Keep a plan's backups in the store: a migration and the plan's read and write (issues 1065, 1066)

# Conflicts:
#	merge-check.sh

.gitignore

@@ -3,3 +3,8 @@
 # A built binary. The lab writes one here when pointed at the repository root by mistake;
 # built artifacts belong in build/, which is already ignored.
 /mesh-builder
+/mesh-controller
+/postgres-provisioner
+/redis-provisioner
+# And where `go build` in cmd/mesh-controller leaves it (novox/hq issue 233).
+/cmd/mesh-controller/mesh-controller

Dockerfile

@@ -27,9 +27,11 @@ WORKDIR /src
 COPY go.mod go.sum ./
 COPY vendor/ vendor/
 
+# `COPY . .` brings `.git` along, so Go is told not to stamp the commit: the version is said by -X, and a
+# rebuild of an unchanged program is the same bytes (novox/hq ADR 0267 rule 6, issue 363).
 COPY . .
 ARG VERSION=development
-RUN CGO_ENABLED=0 GOFLAGS=-mod=vendor GOPROXY=off go build -trimpath \
+RUN CGO_ENABLED=0 GOFLAGS=-mod=vendor GOPROXY=off go build -trimpath -buildvcs=false \
         -ldflags "-s -w -X main.version=${VERSION}" \
         -o /mesh-controller ./cmd/mesh-controller
 

Makefile

@@ -95,31 +95,43 @@ PROXY_IMAGE ?= mesh-route-proxy:$(VERSION)
 PROXY_DEV_TAG ?= mesh-route-proxy:development
 
 proxy-image:
-	docker build --build-arg GO_BASE=$(GO_BASE) -f examples/route-proxy/Dockerfile -t $(PROXY_IMAGE) -t $(PROXY_DEV_TAG) .
+	docker build --build-arg GO_BASE=$(GO_BASE) -f modules/route-proxy/Dockerfile -t $(PROXY_IMAGE) -t $(PROXY_DEV_TAG) .
 	@echo
 	@docker image inspect $(PROXY_IMAGE) --format 'built {{.RepoTags}}  {{.Size}} bytes'
 
-# The whole gate. Raises a database, runs everything against it, and takes it down again --
-# including when the tests fail, which is why the teardown is not conditional.
+# The whole check. Raises a database, runs the repository's own check against it -- merge-check.sh,
+# the very script `mesh/repo-check` runs -- and takes the database down again, including when the
+# check fails, which is why the teardown is not conditional and the script's exit status is the
+# target's.
 #
-# **Packages in parallel, under the race detector, each test on a bus of its own** (internal/testbus).
-# It was one package at a time against one shared bus, because the live tests assert, read and remove
-# the mesh's own objects by their fixed names, and two packages at once deleted what the other read; the
-# suite was red run as Go runs it and read as noise. A bus per test, of the release the mesh runs, made
-# it the same in any order. The timeout bounds a hang to a failure with a stack, never a stalled gate.
-check: fmt vet postgres
-	@go test -race -timeout 15m ./... ; status=$$? ; $(MAKE) postgres-stop ; exit $$status
+# **It calls the script rather than restating it** (novox/hq issue 431): this target used to list its
+# own steps, its formatting step walked vendor/ where the script's does not, and it failed on
+# third-party code no change could fix -- so a developer's check and the gate disagreed, and the steps
+# after formatting never ran through it. The script is the one list of steps; this target only gives it
+# a database (MESH_TEST_POSTGRES, exported above).
+#
+# **Two levels** (issue 895): the unit level, `go test ./...` untagged, timed and held to a bound; and the integration
+# level, `-tags integration`, the tests that start a bus, a store or another process. Each is said with its time.
+#
+# **Packages in parallel, under the race detector, each test on a bus of its own** (internal/testbus),
+# as the script runs them: a bus per test, of the release the mesh runs, makes the suite the same in any
+# order, and the timeout bounds a hang to a failure with a stack, never a stalled gate.
+check: postgres
+	@sh merge-check.sh ; status=$$? ; docker rm -f $(PG_CONTAINER) >/dev/null 2>&1 || true ; exit $$status
 
-# Without a database the store's tests skip rather than fail, so this is the honest subset and not
-# the gate.
+# The unit level alone (untagged: no bus, no store, no other process), which a developer runs continuously. The tests
+# that need a bus or the store carry `//go:build integration` and run in `check`, not here; without a database the
+# store's tests would skip rather than fail anyway.
 test:
 	go test -timeout 15m ./...
 
 vet:
 	go vet ./...
 
+# Quick steps for a developer, not part of `check`. The directories gofmt reads must be the ones
+# merge-check.sh lists, never `.`, which walks vendor/ (novox/hq issue 431).
 fmt:
-	@unformatted=$$(gofmt -l . 2>/dev/null) ; \
+	@unformatted=$$(gofmt -l cmd internal examples) ; \
 	if [ -n "$$unformatted" ] ; then echo "not gofmt'd:" ; echo "$$unformatted" ; exit 1 ; fi
 
 postgres:

RELEASE-57.md

@@ -0,0 +1,6 @@
+# Release 57: config and provisioning
+
+This branch carries the work of hq design 57 (ADR 0348, ADR 0349) in this repository. Each package
+merges here through its own reviewed pull request; the branch reaches main as one pull request, in one
+delivery group with the branch of the same name in mesh-controller, mesh-host, mesh-sdk, mesh-catalog
+and hq, after a rehearsal in the lab. This file is deleted by the last commit before that pull request.

check-nested-modules.sh

@@ -0,0 +1,29 @@
+#!/bin/sh
+# The unit tests of every Go module of its own below this repository's root, run from the root, for merge-check.sh
+# and for the test that tries it on a tree (merge_check_nested_test.go). Its own file so that the test needs no
+# particular merge-check.sh: the check that judges a change to merge-check.sh is main's.
+set -eu
+cgo="${cgo:-0}"
+race="${race:-}"
+
+# nested_modules vets and tests every Go module of its own below the root, `modules/<name>/go.mod` (novox/hq ADR 0420
+# §5, issue 1025): `./...` stops at a nested go.mod, so a module that lives whole in this repository would have its
+# unit tests run by nobody. None is a pass. Each runs in its own directory, outside the vendor directory this
+# repository's own packages are built from; a nested module vendors what the forge holds (its own `vendor/`, so the
+# check runs offline), as this repository's root module does (issue 1019). A failing module fails the check; the others are still run.
+nested_modules() {
+	nested=0
+	for gomod in modules/*/go.mod; do
+		[ -e "$gomod" ] || continue
+		dir=$(dirname "$gomod")
+		echo "nested module $dir:"
+		if ! (cd "$dir" && GOFLAGS= CGO_ENABLED=0 go vet ./... &&
+			GOFLAGS= CGO_ENABLED="${cgo:-0}" go test ${race:-} -count=1 -timeout 30m ./...); then
+			echo "nested module $dir FAILED"
+			nested=1
+		fi
+	done
+	return $nested
+}
+
+nested_modules

cmd/mesh-builder/Dockerfile

@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ WORKDIR /src
 COPY go.mod go.sum ./
 RUN go mod download
 COPY . .
-RUN CGO_ENABLED=0 go build -trimpath -ldflags '-s -w' -o /mesh-builder ./cmd/mesh-builder
+RUN CGO_ENABLED=0 go build -trimpath -buildvcs=false -ldflags '-s -w' -o /mesh-builder ./cmd/mesh-builder
 
 FROM ${ALPINE_BASE}
 # git to clone what it is asked to build, and the docker client to build and push it. The daemon

cmd/mesh-builder/busy.go

@@ -0,0 +1,146 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"strings"
+	"time"
+)
+
+// **The build agent says whether it is busy, and being asked drains it** (novox/hq ADR 0335 §1, §5). Its
+// container declares `busy` as `mesh-builder busy`: the node-engine runs it inside the container before it
+// replaces it. It exits 0 while a build is in hand and 1 when none is; and from the first ask the agent takes
+// no new build request, so its answer ends once the build in hand ends — a replaced builder finishes the check
+// it runs, instead of the build queue handing it out again from the start (issue 594).
+//
+// Two marks in the container's own temporary directory, as the ready mark (ready.go): a new container starts
+// without them, and a restarted one removes them before it takes work again.
+//
+//   - in hand: written by the agent when it claims a request, before it reads whether it is drained; removed
+//     when the build ends.
+//   - drained: written by the ask, before it reads whether a build is in hand.
+//
+// Each side writes its own mark before it reads the other's, so an ask racing a fetch sees the build in hand,
+// or the agent sees the drain and hands the request back; never neither.
+
+func inHandMark() string { return filepath.Join(os.TempDir(), "mesh-builder.in-hand") }
+func drainMark() string  { return filepath.Join(os.TempDir(), "mesh-builder.drained") }
+
+// The drain lapses when no ask has come for drainLapse: the node-engine asks every 20 seconds for as long as it
+// really waits, so an agent whose replacement was withdrawn — the declaration put back, the walk stopped —
+// takes work again rather than staying drained for ever (review of ADR 0335). And an agent drained for longer
+// than the node-engine's bound and the slack says it is not ready: the replacement it was drained for never
+// came, which is a fault to see.
+const (
+	drainLapse   = 2 * time.Minute
+	drainTooLong = 15*time.Minute + 5*time.Minute
+)
+
+// drainedAt is when the drain began and when it was last asked, from its mark; false when there is no mark.
+func drainedAt() (began, asked time.Time, ok bool) {
+	info, err := os.Stat(drainMark())
+	if err != nil {
+		return time.Time{}, time.Time{}, false
+	}
+	asked = info.ModTime()
+	began = asked
+	if raw, err := os.ReadFile(drainMark()); err == nil {
+		if t, err := time.Parse(time.RFC3339, strings.TrimSpace(string(raw))); err == nil && !t.After(asked) {
+			began = t
+		}
+	}
+	return began, asked, true
+}
+
+// drained says the agent was asked whether it is busy within drainLapse: it takes no new build request.
+func drained() bool { return drainedSince(time.Now()) }
+
+func drainedSince(now time.Time) bool {
+	_, asked, ok := drainedAt()
+	return ok && now.Sub(asked) < drainLapse
+}
+
+// drainedTooLong is the health check's second half: nil unless the agent has been drained, asked all along, for
+// longer than its node-engine's bound and the slack.
+func drainedTooLong(now time.Time) error {
+	began, asked, ok := drainedAt()
+	if !ok || now.Sub(asked) >= drainLapse || now.Sub(began) <= drainTooLong {
+		return nil
+	}
+	return fmt.Errorf("drained since %s and still asked: the replacement its node-engine waits for has not come "+
+		"within %s (novox/hq ADR 0335)", began.UTC().Format(time.RFC3339), drainTooLong)
+}
+
+// claim marks a request in hand, unless the agent is drained: then nothing is in hand, and the request goes
+// back to the queue.
+func claim() bool {
+	// Made, never written over: one build at a time, and a mark already there is a build in hand.
+	f, err := os.OpenFile(inHandMark(), os.O_WRONLY|os.O_CREATE|os.O_EXCL, 0o644)
+	if err != nil {
+		// Unmarked, an ask would say idle while this build runs: the build is not taken.
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "cannot mark a build in hand (%s), so it is handed back: %v\n", inHandMark(), err)
+		return false
+	}
+	_, err = f.WriteString(time.Now().UTC().Format(time.RFC3339) + "\n")
+	if closeErr := f.Close(); err == nil {
+		err = closeErr
+	}
+	if err != nil {
+		_ = os.Remove(inHandMark())
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "cannot mark a build in hand (%s), so it is handed back: %v\n", inHandMark(), err)
+		return false
+	}
+	if drained() {
+		_ = os.Remove(inHandMark())
+		fmt.Fprintln(os.Stderr, "asked whether busy, so this agent takes no new build: handed back")
+		return false
+	}
+	return true
+}
+
+// holding says what is in hand, for the ask to print: written once the request is read.
+func holding(what string) {
+	_ = os.WriteFile(inHandMark(), []byte(time.Now().UTC().Format(time.RFC3339)+" "+what+"\n"), 0o644)
+}
+
+// released ends the build in hand.
+func released() {
+	if err := os.Remove(inHandMark()); err != nil && !errors.Is(err, os.ErrNotExist) {
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "cannot remove the mark of the build in hand (%s): %v\n", inHandMark(), err)
+	}
+}
+
+// undrained clears both marks at the start of a holder: a container started again is asked afresh.
+func undrained() error {
+	for _, mark := range []string{drainMark(), inHandMark()} {
+		if err := os.Remove(mark); err != nil && !errors.Is(err, os.ErrNotExist) {
+			return fmt.Errorf("cannot remove %s: %w", mark, err)
+		}
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+// busy is the ask: it drains the agent, then says whether a build is in hand. Nil — exit 0 — while one is.
+func busy() (string, error) {
+	// The mark keeps when the drain began while it is asked within drainLapse, and is written again on every
+	// ask: its time is the last ask.
+	began := time.Now().UTC()
+	if was, _, ok := drainedAt(); ok && drained() {
+		began = was.UTC()
+	}
+	if err := os.WriteFile(drainMark(), []byte(began.Format(time.RFC3339)+"\n"), 0o644); err != nil {
+		// Not drained, it could take the next build: said, and answered busy only for what is in hand now.
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "cannot mark this agent drained (%s): %v\n", drainMark(), err)
+	}
+	held, err := os.ReadFile(inHandMark())
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", errors.New("idle: no build in hand, and this agent takes no new one")
+	}
+	since, what, _ := strings.Cut(strings.TrimSpace(string(held)), " ")
+	if what == "" {
+		what = "a build"
+	}
+	return fmt.Sprintf("busy: %s, in hand since %s; taking no new build", what, since), nil
+}

cmd/mesh-builder/busy_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,162 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"os"
+	"strings"
+	"sync"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+)
+
+// `mesh-builder busy` answers 0 while a build is in hand and non-zero when idle, and after its first ask the
+// agent takes no new build request (novox/hq ADR 0335 §5).
+func TestBusyAnswersWhileABuildIsInHandAndDrainsTheAgent(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Setenv("TMPDIR", t.TempDir())
+	if err := undrained(); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if drained() {
+		t.Fatal("an agent never asked is drained")
+	}
+	// A build is claimed and runs.
+	if !claim() {
+		t.Fatal("an agent never asked refused a build")
+	}
+	holding("novox/mesh-controller (check-280)")
+	said, err := busy()
+	if err != nil || !strings.Contains(said, "novox/mesh-controller (check-280)") {
+		t.Fatalf("an agent with a build in hand did not answer busy with what it holds: %q %v", said, err)
+	}
+	// From that ask on it takes nothing new: the fetch is not made, and one fetched is handed back.
+	if !drained() {
+		t.Fatal("the ask did not drain the agent")
+	}
+	if claim() {
+		t.Fatal("a drained agent took a new build")
+	}
+	// The build in hand is still in hand after the refused claim, and busy goes on saying so.
+	if _, err := busy(); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("a refused claim ended the build in hand: %v", err)
+	}
+	// It ends: idle, and still drained.
+	released()
+	if _, err := busy(); err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("an agent with nothing in hand answered busy")
+	}
+	if claim() {
+		t.Fatal("a drained agent took a build after its last one ended")
+	}
+	// Started again, it is asked afresh.
+	if err := undrained(); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if drained() || !claim() {
+		t.Fatal("a holder started again is still drained")
+	}
+	released()
+}
+
+// An ask racing a fetch sees the build in hand, or the agent sees the drain and hands the request back: never
+// neither, which would replace the container under a build just taken.
+func TestAnAskRacingAFetchNeverMissesTheBuild(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Setenv("TMPDIR", t.TempDir())
+	for i := 0; i < 200; i++ {
+		if err := undrained(); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		var claimed bool
+		var askErr error
+		var wg sync.WaitGroup
+		wg.Add(2)
+		go func() { defer wg.Done(); claimed = claim() }()
+		go func() { defer wg.Done(); _, askErr = busy() }()
+		wg.Wait()
+		if claimed && askErr != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("round %d: the agent took a build and the ask said idle", i)
+		}
+		released()
+	}
+}
+
+// A drain no longer asked lapses: an agent whose replacement was withdrawn after the first ask (a put-back, a
+// revert, a stopped walk) takes work again after drainLapse, rather than staying drained with its health green.
+func TestADrainNoLongerAskedLapses(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Setenv("TMPDIR", t.TempDir())
+	if err := undrained(); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, err := busy(); err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("an idle agent answered busy")
+	}
+	if !drained() || claim() {
+		t.Fatal("an agent just asked takes work")
+	}
+	// The last ask was three minutes ago.
+	old := time.Now().Add(-3 * time.Minute)
+	if err := os.Chtimes(drainMark(), old, old); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if drained() {
+		t.Fatal("a drain no longer asked for three minutes still holds")
+	}
+	if !claim() {
+		t.Fatal("an agent whose drain lapsed takes no work")
+	}
+	released()
+}
+
+// An agent drained, and asked all along, for longer than its node-engine's bound and the slack is not ready: the
+// replacement it was drained for never came. One asked again after a lapse starts a new drain.
+func TestAnAgentDrainedTooLongIsNotReady(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Setenv("TMPDIR", t.TempDir())
+	if err := undrained(); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	taking("mesh-build-machine")
+	if _, err := busy(); err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("an idle agent answered busy")
+	}
+	now := time.Now()
+	if err := drainedTooLong(now); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("an agent drained a moment ago is not ready: %v", err)
+	}
+	// The drain began 25 minutes ago, and the node-engine asked a moment ago.
+	began := now.Add(-25 * time.Minute).UTC().Format(time.RFC3339)
+	if err := os.WriteFile(drainMark(), []byte(began+"\n"), 0o644); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	err := drainedTooLong(time.Now())
+	if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "has not come") {
+		t.Fatalf("an agent drained for 25 minutes reads ready: %v", err)
+	}
+	// Each ask keeps when the drain began.
+	if _, err := busy(); err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("an idle agent answered busy")
+	}
+	if err := drainedTooLong(time.Now()); err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("an ask started the drain again")
+	}
+	// The asks stopped: the drain lapsed, and so did the fault.
+	old := time.Now().Add(-3 * time.Minute)
+	if err := os.Chtimes(drainMark(), old, old); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := drainedTooLong(time.Now()); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("a lapsed drain still reads not ready: %v", err)
+	}
+}
+
+// An ask this build does not know exits non-zero: an older image asked `busy` reads idle, not busy for the
+// node-engine's whole bound.
+func TestAnUnknownCommandFails(t *testing.T) {
+	was := os.Args
+	t.Cleanup(func() { os.Args = was })
+	os.Args = []string{"mesh-builder", "some-later-word"}
+	if err := run(); err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("an unknown command exited 0")
+	}
+	os.Args = []string{"mesh-builder", "help"}
+	if err := run(); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("help failed: %v", err)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-builder/check_spec_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,38 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/builder"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// The build seat hands the check the judge cache the build agent declares (MESH_JUDGE_CACHE), never a path of its own.
+func TestTheBuildSeatHandsTheCheckTheJudgeCacheItDeclares(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Setenv("MESH_JUDGE_CACHE", "/var/lib/mesh/build-agent/judge-cache")
+	if got := judgeCache(); got != "/var/lib/mesh/build-agent/judge-cache" {
+		t.Fatalf("the judge cache the manifest declares is read as %q", got)
+	}
+	t.Setenv("MESH_JUDGE_CACHE", "")
+	if got := judgeCache(); got != "" {
+		t.Fatalf("with no judge cache declared, %q is used", got)
+	}
+}
+
+// The siblings a check is asked to read reach the build seat's spec and, as read, the outcome (novox/hq ADR 0382).
+func TestTheSiblingsAnAskNamesReachTheSpecAndTheOutcome(t *testing.T) {
+	spec := checkSpecOf(link.BuildRequest{Check: &link.CheckRequest{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-host", Base: "main",
+		Siblings:        []link.CheckSibling{{Repository: "novox/mesh-controller", Number: 346, Head: "a", Base: "main", Dir: "mesh-controller"}},
+		SiblingsUnknown: "why"}})
+	if len(spec.Siblings) != 1 || spec.Siblings[0] != (builder.Sibling{Repository: "novox/mesh-controller", Number: 346,
+		Head: "a", Base: "main", Dir: "mesh-controller"}) || spec.SiblingsUnknown != "why" {
+		t.Fatalf("the spec reads %+v", spec)
+	}
+	out := siblingsOut([]builder.JudgedSibling{{Repository: "novox/mesh-controller", Number: 346, Head: "a", Base: "main", BaseCommit: "b"}})
+	if len(out) != 1 || out[0].BaseCommit != "b" || out[0].Number != 346 {
+		t.Fatalf("the outcome reads %+v", out)
+	}
+	if plain := checkSpecOf(link.BuildRequest{Check: &link.CheckRequest{Owner: "o", Repo: "r"}}); plain.Siblings != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("a request that names none has siblings %+v", plain.Siblings)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-builder/holder.go

@@ -41,6 +41,9 @@ type holder struct {
 	say func(link.HolderState) error
 	// remove runs what a kill needs outside the build: the containers left behind.
 	remove builder.Runner
+	// scratch is where check builds are kept (novox/hq ADR 0350 §5): what the week's sweep lets go of. Nil where
+	// this machine publishes to no artifact store.
+	scratch builder.Scratch
 
 	mu      sync.Mutex
 	paused  bool
@@ -131,6 +134,34 @@ func (h *holder) stateWhilePaused(ctx context.Context, every time.Duration) {
 	}
 }
 
+// expireChecks lets go of every check build older than a week (novox/hq ADR 0350 §5), at start and every while
+// after. Every holder sweeps the one store; what one let go of, another finds gone.
+func (h *holder) expireChecks(ctx context.Context, every time.Duration, now func() time.Time) {
+	sweep := func() {
+		if h.scratch == nil {
+			return
+		}
+		n, err := h.scratch.Expire(ctx, builder.CheckBuildsKept, now())
+		switch {
+		case err != nil:
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "check builds older than %s: %d let go of, and not all: %v\n", builder.CheckBuildsKept, n, err)
+		case n > 0:
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "check builds older than %s: %d check(s)' builds let go of\n", builder.CheckBuildsKept, n)
+		}
+	}
+	sweep()
+	tick := time.NewTicker(every)
+	defer tick.Stop()
+	for {
+		select {
+		case <-ctx.Done():
+			return
+		case <-tick.C:
+			sweep()
+		}
+	}
+}
+
 // begin records the build this machine took, with the cancel that ends it.
 func (h *holder) begin(request link.BuildRequest, cancel context.CancelFunc) *running {
 	r := &running{request: request, started: time.Now(), cancel: cancel, done: make(chan struct{})}

cmd/mesh-builder/main.go

@@ -18,12 +18,16 @@ package main
 import (
 	"context"
 	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"log"
 	"net/url"
 	"os"
 	"os/signal"
+	"sort"
 	"strings"
+	"sync"
+	"sync/atomic"
 	"syscall"
 	"time"
 
@@ -54,6 +58,8 @@ is dialled except the broker.
   MESH_BINDING       a file the mesh wrote saying where the artifact store is
   MESH_PACKAGE_BINDING  a file the mesh wrote saying where the package registry is
   MESH_NPM_TOKEN_FILE   a file the mesh sealed holding the token for it
+  MESH_GENESIS_PACKAGE_REGISTRY  the document the installer sealed at genesis, read while no
+                     binding is present (novox/hq ADR 0336)
   MESH_NPM_REGISTRY  a package registry URL, when the mesh has not said (a person, the bootstrap)
   MESH_NPM_TOKEN     the token for it, likewise
   MESH_NPM_SCOPE     the scope it answers for (default: @novox)
@@ -66,6 +72,17 @@ broker to take work from or a registry to publish into:
 
 Without --registry the artifacts stay in this machine's container runtime, named by the
 digest of their own configuration. The result is printed as JSON.
+
+  mesh-builder ready
+
+exits 0 once the agent running in this container is bound to its build work and pulls it, and
+1 before: its container's health check.
+
+  mesh-builder busy
+
+exits 0 while the agent running in this container has a build in hand, and 1 when it has none;
+from the first ask the agent takes no new build: its container's busy command, asked before the
+container is replaced (novox/hq ADR 0335).
 `
 
 func run() error {
@@ -76,12 +93,42 @@ func run() error {
 			return nil
 		case "build":
 			return buildOnce(context.Background(), os.Args[2:])
-		default:
+		case "ready":
+			// The container's health check (novox/hq issue 544): exits non-zero until the agent takes work, and
+			// once it has been drained longer than its node-engine would wait to replace it (ADR 0335).
+			if err := ready(); err != nil {
+				return err
+			}
+			return drainedTooLong(time.Now())
+		case "busy":
+			// The container's busy command (novox/hq ADR 0335): drains the agent, and exits non-zero once
+			// nothing is in hand.
+			said, err := busy()
+			if err != nil {
+				return err
+			}
+			fmt.Println(said)
+			return nil
+		case "help", "-h", "--help":
 			fmt.Print(usage)
 			return nil
+		default:
+			// **An ask this build does not know fails** (novox/hq ADR 0335): an image older than `busy`, asked
+			// it, must read as idle — exiting 0 would hold its container for the node-engine's whole bound.
+			fmt.Fprint(os.Stderr, usage)
+			return fmt.Errorf("%q is not a command this mesh-builder knows", os.Args[1])
 		}
 	}
 
+	if err := notReady(); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	// **The builder's own version is part of every reuse key** (novox/hq ADR 0350 §1): a builder that builds
+	// differently never takes a build another one made.
+	builder.Version = builder.SelfVersion(version)
+	if err := undrained(); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
 	credential, err := brokerFrom()
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
@@ -134,7 +181,13 @@ func run() error {
 	// **What an earlier holder here left goes before anything is taken** (novox/hq issue 306): a holder
 	// recreated mid-check left the check's store and bus running, and the ask went to another machine.
 	h.removeLeftBehind()
-	machine := link.MachineOverNATSWith(js, on, seat, link.MachineOptions{Paused: h.Paused})
+	// Paused or drained, it takes nothing new (novox/hq ADR 0219, ADR 0335): a drained agent finishes the build
+	// in hand and then says idle, and its container is replaced between builds.
+	machine := link.MachineOverNATSWith(js, on, seat, link.MachineOptions{
+		Paused: func() bool { return h.Paused() || drained() },
+		Taking: func() { taking(seat) },
+		Claim:  claim,
+	})
 	defer machine.Close()
 
