Ask at most three at a time, wait out a refusal, need a router, and act only on a claimed open ask, as the review asked (hq ADR 0259)

disable cannot remove an enable link whose unit file is gone, so a
leftover unit stays wanted at every login with no verb to end it. Optional
until the systemd module serves it (ADR 0246 step 1).

cmd/mesh-controller/asker.go

@@ -0,0 +1,569 @@
+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. 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
+)
+
+// 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 not
+	// asked again until the condition's answers or the channels change.
+	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"`
+}
+
+// askedStore keeps the asks (broker.AskedBucket).
+type askedStore interface {
+	Get(ctx context.Context, id string) (*asked, error)
+	Put(ctx context.Context, a asked) error
+	All(ctx context.Context) ([]asked, error)
+	// Claim marks an open ask acting, by compare-and-set, and says whether this write stood: of two
+	// deliveries of one warrant, or two controllers, only the one whose write stands acts.
+	Claim(ctx context.Context, id string, w asks.Warrant) (bool, error)
+}
+
+// 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
+	// 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)
+	// channels is what the channels are now, as a fingerprint: who holds which kind, promising what.
+	channels func(ctx context.Context) string
+	now      func() time.Time
+	logf     func(string, ...any)
+
+	saidNoRouter 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
+			}
+			return nil
+		}
+		a.saidNoRouter = 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{}
+	for _, r := range all {
+		if r.State == askOpen {
+			if prior, held := byCondition[r.Condition]; !held || r.Opened.After(prior.Opened) {
+				byCondition[r.Condition] = r
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	// A warrant missed while away, read from the router's record.
+	if a.routerRecord != nil {
+		for _, r := range byCondition {
+			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 {
+				byCondition[r.Condition] = 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 {
+		if r.State == string(asks.OutcomeChosen) && now.Sub(r.Ended) < askAgainAfterAnswer {
+			answered[r.Condition] = r
+		}
+		if r.State == string(asks.OutcomeRefused) {
+			if prior, has := refused[r.Condition]; !has || r.Opened.After(prior.Opened) {
+				refused[r.Condition] = r
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	wanted := map[string]bool{}
+	// 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 := 0
+	for _, c := range open {
+		if r, held := byCondition[c.Key]; held && wants(c, now) && sameAsked(r.Actions, c.Actions) && now.Before(r.Ask.Expires) {
+			openNow++
+		}
+	}
+	for _, c := range open {
+		if !wants(c, now) {
+			continue
+		}
+		wanted[c.Key] = true
+		if r, was := refused[c.Key]; was && sameAsked(r.Actions, c.Actions) && r.Channels == channels {
+			if _, held := byCondition[c.Key]; !held {
+				continue // refused, and nothing it was refused for has changed
+			}
+		}
+		if r, done := answered[c.Key]; done && sameAsked(r.Actions, c.Actions) {
+			if _, held := byCondition[c.Key]; !held {
+				continue
+			}
+		}
+		if r, held := byCondition[c.Key]; held {
+			switch {
+			case !sameAsked(r.Actions, c.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.
+				r.State, r.Ended = string(asks.OutcomeExpired), now
+				if err := a.store.Put(ctx, r); 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, channels); err != nil {
+			a.logf("the operator could not be asked about %s: %v", c.Key, err)
+			continue
+		}
+		openNow++
+	}
+	for key, r := range byCondition {
+		if !wanted[key] {
+			if err := a.cancel(ctx, r, "the condition ended, was silenced or needs nothing now"); err != nil {
+				return 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 a condition is asked with.
+func askOf(id string, c conditions.Condition, 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: c.Key,
+		Urgent: c.Severity == conditions.Urgent}
+	options := map[string]int{}
+	approves := false
+	for i, act := range c.Actions {
+		level := asks.Level(act.Level)
+		if level == "" {
+			level = asks.Approve // an action that says nothing of its level is never taken for less
+		}
+		approves = approves || level != asks.Acknowledge
+		oid := optionID(act.Label)
+		options[oid] = i
+		q.Options = append(q.Options, asks.Option{ID: oid, Label: act.Label, Does: doesWords(act), Level: level})
+	}
+	q.Expires = now.Add(askAcknowledgeFor)
+	if approves {
+		q.Expires = now.Add(askApproveFor)
+	}
+	return q, options
+}
+
+func newAskID() string {
+	var b [8]byte
+	_, _ = rand.Read(b[:])
+	return "c" + hex.EncodeToString(b[:])
+}
+
+// ask publishes one ask about a condition, and keeps it.
+func (a *asker) ask(ctx context.Context, c conditions.Condition, channels string) error {
+	now := a.now()
+	id := newAskID()
+	q, options := askOf(id, c, now)
+	if err := q.Check(now); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	body, err := json.Marshal(q)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	if err := a.publish(ctx, asks.AskSubject(askerName), body, "ask."+id); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	a.logf("asked the operator about %s (%s): %d answer(s)", c.Key, id, len(q.Options))
+	return a.store.Put(ctx, asked{ID: id, Condition: c.Key, Ask: q, Actions: c.Actions, Options: options,
+		State: askOpen, Opened: now, Channels: channels})
+}
+
+// cancel takes an ask back.
+func (a *asker) cancel(ctx context.Context, r asked, why string) error {
+	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 could not be taken back (%v); taken back at the next look", r.ID, r.Condition, err)
+		return nil
+	}
+	a.logf("took back the ask %s about %s: %s", r.ID, r.Condition, why)
+	r.State, r.Ended = askCancelled, a.now()
+	return a.store.Put(ctx, r)
+}
+
+// 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 {
+		r.State, r.Ended, r.Warrant = string(w.Outcome), now, &w
+		r.Acted = "nothing: the ask " + string(w.Outcome)
+		if w.Words != "" {
+			r.Acted += ": " + w.Words
+		}
+		a.logf("the ask %s about %s ended %s; nothing is done", r.ID, r.Condition, w.Outcome)
+		return a.store.Put(ctx, *r)
+	}
+	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]
+	r.State, r.Warrant = string(asks.OutcomeChosen), &w
+	open, err := a.open(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	stillOpen := false
+	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).
+		r.Ended, r.Acted = now, "nothing: the condition ended before the answer"
+		a.logf("%s, for %s, which ended meanwhile: nothing is done", w.Says(), r.Condition)
+		return a.store.Put(ctx, *r)
+	}
+	// Claimed before acting, by compare-and-set: only the delivery whose write stands acts (security review
+	// of 2026-10-08, finding 9).
+	claimed, err := a.store.Claim(ctx, r.ID, w)
+	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
+	if act.Arguments["silence"] != "" {
+		acted = a.silence(ctx, act.Arguments["silence"], conditions.MaxSilence, byWords(w), why)
+	} else {
+		acted = a.call(ctx, act, args)
+	}
+	r.Ended = a.now()
+	r.Acted = "done"
+	if acted != nil {
+		r.Acted = "failed: " + acted.Error()
+	}
+	if err := a.store.Put(ctx, *r); err != nil {
+		return 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_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,476 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"strings"
+	"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
+
+func (m memAskedStore) Get(_ context.Context, id string) (*asked, error) {
+	r, ok := m[id]
+	if !ok {
+		return nil, nil
+	}
+	return &r, nil
+}
+func (m memAskedStore) Put(_ context.Context, r asked) error { m[r.ID] = r; return nil }
+func (m memAskedStore) Claim(_ context.Context, id string, w asks.Warrant) (bool, error) {
+	r, ok := m[id]
+	if !ok || r.State != askOpen || r.Acted != "" {
+		return false, nil
+	}
+	r.State, r.Warrant, r.Acted = string(asks.OutcomeChosen), &w, "acting"
+	m[id] = r
+	return true, nil
+}
+func (m memAskedStore) All(context.Context) ([]asked, error) {
+	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)
+			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,
+					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 },
+	} {
+		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 until its answers or the channels change.
+func TestAnAskTheRouterRefusedWaitsUntilSomethingChanges(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()}
+	_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+	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)
+	}
+	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)
+	}
+	for i := 0; i < 3; i++ {
+		r.now = r.now.Add(askEvery)
+		_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+	}
+	if n := len(r.asksSent(t)); n != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("asked again %d time(s) though nothing changed", n-1)
+	}
+	channels = "channel/telegram=telegram@anchor[choice,verified-sender]own:true"
+	_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+	if n := len(r.asksSent(t)); n != 2 {
+		t.Errorf("not asked again once the channels changed: %d", n)
+	}
+}
+
+// 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, 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)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/asker_wire.go

@@ -0,0 +1,295 @@
+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"
+	"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)
+}
+
+func (b busAsked) Put(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.Put(ctx, r.ID, body)
+	return err
+}
+
+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
+}
+
+// Claim marks an open ask acting, by compare-and-set on its key's revision: only the write that stands acts.
+func (b busAsked) Claim(ctx context.Context, id string, w asks.Warrant) (bool, error) {
+	kv, err := b.kv(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return false, err
+	}
+	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 r.State != askOpen || r.Acted != "" {
+		return false, nil
+	}
+	r.State, r.Warrant, r.Acted = string(asks.OutcomeChosen), &w, "acting"
+	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) {
+			return false, nil
+		}
+		return false, err
+	}
+	return true, 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
+	}
+}
+
+// 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),
+		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),
+		channels:     channelsIn(open.inventory),
+		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/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/conditions.go

@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ 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
 }

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/doctor.go

@@ -116,6 +116,11 @@ 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},
+	// 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: kindAgentRoot, 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/handacts.go

@@ -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).

cmd/mesh-controller/module_health.go

@@ -383,6 +383,7 @@ 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)}
 }
 

cmd/mesh-controller/modules.go

@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ import (
 	"fmt"
 	"net"
 	"os"
+	"sort"
 	"strings"
 
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
@@ -396,7 +397,8 @@ 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], or settings clear <module> [--node <node>]")
+			"[--node <node>] [--replace], settings clear <module> [--node <node>], or settings preferences " +
+			"[<module>] [--node <node>]")
 	}
 	open, err := openStores(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -502,13 +504,92 @@ func settingsCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 		}
 		if !has {
 			fmt.Printf("%s on %s: no layer — the module's definition says\n", positionals[0], where)
-			return nil
+		} else {
+			shown, err := json.MarshalIndent(values, "", "  ")
+			if err != nil {
+				return err
+			}
+			fmt.Println(string(shown))
 		}
-		shown, err := json.MarshalIndent(values, "", "  ")
+		// 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
+		// the first thing printed because a caller reads it before replacing it (ADR 0217).
+		known, err := inv.Catalogue(ctx)
 		if err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
-		fmt.Println(string(shown))
+		m, ok := known[positionals[0]]
+		if !ok || len(m.Settings) == 0 {
+			return nil
+		}
+		var layers []catalogue.Layer
+		if *node != "" {
+			if mesh, has, err := inv.Layer(ctx, "", positionals[0]); err != nil {
+				return err
+			} else if has {
+				layers = append(layers, catalogue.Layer{From: catalogue.MeshWideLayer, Values: mesh})
+			}
+			if has {
+				layers = append(layers, catalogue.Layer{From: *node, Values: values})
+			}
+		} else if has {
+			layers = append(layers, catalogue.Layer{From: catalogue.MeshWideLayer, Values: values})
+		}
+		fmt.Print(describeEffective(positionals[0], where, catalogue.Effective(m, layers)))
+		return nil
+
+	case "preferences":
+		// Every module's preferences, and each machine's value with its source (novox/hq ADR 0262).
+		if len(positionals) > 1 {
+			return errors.New("settings preferences [<module>] [--node <node>]")
+		}
+		only := ""
+		if len(positionals) == 1 {
+			only = positionals[0]
+		}
+		if *node != "" {
+			// A machine the mesh does not know is refused, never answered with an empty listing.
+			if _, err := inv.NodeByName(ctx, *node); err != nil {
+				return err
+			}
+		}
+		entries, err := inv.Catalogued(ctx)
+		if err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+		var listed []preferencesOf
+		for _, e := range entries {
+			m := e.Manifest
+			if len(m.Settings) == 0 || (only != "" && m.Module != only) {
+				continue
+			}
+			if *node != "" && !containsString(e.On, *node) {
+				// Asked for one machine: a module not on it has no value there to say.
+				continue
+			}
+			p := preferencesOf{Manifest: m, On: map[string][]catalogue.SettingSource{}}
+			for _, n := range e.On {
+				if *node != "" && n != *node {
+					continue
+				}
+				p.Nodes = append(p.Nodes, n)
+				layers, err := inv.SettingsFor(ctx, n, m.Module)
+				if err != nil {
+					return err
+				}
+				p.On[n] = catalogue.Effective(m, layers)
+			}
+			listed = append(listed, p)
+		}
+		if only != "" && len(listed) == 0 {
+			fmt.Printf("%s declares no preferences%s\n", only, onNode(*node))
+			return nil
+		}
+		if len(listed) == 0 && *node != "" {
+			fmt.Printf("no module on %s declares a preference\n", *node)
+			return nil
+		}
+		fmt.Print(describePreferences(listed))
 		return nil
 
 	case "clear":
@@ -522,10 +603,87 @@ func settingsCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 		return nil
 
 	default:
-		return fmt.Errorf("settings has no %q; it has show, set and clear", args[0])
+		return fmt.Errorf("settings has no %q; it has show, set, clear and preferences", args[0])
 	}
 }
 
+// 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 {
+	var b strings.Builder
+	fmt.Fprintf(&b, "%s on %s, every value and where it comes from:\n", module, where)
+	for _, v := range values {
+		value, _ := json.Marshal(v.Value)
+		fmt.Fprintf(&b, "  %s = %s  (%s", v.Key, value, v.From)
+		if v.HasDefault && !v.FromDefault {
+			d, _ := json.Marshal(v.Default)
+			fmt.Fprintf(&b, "; the default is %s", d)
+		}
+		b.WriteString(")\n")
+	}
+	return b.String()
+}
+
+// onNode is ` on <node>` for one machine, nothing for the whole mesh.
+func onNode(node string) string {
+	if node == "" {
+		return ""
+	}
+	return " on " + node
+}
+
+// preferencesOf is one module's preferences and its value on each machine it is assigned to.
+type preferencesOf struct {
+	Manifest catalogue.Manifest
+	Nodes    []string
+	On       map[string][]catalogue.SettingSource
+}
+
+// describePreferences lists each module's preferences — key, default and why — and, per machine it is
+// assigned to, the value and where it comes from (novox/hq ADR 0262).
+func describePreferences(modules []preferencesOf) string {
+	if len(modules) == 0 {
+		return "no module declares a preference\n"
+	}
+	var b strings.Builder
+	for i, p := range modules {
+		if i > 0 {
+			b.WriteString("\n")
+		}
+		on := "assigned nowhere"
+		if len(p.Nodes) > 0 {
+			on = "on " + strings.Join(p.Nodes, ", ")
+		}
+		fmt.Fprintf(&b, "%s (%s)\n", p.Manifest.Module, on)
+		keys := make([]string, 0, len(p.Manifest.Settings))
+		for k := range p.Manifest.Settings {
+			keys = append(keys, k)
+		}
+		sort.Strings(keys)
+		for _, k := range keys {
+			d := p.Manifest.Settings[k]
+			def, _ := json.Marshal(d.Default)
+			fmt.Fprintf(&b, "  %s, default %s: %s\n", k, def, d.Why)
+			for _, n := range p.Nodes {
+				for _, s := range p.On[n] {
+					if s.Key != k {
+						continue
+					}
+					v, _ := json.Marshal(s.Value)
+					from := s.From
+					if s.FromDefault {
+						from = catalogue.DefaultLayer
+					} else if s.From != catalogue.MeshWideLayer {
+						from = "the node"
+					}
+					fmt.Fprintf(&b, "    %s: %s (%s)\n", n, v, from)
+				}
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return b.String()
+}
+
 // nodeFlag is ` --node <node>` for a machine's layer, nothing for the whole mesh's.
 func nodeFlag(node string) string {
 	if node == "" {

cmd/mesh-controller/pending.go

@@ -478,6 +478,9 @@ func settlingPending(ctx context.Context, open *stores) {
 		for _, line := range settlePending(ctx, open, time.Now()) {
 			fmt.Println(line)
 		}
+		for _, line := range raiseUnknownFields(ctx, open.inventory) {
+			fmt.Println(line)
+		}
 		select {
 		case <-ctx.Done():
 			return

cmd/mesh-controller/plain_words.go

@@ -387,10 +387,7 @@ var plainWordings = map[string]func(conditions.Observation) words{
 			Resolved:    "Resolved: " + m + " runs a good build again"}
 	}),
 	"release-held": worded(func(o conditions.Observation) words {
-		return words{Headline: "Updates wait for your release",
-			Needs:       "release them, or leave them held.",
-			Explanation: "Some module updates wait for a person to release them, and are not delivered until then.",
-			Resolved:    "Resolved: the held updates are released"}
+		return releaseHeldWords(nil, o.Also)
 	}),
 	"facts-stale": worded(func(o conditions.Observation) words {
 		return words{Headline: "Merge checks use outdated facts",
@@ -402,21 +399,21 @@ var plainWordings = map[string]func(conditions.Observation) words{
 	// The controller and the core.
 	"controller-deaf": worded(func(o conditions.Observation) words {
 		return words{Headline: "The controller stopped listening",
-			Needs: "restart the controller if this stays.",
+			Needs: "restart the controller if this stays, " + FromMeshMCPServer,
 			Explanation: "The controller, which coordinates the mesh, has taken no messages for minutes while some " +
 				"wait. Changes and repairs do not happen until it recovers.",
 			Resolved: "The controller listens again"}
 	}),
 	"self-check-silent": worded(func(o conditions.Observation) words {
 		return words{Headline: "The mesh's self-check stopped",
-			Needs: "restart the controller if this stays.",
+			Needs: "restart the controller if this stays, " + FromMeshMCPServer,
 			Explanation: "The self-check, which looks over the whole mesh every few minutes, has not finished a run. " +
 				"Problems may go unnoticed until it runs again.",
 			Resolved: "The self-check runs again"}
 	}),
 	"watchdogs-silent": worded(func(o conditions.Observation) words {
 		return words{Headline: "The mesh's watchdogs stopped",
-			Needs: "restart the controller if this stays.",
+			Needs: "restart the controller if this stays, " + FromMeshMCPServer,
 			Explanation: "The watchdogs, which notice when something expected does not happen, have not run, so " +
 				"missed signals are not noticed.",
 			Resolved: "The watchdogs run again"}
@@ -651,6 +648,8 @@ 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
@@ -658,6 +657,20 @@ 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).
@@ -672,17 +685,67 @@ 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
 // authorised (to-be 46 phases 5 and 6).
 const FromMeshMCPServer = "from the mesh MCP server; this notification cannot do it."
 
+// releaseHeldWords are the plain words of updates held after a walk failed: which modules wait,
+// on which machines, and where the operator releases them (ADR 0258: a release is not an acknowledgement, so
+// no notification gives it). Raised with the modules and machines (backlogObservation); the kind's fallback
+// knows neither.
+func releaseHeldWords(modules, machines []string) words {
+	what := "Some module updates"
+	headline := "Updates wait for your release"
+	if len(modules) > 0 {
+		what = "Updates of " + namesWords(modules, 3)
+		if h := what + " wait for your release"; len(h) <= conditions.HeadlineMax {
+			headline = h
+		} else if h := fmt.Sprintf("%d module updates wait for your release", len(modules)); len(h) <= conditions.HeadlineMax {
+			headline = h
+		}
+	}
+	where := ""
+	if len(machines) > 0 {
+		where = " on " + namesWords(machines, 4)
+	}
+	return words{Headline: headline,
+		Needs: "release them " + FromMeshMCPServer,
+		Explanation: fmt.Sprintf("%s%s wait for a person to release them, because the last walk failed."+
+			" They are not delivered until then, and stay held if you leave them.", what, where),
+		Resolved: "Resolved: the held updates are released"}
+}
+
 // reloginNeeds is what an account waiting for its groups needs (ADR 0252).
 func reloginNeeds(node string) string {
 	return fmt.Sprintf("log out of %s completely and log in again, or restart it.", node)
@@ -702,15 +765,19 @@ 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

@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 package main
 
 import (
+	"regexp"
 	"strings"
 	"testing"
 	"time"
@@ -64,13 +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"}
@@ -81,16 +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"}})
@@ -153,7 +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
@@ -222,3 +240,89 @@ func TestDataLossOffersNoSilence(t *testing.T) {
 		}
 	}
 }
+
+// **Updates held after a failed release** (2026-10-08): the popup read "Needs you: release them, or leave
+// them held." — naming neither what waits nor where it is released. It names the modules and machines, and
+// the mesh MCP server.
+func TestUpdatesHeldNameWhatWaitsAndWhereItIsReleased(t *testing.T) {
+	saved := backlogNow
+	t.Cleanup(func() { backlogNow = saved })
+	backlogNow.held = "release-1791457717307061152 failed (failed its gate on g14); what waits is released again by a person"
+	backlogNow.waiting = map[string][]inventory.CarriedMove{
+		"shanks": {{Module: "openrazer"}},
+		"g14":    {{Module: "openrazer"}, {Module: "sensors"}},
+	}
+	got := backlogObservation()
+	if len(got) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("raised %d", len(got))
+	}
+	plainExample(t, got[0], "Updates of openrazer and sensors wait for your release",
+		"Needs you: release them from the mesh MCP server; this notification cannot do it. Updates of openrazer and "+
+			"sensors on g14 and shanks wait for a person to release them, because the last walk failed. "+
+			"They are not delivered until then, and stay held if you leave them.")
+}
+
+// **What held them is said in the glossary's words** (2026-10-08 review): the backlog is held after any
+// walk failed, not a release, and a "check" is a pull request's status. So the words say the walk failed,
+// and never that a release failed or a check did — with the modules and machines named or not.
+func TestUpdatesHeldSayTheWalkFailed(t *testing.T) {
+	for _, w := range []words{
+		releaseHeldWords([]string{"openrazer"}, []string{"g14"}),
+		releaseHeldWords(nil, nil),
+		plainWordings["release-held"](conditions.Observation{Scope: conditions.ScopeMesh, ID: "release"}),
+	} {
+		if !strings.Contains(w.Explanation, "because the last walk failed.") {
+			t.Errorf("does not say the walk failed: %q", w.Explanation)
+		}
+		for _, wrong := range []string{"release failed", "check"} {
+			if strings.Contains(w.Explanation, wrong) {
+				t.Errorf("says %q: %q", wrong, w.Explanation)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// mcpVerb is a need that opens with a verb only the mesh MCP server performs (ADR 0258 §1): release, stop,
+// start, restart, and a restore.
+var mcpVerb = regexp.MustCompile(`^(release|stop|start|restart|restore)\b`)
+
+// **A need no notification can answer says where it is answered** (ADR 0258 §1): every wording whose need
+// opens with a verb the mesh MCP server performs, and offers no action, ends with FromMeshMCPServer — the
+// kinds worded here for every subject shape, and those worded where they are raised. A new kind that misses
+// it fails here; release-held did (2026-10-08).
+func TestANeedNoNotificationAnswersNamesTheMeshMCPServer(t *testing.T) {
+	check := func(what string, w words) {
+		t.Helper()
+		if w.Needs == "" || len(w.Actions) > 0 || !mcpVerb.MatchString(w.Needs) {
+			return
+		}
+		if !strings.HasSuffix(w.Needs, FromMeshMCPServer) {
+			t.Errorf("%s needs %q without %q", what, w.Needs, FromMeshMCPServer)
+		}
+	}
+	subjects := []conditions.Observation{
+		{Scope: conditions.ScopeMachine, ID: "ace", Machine: "ace"},
+		{Scope: conditions.ScopeMachine, ID: "ace.immich.library", Machine: "ace"},
+		{Scope: conditions.ScopeModule, ID: "openrazer.g14", Machine: "g14"},
+		{Scope: conditions.ScopeDelivery, ID: "novox/hq@055550802096"},
+		{Scope: conditions.ScopeCore, ID: "controller.anchor", Machine: "anchor"},
+		{Scope: conditions.ScopeMesh, ID: "release", Also: []string{"g14"}},
+	}
+	for kind, fn := range plainWordings {
+		for _, s := range subjects {
+			for _, sev := range []conditions.Severity{conditions.Warning, conditions.Urgent} {
+				s.Kind, s.Severity, s.Resolver = kind, sev, conditions.ResolverOperator
+				check(kind+" about "+s.ID, fn(s))
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	check("a walk waiting", words{Needs: waitingNeeds(conditions.Urgent)})
+	check("a module's failed service", words{Needs: moduleNeeds("g14",
+		[]inventory.ResourceHealth{{Kind: link.KindUnit, Target: "openrazer-daemon.service"}})})
+	for _, state := range []string{"held", "ready", "failing"} {
+		_, _, _, needs, actions := stalledWords(stalledLine{ID: "novox/hq@055550802096", State: state, For: "36h"},
+			conditions.Observation{Resolver: conditions.ResolverOperator})
+		check("a delivery "+state, words{Needs: needs, Actions: actions})
+	}
+	check("updates held", releaseHeldWords([]string{"openrazer"}, []string{"g14"}))
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/plan.go

