NewFlagSet("hand-acts", flag.ContinueOnError)
+	usageTo(set, w)
 	days := set.Int("days", 14, "how many days back")
 	asJSON := set.Bool("json", false, "as data")
 	if _, err := parseAround(set, args); err != nil {
@@ -265,27 +285,27 @@ func handActCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 			if err != nil {
 				return err
 			}
-			fmt.Println(string(body))
+			fmt.Fprintln(w, string(body))
 			return nil
 		}
 		if len(acts) == 0 {
-			fmt.Printf("nothing was done by hand in the last %d day(s)\n", *days)
+			fmt.Fprintf(w, "nothing was done by hand in the last %d day(s)\n", *days)
 			return nil
 		}
 		for i := len(acts) - 1; i >= 0; i-- {
 			a := acts[i]
-			fmt.Printf("%s  %s  %s %s\n    by %s — %s (cause: %s", a.At.Local().Format("2006-01-02 15:04"), a.ID,
+			fmt.Fprintf(w, "%s  %s  %s %s\n    by %s — %s (cause: %s", a.At.Local().Format("2006-01-02 15:04"), a.ID,
 				a.Verb, strings.Join(a.Args, " "), a.By, a.Why, a.Cause)
 			if a.Condition != "" {
-				fmt.Printf(", condition %s", a.Condition)
+				fmt.Fprintf(w, ", condition %s", a.Condition)
 			}
-			fmt.Println(")")
+			fmt.Fprintln(w, ")")
 			if pushedRecorded(a) {
 				carried := strings.Join(a.Carried, "; ")
 				if carried == "" {
 					carried = recordedBefore[a.ID]
 				}
-				fmt.Printf("    a push of recorded builds, no repair: %s\n", carried)
+				fmt.Fprintf(w, "    a push of recorded builds, no repair: %s\n", carried)
 			}
 		}
 		if len(repeated) > 0 {
@@ -294,7 +314,7 @@ func handActCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 				causes = append(causes, fmt.Sprintf("%s ×%d", c, n))
 			}
 			sort.Strings(causes)
-			fmt.Printf("\ndone by hand more than once in a fortnight — a healer is wanted (to-be 45 S15): %s\n",
+			fmt.Fprintf(w, "\ndone by hand more than once in a fortnight — a healer is wanted (to-be 45 S15): %s\n",
 				strings.Join(causes, ", "))
 		}
 		return nil

cmd/mesh-controller/handacts_test.go

@@ -22,10 +22,6 @@ func TestARepairByHandWithoutAReasonIsRefused(t *testing.T) {
 		{"plans", map[string]any{"close": "plan-1"}},
 		{"plans", map[string]any{"stop": "plan-1"}},
 		{"hand-act", map[string]any{"what": "restarted the proxy", "cause": "proxy-stuck"}},
-		{"command", map[string]any{"command": "push anchor"}},
-		{"command", map[string]any{"command": "plans close plan-1"}},
-		{"command", map[string]any{"command": "broker consumer-reset EVENTS controller"}},
-		{"command", map[string]any{"command": "hand-act record restarted --cause x"}},
 	} {
 		argv, err := argvFor(c.verb, c.args)
 		if c.verb == "plans" && err == nil {
@@ -65,7 +61,6 @@ func TestARepairByHandCarriesItsReason(t *testing.T) {
 		{"plans", map[string]any{"retry": "plan-1"}, "plans retry plan-1"},
 		{"hand-act", map[string]any{"what": "restarted", "why": "hung", "cause": "proxy", "condition": "machine.a.silent"},
 			"hand-act record restarted --why hung --cause proxy --condition machine.a.silent"},
-		{"command", map[string]any{"command": "push anchor --why stuck"}, "push anchor --why stuck"},
 		{"command", map[string]any{"command": "plans plan-1"}, "plans plan-1"},
 	} {
 		argv, err := argvFor(c.verb, c.args)

cmd/mesh-controller/handover_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,169 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"bytes"
+	"errors"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// A hand-over's line is judged before anything is asked (novox/hq issue 356): a node's name and the directory's
+// absolute path exactly as the engine states it — no `..`, no doubled or trailing separator, nothing relative.
+func TestAHandOverLineIsJudgedBeforeItIsAsked(t *testing.T) {
+	for _, args := range [][]string{
+		{},
+		{"laptop"},
+		{"laptop", "/srv/notes", "extra"},
+		{"", "/srv/notes"},
+		{"--node", "/srv/notes"},
+		{"laptop", "srv/notes"},
+		{"laptop", "/srv/../etc"},
+		{"laptop", "/srv//notes"},
+		{"laptop", "/srv/notes/"},
+		{"laptop", "/srv/notes/."},
+	} {
+		if _, _, err := handOverLine(args); err == nil {
+			t.Errorf("%q was taken", args)
+		}
+	}
+	node, path, err := handOverLine([]string{"laptop", "/srv/notes"})
+	if err != nil || node != "laptop" || path != "/srv/notes" {
+		t.Fatalf("read as %q %q %v", node, path, err)
+	}
+}
+
+// Who hands over is the line's caller in the words every verb's caller is recorded in — the operator through
+// mesh-cli — or the controller's terminal when nobody is named.
+func TestAHandOverNamesWhoAsked(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Setenv(link.CallerVar, " jo through mesh-cli on anchor ")
+	if by := handOverBy(); by != "jo through mesh-cli on anchor" {
+		t.Fatalf("by %q", by)
+	}
+	t.Setenv(link.CallerVar, "")
+	if by := handOverBy(); by != "the controller's terminal" {
+		t.Fatalf("by %q", by)
+	}
+}
+
+// **A hand-over is the controller's terminal's alone** (novox/hq issue 356, ADR 0266): through any verb, and
+// through mesh-cli outside the terminal, `node hand-over` is refused and nothing runs — at the next apply root
+// gives the directory to the account the module declares, and whoever may call a verb includes agents.
+func TestAHandOverIsRefusedThroughEveryVerb(t *testing.T) {
+	line := []string{"node", "hand-over", "laptop", "/srv/notes"}
+	if err := terminalOnly(line); err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("node hand-over passed as a verb's line")
+	}
+	if _, err := argvFor("command", map[string]any{"command": "node hand-over laptop /srv/notes"}); err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("the command verb composed node hand-over")
+	}
+	if _, err := ordinaryLine(line); err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("node hand-over composed as an ordinary mesh-cli line")
+	}
+	if _, err := argvFor("node", map[string]any{"node": "laptop", "hand-over": "/srv/notes"}); err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("the node verb composed a hand-over")
+	}
+}
+
+// The condition's words are plain and name no machine's binary; the operator's line, with the node and the path
+// (novox/hq ADR 0272), is in the summary the module's health gives (moduleHealthWord) and in the evidence.
+func TestTheUsedAsFoundConditionNamesTheOperatorsLine(t *testing.T) {
+	rs := []inventory.ResourceHealth{foundDirectory("notes", time.Now().Add(-24*time.Hour))}
+	o := usedAsFoundObservation("notes", "laptop", "notes on laptop uses notes.data as found", rs)
+	if strings.Contains(o.Needs, "mesh-host") || strings.Contains(o.Explanation, "mesh-host") ||
+		!strings.Contains(o.Needs, "control-node") {
+		t.Fatalf("the condition's words: %q %q", o.Needs, o.Explanation)
+	}
+	if why, ok := conditions.PlainWords(conditions.Words{Headline: o.Headline, Explanation: o.Explanation, Needs: o.Needs,
+		Resolved: o.Resolved}, "laptop"); !ok {
+		t.Fatalf("not plain: %s", why)
+	}
+	f := gateFacts{now: time.Now(), health: map[string]inventory.NodeHealth{"laptop": {Node: "laptop", HeardAt: time.Now(),
+		Resources: rs}}}
+	h, why := moduleHealthWord("notes", "laptop", time.Now().Add(-time.Hour), f)
+	if h != healthPerson || !strings.Contains(why, "`nox node hand-over laptop <directory>` on the control-node") ||
+		strings.Contains(why, "mesh-host") || strings.Contains(why, "/srv/") {
+		t.Fatalf("the module's health reads %v %q; want the operator's line", h, why)
+	}
+}
+
+// **Nothing is asked of a node the mesh does not know, and the engine's refusal is the command's failure**
+// (review of issue 356): a refused hand-over never exits as a success.
+func TestAHandOverAsksOnlyAKnownNodeAndFailsOnARefusal(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Setenv(link.CallerVar, "jo through mesh-cli on anchor")
+	asked := 0
+	ask := func(answer link.HandOverAnswer) func(node, path, by string) (link.HandOverAnswer, error) {
+		return func(node, path, by string) (link.HandOverAnswer, error) {
+			asked++
+			if node != "laptop" || path != "/srv/notes" || by != "jo through mesh-cli on anchor" {
+				t.Fatalf("asked %q %q %q", node, path, by)
+			}
+			return answer, nil
+		}
+	}
+	unknown := func(string) error { return errors.New("no node called laptop") }
+	known := func(string) error { return nil }
+	var out bytes.Buffer
+	err := handOverAsked([]string{"laptop", "/srv/notes"}, unknown, ask(link.HandOverAnswer{Said: "x"}), &out)
+	if err == nil || asked != 0 || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "nothing was asked") {
+		t.Fatalf("an unknown node: %v, asked %d", err, asked)
+	}
+	err = handOverAsked([]string{"laptop", "/srv/../etc"}, known, ask(link.HandOverAnswer{Said: "x"}), &out)
+	if err == nil || asked != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a refused line was asked: %v, asked %d", err, asked)
+	}
+	err = handOverAsked([]string{"laptop", "/srv/notes"}, known,
+		ask(link.HandOverAnswer{Refused: "/srv/notes is not used as found; nothing was handed over"}), &out)
+	if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "laptop refused: /srv/notes is not used as found") || out.Len() != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a refusal: %v, printed %q", err, out.String())
+	}
+	err = handOverAsked([]string{"laptop", "/srv/notes"}, known, ask(link.HandOverAnswer{Said: "handed over"}), &out)
+	if err != nil || !strings.HasPrefix(out.String(), "handed over\n") || !strings.Contains(out.String(), "`nox push laptop`") {
+		t.Fatalf("a record: %v, printed %q", err, out.String())
+	}
+	failing := func(string, string, string) (link.HandOverAnswer, error) {
+		return link.HandOverAnswer{}, errors.New("no engine")
+	}
+	if err := handOverAsked([]string{"laptop", "/srv/notes"}, known, failing, &out); err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("an ask that failed was a success")
+	}
+}
+
+// The setuid search's line asks only a known node, one name and nothing else, and fails on a refusal
+// (novox/hq issue 361).
+func TestASetuidSearchAsksOnlyAKnownNodeAndFailsOnARefusal(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Setenv(link.CallerVar, "jo through mesh-cli on anchor")
+	asked := 0
+	ask := func(answer link.HandOverAnswer) func(node, by string) (link.HandOverAnswer, error) {
+		return func(node, by string) (link.HandOverAnswer, error) {
+			asked++
+			if node != "novox" || by != "jo through mesh-cli on anchor" {
+				t.Fatalf("asked %q %q", node, by)
+			}
+			return answer, nil
+		}
+	}
+	known := func(string) error { return nil }
+	var out bytes.Buffer
+	for _, args := range [][]string{nil, {"novox", "extra"}, {"-x"}} {
+		if err := setuidSearchAsked(args, known, ask(link.HandOverAnswer{Said: "x"}), &out); err == nil || asked != 0 {
+			t.Fatalf("%v was asked: %v", args, err)
+		}
+	}
+	if err := setuidSearchAsked([]string{"novox"}, func(string) error { return errors.New("no node called novox") },
+		ask(link.HandOverAnswer{Said: "x"}), &out); err == nil || asked != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("an unknown node: %v", err)
+	}
+	if err := setuidSearchAsked([]string{"novox"}, known, ask(link.HandOverAnswer{Refused: "no; no search was started"}),
+		&out); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "novox refused") || out.Len() != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a refusal: %v, printed %q", err, out.String())
+	}
+	if err := setuidSearchAsked([]string{"novox"}, known, ask(link.HandOverAnswer{Said: "a new search starts"}),
+		&out); err != nil || !strings.HasPrefix(out.String(), "a new search starts\n") {
+		t.Fatalf("a start: %v, printed %q", err, out.String())
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/healers.go

@@ -625,7 +625,7 @@ func planStale(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, p inventory.Plan)
 	}
 	for _, newer := range recent {
 		if newer.ID == p.ID || !newer.Created.After(p.Created) || !repositoryMatches(newer.Repository, p.Repository) ||
-			newer.Branch != p.Branch || newer.State == inventory.PlanSuperseded {
+			newer.Branch != p.Branch || newer.State == inventory.PlanSuperseded || newer.Batch() {
 			continue
 		}
 		return inventory.PlanSuperseded, fmt.Sprintf("superseded by %s (%s %s), a newer merge of the same repository "+

cmd/mesh-controller/health_check_test.go

@@ -45,3 +45,28 @@ func TestModuleCheckCountsTheUndeclaredAndRefusesThemFromTheDate(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Errorf("the refusal does not name the resource:\n%s", out.String())
 	}
 }
+
+// A file that asks for a setting without saying whether it is trusted counts as trusted (novox/hq issue 339):
+// `module check` lists and counts it, and never refuses it — there is nothing unsafe to refuse.
+func TestModuleCheckListsUnmarkedFilesAndNeverRefusesThem(t *testing.T) {
+	dir := t.TempDir()
+	path := filepath.Join(dir, "module.json")
+	os.WriteFile(path, []byte(`{"module":"power","resources":[
+	  {"id":"logind","type":"file","path":"/etc/systemd/logind.conf.d/power.conf","mode":"0644","trusted":true,
+	   "content":"HandleLidSwitch=${setting:lid}\n"},
+	  {"id":"note","type":"file","path":"/var/lib/power/note","mode":"0644","content":"${setting:greeting}\n"}]}`), 0o600)
+	defer func() { checkNow = time.Now }()
+	for _, at := range []time.Time{time.Date(2026, 10, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC), time.Date(2036, 1, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)} {
+		checkNow = func() time.Time { return at }
+		var out bytes.Buffer
+		if err := moduleCheck([]string{path}, &out); err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("refused at %v: %v\n%s", at, err, out.String())
+		}
+		for _, want := range []string{"note ask(s) for a setting and do(es) not say whether it is trusted, so it counts as trusted",
+			UnsaidTrustLine + " 1"} {
+			if !strings.Contains(out.String(), want) {
+				t.Errorf("the check does not say %q:\n%s", want, out.String())
+			}
+		}
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/hidden_input.go

@@ -0,0 +1,26 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"os"
+
+	"golang.org/x/sys/unix"
+)
+
+// hideTyping turns a terminal's echo off while a secret is typed at it, and gives back what restores it. On
+// anything that is not a terminal (a pipe, a file) it does nothing.
+func hideTyping(f *os.File) func() {
+	fd := int(f.Fd())
+	before, err := unix.IoctlGetTermios(fd, unix.TCGETS)
+	if err != nil {
+		return func() {}
+	}
+	hidden := *before
+	hidden.Lflag &^= unix.ECHO
+	if err := unix.IoctlSetTermios(fd, unix.TCSETS, &hidden); err != nil {
+		return func() {}
+	}
+	return func() {
+		_ = unix.IoctlSetTermios(fd, unix.TCSETS, before)
+		_, _ = os.Stderr.WriteString("\n")
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/holders_silent_test.go

@@ -92,3 +92,26 @@ func TestHoldingNeedsAnAnswer(t *testing.T) {
 		}
 	}
 }
+
+// The control-node withholds the login shell's `execute` (novox/hq ADR 0268): its holder there serves
+// nothing on the seat, and must not be judged silent for it, as the store's rows read it back.
+func TestALoginShellWithholdingExecuteIsNotSilent(t *testing.T) {
+	defer catalogue.UseSeats(catalogue.DefaultSeats())
+	var rows []catalogue.Seat
+	for _, s := range catalogue.DefaultSeats() {
+		stored := s
+		stored.Serves = nil
+		for _, v := range s.Serves {
+			v.Optional = false // the store never keeps the mark
+			stored.Serves = append(stored.Serves, v)
+		}
+		rows = append(rows, stored)
+	}
+	catalogue.UseSeats(rows)
+	recorded := []catalogue.Held{{Claim: catalogue.LoginShellSeat, Scope: catalogue.ScopeNode, Node: "anchor", Module: "zsh"}}
+	expected := holdersToHear(catalogue.SeatsWithAProtocol(), recorded, nil, map[string]bool{"anchor": true}, nil, time.Now())
+	if _, asked := expected[catalogue.LoginShellSeat]; asked {
+		t.Fatalf("the login shell's holder is expected to answer, so withholding execute would be said silent: %v",
+			expected[catalogue.LoginShellSeat])
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/issue348_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,221 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"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"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// novox/hq issue 348: on 2026-10-09 the control node's resolver stopped answering on its private address
+// at 10:57:57 UTC; the machine's network condition was raised at 10:58:45. The node-engine and the
+// controller were sent at 10:59:34. The new node-engine's first statement judged the names once — unknown,
+// "one look failed; a second decides" — and that statement cleared the condition, though its last evidence
+// still said "connection refused". The next look raised it again at 11:00:23, after the send, and both
+// builds failed their gate at 11:10 with "raised since it was sent" and were put back, for a fault that
+// began before they were sent.
+
+// namesRefused is the control node's names part as its node-engine said it in the outage: its own
+// resolver, at its own address, refusing.
+func namesRefused(state string, streak int) link.NetworkPart {
+	p := link.NetworkPart{Part: link.PartNames, State: state, Since: h0, Streak: streak}
+	if state == link.StateUnhealthy {
+		p.Reason = "1 of its 2 resolvers do not answer as the mesh's do"
+		p.Said = "10.77.0.1 — anchor.internal (IPv4): read udp 10.77.0.1:35244->10.77.0.1:53: read: connection refused"
+		p.Toward = []string{"10.77.0.1"}
+	}
+	return p
+}
+
+func networkSaying(parts ...link.NetworkPart) *link.NetworkHealth {
+	state := link.StateHealthy
+	for _, p := range parts {
+		switch {
+		case p.State == link.StateUnhealthy:
+			state = link.StateUnhealthy
+		case p.State == link.StateUnknown && state == link.StateHealthy:
+			state = link.StateUnknown
+		}
+	}
+	return &link.NetworkHealth{State: state, Since: h0, Parts: parts}
+}
+
+// TestReplay348 replays the statements of the outage: the condition raised before the send is not
+// cleared by the restarted engine's first, undecided statement, and the gate does not count it against
+// the builds sent after it began.
+func TestReplay348(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv, k := open.inventory, conditionsFrom
+	say := func(at time.Time, n *link.NetworkHealth) {
+		t.Helper()
+		if err := stateHealth(ctx, inv, k, "anchor", link.Health{Contract: link.ReadinessContract, At: at, Network: n}, at); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	network := func() (conditions.Condition, bool) {
+		t.Helper()
+		list, err := k.Open(ctx)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		for _, c := range list {
+			if c.Key == "machine.anchor.network" {
+				return c, true
+			}
+		}
+		return conditions.Condition{}, false
+	}
+
+	// 10:58:45 — the second failing look: raised.
+	say(h0, networkSaying(namesRefused(link.StateUnhealthy, 2)))
+	raised, ok := network()
+	if !ok {
+		t.Fatal("the resolver refusing on the control node raised nothing")
+	}
+	time.Sleep(5 * time.Millisecond)
+	sent := time.Now().UTC()
+	time.Sleep(5 * time.Millisecond)
+
+	// 10:59:42 — the restarted engine's first statement: one look failed, a second decides.
+	say(h0.Add(time.Minute), networkSaying(namesRefused(link.StateUnknown, 1)))
+	if _, ok := network(); !ok {
+		t.Fatal("a statement that judged nothing yet cleared the condition: the restarted engine's first look " +
+			"said the fault was gone while it still refused")
+	}
+	// 11:00:23 — its second look: unhealthy again, the same raising.
+	say(h0.Add(2*time.Minute), networkSaying(namesRefused(link.StateUnhealthy, 2)))
+	again, ok := network()
+	if !ok || !again.Raised.Equal(raised.Raised) || again.Count != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("the same raising was not kept: raised %s (first %s), count %d", again.Raised, raised.Raised, again.Count)
+	}
+
+	// The gate on the control node, for a build sent after the fault began.
+	open2, err := k.Open(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	f := gateFacts{judged: true, open: open2}
+	if w := aboutTheMachine("anchor", []string{"mesh-host"}, sent, f); w.whole != "" || len(w.on) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a fault from before the send held the build: %+v", w)
+	}
+
+	// Decided healthy: cleared.
+	say(h0.Add(3*time.Minute), networkSaying(link.NetworkPart{Part: link.PartNames, State: link.StateHealthy, Since: h0}))
+	if c, ok := network(); ok {
+		t.Fatalf("a statement that decides the names healthy left %s open", c.Key)
+	}
+}
+
+// A fault there at the send, cleared and reopened after it, is not raised since the send; one that cleared
+// before the send and came back after it is — a send that breaks a recovered machine fails its gate (review
+// of mesh-controller PR 179, A2). Read through OpenAt, by both of the gate's readings.
+func TestAFaultThatFlappedAfterTheSendIsNotTheSendsAndOneThatRecoveredBeforeItIs(t *testing.T) {
+	since := h0
+	network := func(first time.Time, gaps ...conditions.Gap) conditions.Condition {
+		raised := since.Add(time.Minute)
+		if len(gaps) > 0 {
+			raised = gaps[len(gaps)-1].Reopened
+		}
+		return conditions.Condition{Key: "machine.anchor.network", Kind: kindMachineNetwork,
+			Subject: conditions.Subject{Scope: conditions.ScopeMachine, ID: "anchor", Machine: "anchor"},
+			Summary: "anchor's network is not healthy", Source: sourceNetwork, First: first, Gaps: gaps, Raised: raised}
+	}
+	held := func(c conditions.Condition) bool {
+		return aboutTheMachine("anchor", []string{"mesh-controller"}, since, gateFacts{judged: true,
+			open: []conditions.Condition{c}}).whole != ""
+	}
+	// The day's case: raised before the send, cleared 8 s after it, reopened 49 s after it.
+	flapped := network(since.Add(-49*time.Second),
+		conditions.Gap{Cleared: since.Add(8 * time.Second), Reopened: since.Add(49 * time.Second)})
+	if held(flapped) {
+		t.Fatal("a fault there at the send, flapping after it, held the machine")
+	}
+	// Recovered before the send, broken again after it: the send's.
+	recovered := network(since.Add(-time.Hour),
+		conditions.Gap{Cleared: since.Add(-30 * time.Second), Reopened: since.Add(20 * time.Second)})
+	if !held(recovered) {
+		t.Fatal("a machine recovered at the send and broken after it passed the gate")
+	}
+	// An older gap, before the send, and the fault there at the send: not the send's.
+	twice := network(since.Add(-time.Hour),
+		conditions.Gap{Cleared: since.Add(-50 * time.Minute), Reopened: since.Add(-45 * time.Minute)},
+		conditions.Gap{Cleared: since.Add(10 * time.Second), Reopened: since.Add(30 * time.Second)})
+	if held(twice) {
+		t.Fatal("a fault there at the send, with an older gap, held the machine")
+	}
+	// Raised after the send, never cleared: the send's.
+	if !held(network(time.Time{})) {
+		t.Fatal("a fault raised after the send held nothing")
+	}
+	// And a module's own, through judgeHealth.
+	at := since.Add(2 * time.Minute)
+	g := gateFacts{judged: true, now: at, reports: map[string]inventory.Reported{"anchor": {Node: "anchor",
+		Outcome: inventory.OutcomeApplied, At: &at, Current: true}}, engines: map[string]string{},
+		served: map[string]served{}, rolledBack: map[string][]lease.Rollback{},
+		open: []conditions.Condition{{Key: "provider.app.anchor.x.failing", Subject: conditions.Subject{
+			Scope: conditions.ScopeProvider, ID: "app.anchor.x", Machine: "anchor"}, Summary: "failing",
+			First: since.Add(-time.Hour), Raised: since.Add(time.Minute),
+			Gaps: []conditions.Gap{{Cleared: since.Add(5 * time.Second), Reopened: since.Add(time.Minute)}}}}}
+	if _, why := judgeHealth("app", "", catalogue.Manifest{Module: "app"}, "anchor", since, g); strings.HasPrefix(why, "raised since it was sent") {
+		t.Fatalf("a module's own fault there at the send: %s", why)
+	}
+	g.open[0].Gaps[0].Cleared = since.Add(-5 * time.Second)
+	if _, why := judgeHealth("app", "", catalogue.Manifest{Module: "app"}, "anchor", since, g); !strings.HasPrefix(why, "raised since it was sent") {
+		t.Fatalf("a module's own fault, recovered at the send and back after it, was not counted: %s", why)
+	}
+}
+
+// Only an undecided part holds a condition that names it; a condition about another part clears, and a
+// statement unknown as a whole holds every part (review of PR 179, A4). Pure.
+func TestAnUndecidedPartHoldsOnlyWhatNamesIt(t *testing.T) {
+	f := netFacts(map[string]*inventory.NetworkHealth{
+		"anchor": aNetwork(link.StateUnknown, inventory.NetworkPart{Part: link.PartNames, State: link.StateUnknown, Streak: 1},
+			inventory.NetworkPart{Part: link.PartRoute, State: link.StateHealthy}),
+		"laptop": aNetwork(link.StateHealthy, inventory.NetworkPart{Part: link.PartNames, State: link.StateHealthy}),
+		"spare":  aNetwork(link.StateStarting, inventory.NetworkPart{Part: link.PartTunnel, State: link.StateHealthy}),
+		"other":  aNetwork(link.StateStarting, inventory.NetworkPart{Part: link.PartTunnel, State: link.StateStarting}),
+	})
+	u := undecidedParts(f)
+	if !u["anchor"][link.PartNames] || u["anchor"][link.PartRoute] || u["laptop"] != nil || !u["spare"]["*"] ||
+		!u["other"][link.PartTunnel] || u["other"]["*"] {
+		t.Fatalf("undecided: %v", u)
+	}
+	about := func(machine, said string, also ...string) conditions.Condition {
+		return conditions.Condition{Subject: conditions.Subject{Scope: conditions.ScopeMachine, ID: machine,
+			Machine: machine, Also: also}, Evidence: []conditions.Evidence{{Said: said}}}
+	}
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		c    conditions.Condition
+		held bool
+	}{
+		{about("anchor", "names since 2026-10-09 10:58:45 UTC: 10.77.0.1 — refused"), true},
+		{about("anchor", "route since 2026-10-09 10:58:45 UTC: no default route"), false},
+		{about("laptop", "names since 2026-10-09 10:58:45 UTC: refused"), false},
+		{about("spare", "route since …: no default route"), true},
+		{about("hub", "anchor: names: refused", "anchor"), true},
+		{about("hub", "anchor: tunnel: no handshake", "anchor"), false},
+	} {
+		if got := heldUndecided(c.c, u); got != c.held {
+			t.Errorf("%s %q held %v, want %v", c.c.Subject.Machine, c.c.Evidence[0].Said, got, c.held)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// A release walks its modules without a record per module: D10 counts what its tier names as rolling,
+// so the node-engine a release walks is not "behind, and no plan is rolling it out" on its first machine.
+func TestAReleaseRollsOutWhatItsTierNames(t *testing.T) {
+	plans := []inventory.Plan{
+		{ID: "release-1", State: inventory.PlanRolling, Tiers: [][]string{{"mesh-host"}}, Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{}},
+		{ID: "plan-2", State: inventory.PlanRolling, Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{"letta": {}}},
+	}
+	got := rollingModules(plans)
+	if !got["mesh-host"] || !got["letta"] || len(got) != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("rolling: %v", got)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/issue352_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,356 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"reflect"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"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"
+)
+
+// novox/hq issue 352: on 2026-10-09 a release's gate on the control node read the machine's report against a
+// newer send another plan had just made there — not against its own send — and failed three builds the
+// machine had reported healthy ("has not reported on what it was sent"), put them back on every machine,
+// to a controller older than the store's schema, and that controller then judged the newer plan's
+// controller passed from the put-back build's health.
+
+// TestReplay352 replays the walk on the backlog fixture: the release sends anchor and anchor reports;
+// another send reaches anchor, unreported; the gate still passes. And a send that moves a judged module
+// to another build supersedes the judging: no verdict, nothing put back.
+func TestReplay352(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Run("a newer send to the judged machine does not unreport the gate's", testANewerSendDoesNotUnreportTheGatesOwn)
+	t.Run("a send that moves the module supersedes the judging", testASendThatMovesTheModuleSupersedesTheJudging)
+}
+
+func testANewerSendDoesNotUnreportTheGatesOwn(t *testing.T) {
+	b := aBacklog(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := b.open.inventory
+	advancePlans(ctx, b.open) // anchor is sent, and the fixture reports it applied
+	// 16:31:37 — another plan sends anchor a newer declaration, which it has not reported on.
+	carried, _, _ := inv.SentBuilds(ctx, "anchor")
+	if err := inv.RecordSent(ctx, nodeID(t, b.open, "anchor"), "d-anchor-newer", carried); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	reports, _ := inv.LastReports(ctx)
+	for _, r := range reports {
+		if r.Node == "anchor" && r.Current {
+			t.Fatal("the fixture's newer send reads as reported")
+		}
+	}
+	gateEvery, gateBound = 0, 0 // past the bound at once: before the fix, "has not reported" fails it here
+	for i := 0; i < 4; i++ {
+		advancePlans(ctx, b.open)
+	}
+	p := b.release(t)
+	if p.State == inventory.PlanFailed || strings.Contains(p.Note, "has not reported") {
+		t.Fatalf("the release failed on the newer send: %s %s", p.State, p.Note)
+	}
+	if g := p.Release.Gate; g != nil && (g.Sent == nil || g.Sent["anchor"].Digest == "") {
+		t.Fatalf("the gate does not keep what it sent: %+v", g)
+	}
+	if v, found, err := inv.GateOf(ctx, "build-app-c2"); err != nil || !found || v.Verdict != inventory.GatePassed {
+		t.Fatalf("app's pass on anchor was not kept: %+v %v %v", v, found, err)
+	}
+	if current, _ := inv.CurrentBuilds(ctx); current["app"].Commit != "c2" {
+		t.Fatalf("app was put back to %s", current["app"].Commit)
+	}
+}
+
+// A plan's own first send waits while a release judges the same module on that machine with another build.
+func TestAPlansFirstSendWaitsForAReleaseJudgingTheModuleThere(t *testing.T) {
+	b := aBacklog(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	advancePlans(ctx, b.open) // the release judges app c2 on anchor
+	_, _, err := gatedSend(ctx, b.open, "anchor", []inventory.CarriedMove{{Module: "app", Node: "anchor", From: "c2", To: "c3", Build: "build-app-c3"}})
+	if !errors.Is(err, errWalkedElsewhere) || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "release-") {
+		t.Fatalf("a newer build of a judged module was sent under the release's gate: %v", err)
+	}
+	if len(b.sent) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("sent %v", b.sent)
+	}
+}
+
+// A merge plan's judging is superseded the same way: another send moved its module on the first machine.
+func TestAPlansJudgingIsSupersededByASendThatMovesItsModule(t *testing.T) {
+	g := aGateMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := g.open.inventory
+	advancePlans(ctx, g.open) // anchor is sent app c2 first
+	if err := inv.RecordSent(ctx, nodeID(t, g.open, "anchor"), "d-anchor-c3", map[string]string{"app": "c3"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	gateEvery = 0
+	advancePlans(ctx, g.open)
+	p := g.plan(t)
+	if p.State != inventory.PlanSuperseded || !strings.Contains(p.Note, "superseded") || !strings.Contains(p.Note, "c3") {
+		t.Fatalf("the plan is %s: %s", p.State, p.Note)
+	}
+	// Nothing put back: the registered build stands, the build is not marked, and the plan's gate made no
+	// rollback (a release may walk what the other send left waiting on anchor; that is not a put-back).
+	if r := p.Modules["app"].Gate.Rollback; r != "" {
+		t.Fatalf("a superseded judging made a rollback: %q", r)
+	}
+	if current, _ := inv.CurrentBuilds(ctx); current["app"].Commit != "c2" {
+		t.Fatalf("app was put back to %s", current["app"].Commit)
+	}
+	if failed, _ := inv.GateFailed(ctx, "build-2"); failed {
+		t.Fatal("a superseded build was marked failed")
+	}
+}
+
+func testASendThatMovesTheModuleSupersedesTheJudging(t *testing.T) {
+	b := aBacklog(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := b.open.inventory
+	advancePlans(ctx, b.open)
+	// Another send moves app on anchor to a build this gate does not judge.
+	carried, _, _ := inv.SentBuilds(ctx, "anchor")
+	carried["app"] = "c3"
+	if err := inv.RecordSent(ctx, nodeID(t, b.open, "anchor"), "d-anchor-c3", carried); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	gateEvery = 0
+	advancePlans(ctx, b.open)
+	p := b.release(t)
+	if p.State != inventory.PlanSuperseded || !strings.Contains(p.Note, "superseded") || !strings.Contains(p.Note, "c3") {
+		t.Fatalf("the release is %s: %s", p.State, p.Note)
+	}
+	if !reflect.DeepEqual(b.sent, [][]string{{"anchor"}}) {
+		t.Fatalf("sent %v: a superseded judging puts nothing back", b.sent)
+	}
+	if _, found, _ := inv.GateOf(ctx, "build-app-c2"); found {
+		t.Fatal("a superseded judging kept a verdict")
+	}
+	if current, _ := inv.CurrentBuilds(ctx); current["app"].Commit != "c2" {
+		t.Fatalf("app was put back to %s", current["app"].Commit)
+	}
+}
+
+// A report is on the gate's own send: the declaration itself, or one sequenced after it; a gate kept
+// without its send reads the report against the send made last, as before. Pure.
+func TestAReportIsHeldAgainstTheGatesOwnSend(t *testing.T) {
+	sent := inventory.SentDeclaration{Digest: "d-490", Sequence: 490}
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		r    inventory.Reported
+		want bool
+	}{
+		{inventory.Reported{Declared: "d-490", Current: false}, true},
+		{inventory.Reported{Declared: "d-491", ReportedSequence: 491, Current: true}, true},
+		{inventory.Reported{Declared: "d-489", ReportedSequence: 489, Current: false}, false},
+		{inventory.Reported{Declared: "other", ReportedSequence: 490}, true},                // the same sequence, said by another digest
+		{inventory.Reported{Declared: "d-495", ReportedSequence: 495, Current: true}, true}, // the last send: this one or a later one
+		{inventory.Reported{Declared: "", Current: false}, false},
+	} {
+		if got := sent.ReportsOn(c.r); got != c.want {
+			t.Errorf("%+v on %+v: %v", c.r, sent, got)
+		}
+	}
+	byDigest := inventory.SentDeclaration{Digest: "d-1"}
+	if !byDigest.ReportsOn(inventory.Reported{Declared: "d-1"}) || byDigest.ReportsOn(inventory.Reported{ReportedSequence: 5}) ||
+		!byDigest.ReportsOn(inventory.Reported{Current: true}) {
+		t.Fatal("a send kept without a sequence is matched by its digest and by the last send alone")
+	}
+	f := gateFacts{sent: map[string]inventory.SentDeclaration{"anchor": sent}}
+	if !f.reportedOn("anchor", inventory.Reported{Declared: "d-490"}) || f.reportedOn("anchor", inventory.Reported{Declared: "d-1"}) {
+		t.Fatal("a gate that kept its send read the report against something other than it")
+	}
+	if !f.reportedOn("laptop", inventory.Reported{Current: true}) || f.reportedOn("laptop", inventory.Reported{Current: false}) {
+		t.Fatal("a gate that did not keep its send does not read the report against the send made last")
+	}
+	// Through the merge plan's first-machine wait too.
+	at := time.Now()
+	state := inventory.PlanModule{First: []string{"anchor"}, FirstAt: &at,
+		Gate: &inventory.PlanGate{Machines: []string{"anchor"}, Sent: map[string]inventory.SentDeclaration{"anchor": sent}}}
+	reports := []inventory.Reported{{Node: "anchor", At: &at, Outcome: inventory.OutcomeApplied, Current: false, Declared: "d-490"}}
+	if step := nextRollout(state, []string{"anchor", "laptop"}, false, reports, at.Add(time.Minute), time.Hour); step.waiting != "" || step.failed != "" {
+		t.Fatalf("the first machine's report on the plan's own send read as none: %+v", step)
+	}
+	reports[0].Declared = "d-480"
+	if step := nextRollout(state, []string{"anchor", "laptop"}, false, reports, at.Add(time.Minute), time.Hour); step.waiting == "" {
+		t.Fatalf("a report on an older send read as the plan's: %+v", step)
+	}
+}
+
+// A gate judges only the build the machine was last sent: last sent another build of the module, the
+// judging is superseded, whatever the machine reports. Pure.
+func TestAGateJudgesOnlyTheBuildTheMachineWasLastSent(t *testing.T) {
+	at := time.Now()
+	f := gateFacts{now: at, reports: map[string]inventory.Reported{"anchor": {Node: "anchor", Outcome: inventory.OutcomeApplied,
+		At: &at, Current: true}}, engines: map[string]string{}, served: map[string]served{}, rolledBack: map[string][]lease.Rollback{},
+		commits: map[string]string{"mesh-controller": "e6b00e2e"}, sentBuilds: map[string]map[string]string{"anchor": {"mesh-controller": "ef26d4cb"}}}
+	taken := at.Add(-30 * time.Second)
+	f.holder = &lease.Holder{Taken: taken, Health: &lease.Health{Ready: true}}
+	h, why := judgeHealth("mesh-controller", lease.ComponentController, catalogue.Manifest{}, "anchor", at.Add(-time.Minute), f)
+	if h != healthSuperseded || !strings.Contains(why, "ef26d4cb") || !strings.Contains(why, "e6b00e2e") {
+		t.Fatalf("a controller build the machine no longer runs: %v %q", h, why)
+	}
+	f.sentBuilds["anchor"]["mesh-controller"] = "e6b00e2e"
+	if h, why := judgeHealth("mesh-controller", lease.ComponentController, catalogue.Manifest{}, "anchor", at.Add(-time.Minute), f); h == healthSuperseded {
+		t.Fatalf("the build sent read as another: %q", why)
+	}
+	delete(f.sentBuilds, "anchor")
+	if h, why := judgeHealth("mesh-controller", lease.ComponentController, catalogue.Manifest{}, "anchor", at.Add(-time.Minute), f); h == healthSuperseded {
+		t.Fatalf("a machine whose send is not known read as superseded: %q", why)
+	}
+	g := &inventory.PlanGate{To: "c2", Carried: []inventory.CarriedMove{{Module: "late", Node: "anchor", To: "c5"}}}
+	if got := judgedCommits(g, []judged{{"app", "anchor"}, {"late", "anchor"}}); got["app"] != "c2" || got["late"] != "c5" {
+		t.Fatalf("judged commits %v", got)
+	}
+}
+
+// A move of another build of a module to a machine where a release or a plan is judging that module
+// waits for that judging; the same build to that machine is already there. Pure.
+func TestAWalkWaitsForAJudgingOfTheSameModuleOnThatMachine(t *testing.T) {
+	at := time.Now()
+	release := inventory.Plan{ID: "release-1", State: inventory.PlanRolling, Release: &inventory.PlanRelease{
+		Gate: &inventory.PlanGate{Machines: []string{"novox"}, Carried: []inventory.CarriedMove{
+			{Module: "mesh-controller", Node: "novox", From: "ef26d4cb", To: "2913c54c"}}}}}
+	merge := inventory.Plan{ID: "plan-1", State: inventory.PlanRolling, Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{
+		"app": {First: []string{"anchor"}, FirstAt: &at, Commit: "c2", Gate: &inventory.PlanGate{Machines: []string{"anchor"}}}}}
+	f := moveFacts{plans: []inventory.Plan{release, merge}}
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		module, node, to, want string
+	}{
+		{"mesh-controller", "novox", "e6b00e2e", "release-1"}, // the day's case: a newer controller to the judged machine
+		{"mesh-controller", "novox", "2913c54c", ""},          // the same build: already there
+		{"mesh-controller", "ace", "2913c54c", "release-1"},   // another machine while the first is judged
+		{"mesh-host", "novox", "x", ""},                       // a module the release does not carry
+		{"app", "anchor", "c2", ""},
+		{"app", "anchor", "c3", "plan-1"},
+		{"app", "laptop", "c2", "plan-1"},
+	} {
+		if got := f.walkedBy(c.module, c.node, c.to); got != c.want {
+			t.Errorf("%s %s to %s: walked by %q, want %q", c.module, c.to, c.node, got, c.want)
+		}
+	}
+	release.Release.Gate.Verdict = inventory.GatePassed
+	merge.Modules["app"].Gate.Verdict = inventory.GatePassed
+	if f.walkedBy("mesh-controller", "novox", "e6b00e2e") != "" || f.walkedBy("app", "laptop", "c3") != "" {
+		t.Fatal("a passed judging still holds a move")
+	}
+	release.Release.Gate.Verdict = ""
+	f.plans[0].State = inventory.PlanSuperseded
+	if f.walkedBy("mesh-controller", "novox", "e6b00e2e") != "" {
+		t.Fatal("a closed release still holds a move")
+	}
+}
+
+// The controller is never put back to a build that reaches less of the store's schema than the store
+// has, or to one that never said what it reaches: the current build is kept, and the condition says so.
+func TestTheControllerIsNotPutBackToABuildOlderThanTheStoresSchema(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	keeper, _ := withConditionsInMemory(t)
+	told := &conditions.Told{}
+	was := doctorFrom
+	doctorFrom = &doctor{open: open, keeper: keeper, teller: told}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { doctorFrom = was })
+	wasSend := sendRollout
+	var sent [][]string
+	sendRollout = func(ctx context.Context, open *stores, names []string) ([]string, error) {
+		sent = append(sent, names)
+		return names, nil
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { sendRollout = wasSend })
+
+	build := func(id, commit, digest string, asked time.Time) inventory.Build {
+		manifest, _ := json.Marshal(catalogue.Manifest{Module: "mesh-controller", Version: commit})
+		b := inventory.Build{ID: id, Module: "mesh-controller", Commit: commit, Repository: "novox/mesh-controller", Path: ".",
+			Manifest: manifest, Asked: asked, At: asked, Made: []inventory.Artifact{{Name: "controller", Kind: catalogue.ArtifactBundle,
+				Reference: "mesh-artifact://mesh-controller/controller/blobs/sha256:" + digest}}}
+		if err := inv.RecordBuild(ctx, b); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		if err := inv.RegisterModule(ctx, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "mesh-controller", Version: commit},
+			inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/mesh-controller", Seat: "git", Path: ".", BuiltFrom: commit, Head: commit, Asked: asked}); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		return b
+	}
+	previous := build("build-old", "ef26d4cb", strings.Repeat("1", 64), time.Now().Add(-2*time.Hour))
+	failed := build("build-new", "e6b00e2e", strings.Repeat("2", 64), time.Now().Add(-time.Minute))
+	if versionOfBuild(previous) != strings.Repeat("1", 12) {
+		t.Fatalf("the build's version is %q", versionOfBuild(previous))
+	}
+	applied, err := inv.SchemaApplied(ctx)
+	if err != nil || applied < 87 {
+		t.Fatalf("the store's schema reaches %d (%v)", applied, err)
+	}
+	// The build before never recorded what it reads: not proved, refused.
+	if why, ok := controllerSchemaAllows(ctx, inv, previous); ok || !strings.Contains(why, "never recorded") {
+		t.Fatalf("an unknown reach: %v %q", ok, why)
+	}
+	// It reads less than the store has: refused, naming both.
+	if err := inv.RecordSchemaReach(ctx, versionOfBuild(previous), applied-1); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if why, ok := controllerSchemaAllows(ctx, inv, previous); ok || !strings.Contains(why, "is at") {
+		t.Fatalf("a reach behind the store: %v %q", ok, why)
+	}
+	// Through the gate: the failed build is marked, nothing is put back, nothing is sent, the condition is urgent.
+	at := time.Now().Add(-5 * time.Minute)
+	state := &inventory.PlanModule{Build: failed.ID, Commit: failed.Commit, Previous: previous.Commit, First: []string{"anchor"}, FirstAt: &at}
+	p := inventory.Plan{ID: "plan-352", Repository: "novox/mesh-controller", Branch: "main", Commit: failed.Commit, Created: at,
+		State: inventory.PlanRolling, Tiers: [][]string{{"mesh-controller"}}, Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{"mesh-controller": state}}
+	if err := inv.SavePlan(ctx, &p); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	gateFailed(ctx, open, &p, "mesh-controller", state, []string{"anchor"}, "not healthy within 10m0s of its apply")
+	if state.Gate.Rollback != inventory.NotRolledBack || !strings.Contains(p.Note, "NOT put back") || !strings.Contains(p.Note, "the current build is kept") {
+		t.Fatalf("rollback %q: %s", state.Gate.Rollback, p.Note)
+	}
+	if len(sent) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("sent %v: nothing is put back", sent)
+	}
+	if current, _ := inv.CurrentBuilds(ctx); current["mesh-controller"].Commit != failed.Commit {
+		t.Fatalf("the module was put back to %s", current["mesh-controller"].Commit)
+	}
+	if marked, _ := inv.GateFailed(ctx, failed.ID); !marked {
+		t.Fatal("the failed build is not marked failed at its gate")
+	}
+	open2, _ := keeper.Open(ctx)
+	var found bool
+	for _, c := range open2 {
+		if c.Kind == kindRollbackFailed && c.Severity == conditions.Urgent && strings.Contains(c.Summary, "current build is kept") {
+			found = true
+		}
+	}
+	if !found {
+		t.Fatalf("no urgent rollback-failed condition saying the current build is kept: %+v", open2)
+	}
+	// Reaching the store: allowed.
+	if err := inv.RecordSchemaReach(ctx, versionOfBuild(previous), applied); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if why, ok := controllerSchemaAllows(ctx, inv, previous); !ok {
+		t.Fatalf("a build that reads the whole schema was refused: %q", why)
+	}
+	// A build with no bundle to know it by: refused.
+	if why, ok := controllerSchemaAllows(ctx, inv, inventory.Build{Commit: "x"}); ok || !strings.Contains(why, "names no bundle") {
+		t.Fatalf("a build without a bundle: %v %q", ok, why)
+	}
+}
+
+// The lease's holder names the build the declaration told it it is, and the version stamp only without one.
+func TestTheHolderNamesTheBuildTheDeclarationToldIt(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Setenv(RunningBuildVar, " ad62528c47c7 ")
+	if h := holderOf("x"); h.Build != "ad62528c47c7" {
+		t.Fatalf("the holder's build is %q", h.Build)
+	}
+	t.Setenv(RunningBuildVar, "")
+	if h := holderOf("x"); h.Build != version {
+		t.Fatalf("without a declared version the holder's build is %q", h.Build)
+	}
+	if reach, err := schemaReach(); err != nil || reach < 87 {
+		t.Fatalf("this build's reach is %d (%v)", reach, err)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/machine_network.go

@@ -98,8 +98,9 @@ func judgeNetworks(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, k *conditions.
 			problems = append(problems, err.Error())
 		}
 	}
+	undecided := undecidedParts(f)
 	for _, c := range open {
-		if !slices.Contains(networkKinds, c.Kind) || said[c.Key] {
+		if !slices.Contains(networkKinds, c.Kind) || said[c.Key] || heldUndecided(c, undecided) {
 			continue
 		}
 		why := "no machine says it any more"
@@ -116,6 +117,59 @@ func judgeNetworks(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, k *conditions.
 	return nil
 }
 
+// undecidedParts is, per machine, every part of its newest statement not yet judged: starting, or unknown
+// — one look failed and a second decides (novox/hq issue 348). Such a part does not say its fault is gone.
+// A statement whose parts are all decided but whose whole is unknown or starting holds every part. Pure.
+//
+// On 2026-10-09 the control node's resolver refused every question from 10:58 to 11:18 UTC. A build of
+// the node-engine sent at 10:59:34 restarted it; its first statement judged the names once (unknown, "one
+// look failed; a second decides"), and that statement cleared the control node's network condition while
+// its last evidence still said "connection refused". The second look raised it again forty seconds later —
+// after the send — and the gate failed the build for a fault from before it.
+func undecidedParts(f networkFacts) map[string]map[string]bool {
+	out := map[string]map[string]bool{}
+	for m, h := range f.healths {
+		if h.Network == nil {
+			continue
+		}
+		parts := map[string]bool{}
+		for _, p := range h.Network.Parts {
+			if p.State == link.StateUnknown || p.State == link.StateStarting {
+				parts[p.Part] = true
+			}
+		}
+		if len(parts) == 0 && (h.Network.State == link.StateUnknown || h.Network.State == link.StateStarting) {
+			parts["*"] = true
+		}
+		if len(parts) > 0 {
+			out[m] = parts
+		}
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// heldUndecided says an open network condition is kept rather than cleared: a part its newest evidence
+// names is undecided in the newest statement of a machine it is about. A condition about other parts
+// clears as before. Pure.
+func heldUndecided(c conditions.Condition, undecided map[string]map[string]bool) bool {
+	said := ""
+	if len(c.Evidence) > 0 {
+		said = c.Evidence[0].Said
+	}
+	for _, m := range append([]string{c.Subject.Machine}, c.Subject.Also...) {
+		parts := undecided[m]
+		if parts["*"] {
+			return true
+		}
+		for part := range parts {
+			if strings.Contains(said, part+" since ") || strings.Contains(said, part+": ") {
+				return true
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return false
+}
+
 // pointed is one machine's failing part that points at another machine.
 type pointed struct {
 	from string

cmd/mesh-controller/main.go

@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@ import (
 	"os/signal"
 	"syscall"
 
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/identity"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/licences"
@@ -53,6 +54,9 @@ func run() error {
 		return fmt.Errorf("no command given")
 	}
 
+	// Every connection this process dials says what it is (novox/hq issue 327).
+	broker.ConnectionName = connectionName(args[0], os.Getenv(verbVar))
+
 	ctx, stop := signal.NotifyContext(context.Background(), syscall.SIGINT, syscall.SIGTERM)
 	defer stop()
 	// Whatever this process holds of the controller's lease is given back as it ends (novox/hq to-be
@@ -74,6 +78,8 @@ func run() error {
 		return rotateCommand(ctx, args[1:])
 	case "ask":
 		return askCommand(ctx, args[1:])
+	case "rehearse":
+		return rehearseCommand(ctx, args[1:])
 	case "builds":
 		return buildsCommand(ctx, args[1:])
 	// The build queue, controlled by hand (novox/hq ADR 0219).
@@ -212,6 +218,10 @@ func run() error {
 func usage() {
 	fmt.Fprint(os.Stderr, `mesh-controller — the control plane
 
+  On a node the operator types these as 'mesh-cli <command>' (in zsh, 'nox <command>'): asked
+  through the node's engine, and run as the controller's terminal only on the control-node
+  (novox/hq ADR 0272).
+
   migrate                        bring each context's schema up to date
   prepare                        the same, asked the way the mesh asks any module (ADR 0135)
   node add <name> [--adopted]    create a node record; --adopted: the machine is in use
@@ -416,3 +426,18 @@ func (b builds) Built(ctx context.Context, result link.BuildResult) error {
 	statusFrom.nudge()
 	return nil
 }
+
+// verbVar carries the seat verb a command runs for, from the serving controller to the process it starts.
+const verbVar = "MESH_VERB"
+
+// connectionName is what this process's connections say they are in the bus's list (novox/hq issue 327):
+// the serving controller, a verb's own process and which verb, or a command run at a shell and which.
+func connectionName(command, verb string) string {
+	switch {
+	case command == "serve":
+		return "mesh-controller serving"
+	case verb != "":
+		return "mesh-controller verb " + verb
+	}
+	return "mesh-controller command " + command
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/merge_gate.go