 	// The seat's verbs, on this machine's subjects. Only the seat that declares them: the retired
@@ -158,8 +211,13 @@ func run() error {
 
 	fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "building for the mesh, publishing to %s\n", registry)
 	publisher := builder.Registry{Address: registry, Run: builder.Command}
+	// Check builds are let go of after a week (novox/hq ADR 0350 §5).
+	h.scratch = publisher
+	go h.expireChecks(ctx, time.Hour, time.Now)
 
 	return machine.Take(ctx, func(ctx context.Context, work link.Build) {
+		defer released()
+		holding(work.Request().Repository + " (" + work.Request().ID + ")")
 		answer(ctx, publisher, on, workspace, work, h)
 	})
 }
@@ -216,7 +274,12 @@ func answer(ctx context.Context, publisher builder.Publisher, on, workspace stri
 	// role's own events under the build's id (novox/hq ADR 0157) — so whoever asked, and anybody
 	// watching, reads the same lines this container's log holds, live, and after the fact from the
 	// stream. Said first, before anything runs, so a build that hangs is one that visibly started.
+	// One line at a time: a check's builds for its merge say their lines while its tests say theirs (novox/hq
+	// issue 716).
+	var saying sync.Mutex
 	say := func(step, message string) {
+		saying.Lock()
+		defer saying.Unlock()
 		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "  [%s] %s\n", step, message)
 		work.Say(step, message)
 		if mine != nil && step != "run" && step != "output" {
@@ -228,6 +291,26 @@ func answer(ctx context.Context, publisher builder.Publisher, on, workspace stri
 	if err := work.Began(ctx); err != nil {
 		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "cannot say a build started: %v\n", err)
 	}
+	// **A running check watches its pull request's key** (novox/hq ADR 0406 §4, issue 974): when the head or the trunk
+	// commit in it moves, the check is for a state nobody wants any more, and ends itself — nothing is asked of the forge
+	// (issue 726). A group's check, a try and a build watch nothing.
+	var superseded atomic.Bool
+	if w, ok := work.(interface {
+		WatchPull(context.Context, func(link.PullKey)) (func(), error)
+	}); ok && request.Check != nil {
+		stopWatching, err := w.WatchPull(building, func(k link.PullKey) {
+			superseded.Store(true)
+			say("superseded", fmt.Sprintf("the pull request's key moved to %.12s on %.12s while this checked %.12s on %.12s: stopped",
+				k.Head, k.Trunk, request.Ref, request.Check.Trunk))
+			cancel()
+		})
+		if err != nil {
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "the key of %s/%s#%d could not be watched, so its check runs on if the key moves: %v\n",
+				request.Check.Owner, request.Check.Repo, request.Check.Number, err)
+		} else {
+			defer stopWatching()
+		}
+	}
 
 	result := link.BuildResult{
 		ID: request.ID, Repository: request.Repository, Path: request.Path,
@@ -242,7 +325,11 @@ func answer(ctx context.Context, publisher builder.Publisher, on, workspace stri
 	}
 	say("build", what)
 
-	npmrc, err := packagesFrom()
+	npmrc, err := packagesFrom(on)
+	if err == nil {
+		say("packages", saysRegistry(npmrc))
+	}
+	registryHere, isRegistry := publisher.(builder.Registry)
 	var built builder.Result
 	if request.Check != nil {
 		// **A pull request's merge check, not a build** (novox/hq to-be 45 §9): nothing is built,
@@ -252,11 +339,37 @@ func answer(ctx context.Context, publisher builder.Publisher, on, workspace stri
 		if r, ok := publisher.(builder.Registry); ok {
 			registry = r.Address
 		}
+		spec := checkSpecOf(request)
+		// The judge cache the build agent declares as its own data, never in the workspace: only judge builds and
+		// mesh-lab's replays mount it, never a check's containers, so no pull request's script can write what a judge
+		// is built with or kept as, or what the replays run (novox/hq ADR 0358 §6, issue 709).
+		spec.JudgeCache = judgeCache()
+		// What the merge would move, built by the check for the walk to take (novox/hq ADR 0350 §1): into the
+		// scratch namespace. **Never with the package registry's credential**: this is code nobody has approved
+		// yet, and a recipe could read the credential it is handed (issue 462). A module that resolves packages
+		// at build time has no reuse key anyway, so nothing is lost by refusing it here.
+		if isRegistry && len(spec.Builds) > 0 {
+			spec.BuildWith = &builder.CheckBuilding{Publish: publisher, Scratch: registryHere, Held: request.Held,
+				Running: request.Check.Running, Seats: request.Seats, Named: namedOf(request.Check.Named)}
+		}
 		var v builder.CheckVerdict
-		v, err = builder.Check(building, builder.Command, checkSpecOf(request), workspace, registry, forgeFrom(), say)
+		v, err = builder.Check(building, builder.Command, spec, workspace, registry, forgeFrom(), say)
 		if err == nil {
 			result.Check = &link.CheckOutcome{Verdict: v.Verdict, Summary: v.Summary, Report: v.Report,
-				Took: v.Took.Round(time.Second).String(), Gate: layerOf(v.Gate), RepoCheck: layerOf(v.Repo)}
+				Took: v.Took.Round(time.Second).String(), Gate: layerOf(v.Gate), RepoCheck: layerOf(v.Repo),
+				Head: v.Head, Trunk: v.Trunk, Beside: v.Beside, Built: checkBuiltOf(v.Built),
+				Validator: v.Validator, Siblings: siblingsOut(v.Siblings), SiblingsUnknown: v.SiblingsUnknown, JudgeFrom: v.JudgeFrom}
+			// What each of a group's heads was judged as (novox/hq ADR 0323 §6).
+			for _, m := range v.Members {
+				result.Check.Members = append(result.Check.Members, link.CheckedMember{Owner: m.Owner, Repo: m.Repo,
+					Commit: m.Head, Trunk: m.Trunk})
+			}
+			// A branch tried before its pull request reads its outcome from this log, whole (novox/hq issue 686).
+			if request.Check.Try {
+				if line, err := json.Marshal(triedOf(v)); err == nil {
+					say(link.StepTried, string(line))
+				}
+			}
 		}
 	} else if err == nil {
 		// The package-registry credential is a build input, so it is resolved before the clone: a
@@ -264,9 +377,22 @@ func answer(ctx context.Context, publisher builder.Publisher, on, workspace stri
 		// after a clone that then fails at npm ci.
 		// Every container it starts is labelled with its id, so a kill finds what outlived the
 		// docker client (ADR 0219).
-		built, err = builder.Build(building, builder.Labelled(builder.Command, request.ID), publisher,
-			request.Repository, request.Path, request.Ref, workspace, request.Held, npmrc,
-			forgeFrom(), say, request.Seats)
+		if request.Reuse != nil && isRegistry && !request.DryRun {
+			// **A walk's build takes the check's build of the same key** (novox/hq ADR 0350 §2).
+			reuse := builder.Reuse{Scratch: registryHere}
+			for _, p := range request.Reuse.Pulls {
+				reuse.Pulls = append(reuse.Pulls, builder.PullRef{Owner: p.Owner, Repo: p.Repo, Number: p.Number})
+			}
+			// Only what a verdict names is taken (ADR 0350 §2).
+			reuse.Named = namedOf(request.Reuse.Builds)
+			built, err = builder.BuildReusing(building, builder.Labelled(builder.Command, request.ID), publisher, reuse,
+				request.Repository, request.Path, request.Ref, workspace, request.Held, npmrc,
+				forgeFrom(), say, request.Seats)
+		} else {
+			built, err = builder.Build(building, builder.Labelled(builder.Command, request.ID), publisher,
+				request.Repository, request.Path, request.Ref, workspace, request.Held, npmrc,
+				forgeFrom(), say, request.Seats)
+		}
 	}
 	// What it copied into the store, whatever became of the build (novox/hq ADR 0257).
 	result.Mirrored = built.Mirrored
@@ -276,7 +402,11 @@ func answer(ctx context.Context, publisher builder.Publisher, on, workspace stri
 	if mine != nil {
 		killed = h.returned(mine) && err != nil
 	}
-	if killed {
+	if superseded.Load() && err != nil {
+		// Ended by its own key moving on (ADR 0406 §4): said as the check's failure, as a kill is.
+		result.Failed = link.SupersededByKey
+		say("failed", link.SupersededByKey)
+	} else if killed {
 		// **Killed by hand is the outcome, whatever the build was doing** (novox/hq ADR 0219): the
 		// error it ended with is the kill's consequence, not a fault of the source.
 		result.Failed = link.KilledByHand
@@ -302,6 +432,19 @@ func answer(ctx context.Context, publisher builder.Publisher, on, workspace stri
 			}
 			result.Against = built.Against
 			result.SourceFingerprint = built.Source
+			// What the walk did instead of building, or why it built (novox/hq ADR 0350 §3, §4).
+			result.ReuseKey = built.ReuseKey
+			if built.Reused != nil {
+				f := built.Reused.From
+				result.Reused = built.Reused.Words()
+				result.ReusedFrom = &link.ReusedFrom{Pull: link.PullRef{Owner: f.Pull.Owner, Repo: f.Pull.Repo,
+					Number: f.Pull.Number}, Head: f.Head, Trunk: f.Trunk, Check: f.Check, Key: f.Key}
+			} else if request.Reuse != nil {
+				result.BuiltWhy = built.Why
+				if result.BuiltWhy == "" {
+					result.BuiltWhy = "it has no artifact to build"
+				}
+			}
 			result.Trunk, result.OnTrunk, result.Branches = built.Trunk, built.OnTrunk, built.Branches
 			for _, r := range built.Read {
 				result.Read = append(result.Read, link.ReadRepository{Repository: r.Repository, Ref: r.Ref})
@@ -309,6 +452,11 @@ func answer(ctx context.Context, publisher builder.Publisher, on, workspace stri
 			for _, s := range built.Sources {
 				result.Sources = append(result.Sources, link.BuildSource{Repository: s.Repository, Ref: s.Ref, Paths: s.Paths})
 			}
+			// The list of predefined keys the manifest was judged against, for the controller to publish
+			// (novox/hq ADR 0348 §7).
+			if p := built.Predefined; p != nil {
+				result.Predefined = &link.PredefinedList{Keys: p.Keys, Generation: p.Generation}
+			}
 			say("built", built.Manifest.Module+" from "+short(built.Commit))
 		}
 	}
@@ -348,17 +496,88 @@ func checkSpecOf(request link.BuildRequest) builder.CheckSpec {
 	spec := builder.CheckSpec{ID: request.ID, Repository: request.Repository, Ref: request.Ref,
 		Owner: c.Owner, Repo: c.Repo, Number: c.Number, Paths: c.Paths, Beside: map[string]builder.Beside{},
 		Modules: c.Modules, New: c.New, Manifests: c.Manifests, Judge: c.Judge, Base: c.Base,
-		Toolchain: builder.ToolchainOf(request.Held), Toolchains: builder.ToolchainsOf(request.Held)}
+		Toolchain: builder.ToolchainOf(request.Held), Toolchains: builder.ToolchainsOf(request.Held),
+		Tests: c.Tests, StoreOnly: c.StoreOnly, SiblingsUnknown: c.SiblingsUnknown}
+	for _, s := range c.Siblings {
+		spec.Siblings = append(spec.Siblings, builder.Sibling{Repository: s.Repository, Number: s.Number, Head: s.Head,
+			Base: s.Base, Dir: s.Dir})
+	}
 	for dir, b := range c.Beside {
 		spec.Beside[dir] = builder.Beside{Repository: b.Repository, Ref: b.Ref}
 	}
+	for _, b := range c.Builds {
+		spec.Builds = append(spec.Builds, builder.CheckBuildSpec{Module: b.Module, Repository: b.Repository, Path: b.Path,
+			Ref: b.Ref, Merged: b.Merged, Tier: b.Tier, Skip: b.Skip})
+	}
 	for _, m := range c.Members {
 		spec.Group = append(spec.Group, builder.GroupHead{Owner: m.Owner, Repo: m.Repo, Repository: m.Repository,
-			Ref: m.Ref, Paths: m.Paths})
+			Ref: m.Ref, Paths: m.Paths, Base: m.Base})
 	}
 	return spec
 }
 
+// siblingsOut is the siblings a check read as the outcome carries them (novox/hq ADR 0382 §4).
+func siblingsOut(read []builder.JudgedSibling) []link.CheckSibling {
+	var out []link.CheckSibling
+	for _, s := range read {
+		out = append(out, link.CheckSibling{Repository: s.Repository, Number: s.Number, Head: s.Head, Base: s.Base,
+			BaseCommit: s.BaseCommit})
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// judgeCache is the judge cache the build agent's manifest declares (MESH_JUDGE_CACHE, novox/hq ADR 0358 §6): a
+// directory mounted at the same path on the host, so a judge build's mounts name what the agent sees. Empty when the
+// agent declares none, and every judge is then built cold under its check's root.
+func judgeCache() string { return os.Getenv("MESH_JUDGE_CACHE") }
+
+// triedOf is a try's outcome as its log line says it (novox/hq issue 686): the repository's own check's verdict,
+// or the check's where that did not run — a head that does not merge — and the lines naming what failed.
+func triedOf(v builder.CheckVerdict) link.Tried {
+	t := link.Tried{Verdict: v.Verdict, Summary: v.Summary, Took: v.Took.Round(time.Second).String(),
+		Head: v.Head, Trunk: v.Trunk}
+	if v.Repo != nil && (v.Gate == nil || v.Gate.Verdict == "pass") {
+		t.Verdict, t.Summary = v.Repo.Verdict, v.Repo.Summary
+	}
+	if v.Repo != nil && v.Repo.Failed != "" {
+		t.Failed = strings.Split(v.Repo.Failed, "\n")
+	}
+	if t.Verdict == "" {
+		t.Verdict = "error"
+	}
+	return t
+}
+
+// namedOf are the builds the seat's verdicts name, as the builder believes a scratch record by them (novox/hq ADR
+// 0350 §2, issue 703): each module's key with every artifact's digest.
+func namedOf(builds []link.CheckedBuild) []builder.NamedBuild {
+	var out []builder.NamedBuild
+	for _, b := range builds {
+		named := builder.NamedBuild{Pull: builder.PullRef{Owner: b.Pull.Owner, Repo: b.Pull.Repo,
+			Number: b.Pull.Number}, Check: b.Check, Module: b.Built.Module, Key: b.Built.Key,
+			Digests: map[string]string{}}
+		for _, m := range b.Built.Made {
+			named.Digests[m.Name] = builder.DigestOf(m.Reference)
+		}
+		out = append(out, named)
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// checkBuiltOf is a check's builds for its merge as the outcome carries them (novox/hq ADR 0350 §1).
+func checkBuiltOf(built []builder.CheckBuilt) []link.CheckBuilt {
+	var out []link.CheckBuilt
+	for _, b := range built {
+		c := link.CheckBuilt{Module: b.Module, Key: b.Key, NotBuilt: b.NotBuilt, Took: b.Took.Round(time.Second).String(),
+			Kept: b.Kept, Same: b.Same, SameAs: b.SameAs}
+		for _, m := range b.Made {
+			c.Made = append(c.Made, link.MadeArtifact{Name: m.Name, Kind: m.Kind, Reference: m.Reference})
+		}
+		out = append(out, c)
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
 // layerOf is one layer of a check as the outcome carries it.
 func layerOf(l *builder.Layer) *link.CheckLayer {
 	if l == nil {
@@ -368,79 +587,171 @@ func layerOf(l *builder.Layer) *link.CheckLayer {
 }
 
 // packagesFrom is where a build resolves the mesh's own published packages — the SDK above all
-// (novox/hq ADR 0076, issue 053).
+// (novox/hq ADR 0076, issue 053) — on this machine.
 //
-// Preferably from the mesh: a package-registry binding names the endpoint the way the artifact
-// store's binding does, and a sealed token file the credential the way the broker's does. The
-// environment variables remain for a builder run by a person, and for the bootstrap, where there is
-// no registry yet — there the result is disabled and a build that needs no mesh-published dependency
-// builds anyway.
-func packagesFrom() (builder.Npmrc, error) {
+// **The binding wins, then the genesis document** (novox/hq ADR 0336 §3, §4). The build agent's
+// npm-package-registry requirement is optional: on genesis's node, before the gitea module is assigned,
+// nothing provides it, and the installer sealed the forge it raised to this agent as one document
+// instead. Once the requirement binds, the binding names the endpoint the way the artifact store's
+// does and a sealed token file the credential, and the genesis document is left unread. A binding
+// file named and absent is a requirement not bound here, never a fault: the environment names the
+// path whether or not the mesh wrote it.
+//
+// The environment variables remain for a builder run by a person. With none of the three the result
+// is disabled and says this machine, so a build that needs the registry is refused naming it (§6),
+// and a build that needs none builds anyway.
+func packagesFrom(machine string) (builder.Npmrc, error) {
 	scope := strings.TrimSpace(os.Getenv("MESH_NPM_SCOPE"))
 	if scope == "" {
 		scope = "@novox"
 	}
+	none := builder.Npmrc{Machine: machine}
 
-	registry := strings.TrimSpace(os.Getenv("MESH_NPM_REGISTRY"))
-	var username string
 	if path := strings.TrimSpace(os.Getenv("MESH_PACKAGE_BINDING")); path != "" {
 		raw, err := os.ReadFile(path)
-		if err != nil {
-			return builder.Npmrc{}, fmt.Errorf("cannot read what the mesh said about the package registry: %w", err)
+		switch {
+		case errors.Is(err, os.ErrNotExist):
+			// Not bound on this machine: the genesis document, or nothing.
+		case err != nil:
+			return none, fmt.Errorf("cannot read what the mesh said about the package registry: %w", err)
+		default:
+			return fromBinding(path, raw, scope, machine)
 		}
-		var told struct {
-			From   string         `json:"from"`
-			At     string         `json:"at"`
-			As     string         `json:"as"`
-			Serves map[string]any `json:"serves"`
+	}
+	if path := strings.TrimSpace(os.Getenv("MESH_GENESIS_PACKAGE_REGISTRY")); path != "" {
+		raw, err := os.ReadFile(path)
+		switch {
+		case errors.Is(err, os.ErrNotExist):
+			// Not this mesh's genesis node, or the installer has not sealed it yet.
+		case err != nil:
+			return none, fmt.Errorf("cannot read the genesis document for the package registry: %w", err)
+		default:
+			return fromGenesis(path, raw, scope, machine)
 		}
-		if err := json.Unmarshal(raw, &told); err != nil {
-			return builder.Npmrc{}, fmt.Errorf("%s is not a binding: %w", path, err)
-		}
-		if told.At == "" {
-			return builder.Npmrc{}, fmt.Errorf(
-				"%s says the package registry is on %q and gives no address for it", path, told.From)
-		}
-		// Composed from what the provider serves, so nothing here knows gitea's URL shape from
-		// another registry's: it states its port, the path its registry answers on, and the scheme.
-		scheme := "https"
-		if s, ok := told.Serves["scheme"]; ok {
-			scheme = fmt.Sprintf("%v", s)
-		}
-		port, ok := told.Serves["port"]
-		if !ok {
-			return builder.Npmrc{}, fmt.Errorf("%s says nothing about which port the package registry answers on", path)
-		}
-		npmPath, ok := told.Serves["npm-path"]
-		if !ok {
-			return builder.Npmrc{}, fmt.Errorf("%s says nothing about the path the package registry answers on", path)
-		}
-		registry = fmt.Sprintf("%s://%s:%v%v", scheme, told.At, port, npmPath)
-		username = told.As
 	}
 
-	// The credential the mesh sealed to this machine. The mesh authenticates the ordinary way — a
-	// generated password the provider only applies (novox/hq ADR 0048) — so with a username this is
-	// a password (basic auth); without one it is a bearer token a provider minted.
+	// A builder run by a person.
+	registry := strings.TrimSpace(os.Getenv("MESH_NPM_REGISTRY"))
 	secret := strings.TrimSpace(os.Getenv("MESH_NPM_TOKEN"))
-	if path := strings.TrimSpace(os.Getenv("MESH_NPM_TOKEN_FILE")); path != "" {
-		raw, err := os.ReadFile(path)
+	username := strings.TrimSpace(os.Getenv("MESH_NPM_USER"))
+	if registry == "" && secret == "" {
+		return none, nil
+	}
+	n := builder.Npmrc{Scope: scope, Registry: registry, From: builder.FromEnvironment, Machine: machine}
+	if username != "" {
+		n.Username, n.Password = username, secret
+	} else {
+		n.Token = secret
+	}
+	return n, nil
+}
+
+// fromBinding composes the registry from the npm-package-registry binding the mesh wrote and the
+// credential it sealed beside it. The mesh authenticates the ordinary way — a generated password the
+// provider only applies (novox/hq ADR 0048) — so with a username the secret is a password (basic
+// auth); without one it is a bearer token a provider minted.
+func fromBinding(path string, raw []byte, scope, machine string) (builder.Npmrc, error) {
+	none := builder.Npmrc{Machine: machine}
+	var told struct {
+		From   string         `json:"from"`
+		At     string         `json:"at"`
+		As     string         `json:"as"`
+		Serves map[string]any `json:"serves"`
+	}
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(raw, &told); err != nil {
+		return none, fmt.Errorf("%s is not a binding: %w", path, err)
+	}
+	if told.At == "" {
+		return none, fmt.Errorf(
+			"%s says the package registry is on %q and gives no address for it", path, told.From)
+	}
+	// Composed from what the provider serves, so nothing here knows gitea's URL shape from
+	// another registry's: it states its port, the path its registry answers on, and the scheme.
+	scheme := "https"
+	if s, ok := told.Serves["scheme"]; ok {
+		scheme = fmt.Sprintf("%v", s)
+	}
+	port, ok := told.Serves["port"]
+	if !ok {
+		return none, fmt.Errorf("%s says nothing about which port the package registry answers on", path)
+	}
+	npmPath, ok := told.Serves["npm-path"]
+	if !ok {
+		return none, fmt.Errorf("%s says nothing about the path the package registry answers on", path)
+	}
+	secret := strings.TrimSpace(os.Getenv("MESH_NPM_TOKEN"))
+	if file := strings.TrimSpace(os.Getenv("MESH_NPM_TOKEN_FILE")); file != "" {
+		raw, err := os.ReadFile(file)
 		if err != nil {
-			return builder.Npmrc{}, fmt.Errorf("cannot read this builder's package-registry credential: %w", err)
+			return none, fmt.Errorf("cannot read this builder's package-registry credential: %w", err)
 		}
 		secret = strings.TrimSpace(string(raw))
 	}
-	if u := strings.TrimSpace(os.Getenv("MESH_NPM_USER")); u != "" {
-		username = u
+	n := builder.Npmrc{Scope: scope, Registry: fmt.Sprintf("%s://%s:%v%v", scheme, told.At, port, npmPath),
+		From: builder.FromBinding, Machine: machine}
+	if told.As != "" {
+		n.Username, n.Password = told.As, secret
+	} else {
+		n.Token = secret
 	}
+	return n, nil
+}
 
-	if registry == "" && secret == "" {
-		return builder.Npmrc{}, nil
+// GenesisRegistry is the genesis document (novox/hq ADR 0336 §3): what the installer sealed to the
+// build agent on its node at genesis's packages step, as the `genesis-package-registry` own-secret —
+// the forge it raised, the port this node gave the package registry, its npm path, and the account it
+// made with that account's password. mesh-host writes it; the field names are the two repositories'
+// agreement.
+type GenesisRegistry struct {
+	Scheme   string `json:"scheme"`
+	At       string `json:"at"`
+	Port     int    `json:"port"`
+	NpmPath  string `json:"npm-path"`
+	As       string `json:"as"`
+	Password string `json:"password"`
+}
+
+// fromGenesis composes the registry from the genesis document.
+func fromGenesis(path string, raw []byte, scope, machine string) (builder.Npmrc, error) {
+	none := builder.Npmrc{Machine: machine}
+	var g GenesisRegistry
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(raw, &g); err != nil {
+		return none, fmt.Errorf("%s is not the genesis document for the package registry: %w", path, err)
 	}
-	if username != "" {
-		return builder.Npmrc{Scope: scope, Registry: registry, Username: username, Password: secret}, nil
+	var missing []string
+	for name, value := range map[string]string{"at": g.At, "npm-path": g.NpmPath, "as": g.As, "password": g.Password} {
+		if strings.TrimSpace(value) == "" {
+			missing = append(missing, name)
+		}
 	}
-	return builder.Npmrc{Scope: scope, Registry: registry, Token: secret}, nil
+	if g.Port <= 0 {
+		missing = append(missing, "port")
+	}
+	if len(missing) > 0 {
+		sort.Strings(missing)
+		return none, fmt.Errorf("%s, the genesis document for the package registry, says nothing of %s",
+			path, strings.Join(missing, ", "))
+	}
+	scheme := g.Scheme
+	if scheme == "" {
+		scheme = "http"
+	}
+	return builder.Npmrc{Scope: scope, Registry: fmt.Sprintf("%s://%s:%d%s", scheme, g.At, g.Port, g.NpmPath),
+		Username: g.As, Password: g.Password, From: builder.FromGenesis, Machine: machine}, nil
+}
+
+// saysRegistry is the line each build's log carries about the package registry (novox/hq ADR 0336
+// §4): which of the binding and the genesis document it resolved from, or that it has neither here.
+func saysRegistry(n builder.Npmrc) string {
+	if n.Enabled() {
+		return "the package registry is resolved from " + n.From
+	}
+	machine := n.Machine
+	if machine == "" {
+		machine = "this machine"
+	}
+	return fmt.Sprintf("no package registry: %s is unbound on %s and no genesis document is here; "+
+		"a build needing it is refused", builder.RegistryRequirement, machine)
 }
 