@@ -515,9 +515,8 @@ func sortedKeysOf(m map[string]string) []string {
 // 0163, rule 6), one line each: the machine is told everything else, and is told it was left out.
 func reportLeftOut(node string, declared sendable) {
 	for _, m := range declared.LeftOut {
-		fmt.Printf("%s: %s left out — a setting stored for it cannot compose with its definition; "+
-			"what the machine holds for it is kept and its containers are untouched. %s\n",
-			node, m, declared.leftOutWhy[m])
+		fmt.Printf("%s: %s left out — what the machine holds for it is kept and its containers are "+
+			"untouched. %s\n", node, m, declared.leftOutWhy[m])
 	}
 	// And whom it serves nothing, because their identity overflows what the provision keeps (ADR
 	// 0225): the machine is sent everything else, and the consumer is named.
@@ -1425,7 +1424,7 @@ func servedOnNode(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, node string,
 	}
 	serves := catalogue.ServedOn(m, provision, ports)
 	if len(serves) > 0 {
-		serves, err = catalogue.Settle(serves, layers)
+		serves, err = catalogue.Settle(serves, catalogue.WithDefaults(m, layers))
 		if err != nil {
 			return nil, err
 		}

cmd/mesh-controller/probe_agent_root.go

@@ -0,0 +1,194 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"fmt"
+	"slices"
+	"sort"
+	"strings"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// The self-check's probe of who can become root where the trusted parties run (novox/hq ADR 0259 §8, rule 3).
+//
+// 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.** So on every machine where a module
+// of its own account runs, this probe asks two questions, and raises an urgent condition while either is yes:
+//
+//  1. can an account an agent runs as become root without a person there — passwordless sudo, or a group
+//     that is root by another name (docker, disk)? The agent's account is the one the coding-agent module on
+//     that machine names (`agent_account`), and the operator's account while it names none;
+//  2. can an agent run a command it chooses, through the mesh's own tools, as an account that can — the login
+//     shell's `execute` runs as the machine's runtime account, which the mesh's acting tools give passwordless
+//     sudo?
+//
+// The measurement is the sudo module's on that machine (`sudo_escalation`); a machine it does not run on, or
+// that does not answer, is a probe that could not run — said, never taken for "no".
+
+// kindAgentRoot is the condition an agent able to become root where a trusted party runs raises.
+const kindAgentRoot = "agent-root"
+
+// The tools the probe asks, of the modules on each machine.
+const (
+	agentModule     = "claude-code"
+	agentStatusTool = "claude_code_status"
+	sudoModule      = "sudo"
+	sudoEscalation  = "sudo_escalation"
+	loginShellSeat  = "node-login-shell"
+)
+
+// escalation is the sudo module's answer for one account.
+type escalation struct {
+	Account string `json:"account"`
+	Root    bool   `json:"root_without_a_person"`
+	Why     string `json:"why"`
+}
+
+// agentRootFacts is what one machine says, as the probe reads it.
+type agentRootFacts struct {
+	Machine    string
+	Trusted    []string // the modules of their own account on it
+	Agent      string   // the account agents run as there; "" when none run there
+	AgentNamed bool     // the coding-agent module named it, rather than it being taken for the operator's
+	Runtime    string   // the account the machine's runtime runs as
+	LoginShell bool     // the login shell seat is held there, running commands as the runtime's account
+	Answers    map[string]escalation
+}
+
+// agentRootObservations judges one machine's facts: an urgent condition while an agent can become root there
+// without a person, one way or the other, naming which.
+func agentRootObservations(f agentRootFacts) []conditions.Observation {
+	var ways []string
+	if f.Agent != "" {
+		if e := f.Answers[f.Agent]; e.Root {
+			named := "the operator's account, which agents run as while the coding-agent module names no other"
+			if f.AgentNamed {
+				named = "the account agents run as"
+			}
+			ways = append(ways, fmt.Sprintf("%s (%s) can become root without a person: %s", f.Agent, named, e.Why))
+		}
+	}
+	if f.LoginShell && f.Runtime != "" {
+		if e := f.Answers[f.Runtime]; e.Root {
+			ways = append(ways, fmt.Sprintf("the login shell runs any command an agent gives it as %s, which can "+
+				"become root without a person: %s", f.Runtime, e.Why))
+		}
+	}
+	if len(ways) == 0 {
+		return nil
+	}
+	sort.Strings(f.Trusted)
+	return []conditions.Observation{{Scope: conditions.ScopeMachine, ID: f.Machine, Token: kindAgentRoot,
+		Machine: f.Machine, Kind: kindAgentRoot, Severity: conditions.Urgent,
+		Summary: fmt.Sprintf("an agent can become root on %s without a person, where %s run as accounts of their "+
+			"own; until it cannot, the router approves nothing proven there (novox/hq ADR 0259 §8): %s",
+			f.Machine, strings.Join(f.Trusted, ", "), strings.Join(ways, "; ")),
+		Headline: "Root without you on " + f.Machine,
+		Needs:    "choose how programs working for you on " + f.Machine + " stop becoming root without asking you.",
+		Explanation: "The modules that prove your answers from your phone run on " + f.Machine + ", and a program " +
+			"working for you there can become root without asking you, so it could answer in your name. Until " +
+			"that changes, answers from your phone can only acknowledge.",
+		Resolved: "Nothing on " + f.Machine + " becomes root without you any more"}}
+}
+
+// probeAgentRoot is the probe: every machine a module of its own account runs on, judged.
+func probeAgentRoot(ctx context.Context, d *doctor) ([]conditions.Observation, error) {
+	inv := d.open.inventory
+	entries, err := inv.Catalogued(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	facts := map[string]*agentRootFacts{}
+	agentOn, sudoOn := map[string]bool{}, map[string]bool{}
+	for _, e := range entries {
+		for _, node := range e.On {
+			switch {
+			case e.Manifest.RunsAs != "":
+				f := facts[node]
+				if f == nil {
+					f = &agentRootFacts{Machine: node, Answers: map[string]escalation{}}
+					facts[node] = f
+				}
+				f.Trusted = append(f.Trusted, e.Manifest.Module)
+			case e.Manifest.Module == agentModule:
+				agentOn[node] = true
+			case e.Manifest.Module == sudoModule:
+				sudoOn[node] = true
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	for _, e := range entries {
+		if e.Manifest.ClaimsSeat(loginShellSeat) {
+			for _, node := range e.On {
+				if f := facts[node]; f != nil {
+					f.LoginShell = true
+				}
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	machines := make([]string, 0, len(facts))
+	for m := range facts {
+		machines = append(machines, m)
+	}
+	sort.Strings(machines)
+	var out []conditions.Observation
+	var unread []string
+	for _, m := range machines {
+		f := facts[m]
+		record, err := inv.NodeByName(ctx, m)
+		if err != nil {
+			unread = append(unread, m+": "+err.Error())
+			continue
+		}
+		f.Runtime = record.Account
+		if agentOn[m] {
+			f.Agent = record.Account
+			if a, err := link.AskModuleToolOn(ctx, d.js.Conn(), agentModule, agentStatusTool, m, map[string]any{}, 10*time.Second); err == nil && a.Error == "" {
+				var status struct {
+					AgentAccount string `json:"agent_account"`
+				}
+				if json.Unmarshal(a.Result, &status) == nil && status.AgentAccount != "" {
+					f.Agent, f.AgentNamed = status.AgentAccount, true
+				}
+			}
+		}
+		if !sudoOn[m] {
+			unread = append(unread, m+": the sudo module is not assigned there, so who can become root is not measured")
+			continue
+		}
+		var accounts []string
+		for _, a := range []string{f.Agent, f.Runtime} {
+			if a != "" && !slices.Contains(accounts, a) {
+				accounts = append(accounts, a)
+			}
+		}
+		if len(accounts) == 0 {
+			continue
+		}
+		a, err := link.AskModuleToolOn(ctx, d.js.Conn(), sudoModule, sudoEscalation, m, map[string]any{"accounts": accounts}, 15*time.Second)
+		if err == nil && a.Error != "" {
+			err = fmt.Errorf("%s", a.Error)
+		}
+		if err != nil {
+			unread = append(unread, m+": "+err.Error())
+			continue
+		}
+		var answers []escalation
+		if err := json.Unmarshal(a.Result, &answers); err != nil {
+			unread = append(unread, m+": the sudo module's answer could not be read: "+err.Error())
+			continue
+		}
+		for _, e := range answers {
+			f.Answers[e.Account] = e
+		}
+		out = append(out, agentRootObservations(*f)...)
+	}
+	if len(unread) > 0 {
+		return out, fmt.Errorf("who can become root could not be measured: %s", strings.Join(unread, "; "))
+	}
+	return out, nil
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/probe_agent_root_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,60 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+)
+
+// novox/hq ADR 0259 §8, rule 3: the probe fails today — agents run as the operator's account, which has
+// passwordless sudo, and the login shell runs their commands as it — and passes only once neither holds.
+func TestAnAgentAbleToBecomeRootWhereTheRouterRunsIsSaid(t *testing.T) {
+	root := escalation{Root: true, Why: "(ALL : ALL) NOPASSWD: ALL"}
+	none := escalation{Why: "no rule lets it without a password"}
+	base := func() agentRootFacts {
+		return agentRootFacts{Machine: "anchor", Trusted: []string{"telegram", "messenger"}, Runtime: "ops",
+			Answers: map[string]escalation{}}
+	}
+
+	today := base()
+	today.Agent, today.LoginShell = "ops", true
+	today.Answers["ops"] = root
+	got := agentRootObservations(today)
+	if len(got) != 1 || got[0].Severity != conditions.Urgent || got[0].Kind != kindAgentRoot ||
+		!strings.Contains(got[0].Summary, "the operator's account") || !strings.Contains(got[0].Summary, "the login shell") {
+		t.Fatalf("today: %+v", got)
+	}
+
+	agentsMoved := base()
+	agentsMoved.Agent, agentsMoved.AgentNamed, agentsMoved.LoginShell = "agents", true, true
+	agentsMoved.Answers["agents"], agentsMoved.Answers["ops"] = none, root
+	if got := agentRootObservations(agentsMoved); len(got) != 1 || strings.Contains(got[0].Summary, "agents (") ||
+		!strings.Contains(got[0].Summary, "the login shell") {
+		t.Errorf("agents of their own account, the login shell still the runtime's: %+v", got)
+	}
+
+	closed := base()
+	closed.Agent, closed.AgentNamed = "agents", true
+	closed.Answers["agents"], closed.Answers["ops"] = none, root
+	if got := agentRootObservations(closed); len(got) != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("agents of their own account and no login shell there: %+v", got)
+	}
+
+	noAgents := base()
+	noAgents.Answers["ops"] = root
+	if got := agentRootObservations(noAgents); len(got) != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("no agent runs there and no login shell is held: %+v", got)
+	}
+}
+
+// Its words are plain, as every condition's are (novox/hq ADR 0253).
+func TestTheRootConditionIsSaidInPlainWords(t *testing.T) {
+	f := agentRootFacts{Machine: "anchor", Trusted: []string{"telegram"}, Runtime: "ops", Agent: "ops",
+		Answers: map[string]escalation{"ops": {Root: true, Why: "x"}}}
+	o := agentRootObservations(f)[0]
+	if why, ok := conditions.PlainWords(conditions.Words{Headline: o.Headline, Explanation: o.Explanation,
+		Needs: o.Needs, Resolved: o.Resolved}, "anchor"); !ok {
+		t.Errorf("not plain: %s", why)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/release.go

@@ -710,15 +710,27 @@ func backlogObservation() []conditions.Observation {
 	}
 	n := 0
 	var machines []string
+	seen := map[string]bool{}
+	var modules []string
 	for node, moves := range backlogNow.waiting {
 		n += len(moves)
 		machines = append(machines, node)
+		for _, mv := range moves {
+			if !seen[mv.Module] {
+				seen[mv.Module] = true
+				modules = append(modules, mv.Module)
+			}
+		}
 	}
 	sort.Strings(machines)
-	return []conditions.Observation{{Scope: conditions.ScopeMesh, ID: "release", Token: "held", Kind: "release-held",
-		Severity: conditions.Warning, Resolver: conditions.ResolverOperator,
+	sort.Strings(modules)
+	o := conditions.Observation{Scope: conditions.ScopeMesh, ID: "release", Token: "held", Kind: "release-held",
+		Severity: conditions.Warning, Resolver: conditions.ResolverOperator, Also: machines,
 		Summary: fmt.Sprintf("%d build move(s) on %s wait for a gate and are not released: %s — `upgrade backlog` lists "+
-			"them, `upgrade release-backlog --why …` releases them", n, strings.Join(machines, ", "), backlogNow.held)}}
+			"them, `upgrade release-backlog --why …` releases them", n, strings.Join(machines, ", "), backlogNow.held)}
+	w := releaseHeldWords(modules, machines)
+	o.Headline, o.Explanation, o.Resolved, o.Needs = w.Headline, w.Explanation, w.Resolved, w.Needs
+	return []conditions.Observation{o}
 }
 
 // backlogCommand is `upgrade backlog`, read-only, and `upgrade release-backlog --why`.

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

@@ -761,6 +761,28 @@ func (a *verbArguments) commandLine() ([]string, error) {
 		}
 		return argv, nil
 	case "settings":
+		// Every module's preferences, their defaults and each machine's value (novox/hq ADR 0262):
+		// the one interface for them, so no module builds a settings tool of its own. Asked for by
+		// name, or by naming no module, since a layer is always some module's.
+		if str("module") == "" && str("values") != "" {
+			return nil, errors.New("settings: a module is needed to set values; name it with module")
+		}
+		if str("module") == "" && on("clear") {
+			return nil, errors.New("settings: a module is needed to clear 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)
+			}
+			argv := []string{"settings", "preferences"}
+			if m := str("module"); m != "" {
+				argv = append(argv, m)
+			}
+			if n := str("node"); n != "" {
+				argv = append(argv, "--node", n)
+			}
+			return argv, nil
+		}
 		// `settings set|clear` at a shell (novox/hq issue 198). The values travel as an argument
 		// because a tool has no file to hand the command; the command reads either.
 		if err := need("module"); err != nil {

cmd/mesh-controller/settings_effective_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,109 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+)
+
+// `settings` says each value and where it came from, and the default a layer overrides (novox/hq ADR 0262).
+func TestSettingsSayWhereEachValueComesFrom(t *testing.T) {
+	got := describeEffective("dunst", "laptop", []catalogue.SettingSource{
+		{Key: "font-size", Value: float64(13), From: "laptop", Default: float64(10), HasDefault: true},
+		{Key: "width", Value: float64(250), From: catalogue.DefaultLayer, FromDefault: true, Default: float64(250), HasDefault: true},
+	})
+	want := "dunst on laptop, every value and where it comes from:\n" +
+		"  font-size = 13  (laptop; the default is 10)\n" +
+		"  width = 250  (default)\n"
+	if got != want {
+		t.Fatalf("said\n%s\nwant\n%s", got, want)
+	}
+}
+
+// `settings` with list "preferences" is the one listing of every module's preferences; module and node
+// narrow it, and no other listing is taken.
+func TestSettingsListPreferences(t *testing.T) {
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		args map[string]any
+		want string
+	}{
+		{map[string]any{"list": "preferences"}, "settings preferences"},
+		{map[string]any{"list": "preferences", "module": "dunst"}, "settings preferences dunst"},
+		{map[string]any{"list": "preferences", "node": "laptop"}, "settings preferences --node laptop"},
+	} {
+		argv, err := argvFor("settings", c.args)
+		if err != nil || strings.Join(argv, " ") != c.want {
+			t.Errorf("%v: %v %v, want %s", c.args, argv, err, c.want)
+		}
+	}
+	for args, want := range map[string]map[string]any{
+		"a module is needed to set values":    {"values": `{"width": 300}`},
+		"a module is needed to clear a layer": {"clear": "true"},
+	} {
+		if _, err := argvFor("settings", want); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), args) {
+			t.Errorf("%v: %v, want %q", want, err, args)
+		}
+	}
+	if _, err := argvFor("settings", map[string]any{"list": "everything"}); err == nil {
+		t.Error("a listing other than preferences was taken")
+	}
+	if argv, err := argvFor("settings", map[string]any{}); err != nil || strings.Join(argv, " ") != "settings preferences" {
+		t.Errorf("settings naming no module is the listing: %v %v", argv, err)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestPreferencesSayEachMachinesValueAndItsSource(t *testing.T) {
+	m := catalogue.Manifest{Module: "dunst", Settings: map[string]catalogue.SettingDeclaration{
+		"font-size": {Kind: catalogue.KindPreference, Default: float64(10), Why: "readable at 100 DPI"},
+		"width":     {Kind: catalogue.KindPreference, Default: float64(250), Why: "forty characters"},
+	}}
+	on := map[string][]catalogue.SettingSource{
+		"laptop": catalogue.Effective(m, []catalogue.Layer{{From: "laptop", Values: map[string]any{"font-size": float64(16)}}}),
+		"desk":   catalogue.Effective(m, []catalogue.Layer{{From: catalogue.MeshWideLayer, Values: map[string]any{"width": float64(300)}}}),
+	}
+	got := describePreferences([]preferencesOf{{Manifest: m, Nodes: []string{"desk", "laptop"}, On: on}})
+	want := "dunst (on desk, laptop)\n" +
+		"  font-size, default 10: readable at 100 DPI\n" +
+		"    desk: 10 (default)\n" +
+		"    laptop: 16 (the node)\n" +
+		"  width, default 250: forty characters\n" +
+		"    desk: 300 (the mesh)\n" +
+		"    laptop: 250 (default)\n"
+	if got != want {
+		t.Fatalf("said\n%s\nwant\n%s", got, want)
+	}
+	if describePreferences(nil) != "no module declares a preference\n" {
+		t.Fatal("an empty listing")
+	}
+}
+
+// The listing over the real stores: each machine's value with its source; a machine names only the
+// modules on it; a machine the mesh does not know is refused (novox/hq ADR 0262).
+func TestPreferencesListedFromTheStores(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	register(t, open, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "notes", Version: "1",
+		Settings: map[string]catalogue.SettingDeclaration{
+			"font-size": {Kind: catalogue.KindPreference, Default: float64(10), Why: "readable at 100 DPI"},
+		},
+		Resources: []map[string]any{{"id": "rc", "type": "file", "path": "/etc/notes.conf", "mode": "0644",
+			"content": "font = ${setting:font-size}\n"}}})
+	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "laptop", "notes"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := open.inventory.SetSettings(ctx, "laptop", "notes", map[string]any{"font-size": float64(16)}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	all := stdoutOf(t, func() error { return settingsCommand(ctx, []string{"preferences"}) })
+	if !strings.Contains(all, "notes (on laptop)") || !strings.Contains(all, "laptop: 16 (the node)") ||
+		!strings.Contains(all, "font-size, default 10: readable at 100 DPI") {
+		t.Fatalf("the listing:\n%s", all)
+	}
+	if got := stdoutOf(t, func() error { return settingsCommand(ctx, []string{"preferences", "--node", "anchor"}) }); got != "no module on anchor declares a preference\n" {
+		t.Fatalf("a machine without the module:\n%s", got)
+	}
+	if err := settingsCommand(ctx, []string{"preferences", "--node", "nowhere"}); err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("a machine the mesh does not know was answered")
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/signals.go

@@ -361,6 +361,7 @@ func watchWaits(f *signalFacts) []conditions.Observation {
 			Headline:    deliveryName(w.modules, w.repository) + " waiting to start",
 			Explanation: walkWaitingWords(w, in, severity),
 			Needs:       waitingNeeds(severity),
+			Actions:     waitingActions(w.id, severity),
 			Resolved:    deliveryName(w.modules, w.repository) + " no longer waiting"})
 	}
 	return out

cmd/mesh-controller/unknown_fields.go

@@ -0,0 +1,64 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"fmt"
+	"sort"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// A stored manifest with a key this controller does not know (novox/hq ADR 0262). The module is left out
+// of every machine's declaration by name; this is the loud half: a condition per module until the
+// controller is updated, or the module is registered again in a shape this controller reads.
+
+const (
+	sourceUnknownFields = "the catalogue"
+	kindUnknownField    = "unknown-field"
+)
+
+// unknownFieldObservations is one condition for each module of the catalogue whose stored manifest has
+// a key this controller does not know.
+func unknownFieldObservations(known map[string]catalogue.Manifest) []conditions.Observation {
+	names := make([]string, 0, len(known))
+	for name, m := range known {
+		if m.UnknownField() != "" {
+			names = append(names, name)
+		}
+	}
+	sort.Strings(names)
+	var out []conditions.Observation
+	for _, name := range names {
+		m := known[name]
+		out = append(out, conditions.Observation{
+			Scope: conditions.ScopeMesh, ID: name, Kind: kindUnknownField, Severity: conditions.Warning,
+			Resolver: conditions.ResolverOperator, Source: sourceUnknownFields,
+			Summary:     catalogue.UnknownFieldReason(m),
+			Said:        m.UnknownField(),
+			Headline:    name + " is left out until the controller is updated",
+			Explanation: name + " uses a field this controller does not know, so it is left out of every machine it is on, and nothing of it changes there until the controller is updated.",
+			Needs:       "update the controller, or register " + name + " again at a version this controller knows.",
+			Resolved:    "the controller reads " + name + " again",
+		})
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// raiseUnknownFields raises those conditions and clears the ones no longer true, on the controller's
+// tick. A catalogue that could not be read raises and clears nothing: "none" is not said for "could not
+// tell" (ADR 0227 rule 4).
+func raiseUnknownFields(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory) []string {
+	if conditionsFrom == nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+	known, err := inv.Catalogue(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return []string{fmt.Sprintf("the catalogue could not be read to say which modules it cannot read: %v", err)}
+	}
+	if err := conditionsFrom.Reconcile(ctx, sourceUnknownFields, unknownFieldObservations(known)); err != nil {
+		return []string{fmt.Sprintf("the modules with a field this controller does not know could not be kept as conditions: %v", err)}
+	}
+	return nil
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/unknown_fields_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,50 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"encoding/json"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+)
+
+// A module whose stored manifest has a key this controller does not know is a condition, in plain
+// words, until it is read again; every other module raises nothing (novox/hq ADR 0262).
+func TestAModuleWithAnUnknownFieldIsACondition(t *testing.T) {
+	var later, now catalogue.Manifest
+	if err := json.Unmarshal([]byte(`{"module": "dunst", "version": "2", "settings": {}, "a-field-from-later": 1}`), &later); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := json.Unmarshal([]byte(`{"module": "xorg", "version": "1"}`), &now); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	observed := unknownFieldObservations(map[string]catalogue.Manifest{"dunst": later, "xorg": now})
+	if len(observed) != 1 || observed[0].ID != "dunst" || observed[0].Kind != kindUnknownField {
+		t.Fatalf("observed: %+v", observed)
+	}
+	o := observed[0]
+	if why, ok := conditions.PlainWords(conditions.Words{Headline: o.Headline, Explanation: o.Explanation,
+		Resolved: o.Resolved, Needs: o.Needs}); !ok {
+		t.Fatalf("not plain: %s", why)
+	}
+
+	k, _ := withConditionsInMemory(t)
+	if err := k.Reconcile(t.Context(), sourceUnknownFields, observed); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, open, _ := k.Get(t.Context(), o.Key()); !open {
+		t.Fatal("not raised")
+	}
+	if err := k.Reconcile(t.Context(), sourceUnknownFields, unknownFieldObservations(map[string]catalogue.Manifest{"xorg": now})); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	still, err := k.Open(t.Context())
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	for _, c := range still {
+		if c.Key == o.Key() {
+			t.Fatalf("not cleared once read again: %+v", c)
+		}
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/watchdogs.go

@@ -673,6 +673,9 @@ func watchTheMesh(ctx context.Context, open *stores, server *link.Server, bus li
 	// under the lease and the brake, every act said.
 	healers := newHealing(open, keeper, bus, server.JetStream())
 	go healers.keep(watching)
+	// And the asker (novox/hq ADR 0259): what needs the operator and names its answers is asked of them,
+	// and the answer chosen is performed on its warrant.
+	startAsking(watching, open, server, bus.Conn, keeper)
 	go forgettingOldHeals(watching, open.inventory)
 	fmt.Printf("watching the mesh: %d signal(s) every %s, %d probe(s) every %s; what is wrong is kept in %s "+
 		"and said as %s events\n", len(watchedRows()), watchEvery, len(runnableProbes()), doctorEvery,

go.mod

@@ -3,7 +3,9 @@ module github.com/novox/mesh-controller
 go 1.26.0
 
 require (
+	git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.8-0.20261008162031-55090da7e08f
 	github.com/jackc/pgx/v5 v5.10.0
+	github.com/nats-io/nats-server/v2 v2.11.17
 	github.com/nats-io/nats.go v1.54.0
 	github.com/novox/mesh-host v0.0.0
 	golang.org/x/crypto v0.57.0
@@ -19,10 +21,8 @@ require (
 	github.com/klauspost/compress v1.20.0 // indirect
 	github.com/minio/highwayhash v1.0.4 // indirect
 	github.com/nats-io/jwt/v2 v2.8.1 // indirect
-	github.com/nats-io/nats-server/v2 v2.11.17 // indirect
 	github.com/nats-io/nkeys v0.4.16 // indirect
 	github.com/nats-io/nuid v1.0.1 // indirect
-	go.uber.org/automaxprocs v1.6.0 // indirect
 	golang.org/x/sync v0.23.0 // indirect
 	golang.org/x/sys v0.48.0 // indirect
 	golang.org/x/text v0.42.0 // indirect

go.sum

@@ -1,9 +1,7 @@
-git.novox.be/novox/mesh-host v0.0.0-20261006095519-3e80b7ae325e h1:g9h4QRaAMg5yaJLwqtb0FoOs23DVGUYpW6qvnQ3oY5A=
-git.novox.be/novox/mesh-host v0.0.0-20261006095519-3e80b7ae325e/go.mod h1:VlilMCRZ5yyNXg7SNigNBLr0Gt32jrGw5KSNq5JAVYs=
-git.novox.be/novox/mesh-host v0.0.0-20261007120832-bdd44154ccac h1:KvnKtJ2rWeIE/t4GweK+JL0OjKSNxsrVP3/nMdpii8o=
-git.novox.be/novox/mesh-host v0.0.0-20261007120832-bdd44154ccac/go.mod h1:VlilMCRZ5yyNXg7SNigNBLr0Gt32jrGw5KSNq5JAVYs=
 git.novox.be/novox/mesh-host v0.0.0-20261007162834-56e2ebec4bac h1:yLtFS0pDCCqIE9Zx8hgXEFG9fUWzf8L9WQoKV+Amk1E=
 git.novox.be/novox/mesh-host v0.0.0-20261007162834-56e2ebec4bac/go.mod h1:VlilMCRZ5yyNXg7SNigNBLr0Gt32jrGw5KSNq5JAVYs=
+git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.8-0.20261008162031-55090da7e08f h1:BNvyWq899GwP7F3sY4ACieB5a5fnFAq+sJ9lP6HQ5qI=
+git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.8-0.20261008162031-55090da7e08f/go.mod h1:GFuZUElBZ9A++mxgIKo97aXXo+kV0uJ/UkbhQPPIbrY=
 github.com/antithesishq/antithesis-sdk-go v0.7.0-default-no-op h1:Z/MZK75wC/NSrkgqeNIa7jexam9uWzhLmFTSCPI/kn0=
 github.com/antithesishq/antithesis-sdk-go v0.7.0-default-no-op/go.mod h1:FQyySiasQQM8735Ddel3MRojmy4dA1IqCeyJ5jmPMbI=
 github.com/davecgh/go-spew v1.1.0/go.mod h1:J7Y8YcW2NihsgmVo/mv3lAwl/skON4iLHjSsI+c5H38=
@@ -40,8 +38,6 @@ github.com/stretchr/testify v1.3.0/go.mod h1:M5WIy9Dh21IEIfnGCwXGc5bZfKNJtfHm1UV
 github.com/stretchr/testify v1.7.0/go.mod h1:6Fq8oRcR53rry900zMqJjRRixrwX3KX962/h/Wwjteg=
 github.com/stretchr/testify v1.11.1 h1:7s2iGBzp5EwR7/aIZr8ao5+dra3wiQyKjjFuvgVKu7U=
 github.com/stretchr/testify v1.11.1/go.mod h1:wZwfW3scLgRK+23gO65QZefKpKQRnfz6sD981Nm4B6U=
-go.uber.org/automaxprocs v1.6.0 h1:O3y2/QNTOdbF+e/dpXNNW7Rx2hZ4sTIPyybbxyNqTUs=
-go.uber.org/automaxprocs v1.6.0/go.mod h1:ifeIMSnPZuznNm6jmdzmU3/bfk01Fe2fotchwEFJ8r8=
 golang.org/x/crypto v0.57.0 h1:3ZVCjf8Ggz7zneR/EHRVx68Ctf+2pmIMP2UFhh9cC6M=
 golang.org/x/crypto v0.57.0/go.mod h1:Fdz0i5U6CoizGwLda9DttjSk6qlZo25zYNtR+ycvuZA=
 golang.org/x/net v0.58.0 h1:ynWG7rqYi4ccpTEuPZ2QGWHktVEM9DMCj9yzDE0Q7To=

internal/broker/controller_asks_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,53 @@
+package broker
+
+import (
+	"slices"
+	"testing"
+)
+
+// novox/hq ADR 0259 §6: the controller asks the operator through the router's seat as any user of it, under
+// its own name, hears its own warrants, reads its own record, and calls the verbs a warrant chooses.
+func TestTheControllerAsksUnderItsOwnNameAndCallsTheVerbsAWarrantChooses(t *testing.T) {
+	records := Records{Nodes: []string{"anchor"}, Assigned: map[string][]Declared{"anchor": {
+		{Module: "messenger", Holds: []Seat{operatorChannel()}},
+	}}}
+	users, err := Users(records)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	got := perms(t, users[0])
+	for _, s := range []string{
+		"mesh.seat.operator-channel.accept.ask.mesh-controller",
+		"mesh.seat.operator-channel.accept.cancel.mesh-controller",
+		"$JS.API.DIRECT.GET.KV_messenger_asks.$KV.messenger_asks.mesh-controller.c1",
+		"mesh.seat.mesh-delivery.tool.release", "mesh.seat.mesh-delivery.tool.stop",
+		"mesh.seat.node-service-manager.tool.restart.g14", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.tool.plans",
+	} {
+		if !allowed(got.Publish, s) {
+			t.Errorf("the controller may not publish %s", s)
+		}
+	}
+	for _, s := range []string{
+		"mesh.seat.operator-channel.accept.ask.mesh-delivery",
+		"mesh.seat.operator-channel.event.decided.mesh-controller",
+		// (A direct get of another asker's record is not refused here: the controller holds the whole
+		// JetStream API, as the only writer of stream definitions.)
+		"mesh.seat.node-service-manager.tool.stop.g14",
+	} {
+		if allowed(got.Publish, s) {
+			t.Errorf("the controller may publish %s", s)
+		}
+	}
+	if !allowed(got.Subscribe, DecidedSubject) || allowed(got.Subscribe, "mesh.seat.operator-channel.event.decided.mesh-delivery") {
+		t.Error("the controller does not hear exactly its own warrants")
+	}
+	// Its events consumer carries them, so a controller that was away hears what was decided meanwhile.
+	if !slices.Contains(ControllerFollows, DecidedSubject) {
+		t.Error("the controller does not follow its warrants")
+	}
+	// Without a holder of the seat it is granted no ask at all.
+	alone, _ := Users(Records{Nodes: []string{"anchor"}, Assigned: map[string][]Declared{}})
+	if allowed(perms(t, alone[0]).Publish, "mesh.seat.operator-channel.accept.ask.mesh-controller") {
+		t.Error("asked a seat nobody holds")
+	}
+}

internal/broker/controller_buckets.go

@@ -34,8 +34,15 @@ var (
 	// LeaseBucket holds the controller's lease (to-be 45 §6): one key, `holder`, which the instance
 	// allowed to act writes by compare-and-set and renews; its revision when taken is the epoch.
 	LeaseBucket = BucketName(ControllerSeat, "lease")
+	// AskedBucket keeps what the controller asked the operator about its conditions (novox/hq ADR 0259):
+	// each ask by its id, its options and the actions they stand for, how it ended and whether the
+	// controller acted on its warrant — so a restart neither asks twice nor acts twice.
+	AskedBucket = BucketName(ControllerSeat, "asked")
 )
 
+// AskedKeptFor is how long an ask is kept after it was made: a month, as the router keeps its own.
+const AskedKeptFor = 30 * 24 * time.Hour
+
 // LeaseTTL is how long the lease's key lives unrenewed (to-be 45 §6): fifteen seconds, renewed
 // every five. The bucket's age, so the bus forgets a holder that stopped renewing.
 const LeaseTTL = 15 * time.Second
@@ -59,12 +66,12 @@ const (
 // IsControllerBucket says a bucket is the controller's own, not a module's state nothing declares.
 func IsControllerBucket(bucket string) bool {
 	return bucket == CallsBucket || bucket == HandActsBucket || bucket == ConditionsBucket ||
-		bucket == ConditionHistoryBucket || bucket == LeaseBucket
+		bucket == ConditionHistoryBucket || bucket == LeaseBucket || bucket == AskedBucket
 }
 
 // ControllerBuckets are the controller's own buckets, in the order they are asserted.
 func ControllerBuckets() []string {
-	return []string{LeaseBucket, CallsBucket, HandActsBucket, ConditionsBucket, ConditionHistoryBucket}
+	return []string{LeaseBucket, CallsBucket, HandActsBucket, ConditionsBucket, ConditionHistoryBucket, AskedBucket}
 }
 