@@ -1013,6 +1013,11 @@ func raiseFromFacts(ctx context.Context, open *stores, f snapshot.Facts, shelf m
 				return notes, err
 			}
 		}
+		if m.AgentAccount != "" {
+			if err := inv.SetAgentAccount(ctx, m.Name, m.AgentAccount, m.AgentAccountHome); err != nil {
+				return notes, err
+			}
+		}
 		if m.PublicDomain != "" {
 			if err := inv.SetPublicDomain(ctx, m.Name, m.PublicDomain); err != nil {
 				return notes, err
@@ -1199,7 +1204,18 @@ func graphOfFacts(f snapshot.Facts) ([]inventory.Entry, map[string][]inventory.R
 		entries = append(entries, inventory.Entry{Manifest: manifest, Provided: mod.Provided,
 			Source: inventory.Source{Repository: mod.Repository, Path: mod.Path, BuiltFrom: mod.Commit}})
 		for _, r := range mod.Reads {
-			read[mod.Name] = append(read[mod.Name], inventory.ReadRepository{Repository: r})
+			entry := inventory.ReadRepository{Repository: r}
+			for _, s := range mod.Sources {
+				if !s.Own && s.Repository == r && len(s.Paths) > 0 {
+					entry.Paths = s.Paths
+				}
+			}
+			read[mod.Name] = append(read[mod.Name], entry)
+		}
+		for _, s := range mod.Sources {
+			if s.Own && len(s.Paths) > 0 {
+				read[mod.Name] = append(read[mod.Name], inventory.ReadRepository{Own: true, Paths: s.Paths})
+			}
 		}
 	}
 	var edges []inventory.Edge

cmd/mesh-controller/meshcli.go

@@ -0,0 +1,271 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"bytes"
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"os/exec"
+	"slices"
+	"strings"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// The operator's command, `mesh-cli` (alias `nox`), answered here (novox/hq ADR 0272).
+//
+// mesh-cli asks the node-engine on its own machine; the engine reads the asking account from the kernel and asks
+// this controller on its own node's subject. Here it is judged — the controller's terminal, an ordinary call, or
+// nothing — and run as every verb's line is: a fresh process of this binary, with this process's environment.
+//
+// **The terminal** is a line from a node's operator account, on the control-node (§4). Phase 2 adds a node whose
+// agents run under an account of their own, judged unable to become root (ADR 0266, not built yet); until then no
+// other node is the terminal, because agents there run as its operator. **An ordinary call** is a line from that
+// account elsewhere: it meets every refusal of the generic `command` verb and runs with `MESH_VERB=mesh-cli`, so a
+// terminal-only change is refused with its reason. **Any other account is refused**, root included: those two
+// accounts already reach the mesh's verbs through the mesh MCP server, and no other account gains anything here.
+
+// cliVerb is what a line from mesh-cli that is not the terminal runs as: the verb its process names, so every
+// terminal-only refusal applies and says it came through mesh-cli.
+const cliVerb = "mesh-cli"
+
+// cliServers are commands that serve until stopped. Run for mesh-cli they would hold a second server under this
+// one until the call's bound killed it.
+var cliServers = map[string]bool{"serve": true, "api": true, "board": true}
+
+// cliVerdict is how a line is run, or why it is not.
+type cliVerdict struct {
+	terminal bool
+	// why says why the line is or is not the terminal, in words the operator reads under the answer.
+	why string
+	// refused says why nothing runs.
+	refused string
+}
+
+// judgeCLI decides how a line from mesh-cli runs (ADR 0272 §4). nodes is every node the mesh knows; control is
+// every node the controller's module is assigned to, which is exactly one in a mesh that is well.
+func judgeCLI(node string, asked link.CLIAsked, nodes []inventory.Node, control []string) cliVerdict {
+	var record *inventory.Node
+	for i := range nodes {
+		if nodes[i].Name == node {
+			record = &nodes[i]
+			break
+		}
+	}
+	switch {
+	case record == nil:
+		return cliVerdict{refused: fmt.Sprintf("%s is not a node this mesh knows, so nothing ran", node)}
+	case asked.UID == 0 || asked.Account == "root":
+		return cliVerdict{refused: "mesh-cli answers the operator's own account, never root: run it as yourself, " +
+			"not under sudo. Nothing ran"}
+	case record.Account == "":
+		return cliVerdict{refused: fmt.Sprintf("the mesh does not know %s's operator account (`node account <node> <login>`), "+
+			"so no account there is answered. Nothing ran", node)}
+	case asked.Account != record.Account:
+		return cliVerdict{refused: fmt.Sprintf("mesh-cli answers %s's operator account (%s) only, and this line came "+
+			"from %s. Nothing ran", node, record.Account, asked.Account)}
+	}
+	if len(control) != 1 {
+		return cliVerdict{why: fmt.Sprintf("not the controller's terminal: the mesh names %d control-nodes, and the "+
+			"terminal is the one control-node's operator account", len(control))}
+	}
+	if control[0] == node {
+		// **A person at a terminal, not a service of the operator's** (review of ADR 0272): the tool runner and the
+		// account's user units run as the operator too, and only a login session is the terminal.
+		if asked.Session == "" {
+			return cliVerdict{why: fmt.Sprintf("not the controller's terminal: %s on %s asked from no login session — a "+
+				"service or a user unit running as the operator, not a person at a terminal", asked.Account, node)}
+		}
+		return cliVerdict{terminal: true, why: fmt.Sprintf("the controller's terminal: %s on the control-node %s, "+
+			"login session %s", asked.Account, node, asked.Session)}
+	}
+	return cliVerdict{why: fmt.Sprintf("not the controller's terminal: agents on %s may run as %s, so a "+
+		"terminal-only change is made from the control-node %s (novox/hq ADR 0272)", node, asked.Account, control[0])}
+}
+
+// controlNodes is every node the controller's module is assigned to.
+func controlNodes(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, nodes []inventory.Node) ([]string, error) {
+	var out []string
+	for _, n := range nodes {
+		modules, err := inv.Assigned(ctx, n.Name)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		if slices.Contains(modules, controllerModule) {
+			out = append(out, n.Name)
+		}
+	}
+	return out, nil
+}
+
+// controllerModule is the module that runs the controller, and so marks the control-node.
+const controllerModule = "mesh-controller"
+
+// answerMeshCLI is the serving controller's answer to mesh-cli.
+func answerMeshCLI(inv *inventory.Inventory) link.CLIHandler {
+	return func(ctx context.Context, node string, asked link.CLIAsked) link.CLIAnswer {
+		if handingOver.Load() {
+			return link.CLIRefusal("this controller is stopping and runs no new command; ask again in a moment. Nothing ran")
+		}
+		nodes, err := inv.Nodes(ctx)
+		if err != nil {
+			return link.CLIRefusal("the mesh's nodes cannot be read, so nothing ran: " + err.Error())
+		}
+		control, err := controlNodes(ctx, inv, nodes)
+		if err != nil {
+			return link.CLIRefusal("which node is the control-node cannot be read, so nothing ran: " + err.Error())
+		}
+		return runForMeshCLI(ctx, node, asked, judgeCLI(node, asked, nodes, control))
+	}
+}
+
+// cliJournal says one line in the controller's journal (its standard output); a variable so a test can read it.
+var cliJournal = func(line string) { fmt.Println(line) }
+
+// runForMeshCLI runs a judged line and answers what it said. Every line is said in the journal first: its call,
+// who asked on which node, its command word only, and how it runs (review of ADR 0272).
+func runForMeshCLI(ctx context.Context, node string, asked link.CLIAsked, v cliVerdict) link.CLIAnswer {
+	how := "as an ordinary call"
+	switch {
+	case v.refused != "":
+		how = "refused: " + v.refused
+	case v.terminal:
+		how = "as the controller's terminal"
+	}
+	call := link.CallIDIn(ctx)
+	if call == "" {
+		call = "(no call)"
+	}
+	cliJournal(fmt.Sprintf("mesh-cli %s: %s on %s asked %q, %s", call, asked.Account, node, asked.Line[0], how))
+	if v.refused != "" {
+		return link.CLIRefusal(v.refused)
+	}
+	// Standard input is the terminal's alone: a secret given at the terminal reaches `secret accept`, and no ordinary
+	// call is handed what the asker's standard input held (novox/hq ADR 0259 §10, ADR 0272).
+	if len(asked.Stdin) > 0 && !v.terminal {
+		return link.CLIAnswer{Exit: 1, Why: v.why, Refused: "standard input is given to a line that runs as the " +
+			"controller's terminal alone, and this one does not. Nothing ran"}
+	}
+	if cliServers[asked.Line[0]] {
+		return link.CLIAnswer{Exit: 1, Why: v.why, Refused: fmt.Sprintf("%s serves until stopped, and is not a "+
+			"command line mesh-cli runs. Nothing ran", asked.Line[0])}
+	}
+	verb, line := "", asked.Line
+	if !v.terminal {
+		composed, err := ordinaryLine(asked.Line)
+		if err != nil {
+			return link.CLIAnswer{Exit: 1, Why: v.why, Refused: err.Error()}
+		}
+		verb, line = cliVerb, composed
+	}
+	cmd := selfCommand(ctx, line)
+	cmd.Env = commandEnvironment(fmt.Sprintf("%s through mesh-cli on %s", asked.Account, node), verb, v.terminal)
+	// No standard input unless mesh-cli carried one for a terminal line: a command that reads one gets nothing, and
+	// fails saying so (ADR 0272 §5).
+	cmd.Stdin = nil
+	if len(asked.Stdin) > 0 {
+		cmd.Stdin = bytes.NewReader(asked.Stdin)
+	}
+	var stdout, stderr bytes.Buffer
+	cmd.Stdout, cmd.Stderr = &stdout, &stderr
+	err := cmd.Run()
+	answer := link.CLIAnswer{Stdout: stdout.Bytes(), Stderr: stderr.Bytes(), Terminal: v.terminal, Why: v.why}
+	var exit *exec.ExitError
+	switch {
+	case err == nil:
+	case errors.As(err, &exit):
+		answer.Exit = exit.ExitCode()
+		if answer.Exit < 0 {
+			// Killed: by the call's bound, or by this controller stopping.
+			answer.Exit = 1
+			answer.Stderr = append(answer.Stderr, []byte(fmt.Sprintf("\nmesh-cli: the command was stopped (%v)\n",
+				exit))...)
+		}
+	default:
+		answer.Exit = 1
+		answer.Refused = fmt.Sprintf("could not run %s from this controller's own build: %v", strings.Join(asked.Line, " "), err)
+	}
+	return answer
+}
+
+// settingsForms is what an ordinary `settings` line may say: the settings verb's own forms.
+const settingsForms = "settings set <module> <values> [--replace] [--node <node>], settings clear <module> " +
+	"[--node <node>], settings show <module> [--history] [--node <node>], or settings preferences [<module>] " +
+	"[--node <node>]"
+
+// ordinaryLine is the command line an ordinary call runs (ADR 0272 §4): a `settings` line composed exactly as the
+// settings verb composes its own, so its refusals — the terminal-only keys among them — are that verb's (review of
+// ADR 0272); any other line as the generic `command` verb takes it, with its refusals.
+func ordinaryLine(argv []string) ([]string, error) {
+	if len(argv) == 0 || argv[0] != "settings" {
+		// What the generic verb runs, and nothing it would refuse: its reading forms only, and never a command that
+		// is the terminal's alone (novox/hq ADR 0266) — the two checks argvFor makes of the `command` verb's line,
+		// made of the words as given rather than re-split from one string.
+		if err := refusedAsTheGenericCommand(argv); err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		if err := terminalOnly(argv); err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		return argv, nil
+	}
+	args := map[string]any{}
+	var words []string
+	rest := argv[1:]
+	for i := 0; i < len(rest); i++ {
+		w := rest[i]
+		switch {
+		case w == "--replace" || w == "-replace":
+			args["replace"] = "true"
+		case w == "--history" || w == "-history":
+			args["history"] = "true"
+		case w == "--node" || w == "-node":
+			if i+1 >= len(rest) {
+				return nil, fmt.Errorf("--node names no node; settings takes %s. Nothing ran", settingsForms)
+			}
+			i++
+			args["node"] = rest[i]
+		case strings.HasPrefix(w, "--node=") || strings.HasPrefix(w, "-node="):
+			_, args["node"], _ = strings.Cut(w, "=")
+		case strings.HasPrefix(w, "-"):
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("settings takes no %s through mesh-cli outside the terminal; it takes %s. "+
+				"Nothing ran", w, settingsForms)
+		default:
+			words = append(words, w)
+		}
+	}
+	wrong := fmt.Errorf("through mesh-cli outside the terminal, settings takes the settings verb's forms: %s. "+
+		"Nothing ran", settingsForms)
+	if len(words) == 0 {
+		return nil, wrong
+	}
+	switch words[0] {
+	case "set":
+		if len(words) != 3 {
+			return nil, wrong
+		}
+		args["module"], args["values"] = words[1], words[2]
+	case "clear":
+		if len(words) != 2 {
+			return nil, wrong
+		}
+		args["module"], args["clear"] = words[1], "true"
+	case "show":
+		if len(words) != 2 {
+			return nil, wrong
+		}
+		args["module"] = words[1]
+	case "preferences":
+		if len(words) > 2 {
+			return nil, wrong
+		}
+		args["list"] = "preferences"
+		if len(words) == 2 {
+			args["module"] = words[1]
+		}
+	default:
+		return nil, wrong
+	}
+	return argvFor("settings", args)
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/meshcli_stdin_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,99 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"crypto/sha256"
+	"encoding/base64"
+	"encoding/hex"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"fmt"
+	"strings"
+	"sync"
+	"testing"
+)
+
+// secretAcceptWants makes the test binary, run as a command line, read a secret as `secret accept` reads it and
+// say whether it is the value whose SHA-256 the variable names (TestMain).
+const secretAcceptWants = "MESH_TEST_SECRET_ACCEPT_WANTS"
+
+// readAsSecretAccept is that process: `secret accept <node> <module> <name> [--from -]`, the value read by
+// valueFor, compared by digest, and only the verdict printed.
+func readAsSecretAccept(want string, argv []string) int {
+	if len(argv) < 5 || argv[0] != "secret" || argv[1] != "accept" {
+		fmt.Printf("not a secret accept line: %q\n", argv)
+		return 2
+	}
+	from := ""
+	if len(argv) == 7 && argv[5] == "--from" {
+		from = argv[6]
+	}
+	value, err := valueFor(argv[2], argv[3], argv[4], from)
+	if err != nil {
+		fmt.Printf("secret accept read nothing: %v\n", err)
+		return 1
+	}
+	sum := sha256.Sum256([]byte(asSupplied(value)))
+	if hex.EncodeToString(sum[:]) != want {
+		fmt.Printf("secret accept read something else (%d bytes)\n", len(value))
+		return 1
+	}
+	fmt.Println("secret accept read the value it was given")
+	return 0
+}
+
+// novox/hq ADR 0259 §10, ADR 0272: what mesh-cli's standard input held reaches `secret accept` on a line that runs
+// as the controller's terminal, and appears nowhere else — not in the answer, not in the journal, not in the calls
+// record; an ordinary line carrying it is refused and nothing runs.
+func TestStandardInputReachesSecretAcceptAtTheTerminalAndNowhereElse(t *testing.T) {
+	token := "123456789:AAEhBOweik6ad9r_QxGivenAtTheTerminal"
+	sum := sha256.Sum256([]byte(token))
+	t.Setenv(secretAcceptWants, hex.EncodeToString(sum[:]))
+	var journal []string
+	var mu sync.Mutex
+	was := cliJournal
+	cliJournal = func(line string) { mu.Lock(); journal = append(journal, line); mu.Unlock() }
+	t.Cleanup(func() { cliJournal = was })
+	ctx := context.Background()
+
+	for _, line := range [][]string{
+		{"secret", "accept", "anchor", "telegram", "telegram-token", "--from", "-"},
+		{"secret", "accept", "anchor", "telegram", "telegram-token"}, // the prompt's path, a line on standard input
+	} {
+		asked := cliAsked("operator", 1000, line...)
+		asked.Stdin = []byte(token + "\n")
+		a := runForMeshCLI(ctx, "control", asked, cliVerdict{terminal: true, why: "the terminal"})
+		if a.Exit != 0 || !strings.Contains(string(a.Stdout), "read the value it was given") {
+			t.Fatalf("%q: secret accept did not read what mesh-cli carried: %+v (%s)", line, a, a.Stdout)
+		}
+		if body, _ := json.Marshal(a); strings.Contains(string(body), "AAEh") || strings.Contains(string(body), base64.StdEncoding.EncodeToString([]byte(token))) {
+			t.Fatalf("the answer carries the secret: %s", body)
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Without standard input, the line reads nothing, as before.
+	a := runForMeshCLI(ctx, "control", cliAsked("operator", 1000, "secret", "accept", "anchor", "telegram",
+		"telegram-token", "--from", "-"), cliVerdict{terminal: true, why: "the terminal"})
+	if a.Exit == 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a line with no standard input read a value: %+v", a)
+	}
+
+	// An ordinary call is never handed it: refused, and nothing ran.
+	asked := cliAsked("operator", 1000, "status")
+	asked.Stdin = []byte(token)
+	a = runForMeshCLI(ctx, "laptop", asked, cliVerdict{why: "not the terminal"})
+	if a.Exit == 0 || !strings.Contains(a.Refused, "terminal alone") || len(a.Stdout) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("an ordinary line was given standard input: %+v", a)
+	}
+
+	mu.Lock()
+	defer mu.Unlock()
+	for _, l := range journal {
+		if strings.Contains(l, "AAEh") {
+			t.Fatalf("the journal says the secret: %s", l)
+		}
+	}
+	if len(journal) == 0 {
+		t.Fatal("the lines were not said in the journal at all")
+	}
+
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/meshcli_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,305 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/base64"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/testbus"
+)
+
+// echoEnvironment makes the test binary, run as a command line, say the verb and caller it was given (TestMain).
+const echoEnvironment = "MESH_TEST_ECHO_ENVIRONMENT"
+
+var cliNodes = []inventory.Node{
+	{Name: "control", Account: "operator"},
+	{Name: "laptop", Account: "operator"},
+	{Name: "unnamed"},
+}
+
+func cliAsked(account string, uid uint32, line ...string) link.CLIAsked {
+	return link.CLIAsked{Line: line, Account: account, UID: uid, Session: "session-1.scope"}
+}
+
+// Who is the controller's terminal, and who is an ordinary call or refused (novox/hq ADR 0272 §4).
+func TestMeshCLIIsTheTerminalOnlyForTheControlNodesOperator(t *testing.T) {
+	control := []string{"control"}
+	cases := []struct {
+		name, node string
+		asked      link.CLIAsked
+		control    []string
+		terminal   bool
+		refused    string
+		why        string
+	}{
+		{"the control-node's operator", "control", cliAsked("operator", 1000, "status"), control, true, "", "the controller's terminal"},
+		{"another node's operator", "laptop", cliAsked("operator", 1000, "status"), control, false, "", "agents on laptop may run as operator"},
+		{"another account", "control", cliAsked("agent", 1001, "status"), control, false, "operator account (operator) only", ""},
+		{"root", "control", cliAsked("root", 0, "status"), control, false, "never root", ""},
+		{"a node with no operator account", "unnamed", cliAsked("operator", 1000, "status"), control, false, "does not know unnamed's operator account", ""},
+		{"a node the mesh does not know", "elsewhere", cliAsked("operator", 1000, "status"), control, false, "not a node this mesh knows", ""},
+		{"two control-nodes", "control", cliAsked("operator", 1000, "status"), []string{"control", "laptop"}, false, "", "2 control-nodes"},
+	}
+	for _, c := range cases {
+		v := judgeCLI(c.node, c.asked, cliNodes, c.control)
+		if v.terminal != c.terminal {
+			t.Errorf("%s: terminal %v, want %v (%+v)", c.name, v.terminal, c.terminal, v)
+		}
+		if c.refused == "" && v.refused != "" || c.refused != "" && !strings.Contains(v.refused, c.refused) {
+			t.Errorf("%s: refused %q, want %q", c.name, v.refused, c.refused)
+		}
+		if c.why != "" && !strings.Contains(v.why, c.why) {
+			t.Errorf("%s: why %q, want %q", c.name, v.why, c.why)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// The terminal runs its line without MESH_VERB, even where this process carries one; an ordinary call names
+// mesh-cli; both record who asked through mesh-cli.
+func TestTheTerminalRunsWithoutAVerbAndAnOrdinaryCallNamesMeshCLI(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Setenv(echoEnvironment, "1")
+	t.Setenv("MESH_VERB", "leaked-from-the-serving-process")
+	// The serving controller marks itself (ADR 0266); its terminal line for mesh-cli is still the terminal's.
+	t.Setenv(servedVar, "1")
+	ctx := context.Background()
+
+	a := runForMeshCLI(ctx, "control", cliAsked("operator", 1000, "status"), cliVerdict{terminal: true, why: "the terminal"})
+	if a.Exit != 0 || a.Refused != "" || !a.Terminal {
+		t.Fatalf("the terminal's line did not run: %+v", a)
+	}
+	if got := string(a.Stdout); !strings.Contains(got, `verb=""`) || !strings.Contains(got, "operator through mesh-cli on control") ||
+		!strings.Contains(got, "terminal=true") {
+		t.Fatalf("the terminal's line ran with %s", got)
+	}
+
+	a = runForMeshCLI(ctx, "laptop", cliAsked("operator", 1000, "status"), cliVerdict{why: "not the terminal"})
+	if a.Exit != 0 || a.Terminal || a.Why != "not the terminal" {
+		t.Fatalf("an ordinary line did not run as one: %+v", a)
+	}
+	if got := string(a.Stdout); !strings.Contains(got, `verb="mesh-cli"`) || !strings.Contains(got, "terminal=false") {
+		t.Fatalf("an ordinary line ran with %s", got)
+	}
+}
+
+// An ordinary call meets every refusal of the generic command verb, and nothing runs; a server is never run.
+func TestAnOrdinaryCallMeetsTheCommandVerbsRefusals(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Setenv(echoEnvironment, "1")
+	ctx := context.Background()
+	ordinary := cliVerdict{why: "not the terminal"}
+	a := runForMeshCLI(ctx, "laptop", cliAsked("operator", 1000, "cleanup", "delete", "x"), ordinary)
+	if a.Refused == "" || len(a.Stdout) != 0 || a.Exit != 1 || a.Why != "not the terminal" {
+		t.Fatalf("a repair without --why ran as an ordinary call: %+v", a)
+	}
+	a = runForMeshCLI(ctx, "laptop", cliAsked("operator", 1000, "settings", "set", "claude-code", "{}"), ordinary)
+	if a.Refused != "" || !strings.Contains(string(a.Stdout), `verb="mesh-cli"`) {
+		t.Fatalf("an ordinary settings set did not run through the settings verb's path with MESH_VERB set: %+v", a)
+	}
+	for _, server := range []string{"serve", "api", "board"} {
+		a := runForMeshCLI(ctx, "control", cliAsked("operator", 1000, server), cliVerdict{terminal: true})
+		if a.Refused == "" || len(a.Stdout) != 0 {
+			t.Fatalf("%s was run for mesh-cli: %+v", server, a)
+		}
+	}
+	a = runForMeshCLI(ctx, "control", cliAsked("agent", 1001, "status"), cliVerdict{refused: "agent is not answered"})
+	if a.Refused != "agent is not answered" || len(a.Stdout) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a refused line ran: %+v", a)
+	}
+}
+
+// **Which node is the terminal does not follow a verb** (review of ADR 0272): the controller's module is assigned
+// and unassigned at the terminal alone, so no caller of `assign` can move the terminal to a node of its choosing.
+// Asked through the acts themselves, as the verbs ask them; refused before any store is touched (none is given).
+func TestTheControllersModuleIsMovedAtTheTerminalAlone(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Setenv("MESH_VERB", "assign")
+	ctx := context.Background()
+	if _, err := assignWith(ctx, nil, "laptop", assignOptions{}, "zsh", "mesh-controller"); err == nil ||
+		!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "terminal") {
+		t.Fatalf("assigning the controller through a verb was not refused: %v", err)
+	}
+	if _, err := assign(ctx, nil, "laptop", "mesh-controller"); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "terminal") {
+		t.Fatalf("assigning the controller through a verb was not refused: %v", err)
+	}
+	t.Setenv("MESH_VERB", "unassign")
+	if _, err := unassign(ctx, nil, "control", "mesh-controller"); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "terminal") {
+		t.Fatalf("unassigning the controller through a verb was not refused: %v", err)
+	}
+	// Another module through a verb, and the controller's at the terminal, are not refused for it.
+	if err := refusedMovingTheController([]string{"zsh"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("another module was refused: %v", err)
+	}
+	t.Setenv("MESH_VERB", "")
+	if err := refusedMovingTheController([]string{"mesh-controller"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("the terminal was refused: %v", err)
+	}
+}
+
+// An ordinary `settings set|clear` goes down the settings verb's own path: composed as that verb composes it, and
+// run with MESH_VERB set, so its refusals — the terminal-only keys among them — are the settings command's own,
+// not a blanket refusal of the generic command (review of ADR 0272).
+func TestAnOrdinarySettingsLineTakesTheSettingsVerbsPath(t *testing.T) {
+	cases := []struct {
+		line []string
+		want string
+		err  string
+	}{
+		{[]string{"settings", "set", "zsh", `{"execute":"withhold"}`, "--node", "laptop"}, `settings set zsh {"execute":"withhold"} --node laptop`, ""},
+		{[]string{"settings", "set", "zsh", "{}", "--replace"}, "settings set zsh {} --replace", ""},
+		{[]string{"settings", "clear", "zsh", "--node", "laptop"}, "settings clear zsh --node laptop", ""},
+		{[]string{"settings", "show", "zsh", "--history"}, "settings show zsh --history", ""},
+		{[]string{"settings", "preferences"}, "settings preferences", ""},
+		{[]string{"settings", "set", "zsh"}, "", "settings"},
+		{[]string{"settings", "set", "zsh", "{}", "--sideways"}, "", "--sideways"},
+	}
+	for _, c := range cases {
+		argv, err := ordinaryLine(c.line)
+		if c.err != "" {
+			if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), c.err) {
+				t.Errorf("%q: refused with %v, want %q", c.line, err, c.err)
+			}
+			continue
+		}
+		if err != nil || strings.Join(argv, " ") != c.want {
+			t.Errorf("%q: composed %q (%v), want %q", c.line, argv, err, c.want)
+		}
+	}
+	// Anything else still meets the generic command verb's refusals.
+	if _, err := ordinaryLine([]string{"retire", "delete", "x"}); err == nil {
+		t.Error("a repair composed as an ordinary line")
+	}
+}
+
+// Every line is said in the controller's journal, with its call, who asked where and how it ran — its command word
+// only, never the rest of the line (review of ADR 0272).
+func TestEveryMeshCLILineIsSaidInTheJournal(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Setenv(echoEnvironment, "1")
+	var said []string
+	was := cliJournal
+	cliJournal = func(line string) { said = append(said, line) }
+	t.Cleanup(func() { cliJournal = was })
+	ctx := link.WithCallID(context.Background(), "call-1")
+	runForMeshCLI(ctx, "control", cliAsked("operator", 1000, "settings", "set", "x", `{"password":"s3cret"}`),
+		cliVerdict{terminal: true, why: "the terminal"})
+	runForMeshCLI(ctx, "control", cliAsked("agent", 1001, "status"), cliVerdict{refused: "agent is not answered"})
+	all := strings.Join(said, "\n")
+	if len(said) != 2 || !strings.Contains(all, "call-1") || !strings.Contains(all, "operator on control") ||
+		!strings.Contains(all, "as the controller's terminal") || !strings.Contains(all, "refused") {
+		t.Fatalf("the journal said %q", said)
+	}
+	if strings.Contains(all, "s3cret") {
+		t.Fatalf("the journal carries the line's values: %q", said)
+	}
+}
+
+// **An ordinary line runs only what the generic command verb would** (review of ADR 0272, ADR 0266): its reading
+// forms, and never a command that is the terminal's alone. Each of these, from another node's operator, is refused
+// and runs nothing.
+func TestAnOrdinaryLineRunsNothingTheCommandVerbWouldRefuse(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Setenv(echoEnvironment, "1")
+	for _, line := range [][]string{
+		{"node", "account", "control", "x"},
+		{"node", "agent-account", "control", "x", "--clear"},
+		{"token", "issue", "laptop"},
+		{"secret", "export", "x"},
+		{"operator", "key", "set", "x"},
+		{"assign", "laptop", "zsh"},
+	} {
+		if _, err := ordinaryLine(line); err == nil {
+			t.Errorf("%q composed as an ordinary line", line)
+		}
+		a := runForMeshCLI(context.Background(), "laptop", cliAsked("operator", 1000, line...), cliVerdict{why: "not the terminal"})
+		if a.Refused == "" || len(a.Stdout) != 0 {
+			t.Errorf("%q ran as an ordinary line: %+v", line, a)
+		}
+	}
+	if argv, err := ordinaryLine([]string{"status"}); err != nil || argv[0] != "status" {
+		t.Fatalf("a read was refused: %v", err)
+	}
+}
+
+// **`calls` never shows a mesh-cli line's answer** (review of ADR 0272): the verb's own answer is read for a line
+// served over a bus, and neither the answer's text nor the base64 JSON writes its bytes in is there.
+func TestTheCallsVerbNeverShowsAMeshCLILinesAnswer(t *testing.T) {
+	conn, err := nats.Connect(testbus.URL(t))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	defer conn.Close()
+	stop, err := link.OverNATS{Conn: conn}.ServeCLI(func(context.Context, string, link.CLIAsked) link.CLIAnswer {
+		return link.CLIAnswer{Stdout: []byte("s3cret-join")}
+	}, nil)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	defer stop()
+	body, _ := json.Marshal(link.CLIAsked{Line: []string{"token", "issue", "x"}, Account: "operator"})
+	msg, err := conn.Request(link.CLISubject("control"), body, 5*time.Second)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(string(msg.Data), base64.StdEncoding.EncodeToString([]byte("s3cret-join"))) {
+		t.Fatalf("the asker was not given its answer: %s", msg.Data)
+	}
+	recent, _ := link.Calls.Recent()
+	var id string
+	for _, c := range recent {
+		if c.Seat == link.CLISeat {
+			id = c.ID
+			break
+		}
+	}
+	shown, err := callsAnswer(link.Calls, id)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	said, _ := json.Marshal(shown)
+	if strings.Contains(string(said), "s3cret-join") ||
+		strings.Contains(string(said), base64.StdEncoding.EncodeToString([]byte("s3cret-join"))) {
+		t.Fatalf("calls showed a mesh-cli line's answer: %s", said)
+	}
+}
+
+// **Only the terminal's line carries the terminal's mark** (review of ADR 0272): a mark the serving controller's
+// environment holds — leaked, or set by anything — is stripped from every other command line it runs, a verb's and
+// an ordinary mesh-cli line alike, so neither reads as the terminal.
+func TestTheTerminalsMarkIsStrippedFromEveryOtherLine(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Setenv(echoEnvironment, "1")
+	t.Setenv(cliTerminalVar, "1")
+	t.Setenv(servedVar, "1")
+	for _, env := range [][]string{commandEnvironment("someone", "status", false)} {
+		for _, kv := range env {
+			if strings.HasPrefix(kv, cliTerminalVar+"=") {
+				t.Fatalf("a verb's line carries the terminal's mark: %s", kv)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	a := runForMeshCLI(context.Background(), "laptop", cliAsked("operator", 1000, "status"), cliVerdict{why: "not the terminal"})
+	if got := string(a.Stdout); !strings.Contains(got, "terminal=false") || !strings.Contains(got, `verb="mesh-cli"`) {
+		t.Fatalf("an ordinary line with the mark in the serving environment ran as %s", got)
+	}
+	a = runForMeshCLI(context.Background(), "control", cliAsked("operator", 1000, "status"), cliVerdict{terminal: true})
+	if got := string(a.Stdout); !strings.Contains(got, "terminal=true") {
+		t.Fatalf("the terminal's line ran as %s", got)
+	}
+}
+
+// **Only a login session is the terminal** (review of ADR 0272): the operator's account on the control-node, asking
+// from a service — the tool runner, a user unit — and not a login session, is an ordinary call.
+func TestOnlyALoginSessionIsTheTerminal(t *testing.T) {
+	control := []string{"control"}
+	v := judgeCLI("control", link.CLIAsked{Line: []string{"status"}, Account: "operator", UID: 1000}, cliNodes, control)
+	if v.terminal || v.refused != "" || !strings.Contains(v.why, "login session") {
+		t.Fatalf("a line from no login session reads %+v", v)
+	}
+	v = judgeCLI("control", link.CLIAsked{Line: []string{"status"}, Account: "operator", UID: 1000, Session: "session-3.scope"},
+		cliNodes, control)
+	if !v.terminal {
+		t.Fatalf("a line from a login session on the control-node reads %+v", v)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/missed_merges.go

@@ -40,6 +40,50 @@ type merges interface {
 	AnnouncedMerges(ctx context.Context, since time.Time) ([]link.AnnouncedMerge, error)
 }
 
+// unheardMerges is the announcements of merges the controller has not heard (novox/hq ADR 0276): a merge kept
+// in a batch is not acted on until its batch is cut, which can be past mergeGrace behind a long walk, and is
+// not missed for that.
+type unheardMerges struct {
+	merges
+	inv *inventory.Inventory
+}
+
+func (u unheardMerges) AnnouncedMerges(ctx context.Context, since time.Time) ([]link.AnnouncedMerge, error) {
+	all, err := u.merges.AnnouncedMerges(ctx, since)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	var out []link.AnnouncedMerge
+	for _, a := range all {
+		_, kept, err := u.inv.MergeOf(ctx, a.Owner+"/"+a.Repo, a.Commit)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		if !kept {
+			out = append(out, a)
+		}
+	}
+	return out, nil
+}
+
+// owedToTheRecord says a merge read as history is still owed to the record (novox/hq ADR 0276): the merges
+// reader knows, when it keeps them (unheardMerges).
+func owedToTheRecord(ctx context.Context, announced merges, m link.SourceMoved, entries []inventory.Entry,
+	read map[string][]inventory.ReadRepository) bool {
+	u, ok := announced.(unheardMerges)
+	if !ok {
+		return false
+	}
+	merged, err := time.Parse(time.RFC3339Nano, m.MergedAt)
+	if err != nil {
+		return false
+	}
+	raw := m
+	raw.MergedAt = ""
+	owed, err := owedLate(ctx, u.inv, m, merged, wouldMove(raw, entries, read))
+	return err == nil && owed
+}
+
 // catchingUpOnMerges reads back the forge's announcements on a timer, until the context ends.
 func catchingUpOnMerges(ctx context.Context, open *stores, announced merges) {
 	f := following{open}
@@ -48,7 +92,7 @@ func catchingUpOnMerges(ctx context.Context, open *stores, announced merges) {
 		if err != nil {
 			return nil, nil, err
 		}
-		read, err := open.inventory.ReadRepositories(ctx)
+		read, err := readForPlanning(ctx, open.inventory)
 		return entries, read, err
 	}
 	failing := ""
@@ -61,7 +105,7 @@ func catchingUpOnMerges(ctx context.Context, open *stores, announced merges) {
 		case <-tick.C:
 		}
 		watchedMerges.begin()
-		err := catchUpOnMerges(ctx, time.Now(), announced, catalogued, f.SourceMoved, func(format string, args ...any) {
+		err := catchUpOnMerges(ctx, time.Now(), unheardMerges{announced, open.inventory}, catalogued, f.SourceMoved, func(format string, args ...any) {
 			fmt.Printf(format+"\n", args...)
 		})
 		// What the pass found is what S5 says (novox/hq to-be 45 §3); a pass that could not read
@@ -102,10 +146,15 @@ func catchUpOnMerges(ctx context.Context, now time.Time, announced merges,
 		return err
 	}
 	for _, a := range all {
+		// A merge the forge said no time of is dated by its announcement, so a packaging module's look can
+		// make it history once acted on, and the catch-up does not act on it again every pass (ADR 0267).
+		if a.SourceMoved.MergedAt == "" && !a.At.IsZero() {
+			a.SourceMoved.MergedAt = a.At.UTC().Format(time.RFC3339)
+		}
 		if now.Sub(a.At) < mergeGrace {
 			continue
 		}
-		if len(wouldMove(a.SourceMoved, entries, read)) == 0 {
+		if len(wouldMove(a.SourceMoved, entries, read)) == 0 && !owedToTheRecord(ctx, announced, a.SourceMoved, entries, read) {
 			continue
 		}
 		if entries, read, err = catalogued(ctx); err != nil {
@@ -113,7 +162,12 @@ func catchUpOnMerges(ctx context.Context, now time.Time, announced merges,
 		}
 		moves := wouldMove(a.SourceMoved, entries, read)
 		if len(moves) == 0 {
-			continue
+			if !owedToTheRecord(ctx, announced, a.SourceMoved, entries, read) {
+				continue
+			}
+			raw := a.SourceMoved
+			raw.MergedAt = ""
+			moves = wouldMove(raw, entries, read)
 		}
 		var names []string
 		for _, e := range moves {

cmd/mesh-controller/module_health.go

@@ -73,7 +73,7 @@ func stateHealth(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, k *conditions.Ke
 	for _, r := range h.Resources {
 		kept := inventory.ResourceHealth{Module: r.Module, Resource: r.Resource, Kind: r.Kind, Target: r.Target,
 			State: r.State, Reason: r.Reason, Since: r.Since, Streak: r.Streak, Restarts: r.Restarts,
-			Check: r.Check, Needs: r.Needs, Account: r.Account}
+			Check: r.Check, Needs: r.Needs, Account: r.Account, Root: r.Root}
 		resources = append(resources, kept)
 		if r.State == link.StateUnhealthy && r.Module != "" {
 			unhealthy[r.Module] = append(unhealthy[r.Module], kept)
@@ -135,7 +135,8 @@ func judgeModuleHealth(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, k *conditi
 	}
 	standing := map[string]conditions.Condition{}
 	for _, c := range open {
-		if (c.Kind == kindModuleUnhealthy || c.Kind == kindReloginNeeded) && c.Subject.Machine == node {
+		if (c.Kind == kindModuleUnhealthy || c.Kind == kindReloginNeeded || c.Kind == kindUsedAsFound) &&
+			c.Subject.Machine == node {
 			standing[c.Key] = c
 		}
 	}
@@ -158,6 +159,21 @@ func judgeModuleHealth(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, k *conditi
 	heldOn := map[string]string{}
 	providers := map[catalogue.Chosen]bool{}
 	for _, m := range modules {
+		// **A directory used as found is said as that** (novox/hq issue 339): the operator's to hand over at the
+		// machine, never urgent — nothing is broken by the wait that a person was not told of — and its own kind,
+		// so the gate never reads it as a fault of the build that happened to be sent beside it.
+		if said, waits := foundWait(m, node, unhealthy[m]); waits {
+			o := usedAsFoundObservation(m, node, said, unhealthy[m])
+			seen[o.Key()] = true
+			became[m] = kindUsedAsFound
+			if _, isOpen := standing[o.Key()]; streaks[m] < moduleUnhealthyAfter && !isOpen {
+				continue
+			}
+			if _, err := k.Observe(ctx, o); err != nil {
+				problems = append(problems, err.Error())
+			}
+			continue
+		}
 		// **A wait for a person's new login is said as that** (novox/hq ADR 0254): one plain sentence to the
 		// operator, never urgent, cleared on the first statement that no longer says it.
 		if said, waits := personWait(m, node, unhealthy[m]); waits {
@@ -209,6 +225,9 @@ func judgeModuleHealth(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, k *conditi
 		if c.Kind == kindReloginNeeded {
 			why = fmt.Sprintf("%s says %s no longer waits for a new login", node, module)
 		}
+		if c.Kind == kindUsedAsFound {
+			why = fmt.Sprintf("%s says no directory of %s is used as found any more", node, module)
+		}
 		if on, held := heldOn[key]; held {
 			why = fmt.Sprintf("what %s finds on %s waits on %s, which is unhealthy: held under its condition", module, node, on)
 		}
@@ -383,6 +402,7 @@ func moduleUnhealthyObservation(module, node string, rs []inventory.ResourceHeal
 		Explanation: fmt.Sprintf("%s on %s is not healthy: %s. It clears as soon as it runs again.", module, node,
 			namesWords(plain, 3)),
 		Needs:    needs,
+		Actions:  moduleActions(node, rs),
 		Resolved: fmt.Sprintf("%s works again on %s", module, node)}
 }
 
@@ -499,6 +519,7 @@ func moduleHealthWord(module, machine string, since time.Time, f gateFacts) (hea
 	if waits && !f.groupsAdded[module] {
 		waits = false
 	}
+	var found []string
 	for _, r := range h.Resources {
 		if r.Module != module {
 			continue
@@ -506,6 +527,14 @@ func moduleHealthWord(module, machine string, since time.Time, f gateFacts) (hea
 		if waits && r.State == link.StateUnhealthy {
 			continue
 		}
+		// **A directory used as found before this send waits for a person** (novox/hq issue 339): the node-engine
+		// left its owner and mode, and only someone at the machine can hand it over. It is no fault of this
+		// build, so it does not hold the module's walk — an urgent fix still goes through — and the verdict
+		// carries the wait. Found by this very send, the send brought it, and it is judged as unhealthy.
+		if usedAsFound(r) && r.Since.Before(since) {
+			found = append(found, r.Resource)
+			continue
+		}
 		switch r.State {
 		case link.StateHealthy:
 		case link.StateStarting:
@@ -521,12 +550,25 @@ func moduleHealthWord(module, machine string, since time.Time, f gateFacts) (hea
 				reasonAfter(r.Reason))
 		}
 	}
-	if waits {
-		return healthPerson, wait
+	if waits || len(found) > 0 {
+		var said []string
+		if waits {
+			said = append(said, wait)
+		}
+		if len(found) > 0 {
+			said = append(said, fmt.Sprintf("on %s, %s uses %s as found and waits for the operator to hand it over "+
+				"(`nox node hand-over %s <directory>` on the control-node)", machine, module, strings.Join(found, ", "), machine))
+		}
+		return healthPerson, strings.Join(said, "; ")
 	}
 	return healthGood, ""
 }
 
+// usedAsFound is a directory the node-engine states it uses as found (novox/hq issue 339).
+func usedAsFound(r inventory.ResourceHealth) bool {
+	return r.Kind == link.KindDirectory && r.State == link.StateUnhealthy && strings.HasPrefix(r.Reason, link.ReasonUsedAsFound)
+}
+
 func reasonAfter(s string) string {
 	if s == "" {
 		return ""
@@ -595,3 +637,51 @@ func addsAccountGroups(from catalogue.Manifest, hadFrom bool, to catalogue.Manif
 	}
 	return false
 }
+
+// kindUsedAsFound is a module's condition while the node-engine uses one of its directories as found (novox/hq
+// issue 339): its own kind, the operator's, never urgent, and never read by the gate as a fault of a build.
+const kindUsedAsFound = "directory-used-as-found"
+
+// usedAsFoundKey is a module's used-as-found condition on a machine.
+func usedAsFoundKey(module, node string) string {
+	return conditions.Key(conditions.ScopeModule, module+"."+node, kindUsedAsFound)
+}
+
+// foundWait is whether everything unhealthy of a module on a machine is a directory used as found, and that in
+// one sentence. Anything else unhealthy beside it is judged as a fault, with the directory among its resources.
+func foundWait(module, node string, rs []inventory.ResourceHealth) (string, bool) {
+	var ids, why []string
+	for _, r := range rs {
+		if r.Module != module || r.State != link.StateUnhealthy {
+			continue
+		}
+		if !usedAsFound(r) {
+			return "", false
+		}
+		ids = append(ids, r.Resource)
+		why = append(why, strings.TrimSpace(strings.TrimPrefix(r.Reason, link.ReasonUsedAsFound)))
+	}
+	if len(ids) == 0 {
+		return "", false
+	}
+	return fmt.Sprintf("%s on %s uses %s as found: %s", module, node, strings.Join(ids, ", "),
+		strings.Join(why, "; ")), true
+}
+
+// usedAsFoundObservation is a module whose directory the node-engine uses as found, in words: the operator's, a
+// warning however long it stays, its summary naming the directories and their owners; the paths are evidence.
+func usedAsFoundObservation(module, node, said string, rs []inventory.ResourceHealth) conditions.Observation {
+	o := moduleUnhealthyObservation(module, node, rs)
+	o.Token, o.Kind, o.Resolver, o.Severity, o.Summary = kindUsedAsFound, kindUsedAsFound, conditions.ResolverOperator,
+		conditions.Warning, said
+	o.Headline = fmt.Sprintf("%s waits for a directory on %s", module, node)
+	o.Explanation = fmt.Sprintf("A directory of %s was already on %s, with another owner or mode than %s declares. "+
+		"The mesh left it as it was rather than hand it to an account, so %s may not be able to use it.",
+		module, node, module, module)
+	// Plain words (ADR 0253): the line itself — `nox node hand-over <node> <path>` on the control-node (ADR 0272,
+	// issue 356) — is in the summary and the evidence, which name the directory; a path is never in these.
+	o.Needs = "hand the directory over from the control-node, as the operator; the details name it and the line to type."
+	o.Resolved = fmt.Sprintf("%s's directory on %s is the mesh's", module, node)
+	o.Actions = nil
+	return o
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/modules.go

@@ -10,10 +10,12 @@ import (
 	"os"
 	"sort"
 	"strings"
+	"time"
 
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/overlay"
 )
 
@@ -397,8 +399,9 @@ func assignCommand(ctx context.Context, verb string, args []string) error {
 func settingsCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 	if len(args) == 0 {
 		return errors.New("settings show <module> [--node <node>] [--history], settings set <module> <file> " +
-			"[--node <node>] [--replace], settings clear <module> [--node <node>], or settings preferences " +
-			"[<module>] [--node <node>]")
+			"[--node <node>] [--replace], settings clear <module> [--node <node>], settings preferences " +
+			"[<module>] [--node <node>], settings propose <module> <file | --clear> [--node <node>] [--replace], " +
+			"or settings proposals [<id>]")
 	}
 	open, err := openStores(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -412,12 +415,38 @@ func settingsCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 	// **What a set removes is refused unless meant** (novox/hq ADR 0217). A layer is replaced whole,
 	// and on 2026-10-05 setting one placement dropped a machine's whole layer for a module without a
 	// word (novox/hq issue 304). Adding and changing keys needs nothing; removing one needs this.
-	replace := set.Bool("replace", false, "for set: remove the keys the new layer does not name")
+	replace := set.Bool("replace", false, "for set and propose: remove the keys the new layer does not name")
 	history := set.Bool("history", false, "for show: the layers this one replaced, the latest first")
+	clear := set.Bool("clear", false, "for propose: propose that the layer be removed")
 	positionals, err := parseAround(set, args[1:])
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
+	switch args[0] {
+	case "propose":
+		// A trusted setting, proposed by anyone and set only on the operator's warrant (novox/hq ADR 0277):
+		// the stores are opened there, so the proposal and the verb's refusals below never meet.
+		if len(positionals) < 1 || len(positionals) > 2 {
+			return errors.New("settings propose <module> <settings.json | {…}> [--node <node>] [--replace], or settings propose <module> --clear [--node <node>]")
+		}
+		values := ""
+		if len(positionals) == 2 {
+			values = positionals[1]
+		}
+		return proposeCommand(ctx, positionals[0], *node, values, *clear, *replace)
+	case "proposals":
+		if len(positionals) > 1 || *node != "" || *clear || *replace || *history {
+			return errors.New("settings proposals [<id>]")
+		}
+		id := ""
+		if len(positionals) == 1 {
+			id = positionals[0]
+		}
+		return proposalsCommand(ctx, id)
+	}
+	if *clear {
+		return errors.New("--clear is for settings propose; a layer is cleared with settings clear")
+	}
 
 	where := "the whole mesh"
 	if *node != "" {
@@ -445,6 +474,9 @@ func settingsCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 		if err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
+		if err := refuseTerminalSettingsThroughAVerb(ctx, inv, before, values, positionals[0], where); err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
 		added, changed, removed := settingsChange(before, values)
 		if len(removed) > 0 && !*replace {
 			return fmt.Errorf("%s on %s: this layer would no longer set %s. A layer is replaced whole; "+
@@ -452,7 +484,7 @@ func settingsCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 				"removal is meant (novox/hq ADR 0217). Nothing was changed",
 				positionals[0], where, strings.Join(removed, ", "), positionals[0], nodeFlag(*node))
 		}
-		if err := inv.SetSettings(ctx, *node, positionals[0], values); err != nil {
+		if err := inv.SetSettingsBy(ctx, *node, positionals[0], values, setByWords()); err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
 		fmt.Printf("%s on %s:\n", positionals[0], where)
@@ -493,8 +525,12 @@ func settingsCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 			}
 			for _, p := range past {
 				shown, _ := json.MarshalIndent(p.Values, "  ", "  ")
-				fmt.Printf("%s on %s, until %s (%s):\n  %s\n", positionals[0], where,
-					p.ReplacedAt.Local().Format("2006-01-02 15:04:05"), p.ReplacedBy, shown)
+				by := ""
+				if p.SetBy != "" {
+					by = "; " + p.SetBy
+				}
+				fmt.Printf("%s on %s, until %s (%s%s):\n  %s\n", positionals[0], where,
+					p.ReplacedAt.Local().Format("2006-01-02 15:04:05"), p.ReplacedBy, by, shown)
 			}
 			return nil
 		}
@@ -510,6 +546,14 @@ func settingsCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 				return err
 			}
 			fmt.Println(string(shown))
+			// And who set it (novox/hq ADR 0277): a layer the operator approved on their phone says so.
+			if setBy, setAt, has, err := inv.LayerOrigin(ctx, *node, positionals[0]); err != nil {
+				return err
+			} else if has && setBy != "" {
+				fmt.Printf("  %s\n", setBy)
+			} else if has {
+				fmt.Printf("  set at %s; who set it was not kept\n", setAt.Local().Format("2006-01-02 15:04"))
+			}
 		}
 		// Every value the module gives a default or a layer sets, and where it came from (novox/hq
 		// ADR 0262): the default, the mesh's layer, or this node's. Said after the layer, which stays
@@ -596,17 +640,33 @@ func settingsCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 		if len(positionals) != 1 {
 			return errors.New("settings clear <module> [--node <node>]")
 		}
-		if err := inv.ClearSettings(ctx, *node, positionals[0]); err != nil {
+		before, _, err := inv.Layer(ctx, *node, positionals[0])
+		if err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+		if err := refuseTerminalSettingsThroughAVerb(ctx, inv, before, nil, positionals[0], where); err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+		if err := inv.ClearSettingsBy(ctx, *node, positionals[0], setByWords()); err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
 		fmt.Printf("%s on %s is back to what the module says\n", positionals[0], where)
 		return nil
 
 	default:
-		return fmt.Errorf("settings has no %q; it has show, set, clear and preferences", args[0])
+		return fmt.Errorf("settings has no %q; it has show, set, clear, preferences, propose and proposals", args[0])
 	}
 }
 