 // forgeFrom is the git credential this builder may offer a clone, composed from the same binding

cmd/mesh-builder/once.go

@@ -84,10 +84,15 @@ func buildOnce(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 	}
 	fmt.Fprintln(os.Stderr)
 
-	npmrc, err := packagesFrom()
+	machine := os.Getenv("MESH_NODE")
+	if machine == "" {
+		machine, _ = os.Hostname()
+	}
+	npmrc, err := packagesFrom(machine)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
+	fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "  [packages] %s\n", saysRegistry(npmrc))
 	built, buildErr := builder.Build(ctx, builder.Command, publisher, repository, *path, *ref, where, bases, npmrc,
 		forgeFrom(),
 		func(step, message string) { fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "  [%s] %s\n", step, message) })

cmd/mesh-builder/packages_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,102 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/builder"
+)
+
+// The build agent's package registry (novox/hq ADR 0336, issue 121): its npm-package-registry
+// requirement is optional, so the binding may be absent, and on genesis's node the installer seals
+// the forge it raised as one genesis document instead.
+
+// registryFiles names the three paths the build agent's environment always names, writing only those
+// given.
+func registryFiles(t *testing.T, binding, token, genesis string) {
+	t.Helper()
+	dir := t.TempDir()
+	for env, content := range map[string]string{
+		"MESH_PACKAGE_BINDING":          binding,
+		"MESH_NPM_TOKEN_FILE":           token,
+		"MESH_GENESIS_PACKAGE_REGISTRY": genesis,
+	} {
+		path := filepath.Join(dir, env)
+		t.Setenv(env, path)
+		if content != "" {
+			if err := os.WriteFile(path, []byte(content), 0o600); err != nil {
+				t.Fatal(err)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	for _, env := range []string{"MESH_NPM_REGISTRY", "MESH_NPM_TOKEN", "MESH_NPM_USER", "MESH_NPM_SCOPE"} {
+		t.Setenv(env, "")
+	}
+}
+
+const (
+	aBinding = `{"from":"gitea","at":"anchor.mesh","as":"anchor-agent",
+	  "serves":{"scheme":"http","port":3000,"npm-path":"/api/packages/novox/npm/"}}`
+	aGenesisDocument = `{"scheme":"http","at":"127.0.0.1","port":3100,"npm-path":"/api/packages/novox/npm/",
+	  "as":"mesh-builder","password":"genesis-secret"}`
+)
+
+func TestUntilTheRequirementBindsTheGenesisDocumentIsRead(t *testing.T) {
+	registryFiles(t, "", "", aGenesisDocument)
+	n, err := packagesFrom("anchor")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("an absent binding beside a genesis document was refused: %v", err)
+	}
+	if n.From != builder.FromGenesis || n.Registry != "http://127.0.0.1:3100/api/packages/novox/npm/" ||
+		n.Username != "mesh-builder" || n.Password != "genesis-secret" || n.Scope != "@novox" {
+		t.Fatalf("the genesis document was not what the registry came from: %+v", n)
+	}
+	file, err := n.File()
+	if err != nil || !strings.Contains(file, "//127.0.0.1:3100/api/packages/novox/npm/:username=mesh-builder") {
+		t.Fatalf("the .npmrc is not written from the genesis document: %v\n%s", err, file)
+	}
+	if got := saysRegistry(n); !strings.Contains(got, "genesis document") {
+		t.Errorf("the log does not say the genesis document: %s", got)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestARealBindingWinsOverTheGenesisDocument(t *testing.T) {
+	registryFiles(t, aBinding, "bound-secret\n", aGenesisDocument)
+	n, err := packagesFrom("anchor")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if n.From != builder.FromBinding || n.Registry != "http://anchor.mesh:3000/api/packages/novox/npm/" ||
+		n.Username != "anchor-agent" || n.Password != "bound-secret" {
+		t.Fatalf("the binding did not win over the genesis document: %+v", n)
+	}
+	if got := saysRegistry(n); !strings.Contains(got, "binding") {
+		t.Errorf("the log does not say the binding: %s", got)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestWithNeitherTheAgentHasNoRegistryAndSaysWhere(t *testing.T) {
+	registryFiles(t, "", "", "")
+	n, err := packagesFrom("workstation")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("an unbound optional requirement was a fault: %v", err)
+	}
+	if n.Enabled() || n.Machine != "workstation" {
+		t.Fatalf("a registry came from nowhere: %+v", n)
+	}
+	got := saysRegistry(n)
+	for _, want := range []string{"npm-package-registry", "unbound", "workstation"} {
+		if !strings.Contains(got, want) {
+			t.Errorf("the log does not say %q: %s", want, got)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+func TestAGenesisDocumentMissingAFieldIsRefusedByName(t *testing.T) {
+	registryFiles(t, "", "", `{"at":"127.0.0.1","port":3000,"npm-path":"/api/packages/novox/npm/","as":"mesh-builder"}`)
+	if _, err := packagesFrom("anchor"); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "password") {
+		t.Fatalf("a genesis document with no password was taken: %v", err)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-builder/ready.go

@@ -0,0 +1,44 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+)
+
+// **The build agent says it is ready** (novox/hq issue 544). It listens on nothing, so no http or tcp
+// check can see it work; it writes a mark once it is bound to its worker and pulls build work, and its
+// container's health check runs `mesh-builder ready`, which passes only while the mark is there. Without
+// it the node-engine could judge the agent only alive, and every walk that moved it waited out the whole
+// grace on each machine.
+//
+// The mark lives in the container's own temporary directory, never in the workspace the machine keeps:
+// a new container starts without it, and a restarted one removes it before it binds again.
+func readyMark() string { return filepath.Join(os.TempDir(), "mesh-builder.ready") }
+
+// notReady removes the mark: a holder starting is not taking work until it says so again.
+func notReady() error {
+	if err := os.Remove(readyMark()); err != nil && !errors.Is(err, os.ErrNotExist) {
+		return fmt.Errorf("cannot remove the mark that this agent takes build work (%s): %w", readyMark(), err)
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+// taking writes the mark. A mark that cannot be written is said, and the agent goes on building: its
+// check then says it is not ready, which is the truth the gate should hear.
+func taking(seat string) {
+	if err := os.WriteFile(readyMark(), []byte(seat+"\n"), 0o644); err != nil {
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "cannot mark that this agent takes build work (%s): %v\n", readyMark(), err)
+		return
+	}
+	fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "taking build work from %s\n", seat)
+}
+
+// ready is the health check: nil when this container's agent is bound and pulling build work.
+func ready() error {
+	if _, err := os.Stat(readyMark()); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("not taking build work yet: %s is not there", readyMark())
+	}
+	return nil
+}

cmd/mesh-builder/ready_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"os"
+	"testing"
+)
+
+// The health check passes only between the agent saying it takes work and its next start (novox/hq
+// issue 544).
+func TestTheAgentIsReadyOnlyOnceItTakesWork(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Setenv("TMPDIR", t.TempDir())
+	if err := ready(); err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("an agent that never took work is ready")
+	}
+	taking("mesh-build-machine")
+	if err := ready(); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("an agent taking work is not ready: %v", err)
+	}
+	// Started again, it is not ready until it binds again.
+	if err := notReady(); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := ready(); err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("an agent starting again is ready before it takes work")
+	}
+	if err := notReady(); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("removing a mark that is not there failed: %v", err)
+	}
+	if _, err := os.Stat(readyMark()); err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("the mark is still there")
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-builder/stdout_test.go

@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ func TestBuilderDiagnosticsStayOffStdout(t *testing.T) {
 		"version)":     true, // --version
 		`"stopping")`:  true, // the loop.s shutdown line
 		"usage)":       true, // --help text, for a human
+		"said)":        true, // busy: the answer its node-engine reads (novox/hq ADR 0335)
 	}
 	for _, file := range []string{"once.go", "main.go"} {
 		src, err := os.ReadFile(file)

cmd/mesh-builder/tried_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,31 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/builder"
+)
+
+// A try's outcome, as the build seat says it in the build's log (novox/hq issue 686): the repository's own
+// check's verdict, how long it took, and each line naming what failed.
+func TestATrysOutcomeNamesWhatFailed(t *testing.T) {
+	tried := triedOf(builder.CheckVerdict{Verdict: "pass", Summary: "the change touches no module", Took: 303 * time.Second,
+		Head: "c0ffee", Trunk: "ca3f43c", Gate: &builder.Layer{Verdict: "pass"},
+		Repo: &builder.Layer{Verdict: "fail", Summary: "its merge-check.sh failed: TestX",
+			Failed: "--- FAIL: TestX (0.01s)\n    x_test.go:12: got 1, want 2"}})
+	if tried.Verdict != "fail" || tried.Took != "5m3s" || len(tried.Failed) != 2 || tried.Trunk != "ca3f43c" ||
+		tried.Summary != "its merge-check.sh failed: TestX" {
+		t.Fatalf("a failed try: %+v", tried)
+	}
+	// A head that does not merge fails both layers: the check's own word.
+	conflict := triedOf(builder.CheckVerdict{Verdict: "fail", Summary: "does not merge", Gate: &builder.Layer{Verdict: "fail"},
+		Repo: &builder.Layer{Verdict: "fail", Summary: "does not merge"}})
+	if conflict.Verdict != "fail" || conflict.Summary != "does not merge" {
+		t.Fatalf("a try that does not merge: %+v", conflict)
+	}
+	// No verdict is an error, never a pass.
+	if none := triedOf(builder.CheckVerdict{}); none.Verdict != "error" {
+		t.Fatalf("a try with no verdict: %+v", none)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/accept_outside.go

@@ -0,0 +1,145 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"fmt"
+	"sort"
+	"strings"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// A provision whose credential only a person outside the mesh can give (novox/hq ADR 0337, issue 164, issue 165):
+// given once for its provider, at the controller's terminal, and sealed in one act to every consumer that binds the
+// provision from that provider now. The value is never read back, printed or kept.
+
+// outsideOffer is the provider module's own name when `secret accept <node> <module> <name>` names a provision that
+// module offers with a credential issued outside the mesh, and "" when it names anything else (an own secret, or a
+// pair with --provider).
+func outsideOffer(ctx context.Context, module, name, provider string) (string, error) {
+	if provider != "" {
+		return "", nil
+	}
+	open, err := openStores(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", err
+	}
+	defer open.Close()
+	shelf, err := open.inventory.Catalogue(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", err
+	}
+	if m, known := shelf[module]; known && m.IssuedOutsideOf(name) {
+		return module, nil
+	}
+	return "", nil
+}
+
+// offeredOutsideBy is a module that offers the provision with a credential issued outside the mesh, or "".
+func offeredOutsideBy(ctx context.Context, provision string) (string, error) {
+	open, err := openStores(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", err
+	}
+	defer open.Close()
+	shelf, err := open.inventory.Catalogue(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", err
+	}
+	module, _ := catalogue.OffersIssuedOutside(shelf, provision)
+	return module, nil
+}
+
+// consumersFrom is every consumer that binds a provision from one provider now, found by resolving every machine as
+// its next send would, and the machines that could not be resolved, with why.
+func consumersFrom(ctx context.Context, open *stores, provider, providerModule, provision string) (
+	[]inventory.PairEnd, []string, error) {
+	nodes, err := open.inventory.Nodes(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, nil, err
+	}
+	var out []inventory.PairEnd
+	var unresolved []string
+	for _, n := range nodes {
+		plan, _, err := planFor(ctx, open, n.Name)
+		if err != nil {
+			unresolved = append(unresolved, fmt.Sprintf("%s: %s", n.Name, oneLine(err.Error())))
+			continue
+		}
+		out = append(out, bindsFrom(plan, n.Name, provider, providerModule, provision)...)
+	}
+	return out, unresolved, nil
+}
+
+// bindsFrom is every consumer on one machine whose resolution answers the provision from that provider. Pure.
+func bindsFrom(plan catalogue.Resolution, machine, provider, providerModule, provision string) []inventory.PairEnd {
+	var out []inventory.PairEnd
+	for _, need := range plan.Needs {
+		if need.ByRecord || need.Name != provision || need.From != provider {
+			continue
+		}
+		if need.Module != "" && need.Module != providerModule {
+			continue
+		}
+		out = append(out, inventory.PairEnd{Consumer: machine, ConsumerModule: need.For, Local: need.Local})
+	}
+	sort.Slice(out, func(i, j int) bool {
+		return out[i].ConsumerModule+"\x00"+out[i].Local < out[j].ConsumerModule+"\x00"+out[j].Local
+	})
+	return out
+}
+
+// acceptForProvision gives a provision's credential issued outside the mesh, once for its provider (ADR 0337 §3).
+func acceptForProvision(ctx context.Context, provider, providerModule, provision, value string) error {
+	open, err := openStores(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	defer open.Close()
+	consumers, unresolved, err := consumersFrom(ctx, open, provider, providerModule, provision)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	accepted, err := open.inventory.AcceptSecretForProvision(ctx, provision, provider, providerModule, value, consumers)
+	value = ""
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	fmt.Print(acceptedSaid(provider, providerModule, provision, accepted, unresolved))
+	if len(accepted.Sealed) == 0 {
+		return nil
+	}
+	if err := sendTo(ctx, open, accepted.Machines); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("%s is sealed and could not be sent: %w; `push %s` sends it", provision, err,
+			strings.Join(accepted.Machines, "`, `push "))
+	}
+	fmt.Printf("  sent %s; each consumer starts again on it\n", strings.Join(accepted.Machines, ", "))
+	return nil
+}
+
+// acceptedSaid is what one accept for a provider did, in words that never carry the value. Pure.
+func acceptedSaid(provider, providerModule, provision string, a inventory.ProvisionAccepted, unresolved []string) string {
+	var b strings.Builder
+	if len(a.Sealed) == 0 {
+		fmt.Fprintf(&b, "%s from %s on %s: no consumer binds it now, so nothing was sealed; a consumer that binds "+
+			"later waits for it, and this line given again seals it to every consumer then\n", provision,
+			providerModule, provider)
+	} else {
+		var names []string
+		for _, c := range a.Sealed {
+			names = append(names, fmt.Sprintf("%s on %s%s", c.ConsumerModule, c.Consumer, asLocal(c.Local)))
+		}
+		fmt.Fprintf(&b, "%s from %s on %s is given, sealed to %s and to %s\n", provision, providerModule, provider,
+			strings.Join(names, ", "), provider)
+		fmt.Fprintf(&b, "  the mesh cannot read it back, never makes one of its own for it, and will not rotate it\n")
+	}
+	for _, c := range a.Unsealable {
+		fmt.Fprintf(&b, "  not sealed to %s on %s: no sealing key on that machine; give it again once it has one\n",
+			c.ConsumerModule, c.Consumer)
+	}
+	for _, u := range unresolved {
+		fmt.Fprintf(&b, "  not known whether a consumer on %s binds it, which did not resolve; give it again once it does\n", u)
+	}
+	return b.String()
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/acting.go

@@ -26,8 +26,11 @@ import (
 //
 //   - **The serving controller** takes it before it does anything else — before it asserts the bus's
 //     objects, which are the controller's to write — waiting while another holds it, and renews it.
-//     A renewal refused or failed is the lease lost: the gate closes at once and the process exits, so
-//     its service manager restarts it as a candidate (serve, in push.go).
+//     Another holder seen, or the key's age passed with no renewal made, is the lease lost: the gate
+//     closes at once and the process exits, so its service manager restarts it as a candidate (serve,
+//     in push.go). A renewal the bus does not answer in time is not a loss (novox/hq issue 477): the
+//     lease is kept, no new act starts once half the key's age passed unrenewed, and the next renewal
+//     made opens the gate again.
 //   - **A command run at a shell** — `push` in the installer, the lab, a person repairing a mesh whose
 //     controller is down (issue 201) — acts **under the holder's epoch** when a controller holds the
 //     lease: it is the same mesh's word, composed and sent under the store's hold of each machine like
@@ -64,6 +67,11 @@ type actor struct {
 	// the highest epoch issued, and what was said of it; zero when it was not (S12).
 	reset     time.Time
 	resetSaid string
+	// renewEvery and poll, when set, are how often the serving controller renews the lease it holds and
+	// looks again at one another holds, in place of the lease's own: a test's, so two controllers hand the
+	// lease over in a second rather than in a renewal of five (novox/hq issue 591). A renewal is given
+	// the lease's own RenewEvery to answer however often it is made, so a slow bus does not lose it.
+	renewEvery, poll time.Duration
 }
 
 // theLease is this process's standing to the lease.
@@ -223,7 +231,7 @@ func (a *actor) serveUnderTheLease(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory
 	}
 	say := func(format string, args ...any) { fmt.Printf(format+"\n", args...) }
 	l, err := lease.Open(ctx, api, broker.LeaseBucket, lease.Options{Holder: holderOf(instance),
-		Floor: inv.HighestEpoch, Say: say, Health: controllerHealth, Moved: func(was, floor uint64) {
+		RenewEvery: a.renewEvery, RenewWithin: lease.RenewEvery, Poll: a.poll, Floor: inv.HighestEpoch, Say: say, Health: controllerHealth, Moved: func(was, floor uint64) {
 			a.mu.Lock()
 			defer a.mu.Unlock()
 			a.reset = time.Now()

cmd/mesh-controller/acts.go

@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ import (
 	"context"
 	"fmt"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+	"io"
 	"slices"
 	"sort"
 	"strings"
@@ -54,6 +55,9 @@ func assignWith(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string, opts assignOptio
 	if err := refusedMovingTheController(modules); err != nil {
 		return "", err
 	}
+	// Every line of the answer comes from the one resolution after the write (novox/hq issue 237):
+	// what the reads before it would say about a machine left out is not the answer's.
+	ctx = leftOutSaidBy(ctx, io.Discard)
 	// Held while it is recorded, so it cannot land between a converge's preview and its flip and
 	// be taken without ever having been previewed (novox/hq ADR 0100).
 	ctx, release, err := holdNodes(ctx, open, []string{node})
@@ -125,22 +129,28 @@ func assignWith(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string, opts assignOptio
 	for _, line := range settled {
 		answer += "\n  " + line
 	}
-	// What this act changed about this node's unmet seat dependencies, and nothing else (novox/hq
-	// ADR 0207): a dependency of a module just assigned, or one this assignment met. The rest of the
-	// node's list, and every other node's, is `status`'s.
-	for _, line := range unheldChange(shelf, node, before, append(append([]string(nil), before...), added...)) {
-		answer += "\n  " + line
-	}
 	// Its bus credential, in the same act (novox/hq issue 203): an assignment pushed before its
 	// credential exists delivers a process that cannot authenticate and crash-loops until somebody
 	// runs a second verb and a second push. Issued here when the module speaks on the bus and has
 	// no credential yet; kept when it has one, so re-assigning rotates nothing.
+	var issued []string
 	for _, module := range added {
 		if line := issueOnAssign(ctx, open, node, module); line != "" {
-			answer += "\n  " + line
+			issued = append(issued, line)
 		}
 	}
-	plan, _, err := planFor(ctx, open, node)
+	// **The one resolution the rest of the answer is said from** (novox/hq issue 237), taken after
+	// the write: what this act changed about this node's unmet seat dependencies, and nothing else
+	// (novox/hq ADR 0207) — a dependency of a module just assigned, or one this assignment met; the
+	// rest of the node's list, and every other node's, is `status`'s — and whether the node resolves.
+	after := resolvedAfter(ctx, open, shelf, node)
+	for _, line := range unheldChangeTo(shelf, node, before, after.modules, after.unheld) {
+		answer += "\n  " + line
+	}
+	for _, line := range issued {
+		answer += "\n  " + line
+	}
+	plan, err := after.plan, after.err
 	if err != nil {
 		// Kept, and still refused. Both halves are the answer, and the rest of the mesh is still
 		// worth reporting: this machine's refusal is rarely the only consequence.
@@ -193,8 +203,9 @@ func seatDependenciesOnAssign(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string, mo
 	if _, err := catalogue.AssignRefusal(shelf, node, assigned, adding); err != nil {
 		return nil, nil, err
 	}
-	// Two modules declaring one package, path or unit is refused before anything is recorded
-	// (novox/hq ADR 0210, 04-ISSUES/235): kept, the node would not resolve until one came off again.
+	// Two modules declaring one path or unit, or one package present and absent, is refused before anything
+	// is recorded (novox/hq ADR 0210, ADR 0303, 04-ISSUES/235): kept, the node would not resolve until one came
+	// off again. Two modules declaring one package present is not a collision (ADR 0303, issue 628).
 	if err := catalogue.CollisionRefusal(shelf, node, assigned, adding); err != nil {
 		return nil, nil, err
 	}
@@ -218,6 +229,8 @@ func unassign(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string, modules ...string)
 	if len(modules) == 0 {
 		return "", fmt.Errorf("unassign %s names no module", node)
 	}
+	// One resolution after the write, as assign's answer (novox/hq issue 237).
+	ctx = leftOutSaidBy(ctx, io.Discard)
 	ctx, release, err := holdNodes(ctx, open, []string{node})
 	if err != nil {
 		return "", err
@@ -262,15 +275,22 @@ func unassign(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string, modules ...string)
 	}
 	answer := fmt.Sprintf("%s no longer runs %s — run `push %s` to make it so",
 		node, strings.Join(modules, ", "), node)
-	var left []string
-	for _, a := range assigned {
-		if !slices.Contains(modules, a) {
-			left = append(left, a)
-		}
-	}
-	for _, line := range unheldChange(shelf, node, assigned, left) {
+	after := resolvedAfter(ctx, open, shelf, node)
+	for _, line := range unheldChangeTo(shelf, node, assigned, after.modules, after.unheld) {
 		answer += "\n  " + line
 	}
+	// Whether the node itself still resolves, from the same resolution: before, only the rest of the
+	// mesh's reads said it, on standard error and once per other machine.
+	if after.err != nil {
+		if unresolvable(after.err) {
+			answer += fmt.Sprintf("\n  but %s does not resolve now, so nothing will be sent to it:", node)
+		} else {
+			answer += fmt.Sprintf("\n  but whether %s still resolves could not be read:", node)
+		}
+		for _, line := range strings.Split(strings.TrimRight(after.err.Error(), "\n"), "\n") {
+			answer += "\n    " + strings.TrimSpace(line)
+		}
+	}
 	// What it leaves behind that is irreplaceable is kept and retired, never removed (novox/hq ADR 0233).
 	for _, line := range keptOnUnassign(ctx, open.inventory, node, modules) {
 		answer += "\n  " + line
@@ -278,6 +298,39 @@ func unassign(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string, modules ...string)
 	return answer + blockedElsewhere(ctx, open, node), nil
 }
 
+// afterAct is the one resolution of a node an act's answer is said from, taken after its write
+// (novox/hq issue 237): the plan or why there is none, the modules it has on the node, and its unmet
+// seat dependencies.
+type afterAct struct {
+	plan    catalogue.Resolution
+	err     error
+	modules []string
+	unheld  []catalogue.Unheld
+}
+
+// resolvedAfter resolves the node as `plan` does, once, after the act's write. When the node resolves,
+// its modules and unmet seat dependencies are the resolution's — the closure, so a holder pulled in by
+// a requirement counts as `plan` counts it. When it does not, they are judged over the assignments read
+// after the write, which can only find more unmet than the closure would: a seat said held there is
+// held in the closure too.
+func resolvedAfter(ctx context.Context, open *stores, shelf map[string]catalogue.Manifest, node string) afterAct {
+	plan, _, err := planFor(ctx, open, node)
+	if err == nil {
+		out := afterAct{plan: plan, unheld: plan.Unheld}
+		for _, m := range plan.Modules {
+			out.modules = append(out.modules, m.Module)
+		}
+		return out
+	}
+	out := afterAct{err: err}
+	assigned, readErr := open.inventory.Assigned(ctx, node)
+	if readErr != nil {
+		return out
+	}
+	out.modules, out.unheld = assigned, unheldOver(shelf, node, assigned)
+	return out
+}
+
 // splitModules is a surface's one `module` field as the modules it names: several, comma-separated,
 // are one act (novox/hq ADR 0207), so the holders that depend on each other go on together from the
 // command API and the controller seat's verbs as they do from the command line.
@@ -338,10 +391,10 @@ func blockedElsewhere(ctx context.Context, open *stores, except string) string {
 }
 
 // issueOnAssign gives a newly assigned module its bus credential, the way `module issue` does, and
-// says what it did in one line. Nothing for a module that declares no broker secret; nothing for one
-// whose user is already minted (a credential is rotated on purpose, never by re-assigning); and when
-// the bus cannot be reached from here, the line names the verb and the push that would refuse the
-// module until it is run — never a silent placeholder (novox/hq issue 203).
+// says what it did in one line. Nothing for a module that declares no broker secret and runs no
+// provisioner client; nothing for one whose user is already minted (a credential is rotated on
+// purpose, never by re-assigning); and when the bus cannot be reached from here, the line names the
+// verb and the push that would refuse the module until it is run — never a silent placeholder (novox/hq issue 203).
 func issueOnAssign(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node, module string) string {
 	inv := open.inventory
 	shelf, err := inv.Catalogue(ctx)
@@ -353,6 +406,10 @@ func issueOnAssign(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node, module string) strin
 		return ""
 	}
 	user := broker.Principal{Kind: broker.KindModule, Node: node, Module: module}.Username()
+	if _, reads := m.OwnSecrets["broker"]; !reads {
+		// A module running the provisioner client alone is minted the client's account (issue 917).
+		user = broker.Principal{Kind: broker.KindProvisioner, Node: node, Module: module}.Username()
+	}
 	if _, minted, err := inv.BusUserHash(ctx, user); err != nil || minted {
 		return ""
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/acts_test.go