 // ControllerBucketsAsserter is what raising the controller's buckets needs of a connection.
@@ -149,6 +156,18 @@ func (j *JetStream) EnsureControllerBuckets() error {
 	}); err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("asserting bucket %s: %w", ConditionHistoryBucket, err)
 	}
+	if _, err := js.CreateOrUpdateKeyValue(ctx, jetstream.KeyValueConfig{
+		Bucket: AskedBucket,
+		Description: "what the controller asked the operator about its conditions, and what came of each (novox/hq " +
+			"ADR 0259): written by the controller alone; an ask acted on is acted on once",
+		History:      1,
+		TTL:          AskedKeptFor,
+		MaxValueSize: 32 << 10,
+		MaxBytes:     32 << 20,
+		Storage:      jetstream.FileStorage,
+	}); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("asserting bucket %s: %w", AskedBucket, err)
+	}
 	return nil
 }
 

internal/broker/controller_buckets_test.go

@@ -1,9 +1,15 @@
 package broker
 
 import (
+	"context"
 	"slices"
 	"strings"
 	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go/jetstream"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/testbus"
 )
 
 // **The controller may write every bucket it writes** (novox/hq to-be 45 §1, issue 269). Writing a
@@ -59,3 +65,34 @@ func TestTheWatchedSignalsMayBeSaidAndHeard(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Error("the controller may not ask who answers, or hears every API call")
 	}
 }
+
+// The controller's record of what it asked the operator is bounded (correctness review of 2026-10-08): one
+// value a key, a month's age, and a size it cannot outgrow.
+func TestWhatTheControllerAskedIsBounded(t *testing.T) {
+	js, err := Dial(testbus.URL(t))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	defer js.Close()
+	if err := js.EnsureControllerBuckets(); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	ctx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(context.Background(), 10*time.Second)
+	defer cancel()
+	kv, err := jetstream.New(js.Conn())
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	bucket, err := kv.KeyValue(ctx, AskedBucket)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	status, err := bucket.Status(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	info := status.(*jetstream.KeyValueBucketStatus).StreamInfo()
+	if status.History() != 1 || status.TTL() != AskedKeptFor || info.Config.MaxBytes <= 0 || info.Config.MaxBytes > 64<<20 {
+		t.Errorf("history %d, age %s, bytes %d", status.History(), status.TTL(), info.Config.MaxBytes)
+	}
+}

internal/broker/derived.go

@@ -125,7 +125,9 @@ func ConsumerFor(p Principal) (Consumer, bool) {
 	// A module that reacts to anything — a module's events or a role's (novox/hq ADR 0121). Watching
 	// a role was missing here, so the one module that does it got no consumer at all: it started,
 	// connected, and its graph stayed empty with nothing anywhere reporting why.
-	if p.Kind != KindModule || (len(p.Consumes) == 0 && len(p.Watches) == 0) {
+	// And one that hears its own answers on a seat it uses (novox/hq ADR 0259 §3): an asker's warrants.
+	hearsItsOwn := len(SeatTrafficOf(p.Module, nil, p.Uses, nil).Subscribe) > 0
+	if p.Kind != KindModule || (len(p.Consumes) == 0 && len(p.Watches) == 0 && !hearsItsOwn) {
 		return Consumer{}, false
 	}
 	perms, err := PermissionsFor(p)

internal/broker/membership.go

@@ -50,6 +50,12 @@ type Membership struct {
 	// and refuses, with the reason, what is not on it — the bus enforces only the union over every
 	// module on the machine.
 	State []StateIssued `json:"state,omitempty"`
+	// SeatTraffic is what this module's code may submit, say, hear, take, ask, answer and read on seats
+	// that name their caller or their kind (novox/hq ADR 0259 §3). The runtime carrying the module
+	// publishes, takes and answers for it only what is listed here: the bus enforces only the union
+	// over every module on the machine, so one module's code reaching another's name or kind through
+	// the runtime is the runtime's to refuse.
+	SeatTraffic *SeatTraffic `json:"seat-traffic,omitempty"`
 }
 
 // Served is one address a tool is answered on.
@@ -78,6 +84,8 @@ type Placements struct {
 	// Interchangeable is each module whose definition says its instances are the same anywhere,
 	// so the module's plain subject is issued to all of them in one queue.
 	Interchangeable map[string]bool
+	// Kinds is every kind held of a kinded bench, by whom and with what capabilities (ADR 0259 §5).
+	Kinds []KindHeld
 }
 
 // AnswersForTheModule says whether an instance of a module on one machine is issued the module's
@@ -109,6 +117,20 @@ func MembershipFor(node string, d Declared, where Placements) Membership {
 		}
 	}
 	m.State = stateIssuedFor(d, node)
+	t := SeatTrafficOf(d.Module, d.Holds, d.Uses, d.Watches)
+	for _, s := range append(append([]Seat{}, d.Uses...), d.Watches...) {
+		if !s.Kinded {
+			continue
+		}
+		for _, k := range where.Kinds {
+			if k.Seat == s.Name && !kindListed(t.Kinds, k) {
+				t.Kinds = append(t.Kinds, k)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	if len(t.Publish)+len(t.Subscribe)+len(t.Answers)+len(t.Workers)+len(t.Records)+len(t.Kinds) > 0 {
+		m.SeatTraffic = &t
+	}
 	if len(d.Invokes) > 0 {
 		m.Reaches = map[string][]string{}
 		for _, t := range d.Invokes {
@@ -145,5 +167,48 @@ func PlacementsOf(r Records, interchangeable map[string]bool) Placements {
 	for _, nodes := range p.Nodes {
 		sort.Strings(nodes)
 	}
+	for node, declared := range r.Assigned {
+		for _, d := range declared {
+			for _, s := range d.Holds {
+				if s.Kinded && s.Kind != "" {
+					p.Kinds = append(p.Kinds, KindHeld{Seat: s.Name, Kind: s.Kind, Module: d.Module, Node: node,
+						Capabilities: placedCapabilities(s.Capabilities, d.RunsAs)})
+				}
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	sort.Slice(p.Kinds, func(i, j int) bool {
+		a, b := p.Kinds[i], p.Kinds[j]
+		if a.Seat != b.Seat {
+			return a.Seat < b.Seat
+		}
+		if a.Kind != b.Kind {
+			return a.Kind < b.Kind
+		}
+		return a.Node < b.Node
+	})
 	return p
 }
+
+// placedCapabilities is what a kind's claim promises, as far as its placement lets the router believe it
+// (novox/hq ADR 0259 §8): `verified-sender` only from a holder that runs as an account of its own, on a bus
+// account of its own — never one the machine's runtime carries as the operator's account.
+func placedCapabilities(declared []string, runsAs string) []string {
+	var out []string
+	for _, c := range declared {
+		if c == "verified-sender" && runsAs == "" {
+			continue
+		}
+		out = append(out, c)
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+func kindListed(list []KindHeld, k KindHeld) bool {
+	for _, x := range list {
+		if x.Seat == k.Seat && x.Kind == k.Kind && x.Module == k.Module && x.Node == k.Node {
+			return true
+		}
+	}
+	return false
+}

internal/broker/nats.go

@@ -63,6 +63,23 @@ type Seat struct {
 	Emits    []string
 	Serves   []string
 	Versions []string // protocol versions served beside the current one; empty for v1 only
+
+	// Kinded says the seat is a kinded bench (novox/hq ADR 0234 §2, ADR 0259 §3): each holder claims one
+	// kind, and its verbs' subjects carry it. Kind is the kind this principal's claim names, for a seat it
+	// holds.
+	Kinded bool
+	Kind   string
+	// ByCaller are the accepts and emits whose last token names the calling module (ADR 0259 §3).
+	ByCaller []string
+	// Proofs are the seat's proof verbs: core request and reply, never on a stream (ADR 0259 §3).
+	Proofs []string
+	// Records are the holder's buckets, by their full name, each user reads under its own name.
+	Records []string
+	// Capabilities are what this principal's claim of a kinded bench promises (ADR 0234 §2).
+	Capabilities []string
+	// DeclaredBy is the module that declares the seat. On a kinded bench it alone submits work to a kind
+	// and answers its proofs (novox/hq ADR 0259 §8): the router, not any user or watcher of the bench.
+	DeclaredBy string
 }
 
 // A Principal is one user of the bus. Its permissions are derived from what it declares and
@@ -169,8 +186,17 @@ var VerbsTheBusStepAsks = []SeatVerb{{Seat: "node-backup", Verb: "now"}}
 // VerbsTheControllerAsksTheDeliveryOwner are the mesh-delivery seat's verbs the controller calls (novox/hq
 // ADR 0239): its self-check reads `stalled`, and healer H2 takes the one transition the table allows
 // through `close`. A mesh seat's verb is flat: no machine in the subject.
+//
+// And, since novox/hq ADR 0259, `release` and `stop`: the controller asks the operator for them about a
+// delivery held past its bound, and calls them on the operator's warrant, with its why.
 var VerbsTheControllerAsksTheDeliveryOwner = []SeatVerb{{Seat: "mesh-delivery", Verb: "stalled"},
-	{Seat: "mesh-delivery", Verb: "close"}}
+	{Seat: "mesh-delivery", Verb: "close"}, {Seat: "mesh-delivery", Verb: "release"}, {Seat: "mesh-delivery", Verb: "stop"}}
+
+// VerbsTheControllerActsOnAWarrant are the other seat verbs the controller calls when the operator's warrant
+// chooses them (novox/hq ADR 0259): a machine's service restarted, and a walk started or stopped through the
+// controller's own `plans`. Named one by one; a node seat's on any machine, a mesh seat's flat.
+var VerbsTheControllerActsOnAWarrant = []SeatVerb{{Seat: "node-service-manager", Verb: "restart"},
+	{Seat: ControllerSeat, Verb: "plans"}}
 
 // perMachineEvents are a node-scoped seat's events about the holder itself, whose last token is the
 // holder's machine (novox/hq ADR 0219): `paused.<node>`, the build agent saying whether it takes work.
@@ -370,6 +396,20 @@ func PermissionsFor(p Principal) (Permissions, error) {
 		for _, v := range VerbsTheControllerAsksTheDeliveryOwner {
 			pub = append(pub, "mesh.seat."+v.Seat+".tool."+v.Verb)
 		}
+		// And the verbs a warrant chooses (novox/hq ADR 0259): a node seat's on any machine, its own flat.
+		for _, v := range VerbsTheControllerActsOnAWarrant {
+			if v.Seat == ControllerSeat {
+				pub = append(pub, "mesh.seat."+v.Seat+".tool."+v.Verb)
+				continue
+			}
+			pub = append(pub, "mesh.seat."+v.Seat+".tool."+v.Verb+".*")
+		}
+		// And asking the operator (novox/hq ADR 0259): an ask and its cancel under its own name, its warrants
+		// heard under its own name, the record of its asks read under its own name — as any user of the seat,
+		// derived the same way, from the seat its holder declares.
+		tp, ts := SeatTrafficOf(ControllerSeat, nil, p.Uses, nil).grants()
+		pub = append(pub, tp...)
+		sub = append(sub, ts...)
 		// And asks who answers (novox/hq to-be 45 §4, D3): the self-check finds every seat's holder by
 		// the same discovery the console reads. The question only; the answers come to its own inbox.
 		pub = append(pub, "$SRV.INFO")
@@ -525,6 +565,9 @@ func PermissionsFor(p Principal) (Permissions, error) {
 		// 2b. Events of a role it watches, under the seat's own namespace. Subscribe only: watching a
 		//     role is hearing what it announced, not taking part in it.
 		for _, w := range p.Watches {
+			if w.Kinded {
+				continue // composed by SeatTrafficOf below
+			}
 			for _, e := range w.Emits {
 				sub = append(sub, seatSubject(w, "event", e))
 			}
@@ -543,6 +586,13 @@ func PermissionsFor(p Principal) (Permissions, error) {
 
 		// 3. Seats it holds: full participation.
 		for _, s := range p.Holds {
+			if s.isNewTraffic() {
+				// Composed by SeatTrafficOf below, worker and all; only its tools are served here.
+				for _, t := range s.Serves {
+					sub = append(sub, seatToolSubject(s, t, p.Node))
+				}
+				continue
+			}
 			// Taking work from the role's queue: the worker consumer every holder shares (asked
 			// about, pulled from, acknowledged), on the seat's own stream (novox/hq ADR 0190). A
 			// holder pulls — asks the consumer for its next message, answered on its own inbox —
@@ -585,7 +635,7 @@ func PermissionsFor(p Principal) (Permissions, error) {
 		//    seat's inbound subject and watch other modules' traffic, nor publish its outbound
 		//    events and lie about outcomes (design 29 §2).
 		for _, s := range p.Uses {
-			for _, a := range s.Accepts {
+			for _, a := range plainVerbs(s, s.Accepts) {
 				pub = append(pub, seatSubject(s, "accept", a))
 			}
 			for _, t := range s.Serves {
@@ -598,6 +648,12 @@ func PermissionsFor(p Principal) (Permissions, error) {
 		pub = append(pub, stateGrants(stateAccess{Module: p.Module, Node: p.Node, Keeps: p.State,
 			PerMachine: p.PerMachine, Reads: p.Reads, KeyedReads: p.KeyedReads})...)
 
+		// 6. Its traffic on seats that name their caller or their kind, ask proofs or keep records
+		//    (novox/hq ADR 0259 §3).
+		tp, ts := SeatTrafficOf(p.Module, p.Holds, p.Uses, p.Watches).grants()
+		pub = append(pub, tp...)
+		sub = append(sub, ts...)
+
 	case KindNodeTools:
 		// **One process serves what every module on the machine would have served for itself**
 		// (novox/hq ADR 0175). Each carried module's whole tool namespace — the same grant that
@@ -675,6 +731,25 @@ func PermissionsFor(p Principal) (Permissions, error) {
 			pub = append(pub, stateGrants(stateAccess{Module: d.Module, Node: p.Node, Keeps: stateNames(d.State),
 				PerMachine: perMachineNames(d.State), Reads: d.Reads, KeyedReads: d.KeyedReads})...)
 		}
+		// **Never the traffic of a trusted holder** (novox/hq ADR 0259 §8): the machine's runtime runs as the
+		// operator's account, which every agent runs as, so a module saying warrants or speaking for a kind
+		// that proves its sender is never composed into it — refused here, naming it, whatever registration
+		// let through.
+		for _, d := range p.Carries {
+			if why := trustedTraffic(d); why != "" {
+				return Permissions{}, fmt.Errorf("%s on %s is carried by the machine's runtime, and %s: it runs "+
+					"as an account of its own, never the runtime's (novox/hq ADR 0259)", d.Module, p.Node, why)
+			}
+		}
+		// **And the seat traffic of the modules it carries** (novox/hq ADR 0259 §3): a bundle reaches the
+		// bus only through its runtime, so the runtime is granted the union. That one module's code does
+		// not publish under another's name or kind through it is the runtime's to keep, from the seat
+		// traffic each module's membership lists.
+		for _, d := range p.Carries {
+			tp, ts := SeatTrafficOf(d.Module, d.Holds, d.Uses, d.Watches).grants()
+			pub = append(pub, tp...)
+			sub = append(sub, ts...)
+		}
 		sub = unique(sub)
 		pub = unique(pub)
 	}

internal/broker/seattraffic.go

@@ -0,0 +1,305 @@
+package broker
+
+import "sort"
+
+// What a module may say and take on the seats it holds, uses and watches, beyond tools (novox/hq ADR
+// 0259 §3, to-be 46 §10).
+//
+// Three rules are added to the ones a seat always had, each a subject whose last token names who may
+// publish it, granted to that publisher alone — the way a node seat's event about a machine carries the
+// machine (ADR 0219):
+//
+//   - **A verb named by its caller** (`by-caller`). A user of the seat submits that accept, and hears that
+//     event, under its own module's name and no other: `accept.ask.<module>`, `event.decided.<module>`. The
+//     holder takes every caller's accept and says the event to any caller. So an ask's asker is a fact the
+//     server enforces, and a warrant reaches only the asker it is for.
+//   - **A kinded bench** (ADR 0234 §2). A holder claims one kind and takes its own kind's accepts, says its
+//     own kind's events and asks its own kind's proofs, and nothing of another kind; a user submits to any
+//     kind. Each kind has its own worker on the seat's queue, so a holder that is away keeps its work and
+//     holds up no other kind.
+//   - **A proof** (`proofs`): core request and reply on `mesh.seat.<seat>.proof.<verb>.<kind>`. No stream's
+//     subjects cover it, so what travels there — a code typed by the operator — is never persisted. A kinded
+//     holder asks with its own kind; the modules that watch the seat answer.
+//
+// And one read: **a holder's records**, a bucket the seat names, read by each user under its own name only
+// (`$KV.<bucket>.<module>.>`), so an asker reads the state of its own asks and no other asker's.
+
+// Worker is one durable consumer a holder pulls a seat's work from.
+type Worker struct {
+	Stream   string
+	Consumer string
+	Filter   string
+}
+
+// SeatTraffic is one module's seat traffic beyond tools. Publish and Subscribe are subject patterns, in the
+// server's wildcards; the runtime that carries the module checks a bundle's request against them, since
+// the runtime's own principal holds the union of every module it carries.
+type SeatTraffic struct {
+	// Publish is what it submits (accepts of seats it uses), says (events of seats it holds) and asks
+	// (proofs of seats it holds a kind of).
+	Publish []string `json:"publish,omitempty"`
+	// Subscribe is what it hears: events of seats it uses that are named by caller, events of seats it
+	// watches, and accepts of seats it holds.
+	Subscribe []string `json:"subscribe,omitempty"`
+	// Answers is the proof subjects it answers, as a watcher of a kinded seat.
+	Answers []string `json:"answers,omitempty"`
+	// Workers are the work queues it takes from, as a holder.
+	Workers []Worker `json:"workers,omitempty"`
+	// Records is the direct-get subjects of the records it reads under its own name.
+	Records []string `json:"records,omitempty"`
+	// Kinds are the holders of every kinded bench it uses or watches, with what each promises: the one
+	// account of which channel is which, and what it can carry, that the router judges an answer by. The
+	// controller's, from the claims, never a channel's word (novox/hq ADR 0259 §5).
+	Kinds []KindHeld `json:"kinds,omitempty"`
+}
+
+// KindHeld is one kind of a kinded bench and who holds it.
+type KindHeld struct {
+	Seat         string   `json:"seat"`
+	Kind         string   `json:"kind"`
+	Module       string   `json:"module"`
+	Node         string   `json:"node"`
+	Capabilities []string `json:"capabilities,omitempty"`
+}
+
+// KindedBenches are the seats that may be kinded (ADR 0234 §2): making another is a decision, recorded.
+var KindedBenches = map[string]bool{"channel": true, "intake": true}
+
+// WorkerName is the worker a seat's holders pull from: one for the seat, or one per kind on a kinded bench.
+func WorkerName(seat, kind string) string {
+	if kind == "" {
+		return "SEAT_" + upperSnake(seat) + "_worker"
+	}
+	return "SEAT_" + upperSnake(seat) + "_" + upperSnake(kind) + "_worker"
+}
+
+func namesVerb(list []string, s string) bool {
+	for _, x := range list {
+		if x == s {
+			return true
+		}
+	}
+	return false
+}
+
+// SeatTrafficOf derives one module's seat traffic from the seats it holds, uses and watches. Only seats
+// carrying one of the rules above are read: every other seat is composed as it always was.
+func SeatTrafficOf(module string, holds, uses, watches []Seat) SeatTraffic {
+	var t SeatTraffic
+	for _, s := range holds {
+		if !s.isNewTraffic() {
+			continue
+		}
+		kind := ""
+		if s.Kinded {
+			kind = s.Kind
+			if kind == "" || !safeSubject.MatchString(kind) {
+				// A kinded claim without a usable kind is refused at registration; here it is granted
+				// nothing, which is the same answer at the last place it could be asked.
+				continue
+			}
+		}
+		if len(s.Accepts) > 0 {
+			stream := seatStreamName(s.Name)
+			filter := "mesh.seat." + s.Name + ".accept.>"
+			if kind != "" {
+				filter = "mesh.seat." + s.Name + ".accept.*." + kind
+			}
+			t.Workers = append(t.Workers, Worker{Stream: stream, Consumer: WorkerName(s.Name, kind), Filter: filter})
+		}
+		for _, a := range s.Accepts {
+			switch {
+			case kind != "":
+				t.Subscribe = append(t.Subscribe, seatSubject(s, "accept", a+"."+kind))
+			case namesVerb(s.ByCaller, a):
+				t.Subscribe = append(t.Subscribe, seatSubject(s, "accept", a+".*"))
+			}
+		}
+		for _, e := range s.Emits {
+			switch {
+			case kind != "":
+				t.Publish = append(t.Publish, seatSubject(s, "event", e+"."+kind))
+			case namesVerb(s.ByCaller, e):
+				t.Publish = append(t.Publish, seatSubject(s, "event", e+".*"))
+			}
+		}
+		if kind != "" {
+			for _, v := range s.Proofs {
+				t.Publish = append(t.Publish, seatSubject(s, "proof", v+"."+kind))
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	for _, s := range uses {
+		if !s.isNewTraffic() {
+			continue
+		}
+		for _, a := range s.Accepts {
+			switch {
+			case namesVerb(s.ByCaller, a):
+				t.Publish = append(t.Publish, seatSubject(s, "accept", a+"."+module))
+			case s.Kinded && module == s.DeclaredBy:
+				// Work for a kind is put on its queue by the bench's own router, and by no other user.
+				t.Publish = append(t.Publish, seatSubject(s, "accept", a+".*"))
+			}
+		}
+		for _, e := range s.Emits {
+			if namesVerb(s.ByCaller, e) {
+				t.Subscribe = append(t.Subscribe, seatSubject(s, "event", e+"."+module))
+			}
+		}
+		for _, b := range s.Records {
+			if !safeSubject.MatchString(b) {
+				continue
+			}
+			t.Records = append(t.Records, "$JS.API.DIRECT.GET.KV_"+b+".$KV."+b+"."+module+".>")
+		}
+	}
+	for _, w := range watches {
+		if w.Kinded {
+			for _, e := range w.Emits {
+				t.Subscribe = append(t.Subscribe, seatSubject(w, "event", e+".*"))
+			}
+			if module == w.DeclaredBy {
+				// A code is answered by the bench's own router, and by no other watcher.
+				for _, v := range w.Proofs {
+					t.Answers = append(t.Answers, seatSubject(w, "proof", v+".*"))
+				}
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	t.Publish = unique(t.Publish)
+	t.Subscribe = unique(t.Subscribe)
+	t.Answers = unique(t.Answers)
+	t.Records = unique(t.Records)
+	sort.Slice(t.Workers, func(i, j int) bool { return t.Workers[i].Consumer < t.Workers[j].Consumer })
+	return t
+}
+
+// grants is the bus permissions seat traffic needs: the subjects themselves, and the JetStream API a
+// worker is pulled and acknowledged through and a record is read through.
+func (t SeatTraffic) grants() (pub, sub []string) {
+	pub = append(pub, t.Publish...)
+	sub = append(sub, t.Subscribe...)
+	sub = append(sub, t.Answers...)
+	for _, w := range t.Workers {
+		pub = append(pub,
+			"$JS.API.CONSUMER.INFO."+w.Stream+"."+w.Consumer,
+			"$JS.API.CONSUMER.MSG.NEXT."+w.Stream+"."+w.Consumer,
+			"$JS.ACK."+w.Stream+"."+w.Consumer+".>")
+	}
+	pub = append(pub, t.Records...)
+	return pub, sub
+}
+
+// isNewTraffic says whether a seat carries any of the rules above, so a seat that carries none is
+// composed exactly as before them.
+func (s Seat) isNewTraffic() bool {
+	return s.Kinded || len(s.ByCaller) > 0 || len(s.Proofs) > 0 || len(s.Records) > 0
+}
+
+// plainVerbs is a seat's accepts or emits with those the rules above compose taken out: a verb named by
+// its caller and every verb of a kinded bench are composed by SeatTrafficOf and nowhere else.
+func plainVerbs(s Seat, verbs []string) []string {
+	if s.Kinded {
+		return nil
+	}
+	var out []string
+	for _, v := range verbs {
+		if !namesVerb(s.ByCaller, v) {
+			out = append(out, v)
+		}
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// SeatTrafficObjects is the work queues and workers the seat traffic of every composed user implies
+// (novox/hq ADR 0259 §3): a queue for each seat a holder takes work from, and each holder's worker on it —
+// one per kind on a kinded bench, filtered to that kind, so the kinds never take each other's work. Only
+// seats carrying the rules above; the mesh's own seats' queues are RaiseSeats'.
+func SeatTrafficObjects(users []Principal) ([]Stream, []Consumer) {
+	streams := map[string]Stream{}
+	consumers := map[string]Consumer{}
+	add := func(module string, holds []Seat) {
+		for _, w := range SeatTrafficOf(module, holds, nil, nil).Workers {
+			seat := ""
+			for _, s := range holds {
+				if seatStreamName(s.Name) == w.Stream {
+					seat = s.Name
+				}
+			}
+			streams[w.Stream] = Stream{
+				Name:      w.Stream,
+				Subjects:  []string{"mesh.seat." + seat + ".accept.>"},
+				Retention: RetentionWorkQueue,
+				MaxAge:    7 * 24 * 60 * 60,
+				Why:       "work submitted to the " + seat + " seat; its holders take it, each kind its own, and it queues while nobody does",
+			}
+			consumers[w.Consumer] = Consumer{
+				Name:           w.Consumer,
+				Stream:         w.Stream,
+				Filters:        []string{w.Filter},
+				AckWaitSeconds: 60,
+				// No bound on redelivery: a channel away for a day keeps its work, offered again later and
+				// later by its holder's runtime (novox/hq ADR 0259; the correctness review of 2026-10-08).
+				MaxDeliver: 0,
+				Why: module + " holds " + seat + "; it pulls one ask at a time and acknowledges once it has " +
+					"recorded it, so a crash redelivers rather than loses",
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	for _, p := range users {
+		switch p.Kind {
+		case KindModule:
+			add(p.Module, p.Holds)
+		case KindNodeTools:
+			for _, d := range p.Carries {
+				add(d.Module, d.Holds)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	var ss []Stream
+	for _, s := range streams {
+		ss = append(ss, s)
+	}
+	sort.Slice(ss, func(i, j int) bool { return ss[i].Name < ss[j].Name })
+	var cs []Consumer
+	for _, c := range consumers {
+		cs = append(cs, c)
+	}
+	sort.Slice(cs, func(i, j int) bool { return cs[i].Name < cs[j].Name })
+	return ss, cs
+}
+
+// trustedTraffic is why a module's seat traffic is the trusted holder's (novox/hq ADR 0259 §8), or "": it
+// says a seat's event to one caller each (a warrant), or holds a kind of a kinded bench that proves its sender.
+func trustedTraffic(d Declared) string {
+	for _, s := range d.Holds {
+		for _, e := range s.Emits {
+			if namesVerb(s.ByCaller, e) {
+				return "it says " + s.Name + "'s " + e + " to one caller each"
+			}
+		}
+		if s.Kinded && namesVerb(s.Capabilities, "verified-sender") {
+			return "it holds " + s.Name + " of kind " + s.Kind + ", which proves its sender"
+		}
+	}
+	return ""
+}
+
+// TrafficQueues is the work queue of every seat naming its caller or its kind that accepts work, held or not
+// (novox/hq ADR 0259 §3): what is submitted before a holder is assigned waits for it.
+func TrafficQueues(seats []Seat) []Stream {
+	var out []Stream
+	seen := map[string]bool{}
+	for _, s := range seats {
+		if len(s.Accepts) == 0 || !s.isNewTraffic() || seen[s.Name] {
+			continue
+		}
+		seen[s.Name] = true
+		out = append(out, Stream{Name: seatStreamName(s.Name), Subjects: []string{"mesh.seat." + s.Name + ".accept.>"},
+			Retention: RetentionWorkQueue, MaxAge: 7 * 24 * 60 * 60,
+			Why: "work submitted to the " + s.Name + " seat; its holders take it, each kind its own, and it queues while nobody does"})
+	}
+	sort.Slice(out, func(i, j int) bool { return out[i].Name < out[j].Name })
+	return out
+}