+// setByWords is who sets a layer from this process, as the layer keeps it (novox/hq ADR 0277): the caller at the
+// controller's terminal, or through which verb.
+func setByWords() string {
+	if verb, through := throughAVerb(); through {
+		return "set by " + link.Caller() + " through " + verb + " at " + time.Now().Local().Format("2006-01-02 15:04")
+	}
+	return "set at the controller's terminal by " + link.Caller() + " at " + time.Now().Local().Format("2006-01-02 15:04")
+}
+
 // describeEffective says each setting's value on a machine or the whole mesh, where it came from, and
 // the module's default when a layer overrides it.
 func describeEffective(module, where string, values []catalogue.SettingSource) string {
@@ -988,6 +1048,9 @@ func whereItComesFrom(repository, ref, commit, path string, self bool) (inventor
 // definition that got past the check — written elsewhere, or checked by nobody — is refused here
 // in the same words. A name meant on purpose is declared with its reason and passes.
 func namesNoInstallation(m catalogue.Manifest) error {
+	if problems := catalogue.TrustProblems(m); len(problems) > 0 {
+		return fmt.Errorf("%s", strings.Join(problems, "; "))
+	}
 	named := catalogue.InstallationProblems(m)
 	if len(named) == 0 {
 		return nil
@@ -1051,3 +1114,71 @@ func declaresTools(m catalogue.Manifest) bool {
 	}
 	return false
 }
+
+// The keys no verb may change are catalogue.TerminalKeys (novox/hq issue 339). `places` says where the
+// node-engine creates and, as root, owns a module's directories, with an owner the setting names; `accesses` says
+// which of the machine's paths are mounted into a module's container; a provider's trust anchors say what every
+// consumer trusts. Set through a verb, any of them lets any caller of the mesh's verbs — an agent among them —
+// have root hand it a directory, mount one of the machine's into a container it reaches, or have the mesh trust
+// an authority of its own. They are the operator's, typed at the controller's terminal.
+
+// throughAVerb says whether this process runs a seat verb's command line: the serving controller names the
+// verb in the environment of every command it runs for one (runVerb), and a person at the terminal runs none.
+// Every verb route reaches a command through runVerb — the named verbs and the generic `command` alike — so
+// this is the one place that knows, whatever line the verb composed.
+func throughAVerb() (string, bool) {
+	verb := os.Getenv(verbVar)
+	return verb, verb != ""
+}
+
+// sameLayer says whether two layers hold the same values, an absent layer and an empty one alike.
+func sameLayer(a, b map[string]any) bool {
+	if len(a) == 0 && len(b) == 0 {
+		return true
+	}
+	ra, _ := json.Marshal(a)
+	rb, _ := json.Marshal(b)
+	return string(ra) == string(rb)
+}
+
+// refuseTerminalSettingsThroughAVerb refuses a layer change through a verb that would add, change or remove
+// places or accesses; a change that leaves both as they were is not refused.
+func refuseTerminalSettingsThroughAVerb(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, before, after map[string]any,
+	module, where string) error {
+	verb, through := throughAVerb()
+	if !through {
+		return nil
+	}
+	// Judged against the module's definition as the catalogue holds it: what it serves and which of its files
+	// are trusted. A catalogue that cannot be read refuses rather than judging against nothing.
+	shelf, err := inv.Catalogue(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("which settings of %s are the terminal's cannot be read, so nothing was changed: %w", module, err)
+	}
+	// A trusted mergeable file takes any key, so its module's whole layer is the terminal's (novox/hq issue 340).
+	if files := catalogue.TrustedMergeable(shelf[module]); len(files) > 0 && !sameLayer(before, after) {
+		return fmt.Errorf("the settings of %s on %s are set at the controller's terminal (`mesh-cli` on the control-node) or on "+
+			"the operator's warrant, never through a verb alone (this line came through %q): %s merges whatever key a "+
+			"layer sets into a file root or a consumer trusts, so any key could point the module at a listener of the "+
+			"caller's, and whoever may call a verb includes agents (novox/hq issue 340; a file nothing trusts says "+
+			"\"trusted\": false). Propose it instead: the settings verb with propose puts the exact values to the "+
+			"operator on a channel that proves who answers, and the layer is set on their Approve (novox/hq ADR 0277). "+
+			"Nothing was changed",
+			module, where, verb, strings.Join(files, ", "))
+	}
+	for _, key := range catalogue.TerminalKeys(shelf[module]) {
+		was, _ := json.Marshal(before[key])
+		now, _ := json.Marshal(after[key])
+		if string(was) == string(now) {
+			continue
+		}
+		return fmt.Errorf("%s of %s on %s is set at the controller's terminal (`mesh-cli` on the control-node) or on the "+
+			"operator's warrant, never through a verb alone (this line came through %q): it says where root creates and "+
+			"owns a module's directories, which of the machine's paths are mounted into its container, what the mesh's "+
+			"consumers trust, or what a file root or a person's session obeys takes, and whoever may call a verb "+
+			"includes agents (novox/hq issue 339; issue 340 for a mergeable file's own keys). Propose it instead: the "+
+			"settings verb with propose puts the exact values to the operator on a channel that proves who answers, and "+
+			"the layer is set on their Approve (novox/hq ADR 0277). Nothing was changed", key, module, where, verb)
+	}
+	return nil
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/network.go

@@ -426,10 +426,10 @@ func overlayShow(ctx context.Context, open *stores) error {
 				tunnel.Interface, tunnel.Range, tunnel.Port)
 		case n.Hub && hubName == n.Name && tunnel.Interface != "":
 			fmt.Printf("  hub — found a tunnel on %s and did NOT take it over: its key is not the tunnel's; "+
-				"`mesh-host overlay take --tunnel %s` on the machine takes it", tunnel.Interface, tunnel.Interface)
+				"`nox-mesh-host overlay take --tunnel %s` on the machine takes it", tunnel.Interface, tunnel.Interface)
 		case n.Hub:
 			fmt.Print("  hub — found no tunnel; if the machine runs the predecessor's, " +
-				"`mesh-host overlay take --tunnel <iface>` there adopts it (novox/hq ADR 0105)")
+				"`nox-mesh-host overlay take --tunnel <iface>` there adopts it (novox/hq ADR 0105)")
 		case !n.Reachable():
 			fmt.Print("  not dialable")
 		}

cmd/mesh-controller/nodes.go

@@ -7,7 +7,10 @@ import (
 	"errors"
 	"flag"
 	"fmt"
+	"io"
 	"net"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
 	"strings"
 	"time"
 
@@ -15,6 +18,7 @@ import (
 	"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"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/token"
 )
 
@@ -26,7 +30,7 @@ import (
 
 func nodeCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 	if len(args) == 0 {
-		return errors.New("node add <name>, node list, node show <name>, or " + publicDomainUsage)
+		return errors.New("node add <name>, node list, node show <name>, " + publicDomainUsage + ", or " + handOverUsage)
 	}
 	open, err := openStores(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -98,17 +102,175 @@ func nodeCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 			"containers reaching outward. The machine reports which of its links face outside; see " +
 			"`node show <name>`")
 
+	case "agent-account":
+		// The account agents run as on this machine, when it is not the operator's (novox/hq ADR 0266). Here,
+		// at the controller's terminal, and nowhere else: no verb and no setting names it, so no agent can
+		// name itself another account.
+		return nodeAgentAccount(ctx, inv, args[1:])
+
 	case "account":
 		// The operator's login on this machine (novox/hq to-be 29): what a home-scoped file is
 		// owned by and which account `ssh <node>` uses. Reports with no argument; sets with one;
 		// an optional second argument is the home when it is not /home/<account>.
 		return nodeAccount(ctx, inv, args[1:])
 
+	case "hand-over":
+		// A directory the node-engine uses as found, handed to the mesh (novox/hq issue 356, issue 339). Here, at
+		// the controller's terminal, and nowhere else: at the next apply root gives the directory to the account
+		// the module declares, and whoever may call a verb includes agents.
+		return nodeHandOver(ctx, open, args[1:])
+
+	case "setuid-search":
+		// A fresh search for setuid programs on a node (novox/hq issue 361), after the operator changed by hand
+		// what the last one found. Here, at the controller's terminal, and nowhere else: a search never makes a
+		// machine free wrongly, but asked again and again it would keep the machine unjudged and its disks busy,
+		// and whoever may call a verb includes agents.
+		return nodeSetuidSearch(ctx, open, args[1:])
+
 	default:
-		return fmt.Errorf("node has no %q; it has add, list, show, public-domain and account", args[0])
+		return fmt.Errorf("node has no %q; it has add, list, show, public-domain, account, agent-account, hand-over "+
+			"and setuid-search", args[0])
 	}
 }
 
+const handOverUsage = "node hand-over <node> <directory> — hand a directory the node-engine on <node> uses as found " +
+	"to the mesh: its next apply gives it the declared owner and mode. The directory's absolute path, as the module's " +
+	"condition names it"
+
+// handOverLine reads a hand-over's line: the node and the directory's absolute path, exactly as the engine states
+// it. Judged before anything is asked, and judged again by the engine, which is the one that acts.
+func handOverLine(args []string) (node, path string, err error) {
+	if len(args) != 2 {
+		return "", "", errors.New(handOverUsage)
+	}
+	node, path = args[0], args[1]
+	if node == "" || strings.HasPrefix(node, "-") {
+		return "", "", fmt.Errorf("%q is not a node's name; %s", node, handOverUsage)
+	}
+	if !filepath.IsAbs(path) {
+		return "", "", fmt.Errorf("%q is not an absolute path; %s", path, handOverUsage)
+	}
+	if filepath.Clean(path) != path {
+		return "", "", fmt.Errorf("%q is not the directory's path as the engine states it (no `..`, no doubled or "+
+			"trailing separator); %s", path, handOverUsage)
+	}
+	return node, path, nil
+}
+
+// handOverBy is who hands the directory over, in the words a verb's caller is recorded in: the operator through
+// mesh-cli on the control-node, or whoever runs this controller's binary at its terminal.
+func handOverBy() string {
+	if by := strings.TrimSpace(os.Getenv(link.CallerVar)); by != "" {
+		return by
+	}
+	return "the controller's terminal"
+}
+
+// nodeHandOver asks the node's engine to take a directory it uses as found as the mesh's, and says what came of
+// it. The engine records the hand-over or refuses; nothing is recorded here, because the directory is the
+// machine's and the engine is the one that reads it. The ask is signed with the mesh's key (issue 356's review).
+func nodeHandOver(ctx context.Context, open *stores, args []string) error {
+	known := func(node string) error {
+		_, err := open.inventory.NodeByName(ctx, node)
+		return err
+	}
+	ask := func(node, path, by string) (link.HandOverAnswer, error) {
+		ident, err := open.Identity(ctx)
+		if err != nil {
+			return link.HandOverAnswer{}, fmt.Errorf("the mesh's signing key cannot be read, so nothing was asked of %s: %w",
+				node, err)
+		}
+		address, err := broker.BusAddress()
+		if err != nil {
+			return link.HandOverAnswer{}, err
+		}
+		js, err := broker.Dial(address)
+		if err != nil {
+			return link.HandOverAnswer{}, fmt.Errorf("cannot reach the bus, so nothing was asked of %s: %w", node, err)
+		}
+		defer js.Close()
+		return link.AskHandOver(ctx, js.Conn(), ident, node, path, by, link.HandOverWithin)
+	}
+	return handOverAsked(args, known, ask, os.Stdout)
+}
+
+// handOverAsked is the hand-over's line with its two acts given: whether the mesh knows the node, and the ask.
+// Nothing is asked of a line or a node that is refused, and the engine's refusal is this command's failure —
+// never a success with the refusal printed.
+func handOverAsked(args []string, known func(node string) error,
+	ask func(node, path, by string) (link.HandOverAnswer, error), out io.Writer) error {
+	node, path, err := handOverLine(args)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	if err := known(node); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("nothing was asked: %w", err)
+	}
+	answer, err := ask(node, path, handOverBy())
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	if answer.Refused != "" {
+		return fmt.Errorf("%s refused: %s", node, answer.Refused)
+	}
+	fmt.Fprintln(out, answer.Said)
+	fmt.Fprintf(out, "  the module's condition clears once %s applies; `nox push %s` applies it now\n", node, node)
+	return nil
+}
+
+const setuidSearchUsage = "node setuid-search <node> — throw away the node-engine's last search for setuid " +
+	"programs on <node> and start a full one: after a setuid-root program it found was removed by hand. Until it " +
+	"completes, root-free says the node is not judged yet"
+
+// nodeSetuidSearch asks the node's engine for a fresh search, signed with the mesh's key as a hand-over is.
+func nodeSetuidSearch(ctx context.Context, open *stores, args []string) error {
+	known := func(node string) error {
+		_, err := open.inventory.NodeByName(ctx, node)
+		return err
+	}
+	ask := func(node, by string) (link.HandOverAnswer, error) {
+		ident, err := open.Identity(ctx)
+		if err != nil {
+			return link.HandOverAnswer{}, fmt.Errorf("the mesh's signing key cannot be read, so nothing was asked of %s: %w",
+				node, err)
+		}
+		address, err := broker.BusAddress()
+		if err != nil {
+			return link.HandOverAnswer{}, err
+		}
+		js, err := broker.Dial(address)
+		if err != nil {
+			return link.HandOverAnswer{}, fmt.Errorf("cannot reach the bus, so nothing was asked of %s: %w", node, err)
+		}
+		defer js.Close()
+		return link.AskSetuidSearch(ctx, js.Conn(), ident, node, by, link.HandOverWithin)
+	}
+	return setuidSearchAsked(args, known, ask, os.Stdout)
+}
+
+// setuidSearchAsked is the line with its two acts given: whether the mesh knows the node, and the ask. The
+// engine's refusal is this command's failure.
+func setuidSearchAsked(args []string, known func(node string) error,
+	ask func(node, by string) (link.HandOverAnswer, error), out io.Writer) error {
+	if len(args) != 1 || args[0] == "" || strings.HasPrefix(args[0], "-") {
+		return errors.New(setuidSearchUsage)
+	}
+	node := args[0]
+	if err := known(node); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("nothing was asked: %w", err)
+	}
+	answer, err := ask(node, handOverBy())
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	if answer.Refused != "" {
+		return fmt.Errorf("%s refused: %s", node, answer.Refused)
+	}
+	fmt.Fprintln(out, answer.Said)
+	fmt.Fprintf(out, "  the controller's root-free verb shows the search's progress until it completes\n")
+	return nil
+}
+
 // addNode creates a node record, adopted when the operator says so (novox/hq ADR 0100).
 func addNode(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, args []string) error {
 	set := flag.NewFlagSet("node add", flag.ContinueOnError)
@@ -176,6 +338,57 @@ func nodeAccount(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, positionals []st
 	return nil
 }
 
+const agentAccountUsage = "node agent-account <name> — what it is now; " +
+	"<name> <account> [home] to name the account agents run as (home defaults to /home/<account>); " +
+	"<name> --clear to have them run as the operator account again"
+
+// nodeAgentAccount reports, names or clears the account agents run as on a node (novox/hq ADR 0266). Read-
+// shaped with no account, like public-domain; clearing is asked for by name.
+func nodeAgentAccount(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, args []string) error {
+	set := flag.NewFlagSet("node agent-account", flag.ContinueOnError)
+	clear := set.Bool("clear", false, "agents run as the operator account again")
+	positionals, err := parseAround(set, args)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	if len(positionals) == 0 || len(positionals) > 3 {
+		return errors.New(agentAccountUsage)
+	}
+	node := positionals[0]
+	switch {
+	case *clear && len(positionals) > 1:
+		return fmt.Errorf("name an agent account for %s or --clear, not both", node)
+	case *clear:
+		if err := inv.SetAgentAccount(ctx, node, "", ""); err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+		fmt.Printf("agents on %s run as the operator account again\n", node)
+		fmt.Printf("  run `push %s` to send it; the agent account itself is kept (the mesh never deletes a login)\n", node)
+		return nil
+	case len(positionals) >= 2:
+		home := ""
+		if len(positionals) == 3 {
+			home = positionals[2]
+		}
+		if err := inv.SetAgentAccount(ctx, node, positionals[1], home); err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+		fmt.Printf("agents on %s run as %s\n", node, positionals[1])
+		fmt.Printf("  run `push %s` to send it; the self-check says once its node-engine has judged it "+
+			"unable to become root\n", node)
+		return nil
+	default:
+		n, err := inv.NodeByName(ctx, node)
+		if err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+		for _, line := range agentAccountLines(ctx, inv, n) {
+			fmt.Println(strings.TrimPrefix(line, "  "))
+		}
+		return nil
+	}
+}
+
 const publicDomainUsage = "node public-domain <name> — what it is now; " +
 	"<name> <domain> to set it; <name> --clear to take it away"
 
@@ -590,6 +803,10 @@ func showNode(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, name string) error
 	if err := showMode(ctx, inv, node); err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
+	// Whom agents run as here, and whether that account can become root without a person (ADR 0266).
+	for _, line := range agentAccountLines(ctx, inv, node) {
+		fmt.Println(line)
+	}
 
 	// The domain its routed names are composed under, when it has one (novox/hq ADR 0066). Shown
 	// only when set: a machine that serves nothing to the outside has no domain, and saying so of
@@ -684,11 +901,14 @@ func orNotReported(s string) string {
 }
 
 // printJSON prints a value as indented JSON, the shape every `--json` answers in.
-func printJSON(v any) error {
+func printJSON(v any) error { return printJSONTo(os.Stdout, v) }
+
+// printJSONTo is printJSON to a writer of the caller's.
+func printJSONTo(w io.Writer, v any) error {
 	body, err := json.MarshalIndent(v, "", "  ")
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
-	fmt.Println(string(body))
+	fmt.Fprintln(w, string(body))
 	return nil
 }

cmd/mesh-controller/order_test.go

@@ -157,7 +157,7 @@ func TestAMergeRebuildsTheModulesItChanged(t *testing.T) {
 		{"a file directly among the modules", merge([]string{"modules/README.md"}, false), ""},
 		{"a root file beside a module's", merge([]string{"merge-check.sh", "modules/keycloak/x.ts"}, false), "keycloak"},
 	} {
-		if got := named(whatTheMergeTouched(candidates, known, c.m)); got != c.want {
+		if got := named(whatTheMergeTouched(candidates, known, c.m, nil)); got != c.want {
 			t.Errorf("%s: rebuilt %q, wanted %q", c.what, got, c.want)
 		}
 	}
@@ -285,7 +285,7 @@ func TestAChangeInsideAModuleIsThatModulesHeldOrNot(t *testing.T) {
 		{"an old announcer saying nothing", merge(showcase, nil, false), ""},
 		{"a manifest the merge removed, said or not", merge([]string{"modules/gone/module.json", "modules/gone/x.ts"}, nil, true), ""},
 	} {
-		if got := named(whatTheMergeTouched(candidates, known, c.m)); got != c.want {
+		if got := named(whatTheMergeTouched(candidates, known, c.m, nil)); got != c.want {
 			t.Errorf("%s: rebuilt %q, wanted %q", c.what, got, c.want)
 		}
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/plain_words.go

@@ -110,6 +110,15 @@ var plainWordings = map[string]func(conditions.Observation) words{
 				"reaches it. It keeps running what it has.", m),
 			Resolved: m + " can get new instructions again"}
 	}),
+	kindAgentCanBecomeRoot: worded(func(o conditions.Observation) words {
+		m := machineOr(o, "a machine")
+		return words{Headline: "Sessions on " + m + " could become root",
+			Needs: "take the sessions' own account out of every group and rule that grants root; the details say which.",
+			Explanation: fmt.Sprintf("Assistant sessions on %s run under an account of their own, so that none "+
+				"can take over the machine without you. The machine cannot show that this holds now, so an answer "+
+				"from your phone authorises nothing there until it does.", m),
+			Resolved: "Sessions on " + m + " cannot become root again"}
+	}),
 	"own-address-banned": worded(func(o conditions.Observation) words {
 		m := machineOr(o, "a machine")
 		return words{Headline: m + " has banned the mesh",
@@ -204,6 +213,14 @@ var plainWordings = map[string]func(conditions.Observation) words{
 		}
 		return reloginWords(orModule(module), machineOr(o, "a machine"), false)
 	}),
+	kindUsedAsFound: worded(func(o conditions.Observation) words {
+		module := ""
+		if o.Scope == conditions.ScopeModule && o.Machine != "" {
+			module = strings.TrimSuffix(o.ID, "."+o.Machine)
+		}
+		w := usedAsFoundObservation(orModule(module), machineOr(o, "a machine"), o.Summary, nil)
+		return words{Headline: w.Headline, Explanation: w.Explanation, Needs: w.Needs, Resolved: w.Resolved}
+	}),
 	kindProviderFailing: worded(func(o conditions.Observation) words {
 		thing, consumer := conditions.ThingWords(o), idPart(o, 2)
 		if consumer == "" {
@@ -345,6 +362,17 @@ var plainWordings = map[string]func(conditions.Observation) words{
 			Explanation: "Its walk across the machines has not moved for longer than usual. Nothing is lost.",
 			Resolved:    "Resolved: the delivery moves again"}
 	}),
+	kindBatchNotCut: worded(func(o conditions.Observation) words {
+		return words{Headline: "Merged changes are not being delivered",
+			Explanation: "Merges collected for one delivery should have been planned and were not. Nothing is lost.",
+			Resolved:    "Resolved: the merged changes are being delivered"}
+	}),
+	kindBatchBehindWalk: worded(func(o conditions.Observation) words {
+		return words{Headline: "Merged changes wait behind a slow delivery",
+			Explanation: "Merges collected for the next delivery wait for the delivery before them, which is taking " +
+				"longer than it should. Nothing is lost.",
+			Resolved: "Resolved: the merged changes no longer wait"}
+	}),
 	kindWalkWaiting: worded(func(o conditions.Observation) words {
 		return words{Headline: "A delivery is waiting to start",
 			Explanation: "A merged change is built, and mesh-delivery (the module that decides when a delivery goes " +
@@ -515,6 +543,13 @@ var plainWordings = map[string]func(conditions.Observation) words{
 			Explanation: "The mesh's message system is being upgraded; some things pause until it is done.",
 			Resolved:    "The bus upgrade is done"}
 	}),
+	kindBusStepWaiting: worded(func(o conditions.Observation) words {
+		return words{Headline: "Sends wait for a bus upgrade",
+			Needs: "start the bus upgrade " + FromMeshMCPServer,
+			Explanation: "A new version of the mesh's message system is built, and only a person installs it. Until " +
+				"then nothing else is sent to the machine that runs it.",
+			Resolved: "Resolved: the bus upgrade started, and sends go on"}
+	}),
 	kindBusUpgradeFailed: worded(func(o conditions.Observation) words {
 		return words{Headline: "The bus upgrade failed",
 			Needs:       "decide whether to put the bus back to the version before; the details say how.",
@@ -543,10 +578,18 @@ var plainWordings = map[string]func(conditions.Observation) words{
 			Explanation: "The bus reports a listener too slow to keep up, so messages to it are late.",
 			Resolved:    "The listener keeps up again"}
 	}),
+	kindBusReconnects: worded(func(o conditions.Observation) words {
+		return words{Headline: "A client keeps losing the bus",
+			Explanation: "One of the mesh's clients lost its connection to the bus again and again in the last hour. " +
+				"While it reconnects, what it says and what it is asked waits.",
+			Resolved: "Resolved: the client stays connected"}
+	}),
 	"max-deliveries": worded(func(o conditions.Observation) words {
-		return words{Headline: "A message could not be handled",
-			Explanation: "The bus gave up on a message after trying to hand it over too many times.",
-			Resolved:    "Resolved: messages are handled again"}
+		return words{Headline: "A listener gave up on messages",
+			Needs: "deliver them again or drop them, from the mesh MCP server.",
+			Explanation: "A listener on the bus could not handle messages after several tries, so what they asked " +
+				"for was not done. The mesh keeps them until you deliver them again or drop them.",
+			Resolved: "Resolved: the messages given up on were delivered again or dropped"}
 	}),
 	"refused": worded(func(o conditions.Observation) words {
 		return words{Headline: "The bus refuses some messages",
@@ -648,6 +691,8 @@ func walkWaitingWords(w waitFacts, in time.Duration, severity conditions.Severit
 }
 
 // waitingNeeds is what the operator does about a walk waiting past its urgent bound: nothing before it.
+// Start and Stop are also asked of the operator (novox/hq ADR 0259); the condition's own words keep saying
+// where they are given without a channel, and the ask's text drops that (askText).
 func waitingNeeds(severity conditions.Severity) string {
 	if severity == conditions.Urgent {
 		return "start it, or stop it, " + FromMeshMCPServer
@@ -655,6 +700,20 @@ func waitingNeeds(severity conditions.Severity) string {
 	return ""
 }
 
+// waitingActions are the answers to a walk waiting past its urgent bound: start it, or stop it — the plan's
+// own verbs, approved by the operator (novox/hq ADR 0259). None before the bound.
+func waitingActions(plan string, severity conditions.Severity) []conditions.Action {
+	if severity != conditions.Urgent || plan == "" {
+		return nil
+	}
+	return []conditions.Action{
+		{Label: "Start", Verb: "mesh-controller.plans", Level: conditions.LevelApprove,
+			Arguments: map[string]string{"go": plan, "why": "", "cause": conditions.CauseOperatorAnswer}},
+		{Label: "Stop", Verb: "mesh-controller.plans", Level: conditions.LevelApprove,
+			Arguments: map[string]string{"stop": plan, "why": "", "cause": conditions.CauseOperatorAnswer}},
+	}
+}
+
 // moduleNeeds is what the operator can do about a module unhealthy on a machine: log in again where its
 // account's groups wait for it (ADR 0252), restart a failed service, or nothing where the mesh restarts it.
 // No answer is offered for a restart: a desk click performs only an acknowledgement (ADR 0258).
@@ -669,11 +728,35 @@ func moduleNeeds(node string, rs []inventory.ResourceHealth) string {
 		}
 	}
 	if unit != "" {
+		// Also asked of the operator (moduleActions); the ask's text drops where (askText).
 		return fmt.Sprintf("restart its service %s on %s %s", unit, node, FromMeshMCPServer)
 	}
 	return ""
 }
 
+// moduleActions are the answers to a module unhealthy on a machine: restart its failed service there,
+// approved by the operator (novox/hq ADR 0259) — none when the mesh restarts it, or a new login is what it
+// waits for.
+func moduleActions(node string, rs []inventory.ResourceHealth) []conditions.Action {
+	for _, r := range rs {
+		if strings.Contains(r.Reason, "relogin needed") {
+			return nil
+		}
+	}
+	for _, r := range rs {
+		if r.Kind != link.KindUnit || r.Target == "" {
+			continue
+		}
+		scope := "system"
+		if r.Account != "" {
+			scope = "user"
+		}
+		return []conditions.Action{{Label: "Restart", Verb: "node-service-manager.restart", Machine: node,
+			Level: conditions.LevelApprove, Arguments: map[string]string{"unit": r.Target, "scope": scope}}}
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
 // FromMeshMCPServer ends what the operator needs when no notification can do it (ADR 0258), naming the mesh MCP
 // server (the glossary's word; "console" is retired): the answer is not an
 // acknowledgement, so it is given where the operator is known to be the one asking, until answers are
@@ -716,6 +799,25 @@ func stalledWords(l stalledLine, o conditions.Observation) (headline, explanatio
 	actions []conditions.Action) {
 	repository, _, _ := strings.Cut(l.ID, "@")
 	name := repoName(repository)
+	if l.State == "unannounced" {
+		// A pull request the forge never announced (novox/hq issue 347): no delivery exists, so there is nothing to
+		// stop, release or close; a new commit on its branch is announced and checked.
+		long := "for too long"
+		if d, err := time.ParseDuration(l.For); err == nil {
+			long = "for " + humanDuration(d)
+		}
+		if o.Resolver == conditions.ResolverOperator {
+			needs = "push a new commit to its branch; the forge announces it and the mesh checks it."
+		}
+		pull := "A pull request of " + name
+		if l.Number > 0 {
+			pull = fmt.Sprintf("Pull request %s #%d", name, l.Number)
+		}
+		return fmt.Sprintf("%s has had no merge check %s", pull, long),
+			fmt.Sprintf("%s has been open %s on a branch that requires the merge check, and the mesh was never asked "+
+				"to check it: the forge never announced it. It cannot merge until it is checked.", pull, long),
+			fmt.Sprintf("%s has a merge check now, or is closed", pull), needs, nil
+	}
 	held := l.State
 	if held == "" {
 		held = "held"
@@ -725,15 +827,19 @@ func stalledWords(l stalledLine, o conditions.Observation) (headline, explanatio
 		long = "for " + humanDuration(d)
 	}
 	if o.Resolver == conditions.ResolverOperator {
-		// Words only: releasing or stopping a delivery is not an acknowledgement, so no desk click
-		// performs it (ADR 0258).
+		// Asked of the operator, approved on a channel that proves who answered (novox/hq ADR 0259); the
+		// router says where each can be answered, so the words do not.
+		release := conditions.Action{Label: "Release", Verb: "mesh-delivery.release", Level: conditions.LevelApprove,
+			Arguments: map[string]string{"id": l.ID, "why": ""}}
+		stop := conditions.Action{Label: "Stop", Verb: "mesh-delivery.stop", Level: conditions.LevelApprove,
+			Arguments: map[string]string{"id": l.ID, "why": ""}}
 		switch held {
 		case "held":
-			needs = "release it, or stop it, " + FromMeshMCPServer
+			needs, actions = "release it, or stop it, "+FromMeshMCPServer, []conditions.Action{release, stop}
 		case "ready", "checked":
 			needs = "merge its pull request, or close it."
 		default:
-			needs = "stop it " + FromMeshMCPServer
+			needs, actions = "stop it "+FromMeshMCPServer, []conditions.Action{stop}
 		}
 	}
 	return fmt.Sprintf("Delivery of %s %s %s", name, held, long),

cmd/mesh-controller/plain_words_test.go

@@ -65,13 +65,21 @@ func TestADeliveryWaitingNeedsNothingUntilItsBoundThenOffersStartAndStop(t *test
 		t.Errorf("the summary lost the way on for whoever looks closer: %q", got[0].Summary)
 	}
 
-	// Past four hours it is urgent, and offers the controller's own answers.
+	// Past four hours it is urgent, and asks the operator to start or stop it (novox/hq ADR 0259): the plan's
+	// own verbs, approved, which the controller performs on the warrant. The router says where to answer.
 	f.waits[0].since = now.Add(-5 * time.Hour)
 	got = watchWaits(f)
 	plainExample(t, got[0], "openrazer delivery waiting to start",
 		"Needs you: start it, or stop it, from the mesh MCP server; this notification cannot do it. The change to openrazer is merged and built, and mesh-delivery (the "+
 			"module that decides when a delivery goes out) has not let it start for 5 hours, so mesh-delivery may "+
-			"be stuck.")
+			"be stuck.", "Start", "Stop")
+	for i, want := range []string{"go", "stop"} {
+		a := got[0].Actions[i]
+		if a.Verb != "mesh-controller.plans" || a.Arguments[want] != "plan-1791454185265004861" ||
+			a.Level != conditions.LevelApprove || a.Arguments["cause"] != conditions.CauseOperatorAnswer {
+			t.Errorf("%s: %+v", a.Label, a)
+		}
+	}
 
 	// Many modules are counted, not listed in the headline.
 	f.waits[0].modules = []string{"a", "b", "c", "d"}
@@ -82,16 +90,20 @@ func TestADeliveryWaitingNeedsNothingUntilItsBoundThenOffersStartAndStop(t *test
 }
 
 // **A module unhealthy**: "openrazer on g14 is not healthy: its unit openrazer-daemon.service failed in the
-// account's own service manager (exit-code)". Restarting is not an acknowledgement, so it is said in words
-// and offered as no answer (ADR 0258).
+// account's own service manager (exit-code)". Restarting is not an acknowledgement: it is asked of the
+// operator at the approve level (novox/hq ADR 0259), so a desk click never performs it (ADR 0258).
 func TestAModuleUnhealthyAsksForARestartInWords(t *testing.T) {
 	o := moduleUnhealthyObservation("openrazer", "g14", []inventory.ResourceHealth{{Kind: link.KindUnit,
-		Resource: "openrazer-daemon", Target: "openrazer-daemon.service",
+		Resource: "openrazer-daemon", Target: "openrazer-daemon.service", Account: "jochen",
 		Reason: "failed in the account's own service manager (exit-code)", Since: time.Now()}})
 	plainExample(t, o, "openrazer not working on g14",
 		"Needs you: restart its service openrazer-daemon on g14 from the mesh MCP server; this notification cannot do it. "+
 			"openrazer on g14 is not healthy: its service openrazer-daemon stopped with an error. It clears as soon "+
-			"as it runs again.")
+			"as it runs again.", "Restart")
+	if a := o.Actions[0]; a.Verb != "node-service-manager.restart" || a.Machine != "g14" || a.Level != conditions.LevelApprove ||
+		a.Arguments["unit"] != "openrazer-daemon.service" || a.Arguments["scope"] != "user" {
+		t.Errorf("restart: %+v", a)
+	}
 	// An account waiting for a new login (ADR 0252) asks for the login, held to the plain rule.
 	o = moduleUnhealthyObservation("openrazer", "g14", []inventory.ResourceHealth{{Kind: "account",
 		Resource: "operator-in-group", Target: "jochen", Reason: "relogin needed: the account is in the group"}})
@@ -154,7 +166,12 @@ func TestADeliveryHeldAsksForReleaseOrStopInWords(t *testing.T) {
 		Bound: "24h0m0s", H2: "none: the state is the operator's", Says: "it waits for the operator"}})
 	plainExample(t, got[0], "Delivery of hq held for 36 hours",
 		"Needs you: release it, or stop it, from the mesh MCP server; this notification cannot do it. A delivery of hq has been held for 36 hours, past its limit.",
-	)
+		"Release", "Stop")
+	for i, verb := range []string{"mesh-delivery.release", "mesh-delivery.stop"} {
+		if a := got[0].Actions[i]; a.Verb != verb || a.Arguments["id"] != "novox/hq@055550802096" || a.Level != conditions.LevelApprove {
+			t.Errorf("%+v", a)
+		}
+	}
 }
 
 // **Every kind the controller raises has plain words**, and its words are plain for a subject of every
@@ -309,3 +326,24 @@ func TestANeedNoNotificationAnswersNamesTheMeshMCPServer(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 	check("updates held", releaseHeldWords([]string{"openrazer"}, []string{"g14"}))
 }
+
+// **A pull request the forge never announced says what to do about it** (novox/hq issue 347): mesh-delivery says one
+// as a stalled line in state `unannounced` — no delivery exists, so there is nothing to stop, release or close —
+// and the operator's one act is a new commit on its branch, which the forge announces.
+func TestAnUnannouncedPullRequestSaysToPushANewCommit(t *testing.T) {
+	l := stalledLine{ID: "novox/hq@bfe82315f42c", Number: 243, State: "unannounced", For: "11m0s", Bound: "10m0s",
+		H2:   "none: the forge never announced it, so there is no delivery to close — the operator's",
+		Says: "novox/hq#243 is open on main, which requires the merge check, and its head has had no merge check"}
+	obs := stalledObservations([]stalledLine{l})
+	if len(obs) != 1 || obs[0].Resolver != conditions.ResolverOperator {
+		t.Fatalf("an unannounced pull request is not the operator's: %+v", obs)
+	}
+	o := obs[0]
+	if strings.Contains(o.Needs, "stop") || strings.Contains(o.Needs, "release") || !strings.Contains(o.Needs, "commit") {
+		t.Fatalf("it says to %q", o.Needs)
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(o.Headline, "no merge check") || !strings.Contains(o.Headline, "#243") ||
+		!strings.Contains(o.Explanation, "never") {
+		t.Fatalf("it reads %q / %q", o.Headline, o.Explanation)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/plan.go

@@ -136,7 +136,8 @@ func planFor(ctx context.Context, open *stores, nodeName string) (catalogue.Reso
 	resolved, err := catalogue.Resolve(shelf, assigned,
 		catalogue.Node{Name: nodeName, Site: site, Capabilities: capabilities,
 			At: onNetwork[nodeName], PublicDomain: publicDomain,
-			Account: who.Account, AccountHome: who.AccountHome}, world)
+			Account: who.Account, AccountHome: who.AccountHome,
+			AgentAccount: who.AgentAccount, AgentAccountHome: who.AgentAccountHome}, world)
 	if err != nil {
 		// The node's own set does not compose. Marked, because this is the only failure here that
 		// a mesh-wide gatherer may pass over — see notResolvable.
@@ -885,8 +886,13 @@ func renderingFor(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string,
 	if err != nil {
 		return catalogue.Rendering{}, inventory.Node{}, err
 	}
+	judgesRoot, err := engineJudgesRoot(ctx, inv, node)
+	if err != nil {
+		return catalogue.Rendering{}, inventory.Node{}, err
+	}
 	return catalogue.Rendering{
 		ReadsHealth:   readsHealth,
+		JudgesRoot:    judgesRoot,
 		BusMembership: memberships[node],
 		Settings:      settings, Generators: gens, Grants: grants, Needed: needed, Foreseen: foreseen, Ports: ports,
 		Certificate: certificate, Authority: authority, Mesh: private, Names: names,
@@ -909,6 +915,16 @@ func engineReadsHealth(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, node strin
 	return had && stated.Contract >= link.ReadinessContract, nil
 }
 
+// engineJudgesRoot says whether a machine's node-engine judges a user's declared `root` (novox/hq ADR 0266),
+// by its own newest statement, for the same reason as engineReadsHealth: an older engine parses strictly.
+func engineJudgesRoot(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.RootContract, nil
+}
+
 // zonesInTheMesh is every zone a module in the mesh declares, where the mesh placed it (novox/hq ADR
 // 0199): the zone settled from that node's settings, the node's private address, the port the
 // answering listen is published on there.
@@ -1223,6 +1239,10 @@ func planCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 		if err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
+		// A module left out is not in the body, so the diff alone would say "nothing would change" for
+		// a module just assigned whose settings cannot compose — success-shaped silence. Said first, with
+		// why, as push and the plain plan say it (novox/hq ADR 0163, rule 6).
+		reportLeftOut(args[0], declared)
 		return writePlanDiff(ctx, open.inventory, args[0], body)
 	}
 	if *asJSON {

cmd/mesh-controller/plan_retry.go

@@ -9,7 +9,6 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 	"time"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
 )
@@ -98,11 +97,9 @@ func buildSeatPause(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, plans []inven
 	if len(holders) == 0 {
 		return pauseView{}
 	}
-	address, err := broker.BusAddress()
-	if err != nil {
-		return pauseView{}
-	}
-	js, err := broker.Dial(address)
+	// On the serving controller's own connection when this is it: a watchdog tick while a walk waits for a
+	// build dialled one every 30 seconds (novox/hq issue 327).
+	js, err := aBus()
 	if err != nil {
 		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "could not reach the bus to read whether the build seat is paused: %v\n", err)
 		return pauseView{}
@@ -167,12 +164,13 @@ func retryRefusal(p inventory.Plan, plans []inventory.Plan) error {
 	case p.Open():
 		return fmt.Errorf("%s is still %s; nothing in it failed to retry — `rebuild <module>` asks one module again", p.ID, p.State)
 	}
+
 	if len(failedIn(p)) > 0 {
 		if q, found := newerOpenPlan(p, plans); found {
 			return fmt.Errorf("%s supersedes it: a newer merge of %s (%s at %s) is open, and retrying %s would build "+
 				"what that one replaced", q.ID, q.Repository, q.ID, short(q.Commit), p.ID)
 		}
-		return nil
+		return oneWalkAtATime(p, plans)
 	}
 	stopped := stoppedRollouts(p)
 	if len(stopped) == 0 {
@@ -196,6 +194,17 @@ func retryRefusal(p inventory.Plan, plans []inventory.Plan) error {
 				"the older build back", m, q.ID, q.State, q.Repository, short(q.Commit), p.ID)
 		}
 	}
+	return oneWalkAtATime(p, plans)
+}
+
+// oneWalkAtATime refuses a retry while another walk is open, started or waiting for its word (novox/hq ADR
+// 0276): a walk retried beside it would be two walks at once.
+func oneWalkAtATime(p inventory.Plan, plans []inventory.Plan) error {
+	for _, q := range plans {
+		if q.ID != p.ID && q.Open() && q.Release == nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("%s is open (%s): one walk at a time — retry %s once it ended", q.ID, q.Named(), p.ID)
+		}
+	}
 	return nil
 }
 