@@ -1,3 +1,5 @@
+//go:build integration
+
 package main
 
 import (

cmd/mesh-controller/addresses_integration_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,228 @@
+//go:build integration
+
+package main
+
+import (
+	"encoding/json"
+	"os"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/licences"
+)
+
+func TestTheRegistryTrustAndEveryImageFollowThePortTheNodeGaveTheStore(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	register(t, open, aStore())
+	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "anchor", "distribution"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := open.inventory.SetSettings(ctx, "anchor", "distribution",
+		map[string]any{catalogue.PortsSetting: map[string]any{"5000": 5101}}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	// A module the mesh built, recorded by digest and path, running on the other machine.
+	if err := open.inventory.RecordBuild(ctx, inventory.Build{
+		ID: "b1", Repository: "r", Module: "app", Commit: "abc",
+		Made: []inventory.Artifact{{Name: "server", Kind: "image",
+			Reference: catalogue.ArtifactStoreScheme + "app/server@" + aDigest}},
+	}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	register(t, open, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "app", Version: "1",
+		Resources: []map[string]any{{"id": "server", "type": "container", "name": "mesh-app",
+			"image": catalogue.ArtifactStoreScheme + "app/server@" + aDigest}}})
+	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "laptop", "app"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	// The runtime's trust is the runtime's module's to write (novox/hq ADR 0222): a stand-in for it
+	// asks where this machine reaches the store, as the docker module does.
+	register(t, open, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "runtime", Version: "1",
+		Resources: []map[string]any{{"id": "daemon", "type": "file", "path": "/etc/docker/daemon.json",
+			"into": "json", "content": `{"insecure-registries": ["${seat:mesh-artifact-store:reach}"]}` + "\n"}}})
+	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "laptop", "runtime"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+
+	on := map[string]bool{"anchor": true, "laptop": true}
+	node, port, found, err := artifactStoreOnNetwork(ctx, open.inventory, on)
+	if err != nil || !found || node != "anchor" || port != "5101" {
+		t.Fatalf("the store is found on %q:%q (%v, %v); the node put it on 5101", node, port, found, err)
+	}
+
+	var trust string
+	for _, r := range composed(t, open, "laptop").Resources {
+		if r["path"] == "/etc/docker/daemon.json" {
+			trust, _ = r["content"].(string)
+		}
+		if r["id"] == "app.server" && r["image"] != "anchor.internal:5101/app/server@"+aDigest {
+			t.Errorf("the image the mesh built is fetched as %v", r["image"])
+		}
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(trust, "anchor.internal:5101") || strings.Contains(trust, ":5000") {
+		t.Fatalf("the runtime is told to trust %q; the node put the store on 5101", trust)
+	}
+
+	// And a replay to the catalogue says where the store is now.
+	announced, err := following{open: open}.Announceable(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if len(announced) != 1 || announced[0].Made[0].Reference != "anchor.internal:5101/app/server@"+aDigest {
+		t.Fatalf("the replay announces %+v", announced)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestTheControlPlaneIsToldWhereTheNodePutTheStoreAndTheBroker(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	raw, err := os.ReadFile("../../module.json")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	m, err := catalogue.ParseManifest(raw)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	control, err := withSeatPorts(m).Resolve([]catalogue.Built{{Name: "controller", Kind: catalogue.ArtifactBundle,
+		Reference: "https://registry.example/mesh-controller/controller.tar.gz", Digest: aDigest}})
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	register(t, open, control)
+	register(t, open, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "postgres", Version: "1",
+		Claims:  []catalogue.Claim{{Name: "mesh-store", Scope: catalogue.ScopeMesh}},
+		Listens: []catalogue.Listening{{Port: 5432, From: catalogue.FromMesh}},
+		Resources: []map[string]any{{"id": "server", "type": "container", "name": "mesh-store",
+			"ports": []any{"5432:5432"}, "image": "pg@" + aDigest}}})
+	register(t, open, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "lavinmq", Version: "1",
+		Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: "mesh-broker", Scope: catalogue.ScopeMesh}},
+		Listens: []catalogue.Listening{{Port: 5671, From: catalogue.FromMesh},
+			{Port: 5672, From: catalogue.FromMesh}},
+		Guards: []int{15672},
+		Resources: []map[string]any{{"id": "server", "type": "container", "name": "mesh-broker",
+			"ports": []any{"5671:5671", "5672:5672", "127.0.0.1:15672:15672"}, "image": "mq@" + aDigest}}})
+	// The control plane's own bus user is the installer's, seeded at genesis before the controller
+	// runs (SeedBusUser); without it a push now refuses the credential nobody issued (issue 203).
+	if err := open.inventory.SeedBusUser(ctx, inventory.BusUser{Username: "anchor.mesh-controller",
+		Kind: inventory.BusController, Node: "anchor", Module: "mesh-controller"}, "bootstrap"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "anchor", "mesh-controller"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	// The store's module is registered and given its port, and NOT assigned: the state genesis
+	// leaves a given-port node in before the foundation is adopted as modules (04-ISSUES/085).
+	if err := open.inventory.SetSettings(ctx, "anchor", "postgres",
+		map[string]any{catalogue.PortsSetting: map[string]any{"5432": 6852}}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "anchor", "lavinmq"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := open.inventory.SetSettings(ctx, "anchor", "lavinmq",
+		map[string]any{catalogue.PortsSetting: map[string]any{"5672": 5679}}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+
+	var env map[string]any
+	for _, r := range composed(t, open, "anchor").Resources {
+		if r["id"] == "mesh-controller.controller" {
+			env, _ = r["env"].(map[string]any)
+		}
+	}
+	if env == nil {
+		t.Fatal("the control plane's process is not in its own node's declaration")
+	}
+	for key, want := range map[string]string{
+		"MESH_STORE_INVENTORY_PORT": "6852",
+		"MESH_STORE_IDENTITY_PORT":  "6852",
+		"MESH_STORE_LICENCES_PORT":  "6852",
+		"MESH_BROKER_AMQP_PORT":     "5679",
+		// Neither given nor assigned by the mesh: the manifest's own number is NOT the answer,
+		// because the sealed value beside it carries the port genesis wrote (finding F3).
+		"MESH_BROKER_ADDRESS_PORT":    "",
+		"MESH_BROKER_MANAGEMENT_PORT": "",
+	} {
+		if env[key] != want {
+			t.Errorf("the control plane is told %s=%v; the node says %q", key, env[key], want)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+func aLoneNode(t *testing.T) *stores {
+	t.Helper()
+	inventory.ForTest(t)
+	licences.ForTest(t)
+	open, err := openStores(t.Context())
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(open.Close)
+	for _, m := range provided {
+		if err := open.inventory.Provide(t.Context(), m); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	record, err := open.inventory.AddNode(t.Context(), "anchor")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	reported, _ := json.Marshal(map[string]any{"capabilities": []map[string]any{
+		{"name": "container-runtime", "present": true}}})
+	var profile map[string]any
+	_ = json.Unmarshal(reported, &profile)
+	if err := open.inventory.RecordProfile(t.Context(), record.ID, profile); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := open.inventory.RecordSealingKey(t.Context(), record.ID, aPublicKey(t)); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	return open
+}
+
+func TestOnANodeWithNoNetworkTheStoreIsReachedByLoopback(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aLoneNode(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	register(t, open, aStore())
+	register(t, open, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "builder", Version: "1",
+		Requires: []string{catalogue.ArtifactStoreProvision},
+		Resources: []map[string]any{{"id": "server", "type": "container", "name": "mesh-builder",
+			"image": "registry.example/mesh-builder@" + aDigest}}})
+	if err := open.inventory.RecordBuild(ctx, inventory.Build{
+		ID: "b1", Repository: "r", Module: "postgres", Commit: "abc",
+		Made: []inventory.Artifact{{Name: "runtime", Kind: "image",
+			Reference: catalogue.ArtifactStoreScheme + "postgres/runtime@" + aDigest}},
+	}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	register(t, open, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "postgres", Version: "1",
+		Resources: []map[string]any{{"id": "runtime", "type": "container", "name": "mesh-postgres",
+			"image": catalogue.ArtifactStoreScheme + "postgres/runtime@" + aDigest}}})
+	for _, module := range []string{"distribution", "builder", "postgres"} {
+		if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "anchor", module); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	if err := open.inventory.SetSettings(ctx, "anchor", "distribution",
+		map[string]any{catalogue.PortsSetting: map[string]any{"5000": 5100}}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+
+	var image any
+	for _, r := range composed(t, open, "anchor").Resources {
+		if r["id"] == "postgres.runtime" {
+			image = r["image"]
+		}
+	}
+	if image != "127.0.0.1:5100/postgres/runtime@"+aDigest {
+		t.Fatalf("on the store's own node, off any network, the image is fetched as %v", image)
+	}
+	held := heldBy(ctx)
+	if got := held["postgres/runtime"]; got != "127.0.0.1:5100/postgres/runtime@"+aDigest {
+		t.Fatalf("a builder beside the store is handed the base %q", got)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/addresses_test.go

@@ -2,13 +2,10 @@ package main
 
 import (
 	"encoding/json"
-	"os"
 	"strings"
 	"testing"
 
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/licences"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
 )
 
@@ -86,150 +83,12 @@ func aStore() catalogue.Manifest {
 
 // **The trust a machine writes for the store, and the address every built image is fetched
 // through, say the port the node gave the store** — not the catalogue's number.
-func TestTheRegistryTrustAndEveryImageFollowThePortTheNodeGaveTheStore(t *testing.T) {
-	open := aMesh(t)
-	ctx := t.Context()
-	register(t, open, aStore())
-	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "anchor", "distribution"); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	if err := open.inventory.SetSettings(ctx, "anchor", "distribution",
-		map[string]any{catalogue.PortsSetting: map[string]any{"5000": 5101}}); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	// A module the mesh built, recorded by digest and path, running on the other machine.
-	if err := open.inventory.RecordBuild(ctx, inventory.Build{
-		ID: "b1", Repository: "r", Module: "app", Commit: "abc",
-		Made: []inventory.Artifact{{Name: "server", Kind: "image",
-			Reference: catalogue.ArtifactStoreScheme + "app/server@" + aDigest}},
-	}); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	register(t, open, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "app", Version: "1",
-		Resources: []map[string]any{{"id": "server", "type": "container", "name": "mesh-app",
-			"image": catalogue.ArtifactStoreScheme + "app/server@" + aDigest}}})
-	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "laptop", "app"); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	// The runtime's trust is the runtime's module's to write (novox/hq ADR 0222): a stand-in for it
-	// asks where this machine reaches the store, as the docker module does.
-	register(t, open, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "runtime", Version: "1",
-		Resources: []map[string]any{{"id": "daemon", "type": "file", "path": "/etc/docker/daemon.json",
-			"into": "json", "content": `{"insecure-registries": ["${seat:mesh-artifact-store:reach}"]}` + "\n"}}})
-	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "laptop", "runtime"); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-
-	on := map[string]bool{"anchor": true, "laptop": true}
-	node, port, found, err := artifactStoreOnNetwork(ctx, open.inventory, on)
-	if err != nil || !found || node != "anchor" || port != "5101" {
-		t.Fatalf("the store is found on %q:%q (%v, %v); the node put it on 5101", node, port, found, err)
-	}
-
-	var trust string
-	for _, r := range composed(t, open, "laptop").Resources {
-		if r["path"] == "/etc/docker/daemon.json" {
-			trust, _ = r["content"].(string)
-		}
-		if r["id"] == "app.server" && r["image"] != "anchor.internal:5101/app/server@"+aDigest {
-			t.Errorf("the image the mesh built is fetched as %v", r["image"])
-		}
-	}
-	if !strings.Contains(trust, "anchor.internal:5101") || strings.Contains(trust, ":5000") {
-		t.Fatalf("the runtime is told to trust %q; the node put the store on 5101", trust)
-	}
-
-	// And a replay to the catalogue says where the store is now.
-	announced, err := following{open}.Announceable(ctx)
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	if len(announced) != 1 || announced[0].Made[0].Reference != "anchor.internal:5101/app/server@"+aDigest {
-		t.Fatalf("the replay announces %+v", announced)
-	}
-}
 
 // **The control plane's own connections say the port the node gave the store and the broker.**
 //
 // Composed from the control plane's own manifest against a real inventory: the store's module is
 // given 6852 on this node the way genesis or an operator gives it, and the control plane's
 // process is told so beside the sealed connection genesis wrote.
-func TestTheControlPlaneIsToldWhereTheNodePutTheStoreAndTheBroker(t *testing.T) {
-	open := aMesh(t)
-	ctx := t.Context()
-	raw, err := os.ReadFile("../../module.json")
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	m, err := catalogue.ParseManifest(raw)
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	control, err := withSeatPorts(m).Resolve([]catalogue.Built{{Name: "controller", Kind: catalogue.ArtifactBundle,
-		Reference: "https://registry.example/mesh-controller/controller.tar.gz", Digest: aDigest}})
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	register(t, open, control)
-	register(t, open, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "postgres", Version: "1",
-		Claims:  []catalogue.Claim{{Name: "mesh-store", Scope: catalogue.ScopeMesh}},
-		Listens: []catalogue.Listening{{Port: 5432, From: catalogue.FromMesh}},
-		Resources: []map[string]any{{"id": "server", "type": "container", "name": "mesh-store",
-			"ports": []any{"5432:5432"}, "image": "pg@" + aDigest}}})
-	register(t, open, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "lavinmq", Version: "1",
-		Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: "mesh-broker", Scope: catalogue.ScopeMesh}},
-		Listens: []catalogue.Listening{{Port: 5671, From: catalogue.FromMesh},
-			{Port: 5672, From: catalogue.FromMesh}},
-		Guards: []int{15672},
-		Resources: []map[string]any{{"id": "server", "type": "container", "name": "mesh-broker",
-			"ports": []any{"5671:5671", "5672:5672", "127.0.0.1:15672:15672"}, "image": "mq@" + aDigest}}})
-	// The control plane's own bus user is the installer's, seeded at genesis before the controller
-	// runs (SeedBusUser); without it a push now refuses the credential nobody issued (issue 203).
-	if err := open.inventory.SeedBusUser(ctx, inventory.BusUser{Username: "anchor.mesh-controller",
-		Kind: inventory.BusController, Node: "anchor", Module: "mesh-controller"}, "bootstrap"); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "anchor", "mesh-controller"); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	// The store's module is registered and given its port, and NOT assigned: the state genesis
-	// leaves a given-port node in before the foundation is adopted as modules (04-ISSUES/085).
-	if err := open.inventory.SetSettings(ctx, "anchor", "postgres",
-		map[string]any{catalogue.PortsSetting: map[string]any{"5432": 6852}}); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "anchor", "lavinmq"); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	if err := open.inventory.SetSettings(ctx, "anchor", "lavinmq",
-		map[string]any{catalogue.PortsSetting: map[string]any{"5672": 5679}}); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-
-	var env map[string]any
-	for _, r := range composed(t, open, "anchor").Resources {
-		if r["id"] == "mesh-controller.controller" {
-			env, _ = r["env"].(map[string]any)
-		}
-	}
-	if env == nil {
-		t.Fatal("the control plane's process is not in its own node's declaration")
-	}
-	for key, want := range map[string]string{
-		"MESH_STORE_INVENTORY_PORT": "6852",
-		"MESH_STORE_IDENTITY_PORT":  "6852",
-		"MESH_STORE_LICENCES_PORT":  "6852",
-		"MESH_BROKER_AMQP_PORT":     "5679",
-		// Neither given nor assigned by the mesh: the manifest's own number is NOT the answer,
-		// because the sealed value beside it carries the port genesis wrote (finding F3).
-		"MESH_BROKER_ADDRESS_PORT":    "",
-		"MESH_BROKER_MANAGEMENT_PORT": "",
-	} {
-		if env[key] != want {
-			t.Errorf("the control plane is told %s=%v; the node says %q", key, env[key], want)
-		}
-	}
-}
 
 // withSeatPorts is the control plane's manifest with the seat placeholders in its environment —
 // added here until module.json carries them (the manifest lands one commit after the code that
@@ -274,79 +133,7 @@ func withSeatPorts(m catalogue.Manifest) catalogue.Manifest {
 // aLoneNode is one capable machine with nothing placed on any network — the control-node during
 // genesis, before the "network" step, which is after the store, the broker, the vault and the
 // catalogue have each been built and pushed (finding F2).
-func aLoneNode(t *testing.T) *stores {
-	t.Helper()
-	inventory.ForTest(t)
-	licences.ForTest(t)
-	open, err := openStores(t.Context())
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	t.Cleanup(open.Close)
-	for _, m := range provided {
-		if err := open.inventory.Provide(t.Context(), m); err != nil {
-			t.Fatal(err)
-		}
-	}
-	record, err := open.inventory.AddNode(t.Context(), "anchor")
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	reported, _ := json.Marshal(map[string]any{"capabilities": []map[string]any{
-		{"name": "container-runtime", "present": true}}})
-	var profile map[string]any
-	_ = json.Unmarshal(reported, &profile)
-	if err := open.inventory.RecordProfile(t.Context(), record.ID, profile); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	if err := open.inventory.RecordSealingKey(t.Context(), record.ID, aPublicKey(t)); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	return open
-}
 
 // **Before the network exists, the store's own node reaches it by loopback** — never refused,
 // never handed the scheme: a genesis pushes the store, the broker, the vault and the catalogue to
 // a node on no network, and builds the catalogue on a base it must be able to pull.
-func TestOnANodeWithNoNetworkTheStoreIsReachedByLoopback(t *testing.T) {
-	open := aLoneNode(t)
-	ctx := t.Context()
-	register(t, open, aStore())
-	register(t, open, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "builder", Version: "1",
-		Requires: []string{catalogue.ArtifactStoreProvision},
-		Resources: []map[string]any{{"id": "server", "type": "container", "name": "mesh-builder",
-			"image": "registry.example/mesh-builder@" + aDigest}}})
-	if err := open.inventory.RecordBuild(ctx, inventory.Build{
-		ID: "b1", Repository: "r", Module: "postgres", Commit: "abc",
-		Made: []inventory.Artifact{{Name: "runtime", Kind: "image",
-			Reference: catalogue.ArtifactStoreScheme + "postgres/runtime@" + aDigest}},
-	}); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	register(t, open, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "postgres", Version: "1",
-		Resources: []map[string]any{{"id": "runtime", "type": "container", "name": "mesh-postgres",
-			"image": catalogue.ArtifactStoreScheme + "postgres/runtime@" + aDigest}}})
-	for _, module := range []string{"distribution", "builder", "postgres"} {
-		if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "anchor", module); err != nil {
-			t.Fatal(err)
-		}
-	}
-	if err := open.inventory.SetSettings(ctx, "anchor", "distribution",
-		map[string]any{catalogue.PortsSetting: map[string]any{"5000": 5100}}); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-
-	var image any
-	for _, r := range composed(t, open, "anchor").Resources {
-		if r["id"] == "postgres.runtime" {
-			image = r["image"]
-		}
-	}
-	if image != "127.0.0.1:5100/postgres/runtime@"+aDigest {
-		t.Fatalf("on the store's own node, off any network, the image is fetched as %v", image)
-	}
-	held := heldBy(ctx)
-	if got := held["postgres/runtime"]; got != "127.0.0.1:5100/postgres/runtime@"+aDigest {
-		t.Fatalf("a builder beside the store is handed the base %q", got)
-	}
-}

cmd/mesh-controller/adopting_test.go

@@ -1,3 +1,5 @@
+//go:build integration
+
 package main
 
 import (

cmd/mesh-controller/adoption.go

@@ -408,6 +408,9 @@ func comparisonOf(module string, c comparison, opts takeOptions) (preview string
 		switch {
 		case sec.Origin == inventory.OriginAccepted:
 			fmt.Fprintf(&b, "  %s %s: accepted from a person, carried in as it is\n", what, name)
+		case sec.Origin == inventory.OriginIssued:
+			// Taken from the provider's software (novox/hq ADR 0305): the value the running service uses.
+			fmt.Fprintf(&b, "  %s %s: issued by the provider's software, carried in as it is\n", what, name)
 		case opts.Mint[sec.Name]:
 			fmt.Fprintf(&b, "  %s %s: minted by the mesh; the service takes the new value, as --mint said\n", what, name)
 		case foundData:
@@ -421,8 +424,9 @@ func comparisonOf(module string, c comparison, opts takeOptions) (preview string
 	}
 	// And its settings on this machine, composed against its definition (rule 1, rule 6).
 	for _, layer := range c.layers {
-		keys := make([]string, 0, len(layer.Values))
-		for k := range layer.Values {
+		said := layer.Whole()
+		keys := make([]string, 0, len(said))
+		for k := range said {
 			keys = append(keys, k)
 		}
 		sort.Strings(keys)
@@ -719,7 +723,7 @@ func converge(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string, yes bool, digest s
 		return "", err
 	}
 	derived := derivedFilter{rules: rules, foundation: with.Foundation, mesh: with.Mesh,
-		outward: plan.PublicDomain != "", outwardLinks: with.OutwardLinks}
+		outward: plan.PublicDomain != "", outwardLinks: with.OutwardLinks, local: with.LocalNetworks}
 	filtering, err := inv.FilteringOf(ctx, node)
 	if err != nil {
 		return "", err
@@ -927,6 +931,9 @@ type derivedFilter struct {
 	// The filter constrains what arrives on them; everything arriving elsewhere is this machine's
 	// own guest and is not filtered.
 	outwardLinks []string
+	// local is the machine's local networks, which a port from `local-network` stays open to (novox/hq
+	// ADR 0340).
+	local []string
 }
 