internal/broker/seattraffic_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,340 @@
+package broker
+
+import (
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+)
+
+// The seats of novox/hq ADR 0259 §3, as the messenger declares them.
+func operatorChannel() Seat {
+	return Seat{Name: "operator-channel", Scope: "mesh", Accepts: []string{"ask", "cancel"},
+		Emits: []string{"decided"}, Serves: []string{"open", "history", "notify"},
+		ByCaller: []string{"ask", "cancel", "decided"}, Records: []string{"messenger_asks"}}
+}
+
+func channelSeat(kind string) Seat {
+	return Seat{Name: "channel", Scope: "mesh", Accepts: []string{"show", "edit", "send"}, Kinded: true, Kind: kind,
+		DeclaredBy: "messenger"}
+}
+
+func intakeSeat(kind string) Seat {
+	return Seat{Name: "intake", Scope: "mesh", Emits: []string{"choice", "link"}, Proofs: []string{"code"},
+		Kinded: true, Kind: kind, DeclaredBy: "messenger"}
+}
+
+func allowed(patterns []string, subject string) bool {
+	for _, p := range patterns {
+		if subjectMatches(p, subject) {
+			return true
+		}
+	}
+	return false
+}
+
+func perms(t *testing.T, p Principal) Permissions {
+	t.Helper()
+	got, err := PermissionsFor(p)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	return got
+}
+
+func TestAnAskerAsksAndHearsUnderItsOwnNameOnly(t *testing.T) {
+	asker := Principal{Kind: KindModule, Node: "anchor", Module: "mesh-delivery", Uses: []Seat{operatorChannel()}}
+	got := perms(t, asker)
+	for _, s := range []string{
+		"mesh.seat.operator-channel.accept.ask.mesh-delivery",
+		"mesh.seat.operator-channel.accept.cancel.mesh-delivery",
+		"$JS.API.DIRECT.GET.KV_messenger_asks.$KV.messenger_asks.mesh-delivery.a1",
+	} {
+		if !allowed(got.Publish, s) {
+			t.Errorf("an asker may not publish %s", s)
+		}
+	}
+	for _, s := range []string{
+		"mesh.seat.operator-channel.accept.ask.mesh-controller",
+		"mesh.seat.operator-channel.accept.ask.*",
+		"mesh.seat.operator-channel.event.decided.mesh-delivery",
+		"$JS.API.DIRECT.GET.KV_messenger_asks.$KV.messenger_asks.mesh-controller.a1",
+		"$KV.messenger_asks.mesh-delivery.a1",
+	} {
+		if allowed(got.Publish, s) {
+			t.Errorf("an asker may publish %s, which is not its own to submit", s)
+		}
+	}
+	if !allowed(got.Subscribe, "mesh.seat.operator-channel.event.decided.mesh-delivery") {
+		t.Error("an asker does not hear its own warrants")
+	}
+	if allowed(got.Subscribe, "mesh.seat.operator-channel.event.decided.mesh-controller") {
+		t.Error("an asker hears another asker's warrants")
+	}
+	// And its own consumer carries its warrants, so a restart catches up.
+	c, ok := ConsumerFor(asker)
+	if !ok || !allowed(c.Filters, "mesh.seat.operator-channel.event.decided.mesh-delivery") {
+		t.Errorf("the asker's consumer does not carry its warrants: %v", c.Filters)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestOnlyTheHolderPublishesAWarrant(t *testing.T) {
+	users, err := Users(Records{
+		Nodes: []string{"anchor"},
+		Assigned: map[string][]Declared{"anchor": {
+			{Module: "messenger", Holds: []Seat{operatorChannel()}, Uses: []Seat{channelSeat("")},
+				Watches: []Seat{{Name: "intake", Emits: []string{"choice", "link"}, Kinded: true, Proofs: []string{"code"}, DeclaredBy: "messenger"}}},
+			{Module: "mesh-delivery", Uses: []Seat{operatorChannel()}},
+			{Module: "telegram", Holds: []Seat{channelSeat("telegram"), intakeSeat("telegram")}},
+		}},
+	})
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	for _, u := range users {
+		got := perms(t, u)
+		says := allowed(got.Publish, "mesh.seat.operator-channel.event.decided.mesh-delivery")
+		if says != (u.Module == "messenger") {
+			t.Errorf("%s %s publish a warrant", u.Username(), map[bool]string{true: "may", false: "may not"}[says])
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+func TestTheHolderTakesEveryCallersAskThroughItsWorker(t *testing.T) {
+	got := perms(t, Principal{Kind: KindModule, Node: "anchor", Module: "messenger", Holds: []Seat{operatorChannel()}})
+	if !allowed(got.Subscribe, "mesh.seat.operator-channel.accept.ask.mesh-delivery") {
+		t.Error("the router does not take an ask")
+	}
+	for _, s := range []string{
+		"$JS.API.CONSUMER.MSG.NEXT.SEAT_OPERATOR_CHANNEL.SEAT_OPERATOR_CHANNEL_worker",
+		"$JS.ACK.SEAT_OPERATOR_CHANNEL.SEAT_OPERATOR_CHANNEL_worker.x",
+		"mesh.seat.operator-channel.event.decided.mesh-controller",
+	} {
+		if !allowed(got.Publish, s) {
+			t.Errorf("the router may not publish %s", s)
+		}
+	}
+	if allowed(got.Publish, "mesh.seat.operator-channel.accept.ask.messenger") {
+		t.Error("the holder may ask its own seat without using it")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestAKindedHolderReachesItsOwnKindAndNoOther(t *testing.T) {
+	got := perms(t, Principal{Kind: KindModule, Node: "anchor", Module: "telegram",
+		Holds: []Seat{channelSeat("telegram"), intakeSeat("telegram")}})
+	for _, s := range []string{
+		"mesh.seat.intake.event.choice.telegram", "mesh.seat.intake.event.link.telegram",
+		"mesh.seat.intake.proof.code.telegram",
+		"$JS.API.CONSUMER.MSG.NEXT.SEAT_CHANNEL.SEAT_CHANNEL_TELEGRAM_worker",
+	} {
+		if !allowed(got.Publish, s) {
+			t.Errorf("telegram may not publish %s", s)
+		}
+	}
+	for _, s := range []string{
+		"mesh.seat.intake.event.choice.desktop", "mesh.seat.intake.proof.code.desktop",
+		"mesh.seat.channel.accept.show.telegram",
+		"$JS.API.CONSUMER.MSG.NEXT.SEAT_CHANNEL.SEAT_CHANNEL_DESKTOP_worker",
+		"mesh.seat.operator-channel.event.decided.mesh-delivery",
+	} {
+		if allowed(got.Publish, s) {
+			t.Errorf("telegram may publish %s", s)
+		}
+	}
+	if !allowed(got.Subscribe, "mesh.seat.channel.accept.show.telegram") ||
+		allowed(got.Subscribe, "mesh.seat.channel.accept.show.desktop") {
+		t.Error("telegram does not take exactly its own kind's work")
+	}
+	if allowed(got.Subscribe, "mesh.seat.intake.proof.code.telegram") {
+		t.Error("a channel answers its own proofs")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestTheWatcherAnswersProofsAndHearsEveryKind(t *testing.T) {
+	got := perms(t, Principal{Kind: KindModule, Node: "anchor", Module: "messenger",
+		Uses:    []Seat{channelSeat("")},
+		Watches: []Seat{{Name: "intake", Emits: []string{"choice"}, Kinded: true, Proofs: []string{"code"}, DeclaredBy: "messenger"}}})
+	for _, s := range []string{"mesh.seat.intake.event.choice.telegram", "mesh.seat.intake.proof.code.desktop"} {
+		if !allowed(got.Subscribe, s) {
+			t.Errorf("the router does not hear %s", s)
+		}
+	}
+	if !allowed(got.Publish, "mesh.seat.channel.accept.show.telegram") {
+		t.Error("the router cannot send a channel its work")
+	}
+	if allowed(got.Publish, "mesh.seat.intake.event.choice.telegram") || allowed(got.Publish, "mesh.seat.intake.proof.code.telegram") {
+		t.Error("the router may say a channel's answer or proof")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestNoStreamKeepsAProof(t *testing.T) {
+	users, _ := Users(Records{Nodes: []string{"anchor"}, Assigned: map[string][]Declared{"anchor": {
+		{Module: "telegram", Holds: []Seat{channelSeat("telegram"), intakeSeat("telegram")}},
+		{Module: "messenger", Holds: []Seat{operatorChannel()}},
+	}}})
+	streams, _ := SeatTrafficObjects(users)
+	streams = append(streams, MeshStreams()...)
+	for _, s := range streams {
+		for _, subject := range s.Subjects {
+			if subjectMatches(subject, "mesh.seat.intake.proof.code.telegram") {
+				t.Errorf("%s keeps a proof (%s)", s.Name, subject)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+func TestEachKindHasAWorkerOfItsOwn(t *testing.T) {
+	users, _ := Users(Records{Nodes: []string{"anchor"}, Assigned: map[string][]Declared{"anchor": {
+		{Module: "telegram", Holds: []Seat{channelSeat("telegram")}},
+		{Module: "desk-channel", Holds: []Seat{channelSeat("desktop")}},
+		{Module: "messenger", Holds: []Seat{operatorChannel()}},
+	}}})
+	streams, workers := SeatTrafficObjects(users)
+	names := map[string]string{}
+	for _, w := range workers {
+		names[w.Name] = strings.Join(w.Filters, ",")
+	}
+	want := map[string]string{
+		"SEAT_CHANNEL_TELEGRAM_worker": "mesh.seat.channel.accept.*.telegram",
+		"SEAT_CHANNEL_DESKTOP_worker":  "mesh.seat.channel.accept.*.desktop",
+		"SEAT_OPERATOR_CHANNEL_worker": "mesh.seat.operator-channel.accept.>",
+	}
+	for n, f := range want {
+		if names[n] != f {
+			t.Errorf("worker %s filters %q, want %q", n, names[n], f)
+		}
+	}
+	if len(streams) != 2 {
+		t.Errorf("want the queues of channel and operator-channel, got %v", streams)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestTheRuntimeIsGrantedTheUnionAndTheMembershipEachModulesShare(t *testing.T) {
+	telegram := Declared{Module: "telegram", Holds: []Seat{channelSeat("telegram"), intakeSeat("telegram")}}
+	desk := Declared{Module: "desk-channel", Holds: []Seat{channelSeat("desktop"), intakeSeat("desktop")}}
+	got := perms(t, Principal{Kind: KindNodeTools, Node: "anchor", Module: RuntimeModule, Carries: []Declared{telegram, desk}})
+	for _, s := range []string{"mesh.seat.intake.event.choice.telegram", "mesh.seat.intake.event.choice.desktop"} {
+		if !allowed(got.Publish, s) {
+			t.Errorf("the runtime may not publish %s for a module it carries", s)
+		}
+	}
+	m := MembershipFor("anchor", telegram, Placements{})
+	if m.SeatTraffic == nil || !allowed(m.SeatTraffic.Publish, "mesh.seat.intake.event.choice.telegram") ||
+		allowed(m.SeatTraffic.Publish, "mesh.seat.intake.event.choice.desktop") {
+		t.Errorf("telegram's membership does not list exactly its own kind: %+v", m.SeatTraffic)
+	}
+	if plain := MembershipFor("anchor", Declared{Module: "plain"}, Placements{}); plain.SeatTraffic != nil {
+		t.Error("a module with no such seat is given seat traffic")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestASeatWithoutTheNewRulesIsComposedAsBefore(t *testing.T) {
+	old := Seat{Name: "node-build-agent", Scope: "node", Accepts: []string{"build"}, Emits: []string{"built"}}
+	got := perms(t, Principal{Kind: KindModule, Node: "anchor", Module: "builder", Holds: []Seat{old}})
+	for _, s := range []string{"mesh.seat.node-build-agent.event.built",
+		"$JS.API.CONSUMER.MSG.NEXT.SEAT_NODE_BUILD_AGENT.SEAT_NODE_BUILD_AGENT_worker"} {
+		if !allowed(got.Publish, s) {
+			t.Errorf("an old seat's holder lost %s", s)
+		}
+	}
+	if !allowed(got.Subscribe, "mesh.seat.node-build-agent.accept.build") {
+		t.Error("an old seat's holder lost its accept")
+	}
+}
+
+// The router learns which channel is which, and what each promises, from the controller's membership:
+// the claims, never a channel's word (ADR 0259 §5).
+func TestTheRoutersMembershipNamesEveryKindAndItsCapabilities(t *testing.T) {
+	tg := channelSeat("telegram")
+	tg.Capabilities = []string{"choice", "verified-sender"}
+	desk := channelSeat("desktop")
+	desk.Capabilities = []string{"choice"}
+	router := Declared{Module: "messenger", Holds: []Seat{operatorChannel()}, Uses: []Seat{channelSeat("")}}
+	records := Records{Nodes: []string{"anchor", "laptop"}, Assigned: map[string][]Declared{
+		"anchor": {router, {Module: "telegram", Holds: []Seat{tg}, RunsAs: "telegram"}},
+		"laptop": {{Module: "desk-channel", Holds: []Seat{desk}}},
+	}}
+	where := PlacementsOf(records, nil)
+	m := MembershipFor("anchor", router, where)
+	if m.SeatTraffic == nil || len(m.SeatTraffic.Kinds) != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("the router is not told the kinds: %+v", m.SeatTraffic)
+	}
+	byKind := map[string]KindHeld{}
+	for _, k := range m.SeatTraffic.Kinds {
+		byKind[k.Kind] = k
+	}
+	if k := byKind["telegram"]; k.Module != "telegram" || k.Node != "anchor" || !namesVerb(k.Capabilities, "verified-sender") {
+		t.Errorf("telegram is %+v", k)
+	}
+	if k := byKind["desktop"]; k.Module != "desk-channel" || namesVerb(k.Capabilities, "verified-sender") {
+		t.Errorf("the desk is %+v", k)
+	}
+	if other := MembershipFor("anchor", Declared{Module: "mesh-delivery", Uses: []Seat{operatorChannel()}}, where); other.SeatTraffic != nil && len(other.SeatTraffic.Kinds) > 0 {
+		t.Error("an asker is told the channels")
+	}
+}
+
+// novox/hq ADR 0259 §8: only the bench's own router answers its proofs and puts work on a kind's queue.
+func TestOnlyTheBenchsRouterAnswersProofsAndSubmitsWork(t *testing.T) {
+	other := perms(t, Principal{Kind: KindModule, Node: "anchor", Module: "eavesdropper",
+		Uses:    []Seat{channelSeat("")},
+		Watches: []Seat{{Name: "intake", Emits: []string{"choice"}, Kinded: true, Proofs: []string{"code"}, DeclaredBy: "messenger"}}})
+	if allowed(other.Subscribe, "mesh.seat.intake.proof.code.telegram") {
+		t.Error("a watcher that is not the router answers codes")
+	}
+	if allowed(other.Publish, "mesh.seat.channel.accept.show.telegram") {
+		t.Error("a user that is not the router puts work on a kind's queue")
+	}
+	if !allowed(other.Subscribe, "mesh.seat.intake.event.choice.telegram") {
+		t.Error("a watcher no longer hears the bench's events")
+	}
+}
+
+// novox/hq ADR 0259 §8: the machine's runtime runs as the operator's account; it never carries a module
+// that says warrants or speaks for a kind proving its sender, and such a module has its own account.
+func TestTheMachinesRuntimeNeverCarriesATrustedHolder(t *testing.T) {
+	tg := channelSeat("telegram")
+	tg.Capabilities = []string{"choice", "verified-sender"}
+	for name, d := range map[string]Declared{
+		"the router":         {Module: "messenger", Holds: []Seat{operatorChannel()}},
+		"a verified channel": {Module: "telegram", Holds: []Seat{tg}},
+	} {
+		if _, err := PermissionsFor(Principal{Kind: KindNodeTools, Node: "anchor", Module: RuntimeModule,
+			Carries: []Declared{d}}); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "an account of its own") {
+			t.Errorf("%s was composed into the machine's runtime: %v", name, err)
+		}
+	}
+	desk := channelSeat("desktop")
+	desk.Capabilities = []string{"choice"}
+	if _, err := PermissionsFor(Principal{Kind: KindNodeTools, Node: "anchor", Module: RuntimeModule,
+		Carries: []Declared{{Module: "desk-channel", Holds: []Seat{desk}}}}); err != nil {
+		t.Errorf("a channel proving nothing was refused: %v", err)
+	}
+	users, err := Users(Records{Nodes: []string{"anchor"}, Assigned: map[string][]Declared{"anchor": {
+		{Module: RuntimeModule}, {Module: "telegram", Holds: []Seat{tg}, RunsAs: "telegram"},
+		{Module: "messenger", Holds: []Seat{operatorChannel()}, RunsAs: "messenger"},
+	}}})
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	for _, u := range users {
+		if u.Kind == KindNodeTools {
+			for _, d := range u.Carries {
+				if d.RunsAs != "" {
+					t.Errorf("the machine's runtime carries %s", d.Module)
+				}
+			}
+			if _, err := PermissionsFor(u); err != nil {
+				t.Errorf("the runtime could not be composed: %v", err)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// novox/hq ADR 0259 §8: verified-sender reaches the router only from a holder of its own account.
+func TestVerifiedSenderIsBelievedOnlyFromAHolderOfItsOwnAccount(t *testing.T) {
+	if got := placedCapabilities([]string{"choice", "verified-sender"}, ""); namesVerb(got, "verified-sender") {
+		t.Errorf("a carried holder keeps verified-sender: %v", got)
+	}
+	if got := placedCapabilities([]string{"choice", "verified-sender"}, "telegram"); !namesVerb(got, "verified-sender") {
+		t.Errorf("a holder of its own account lost verified-sender: %v", got)
+	}
+}

internal/broker/streams.go

@@ -270,8 +270,19 @@ var ControllerFollows = []string{
 	// seat to check before it merges — every machine of the facts snapshot composed with the change.
 	// Appended, because the index is a name.
 	moduleEventSubject("gitea", "pull.updated"),
+	// **The operator's answers to what the controller asked** (novox/hq ADR 0259): the router's warrant, or
+	// the end of an ask without one, said to the controller alone under its own name. On the stream, so a
+	// controller that was away hears what was decided meanwhile. Appended, because the index is a name.
+	DecidedSubject,
 }
 
+// AsksSeat is the seat an ask is made on and its warrant heard from (novox/hq ADR 0259): the router's.
+const AsksSeat = "operator-channel"
+
+// DecidedSubject is where the router says the controller's warrants: the seat's event named by the
+// controller as its caller.
+var DecidedSubject = seatEventSubject(AsksSeat, "decided."+ControllerSeat)
+
 // The provider standing events, by their local names. Written here as well as in the catalogue
 // (catalogue.ProvisionerEvents), which this package cannot import; a test keeps them agreeing.
 const (

internal/broker/testdata/composed.conf

@@ -24,8 +24,8 @@ accounts {
     jetstream: enabled
     users = [
       { user: "controller", password: "$2a$11$cccccccccccccccccccccc", permissions: {
-        publish: { allow: ["$JS.ACK.CONTROL.controller.>", "$JS.ACK.EVENTS.controller.>", "$JS.API.>", "$KV.SEAT_MESH_BUILD_MACHINE_cancelled.>", "$KV.SEAT_NODE_BUILD_AGENT_cancelled.>", "$KV.mesh-controller_calls.>", "$KV.mesh-controller_condition-history.>", "$KV.mesh-controller_conditions.>", "$KV.mesh-controller_hand-acts.>", "$KV.mesh-controller_lease.>", "$SRV.INFO", "_INBOX.enrol.>", "mesh.assignment.>", "mesh.mod.*.tool.>", "mesh.node.>", "mesh.seat.mesh-build-machine.accept.>", "mesh.seat.mesh-build-machine.tool.>", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.applied", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.built-before", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.checked", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.condition-changed", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.condition-cleared", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.condition-raised", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.doctor-heartbeat", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.healer-acted", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.plan-moved", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.refused", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.rolled-back", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.secret-replaced", "mesh.seat.mesh-delivery.tool.close", "mesh.seat.mesh-delivery.tool.stalled", "mesh.seat.node-backup.tool.backed-up.*", "mesh.seat.node-backup.tool.now.*", "mesh.seat.node-build-agent.accept.>", "mesh.seat.node-build-agent.tool.>", "mesh.seat.node-intrusion-prevention.tool.banned.*"] }
-        subscribe: { allow: ["$JS.API.>", "$JS.EVENT.ADVISORY.CONSUMER.DELETED.>", "$JS.EVENT.ADVISORY.CONSUMER.MAX_DELIVERIES.>", "$SRV.INFO", "$SRV.INFO.mesh-controller", "$SRV.INFO.mesh-controller.>", "$SRV.PING", "$SRV.PING.mesh-controller", "$SRV.PING.mesh-controller.>", "$SRV.STATS", "$SRV.STATS.mesh-controller", "$SRV.STATS.mesh-controller.>", "_DELIVER.controller", "_DELIVER.controller.>", "_INBOX.controller.>", "mesh.control.>", "mesh.mod.*.event.provisioner.failing", "mesh.mod.*.event.provisioner.recovered", "mesh.mod.*.event.provisioner.retirement", "mesh.mod.gitea.event.pull.merged", "mesh.mod.gitea.event.pull.updated", "mesh.mod.mesh-catalog.event.catching-up", "mesh.mod.mesh-catalog.event.upgraded", "mesh.seat.mesh-build-machine.event.built", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.tool.>", "mesh.seat.node-build-agent.event.built"] }
+        publish: { allow: ["$JS.ACK.CONTROL.controller.>", "$JS.ACK.EVENTS.controller.>", "$JS.API.>", "$KV.SEAT_MESH_BUILD_MACHINE_cancelled.>", "$KV.SEAT_NODE_BUILD_AGENT_cancelled.>", "$KV.mesh-controller_asked.>", "$KV.mesh-controller_calls.>", "$KV.mesh-controller_condition-history.>", "$KV.mesh-controller_conditions.>", "$KV.mesh-controller_hand-acts.>", "$KV.mesh-controller_lease.>", "$SRV.INFO", "_INBOX.enrol.>", "mesh.assignment.>", "mesh.mod.*.tool.>", "mesh.node.>", "mesh.seat.mesh-build-machine.accept.>", "mesh.seat.mesh-build-machine.tool.>", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.applied", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.built-before", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.checked", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.condition-changed", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.condition-cleared", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.condition-raised", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.doctor-heartbeat", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.healer-acted", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.plan-moved", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.refused", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.rolled-back", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.event.secret-replaced", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.tool.plans", "mesh.seat.mesh-delivery.tool.close", "mesh.seat.mesh-delivery.tool.release", "mesh.seat.mesh-delivery.tool.stalled", "mesh.seat.mesh-delivery.tool.stop", "mesh.seat.node-backup.tool.backed-up.*", "mesh.seat.node-backup.tool.now.*", "mesh.seat.node-build-agent.accept.>", "mesh.seat.node-build-agent.tool.>", "mesh.seat.node-intrusion-prevention.tool.banned.*", "mesh.seat.node-service-manager.tool.restart.*"] }
+        subscribe: { allow: ["$JS.API.>", "$JS.EVENT.ADVISORY.CONSUMER.DELETED.>", "$JS.EVENT.ADVISORY.CONSUMER.MAX_DELIVERIES.>", "$SRV.INFO", "$SRV.INFO.mesh-controller", "$SRV.INFO.mesh-controller.>", "$SRV.PING", "$SRV.PING.mesh-controller", "$SRV.PING.mesh-controller.>", "$SRV.STATS", "$SRV.STATS.mesh-controller", "$SRV.STATS.mesh-controller.>", "_DELIVER.controller", "_DELIVER.controller.>", "_INBOX.controller.>", "mesh.control.>", "mesh.mod.*.event.provisioner.failing", "mesh.mod.*.event.provisioner.recovered", "mesh.mod.*.event.provisioner.retirement", "mesh.mod.gitea.event.pull.merged", "mesh.mod.gitea.event.pull.updated", "mesh.mod.mesh-catalog.event.catching-up", "mesh.mod.mesh-catalog.event.upgraded", "mesh.seat.mesh-build-machine.event.built", "mesh.seat.mesh-controller.tool.>", "mesh.seat.node-build-agent.event.built", "mesh.seat.operator-channel.event.decided.mesh-controller"] }
         allow_responses: { max: 1, ttl: "1m" }
       } }
       { user: "enrol.one", password: "$2a$11$eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee", permissions: {

internal/broker/users.go

@@ -50,6 +50,9 @@ type Declared struct {
 	// Checks are the module's own tools its health asks, each `<module>.<tool>` (novox/hq ADR 0240, to-be
 	// 48 §3): the machine's node-engine asks them of its own node tools, and is granted that and no more.
 	Checks []string
+	// RunsAs is the account the module runs as in a runtime of its own (novox/hq ADR 0259 §8): it is never
+	// carried by the machine's runtime, and reaches the bus on its own account.
+	RunsAs string
 }
 
 // Records is what composing a user list needs to know about the mesh, and nothing more.
@@ -75,7 +78,7 @@ type Records struct {
 // is a mesh that cannot be told anything, and there is no state of the records in which that is
 // correct.
 func Users(r Records) ([]Principal, error) {
-	out := []Principal{{Kind: KindController}}
+	out := []Principal{{Kind: KindController, Uses: asksSeatOf(r)}}
 
 	for _, node := range sortedCopy(r.Nodes) {
 		witness := false
@@ -120,10 +123,13 @@ func Users(r Records) ([]Principal, error) {
 			})
 		}
 		if runtimeHere {
-			out = append(out, Principal{
-				Kind: KindNodeTools, Node: node, Module: RuntimeModule,
-				Carries: append([]Declared(nil), r.Assigned[node]...),
-			})
+			var carried []Declared
+			for _, d := range r.Assigned[node] {
+				if d.RunsAs == "" {
+					carried = append(carried, d)
+				}
+			}
+			out = append(out, Principal{Kind: KindNodeTools, Node: node, Module: RuntimeModule, Carries: carried})
 		}
 	}
 	for _, node := range sortedCopy(r.Enrolling) {
@@ -189,3 +195,21 @@ func sortedNames(in map[string][]string) []string {
 
 // controllerModule is the controller's module: the machine assigned it witnesses its upgrades.
 const controllerModule = "mesh-controller"
+
+// asksSeatOf is the seat an ask is made on, as its holder declares it (novox/hq ADR 0259): the controller
+// asks the operator through it like any other user, and is granted what its declaration names for a caller.
+// None while nothing holds it.
+func asksSeatOf(r Records) []Seat {
+	for _, node := range sortedCopy(r.Nodes) {
+		for _, d := range r.Assigned[node] {
+			for _, s := range d.Holds {
+				if s.Name == AsksSeat && namesVerb(s.ByCaller, "ask") {
+					seat := s
+					seat.Kind, seat.Capabilities = "", nil
+					return []Seat{seat}
+				}
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return nil
+}

internal/catalogue/consumer_into_serves.go

@@ -238,7 +238,7 @@ func (r Resolution) derivedFor(provision, as, consumer, local string, settings S
 					"different things and nothing would compare them (novox/hq ADR 0202)",
 				consumer, local, provision, m.Module, orNothing(sortedAnyKeys(names)))
 		}
-		settled, err := Settle(names, settings[m.Module])
+		settled, err := Settle(names, WithDefaults(m, settings[m.Module]))
 		if err != nil {
 			return nil, fmt.Errorf("%s serving %s: %w", m.Module, provision, err)
 		}

internal/catalogue/data.go

@@ -159,7 +159,7 @@ func (b *DataBackup) UnmarshalJSON(raw []byte) error {
 	dec := json.NewDecoder(bytes.NewReader(raw))
 	dec.DisallowUnknownFields()
 	if err := dec.Decode(&full); err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("a data item's backup is \"copy\", \"none\" or {dump, into}: %w", err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("a data item's backup is \"copy\", \"none\" or {dump, into}: %w", typedUnknown(err))
 	}
 	*b = DataBackup{Dump: full.Dump, Into: full.Into}
 	return nil

internal/catalogue/declaration.go

@@ -318,6 +318,10 @@ func (e *NotMadeError) Error() string {
 func (r Resolution) LeftOut(settings SettingsBy, adopted bool) map[string]string {
 	out := map[string]string{}
 	for _, m := range r.Modules {
+		if why := UnknownFieldReason(m); why != "" {
+			out[m.Module] = why
+			continue
+		}
 		if err := JudgeSettings(m, settings[m.Module], adopted); err != nil {
 			out[m.Module] = err.Error()
 		}
@@ -907,7 +911,7 @@ func (r Resolution) compose(with Rendering, owner map[string]string,
 			// **An operator's value, from the assignment** (novox/hq ADR 0112, ADR 0155): what a
 			// definition may not carry because it is true of one installation only. Filled from
 			// the same layers a mergeable file takes, and refused when no layer set it.
-			if err := settingInto(copied, with.Settings[m.Module], m.Module); err != nil {
+			if err := settingInto(copied, WithDefaults(m, with.Settings[m.Module]), m.Module); err != nil {
 				return nil, err
 			}
 			// **Placed before anything reads a path.** A pathless directory receives the path
@@ -1062,9 +1066,23 @@ func (r Resolution) compose(with Rendering, owner map[string]string,
 		}
 		owner[fmt.Sprint(process["id"])] = RuntimeModule
 		out = append(out, process)
-		// What each module's bundles are given is read as the account the runtime runs as.
+		// And a runtime of its own for each module of its own account, after it (novox/hq ADR 0259 §8).
+		owns, err := r.ownRuntimes(with)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		for _, p := range owns {
+			id := fmt.Sprint(p["id"])
+			owner[id] = strings.TrimSuffix(id, "."+OwnRuntimeID())
+			out = append(out, p)
+		}
+		// What each module's bundles are given is read as the account the runtime runs as — not what a
+		// module of its own account is given, which its own account reads.
 		words := map[string]map[string]string{}
 		for _, m := range r.Modules {
+			if m.RunsAs != "" {
+				continue
+			}
 			w, err := bundleWords(m, with)
 			if err != nil {
 				return nil, err
@@ -1495,7 +1513,7 @@ func (r Resolution) composed(m Manifest, to string, raw map[string]any, layers [
 	// Overridden, not merged: a setting changes a key the contribution declares and adds none.
 	// The provider reads the contribution as a contract, and a setting made for one of this
 	// module's files is no part of it (novox/hq 04-ISSUES/173).
-	values, err := overridden(raw, layers, what)
+	values, err := overridden(raw, WithDefaults(m, layers), what)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("%s: %w", what, err)
 	}
@@ -1926,7 +1944,7 @@ func (r Resolution) servedOnThisMachine(provision string, with Rendering) (map[s
 			// one, so keep looking rather than concluding from the first.
 			continue
 		}
-		settled, err := Settle(serves, with.Settings[m.Module])
+		settled, err := Settle(serves, WithDefaults(m, with.Settings[m.Module]))
 		if err != nil {
 			return nil, false, fmt.Errorf("%s serving %s: %w", m.Module, provision, err)
 		}