@@ -267,6 +276,18 @@ func retryPlan(ctx context.Context, open *stores, id string) (string, error) {
 		return "", err
 	}
 	plans = append(plans, recent...)
+	// **A failed walk whose earlier merges are walked alone is not retried** (novox/hq ADR 0276): the search for
+	// the merge that brought the failure answers them now, and a retried walk would name them twice.
+	if p.Delivery != nil && len(p.Delivery.Merges) > 0 {
+		kept, err := inv.MergesOf(ctx, p.ID)
+		if err != nil {
+			return "", err
+		}
+		if len(kept) < len(p.Delivery.Merges) {
+			return "", fmt.Errorf("%s's earlier merges are walked alone, to find which one brought its failure: "+
+				"those walks answer them; a newer merge, or `rebuild <module>`, builds again", p.ID)
+		}
+	}
 	if err := retryRefusal(p, plans); err != nil {
 		return "", err
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/planner_records_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,151 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"reflect"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// **The planner over edges the store derives**, not edges written by hand: modules registered, builds
+// recorded with what they stood on and which repositories they read, the relation answered by
+// inventory.Dependencies (dependenciesOf over the records), and the merge planned by reachOfMerge — the
+// path a real merge takes, short of the bus.
+//
+// **A shared repository moves only what a change's files are in the build source of** (novox/hq ADR 0267,
+// issues 338 and 363): each build records the build source it said, and a merge is mapped onto those of the
+// newest builds. A build that said none (P below, as every build before ADR 0267) is read as before: P moves
+// on any merge to the repository it packages, though through no edge. The rows tagged 338 held the opposite
+// until ADR 0267 was built.
+func TestASharedRepositoryIsPlannedFromTheRecordedBuildSources(t *testing.T) {
+	inv := inventory.ForTest(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	asked := time.Now().Add(-time.Hour)
+	sourcesOf := map[string][]inventory.BuildSource{}
+	register := func(m catalogue.Manifest, repository, path string, against []string, read []inventory.ReadRepository) {
+		t.Helper()
+		if err := inv.RegisterModule(ctx, m, inventory.Source{Repository: repository, Seat: "git", Path: path,
+			Ref: "main", BuiltFrom: "old", Asked: asked}); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		if err := inv.RecordBuild(ctx, inventory.Build{ID: "build-" + m.Module, Repository: repository, Ref: "main",
+			Module: m.Module, Commit: "old", On: "builder", Path: path, Against: against, Read: read, Asked: asked,
+			Sources: sourcesOf[m.Module]}); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	controllerRead := []inventory.ReadRepository{{Repository: "novox/mesh-controller", Ref: "main"}}
+	agent := catalogue.Manifest{Module: "build-agent", Version: "1",
+		Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: "node-build-agent", Scope: catalogue.ScopeNode}}}
+
+	// The shape of issue 338, each build saying its build source (ADR 0267).
+	gomod := []string{"go.mod", "go.sum"}
+	sourcesOf["mesh-controller"] = []inventory.BuildSource{{Paths: append([]string{"module.json", "cmd/mesh-controller/",
+		"internal/conditions/", "internal/broker/"}, gomod...)}}
+	sourcesOf["build-agent"] = []inventory.BuildSource{
+		{Paths: []string{"modules/build-agent/Dockerfile", "modules/build-agent/module.json"}},
+		{Repository: "novox/mesh-controller", Ref: "main", Paths: append([]string{"cmd/mesh-builder/", "internal/broker/"}, gomod...)}}
+	sourcesOf["route-proxy"] = []inventory.BuildSource{
+		{Paths: []string{"modules/route-proxy/Dockerfile", "modules/route-proxy/module.json"}},
+		{Repository: "novox/mesh-controller", Ref: "main", Paths: append([]string{"examples/route-proxy/", "internal/broker/"}, gomod...)}}
+	register(catalogue.Manifest{Module: "mesh-controller", Version: "1"}, "novox/mesh-controller", "", nil, nil)
+	register(agent, "novox/mesh-catalog", "modules/build-agent", nil, controllerRead)
+	register(catalogue.Manifest{Module: "route-proxy", Version: "1"}, "novox/mesh-catalog", "modules/route-proxy", nil, controllerRead)
+	register(catalogue.Manifest{Module: "gitea", Version: "1"}, "novox/mesh-catalog", "modules/gitea", nil, nil)
+	// A, B and C in one repository; D built against A's artifact, E declaring B, P packaging the repository.
+	for _, n := range []string{"a", "b", "c"} {
+		register(catalogue.Manifest{Module: n, Version: "1"}, "novox/one", "modules/"+n, nil, nil)
+	}
+	register(catalogue.Manifest{Module: "d", Version: "1"}, "novox/two", "d",
+		[]string{catalogue.ArtifactStoreScheme + "a/runtime@sha256:" + strings.Repeat("0", 64)}, nil)
+	register(catalogue.Manifest{Module: "e", Version: "1", Build: &catalogue.Build{
+		On: []catalogue.BuildsOn{{Arg: "BASE", Module: "b", Artifact: "runtime"}}}}, "novox/two", "e", nil, nil)
+	register(catalogue.Manifest{Module: "p", Version: "1"}, "novox/two", "p", nil,
+		[]inventory.ReadRepository{{Repository: "novox/one", Ref: "main"}})
+
+	entries, err := inv.Catalogued(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	read, err := inv.ReadRepositories(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	edges, err := inv.Dependencies(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+
+	// The edges the hand-written rows of TestASharedRepositoryMovesWhatPackagesItAsItDoesToday use are
+	// the ones derived here.
+	var shared []inventory.Edge
+	in338 := map[string]bool{"mesh-controller": true, "build-agent": true, "route-proxy": true, "gitea": true}
+	for _, e := range edges {
+		if in338[e.From] && in338[e.To] {
+			shared = append(shared, e)
+		}
+	}
+	if !reflect.DeepEqual(shared, sharedRepositoryEdges) {
+		t.Errorf("derived %v\nthe hand-written rows use %v", shared, sharedRepositoryEdges)
+	}
+	// Each kind derived from its record: built against (stands-on), build.on (declared); a read draws none.
+	for _, e := range edges {
+		if e.Kind == inventory.EdgePackages {
+			t.Errorf("a packages edge was drawn (ADR 0267 rule 4): %v", e)
+		}
+	}
+	for _, want := range []inventory.Edge{
+		dep("d", inventory.EdgeStandsOn, "a"),
+		dep("e", inventory.EdgeDeclared, "b"),
+		dep("d", inventory.EdgeBuiltBy, "build-agent"),
+	} {
+		found := false
+		for _, e := range edges {
+			found = found || e == want
+		}
+		if !found {
+			t.Errorf("no %s %s %s derived: %v", want.From, want.Kind, want.To, edges)
+		}
+	}
+
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		what, repo string
+		paths      []string
+		want       string
+		issue338   bool
+	}{
+		{"A and B changed, C untouched: D after A, E after B; P, which said no build source, reads all", "one",
+			[]string{"modules/a/x.go", "modules/b/x.go"}, "a,b,p | d,e", false},
+		{"C alone: C, and P, read whole as before; P after nothing", "one",
+			[]string{"modules/c/x.go"}, "c,p", false},
+		{"a README of the repository P packages: P, read whole as before", "one",
+			[]string{"README.md"}, "p", false},
+		{"the dependent's repository: D alone", "two", []string{"d/main.go"}, "d", false},
+		{"a README of the controller's repository: no module", "mesh-controller",
+			[]string{"README.md"}, "", true},
+		{"the controller's own command: the controller alone", "mesh-controller",
+			[]string{"cmd/mesh-controller/main.go"}, "mesh-controller", true},
+		{"a package only the controller builds from: the controller alone", "mesh-controller",
+			[]string{"internal/conditions/condition.go"}, "mesh-controller", true},
+		{"the route proxy's program: the route proxy alone", "mesh-controller",
+			[]string{"examples/route-proxy/main.go"}, "route-proxy", true},
+		{"a package all three build from: all three", "mesh-controller",
+			[]string{"internal/broker/broker.go"}, "mesh-controller | build-agent | route-proxy", false},
+		{"the route proxy's directory in the catalogue: it alone", "mesh-catalog",
+			[]string{"modules/route-proxy/module.json"}, "route-proxy", false},
+		{"the build agent's directory: it alone, nothing it builds", "mesh-catalog",
+			[]string{"modules/build-agent/module.json"}, "build-agent", false},
+	} {
+		_, got := planMerge(t, c.repo, c.paths, entries, read, edges)
+		if got != c.want {
+			tag := ""
+			if c.issue338 {
+				tag = " (issue 338, flipped by ADR 0267)"
+			}
+			t.Errorf("%s: planned %q, wanted %q%s", c.what, got, c.want, tag)
+		}
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/planner_rules_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,680 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"encoding/json"
+	"fmt"
+	"math/rand/v2"
+	"sort"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	snapshot "github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/facts"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// The delivery planner's rules, as recorded (novox/hq ADR 0162 §1, ADR 0238 §3), held by one table and
+// one property over reachOfMerge — the planner's one answer to "what does this merge move, and in which
+// order". A row that fails here on main is a planner that breaks a recorded rule: the row stays, the
+// expectation is not bent to the code.
+//
+// The kinds of edge, as the code reads them (release_plan.go):
+//
+//	kind        widens the plan   orders the tiers
+//	stands-on   yes               yes, after its base is built
+//	declared    yes               yes, after its base is built
+//	packages    no                no — retired by novox/hq ADR 0267; one recorded before is read and ignored
+//	built-by    no                yes, after the build machine — except for what the build machine stands
+//	                              on, and for the controller whose worker it binds
+//	worker-of   no                yes, the build seat's holder after the controller (hq issue 206)
+
+const (
+	repoOne = "http://forge.internal:20000/novox/one.git"
+	repoTwo = "http://forge.internal:20000/novox/two.git"
+)
+
+// dep is one edge of the catalogue's relation: from depends on to, in the way kind says.
+func dep(from, kind, to string) inventory.Edge {
+	return inventory.Edge{From: from, To: to, Kind: kind}
+}
+
+// tiered is a plan's tiers as one line: a tier's modules by comma, tiers by " | ". Empty for no plan.
+func tiered(tiers [][]string) string {
+	var out []string
+	for _, t := range tiers {
+		out = append(out, strings.Join(t, ","))
+	}
+	return strings.Join(out, " | ")
+}
+
+// planMerge is what reachOfMerge plans for a merge of these files into a repository's main: its tiers as
+// one line, and the files no build reads. It also holds the plan to its own shape: every module it builds
+// is in exactly one tier.
+func planMerge(t *testing.T, repo string, paths []string, entries []inventory.Entry,
+	read map[string][]inventory.ReadRepository, edges []inventory.Edge) (mergeReach, string) {
+	t.Helper()
+	m := link.SourceMoved{Owner: "novox", Repo: repo, Base: "main", Commit: "head", Paths: paths}
+	r := reachOfMerge(m, entries, read, edges)
+	seen := map[string]int{}
+	for _, tier := range r.Plan.Tiers {
+		for _, name := range tier {
+			seen[name]++
+		}
+	}
+	for name := range r.Plan.Modules {
+		if seen[name] != 1 {
+			t.Errorf("%s/%v: %s is in %d tiers of %v", repo, paths, name, seen[name], r.Plan.Tiers)
+		}
+	}
+	if len(seen) != len(r.Plan.Modules) {
+		t.Errorf("%s/%v: the tiers %v hold modules the plan does not (%d)", repo, paths, r.Plan.Tiers, len(r.Plan.Modules))
+	}
+	return r, tiered(r.Plan.Tiers)
+}
+
+// **A merge moves the modules whose directory it changed, and everything built on them; nothing else.**
+// Each row is a catalogue (modules in directories of one or two repositories), its dependencies with
+// their kinds, the files one commit changed, and the exact plan: the moved set and its tier order.
+func TestAPlanIsWhatTheChangeTouchedAndWhatIsBuiltOnIt(t *testing.T) {
+	in := func(repo, dir string, names ...string) []inventory.Entry {
+		var out []inventory.Entry
+		for _, n := range names {
+			d := dir + "/" + n
+			if dir == "" {
+				d = n
+			}
+			out = append(out, fromRepo(n, repo, d))
+		}
+		return out
+	}
+	// Modules a to f, x and z in novox/one under modules/; g in novox/two at g/.
+	entries := append(in(repoOne, "modules", "a", "b", "c", "d", "e", "f", "x", "z"), in(repoTwo, "", "g")...)
+	const (
+		standsOn = inventory.EdgeStandsOn
+		declared = inventory.EdgeDeclared
+		packages = inventory.EdgePackages
+		builtBy  = inventory.EdgeBuiltBy
+		workerOf = inventory.EdgeWorkerOf
+	)
+	// The two real cycles the kinds resolve themselves (ADR 0162 §1, hq issue 206).
+	runtime := append(in(repoOne, "modules", "runtime", "builder"), fromRepo("controller", repoTwo, ""))
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		what    string
+		entries []inventory.Entry
+		edges   []inventory.Edge
+		repo    string
+		paths   []string
+		want    string // the tiers, " | " between them
+		unread  string
+		cycle   bool
+	}{
+		// The operator's case: two modules changed, a third beside them in the same repository untouched,
+		// each changed one with a dependent.
+		{what: "A and B changed, C untouched beside them, D on A and E on B",
+			edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("d", standsOn, "a"), dep("e", declared, "b")},
+			repo:  "one", paths: []string{"modules/a/main.go", "modules/b/module.json"}, want: "a,b | d,e"},
+		{what: "only A's directory: A and what stands on it",
+			edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("d", standsOn, "a"), dep("e", declared, "b")},
+			repo:  "one", paths: []string{"modules/a/main.go"}, want: "a | d"},
+		{what: "only C's directory: C alone, nothing is built on it",
+			edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("d", standsOn, "a"), dep("e", declared, "b")},
+			repo:  "one", paths: []string{"modules/c/Dockerfile"}, want: "c"},
+		{what: "only the dependent changed: its base does not move",
+			edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("d", standsOn, "a")},
+			repo:  "one", paths: []string{"modules/d/main.go"}, want: "d"},
+		{what: "transitive: F on D on A, A changed",
+			edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("f", standsOn, "d"), dep("d", standsOn, "a")},
+			repo:  "one", paths: []string{"modules/a/x"}, want: "a | d | f"},
+		{what: "transitive across kinds stops at a packages edge: F declared on D, D packages A (ADR 0267)",
+			edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("f", declared, "d"), dep("d", packages, "a")},
+			repo:  "one", paths: []string{"modules/a/x"}, want: "a"},
+
+		// Each kind alone: X depends on A, A changed (widening), then both changed (ordering).
+		{what: "stands-on (built against A's artifact) widens", edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("x", standsOn, "a")},
+			repo: "one", paths: []string{"modules/a/x"}, want: "a | x"},
+		{what: "stands-on orders", edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("x", standsOn, "a")},
+			repo: "one", paths: []string{"modules/a/x", "modules/x/y"}, want: "a | x"},
+		{what: "declared (build.on) widens", edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("x", declared, "a")},
+			repo: "one", paths: []string{"modules/a/x"}, want: "a | x"},
+		{what: "declared orders", edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("x", declared, "a")},
+			repo: "one", paths: []string{"modules/a/x", "modules/x/y"}, want: "a | x"},
+		{what: "packages, recorded before ADR 0267, widens nothing", edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("x", packages, "a")},
+			repo: "one", paths: []string{"modules/a/x"}, want: "a"},
+		{what: "packages does not order", edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("x", packages, "a")},
+			repo: "one", paths: []string{"modules/a/x", "modules/x/y"}, want: "a,x"},
+		{what: "built-by never widens", edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("x", builtBy, "a")},
+			repo: "one", paths: []string{"modules/a/x"}, want: "a"},
+		{what: "built-by orders", edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("x", builtBy, "a")},
+			repo: "one", paths: []string{"modules/a/x", "modules/x/y"}, want: "a | x"},
+		{what: "worker-of never widens", edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("x", workerOf, "a")},
+			repo: "one", paths: []string{"modules/a/x"}, want: "a"},
+		{what: "worker-of orders", edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("x", workerOf, "a")},
+			repo: "one", paths: []string{"modules/a/x", "modules/x/y"}, want: "a | x"},
+		{what: "a change to the base alone does not move what it builds", edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("x", builtBy, "a"),
+			dep("d", builtBy, "a"), dep("e", standsOn, "a")},
+			repo: "one", paths: []string{"modules/a/module.json"}, want: "a | e"},
+
+		// The cycles the kinds resolve: the build machine stands on the runtime image the runtime image is
+		// built by; the build seat's holder follows the controller that is built by it.
+		{what: "the build machine's base comes first, built by the build machine that runs", entries: runtime,
+			edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("runtime", builtBy, "builder"), dep("builder", standsOn, "runtime")},
+			repo:  "one", paths: []string{"modules/runtime/Dockerfile", "modules/builder/main.go"}, want: "runtime | builder"},
+		{what: "the runtime image alone takes the build machine on it along", entries: runtime,
+			edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("runtime", builtBy, "builder"), dep("builder", standsOn, "runtime")},
+			repo:  "one", paths: []string{"modules/runtime/Dockerfile"}, want: "runtime | builder"},
+		{what: "the build machine alone moves alone", entries: runtime,
+			edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("runtime", builtBy, "builder"), dep("builder", standsOn, "runtime")},
+			repo:  "one", paths: []string{"modules/builder/main.go"}, want: "builder"},
+		{what: "the build seat's holder follows the controller it binds the worker of", entries: runtime,
+			edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("controller", builtBy, "builder"), dep("builder", workerOf, "controller")},
+			repo:  "two", paths: []string{"cmd/main.go"}, want: "controller"},
+
+		// Two repositories.
+		{what: "a dependent in another repository follows its base",
+			edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("g", standsOn, "a")},
+			repo:  "one", paths: []string{"modules/a/x"}, want: "a | g"},
+		{what: "a directory of the same name in another repository is not this one's",
+			edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("g", standsOn, "a")},
+			repo:  "two", paths: []string{"modules/a/x"}, want: "", unread: "modules/a/x"},
+		{what: "the dependent's own repository moves the dependent alone",
+			edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("g", standsOn, "a")},
+			repo:  "two", paths: []string{"g/main.go"}, want: "g"},
+
+		// A diamond.
+		{what: "a diamond, one side changed", edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("d", standsOn, "a"), dep("d", standsOn, "b")},
+			repo: "one", paths: []string{"modules/a/x"}, want: "a | d"},
+		{what: "a diamond, both sides changed", edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("d", standsOn, "a"), dep("d", standsOn, "b")},
+			repo: "one", paths: []string{"modules/a/x", "modules/b/x"}, want: "a,b | d"},
+		{what: "a diamond on one base", edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("d", standsOn, "a"), dep("d", declared, "b"),
+			dep("a", standsOn, "z"), dep("b", standsOn, "z")},
+			repo: "one", paths: []string{"modules/z/x"}, want: "z | a,b | d"},
+		{what: "a diamond of mixed kinds orders on the ordering side only",
+			edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("d", standsOn, "a"), dep("d", packages, "b")},
+			repo:  "one", paths: []string{"modules/b/x"}, want: "b"},
+
+		// A cycle the catalogue should never produce: what remains is one last tier, and said.
+		{what: "a cycle is one last tier, not lost", edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("a", standsOn, "b"), dep("b", standsOn, "a"),
+			dep("f", standsOn, "c")},
+			repo: "one", paths: []string{"modules/a/x", "modules/c/x"}, want: "c | f | a,b", cycle: true},
+
+		// Files no build reads.
+		{what: "a README at the root of a repository whose modules all live below it",
+			edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("d", standsOn, "a")},
+			repo:  "one", paths: []string{"README.md"}, want: "", unread: "README.md"},
+		{what: "a directory no module lives in", edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("d", standsOn, "a")},
+			repo: "one", paths: []string{"modules/lib/x.go", "modules/README.md"}, want: "",
+			unread: "modules/lib/x.go,modules/README.md"},
+		{what: "a module's directory beside a root file", edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("d", standsOn, "a")},
+			repo: "one", paths: []string{"merge-check.sh", "modules/a/x"}, want: "a | d", unread: "merge-check.sh"},
+		{what: "a directory whose name begins with a module's", edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("d", standsOn, "a")},
+			repo: "one", paths: []string{"modules/ab/x"}, want: "", unread: "modules/ab/x"},
+	} {
+		e := entries
+		if c.entries != nil {
+			e = c.entries
+		}
+		r, got := planMerge(t, c.repo, c.paths, e, nil, c.edges)
+		if got != c.want {
+			t.Errorf("%s: planned %q, wanted %q", c.what, got, c.want)
+		}
+		if u := strings.Join(r.Unread, ","); u != c.unread {
+			t.Errorf("%s: unread %q, wanted %q", c.what, u, c.unread)
+		}
+		// A packages edge in the last tier is no cycle; hasCycle said one on main at 8170fc5.
+		if hasCycle(r.Plan.Tiers, c.edges) != c.cycle {
+			t.Errorf("%s: a cycle said %v, wanted %v (%v)", c.what, !c.cycle, c.cycle, r.Plan.Tiers)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// **A shared repository moves only what a change's files are in the build source of** (novox/hq ADR 0267,
+// issue 338, issue 363). The controller is built from its repository's root as a Go bundle; the route proxy
+// and the build seat's holder build images whose context is that repository and which name the package they
+// compile. Each newest trunk build said its build source — the import closure of its program — and a merge
+// is mapped onto those. The rows tagged 338 held the opposite until ADR 0267 was built: every merge to the
+// controller's repository planned all three, in three tiers.
+//
+// The build sources are this repository's own programs as GoBuildSource reads them (held to that by
+// TestThisRepositorysProgramsHaveBuildSourcesOfTheirOwn in internal/builder), cut to what the rows need.
+func TestASharedRepositoryMovesOnlyWhatItsBuildSourceHolds(t *testing.T) {
+	const catalogueRepo = "http://forge.internal:20000/novox/mesh-catalog.git"
+	const controllerRepo = "http://forge.internal:20000/novox/mesh-controller.git"
+	entries := []inventory.Entry{
+		fromRepo("mesh-controller", controllerRepo, ""),
+		fromRepo("build-agent", catalogueRepo, "modules/build-agent"),
+		fromRepo("route-proxy", catalogueRepo, "modules/route-proxy"),
+		fromRepo("gitea", catalogueRepo, "modules/gitea"),
+	}
+	gomod := []string{"go.mod", "go.sum", "vendor/modules.txt"}
+	with := func(paths ...string) []string { return append(append([]string{}, gomod...), paths...) }
+	read := map[string][]inventory.ReadRepository{
+		"mesh-controller": {{Own: true, Paths: with("module.json", "cmd/mesh-controller/", "internal/conditions/",
+			"internal/broker/", "internal/builder/", "internal/inventory/", "internal/inventory/migrations/**",
+			"vendor/github.com/nats-io/nats.go/")}},
+		"build-agent": {
+			{Repository: "novox/mesh-controller", Ref: "main", Paths: with("cmd/mesh-builder/", "internal/broker/",
+				"internal/builder/", "internal/inventory/", "internal/inventory/migrations/**", "vendor/github.com/nats-io/nats.go/")},
+			{Own: true, Paths: []string{"modules/build-agent/Dockerfile", "modules/build-agent/module.json"}},
+		},
+		"route-proxy": {
+			{Repository: "novox/mesh-controller", Ref: "main", Paths: with("examples/route-proxy/", "internal/broker/",
+				"vendor/github.com/nats-io/nats.go/")},
+			{Own: true, Paths: []string{"modules/route-proxy/Dockerfile", "modules/route-proxy/module.json"}},
+		},
+	}
+	// With no build source said — before each module's first trunk build under ADR 0267, or while an
+	// earlier merge's build of it is pending — a module is read as before.
+	unsaid := map[string][]inventory.ReadRepository{
+		"build-agent": {{Repository: "novox/mesh-controller", Ref: "main"}},
+		"route-proxy": {{Repository: "novox/mesh-controller", Ref: "main"}},
+	}
+	edges := sharedRepositoryEdges
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		what, repo string
+		paths      []string
+		read       map[string][]inventory.ReadRepository
+		want       string
+		unread     string
+	}{
+		// The operator's acceptance: a merge of the controller's own code plans the controller alone.
+		{"the controller's own command: the controller alone (338)", "mesh-controller",
+			[]string{"cmd/mesh-controller/main.go"}, read, "mesh-controller", ""},
+		{"a package only the controller builds from: the controller alone (338)", "mesh-controller",
+			[]string{"internal/conditions/condition.go", "internal/conditions/bus.go"}, read, "mesh-controller", ""},
+		{"a test beside the controller's command: nothing is built from it", "mesh-controller",
+			[]string{"cmd/mesh-controller/main_test.go"}, read, "", "cmd/mesh-controller/main_test.go"},
+		{"a README of the controller's repository: no module (338)", "mesh-controller",
+			[]string{"README.md"}, read, "", "README.md"},
+		{"the route proxy's program alone: the route proxy alone (338)", "mesh-controller",
+			[]string{"examples/route-proxy/main.go"}, read, "route-proxy", ""},
+		{"the build seat's program alone: its holder alone", "mesh-controller",
+			[]string{"cmd/mesh-builder/main.go"}, read, "build-agent", ""},
+		{"a package the build seat's program and the controller build from: both", "mesh-controller",
+			[]string{"internal/builder/builder.go"}, read, "mesh-controller | build-agent", ""},
+		{"a migration the controller and the build seat's program embed: both", "mesh-controller",
+			[]string{"internal/inventory/migrations/0088-a-build-says-its-build-source.sql"}, read,
+			"mesh-controller | build-agent", ""},
+		// A package all three build from: all three; the build seat's holder after the controller whose worker
+		// it binds (worker-of, issue 206), the proxy after the holder that builds it (built-by).
+		{"a package all three build from: all three", "mesh-controller",
+			[]string{"internal/broker/broker.go"}, read, "mesh-controller | build-agent | route-proxy", ""},
+		{"a vendored package all three build from: all three", "mesh-controller",
+			[]string{"vendor/github.com/nats-io/nats.go/nats.go"}, read, "mesh-controller | build-agent | route-proxy", ""},
+		{"go.sum: all three", "mesh-controller",
+			[]string{"go.sum"}, read, "mesh-controller | build-agent | route-proxy", ""},
+		{"a file added to the proxy's package: the proxy", "mesh-controller",
+			[]string{"examples/route-proxy/new.go"}, read, "route-proxy", ""},
+		// Before any build source is said: as before.
+		{"no build source said: a README moves all three, as before", "mesh-controller",
+			[]string{"README.md"}, unsaid, "mesh-controller | build-agent | route-proxy", ""},
+		// In the catalogue, where they live, each by its own build source.
+		{"the route proxy's recipe: it alone", "mesh-catalog",
+			[]string{"modules/route-proxy/Dockerfile"}, read, "route-proxy", ""},
+		{"the route proxy's manifest: it alone", "mesh-catalog",
+			[]string{"modules/route-proxy/module.json"}, read, "route-proxy", ""},
+		{"the route proxy's README: nothing", "mesh-catalog",
+			[]string{"modules/route-proxy/README.md"}, read, "", "modules/route-proxy/README.md"},
+		{"the build agent's manifest: it alone, nothing it builds", "mesh-catalog",
+			[]string{"modules/build-agent/module.json"}, read, "build-agent", ""},
+		{"another module of the catalogue: neither", "mesh-catalog",
+			[]string{"modules/gitea/index.ts"}, read, "gitea", ""},
+	} {
+		r, got := planMerge(t, c.repo, c.paths, entries, c.read, edges)
+		if got != c.want {
+			t.Errorf("%s: planned %q, wanted %q", c.what, got, c.want)
+		}
+		if u := strings.Join(r.Unread, ","); u != c.unread {
+			t.Errorf("%s: unread %q, wanted %q", c.what, u, c.unread)
+		}
+	}
+	// Files not all said: everything the repository builds, as before.
+	m := link.SourceMoved{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-controller", Base: "main", Commit: "head",
+		Paths: []string{"README.md"}, PathsTruncated: true}
+	if got := tiered(reachOfMerge(m, entries, read, edges).Plan.Tiers); got != "mesh-controller | build-agent | route-proxy" {
+		t.Errorf("a merge whose files were not all said: planned %q, wanted all three", got)
+	}
+}
+
+// **A module whose recorded build source a plan has overtaken is read whole** (novox/hq ADR 0267): a merge
+// that added an import to the route proxy is planned; before a build of it works — still building, failed,
+// or its plan closed before reaching it — a merge changing only the newly imported package must still move
+// the proxy, since the build source its last build said does not hold that package.
+func TestAModuleAPlanOvertookIsReadWhole(t *testing.T) {
+	built := time.Date(2026, 10, 10, 1, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	read := map[string][]inventory.ReadRepository{
+		"route-proxy": {
+			{Repository: "novox/mesh-controller", Ref: "main", Paths: []string{"examples/route-proxy/", "go.mod"}, Built: built},
+			{Own: true, Paths: []string{"modules/route-proxy/module.json"}, Built: built},
+		},
+		"mesh-controller": {{Own: true, Paths: []string{"module.json", "cmd/mesh-controller/"}, Built: built}},
+	}
+	m := link.SourceMoved{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-controller", Base: "main", Paths: []string{"internal/newly/imported.go"}}
+	if readsFrom(read["route-proxy"], m) {
+		t.Fatal("the said build source holds the new package: the fixture is wrong")
+	}
+	proxy := func(state string) map[string]*inventory.PlanModule {
+		return map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{"route-proxy": {State: state}, "gitea": {State: "built"}}
+	}
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		what  string
+		plans []inventory.Plan
+		whole bool
+	}{
+		{"no plan", nil, false},
+		{"a plan still building it", []inventory.Plan{{State: inventory.PlanBuilding, Created: built.Add(-time.Hour),
+			Modules: proxy("building")}}, true},
+		{"a plan made after its build that failed before building it", []inventory.Plan{{State: "failed",
+			Created: built.Add(time.Minute), Modules: proxy("waiting")}}, true},
+		{"a plan made after its build that built it", []inventory.Plan{{State: inventory.PlanDone,
+			Created: built.Add(time.Minute), Modules: proxy("built")}}, false},
+		{"a plan closed before its build", []inventory.Plan{{State: "failed", Created: built.Add(-time.Hour),
+			Modules: proxy("waiting")}}, false},
+	} {
+		view := planningView(read, c.plans)
+		if readsFrom(view["route-proxy"], m) != c.whole {
+			t.Errorf("%s: read whole %v, wanted %v", c.what, !c.whole, c.whole)
+		}
+		if (ownSource(view["route-proxy"]) == nil) != c.whole {
+			t.Errorf("%s: its own build source kept %v", c.what, ownSource(view["route-proxy"]) != nil)
+		}
+		if ownSource(view["mesh-controller"]) == nil {
+			t.Errorf("%s: a module no plan holds lost its build source", c.what)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// **A missed merge that moves only a module packaging the repository is acted on** (novox/hq ADR 0267,
+// issue 266): the catch-up asks wouldMove, which counts it; once a plan or build of it is made after the
+// merge, the merge is history for it, and the catch-up leaves it.
+func TestAMissedMergeMovingOnlyAPackagingModuleIsActedOnOnce(t *testing.T) {
+	merged := time.Date(2026, 10, 10, 1, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	entries := []inventory.Entry{
+		fromRepo("mesh-controller", "http://forge.internal:20000/novox/mesh-controller.git", ""),
+		fromRepo("route-proxy", "http://forge.internal:20000/novox/mesh-catalog.git", "modules/route-proxy"),
+	}
+	read := map[string][]inventory.ReadRepository{
+		"mesh-controller": {{Own: true, Paths: []string{"module.json", "cmd/mesh-controller/"}, Built: merged.Add(-time.Hour)}},
+		"route-proxy": {{Repository: "novox/mesh-controller", Ref: "main", Paths: []string{"examples/route-proxy/"},
+			Built: merged.Add(-time.Hour), Looked: merged.Add(-time.Hour)}},
+	}
+	m := link.SourceMoved{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-controller", Base: "main", Commit: "c1",
+		MergedAt: merged.Format(time.RFC3339), Paths: []string{"examples/route-proxy/main.go"}}
+	if got := wouldMove(m, entries, planningView(read, nil)); len(got) != 1 || got[0].Manifest.Module != "route-proxy" {
+		t.Fatalf("a missed merge of the proxy's program would move %v", got)
+	}
+	// Acted on at once: the plan answering this very merge is a look, however close the clocks.
+	atOnce := []inventory.Plan{{State: inventory.PlanBuilding, Commit: "c1", Created: merged.Add(2 * time.Second),
+		Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{"route-proxy": {State: "building"}}}}
+	if got := wouldMove(m, entries, planningView(read, atOnce)); len(got) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a merge whose own plan holds the proxy would move %v again", got)
+	}
+	acted := []inventory.Plan{{State: inventory.PlanBuilding, Created: merged.Add(2 * time.Minute),
+		Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{"route-proxy": {State: "building"}}}}
+	if got := wouldMove(m, entries, planningView(read, acted)); len(got) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a merge acted on for the proxy would move %v again", got)
+	}
+	// A plan that closed without building it looked at nothing: the merge is still news for it.
+	closed := []inventory.Plan{{State: "failed", Created: merged.Add(2 * time.Minute),
+		Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{"route-proxy": {State: "waiting"}}}}
+	if got := wouldMove(m, entries, planningView(read, closed)); len(got) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("a plan that never built the proxy hid the merge from it: %v", got)
+	}
+	// A look just before the merge, on clocks a little apart, is no look after it.
+	skewed := []inventory.Plan{{State: inventory.PlanBuilding, Created: merged.Add(30 * time.Second),
+		Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{"route-proxy": {State: "building"}}}}
+	if got := wouldMove(m, entries, planningView(read, skewed)); len(got) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("a look within the clocks' margin made the merge history: %v", got)
+	}
+}
+
+// sharedRepositoryEdges is what dependenciesOf derives for the catalogue of the test above, sorted as it
+// sorts them: no packages edge (novox/hq ADR 0267 rule 4).
+var sharedRepositoryEdges = []inventory.Edge{
+	dep("build-agent", inventory.EdgeWorkerOf, "mesh-controller"),
+	dep("gitea", inventory.EdgeBuiltBy, "build-agent"),
+	dep("mesh-controller", inventory.EdgeBuiltBy, "build-agent"),
+	dep("route-proxy", inventory.EdgeBuiltBy, "build-agent"),
+}
+
+// **The planner's invariant, over random catalogues.** For any catalogue whose dependencies form no cycle
+// and any set of changed files in one repository:
+//
+//   - the plan is exactly the modules of that repository whose directory holds a changed file (every file,
+//     for a module built from the root), and everything reachable from them along stands-on and declared —
+//     never along packages (novox/hq ADR 0267), built-by or worker-of;
+//   - every stands-on, declared, built-by and worker-of edge with both ends in the plan has the module
+//     depended on in an earlier tier;
+//   - no cycle is said.
+//
+// Seeded, so a failure is replayed by its seed and case.
+func TestAPlanIsTheTouchedModulesAndWhatIsReachableAlongTheWideningEdges(t *testing.T) {
+	kinds := []string{inventory.EdgeStandsOn, inventory.EdgeDeclared, inventory.EdgePackages,
+		inventory.EdgeBuiltBy, inventory.EdgeWorkerOf}
+	widens := map[string]bool{inventory.EdgeStandsOn: true, inventory.EdgeDeclared: true}
+	orders := map[string]bool{inventory.EdgeStandsOn: true, inventory.EdgeDeclared: true,
+		inventory.EdgeBuiltBy: true, inventory.EdgeWorkerOf: true}
+	// Directory names drawn from one pool, so two repositories hold directories of the same name, and one
+	// is a prefix of another.
+	dirs := []string{"a", "ab", "b", "c", "lib/x", "lib/y", "modules/a", "modules/a/sub"}
+	files := []string{"README.md", "merge-check.sh", "lib/z.go", "docs/x.md", "modules/README.md"}
+
+	falseCycles, firstFalseCycle := 0, ""
+	for _, seed := range []uint64{1, 2, 3, 0x338, 0x162} {
+		rng := rand.New(rand.NewPCG(seed, seed^0x9e3779b97f4a7c15))
+		for n := 0; n < 100; n++ {
+			repos := 1 + rng.IntN(3)
+			repoName := func(i int) string { return fmt.Sprintf("r%d", i) }
+			count := 1 + rng.IntN(12)
+			var entries []inventory.Entry
+			repoOf, dirOf := map[string]int{}, map[string]string{}
+			for i := 0; i < count; i++ {
+				name := fmt.Sprintf("m%02d", i)
+				repo := rng.IntN(repos)
+				dir := dirs[rng.IntN(len(dirs))]
+				if rng.IntN(12) == 0 {
+					dir = "" // built from the repository's root
+				}
+				repoOf[name], dirOf[name] = repo, dir
+				entries = append(entries, fromRepo(name, "http://forge.internal:20000/novox/"+repoName(repo)+".git", dir))
+			}
+			// A graph with no cycle: a module depends only on modules made before it.
+			var edges []inventory.Edge
+			for i := 1; i < count; i++ {
+				for j := 0; j < i; j++ {
+					if rng.IntN(4) == 0 {
+						edges = append(edges, dep(fmt.Sprintf("m%02d", i), kinds[rng.IntN(len(kinds))], fmt.Sprintf("m%02d", j)))
+					}
+				}
+			}
+			merged := rng.IntN(repos)
+			var paths []string
+			for k := 1 + rng.IntN(4); k > 0; k-- {
+				if rng.IntN(3) == 0 {
+					paths = append(paths, files[rng.IntN(len(files))])
+				} else {
+					paths = append(paths, dirs[rng.IntN(len(dirs))]+"/f.go")
+				}
+			}
+
+			// What the rules say.
+			want := map[string]bool{}
+			for _, e := range entries {
+				name := e.Manifest.Module
+				if repoOf[name] != merged {
+					continue
+				}
+				for _, p := range paths {
+					if d := dirOf[name]; d == "" || p == d || strings.HasPrefix(p, d+"/") {
+						want[name] = true
+					}
+				}
+			}
+			for grew := true; grew; {
+				grew = false
+				for _, e := range edges {
+					if widens[e.Kind] && want[e.To] && !want[e.From] {
+						want[e.From], grew = true, true
+					}
+				}
+			}
+
+			r, _ := planMerge(t, repoName(merged), paths, entries, nil, edges)
+			got := map[string]bool{}
+			tierOf := map[string]int{}
+			for i, tier := range r.Plan.Tiers {
+				for _, name := range tier {
+					got[name], tierOf[name] = true, i
+				}
+			}
+			replay := func() string {
+				return fmt.Sprintf("seed %#x case %d: repository %s, files %v\n  modules %v\n  edges %v\n  tiers %v",
+					seed, n, repoName(merged), paths, describe(entries), edges, r.Plan.Tiers)
+			}
+			if !sameSet(got, want) {
+				t.Fatalf("planned %v, wanted %v\n%s", keys(got), keys(want), replay())
+			}
+			for _, e := range edges {
+				if orders[e.Kind] && got[e.From] && got[e.To] && tierOf[e.To] >= tierOf[e.From] {
+					t.Fatalf("%s %s %s, and %s is in tier %d, not before %s's %d\n%s", e.From, e.Kind, e.To,
+						e.To, tierOf[e.To], e.From, tierOf[e.From], replay())
+				}
+			}
+			if hasCycle(r.Plan.Tiers, edges) {
+				falseCycles++
+				if firstFalseCycle == "" {
+					firstFalseCycle = replay()
+				}
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	// Said once, after the other invariants have run over every case, so it hides none of them (hasCycle
+	// counted a packages edge on main at 8170fc5: 19 of these 500 cases).
+	if falseCycles > 0 {
+		t.Errorf("a cycle said of a graph with none in %d of 500 cases; "+
+			"the first:\n%s", falseCycles, firstFalseCycle)
+	}
+}
+
+func sameSet(a, b map[string]bool) bool {
+	if len(a) != len(b) {
+		return false
+	}
+	for k := range a {
+		if !b[k] {
+			return false
+		}
+	}
+	return true
+}
+
+func keys(m map[string]bool) []string {
+	out := make([]string, 0, len(m))
+	for k := range m {
+		out = append(out, k)
+	}
+	sort.Strings(out)
+	return out
+}
+
+func describe(entries []inventory.Entry) []string {
+	var out []string
+	for _, e := range entries {
+		out = append(out, fmt.Sprintf("%s@%s:%q", e.Manifest.Module,
+			strings.TrimSuffix(strings.TrimPrefix(e.Source.Repository, "http://forge.internal:20000/novox/"), ".git"),
+			e.Source.Path))
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// **The merge gate reads the build sources the snapshot carries** (novox/hq ADR 0267): the gate's plan of a
+// change is the merge handler's, so a snapshot taken by a controller that records build sources narrows the
+// gate's plan as it narrows the merge's; one without them reads every module as before.
+func TestTheGatePlansFromTheBuildSourcesTheSnapshotCarries(t *testing.T) {
+	manifest := func(name string) json.RawMessage { return json.RawMessage(`{"module":"` + name + `","version":"1"}`) }
+	facts := snapshot.Facts{Modules: []snapshot.Module{
+		{Name: "mesh-controller", Repository: "novox/mesh-controller", Manifest: manifest("mesh-controller"),
+			Sources: []snapshot.BuildSource{{Own: true, Paths: []string{"module.json", "cmd/mesh-controller/", "internal/broker/"}}}},
+		{Name: "route-proxy", Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Path: "modules/route-proxy", Manifest: manifest("route-proxy"),
+			Reads: []string{"novox/mesh-controller"},
+			Sources: []snapshot.BuildSource{{Repository: "novox/mesh-controller", Paths: []string{"examples/route-proxy/", "internal/broker/"}},
+				{Own: true, Paths: []string{"modules/route-proxy/module.json"}}}},
+	}}
+	for paths, want := range map[string]string{
+		"cmd/mesh-controller/main.go":  "mesh-controller",
+		"examples/route-proxy/main.go": "route-proxy",
+		"internal/broker/broker.go":    "mesh-controller,route-proxy",
+		"README.md":                    "",
+	} {
+		r, err := reachOfChange(facts, "novox/mesh-controller", []string{paths}, "")
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		if got := tiered(r.Plan.Tiers); got != want {
+			t.Errorf("%s: the gate planned %q, wanted %q", paths, got, want)
+		}
+	}
+	// A snapshot without build sources: as before.
+	for i := range facts.Modules {
+		facts.Modules[i].Sources = nil
+	}
+	r, err := reachOfChange(facts, "novox/mesh-controller", []string{"README.md"}, "")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if got := tiered(r.Plan.Tiers); got != "mesh-controller,route-proxy" {
+		t.Errorf("a snapshot without build sources: the gate planned %q for a README", got)
+	}
+}
+
+// **A plan says why each module is in it** (novox/hq ADR 0267, issue 363): the files of its build source the
+// merge changed, or why it is read whole — never that it packages a repository as though that moved it.
+func TestAPlanSaysWhyEachModuleIsInIt(t *testing.T) {
+	const controllerRepo = "http://forge.internal:20000/novox/mesh-controller.git"
+	controller := fromRepo("mesh-controller", controllerRepo, "")
+	agent := fromRepo("build-agent", "http://forge.internal:20000/novox/mesh-catalog.git", "modules/build-agent")
+	gitea := fromRepo("gitea", "http://forge.internal:20000/novox/mesh-catalog.git", "modules/gitea")
+	built := time.Date(2026, 10, 10, 12, 26, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	read := map[string][]inventory.ReadRepository{
+		"mesh-controller": {{Own: true, Paths: []string{"module.json", "cmd/mesh-controller/", "internal/link/"}, Built: built}},
+		"build-agent": {
+			{Repository: "novox/mesh-controller", Ref: "main", Paths: []string{"cmd/mesh-builder/", "internal/link/"}, Built: built},
+			{Own: true, Paths: []string{"modules/build-agent/module.json"}, Built: built},
+		},
+	}
+	merge := func(repo string, paths ...string) link.SourceMoved {
+		return link.SourceMoved{Owner: "novox", Repo: repo, Base: "main", Paths: paths}
+	}
+	open := []inventory.Plan{{ID: "plan-1", State: inventory.PlanBuilding, Created: built.Add(time.Minute),
+		Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{"build-agent": {State: "asked"}}}}
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		what string
+		e    inventory.Entry
+		read map[string][]inventory.ReadRepository
+		m    link.SourceMoved
+		says string
+	}{
+		{"the controller's own closure", controller, read, merge("mesh-controller", "README.md", "internal/link/handacts.go"),
+			"its build source changed: 1 changed file(s) in it, e.g. internal/link/handacts.go"},
+		{"the build seat's closure, through its context", agent, read, merge("mesh-controller", "internal/link/handacts.go"),
+			"its build source in novox/mesh-controller changed: 1 changed file(s) in it, e.g. internal/link/handacts.go"},
+		{"an open plan has yet to build it", agent, planningView(read, open), merge("mesh-controller", "cmd/mesh-controller/main.go"),
+			"read whole: plan plan-1 has not built it yet, so every file of novox/mesh-controller, which its build context is, is its build source"},
+		{"nothing recorded, built from its root", controller, nil, merge("mesh-controller", "README.md"),
+			"read whole: no build source recorded, so every file of its repository is its build source"},
+		{"nothing recorded, in its directory", gitea, nil, merge("mesh-catalog", "modules/gitea/index.ts"),
+			"read whole: no build source recorded, so its directory is its build source; e.g. modules/gitea/index.ts"},
+		{"a root manifest is not in a module's directory", gitea, nil, merge("mesh-catalog", "module.json", "modules/gitea/x.ts"),
+			"read whole: no build source recorded, so its directory is its build source; e.g. modules/gitea/x.ts"},
+		{"a context on another branch says nothing of this one", agent, map[string][]inventory.ReadRepository{"build-agent": {
+			{Repository: "novox/mesh-controller", Ref: "release", Paths: []string{"internal/link/"}},
+			{Repository: "novox/mesh-controller", Ref: "main"}}}, merge("mesh-controller", "internal/link/handacts.go"),
+			"read whole: no build source recorded, so every file of novox/mesh-controller, which its build context is, is its build source"},
+		{"files not all said", controller, read, link.SourceMoved{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-controller", PathsTruncated: true,
+			Paths: []string{"x"}}, "read whole: the merge's changed files were not all said"},
+	} {
+		if got := whyMoved(c.e, c.read[c.e.Manifest.Module], c.m); got != c.says {
+			t.Errorf("%s:\n  said   %q\n  wanted %q", c.what, got, c.says)
+		}
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/probe_agent_root.go

@@ -0,0 +1,378 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"fmt"
+	"slices"
+	"sort"
+	"strings"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// Who can become root where the trusted parties run (novox/hq ADR 0259 §8, as reviewed on 2026-10-09).
+//
+// The router and every channel proving its sender run as accounts of their own, so that no agent reads what
+// they hold or speaks as them. **Root on their machine undoes all of it**, and so does an agent running as the
+// operator's account there. A machine is **root-free** — an answer proven there may authorise — only when all
+// of these are measured, now, and hold:
+//
+//  1. the machine names an account agents run as (novox/hq ADR 0266), so no agent runs as the operator's
+//     account, which may become root;
+//  2. its node-engine — running as root, which no agent controls — judged that account unable to become root
+//     without a person, in a statement heard within the last 15 minutes (agentConfined, judgedConfined). The
+//     engine gives that verdict only from a complete search for setuid programs younger than mesh-host's
+//     rootsearch.FreshFor; before one, it says "not judged yet", which is no pass (novox/hq issue 361);
+//  3. the login shell's `execute` is not served there (novox/hq ADR 0268): its holder's setting withholds it
+//     **and** the bus was asked and heard no `execute` answered there. `execute` runs commands as the machine's
+//     runtime account, which the mesh's acting tools give passwordless sudo; that account is taken to become
+//     root, always, so no measure of it is asked.
+//
+// **Nothing else is a pass.** A machine that names no agent account, an unknown machine, a store or bus that
+// could not be read, a verdict stale or absent — each is not root-free, and says why. The sudo module's own
+// measure is no longer part of this judgement: it ran in the machine's runtime, as the very account an agent
+// could become, so it could not be believed.
+//
+// The one judgement (judgeRoot) is read two ways: the self-check raises `root-not-free` on every machine where
+// the router or a module of its own account runs and the judgement fails; and the `root-free` verb answers it
+// live, to the router, which honours a verified sender only on its pass. A machine holding the operator's
+// graphical session, where a messaging client's desktop app may run, is not judged here: the operator accepted
+// that gap for now (hq issue 344).
+
+// kindRootNotFree is the condition a trusted party's machine that is not root-free raises. Its own key, apart
+// from ADR 0266's agent-can-become-root (Token agent-root, from DA): the two judge different things — DA the
+// agent account alone, this the whole of root-free — and one key from two probes flapped between them (the
+// confirmation review of 2026-10-09).
+const kindRootNotFree = "root-not-free"
+
+// routerSeat is the seat the router holds: where it runs counts as a trusted party's machine.
+const routerSeat = "operator-channel"
+
+const (
+	loginShellSeat = "node-login-shell"
+	// loginShellVerb is the seat's verb that runs a command, and the name of the setting its holder withholds
+	// it by (novox/hq ADR 0268).
+	loginShellVerb = "execute"
+	// executeServes is the one value of that setting that serves the verb; anything else withholds it.
+	executeServes = "serve"
+)
+
+// loginShellServed judges whether the login shell's execute is served on a machine, failing closed (novox/hq
+// ADR 0268): served while the holder's setting there is `serve` (or the holder has no such setting and claims
+// the verb), or while the bus heard the verb answered there, or while the bus could not be asked. why says
+// which, in words.
+func loginShellServed(holder string, claims bool, setting *any, heard, asked bool) (bool, string) {
+	var why []string
+	switch {
+	case setting != nil:
+		if v, _ := (*setting).(string); v == executeServes {
+			why = append(why, holder+"'s execute setting there is "+executeServes)
+		}
+	case claims:
+		why = append(why, holder+" claims execute and has no setting that withholds it")
+	}
+	if heard {
+		why = append(why, "the bus hears execute answered there")
+	} else if !asked {
+		why = append(why, "the bus could not be asked whether execute is answered there")
+	}
+	return len(why) > 0, strings.Join(why, "; ")
+}
+
+// rootFacts is what the judgement reads of one machine.
+type rootFacts struct {
+	Machine string
+	// Unread is every read that failed, in words: any one is a fail.
+	Unread []string
+	// AgentNamed is whether the machine names an agent account; Confined whether its node-engine judged it
+	// unable to become root, freshly; ConfinedWhy the judgement's words either way.
+	AgentNamed  bool
+	Confined    bool
+	ConfinedWhy string
+	// Execute is whether the login shell's execute is served there; ExecuteWhy why, in words.
+	Execute    bool
+	ExecuteWhy string
+	// SearchPending is the agent account unjudged only because the node-engine's setuid search runs, within
+	// the quiet the controller gives it (searchQuietFor; ADR 0266's quiet window, issue 361).
+	SearchPending bool
+}
+
+// rootVerdict is the judgement on one machine, as the root-free verb answers it.
+type rootVerdict struct {
+	Machine string    `json:"machine"`
+	Free    bool      `json:"free"`
+	Why     string    `json:"why"`
+	Judged  time.Time `json:"judged"`
+	// Quiet is a machine not free only because its setuid search still runs, within searchQuietFor: the
+	// self-check raises nothing for it then (ADR 0266's quiet window). It is never free for it.
+	Quiet bool `json:"quiet,omitempty"`
+}
+
+// judgeRoot is the one judgement: free only when nothing failed to read, an agent account is named and judged
+// confined, and execute is not served.
+func judgeRoot(f rootFacts, now time.Time) rootVerdict {
+	v := rootVerdict{Machine: f.Machine, Judged: now.UTC()}
+	var not []string
+	if len(f.Unread) > 0 {
+		not = append(not, "not measured: "+strings.Join(f.Unread, "; "))
+	}
+	switch {
+	case f.ConfinedWhy == "":
+		// Not read (said above), or nothing said of it: never a pass.
+		if len(f.Unread) == 0 {
+			not = append(not, "whether agents there can become root was not judged")
+		}
+	case !f.AgentNamed:
+		not = append(not, "agents run as the operator's account there, which may become root ("+f.ConfinedWhy+")")
+	case !f.Confined:
+		not = append(not, f.ConfinedWhy)
+	}
+	if f.Execute {
+		not = append(not, "the login shell runs any command an agent gives it as the machine's runtime account, "+
+			"which can become root ("+orNoneKnown(f.ExecuteWhy)+")")
+	}
+	if len(not) > 0 {
+		v.Why = strings.Join(not, "; ")
+		// The one failure is the agent account not judged yet, because its search runs.
+		v.Quiet = len(not) == 1 && f.SearchPending && f.AgentNamed && !f.Confined && len(f.Unread) == 0 && !f.Execute
+		return v
+	}
+	v.Free = true
+	v.Why = f.ConfinedWhy + "; the login shell's execute is not served there"
+	return v
+}
+
+// rootReader reads the facts of machines live: the catalogue's placements, the node-engine's verdicts and the
+// bus's discovery, each once per reader.
+type rootReader struct {
+	entries []inventory.Entry
+	read    error
+	heard   map[string]map[string]map[string]bool
+	asked   error
+	// confined is agentConfined; settings the login shell holder's settings on a machine. Replaceable in a test.
+	confined func(ctx context.Context, node string, now time.Time) (named, confined bool, why string, err error)
+	// quiet says the one thing keeping a machine's agent account unjudged is the node-engine's setuid
+	// search, within searchQuietFor (ADR 0266, searchStillRunning). Read by the self-check alone, to raise nothing
+	// then; nil reads no quiet. It never makes a machine root-free.
+	quiet    func(ctx context.Context, node string, now time.Time) bool
+	settings func(ctx context.Context, node, module string) ([]catalogue.Layer, error)
+}
+
+func newRootReader(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, conn *nats.Conn) *rootReader {
+	r := &rootReader{}
+	r.entries, r.read = inv.Catalogued(ctx)
+	if conn == nil {
+		r.asked = fmt.Errorf("this process holds no connection to the bus")
+	} else {
+		r.heard, r.asked = discoverSeatVerbs(ctx, conn)
+	}
+	r.confined = func(ctx context.Context, node string, now time.Time) (bool, bool, string, error) {
+		return agentConfined(ctx, inv, node, now)
+	}
+	r.settings = inv.SettingsFor
+	return r
+}
+
+// facts reads one machine, at now.
+func (r *rootReader) facts(ctx context.Context, machine string, now time.Time) rootFacts {
+	f := rootFacts{Machine: machine}
+	if r.read != nil {
+		f.Unread = append(f.Unread, "the catalogue's placements could not be read: "+r.read.Error())
+	}
+	named, confined, why, err := r.confined(ctx, machine, now)
+	if err != nil {
+		f.Unread = append(f.Unread, "the account agents run as could not be read: "+err.Error())
+	} else {
+		f.AgentNamed, f.Confined, f.ConfinedWhy = named, confined, why
+	}
+	f.Execute, f.ExecuteWhy = r.executeServed(ctx, machine)
+	if r.quiet != nil && f.AgentNamed && !f.Confined {
+		f.SearchPending = r.quiet(ctx, machine, now)
+	}
+	return f
+}
+
+// executeServed is whether the login shell's execute is served on a machine, failing closed: the bus not
+// asked, the placements not read, or a holder's setting not read, is served.
+func (r *rootReader) executeServed(ctx context.Context, machine string) (bool, string) {
+	heard := r.heard[loginShellSeat][loginShellVerb][machine]
+	asked := r.asked == nil
+	var whys []string
+	served := false
+	holders := 0
+	for _, e := range r.entries {
+		if !e.Manifest.ClaimsSeat(loginShellSeat) || !slices.Contains(e.On, machine) {
+			continue
+		}
+		holders++
+		var setting *any
+		if _, declared := e.Manifest.Settings[loginShellVerb]; declared {
+			layers, err := r.settings(ctx, machine, e.Manifest.Module)
+			if err != nil {
+				served = true
+				whys = append(whys, e.Manifest.Module+"'s setting there could not be read: "+err.Error())
+				continue
+			}
+			for _, s := range catalogue.Effective(e.Manifest, layers) {
+				if s.Key == loginShellVerb {
+					v := s.Value
+					setting = &v
+				}
+			}
+		}
+		if s, why := loginShellServed(e.Manifest.Module, claimServes(e.Manifest, loginShellSeat, loginShellVerb),
+			setting, heard, asked); s {
+			served = true
+			whys = append(whys, why)
+		}
+	}
+	if holders == 0 {
+		// Nobody is assigned to serve it; the bus must still hear nobody answering it.
+		if s, why := loginShellServed("no holder", false, nil, heard, asked); s {
+			served = true
+			whys = append(whys, why)
+		}
+	}
+	if r.read != nil {
+		served = true
+		whys = append(whys, "who holds the login shell there could not be read")
+	}
+	return served, strings.Join(whys, "; ")
+}
+
+// claimServes says whether a manifest's claim of a seat names a verb among those it serves.
+func claimServes(m catalogue.Manifest, seat, verb string) bool {
+	for _, c := range m.Claims {
+		if c.Name == seat && slices.Contains(c.Serves, verb) {
+			return true
+		}
+	}
+	return false
+}
+
+// judgeRootFree is the root-free verb's answer: each named machine judged now. It never fails: what could not
+// be read is a machine not free, saying so.
+func judgeRootFree(ctx context.Context, r *rootReader, machines []string, now time.Time) []rootVerdict {
+	out := make([]rootVerdict, 0, len(machines))
+	for _, m := range machines {
+		out = append(out, judgeRoot(r.facts(ctx, m, now), now))
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// trustedMachines are the machines where the router or a module of its own account runs, each with those
+// modules.
+func trustedMachines(entries []inventory.Entry) map[string][]string {
+	trusted := map[string][]string{}
+	for _, e := range entries {
+		for _, node := range e.On {
+			if e.Manifest.RunsAs != "" || e.Manifest.ClaimsSeat(routerSeat) {
+				trusted[node] = append(trusted[node], e.Manifest.Module)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return trusted
+}
+
+// agentRootObservation is the condition of a trusted party's machine that is not root-free.
+func agentRootObservation(v rootVerdict, trusted []string) conditions.Observation {
+	trusted = append([]string(nil), trusted...)
+	sort.Strings(trusted)
+	return conditions.Observation{Scope: conditions.ScopeMachine, ID: v.Machine, Token: kindRootNotFree,
+		Machine: v.Machine, Kind: kindRootNotFree, Severity: conditions.Urgent,
+		Summary: fmt.Sprintf("%s is not root-free, where %s run: until it is, the router approves nothing proven "+
+			"there (novox/hq ADR 0259 §8): %s", v.Machine, strings.Join(trusted, ", "), v.Why),
+		Headline: "Phone answers held on " + v.Machine,
+		Needs:    "give the programs working for you on " + v.Machine + " an account that cannot become root.",
+		Explanation: "The modules that prove your answers from your phone run on " + v.Machine + ", and the mesh " +
+			"cannot show that a program working for you there is unable to become root or to act as you. Until " +
+			"it can, answers from your phone can only acknowledge.",
+		Resolved: "Answers from your phone can approve again on " + v.Machine}
+}
+
+// probeAgentRoot is the probe: every trusted party's machine, judged by the one judgement.
+func probeAgentRoot(ctx context.Context, d *doctor) ([]conditions.Observation, error) {
+	var conn *nats.Conn
+	if d.js != nil {
+		conn = d.js.Conn()
+	}
+	inv := d.open.inventory
+	r := newRootReader(ctx, inv, conn)
+	if r.read != nil {
+		return nil, r.read
+	}
+	// The self-check alone reads ADR 0266's quiet window: nothing raised while a machine's setuid search
+	// runs, within searchQuietFor. The root-free verb never reads it, so the machine still answers not free.
+	r.quiet = func(ctx context.Context, node string, now time.Time) bool {
+		n, err := inv.NodeByName(ctx, node)
+		if err != nil || n.AgentAccount == "" {
+			return false
+		}
+		h, had, err := inv.HealthOf(ctx, node)
+		if err != nil {
+			return false
+		}
+		quiet, err := searchStillRunning(ctx, inv, node, n.AgentAccount, h, had, now)
+		return err == nil && quiet
+	}
+	return rootObservations(ctx, r, trustedMachines(r.entries), time.Now()), nil
+}
+
+// rootObservations judges the machines and says each that fails.
+func rootObservations(ctx context.Context, r *rootReader, trusted map[string][]string, now time.Time) []conditions.Observation {
+	var machines []string
+	for m := range trusted {
+		machines = append(machines, m)
+	}
+	sort.Strings(machines)
+	var out []conditions.Observation
+	for _, v := range judgeRootFree(ctx, r, machines, now) {
+		if !v.Free && !v.Quiet {
+			out = append(out, agentRootObservation(v, trusted[v.Machine]))
+		}
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// rootClock is the clock the root-free verb judges by.
+var rootClock = time.Now
+
+// rootFreeAnswer is the root-free verb: the named machines, each judged now by the serving controller. Only it
+// answers: a process that is not serving says so, and a caller reads that as no machine free.
+func rootFreeAnswer(ctx context.Context, machines string, now time.Time) (any, error) {
+	d := doctorFrom
+	if d == nil || d.open == nil || d.open.inventory == nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("this controller is not serving, so it judges no machine root-free: ask again, and " +
+			"the serving controller answers")
+	}
+	var names []string
+	for _, m := range strings.Split(machines, ",") {
+		if m = strings.TrimSpace(m); m != "" && !slices.Contains(names, m) {
+			names = append(names, m)
+		}
+	}
+	if len(names) == 0 {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("root-free judges the machines named, and none was")
+	}
+	var conn *nats.Conn
+	if d.js != nil {
+		conn = d.js.Conn()
+	}
+	return map[string]any{"machines": judgeRootFree(ctx, newRootReader(ctx, d.open.inventory, conn), names, now)}, nil
+}
+
+// rootFreeNow is the machines judged root-free, for composing a push's memberships: only those that pass.
+func rootFreeNow(ctx context.Context, r *rootReader, machines []string, now time.Time) map[string]bool {
+	free := map[string]bool{}
+	for _, v := range judgeRootFree(ctx, r, machines, now) {
+		if v.Free {
+			free[v.Machine] = true
+		}
+	}
+	return free
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/probe_agent_root_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,265 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"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"
+)
+
+var rootNow = time.Date(2026, 10, 9, 12, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+
+// A machine is root-free only on a positive measure of each thing (the review of 2026-10-09, H2/H3): every
+// read succeeded, an agent account is named and judged confined by the node-engine, execute is not served.
+func TestRootFreeIsAPositiveMeasureAndNothingElse(t *testing.T) {
+	pass := rootFacts{Machine: "anchor", AgentNamed: true, Confined: true,
+		ConfinedWhy: "the agent account agents cannot become root without a person (judged 2026-10-09 12:00)"}
+	if v := judgeRoot(pass, rootNow); !v.Free || v.Machine != "anchor" || !v.Judged.Equal(rootNow) {
+		t.Fatalf("the one pass: %+v", v)
+	}
+	fails := map[string]func(*rootFacts){
+		"a read failed":            func(f *rootFacts) { f.Unread = []string{"the store did not answer"} },
+		"no agent account named":   func(f *rootFacts) { f.AgentNamed, f.Confined = false, false },
+		"not confined":             func(f *rootFacts) { f.Confined = false },
+		"nothing said of it":       func(f *rootFacts) { f.ConfinedWhy = "" },
+		"execute served":           func(f *rootFacts) { f.Execute, f.ExecuteWhy = true, "the bus hears execute answered there" },
+		"confined, but agent read": func(f *rootFacts) { f.Unread, f.ConfinedWhy = []string{"x"}, "" },
+	}
+	for name, mutate := range fails {
+		f := pass
+		mutate(&f)
+		if v := judgeRoot(f, rootNow); v.Free || v.Why == "" {
+			t.Errorf("%s: judged %+v", name, v)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// The reader fails closed on every case the review named: the agent account read only where the coding-agent
+// module runs (old :225), no account to measure taken for a pass (old :246), and a measure that did not answer
+// taken for "not root" (old :114, :123).
+func TestTheRootReaderFailsClosed(t *testing.T) {
+	shell := catalogue.Manifest{Module: "zsh", Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: loginShellSeat, Serves: []string{"execute"}}},
+		Settings: map[string]catalogue.SettingDeclaration{"execute": {Default: "withhold"}}}
+	reader := func() *rootReader {
+		return &rootReader{
+			entries: []inventory.Entry{{Manifest: shell, On: []string{"anchor"}}},
+			heard:   map[string]map[string]map[string]bool{},
+			confined: func(context.Context, string, time.Time) (bool, bool, string, error) {
+				return true, true, "the agent account agents cannot become root without a person", nil
+			},
+			settings: func(context.Context, string, string) ([]catalogue.Layer, error) { return nil, nil },
+		}
+	}
+	ctx := context.Background()
+	if v := judgeRootFree(ctx, reader(), []string{"anchor"}, rootNow)[0]; !v.Free {
+		t.Fatalf("the control: agents confined, execute withheld and unheard, everything read: %+v", v)
+	}
+	cases := map[string]func(*rootReader){
+		"no agent account named, no coding-agent module there": func(r *rootReader) {
+			r.confined = func(context.Context, string, time.Time) (bool, bool, string, error) {
+				return false, false, "anchor names no agent account: agents run as the operator account (ops)", nil
+			}
+		},
+		"the node-engine's verdict not read": func(r *rootReader) {
+			r.confined = func(context.Context, string, time.Time) (bool, bool, string, error) {
+				return false, false, "", errors.New("the store did not answer")
+			}
+		},
+		"a stale verdict": func(r *rootReader) {
+			r.confined = func(context.Context, string, time.Time) (bool, bool, string, error) {
+				return true, false, "the agent account agents is not judged: the machine's newest statement was heard at …", nil
+			}
+		},
+		"the bus not asked":       func(r *rootReader) { r.asked = errors.New("no bus") },
+		"the placements not read": func(r *rootReader) { r.read = errors.New("no store") },
+		"the holder's setting not read": func(r *rootReader) {
+			r.settings = func(context.Context, string, string) ([]catalogue.Layer, error) { return nil, errors.New("no store") }
+		},
+		"execute heard on the bus": func(r *rootReader) {
+			r.heard = map[string]map[string]map[string]bool{loginShellSeat: {"execute": {"anchor": true}}}
+		},
+		"a holder that serves execute": func(r *rootReader) {
+			r.entries[0].Manifest.Settings = nil
+		},
+	}
+	for name, mutate := range cases {
+		r := reader()
+		mutate(r)
+		if v := judgeRootFree(ctx, r, []string{"anchor"}, rootNow)[0]; v.Free {
+			t.Errorf("%s: judged free: %+v", name, v)
+		}
+	}
+	// A machine with no login shell holder at all: still the bus must hear none.
+	r := reader()
+	r.entries = nil
+	r.heard = map[string]map[string]map[string]bool{loginShellSeat: {"execute": {"anchor": true}}}
+	if v := judgeRootFree(ctx, r, []string{"anchor"}, rootNow)[0]; v.Free {
+		t.Errorf("execute answered by a module nobody assigned: %+v", v)
+	}
+}
+
+// The probe says agent-root, by the same judgement, on each machine where the router or a module of its own
+// account runs and that is not root-free; urgent and in plain words; nothing where every one is free.
+func TestTheProbeSaysEachMachineThatIsNotRootFree(t *testing.T) {
+	entries := []inventory.Entry{
+		{Manifest: catalogue.Manifest{Module: "telegram", RunsAs: "telegram"}, On: []string{"anchor"}},
+		{Manifest: catalogue.Manifest{Module: "messenger", RunsAs: "messenger",
+			Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: routerSeat}}}, On: []string{"anchor"}},
+		{Manifest: catalogue.Manifest{Module: "xorg", Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: catalogue.DisplayServerSeat}}},
+			On: []string{"laptop"}},
+	}
+	trusted := trustedMachines(entries)
+	if len(trusted["anchor"]) != 2 || len(trusted["laptop"]) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("trusted %v", trusted)
+	}
+	r := &rootReader{entries: entries, heard: map[string]map[string]map[string]bool{},
+		confined: func(_ context.Context, node string, _ time.Time) (bool, bool, string, error) {
+			return false, false, node + " names no agent account: agents run as the operator account (ops)", nil
+		},
+		settings: func(context.Context, string, string) ([]catalogue.Layer, error) { return nil, nil }}
+	got := rootObservations(context.Background(), r, trusted, rootNow)
+	if len(got) != 1 || got[0].Machine != "anchor" || got[0].Kind != kindRootNotFree || got[0].Severity != conditions.Urgent ||
+		!strings.Contains(got[0].Summary, "messenger, telegram") || !strings.Contains(got[0].Summary, "names no agent account") {
+		t.Fatalf("said %+v", got)
+	}
+	o := got[0]
+	if why, ok := conditions.PlainWords(conditions.Words{Headline: o.Headline, Explanation: o.Explanation,
+		Needs: o.Needs, Resolved: o.Resolved}, o.Machine); !ok {
+		t.Errorf("not plain: %s", why)
+	}
+	r.confined = func(context.Context, string, time.Time) (bool, bool, string, error) {
+		return true, true, "confined", nil
+	}
+	if got := rootObservations(context.Background(), r, trusted, rootNow); len(got) != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("said of a free machine: %+v", got)
+	}
+}
+
+// novox/hq ADR 0268: the login shell counts only where its execute is served, and fails closed.
+func TestTheLoginShellCountsOnlyWhereExecuteIsServed(t *testing.T) {
+	val := func(v any) *any { return &v }
+	cases := []struct {
+		name          string
+		claims        bool
+		setting       *any
+		heard, asked  bool
+		served        bool
+		saysInTheWhys string
+	}{
+		{"withheld by the setting and silent on the bus", true, val("withhold"), false, true, false, ""},
+		{"withheld by the setting, the machine not yet pushed", true, val("withhold"), true, true, true, "the bus hears"},
+		{"the setting serves", true, val("serve"), false, true, true, "setting there is serve"},
+		{"a wrong value withholds, as the holder does", true, val("Serve"), false, true, false, ""},
+		{"the setting withholds, the bus could not be asked", true, val("withhold"), false, false, true, "could not be asked"},
+		{"a holder with no such setting that claims execute", true, nil, false, true, true, "claims execute"},
+		{"a holder with no such setting that does not claim it, heard all the same", false, nil, true, true, true, "the bus hears"},
+		{"a holder with no such setting that does not claim it, silent", false, nil, false, true, false, ""},
+	}
+	for _, c := range cases {
+		served, why := loginShellServed("zsh", c.claims, c.setting, c.heard, c.asked)
+		if served != c.served || (c.saysInTheWhys != "" && !strings.Contains(why, c.saysInTheWhys)) {
+			t.Errorf("%s: served %v (%q), want %v saying %q", c.name, served, why, c.served, c.saysInTheWhys)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// The root-free verb is the serving controller's alone, answered in its process and never as a command; a
+// controller not serving answers an error, which the router reads as no machine free.
+func TestRootFreeIsAnsweredOnlyByTheServingController(t *testing.T) {
+	was := doctorFrom
+	doctorFrom = nil
+	t.Cleanup(func() { doctorFrom = was })
+	if _, err := rootFreeAnswer(context.Background(), "anchor", rootNow); err == nil {
+		t.Error("a controller not serving judged a machine")
+	}
+	if !inProcess["root-free"] {
+		t.Error("root-free is not answered in the serving process")
+	}
+	if _, err := argvFor("root-free", map[string]any{"machines": "anchor"}); err == nil {
+		t.Error("root-free ran as a command")
+	}
+	// The router names its machines as a list (its contract with this verb); one text separated by commas is
+	// the same; anything else in the list is refused.
+	for _, given := range []any{[]any{"anchor", "relay"}, "anchor, relay"} {
+		a, err := readArguments("root-free", map[string]any{"machines": given})
+		if err != nil || a.given["machines"] != "anchor,relay" && a.given["machines"] != "anchor, relay" {
+			t.Errorf("root-free given %v read %v (%v)", given, a, err)
+		}
+	}
+	if _, err := readArguments("root-free", map[string]any{"machines": []any{"anchor", 7}}); err == nil {
+		t.Error("root-free took a number for a machine")
+	}
+	if _, err := readArguments("status", map[string]any{"machines": []any{"anchor"}}); err == nil {
+		t.Error("a verb that takes no list took one")
+	}
+}
+
+// The confirmation review of 2026-10-09: ADR 0266's quiet window (#175) keeps the self-check from raising
+// agent-can-become-root while the node-engine's setuid search runs and no complete one judges. It must not make root-free answer free:
+// root-free needs a complete, fresh verdict. A verdict still waiting for the search is "not judged" to
+// agentConfined, so the machine is not root-free, whatever the quiet says — and the same statement, complete
+// and healthy, is the control.
+func TestAMachineWaitingForItsFirstSetuidSearchIsNotRootFree(t *testing.T) {
+	now := rootNow
+	statement := func(state, reason string) inventory.NodeHealth {
+		return inventory.NodeHealth{Node: "anchor", Contract: link.RootContract, SaidAt: now, HeardAt: now,
+			Resources: []inventory.ResourceHealth{{Module: "claude-code", Resource: "agent", Kind: link.KindAccount,
+				Target: "agents", State: state, Reason: reason, Root: link.RootNever}}}
+	}
+	judged := func(h inventory.NodeHealth) rootVerdict {
+		confined, why := judgedConfined("agents", h, true, now)
+		return judgeRoot(rootFacts{Machine: "anchor", AgentNamed: true, Confined: confined, ConfinedWhy: why}, now)
+	}
+	if v := judged(statement(link.StateHealthy, "")); !v.Free {
+		t.Fatalf("the control: a complete healthy verdict, fresh: %+v", v)
+	}
+	pending := statement(link.StateUnknown, link.ReasonRootPending+": the search runs")
+	if rootVerdictKind("agents", pending, true, now) != verdictPending {
+		t.Fatal("the statement is not one the quiet window counts as waiting for the search")
+	}
+	if v := judged(pending); v.Free {
+		t.Errorf("a machine whose setuid search is pending was judged root-free: %+v", v)
+	}
+}
+
+// The confirmation review of 2026-10-09, on #154 beside ADR 0266: D-root keeps ADR 0266's quiet window — nothing
+// raised while the one thing unjudged is the setuid search, within searchQuietFor — while the root-free verb
+// still answers the machine not free; and D-root's condition has a key of its own, apart from DA's.
+func TestRootNotFreeIsQuietWhileTheFirstSearchRunsAndKeyedApartFromDA(t *testing.T) {
+	entries := []inventory.Entry{{Manifest: catalogue.Manifest{Module: "telegram", RunsAs: "telegram"}, On: []string{"anchor"}}}
+	r := &rootReader{entries: entries, heard: map[string]map[string]map[string]bool{},
+		confined: func(context.Context, string, time.Time) (bool, bool, string, error) {
+			return true, false, "the agent account agents is not judged: the search for setuid programs runs", nil
+		},
+		settings: func(context.Context, string, string) ([]catalogue.Layer, error) { return nil, nil },
+		quiet:    func(context.Context, string, time.Time) bool { return true }}
+	trusted := trustedMachines(entries)
+	if got := rootObservations(context.Background(), r, trusted, rootNow); len(got) != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("raised while the search runs: %+v", got)
+	}
+	if v := judgeRootFree(context.Background(), r, []string{"anchor"}, rootNow)[0]; v.Free || !v.Quiet {
+		t.Errorf("root-free while the search runs: %+v", v)
+	}
+	// Quiet hides nothing else: the login shell served as well is said.
+	r.heard = map[string]map[string]map[string]bool{loginShellSeat: {"execute": {"anchor": true}}}
+	if got := rootObservations(context.Background(), r, trusted, rootNow); len(got) != 1 {
+		t.Errorf("a second failure was kept quiet: %+v", got)
+	}
+	// Past searchQuietFor, said.
+	r.heard, r.quiet = map[string]map[string]map[string]bool{}, func(context.Context, string, time.Time) bool { return false }
+	got := rootObservations(context.Background(), r, trusted, rootNow)
+	if len(got) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("a search past searchQuietFor was not said: %+v", got)
+	}
+	// One key per judgement: DA's is machine.<m>.agent-root, this one its own.
+	da := conditions.Observation{Scope: conditions.ScopeMachine, ID: "anchor", Token: "agent-root", Machine: "anchor"}
+	if got[0].Key() == da.Key() {
+		t.Errorf("D-root and DA share the key %s", da.Key())
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/probes.go