 // closesOutside is what a narrowing from everywhere to the private network is called: it closes.
@@ -974,6 +981,17 @@ func (d derivedFilter) fate(r inventory.Reach) string {
 			if !onMesh {
 				return fmt.Sprintf("%s — declared by %s from the mesh only", closesOutside, by)
 			}
+		case catalogue.FromLocalNetwork:
+			// The private network and this machine's local networks (novox/hq ADR 0340): it closes to
+			// everything else outside, and says which local networks stay.
+			if !onMesh {
+				if len(d.local) == 0 {
+					return fmt.Sprintf("%s — declared by %s from the local network, and this machine "+
+						"reported none", closesOutside, by)
+				}
+				return fmt.Sprintf("WILL CLOSE to everything outside the private network and %s — declared "+
+					"by %s from the local network", strings.Join(d.local, ", "), by)
+			}
 		}
 		return fmt.Sprintf("declared by %s (from %s)", by, rule.From)
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/advisories_counted_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,180 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// **A refusal the bus said once is counted once** (novox/hq issue 402). The bus refused the controller
+// one publish at 18:52:59 UTC on 2026-10-10 and never again, yet S9 looked at the one remembered
+// advisory every half minute for the hour it is kept, and the condition said "observed 15 time(s), last
+// 13s ago" with a refusal in its evidence every 30 seconds: two of us read it as a refusal going on and
+// went looking for a missing grant. The condition counts what the bus said, with when it last said it,
+// never how often the controller looked.
+func TestARefusalSaidOnceIsCountedOnceHoweverOftenItIsLookedAt(t *testing.T) {
+	refused := time.Date(2026, 10, 10, 18, 52, 59, 0, time.UTC)
+	now := refused.Add(10 * time.Second)
+	store := conditions.NewInMemory()
+	k := conditions.NewKeeper(t.Context(), conditions.Options{Store: store, History: store,
+		Teller: &conditions.Told{}, Now: func() time.Time { return now }})
+	t.Cleanup(func() { k.Close(t.Context()) })
+
+	// The words the live condition bus.controller.refused carried on 2026-10-10.
+	said := "the bus refused the controller: nats: permissions violation: Permissions Violation for " +
+		`Publish to "mesh.seat.mesh-delivery.tool.times"`
+	advisory := link.Advisory{Kind: link.AdvisoryRefused, ID: "controller", Said: said,
+		First: refused, Last: refused, Count: 1}
+	look := func() conditions.Condition {
+		t.Helper()
+		f := &signalFacts{now: now, host: "novox", advisories: []link.Advisory{advisory}}
+		if err := k.Reconcile(t.Context(), "S9", watchAdvisories(f)); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		c, found, err := conditions.ReadOne(t.Context(), store, "bus.controller.refused")
+		if err != nil || !found {
+			t.Fatalf("bus.controller.refused: found %v, %v", found, err)
+		}
+		return c
+	}
+
+	var c conditions.Condition
+	for range 15 {
+		c = look()
+		now = now.Add(30 * time.Second)
+	}
+	if c.Observations != 1 || len(c.Evidence) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("one refusal, looked at 15 times, reads as observed %d time(s) with %d evidence lines: %+v",
+			c.Observations, len(c.Evidence), c.Evidence)
+	}
+	if !c.LastObserved.Equal(refused) || !c.Evidence[0].At.Equal(refused) {
+		t.Fatalf("last observed %s, evidence at %s: the refusal was at %s", c.LastObserved, c.Evidence[0].At, refused)
+	}
+
+	// The bus refuses it three times more between two looks: the condition counts four refusals, says
+	// the newest, and adds one line of evidence for the look that saw them.
+	again := now.Add(-5 * time.Second)
+	advisory.Last, advisory.Count = again, 4
+	c = look()
+	if c.Observations != 4 || len(c.Evidence) != 2 || !c.LastObserved.Equal(again) || !c.Evidence[0].At.Equal(again) {
+		t.Fatalf("four refusals read as observed %d time(s), last %s, evidence %+v", c.Observations, c.LastObserved, c.Evidence)
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(c.Summary, "(4 times since 18:52 UTC)") {
+		t.Fatalf("summary %q", c.Summary)
+	}
+	now = now.Add(30 * time.Second)
+	if c = look(); c.Observations != 4 || len(c.Evidence) != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("a look with nothing new counted: observed %d time(s), evidence %+v", c.Observations, c.Evidence)
+	}
+}
+
+// **A condition that looks at the present still counts its looks** (novox/hq issue 402 changes only
+// what reads a record): a machine silent for three looks was observed three times, and says so.
+func TestAConditionOfThePresentCountsItsLooks(t *testing.T) {
+	now := time.Date(2026, 10, 10, 19, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	store := conditions.NewInMemory()
+	k := conditions.NewKeeper(t.Context(), conditions.Options{Store: store, History: store,
+		Teller: &conditions.Told{}, Now: func() time.Time { return now }})
+	t.Cleanup(func() { k.Close(t.Context()) })
+	var c conditions.Condition
+	for range 3 {
+		var err error
+		if c, err = k.Observe(t.Context(), conditions.Observation{Scope: conditions.ScopeMachine, ID: "ace",
+			Kind: "silent", Machine: "ace", Severity: conditions.Warning, Summary: "ace has not been heard from",
+			Source: "S1"}); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		now = now.Add(30 * time.Second)
+	}
+	if c.Observations != 3 || len(c.Evidence) != 3 || !c.LastObserved.Equal(now.Add(-30*time.Second)) {
+		t.Fatalf("observed %d time(s), %d evidence lines, last %s", c.Observations, len(c.Evidence), c.LastObserved)
+	}
+}
+
+// **One key, one watcher** (novox/hq issue 440). A consumer's max-deliveries condition is said from
+// DEAD_LETTERS while it holds a message the consumer gave up on (issue 330). A max-deliveries advisory
+// without a token names the same key; read beside it, each look added an observation and a line of
+// evidence through the dead-letter half, and the two summaries overwrote each other on every look. The
+// dead-letter row alone says that key, and counts the messages given up on, never the looks.
+func TestAHeldDeadLetterIsCountedByWhatWasGivenUpNotByTheLooks(t *testing.T) {
+	gaveUp := time.Date(2026, 10, 10, 21, 4, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	now := gaveUp.Add(20 * time.Second)
+	store := conditions.NewInMemory()
+	k := conditions.NewKeeper(t.Context(), conditions.Options{Store: store, History: store,
+		Teller: &conditions.Told{}, Now: func() time.Time { return now }})
+	t.Cleanup(func() { k.Close(t.Context()) })
+
+	const key = "bus.EVENTS.media_sonarr.max-deliveries"
+	held := map[string]int{"EVENTS.media_sonarr": 1}
+	newest := map[string]time.Time{"EVENTS.media_sonarr": gaveUp}
+	advisory := link.Advisory{Kind: link.AdvisoryMaxDeliveries, ID: "EVENTS.media_sonarr", Stream: "EVENTS",
+		Consumer: "media_sonarr", Said: "sonarr on media handed message 7 over 5 times and gave up on it",
+		First: gaveUp, Last: gaveUp, Count: 1}
+	look := func() conditions.Condition {
+		t.Helper()
+		f := &signalFacts{now: now, host: "novox", advisories: []link.Advisory{advisory},
+			deadLetters: held, deadLettersNewest: newest}
+		if err := k.Reconcile(t.Context(), "S9", watchAdvisories(f)); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		c, found, err := conditions.ReadOne(t.Context(), store, key)
+		if err != nil || !found {
+			t.Fatalf("%s: found %v, %v", key, found, err)
+		}
+		if !strings.Contains(c.Summary, "dead-letters verb") {
+			t.Fatalf("the summary is not the dead-letter row's: %q", c.Summary)
+		}
+		return c
+	}
+
+	var c conditions.Condition
+	for range 5 {
+		c = look()
+		now = now.Add(30 * time.Second)
+	}
+	if c.Observations != 1 || len(c.Evidence) != 1 || !c.LastObserved.Equal(gaveUp) {
+		t.Fatalf("one message given up on, looked at five times, reads as observed %d time(s), last %s, "+
+			"with %d evidence lines: %+v", c.Observations, c.LastObserved, len(c.Evidence), c.Evidence)
+	}
+
+	// The consumer gives up on a second message between two looks: two given up on, one more line.
+	again := now.Add(-10 * time.Second)
+	held["EVENTS.media_sonarr"], newest["EVENTS.media_sonarr"] = 2, again
+	c = look()
+	if c.Observations != 2 || len(c.Evidence) != 2 || !c.LastObserved.Equal(again) {
+		t.Fatalf("two given up on read as observed %d time(s), last %s, evidence %+v", c.Observations,
+			c.LastObserved, c.Evidence)
+	}
+	now = now.Add(30 * time.Second)
+	if c = look(); c.Observations != 2 || len(c.Evidence) != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("a look with nothing new counted: observed %d time(s), evidence %+v", c.Observations, c.Evidence)
+	}
+}
+
+// The advisory still says the max-deliveries it alone knows: a message given up on that could not be
+// kept, under a key of its own (issue 330), which issue 440's change leaves as it was.
+func TestAMessageThatCouldNotBeKeptIsStillSaidFromTheAdvisory(t *testing.T) {
+	at := time.Date(2026, 10, 10, 21, 4, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	f := &signalFacts{now: at, host: "novox", advisories: []link.Advisory{{Kind: link.AdvisoryMaxDeliveries,
+		ID: "EVENTS.media_sonarr", Stream: "EVENTS", Consumer: "media_sonarr", Token: link.AdvisoryNotKept,
+		Said: "sonarr on media gave up on message 7, and it could not be kept", First: at, Last: at, Count: 1}}}
+	said := watchAdvisories(f)
+	if len(said) != 1 || said[0].Key() != "bus.EVENTS.media_sonarr.not-kept" {
+		t.Fatalf("%+v", said)
+	}
+}
+
+// A max-deliveries advisory without a token names a consumer's dead-letter key, which only DEAD_LETTERS
+// says (novox/hq issues 330 and 440): with nothing held, the advisory alone raises nothing.
+func TestAMaxDeliveriesAdvisoryAloneRaisesNothing(t *testing.T) {
+	at := time.Date(2026, 10, 10, 21, 4, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	f := &signalFacts{now: at, host: "novox", advisories: []link.Advisory{{Kind: link.AdvisoryMaxDeliveries,
+		ID: "EVENTS.media_sonarr", Stream: "EVENTS", Consumer: "media_sonarr",
+		Said: "sonarr on media handed message 7 over 5 times and gave up on it", First: at, Last: at, Count: 1}}}
+	if said := watchAdvisories(f); len(said) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("said %+v", said)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/agent_account_integration_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,161 @@
+//go:build integration
+
+package main
+
+import (
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	snapshot "github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/facts"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-host/rootsearch"
+)
+
+func TestTheSelfCheckSaysAnAgentAccountThatCanBecomeRoot(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	for _, n := range []string{"anchor", "laptop"} {
+		if _, err := inv.NodeByName(ctx, n); err != nil {
+			if _, err := inv.AddNode(ctx, n); err != nil {
+				t.Fatal(err)
+			}
+		}
+		if err := inv.SetAccount(ctx, n, "ops", ""); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	if err := inv.SetAgentAccount(ctx, "anchor", "agent", ""); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	d := &doctor{open: open}
+	found, err := probeAgentAccounts(ctx, d)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	found = onlyMachine(found, "anchor")
+	if len(found) != 1 || found[0].Machine != "anchor" || found[0].Severity != conditions.Urgent ||
+		!strings.Contains(found[0].Said, "not judged") {
+		t.Fatalf("a named agent account with no verdict: %+v", found)
+	}
+	w := plainWordings[kindAgentCanBecomeRoot](conditions.Observation{Kind: kindAgentCanBecomeRoot, Machine: "anchor"})
+	if w.Headline == "" || w.Needs == "" || w.Resolved == "" {
+		t.Errorf("the condition has no plain words: %+v", w)
+	}
+
+	healthy := inventory.ResourceHealth{Module: "claude-code", Resource: "claude-code.agent-account",
+		Kind: link.KindAccount, Target: "agent", State: link.StateHealthy, Root: link.RootNever, Account: "agent"}
+	if _, err := inv.RecordHealth(ctx, inventory.NodeHealth{Node: "anchor", Contract: link.RootContract,
+		SaidAt: time.Now(), HeardAt: time.Now(), Resources: []inventory.ResourceHealth{healthy}}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if found, err = probeAgentAccounts(ctx, d); err != nil || len(onlyMachine(found, "anchor")) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a judged agent account still fails: %+v %v", found, err)
+	}
+	if named, confined, why, err := agentConfined(ctx, inv, "anchor", time.Now()); err != nil || !named || !confined {
+		t.Fatalf("agentConfined on anchor: %v %v %q %v", named, confined, why, err)
+	}
+	if named, _, why, err := agentConfined(ctx, inv, "laptop", time.Now()); err != nil || named ||
+		!strings.Contains(why, "operator account") {
+		t.Fatalf("agentConfined on a machine naming none: %v %q %v", named, why, err)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestTheFactsCarryTheAgentAccountAsAPseudonym(t *testing.T) {
+	open, _ := aMeshWithSecrets(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	if err := open.inventory.SetAccount(ctx, "anchor", "keeper", ""); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := open.inventory.SetAgentAccount(ctx, "anchor", "warden", ""); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	f, err := gatherFacts(ctx, open, "2.11.17")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	body, _ := f.Encode()
+	if strings.Contains(string(body), "warden") {
+		t.Error("the agent account's name is in the snapshot")
+	}
+	m, ok := f.Machine(snapshot.Pseudonym("machine", "anchor"))
+	if !ok || m.AgentAccount != snapshot.Pseudonym("account", "warden") || m.Account == m.AgentAccount {
+		t.Fatalf("the anchor's agent account reads as %q (operator %q)", m.AgentAccount, m.Account)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestASearchStillRunningAfterARestartIsNotUrgent(t *testing.T) {
+	if searchQuietFor != rootsearch.Quiet {
+		t.Fatalf("the quiet is %s and the node-engine's %s: they are one value", searchQuietFor, rootsearch.Quiet)
+	}
+	// A daily search that finishes within the quiet never leaves the account unjudged between two of them.
+	if rootsearch.FreshFor < rootsearch.Every+rootsearch.Quiet {
+		t.Fatalf("a complete search judges for %s, less than a day's search (%s) and the quiet (%s)",
+			rootsearch.FreshFor, rootsearch.Every, rootsearch.Quiet)
+	}
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	if _, err := inv.NodeByName(ctx, "anchor"); err != nil {
+		if _, err := inv.AddNode(ctx, "anchor"); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	if err := inv.SetAgentAccount(ctx, "anchor", "agent", ""); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	d := &doctor{open: open}
+	say := func(state, reason string) []conditions.Observation {
+		t.Helper()
+		// The engine's since is always now: it was just restarted.
+		v := inventory.ResourceHealth{Module: "claude-code", Resource: "claude-code.agent-account",
+			Kind: link.KindAccount, Target: "agent", State: state, Reason: reason, Root: link.RootNever,
+			Account: "agent", Since: time.Now()}
+		if _, err := inv.RecordHealth(ctx, inventory.NodeHealth{Node: "anchor", Contract: link.RootContract,
+			SaidAt: time.Now(), HeardAt: time.Now(), Resources: []inventory.ResourceHealth{v}}); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		found, err := probeAgentAccounts(ctx, d)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		return onlyMachine(found, "anchor")
+	}
+	running := link.ReasonRootPending + ": the search for setuid programs, started at 19:21, has not finished yet"
+	healthy := func() {
+		t.Helper()
+		if found := say(link.StateHealthy, ""); len(found) != 0 {
+			t.Fatalf("a healthy verdict raised: %+v", found)
+		}
+	}
+	if found := say(link.StateUnknown, running); len(found) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a search first seen now was raised: %+v", found)
+	}
+	if _, confined, why, _ := agentConfined(ctx, inv, "anchor", time.Now()); confined || !strings.Contains(why, "not judged") {
+		t.Fatalf("an account whose search runs was read as confined: %q", why)
+	}
+	// The engine restarted again and again, each statement's own since fresh: the controller's clock runs on.
+	if _, err := inv.RootSearchPending(ctx, "anchor", time.Now().Add(-searchQuietFor-time.Minute)); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	healthy() // a complete verdict forgets when the waiting began …
+	if _, err := inv.RootSearchPending(ctx, "anchor", time.Now().Add(-searchQuietFor-time.Minute)); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err) // … and this restart loop began past the bound
+	}
+	if found := say(link.StateUnknown, running); len(found) != 1 || found[0].Severity != conditions.Urgent {
+		t.Fatalf("a search pending past the bound, by the controller's clock, was not urgent: %+v", found)
+	}
+	healthy()
+	incomplete := rootsearch.ReasonIncomplete + ": the search for setuid programs did not finish (last tried at " +
+		"19:23: timeout); it is tried again later"
+	if found := say(link.StateUnknown, incomplete); len(found) != 1 || found[0].Severity != conditions.Urgent {
+		t.Fatalf("a search that did not finish was not urgent: %+v", found)
+	}
+	if found := say(link.StateUnhealthy, link.ReasonRoot+": in the group docker; "+running); len(found) != 1 ||
+		found[0].Severity != conditions.Urgent {
+		t.Fatalf("a way to root found while the search runs was not urgent: %+v", found)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/agent_account_test.go

@@ -1,14 +1,12 @@
 package main
 
 import (
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-host/rootsearch"
 	"strings"
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
-	snapshot "github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/facts"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
 )
@@ -65,55 +63,6 @@ func TestAnAgentAccountIsConfinedOnlyOnAHealthyVerdictJudgedForRoot(t *testing.T
 
 // DA raises an urgent condition, with plain words, on a machine whose agent account is not judged unable to
 // become root; a machine that names none is not its to judge.
-func TestTheSelfCheckSaysAnAgentAccountThatCanBecomeRoot(t *testing.T) {
-	open := aMesh(t)
-	ctx := t.Context()
-	inv := open.inventory
-	for _, n := range []string{"anchor", "laptop"} {
-		if _, err := inv.NodeByName(ctx, n); err != nil {
-			if _, err := inv.AddNode(ctx, n); err != nil {
-				t.Fatal(err)
-			}
-		}
-		if err := inv.SetAccount(ctx, n, "ops", ""); err != nil {
-			t.Fatal(err)
-		}
-	}
-	if err := inv.SetAgentAccount(ctx, "anchor", "agent", ""); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	d := &doctor{open: open}
-	found, err := probeAgentAccounts(ctx, d)
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	found = onlyMachine(found, "anchor")
-	if len(found) != 1 || found[0].Machine != "anchor" || found[0].Severity != conditions.Urgent ||
-		!strings.Contains(found[0].Said, "not judged") {
-		t.Fatalf("a named agent account with no verdict: %+v", found)
-	}
-	w := plainWordings[kindAgentCanBecomeRoot](conditions.Observation{Kind: kindAgentCanBecomeRoot, Machine: "anchor"})
-	if w.Headline == "" || w.Needs == "" || w.Resolved == "" {
-		t.Errorf("the condition has no plain words: %+v", w)
-	}
-
-	healthy := inventory.ResourceHealth{Module: "claude-code", Resource: "claude-code.agent-account",
-		Kind: link.KindAccount, Target: "agent", State: link.StateHealthy, Root: link.RootNever, Account: "agent"}
-	if _, err := inv.RecordHealth(ctx, inventory.NodeHealth{Node: "anchor", Contract: link.RootContract,
-		SaidAt: time.Now(), HeardAt: time.Now(), Resources: []inventory.ResourceHealth{healthy}}); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	if found, err = probeAgentAccounts(ctx, d); err != nil || len(onlyMachine(found, "anchor")) != 0 {
-		t.Fatalf("a judged agent account still fails: %+v %v", found, err)
-	}
-	if named, confined, why, err := agentConfined(ctx, inv, "anchor", time.Now()); err != nil || !named || !confined {
-		t.Fatalf("agentConfined on anchor: %v %v %q %v", named, confined, why, err)
-	}
-	if named, _, why, err := agentConfined(ctx, inv, "laptop", time.Now()); err != nil || named ||
-		!strings.Contains(why, "operator account") {
-		t.Fatalf("agentConfined on a machine naming none: %v %q %v", named, why, err)
-	}
-}
 
 func TestTheAgentRootWordsArePlain(t *testing.T) {
 	w := plainWordings[kindAgentCanBecomeRoot](conditions.Observation{Kind: kindAgentCanBecomeRoot, Machine: "anchor"})
@@ -134,28 +83,6 @@ func onlyMachine(obs []conditions.Observation, machine string) []conditions.Obse
 
 // The snapshot a merge check composes from carries the agent account as a pseudonym (novox/hq ADR 0266),
 // so a change is judged against machines that name one, and the name never leaves.
-func TestTheFactsCarryTheAgentAccountAsAPseudonym(t *testing.T) {
-	open, _ := aMeshWithSecrets(t)
-	ctx := t.Context()
-	if err := open.inventory.SetAccount(ctx, "anchor", "keeper", ""); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	if err := open.inventory.SetAgentAccount(ctx, "anchor", "warden", ""); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	f, err := gatherFacts(ctx, open, "2.11.17")
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	body, _ := f.Encode()
-	if strings.Contains(string(body), "warden") {
-		t.Error("the agent account's name is in the snapshot")
-	}
-	m, ok := f.Machine(snapshot.Pseudonym("machine", "anchor"))
-	if !ok || m.AgentAccount != snapshot.Pseudonym("account", "warden") || m.Account == m.AgentAccount {
-		t.Fatalf("the anchor's agent account reads as %q (operator %q)", m.AgentAccount, m.Account)
-	}
-}
 
 // No verb runs a `node` command that sets something: through the generic `command` verb, `node account`,
 // `node agent-account` and every other `node` subcommand but list and show are refused, naming the terminal.
@@ -205,75 +132,3 @@ func TestTheNodeVerbOnlyShows(t *testing.T) {
 // controller first saw it waiting — never from the engine's own "since", which a restart resets, so an engine
 // restarted in a loop does not keep it quiet. The account is still not confined, and `node show` still says not
 // judged; a search that failed, or a way to root found, is urgent at once.
-func TestASearchStillRunningAfterARestartIsNotUrgent(t *testing.T) {
-	if searchQuietFor != rootsearch.Quiet {
-		t.Fatalf("the quiet is %s and the node-engine's %s: they are one value", searchQuietFor, rootsearch.Quiet)
-	}
-	// A daily search that finishes within the quiet never leaves the account unjudged between two of them.
-	if rootsearch.FreshFor < rootsearch.Every+rootsearch.Quiet {
-		t.Fatalf("a complete search judges for %s, less than a day's search (%s) and the quiet (%s)",
-			rootsearch.FreshFor, rootsearch.Every, rootsearch.Quiet)
-	}
-	open := aMesh(t)
-	ctx := t.Context()
-	inv := open.inventory
-	if _, err := inv.NodeByName(ctx, "anchor"); err != nil {
-		if _, err := inv.AddNode(ctx, "anchor"); err != nil {
-			t.Fatal(err)
-		}
-	}
-	if err := inv.SetAgentAccount(ctx, "anchor", "agent", ""); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	d := &doctor{open: open}
-	say := func(state, reason string) []conditions.Observation {
-		t.Helper()
-		// The engine's since is always now: it was just restarted.
-		v := inventory.ResourceHealth{Module: "claude-code", Resource: "claude-code.agent-account",
-			Kind: link.KindAccount, Target: "agent", State: state, Reason: reason, Root: link.RootNever,
-			Account: "agent", Since: time.Now()}
-		if _, err := inv.RecordHealth(ctx, inventory.NodeHealth{Node: "anchor", Contract: link.RootContract,
-			SaidAt: time.Now(), HeardAt: time.Now(), Resources: []inventory.ResourceHealth{v}}); err != nil {
-			t.Fatal(err)
-		}
-		found, err := probeAgentAccounts(ctx, d)
-		if err != nil {
-			t.Fatal(err)
-		}
-		return onlyMachine(found, "anchor")
-	}
-	running := link.ReasonRootPending + ": the search for setuid programs, started at 19:21, has not finished yet"
-	healthy := func() {
-		t.Helper()
-		if found := say(link.StateHealthy, ""); len(found) != 0 {
-			t.Fatalf("a healthy verdict raised: %+v", found)
-		}
-	}
-	if found := say(link.StateUnknown, running); len(found) != 0 {
-		t.Fatalf("a search first seen now was raised: %+v", found)
-	}
-	if _, confined, why, _ := agentConfined(ctx, inv, "anchor", time.Now()); confined || !strings.Contains(why, "not judged") {
-		t.Fatalf("an account whose search runs was read as confined: %q", why)
-	}
-	// The engine restarted again and again, each statement's own since fresh: the controller's clock runs on.
-	if _, err := inv.RootSearchPending(ctx, "anchor", time.Now().Add(-searchQuietFor-time.Minute)); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	healthy() // a complete verdict forgets when the waiting began …
-	if _, err := inv.RootSearchPending(ctx, "anchor", time.Now().Add(-searchQuietFor-time.Minute)); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err) // … and this restart loop began past the bound
-	}
-	if found := say(link.StateUnknown, running); len(found) != 1 || found[0].Severity != conditions.Urgent {
-		t.Fatalf("a search pending past the bound, by the controller's clock, was not urgent: %+v", found)
-	}
-	healthy()
-	incomplete := rootsearch.ReasonIncomplete + ": the search for setuid programs did not finish (last tried at " +
-		"19:23: timeout); it is tried again later"
-	if found := say(link.StateUnknown, incomplete); len(found) != 1 || found[0].Severity != conditions.Urgent {
-		t.Fatalf("a search that did not finish was not urgent: %+v", found)
-	}
-	if found := say(link.StateUnhealthy, link.ReasonRoot+": in the group docker; "+running); len(found) != 1 ||
-		found[0].Severity != conditions.Urgent {
-		t.Fatalf("a way to root found while the search runs was not urgent: %+v", found)
-	}
-}