internal/catalogue/installation.go

@@ -153,7 +153,10 @@ func walk(node any, at string, meant map[string]bool, visit func(at, value strin
 		}
 		sort.Strings(keys)
 		for _, k := range keys {
-			if prose[k] || k == NamesOnPurpose || (at == "" && k == "module") {
+			// Prose is a string a person reads. A key that is called `why` or `description` and holds
+			// anything else — a setting of that name, whose default the mesh writes — is walked like any
+			// other (novox/hq ADR 0262).
+			if _, isString := v[k].(string); (prose[k] && isString) || k == NamesOnPurpose || (at == "" && k == "module") {
 				continue
 			}
 			child := at + "." + k

internal/catalogue/kinded_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,161 @@
+package catalogue
+
+import (
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+)
+
+// The router of novox/hq ADR 0259: it declares the operator's seat and the two kinded benches.
+func router() Manifest {
+	return Manifest{Module: "messenger", Tools: []string{"open", "history", "notify"},
+		State: []StateDeclaration{{Name: "asks"}}, RunsAs: "messenger", SecretsOwner: "messenger",
+		DefinesSeats: []SeatDeclaration{
+			{Name: "operator-channel", Scope: ScopeMesh, Accepts: []string{"ask", "cancel"}, Emits: []string{"decided"},
+				ByCaller: []string{"ask", "cancel", "decided"}, Records: []string{"asks"},
+				Serves: []Verb{{Name: "open"}, {Name: "history"}, {Name: "notify"}}},
+			{Name: "channel", Scope: ScopeMesh, Kinded: true, Accepts: []string{"show", "edit", "send"}},
+			{Name: "intake", Scope: ScopeMesh, Kinded: true, Emits: []string{"choice", "link"}, Proofs: []string{"code"}},
+		},
+		Claims: []Claim{{Name: "operator-channel", Scope: ScopeMesh}},
+		Uses:   []string{"channel"}}
+}
+
+func aChannel(module, kind string) Manifest {
+	return Manifest{Module: module, Claims: []Claim{
+		{Name: "channel", Scope: ScopeMesh, Kind: kind}, {Name: "intake", Scope: ScopeMesh, Kind: kind}}}
+}
+
+func TestTwoChannelsOfDifferentKindsHoldTheBenches(t *testing.T) {
+	shelf := Shelf{"messenger": router(), "telegram": aChannel("telegram", "telegram"),
+		"desk-channel": aChannel("desk-channel", "desktop")}
+	if got := problemsFor(t, shelf); got != "" {
+		t.Fatalf("two kinds were refused: %s", got)
+	}
+	for _, m := range shelf {
+		if got := declaredSeatProblems(m); len(got) > 0 {
+			t.Fatalf("%s: %v", m.Module, got)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+func TestASecondClaimOfOneKindIsRefused(t *testing.T) {
+	got := problemsFor(t, Shelf{"messenger": router(), "telegram": aChannel("telegram", "telegram"),
+		"telegram-two": aChannel("telegram-two", "telegram")})
+	if !strings.Contains(got, `of kind "telegram", which telegram already claims`) {
+		t.Fatalf("a second holder of one kind stood: %s", got)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestAKindedBenchNeedsAKindAndNoOtherSeatTakesOne(t *testing.T) {
+	got := problemsFor(t, Shelf{"messenger": router(), "nameless": aChannel("nameless", "")})
+	if !strings.Contains(got, "claims the kinded bench channel and names no kind") {
+		t.Fatalf("a claim without a kind stood: %s", got)
+	}
+	odd := Manifest{Module: "odd", Claims: []Claim{{Name: "operator-channel", Scope: ScopeMesh, Kind: "telegram"}}}
+	got = problemsFor(t, Shelf{"messenger": router(), "odd": odd})
+	if !strings.Contains(got, "only a kinded bench takes a kind") {
+		t.Fatalf("a kind on a seat that is not kinded stood: %s", got)
+	}
+	dotted := problemsFor(t, Shelf{"messenger": router(), "dotted": aChannel("dotted", "a.b")})
+	if !strings.Contains(dotted, "not a usable name") {
+		t.Fatalf("a kind that would widen a subject stood: %s", dotted)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestOnlyChannelAndIntakeAreKinded(t *testing.T) {
+	m := Manifest{Module: "x", DefinesSeats: []SeatDeclaration{{Name: "pager", Kinded: true, Accepts: []string{"page"}}}}
+	if got := strings.Join(declaredSeatProblems(m), "; "); !strings.Contains(got, "only channel and intake are kinded") {
+		t.Fatalf("another kinded bench was declared: %s", got)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestTheNewRulesAreHeldToWhatTheSeatSays(t *testing.T) {
+	m := Manifest{Module: "x", DefinesSeats: []SeatDeclaration{{Name: "thing", Accepts: []string{"do"},
+		ByCaller: []string{"undo"}, Proofs: []string{"code"}, Records: []string{"nothing"}}}}
+	got := strings.Join(declaredSeatProblems(m), "; ")
+	for _, want := range []string{"names thing.undo by its caller, which the seat neither accepts nor emits",
+		"declares proofs on thing, which is not kinded", `read its records "nothing", which it keeps no state of`} {
+		if !strings.Contains(got, want) {
+			t.Errorf("not refused: %q in %s", want, got)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// Two kinds on one machine are two holders, and one kind on two machines is a second claimant.
+func TestEachKindIsItsOwnHolderWhenResolved(t *testing.T) {
+	modules := []Manifest{aChannel("telegram", "telegram"), aChannel("desk-channel", "desktop")}
+	held, problems := checkClaims(modules, Node{Name: "anchor"}, nil, nil)
+	if len(problems) > 0 || len(held) != 4 {
+		t.Fatalf("two kinds on one machine: held %v, problems %v", held, problems)
+	}
+	_, problems = checkClaims([]Manifest{aChannel("telegram", "telegram")}, Node{Name: "home"}, held, nil)
+	if len(problems) == 0 {
+		t.Fatal("one kind held on two machines was not refused")
+	}
+}
+
+// A channel's capabilities come from the fixed vocabulary, and only a kinded claim carries any.
+func TestCapabilitiesAreTheVocabularysAndOnlyOnAKindedClaim(t *testing.T) {
+	good := aChannel("telegram", "telegram")
+	good.Claims[0].Capabilities = []string{"deliver", "choice", "verified-sender", "max-length:4096"}
+	good.RunsAs = "telegram"
+	if got := problemsFor(t, Shelf{"messenger": router(), "telegram": good}); got != "" {
+		t.Fatalf("the vocabulary was refused: %s", got)
+	}
+	bad := aChannel("telegram", "telegram")
+	bad.Claims[0].Capabilities = []string{"trusted", "max-length:lots"}
+	got := problemsFor(t, Shelf{"messenger": router(), "telegram": bad})
+	for _, w := range []string{`"trusted"`, `"max-length:lots"`} {
+		if !strings.Contains(got, w+", which channel-capabilities/1 does not have") {
+			t.Errorf("%s was not refused: %s", w, got)
+		}
+	}
+	odd := Manifest{Module: "odd", Claims: []Claim{{Name: "operator-channel", Scope: ScopeMesh, Capabilities: []string{"deliver"}}}}
+	if got := problemsFor(t, Shelf{"messenger": router(), "odd": odd}); !strings.Contains(got, "only a kinded bench's claim carries them") {
+		t.Errorf("capabilities on a seat that is not kinded stood: %s", got)
+	}
+}
+
+// novox/hq ADR 0259 §8: a module saying warrants, or speaking for a kind that proves its sender, runs as an
+// account of its own — never carried by the machine's runtime, which runs as the operator's account.
+func TestATrustedHolderMustRunAsAnAccountOfItsOwn(t *testing.T) {
+	r := router()
+	r.RunsAs = ""
+	if got := problemsFor(t, Shelf{"messenger": r}); !strings.Contains(got, "messenger must run as an account of its own") {
+		t.Errorf("a router on the machine's runtime stood: %s", got)
+	}
+	tg := aChannel("telegram", "telegram")
+	tg.Claims[0].Capabilities = []string{"choice", "verified-sender"}
+	if got := problemsFor(t, Shelf{"messenger": router(), "telegram": tg}); !strings.Contains(got, "telegram must run as an account of its own") {
+		t.Errorf("a verified channel on the machine's runtime stood: %s", got)
+	}
+	desk := aChannel("desk-channel", "desktop")
+	desk.Claims[0].Capabilities = []string{"choice"}
+	if got := problemsFor(t, Shelf{"messenger": router(), "desk-channel": desk}); got != "" {
+		t.Errorf("a channel proving nothing was held to it: %s", got)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestRunsAsIsAnAccountOfTheModulesOwn(t *testing.T) {
+	ok := Manifest{Module: "telegram", RunsAs: "telegram", SecretsOwner: "telegram",
+		OwnSecrets: OwnSecrets{"broker": {Path: "/var/lib/telegram/broker"}},
+		Resources:  []map[string]any{{"id": "account", "type": "user", "name": "telegram"}}}
+	if got := RunsAsProblems(ok); len(got) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a sound runs-as was refused: %v", got)
+	}
+	for want, change := range map[string]func(*Manifest){
+		"never root":                 func(m *Manifest) { m.RunsAs, m.SecretsOwner = "root", "root" },
+		"not an account name":        func(m *Manifest) { m.RunsAs = "${machine:account}" },
+		"which it does not make":     func(m *Manifest) { m.Resources = nil },
+		"declares no own secret":     func(m *Manifest) { m.OwnSecrets = nil },
+		"they are the account's own": func(m *Manifest) { m.SecretsOwner = "" },
+	} {
+		m := ok
+		m.Resources = append([]map[string]any(nil), ok.Resources...)
+		m.OwnSecrets = OwnSecrets{"broker": {Path: "/x"}}
+		change(&m)
+		if got := strings.Join(RunsAsProblems(m), "; "); !strings.Contains(got, want) {
+			t.Errorf("want %q, got %q", want, got)
+		}
+	}
+}

internal/catalogue/manifest.go

@@ -64,6 +64,13 @@ type Claim struct {
 	// text/template over one piece — its fields and `module` — in the tool's own grammar (novox/hq ADR
 	// 0255). The data is the mesh's, the format the holder's, as a module's facts template is.
 	Renders map[string]string `json:"renders,omitempty"`
+	// Kind is the kind this module holds a kinded bench as (novox/hq ADR 0234 §2, ADR 0259): `telegram`,
+	// `desktop`. Refused on any other seat, and a second claim of one kind is refused.
+	Kind string `json:"kind,omitempty"`
+	// Capabilities are what a channel of this kind promises, from the fixed vocabulary
+	// channel-capabilities/1 (novox/hq ADR 0234 §2): the router judges an answer by these, read from the
+	// controller's record of this claim and never from the channel.
+	Capabilities []string `json:"capabilities,omitempty"`
 }
 
 // ServesFor is what this claim offers a seat's protocol: the verbs it names, else the module's
@@ -197,7 +204,7 @@ func (i *OfferIdentity) UnmarshalJSON(raw []byte) error {
 	dec := json.NewDecoder(bytes.NewReader(raw))
 	dec.DisallowUnknownFields()
 	if err := dec.Decode(&full); err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("an offer's identity is false or {max, in}: %w", err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("an offer's identity is false or {max, in}: %w", typedUnknown(err))
 	}
 	*i = OfferIdentity{Max: full.Max, In: full.In}
 	return nil
@@ -316,7 +323,7 @@ func (o *Offer) UnmarshalJSON(raw []byte) error {
 	dec.DisallowUnknownFields()
 	if err := dec.Decode(&full); err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("a provided name is either a string or {name, scope, credential, reach, identity, "+
-			"keeps-consumer-data}: %w", err)
+			"keeps-consumer-data}: %w", typedUnknown(err))
 	}
 	o.Name, o.Scope, o.Credential, o.Reach, o.Identity = full.Name, full.Scope, full.Credential, full.Reach, full.Identity
 	o.KeepsConsumerData = full.Keeps
@@ -458,6 +465,19 @@ type Manifest struct {
 	// (novox/hq ADR 0201). Not history — that is an event — and never a secret, sealed or not.
 	State []StateDeclaration `json:"state,omitempty"`
 
+	// Settings are the defaults this module gives its settings (novox/hq ADR 0262): each key a file,
+	// a contribution or a served fact asks for as `${setting:<key>}`, its default, and why that
+	// default. Only a preference has one — a font size, a width, a number of workers — and a value
+	// that is inherently the operator's (a domain, an identity, a secret) is declared nowhere here and
+	// stays refused by name until a layer sets it. The mesh's layer, then the node's, override it.
+	Settings map[string]SettingDeclaration `json:"settings,omitempty"`
+
+	// unknown is the first key this manifest has that this controller does not know, at any depth, when
+	// it was read from the store (novox/hq ADR 0262): a manifest a newer controller registered.
+	// ParseManifest refuses it; the store's catalogue still loads, and the module is left out of every
+	// machine's declaration by name until the controller is updated (LeftOut).
+	unknown string
+
 	// Data is every kind of data this module keeps — its own, by directory, and what it keeps for
 	// its consumers, by provision — each with a class the mesh protects and watches it by (novox/hq
 	// ADR 0233). One list: the backup holder's lines, the bindings that do not move, what an
@@ -622,6 +642,13 @@ type Manifest struct {
 	// cannot use.
 	SecretsOwner string `json:"secrets-owner,omitempty"`
 
+	// RunsAs is the account this module's tools bundle runs as, in a runtime of its own on a bus account of
+	// its own (novox/hq ADR 0259 §8): never the machine's runtime, which runs as the operator's account and
+	// carries every module on the machine. The account is one the module makes (a `user` resource of that
+	// name), owns its secrets (`secrets-owner`), and is neither root nor the operator's. Required of a module
+	// that says a warrant, or speaks for a channel kind that proves its sender.
+	RunsAs string `json:"runs-as,omitempty"`
+
 	// Keeps is where this module wants every operator-sealed secret in the mesh written — the
 	// vault's field, and so far nobody else's (novox/hq ADR 0085, amended).
 	//
@@ -1178,7 +1205,13 @@ func ReceivedID(requirement string) string { return "received-" + requirement }
 type manifestFields Manifest
 
 // UnmarshalJSON reads `secrets` in both of its shapes — a path, or an object of local names to
-// paths (ADR 0094) — and everything else exactly as the fields declare, unknown keys refused.
+// paths (ADR 0094) — and everything else exactly as the fields declare.
+//
+// **An unknown key is kept aside, not refused here** (novox/hq ADR 0262). Registration and the module
+// check refuse it, through ParseManifest. Reading the catalogue the store already holds does not: a
+// manifest registered under a newer controller carries a field an older one does not know, and a
+// strict read there failed the whole catalogue, and with it every plan and every send, the moment a
+// controller was rolled back. UnknownField says what was set aside.
 func (m *Manifest) UnmarshalJSON(raw []byte) error {
 	var keys map[string]json.RawMessage
 	if err := json.Unmarshal(raw, &keys); err != nil {
@@ -1259,10 +1292,25 @@ func (m *Manifest) UnmarshalJSON(raw []byte) error {
 	decoder := json.NewDecoder(bytes.NewReader(rest))
 	decoder.DisallowUnknownFields()
 	var fields manifestFields
+	unknown := ""
 	if err := decoder.Decode(&fields); err != nil {
-		return err
+		if asUnknownField(err) == nil {
+			return err
+		}
+		// Read without it where the key is at the top; where it is inside a block, the block's own
+		// decoder refuses it again, and the manifest keeps its name and version alone. Either way the
+		// module is left out of every declaration by name (LeftOut), so nothing runs on a part-read
+		// manifest.
+		unknown = err.Error()
+		fields = manifestFields{}
+		if json.Unmarshal(rest, &fields) != nil {
+			fields = manifestFields{}
+			_ = json.Unmarshal(keys["module"], &fields.Module)
+			_ = json.Unmarshal(keys["version"], &fields.Version)
+		}
 	}
 	*m = Manifest(fields)
+	m.unknown = unknown
 	if len(plain) > 0 {
 		m.Secrets = plain
 	}
@@ -1366,6 +1414,10 @@ func SecretLocal(to, local string) string {
 	return local
 }
 
+// UnknownField is the first key a leniently read manifest had that this controller does not know, as
+// the JSON decoder words it, or "" when it had none (novox/hq ADR 0262).
+func (m Manifest) UnknownField() string { return m.unknown }
+
 func ParseManifest(raw []byte) (Manifest, error) {
 	var m Manifest
 	// Strictly. **An unknown key is refused**, which is the discipline the host's declaration
@@ -1377,7 +1429,12 @@ func ParseManifest(raw []byte) (Manifest, error) {
 	// checking whether something is restricted will find that it is, and be wrong.
 	decoder := json.NewDecoder(bytes.NewReader(raw))
 	decoder.DisallowUnknownFields()
-	if err := decoder.Decode(&m); err != nil {
+	err := decoder.Decode(&m)
+	if err == nil && m.unknown != "" {
+		// Kept aside by UnmarshalJSON for the stored catalogue's sake; registration refuses it.
+		err = errors.New(m.unknown)
+	}
+	if err != nil {
 		// A key that used to mean something says what it became. Refusing a renamed field with
 		// "unknown field" is correct and unhelpful: whoever wrote it knew what they meant, and
 		// the mesh knows what it is called now.
@@ -1541,6 +1598,8 @@ func ParseManifest(raw []byte) (Manifest, error) {
 	problems = append(problems, EventProblems(m)...)
 	// And what it may call its state, and whose it may read (state.go, novox/hq ADR 0201).
 	problems = append(problems, StateProblems(m)...)
+	// And the defaults it gives its settings (setting_defaults.go, novox/hq ADR 0262).
+	problems = append(problems, SettingProblems(m)...)
 	wellFormed := true
 	for _, c := range m.Claims {
 		if !name.MatchString(c.Name) {
@@ -1565,6 +1624,7 @@ func ParseManifest(raw []byte) (Manifest, error) {
 	// prefix. Whether a seat anybody names exists, and whether a holder answers for it, are
 	// facts about the catalogue and are checked at registration (CatalogueProblems).
 	problems = append(problems, declaredSeatProblems(m)...)
+	problems = append(problems, RunsAsProblems(m)...)
 	if m.Computed != "" && len(m.Resources) > 0 {
 		// One or the other. A module that both ships files and has them computed would leave
 		// nobody able to say where a given file came from.
@@ -2441,7 +2501,7 @@ func (o *OwnSecrets) UnmarshalJSON(raw []byte) error {
 		dec := json.NewDecoder(bytes.NewReader(body))
 		dec.DisallowUnknownFields()
 		if err := dec.Decode(&long); err != nil {
-			return fmt.Errorf("own-secrets.%s: a path, or {\"path\", \"taken\", \"issued-by\"}: %w", name, err)
+			return fmt.Errorf("own-secrets.%s: a path, or {\"path\", \"taken\", \"issued-by\"}: %w", name, typedUnknown(err))
 		}
 		out[name] = OwnSecret{Path: long.Path, Taken: long.Taken, IssuedBy: long.IssuedBy}
 	}

internal/catalogue/operators_machine_test.go

@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 package catalogue
 
 import (
+	"slices"
 	"strings"
 	"testing"
 )
@@ -42,7 +43,7 @@ func TestTheServiceManagerSeatServesTheUnitVerbs(t *testing.T) {
 	if seat.Scope != ScopeNode {
 		t.Fatalf("the service manager is a role each machine has once, and the seat is %s-scoped", seat.Scope)
 	}
-	want := []string{"units", "status", "start", "stop", "restart", "enable", "disable", "journal", "failed"}
+	want := []string{"units", "status", "start", "stop", "restart", "enable", "disable", "journal", "failed", "reset-failed", "wanted-by", "unlink-dangling"}
 	var got []string
 	for _, v := range seat.Serves {
 		got = append(got, v.Name)
@@ -80,13 +81,78 @@ func TestFailedIsAnOptionalVerbOfTheServiceManager(t *testing.T) {
 	if err := CanHold(holder(eight[1:]...), seat); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "does not serve units") {
 		t.Fatalf("a holder missing a required verb was accepted: %v", err)
 	}
+	optional := map[string]bool{"failed": true, "reset-failed": true, "wanted-by": true, "unlink-dangling": true}
 	for _, v := range seat.Serves {
-		if v.Optional != (v.Name == "failed") {
+		if v.Optional != optional[v.Name] {
 			t.Errorf("%s optional: %v", v.Name, v.Optional)
 		}
 	}
 }
 
+// **`reset-failed` and `wanted-by` join the seat optional** (novox/hq issue 332, ADR 0246 step 1): the
+// holder running today, serving the nine verbs, still holds the seat; a holder serving all eleven is not
+// refused; each replaces the shell command it names; and read back from the store's row they stay optional.
+func TestResetFailedAndWantedByAreOptionalVerbsOfTheServiceManager(t *testing.T) {
+	defer UseSeats(DefaultSeats())
+	nine := []string{"units", "status", "start", "stop", "restart", "enable", "disable", "journal", "failed"}
+	holder := func(serves ...string) Manifest {
+		return Manifest{Module: "systemd", Version: "1", Claims: []Claim{{Name: ServiceManagerSeat, Scope: ScopeNode, Serves: serves}}}
+	}
+	seat, _ := SeatNamed(ServiceManagerSeat)
+	if err := CanHold(holder(nine...), seat); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("today's holder, without the two verbs, is refused: %v", err)
+	}
+	if err := CanHold(holder(append(nine, "reset-failed", "wanted-by")...), seat); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("a holder serving both is refused: %v", err)
+	}
+	if err := CanHold(holder(append(nine, "reset-failed", "wanted-by", "unlink-dangling")...), seat); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("a holder serving unlink-dangling too is refused: %v", err)
+	}
+	if err := CanHold(holder(append(nine, "why-started")...), seat); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "does not promise") {
+		t.Fatalf("a verb the seat does not promise was accepted: %v", err)
+	}
+	replaces := map[string]string{"reset-failed": "systemctl reset-failed", "wanted-by": "systemctl list-dependencies --reverse",
+		"unlink-dangling": "rm ~/.config/systemd/user/*.wants/<unit>"}
+	for _, v := range seat.Serves {
+		want, ok := replaces[v.Name]
+		if !ok {
+			continue
+		}
+		if !slices.Contains(v.Replaces, want) {
+			t.Errorf("%s does not say it replaces %q: %v", v.Name, want, v.Replaces)
+		}
+		props, _ := v.Input["properties"].(map[string]any)
+		if _, has := props["unit"]; !has {
+			t.Errorf("%s takes no unit", v.Name)
+		}
+		if v.Name == "unlink-dangling" {
+			// Removing is the person's act: their reason is required, and kept with the record.
+			if required, _ := v.Input["required"].([]string); !slices.Contains(required, "why") {
+				t.Errorf("unlink-dangling does not require why: %v", v.Input["required"])
+			}
+		}
+		delete(replaces, v.Name)
+	}
+	if len(replaces) > 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the seat does not promise %v", replaces)
+	}
+	// The row as seeding stores it: every verb, the mark not a column.
+	var rows []Seat
+	for _, s := range DefaultSeats() {
+		row := s
+		row.Serves = nil
+		for _, v := range s.Serves {
+			row.Serves = append(row.Serves, Verb{Name: v.Name, Description: v.Description, Input: v.Input})
+		}
+		rows = append(rows, row)
+	}
+	UseSeats(rows)
+	seat, _ = SeatNamed(ServiceManagerSeat)
+	if err := CanHold(holder(nine...), seat); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("read back from the row, the two verbs are required: %v", err)
+	}
+}
+
 // The optional mark is not stored, so a seat set read back from the store's rows takes it from the
 // compiled seat: otherwise `failed`, seeded into the row, would come back required.
 func TestAnOptionalVerbStaysOptionalInASetReadFromTheStore(t *testing.T) {

internal/catalogue/resolve.go

@@ -115,6 +115,16 @@ type Held struct {
 	Node   string
 	Module string
 	Site   string
+	// Kind is the kind a kinded bench is held as (novox/hq ADR 0234 §2): each kind is its own holder.
+	Kind string
+}
+
+// heldKey is what one holder holds: the seat, and its kind on a kinded bench.
+func heldKey(claim, kind string) string {
+	if kind == "" {
+		return canonicalSeat(claim)
+	}
+	return canonicalSeat(claim) + "/" + kind
 }
 
 // Resolution is what a node should run, and why.
@@ -864,7 +874,7 @@ func checkClaims(modules []Manifest, node Node, elsewhere []Held, holdings []Hel
 			// **One seat under either of its names** (novox/hq ADR 0122): a manifest registered before
 			// a rename claims the former name, and one written after it the current — two claimants of
 			// one seat, compared by the seat they resolve to and not by how each spelled it.
-			seat := canonicalSeat(c.Name)
+			seat := heldKey(c.Name, c.Kind)
 			if other, taken := byScope[scope][seat]; taken {
 				problems = append(problems, fmt.Sprintf(
 					"%s and %s both claim %q, and only one thing may hold it per %s",
@@ -873,14 +883,14 @@ func checkClaims(modules []Manifest, node Node, elsewhere []Held, holdings []Hel
 			}
 			byScope[scope][seat] = m.Module
 			held = append(held, Held{Claim: c.Name, Scope: scope, Node: node.Name,
-				Module: m.Module, Site: node.Site})
+				Module: m.Module, Site: node.Site, Kind: c.Kind})
 		}
 	}
 
 	// And against the rest of the mesh, for the scopes that reach past this machine.
 	for _, h := range held {
 		for _, e := range elsewhere {
-			if e.Node == node.Name || canonicalSeat(e.Claim) != canonicalSeat(h.Claim) || e.Scope != h.Scope {
+			if e.Node == node.Name || heldKey(e.Claim, e.Kind) != heldKey(h.Claim, h.Kind) || e.Scope != h.Scope {
 				continue
 			}
 			switch h.Scope {

internal/catalogue/runtime.go

@@ -165,6 +165,10 @@ func (r Resolution) runtimeProcess(with Rendering) (map[string]any, error) {
 		if with.Adopted && m.Filtering != nil {
 			continue
 		}
+		if m.RunsAs != "" {
+			// Served by a runtime of its own, on its own account (ownRuntimes): never the machine's.
+			continue
+		}
 		words, err := bundleWords(m, with)
 		if err != nil {
 			return nil, err
@@ -223,6 +227,84 @@ func (r Resolution) runtimeProcess(with Rendering) (map[string]any, error) {
 	return process, nil
 }
 