@@ -252,6 +252,10 @@ func askEveryResolver(ctx context.Context, resolvers map[string]string, places [
 				v.wrong[0], andMore(len(v.wrong)-1))
 		} else {
 			// Nothing but silence: held for the next run, which raises it if the resolver is still silent.
+			// Refused on every try too: a few hundred milliseconds of refusals is a resolver restarting as
+			// well as one that stopped, and the two looks a finding needs are this run and the next
+			// (novox/hq issue 348). The machine's own node-engine is the fast detector: its names check
+			// raised the control node's resolver within a minute on 2026-10-09.
 			o.Confirm = true
 			o.Summary = fmt.Sprintf("the mesh's resolver on %s does not answer: %d of the %d question(s) about the "+
 				"machines' names went unanswered, each asked %d times — the first, %s", node, len(v.unanswered), v.asked,
@@ -637,31 +641,8 @@ const (
 // discoverHolders asks the bus's discovery who serves what, and answers seat → machine for every
 // endpoint a seat's verb is served on.
 func discoverHolders(ctx context.Context, conn *nats.Conn) (map[string]map[string]bool, error) {
-	inbox := conn.NewRespInbox()
-	sub, err := conn.SubscribeSync(inbox)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
-	defer func() { _ = sub.Unsubscribe() }()
-	if err := conn.PublishRequest("$SRV.INFO", inbox, nil); err != nil {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("asking the bus who serves what: %w", err)
-	}
 	out := map[string]map[string]bool{}
-	deadline := time.Now().Add(discoveryPatience)
-	for time.Now().Before(deadline) {
-		wait, cancel := context.WithTimeout(ctx, discoveryQuiet)
-		msg, err := sub.NextMsgWithContext(wait)
-		cancel()
-		if err != nil {
-			if ctx.Err() != nil {
-				return nil, ctx.Err()
-			}
-			break
-		}
-		var info micro.Info
-		if json.Unmarshal(msg.Data, &info) != nil {
-			continue
-		}
+	err := discoverServices(ctx, conn, func(info micro.Info) {
 		for _, e := range info.Endpoints {
 			seat, node := e.Metadata["seat"], e.Metadata["node"]
 			if seat == "" {
@@ -680,8 +661,69 @@ func discoverHolders(ctx context.Context, conn *nats.Conn) (map[string]map[strin
 			out[info.Name] = map[string]bool{}
 		}
 		out[info.Name][info.ID] = true
+	})
+	return out, err
+}
+
+// discoverSeatVerbs asks the bus's discovery the same, one level finer: seat → verb → machine, for every
+// seat verb answered (an endpoint's `tool` is its verb). A seat held where a verb is withheld (novox/hq ADR
+// 0268) shows the seat and not that verb.
+func discoverSeatVerbs(ctx context.Context, conn *nats.Conn) (map[string]map[string]map[string]bool, error) {
+	out := map[string]map[string]map[string]bool{}
+	err := discoverServices(ctx, conn, func(info micro.Info) {
+		for _, e := range info.Endpoints {
+			seat, verb, node := e.Metadata["seat"], e.Metadata["tool"], e.Metadata["node"]
+			if seat == "" || verb == "" {
+				continue
+			}
+			if node == "" {
+				node = info.ID
+			}
+			if out[seat] == nil {
+				out[seat] = map[string]map[string]bool{}
+			}
+			if out[seat][verb] == nil {
+				out[seat][verb] = map[string]bool{}
+			}
+			out[seat][verb][node] = true
+		}
+	})
+	return out, err
+}
+
+// discoverServices asks the bus's discovery once and hands every service's answer to visit, waiting
+// discoveryQuiet after the last and discoveryPatience at the most.
+func discoverServices(ctx context.Context, conn *nats.Conn, visit func(micro.Info)) error {
+	if conn == nil {
+		return errors.New("the controller holds no connection to the bus")
 	}
-	return out, nil
+	inbox := conn.NewRespInbox()
+	sub, err := conn.SubscribeSync(inbox)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	defer func() { _ = sub.Unsubscribe() }()
+	if err := conn.PublishRequest("$SRV.INFO", inbox, nil); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("asking the bus who serves what: %w", err)
+	}
+	deadline := time.Now().Add(discoveryPatience)
+	for time.Now().Before(deadline) {
+		wait, cancel := context.WithTimeout(ctx, discoveryQuiet)
+		msg, err := sub.NextMsgWithContext(wait)
+		cancel()
+		if err != nil {
+			if ctx.Err() != nil {
+				return ctx.Err()
+			}
+			break
+		}
+		var info micro.Info
+		if json.Unmarshal(msg.Data, &info) != nil {
+			continue
+		}
+		visit(info)
+	}
+	return nil
 }
 
 // probeArchives is D4: every archive the mesh keeps is held by its manifest in the artifact store.
@@ -875,6 +917,16 @@ func streamDiffers(want broker.Stream, have nats.StreamConfig) string {
 	if perSubject != 0 && have.MaxMsgsPerSubject != perSubject {
 		differs = append(differs, fmt.Sprintf("keeps %d per subject, defined %d", have.MaxMsgsPerSubject, perSubject))
 	}
+	if want.MaxBytes > 0 && have.MaxBytes != want.MaxBytes {
+		differs = append(differs, fmt.Sprintf("holds up to %d bytes, defined %d", have.MaxBytes, want.MaxBytes))
+	}
+	if want.DuplicatesSeconds > 0 && have.Duplicates != time.Duration(want.DuplicatesSeconds)*time.Second {
+		differs = append(differs, fmt.Sprintf("keeps one of a message id for %s, defined %s", have.Duplicates,
+			time.Duration(want.DuplicatesSeconds)*time.Second))
+	}
+	if want.DiscardNew && have.Discard != nats.DiscardNew {
+		differs = append(differs, "drops what it holds when full, defined to refuse what comes next")
+	}
 	return strings.Join(differs, "; ")
 }
 
@@ -1030,12 +1082,7 @@ func probeCoreBuilds(ctx context.Context, d *doctor) ([]conditions.Observation,
 		return nil, err
 	}
 	hostVersions := deliveredVersions(shelf[hostModule])
-	rolling := map[string]bool{}
-	for _, p := range plans {
-		for m := range p.Modules {
-			rolling[m] = true
-		}
-	}
+	rolling := rollingModules(plans)
 	nodes, err := inv.Nodes(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
@@ -1093,6 +1140,26 @@ func probeCoreBuilds(ctx context.Context, d *doctor) ([]conditions.Observation,
 	return out, nil
 }
 
+// rollingModules is every module an open plan is rolling out: those it keeps a record of, and those its
+// tiers name. **A release keeps no record per module** — its walk is per machine, its modules only in its
+// tier — so reading the records alone, D10 said "no plan is rolling them out" about the node-engine while
+// a release walked it, and the gate on that release's first machine waited on what its own send causes
+// (novox/hq issue 348). Pure.
+func rollingModules(plans []inventory.Plan) map[string]bool {
+	rolling := map[string]bool{}
+	for _, p := range plans {
+		for m := range p.Modules {
+			rolling[m] = true
+		}
+		for _, tier := range p.Tiers {
+			for _, m := range tier {
+				rolling[m] = true
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return rolling
+}
+
 // deliveredVersions are the versions a module's registered build is delivered as: the last element
 // of every resource path under a `versions/` directory, which registration filled from the artifact's
 // digest (catalogue `${version}`). The node-engine names itself by that directory.

cmd/mesh-controller/proposals.go

@@ -0,0 +1,793 @@
+package main
+
+// A trusted setting proposed through a verb and set only on the operator's warrant (novox/hq ADR 0277).
+//
+//	mesh-controller settings propose <module> <values.json | {…}> [--node <node>] [--replace]
+//	mesh-controller settings propose <module> --clear [--node <node>]
+//	mesh-controller settings proposals [<id>]
+//
+// Whoever the bus admits may PROPOSE a settings layer — the keys issue 339 made the terminal's (`places`,
+// `accesses`, what a provider serves, what a trusted file asks for) among them. A proposal changes nothing: it is
+// kept in the controller's own asks (broker.AskedBucket, written by the controller alone) and asked of the
+// operator through the operator channel as an ask whose two answers, Approve and Decline, are both at the level
+// approve, so only a channel that proves who answered (Telegram, today) carries either. The serving controller
+// acts on the warrant as on any other of its asks (asker.Decided): once, for the ask it holds, the option it
+// offered, and only when the act about to be performed — the module, the machine, the digest of the exact values,
+// the layer they replace, whether a removal is meant — is the one the option bound when the operator was shown
+// it. Then it sets the layer as `settings set` at the terminal does, with the same judgement, keeps who approved
+// it beside the layer (`settings` says it back), and records the warrant in the hand-act log on the bus, where a
+// person's decisions are read; the router edits the ask on every channel to its outcome. No seat event of its
+// own: nothing consumes one, and the installer's first user list in the node-engine's repository names every
+// controller event, so one would cost a node-engine change for a fact without a reader. The push afterwards is a
+// separate act, as it is for a layer set at the terminal.
+//
+// **What the operator reads** is the module, the machine, each key with its exact new value and, for a changed
+// key, the value it replaces. A value that may not leave the mesh (an address, a path, a secret's shape: the
+// router's content rule, outward.Check) is shown with that part replaced by ‹address›, ‹path› or ‹withheld›, the
+// ask says so, and the whole is read with `settings proposals <id>` — whose fingerprint must be the one on the
+// phone. Fail closed: a proposal nothing can carry to the operator is refused at once, in words, and never left
+// waiting for an answer that cannot come.
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"crypto/sha256"
+	"encoding/hex"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"os"
+	"regexp"
+	"sort"
+	"strconv"
+	"strings"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
+
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/asks"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/outward"
+)
+
+// settingsProposal is one proposed change to a module's settings layer, as the controller's ask keeps it
+// (asked.Proposal). Every field the ask is composed from is here, so the serving controller composes the same ask
+// the proposer did, and the warrant's digest holds to it.
+type settingsProposal struct {
+	Module string `json:"module"`
+	// Node is the machine, or empty for the whole mesh.
+	Node string `json:"node,omitempty"`
+	// Values is the layer proposed, whole; Clear says the layer is removed instead.
+	Values map[string]any `json:"values,omitempty"`
+	Clear  bool           `json:"clear,omitempty"`
+	// Replace says the keys the layer had and Values do not name are meant to go (novox/hq ADR 0217).
+	Replace bool `json:"replace,omitempty"`
+	// Before is the layer as it stood when the proposal was made, and HadLayer whether there was one: what the
+	// operator was shown the change against, and what must still stand when the warrant is acted on.
+	Before   map[string]any `json:"before,omitempty"`
+	HadLayer bool           `json:"had-layer"`
+	// From is who proposed it, as the bus named the caller; At is when.
+	From string    `json:"from"`
+	At   time.Time `json:"at"`
+	// Digest is the digest of Values (layerDigest), BeforeDigest of Before.
+	Digest       string `json:"digest"`
+	BeforeDigest string `json:"before-digest"`
+}
+
+// proposalVerb is the verb a proposal's answers bind: the controller's own settings, performed by itself.
+const proposalVerb = askerName + ".settings"
+
+// The two answers, both at the level approve.
+const (
+	answerApprove = "approve"
+	answerDecline = "decline"
+)
+
+// layerDigest is the digest a proposal binds: SHA-256 over the layer's canonical JSON (Go sorts a map's keys), an
+// absent layer and an empty one alike.
+func layerDigest(values map[string]any) string {
+	if values == nil {
+		values = map[string]any{}
+	}
+	raw, _ := json.Marshal(values)
+	sum := sha256.Sum256(raw)
+	return "sha256:" + hex.EncodeToString(sum[:])
+}
+
+// fingerprint is a digest as the operator is shown it: its first 24 hexadecimal digits in groups of four, so no
+// word of it is long enough for the router to take for a secret.
+func fingerprint(digest string) string {
+	hexed := strings.TrimPrefix(digest, "sha256:")
+	if len(hexed) < 24 {
+		return hexed
+	}
+	var groups []string
+	for i := 0; i < 24; i += 4 {
+		groups = append(groups, hexed[i:i+4])
+	}
+	return strings.Join(groups, " ")
+}
+
+// where is the layer in words: "shanks" or "the whole mesh".
+func (p settingsProposal) where() string {
+	if p.Node == "" {
+		return "the whole mesh"
+	}
+	return p.Node
+}
+
+// about is what the ask is about, a key without spaces: the module's layer on the machine, or on the mesh.
+func (p settingsProposal) about() string {
+	if p.Node == "" {
+		return "settings." + p.Module + ".mesh"
+	}
+	return "settings." + p.Module + "." + p.Node
+}
+
+// actions are the proposal's two answers as the controller keeps them (asked.Actions): each binds the exact act
+// through boundAct — the verb, the machine, the level and every argument, the values' digest among them.
+func (p settingsProposal) actions(id string) []conditions.Action {
+	args := func(answer string) map[string]string {
+		return map[string]string{"proposal": id, "answer": answer, "module": p.Module, "node": p.Node,
+			"values": p.Digest, "before": p.BeforeDigest, "had-layer": strconv.FormatBool(p.HadLayer),
+			"replace": strconv.FormatBool(p.Replace), "clear": strconv.FormatBool(p.Clear), "from": p.From,
+			"at": p.At.UTC().Format(time.RFC3339Nano)}
+	}
+	return []conditions.Action{
+		{Label: "Approve", Verb: proposalVerb, Machine: p.Node, Level: conditions.LevelApprove, Arguments: args(answerApprove)},
+		{Label: "Decline", Verb: proposalVerb, Machine: p.Node, Level: conditions.LevelApprove, Arguments: args(answerDecline)},
+	}
+}
+
+// ask is the proposal's ask, composed from it alone, as the router is sent it: the headline, the explanation
+// with the change shown under the content rule, and the two options with their bound acts.
+func (p settingsProposal) ask(id string, machines []string) (asks.Ask, map[string]int) {
+	verb := "Set"
+	if p.Clear {
+		verb = "Clear"
+	}
+	headline := fmt.Sprintf("%s %s on %s?", verb, p.Module, p.where())
+	if len([]rune(headline)) > asks.HeadlineLength {
+		headline = fmt.Sprintf("%s settings on %s?", verb, p.where())
+	}
+	if len([]rune(headline)) > asks.HeadlineLength {
+		headline = verb + " settings?"
+	}
+	shown, whole := p.change(machines)
+	var b strings.Builder
+	if p.Clear {
+		fmt.Fprintf(&b, "Clear the settings of %s on %s, back to what the module says?\n\n", p.Module, p.where())
+	} else {
+		fmt.Fprintf(&b, "Set the settings of %s on %s to these values?\n\n", p.Module, p.where())
+	}
+	fmt.Fprintf(&b, "Proposed by %s, at %s. ", sayable(p.From, machines), p.At.Local().Format("15:04 on 2 Jan"))
+	switch {
+	case p.Clear && p.HadLayer:
+		b.WriteString("The layer it removes:\n\n")
+	case p.Clear:
+		b.WriteString("There is no layer to remove; approving changes nothing.")
+	case !p.HadLayer:
+		b.WriteString("There is no layer yet; this is the whole of it:\n\n")
+	default:
+		b.WriteString("The layer is replaced whole; what changes against it:\n\n")
+	}
+	b.WriteString(shown)
+	fmt.Fprintf(&b, "\n\nFingerprint %s.", fingerprint(p.Digest))
+	if !whole {
+		b.WriteString(" Parts shown as ‹address›, ‹path› or ‹withheld› may not leave the mesh: read it whole, with " +
+			"this fingerprint, through the mesh MCP server (mesh-controller.settings, proposal " + id + ") or with " +
+			"mesh-cli settings proposals " + id + ".")
+	}
+	if p.Clear {
+		b.WriteString(" Approved, the layer is removed at once and the machine takes it at its next push.")
+	} else {
+		b.WriteString(" Approved, the layer is set at once and the machine takes it at its next push.")
+	}
+	q := asks.Ask{ID: id, Headline: headline, Explanation: b.String(), Who: asks.Operator,
+		Expires: p.At.Add(askApproveFor), OnExpiry: "the proposal is discarded; nothing changes",
+		About: p.about()}
+	options := map[string]int{}
+	for i, act := range p.actions(id) {
+		binds, _ := asks.ActDigest(boundAct(act))
+		oid := optionID(act.Label)
+		options[oid] = i
+		does := "the settings are set; nothing is pushed yet"
+		if p.Clear {
+			does = "the layer is removed; nothing is pushed yet"
+		}
+		if act.Arguments["answer"] == answerDecline {
+			does = "nothing changes; the proposal is discarded"
+		}
+		q.Options = append(q.Options, asks.Option{ID: oid, Label: act.Label, Does: does, Level: asks.Level(act.Level),
+			Binds: binds})
+	}
+	return q, options
+}
+
+// shownMost is the most of a change the phone is shown, in bytes; the rest is read whole with `settings proposals`.
+const shownMost = 1400
+
+// change is what changes, line by line, each value shown under the content rule, and whether every value was
+// shown whole: "+ key: value" added, "~ key: value (was: old)" changed, "- key (was: old)" removed, and the
+// count of keys unchanged.
+func (p settingsProposal) change(machines []string) (string, bool) {
+	whole := true
+	say := func(v any) string {
+		s, w := sayableValue(v, machines)
+		whole = whole && w
+		return s
+	}
+	var lines []string
+	if p.Clear {
+		was := leaves(p.Before, "")
+		for _, k := range layerKeys(was) {
+			lines = append(lines, fmt.Sprintf("- %s: %s", k, say(was[k])))
+		}
+	} else {
+		added, changed, removed := settingsChange(p.Before, p.Values)
+		was, now := leaves(p.Before, ""), leaves(p.Values, "")
+		for _, k := range added {
+			lines = append(lines, fmt.Sprintf("+ %s: %s", k, say(now[k])))
+		}
+		for _, k := range changed {
+			lines = append(lines, fmt.Sprintf("~ %s: %s (was: %s)", k, say(now[k]), say(was[k])))
+		}
+		for _, k := range removed {
+			lines = append(lines, fmt.Sprintf("- %s (was: %s)", k, say(was[k])))
+		}
+		unchanged := len(now) - len(added) - len(changed)
+		switch {
+		case len(lines) == 0 && unchanged > 0:
+			lines = append(lines, fmt.Sprintf("= nothing changes: the %d key(s) are as they stand", unchanged))
+		case unchanged > 0:
+			lines = append(lines, fmt.Sprintf("= %d key(s) unchanged", unchanged))
+		}
+	}
+	out := strings.Join(lines, "\n")
+	if len(out) > shownMost {
+		cut := shownMost
+		for cut > 0 && out[cut] != '\n' {
+			cut--
+		}
+		out = out[:cut] + fmt.Sprintf("\n… NOT SHOWN IN FULL here: %d more bytes", len(strings.Join(lines, "\n"))-cut)
+		whole = false
+	}
+	return out, whole
+}
+
+func layerKeys(m map[string]any) []string {
+	keys := make([]string, 0, len(m))
+	for k := range m {
+		keys = append(keys, k)
+	}
+	sort.Strings(keys)
+	return keys
+}
+
+// The shapes a value is shown without, in place: an address with what follows it up to a separator, and a
+// path. Replaced in place rather than word by word, so "recalbox=smb://host/share@/mnt/recalbox" is shown as
+// "recalbox=‹address›@‹path›" and keeps its shape.
+var (
+	shownURL   = regexp.MustCompile(`(?i)\b[a-z][a-z0-9+.-]*://[^\s@"',;)\]}]*`)
+	shownIPv4  = regexp.MustCompile(`\b\d{1,3}(\.\d{1,3}){3}(:\d+)?\b`)
+	shownEmail = regexp.MustCompile(`[A-Za-z0-9._%+-]+@[A-Za-z0-9-]+(\.[A-Za-z0-9-]+)*\.[A-Za-z]{2,}`)
+	shownPath  = regexp.MustCompile(`(^|[\s=@,;:"'(\[{])((?:~|\.{1,2})?/[^\s"',;:)\]}]*)`)
+)
+
+// Markers for what is not shown.
+const (
+	markAddress  = "‹address›"
+	markPath     = "‹path›"
+	markWithheld = "‹withheld›"
+)
+
+// sayableValue is a value as the phone is shown it, and whether it was shown whole. A string is shown bare; any
+// other value as JSON.
+func sayableValue(v any, machines []string) (string, bool) {
+	text, ok := v.(string)
+	if !ok {
+		raw, err := json.Marshal(v)
+		if err != nil {
+			return markWithheld, false
+		}
+		text = string(raw)
+	}
+	if text == "" {
+		return `""`, true
+	}
+	out := sayable(text, machines)
+	return out, out == text
+}
+
+// sayable is a text with what may not leave the mesh replaced in place by a marker; what the markers cannot make
+// pass is withheld whole.
+func sayable(text string, machines []string) string {
+	if _, ok := outward.Check(text, machines...); ok {
+		return text
+	}
+	out := shownURL.ReplaceAllString(text, markAddress)
+	out = shownEmail.ReplaceAllString(out, markAddress)
+	out = shownIPv4.ReplaceAllString(out, markAddress)
+	out = shownPath.ReplaceAllString(out, "${1}"+markPath)
+	// Then word by word, as the router reads them: a host name, a path the shapes above missed, a secret's shape.
+	words := strings.FieldsFunc(out, func(r rune) bool {
+		return r == ' ' || r == '\t' || r == '\n' || strings.ContainsRune("\"'`()[]{}<>,;|", r)
+	})
+	for _, w := range words {
+		if refusal, ok := outward.Check(w, machines...); !ok {
+			mark := markWithheld
+			switch refusal.Class {
+			case "address":
+				mark = markAddress
+			case "path":
+				mark = markPath
+			}
+			out = strings.ReplaceAll(out, w, mark)
+		}
+	}
+	if _, ok := outward.Check(out, machines...); ok {
+		return out
+	}
+	out = strings.ReplaceAll(outward.Scrub(out, markWithheld, machines...), "(withheld)", markWithheld)
+	if _, ok := outward.Check(out, machines...); ok {
+		return out
+	}
+	return markWithheld
+}
+
+// ---- proposing ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+// proposer is the propose command's reaches, given so a test needs no store and no bus.
+type proposer struct {
+	// layer reads a module's layer as it stands.
+	layer func(ctx context.Context, node, module string) (map[string]any, bool, error)
+	// judge judges the layer as SetSettings would, keeping nothing.
+	judge func(ctx context.Context, node, module string, values map[string]any) error
+	// machines are the mesh's machine names: allowed in the ask's words.
+	machines func(ctx context.Context) ([]string, error)
+	store    askedStore
+	publish  func(ctx context.Context, subject string, body []byte, id string) error
+	// routerHere and grantHeld are the asker's own judgements of whether an ask can be carried; nil is yes.
+	routerHere func(ctx context.Context) (bool, error)
+	grantHeld  func(ctx context.Context) (bool, string, error)
+	// routerRecord reads the router's record of an ask: its state, or "" for none.
+	routerRecord func(ctx context.Context, id string) (string, error)
+	now          func() time.Time
+	caller       string
+	// waitFor and waitEvery bound how long propose waits for the router's word on the new ask.
+	waitFor   time.Duration
+	waitEvery time.Duration
+}
+
+// proposeInput is what is proposed.
+type proposeInput struct {
+	module  string
+	node    string
+	values  map[string]any
+	clear   bool
+	replace bool
+}
+
+// atTheTerminalInstead names the other way, said whenever a proposal is refused for want of a channel.
+func atTheTerminalInstead(in proposeInput) string {
+	if in.clear {
+		return "the operator may clear it at the controller's terminal instead: mesh-cli settings clear " + in.module + nodeFlag(in.node)
+	}
+	return "the operator may set it at the controller's terminal instead: mesh-cli settings set " + in.module + " '{…}'" + nodeFlag(in.node)
+}
+
+// propose keeps a proposal in the controller's asks and asks the operator; it answers the words said to the
+// caller. Nothing is set here.
+func (pr proposer) propose(ctx context.Context, in proposeInput) (string, error) {
+	refuse := func(format string, args ...any) (string, error) {
+		return "", fmt.Errorf(format+". Nothing was proposed", args...)
+	}
+	if in.module == "" {
+		return refuse("a proposal names a module")
+	}
+	if !in.clear && in.values == nil {
+		return refuse("a proposal gives the values, or says --clear")
+	}
+	now := pr.now()
+	before, had, err := pr.layer(ctx, in.node, in.module)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", err
+	}
+	p := settingsProposal{Module: in.module, Node: in.node, Values: in.values, Clear: in.clear, Replace: in.replace,
+		Before: before, HadLayer: had, From: pr.caller, At: now, BeforeDigest: layerDigest(before)}
+	if in.clear {
+		// A clear binds the layer it removes: its digest is the fingerprint the operator reads.
+		p.Values, p.Digest = nil, layerDigest(before)
+	} else {
+		// Judged now, as SetSettings judges, so the operator is never asked about a layer the mesh would refuse —
+		// and judged again when the warrant is acted on.
+		if err := pr.judge(ctx, in.node, in.module, in.values); err != nil {
+			return refuse("%v", err)
+		}
+		_, _, removed := settingsChange(before, in.values)
+		if len(removed) > 0 && !in.replace {
+			return refuse("%s on %s: this layer would no longer set %s. A layer is replaced whole; read it with "+
+				"`settings show %s%s` and include what should stay, or add --replace if the removal is meant "+
+				"(novox/hq ADR 0217)", in.module, p.where(), strings.Join(removed, ", "), in.module, nodeFlag(in.node))
+		}
+		p.Digest = layerDigest(in.values)
+	}
+	var machines []string
+	if pr.machines != nil {
+		if machines, err = pr.machines(ctx); err != nil {
+			return "", err
+		}
+	}
+	id := newProposalID()
+	q, options := p.ask(id, machines)
+	if err := q.Check(now); err != nil {
+		return refuse("%v", err)
+	}
+	words := []string{q.Headline, q.Explanation, q.OnExpiry}
+	for _, o := range q.Options {
+		words = append(words, o.Label, o.Does)
+	}
+	if refusal, ok := outward.Check(strings.Join(words, "\n"), machines...); !ok {
+		return refuse("the ask's words would carry %s, which may not leave the mesh, and the change could not be "+
+			"shown without it; %s", refusal, atTheTerminalInstead(in))
+	}
+	// Fail closed, before anything is kept: no router, no grant, no channel means no ask.
+	if pr.routerHere != nil {
+		here, err := pr.routerHere(ctx)
+		if err != nil {
+			return "", err
+		}
+		if !here {
+			return refuse("no router takes the controller's asks (no module holding the operator channel is assigned), "+
+				"so the operator cannot be asked; %s", atTheTerminalInstead(in))
+		}
+	}
+	if pr.grantHeld != nil {
+		held, why, err := pr.grantHeld(ctx)
+		if err != nil {
+			return "", err
+		}
+		if !held {
+			return refuse("the operator cannot be asked yet: %s; %s", why, atTheTerminalInstead(in))
+		}
+	}
+	all, err := pr.store.All(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", err
+	}
+	open := 0
+	for _, r := range all {
+		if r.State != askOpen || !now.Before(r.Ask.Expires) {
+			continue
+		}
+		if r.Proposal != nil && r.Proposal.Module == p.Module && r.Proposal.Node == p.Node && r.Proposal.Digest == p.Digest &&
+			r.Proposal.Clear == p.Clear {
+			return refuse("the same change is already proposed as %s and waits for the operator's answer until %s; "+
+				"`settings proposals` lists it", r.ID, r.Ask.Expires.Local().Format("15:04"))
+		}
+		open++
+	}
+	if open >= askMostOpen {
+		return refuse("%d questions already wait for the operator's answer, and the operator is asked at most %d at "+
+			"once; `settings proposals` lists the proposals among them", open, askMostOpen)
+	}
+	// Kept before it is published, as the asker keeps every ask, so a warrant always finds it.
+	if err := pr.store.Create(ctx, asked{ID: id, Condition: q.About, Ask: q, Actions: p.actions(id), Options: options,
+		State: askOpen, Opened: now, Proposal: &p}); err != nil {
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("the proposal could not be kept in the controller's asks, so the operator was not asked: %w", err)
+	}
+	body, err := json.Marshal(q)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", err
+	}
+	if err := pr.publish(ctx, asks.AskSubject(askerName), body, "ask."+id); err != nil {
+		_, _ = pr.store.Change(ctx, id, func(x *asked) bool {
+			if x.State != askOpen || x.Acted != "" {
+				return false
+			}
+			x.State, x.Ended, x.Acted = askUnsent, pr.now(), "nothing: it could not be published: "+err.Error()
+			return true
+		})
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("the operator could not be asked (%v); the proposal %s is kept and will never become "+
+			"active. Propose it again, or %s", err, id, atTheTerminalInstead(in))
+	}
+	// The router's word, before answering: it refuses at once an ask no channel can carry (the serving controller
+	// hears that and ends the ask here), and records one it took.
+	taken := "the router has not said yet whether it took the ask; `settings proposals` shows where it stands"
+	for deadline := time.Now().Add(pr.waitFor); time.Now().Before(deadline); {
+		if r, err := pr.store.Get(ctx, id); err == nil && r != nil && r.State != askOpen {
+			why := r.Acted
+			if r.Warrant != nil && r.Warrant.Words != "" {
+				why = r.Warrant.Words
+			}
+			return "", fmt.Errorf("the router did not ask the operator: the ask %s %s (%s). Nothing changes; %s",
+				id, r.State, why, atTheTerminalInstead(in))
+		}
+		if pr.routerRecord != nil {
+			if state, err := pr.routerRecord(ctx, id); err == nil && state != "" {
+				taken = "the router took the ask and shows it on the channels that can carry it"
+				break
+			}
+		}
+		time.Sleep(pr.waitEvery)
+	}
+	var b strings.Builder
+	fmt.Fprintf(&b, "proposal %s: %s\n", id, q.Headline)
+	fmt.Fprintf(&b, "  %s\n", taken)
+	fmt.Fprintf(&b, "  the operator is asked on a channel that proves who answers, and reads the change with fingerprint %s\n",
+		fingerprint(p.Digest))
+	fmt.Fprintf(&b, "  until %s nothing changes: the layer is set only on Approve, and discarded on Decline or at expiry\n",
+		q.Expires.Local().Format("2006-01-02 15:04"))
+	fmt.Fprintf(&b, "  `settings proposals %s` shows it whole; once approved, `push %s` sends it", id, pushWord(p.Node))
+	return b.String(), nil
+}
+
+func pushWord(node string) string {
+	if node == "" {
+		return "--behind"
+	}
+	return node
+}
+
+func newProposalID() string {
+	return "s" + strings.TrimPrefix(newAskID(), "c")
+}
+
+// How long propose waits for the router's word on a new ask, and how often it looks.
+const (
+	routerAnswersWithin = 8 * time.Second
+	routerAnswersEvery  = 250 * time.Millisecond
+)
+
+// proposeCommand is `settings propose`, on this controller's stores and bus.
+func proposeCommand(ctx context.Context, module, node, valuesArg string, clear, replace bool) error {
+	var values map[string]any
+	if !clear {
+		if valuesArg == "" {
+			return errors.New("settings propose <module> <settings.json | {…}> [--node <node>] [--replace], or settings propose <module> --clear [--node <node>]")
+		}
+		var raw []byte
+		var err error
+		if strings.HasPrefix(strings.TrimSpace(valuesArg), "{") {
+			raw = []byte(valuesArg)
+		} else if raw, err = os.ReadFile(valuesArg); err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+		if err := json.Unmarshal(raw, &values); err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("%s is not a settings file: %w", valuesArg, err)
+		}
+	} else if valuesArg != "" {
+		return errors.New("settings propose: --clear takes no values")
+	}
+	open, err := openStores(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	defer open.Close()
+	js, err := aBus()
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	defer js.Close()
+	conn := js.Conn()
+	pr := proposer{
+		layer: open.inventory.Layer,
+		judge: open.inventory.JudgeSettings,
+		machines: func(ctx context.Context) ([]string, error) {
+			nodes, err := open.inventory.Nodes(ctx)
+			if err != nil {
+				return nil, err
+			}
+			var names []string
+			for _, n := range nodes {
+				names = append(names, n.Name)
+			}
+			return names, nil
+		},
+		store: busAsked{conn: conn},
+		publish: func(ctx context.Context, subject string, body []byte, id string) error {
+			_, err := js.Context().Publish(subject, body, nats.MsgId(id), nats.Context(ctx))
+			return err
+		},
+		routerHere: routerHereIn(open.inventory),
+		grantHeld:  grantHeldIn(open),
+		routerRecord: func(ctx context.Context, id string) (string, error) {
+			bucket, err := asksRecords(ctx, open.inventory)
+			if err != nil || bucket == "" {
+				return "", err
+			}
+			state, _, err := readRouterRecord(ctx, conn, bucket, askerName, id)
+			return state, err
+		},
+		now:     time.Now,
+		caller:  link.Caller(),
+		waitFor: routerAnswersWithin, waitEvery: routerAnswersEvery,
+	}
+	words, err := pr.propose(ctx, proposeInput{module: module, node: node, values: values, clear: clear, replace: replace})
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	fmt.Println(words)
+	return nil
+}
+
+// ---- listing ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+// proposalsCommand is `settings proposals [<id>]`: every proposal, newest first, and where each stands; with an
+// id, the proposal whole — its values, the layer it was shown against, and its digest.
+func proposalsCommand(ctx context.Context, id string) error {
+	return onTheBus(func(conn *nats.Conn) error {
+		all, err := busAsked{conn: conn}.All(ctx)
+		if err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+		var proposals []asked
+		for _, r := range all {
+			if r.Proposal != nil {
+				proposals = append(proposals, r)
+			}
+		}
+		sort.Slice(proposals, func(i, j int) bool { return proposals[i].Opened.After(proposals[j].Opened) })
+		if id != "" {
+			for _, r := range proposals {
+				if r.ID == id {
+					fmt.Print(describeProposal(r, time.Now()))
+					return nil
+				}
+			}
+			return fmt.Errorf("no proposal %s is kept", id)
+		}
+		if len(proposals) == 0 {
+			fmt.Println("no settings have been proposed")
+			return nil
+		}
+		for _, r := range proposals {
+			fmt.Print(proposalLine(r, time.Now()))
+		}
+		return nil
+	})
+}
+
+// proposalState is where a proposal stands, in a word or two.
+func proposalState(r asked, now time.Time) string {
+	switch {
+	case r.State == askOpen && now.Before(r.Ask.Expires):
+		return "waiting for the operator until " + r.Ask.Expires.Local().Format("2006-01-02 15:04")
+	case r.State == askOpen:
+		return "expired unanswered; discarded"
+	case r.Acted != "":
+		return r.State + ": " + r.Acted
+	}
+	return r.State
+}
+
+func proposalLine(r asked, now time.Time) string {
+	p := *r.Proposal
+	what := "set"
+	if p.Clear {
+		what = "clear"
+	}
+	keys := strings.Join(layerKeys(p.Values), ", ")
+	if p.Clear {
+		keys = "the whole layer"
+	}
+	return fmt.Sprintf("%s  %s %s on %s  (%s)\n    by %s at %s; fingerprint %s\n    %s\n", r.ID, what, p.Module, p.where(),
+		keys, p.From, p.At.Local().Format("2006-01-02 15:04"), fingerprint(p.Digest), proposalState(r, now))
+}
+
+func describeProposal(r asked, now time.Time) string {
+	p := *r.Proposal
+	var b strings.Builder
+	b.WriteString(proposalLine(r, now))
+	fmt.Fprintf(&b, "    digest %s; the layer it was shown against %s\n", p.Digest, p.BeforeDigest)
+	shownValues, _ := json.MarshalIndent(p.Values, "    ", "  ")
+	if p.Clear {
+		fmt.Fprintf(&b, "    clears the layer\n")
+	} else {
+		fmt.Fprintf(&b, "    values:\n    %s\n", shownValues)
+	}
+	if p.HadLayer {
+		shownBefore, _ := json.MarshalIndent(p.Before, "    ", "  ")
+		fmt.Fprintf(&b, "    the layer as it stood:\n    %s\n", shownBefore)
+	} else {
+		b.WriteString("    there was no layer\n")
+	}
+	if r.Warrant != nil && r.Warrant.By != nil {
+		fmt.Fprintf(&b, "    answered: %s, through %s, at %s\n", r.Warrant.Says(), viaWords(*r.Warrant),
+			r.Warrant.At.Local().Format("2006-01-02 15:04"))
+	}
+	return b.String()
+}
+
+// ---- acting on the warrant --------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+// setOnWarrant performs an approved proposal: the layer set or cleared as `settings set` and `settings clear` at the
+// terminal do, with who approved it kept beside the layer. It answers the words of what changed.
+type setOnWarrant func(ctx context.Context, p settingsProposal, askID, setBy string) (string, error)
+
+// decideProposal is what the asker does with a warrant for a proposal (asker.Decided): nothing on Decline, and on
+// Approve the act only when it is the one the option bound — the digest of the exact values kept here is the one
+// in the act, and so the one the ask's option bound and the warrant's ask digest covers.
+func (a *asker) decideProposal(ctx context.Context, r asked, act conditions.Action, w asks.Warrant) (string, error) {
+	p := *r.Proposal
+	if act.Arguments["answer"] != answerApprove {
+		return "nothing: the operator declined; the layer is unchanged", nil
+	}
+	if a.setLayer == nil {
+		return "", errors.New("this controller cannot set a layer on a warrant")
+	}
+	// The record's own proposal against the act the option bound: the act is composed again from the record —
+	// its module, machine, values (digested again), the layer they replace, whether a removal is meant, a clear,
+	// who proposed it and when — and must digest to what the option bound when the operator was shown it. A
+	// record changed after the ask, in any field, is refused and nothing is set.
+	again := p
+	again.Digest, again.BeforeDigest = layerDigest(p.Values), layerDigest(p.Before)
+	if p.Clear {
+		again.Digest = layerDigest(p.Before)
+	}
+	recomposed := again.actions(r.ID)
+	chosen := -1
+	for i, candidate := range recomposed {
+		if candidate.Arguments["answer"] == act.Arguments["answer"] {
+			chosen = i
+		}
+	}
+	option, offered := r.Ask.Option(w.Option)
+	if chosen < 0 || !offered {
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("the proposal %s offers no answer %q: nothing is set", r.ID, act.Arguments["answer"])
+	}
+	if err := option.Performs(boundAct(recomposed[chosen])); err != nil {
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("the proposal kept for %s is not the one the operator was shown: %v", r.ID, err)
+	}
+	setBy := fmt.Sprintf("approved by %s via %s at %s (ask %s, proposed by %s)", byWords(w), viaWords(w),
+		w.At.Local().Format("2006-01-02 15:04"), r.ID, p.From)
+	return a.setLayer(ctx, p, r.ID, setBy)
+}
+
+// setLayerIn is setOnWarrant on this controller's stores: the layer must still be the one the operator was shown
+// the change against (to-be 46 §10, step 7), then it is set with the same judgement as at the terminal.
+func setLayerIn(open *stores) setOnWarrant {
+	return func(ctx context.Context, p settingsProposal, askID, setBy string) (string, error) {
+		inv := open.inventory
+		before, had, err := inv.Layer(ctx, p.Node, p.Module)
+		if err != nil {
+			return "", err
+		}
+		if layerDigest(before) != p.BeforeDigest || had != p.HadLayer {
+			return "", fmt.Errorf("the layer of %s on %s changed since the operator was shown the change: it is not set; "+
+				"propose it again", p.Module, p.where())
+		}
+		var changed string
+		if p.Clear {
+			if err := inv.ClearSettingsBy(ctx, p.Node, p.Module, setBy); err != nil {
+				return "", err
+			}
+			changed = "the layer is removed"
+		} else {
+			added, altered, removed := settingsChange(before, p.Values)
+			if len(removed) > 0 && !p.Replace {
+				return "", fmt.Errorf("the layer would no longer set %s, and the removal was not meant: nothing is set",
+					strings.Join(removed, ", "))
+			}
+			if err := inv.SetSettingsBy(ctx, p.Node, p.Module, p.Values, setBy); err != nil {
+				return "", err
+			}
+			var parts []string
+			for _, k := range added {
+				parts = append(parts, "+ "+k)
+			}
+			for _, k := range altered {
+				parts = append(parts, "~ "+k)
+			}
+			for _, k := range removed {
+				parts = append(parts, "- "+k)
+			}
+			changed = strings.Join(parts, ", ")
+			if changed == "" {
+				changed = "nothing changed"
+			}
+		}
+		return changed + " (ask " + askID + ")", nil
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/proposals_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,746 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"io"
+	"os"
+	"slices"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/asks"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/outward"
+)
+
+// novox/hq ADR 0277: a trusted setting is proposed through a verb by anyone the bus admits, asked of the
+// operator at the level approve with the exact change, and set only on the operator's warrant — once, for the
+// exact values the option bound; declined, expired or refused, it is discarded; nothing is asked when nothing
+// can carry the ask.
+
+// aProposer is the propose path with its reaches faked: a layer as it stands, a judge that records what it
+// judged, a memory store, and what was published.
+type proposerRig struct {
+	pr        proposer
+	store     memAskedStore
+	sent      []published
+	judged    []map[string]any
+	before    map[string]any
+	had       bool
+	refusedBy string
+	now       time.Time
+}
+
+func newProposerRig(t *testing.T) *proposerRig {
+	r := &proposerRig{store: memAskedStore{}, now: time.Date(2026, 10, 10, 14, 5, 0, 0, time.UTC)}
+	r.pr = proposer{
+		layer: func(_ context.Context, node, module string) (map[string]any, bool, error) {
+			return r.before, r.had, nil
+		},
+		judge: func(_ context.Context, node, module string, values map[string]any) error {
+			r.judged = append(r.judged, values)
+			if r.refusedBy != "" {
+				return errors.New(r.refusedBy)
+			}
+			return nil
+		},
+		machines: func(context.Context) ([]string, error) { return []string{"anchor", "laptop", "shanks"}, nil },
+		store:    r.store,
+		publish: func(_ context.Context, subject string, body []byte, id string) error {
+			r.sent = append(r.sent, published{subject, id, body})
+			return nil
+		},
+		now:       func() time.Time { return r.now },
+		caller:    "g14/claude-code, through the mesh-controller seat",
+		waitFor:   time.Millisecond,
+		waitEvery: time.Millisecond,
+	}
+	return r
+}
+
+func (r *proposerRig) askSent(t *testing.T) asks.Ask {
+	t.Helper()
+	if len(r.sent) != 1 || r.sent[0].subject != asks.AskSubject("mesh-controller") {
+		t.Fatalf("published %+v", r.sent)
+	}
+	var q asks.Ask
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(r.sent[0].body, &q); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	return q
+}
+
+func (r *proposerRig) theProposal(t *testing.T) asked {
+	t.Helper()
+	for _, a := range r.store {
+		if a.Proposal != nil {
+			return a
+		}
+	}
+	t.Fatal("no proposal is kept")
+	return asked{}
+}
+
+var mountsSources = map[string]any{"sources": "recalbox=smb://nas.lan/recalbox@/mnt/recalbox:ro", "shares": "library=/mnt/library"}
+
+// The ask: at the level approve on both answers, each binding the proposal's act, with every key and its exact new
+// value as far as the content rule lets it leave the mesh, the layer it was shown against, and nothing set.
+func TestAProposalAsksAtTheLevelApproveWithTheExactChange(t *testing.T) {
+	r := newProposerRig(t)
+	r.before, r.had = map[string]any{"shares": "none", "old": "x"}, true
+	words, err := r.pr.propose(context.Background(), proposeInput{module: "mounts", node: "shanks", values: mountsSources, replace: true})
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	q := r.askSent(t)
+	if err := q.Check(r.now); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("the ask is refused: %v", err)
+	}
+	if q.Headline != "Set mounts on shanks?" || q.About != "settings.mounts.shanks" || q.Who != asks.Operator ||
+		!q.Expires.Equal(r.now.Add(askApproveFor)) {
+		t.Errorf("the ask: %+v", q)
+	}
+	if len(q.Options) != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("options %+v", q.Options)
+	}
+	for _, o := range q.Options {
+		if o.Level != asks.Approve || !strings.HasPrefix(o.Binds, "sha256:") {
+			t.Errorf("the option %s is %s and binds %q", o.ID, o.Level, o.Binds)
+		}
+	}
+	if q.Options[0].Binds == q.Options[1].Binds {
+		t.Error("Approve and Decline bind the same act")
+	}
+	for _, line := range []string{
+		"Set the settings of mounts on shanks to these values?",
+		"Proposed by g14/claude-code, through the mesh-controller seat, at " + r.now.Local().Format("15:04 on 2 Jan") + ".",
+		"+ sources: recalbox=‹address›@‹path›:ro",
+		"~ shares: library=‹path› (was: none)",
+		"- old (was: x)",
+		"Fingerprint " + fingerprint(layerDigest(mountsSources)) + ".",
+		"read it whole, with this fingerprint",
+	} {
+		if !strings.Contains(q.Explanation, line) {
+			t.Errorf("the explanation lacks %q:\n%s", line, q.Explanation)
+		}
+	}
+	for _, leak := range []string{"nas.lan", "/mnt/recalbox", "/mnt/library", "smb://"} {
+		if strings.Contains(q.Explanation, leak) {
+			t.Errorf("the explanation carries %q, which may not leave the mesh", leak)
+		}
+	}
+	all := []string{q.Headline, q.Explanation, q.OnExpiry}
+	for _, o := range q.Options {
+		all = append(all, o.Label, o.Does)
+	}
+	if refusal, ok := outward.Check(strings.Join(all, "\n"), "anchor", "laptop", "shanks"); !ok {
+		t.Errorf("the router would refuse the ask: %s", refusal)
+	}
+	// Kept as the controller's own ask, about no condition, with the proposal whole and its digests.
+	kept := r.theProposal(t)
+	p := kept.Proposal
+	if kept.State != askOpen || kept.Ask.Digest() != q.Digest() || p.Module != "mounts" || p.Node != "shanks" ||
+		p.Digest != layerDigest(mountsSources) || p.BeforeDigest != layerDigest(r.before) || !p.Replace || !p.HadLayer ||
+		p.From != r.pr.caller || kept.ofACondition() {
+		t.Errorf("kept %+v / %+v", kept, p)
+	}
+	// Each option binds exactly the act the controller will perform (boundAct over the kept action).
+	for i, act := range kept.Actions {
+		binds, _ := asks.ActDigest(boundAct(act))
+		if q.Options[i].Binds != binds || act.Arguments["values"] != p.Digest || act.Arguments["before"] != p.BeforeDigest ||
+			act.Verb != proposalVerb || act.Level != conditions.LevelApprove {
+			t.Errorf("the option %s does not bind the kept act: %+v", q.Options[i].ID, act)
+		}
+	}
+	if len(r.judged) != 1 || r.judged[0]["sources"] != mountsSources["sources"] {
+		t.Errorf("judged %v", r.judged)
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(words, "nothing changes") || !strings.Contains(words, kept.ID) {
+		t.Errorf("the caller is told: %s", words)
+	}
+}
+
+// A layer for the whole mesh is proposed too.
+func TestAMeshWideLayerIsProposed(t *testing.T) {
+	r := newProposerRig(t)
+	if _, err := r.pr.propose(context.Background(), proposeInput{module: "notes", values: map[string]any{"x": "1"}}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	q := r.askSent(t)
+	if q.Headline != "Set notes on the whole mesh?" || q.About != "settings.notes.mesh" ||
+		!strings.Contains(q.Explanation, "Set the settings of notes on the whole mesh to these values?") {
+		t.Errorf("%+v", q)
+	}
+}
+
+// A proposal expired unanswered is kept so by the reconciling, and a warrant for it afterwards sets nothing.
+func TestAnExpiredProposalIsKeptExpired(t *testing.T) {
+	r := newAskerRig(t)
+	calls := withSetLayer(r)
+	a := aProposalAsked(t, r, "s7", aProposal(r.now))
+	r.now = r.now.Add(askApproveFor + time.Minute)
+	if err := r.a.reconcile(context.Background()); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if got := r.store["s7"]; got.State != string(asks.OutcomeExpired) || !strings.HasPrefix(got.Acted, "nothing") {
+		t.Errorf("kept as %+v", got)
+	}
+	answerWith(t, r, warrantOn(a, "approve", r.now.Add(-2*time.Minute)))
+	if len(*calls) != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("set after expiry: %+v", *calls)
+	}
+}
+
+// A clear is proposed too, and shows the layer it removes.
+func TestAClearIsProposedAndShowsWhatItRemoves(t *testing.T) {
+	r := newProposerRig(t)
+	r.before, r.had = map[string]any{"places": map[string]any{"data": map[string]any{"path": "/srv/notes", "owner": "1001:1001"}}}, true
+	if _, err := r.pr.propose(context.Background(), proposeInput{module: "notes", node: "laptop", clear: true}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	q := r.askSent(t)
+	if q.Headline != "Clear notes on laptop?" || !strings.Contains(q.Explanation, "- places.data.owner: 1001:1001") ||
+		!strings.Contains(q.Explanation, "- places.data.path: ‹path›") {
+		t.Errorf("%+v", q)
+	}
+	if p := r.theProposal(t).Proposal; !p.Clear || p.Digest != layerDigest(r.before) || len(r.judged) != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("a clear: %+v, judged %v", p, r.judged)
+	}
+}
+
+// What the phone is shown keeps a value's shape and passes the content rule: an address, a path, a secret's
+// shape each replaced in place; a value every word of which may leave the mesh shown whole.
+func TestAValueIsShownInItsShapeAndPassesTheContentRule(t *testing.T) {
+	for in, want := range map[any]string{
+		"recalbox=smb://nas.lan/recalbox@/mnt/recalbox:ro": "recalbox=‹address›@‹path›:ro",
+		"library=/mnt/library":                             "library=‹path›",
+		"none":                                             "none",
+		"Inter 13":                                         "Inter 13",
+		"10.77.0.9:53":                                     "‹address›",
+		"jochen@example.com":                               "‹address›",
+		"nas.lan":                                          "‹address›",
+		"anchor":                                           "anchor",
+		"-----BEGIN CERTIFICATE-----":                      "‹withheld›",
+		42:                                                 "42",
+		true:                                               "true",
+	} {
+		got, whole := sayableValue(in, []string{"anchor"})
+		if got != want {
+			t.Errorf("%v shown as %q, want %q", in, got, want)
+		}
+		if whole != (got == want && !strings.Contains(want, "‹")) {
+			t.Errorf("%v: whole %v", in, whole)
+		}
+		if _, ok := outward.Check(got, "anchor"); !ok {
+			t.Errorf("%v shown as %q, which the router refuses", in, got)
+		}
+	}
+	for _, v := range []any{[]any{"a", "/etc/x"}, map[string]any{"path": "/srv/x", "owner": "1001:1001"}} {
+		got, _ := sayableValue(v, nil)
+		if _, ok := outward.Check(got); !ok || strings.Contains(got, "/srv") || strings.Contains(got, "/etc") {
+			t.Errorf("%v shown as %q", v, got)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// A proposal that the mesh would refuse to set, or that would silently remove a key, is refused before anybody is
+// asked (ADR 0217 holds for a proposal as for a set).
+func TestAProposalTheMeshWouldRefuseIsNotAsked(t *testing.T) {
+	r := newProposerRig(t)
+	r.before, r.had = map[string]any{"a": 1, "b": 2}, true
+	_, err := r.pr.propose(context.Background(), proposeInput{module: "notes", node: "laptop", values: map[string]any{"a": 1}})
+	if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "would no longer set b") || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "ADR 0217") {
+		t.Errorf("a silent removal: %v", err)
+	}
+	r.refusedBy = "refused: notes on laptop cannot compose"
+	_, err = r.pr.propose(context.Background(), proposeInput{module: "notes", node: "laptop", values: map[string]any{"a": 1, "b": 3}})
+	if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "cannot compose") {
+		t.Errorf("a layer the mesh refuses: %v", err)
+	}
+	if len(r.sent) != 0 || len(r.store) != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("asked anyway: %+v %+v", r.sent, r.store)
+	}
+}
+
+// Fail closed: no router, no grant, a publish that fails, or the router's refusal each leave nothing waiting for
+// an answer that cannot come, and name the terminal's line.
+func TestAProposalFailsClosedWhenNothingCanCarryIt(t *testing.T) {
+	r := newProposerRig(t)
+	in := proposeInput{module: "mounts", node: "shanks", values: mountsSources}
+	r.pr.routerHere = func(context.Context) (bool, error) { return false, nil }
+	if _, err := r.pr.propose(context.Background(), in); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "no router") ||
+		!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "mesh-cli settings set mounts") {
+		t.Errorf("without a router: %v", err)
+	}
+	r.pr.routerHere = nil
+	r.pr.grantHeld = func(context.Context) (bool, string, error) { return false, "the bus's user list is behind", nil }
+	if _, err := r.pr.propose(context.Background(), in); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "user list is behind") {
+		t.Errorf("without the grant: %v", err)
+	}
+	if len(r.sent) != 0 || len(r.store) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("asked anyway: %+v %+v", r.sent, r.store)
+	}
+	r.pr.grantHeld = nil
+	r.pr.publish = func(context.Context, string, []byte, string) error { return errors.New("the bus is away") }
+	if _, err := r.pr.propose(context.Background(), in); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "the bus is away") ||
+		!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "never become active") {
+		t.Errorf("a publish that fails: %v", err)
+	}
+	if kept := r.theProposal(t); kept.State != askUnsent {
+		t.Errorf("an unpublished proposal is %s", kept.State)
+	}
+	// The router's refusal, heard by the serving controller and kept here, is said to the caller.
+	r = newProposerRig(t)
+	r.pr.publish = func(_ context.Context, _ string, _ []byte, id string) error {
+		ask := strings.TrimPrefix(id, "ask.")
+		r.store[ask] = func() asked {
+			a := r.store[ask]
+			a.State, a.Acted = string(asks.OutcomeRefused), "nothing: the ask refused: no channel can carry any of its answers now"
+			return a
+		}()
+		return nil
+	}
+	if _, err := r.pr.propose(context.Background(), in); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "did not ask the operator") ||
+		!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "no channel can carry") {
+		t.Errorf("the router's refusal: %v", err)
+	}
+}
+
+// The bounds: at most three asks open for the controller, and the same change not proposed twice.
+func TestAProposalIsBounded(t *testing.T) {
+	r := newProposerRig(t)
+	in := proposeInput{module: "mounts", node: "shanks", values: mountsSources}
+	if _, err := r.pr.propose(context.Background(), in); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, err := r.pr.propose(context.Background(), in); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "already proposed") {
+		t.Errorf("the same change twice: %v", err)
+	}
+	for _, node := range []string{"laptop", "anchor"} {
+		if _, err := r.pr.propose(context.Background(), proposeInput{module: "mounts", node: node, values: mountsSources}); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	_, err := r.pr.propose(context.Background(), proposeInput{module: "notes", node: "laptop", values: map[string]any{"x": 1}})
+	if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "3 questions already wait") {
+		t.Errorf("a fourth: %v", err)
+	}
+	if len(r.sent) != 3 {
+		t.Errorf("published %d", len(r.sent))
+	}
+}
+
+// ---- the warrant ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+// aProposalAsked keeps a proposal's ask in the asker rig's store, as propose keeps it.
+func aProposalAsked(t *testing.T, r *askerRig, id string, p settingsProposal) asked {
+	t.Helper()
+	q, options := p.ask(id, nil)
+	if err := q.Check(r.now); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	a := asked{ID: id, Condition: q.About, Ask: q, Actions: p.actions(id), Options: options, State: askOpen, Opened: r.now, Proposal: &p}
+	r.store[id] = a
+	return a
+}
+
+func aProposal(now time.Time) settingsProposal {
+	before := map[string]any{"shares": "none"}
+	return settingsProposal{Module: "mounts", Node: "shanks", Values: mountsSources, Replace: true, Before: before, HadLayer: true,
+		From: "g14/claude-code", At: now, Digest: layerDigest(mountsSources), BeforeDigest: layerDigest(before)}
+}
+
+// warrantOn is the router's warrant for a kept ask, choosing an option by id.
+func warrantOn(a asked, option string, now time.Time) asks.Warrant {
+	o, _ := a.Ask.Option(option)
+	return asks.Warrant{Ask: a.ID, Asker: "mesh-controller", About: a.Ask.About, Outcome: asks.OutcomeChosen, Option: o.ID,
+		Label: o.Label, Level: o.Level, Channel: "telegram", Proofs: []string{"P1"}, At: now, AskDigest: a.Ask.Digest(),
+		By: &asks.Person{Who: asks.Operator, Kind: "telegram", Identity: "42", Verified: "user id verified"}}
+}
+
+type setCall struct {
+	p     settingsProposal
+	ask   string
+	setBy string
+}
+
+func withSetLayer(r *askerRig) *[]setCall {
+	var calls []setCall
+	r.a.setLayer = func(_ context.Context, p settingsProposal, askID, setBy string) (string, error) {
+		calls = append(calls, setCall{p, askID, setBy})
+		return "+ sources, ~ shares", nil
+	}
+	return &calls
+}
+
+// On Approve the layer is set once, with who approved it and through which channel kept beside it, and the warrant
+// is recorded as the operator's decision; heard again, nothing more happens.
+func TestTheLayerIsSetOnceOnTheOperatorsApproval(t *testing.T) {
+	r := newAskerRig(t)
+	calls := withSetLayer(r)
+	a := aProposalAsked(t, r, "s1", aProposal(r.now))
+	if err := r.a.reconcile(context.Background()); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if got := r.store["s1"]; got.State != askOpen {
+		t.Fatalf("the reconciling of conditions ended the proposal: %+v", got)
+	}
+	w := warrantOn(a, "approve", r.now.Add(time.Hour))
+	answerWith(t, r, w)
+	answerWith(t, r, w) // heard again, or replayed
+	if len(*calls) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("set %d time(s): %+v", len(*calls), *calls)
+	}
+	c := (*calls)[0]
+	if c.ask != "s1" || c.p.Digest != layerDigest(mountsSources) ||
+		!strings.HasPrefix(c.setBy, "approved by the operator, as telegram identity 42 via telegram (telegram), user id verified at ") ||
+		!strings.Contains(c.setBy, "(ask s1, proposed by g14/claude-code)") {
+		t.Errorf("set by %q for %+v", c.setBy, c.p)
+	}
+	if len(r.called)+len(r.silenced) != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("a verb was called: %v %v", r.called, r.silenced)
+	}
+	if len(r.acts) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("hand-acts %+v", r.acts)
+	}
+	act := r.acts[0]
+	if act.Verb != handActWarrant || act.By != "the operator, as telegram identity 42" || act.Ask != "s1" ||
+		!slices.Contains(act.Args, "answer=approve") || !slices.Contains(act.Args, "values="+layerDigest(mountsSources)) ||
+		!strings.HasPrefix(act.Outcome, "done") || !personsDecision(act) {
+		t.Errorf("the record: %+v", act)
+	}
+	if got := r.store["s1"]; got.State != string(asks.OutcomeChosen) || !strings.HasPrefix(got.Acted, "done") {
+		t.Errorf("kept as %+v", got)
+	}
+}
+
+// Decline, expiry, the router's refusal, a cancel: nothing is set, and the proposal is recorded as ended.
+func TestDeclineExpiryAndRefusalDiscardAProposal(t *testing.T) {
+	for name, outcome := range map[string]asks.Outcome{"declined": asks.OutcomeChosen, "expired": asks.OutcomeExpired,
+		"refused": asks.OutcomeRefused, "cancelled": asks.OutcomeCancelled, "replaced": asks.OutcomeReplaced} {
+		t.Run(name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			r := newAskerRig(t)
+			calls := withSetLayer(r)
+			a := aProposalAsked(t, r, "s2", aProposal(r.now))
+			w := warrantOn(a, "decline", r.now.Add(time.Hour))
+			if outcome != asks.OutcomeChosen {
+				w = asks.Warrant{Ask: a.ID, Asker: "mesh-controller", Outcome: outcome, Words: "its time passed", At: r.now.Add(time.Hour)}
+			}
+			answerWith(t, r, w)
+			if len(*calls) != 0 {
+				t.Fatalf("set: %+v", *calls)
+			}
+			got := r.store["s2"]
+			if got.State != string(outcome) || got.Acted == "" || !strings.HasPrefix(got.Acted, "nothing") {
+				t.Errorf("kept as %+v", got)
+			}
+			if outcome == asks.OutcomeChosen && (len(r.acts) != 1 || !strings.Contains(r.acts[0].Outcome, "declined")) {
+				t.Errorf("a decline is a decision too: %+v", r.acts)
+			}
+			// An approval after it ended is refused.
+			answerWith(t, r, warrantOn(a, "approve", r.now.Add(2*time.Hour)))
+			if len(*calls) != 0 {
+				t.Fatalf("set after the end: %+v", *calls)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+// The warrant binds the exact values: a record whose values changed after the ask, an action changed, a warrant for
+// another ask's digest, at another level, or after expiry each set nothing.
+func TestAWarrantSetsOnlyTheExactValuesTheOperatorWasShown(t *testing.T) {
+	cases := map[string]func(r *askerRig, a asked) asks.Warrant{
+		"the values changed in the record": func(r *askerRig, a asked) asks.Warrant {
+			a.Proposal.Values = map[string]any{"sources": "recalbox=smb://evil/recalbox@/mnt/recalbox", "shares": "library=/mnt/library"}
+			r.store[a.ID] = a
+			return warrantOn(a, "approve", r.now.Add(time.Hour))
+		},
+		"the layer it was shown against changed in the record": func(r *askerRig, a asked) asks.Warrant {
+			a.Proposal.Before = map[string]any{"shares": "other"}
+			r.store[a.ID] = a
+			return warrantOn(a, "approve", r.now.Add(time.Hour))
+		},
+		"the module changed in the record": func(r *askerRig, a asked) asks.Warrant {
+			a.Proposal.Module = "sshd"
+			r.store[a.ID] = a
+			return warrantOn(a, "approve", r.now.Add(time.Hour))
+		},
+		"the machine changed in the record": func(r *askerRig, a asked) asks.Warrant {
+			a.Proposal.Node = "anchor"
+			r.store[a.ID] = a
+			return warrantOn(a, "approve", r.now.Add(time.Hour))
+		},
+		"the removal became meant in the record": func(r *askerRig, a asked) asks.Warrant {
+			a.Proposal.Replace = !a.Proposal.Replace
+			r.store[a.ID] = a
+			return warrantOn(a, "approve", r.now.Add(time.Hour))
+		},
+		"the set became a clear in the record": func(r *askerRig, a asked) asks.Warrant {
+			a.Proposal.Clear = true
+			r.store[a.ID] = a
+			return warrantOn(a, "approve", r.now.Add(time.Hour))
+		},
+		"the action's digest was changed": func(r *askerRig, a asked) asks.Warrant {
+			a.Actions[0].Arguments["values"] = layerDigest(map[string]any{"sources": "x"})
+			r.store[a.ID] = a
+			return warrantOn(a, "approve", r.now.Add(time.Hour))
+		},
+		"another ask's digest": func(r *askerRig, a asked) asks.Warrant {
+			w := warrantOn(a, "approve", r.now.Add(time.Hour))
+			w.AskDigest = "sha256:0000"
+			return w
+		},
+		"at the level acknowledge": func(r *askerRig, a asked) asks.Warrant {
+			w := warrantOn(a, "approve", r.now.Add(time.Hour))
+			w.Level = asks.Acknowledge
+			return w
+		},
+		"after expiry": func(r *askerRig, a asked) asks.Warrant {
+			return warrantOn(a, "approve", r.now.Add(askApproveFor+time.Minute))
+		},
+		"nobody chose": func(r *askerRig, a asked) asks.Warrant {
+			w := warrantOn(a, "approve", r.now.Add(time.Hour))
+			w.By = nil
+			return w
+		},
+		"another asker's": func(r *askerRig, a asked) asks.Warrant {
+			w := warrantOn(a, "approve", r.now.Add(time.Hour))
+			w.Asker = "claude-code"
+			return w
+		},
+	}
+	for name, tamper := range cases {
+		t.Run(name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			r := newAskerRig(t)
+			calls := withSetLayer(r)
+			a := aProposalAsked(t, r, "s3", aProposal(r.now))
+			answerWith(t, r, tamper(r, a))
+			if len(*calls) != 0 {
+				t.Fatalf("set: %+v", *calls)
+			}
+			if got := r.store["s3"]; strings.HasPrefix(got.Acted, "done") {
+				t.Errorf("kept as done: %+v", got)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+// A proposal counts toward what the controller holds open, so a fourth ask is not attempted while three are.
+func TestOpenProposalsCountTowardTheAsksHeldOpen(t *testing.T) {
+	r := newAskerRig(t)
+	for _, id := range []string{"s4", "s5", "s6"} {
+		aProposalAsked(t, r, id, aProposal(r.now))
+	}
+	r.open = []conditions.Condition{heldCondition()}
+	if err := r.a.reconcile(context.Background()); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if len(r.sent) != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("asked beyond the bound: %d", len(r.sent))
+	}
+	for _, id := range []string{"s4", "s5", "s6"} {
+		if r.store[id].State != askOpen {
+			t.Errorf("%s was ended by the reconciling of conditions: %+v", id, r.store[id])
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// ---- the verb ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+func TestTheSettingsVerbComposesProposeAndProposals(t *testing.T) {
+	for name, c := range map[string]struct {
+		args map[string]any
+		want string
+	}{
+		"propose on a machine": {map[string]any{"module": "mounts", "node": "shanks", "values": `{"sources":"x"}`, "propose": "true"},
+			"settings propose mounts {\"sources\":\"x\"} --node shanks"},
+		"propose with replace": {map[string]any{"module": "mounts", "values": `{"a":1}`, "propose": "true", "replace": "true"},
+			"settings propose mounts {\"a\":1} --replace"},
+		"propose a clear": {map[string]any{"module": "mounts", "node": "shanks", "propose": "true", "clear": "true"},
+			"settings propose mounts --clear --node shanks"},
+		"the proposals": {map[string]any{"proposals": "true"}, "settings proposals"},
+		"one proposal":  {map[string]any{"proposal": "s1"}, "settings proposals s1"},
+	} {
+		argv, err := argvFor("settings", c.args)
+		if err != nil || strings.Join(argv, " ") != c.want {
+			t.Errorf("%s: %v %v", name, argv, err)
+		}
+	}
+	for name, args := range map[string]map[string]any{
+		"propose without a module": {"values": `{"a":1}`, "propose": "true"},
+		"propose without values":   {"module": "mounts", "propose": "true"},
+		"propose values and clear": {"module": "mounts", "values": `{"a":1}`, "clear": "true", "propose": "true"},
+		"proposals with a module":  {"proposals": "true", "module": "mounts"},
+		"proposals and a proposal": {"proposals": "true", "proposal": "s1"},
+		"a proposal with values":   {"proposal": "s1", "values": `{"a":1}`},
+		"proposals with a listing": {"proposals": "true", "list": "preferences"},
+	} {
+		if _, err := argvFor("settings", args); err == nil {
+			t.Errorf("%s was composed", name)
+		}
+	}
+	// The generic command verb proposes nothing (it is the settings verb's), and lists proposals (a read).
+	if err := refusedAsTheGenericCommand([]string{"settings", "propose", "mounts", "{}", "--node", "shanks"}); err == nil {
+		t.Error("the generic command proposed")
+	}
+	if err := refusedAsTheGenericCommand([]string{"settings", "proposals"}); err != nil {
+		t.Errorf("the generic command may not list proposals: %v", err)
+	}
+}
+
+// ---- on the real stores -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+// setLayerIn sets the layer as the terminal does — judged, the removal meant, the history kept — with who approved it
+// beside it; and refuses once the layer is no longer the one the operator was shown the change against.
+func TestSetOnAWarrantJudgesTheLayerAndKeepsWhoApprovedIt(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	register(t, open, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "notes", Version: "1",
+		// y is a preference with a default, so a layer may leave it out; x is the operator's own (ADR 0262).
+		Settings: map[string]catalogue.SettingDeclaration{"y": {Kind: "preference", Default: "10", Why: "a size"}},
+		Resources: []map[string]any{{"id": "data", "type": "directory", "mode": "0755"},
+			// A trusted file (unmarked), so its keys are the terminal's — and now the warrant's (novox/hq ADR 0277).
+			{"id": "rc", "type": "file", "path": "/etc/notes.conf", "mode": "0644", "content": "x = ${setting:x}\ny = ${setting:y}\n"}}})
+	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "laptop", "notes"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	set := setLayerIn(open)
+	now := time.Now()
+	first := map[string]any{"x": "1", "y": "2"}
+	p := settingsProposal{Module: "notes", Node: "laptop", Values: first, From: "g14/claude-code", At: now,
+		Digest: layerDigest(first), BeforeDigest: layerDigest(nil)}
+	changed, err := set(ctx, p, "s9", "approved by the operator, as telegram identity 42 via telegram at 14:05 (ask s9)")
+	if err != nil || !strings.Contains(changed, "+ x") {
+		t.Fatalf("%q %v", changed, err)
+	}
+	layer, has, err := open.inventory.Layer(ctx, "laptop", "notes")
+	if err != nil || !has || layer["x"] != "1" {
+		t.Fatalf("the layer: %v %v %v", layer, has, err)
+	}
+	setBy, _, has, err := open.inventory.LayerOrigin(ctx, "laptop", "notes")
+	if err != nil || !has || !strings.HasPrefix(setBy, "approved by the operator, as telegram identity 42 via telegram") {
+		t.Fatalf("who set it: %q %v", setBy, err)
+	}
+	// Shown by `settings show`, at the terminal and through the verb.
+	out := captureStdout(t, func() {
+		if err := atTheTerminal(t, "settings", "show", "notes", "--node", "laptop"); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	})
+	if !strings.Contains(out, "approved by the operator, as telegram identity 42 via telegram") {
+		t.Errorf("settings show says:\n%s", out)
+	}
+	// The same proposal again: the layer is no longer the one the operator was shown it against.
+	if _, err := set(ctx, p, "s9", "approved …"); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "changed since the operator was shown") {
+		t.Errorf("a stale proposal: %v", err)
+	}
+	// A removal not meant is refused; one meant is taken, and the history says who had set the layer.
+	second := map[string]any{"x": "1"}
+	q := settingsProposal{Module: "notes", Node: "laptop", Values: second, Before: first, HadLayer: true,
+		From: "g14/claude-code", At: now, Digest: layerDigest(second), BeforeDigest: layerDigest(first)}
+	if _, err := set(ctx, q, "s10", "approved …"); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "removal was not meant") {
+		t.Errorf("a silent removal: %v", err)
+	}
+	// A layer the mesh refuses is refused here too, with the same words as at the terminal.
+	bad := q
+	bad.Values, bad.Digest = map[string]any{"x": "a\nb", "y": "2"}, layerDigest(map[string]any{"x": "a\nb", "y": "2"})
+	if _, err := set(ctx, bad, "s11", "approved …"); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "line break") {
+		t.Errorf("a line break on a warrant: %v", err)
+	}
+	if layer, _, _ := open.inventory.Layer(ctx, "laptop", "notes"); layer["y"] != "2" {
+		t.Fatalf("a refused act changed the layer: %v", layer)
+	}
+	q.Replace = true
+	if _, err := set(ctx, q, "s10", "approved later"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	past, err := open.inventory.SettingsHistory(ctx, "laptop", "notes")
+	if err != nil || len(past) != 1 || !strings.HasPrefix(past[0].SetBy, "approved by the operator") {
+		t.Errorf("the history: %+v %v", past, err)
+	}
+	// And a clear, keeping who cleared it with the copy.
+	c := settingsProposal{Module: "notes", Node: "laptop", Clear: true, Before: second, HadLayer: true, From: "x", At: now,
+		Digest: layerDigest(second), BeforeDigest: layerDigest(second)}
+	if _, err := set(ctx, c, "s12", "approved by the operator at 15:00"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, has, _ := open.inventory.Layer(ctx, "laptop", "notes"); has {
+		t.Error("the layer was not cleared")
+	}
+	past, _ = open.inventory.SettingsHistory(ctx, "laptop", "notes")
+	if len(past) != 2 || !strings.Contains(past[0].SetBy, "cleared approved by the operator at 15:00") {
+		t.Errorf("the history after a clear: %+v", past)
+	}
+}
+
+// A layer set at the terminal says so, and one set through a verb names the verb (novox/hq ADR 0277).
+func TestALayerSaysWhoSetIt(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	register(t, open, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "notes", Version: "1",
+		Resources: []map[string]any{{"id": "rc", "type": "file", "path": "/etc/notes.conf", "mode": "0644", "trusted": false,
+			"content": "x = ${setting:x}\n"}}})
+	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "laptop", "notes"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := atTheTerminal(t, "settings", "set", "notes", `{"x":"1"}`, "--node", "laptop"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	setBy, _, _, _ := open.inventory.LayerOrigin(ctx, "laptop", "notes")
+	if !strings.HasPrefix(setBy, "set at the controller's terminal by ") {
+		t.Errorf("at the terminal: %q", setBy)
+	}
+	if err := throughVerb(t, "settings", map[string]any{"module": "notes", "node": "laptop", "values": `{"x":"2"}`}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	setBy, _, _, _ = open.inventory.LayerOrigin(ctx, "laptop", "notes")
+	if !strings.HasPrefix(setBy, "set by ") || !strings.Contains(setBy, "through settings") {
+		t.Errorf("through the verb: %q", setBy)
+	}
+}
+
+// A trusted setting is still refused through the settings verb (novox/hq issue 339), and the refusal now names the
+// proposal as the way.
+func TestATrustedSettingThroughAVerbNamesTheProposal(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	register(t, open, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "notes", Version: "1",
+		Resources: []map[string]any{{"id": "data", "type": "directory", "mode": "0755"}}})
+	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "laptop", "notes"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	err := throughVerb(t, "settings", map[string]any{"module": "notes", "node": "laptop",
+		"values": `{"places":{"data":{"path":"/srv/notes","owner":"1001:1001"}}}`})
+	if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "issue 339") || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "propose") {
+		t.Errorf("%v", err)
+	}
+	if _, has, _ := open.inventory.Layer(ctx, "laptop", "notes"); has {
+		t.Error("a layer was kept")
+	}
+}
+
+// captureStdout runs f and answers what it printed to standard output.
+func captureStdout(t *testing.T, f func()) string {
+	t.Helper()
+	before := os.Stdout
+	r, w, err := os.Pipe()
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	os.Stdout = w
+	done := make(chan string)
+	go func() {
+		var b strings.Builder
+		_, _ = io.Copy(&b, r)
+		done <- b.String()
+	}()
+	f()
+	os.Stdout = before
+	_ = w.Close()
+	return <-done
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/push.go