cmd/mesh-controller/api_test.go

@@ -1,3 +1,5 @@
+//go:build integration
+
 package main
 
 import (

cmd/mesh-controller/apply_failing.go

@@ -0,0 +1,164 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+	"sort"
+	"strings"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// kindApplyFailing is S21's kind: a machine whose declarations have been refused, or applied only in part,
+// for longer than one apply interval (novox/hq issue 233).
+const kindApplyFailing = "apply-failing"
+
+// applyEvery is how often a node-engine applies what it was last told when nothing new arrives: its
+// ReconcileEvery. A failure still there after one more of them is not one the next apply clears.
+const applyEvery = 5 * time.Minute
+
+// packageManagerKey is how a node-engine names a package manager that does not answer among what failed
+// (mesh-host's probe.go): "the package manager (pacman)".
+const packageManagerKey = "the package manager ("
+
+// watchApplyFailing is S21: **a machine that does not apply what it was sent is said by the mesh, not only
+// to someone who asks for `status`** (novox/hq issue 233, issue 187's family). A workstation refused every
+// declaration for an hour and a half because its package manager did not answer, and the mesh's only word
+// on it was a line in `status`. Raised once the machine's first report of this failure is older than one apply
+// interval **while the machine is heard** — judged by time, not by how many reports said it: a node-engine
+// says a re-apply only when how it went changed, so the same failure is one report however long it lasts.
+// Names the refusal's or the failure's words; cleared by the clean apply the node-engine then says. Not while
+// the machine is silent, asleep or not known: S1 says silent, and asleep is not lost.
+func watchApplyFailing(f *signalFacts) []conditions.Observation {
+	heard := map[string]bool{}
+	for _, m := range f.machines {
+		if !m.asleep() && !m.lastHeard.IsZero() && f.now.Sub(m.lastHeard) <= heartbeatBound(m.every) {
+			heard[m.name] = true
+		}
+	}
+	var out []conditions.Observation
+	said := map[string]bool{}
+	for _, d := range f.doing {
+		if !d.Wrong() || d.Since == nil || f.now.Sub(*d.Since) <= applyEvery || !heard[d.Node] {
+			continue
+		}
+		out = append(out, applyFailing(d, f.now))
+		said[d.Node] = true
+	}
+	// **A module's files the provisioner failed to place are a failed apply too** (novox/hq ADR 0362 §3): its client's
+	// newest word, judged by the same bound — the client says a failure once, and fills again on every change —
+	// on a machine whose node-engine applied what it was sent.
+	failed := map[string][]inventory.ProvReport{}
+	for _, r := range f.provFailed {
+		if r.Status != inventory.ProvFailed || f.now.Sub(r.At) <= applyEvery || !heard[r.Node] || said[r.Node] {
+			continue
+		}
+		failed[r.Node] = append(failed[r.Node], r)
+	}
+	for _, node := range sortedNames(failed) {
+		out = append(out, provisioningFailing(node, failed[node], f.now))
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// provisioningFailing is one machine's S21 condition for the modules whose files its provisioner client failed to
+// place.
+func provisioningFailing(m string, failed []inventory.ProvReport, now time.Time) conditions.Observation {
+	sort.Slice(failed, func(a, b int) bool { return failed[a].Module < failed[b].Module })
+	var names, words []string
+	since := failed[0].At
+	for _, r := range failed {
+		names = append(names, r.Module)
+		words = append(words, r.Module+": "+oneLine(orNoReason(r.Reason)))
+		if r.At.Before(since) {
+			since = r.At
+		}
+	}
+	o := conditions.Observation{Scope: conditions.ScopeMachine, ID: m, Kind: kindApplyFailing, Machine: m,
+		Severity: conditions.Warning, Said: strings.Join(words, "; "),
+		Resolved: m + " applies what it is sent again"}
+	o.Summary = fmt.Sprintf("%s's provisioner has failed to place the files of %s since %s (bound %s)", m,
+		strings.Join(names, ", "), since.UTC().Format("2006-01-02 15:04 MST"), ago(applyEvery))
+	o.Headline = m + " is not applying its update"
+	o.Explanation = fmt.Sprintf("The provisioner on %s has not been able to write the files of %s for %s. The "+
+		"details say why.", m, strings.Join(names, ", "), humanDuration(now.Sub(since)))
+	return o
+}
+
+func orNoReason(s string) string {
+	if s == "" {
+		return "no reason given"
+	}
+	return s
+}
+
+// applyFailing is one machine's S21 condition.
+func applyFailing(d inventory.Doing, now time.Time) conditions.Observation {
+	m := d.Node
+	since := d.Since.UTC().Format("2006-01-02 15:04 MST")
+	o := conditions.Observation{Scope: conditions.ScopeMachine, ID: m, Kind: kindApplyFailing, Machine: m,
+		Severity: conditions.Warning, Said: doingWords(d),
+		Resolved: m + " applies what it is sent again"}
+	how := "refused its declaration whole"
+	if d.Outcome != inventory.OutcomeRefused {
+		how = "applied its declaration only in part"
+	}
+	o.Summary = fmt.Sprintf("%s has %s since %s (bound %s): %s", m, how, since, ago(applyEvery), failedNames(d))
+	o.Headline = m + " is not applying its update"
+	o.Explanation = fmt.Sprintf("%s has %s for %s, and trying again has not helped. The details say what fails.",
+		m, plainHow(d), humanDuration(now.Sub(*d.Since)))
+	if tool := unansweringTool(d); tool != "" {
+		o.Summary = fmt.Sprintf("%s: %s does not answer, so no package reaches it; everything else it was sent "+
+			"is applied, since %s (bound %s)", m, tool, since, ago(applyEvery))
+		o.Headline = fmt.Sprintf("%s cannot install packages", m)
+		o.Explanation = fmt.Sprintf("The package manager on %s (%s) has not answered for %s, so no package reaches "+
+			"it. Everything else is still applied, so an update that repairs it can land; if none does, it needs a "+
+			"look on the machine.", m, tool, humanDuration(now.Sub(*d.Since)))
+	}
+	return o
+}
+
+// plainHow is how a machine failed, as the operator reads it.
+func plainHow(d inventory.Doing) string {
+	if d.Outcome == inventory.OutcomeRefused {
+		return "refused every update"
+	}
+	return "applied its updates only in part"
+}
+
+// unansweringTool is the package manager a machine said does not answer, or "".
+func unansweringTool(d inventory.Doing) string {
+	for _, r := range d.Failed {
+		if rest, ok := strings.CutPrefix(r.ID, packageManagerKey); ok {
+			return strings.TrimSuffix(rest, ")")
+		}
+	}
+	return ""
+}
+
+// failedNames is what failed, by name: the refusal, or the failed resources' ids.
+func failedNames(d inventory.Doing) string {
+	if d.Outcome == inventory.OutcomeRefused {
+		return "refused"
+	}
+	ids := make([]string, 0, len(d.Failed))
+	for _, r := range d.Failed {
+		ids = append(ids, r.ID)
+	}
+	sort.Strings(ids)
+	return "failed " + strings.Join(ids, ", ")
+}
+
+// doingWords is the machine's own words on what failed: the evidence, kept inside the mesh.
+func doingWords(d inventory.Doing) string {
+	if d.Outcome == inventory.OutcomeRefused {
+		return "refused: " + oneLine(d.Refused)
+	}
+	var parts []string
+	for _, r := range d.Failed {
+		parts = append(parts, r.ID+": "+oneLine(r.Error))
+	}
+	sort.Strings(parts)
+	return strings.Join(parts, "; ")
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/apply_failing_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,123 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// unansweringPackageManager is anchor's last report as the workstation's read on 2026-10-04, once its
+// node-engine applies the rest (novox/hq issue 233): the package failed and the package manager did not answer,
+// the same failure on times reports since for before now.
+func unansweringPackageManager(now time.Time, forHowLong time.Duration, times int) inventory.Doing {
+	since := now.Add(-forHowLong)
+	return inventory.Doing{Node: "anchor", Outcome: inventory.OutcomeFailed, At: now.Add(-time.Second),
+		Since: &since, Times: times, Applied: 41, Failed: []inventory.FailedResource{
+			{ID: "apply", Error: `applying "pacman.base": nothing can be said about "base": this is the arch host and ` +
+				"pacman does not answer here. Either this machine is not Arch, or its package database is broken: " +
+				"pacman exited 1: error: config file /etc/pacman.conf could not be read: No such file or directory"},
+			{ID: "the package manager (pacman)", Error: "pacman does not answer here, so every package in this " +
+				"declaration fails and the rest of it is applied (novox/hq issue 233): pacman exited 1: error: config " +
+				"file /etc/pacman.conf could not be read: No such file or directory"}}}
+}
+
+// **A machine whose package manager does not answer is raised by the mesh itself, naming the tool and the
+// probe's words** (novox/hq issue 233): the words in the evidence, the path kept out of the summary.
+func TestAPackageManagerThatDoesNotAnswerIsRaisedNamingItsWords(t *testing.T) {
+	now := time.Date(2026, 10, 4, 14, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	f := calm(now)
+	f.doing = []inventory.Doing{unansweringPackageManager(now, 90*time.Minute, 18)}
+	got := watchApplyFailing(f)
+	if len(got) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("raised %d conditions, want one: %+v", len(got), got)
+	}
+	o := got[0]
+	if o.Key() != "machine.anchor.apply-failing" || o.Machine != "anchor" {
+		t.Errorf("the condition is not the machine's: %s", o.Key())
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(o.Summary, "pacman does not answer") || !strings.Contains(o.Summary, "since 2026-10-04 12:30") {
+		t.Errorf("the summary does not name the tool and since when: %s", o.Summary)
+	}
+	if strings.Contains(o.Summary, "/etc/") {
+		t.Errorf("the summary carries a path, which belongs in the evidence: %s", o.Summary)
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(o.Said, "could not be read") {
+		t.Errorf("the evidence does not carry the probe's words: %s", o.Said)
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(o.Headline, "cannot install packages") || o.Explanation == "" || o.Resolved == "" {
+		t.Errorf("the plain words do not say it: %+v", o)
+	}
+}
+
+// **A whole refusal is raised too**, with the node-engine's words: what the workstation's report said before the
+// node-engine applied the rest.
+func TestARefusalThatGoesOnIsRaised(t *testing.T) {
+	now := time.Date(2026, 10, 4, 14, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	since := now.Add(-time.Hour)
+	f := calm(now)
+	f.doing = []inventory.Doing{{Node: "anchor", Outcome: inventory.OutcomeRefused, Since: &since, Times: 12,
+		Refused: "this is the arch host and pacman does not answer here", At: now.Add(-time.Minute)}}
+	got := watchApplyFailing(f)
+	if len(got) != 1 || !strings.Contains(got[0].Summary, "refused its declaration whole") ||
+		!strings.Contains(got[0].Said, "pacman does not answer") {
+		t.Fatalf("a refusal that went on for an hour was not raised with its words: %+v", got)
+	}
+}
+
+// **Judged by time while the machine is heard, not by how many reports said it** (review of novox/hq issue 233):
+// a node-engine says the same failure once, so one report an apply interval old is a fault that goes on; one
+// younger is not yet; and a silent or sleeping machine is S1's.
+func TestOneReportOlderThanAnApplyIsRaisedAndAQuietMachineIsNot(t *testing.T) {
+	now := time.Date(2026, 10, 4, 14, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	f := calm(now)
+	f.doing = []inventory.Doing{unansweringPackageManager(now, 6*time.Minute, 1)}
+	if got := watchApplyFailing(f); len(got) != 1 {
+		t.Errorf("one report of a failure six minutes old was not raised: %+v", got)
+	}
+	f.doing = []inventory.Doing{unansweringPackageManager(now, 4*time.Minute, 1)}
+	if got := watchApplyFailing(f); len(got) != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("a failure four minutes old was raised before one apply could clear it: %+v", got)
+	}
+	f.doing = []inventory.Doing{unansweringPackageManager(now, time.Hour, 1)}
+	f.machines[0].lastHeard = now.Add(-time.Hour)
+	if got := watchApplyFailing(f); len(got) != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("a silent machine was raised for its last report: %+v", got)
+	}
+	f = calm(now)
+	f.doing = []inventory.Doing{unansweringPackageManager(now, time.Hour, 1)}
+	f.doing[0].Node = "a-machine-the-mesh-does-not-know"
+	if got := watchApplyFailing(f); len(got) != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("a machine not heard of was raised: %+v", got)
+	}
+}
+
+// **A failed re-apply followed by a clean one clears S21** (review of novox/hq issue 233): the node-engine says
+// the clean re-apply, the store keeps it as applied with no failure since, and the condition the failure raised
+// is cleared through the keeper on the next tick.
+func TestACleanReapplyAfterAFailedOneClearsTheCondition(t *testing.T) {
+	now := time.Date(2026, 10, 4, 14, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	store := conditions.NewInMemory()
+	k := conditions.NewKeeper(t.Context(), conditions.Options{Store: store, History: store,
+		Teller: &conditions.Told{}, Now: func() time.Time { return now }})
+	defer k.Close(context.Background())
+	w := &watchdogs{keeper: k, started: now.Add(-time.Hour)}
+
+	failing := calm(now)
+	failing.doing = []inventory.Doing{unansweringPackageManager(now, 20*time.Minute, 1)}
+	w.see(t.Context(), failing)
+	open, err := k.Open(t.Context())
+	if err != nil || len(open) != 1 || open[0].Kind != kindApplyFailing {
+		t.Fatalf("the failed re-apply raised %+v (%v), want apply-failing", open, err)
+	}
+
+	clean := calm(now.Add(5 * time.Minute))
+	clean.doing = nil // the clean re-apply recorded: NotDoingWhatTheyWereTold no longer lists the machine
+	w.see(t.Context(), clean)
+	if open, _ := k.Open(t.Context()); len(open) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the condition stayed open after the clean re-apply: %+v", open)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/asker.go

@@ -213,6 +213,8 @@ type asker struct {
 
 	saidNoRouter bool
 	saidNoGrant  bool
+	// saidGrantCaveat is whether a grant held with a caveat was said, so it is said once.
+	saidGrantCaveat bool
 
 	mu     sync.Mutex
 	nudged chan struct{}
@@ -317,6 +319,13 @@ func (a *asker) reconcile(ctx context.Context) error {
 			}
 			return a.sayUnasked(ctx, unasked, "the bus does not hold the controller's grant to ask yet: "+why)
 		}
+		if why != "" && !a.saidGrantCaveat {
+			// Held, with a caveat worth one line (an older bus module cannot confirm the reload).
+			a.logf("the controller asks: %s", why)
+			a.saidGrantCaveat = true
+		} else if why == "" {
+			a.saidGrantCaveat = false
+		}
 		a.saidNoGrant = false
 	}
 	channels := ""

cmd/mesh-controller/asker_bus_test.go

@@ -1,3 +1,5 @@
+//go:build integration
+
 package main
 
 import (

cmd/mesh-controller/asker_test.go

@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ import (
 
 	"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"
 )
@@ -808,3 +809,207 @@ func TestARefusalIsAskedAgainAndTheUndeliveredConditionClearsOnceTaken(t *testin
 		t.Errorf("the explanation says its verdict twice: %q", e)
 	}
 }
+
+// hq issue 353, the review: the bus holds the controller's grant to ask only when both facts hold — the mesh
+// composes the controller's own grant, and the bus's module says it is in force on the running server — and
+// each fact not known is not held, said with why.
+func TestTheGrantIsHeldOnlyWhenComposedAndInForceOnTheBus(t *testing.T) {
+	yes := func(context.Context) (bool, string, error) { return true, "", nil }
+	no := func(why string) grantJudge {
+		return func(context.Context) (bool, string, error) { return false, why, nil }
+	}
+	broken := func(context.Context) (bool, string, error) { return false, "", errors.New("the store is away") }
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		name              string
+		composed, inForce grantJudge
+		held              bool
+		says              string
+	}{
+		{"composed and in force", yes, yes, true, ""},
+		{"not composed", no("no router is assigned"), yes, false, "no router is assigned"},
+		{"composed, written, not reloaded", yes, no("the server has not reloaded"), false, "has not reloaded"},
+		{"the composition unknown", broken, yes, false, "could not be worked out: the store is away"},
+		{"the bus unknown", yes, broken, false, "could not be worked out: the store is away"},
+		{"nothing judges the bus", yes, nil, false, "not judged"},
+	} {
+		held, why, err := grantHeldBy(c.composed, c.inForce, time.Now)(context.Background())
+		if err != nil || held != c.held || !strings.Contains(why, c.says) {
+			t.Errorf("%s: held %v (%q, %v)", c.name, held, why, err)
+		}
+	}
+	// Remembered for grantLookEvery, then judged again.
+	now := time.Date(2026, 10, 9, 18, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	inForce := false
+	judge := grantHeldBy(yes, func(context.Context) (bool, string, error) { return inForce, "not yet", nil },
+		func() time.Time { return now })
+	if held, _, _ := judge(context.Background()); held {
+		t.Fatal("held before the bus enforces it")
+	}
+	inForce = true
+	if held, _, _ := judge(context.Background()); held {
+		t.Error("judged again inside grantLookEvery")
+	}
+	now = now.Add(grantLookEvery)
+	if held, _, _ := judge(context.Background()); !held {
+		t.Error("not judged again after grantLookEvery")
+	}
+}
+
+// The controller's own grant, as composed: present while a router that takes asks is assigned, absent
+// otherwise — whatever else in the user list changes.
+func TestTheControllersOwnGrantToAskIsReadFromTheComposition(t *testing.T) {
+	router := broker.Declared{Module: "messenger", Holds: []broker.Seat{{Name: broker.AsksSeat, Scope: "mesh",
+		Accepts: []string{"ask", "cancel"}, Emits: []string{"decided"}, ByCaller: []string{"ask", "cancel", "decided"}}}}
+	other := broker.Declared{Module: "dunst"}
+	with := broker.Records{Nodes: []string{"anchor"}, Assigned: map[string][]broker.Declared{"anchor": {router, other}}}
+	without := broker.Records{Nodes: []string{"anchor"}, Assigned: map[string][]broker.Declared{"anchor": {other}}}
+	if may, err := controllerMayAsk(with); err != nil || !may {
+		t.Errorf("with a router assigned: %v %v", may, err)
+	}
+	if may, err := controllerMayAsk(without); err != nil || may {
+		t.Errorf("with no router assigned: %v %v", may, err)
+	}
+}
+
+// The bus module's answer, with the record's word on the list sent as the check only where the answer does
+// not settle it (reviews 22 and 31 of PR 188); each way it is not held names its own remedy.
+func TestTheBusModulesAnswerNamesTheRemedyForEachCase(t *testing.T) {
+	const (
+		reloaded   = `{"allowed":true,"in_force":true,"file_written":"2026-10-09T15:55:56Z","server_loaded":"2026-10-09T15:56:05Z"}`
+		notLoaded  = `{"allowed":true,"in_force":false,"why":"the user list on the machine allows it, and the server has not reloaded since it was written","file_written":"2026-10-09T15:55:56Z","server_loaded":"2026-10-09T15:50:00Z"}`
+		noVarz     = `{"allowed":true,"in_force":false,"why":"the server's last configuration load could not be read: refused"}`
+		noStat     = `{"allowed":true,"in_force":false,"why":"when the bus's user list was written could not be read inside mesh-broker-nats: exit 1"}`
+		notAllowed = `{"allowed":false,"in_force":false,"why":"the user list on the machine does not allow it"}`
+	)
+	current := busListState{Machine: "anchor"}
+	behind := busListState{Machine: "anchor", Behind: true}
+	stepped := busListState{Machine: "anchor", Behind: true, BusStep: "sending anchor would replace the bus; `bus upgrade --why …`"}
+	uncomposed := busListState{Machine: "anchor", Behind: true, Uncomposed: errors.New("module foo requires a provision nobody provides")}
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		name, answer string
+		askErr       error
+		list         busListState
+		listErr      error
+		held         bool
+		says, not    string
+	}{
+		{"in force", reloaded, nil, behind, nil, true, "", "push"},
+		{"written, not reloaded", notLoaded, nil, current, nil, false, "within about 5 s", "push"},
+		{"in force not known: varz", noVarz, nil, current, nil, false, "is not known: the server's last configuration load", "wait"},
+		{"in force not known: stat", noStat, nil, current, nil, false, "is not known: when the bus's user list was written", "wait"},
+		{"not allowed, list behind", notAllowed, nil, behind, nil, false, "`push anchor` carries it", "5 s"},
+		{"not allowed, bus step pending", notAllowed, nil, stepped, nil, false, "`bus upgrade", "`push anchor`"},
+		{"not allowed, list uncomposed", notAllowed, nil, uncomposed, nil, false, "`plan anchor`", "`push anchor`"},
+		{"older module, allowed, list current", `{"allowed":true}`, nil, current, nil, true, "not confirmed", "push"},
+		{"older module, allowed, list behind", `{"allowed":true}`, nil, behind, nil, true, "not confirmed", "push"},
+		{"older module, allowed, list unknown", `{"allowed":true}`, nil, current, errors.New("the store is away"), true, "`bus upgrade`", "push"},
+		{"older module, not allowed, list behind", `{"allowed":false}`, nil, behind, nil, false, "`push anchor` carries it", "5 s"},
+		{"module cannot answer, list current", "", errors.New("no responders"), current, nil, true, "could not answer", "push"},
+		{"module cannot answer, list behind", "", errors.New("no responders"), behind, nil, false, "`push anchor` carries it", ""},
+		{"module cannot answer, list unknown", "", errors.New("no responders"), current, errors.New("the store is away"), false, "could not be worked out", ""},
+		{"answer unreadable, list behind", `not json`, nil, behind, nil, false, "could not be read", ""},
+	} {
+		judge := busGrantBy(
+			func(context.Context) (string, json.RawMessage, error) {
+				return "anchor", json.RawMessage(c.answer), c.askErr
+			},
+			func(context.Context) (busListState, error) { return c.list, c.listErr })
+		held, why, _ := judgeGrantOnce(judge)
+		if held != c.held || !strings.Contains(why, c.says) || (c.not != "" && strings.Contains(why, c.not)) {
+			t.Errorf("%s: held %v (%q)", c.name, held, why)
+		}
+	}
+	none := busGrantBy(func(context.Context) (string, json.RawMessage, error) { return "", nil, nil }, nil)
+	if held, why, _ := judgeGrantOnce(none); held || !strings.Contains(why, "no module holds the bus") {
+		t.Errorf("no bus: held %v (%q)", held, why)
+	}
+}
+
+// judgeGrantOnce is the whole judgement with the composed grant held, as the asker makes it.
+func judgeGrantOnce(bus grantJudge) (bool, string, error) {
+	yes := func(context.Context) (bool, string, error) { return true, "", nil }
+	return grantHeldBy(yes, bus, time.Now)(context.Background())
+}
+
+// The orders reviews 22 and 31 of PR 188 found: this controller live before the bus module that answers
+// in_force, with the bus's machine behind on its list — and, after mesh-catalog #166 merged, unpushable until a
+// person's bus upgrade. An older module that allows the ask asks (once, with the caveat said); a new module that
+// has not reloaded names the wait, not a push; one that cannot say whether it reloaded names what is not known.
+func TestAnOlderBusModuleNeitherSilencesTheAsksNorNamesTheWrongRemedy(t *testing.T) {
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		name, answer string
+		list         busListState
+		asks         bool
+		says, not    string
+	}{
+		{"older module, list current", `{"allowed":true}`, busListState{Machine: "anchor"}, true, "not confirmed", ""},
+		{"older module, list behind, bus step pending", `{"allowed":true}`,
+			busListState{Machine: "anchor", Behind: true, BusStep: "a planned step"}, true, "not confirmed", ""},
+		{"new module, not reloaded",
+			`{"allowed":true,"in_force":false,"why":"not reloaded","file_written":"2026-10-09T15:55:56Z","server_loaded":"2026-10-09T15:50:00Z"}`,
+			busListState{Machine: "anchor"}, false, "within about 5 s", "push"},
+		{"new module, reload not known", `{"allowed":true,"in_force":false,"why":"the server's last configuration load could not be read: refused"}`,
+			busListState{Machine: "anchor"}, false, "is not known", "wait"},
+	} {
+		t.Run(c.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			r := newAskerRig(t)
+			var said []string
+			r.a.logf = func(f string, a ...any) { said = append(said, fmt.Sprintf(f, a...)) }
+			var raised [][]conditions.Observation
+			r.a.raise = func(_ context.Context, obs []conditions.Observation) error {
+				raised = append(raised, obs)
+				return nil
+			}
+			yes := func(context.Context) (bool, string, error) { return true, "", nil }
+			r.a.grantHeld = grantHeldBy(yes, busGrantBy(
+				func(context.Context) (string, json.RawMessage, error) {
+					return "anchor", json.RawMessage(c.answer), nil
+				},
+				func(context.Context) (busListState, error) { return c.list, nil }),
+				func() time.Time { return r.now })
+			r.open = []conditions.Condition{heldCondition()}
+			_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+			_ = r.a.reconcile(context.Background())
+			sent := r.asksSent(t)
+			if c.asks {
+				if len(sent) != 1 || sent[0].About != heldCondition().Key {
+					t.Fatalf("not asked: %+v", sent)
+				}
+				n := 0
+				for _, s := range said {
+					if strings.Contains(s, c.says) {
+						n++
+					}
+				}
+				if n != 1 {
+					t.Errorf("the caveat said %d times: %q", n, said)
+				}
+				return
+			}
+			if len(sent) != 0 {
+				t.Fatalf("asked while the bus does not hold the grant: %+v", sent)
+			}
+			if len(raised) == 0 || len(raised[len(raised)-1]) != 1 ||
+				raised[len(raised)-1][0].Kind != "asks-undelivered" {
+				t.Fatalf("not said as undelivered: %+v", raised)
+			}
+			summary := raised[len(raised)-1][0].Summary
+			if !strings.Contains(summary, c.says) || (c.not != "" && strings.Contains(summary, c.not)) {
+				t.Errorf("the condition names the wrong remedy: %q", summary)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+// The serving asker is wired to the real judgement: with records and a bus it cannot read, the grant is not
+// held, and so nothing is asked (a stub saying yes, or no judgement at all, would ask).
+func TestTheServingAskerJudgesTheGrantForReal(t *testing.T) {
+	a := servingAsker(&stores{}, nil, nil, nil)
+	if a.grantHeld == nil {
+		t.Fatal("the serving asker does not judge the bus's grant")
+	}
+	held, why, err := a.grantHeld(context.Background())
+	if err != nil || held || !strings.Contains(why, "could not be worked out") {
+		t.Errorf("held %v (%q, %v) with nothing to read", held, why, err)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/asker_wire.go

@@ -235,12 +235,27 @@ func routerHereIn(inv *inventory.Inventory) func(ctx context.Context) (bool, err
 	}
 }
 
-// grantHeldIn says whether the bus holds the controller's grant to ask (novox/hq issue 353): the user list the
-// machine holding the bus was last sent is the one the mesh composes now (brokerBehind, the same judgement a
-// push makes to send that machine first). While it is behind, the controller's ask is refused by the bus,
-// whatever the record says of the router, so nothing is asked and the operator is told to push that machine.
-// Judged at most every grantLookEvery: composing the list resolves the bus's machine whole.
-func grantHeldIn(open *stores) func(ctx context.Context) (bool, string, error) {
+// grantHeldIn says whether the bus holds the controller's grant to ask (novox/hq issue 353), judged on the two
+// facts that make it so, and failing closed on each:
+//
+//  1. **composed**: the user list the mesh composes now grants the controller itself to publish its ask
+//     (controllerMayAsk) — the controller's own grant, not whether any user of the list changed;
+//  2. **in force**: the bus's own module, on the machine holding the bus, says the user list there allows it
+//     and the server reloaded after that list was written (the nats module's `nats_user_can`, `in_force`) — a
+//     list sent is not a list the bus enforces until it reloads.
+//
+// Anything that cannot be worked out is not held, with why, so the conditions that need the operator are said
+// as undelivered rather than asked into a refusal.
+func grantHeldIn(open *stores, conn *nats.Conn) func(ctx context.Context) (bool, string, error) {
+	return grantHeldBy(composedGrantIn(open), busGrantIn(open, conn), time.Now)
+}
+
+// grantJudge is one of the two facts: whether it holds, and why not.
+type grantJudge func(ctx context.Context) (bool, string, error)
+
+// grantHeldBy is the judgement over the two facts, remembered for grantLookEvery: composing the list resolves
+// the bus's machine whole, and asking the bus's module is a call.
+func grantHeldBy(composed, inForce grantJudge, now func() time.Time) func(ctx context.Context) (bool, string, error) {
 	var mu sync.Mutex
 	var at time.Time
 	var held bool
@@ -248,22 +263,251 @@ func grantHeldIn(open *stores) func(ctx context.Context) (bool, string, error) {
 	return func(ctx context.Context) (bool, string, error) {
 		mu.Lock()
 		defer mu.Unlock()
-		if !at.IsZero() && time.Since(at) < grantLookEvery {
+		if !at.IsZero() && now().Sub(at) < grantLookEvery {
 			return held, why, nil
 		}
-		machine, behind, err := brokerBehind(ctx, open, nil)
+		held, why = judgeGrant(ctx, composed, inForce)
+		at = now()
+		return held, why, nil
+	}
+}
+
+// judgeGrant is held only when both facts hold; an error is a fact not known, never a yes. A fact that holds
+// with a caveat (a reload not confirmed) gives that caveat as the why of a yes.
+func judgeGrant(ctx context.Context, composed, inForce grantJudge) (bool, string) {
+	var caveat []string
+	for _, fact := range []struct {
+		judge grantJudge
+		what  string
+	}{{composed, "whether the mesh composes the controller a grant to ask"}, {inForce, "whether the bus enforces it"}} {
+		if fact.judge == nil {
+			return false, fact.what + " is not judged here"
+		}
+		ok, why, err := fact.judge(ctx)
+		if err != nil {
+			return false, fact.what + " could not be worked out: " + err.Error()
+		}
+		if !ok {
+			return false, why
+		}
+		if why != "" {
+			caveat = append(caveat, why)
+		}
+	}
+	return true, strings.Join(caveat, "; ")
+}
+
+// controllerMayAsk says whether the controller's own grant, as composed from these records, lets it publish its
+// ask (ADR 0259 §3: composed while a router that takes asks under its asker's name is assigned).
+func controllerMayAsk(records broker.Records) (bool, error) {
+	users, err := broker.Users(records)
+	if err != nil {
+		return false, err
+	}
+	for _, u := range users {
+		if u.Kind != broker.KindController {
+			continue
+		}
+		perms, err := broker.PermissionsFor(u)
+		if err != nil {
+			return false, err
+		}
+		return broker.MayPublish(perms, asks.AskSubject(askerName)), nil
+	}
+	return false, errors.New("the composition holds no controller")
+}
+
+// composedGrantIn is the first fact, from the mesh's records.
+func composedGrantIn(open *stores) grantJudge {
+	return func(ctx context.Context) (bool, string, error) {
+		if open == nil || open.inventory == nil {
+			return false, "", errors.New("the mesh's records are not open")
+		}
+		records, err := open.inventory.BusRecords(ctx)
 		if err != nil {
 			return false, "", err
 		}
-		at, held, why = time.Now(), !behind, ""
-		if behind {
-			why = fmt.Sprintf("the bus's user list on %s is behind what the mesh composes, so the bus has not been "+
-				"given the controller's grant to ask; `push %s` carries it", machine, machine)
+		may, err := controllerMayAsk(records)
+		if err != nil || may {
+			return may, "", err
 		}
-		return held, why, nil
+		return false, "the mesh composes the controller no grant to ask: no router that takes asks under its " +
+			"asker's name is assigned", nil
 	}
 }
 