+// OwnRuntimeID names the process a module of its own account is served by (novox/hq ADR 0259 §8).
+func OwnRuntimeID() string { return "own-runtime" }
+
+// ownRuntimes are the processes the modules of their own account are served by (novox/hq ADR 0259 §8): each
+// the machine's runtime program — the same build, run from the same source — serving that one module alone,
+// as the module's own account, on the module's own bus credential. Never the machine's runtime, which runs
+// as the operator's account and carries every module on the machine.
+func (r Resolution) ownRuntimes(with Rendering) ([]map[string]any, error) {
+	var own []Manifest
+	for _, m := range r.Modules {
+		if m.RunsAs != "" && !(with.Adopted && m.Filtering != nil) {
+			own = append(own, m)
+		}
+	}
+	if len(own) == 0 {
+		return nil, nil
+	}
+	var runtime *Manifest
+	for i := range r.Modules {
+		if r.Modules[i].Module == RuntimeModule {
+			runtime = &r.Modules[i]
+		}
+	}
+	if runtime == nil || len(runtime.Bundles) != 1 || runtime.Bundles[0].Binary == "" {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("%s runs as its own account in a runtime of its own, and %s is not here to run it "+
+			"from: assign %s to %s first (novox/hq ADR 0259)", own[0].Module, RuntimeModule, RuntimeModule, r.Node)
+	}
+	program := runtime.Bundles[0]
+	var out []map[string]any
+	for _, m := range own {
+		credential, declared := m.OwnSecrets["broker"]
+		if !declared {
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("%s runs as its own account and declares no own secret broker", m.Module)
+		}
+		var served, restartOn []string
+		for _, b := range m.Bundles {
+			for _, load := range b.Loads {
+				if launcher, has := b.Launchers[load]; has {
+					load = launcher
+				}
+				served = append(served, m.Module+"="+BundlePath(m.Module, b.Name)+"/"+load)
+			}
+			if len(b.Loads) > 0 {
+				restartOn = append(restartOn, m.Module+"."+BundleID(b.Name))
+			}
+		}
+		if len(served) == 0 {
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("%s runs as its own account and its build produced no bundle to serve", m.Module)
+		}
+		sort.Strings(served)
+		restartOn = append(restartOn, m.Module+"."+NeedID("broker"))
+		sort.Strings(restartOn)
+		env := map[string]string{RuntimeToolModules: strings.Join(served, ","), RuntimeBrokerFile: credential.Path}
+		words, err := bundleWords(m, with)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		if len(words) > 0 {
+			body, err := json.Marshal(map[string]map[string]string{m.Module: words})
+			if err != nil {
+				return nil, err
+			}
+			env[RuntimeToolEnv] = string(body)
+		}
+		process := map[string]any{
+			"id": m.Module + "." + OwnRuntimeID(), "type": "process", "name": m.Module + "-runtime",
+			"source": program.Source, "digest": program.Digest,
+			"run": []any{"./" + program.Binary}, "env": env, "restart-on": toAny(restartOn),
+			"user": m.RunsAs,
+		}
+		if err := artifactsInto(process, RuntimeModule, with); err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		out = append(out, process)
+	}
+	return out, nil
+}
+
 func toAny(in []string) []any {
 	out := make([]any, 0, len(in))
 	for _, s := range in {

internal/catalogue/runtime_test.go

@@ -457,3 +457,49 @@ func TestAGoToolsBundleIsServedByItsBinary(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Error("a Go bundle loading a file it does not contain was admitted")
 	}
 }
+
+// novox/hq ADR 0259 §8: a module of its own account is served by a runtime of its own — the machine's
+// runtime program, as that account, on that module's own credential — and never by the machine's runtime,
+// which runs as the operator's account and is given none of its words.
+func TestAModuleOfItsOwnAccountIsServedByARuntimeOfItsOwn(t *testing.T) {
+	with := Rendering{ArtifactStore: "anchor.internal:5101",
+		Needed: map[string]map[string]string{RuntimeModule: {"broker": "sealed-credential"}, "telegram": {"broker": "own"}}}
+	goRuntime := Manifest{Module: RuntimeModule, Version: "1",
+		OwnSecrets: OwnSecrets{"broker": {Path: "/var/lib/mesh/" + RuntimeModule + "/broker"}},
+		Build: &Build{Artifacts: []Artifact{{Name: "runtime", Kind: ArtifactBundle, Language: "go",
+			System: "arch", From: "cmd/node-tools"}}}}
+	goRuntime, err := goRuntime.Resolve([]Built{{Name: "runtime", Kind: ArtifactBundle,
+		Reference: ArtifactStoreScheme + RuntimeModule + "/runtime/blobs/" + bundleDigest, Digest: bundleDigest}})
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	telegram := aToolsModule(t, "telegram", "tools/index.js")
+	telegram.RunsAs, telegram.SecretsOwner = "telegram", "telegram"
+	telegram.OwnSecrets = OwnSecrets{"broker": {Path: "/var/lib/telegram/broker"}}
+	out, err := Resolution{Node: "anchor", Account: "ops",
+		Modules: []Manifest{aToolsModule(t, "nftables", "tools/index.js"), telegram, goRuntime}}.Declaration(with)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	machine := fileNamed(out, RuntimeModule+"."+RuntimeProcessID())
+	if served := machine["env"].(map[string]string)[RuntimeToolModules]; strings.Contains(served, "telegram") || !strings.Contains(served, "nftables") {
+		t.Errorf("the machine's runtime serves %q", served)
+	}
+	own := fileNamed(out, "telegram."+OwnRuntimeID())
+	if own == nil {
+		t.Fatalf("telegram has no runtime of its own: %v", ids(out))
+	}
+	env := own["env"].(map[string]string)
+	if own["user"] != "telegram" || fmt.Sprint(own["run"]) != "[./node-tools]" ||
+		env[RuntimeBrokerFile] != "/var/lib/telegram/broker" ||
+		env[RuntimeToolModules] != "telegram="+BundleRoot+"/telegram/tools/tools/index.js" {
+		t.Errorf("its own runtime: user %v run %v env %v", own["user"], own["run"], env)
+	}
+	if _, told := env[RuntimeOperatorAccount]; told {
+		t.Error("a runtime of a module's own account is told the operator's account")
+	}
+	// Without the machine's runtime to run it from, it is refused in words.
+	if _, err := (Resolution{Node: "anchor", Modules: []Manifest{telegram}}).ownRuntimes(with); err == nil {
+		t.Error("a module of its own account composed without a runtime program")
+	}
+}

internal/catalogue/seats.go

@@ -620,7 +620,8 @@ func SeatsWithAProtocol() []Seat {
 // 0177): the units on the machine in both scopes, read and acted on by name. Every verb takes an
 // optional scope — "system" when absent, "user" for the operator account's own manager — so a
 // caller asks for a user unit the way it asks for a system one; `failed` alone reads both managers
-// when none is named, and is optional (Verb.Optional).
+// when none is named. `failed`, `reset-failed`, `wanted-by` and `unlink-dangling` are optional
+// (Verb.Optional) until every holder serves them (ADR 0246).
 func serviceManagerVerbs() []Verb {
 	scoped := func(more map[string]string, required []string) map[string]any {
 		props := map[string]string{"scope": "\"system\" (the default) or \"user\": the operator account's own manager"}
@@ -669,6 +670,33 @@ func serviceManagerVerbs() []Verb {
 			"account's; a manager that does not answer is reported with its error, never as nothing failed.",
 			Input:    schema(map[string]string{"scope": "\"system\" or \"user\": only that manager (both when absent)"}, nil),
 			Replaces: []string{"systemctl --failed"}},
+		// **Clearing a failed record, and finding what starts a unit** (novox/hq issue 332): a unit whose
+		// file is gone stays failed in its manager until the record is reset, and what keeps asking for it
+		// is a dependency or an enable link no verb could show. Both optional while their holders catch up
+		// (ADR 0246 step 1); a later change requires them.
+		{Name: "reset-failed", Optional: true, Description: "Clear one unit's failed record in its manager — " +
+			"its failed state and its start-limit count — and answer its state after. It removes no file and " +
+			"starts nothing.",
+			Input: scoped(unit, []string{"unit"}), Replaces: []string{"systemctl reset-failed"}},
+		{Name: "wanted-by", Optional: true, Description: "What wants, requires or triggers one unit, read-only: the " +
+			"manager's reverse dependencies (WantedBy, RequiredBy, UpheldBy, BoundBy, TriggeredBy and the rest) and " +
+			"every enable link naming it in the scope's configuration directories (*.wants, *.requires, *.upholds), " +
+			"each with where it points and whether it dangles — the account's own directory included in user scope.",
+			Input: scoped(unit, []string{"unit"}),
+			Replaces: []string{"systemctl list-dependencies --reverse", "systemctl show -p WantedBy",
+				"ls ~/.config/systemd/user/*.wants"}},
+		// **A dangling enable link removed on the person's word** (novox/hq issue 332): `systemctl disable`
+		// leaves a link whose unit file is gone, so the manager keeps asking for the unit. Optional until its
+		// holders serve it (ADR 0246 step 1).
+		{Name: "unlink-dangling", Optional: true, Description: "Remove the dangling enable links named for one " +
+			"unit — links in a *.wants, *.requires or *.upholds directory of the account's or the machine's own " +
+			"configuration whose target does not exist, which `disable` leaves once the unit's file is gone — on " +
+			"the person's word: `why` is required. Each is recorded (its path, its target, the reason) before it is " +
+			"removed, and the manager reloaded; a link whose target exists, or one a package, a generator or the " +
+			"runtime placed, is left and said.",
+			Input: scoped(map[string]string{"unit": unit["unit"],
+				"why": "the person's reason for removing the links, kept in the record"}, []string{"unit", "why"}),
+			Replaces: []string{"rm ~/.config/systemd/user/*.wants/<unit>", "unlink /etc/systemd/system/*.wants/<unit>"}},
 	}
 }
 

internal/catalogue/seats_declared.go

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ package catalogue
 
 import (
 	"fmt"
+	"regexp"
 	"sort"
 	"strings"
 )
@@ -51,6 +52,35 @@ type SeatDeclaration struct {
 	// owns its own, which is why a seat is also the answer for a module that needs retention
 	// its events cannot have.
 	RetainSeconds int `json:"retain-seconds,omitempty"`
+
+	// Kinded makes the seat a kinded bench (novox/hq ADR 0234 §2, ADR 0259 §3): its holders are different
+	// modules, each claiming one kind, and each verb's subject carries the kind. Only the benches in
+	// KindedBenches may be kinded; making another is a decision, recorded.
+	Kinded bool `json:"kinded,omitempty"`
+	// ByCaller are accepts and emits whose subject's last token names the calling module (ADR 0259 §3): a
+	// user submits such an accept, and hears such an event, under its own name and no other.
+	ByCaller []string `json:"by-caller,omitempty"`
+	// Proofs are verbs carried as core request and reply, never on a stream: what travels on them (a code
+	// the operator typed) is never kept (ADR 0259 §3). On a kinded bench a holder asks with its own kind and
+	// the modules watching the seat answer.
+	Proofs []string `json:"proofs,omitempty"`
+	// Records are state buckets of the declaring module that each user reads under its own name — the
+	// keys `<user>.…` and no other (ADR 0259 §3).
+	Records []string `json:"records,omitempty"`
+}
+
+// KindedBenches are the seats that may be kinded (novox/hq ADR 0234 §2): `channel` sends to the operator,
+// `intake` takes what the operator answers. Another is a decision, recorded, as ADR 0223 asks of a bench.
+var KindedBenches = map[string]bool{"channel": true, "intake": true}
+
+// NamedByCaller says whether one of the seat's verbs is named by its caller.
+func (s SeatDeclaration) NamedByCaller(verb string) bool {
+	for _, v := range s.ByCaller {
+		if v == verb {
+			return true
+		}
+	}
+	return false
 }
 
 // At is this declaration's scope, with the default applied. Mesh by default, because a seat
@@ -132,6 +162,7 @@ func declaredSeatProblems(m Manifest) []string {
 					"%s declares %s.%s, which is not a usable verb", m.Module, s.Name, v))
 			}
 		}
+		problems = append(problems, trafficProblems(m, s)...)
 	}
 
 	for _, u := range m.Uses {
@@ -142,6 +173,56 @@ func declaredSeatProblems(m Manifest) []string {
 	return problems
 }
 
+// trafficProblems is what one declaration of the rules of ADR 0259 §3 can be judged on alone.
+func trafficProblems(m Manifest, s SeatDeclaration) []string {
+	var problems []string
+	if s.Kinded && !KindedBenches[s.Name] {
+		problems = append(problems, fmt.Sprintf(
+			"%s declares %s as a kinded bench; only channel and intake are kinded, and another is a "+
+				"decision, recorded (novox/hq ADR 0234)", m.Module, s.Name))
+	}
+	if s.Kinded && len(s.ByCaller) > 0 {
+		problems = append(problems, fmt.Sprintf(
+			"%s declares %s kinded and names verbs by their caller; a kinded bench's subjects carry the kind",
+			m.Module, s.Name))
+	}
+	for _, v := range s.ByCaller {
+		inAccepts, inEmits := false, false
+		for _, a := range s.Accepts {
+			inAccepts = inAccepts || a == v
+		}
+		for _, e := range s.Emits {
+			inEmits = inEmits || e == v
+		}
+		if !inAccepts && !inEmits {
+			problems = append(problems, fmt.Sprintf(
+				"%s names %s.%s by its caller, which the seat neither accepts nor emits", m.Module, s.Name, v))
+		}
+	}
+	for _, v := range s.Proofs {
+		if !name.MatchString(v) || strings.Contains(v, ".") {
+			problems = append(problems, fmt.Sprintf("%s declares the proof %s.%s, which is not a usable verb",
+				m.Module, s.Name, v))
+		}
+	}
+	if len(s.Proofs) > 0 && !s.Kinded {
+		problems = append(problems, fmt.Sprintf(
+			"%s declares proofs on %s, which is not kinded; a proof is asked by a holder of a kind",
+			m.Module, s.Name))
+	}
+	for _, r := range s.Records {
+		kept := false
+		for _, st := range m.State {
+			kept = kept || st.Name == r
+		}
+		if !kept {
+			problems = append(problems, fmt.Sprintf(
+				"%s says %s's users read its records %q, which it keeps no state of", m.Module, s.Name, r))
+		}
+	}
+	return problems
+}
+
 // A Shelf is every manifest the mesh has registered, by module name.
 type Shelf map[string]Manifest
 
@@ -182,8 +263,19 @@ func CatalogueProblems(shelf Shelf) []string {
 		return ok
 	}
 
+	// Who claims each kind of a kinded bench, so a second claim of one kind is refused (ADR 0234 §2).
+	kindsTaken := map[string]string{}
+
 	for _, module := range shelfOrder(shelf) {
 		m := shelf[module]
+		for _, c := range m.Claims {
+			if c.Kind != "" {
+				if _, isModuleSeat := declared[c.Name]; !isModuleSeat {
+					problems = append(problems, fmt.Sprintf(
+						"%s claims %s of kind %q, and only a kinded bench takes a kind", module, c.Name, c.Kind))
+				}
+			}
+		}
 
 		// A `uses` naming nothing is where ADR 0110's guarantee lands under a derived set: the
 		// same refusal, at the same moment, from a set nobody maintains by hand.
@@ -214,6 +306,7 @@ func CatalogueProblems(shelf Shelf) []string {
 				}
 				continue
 			}
+			problems = append(problems, kindProblems(module, c, s, kindsTaken)...)
 			if c.At() != s.At() {
 				problems = append(problems, fmt.Sprintf(
 					"%s claims %s at scope %q, and %s declares it at %s",
@@ -228,6 +321,16 @@ func CatalogueProblems(shelf Shelf) []string {
 			}
 		}
 	}
+	// **A trusted holder runs as its own account** (novox/hq ADR 0259 §8): a module saying warrants, or
+	// speaking for a kind that proves its sender, is never carried by a machine's runtime.
+	for _, module := range shelfOrder(shelf) {
+		m := shelf[module]
+		if why := TrustedHolding(m, declared); why != "" && m.RunsAs == "" {
+			problems = append(problems, fmt.Sprintf(
+				"%s must run as an account of its own (runs-as): %s, and the machine's runtime runs as the "+
+					"operator's account, which every agent runs as (novox/hq ADR 0259)", module, why))
+		}
+	}
 	// A read of a module's state that module does not keep (novox/hq ADR 0201) — said only where the
 	// owner is on the shelf, as a consumer may be installed before its emitter.
 	var manifests []Manifest
@@ -239,6 +342,63 @@ func CatalogueProblems(shelf Shelf) []string {
 	return problems
 }
 
+// ChannelCapabilities is the fixed vocabulary `channel-capabilities/1` (novox/hq ADR 0234 §2): a word
+// outside it is refused. `max-length:<N>` takes a number.
+var ChannelCapabilities = map[string]bool{
+	"deliver": true, "reaches-away": true, "loud": true, "silent": true, "edit": true,
+	"reaches-when-mesh-down": true, "private": true,
+	"choice": true, "reply": true, "threads": true, "operator-first": true,
+	"verified-sender": true, "exact-render": true, "code-factor": true, "key-factor": true,
+}
+
+var maxLength = regexp.MustCompile(`^max-length:[1-9][0-9]{0,6}$`)
+
+// capabilityProblems are the words of a claim outside the vocabulary, and capabilities on a claim of a
+// seat that is not kinded.
+func capabilityProblems(module string, c Claim, kinded bool) []string {
+	if len(c.Capabilities) == 0 {
+		return nil
+	}
+	if !kinded {
+		return []string{fmt.Sprintf("%s claims %s with capabilities, and only a kinded bench's claim carries them",
+			module, c.Name)}
+	}
+	var problems []string
+	for _, w := range c.Capabilities {
+		if !ChannelCapabilities[w] && !maxLength.MatchString(w) {
+			problems = append(problems, fmt.Sprintf(
+				"%s claims %s with the capability %q, which channel-capabilities/1 does not have", module, c.Name, w))
+		}
+	}
+	return problems
+}
+
+// kindProblems is a claim judged against a declared seat's kind: a kinded bench takes one claim per kind,
+// a usable name; any other seat takes none.
+func kindProblems(module string, c Claim, s SeatDeclaration, taken map[string]string) []string {
+	if problems := capabilityProblems(module, c, s.Kinded); len(problems) > 0 {
+		return problems
+	}
+	switch {
+	case !s.Kinded && c.Kind != "":
+		return []string{fmt.Sprintf("%s claims %s of kind %q, and only a kinded bench takes a kind",
+			module, c.Name, c.Kind)}
+	case !s.Kinded:
+		return nil
+	case c.Kind == "":
+		return []string{fmt.Sprintf("%s claims the kinded bench %s and names no kind", module, c.Name)}
+	case !name.MatchString(c.Kind) || strings.Contains(c.Kind, "."):
+		return []string{fmt.Sprintf("%s claims %s of kind %q, which is not a usable name", module, c.Name, c.Kind)}
+	}
+	key := c.Name + "/" + c.Kind
+	if first, ok := taken[key]; ok && first != module {
+		return []string{fmt.Sprintf("%s claims %s of kind %q, which %s already claims; a kind has one holder",
+			module, c.Name, c.Kind, first)}
+	}
+	taken[key] = module
+	return nil
+}
+
 // unserved is what a seat's protocol promises and the claimant does not answer. Only the tools
 // are checked: `accepts` and `emits` are wired by the runtime from the declaration, while a tool
 // is code the module either has or has not written — under the claim's serves, or among its own.
@@ -266,3 +426,65 @@ func shelfOrder(shelf Shelf) []string {
 	sort.Strings(out)
 	return out
 }
+
+var accountName = regexp.MustCompile(`^[a-z_][a-z0-9_-]{0,30}$`)
+
+// RunsAsProblems is what one manifest's `runs-as` is held to (novox/hq ADR 0259 §8): an account of the
+// module's own making — a `user` resource of that name — that owns its secrets, with a bus account of its own,
+// and that is neither root nor the operator's.
+func RunsAsProblems(m Manifest) []string {
+	if m.RunsAs == "" {
+		return nil
+	}
+	var problems []string
+	say := func(format string, a ...any) { problems = append(problems, fmt.Sprintf(format, a...)) }
+	switch {
+	case !accountName.MatchString(m.RunsAs):
+		say("%s runs as %q, which is not an account name of the module's own", m.Module, m.RunsAs)
+		return problems
+	case m.RunsAs == "root":
+		say("%s runs as root; a module of its own account runs as an account it makes, never root", m.Module)
+	}
+	made := false
+	for _, r := range m.Resources {
+		if fmt.Sprint(r["type"]) == "user" && fmt.Sprint(r["name"]) == m.RunsAs {
+			made = true
+		}
+	}
+	if !made {
+		say("%s runs as %s, which it does not make: a user resource named %s", m.Module, m.RunsAs, m.RunsAs)
+	}
+	if _, has := m.OwnSecrets["broker"]; !has {
+		say("%s runs as its own account and declares no own secret broker: its runtime reaches the bus on an "+
+			"account of its own", m.Module)
+	}
+	if m.SecretsOwner != m.RunsAs {
+		say("%s runs as %s, and its secrets belong to %q: they are the account's own", m.Module, m.RunsAs, m.SecretsOwner)
+	}
+	return problems
+}
+
+// TrustedHolding is why a module must run as its own account (novox/hq ADR 0259 §8), or "": it holds a seat
+// whose events it says to one caller each (a warrant), or speaks for a kind of a kinded bench that proves
+// its sender. Neither may be carried by the machine's runtime, which runs as the operator's account.
+func TrustedHolding(m Manifest, declared map[string]SeatDeclaration) string {
+	for _, c := range m.Claims {
+		s, ok := declared[c.Name]
+		if !ok {
+			continue
+		}
+		for _, e := range s.Emits {
+			if s.NamedByCaller(e) {
+				return fmt.Sprintf("it holds %s, whose %s it says to one caller each", c.Name, e)
+			}
+		}
+		if s.Kinded {
+			for _, capability := range c.Capabilities {
+				if capability == "verified-sender" {
+					return fmt.Sprintf("it holds %s of kind %s, which proves its sender", c.Name, c.Kind)
+				}
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return ""
+}

internal/catalogue/setting_defaults.go

@@ -0,0 +1,217 @@
+package catalogue
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+	"sort"
+	"strings"
+)
+
+// A preference has a default; the operator's own value has none (novox/hq ADR 0262, extending ADR
+// 0112 and taking the default half of ADR 0164).
+//
+// `${setting:<key>}` was refused whenever no layer set the key, and `settings set` refused a key no
+// file asked for yet. Together they meant a running module could never gain a setting: the file that
+// asks for it fails to compose until somebody sets it, and nobody can set it until the file asks.
+// A definition may now give a key a default, with why, when the value is a **preference** — a font
+// size, a width, a number of workers: something true of the software that a machine may tune. A
+// value that is inherently the operator's — a domain, a public name, an identity, a secret — gets no
+// default and stays refused by name until a layer sets it, which is what ADR 0112 and ADR 0155 were
+// written for.
+//
+// The default is the lowest layer. The mesh's layer, then the node's, override it. It fills only
+// `${setting:<key>}`: a mergeable file's content already is its defaults, and laying a default over
+// it would reach every mergeable file of the module (novox/hq issue 168).
+
+// SettingDeclaration is one key's default, as the definition gives it.
+type SettingDeclaration struct {
+	// Kind says what sort of value this is. `preference` is the only kind with a default; it is
+	// stated rather than assumed so a reviewer sees the claim being made.
+	Kind string `json:"kind"`
+	// Default is the value when no layer sets the key: a string, a number or a boolean.
+	Default any `json:"default"`
+	// Why this default: one sentence for whoever wonders whether to change it.
+	Why string `json:"why"`
+}
+
+// KindPreference is the kind of a setting that may have a default.
+const KindPreference = "preference"
+
+// DefaultLayer is what the layer of a module's own defaults is called where a value's source is said.
+// Only said: the layer is recognised by Layer.Default, never by this name, which a node may also have.
+const DefaultLayer = "default"
+
+// meshWords are the settings keys the mesh reads itself; a module declares none of them.
+var meshWords = map[string]bool{
+	PortsSetting: true, ExposeSetting: true, ReachSetting: true, EndpointsSetting: true,
+	PlacesSetting: true, AccessesSetting: true, NetworksSetting: true,
+}
+
+// operatorsOwn are the words that, as what a key's name is about, say its value is the operator's and
+// never a preference: a default for one would be the literal ADR 0112 removed from definitions.
+var operatorsOwn = map[string]bool{
+	"domain": true, "host": true, "hostname": true, "servername": true, "fqdn": true, "zone": true,
+	"realm": true, "tenant": true, "site": true, "timezone": true,
+	"issuer": true, "url": true, "uri": true, "webhook": true, "origin": true, "dsn": true,
+	"ip": true, "ipv4": true, "ipv6": true,
+	"email": true, "mail": true, "phone": true, "address": true,
+	"identity": true, "login": true, "user": true, "username": true, "account": true, "owner": true,
+	"uid": true, "gid": true, "puid": true, "pgid": true,
+	"password": true, "pass": true, "passwd": true, "passphrase": true, "secret": true, "token": true,
+	"key": true, "apikey": true, "bearer": true, "cert": true, "credential": true,
+}
+
+// operatorsCompounds are names of two words that are the operator's though neither word alone says so
+// at the end of a key: a client's identifier, and a name the world knows a site or server by.
+var operatorsCompounds = map[string]bool{
+	"client-id": true, "site-name": true, "server-name": true, "public-name": true, "smtp-relay": true,
+}
+
+// aboutAnAmount are first words that make a key about how many or whether, never about whom:
+// `max-tokens` is a number, `show-hostname` a switch.
+var aboutAnAmount = map[string]bool{
+	"max": true, "min": true, "num": true, "count": true, "show": true, "hide": true, "enable": true,
+	"disable": true, "use": true, "allow": true,
+}
+
+// operatorsWord is what in a key's name says its value is the operator's, or "". A key is about its
+// last word — `url-timeout` is a timeout, `user-agent` an agent, `mail-domain` a domain — or its last two
+// as one of operatorsCompounds. A plural is read as its singular.
+func operatorsWord(key string) string {
+	words := strings.FieldsFunc(key, func(r rune) bool { return r == '-' || r == '_' || r == '.' })
+	if len(words) == 0 || (len(words) > 1 && aboutAnAmount[words[0]]) {
+		return ""
+	}
+	for i, w := range words {
+		if !operatorsOwn[w] && strings.HasSuffix(w, "s") && operatorsOwn[strings.TrimSuffix(w, "s")] {
+			words[i] = strings.TrimSuffix(w, "s")
+		}
+	}
+	if n := len(words); n > 1 {
+		if pair := words[n-2] + "-" + words[n-1]; operatorsCompounds[pair] {
+			return pair
+		}
+	}
+	if last := words[len(words)-1]; operatorsOwn[last] {
+		return last
+	}
+	return ""
+}
+
+// SettingProblems is every way a definition's setting defaults are wrong, in its own words.
+func SettingProblems(m Manifest) []string {
+	if len(m.Settings) == 0 {
+		return nil
+	}
+	used := settingKeysUsedBy(m)
+	var problems []string
+	for _, key := range sortedSettingKeys(m.Settings) {
+		d := m.Settings[key]
+		say := func(format string, args ...any) {
+			problems = append(problems, fmt.Sprintf("%s's setting %q: ", m.Module, key)+fmt.Sprintf(format, args...))
+		}
+		if !settingRef.MatchString("${setting:" + key + "}") {
+			say("not a usable key: lower-case letters, digits, dots, dashes and underscores")
+			continue
+		}
+		if meshWords[key] {
+			say("the mesh reads %q itself, and a module gives it no default", key)
+			continue
+		}
+		if d.Kind != KindPreference {
+			say("kind is %q, and only a %q has a default (novox/hq ADR 0262)", d.Kind, KindPreference)
+		}
+		if word := operatorsWord(key); word != "" {
+			say("a key naming %q is the operator's value, and has no default — it is the "+
+				"assignment's, never the definition's (novox/hq ADR 0112, ADR 0262)", word)
+		}
+		switch v := d.Default.(type) {
+		case string:
+			if strings.TrimSpace(v) == "" {
+				say("an empty default is no default; give the value, or declare nothing")
+			}
+		case float64, bool:
+		case nil:
+			say("no default: a key without one is the operator's, and is not declared here")
+		default:
+			say("a default is a string, a number or a boolean, and this is %T", d.Default)
+		}
+		if strings.TrimSpace(d.Why) == "" {
+			say("no why: say in one sentence why this default")
+		}
+		if !used[key] {
+			say("nothing asks for ${setting:%s}, so the default reaches nothing", key)
+		}
+	}
+	return problems
+}
+
+// Defaults is the layer a module's own defaults make, or nothing when it gives none.
+func Defaults(m Manifest) (Layer, bool) {
+	if len(m.Settings) == 0 {
+		return Layer{}, false
+	}
+	values := map[string]any{}
+	for key, d := range m.Settings {
+		if d.Default != nil {
+			values[key] = d.Default
+		}
+	}
+	return Layer{From: DefaultLayer, Values: values, Default: true}, len(values) > 0
+}
+
+// WithDefaults is a module's layers with its defaults under them, for filling `${setting:<key>}`.
+func WithDefaults(m Manifest, layers []Layer) []Layer {
+	d, has := Defaults(m)
+	if !has {
+		return layers
+	}
+	return append([]Layer{d}, layers...)
+}
+
+// SettingSource is one key's effective value and the layer it came from.
+type SettingSource struct {
+	Key   string
+	Value any
+	// From is DefaultLayer, MeshWideLayer or the node's name.
+	From string
+	// FromDefault is whether the value is the module's default, whatever From reads.
+	FromDefault bool
+	// Default is the module's default, when it gives one.
+	Default    any
+	HasDefault bool
+}
+
+// Effective is every key a module gives a default or a layer sets, with its value and where it came
+// from: the default, then the mesh's layer, then the node's — later wins.
+func Effective(m Manifest, layers []Layer) []SettingSource {
+	byKey := map[string]*SettingSource{}
+	for key, d := range m.Settings {
+		byKey[key] = &SettingSource{Key: key, Value: d.Default, From: DefaultLayer, FromDefault: true,
+			Default: d.Default, HasDefault: true}
+	}
+	for _, layer := range layers {
+		for key, v := range layer.Values {
+			s, ok := byKey[key]
+			if !ok {
+				s = &SettingSource{Key: key}
+				byKey[key] = s
+			}
+			s.Value, s.From, s.FromDefault = v, layer.From, layer.Default
+		}
+	}
+	out := make([]SettingSource, 0, len(byKey))
+	for _, s := range byKey {
+		out = append(out, *s)
+	}
+	sort.Slice(out, func(i, j int) bool { return out[i].Key < out[j].Key })
+	return out
+}
+
+func sortedSettingKeys(in map[string]SettingDeclaration) []string {
+	keys := make([]string, 0, len(in))
+	for k := range in {
+		keys = append(keys, k)
+	}
+	sort.Strings(keys)
+	return keys
+}