@@ -65,6 +65,8 @@ func connectLink(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, enroller link.En
 }
 
 func serve(ctx context.Context) (err error) {
+	// Nothing this process does, or starts, is the operator at the terminal (novox/hq ADR 0266).
+	markServed()
 	// The one process whose log is read over time, so the one that says each change to a node's
 	// unmet seat dependencies once (novox/hq ADR 0207).
 	logUnheldChanges = true
@@ -74,6 +76,21 @@ func serve(ctx context.Context) (err error) {
 	}
 	defer open.Close()
 	inv := open.inventory
+	// **What this build reads of the store's schema, on record** (novox/hq issue 352): the highest migration
+	// it carries, by its version, so a gate that would put this build back later knows it reads the store
+	// as it is then. A build that does not know its version records nothing, and is never put back.
+	if build := runningBuild(); build != "" {
+		if reach, err := schemaReach(); err != nil {
+			fmt.Printf("what this build reads of the store's schema is not recorded: %v\n", err)
+		} else if err := inv.RecordSchemaReach(ctx, build, reach); err != nil {
+			fmt.Printf("what this build (%s) reads of the store's schema is not recorded: %v\n", build, err)
+		} else {
+			fmt.Printf("this build (%s) reads the store's schema up to migration %04d; recorded\n", build, reach)
+		}
+	} else {
+		fmt.Printf("this process was not told which build it is (%s), so what it reads of the store's schema is not "+
+			"recorded, and a gate will never put it back\n", RunningBuildVar)
+	}
 
 	ident, err := openIdentity(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -165,6 +182,9 @@ func serve(ctx context.Context) (err error) {
 	// Open plans move on a timer as well as on outcomes (novox/hq ADR 0162): a tier waiting for
 	// machines to report moves when they have, and a plan left by a replaced controller resumes.
 	go planTicker(ctx, open)
+	// And the merge window (novox/hq ADR 0276): a batch is cut into its walk when the window closes, which no
+	// merge or outcome says.
+	go batchCutter(ctx, open)
 	// And the pending assignments settled on a tick of their own (novox/hq ADR 0261): made once their module
 	// is registered, ended with why when its build will not register it, raised and cleared as conditions.
 	// Never by a read.
@@ -219,6 +239,10 @@ func serve(ctx context.Context) (err error) {
 	}
 	// The hand-act log is counted for `status` on this connection rather than a new one a minute.
 	handActConn = bus.Conn
+	// And everything else this controller does on the bus for a moment (novox/hq issue 327).
+	servingBus.Store(server.JetStream())
+	// No longer serving: nothing is lent, and dead-letters says it is not read here (novox/hq issue 330).
+	defer servingBus.Store(nil)
 	// And says when it replaced a value given by hand (novox/hq ADR 0228).
 	givenEvents = bus
 	// And a pull request's merge check, asked when the forge announces its head and said when judged
@@ -260,6 +284,12 @@ func serve(ctx context.Context) (err error) {
 		return err
 	}
 	defer stopServing()
+	// And the operator's command on every node, asked through each node's engine (novox/hq ADR 0272).
+	stopCLI, err := bus.ServeCLI(answerMeshCLI(open.inventory), log.New(os.Stdout, "", log.LstdFlags))
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	defer stopCLI()
 	// And says so on the bus (novox/hq ADR 0197): what it serves, as the NATS services protocol asks.
 	stopAnnouncing, err := bus.Announce(seatAnnouncement(handlers), log.New(os.Stdout, "", log.LstdFlags))
 	if err != nil {
@@ -1238,11 +1268,14 @@ func issueMemberships(ctx context.Context, open *stores, server *link.Server, se
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
-	where := broker.PlacementsOf(records, records.Interchangeable)
 	bus, ok := server.Bus().(link.OverNATS)
 	if !ok {
 		return nil
 	}
+	// Which machines are root-free now (novox/hq ADR 0259 §8): a channel's verified sender is composed for the
+	// router only from one, beside a router on one. Judged once per push, by the root-free verb's judgement.
+	records.RootFree = rootFreeNow(ctx, newRootReader(ctx, open.inventory, bus.Conn), records.Nodes, time.Now())
+	where := broker.PlacementsOf(records, records.Interchangeable)
 	// **Every declared state's bucket, before the memberships that name it** (novox/hq ADR 0201). The
 	// raise at start asserts them too, but a module registered and assigned since would otherwise have
 	// its bucket only after the control plane next restarts — found the first time a module declared
@@ -1583,3 +1616,18 @@ func reportUnheldPushed(w io.Writer, named bool, asked []string, unheld map[stri
 		fmt.Fprintf(w, "%s: %d unmet seat dependenc(ies) — see `status`\n", node, len(lines))
 	}
 }
+
+// schemaReach is the highest migration this build carries for the inventory's store (novox/hq issue 352).
+func schemaReach() (int, error) {
+	migrations, err := inventory.Migrations()
+	if err != nil {
+		return 0, err
+	}
+	reach := 0
+	for _, m := range migrations {
+		if m.Number > reach {
+			reach = m.Number
+		}
+	}
+	return reach, nil
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/push_recreates_test.go

@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ func TestAPushSaysWhatItRecreates(t *testing.T) {
 		aContainerBuild(t, "postgres", "c1111111", "", start.Add(time.Second),
 			map[string][2]string{"server": {image("e"), ""}}),
 	} {
-		if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, inv, b); err != nil {
+		if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, inv, asTheOperator(t, inv, b)); err != nil {
 			t.Fatal(err)
 		}
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/queue.go

@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ import (
 	"errors"
 	"flag"
 	"fmt"
+	"io"
 	"os"
 	"sort"
 	"strings"
@@ -37,22 +38,21 @@ const (
 	killAnswer = 75 * time.Second
 )
 
-// dialTheBus opens the controller's own connection, for a command that reads or changes the queue.
+// dialTheBus is the controller's connection, for a command that reads or changes the queue: the serving
+// controller's own, lent, when this process is it (novox/hq issue 327).
 func dialTheBus() (*broker.JetStream, error) {
-	address, err := broker.BusAddress()
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
-	js, err := broker.Dial(address)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("cannot reach the bus: %w", err)
-	}
-	return js, nil
+	return aBus()
 }
 
 // queueCommand prints every ask in the build seat's work queue.
 func queueCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
+	return listQueue(ctx, args, os.Stdout)
+}
+
+// listQueue is `queue`: the build queue, as a person reads it or as JSON.
+func listQueue(ctx context.Context, args []string, w io.Writer) error {
 	set := flag.NewFlagSet("queue", flag.ContinueOnError)
+	usageTo(set, w)
 	asJSON := set.Bool("json", false, "the queue as JSON")
 	if _, err := parseAround(set, args); err != nil {
 		return err
@@ -72,10 +72,10 @@ func queueCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 		if err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
-		fmt.Println(string(body))
+		fmt.Fprintln(w, string(body))
 		return nil
 	}
-	fmt.Print(queueText(q, time.Now()))
+	fmt.Fprint(w, queueText(q, time.Now()))
 	return nil
 }
 

cmd/mesh-controller/queue_test.go

@@ -135,12 +135,19 @@ func TestRetryRefusesWhatItCannotResume(t *testing.T) {
 	if err := retryRefusal(stopped, nil); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "nothing in tier 0") {
 		t.Errorf("a plan with nothing failed to build was retried: %v", err)
 	}
-	// Another branch's newer plan, an older one, and a failed one do not supersede it.
+	// A failed or done plan does not supersede it.
+	if err := retryRefusal(failed, []inventory.Plan{plan("plan-4", inventory.PlanFailed, at.Add(time.Hour)),
+		plan("plan-5", inventory.PlanDone, at.Add(time.Hour))}); err != nil {
+		t.Errorf("refused for a plan that does not supersede it: %v", err)
+	}
+	// Another branch's open walk, or an older one, does not supersede it, and is one walk open: one at a time
+	// (novox/hq ADR 0276).
 	other := plan("plan-3", inventory.PlanBuilding, at.Add(time.Hour))
 	other.Branch = "release"
-	if err := retryRefusal(failed, []inventory.Plan{other, plan("plan-0", inventory.PlanBuilding, at.Add(-time.Hour)),
-		plan("plan-4", inventory.PlanFailed, at.Add(time.Hour))}); err != nil {
-		t.Errorf("refused for a plan that does not supersede it: %v", err)
+	for _, open := range []inventory.Plan{other, plan("plan-0", inventory.PlanBuilding, at.Add(-time.Hour))} {
+		if err := retryRefusal(failed, []inventory.Plan{open}); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "one walk at a time") {
+			t.Errorf("retried beside the open walk %s: %v", open.ID, err)
+		}
 	}
 }
 

cmd/mesh-controller/reconnects.go

@@ -0,0 +1,173 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"fmt"
+	"sort"
+	"strings"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// D15: no client of the bus reconnects in a loop (novox/hq issue 327).
+//
+// The server's connection total was the one number that would show a client reconnecting, and every verb
+// the controller served opened and closed a connection of its own, hundreds an hour, so a loop was
+// invisible in it. The bus's own module reads the server's record of closed connections
+// (`nats_closed_connections`); this asks it every run, and says each user whose connections were dropped —
+// closed by anything but the client itself: a read or write error, a stale connection, a slow consumer, a
+// refused login — more often than reconnectBound in the last hour.
+
+const (
+	probeReconnectsID = "D15"
+	kindBusReconnects = "bus-reconnects"
+	// reconnectBound is how many dropped connections in an hour one user may have before it is said:
+	// a client that loses its connection every five minutes. Provisional.
+	reconnectBound = 12
+	// busModule is the module that is the bus, and closedTool its tool that reads closed connections.
+	busModule  = "nats"
+	closedTool = "nats_closed_connections"
+	closedAsk  = 20 * time.Second
+)
+
+// closedConnections is what the bus's module answers.
+type closedConnections struct {
+	Hours   float64 `json:"hours"`
+	Reaches bool    `json:"reaches"`
+	Users   []struct {
+		User           string  `json:"user"`
+		Closed         int     `json:"closed"`
+		Dropped        int     `json:"dropped"`
+		DroppedPerHour float64 `json:"dropped_per_hour"`
+		Names          []struct {
+			Name    string         `json:"name"`
+			Closed  int            `json:"closed"`
+			Dropped int            `json:"dropped"`
+			Reasons map[string]int `json:"reasons"`
+		} `json:"names"`
+	} `json:"users"`
+}
+
+// probeReconnects is D15.
+func probeReconnects(ctx context.Context, d *doctor) ([]conditions.Observation, error) {
+	if d.js == nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("no bus to ask the bus's module over")
+	}
+	on, err := d.open.inventory.Running(ctx, busModule)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	if len(on) == 0 {
+		return nil, nil // no bus module assigned: a mesh whose bus is not the mesh's module
+	}
+	return reconnectsOn(ctx, d.js.Conn(), on[0])
+}
+
+// reconnectsOn asks the bus module on its machine and says who reconnects in a loop.
+func reconnectsOn(ctx context.Context, conn *nats.Conn, node string) ([]conditions.Observation, error) {
+	read, err := askClosed(ctx, conn, node)
+	if isNothingServes(err) {
+		// A bus module older than its tool has nothing it can say, which is not a failure of the probe.
+		return nil, nil
+	}
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return reconnecting(read), nil
+}
+
+// askClosed asks the bus's module, on its machine, who closed connections in the last hour.
+func askClosed(ctx context.Context, conn *nats.Conn, node string) (closedConnections, error) {
+	var read closedConnections
+	answer, err := link.AskModuleToolOn(ctx, conn, busModule, closedTool, node, map[string]any{"hours": 1}, closedAsk)
+	if err != nil {
+		return read, err
+	}
+	if answer.Error != "" {
+		return read, fmt.Errorf("%s on %s answered %s with an error: %s", busModule, node, closedTool, answer.Error)
+	}
+	if err := unmarshalAnswer(answer, &read); err != nil {
+		return read, fmt.Errorf("%s on %s answered %s with something unreadable: %w", busModule, node, closedTool, err)
+	}
+	return read, nil
+}
+
+// reconnecting is one observation per user whose connections were dropped more than reconnectBound times
+// an hour.
+func reconnecting(read closedConnections) []conditions.Observation {
+	hours := read.Hours
+	if hours <= 0 {
+		hours = 1
+	}
+	var out []conditions.Observation
+	for _, u := range read.Users {
+		if u.User == "" || strings.HasPrefix(u.User, "(") {
+			// Refused before it logged in: no client of the mesh's, so nobody's reconnect loop. A login
+			// refused again and again is a question of its own, not this probe's.
+			continue
+		}
+		perHour := float64(u.Dropped) / hours
+		if perHour <= reconnectBound {
+			continue
+		}
+		reasons := map[string]int{}
+		var names []string
+		for _, n := range u.Names {
+			if n.Dropped == 0 {
+				continue
+			}
+			names = append(names, fmt.Sprintf("%q ×%d", n.Name, n.Dropped))
+			for r, c := range n.Reasons {
+				if r != "Client Closed" {
+					reasons[r] += c
+				}
+			}
+		}
+		var why []string
+		for r, c := range reasons {
+			why = append(why, fmt.Sprintf("%s ×%d", r, c))
+		}
+		sort.Strings(why)
+		partial := ""
+		if !read.Reaches {
+			partial = " (at least: the server's record of closed connections does not reach back the whole hour)"
+		}
+		who, machine := busUserWords(u.User)
+		out = append(out, conditions.Observation{Scope: conditions.ScopeBus, ID: u.User, Kind: kindBusReconnects,
+			Machine: machine, Severity: conditions.Warning,
+			Summary: fmt.Sprintf("the bus dropped %s's connection %d times in the last hour%s, more than %d: a "+
+				"client reconnecting in a loop", u.User, u.Dropped, partial, reconnectBound),
+			Said: fmt.Sprintf("%d of %d closed connections dropped in %.0f h; by name %s; why %s", u.Dropped,
+				u.Closed, hours, strings.Join(names, ", "), strings.Join(why, ", ")),
+			Headline: clip(conditions.Capital(who)+" keeps losing the bus", 60),
+			Explanation: conditions.Capital(fmt.Sprintf("%s lost its connection to the bus %d times in the last hour "+
+				"and connected again each time. While it reconnects, what it says and what it is asked waits.", who,
+				u.Dropped)),
+			Resolved: "Resolved: " + who + " stays connected"})
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// busUserWords is a bus user as the operator says it, and the machine it is on: `node.<machine>` the
+// node-engine, `<machine>.node-tools` the tool runner, `controller` the controller, `<machine>.<module>` a
+// module.
+func busUserWords(user string) (string, string) {
+	switch {
+	case user == "controller":
+		return "the controller", ""
+	case strings.HasPrefix(user, "node."):
+		m := strings.TrimPrefix(user, "node.")
+		return "the node-engine on " + m, m
+	}
+	if m, module, ok := strings.Cut(user, "."); ok {
+		if module == "node-tools" {
+			return "the tool runner on " + m, m
+		}
+		return module + " on " + m, m
+	}
+	return "a client of the bus", ""
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/reconnects_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,189 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/testbus"
+)
+
+// The serving controller's own connection serves what it does for a moment: no connection is opened,
+// and closing what it was lent leaves the serving one open (novox/hq issue 327).
+func TestTheServingControllerLendsItsOwnConnection(t *testing.T) {
+	bus := testbus.Start(t)
+	serving, err := broker.Dial(bus.ClientURL())
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	defer serving.Close()
+	if err := serving.EnsureControllerBuckets(); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	was := servingBus.Load()
+	servingBus.Store(serving)
+	defer servingBus.Store(was)
+	t.Setenv(broker.NATSVar, bus.ClientURL())
+
+	before, _ := bus.Varz(nil)
+	lent, err := aBus()
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	lent.Close()
+	if !serving.Conn().IsConnected() {
+		t.Fatal("closing a lent connection closed the serving controller's")
+	}
+	if err := onTheBus(func(*nats.Conn) error { return nil }); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	handlers, _, err := seatToolHandlers()
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	answer, err := handlers["hand-acts"](context.Background(), json.RawMessage(`{}`))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if a := answer.(verbAnswer); !a.OK || a.Answer == nil {
+		t.Fatalf("hand-acts answered %+v", a)
+	}
+	_, _ = handlers["queue"](context.Background(), json.RawMessage(`{}`))
+	after, _ := bus.Varz(nil)
+	if opened := after.TotalConnections - before.TotalConnections; opened != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the serving controller opened %d connection(s) of its own", opened)
+	}
+}
+
+// A verb that still runs as a process of its own says which in the bus's list of connections.
+func TestAVerbsOwnProcessNamesItsConnection(t *testing.T) {
+	bus := testbus.Start(t)
+	setup, err := broker.Dial(bus.ClientURL())
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := setup.EnsureControllerBuckets(); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	setup.Close()
+	asAProcess(t, bus.ClientURL())
+	handlers, _, err := seatToolHandlers()
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	// A silence acts, so it is still its own process; it dials, and finds no such condition.
+	_, _ = handlers["conditions"](context.Background(),
+		json.RawMessage(`{"silence":"bus.nothing.here","for":"1h","why":"a test"}`))
+	names := closedNames(t, bus)
+	found := false
+	for _, n := range names {
+		found = found || n == "mesh-controller verb conditions"
+	}
+	if !found {
+		t.Fatalf("the verb's connection was named %q", names)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestEachProcessNamesItsConnectionsForWhatItIs(t *testing.T) {
+	for _, c := range []struct{ command, verb, want string }{
+		{"serve", "", "mesh-controller serving"},
+		{"conditions", "conditions", "mesh-controller verb conditions"},
+		{"delivery", "delivery-check", "mesh-controller verb delivery-check"},
+		{"push", "", "mesh-controller command push"},
+	} {
+		if got := connectionName(c.command, c.verb); got != c.want {
+			t.Errorf("%s/%s: %q", c.command, c.verb, got)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// D15: a user whose connections are dropped more than twelve times an hour is said, in plain words; one
+// whose client closes its own short connections is not.
+func TestAClientReconnectingInALoopIsSaid(t *testing.T) {
+	var read closedConnections
+	if err := json.Unmarshal([]byte(`{"hours":1,"reaches":true,"users":[
+		{"user":"ace.node-tools","closed":40,"dropped":40,"dropped_per_hour":40,"names":[
+			{"name":"ace.node-tools","closed":40,"dropped":40,"reasons":{"Stale Connection":30,"Read Error":10}}]},
+		{"user":"controller","closed":300,"dropped":0,"names":[
+			{"name":"mesh-controller verb delivery-check","closed":300,"dropped":0,"reasons":{"Client Closed":300}}]},
+		{"user":"(no user: refused before it logged in)","closed":90,"dropped":90,"names":[{"name":"","closed":90,
+			"dropped":90,"reasons":{"Authentication Failure":90}}]},
+		{"user":"node.anchor","closed":5,"dropped":5,"names":[{"name":"mesh-host/anchor","closed":5,"dropped":5,
+			"reasons":{"Read Error":5}}]}]}`), &read); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	found := reconnecting(read)
+	if len(found) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("%+v", found)
+	}
+	o := found[0]
+	if o.ID != "ace.node-tools" || o.Machine != "ace" || o.Kind != kindBusReconnects ||
+		o.Headline != "The tool runner on ace keeps losing the bus" || !strings.Contains(o.Said, "Stale Connection ×30") {
+		t.Fatalf("%+v", o)
+	}
+	if why, ok := conditions.PlainWords(conditions.Words{Headline: o.Headline, Explanation: o.Explanation,
+		Resolved: o.Resolved}, "ace"); !ok {
+		t.Fatalf("not plain: %s", why)
+	}
+}
+
+// The bus's module is asked on its machine, over the bus.
+func TestTheBusModuleIsAskedWhoClosedConnections(t *testing.T) {
+	bus := testbus.Start(t)
+	conn, err := nats.Connect(bus.ClientURL())
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	defer conn.Close()
+	sub, err := conn.Subscribe(link.ModuleToolOn("nats", "nats_closed_connections", "anchor"), func(m *nats.Msg) {
+		_ = m.Respond([]byte(`{"result":{"hours":1,"reaches":true,"users":[{"user":"controller","closed":2,"dropped":0}]}}`))
+	})
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	defer func() { _ = sub.Unsubscribe() }()
+	read, err := askClosed(context.Background(), conn, "anchor")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if len(read.Users) != 1 || read.Users[0].Closed != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("%+v", read)
+	}
+}
+
+// A bus module older than the tool answers nothing to the question: the probe passes over it quietly.
+func TestAnOlderBusModuleIsPassedOverQuietly(t *testing.T) {
+	bus := testbus.Start(t)
+	conn, err := nats.Connect(bus.ClientURL())
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	defer conn.Close()
+	found, err := reconnectsOn(context.Background(), conn, "anchor")
+	if err != nil || len(found) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a bus module without the tool: %v %v", found, err)
+	}
+}
+
+// A verb answered in the serving controller says its flag errors in its answer, not in the controller's log.
+func TestAFlagErrorIsSaidInTheAnswer(t *testing.T) {
+	bus := testbus.Start(t)
+	serving, err := broker.Dial(bus.ClientURL())
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	defer serving.Close()
+	was := servingBus.Load()
+	servingBus.Store(serving)
+	defer servingBus.Store(was)
+	answer, read := readHere(context.Background(), []string{"hand-acts", "--bogus"})
+	if !read || answer.OK || !strings.Contains(answer.Output, "flag provided but not defined") {
+		t.Fatalf("answered %+v", answer)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/recorded_kept_test.go

@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ func TestARecordedBuildIsCarriedOnlyByAPersonsPush(t *testing.T) {
 		aContainerBuild(t, "mailu", "c1111111", "", start.Add(time.Second),
 			map[string][2]string{"smtp": {mailImage, ""}, "imap": {mailImage, ""}}),
 	} {
-		if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, inv, b); err != nil {
+		if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, inv, asTheOperator(t, inv, b)); err != nil {
 			t.Fatal(err)
 		}
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/rehearse.go