+// busGrantIn is the second fact, asked of the bus's own module on the machine holding the bus, with the check
+// main made before it (novox/hq issue 353, PR 186: is the user list sent to the bus's machine the one composed
+// now) kept for the cases the module's word does not settle.
+func busGrantIn(open *stores, conn *nats.Conn) grantJudge {
+	ask := func(ctx context.Context) (string, json.RawMessage, error) {
+		if open == nil || open.inventory == nil || conn == nil {
+			return "", nil, errors.New("the mesh's records or the bus are not open")
+		}
+		holders, err := seatHolders(ctx, open.inventory)
+		if err != nil {
+			return "", nil, err
+		}
+		h, held := holders[theBrokerSeat]
+		if !held || h.Node == "" || h.Module == "" {
+			return "", nil, nil
+		}
+		a, err := link.AskModuleToolOn(ctx, conn, h.Module, busUserCanTool, h.Node, map[string]any{
+			"user": broker.ControllerName, "action": "publish", "subject": asks.AskSubject(askerName)}, 15*time.Second)
+		if err != nil {
+			return h.Node, nil, err
+		}
+		if a.Error != "" {
+			return h.Node, nil, errors.New(a.Error)
+		}
+		return h.Node, a.Result, nil
+	}
+	list := func(ctx context.Context) (busListState, error) {
+		if open == nil || open.inventory == nil {
+			return busListState{}, errors.New("the mesh's records are not open")
+		}
+		s, err := brokerListState(ctx, open, nil)
+		if err != nil || s.Machine == "" || !s.Behind {
+			return s, err
+		}
+		step, err := busHeld(ctx, open.inventory, []string{s.Machine})
+		if err != nil {
+			return busListState{}, err
+		}
+		s.BusStep = step[s.Machine]
+		return s, nil
+	}
+	return busGrantBy(ask, list)
+}
+
+// busListState is the user list on the bus's machine as the controller's record knows it: whether the list
+// sent there is behind the one composed now, why it could not be composed, and the bus step a send there waits
+// on (that machine cannot be pushed until a person's `bus upgrade`).
+type busListState struct {
+	Machine    string
+	Behind     bool
+	Uncomposed error
+	BusStep    string
+}
+
+// remedy is the one thing that sends the bus's machine the list composed now: the plan's own reason when it
+// cannot be composed, the bus upgrade while sends there wait on it, and otherwise a push of that machine.
+func (s busListState) remedy(node string) string {
+	if s.Machine != "" {
+		node = s.Machine
+	}
+	switch {
+	case s.Uncomposed != nil:
+		return fmt.Sprintf("the user list for %s cannot be composed (%v); `plan %s` says what to fix first",
+			node, s.Uncomposed, node)
+	case s.BusStep != "":
+		return fmt.Sprintf("sends to %s wait on the bus's planned step, so a push will not carry it: %s", node, s.BusStep)
+	}
+	return fmt.Sprintf("`push %s` carries it", node)
+}
+
+// busGrantBy judges the bus's word, and names for each way it is not held the one thing that makes it held:
+//
+//   - **in force**: held;
+//   - **allowed, from a module older than `in_force`**: held, with the caveat that the reload is not confirmed.
+//     The file allows the publish, and the bus reloads within about 5 s of a change to it, so the worst case is
+//     one ask refused in those seconds, which is asked again (issue 369). The list check is not consulted:
+//     while a bus step is pending the bus's machine cannot be pushed, so any change to the composed list would
+//     read as behind for good and silence every ask until a person's bus upgrade (the review of PR 188);
+//   - **allowed, written, not reloaded** (the module gives both times): wait about 5 s;
+//   - **allowed, in force not known** (the module could not read a time): what is not known, said;
+//   - **not allowed, or the module cannot answer**: the list check decides — the remedy that sends the list
+//     when it is behind (busListState.remedy), and, for a module that cannot answer, held while the list sent
+//     is current, as main judged it.
+//
+// ask answers the machine holding the bus and its module's answer ("" when nothing holds the bus); list is the
+// record's word on the list sent to that machine.
+func busGrantBy(ask func(ctx context.Context) (string, json.RawMessage, error),
+	list func(ctx context.Context) (busListState, error)) grantJudge {
+	return func(ctx context.Context) (bool, string, error) {
+		node, raw, askErr := ask(ctx)
+		if askErr == nil && node == "" {
+			return false, "no module holds the bus, so nothing says what it enforces", nil
+		}
+		var answer busAnswer
+		if askErr == nil {
+			if answer, askErr = readBusAnswer(raw); askErr != nil {
+				askErr = fmt.Errorf("its answer could not be read: %w", askErr)
+			}
+		}
+		if askErr != nil {
+			if node == "" {
+				node = "the bus's machine"
+			}
+			s, err := list(ctx)
+			if err != nil {
+				return false, "", fmt.Errorf("the bus module on %s could not answer (%v), and whether the list sent "+
+					"there is the one composed now could not be worked out: %w", node, askErr, err)
+			}
+			if s.Behind {
+				return false, fmt.Sprintf("the bus module on %s could not answer (%v), and the user list sent there is "+
+					"behind what the mesh composes; %s", node, askErr, s.remedy(node)), nil
+			}
+			return true, fmt.Sprintf("the bus module on %s could not answer (%v); judged by the user list sent there, "+
+				"which is the one composed now", node, askErr), nil
+		}
+		notAllowed := func(older string) (bool, string, error) {
+			s, err := list(ctx)
+			if err != nil {
+				return false, "", fmt.Errorf("the user list on %s does not allow the controller to ask%s, and whether "+
+					"the list sent there is the one composed now could not be worked out: %w", node, older, err)
+			}
+			if s.Behind {
+				return false, fmt.Sprintf("the user list on %s does not allow the controller to ask%s: it is behind "+
+					"what the mesh composes; %s", node, older, s.remedy(node)), nil
+			}
+			return false, fmt.Sprintf("the user list on %s does not allow the controller to ask%s, though the list "+
+				"sent there is the one composed now; %s again", node, older, s.remedy(node)), nil
+		}
+		switch {
+		case answer.InForce == nil && answer.Allowed:
+			return true, fmt.Sprintf("the user list on %s allows the controller to ask, but its reload is not "+
+				"confirmed: the bus module there is older than the answer whether a grant is in force, and the bus "+
+				"upgrade (`bus upgrade`) carries one that confirms it", node), nil
+		case answer.InForce == nil:
+			return notAllowed(" (the bus module there is older than the answer whether a grant is in force)")
+		case !answer.Allowed:
+			return notAllowed("")
+		case *answer.InForce:
+			return true, "", nil
+		case answer.FileWritten != "" && answer.ServerLoaded != "":
+			return false, fmt.Sprintf("the bus on %s has the controller's grant to ask written (%s) but has not "+
+				"reloaded since (last load %s); it reloads in place within about 5 s, so nothing is to be done but wait",
+				node, answer.FileWritten, answer.ServerLoaded), nil
+		}
+		why := answer.Why
+		if why == "" {
+			why = "it gives no reason"
+		}
+		return false, fmt.Sprintf("the user list on %s allows the controller to ask, but whether the bus enforces it "+
+			"is not known: %s", node, why), nil
+	}
+}
+
+// busUserCanTool is the bus module's answer to whether a user may do something, and whether it is in force.
+const busUserCanTool = "nats_user_can"
+
+// busAnswer is the bus module's answer to busUserCanTool; InForce is nil from a module older than that field,
+// and FileWritten and ServerLoaded are given only when it could read both times (mesh-catalog's nats InForce).
+type busAnswer struct {
+	Allowed      bool   `json:"allowed"`
+	InForce      *bool  `json:"in_force"`
+	Why          string `json:"why"`
+	FileWritten  string `json:"file_written"`
+	ServerLoaded string `json:"server_loaded"`
+}
+
+func readBusAnswer(raw json.RawMessage) (busAnswer, error) {
+	var answer busAnswer
+	err := json.Unmarshal(raw, &answer)
+	return answer, err
+}
+
 // grantLookEvery is how often the bus's user list is judged against the one its machine was last sent.
 const grantLookEvery = 30 * time.Second
 
@@ -302,7 +546,19 @@ func startAsking(ctx context.Context, open *stores, server *link.Server, conn *n
 		fmt.Printf("the operator cannot be asked: %v\n", err)
 		return
 	}
-	a := &asker{
+	a := servingAsker(open, conn, js, keeper)
+	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)
+}
+
+// servingAsker is the serving controller's asker, wired to the mesh: what it reads, publishes, performs and
+// records, and the judgements it asks by — the bus's grant to ask among them (novox/hq issue 353).
+func servingAsker(open *stores, conn *nats.Conn, js jetstream.JetStream, keeper *conditions.Keeper) *asker {
+	return &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)
@@ -322,7 +578,7 @@ func startAsking(ctx context.Context, open *stores, server *link.Server, conn *n
 		},
 		routerRecord: routerRecordOf(conn, open.inventory),
 		routerHere:   routerHereIn(open.inventory),
-		grantHeld:    grantHeldIn(open),
+		grantHeld:    grantHeldIn(open, conn),
 		channels:     channelsIn(open.inventory),
 		raise: func(ctx context.Context, obs []conditions.Observation) error {
 			return keeper.Reconcile(ctx, sourceAsker, obs)
@@ -330,10 +586,4 @@ func startAsking(ctx context.Context, open *stores, server *link.Server, conn *n
 		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/awaiting_push_integration_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,182 @@
+//go:build integration
+
+package main
+
+import (
+	"errors"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/overlay"
+)
+
+func TestAModuleAssignedAndNotPushedIsAwaitingAPushNotUncomposable(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	register(t, open, aKeeper())
+	pushedBy(t, open, "laptop") // the machine was pushed before; then the module is assigned
+	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "laptop", "keeper"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+
+	// The read the rest of the mesh asks still refuses it, with the composer's typed error: nothing
+	// can be compared about a secret that does not exist (status), and nothing here string-matches.
+	plan, settings, err := planFor(ctx, open, "laptop")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	gens, err := generators(ctx, open)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	_, err = declarationWith(ctx, open, "laptop", plan, settings, gens, Reading)
+	var notMade *catalogue.NotMadeError
+	if !errors.As(err, &notMade) || notMade.Module != "keeper" || notMade.Name != "repository" {
+		t.Fatalf("a read composition did not say which secret is not made, typed: %v", err)
+	}
+	// Foreseen, it composes, names what the push makes, and made nothing.
+	foreseen, err := declarationWith(ctx, open, "laptop", plan, settings, gens, Foreseeing)
+	if err != nil || len(foreseen.foreseen) != 1 || foreseen.foreseen[0] != "keeper/repository" {
+		t.Fatalf("foreseen: %v %v", foreseen.foreseen, err)
+	}
+	if _, held, err := open.inventory.ModuleSecretIfIssued(ctx, "laptop", "keeper", "repository"); err != nil || held {
+		t.Fatalf("asking ahead of the push made the secret (held %v, %v)", held, err)
+	}
+
+	// Within the bound: nothing at all — no urgent, no warning, nobody notified.
+	if got := d1(t, open); len(got) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a machine waiting for a push raised %+v", got)
+	}
+
+	// Past the bound: a warning, not urgent, saying what the push will make.
+	before := awaitingPushBound
+	awaitingPushBound = -time.Minute
+	t.Cleanup(func() { awaitingPushBound = before })
+	got := d1(t, open)
+	if len(got) != 1 || got[0].Key() != "machine.laptop.awaiting-push" || got[0].Severity != conditions.Warning ||
+		!strings.Contains(got[0].Summary, "keeper/repository") || !strings.Contains(got[0].Summary, "push laptop") {
+		t.Fatalf("a machine left un-pushed past the bound: %+v", got)
+	}
+
+	// Pushed: the secret is made and D1 says nothing.
+	pushedBy(t, open, "laptop")
+	if got := d1(t, open); len(got) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a pushed machine still raised %+v", got)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestASecretThePushCannotMakeIsStillUncomposable(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	register(t, open, aTalker())
+	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "laptop", "talker"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	got := d1(t, open)
+	if len(got) != 1 || got[0].Key() != "machine.laptop.uncomposable" || got[0].Severity != conditions.Urgent ||
+		!strings.Contains(got[0].Summary, "module issue talker --node laptop") {
+		t.Fatalf("a push that will be refused was not said urgently: %+v", got)
+	}
+
+	// And a machine whose composition fails for anything else, with a secret waiting beside it, is
+	// uncomposable for that — the stand-in hides nothing.
+	register(t, open, aKeeper())
+	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "anchor", "keeper"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	one, two := rivals()
+	register(t, open, one)
+	register(t, open, two)
+	_, _ = assign(ctx, open, "anchor", "rival-one")
+	_, _ = assign(ctx, open, "anchor", "rival-two")
+	keys := map[string]conditions.Severity{}
+	for _, o := range d1(t, open) {
+		keys[o.Key()] = o.Severity
+	}
+	if keys["machine.anchor.uncomposable"] != conditions.Urgent {
+		t.Fatalf("a real failure beside a waiting secret: %v", keys)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestAGivenSecretUnderAnOldKeyIsNotForeseen(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	register(t, open, aKeeper())
+	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "laptop", "keeper"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := open.inventory.AcceptSecretForModule(ctx, "laptop", "keeper", "repository", "given"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	record, err := open.inventory.NodeByName(ctx, "laptop")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := open.inventory.RecordSealingKey(ctx, record.ID, aPublicKey(t)); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	got := d1(t, open)
+	if len(got) != 1 || got[0].Key() != "machine.laptop.uncomposable" || !strings.Contains(got[0].Summary, "issue it again") {
+		t.Fatalf("a given secret under an old key: %+v", got)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestAMachineAwaitsAPushSinceItsOldestAssignmentSinceTheLastSend(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	register(t, open, aKeeper())
+	pushedBy(t, open, "laptop")
+	sent := time.Now()
+	since, err := open.inventory.AwaitingSince(ctx, "laptop")
+	if err != nil || since.After(sent) {
+		t.Fatalf("nothing assigned since the send: waiting since %v (%v), the send was before %v", since, err, sent)
+	}
+	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "laptop", "keeper"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	since, err = open.inventory.AwaitingSince(ctx, "laptop")
+	if err != nil || since.Before(sent.Add(-time.Second)) {
+		t.Fatalf("assigned after the send: waiting since %v (%v), not from the assignment", since, err)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestALastSendIsReadFromTheSendAndTheReport(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	register(t, open, aKeeper())
+	pushedBy(t, open, "laptop")
+	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "laptop", "keeper"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	sends, err := readDeliveries(ctx, open.inventory)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if sends["laptop"].settled("keeper", time.Now()) {
+		t.Fatal("a holder assigned and not pushed is expected to answer")
+	}
+	if !sends["laptop"].settled(overlay.Name, time.Now().Add(time.Hour)) {
+		t.Fatal("a module the machine was sent long ago is not expected to answer")
+	}
+	pushedBy(t, open, "laptop")
+	sends, err = readDeliveries(ctx, open.inventory)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if sends["laptop"].settled("keeper", time.Now()) {
+		t.Fatal("pushed a moment ago and not reported, a holder is already expected")
+	}
+	if !sends["laptop"].settled("keeper", time.Now().Add(reportGrace+time.Minute)) {
+		t.Fatal("pushed past the grace, a holder is not expected")
+	}
+	if _, ok := sends["laptop"].carried["keeper"]; !ok {
+		t.Fatalf("the send's builds do not carry keeper: %v", sends["laptop"].carried)
+	}
+	pushedAndApplied(t, open, "laptop")
+	if sends, err = readDeliveries(ctx, open.inventory); err != nil || !sends["laptop"].settled("keeper", time.Now()) {
+		t.Fatalf("pushed and reported applied, a holder is not expected to answer (%v)", err)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/awaiting_push_test.go

@@ -1,15 +1,12 @@
 package main
 
 import (
-	"errors"
-	"strings"
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/overlay"
 )
 
 // Between `assign` and `push` a module's own secrets are not made yet: the push makes them. D1 composed
@@ -81,140 +78,14 @@ func d1(t *testing.T, open *stores) []conditions.Observation {
 
 // **THE WINDOW, REPRODUCED**: assigned and not pushed, a module whose own secret the push makes is
 // waiting, not uncomposable; past the bound it is a warning naming what the push makes; pushed, nothing.
-func TestAModuleAssignedAndNotPushedIsAwaitingAPushNotUncomposable(t *testing.T) {
-	open := aMesh(t)
-	ctx := t.Context()
-	register(t, open, aKeeper())
-	pushedBy(t, open, "laptop") // the machine was pushed before; then the module is assigned
-	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "laptop", "keeper"); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-
-	// The read the rest of the mesh asks still refuses it, with the composer's typed error: nothing
-	// can be compared about a secret that does not exist (status), and nothing here string-matches.
-	plan, settings, err := planFor(ctx, open, "laptop")
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	gens, err := generators(ctx, open)
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	_, err = declarationWith(ctx, open, "laptop", plan, settings, gens, Reading)
-	var notMade *catalogue.NotMadeError
-	if !errors.As(err, &notMade) || notMade.Module != "keeper" || notMade.Name != "repository" {
-		t.Fatalf("a read composition did not say which secret is not made, typed: %v", err)
-	}
-	// Foreseen, it composes, names what the push makes, and made nothing.
-	foreseen, err := declarationWith(ctx, open, "laptop", plan, settings, gens, Foreseeing)
-	if err != nil || len(foreseen.foreseen) != 1 || foreseen.foreseen[0] != "keeper/repository" {
-		t.Fatalf("foreseen: %v %v", foreseen.foreseen, err)
-	}
-	if _, held, err := open.inventory.ModuleSecretIfIssued(ctx, "laptop", "keeper", "repository"); err != nil || held {
-		t.Fatalf("asking ahead of the push made the secret (held %v, %v)", held, err)
-	}
-
-	// Within the bound: nothing at all — no urgent, no warning, nobody notified.
-	if got := d1(t, open); len(got) != 0 {
-		t.Fatalf("a machine waiting for a push raised %+v", got)
-	}
-
-	// Past the bound: a warning, not urgent, saying what the push will make.
-	before := awaitingPushBound
-	awaitingPushBound = -time.Minute
-	t.Cleanup(func() { awaitingPushBound = before })
-	got := d1(t, open)
-	if len(got) != 1 || got[0].Key() != "machine.laptop.awaiting-push" || got[0].Severity != conditions.Warning ||
-		!strings.Contains(got[0].Summary, "keeper/repository") || !strings.Contains(got[0].Summary, "push laptop") {
-		t.Fatalf("a machine left un-pushed past the bound: %+v", got)
-	}
-
-	// Pushed: the secret is made and D1 says nothing.
-	pushedBy(t, open, "laptop")
-	if got := d1(t, open); len(got) != 0 {
-		t.Fatalf("a pushed machine still raised %+v", got)
-	}
-}
 
 // **A REAL FAILURE IS STILL URGENT**: a secret the push would be refused on is not one it will make.
 // A bus credential nobody issued (issue 203) fails the push, so D1 says it — urgent, in the push's words.
-func TestASecretThePushCannotMakeIsStillUncomposable(t *testing.T) {
-	open := aMesh(t)
-	ctx := t.Context()
-	register(t, open, aTalker())
-	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "laptop", "talker"); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	got := d1(t, open)
-	if len(got) != 1 || got[0].Key() != "machine.laptop.uncomposable" || got[0].Severity != conditions.Urgent ||
-		!strings.Contains(got[0].Summary, "module issue talker --node laptop") {
-		t.Fatalf("a push that will be refused was not said urgently: %+v", got)
-	}
-
-	// And a machine whose composition fails for anything else, with a secret waiting beside it, is
-	// uncomposable for that — the stand-in hides nothing.
-	register(t, open, aKeeper())
-	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "anchor", "keeper"); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	one, two := rivals()
-	register(t, open, one)
-	register(t, open, two)
-	_, _ = assign(ctx, open, "anchor", "rival-one")
-	_, _ = assign(ctx, open, "anchor", "rival-two")
-	keys := map[string]conditions.Severity{}
-	for _, o := range d1(t, open) {
-		keys[o.Key()] = o.Severity
-	}
-	if keys["machine.anchor.uncomposable"] != conditions.Urgent {
-		t.Fatalf("a real failure beside a waiting secret: %v", keys)
-	}
-}
 
 // A given secret sealed to a key the machine no longer has is not the mesh's to make again: the push is
 // refused on it, so D1 is too.
-func TestAGivenSecretUnderAnOldKeyIsNotForeseen(t *testing.T) {
-	open := aMesh(t)
-	ctx := t.Context()
-	register(t, open, aKeeper())
-	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "laptop", "keeper"); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	if err := open.inventory.AcceptSecretForModule(ctx, "laptop", "keeper", "repository", "given"); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	record, err := open.inventory.NodeByName(ctx, "laptop")
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	if err := open.inventory.RecordSealingKey(ctx, record.ID, aPublicKey(t)); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	got := d1(t, open)
-	if len(got) != 1 || got[0].Key() != "machine.laptop.uncomposable" || !strings.Contains(got[0].Summary, "issue it again") {
-		t.Fatalf("a given secret under an old key: %+v", got)
-	}
-}
 
 // The bound is read from when the machine began waiting: the oldest assignment since its last send.
-func TestAMachineAwaitsAPushSinceItsOldestAssignmentSinceTheLastSend(t *testing.T) {
-	open := aMesh(t)
-	ctx := t.Context()
-	register(t, open, aKeeper())
-	pushedBy(t, open, "laptop")
-	sent := time.Now()
-	since, err := open.inventory.AwaitingSince(ctx, "laptop")
-	if err != nil || since.After(sent) {
-		t.Fatalf("nothing assigned since the send: waiting since %v (%v), the send was before %v", since, err, sent)
-	}
-	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "laptop", "keeper"); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	since, err = open.inventory.AwaitingSince(ctx, "laptop")
-	if err != nil || since.Before(sent.Add(-time.Second)) {
-		t.Fatalf("assigned after the send: waiting since %v (%v), not from the assignment", since, err)
-	}
-}
 
 // **D3 AND D13 WAIT FOR THE SEND**: a holder is expected to answer on a machine once the machine was sent
 // it and had time to report — never between assign and push.
@@ -242,40 +113,3 @@ func TestAHolderIsExpectedOnlyOnceSentAndReported(t *testing.T) {
 }
 