internal/catalogue/setting_defaults_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,334 @@
+package catalogue
+
+import (
+	"encoding/json"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+)
+
+// A preference has a default in the definition; the mesh's layer, then the node's, override it; a key
+// with a default is not stray; and a value that is the operator's still has none (novox/hq ADR 0262).
+
+func notifier() Manifest {
+	return Manifest{Module: "notifier",
+		Settings: map[string]SettingDeclaration{
+			"font-size": {Kind: KindPreference, Default: float64(10), Why: "readable at a scale of one"},
+			"width":     {Kind: KindPreference, Default: float64(250), Why: "fits a title of forty characters"},
+		},
+		Resources: []map[string]any{{"id": "configuration", "type": "file", "path": "/x/notifierrc",
+			"content": "font = Inter ${setting:font-size}\nwidth = ${setting:width}\n"}},
+	}
+}
+
+func parsed(t *testing.T, m Manifest) error {
+	t.Helper()
+	raw, err := json.Marshal(m)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	_, err = ParseManifest(raw)
+	return err
+}
+
+func TestAnUnsetPreferenceTakesItsDefault(t *testing.T) {
+	m := notifier()
+	for _, layers := range [][]Layer{nil, {{From: MeshWideLayer, Values: map[string]any{}}}} {
+		file := map[string]any{}
+		for k, v := range m.Resources[0] {
+			file[k] = v
+		}
+		if err := settingInto(file, WithDefaults(m, layers), m.Module); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		if file["content"] != "font = Inter 10\nwidth = 250\n" {
+			t.Fatalf("filled as %q", file["content"])
+		}
+	}
+	if err := JudgeSettings(m, nil, false); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("a module whose every key has a default does not compose with no layer: %v", err)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestTheNodeOverTheMeshOverTheDefault(t *testing.T) {
+	m := notifier()
+	layers := []Layer{
+		{From: MeshWideLayer, Values: map[string]any{"width": float64(300)}},
+		{From: "laptop", Values: map[string]any{"font-size": float64(13), "width": float64(340)}},
+	}
+	file := map[string]any{"type": "file", "content": m.Resources[0]["content"]}
+	if err := settingInto(file, WithDefaults(m, layers), m.Module); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if file["content"] != "font = Inter 13\nwidth = 340\n" {
+		t.Fatalf("filled as %q", file["content"])
+	}
+	file = map[string]any{"type": "file", "content": m.Resources[0]["content"]}
+	if err := settingInto(file, WithDefaults(m, layers[:1]), m.Module); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if file["content"] != "font = Inter 10\nwidth = 300\n" {
+		t.Fatalf("the mesh's layer over the default filled as %q", file["content"])
+	}
+}
+
+// Composed for a machine, the way a push writes it: the default reaches the file, and the node's
+// layer overrides it.
+func TestAComposedMachineGetsTheDefaultAndTheNodesValue(t *testing.T) {
+	r := anAdoptedAnchor()
+	r.Modules = append(r.Modules, notifier())
+	with := anchorRendering(false)
+	composed, err := r.Compose(with)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if why, left := composed.LeftOut["notifier"]; left {
+		t.Fatalf("the notifier was left out: %s", why)
+	}
+	if c := byID(composed.Resources)["notifier.configuration"]["content"]; c != "font = Inter 10\nwidth = 250\n" {
+		t.Fatalf("composed with no layer as %q", c)
+	}
+	with.Settings["notifier"] = []Layer{{From: "anchor", Values: map[string]any{"font-size": float64(13)}}}
+	if composed, err = r.Compose(with); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if c := byID(composed.Resources)["notifier.configuration"]["content"]; c != "font = Inter 13\nwidth = 250\n" {
+		t.Fatalf("composed with the node's font size as %q", c)
+	}
+}
+
+// Setting a key the module gives a default is not refused as reaching nothing: it overrides the
+// default, which is how a running module gains a setting with no gap between.
+func TestAKeyWithADefaultIsNotStray(t *testing.T) {
+	m := notifier()
+	m.Resources[0]["content"] = "font = Inter ${setting:font-size}\nwidth = ${setting:width}\n"
+	stray := UnusedSettings(m, []Layer{{From: "laptop", Values: map[string]any{"font-size": float64(13), "colour": "red"}}})
+	joined := strings.Join(stray, "; ")
+	if strings.Contains(joined, `"font-size"`) || !strings.Contains(joined, `"colour"`) {
+		t.Fatalf("stray: %s", joined)
+	}
+}
+
+// A default fills ${setting:…} only: it never becomes a key of a mergeable file (issue 168).
+func TestADefaultIsNotMergedIntoAJSONFile(t *testing.T) {
+	m := notifier()
+	m.Resources = append(m.Resources, map[string]any{"id": "other", "type": "file", "path": "/x/other.json",
+		"merge": MergeJSON, "content": `{"keep": 1}`})
+	out, err := ApplySettings(m.Resources[1], WithDefaults(m, nil))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if strings.Contains(out["content"].(string), "font-size") {
+		t.Fatalf("a default reached a mergeable file: %s", out["content"])
+	}
+}
+
+// A value that is the operator's has no default: no layer setting it is refused by name, as before.
+func TestAnOperatorsValueWithoutADefaultIsStillRefused(t *testing.T) {
+	m := notifier()
+	m.Resources[0]["content"] = "font = Inter ${setting:font-size}\nwidth = ${setting:width}\nfrom = ${setting:domain}\n"
+	err := JudgeSettings(m, nil, false)
+	if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "${setting:domain}") {
+		t.Fatalf("judged %v", err)
+	}
+	if strings.Contains(err.Error(), "font-size") {
+		t.Fatalf("a default was named as set today: %v", err)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestTheParserTakesAPreferenceAndRefusesTheRest(t *testing.T) {
+	if err := parsed(t, notifier()); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("a preference with a default was refused: %v", err)
+	}
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		name   string
+		key    string
+		d      SettingDeclaration
+		refuse string
+	}{
+		{"no kind", "font-size", SettingDeclaration{Default: float64(10), Why: "x"}, `only a "preference" has a default`},
+		{"another kind", "font-size", SettingDeclaration{Kind: "operator", Default: float64(10), Why: "x"}, `only a "preference"`},
+		{"no default", "font-size", SettingDeclaration{Kind: KindPreference, Why: "x"}, "no default"},
+		{"an empty default", "font-size", SettingDeclaration{Kind: KindPreference, Default: " ", Why: "x"}, "an empty default"},
+		{"an object", "font-size", SettingDeclaration{Kind: KindPreference, Default: map[string]any{"a": 1.0}, Why: "x"}, "a string, a number or a boolean"},
+		{"no why", "font-size", SettingDeclaration{Kind: KindPreference, Default: float64(10)}, "no why"},
+		{"the operator's", "mail-domain", SettingDeclaration{Kind: KindPreference, Default: "example.tld", Why: "x"}, "is the operator's value"},
+		{"a secret", "api-token", SettingDeclaration{Kind: KindPreference, Default: "x", Why: "x"}, "is the operator's value"},
+		{"the mesh's word", PortsSetting, SettingDeclaration{Kind: KindPreference, Default: float64(1), Why: "x"}, "the mesh reads"},
+		{"read by nothing", "height", SettingDeclaration{Kind: KindPreference, Default: float64(300), Why: "x"}, "reaches nothing"},
+	} {
+		m := notifier()
+		m.Resources[0]["content"] = m.Resources[0]["content"].(string) + "x = ${setting:" + c.key + "}\n"
+		if c.name == "read by nothing" {
+			m.Resources[0]["content"] = "font = Inter ${setting:font-size}\nwidth = ${setting:width}\n"
+		}
+		m.Settings[c.key] = c.d
+		err := parsed(t, m)
+		if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), c.refuse) {
+			t.Errorf("%s: parsed %v, want %q", c.name, err, c.refuse)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+func TestEveryValueSaysWhereItCameFrom(t *testing.T) {
+	m := notifier()
+	m.Resources[0]["content"] = m.Resources[0]["content"].(string) + "x = ${setting:position}\n"
+	got := Effective(m, []Layer{
+		{From: MeshWideLayer, Values: map[string]any{"width": float64(300), "position": "top-right"}},
+		{From: "laptop", Values: map[string]any{"font-size": float64(13)}},
+	})
+	want := map[string]string{"font-size": "laptop", "position": MeshWideLayer, "width": MeshWideLayer}
+	if len(got) != 3 {
+		t.Fatalf("effective: %+v", got)
+	}
+	for _, s := range got {
+		if s.From != want[s.Key] {
+			t.Errorf("%s from %q, want %q", s.Key, s.From, want[s.Key])
+		}
+	}
+	if got[0].Key != "font-size" || got[0].Value != float64(13) || got[0].Default != float64(10) {
+		t.Fatalf("font-size: %+v", got[0])
+	}
+	only := Effective(m, nil)
+	if only[0].From != DefaultLayer || only[0].Value != float64(10) {
+		t.Fatalf("with no layer: %+v", only)
+	}
+}
+
+// A node may be called `default`. Its layer is a node's like any other: it overrides the module's
+// default, it merges into a mergeable file, and it is named among what is set.
+func TestANodeCalledDefaultIsANodesLayer(t *testing.T) {
+	m := notifier()
+	node := []Layer{{From: DefaultLayer, Values: map[string]any{"font-size": float64(13)}}}
+	file := map[string]any{"type": "file", "content": m.Resources[0]["content"]}
+	if err := settingInto(file, WithDefaults(m, node), m.Module); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if file["content"] != "font = Inter 13\nwidth = 250\n" {
+		t.Fatalf("the node called default was dropped: %q", file["content"])
+	}
+	out, err := ApplySettings(map[string]any{"id": "j", "type": "file", "merge": MergeJSON, "content": `{}`}, node)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(out["content"].(string), `"font-size": 13`) {
+		t.Fatalf("the node called default did not merge: %s", out["content"])
+	}
+	if got := Effective(m, node); got[0].FromDefault || got[0].Value != float64(13) {
+		t.Fatalf("the node's value read as the default: %+v", got[0])
+	}
+}
+
+// The operator's own value is told by what a key's name is about: its last word, or its last two as
+// a known compound; a plural as its singular; and never a number or a switch.
+func TestAKeyIsTheOperatorsByWhatItIsAbout(t *testing.T) {
+	for _, key := range []string{"max-tokens", "show-hostname", "ghost-opacity", "users-per-page", "mailbox-size",
+		"font-size", "width", "keyboard-delay", "ipv6-preferred", "client-width", "user-agent", "url-timeout",
+		"site-title", "cert-renewal-days", "name", "font-name"} {
+		if w := operatorsWord(key); w != "" {
+			t.Errorf("%s read as the operator's (%s)", key, w)
+		}
+	}
+	for key, word := range map[string]string{"mail-domain": "domain", "api-key": "key", "admin-password": "password",
+		"oauth-client-id": "client-id", "db-dsn": "dsn", "public-ip": "ip", "puid": "puid", "dns-zone": "zone",
+		"webhook": "webhook", "notify_phone": "phone", "cors.origin": "origin", "smtp-pass": "pass",
+		"backup-passphrase": "passphrase", "data-owner": "owner", "fqdn": "fqdn", "tenant": "tenant", "host": "host",
+		"allowed-hosts": "host", "admin-emails": "email", "tokens": "token", "hostname": "hostname",
+		"apikey": "apikey", "servername": "servername", "tls-cert": "cert", "site": "site", "timezone": "timezone",
+		"bearer": "bearer", "bind-ipv4": "ipv4", "listen-ipv6": "ipv6", "site-name": "site-name",
+		"server-name": "server-name", "public-name": "public-name", "smtp-relay": "smtp-relay"} {
+		if w := operatorsWord(key); w != word {
+			t.Errorf("%s: read %q, want %q", key, w, word)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// A default is a value the mesh writes, so the installation check reads it, even under a setting
+// called `description` or `why`; a setting's own why is prose and is not read.
+func TestTheInstallationCheckReadsADefault(t *testing.T) {
+	m := notifier()
+	m.Settings["relay"] = SettingDeclaration{Kind: KindPreference, Default: "relay.acme.be", Why: "as at relay.acme.be"}
+	m.Settings["description"] = SettingDeclaration{Kind: KindPreference, Default: "notes.acme.be", Why: "x"}
+	problems := strings.Join(InstallationProblems(m), "; ")
+	for _, want := range []string{"relay.acme.be at settings.relay.default", "notes.acme.be at settings.description.default"} {
+		if !strings.Contains(problems, want) {
+			t.Errorf("not reported: %q in %s", want, problems)
+		}
+	}
+	if strings.Contains(problems, "settings.relay.why") {
+		t.Errorf("a why was read as a value: %s", problems)
+	}
+}
+
+// A default fills ${setting:…} in what a module contributes and serves, and never replaces a value a
+// contribution states itself.
+func TestADefaultFillsAContributionAndAServedFactButNotALiteral(t *testing.T) {
+	m := notifier()
+	m.Settings["site-title"] = SettingDeclaration{Kind: KindPreference, Default: "Notes", Why: "x"}
+	contribution := map[string]any{"title": "${setting:site-title}", "width": "fixed", "port": float64(8080)}
+	got, err := overridden(contribution, WithDefaults(m, nil), "a contribution")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if got["title"] != "Notes" || got["width"] != "fixed" {
+		t.Fatalf("contribution: %v", got)
+	}
+	got, err = overridden(contribution, WithDefaults(m, []Layer{{From: "laptop", Values: map[string]any{"width": "wide"}}}), "a contribution")
+	if err != nil || got["width"] != "wide" {
+		t.Fatalf("a node's value did not override a contribution's own key: %v %v", got, err)
+	}
+	served, err := Settle(map[string]any{"name": "${setting:site-title}"}, WithDefaults(m, nil))
+	if err != nil || served["name"] != "Notes" {
+		t.Fatalf("served: %v %v", served, err)
+	}
+	if _, err := Settle(map[string]any{"name": "${setting:site-title}"}, nil); err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("a served fact without the defaults was filled")
+	}
+}
+
+// A stored manifest with a key this controller does not know, at the top or inside any block, is read
+// and its module is left out of every declaration by name; the rest of the catalogue is read; the module
+// check refuses it. One case per block whose decoder wraps the decoder's words in its own.
+func TestAStoredManifestWithAnUnknownKeyIsLeftOutAndRegistrationRefusesIt(t *testing.T) {
+	for where, raw := range map[string]string{
+		"the top":             `{"module": "later", "version": "2", "a-field-from-later": {"x": 1}}`,
+		"a state":             `{"module": "later", "version": "2", "state": [{"name": "s", "a-field-from-later": 1}]}`,
+		"a provided name":     `{"module": "later", "version": "2", "provides": [{"name": "p", "a-field-from-later": 1}]}`,
+		"an offer's identity": `{"module": "later", "version": "2", "provides": [{"name": "p", "identity": {"in": "x", "a-field-from-later": 1}}]}`,
+		"a backup":            `{"module": "later", "version": "2", "data": {"own": [{"id": "d", "path": "${dir:d}", "class": "valuable", "backup": {"dump": "x", "into": "y", "a-field-from-later": 1}}]}}`,
+		"an own secret":       `{"module": "later", "version": "2", "own-secrets": {"s": {"path": "/x", "a-field-from-later": 1}}}`,
+		"a seat's verb":       `{"module": "later", "version": "2", "seats": [{"name": "later-seat", "serves": [{"name": "v", "a-field-from-later": 1}]}]}`,
+	} {
+		var m Manifest
+		if err := json.Unmarshal([]byte(raw), &m); err != nil {
+			t.Errorf("%s: the stored manifest was not read: %v", where, err)
+			continue
+		}
+		if m.Module != "later" || m.Version != "2" || !strings.Contains(m.UnknownField(), `"a-field-from-later"`) {
+			t.Errorf("%s: read as %q %q, unknown %q", where, m.Module, m.Version, m.UnknownField())
+			continue
+		}
+		if where != "the top" && !strings.Contains(m.UnknownField(), ": json: unknown field") {
+			t.Errorf("%s: the block's decoder did not say it: %q", where, m.UnknownField())
+		}
+		left := Resolution{Node: "laptop", Modules: []Manifest{m, notifier()}}.LeftOut(nil, false)
+		if why := left["later"]; !strings.Contains(why, "uses a field this controller does not know") ||
+			!strings.Contains(why, "a-field-from-later") {
+			t.Errorf("%s: not left out by name: %v", where, left)
+		}
+		if _, notifierLeft := left["notifier"]; notifierLeft {
+			t.Errorf("%s: another module was left out with it: %v", where, left)
+		}
+		if _, err := ParseManifest([]byte(raw)); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "a-field-from-later") {
+			t.Errorf("%s: the module check took it: %v", where, err)
+		}
+	}
+	var known Manifest
+	if err := json.Unmarshal([]byte(`{"module": "now", "state": [{"name": "s"}]}`), &known); err != nil || known.UnknownField() != "" {
+		t.Fatalf("a known manifest: %v %q", err, known.UnknownField())
+	}
+	// A malformed manifest is still refused: only an unknown key is read past.
+	var bad Manifest
+	if err := json.Unmarshal([]byte(`{"module": "bad", "state": [{"name": 3}]}`), &bad); err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("a malformed stored manifest was read")
+	}
+}

internal/catalogue/setting_into.go

@@ -40,8 +40,9 @@ func settingsUsed(content string) []string {
 
 // settingInto fills a file's ${setting:…} placeholders from the layers over a module.
 //
-// The last layer setting a key wins, which is the node's over the mesh's — the same order settle
-// applies to a mergeable file. A value that is not a string is written the way a program would read
+// The last layer setting a key wins, which is the node's over the mesh's over the module's own
+// default (novox/hq ADR 0262) — the same order settle applies to a mergeable file. The caller lays
+// the defaults under the layers with WithDefaults. A value that is not a string is written the way a program would read
 // it (a number without a trailing .000000, a boolean as true/false).
 func settingInto(resource map[string]any, layers []Layer, module string) error {
 	if fmt.Sprint(resource["type"]) != "file" {
@@ -56,7 +57,8 @@ func settingInto(resource map[string]any, layers []Layer, module string) error {
 		if !set {
 			return fmt.Errorf(
 				"%s has a file that says ${setting:%s}, and nothing sets %q for it — an operator's "+
-					"value is the assignment's, never the definition's (novox/hq ADR 0112): "+
+					"value is the assignment's, never the definition's (novox/hq ADR 0112), and only a "+
+					"preference has a default in the definition (ADR 0262): "+
 					"`settings set %s <file>` with {%q: …}%s",
 				module, key, key, module, key, orNoSettings(layers))
 		}
@@ -80,6 +82,9 @@ func settingValue(layers []Layer, key string) (any, bool) {
 func orNoSettings(layers []Layer) string {
 	var keys []string
 	for _, l := range layers {
+		if l.Default {
+			continue
+		}
 		for k := range l.Values {
 			keys = append(keys, k)
 		}

internal/catalogue/settings.go

@@ -30,6 +30,9 @@ type Layer struct {
 	// Where these came from, for saying which layer set a value.
 	From   string
 	Values map[string]any
+	// Default marks the layer a module's own defaults make (novox/hq ADR 0262). Marked rather than
+	// recognised by From, which is a node's name for a node's layer, and a node may be called anything.
+	Default bool
 }
 
 // ApplySettings produces a resource's final content from the module's own and the layers over it.
@@ -114,7 +117,7 @@ func overridden(base map[string]any, layers []Layer, what string) (map[string]an
 				values[key] = value
 			}
 		}
-		kept = append(kept, Layer{From: layer.From, Values: values})
+		kept = append(kept, Layer{From: layer.From, Values: values, Default: layer.Default})
 	}
 	merged, err := settle(base, kept, nil, what)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -151,6 +154,12 @@ func settle(base map[string]any, layers []Layer, protected map[string]bool, what
 	map[string]any, error) {
 	merged := deepCopy(base)
 	for _, layer := range layers {
+		if layer.Default {
+			// A module's own defaults fill ${setting:<key>} only (novox/hq ADR 0262). A mergeable
+			// file's content already is its defaults, and a contribution or served fact declares its
+			// own; laid on here, a default would reach every mergeable file of its module (issue 168).
+			continue
+		}
 		for key, value := range layer.Values {
 			if key == PortsSetting {
 				// Where the machine puts a port is the mesh's to apply, not a value for a file or
@@ -224,6 +233,11 @@ func UnusedSettings(m Manifest, layers []Layer) []string {
 	}
 
 	lands := settingKeysUsedBy(m)
+	// A key the module gives a default reaches what asks for it (novox/hq ADR 0262): setting it
+	// overrides the default, which is how a running module gains a setting without a gap between.
+	for key := range m.Settings {
+		lands[key] = true
+	}
 	for _, values := range m.Contributes {
 		for key := range values {
 			lands[key] = true
@@ -420,7 +434,7 @@ func JudgeSettings(m Manifest, layers []Layer, adopted bool) error {
 		for k, v := range settled {
 			copied[k] = v
 		}
-		if err := settingInto(copied, layers, m.Module); err != nil {
+		if err := settingInto(copied, WithDefaults(m, layers), m.Module); err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
 	}

internal/catalogue/state.go

@@ -49,7 +49,7 @@ func (s *StateDeclaration) UnmarshalJSON(raw []byte) error {
 	dec := json.NewDecoder(bytes.NewReader(trimmed))
 	dec.DisallowUnknownFields()
 	if err := dec.Decode(&full); err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("a state is either a name or {name, history, ttl-seconds, per-machine}: %w", err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("a state is either a name or {name, history, ttl-seconds, per-machine}: %w", typedUnknown(err))
 	}
 	*s = StateDeclaration(full)
 	return nil

internal/catalogue/unknown_field.go

@@ -0,0 +1,58 @@
+package catalogue
+
+import (
+	"errors"
+	"regexp"
+)
+
+// A key this controller does not know, in a manifest (novox/hq ADR 0262).
+//
+// Registration refuses it, as it always has. A manifest the store already holds was registered by a newer
+// controller, and is read by this one after a rollback: refusing it there failed the whole catalogue, and
+// with it every plan and every send. Dropping the key silently would be worse — a module running without
+// something its manifest says. So the manifest is read, the module is left out of every machine's
+// declaration by name, and the controller raises a condition until it is updated.
+
+// UnknownFieldError is a key a manifest has that this controller does not know, wherever it is: at the
+// top of the manifest or inside a block (a state, an offer, a data item's backup, an own secret, a verb).
+// Typed, because the blocks' decoders wrap the decoder's words in their own.
+type UnknownFieldError struct {
+	Field string
+	err   error
+}
+
+func (e *UnknownFieldError) Error() string { return e.err.Error() }
+func (e *UnknownFieldError) Unwrap() error { return e.err }
+
+// unknownFieldText is how the JSON decoder words a key its target does not have.
+var unknownFieldText = regexp.MustCompile(`^json: unknown field "([^"]*)"$`)
+
+// typedUnknown is err as an UnknownFieldError when it is the decoder refusing an unknown key, else err.
+func typedUnknown(err error) error {
+	if err == nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+	if m := unknownFieldText.FindStringSubmatch(err.Error()); m != nil {
+		return &UnknownFieldError{Field: m[1], err: err}
+	}
+	return err
+}
+
+// asUnknownField is the unknown key err is about, at any depth, or nil.
+func asUnknownField(err error) *UnknownFieldError {
+	var u *UnknownFieldError
+	if errors.As(typedUnknown(err), &u) {
+		return u
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+// UnknownFieldReason is why a module whose stored manifest has a key this controller does not know is
+// left out of a machine's declaration, or "" when it has none.
+func UnknownFieldReason(m Manifest) string {
+	if m.unknown == "" {
+		return ""
+	}
+	return m.Module + " uses a field this controller does not know (" + m.unknown + "); it is left out " +
+		"until the controller is updated (novox/hq ADR 0262)"
+}

internal/catalogue/verbs.go

@@ -56,7 +56,7 @@ func (v *Verb) UnmarshalJSON(raw []byte) error {
 	decoder := json.NewDecoder(bytes.NewReader(trimmed))
 	decoder.DisallowUnknownFields()
 	if err := decoder.Decode(&p); err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("a served verb is a name or {name, description, input, output}: %w", err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("a served verb is a name or {name, description, input, output}: %w", typedUnknown(err))
 	}
 	if p.Name == "" {
 		return fmt.Errorf("a served verb has no name: %s", trimmed)
@@ -249,19 +249,24 @@ var ControllerVerbs = []Verb{
 		}, nil, "adopted"),
 		Replaces: []string{"mesh-controller token issue", "wg set"}},
 	{Name: "settings", Description: "Read or set what an assignment is configured with: a module's settings for the whole " +
-		"mesh, or for one machine. Without values or clear, answers the layer as it stands — read it before setting it; " +
+		"mesh, or for one machine. Without values or clear, answers the layer as it stands — read it before setting it — " +
+		"then every value the module gives a default or a layer sets, with where it comes from: the module's default, " +
+		"the mesh, or the machine (novox/hq ADR 0262); with list \"preferences\", or with no module, every " +
+		"module's preferences and each machine's value; " +
 		"with history, the layers it replaced. Setting replaces that layer whole and answers each key it adds (+), " +
 		"changes (~) and removes (-); a set that would remove a key is refused unless replace says it is meant " +
 		"(novox/hq ADR 0217). Takes effect at the next push. With clear, removes the layer and the module is back to " +
 		"what its definition says; a cleared or replaced layer is kept in the history.",
 		Input: schema(map[string]string{
-			"module":  "the module's name",
+			"module":  "the module's name; with list, only that module's",
 			"values":  "the settings as a JSON object, for set",
 			"node":    "one machine; the whole mesh when absent",
 			"clear":   "\"true\" to remove the layer instead of setting it; not with values",
 			"replace": "\"true\": with values, the set is meant to remove the keys the layer had and it does not name",
 			"history": "\"true\": without values or clear, the layers this one replaced, the latest first",
-		}, []string{"module"}, "clear", "replace", "history")},
+			"list": "\"preferences\": every module's preferences — key, default and why — and the value on each " +
+				"machine it is assigned to with where it comes from; module and node narrow it (novox/hq ADR 0262)",
+		}, nil, "clear", "replace", "history")},
 	{Name: "command", Description: "Run one command line of the controller's own, as you would type it at its " +
 		"shell — `node account g14 jochen`, `node show ace`, `module list` — and answer what it printed. The " +
 		"generic verb beside the named ones (novox/hq ADR 0154): everything the binary can do, without a verb " +

internal/conditions/plain.go

@@ -53,8 +53,19 @@ type Action struct {
 	Verb      string            `json:"verb"`
 	Machine   string            `json:"machine,omitempty"`
 	Arguments map[string]string `json:"arguments,omitempty"`
+	// Level is how much proof its answer needs (novox/hq ADR 0234 §8, ADR 0259): LevelAcknowledge for what
+	// any granted principal may already do, LevelApprove for what only the operator's proven word does.
+	// The controller asks for every action, and performs the one chosen on the warrant the router issues.
+	Level string `json:"level,omitempty"`
 }
 
+// The assurance levels an action's answer needs (novox/hq ADR 0234 §8): acknowledge, approve. Destroy is
+// not asked for by any condition: nothing carries its second proof yet.
+const (
+	LevelAcknowledge = "acknowledge"
+	LevelApprove     = "approve"
+)
+
 // The two verdicts an explanation opens with.
 const (
 	NothingToDo = "Nothing for you to do."
@@ -66,7 +77,7 @@ const (
 // only kind of answer a desk click performs until answers are authorised (novox/hq ADR 0258). Its cause
 // marks it as an answer, which the hand-act log does not count as a repair.
 func SilenceAction(key string) Action {
-	return Action{Label: "Silence for a week", Verb: "mesh-controller.conditions",
+	return Action{Label: "Silence for a week", Verb: "mesh-controller.conditions", Level: LevelAcknowledge,
 		Arguments: map[string]string{"silence": key, "for": "7d", "why": "", "cause": CauseOperatorAnswer}}
 }
 

internal/inventory/busrecords.go

@@ -34,9 +34,12 @@ func (i *Inventory) BusRecords(ctx context.Context) (broker.Records, error) {
 	// that seat promises. **Across the whole catalogue, not one manifest**: a seat is declared by
 	// one module and held by another, which is the whole reason a seat exists (ADR 0118).
 	seats := map[string]catalogue.SeatDeclaration{}
+	// And who declared each, so a seat's records are named as the declaring module's buckets (ADR 0259).
+	declarers := map[string]string{}
 	for _, m := range declared {
 		for _, s := range m.DefinesSeats {
 			seats[s.Name] = s
+			declarers[s.Name] = m.Module
 		}
 	}
 	// And the mesh's own, which carry protocol too (novox/hq ADR 0121). Added after the modules'
@@ -78,7 +81,7 @@ func (i *Inventory) BusRecords(ctx context.Context) (broker.Records, error) {
 					"%s is assigned to %s and is not in the catalogue, so what it may say cannot "+
 						"be derived", module, n.Name)
 			}
-			d := declaredFor(m, seats)
+			d := declaredFor(m, seats, declarers)
 			// And the state offered to it as a seat's holder by the modules beside it (novox/hq ADR 0255).
 			// For this machine's key alone (novox/hq ADR 0260): a bar shows its own machine's draw.
 			for _, sr := range catalogue.ReadsGranted(m, onMachine(declared, modules), n.Name) {
@@ -121,7 +124,7 @@ func onMachine(declared map[string]catalogue.Manifest, modules []string) []catal
 