@@ -0,0 +1,114 @@
+package main
+
+// The rehearsal of the operator's answers — not a drill, which in the glossary is something broken on purpose (novox/hq ADR 0259, the live acceptance after rollout): an ask the
+// operator starts at the controller's terminal, answered on the phone, whose approval changes nothing and is
+// recorded as a person's decision like any other.
+//
+//	mesh-controller rehearse [--for 15m]
+//
+// It asks with two answers, Approve and Decline, each bound to the rehearsal's own act and **both at the level
+// approve** (the review of 2026-10-09, M1: an acknowledgement never shares an ask with an approval), so only a
+// channel that proves who answered carries either — the rehearsal is of exactly that. The serving controller acts on the warrant
+// as on any other: it claims the ask once, checks the act is the one bound, performs nothing, and records the
+// hand-act `warrant` with who answered, through which channel, and the proofs. `hand-acts` then shows it.
+//
+// **The terminal's alone** (startedAtTheTerminal): a command a verb runs, an ordinary mesh-cli line and anything the
+// serving controller started are refused, so no agent starts a rehearsal — a
+// rehearsal is a question the operator expects, and one an agent could start would teach them to approve what they
+// did not ask for.
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"flag"
+	"fmt"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
+
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/asks"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+)
+
+// rehearsalVerb is the act a rehearsal's answers bind: nothing is called.
+const rehearsalVerb = "rehearsal"
+
+// rehearsalActions are the rehearsal's two answers.
+func rehearsalActions() []conditions.Action {
+	return []conditions.Action{
+		{Label: "Approve", Verb: rehearsalVerb, Level: conditions.LevelApprove, Arguments: map[string]string{"rehearsal": "approve"}},
+		{Label: "Decline", Verb: rehearsalVerb, Level: conditions.LevelApprove, Arguments: map[string]string{"rehearsal": "decline"}},
+	}
+}
+
+// rehearsalAsk is the rehearsal's ask, as the router is sent it.
+func rehearsalAsk(id string, now time.Time, lasts time.Duration) (asks.Ask, map[string]int) {
+	q := asks.Ask{ID: id, Headline: "Rehearsal: approve this test question?", Who: asks.Operator,
+		Explanation: "Needs you: approve or decline. You started this rehearsal at the controller's terminal. Approving " +
+			"changes nothing on the mesh; it is recorded as your decision, so you can check the record.",
+		OnExpiry: "nothing is done", Expires: now.Add(lasts), About: "rehearsal." + id}
+	options := map[string]int{}
+	for i, act := range rehearsalActions() {
+		binds, _ := asks.ActDigest(boundAct(act))
+		oid := optionID(act.Label)
+		options[oid] = i
+		q.Options = append(q.Options, asks.Option{ID: oid, Label: act.Label, Does: doesRehearsal(act), Level: asks.Level(act.Level),
+			Binds: binds})
+	}
+	return q, options
+}
+
+func doesRehearsal(act conditions.Action) string {
+	if act.Arguments["rehearsal"] == "approve" {
+		return "nothing changes; your approval is recorded"
+	}
+	return "nothing changes; your answer is recorded"
+}
+
+func rehearseCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
+	// The terminal as main judges it (startedAtTheTerminal): not a verb, not the serving controller or anything it
+	// started, and a mesh-cli line only when it is the control-node's operator's (novox/hq ADR 0272 §4).
+	if !startedAtTheTerminal() {
+		return errors.New("rehearse is the controller's terminal's alone: a verb, a mesh-cli line from anybody but " +
+			"the control-node's operator, or a process the serving controller started may not start one, so no agent " +
+			"asks the operator a question they did not start (novox/hq ADR 0259)")
+	}
+	set := flag.NewFlagSet("rehearse", flag.ContinueOnError)
+	lasts := set.Duration("for", 15*time.Minute, "how long the question waits for an answer")
+	if err := set.Parse(args); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	if *lasts < time.Minute || *lasts > askApproveFor {
+		return fmt.Errorf("a rehearsal waits between a minute and %s", askApproveFor)
+	}
+	js, err := aBus()
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	defer js.Close()
+	now := time.Now()
+	id := newAskID()
+	q, options := rehearsalAsk(id, now, *lasts)
+	if err := q.Check(now); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	store := busAsked{conn: js.Conn()}
+	// Kept before it is published, as the asker keeps every ask, so a warrant always finds it.
+	if err := store.Create(ctx, asked{ID: id, Condition: q.About, Ask: q, Actions: rehearsalActions(), Options: options,
+		State: askOpen, Opened: now, Rehearsal: true}); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("the rehearsal could not be kept in the controller's asks: %w", err)
+	}
+	body, err := json.Marshal(q)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	if _, err := js.Context().Publish(asks.AskSubject(askerName), body, nats.MsgId("ask."+id), nats.Context(ctx)); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("the rehearsal could not be asked: %w", err)
+	}
+	fmt.Printf("rehearsal %s asked: answer it on your phone before %s. Then `mesh-controller hand-acts` shows the "+
+		"answer as a warrant, with who answered, through which channel and the proofs; nothing else changes.\n",
+		id, q.Expires.Local().Format("15:04"))
+	return nil
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/rehearse_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,76 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/asks"
+)
+
+// A rehearsal (the live acceptance of novox/hq ADR 0259): its approval is a warrant like any other — claimed once,
+// its act checked against what the option bound, recorded as the operator's decision with who, how and the
+// proofs — and it performs nothing. The reconciling of conditions leaves it open.
+func TestARehearsalsApprovalIsRecordedAndPerformsNothing(t *testing.T) {
+	r := newAskerRig(t)
+	q, options := rehearsalAsk("crehearsal", r.now, askerRehearsalFor)
+	if err := q.Check(r.now); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("the rehearsal's ask is refused: %v", err)
+	}
+	r.store["crehearsal"] = asked{ID: "crehearsal", Condition: q.About, Ask: q, Actions: rehearsalActions(), Options: options,
+		State: askOpen, Opened: r.now, Rehearsal: true}
+	if err := r.a.reconcile(context.Background()); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if got := r.store["crehearsal"]; got.State != askOpen {
+		t.Fatalf("the reconciling of conditions ended the rehearsal: %+v", got)
+	}
+	approve, _ := q.Option("approve")
+	w := asks.Warrant{Ask: "crehearsal", Asker: "mesh-controller", Outcome: asks.OutcomeChosen, Option: approve.ID,
+		Label: approve.Label, Level: approve.Level, Channel: "telegram", Proofs: []string{"P1"}, At: r.now,
+		AskDigest: q.Digest(), By: &asks.Person{Who: asks.Operator, Kind: "telegram", Identity: "42", Verified: "user id verified"}}
+	answerWith(t, r, w)
+	answerWith(t, r, w) // heard again
+	if len(r.called)+len(r.silenced) != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("a rehearsal performed something: %v %v", r.called, r.silenced)
+	}
+	if len(r.acts) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("hand-acts %+v", r.acts)
+	}
+	act := r.acts[0]
+	if act.Verb != handActWarrant || act.By != "the operator, as telegram identity 42" || act.Ask != "crehearsal" ||
+		strings.Join(act.Args, " ") != "rehearsal rehearsal=approve" || act.Outcome != "done" || strings.Join(act.Proofs, ",") != "P1" {
+		t.Errorf("the rehearsal's record: %+v", act)
+	}
+	if !personsDecision(act) {
+		t.Error("a rehearsal's answer counts as a repair")
+	}
+}
+
+// Only the terminal starts a rehearsal: a verb's process is refused before anything is asked.
+func TestARehearsalIsTheTerminalsAlone(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Setenv(verbVar, "mesh-controller.command")
+	if err := rehearseCommand(context.Background(), nil); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "terminal") {
+		t.Fatalf("a verb started a rehearsal: %v", err)
+	}
+	// Nor a mesh-cli line from anybody but the control-node's operator (hq ADR 0272 §4): run without a verb,
+	// naming its caller, and without the terminal's mark — and nor anything the serving controller started.
+	for name, env := range map[string]map[string]string{
+		"an ordinary mesh-cli line":            {verbVar: "", link.CallerVar: "laptop/agent"},
+		"a process the serving controller ran": {verbVar: "", servedVar: "1"},
+	} {
+		t.Run(name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			for k, v := range env {
+				t.Setenv(k, v)
+			}
+			if err := rehearseCommand(context.Background(), nil); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "terminal") {
+				t.Fatalf("%s started a rehearsal: %v", name, err)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+// askerRehearsalFor is how long the test's rehearsal waits.
+const askerRehearsalFor = 15 * time.Minute

cmd/mesh-controller/release.go

@@ -180,12 +180,35 @@ func (f moveFacts) moves(node string, modules []string, sent map[string]string,
 	return out
 }
 
-// walkedBy is the open plan that has started walking a module's build — sent it to a first machine,
-// not yet passed — other than to this machine; empty when none does.
-func (f moveFacts) walkedBy(module, node string) string {
+// walkedBy is the open plan that has started walking a module's build — sent it to a first machine, not
+// yet passed — and whose walk this move would cross; empty when none does. A move of the same build to a
+// machine that plan already sent it is not a crossing: the build is there. A move of **another** build of
+// the module to that machine is (novox/hq issue 352): on 2026-10-09 a merge's plan sent the control node a
+// newer controller while a release's gate was judging the controller there, the release's gate read the
+// machine's report against the newer send, failed three builds and put them back under the new plan's
+// feet. A release keeps no module records: its open gate's carried moves are its walk.
+func (f moveFacts) walkedBy(module, node, to string) string {
 	for _, p := range f.plans {
+		if !p.Open() {
+			continue
+		}
+		if p.Release != nil {
+			g := p.Release.Gate
+			if g == nil || g.Verdict != "" {
+				continue
+			}
+			for _, c := range g.Carried {
+				if c.Module == module && !(slices.Contains(g.Machines, node) && sameCommit(c.To, to)) {
+					return p.ID
+				}
+			}
+			continue
+		}
 		s, holds := p.Modules[module]
-		if !p.Open() || !holds || s == nil || s.FirstAt == nil || s.SentAt != nil || slices.Contains(s.First, node) {
+		if !holds || s == nil || s.FirstAt == nil || s.SentAt != nil {
+			continue
+		}
+		if slices.Contains(s.First, node) && sameCommit(s.Commit, to) {
 			continue
 		}
 		if s.Gate != nil && s.Gate.Verdict == inventory.GatePassed {
@@ -277,11 +300,19 @@ func gatedSend(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string, owns []inventory.
 		if own(mv.Module) {
 			continue
 		}
-		if id := f.walkedBy(mv.Module, node); id != "" {
+		if id := f.walkedBy(mv.Module, node, mv.To); id != "" {
 			return nil, nil, fmt.Errorf("%w: %s's build %s waits on %s, which %s is walking", errWalkedElsewhere,
 				mv.Module, short(mv.To), node, id)
 		}
 	}
+	// **And the plan's own modules wait too** (novox/hq issue 352): a walk of the same module by another
+	// plan, or a release, on this machine is not crossed with a newer build; this send waits for its gate.
+	for _, o := range owns {
+		if id := f.walkedBy(o.Module, node, o.To); id != "" {
+			return nil, nil, fmt.Errorf("%w: %s's build %s waits on %s, which %s is walking", errWalkedElsewhere,
+				o.Module, short(o.To), node, id)
+		}
+	}
 	for _, o := range owns {
 		i := slices.IndexFunc(moves, func(mv inventory.CarriedMove) bool { return mv.Module == o.Module })
 		switch {
@@ -526,7 +557,7 @@ func waitingMoves(ctx context.Context, open *stores, all bool) (map[string][]inv
 			return nil, err
 		}
 		for _, mv := range moves {
-			if f.walkedBy(mv.Module, n.Name) == "" {
+			if f.walkedBy(mv.Module, n.Name, mv.To) == "" {
 				out[n.Name] = append(out[n.Name], mv)
 			}
 		}
@@ -658,7 +689,7 @@ func advanceRelease(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan) (bool,
 				r.Next++
 				continue
 			}
-			r.Gate = &inventory.PlanGate{Machines: sent, Since: &now, Carried: moves}
+			r.Gate = &inventory.PlanGate{Machines: sent, Since: &now, Carried: moves, Sent: sentNow(ctx, open.inventory, sent)}
 			p.Note = fmt.Sprintf("sent %s %d build(s) that waited for a gate; judging them there", node, len(moves))
 			if said := recreationsSaid(moves); said != "" {
 				p.Note += "; " + said
@@ -693,6 +724,15 @@ func advanceRelease(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan) (bool,
 		r.Next++
 		r.Gate = nil
 		return true, nil
+	case inventory.GateSuperseded:
+		// Another send moved a judged module on the judged machine (novox/hq issue 352): no verdict on what
+		// was carried, nothing put back, and this release ends; the builds still waiting are released again
+		// by the next pass, judged afresh.
+		p.State = inventory.PlanSuperseded
+		p.Note = fmt.Sprintf("superseded on %s: %s — nothing judged, nothing put back; what still waits is released again",
+			strings.Join(g.Machines, ", "), g.Why)
+		fmt.Printf("%s: %s\n", p.ID, p.Note)
+		return true, nil
 	}
 	p.Note = ""
 	batched, back := batchingRollbacks(ctx)

cmd/mesh-controller/release_plan.go

@@ -138,9 +138,11 @@ func reachableFrom(moved []string, edges []inventory.Edge) []string {
 		grew = false
 		for _, e := range edges {
 			// Built-by and worker-of order a plan; neither widens it. A new build machine changes
-			// nothing it builds, and a new controller changes nothing about the holder it orders —
-			// what packages the controller's source is already a code edge.
-			if e.Kind == inventory.EdgeBuiltBy || e.Kind == inventory.EdgeWorkerOf {
+			// nothing it builds, and a new controller changes nothing about the holder it orders. A
+			// packages edge, read from a record made before novox/hq ADR 0267, widens nothing either:
+			// a shared file moves each module whose build source holds it, directly.
+			if e.Kind == inventory.EdgeBuiltBy || e.Kind == inventory.EdgeWorkerOf || e.Kind == inventory.EdgePackages ||
+				e.Kind == edgeGroupOrder {
 				continue
 			}
 			if in[e.To] && !in[e.From] {
@@ -157,7 +159,9 @@ func reachableFrom(moved []string, edges []inventory.Edge) []string {
 	return out
 }
 
-// hasCycle says whether the tiers' last tier holds modules that still depend on each other.
+// hasCycle says whether the tiers' last tier holds modules that still depend on each other. A packages
+// edge orders nothing (tiersOf), so a module and what packages its source share a tier by rule: that is
+// no cycle, and saying one was is a false report in every such plan's log.
 func hasCycle(tiers [][]string, edges []inventory.Edge) bool {
 	if len(tiers) == 0 {
 		return false
@@ -167,6 +171,9 @@ func hasCycle(tiers [][]string, edges []inventory.Edge) bool {
 		last[m] = true
 	}
 	for _, e := range edges {
+		if e.Kind == inventory.EdgePackages {
+			continue
+		}
 		if last[e.From] && last[e.To] {
 			return true
 		}
@@ -174,9 +181,18 @@ func hasCycle(tiers [][]string, edges []inventory.Edge) bool {
 	return false
 }
 
-// planFor is the plan a merge produces: the moved modules and everything reachable from them,
+// planOfMerge is the plan one merge produces: the moved modules and everything reachable from them,
 // tiered, with the merge it answers.
 func planOfMerge(m link.SourceMoved, moved []string, edges []inventory.Edge) inventory.Plan {
+	p := planOfMoves(moved, edges)
+	merged, _ := time.Parse(time.RFC3339Nano, m.MergedAt)
+	p.Repository, p.Branch, p.Commit, p.Merged = m.Owner+"/"+m.Repo, m.Base, m.Commit, merged.UTC()
+	return p
+}
+
+// planOfMoves is the walk of a set of moved modules (novox/hq ADR 0162, 0276): they and everything reachable
+// from them, tiered along the graph, with no merge named yet.
+func planOfMoves(moved []string, edges []inventory.Edge) inventory.Plan {
 	set := reachableFrom(moved, edges)
 	tiers := tiersOf(set, edges)
 	modules := map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{}
@@ -184,71 +200,14 @@ func planOfMerge(m link.SourceMoved, moved []string, edges []inventory.Edge) inv
 		modules[name] = &inventory.PlanModule{}
 	}
 	return inventory.Plan{
-		ID:         fmt.Sprintf("plan-%d", time.Now().UnixNano()),
-		Repository: m.Owner + "/" + m.Repo,
-		Branch:     m.Base,
-		Commit:     m.Commit,
-		Created:    time.Now().UTC(),
-		State:      inventory.PlanBuilding,
-		Tiers:      tiers,
-		Modules:    modules,
+		ID:      fmt.Sprintf("plan-%d", time.Now().UnixNano()),
+		Created: time.Now().UTC(),
+		State:   inventory.PlanBuilding,
+		Tiers:   tiers,
+		Modules: modules,
 	}
 }
 
-// supersededBy is what a newer plan takes over from the open plans it supersedes (novox/hq issue
-// 254, ADR 0218): the modules they had not finished, and those plans closed as superseded.
-//
-// **A merge looked at no plan but its own.** Two merges of one repository a few minutes apart were
-// two open plans asking for the same modules, each sending machines what it built; and a plan that
-// would never move again — waiting on a report that could not come, at 97b1b2b — stayed open for
-// ever beside the newer ones, read as work in progress by everyone who looked. The newer merge is the
-// newer intent for that repository and branch, so its plan takes over: every open plan of the same
-// repository and branch **created before it** — by the time the plans were made, never by comparing
-// commits, which have no order of their own — gives up the modules it had not built, and those are
-// planned again in the newer plan beside what the newer merge moved.
-//
-// "Not built" is a module not yet asked, or asked and not answered; **and a module built and not
-// yet sent to its machines**, where its policy rolls it out: closed, the older plan would never send
-// it, and the catalogue announces no move for a rebuild (issue 189), so the newer plan builds and
-// sends it. A build the older plan asked still finishes and registers as any build does — ordered by
-// when it was asked (issue 219), so the newer plan's ask, made later, is the one that stands.
-//
-// A plan with no branch recorded is from before branches were kept, and is superseded by the next
-// plan of its repository: what it had not built is folded in, so nothing is lost by it.
-func supersededBy(newer inventory.Plan, open []inventory.Plan, rollsOut func(string) bool) ([]string, []inventory.Plan) {
-	folded := map[string]bool{}
-	var closed []inventory.Plan
-	for _, old := range open {
-		if old.ID == newer.ID || !old.Open() || !strings.EqualFold(old.Repository, newer.Repository) ||
-			(old.Branch != "" && old.Branch != newer.Branch) || !old.Created.Before(newer.Created) {
-			continue
-		}
-		var took []string
-		for name, s := range old.Modules {
-			if s != nil && s.State == planDeleted {
-				continue // deleted at its source: nothing to plan again
-			}
-			if s == nil || s.State != "built" || (s.SentAt == nil && rollsOut(name)) {
-				folded[name] = true
-				took = append(took, name)
-			}
-		}
-		sort.Strings(took)
-		old.State = inventory.PlanSuperseded
-		old.Note = fmt.Sprintf("superseded at tier %d by %s (%s at %s)", old.Tier, newer.ID, newer.Repository, short(newer.Commit))
-		if len(took) > 0 {
-			old.Note += "; " + strings.Join(took, ", ") + " planned there again"
-		}
-		closed = append(closed, old)
-	}
-	out := make([]string, 0, len(folded))
-	for name := range folded {
-		out = append(out, name)
-	}
-	sort.Strings(out)
-	return out, closed
-}
-
 // gates is what the next tier needs running from this one: a module of the tier that a later
 // tier is built by — the runtime dependency — and whose policy rolls it out, must be applied by
 // the machines running it before the next tier is asked. A base an image stands on need only be
@@ -276,8 +235,11 @@ func gates(p inventory.Plan, edges []inventory.Edge, rollsOut func(string) bool)
 	seen := map[string]bool{}
 	var out []string
 	for _, e := range edges {
-		if later[e.From] && inTier[e.To] && e.Kind == inventory.EdgeBuiltBy && !seen[e.To] && rollsOut(e.To) &&
-			!isBaseOf(e.From, e.To, edges, all) {
+		// A delivery group's order inside a walk (novox/hq ADR 0276 decision 5) gates as built-by does: the
+		// member before is running on its machines before the member after is asked.
+		ordered := e.Kind == edgeGroupOrder ||
+			e.Kind == inventory.EdgeBuiltBy && !isBaseOf(e.From, e.To, edges, all)
+		if later[e.From] && inTier[e.To] && ordered && !seen[e.To] && rollsOut(e.To) {
 			seen[e.To] = true
 			out = append(out, e.To)
 		}
@@ -368,8 +330,15 @@ func askModule(ctx context.Context, p *inventory.Plan, name string, byName map[s
 	}
 	source := buildSource{Repository: e.Source.Repository, Seat: e.Source.Seat}
 	fmt.Printf("  tier %d: ", p.Tier)
-	// The branch it follows, never a commit a build once named (novox/hq 04-ISSUES/215).
-	id, err := askABuild(ctx, source, e.Source.Path, followedBranch(e.Source.Ref))
+	// The branch it follows, never a commit a build once named (novox/hq 04-ISSUES/215): the branch contains every
+	// commit a batch's walk carries — but for a merge walked alone after a failed walk (novox/hq ADR 0276
+	// decision 3), built on its own commit to find which merge brought the failure.
+	ref := followedBranch(e.Source.Ref)
+	carried := p.CommitOn(e.Source.Repository, ref)
+	if p.Delivery != nil && p.Delivery.Alone && carried != "" {
+		ref = carried
+	}
+	id, err := askABuild(ctx, source, e.Source.Path, ref)
 	if err != nil {
 		state.State = "failed"
 		state.Why = err.Error()
@@ -377,8 +346,14 @@ func askModule(ctx context.Context, p *inventory.Plan, name string, byName map[s
 		p.Note = fmt.Sprintf("%s could not be asked for: %v", name, err)
 		return
 	}
+	// The commit of the module's own repository the walk carries (novox/hq ADR 0276): a batch's walk carries
+	// one per repository.
+	commit := carried
+	if commit == "" {
+		commit = p.Commit
+	}
 	recordAsked(ctx, inventory.BuildRequest{ID: id, Repository: e.Source.Repository, Seat: e.Source.Seat,
-		Path: e.Source.Path, Ref: followedBranch(e.Source.Ref), Commit: p.Commit, For: "plan"})
+		Path: e.Source.Path, Ref: followedBranch(e.Source.Ref), Commit: commit, For: "plan"})
 	state.State = "asked"
 	state.AskedAt = &now
 	state.Build = id
@@ -471,6 +446,47 @@ func planBuilt(ctx context.Context, open *stores, module, commit, failed string,
 	advanceHeld(ctx, open)
 }
 
+// startedBeside is the id of a started walk open beside this one — a merge's walk past its wait, not the
+// backlog's — or empty: one walk at a time (novox/hq ADR 0276).
+func startedBeside(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, id string, created time.Time) (string, error) {
+	plans, err := inv.OpenPlans(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", err
+	}
+	for _, q := range plans {
+		if q.ID == id || q.Release != nil || q.Waiting() {
+			continue
+		}
+		// Started: a tier asked, or on its way (let go, or waiting for nobody) before this one.
+		if q.Tier > 0 || askedAny(q) || q.Created.Before(created) {
+			return q.ID, nil
+		}
+	}
+	return "", nil
+}
+
+// deferredNote begins the note of a walk deferred behind another.
+const deferredNote = "let go; starts once "
+
+// deferred says a walk has its word and has not started: let go while another walk was started, it waits for
+// that one to end (startedBeside), and its note says so. Read as a wait, not as a tier running late: `plans`
+// and `status` say its note, and S3 leaves it out. A let-go walk whose first ask failed carries that error as
+// its note instead, and is watched as before.
+func deferred(p inventory.Plan) bool {
+	return p.Open() && p.Release == nil && p.Tier == 0 && !askedAny(p) && p.Delivery != nil &&
+		p.Delivery.Awaits != "" && p.Delivery.Go != nil && strings.HasPrefix(p.Note, deferredNote)
+}
+
+// askedAny says a plan asked any module.
+func askedAny(p inventory.Plan) bool {
+	for _, s := range p.Modules {
+		if s != nil && s.State != "" {
+			return true
+		}
+	}
+	return false
+}
+
 // advancePlans moves every open plan as far as the facts allow: a tier whose modules are all built
 // and whose gates are applied gives way to the next; the last tier done is the plan done. Called
 // after every outcome and on a timer, so a plan waiting on a machine's report moves when it comes.
@@ -497,6 +513,12 @@ func advancePlans(ctx context.Context, open *stores) {
 // advanceHeld is advancePlans for a caller already holding the plans.
 func advanceHeld(ctx context.Context, open *stores) {
 	inv := open.inventory
+	// A walk that ended lets the next batch be cut at once, not at the cutter's next look (novox/hq ADR 0276).
+	defer func() {
+		if err := cutBatchesHeld(ctx, open, time.Now().UTC()); err != nil {
+			fmt.Printf("batches: %v\n", err)
+		}
+	}()
 	plans, err := inv.OpenPlans(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
 		fmt.Printf("plans: cannot read them: %v\n", err)
@@ -528,6 +550,10 @@ func advanceHeld(ctx context.Context, open *stores) {
 				// the state is left as it was and the step is tried again on the next tick. Said and
 				// kept when it is new: the same refusal on every tick is one fact, not one per tick.
 				p.Note = "tier " + fmt.Sprint(p.Tier) + ": " + err.Error() + " — tried again"
+				// A refusal for the bus's planned step is a person's to end: S17 says it from its first moment.
+				if refusedForTheBus(err) {
+					busRefusedFirst.mark(p.ID, time.Now())
+				}
 				if planSnapshot(*p) != before {
 					fmt.Printf("%s: %v\n", p.ID, err)
 					if err := inv.SavePlan(ctx, p); err != nil {
@@ -593,6 +619,18 @@ func advanceOnce(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan,
 		}
 	}
 	if unasked == len(tier) {
+		// **One walk at a time** (novox/hq ADR 0276): a walk about to ask its first tier while another started
+		// walk is open waits for that one to end, let go or not, and says so.
+		if p.Tier == 0 {
+			if behind, err := startedBeside(ctx, inv, p.ID, p.Created); err != nil {
+				return false, err
+			} else if behind != "" {
+				note := fmt.Sprintf("%s%s ended — one walk at a time", deferredNote, behind)
+				changed := p.Note != note
+				p.Note = note
+				return changed, nil
+			}
+		}
 		if err := askTier(ctx, inv, p); err != nil {
 			return false, err
 		}
@@ -701,7 +739,6 @@ func advanceOnce(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan,
 			}
 		}
 		now := time.Now().UTC()
-		step := nextRollout(*state, running, policy.Together, reports, now, planWaitBound)
 		// **Sent with others, judged with them** (issue 281): the gate of the send that carried it is its
 		// verdict on its first machine. A failure there stopped the plan already.
 		if state.GatedBy != "" {
@@ -715,6 +752,9 @@ func advanceOnce(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan,
 			}
 			passedWith(m, state, state.GatedBy, lead.Gate)
 		}
+		// Read after its pass is taken over from the send that carried it, so a passed gate is never judged
+		// again from the first machine's later reports (novox/hq issue 335).
+		step := nextRollout(*state, running, policy.Together, reports, now, planWaitBound)
 		switch {
 		case step.failed != "":
 			// The first machine refused or failed what it was sent, or never said: the gate failed, and
@@ -748,6 +788,15 @@ func advanceOnce(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan,
 			case inventory.GateFailed:
 				failFirstSend(ctx, open, p, m, state, state.Gate.Machines, state.Gate.Why, step.rest)
 				return true, nil
+			case inventory.GateSuperseded:
+				// Another send moved this module on its first machine (novox/hq issue 352): the build is not
+				// judged, not marked, not put back; the plan ends here, said, and a newer plan carries on.
+				state.Why = "superseded: " + state.Gate.Why
+				p.State = inventory.PlanSuperseded
+				p.Note = fmt.Sprintf("%s's judging on %s was superseded: %s", m, strings.Join(state.Gate.Machines, ", "),
+					state.Gate.Why)
+				fmt.Printf("%s: %s\n", p.ID, p.Note)
+				return true, nil
 			case inventory.GatePassed:
 				if !state.Gate.Kept {
 					gatePassed(ctx, open, p, m, state)
@@ -919,6 +968,9 @@ func firstSend(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan, node string
 	}
 	now := time.Now().UTC()
 	lead := modules[0]
+	// What each machine was just sent, kept on the gate (novox/hq issue 352): its report is held against
+	// this send, whatever it is sent after.
+	sentWhat := sentNow(ctx, inv, sent)
 	for _, m := range modules {
 		s := p.Modules[m]
 		// What the first machine ran before: what a failed gate puts back (ADR 0236).
@@ -927,7 +979,7 @@ func firstSend(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan, node string
 		}
 		s.First, s.FirstAt = sent, &now
 		s.Gate = &inventory.PlanGate{Component: coreComponent(m), Machines: firstRunning(sent, runningOf[m]),
-			From: s.Previous, To: s.Commit, Since: &now}
+			From: s.Previous, To: s.Commit, Since: &now, Sent: sentWhat}
 		s.GatedBy = ""
 		if m == lead {
 			s.Gate.Carried = carried
@@ -974,6 +1026,19 @@ func failFirstSend(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan, module
 		fmt.Printf("%s: %s\n", p.ID, p.Note)
 	}()
 	g := state.Gate
+	if g != nil && g.Verdict == inventory.GatePassed {
+		// **A guard: a build that passed its gate is never put back for what came after** (novox/hq issue 335).
+		// Not reached while nextRollout answers a passed gate with the rest to send, and advanceOnce reads it
+		// after a carried module takes over its lead's pass; it is here so that a path added later cannot
+		// overturn a verdict. If it is reached, the plan stops and says why, and the build is not marked failed.
+		// The module is left a stopped rollout (its Why said, sent first and not to the rest), which
+		// `plans retry` takes: it sends the first machine again, and the passed gate then sends the rest.
+		state.Why = "passed its gate; its walk then stopped: " + why
+		p.State = inventory.PlanFailed
+		p.Note = fmt.Sprintf("%s passed its gate on %s in tier %d (%s) and is kept; its walk stopped after: %s",
+			module, strings.Join(g.Machines, ", "), p.Tier, g.Why, why)
+		return
+	}
 	if g != nil && slices.Contains(g.Returned, module) {
 		// Put back at once when it broke: its rollback was made then, and is not made again.
 		state.Why = "put back when it broke; its send failed: " + g.Why
@@ -1061,11 +1126,27 @@ func nextRollout(s inventory.PlanModule, running []string, together bool, report
 			rest = append(rest, n)
 		}
 	}
+	// **A passed gate is the first machine's verdict, and its later reports are not** (novox/hq issue 335).
+	// Once the build passed there, what that machine reports next is about whatever it was sent after —
+	// another walk's send, a push — and says nothing of this build. On 2026-10-08 a build passed on the
+	// laptop, its send to the rest waited on another walk, that walk sent the laptop a new declaration it did
+	// not report for half an hour, and the plan read the silence as the first machine never applying the
+	// passed build: it marked it failed at its gate and put it back. The rest are sent, as the pass said.
+	if s.Gate != nil && s.Gate.Verdict == inventory.GatePassed {
+		return rolloutStep{send: rest}
+	}
 	var waiting, failed []string
 	for _, n := range s.First {
 		r, said := byNode[n]
-		// Only a report about what it was last sent says anything about this build.
-		if !said || r.At == nil || !r.Current {
+		// Only a report about what this plan sent it — or what it was sent after that — says anything about
+		// this build (novox/hq issue 352); a plan from before sends were kept on the gate reads the report
+		// against the send made last, as before.
+		reported := r.Current
+		if s.Gate != nil && s.Gate.Sent != nil {
+			sent, kept := s.Gate.Sent[n]
+			reported = kept && sent.ReportsOn(r)
+		}
+		if !said || r.At == nil || !reported {
 			waiting = append(waiting, n)
 			continue
 		}
@@ -1153,24 +1234,38 @@ func inTierSince(p inventory.Plan) time.Time {
 // planLineWith is planLine knowing whether the build seat is paused (novox/hq ADR 0219): a plan
 // waiting on builds nobody will take until a person resumes the seat says so, and is not late. bound is
 // the plan's tier bound, the one its stalled condition is raised at (tierBounds): LATE is that condition
-// said on the line (novox/hq issue 296).
+// said on the line (novox/hq issue 296). The machines running what it moves are not named: planLineOn.
 func planLineWith(p inventory.Plan, now time.Time, pause pauseView, bound time.Duration) string {
+	return planLineOn(p, now, pause, bound, nil)
+}
+
+// planLineOn is planLineWith naming the plan by what it moves and where (planHeadline), given what runs each
+// module; nil names no machine.
+func planLineOn(p inventory.Plan, now time.Time, pause pauseView, bound time.Duration, running func(string) []string) string {
+	name := planHeadline(p, running)
 	where := fmt.Sprintf("tier %d of %d", min(p.Tier+1, len(p.Tiers)), len(p.Tiers))
 	switch p.State {
+	case inventory.PlanAssembling, inventory.PlanQueued:
+		// A batch not yet a walk (novox/hq ADR 0276): what it holds and how long is left.
+		return batchWords(p, now)
 	case inventory.PlanDone:
-		return fmt.Sprintf("%s %s done, %d tier(s)", p.Repository, short(p.Commit), len(p.Tiers))
+		return fmt.Sprintf("%s · done, %d tier(s)", name, len(p.Tiers))
 	case inventory.PlanFailed:
-		return fmt.Sprintf("%s %s FAILED at %s: %s", p.Repository, short(p.Commit), where, p.Note)
+		return fmt.Sprintf("%s · FAILED at %s: %s", name, where, p.Note)
 	case inventory.PlanSuperseded:
-		return fmt.Sprintf("%s %s %s", p.Repository, short(p.Commit), p.Note)
+		return fmt.Sprintf("%s · %s", name, p.Note)
 	}
 	since := now.Sub(inTierSince(p)).Round(time.Second)
 	if p.Waiting() {
 		// Waiting for its delivery's word is no lateness of the walk's (novox/hq ADR 0239).
-		return fmt.Sprintf("%s %s %s, %s, for %s", p.Repository, short(p.Commit), where, waitingNote(p), since)
+		return fmt.Sprintf("%s · %s, %s, for %s", name, where, waitingNote(p), since)
+	}
+	if deferred(p) {
+		// Nor is waiting for the walk before it to end (one walk at a time, novox/hq ADR 0276).
+		return fmt.Sprintf("%s · %s, %s, for %s", name, where, p.Note, since)
 	}
 	if waiting, paused := pausedWaiting(p, pause, now); paused {
-		return fmt.Sprintf("%s %s %s, %s", p.Repository, short(p.Commit), where, waiting)
+		return fmt.Sprintf("%s · %s, %s", name, where, waiting)
 	}
 	late := ""
 	if since > bound {
@@ -1180,7 +1275,53 @@ func planLineWith(p inventory.Plan, now time.Time, pause pauseView, bound time.D
 	if p.State == inventory.PlanRolling {
 		what = p.Note
 	}
-	return fmt.Sprintf("%s %s %s, %s for %s%s", p.Repository, short(p.Commit), where, what, since, late)
+	return fmt.Sprintf("%s · %s, %s for %s%s", name, where, what, since, late)
+}
+
+// planHeadline names a plan as a person knows it (asked by the operator, 2026-10-10: a plan called by its
+// repository alone said nothing of what it delivers): each repository as its pull request and title, what the
+// plan moves, and the machines running that — "mesh-catalog #175 a tap shows its outcome · messenger,
+// telegram → novox". A record naming no pull request is named by its commit, as before; one naming no moves
+// says none; running nil names no machine.
+func planHeadline(p inventory.Plan, running func(string) []string) string {
+	var repos []string
+	moves := map[string]bool{}
+	for _, c := range p.Carried() {
+		seg := repoName(c.Repository) + " " + short(c.Commit)
+		if p.Delivery != nil {
+			for _, m := range p.Delivery.Merges {
+				if !strings.EqualFold(m.Repository, c.Repository) {
+					continue
+				}
+				for _, n := range m.Moves {
+					moves[n] = true
+				}
+				if m.Commit == c.Commit && m.Number > 0 {
+					seg = repoName(c.Repository) + " " + pullWords(m)
+				}
+			}
+		}
+		repos = append(repos, seg)
+	}
+	out := strings.Join(repos, " + ")
+	if len(moves) == 0 {
+		return out
+	}
+	names := sortedKeysOf(boolsToStrings(moves))
+	out += " · " + strings.Join(names, ", ")
+	if running == nil {
+		return out
+	}
+	nodes := map[string]bool{}
+	for _, n := range names {
+		for _, node := range running(n) {
+			nodes[node] = true
+		}
+	}
+	if len(nodes) > 0 {
+		out += " → " + strings.Join(sortedKeysOf(boolsToStrings(nodes)), ", ")
+	}
+	return out
 }
 
 // planFailedBuild marks the module a failed build was for when the result names no module: by the
@@ -1322,8 +1463,11 @@ func plansCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 			return err
 		}
 		bounds := readTierBounds(ctx, inv, now)
-		fmt.Printf("%s — %s\n", p.ID, planLineWith(p, now, buildSeatPause(ctx, inv, []inventory.Plan{p}),
-			bounds.of(p.Repository)))
+		fmt.Printf("%s — %s\n", p.ID, planLineOn(p, now, buildSeatPause(ctx, inv, []inventory.Plan{p}),
+			bounds.of(p.Repository), func(module string) []string {
+				on, _ := inv.Running(ctx, module)
+				return on
+			}))
 		if r := p.Release; r != nil {
 			// A release plan's walk (ADR 0236): machines done, the one judged, those to come.
 			fmt.Printf("  machines in order: %s; done: %s; skipped: %s\n", strings.Join(r.Order, ", "),
@@ -1447,14 +1591,34 @@ func plansCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
-	if len(plans) == 0 {
+	// **The batch being assembled first** (novox/hq ADR 0276 decision 7): what it holds, how long is left,
+	// and that its plan is not yet calculated.
+	batches, err := inv.Batches(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	if len(plans) == 0 && len(batches) == 0 {
 		fmt.Println("no merge has produced a plan yet")
 		return nil
 	}
+	for _, b := range batches {
+		fmt.Printf("%-28s %s\n", b.ID, batchWords(b, now))
+		// One line per repository: its pull request, what it answers, what it moves.
+		for _, line := range batchLines(b) {
+			fmt.Printf("%-28s   %s\n", "", line)
+		}
+	}
 	pause := buildSeatPause(ctx, inv, plans)
 	bounds := readTierBounds(ctx, inv, now)
+	running := func(module string) []string {
+		on, _ := inv.Running(ctx, module)
+		return on
+	}
 	for _, p := range plans {
-		fmt.Printf("%-28s %s\n", p.ID, planLineWith(p, now, pause, bounds.of(p.Repository)))
+		if p.Batch() {
+			continue
+		}
+		fmt.Printf("%-28s %s\n", p.ID, planLineOn(p, now, pause, bounds.of(p.Repository), running))
 	}
 	return nil
 }
@@ -1475,11 +1639,12 @@ func planWhatIf(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, repository string
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
-	read, err := inv.ReadRepositories(ctx)
+	read, err := readForPlanning(ctx, inv)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 	var from, packaging []inventory.Entry
+	deleted := map[string]bool{}
 	named := map[string]bool{}
 	for _, name := range modules {
 		named[name] = true
@@ -1489,6 +1654,9 @@ func planWhatIf(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, repository string
 		// request's check ask it (novox/hq ADR 0238).
 		r := reachOfMerge(m, entries, read, nil)
 		from, packaging = append(append([]inventory.Entry{}, r.Touched...), r.Deleted...), r.Packaging
+		for _, e := range r.Deleted {
+			deleted[e.Manifest.Module] = true
+		}
 	} else {
 		for _, e := range entries {
 			switch {
@@ -1515,6 +1683,18 @@ func planWhatIf(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, repository string
 	}
 	p := planOfMerge(m, names, edges)
 	fmt.Printf("a merge of %s would build %d module(s) in %d tier(s):\n", repository, len(p.Modules), len(p.Tiers))
+	why := map[string]string{}
+	for _, e := range packaging {
+		why[e.Manifest.Module] = whyMoved(e, read[e.Manifest.Module], m)
+	}
+	if len(named) == 0 {
+		for _, e := range from {
+			why[e.Manifest.Module] = whyMoved(e, read[e.Manifest.Module], m)
+			if deleted[e.Manifest.Module] {
+				why[e.Manifest.Module] = "its manifest is removed: deleted at its source, forgotten where nothing holds it, not built"
+			}
+		}
+	}
 	rolls := map[string]string{}
 	for i, tier := range p.Tiers {
 		fmt.Printf("  tier %d\n", i)
@@ -1532,19 +1712,19 @@ func planWhatIf(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, repository string
 				rolls[name] = how
 			}
 			fmt.Printf("    %-22s %s\n", name, how)
+			reason := why[name]
+			switch {
+			case reason == "" && len(named) > 0 && named[name]:
+				reason = "named"
+			case reason == "":
+				reason = "it stands on a module the merge moves"
+			}
+			fmt.Printf("    %-22s why: %s\n", "", reason)
 		}
 	}
 	if hasCycle(p.Tiers, edges) {
 		fmt.Println("  the last tier depends on itself and would be built together, in no order")
 	}
-	if len(packaging) > 0 {
-		var also []string
-		for _, e := range packaging {
-			also = append(also, e.Manifest.Module)
-		}
-		fmt.Printf("  %s package source from %s, so they are rebuilt without their own source moving\n",
-			strings.Join(also, ", "), repository)
-	}
 	return nil
 }
 

cmd/mesh-controller/release_plan_test.go

@@ -27,6 +27,8 @@ func TestAMergeIsPlannedInTiersAlongTheThreeKindsOfDependency(t *testing.T) {
 		{From: "mesh-controller", To: "builder", Kind: inventory.EdgeBuiltBy},
 		{From: "mesh-tools", To: "builder", Kind: inventory.EdgeBuiltBy},
 		{From: "builder", To: "mesh-tools", Kind: inventory.EdgeStandsOn},
+		// the build seat's holder follows the controller that defines its worker (hq issue 206)
+		{From: "builder", To: "mesh-controller", Kind: inventory.EdgeWorkerOf},
 		{From: "unrelated", To: "alpine", Kind: inventory.EdgeStandsOn},
 	}
 	// The runtime image moved: everything on it, and what is built by what is on it.
@@ -57,17 +59,21 @@ func TestAMergeIsPlannedInTiersAlongTheThreeKindsOfDependency(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("no cycle here: %v", tiers)
 	}
 
-	// The controller alone moved: the proxy with it, nothing else.
-	small := reachableFrom([]string{"mesh-controller"}, edges)
-	if len(small) != 3 {
-		t.Fatalf("a controller merge rebuilds the controller and what packages it: %v", small)
+	// The controller alone moved: the controller alone — what packages its repository moves only when the
+	// change is in its own build source (novox/hq ADR 0267), so a packages edge widens nothing.
+	if alone := reachableFrom([]string{"mesh-controller"}, edges); len(alone) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("a controller merge rebuilds the controller alone: %v", alone)
 	}
-	// The builder packages the controller's source (same tier by that edge) and the controller is
-	// built by the builder (next tier by that one): the builder first, then the controller and the
-	// proxy together — a code dependency in one tier, a runtime dependency across tiers.
+	// A change to a package all three build from moves all three. The builder holds
+	// the build seat, whose worker the controller defines, so it follows the controller (worker-of,
+	// novox/hq issue 206), and the controller's built-by edge to it yields: the controller is built by the
+	// build machine that is running. The proxy is built by the new builder: the controller, the builder,
+	// the proxy — the live plan of every controller merge. (This read "the builder, then the controller
+	// and the proxy together" before issue 206, and the fixture had no worker-of edge.)
+	small := reachableFrom([]string{"mesh-controller", "builder", "route-proxy"}, edges)
 	smallTiers := tiersOf(small, edges)
-	if len(smallTiers) != 2 || smallTiers[0][0] != "builder" || len(smallTiers[1]) != 2 {
-		t.Fatalf("the builder, then the controller and the proxy together: %v", smallTiers)
+	if got := tiered(smallTiers); got != "mesh-controller | builder | route-proxy" {
+		t.Fatalf("the controller, then the builder, then the proxy: %v", smallTiers)
 	}
 	// The builder alone moved: the builder, and nothing it builds.
 	if only := reachableFrom([]string{"builder"}, edges); len(only) != 1 {
@@ -238,7 +244,7 @@ func TestAChangeToTheBuildAgentRebuildsTheBuildAgentAlone(t *testing.T) {
 	} {
 		m := link.SourceMoved{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-catalog", Base: "main", Commit: "abc", Paths: paths,
 			ModuleDirs: []string{"modules/build-agent"}, ModuleDirsSaid: true}
-		touched := whatTheMergeTouched(entries, entries, m)
+		touched := whatTheMergeTouched(entries, entries, m, nil)
 		if len(touched) != 1 || touched[0].Manifest.Module != "build-agent" {
 			t.Fatalf("%v touched %v", paths, touched)
 		}

cmd/mesh-controller/replay327_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,106 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"os/exec"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats-server/v2/server"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/testbus"
+)
+
+// novox/hq issue 327, replayed with only what the controller had before its fix, so it can be laid over
+// the older commit. On 2026-10-08 the bus's connection total rose by 5.2 a minute while the same 16
+// connections stayed open, and three calls of `conditions` in one second added three: each verb ran as a
+// process of the controller's own binary, which dialled the bus, logged in and left. The operator's
+// channel reads `conditions` at least once a minute. A verb that only reads, served by the serving
+// controller, opens no connection of its own.
+func TestReplay327(t *testing.T) {
+	bus := testbus.Start(t)
+	serving, err := broker.Dial(bus.ClientURL())
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	defer serving.Close()
+	if err := serving.EnsureControllerBuckets(); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	keeper, err := keeperOn(context.Background(), serving.Conn())
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	// The serving controller: its keeper and its connection, as serve sets them.
+	keptBefore, connBefore := conditionsFrom, handActConn
+	conditionsFrom, handActConn = keeper, serving.Conn()
+	defer func() { conditionsFrom, handActConn = keptBefore, connBefore }()
+	// A verb that runs as a process of its own runs this controller's binary, on this bus.
+	asAProcess(t, bus.ClientURL())
+
+	handlers, _, err := seatToolHandlers()
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	accepted := func() uint64 {
+		v, err := bus.Varz(nil)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		return v.TotalConnections
+	}
+	before := accepted()
+	for i := 0; i < 3; i++ {
+		answer, err := handlers["conditions"](context.Background(), json.RawMessage(`{}`))
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		if a, ok := answer.(verbAnswer); !ok || !a.OK {
+			t.Fatalf("conditions answered %+v", answer)
+		}
+	}
+	if opened := accepted() - before; opened != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("three conditions calls opened %d connection(s) to the bus; the serving controller is on it already",
+			opened)
+	}
+}
+
+// asAProcess makes a verb that runs as a process of its own run this package's binary, on the bus at url:
+// built into the test's own directory, which goes with the test.
+func asAProcess(t *testing.T, url string) {
+	t.Helper()
+	path := filepath.Join(t.TempDir(), "mesh-controller")
+	if out, err := exec.Command("go", "build", "-o", path, ".").CombinedOutput(); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("the controller could not be built to run a verb as its own process: %v: %s", err, out)
+	}
+	was := ownImage
+	ownImage = func() string { return path }
+	t.Cleanup(func() { ownImage = was })
+	t.Setenv(broker.NATSVar, url)
+	t.Setenv(broker.CertificateVar, "")
+}
+
+// closedNames are the names of the connections the bus saw closed.
+func closedNames(t *testing.T, bus *server.Server) []string {
+	t.Helper()
+	deadline := time.Now().Add(5 * time.Second)
+	var names []string
+	for time.Now().Before(deadline) {
+		connz, err := bus.Connz(&server.ConnzOptions{State: server.ConnClosed})
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		names = names[:0]
+		for _, c := range connz.Conns {
+			names = append(names, c.Name)
+		}
+		if len(names) > 0 {
+			return names
+		}
+		time.Sleep(50 * time.Millisecond)
+	}
+	return names
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/replay335_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,132 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"reflect"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// TestReplay335 replays novox/hq issue 335 (2026-10-08): dunst's new build passed its gate on the laptop
+// (healthy 3 times over 2m5s); its send to the rest was refused while another walk's build waited on the
+// workstation; that walk then sent the laptop a declaration the laptop did not report on; and thirty minutes
+// after the first send the plan read the laptop's silence as the passed build never applied, marked it failed
+// at its gate with the pass's own words, and put it back. Written with only what the controller had before
+// its fix, so it is laid over the commit before.
+func TestReplay335(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Run("the first machine's later reports", testAPassedGateIsNotJudgedAgainFromTheFirstMachinesLaterReports)
+	t.Run("a walk stopped after the pass", testAWalkStoppedAfterItsGatePassedKeepsThePass)
+}
+
+// novox/hq issue 335: a build that passed its gate on its first machine is not judged again from that
+// machine's later reports. On 2026-10-08 the send to the rest waited on another walk, that walk sent the
+// first machine a declaration it did not report for half an hour, and the plan failed the passed build at
+// the wait's bound and put it back.
+func testAPassedGateIsNotJudgedAgainFromTheFirstMachinesLaterReports(t *testing.T) {
+	sentAt := time.Date(2026, 10, 8, 16, 44, 45, 0, time.UTC)
+	judged := sentAt.Add(2 * time.Minute)
+	later := sentAt.Add(5 * time.Minute)
+	state := inventory.PlanModule{First: []string{"laptop"}, FirstAt: &sentAt,
+		Gate: &inventory.PlanGate{Machines: []string{"laptop"}, Verdict: inventory.GatePassed,
+			Why: "healthy 3 times over 2m5s", JudgedAt: &judged, Kept: true}}
+	running := []string{"laptop", "workstation"}
+	now := sentAt.Add(30*time.Minute + 9*time.Second)
+
+	for what, reports := range map[string][]inventory.Reported{
+		"no report about what it was sent since": {{Node: "laptop", At: &later, Outcome: inventory.OutcomeApplied, Current: false}},
+		"another send failed there since":        {{Node: "laptop", At: &later, Outcome: inventory.OutcomeFailed, Current: true}},
+		"no report at all":                       nil,
+	} {
+		step := nextRollout(state, running, false, reports, now, 30*time.Minute)
+		if step.failed != "" || step.waiting != "" || !reflect.DeepEqual(step.send, []string{"workstation"}) {
+			t.Errorf("%s: %+v, want the rest sent as the pass said", what, step)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// novox/hq issue 335: whatever stops a walk after its gate passed, the passed build is not marked failed at
+// its gate, nor put back.
+func testAWalkStoppedAfterItsGatePassedKeepsThePass(t *testing.T) {
+	sentAt := time.Date(2026, 10, 8, 16, 44, 45, 0, time.UTC)
+	g := &inventory.PlanGate{Machines: []string{"laptop"}, Verdict: inventory.GatePassed, Why: "healthy 3 times over 2m5s"}
+	state := &inventory.PlanModule{Build: "build-1", First: []string{"laptop"}, FirstAt: &sentAt, Gate: g}
+	p := &inventory.Plan{ID: "plan-1", Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{"dunst": state}}
+	// No stores: a walk that keeps the pass touches none, and one that reaches for them is putting it back.
+	defer func() {
+		if r := recover(); r != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("the passed build was taken to be failed and put back: %v", r)
+		}
+	}()
+	failFirstSend(t.Context(), nil, p, "dunst", state, []string{"laptop"}, "laptop did not report it applied within 30m0s",
+		[]string{"workstation"})
+	if g.Verdict != inventory.GatePassed || g.Rollback != "" {
+		t.Fatalf("the passed gate became %q, rollback %q", g.Verdict, g.Rollback)
+	}
+	if strings.Contains(p.Note, "failed its gate") || strings.Contains(p.Note, "put back") ||
+		!strings.Contains(p.Note, "did not report it applied") {
+		t.Fatalf("the note reads %q", p.Note)
+	}
+}
+
+// novox/hq issue 335 review: **a module carried by its lead's send takes over the lead's pass before its own
+// step is read.** The state is the one a step leaves when the lead's gate passed and the step ended before the
+// carried module's turn (an error read before it, kept with the plan): the lead passed, the carried module has
+// no gate of its own yet. Since then another send reached the first machine and it has not reported on it, and
+// the first send is older than the wait for a first machine's report. Read before the pass is taken over, the
+// carried module's step said the first machine never applied it, and the passed build was put back.
+func TestACarriedModuleTakesItsLeadsPassBeforeItsStepIsRead(t *testing.T) {
+	tm := aTierMesh(t, "m01", "m02")
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := tm.open.inventory
+
+	advancePlans(ctx, tm.open)
+	if !reflect.DeepEqual(tm.sent, [][]string{{"anchor"}}) {
+		t.Fatalf("sent %v: the first machine once, for the tier", tm.sent)
+	}
+	p := tm.plan(t)
+	lead, carried := p.Modules["m01"], p.Modules["m02"]
+	if lead.Gate == nil || carried.GatedBy != "m01" {
+		t.Fatalf("m02 is not carried by m01's send: lead %+v, carried %+v", lead.Gate, carried)
+	}
+	// The lead passed; the carried module's turn did not come. The first send is past the wait's bound.
+	sent := time.Now().UTC().Add(-planWaitBound - time.Minute)
+	judged := sent.Add(2 * time.Minute)
+	lead.FirstAt, carried.FirstAt, lead.Gate.Since = &sent, &sent, &sent
+	lead.Gate.Verdict, lead.Gate.Why, lead.Gate.JudgedAt, lead.Gate.Kept = inventory.GatePassed,
+		"healthy 3 times over 2m5s", &judged, true
+	carried.Gate = nil
+	if err := inv.SavePlan(ctx, &p); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	// Another walk's send reached anchor, which has not reported on it.
+	if err := inv.RecordSent(ctx, nodeID(t, tm.open, "anchor"), "d-anchor-elsewhere",
+		map[string]string{"m01": "c2", "m02": "c2"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+
+	advancePlans(ctx, tm.open)
+	p = tm.plan(t)
+	if p.State == inventory.PlanFailed {
+		t.Fatalf("the plan failed after its gate passed: %s", p.Note)
+	}
+	if !reflect.DeepEqual(tm.sent, [][]string{{"anchor"}, {"laptop"}}) {
+		t.Fatalf("sent %v: the rest once, as the pass said", tm.sent)
+	}
+	current, err := inv.CurrentBuilds(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	for _, m := range []string{"m01", "m02"} {
+		if current[m].Commit != "c2" {
+			t.Errorf("%s was put back to %s after its gate passed", m, current[m].Commit)
+		}
+		if failed, _ := inv.GateFailed(ctx, "build-"+m+"-2"); failed {
+			t.Errorf("%s's build was marked failed at its gate after the gate passed", m)
+		}
+	}
+	if g := p.Modules["m02"].Gate; g == nil || g.Verdict != inventory.GatePassed {
+		t.Errorf("m02 did not take over m01's pass: %+v", g)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/replay336_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,92 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// TestReplay336 replays novox/hq issue 336 (2026-10-08): a catalogue merge built a new bus build for the
+// control-node; from then on every send to that machine was refused for the bus's planned step, which only a
+// person starts, and for 28 minutes nothing but the walks' notes said so. The outcome asserted: the first
+// watchdog tick after the first refusal opens a condition for the operator that names what waits and the verb
+// that ends it, and it clears once the bus's machine runs the new build. Written with only what the controller
+// had before its fix — the stores, register, assign, a plan saved and advanced, the watchdogs' gathering and
+// seeing — so it is laid over the commit before.
+func TestReplay336(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	bus := catalogue.Manifest{Module: "nats", Version: "2", Provides: []catalogue.Offer{{Name: "mesh-bus"}}}
+	if err := inv.RegisterModule(ctx, bus, inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Seat: "git",
+		Path: "modules/nats", BuiltFrom: "32307bd1", Head: "32307bd1"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	register(t, open, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "engine", Version: "1"})
+	for _, m := range []string{"nats", "engine"} {
+		if _, err := inv.Assign(ctx, "anchor", m); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	// The control-node runs the bus build it was last sent; the mesh holds a newer one, which waits for its step.
+	if err := inv.RecordSent(ctx, nodeID(t, open, "anchor"), "d-anchor", map[string]string{"nats": "88135ad0"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	// A walk of the engine, built, whose tier sends to the control-node.
+	now := time.Now().UTC()
+	plan := inventory.Plan{ID: "plan-engine", Repository: "novox/mesh-host", Commit: "e1e1e1e1", Created: now,
+		State: inventory.PlanBuilding, Tiers: [][]string{{"engine"}},
+		Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{"engine": {State: "built", BuiltAt: &now, Commit: "e1e1e1e1", Build: "b"}}}
+	if err := inv.SavePlan(ctx, &plan); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	advancePlans(ctx, open)
+	p, err := inv.PlanByID(ctx, "plan-engine")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(p.Note, errBusWaits.Error()) {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk's send to the bus's machine was not refused for the bus: %s %q", p.State, p.Note)
+	}
+
+	store := conditions.NewInMemory()
+	k := conditions.NewKeeper(ctx, conditions.Options{Store: store, History: store, Teller: &conditions.Told{}})
+	defer k.Close(context.Background())
+	w := &watchdogs{open: open, keeper: k, started: now.Add(-time.Hour)}
+	waiting := func() []conditions.Condition {
+		t.Helper()
+		w.see(ctx, w.gather(ctx))
+		all, err := k.Open(ctx)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		var out []conditions.Condition
+		for _, c := range all {
+			if strings.HasPrefix(c.Key, "bus.") && c.Resolver == conditions.ResolverOperator {
+				out = append(out, c)
+			}
+		}
+		return out
+	}
+	got := waiting()
+	if len(got) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("the first tick after the refusal told the operator nothing about the bus's step: %d condition(s)", len(got))
+	}
+	for _, want := range []string{"anchor", "engine", "mesh-controller.bus", "upgrade", "32307bd1"} {
+		if !strings.Contains(got[0].Summary, want) {
+			t.Errorf("the condition does not say %q: %s", want, got[0].Summary)
+		}
+	}
+	// The step taken: the control-node is sent the new bus build, and the wait is over.
+	if err := inv.RecordSent(ctx, nodeID(t, open, "anchor"), "d-anchor-2", map[string]string{"nats": "32307bd1"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if got := waiting(); len(got) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the bus's machine runs the new build, and the operator is still asked: %+v", got)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/replays_test.go

@@ -539,8 +539,8 @@ func TestReplay301APersonsPushOfAHeldRecordedBuildIsNoRepair(t *testing.T) {
 	inv := open.inventory
 	start := time.Now().Add(-time.Hour)
 	image := "registry.invalid:5000/resolver/server@sha256:" + strings.Repeat("e", 64)
-	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, inv, aContainerBuild(t, "resolver", "c1111111", catalogue.PolicyRecord, start,
-		map[string][2]string{"server": {image, ""}})); err != nil {
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, inv, asTheOperator(t, inv, aContainerBuild(t, "resolver", "c1111111", catalogue.PolicyRecord, start,
+		map[string][2]string{"server": {image, ""}}))); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
 	for _, node := range []string{"anchor", "laptop"} {

cmd/mesh-controller/rollout.go

@@ -131,7 +131,10 @@ func readinessOf(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory) (broker.Readines
 		// **Dialled the way the mesh dials it** — credential and pin — because a bare connect to a
 		// bus that requires TLS and a user fails at the handshake, and the check then reported a
 		// standing server as absent (seen live, 2026-09-28).
-		if js, err := broker.Dial(address, nats.Timeout(5*time.Second)); err == nil {
+		// The serving controller's own connection answers it without a second (novox/hq issue 327).
+		if serving := servingBus.Load(); serving != nil && serving.Conn().IsConnected() {
+			state.ServerStanding = true
+		} else if js, err := broker.Dial(address, nats.Timeout(5*time.Second)); err == nil {
 			state.ServerStanding = true
 			js.Close()
 		}

cmd/mesh-controller/same_source_test.go

@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ func TestARebuildOfAnUnchangedSourceKeepsItsArtifacts(t *testing.T) {
 		// Another module's merge rebuilt it: a new commit, a new image digest, the same source.
 		anImageBuild(t, "app", "", "c2bbbbbb", strings.Repeat("b", 64), "src1:same", start.Add(time.Minute)),
 	} {
-		if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, inv, b); err != nil {
+		if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, inv, asTheOperator(t, inv, b)); err != nil {
 			t.Fatalf("build %d: %v", i, err)
 		}
 	}
@@ -114,7 +114,7 @@ func TestABusRebuiltFromAnUnchangedSourceDemandsNoBusStep(t *testing.T) {
 		b.Manifest = manifest
 		return b
 	}
-	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, inv, bus("", "n1111111", strings.Repeat("a", 64), "src1:bus", start)); err != nil {
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, inv, asTheOperator(t, inv, bus("", "n1111111", strings.Repeat("a", 64), "src1:bus", start))); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
 	if _, err := inv.Assign(ctx, "anchor", "nats"); err != nil {

cmd/mesh-controller/sayable_test.go

@@ -26,6 +26,17 @@ import (
 // shape fails the suite, naming its source. The keeper would say such a summary in words at run time;
 // this is where the producer is made to say it rightly in the first place.
 func TestMain(m *testing.M) {
+	// The process a mesh-cli test runs as a command line: it says the verb and the caller it was given, and
+	// ends (meshcli_test.go).
+	// The process a mesh-cli test runs as `secret accept`: it reads its value exactly as `secret accept` does
+	// (valueFor) and says whether it is the one the test gave, never the value (meshcli_stdin_test.go).
+	if want := os.Getenv(secretAcceptWants); want != "" {
+		os.Exit(readAsSecretAccept(want, os.Args[1:]))
+	}
+	if os.Getenv(echoEnvironment) != "" {
+		fmt.Printf("verb=%q caller=%q terminal=%v\n", os.Getenv("MESH_VERB"), os.Getenv("MESH_CALLER"), startedAtTheTerminal())
+		os.Exit(0)
+	}
 	conditions.Unsayable = func(o conditions.Observation, field string, r outward.Refusal) {
 		unsaid.note(o, field, r)
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/seats.go

@@ -135,6 +135,12 @@ func handOver(ctx context.Context, seatName, to string, adding bool) error {
 	if !ok || nodeName == "" || module == "" {
 		return fmt.Errorf("the new holder is named <node>/<module>, not %q", to)
 	}
+	// A kinded bench is held once per kind, by the claims themselves (novox/hq ADR 0234 §2, ADR 0259): the
+	// record of who holds a seat has no kind, so a handover would name one holder for every kind.
+	if catalogue.KindedBenches[seatName] {
+		return fmt.Errorf("%s is a kinded bench: each kind is held by the module claiming it, and is not handed "+
+			"over by `seat` — assign the module that claims the kind, or unassign the one that does", seatName)
+	}
 	open, err := openStores(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err

cmd/mesh-controller/seats_test.go

@@ -1,6 +1,8 @@
 package main
 
 import (
+	"context"
+	"strings"
 	"testing"
 
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
@@ -62,3 +64,13 @@ func TestAClaimOutsideTheSetIsShownNotHidden(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("a claim outside the set was not shown: %+v", outside)
 	}
 }
+
+// A kinded bench is not handed over by `seat`: each kind is held by its claim (novox/hq ADR 0259).
+func TestAKindedBenchIsNotHandedOver(t *testing.T) {
+	for _, bench := range []string{"channel", "intake"} {
+		err := handOver(context.Background(), bench, "anchor/telegram", false)
+		if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "is a kinded bench") {
+			t.Errorf("%s: %v", bench, err)
+		}
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/seatverbs.go

@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ import (
 	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go/micro"
+	"io"
 	"os"
 	"os/exec"
 	"slices"
@@ -28,6 +29,9 @@ import (
 // answer. It also means a refusal is the same refusal in the same words, because it is the same
 // output.
 
+// verbKey carries the verb a call is for, to the process it runs.
+type verbKey struct{}
+
 // verbAnswer is what a verb answers: what the command printed, whether it succeeded, and — where the
 // command speaks JSON — the same as data.
 type verbAnswer struct {
@@ -51,6 +55,9 @@ func argvFor(verb string, args map[string]any) ([]string, error) {
 		return nil, err
 	}
 	argv, err := a.commandLine()
+	if err == nil {
+		err = terminalOnly(argv)
+	}
 	if len(a.misread) > 0 {
 		// The table and the command line disagree: the verb reads an argument no caller can see
 		// in its schema, so no caller could ever pass it.
@@ -107,6 +114,14 @@ func declaredArguments(v catalogue.Verb) (names []string, switches map[string]bo
 	return names, switches
 }
 
+// isList says a verb's argument is declared a list of text (catalogue's listed): given as a JSON array, it is
+// read as its items joined by commas, as the same argument given as one text would be.
+func isList(v catalogue.Verb, name string) bool {
+	props, _ := v.Input["properties"].(map[string]any)
+	p, _ := props[name].(map[string]any)
+	return p != nil && p["type"] == "array"
+}
+
 // readArguments refuses what the verb does not take, before anything is composed.
 func readArguments(verb string, args map[string]any) (*verbArguments, error) {
 	v, known := controllerVerb(verb)
@@ -143,6 +158,19 @@ func readArguments(verb string, args map[string]any) (*verbArguments, error) {
 				return nil, fmt.Errorf("%s: %q is text, not true or false", verb, k)
 			}
 			value = fmt.Sprint(x)
+		case []any:
+			if !isList(v, k) {
+				return nil, fmt.Errorf("%s: %q is text, and was given a list", verb, k)
+			}
+			items := make([]string, 0, len(x))
+			for _, item := range x {
+				text, ok := item.(string)
+				if !ok || strings.TrimSpace(text) == "" || strings.Contains(text, ",") {
+					return nil, fmt.Errorf("%s: %q is a list of names, and holds %v", verb, k, item)
+				}
+				items = append(items, strings.TrimSpace(text))
+			}
+			value = strings.Join(items, ",")
 		default:
 			return nil, fmt.Errorf("%s: %q is text, and was given %T", verb, k, x)
 		}
@@ -222,6 +250,35 @@ func quoteAll(xs []string) string {
 	return strings.Join(q, ", ")
 }
 
+// refusedAsTheGenericCommand is what the generic `command` verb refuses of a command line, and so what every
+// line asked through a verb's route refuses: the `command` verb's, and an ordinary line from mesh-cli (novox/hq ADR
+// 0272 §4). One function, so the two routes cannot drift apart.
+func refusedAsTheGenericCommand(argv []string) error {
+	if len(argv) == 0 {
+		return errors.New("command names no command")
+	}
+	// A layer is written through the settings verb, never the generic one (novox/hq issue 339): the
+	// settings verb is where what a verb may not set is refused, and one route is one set of words.
+	// The command refuses places and accesses through any verb as well; this says so before it runs.
+	if argv[0] == "settings" && slices.ContainsFunc(argv[1:], func(w string) bool { return w == "set" || w == "clear" || w == "propose" }) {
+		return &heldAtTheTerminal{msg: "settings are set, cleared and proposed through the settings verb, not the " +
+			"generic command; and places and accesses are set at the controller's terminal or on the operator's " +
+			"warrant (novox/hq issue 339, ADR 0277). Nothing was done"}
+	}
+	// The generic verb only reads (novox/hq ADR 0266): what writes has a named verb that composes its own
+	// line, or is the operator's at the controller's terminal.
+	if err := commandReads(argv); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	// The generic verb is no way round the hand-act log (novox/hq to-be 45 §7): a repair through
+	// it says why, as it would through its own verb.
+	if repair := repairingCommand(argv); repair != "" && !slices.ContainsFunc(argv, isWhyFlag) {
+		return fmt.Errorf("%s is a repair done by hand, and says why: add --why <text> to the command "+
+			"line (recorded in the hand-act log). Nothing was done", repair)
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
 // commandLine composes the command. Every argument it reads is one it uses: a branch that reads an
 // argument and then drops it would pass it over, which is what the check after it exists to refuse.
 func (a *verbArguments) commandLine() ([]string, error) {
@@ -238,18 +295,16 @@ func (a *verbArguments) commandLine() ([]string, error) {
 		if err != nil {
 			return nil, err
 		}
-		if len(argv) == 0 {
-			return nil, errors.New("command names no command")
-		}
-		// The generic verb is no way round the hand-act log (novox/hq to-be 45 §7): a repair through
-		// it says why, as it would through its own verb.
-		if repair := repairingCommand(argv); repair != "" && !slices.ContainsFunc(argv, isWhyFlag) {
-			return nil, fmt.Errorf("%s is a repair done by hand, and says why: add --why <text> to the command "+
-				"line (recorded in the hand-act log). Nothing was done", repair)
+		if err := refusedAsTheGenericCommand(argv); err != nil {
+			return nil, err
 		}
 		return argv, nil
 	case "tools":
 		return nil, errors.New("tools is answered from the records, not by a command")
+	case "dead-letters":
+		return nil, errors.New("dead-letters is answered by the serving controller, on its own connection, not by a command")
+	case "root-free":
+		return nil, errors.New("root-free is judged by the serving controller, on its own connection, not by a command")
 	case "status":
 		return []string{"status", "--json"}, nil
 	case "nodes":
@@ -481,6 +536,11 @@ func (a *verbArguments) commandLine() ([]string, error) {
 			argv = append(argv, "--condition", c)
 		}
 		return argv, nil
+	case "warranted":
+		if err := need("asker", "ask"); err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		return []string{"hand-act", "warrant", "--asker", str("asker"), "--ask", str("ask")}, nil
 	case "hand-acts":
 		argv := []string{"hand-acts", "--json"}
 		if d := str("days"); d != "" {
@@ -707,6 +767,23 @@ func (a *verbArguments) commandLine() ([]string, error) {
 			argv = append(argv, "--probe", p)
 		}
 		return append(argv, "--json"), nil
+	case "give":
+		// The same line as secret-ask with the desk named (novox/hq ADR 0277): one path, one set of bounds.
+		if err := need("node", "module", "secret", "at"); err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		return []string{"secret", "ask", str("node"), str("module"), str("secret"), "--at", str("at")}, nil
+	case "secret-ask":
+		// A module's own secret asked for, typed by the operator at the desk (novox/hq ADR 0277): never a value
+		// in the arguments. The desk is the module's machine unless at names another.
+		if err := need("node", "module", "secret"); err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		argv := []string{"secret", "ask", str("node"), str("module"), str("secret")}
+		if at := str("at"); at != "" {
+			argv = append(argv, "--at", at)
+		}
+		return argv, nil
 	case "rotate":
 		if p := str("provision"); p != "" {
 			argv := []string{"rotate", p}
@@ -770,6 +847,21 @@ func (a *verbArguments) commandLine() ([]string, error) {
 		if str("module") == "" && on("clear") {
 			return nil, errors.New("settings: a module is needed to clear a layer; name it with module")
 		}
+		// The proposals, listed or one whole (novox/hq ADR 0277): a read, needing no module.
+		if on("proposals") || str("proposal") != "" {
+			if str("module") != "" || str("values") != "" || str("node") != "" || on("clear") || on("replace") ||
+				on("history") || str("list") != "" || on("propose") || (on("proposals") && str("proposal") != "") {
+				return nil, errors.New("settings: proposals lists what was proposed and proposal shows one; either takes nothing else")
+			}
+			argv := []string{"settings", "proposals"}
+			if id := str("proposal"); id != "" {
+				argv = append(argv, id)
+			}
+			return argv, nil
+		}
+		if str("module") == "" && on("propose") {
+			return nil, errors.New("settings: a module is needed to propose a layer; name it with module")
+		}
 		if list := str("list"); list != "" || str("module") == "" {
 			if list != "" && list != "preferences" {
 				return nil, fmt.Errorf("settings lists %q only; %q is not a listing", "preferences", list)
@@ -790,6 +882,22 @@ func (a *verbArguments) commandLine() ([]string, error) {
 		}
 		var argv []string
 		switch {
+		case on("propose"):
+			// A proposal: the values, or clear, put to the operator (novox/hq ADR 0277). Nothing is set here.
+			argv = []string{"settings", "propose", str("module")}
+			switch {
+			case on("clear") && str("values") != "":
+				return nil, errors.New("settings: a proposal gives values or says clear, not both")
+			case on("clear"):
+				argv = append(argv, "--clear")
+			case str("values") != "":
+				argv = append(argv, str("values"))
+				if on("replace") {
+					argv = append(argv, "--replace")
+				}
+			default:
+				return nil, errors.New("settings: a proposal gives the values, or says clear")
+			}
 		case on("clear"):
 			argv = []string{"settings", "clear", str("module")}
 		case str("values") != "":
@@ -875,6 +983,8 @@ func repairingCommand(argv []string) string {
 		return "plans " + argv[1]
 	case argv[0] == "broker" && len(argv) > 1 && argv[1] == "consumer-reset":
 		return "broker consumer-reset"
+	case argv[0] == "hand-act" && len(argv) > 1 && argv[1] == "warrant":
+		return "" // the router's record of a person's answer, never a repair (novox/hq ADR 0274)
 	case argv[0] == "hand-act" && len(argv) > 1 && argv[1] == "drill":
 		return "hand-act drill"
 	case argv[0] == "hand-act":
@@ -897,6 +1007,30 @@ func isWhyFlag(word string) bool {
 	return word == "--why" || word == "-why" || strings.HasPrefix(word, "--why=") || strings.HasPrefix(word, "-why=")
 }
 
+// commandEnvironment is the environment of a command line this controller runs for someone: its own — the
+// stores' credentials, the bus, the broker, everything a command run from a shell beside it would have, because it
+// is that — with who asked, and how it came.
+//
+// **terminal** is said, never inferred (novox/hq ADR 0272): only a line mesh-cli asked as the controller's terminal
+// passes true. Its line has no `MESH_VERB`, not the served mark ADR 0266 puts on everything the serving controller
+// starts, and the terminal's mark (cliTerminalVar), so startedAtTheTerminal reads yes. Every other line names its
+// verb, and is stripped of the terminal's mark whatever this process's environment holds.
+func commandEnvironment(caller, verb string, terminal bool) []string {
+	env := make([]string, 0, len(os.Environ())+3)
+	for _, kv := range os.Environ() {
+		if strings.HasPrefix(kv, verbVar+"=") || strings.HasPrefix(kv, link.CallerVar+"=") ||
+			strings.HasPrefix(kv, cliTerminalVar+"=") || (terminal && strings.HasPrefix(kv, servedVar+"=")) {
+			continue
+		}
+		env = append(env, kv)
+	}
+	env = append(env, link.CallerVar+"="+caller)
+	if terminal {
+		return append(env, cliTerminalVar+"=1")
+	}
+	return append(env, verbVar+"="+verb)
+}
+
 // runVerb runs this binary with the given command line and gathers what it said.
 //
 // **This binary is the image this process runs, never the file at the path it started from**
@@ -910,15 +1044,17 @@ func runVerb(ctx context.Context, argv []string) (verbAnswer, error) {
 		return verbAnswer{}, fmt.Errorf("%w: this controller is stopping and runs no new command", link.ErrHandingOver)
 	}
 	cmd := selfCommand(ctx, argv)
-	// The same environment: the stores' credentials, the bus, the broker — everything a command run
-	// from a shell in this container would have, because it is that.
-	cmd.Env = os.Environ()
 	// And who asked, so an act it does by hand is recorded as theirs (novox/hq to-be 45 §7).
 	caller := link.CallerIn(ctx)
 	if caller == "" {
 		caller = "a seat call whose caller the bus did not name"
 	}
-	cmd.Env = append(cmd.Env, link.CallerVar+"="+caller+", through the "+catalogue.ControllerSeatName+" seat")
+	// And which verb, so the connection it dials says so in the bus's list (novox/hq issue 327).
+	verb, _ := ctx.Value(verbKey{}).(string)
+	if verb == "" {
+		verb = argv[0]
+	}
+	cmd.Env = commandEnvironment(caller+", through the "+catalogue.ControllerSeatName+" seat", verb, false)
 	// Two buffers, one answer. What the command *says* is both streams, in the order a person at
 	// a shell would read them; what it *answers as data* is standard output alone — `status --json`
 	// prints its warnings beside the document, and a JSON parsed from the two together parsed
@@ -927,18 +1063,7 @@ func runVerb(ctx context.Context, argv []string) (verbAnswer, error) {
 	cmd.Stdout = &stdout
 	cmd.Stderr = &stderr
 	runErr := cmd.Run()
-	answer := verbAnswer{Output: stdout.String() + stderr.String(), OK: runErr == nil}
-	if jsonVerbs[argv[0]] && runErr == nil {
-		var parsed any
-		if json.Unmarshal(bytes.TrimSpace(stdout.Bytes()), &parsed) == nil {
-			answer.Answer = parsed
-			if overviewVerbs[argv[0]] {
-				// Once, as data: the same document again as text doubled an answer that already
-				// outgrew one message of the bus (novox/hq issue 314).
-				answer.Output = stderr.String() + "its answer, as data, is `answer`\n"
-			}
-		}
-	}
+	answer := answerOf(argv, stdout.Bytes(), stderr.String(), runErr == nil)
 	var exit *exec.ExitError
 	if runErr != nil && !errors.As(runErr, &exit) {
 		// Not the command refusing — the command not running at all, which is this process's fault.
@@ -953,6 +1078,66 @@ func runVerb(ctx context.Context, argv []string) (verbAnswer, error) {
 	return answer, nil
 }
 
+// answerOf is what a command said, as a verb answers it: both streams as text, and standard output as data
+// where the command speaks JSON.
+func answerOf(argv []string, stdout []byte, stderr string, ok bool) verbAnswer {
+	answer := verbAnswer{Output: string(stdout) + stderr, OK: ok}
+	if jsonVerbs[argv[0]] && ok {
+		var parsed any
+		if json.Unmarshal(bytes.TrimSpace(stdout), &parsed) == nil {
+			answer.Answer = parsed
+			if overviewVerbs[argv[0]] {
+				// Once, as data: the same document again as text doubled an answer that already
+				// outgrew one message of the bus (novox/hq issue 314).
+				answer.Output = stderr + "its answer, as data, is `answer`\n"
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return answer
+}
+
+// readHere answers a verb that only reads the bus in the serving controller itself, on its own connection
+// and keeper (novox/hq issue 327): the same command, writing to the answer rather than to a process's
+// output, so the answer is the one the command prints. False for any other command line, which runs as a
+// command of its own. Every `conditions` call — the operator's channel reads it at least once a minute —
+// was a process that dialled the bus, logged in and left.
+func readHere(ctx context.Context, argv []string) (verbAnswer, bool) {
+	var read func(context.Context, []string, io.Writer) error
+	args := argv[1:]
+	// Each where this process holds what it reads: the serving keeper, the hand-act log's connection, the
+	// serving connection.
+	switch argv[0] {
+	case "conditions":
+		sub := "list"
+		if len(args) > 0 && !strings.HasPrefix(args[0], "-") {
+			sub, args = args[0], args[1:]
+		}
+		if conditionsFrom != nil {
+			read = map[string]func(context.Context, []string, io.Writer) error{
+				"list": listConditions, "show": showCondition, "history": conditionHistory}[sub]
+		}
+	case "hand-acts":
+		if handActConn != nil || servingBus.Load() != nil {
+			read = listHandActs
+		}
+	case "queue":
+		if servingBus.Load() != nil {
+			read = listQueue
+		}
+	}
+	if read == nil {
+		return verbAnswer{}, false
+	}
+	var out bytes.Buffer
+	stderr := ""
+	err := read(ctx, args, &out)
+	if err != nil {
+		// As the command says it when it fails (main).
+		stderr = "mesh-controller: " + err.Error() + "\n"
+	}
+	return answerOf(argv, out.Bytes(), stderr, err == nil), true
+}
+
 // seatToolHandlers are the handlers for every verb the mesh-controller seat declares, from the
 // store's row, so a verb the row does not carry is not served. A verb it carries that this binary
 // cannot run is named at start and answers the reason when called — never a refusal to serve, which
@@ -982,6 +1167,12 @@ func seatToolHandlers() (map[string]link.ToolHandler, []string, error) {
 				if verb == "calls" {
 					return callsAnswer(link.Calls, a.given["call"])
 				}
+				if verb == "dead-letters" {
+					return deadLettersAnswer(ctx, a)
+				}
+				if verb == "root-free" {
+					return rootFreeAnswer(ctx, a.given["machines"], rootClock())
+				}
 				if verb == "doctor" {
 					// From the serving controller, which runs the self-check and hears the signals
 					// (novox/hq to-be 45 §4): the last verdict at once, or a run now.
@@ -999,7 +1190,8 @@ func seatToolHandlers() (map[string]link.ToolHandler, []string, error) {
 			}
 			continue
 		}
-		if _, err := argvFor(verb, sampleArguments(v)); err != nil {
+		var policy *heldAtTheTerminal
+		if _, err := argvFor(verb, sampleArguments(v)); err != nil && !errors.As(err, &policy) {
 			// **A row ahead of this binary is not a reason to go silent.**
 			//
 			// The row is the store's and a control plane follows it (novox/hq ADR 0154), so a verb
@@ -1033,6 +1225,7 @@ func seatToolHandlers() (map[string]link.ToolHandler, []string, error) {
 			if err != nil {
 				return nil, err
 			}
+			ctx = context.WithValue(ctx, verbKey{}, verb)
 			if verb == "status" && statusFrom != nil {
 				// At once, from the summary the serving controller keeps (novox/hq to-be 45 Phase 0).
 				return statusFrom.answer(ctx)
@@ -1041,6 +1234,9 @@ func seatToolHandlers() (map[string]link.ToolHandler, []string, error) {
 				// Whatever it did, `status` is composed again once it has.
 				defer statusFrom.nudge()
 			}
+			if answer, read := readHere(ctx, argv); read {
+				return answer, nil
+			}
 			if answersFirst(argv) {
 				// Before anything is sent: a push sends the bus's own machine first, and a broker
 				// reloading its user list forgets the answer it was about to permit (novox/hq issue 265).
@@ -1064,7 +1260,13 @@ func actsOnAPlan(args map[string]any) bool {
 
 // inProcess are the verbs answered by this process rather than by a command it runs: `tools` from
 // the records, `calls` from what this process served.
-var inProcess = map[string]bool{"tools": true, "calls": true, "doctor": true}
+var inProcess = map[string]bool{"tools": true, "calls": true, "doctor": true,
+	// What a consumer gave up on, read and changed on the serving controller's own connection (novox/hq
+	// issue 330).
+	"dead-letters": true,
+	// Whether a machine is root-free, judged live on the serving controller's store and connection (novox/hq ADR
+	// 0259 §8): the router asks it before an approval.
+	"root-free": true}
 
 // answersFirst is a command line whose caller is answered before it runs: a push, by its verb or
 // through `command`. A push sends the machine holding the bus first when its user list changed, the
@@ -1080,7 +1282,7 @@ func answersFirst(argv []string) bool {
 // the reason said beside it.
 func callsAnswer(log *link.CallLog, id string) (any, error) {
 	if id != "" {
-		c, ok, err := log.Get(id)
+		c, ok, err := log.Shown(id)
 		if err != nil {
 			return nil, fmt.Errorf("call %s is not in this controller's memory, and the calls kept on the "+
 				"bus could not be read: %w", id, err)
@@ -1253,3 +1455,151 @@ func seatAnnouncement(handlers map[string]link.ToolHandler) micro.Info {
 		Endpoints:   endpoints,
 	}
 }
+
+// nodeReads are the `node` subcommands a verb may run: the ones that only read.
+var nodeReads = map[string]bool{"list": true, "show": true}
+
+// flagsOnly says a command line's rest names no subcommand: empty, or beginning with a flag. For a command
+// with no subcommands every word is a flag, its value or a name it reads.
+func flagsOnly(rest []string) bool { return len(rest) == 0 || strings.HasPrefix(rest[0], "-") }
+
+// subIn says the rest begins with one of these subcommands.
+func subIn(rest []string, subs ...string) bool {
+	return len(rest) > 0 && slices.Contains(subs, rest[0])
+}
+
+// commandReadForms are the command lines the generic `command` verb may run (novox/hq ADR 0266): **an allow
+// list of the ones that only read**, judged command by command. Anything else — every command that writes a
+// record, sends, builds, issues an account or a token, sets a key, accepts, rotates, recovers or exports a
+// secret — is refused, and a command added later is refused until it is judged a read. Writing has its named
+// verbs, which compose their own lines and are judged by terminalOnly; the rest is the operator's at the
+// controller's terminal.
+var commandReadForms = map[string]func(rest []string) bool{
+	"status": flagsOnly, "version": flagsOnly, "help": flagsOnly, "seats": flagsOnly, "healers": flagsOnly,
+	"hand-acts": flagsOnly, "durations": flagsOnly, "collection": flagsOnly, "images": flagsOnly,
+	"artifacts": flagsOnly, "data": flagsOnly, "builds": flagsOnly, "queue": flagsOnly,
+	// `plan <node>` previews a node's declaration; it sends nothing.
+	"plan": func([]string) bool { return true },
+	// `plans` lists and `plans <id>` shows one; `plans stop|close|go` acts.
+	// Judged on every word, not the first: a flag before the subcommand (`plans --json go <id>`) still acts.
+	"plans": func(r []string) bool {
+		return !slices.ContainsFunc(r, func(w string) bool { return slices.Contains(plansActs, w) })
+	},
+	// `doctor` answers the last run, `probes` and `signals` describe; `doctor run` runs.
+	"doctor":     func(r []string) bool { return flagsOnly(r) || subIn(r, "probes", "signals") },
+	"conditions": func(r []string) bool { return flagsOnly(r) || subIn(r, "list", "show", "history") },
+	"node":       func(r []string) bool { return subIn(r, "list", "show") },
+	"module":     func(r []string) bool { return subIn(r, "list") },
+	"settings":   func(r []string) bool { return subIn(r, "show", "preferences", "proposals") },
+	"retire":     func(r []string) bool { return subIn(r, "list") },
+	"cleanup":    func(r []string) bool { return subIn(r, "list") },
+	"delivery":   func(r []string) bool { return subIn(r, "plan", "walks") },
+	// `bus` alone says the bus's step; `bus upgrade` takes one.
+	"bus": func(r []string) bool { return len(r) == 0 },
+	// `mirrors` lists; --record and --confirm keep a mirror.
+	"mirrors": func(r []string) bool {
+		return flagsOnly(r) && !slices.ContainsFunc(r, func(w string) bool {
+			return w == "--record" || w == "-record" || strings.HasPrefix(w, "--record=") || strings.HasPrefix(w, "-record=") ||
+				w == "--confirm" || w == "-confirm" || strings.HasPrefix(w, "--confirm=")
+		})
+	},
+}
+
+// plansActs are the `plans` subcommands that act on a walk; no other word of a plans line is one of them.
+var plansActs = []string{"go", "stop", "close", "retry"}
+
+// heldAtTheTerminal is a refusal of policy (novox/hq ADR 0266): the verb is known and served, and this line is
+// the operator's at the controller's terminal. Never read as a verb this binary is behind on.
+type heldAtTheTerminal struct{ msg string }
+
+func (e *heldAtTheTerminal) Error() string { return e.msg }
+
+func terminalRefusal(format string, args ...any) error {
+	return &heldAtTheTerminal{fmt.Sprintf(format, args...)}
+}
+
+// commandReads refuses a line the generic verb may not run, saying what it may.
+func commandReads(argv []string) error {
+	if read, ok := commandReadForms[argv[0]]; ok && read(argv[1:]) {
+		return nil
+	}
+	return terminalRefusal("%q is not a reading command, and the generic command verb only reads (novox/hq ADR 0266): "+
+		"whoever may call a verb includes agents, and a line that writes, issues, sets a key or reveals a secret "+
+		"would be theirs to run. Use the named verb for it, or run it at the controller's terminal. The verb may "+
+		"run: %s. Nothing was done", strings.Join(argv, " "), commandReadNames())
+}
+
+func commandReadNames() string {
+	names := make([]string, 0, len(commandReadForms))
+	for n := range commandReadForms {
+		names = append(names, n)
+	}
+	sort.Strings(names)
+	return strings.Join(names, ", ") + " (each in its reading forms)"
+}
+
+// terminalOnlyCommands are the commands no verb runs, whatever composed them (novox/hq ADR 0266): they set
+// the operator's key, issue a credential or a token that is answered to the caller, or accept, recover or
+// export a secret. Their answers or effects hand whoever calls them what the runtime's account holds.
+var terminalOnlyCommands = map[string]string{
+	"operator": "the operator's key and credential",
+	"identity": "the mesh's identity keys",
+	"token":    "a token a machine joins with, answered to the caller",
+	"broker":   "the bus's accounts",
+	"api":      "the controller's API keys",
+	"licence":  "the licences' secrets",
+}
+
+// givenAtTheDesk is exactly the line the `give` and `secret-ask` verbs compose, and nothing beside it: `secret ask
+// <node> <module> <secret>`, with `--at <machine>` or no other word — no value, no file, no provider (novox/hq
+// ADR 0277). The terminal's own `secret accept … --at-desk` is the terminal's.
+func givenAtTheDesk(argv []string) bool {
+	if (len(argv) != 5 && len(argv) != 7) || argv[0] != "secret" || argv[1] != "ask" {
+		return false
+	}
+	for _, w := range argv[2:5] {
+		if w == "" || strings.HasPrefix(w, "-") {
+			return false
+		}
+	}
+	if len(argv) == 5 {
+		return true
+	}
+	return argv[5] == "--at" && argv[6] != "" && !strings.HasPrefix(argv[6], "-")
+}
+
+// terminalOnly refuses, through any verb, a command that is the operator's at the controller's terminal
+// alone (novox/hq ADR 0266). **Every `node` subcommand that is not a read**: `node account` and
+// `node agent-account` above all. Whoever may call a verb includes agents, and an agent that named itself
+// the operator account, or cleared the agent account, would have the next send grant it root through the
+// sudo module's rule. An allow list, so a subcommand added later is refused until it is judged a read.
+func terminalOnly(argv []string) error {
+	if len(argv) == 0 {
+		return nil
+	}
+	if what, kept := terminalOnlyCommands[argv[0]]; kept {
+		return terminalRefusal("%s is run at the controller's terminal only, never through a verb: it holds %s, and "+
+			"whoever may call a verb includes agents (novox/hq ADR 0266). Nothing was done", argv[0], what)
+	}
+	// Of a secret's commands only rotation, which seals the new value to the machine that uses it, and the
+	// `give` verb's own line: an own secret typed by the operator into the desk's hidden prompt, sealed to this
+	// call and then to the module's machine, so no value travels in the verb or its answer (hq ADR 0259 §10).
+	if argv[0] == "secret" && (len(argv) < 2 || argv[1] != "rotate") && !givenAtTheDesk(argv) {
+		return terminalRefusal("secret %s is run at the controller's terminal only, never through a verb: accepting, "+
+			"recovering or exporting a secret hands it to whoever asks, and that includes agents (novox/hq ADR "+
+			"0266). Nothing was done", strings.Join(argv[1:], " "))
+	}
+	if argv[0] != "node" {
+		return nil
+	}
+	if len(argv) > 1 && nodeReads[argv[1]] {
+		return nil
+	}
+	sub := "node"
+	if len(argv) > 1 {
+		sub += " " + argv[1]
+	}
+	return terminalRefusal("%s is run at the controller's terminal only, never through a verb: a node's accounts "+
+		"decide who may become root on it (novox/hq ADR 0266). A verb may run node list and node show. "+
+		"Nothing was done", sub)
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/seatverbs_schema_test.go

@@ -271,11 +271,11 @@ var accountedFlags = map[string]map[string]string{
 	"builds": {"n": "=limit"},
 	"plans":  {"n": "=limit", "what-if": "=repository"},
 	// The machine's tunnel key, named as the verb's other arguments are (novox/hq ADR 0169).
-	"token issue": {"overlay-key": "=overlay_key"},
 	"durations": {
 		"json": "set by the verb: the answer is data",
 		"all":  "withheld: every measurement of a fortnight is more than a call should carry; `command` reaches it",
 	},
+	// The desk path of `secret accept` (novox/hq ADR 0259 §10): a value is never an argument of a call.
 	"hand-acts":          {"json": "set by the verb: the answer is data"},
 	"conditions":         {"json": "set by the verb: the answer is data"},
 	"retire":             {"json": "set by the verb: the answer is data"},

cmd/mesh-controller/seatverbs_test.go

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ package main
 
 import (
 	"context"
+	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
 	"strings"
@@ -108,11 +109,14 @@ func TestRotateTakesAProvisionOrAnOwnSecret(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
-// `token` is `token issue` at a shell, with the machine's tunnel key (novox/hq ADR 0169).
-func TestTokenIssuesForAMachineAndItsTunnelKey(t *testing.T) {
-	argv, err := argvFor("token", map[string]any{"new": "laptop", "overlay_key": "k", "for": "2h"})
-	if err != nil || strings.Join(argv, " ") != "token issue --new laptop --overlay-key k --for 2h" {
-		t.Fatalf("token: %v %v", argv, err)
+// `token` answers a joining token to its caller, and whoever may call a verb includes agents: it is the
+// controller's terminal's alone (novox/hq ADR 0266), refused through the verb whatever it is given.
+func TestTokenIsRefusedThroughAVerb(t *testing.T) {
+	for _, args := range []map[string]any{{"new": "laptop", "overlay_key": "k", "for": "2h"}, {"node": "ace"}} {
+		argv, err := argvFor("token", args)
+		if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "controller's terminal only") {
+			t.Fatalf("token %v: %v %v", args, argv, err)
+		}
 	}
 }
 
@@ -237,20 +241,20 @@ func TestAJSONVerbsAnswerIsItsStandardOutput(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
-// `command` is the generic verb: the command line as given, split as a shell would, nothing added —
-// so an operator's `node account g14 jochen` is one call through the console rather than a shell on
-// the control node (novox/hq ADR 0154, ADR 0175).
+// `command` is the generic verb: the command line as given, split as a shell would, nothing added
+// (novox/hq ADR 0154, ADR 0175). It once carried an operator's `node account g14 jochen` too; a node's
+// accounts are the controller's terminal's alone since ADR 0266 (TestNoVerbSetsANodesAccounts).
 func TestCommandRunsTheLineAsGiven(t *testing.T) {
-	argv, err := argvFor("command", map[string]any{"command": "node account g14 jochen"})
-	if err != nil || strings.Join(argv, " ") != "node account g14 jochen" {
+	argv, err := argvFor("command", map[string]any{"command": "node show g14"})
+	if err != nil || strings.Join(argv, " ") != "node show g14" {
 		t.Fatalf("a plain line: %v %v", argv, err)
 	}
-	argv, err = argvFor("command", map[string]any{"command": `settings set dnsmasq '{"a": "b c"}' --node ace`})
+	argv, err = argvFor("command", map[string]any{"command": `settings show dnsmasq '{"a": "b c"}' --node ace`})
 	if err != nil || len(argv) != 6 || argv[3] != `{"a": "b c"}` {
 		t.Fatalf("a quoted word stays one word: %q %v", argv, err)
 	}
-	argv, err = argvFor("command", map[string]any{"command": `node add "the box" --adopted`})
-	if err != nil || len(argv) != 4 || argv[2] != "the box" {
+	argv, err = argvFor("command", map[string]any{"command": `plan "the box" --json`})
+	if err != nil || len(argv) != 3 || argv[1] != "the box" {
 		t.Fatalf("double quotes group: %q %v", argv, err)
 	}
 	if _, err := argvFor("command", map[string]any{"command": "   "}); err == nil {
@@ -355,3 +359,59 @@ func TestTheControllerAnnouncesTheVerbsItServes(t *testing.T) {
 		}
 	}
 }
+
+// The generic verb only reads (novox/hq ADR 0266): an allow list of reading forms, and every line that
+// writes, issues, sets a key or reveals a secret refused — the chain a review found ran through it: set the
+// operator's key to one the caller holds, rotate secrets sealed to it, open them.
+func TestTheCommandVerbOnlyReads(t *testing.T) {
+	for _, line := range []string{
+		"operator key set --replace k", "operator issue", "secret accept a b", "secret rotate a b c",
+		"secret recover a", "secret export a", "token issue --new x", "identity show", "broker users",
+		"api key", "licence show", "push anchor --why w", "assign novox m", "settings set m {}",
+		"settings clear m", "module add f", "module check /etc", "module forget m", "module issue m --node a",
+		"seat rename a b", "plans close p --why w", "plans go p", "plans retry p", "plans stop p",
+		"plans --json go p", "plans -n 3 close p", "plans --what-if r retry p", "doctor run", "conditions silence c --why w",
+		"retire approve x", "cleanup delete x", "delivery check", "delivery go x", "bus upgrade",
+		"mirrors --record x", "mirrors --confirm", "hand-act record x --why y --cause z", "serve", "migrate",
+		"prepare", "declare x", "overlay x", "facts", "merge-gate", "check-here", "build x", "rebuild x",
+		"cancel x", "kill x", "clear x", "replay x", "pause", "resume", "pin a b", "unpin a", "take x",
+		"converge", "adopt x", "rollout x", "upgrade x", "collect", "board", "builder", "ask x", "frobnicate",
+	} {
+		argv, err := argvFor("command", map[string]any{"command": line})
+		var policy *heldAtTheTerminal
+		if err == nil || !errors.As(err, &policy) {
+			t.Errorf("%q ran as %v (%v); the generic verb only reads", line, argv, err)
+		}
+	}
+	for _, line := range []string{
+		"status --json", "version", "seats --json", "healers", "hand-acts --days 3", "durations", "collection",
+		"images", "artifacts --collected", "data --machine a", "builds --log b", "queue", "plan ace --diff",
+		"plans", "plans plan-1", "doctor", "doctor probes", "doctor signals", "conditions", "conditions list",
+		"conditions show c", "conditions history", "node list", "node show ace", "module list",
+		"settings show m", "settings preferences", "retire list", "cleanup list", "delivery plan --repository r",
+		"delivery walks", "bus", "mirrors --json",
+	} {
+		if _, err := argvFor("command", map[string]any{"command": line}); err != nil {
+			t.Errorf("%q, a read, was refused: %v", line, err)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// What hands a caller a key, a credential or a secret is refused whichever verb composed it.
+func TestNoVerbSetsTheOperatorsKeyOrRevealsASecret(t *testing.T) {
+	for _, argv := range [][]string{
+		{"operator", "key", "set"}, {"operator", "issue"}, {"identity"}, {"token", "issue"}, {"broker", "users"},
+		{"api"}, {"licence"}, {"secret", "export", "x"}, {"secret", "recover", "x"}, {"secret", "accept", "x"}, {"secret"},
+	} {
+		if err := terminalOnly(argv); err == nil {
+			t.Errorf("%v passed", argv)
+		}
+	}
+	if err := terminalOnly([]string{"secret", "rotate", "n", "m", "s"}); err != nil {
+		t.Errorf("rotating seals to the machine that uses the secret, and stays a verb's: %v", err)
+	}
+	// A policy refusal is not a verb this binary is behind on: every verb is still served.
+	if _, behind, err := seatToolHandlers(); err != nil || len(behind) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("behind %v: %v", behind, err)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/secret.go

@@ -39,6 +39,8 @@ func secretCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 	}
 	switch args[0] {
 	case "accept":
+	case "ask":
+		return secretAsk(ctx, args[1:])
 	case "rotate":
 		return secretRotate(ctx, args[1:])
 	case "recover":
@@ -55,6 +57,9 @@ func secretCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 	provider := set.String("provider", "",
 		"the node providing <name>: the value becomes the PAIR credential between <module> on <node> "+
 			"and that provider, sealed to both — the vault's operator-delivered secret (ADR 0092)")
+	desk := set.String("at-desk", "",
+		"ask the operator for the value in a prompt that does not show it, on this machine's desk; the "+
+			"answer comes back sealed to this call alone (novox/hq ADR 0259 §10)")
 	local := set.String("local", "",
 		"with --provider: the name the credential goes by inside <module>, where its manifest keeps "+
 			"several for <name> (ADR 0094)")
@@ -65,6 +70,18 @@ func secretCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 		return errors.New(secretUsage)
 	}
 	node, module, name := rest[0], rest[1], rest[2]
+	// A value comes from the terminal or the desk, never through a verb (the review of 2026-10-09, M4): a
+	// verb's caller may be an agent, and a value it chose would become what a module acts with.
+	if verb, through := throughAVerb(); through && *desk == "" {
+		return fmt.Errorf("a secret's value is given at the controller's terminal or at the desk (`give`), never "+
+			"through a verb (this line came through %q): nothing was read or sealed", verb)
+	}
+	if *desk != "" {
+		if *from != "" || *provider != "" {
+			return errors.New("--at-desk gives a module's own secret, and takes neither --from nor --provider")
+		}
+		return askAtDesk(ctx, node, module, name, *desk)
+	}
 
 	value, err := valueFor(node, module, name, *from)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -93,10 +110,26 @@ func secretCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 		fmt.Printf("  run `push %s` and `push %s` to send it\n", *provider, node)
 		return nil
 	}
-	untilStart, err := open.inventory.AcceptGivenSecret(ctx, node, module, name, value)
+	// A trusted party's secret is announced before it is kept (the confirmation review of 2026-10-09, N1-give):
+	// on every channel, the one it replaces among them, which still runs on its old value until the next push.
+	// Not announced, it is not kept: a channel whose token changed unheard of answers for somebody else.
+	trusted, err := open.inventory.RunsAsItsOwnAccount(ctx, module)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
+	untilStart, unannounced, err := keepGiven(trusted,
+		func() error { return announceSecretGiven(ctx, node, module, name, "at the controller's terminal") },
+		func() (bool, error) { return open.inventory.AcceptGivenSecret(ctx, node, module, name, value) })
+	if err != nil {
+		if trusted && unannounced != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("%s runs as an account of its own, and the change of its %s could not be announced on "+
+				"your channels first, so nothing was kept: %w", module, name, err)
+		}
+		return err
+	}
+	if unannounced != nil {
+		fmt.Printf("  this change could NOT be announced on the operator's channels: %v\n", unannounced)
+	}
 	// Not printed back, and there is nowhere it could be printed from: it is sealed to that
 	// machine and the mesh cannot read it again.
 	fmt.Printf("%s on %s now holds %q, sealed to that machine.\n", module, node, name)
@@ -117,8 +150,25 @@ func secretCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 	return nil
 }
 
+// secretAsk is `secret ask <node> <module> <name> [--at <machine>]` (novox/hq ADR 0277): the operator is asked
+// for a module's own secret in a prompt at the desk, which only they answer. The one `secret` line a verb may
+// run beside rotate (givenAtTheDesk): it carries no value and answers none.
+func secretAsk(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
+	rest, flags := split(args)
+	set := flag.NewFlagSet("secret ask", flag.ContinueOnError)
+	at := set.String("at", "", "the machine the operator sits at, where the prompt opens; the module's machine when absent")
+	if err := set.Parse(flags); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	if len(rest) != 3 {
+		return errors.New("secret ask <node> <module> <name> [--at <machine>]")
+	}
+	return askAtDesk(ctx, rest[0], rest[1], rest[2], *at)
+}
+
 const secretUsage = "secret rotate <node> <module> <name> [--why <text> [--cause <word>]]\n" +
-	"secret accept <node> <module> <name> [--from <file>] [--provider <node> [--local <name>]]\n" +
+	"secret ask <node> <module> <name> [--at <machine>]\n" +
+	"secret accept <node> <module> <name> [--from <file> | --at-desk <machine>] [--provider <node> [--local <name>]]\n" +
 	"secret recover <node> <module> <name> --key <operator-key> [--out <file>] [--from-export <file>] [--provider <node>]\n" +
 	"secret export [--out <file>]"
 
@@ -369,6 +419,8 @@ func valueFor(node, module, name, from string) (string, error) {
 		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr,
 			"reading %s's %q for %s from standard input; it is not echoed anywhere\n",
 			module, name, node)
+		// At a terminal, what is typed is not shown either: echo off while it is read.
+		defer hideTyping(os.Stdin)()
 		line, err := bufio.NewReader(os.Stdin).ReadString('\n')
 		if err != nil && line == "" {
 			return "", fmt.Errorf("nothing was given on standard input: %w", err)
@@ -452,3 +504,23 @@ func whoAsked() string {
 	}
 	return "the mesh"
 }
+
+// keepGiven keeps a value given at the controller's terminal, and announces it on the operator's channels
+// (the confirmation review of 2026-10-09, N1-give). **A trusted party's — a module running as an account of its
+// own: the router, a verified channel — is announced before it is kept, and not kept when the announcement
+// fails**: a channel whose token changed unheard of answers for somebody else. Any other module's is kept first
+// and announced after, and a failed announcement is said (unannounced) without undoing it.
+func keepGiven(trusted bool, announce func() error, keep func() (bool, error)) (untilStart bool, unannounced, err error) {
+	if trusted {
+		if err := announce(); err != nil {
+			return false, err, err
+		}
+		untilStart, err = keep()
+		return untilStart, nil, err
+	}
+	untilStart, err = keep()
+	if err != nil {
+		return false, nil, err
+	}
+	return untilStart, announce(), nil
+}