 // declaredFor is one module's manifest as the composer needs it: what it says about itself, and the
 // protocol of every seat it holds or uses.
-func declaredFor(m catalogue.Manifest, seats map[string]catalogue.SeatDeclaration) broker.Declared {
+func declaredFor(m catalogue.Manifest, seats map[string]catalogue.SeatDeclaration, declarers map[string]string) broker.Declared {
 	// A consumed name is a module's event unless it names a seat, and only somebody holding the seat
 	// set can tell (novox/hq ADR 0121). Split here, because the composer cannot look at a name and
 	// know — and a role's event read as a module's is a subscription to a namespace nobody owns.
@@ -132,6 +135,16 @@ func declaredFor(m catalogue.Manifest, seats map[string]catalogue.SeatDeclaratio
 		if named {
 			// A seat's event when the seat says it; else the event of the module of that name — a seat and
 			// the module holding it may share a name (mesh-delivery, novox/hq ADR 0239).
+			if s, isASeat := seats[emitter]; isASeat && s.Kinded {
+				// A kinded bench's event is named `<event>` or `<event>.*` and heard from every kind; its
+				// proofs are answered by whoever watches it (ADR 0259 §3).
+				ev := strings.TrimSuffix(event, ".*")
+				if catalogue.SeatSays(s.Emits, ev) {
+					watches = append(watches, broker.Seat{Name: s.Name, Scope: s.Scope, Emits: []string{ev},
+						Kinded: true, Proofs: s.Proofs, DeclaredBy: declarers[s.Name]})
+					continue
+				}
+			}
 			if s, isASeat := seats[emitter]; isASeat && catalogue.SeatSays(s.Emits, event) {
 				watches = append(watches, broker.Seat{Name: s.Name, Emits: []string{event}})
 				continue
@@ -155,6 +168,8 @@ func declaredFor(m catalogue.Manifest, seats map[string]catalogue.SeatDeclaratio
 		Reads: m.Reads,
 		// And the tools its health asks (novox/hq ADR 0240): the machine's node-engine is granted them.
 		Checks: catalogue.HealthChecks(m),
+		// And whether it runs as an account of its own (novox/hq ADR 0259 §8).
+		RunsAs: m.RunsAs,
 	}
 	// Whether it can be given an account at all: delivered as its own secret named broker, so one
 	// that declares none has nowhere to read it (novox/hq issue 195).
@@ -168,12 +183,15 @@ func declaredFor(m catalogue.Manifest, seats map[string]catalogue.SeatDeclaratio
 		// Every seat with a protocol, the mesh's own included. One that says only who does a job is
 		// not here and grants nothing, which is most of them.
 		if s, hasAProtocol := seats[c.Name]; hasAProtocol {
-			d.Holds = append(d.Holds, asSeat(s))
+			held := asSeat(s, declarers[s.Name])
+			held.Kind = c.Kind
+			held.Capabilities = c.Capabilities
+			d.Holds = append(d.Holds, held)
 		}
 	}
 	for _, name := range m.Uses {
 		if s, declaredSomewhere := seats[name]; declaredSomewhere {
-			d.Uses = append(d.Uses, asSeat(s))
+			d.Uses = append(d.Uses, asSeat(s, declarers[s.Name]))
 		}
 	}
 	return d
@@ -204,9 +222,17 @@ func (i *Inventory) DeclaredBuckets(ctx context.Context) ([]broker.Bucket, error
 	return out, nil
 }
 
-func asSeat(s catalogue.SeatDeclaration) broker.Seat {
-	return broker.Seat{Name: s.Name, Scope: s.Scope, Accepts: s.Accepts, Emits: s.Emits,
-		Serves: catalogue.VerbNames(s.Serves)}
+func asSeat(s catalogue.SeatDeclaration, declarer string) broker.Seat {
+	seat := broker.Seat{Name: s.Name, Scope: s.Scope, Accepts: s.Accepts, Emits: s.Emits,
+		Serves: catalogue.VerbNames(s.Serves), Kinded: s.Kinded, ByCaller: s.ByCaller, Proofs: s.Proofs,
+		DeclaredBy: declarer}
+	// A seat's records are its declaring module's buckets, named as the bus holds them (ADR 0259 §3).
+	for _, r := range s.Records {
+		if declarer != "" {
+			seat.Records = append(seat.Records, broker.BucketName(declarer, r))
+		}
+	}
+	return seat
 }
 
 // MeshSeats are the mesh's own seats that carry a protocol, as the bus needs them: what to make a work
@@ -277,3 +303,22 @@ func heldHere(claimed []broker.Seat, holdings []catalogue.Held, node, module str
 	}
 	return out
 }
+
+// DeclaredTrafficSeats is every seat any registered module declares that names its caller or its kind
+// (novox/hq ADR 0259 §3), as the bus needs it: assigned or not, so its work queue exists from registration.
+func (i *Inventory) DeclaredTrafficSeats(ctx context.Context) ([]broker.Seat, error) {
+	declared, err := i.Catalogue(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("cannot read the catalogue: %w", err)
+	}
+	var out []broker.Seat
+	for _, m := range declared {
+		for _, s := range m.DefinesSeats {
+			seat := asSeat(s, m.Module)
+			if seat.Kinded || len(seat.ByCaller) > 0 {
+				out = append(out, seat)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return out, nil
+}

internal/inventory/catalogue.go

@@ -5,15 +5,37 @@ import (
 	"encoding/json"
 	"errors"
 	"fmt"
+	"log"
 	"sort"
 	"strconv"
 	"strings"
+	"sync"
 	"time"
 
 	"github.com/jackc/pgx/v5"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
 )
 
+// noted is each stored manifest's unknown key already said, so a catalogue read on every plan says it once.
+var noted sync.Map
+
+// noteUnknown says, once per module and key, that a stored manifest has a key this controller does not
+// know (novox/hq ADR 0262). A manifest registered under a newer controller is read by an older one after
+// a rollback; refusing it here failed the whole catalogue. The module is left out of every machine by name
+// (catalogue.LeftOut), and the controller's tick raises a condition for it.
+func noteUnknown(m catalogue.Manifest) {
+	u := m.UnknownField()
+	if u == "" {
+		return
+	}
+	if _, said := noted.LoadOrStore(m.Module+"\x00"+u, true); said {
+		return
+	}
+	log.Printf("the stored manifest of %s has a key this controller does not know (%s): a newer controller "+
+		"registered it, and %s is left out of every machine until this controller is updated (novox/hq ADR 0262)",
+		m.Module, u, m.Module)
+}
+
 // ErrNoSuchModule is what the mesh says about a module it has never been told about.
 var ErrNoSuchModule = errors.New("no module of that name")
 
@@ -259,6 +281,7 @@ func (i *Inventory) Catalogue(ctx context.Context) (map[string]catalogue.Manifes
 		if err := json.Unmarshal(raw, &m); err != nil {
 			return nil, err
 		}
+		noteUnknown(m)
 		out[m.Module] = m
 	}
 	return out, rows.Err()
@@ -1217,6 +1240,7 @@ func (i *Inventory) Catalogued(ctx context.Context) ([]Entry, error) {
 		if err := json.Unmarshal(raw, &m); err != nil {
 			return nil, err
 		}
+		noteUnknown(m)
 		entry := Entry{Manifest: m, Source: source, On: on}
 		if source.Repository == providedBy {
 			// It came with the control plane. Not a repository, and showing it as one would have

internal/inventory/unknown_field_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,34 @@
+package inventory
+
+import (
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+)
+
+// A manifest a newer controller registered, with a key this one does not know, does not stop the
+// catalogue from loading: it is read, marked, and every other module is read as before (novox/hq ADR 0262).
+func TestTheCatalogueLoadsAroundAManifestWithAnUnknownKey(t *testing.T) {
+	inv := fresh(t)
+	if err := inv.RegisterModule(t.Context(), manifest("thing", nil, nil), Source{}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, err := inv.store.Pool().Exec(t.Context(),
+		`insert into module (name, manifest) values ($1, $2)`, "later",
+		`{"module": "later", "version": "2", "state": [{"name": "s", "a-field-from-later": 1}]}`); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	known, err := inv.Catalogue(t.Context())
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("one manifest with an unknown key failed the whole catalogue: %v", err)
+	}
+	if known["thing"].Module != "thing" || known["thing"].UnknownField() != "" {
+		t.Fatalf("the other module: %+v", known["thing"])
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(known["later"].UnknownField(), "a-field-from-later") {
+		t.Fatalf("the newer manifest is not marked: %q", known["later"].UnknownField())
+	}
+	entries, err := inv.Catalogued(t.Context())
+	if err != nil || len(entries) < 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("the listing: %v %d", err, len(entries))
+	}
+}

internal/link/contracts.go

@@ -47,6 +47,10 @@ var Contracts = map[string]Contract{
 	KindPullUpdated: {Unordered: "a pull request's head, asked to be checked: each head is its own commit, and its " +
 		"verdict is set on that commit alone, so a head heard late is checked and judged as itself and never " +
 		"stands for a newer one (novox/hq to-be 45 §9)"},
+	KindDecided: {Unordered: "the router's word on one ask, by the ask's id: an ask is ended once, by compare-and-set " +
+		"at the router, and the controller acts on it once, recording that it did under the ask's id — so a word " +
+		"heard again, or late, does nothing more (novox/hq ADR 0259)",
+		Tests: []string{"TestAWarrantIsActedOnOnce"}},
 	KindCatchUp: {Unordered: "a catalogue asking what it missed: answered from the record, whenever asked"},
 	KindProvisioner: {Unordered: "a provider's newest word about a consumer, said again every fifteen minutes " +
 		"while it holds (ADR 0224): the condition keeps the last observed, and S8 says when the words stop. " +

internal/link/handacts.go

@@ -49,6 +49,16 @@ type HandAct struct {
 	Kind string `json:"kind,omitempty"`
 	// Carried is what such a push moved, one "module from → to" per module, so the log says it.
 	Carried []string `json:"carried,omitempty"`
+	// Via, Ask, Proofs and RequestedBy are an act the operator chose on a warrant (novox/hq ADR 0234 §8, ADR
+	// 0259): the channel it came through (module and kind, and how the sender was known), the ask's id, the
+	// proofs present (P1, P2, P3), and what asked (a condition's key). By then names the operator as that
+	// kind's identity. Absent from every other act.
+	Via         string   `json:"via,omitempty"`
+	Ask         string   `json:"ask,omitempty"`
+	Proofs      []string `json:"proofs,omitempty"`
+	RequestedBy string   `json:"requested-by,omitempty"`
+	// Outcome is what came of an act recorded after it was done: done, or the verb's refusal.
+	Outcome string `json:"outcome,omitempty"`
 }
 
 // KindRecordedBuilds is a push that only moved recorded builds: the person's word their `record` policy

internal/link/receive.go

@@ -44,6 +44,9 @@ const (
 	// KindPullUpdated is the forge announcing a pull request's new head: checked before it merges
 	// (novox/hq to-be 45 §9).
 	KindPullUpdated = "pull-updated"
+	// KindDecided is the router's warrant for an ask the controller made, or that ask's end without one
+	// (novox/hq ADR 0259): said to the controller alone, under its own name.
+	KindDecided = "decided"
 )
 
 // Control is one thing a node or a module said, as the controller must act on it.

internal/link/receive_nats.go

@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ func Nats(js *broker.JetStream) Inbound {
 // whatever was asked for — and not at all when nothing was.
 func (n *natsInbound) Also(kind string) error {
 	switch kind {
-	case KindModuleMoved, KindCatchUp, KindSourceMoved, KindProvisioner, KindPullUpdated:
+	case KindModuleMoved, KindCatchUp, KindSourceMoved, KindProvisioner, KindPullUpdated, KindDecided:
 		n.follows[kind] = true
 		return nil
 	default:
@@ -259,6 +259,8 @@ func kindOfSubject(subject string) (string, bool) {
 		return KindSourceMoved, true
 	case PullUpdatedSubject:
 		return KindPullUpdated, true
+	case broker.DecidedSubject:
+		return KindDecided, true
 	case BuildOutcome(), BuildOutcomeOf(TheBuildMachineBefore):
 		// A build's outcome is the role's event now, so it arrives on the events stream rather than
 		// the control branch — and is acted on by the same handler, because what the controller does

internal/link/serve.go

@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ type Checker interface {
 }
 
 // PullUpdatedSubject is where the forge's pull requests land: the controller's own follow of them.
-var PullUpdatedSubject = broker.ControllerFollows[len(broker.ControllerFollows)-1]
+var PullUpdatedSubject = "mesh.mod.gitea.event.pull.updated"
 
 // Server acts on what nodes and modules say.
 //
@@ -96,6 +96,8 @@ type Server struct {
 	checker Checker
 	// healths keeps what machines say of their long-running resources (novox/hq ADR 0240).
 	healths Healths
+	// decider acts on the operator's warrants for what the controller asked (novox/hq ADR 0259).
+	decider Decider
 
 	log *log.Logger
 	// giveUp is how long one message is held for the store; zero means GiveUpAfter.
@@ -138,6 +140,21 @@ func (s *Server) Checks(c Checker) error {
 	return nil
 }
 
+// Decider is what the controller does with the router's word on an ask it made (novox/hq ADR 0259): act
+// on a warrant once, or record how the ask ended without one.
+type Decider interface {
+	Decided(ctx context.Context, body []byte) error
+}
+
+// Decides says what to do about the router's word on the controller's asks, and asks for it delivered.
+func (s *Server) Decides(d Decider) error {
+	if err := s.inbound.Also(KindDecided); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	s.decider = d
+	return nil
+}
+
 // Answers says what to do about a catalogue's catch-up request, and asks for them to be delivered.
 func (s *Server) Answers(r Replayer) error {
 	if err := s.inbound.Also(KindCatchUp); err != nil {
@@ -210,6 +227,8 @@ func (s *Server) act(ctx context.Context, m Control) {
 		s.provisioner(ctx, m)
 	case KindPullUpdated:
 		s.pullUpdated(ctx, m)
+	case KindDecided:
+		s.decided(ctx, m)
 	default:
 		// Dropped: a message nothing understands will not be understood on the next attempt
 		// either, and asking for it again would spin.
@@ -656,6 +675,24 @@ func (s *Server) pullUpdated(ctx context.Context, m Control) {
 	_ = m.Took()
 }
 
+// decided hands the router's word on an ask to the decider; a failure to keep what it did is held for the
+// store, like any word that must not be lost.
+func (s *Server) decided(ctx context.Context, m Control) {
+	if s.decider == nil {
+		_ = m.Took()
+		return
+	}
+	err := s.decider.Decided(ctx, m.Body())
+	switch s.decide(ctx, m, "the operator's word on an ask", "", "", err) {
+	case Hold:
+		return
+	}
+	if err != nil {
+		s.log.Printf("the operator's word on an ask could not be kept: %v", err)
+	}
+	_ = m.Took()
+}
+
 // saysWhatItDid states what a machine now runs, or what it would not take, as a fact on the bus
 // (novox/hq ADR 0134).
 //

vendor/git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/asks/asks.go

@@ -0,0 +1,382 @@
+// Package asks is the contract of asking a person and answering on a channel (novox/hq ADR 0259): the
+// shapes an asker, the router and a channel exchange on the bus, and the subjects they travel on. No
+// transport and no channel's service: an asker publishes an Ask under its own name and acts on the Warrant
+// it hears; the router holds the ask, sends channels a Message, and judges the Choice a channel says; a
+// channel shows a Message and says what was chosen and by whom, as its service authenticated it.
+package asks
+
+import (
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"regexp"
+	"strings"
+	"time"
+)
+
+// The seats (novox/hq ADR 0259 §3).
+const (
+	// Seat is held by the router: an ask and its cancel are its accepts, a warrant its event, each named by
+	// the asker.
+	Seat = "operator-channel"
+	// ChannelSeat is the kinded bench a channel holds to show and say: its accepts carry the kind.
+	ChannelSeat = "channel"
+	// IntakeSeat is the kinded bench a channel holds to say what was chosen: its events and proofs carry
+	// the kind.
+	IntakeSeat = "intake"
+)
+
+// AskSubject is where an asker publishes an ask, CancelSubject its cancel, and DecidedSubject where it
+// hears the warrant, or the ask's end without one.
+func AskSubject(asker string) string     { return "mesh.seat." + Seat + ".accept.ask." + asker }
+func CancelSubject(asker string) string  { return "mesh.seat." + Seat + ".accept.cancel." + asker }
+func DecidedSubject(asker string) string { return "mesh.seat." + Seat + ".event.decided." + asker }
+
+// The work a channel takes, on ChannelSubject.
+const (
+	Show = "show" // a message offering answers
+	Edit = "edit" // a message shown before, replaced
+	Send = "send" // a message offering nothing
+)
+
+// ChannelSubject is where the router sends a channel of a kind its work.
+func ChannelSubject(verb, kind string) string {
+	return "mesh.seat." + ChannelSeat + ".accept." + verb + "." + kind
+}
+
+// What a channel says, on IntakeSubject.
+const (
+	Chosen = "choice" // a button tapped
+	Link   = "link"   // somebody asked to be linked as the operator
+)
+
+// IntakeSubject is where a channel of a kind says what arrived.
+func IntakeSubject(what, kind string) string {
+	return "mesh.seat." + IntakeSeat + ".event." + what + "." + kind
+}
+
+// CodeProof is the one proof verb: a code the operator typed, carried by request and reply, never kept.
+const CodeProof = "code"
+
+// ProofSubject is where a channel of a kind asks a proof.
+func ProofSubject(verb, kind string) string {
+	return "mesh.seat." + IntakeSeat + ".proof." + verb + "." + kind
+}
+
+// A Level is how much proof an option's answer needs (novox/hq ADR 0234 §8, the glossary's assurance level).
+type Level string
+
+const (
+	// Acknowledge performs only what any granted principal may already do: silencing, details. No proof.
+	Acknowledge Level = "acknowledge"
+	// Approve needs one proof: a verified sender (a linked account, linked an hour or more) or a code.
+	Approve Level = "approve"
+	// Destroy needs two proofs, one of them a code.
+	Destroy Level = "destroy"
+)
+
+// Rank orders the levels; an unknown level ranks above every known one, so it is never taken as less.
+func (l Level) Rank() int {
+	switch l {
+	case Acknowledge:
+		return 0
+	case Approve:
+		return 1
+	case Destroy:
+		return 2
+	}
+	return 3
+}
+
+// Operator is the one role an ask may be answered by today.
+const Operator = "operator"
+
+// Option is one answer an ask offers: a label for the button, what it does in plain words, its level.
+type Option struct {
+	ID    string `json:"id"`
+	Label string `json:"label"`
+	Does  string `json:"does"`
+	Level Level  `json:"level"`
+}
+
+// Ask is a request for a person's word (novox/hq ADR 0259 §4).
+type Ask struct {
+	// ID is the asker's own, unique to it.
+	ID string `json:"id"`
+	// Headline names the thing and what is wrong, in a few plain words; Explanation is what happened and
+	// what it means. Both are held to the plain rule and the content rule by the router.
+	Headline    string   `json:"headline"`
+	Explanation string   `json:"explanation"`
+	Options     []Option `json:"options"`
+	// Who may answer: Operator.
+	Who string `json:"who"`
+	// Expires is when the ask ends unanswered; OnExpiry is what the asker then does, in words the person
+	// is shown ("the delivery stays held"). An ask that authorises never defaults.
+	Expires  time.Time `json:"expires"`
+	OnExpiry string    `json:"on-expiry"`
+	// About is what the ask is about (a condition's key): a newer ask about it replaces the older.
+	About  string `json:"about,omitempty"`
+	Urgent bool   `json:"urgent,omitempty"`
+}
+
+// The bounds of an ask (novox/hq ADR 0234 §8, ADR 0259 §4).
+const (
+	MostOptions    = 4
+	MostOpen       = 3
+	ApproveLasts   = 24 * time.Hour
+	DestroyLasts   = 10 * time.Minute
+	HeadlineLength = 60
+	LabelLength    = 24
+)
+
+var usableID = regexp.MustCompile(`^[A-Za-z0-9][A-Za-z0-9_-]{0,63}$`)
+
+// UsableID says whether a name can be an ask's or an option's id: a key and a subject token both.
+func UsableID(id string) bool { return usableID.MatchString(id) }
+
+// Highest is the highest level among the ask's options.
+func (a Ask) Highest() Level {
+	high := Acknowledge
+	for _, o := range a.Options {
+		if o.Level.Rank() > high.Rank() {
+			high = o.Level
+		}
+	}
+	return high
+}
+
+// Option is the option of this id, or false.
+func (a Ask) Option(id string) (Option, bool) {
+	for _, o := range a.Options {
+		if o.ID == id {
+			return o, true
+		}
+	}
+	return Option{}, false
+}
+
+// Check is what an ask is held to before anything is shown: every refusal, in words its asker can act on.
+func (a Ask) Check(now time.Time) error {
+	var problems []string
+	say := func(format string, args ...any) { problems = append(problems, fmt.Sprintf(format, args...)) }
+	if !UsableID(a.ID) {
+		say("its id %q is not letters, digits, - and _, at most 64", a.ID)
+	}
+	if strings.TrimSpace(a.Headline) == "" || len([]rune(a.Headline)) > HeadlineLength {
+		say("its headline is empty or longer than %d characters", HeadlineLength)
+	}
+	if strings.TrimSpace(a.Explanation) == "" {
+		say("it explains nothing")
+	}
+	if a.Who != Operator {
+		say("it is answered by %q, and only the operator answers today", a.Who)
+	}
+	if len(a.Options) == 0 || len(a.Options) > MostOptions {
+		say("it offers %d options, and an ask offers one to %d", len(a.Options), MostOptions)
+	}
+	seen := map[string]bool{}
+	for _, o := range a.Options {
+		switch {
+		case !UsableID(o.ID):
+			say("an option's id %q is not letters, digits, - and _", o.ID)
+		case seen[o.ID]:
+			say("the option %s is offered twice", o.ID)
+		}
+		seen[o.ID] = true
+		if strings.TrimSpace(o.Label) == "" || len([]rune(o.Label)) > LabelLength {
+			say("the option %s's label is empty or longer than %d characters", o.ID, LabelLength)
+		}
+		if strings.TrimSpace(o.Does) == "" {
+			say("the option %s does not say what it does", o.ID)
+		}
+		if o.Level.Rank() > Destroy.Rank() {
+			say("the option %s has the level %q, which is none of acknowledge, approve, destroy", o.ID, o.Level)
+		}
+	}
+	if !a.Expires.After(now) {
+		say("it expires before it is asked")
+	}
+	switch a.Highest() {
+	case Approve:
+		if a.Expires.After(now.Add(ApproveLasts)) {
+			say("an ask that approves lasts at most %s", ApproveLasts)
+		}
+	case Destroy:
+		if a.Expires.After(now.Add(DestroyLasts)) {
+			say("an ask that destroys lasts at most %s", DestroyLasts)
+		}
+	}
+	if a.Highest() != Acknowledge && strings.TrimSpace(a.OnExpiry) == "" {
+		say("it does not say what happens when nobody answers, and an ask that authorises never defaults")
+	}
+	if a.About != "" && strings.ContainsAny(a.About, " \n") {
+		say("what it is about is a key, without spaces")
+	}
+	if len(problems) > 0 {
+		return errors.New("the ask is refused: " + strings.Join(problems, "; "))
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+// Outcome is how an ask ended.
+type Outcome string
+
+const (
+	OutcomeChosen    Outcome = "chosen"    // a person chose an option: a warrant
+	OutcomeExpired   Outcome = "expired"   // nobody answered in time
+	OutcomeCancelled Outcome = "cancelled" // its asker took it back
+	OutcomeReplaced  Outcome = "replaced"  // a newer ask about the same thing replaced it
+	OutcomeRefused   Outcome = "refused"   // it was never shown: Words says why
+)
+
+// Person is who chose, as the router verified them.
+type Person struct {
+	// Who is the role: Operator.
+	Who string `json:"who"`
+	// Kind is the channel kind they answered on, Identity their account on that service, Display the name
+	// the service shows, and Verified how the router knew it was them.
+	Kind     string `json:"kind"`
+	Identity string `json:"identity"`
+	Display  string `json:"display,omitempty"`
+	Verified string `json:"verified"`
+}
+
+// Warrant is the router's record that a person chose one option of one ask, or the ask's end without one
+// (novox/hq ADR 0259 §6). It carries no secret.
+type Warrant struct {
+	Ask     string  `json:"ask"`
+	Asker   string  `json:"asker"`
+	About   string  `json:"about,omitempty"`
+	Outcome Outcome `json:"outcome"`
+	// Option, Label and Level are the option chosen; By who chose it, Channel the module it came through,
+	// Proofs which proofs were present (P1, P2, P3).
+	Option  string    `json:"option,omitempty"`
+	Label   string    `json:"label,omitempty"`
+	Level   Level     `json:"level,omitempty"`
+	By      *Person   `json:"by,omitempty"`
+	Channel string    `json:"channel,omitempty"`
+	Proofs  []string  `json:"proofs,omitempty"`
+	At      time.Time `json:"at"`
+	// Words are why an ask ended without a choice, or what refused it.
+	Words string `json:"words,omitempty"`
+}
+
+// Says is the warrant in the words an asker records with its act: "the operator, via telegram (user id
+// verified), chose Release".
+func (w Warrant) Says() string {
+	if w.Outcome != OutcomeChosen || w.By == nil {
+		return fmt.Sprintf("no person chose: the ask %s %s", w.Ask, w.Outcome)
+	}
+	via := w.By.Kind
+	if w.By.Verified != "" {
+		via += " (" + w.By.Verified + ")"
+	}
+	return fmt.Sprintf("the %s, via %s, chose %s", w.By.Who, via, w.Label)
+}
+
+// For checks a warrant against the ask its asker made: the same asker and ask, a choice, an option the ask
+// offered, at that option's level. An asker acts on nothing else.
+func (w Warrant) For(asker string, a Ask) (Option, error) {
+	if w.Asker != asker || w.Ask != a.ID {
+		return Option{}, fmt.Errorf("the warrant is for %s's ask %s, not %s's %s", w.Asker, w.Ask, asker, a.ID)
+	}
+	if w.Outcome != OutcomeChosen || w.By == nil || w.By.Who != a.Who {
+		return Option{}, fmt.Errorf("the ask %s ended %s; no person chose", a.ID, w.Outcome)
+	}
+	o, offered := a.Option(w.Option)
+	if !offered {
+		return Option{}, fmt.Errorf("the ask %s offered no option %s", a.ID, w.Option)
+	}
+	if w.Level != o.Level {
+		return Option{}, fmt.Errorf("the option %s is %s, and the warrant says %s", o.ID, o.Level, w.Level)
+	}
+	// A choice made after the ask expired is no answer to it, whatever the router said.
+	if !w.At.IsZero() && w.At.After(a.Expires) {
+		return Option{}, fmt.Errorf("the warrant was given at %s, after the ask %s expired at %s",
+			w.At.UTC().Format(time.RFC3339), a.ID, a.Expires.UTC().Format(time.RFC3339))
+	}
+	return o, nil
+}
+
+// Button is one answer a channel offers: its label and the router's one-time ticket for it.
+type Button struct {
+	Label  string `json:"label"`
+	Ticket string `json:"ticket"`
+}
+
+// Message is the work a channel takes: shown with buttons (Show), shown again in place (Edit), or said
+// (Send). Handle is the router's name for it, the same across a show and its edits; the channel keeps
+// which of its own messages that is. The words are the router's, shown as given.
+type Message struct {
+	Handle  string   `json:"handle"`
+	Title   string   `json:"title"`
+	Body    string   `json:"body"`
+	Buttons []Button `json:"buttons,omitempty"`
+	Urgent  bool     `json:"urgent,omitempty"`
+	Silent  bool     `json:"silent,omitempty"`
+	// Reply is the Choice or LinkAsked this answers, by its ID: the channel shows it where that was made.
+	Reply string `json:"reply,omitempty"`
+	// To is the account linked as the operator on this kind, for a channel that verifies its sender: where
+	// the channel sends what is not a reply. The router's word, from its list; empty when none is linked.
+	To string `json:"to,omitempty"`
+}
+
+// Sender is who a channel's service says sent something: the account, the name it shows, and whether the
+// service authenticated it. The router alone judges whether that is the operator.
+type Sender struct {
+	Identity      string `json:"identity"`
+	Display       string `json:"display,omitempty"`
+	Authenticated bool   `json:"authenticated"`
+}
+
+// Failed is a message a channel could not deliver: its handle, why, and whether trying again could help.
+type Failed struct {
+	Handle    string    `json:"handle"`
+	Why       string    `json:"why"`
+	Permanent bool      `json:"permanent,omitempty"`
+	At        time.Time `json:"at"`
+}
+
+// Standing is what a channel says of itself, at least every five minutes and whenever it changes:
+// whether it can send now, why not, and whether its edits notify nobody.
+type Standing struct {
+	Ready         bool      `json:"ready"`
+	Why           string    `json:"why,omitempty"`
+	EditsSilently bool      `json:"edits-silently,omitempty"`
+	At            time.Time `json:"at"`
+}
+
+// What a channel says of its own delivery, on IntakeSubject.
+const (
+	FailedWhat   = "failed"
+	StandingWhat = "standing"
+)
+
+// Choice is a button chosen on a channel.
+type Choice struct {
+	// ID is the channel's own for this arrival, unique, so the router acts on it once.
+	ID     string    `json:"id"`
+	Ticket string    `json:"ticket"`
+	Handle string    `json:"handle,omitempty"`
+	Sender Sender    `json:"sender"`
+	At     time.Time `json:"at"`
+}
+
+// LinkAsked is somebody on a channel asking to be linked as the operator.
+type LinkAsked struct {
+	ID     string    `json:"id"`
+	Sender Sender    `json:"sender"`
+	At     time.Time `json:"at"`
+}
+
+// Code is a code a person typed on a channel, asked as a proof: never in an event, never kept.
+type Code struct {
+	Sender  Sender `json:"sender"`
+	Code    string `json:"code"`
+	Purpose string `json:"purpose"`
+}
+
+// ProofAnswer is the router's answer to a proof: whether it was taken, and words to say to the person.
+type ProofAnswer struct {
+	Accepted bool   `json:"accepted"`
+	Words    string `json:"words"`
+}

vendor/modules.txt

@@ -1,3 +1,6 @@
+# git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.8-0.20261008162031-55090da7e08f
+## explicit; go 1.22
+git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/asks
 # github.com/antithesishq/antithesis-sdk-go v0.7.0-default-no-op
 ## explicit; go 1.24.0
 github.com/antithesishq/antithesis-sdk-go/assert
@@ -79,8 +82,6 @@ github.com/nats-io/nuid
 ## explicit; go 1.26.0
 github.com/novox/mesh-host/internal/declaration
 github.com/novox/mesh-host/validate
-# go.uber.org/automaxprocs v1.6.0
-## explicit; go 1.20
 # golang.org/x/crypto v0.57.0
 ## explicit; go 1.26.0
 golang.org/x/crypto/acme