 // And through the stores: assigned, not in the last send; pushed and reported, carried and settled.
-func TestALastSendIsReadFromTheSendAndTheReport(t *testing.T) {
-	open := aMesh(t)
-	ctx := t.Context()
-	register(t, open, aKeeper())
-	pushedBy(t, open, "laptop")
-	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "laptop", "keeper"); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	sends, err := readDeliveries(ctx, open.inventory)
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	if sends["laptop"].settled("keeper", time.Now()) {
-		t.Fatal("a holder assigned and not pushed is expected to answer")
-	}
-	if !sends["laptop"].settled(overlay.Name, time.Now().Add(time.Hour)) {
-		t.Fatal("a module the machine was sent long ago is not expected to answer")
-	}
-	pushedBy(t, open, "laptop")
-	sends, err = readDeliveries(ctx, open.inventory)
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	if sends["laptop"].settled("keeper", time.Now()) {
-		t.Fatal("pushed a moment ago and not reported, a holder is already expected")
-	}
-	if !sends["laptop"].settled("keeper", time.Now().Add(reportGrace+time.Minute)) {
-		t.Fatal("pushed past the grace, a holder is not expected")
-	}
-	if _, ok := sends["laptop"].carried["keeper"]; !ok {
-		t.Fatalf("the send's builds do not carry keeper: %v", sends["laptop"].carried)
-	}
-	pushedAndApplied(t, open, "laptop")
-	if sends, err = readDeliveries(ctx, open.inventory); err != nil || !sends["laptop"].settled("keeper", time.Now()) {
-		t.Fatalf("pushed and reported applied, a holder is not expected to answer (%v)", err)
-	}
-}

cmd/mesh-controller/backups_before_send_integration_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,219 @@
+//go:build integration
+
+package main
+
+import (
+	"encoding/json"
+	"strings"
+	"sync"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/testbus"
+)
+
+// aBackupSeatOnTheBus is one machine's node-backup holder as a test makes it: it counts the `now` asks it hears and
+// answers `backed-up` with the last night it is told (novox/hq ADR 0404).
+type aBackupSeatOnTheBus struct {
+	mu    sync.Mutex
+	nows  []string
+	night map[string]any // module → lastNight
+}
+
+func (f *aBackupSeatOnTheBus) serve(t *testing.T, conn *nats.Conn, node string) {
+	t.Helper()
+	reply := func(m *nats.Msg, result any) {
+		body, _ := json.Marshal(map[string]any{"result": result, "error": "", "node": node})
+		_ = m.Respond(body)
+	}
+	now, err := conn.Subscribe(link.NodeSeatToolSubject(catalogue.BackupSeat, "now", node), func(m *nats.Msg) {
+		var a struct {
+			Module string `json:"module"`
+		}
+		_ = json.Unmarshal(m.Data, &a)
+		f.mu.Lock()
+		f.nows = append(f.nows, a.Module)
+		f.mu.Unlock()
+		reply(m, map[string]any{"started": a.Module})
+	})
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	read, err := conn.Subscribe(link.NodeSeatToolSubject(catalogue.BackupSeat, "backed-up", node), func(m *nats.Msg) {
+		f.mu.Lock()
+		defer f.mu.Unlock()
+		var out []map[string]any
+		for module, n := range f.night {
+			out = append(out, map[string]any{"module": module, "lastNight": n})
+		}
+		reply(m, out)
+	})
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { _ = now.Unsubscribe(); _ = read.Unsubscribe() })
+	if err := conn.Flush(); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+}
+
+func (f *aBackupSeatOnTheBus) answers(module string, ok bool, words string) {
+	f.mu.Lock()
+	defer f.mu.Unlock()
+	f.night = map[string]any{module: map[string]any{"ok": ok, "at": time.Now().UTC().Add(time.Second), "error": words}}
+}
+
+func (f *aBackupSeatOnTheBus) asks() int {
+	f.mu.Lock()
+	defer f.mu.Unlock()
+	return len(f.nows)
+}
+
+// Acceptance test 3 of design 47, on the controller's side: a delivery plan that moves a module keeping data waits
+// for its backups on both machines before it asks a build; a backup that fails holds it, with the machine, the
+// module and the backup's words, and a condition says the same; the verb the delivery's release calls asks the
+// backups again, and the plan goes on. One bus and one store for the scenarios.
+func TestADeliveryThatMovesABackedUpModuleWaitsForItsBackupAndAFailedOneHoldsItAndIsSaid(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	asked := asksRecorded(t)
+	js, err := broker.Dial(testbus.URL(t))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(js.Close)
+	before := handActConn
+	handActConn = js.Conn()
+	t.Cleanup(func() { handActConn = before })
+
+	if _, err := inv.SeedSeats(ctx, catalogue.DefaultSeats()); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	register(t, open, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "keeper", Version: "1",
+		Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: catalogue.BackupSeat, Scope: catalogue.ScopeNode, Serves: []string{"backed-up", "now", "restore"}}}})
+	notes, err := catalogue.ParseManifest([]byte(`{"module":"notes","version":"1","data":{"own":[` +
+		`{"id":"files","path":"${dir:files}","class":"valuable","why":"people's notes"}]},` +
+		`"resources":[{"id":"files","type":"directory"}]}`))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := inv.RegisterModule(ctx, notes, inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Seat: "git",
+		Path: "modules/notes", Ref: "main", BuiltFrom: "c0", Head: "c0"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	for _, node := range []string{"anchor", "laptop"} {
+		if _, err := assign(ctx, open, node, "keeper"); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		if _, err := assign(ctx, open, node, "notes"); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	seats := map[string]*aBackupSeatOnTheBus{"anchor": {}, "laptop": {}}
+	for node, s := range seats {
+		s.serve(t, js.Conn(), node)
+	}
+	// Short waits: the bound and the look are variables, so nothing here waits for the minutes of a real backup.
+	wasWithin, wasEvery := backupsWithin, backupsPollEvery
+	backupsWithin, backupsPollEvery = time.Minute, 10*time.Millisecond
+	t.Cleanup(func() { backupsWithin, backupsPollEvery = wasWithin, wasEvery })
+
+	newPlan := func(id string) {
+		t.Helper()
+		p := inventory.Plan{ID: id, Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Branch: "main", Commit: "c1", Created: time.Now().UTC(),
+			State: inventory.PlanBuilding, Tiers: [][]string{{"notes"}}, Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{"notes": {}}}
+		if err := inv.SavePlan(ctx, &p); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	read := func(id string) inventory.Plan {
+		t.Helper()
+		p, err := inv.PlanByID(ctx, id)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		return p
+	}
+
+	// 1. Both machines are asked; while one has not answered, no build is asked.
+	newPlan("plan-one")
+	advancePlans(ctx, open)
+	if seats["anchor"].asks() != 1 || seats["laptop"].asks() != 1 || len(*asked) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("asks anchor=%d laptop=%d builds=%v", seats["anchor"].asks(), seats["laptop"].asks(), *asked)
+	}
+	seats["anchor"].answers("notes", true, "")
+	advancePlans(ctx, open)
+	if len(*asked) != 0 || read("plan-one").Backups.State != inventory.BackupPending {
+		t.Fatalf("a tier was asked while a backup was pending: %v %+v", *asked, read("plan-one").Backups)
+	}
+	seats["laptop"].answers("notes", true, "")
+	advancePlans(ctx, open)
+	if len(*asked) != 1 || read("plan-one").Backups.State != inventory.BackupDone {
+		t.Fatalf("the tier was not asked once every backup was done: %v %+v", *asked, read("plan-one").Backups)
+	}
+	finish := read("plan-one")
+	finish.State = inventory.PlanDone
+	if err := inv.SavePlan(ctx, &finish); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+
+	// 2. A backup that fails holds the plan: not failed, nothing asked, the words kept, a condition raised.
+	seats["anchor"].night, seats["laptop"].night = nil, nil
+	newPlan("plan-two")
+	advancePlans(ctx, open)
+	seats["anchor"].answers("notes", true, "")
+	seats["laptop"].answers("notes", false, "no space left on device")
+	advancePlans(ctx, open)
+	held := read("plan-two")
+	if held.State != inventory.PlanBuilding || held.Backups.State != inventory.BackupFailed || len(*asked) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("the plan was not held: %s %+v builds=%v", held.State, held.Backups, *asked)
+	}
+	var failed *inventory.PlanBackup
+	for i := range held.Backups.Asked {
+		if held.Backups.Asked[i].State == inventory.BackupFailed {
+			failed = &held.Backups.Asked[i]
+		}
+	}
+	if failed == nil || failed.Machine != "laptop" || failed.Module != "notes" || failed.Words != "no space left on device" ||
+		strings.Contains(held.Note, "tried again") {
+		t.Fatalf("the failed backup: %+v note=%q", failed, held.Note)
+	}
+	advancePlans(ctx, open) // not retried on the next look
+	if again := read("plan-two"); again.Backups.State != inventory.BackupFailed || len(*asked) != 1 ||
+		seats["laptop"].asks() != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("a held plan was asked again by itself: %+v builds=%v asks=%d", again.Backups, *asked, seats["laptop"].asks())
+	}
+	said, err := probeBackupHeld(ctx, &doctor{open: open})
+	if err != nil || len(said) != 1 || said[0].Kind != kindBackupHeld || !strings.Contains(said[0].Said, "no space left on device") {
+		t.Fatalf("the condition: %+v %v", said, err)
+	}
+
+	// 3. The verb the release calls: the failed backup is asked again, and only it, and the plan goes on.
+	seats["laptop"].answers("notes", false, "no space left on device")
+	if err := deliveryCommand(ctx, []string{"backups-again", "plan-two", "--why", "a person released it", "--by",
+		"mesh-delivery for jochen"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := deliveryCommand(ctx, []string{"backups-again", "plan-two", "--why", "again"}); err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("a plan with no failed backup was asked again")
+	}
+	seats["laptop"].night = nil
+	advancePlans(ctx, open)
+	if seats["laptop"].asks() != 3 || seats["anchor"].asks() != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("asked again: laptop=%d anchor=%d", seats["laptop"].asks(), seats["anchor"].asks())
+	}
+	seats["laptop"].answers("notes", true, "")
+	advancePlans(ctx, open)
+	if got := read("plan-two"); got.Backups.State != inventory.BackupDone || len(*asked) != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("the plan did not go on: %+v builds=%v", got.Backups, *asked)
+	}
+	if said, _ := probeBackupHeld(ctx, &doctor{open: open}); len(said) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the condition stays: %+v", said)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/batches_integration_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,698 @@
+//go:build integration
+
+package main
+
+import (
+	"bytes"
+	"io"
+	"os"
+	"slices"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+func windowed(t *testing.T) *stores {
+	t.Helper()
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	settings := t.TempDir() + "/merge-window.json"
+	if err := os.WriteFile(settings, []byte(`{"merge-window": "90s", "merge-window-at-most": "10m"}`), 0o600); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	t.Setenv(mergeWindowFileVar, settings)
+	noGroups(t)
+	if err := inv.RegisterModule(ctx, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "mesh-controller", Version: "1"},
+		inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/mesh-controller", Seat: "git", Ref: "main", BuiltFrom: "c0",
+			Head: "c0"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	for _, m := range []struct{ module, repository, path string }{
+		{"app", "novox/mesh-catalog", "modules/app"},
+		{"notes", "novox/mesh-catalog", "modules/notes"},
+		{"one", "novox/one", ""},
+		{"two", "novox/two", ""},
+		{"three", "novox/three", ""},
+	} {
+		if err := inv.RegisterModule(ctx, catalogue.Manifest{Module: m.module, Version: "1"},
+			inventory.Source{Repository: m.repository, Seat: "git", Path: m.path, Ref: "main", BuiltFrom: "c0",
+				Head: "c0"}); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	return open
+}
+
+func hear(t *testing.T, open *stores, m link.SourceMoved, now time.Time) {
+	t.Helper()
+	if err := (following{open: open}).hearMerge(t.Context(), m, now); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+}
+
+func cutAt(t *testing.T, open *stores, now time.Time) {
+	t.Helper()
+	if err := cutBatchesHeld(t.Context(), open, now); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestTwoMergesSecondsApartAreOneWalkAtTheLaterCommit(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	everyHeadWaits(t)
+	asked := asksWithPaths(t)
+	claude := catalogueMerge("553b7191claude", "app", t0)
+	dunst := catalogueMerge("48bda475dunst", "notes", t0.Add(17*time.Second))
+	hear(t, open, claude, t0.Add(time.Second))
+	hear(t, open, dunst, t0.Add(18*time.Second))
+	if ws, bs := walks(t, open); len(ws) != 0 || len(bs) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("within the window: %d walk(s), %d batch(es)", len(ws), len(bs))
+	}
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(18*time.Second+89*time.Second))
+	if ws, _ := walks(t, open); len(ws) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("cut before the window closed: %+v", ws)
+	}
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(18*time.Second+90*time.Second))
+	ws, bs := walks(t, open)
+	if len(ws) != 1 || len(bs) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("after the window: %d walk(s), %d batch(es)", len(ws), len(bs))
+	}
+	w := ws[0]
+	if w.Commit != dunst.Commit || len(w.Commits) != 1 || w.Commits[0].Commit != dunst.Commit {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk is at %s %+v, not the later commit", w.Commit, w.Commits)
+	}
+	for _, m := range []string{"app", "notes"} {
+		if _, in := w.Modules[m]; !in {
+			t.Fatalf("the walk does not build %s, which one of its merges moved: %v", m, w.Modules)
+		}
+	}
+	want := []inventory.PlanMerge{{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Commit: claude.Commit, Carried: dunst.Commit},
+		{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Commit: dunst.Commit}}
+	if w.Delivery == nil || !slices.EqualFunc(w.Delivery.Merges, want, sameMerge) {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk answers %+v, want %+v", w.Delivery, want)
+	}
+	if len(*asked) != 2 || (*asked)[0][2] != "main" || (*asked)[1][2] != "main" {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk did not ask its modules at the branch, which holds the commit it carries: %v", *asked)
+	}
+	// Heard again, as the bus may hand it over twice: never a second merge, nor a second walk.
+	hear(t, open, claude, t0.Add(5*time.Minute))
+	if ws, bs := walks(t, open); len(ws) != 1 || len(bs) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a merge heard twice made %d walk(s) and %d batch(es)", len(ws), len(bs))
+	}
+}
+
+func TestThreeRepositoriesInOneWindowAreOneWalk(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	groupsWaiting(t, "feat/three")
+	asksRecorded(t)
+	for i, r := range []string{"one", "two", "three"} {
+		hear(t, open, fromHead(repoMerge(r, "c-"+r, t0.Add(time.Duration(i)*20*time.Second)), "feat/three"),
+			t0.Add(time.Duration(i)*20*time.Second+time.Second))
+	}
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(41*time.Second+90*time.Second))
+	ws, bs := walks(t, open)
+	if len(ws) != 1 || len(bs) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("%d walk(s), %d batch(es)", len(ws), len(bs))
+	}
+	w := ws[0]
+	if len(w.Commits) != 3 || len(w.Delivery.Merges) != 3 {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk carries %+v and answers %+v", w.Commits, w.Delivery.Merges)
+	}
+	for _, r := range []string{"one", "two", "three"} {
+		if w.CommitOf("novox/"+r) != "c-"+r {
+			t.Fatalf("the walk carries %s at %q", r, w.CommitOf("novox/"+r))
+		}
+		if _, in := w.Modules[r]; !in {
+			t.Fatalf("the walk does not build %s: %v", r, w.Modules)
+		}
+	}
+	// Each module's ask is recorded at its own repository's commit.
+	for _, r := range []string{"one", "two", "three"} {
+		q, found, err := open.inventory.BuildRequestByID(t.Context(), w.Modules[r].Build)
+		if err != nil || !found || q.Commit != "c-"+r {
+			t.Fatalf("%s's build was not recorded at its own commit: %+v %v %v", r, q, found, err)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+func TestAMergeRestartsTheWindowAndTheMaximumClosesIt(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	groupsWaiting(t, "feat/both", "feat/busy")
+	asksWithPaths(t)
+	hear(t, open, fromHead(repoMerge("one", "c1", t0), "feat/both"), t0)
+	hear(t, open, fromHead(repoMerge("two", "c2", t0.Add(80*time.Second)), "feat/both"), t0.Add(80*time.Second))
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(100*time.Second))
+	if ws, _ := walks(t, open); len(ws) != 0 {
+		t.Fatal("the window closed 90 seconds after its first merge, not after its last")
+	}
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(170*time.Second))
+	if ws, _ := walks(t, open); len(ws) != 1 || len(ws[0].Commits) != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("the window did not close 90 seconds after its last merge: %+v", ws)
+	}
+
+	busy := windowed(t)
+	groupsWaiting(t, "feat/both", "feat/busy")
+	asksWithPaths(t)
+	var last time.Time
+	for i := 0; i < 12; i++ {
+		last = t0.Add(time.Duration(i) * time.Minute)
+		repo := []string{"one", "two", "three"}[i%3]
+		hear(t, busy, fromHead(repoMerge(repo, "c"+string(rune('a'+i)), last), "feat/busy"), last)
+		if ws, _ := walks(t, busy); len(ws) > 0 {
+			if i != 10 {
+				t.Fatalf("a busy window closed at merge %d (minute %d), not at its maximum", i, i)
+			}
+			break
+		}
+	}
+	ws, _ := walks(t, busy)
+	if len(ws) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("ten minutes of merges a minute apart were never cut: %d walk(s)", len(ws))
+	}
+}
+
+func TestTheAssemblingBatchIsShown(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	groupsWaiting(t, "pr/553b7191claude")
+	asksWithPaths(t)
+	var said []inventory.Plan
+	was := inventory.PlanSaved
+	inventory.PlanSaved = func(_ *inventory.Inventory, p inventory.Plan) { said = append(said, p) }
+	t.Cleanup(func() { inventory.PlanSaved = was })
+	now := time.Now().UTC()
+	claude := catalogueMerge("553b7191claude", "app", now.Add(-20*time.Second))
+	claude.Number, claude.Title = 174, "claude-code: an agent proposes a section"
+	dunst := catalogueMerge("48bda475dunst", "notes", now.Add(-2*time.Second))
+	dunst.Number, dunst.Title = 175, "dunst: the font the operator chose"
+	hear(t, open, claude, now.Add(-19*time.Second))
+	hear(t, open, dunst, now.Add(-time.Second))
+	hear(t, open, fromHead(repoMerge("one", "a6bc0931one", now), dunst.Head), now)
+	out := captured(t, func() error { return plansCommand(t.Context(), nil) })
+	lines := strings.Split(out, "\n")
+	first := lines[0]
+	for _, want := range []string{"assembling: ", " s left (at the latest ", "grouped: novox/mesh-catalog@48bda475 " +
+		"(answers 553b7191), novox/one@a6bc0931; plan not yet calculated"} {
+		if !strings.Contains(first, want) {
+			t.Fatalf("plans' first line %q does not say %q", first, want)
+		}
+	}
+	// Under it, one line per repository: the pull request, what it answers, what it moves.
+	if len(lines) < 3 || strings.TrimSpace(lines[1]) != "mesh-catalog #175 dunst: the font the operator chose (answers "+
+		"#174 claude-code: an agent proposes a section) · app, notes" ||
+		strings.TrimSpace(lines[2]) != "one a6bc0931 · one" {
+		t.Fatalf("the grouped list reads %q", lines[1:4])
+	}
+	if len(said) == 0 || said[len(said)-1].State != inventory.PlanAssembling || said[len(said)-1].Delivery.Batch == nil ||
+		len(said[len(said)-1].Delivery.Merges) != 3 {
+		t.Fatalf("the batch was not said as assembling with its merges: %+v", said)
+	}
+}
+
+func captured(t *testing.T, run func() error) string {
+	t.Helper()
+	r, w, err := os.Pipe()
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	was := os.Stdout
+	os.Stdout = w
+	runErr := run()
+	os.Stdout = was
+	_ = w.Close()
+	var b bytes.Buffer
+	_, _ = io.Copy(&b, r)
+	if runErr != nil {
+		t.Fatal(runErr)
+	}
+	return b.String()
+}
+
+func TestAMergeDuringAWalkJoinsTheNextBatch(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	asksWithPaths(t)
+	hear(t, open, repoMerge("one", "c1", t0), t0)
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(90*time.Second))
+	ws, _ := walks(t, open)
+	if len(ws) != 1 || !ws[0].Open() {
+		t.Fatalf("the first batch was not cut: %+v", ws)
+	}
+	first := ws[0]
+	hear(t, open, repoMerge("one", "c2", t0.Add(2*time.Minute)), t0.Add(2*time.Minute))
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(5*time.Minute))
+	ws, bs := walks(t, open)
+	if len(ws) != 1 || len(bs) != 1 || bs[0].State != inventory.PlanQueued || bs[0].Delivery.Batch.Behind != first.ID {
+		t.Fatalf("the merge during the walk: %d walk(s), batches %+v", len(ws), bs)
+	}
+	if got, _ := open.inventory.PlanByID(t.Context(), first.ID); !got.Open() {
+		t.Fatalf("the started walk was %s by the next merge", got.State)
+	}
+	if !strings.HasPrefix(batchWords(bs[0], t0.Add(5*time.Minute)), "queued behind "+first.ID) {
+		t.Fatalf("a queued batch reads %q", batchWords(bs[0], t0.Add(5*time.Minute)))
+	}
+	first.State = inventory.PlanDone
+	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(t.Context(), &first); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(6*time.Minute))
+	ws, bs = walks(t, open)
+	if len(ws) != 2 || len(bs) != 0 || ws[0].Commit != "c2" {
+		t.Fatalf("the queued batch was not cut when the walk ended: %+v %+v", ws, bs)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestAWaitingWalkIsFoldedIntoTheNextBatch(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	asksWithPaths(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	if err := open.inventory.RegisterModule(ctx, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "mesh-delivery", Version: "1",
+		Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: catalogue.DeliverySeat, Scope: catalogue.ScopeMesh}}},
+		inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Seat: "git", Path: "modules/mesh-delivery", Ref: "main",
+			BuiltFrom: "c0", Head: "c0"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, err := open.inventory.Assign(ctx, "anchor", "mesh-delivery"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	hear(t, open, repoMerge("one", "c1", t0), t0)
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(90*time.Second))
+	ws, _ := walks(t, open)
+	if len(ws) != 1 || !ws[0].Waiting() {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk does not wait for its word: %+v", ws)
+	}
+	waiting := ws[0]
+	hear(t, open, repoMerge("one", "c2", t0.Add(2*time.Minute)), t0.Add(2*time.Minute))
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(2*time.Minute+90*time.Second))
+	ws, bs := walks(t, open)
+	if len(bs) != 0 || len(ws) != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("%d walk(s), %d batch(es)", len(ws), len(bs))
+	}
+	folded, err := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, waiting.ID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	newer := ws[0]
+	if folded.State != inventory.PlanSuperseded || folded.Delivery.TakenOverBy != newer.ID {
+		t.Fatalf("the waiting walk is %s, taken over by %q", folded.State, folded.Delivery.TakenOverBy)
+	}
+	if len(newer.Delivery.Merges) != 2 || newer.CommitOf("novox/one") != "c2" {
+		t.Fatalf("the newer walk answers %+v", newer.Delivery.Merges)
+	}
+	if _, in := newer.Modules["one"]; !in {
+		t.Fatalf("what the folded walk was to build is not built: %v", newer.Modules)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestALateMergeIsAnsweredByTheWalkOfTheLaterOne(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	everyHeadWaits(t)
+	asksWithPaths(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	later := catalogueMerge("48bda475dunst", "notes", t0.Add(17*time.Second))
+	hear(t, open, later, t0.Add(18*time.Second))
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(2*time.Minute))
+	ws, _ := walks(t, open)
+	w := ws[0]
+	w.State = inventory.PlanDone
+	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &w); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	// Moves only notes, which the done walk built from the branch after it: answered there, at once.
+	hear(t, open, catalogueMerge("553b7191early", "notes", t0), t0.Add(15*time.Minute))
+	got, _ := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, w.ID)
+	if got.State != inventory.PlanDone || len(got.Delivery.Merges) != 2 ||
+		!sameMerge(got.Delivery.Merges[0], inventory.PlanMerge{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Commit: "553b7191early",
+			Carried: later.Commit}) {
+		t.Fatalf("the late merge is not named by the walk that carried it: %+v", got.Delivery.Merges)
+	}
+	// Moves app, which that walk never built: the next batch walks it.
+	hear(t, open, catalogueMerge("1111aaaaapp", "app", t0.Add(time.Second)), t0.Add(16*time.Minute))
+	_, bs := walks(t, open)
+	if len(bs) != 1 || bs[0].Delivery.Merges[0].Commit != "1111aaaaapp" {
+		t.Fatalf("a late merge moving what the walk never built did not join the next batch: %+v", bs)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestAFailedWalkWalksItsEarlierMergesAlone(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	everyHeadWaits(t)
+	asked := asksWithPaths(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	// Made before the cut marks their modules seen, as merges are: walked again, they are news all the same.
+	oldest := catalogueMerge("aaaa0001", "app", t0.Add(-3*time.Minute))
+	middle := catalogueMerge("bbbb0002", "app", t0.Add(-3*time.Minute+10*time.Second))
+	newest := catalogueMerge("cccc0003", "notes", t0.Add(-3*time.Minute+20*time.Second))
+	for i, m := range []link.SourceMoved{oldest, middle, newest} {
+		hear(t, open, m, t0.Add(time.Duration(i)*10*time.Second+time.Second))
+	}
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(2*time.Minute))
+	ws, _ := walks(t, open)
+	failed := ws[0]
+	failed.State, failed.Note = inventory.PlanFailed, "notes failed to build in tier 0"
+	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &failed); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(3*time.Minute))
+	got, _ := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, failed.ID)
+	if got.State != inventory.PlanFailed || len(got.Delivery.Merges) != 3 {
+		t.Fatalf("the failed walk's record changed: %s %+v", got.State, got.Delivery.Merges)
+	}
+	ws, _ = walks(t, open)
+	alone := ws[0]
+	if alone.ID == failed.ID || alone.Commit != middle.Commit || len(alone.Delivery.Merges) != 1 ||
+		!sameMerge(alone.Delivery.Merges[0], inventory.PlanMerge{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Commit: middle.Commit}) {
+		t.Fatalf("the newest earlier merge was not walked alone on its own commit: %+v", alone)
+	}
+	if _, in := alone.Modules["app"]; !in || (*asked)[len(*asked)-1] != [3]string{"novox/mesh-catalog", "modules/app",
+		middle.Commit} {
+		t.Fatalf("the merge walked alone does not build app at its own commit: %v, asked %v", alone.Modules, *asked)
+	}
+	// Retried, the failed walk would name merges the search answers now.
+	if _, err := retryPlan(ctx, open, failed.ID); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "walked alone") {
+		t.Fatalf("a failed walk whose merges are searched was retried: %v", err)
+	}
+	alone.State = inventory.PlanDone
+	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &alone); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(4*time.Minute))
+	ws, bs := walks(t, open)
+	if ws[0].ID != alone.ID || len(bs) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the search went on after a merge was delivered: %+v", ws[0])
+	}
+	done, _ := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, alone.ID)
+	if len(done.Delivery.Merges) != 2 || !sameMerge(done.Delivery.Merges[0], inventory.PlanMerge{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog",
+		Commit: oldest.Commit, Carried: middle.Commit}) {
+		t.Fatalf("the oldest merge is not answered by the walk that delivered the one after it: %+v", done.Delivery.Merges)
+	}
+	// A stopped walk starts no search: a person ended it.
+	hear(t, open, catalogueMerge("dddd0004", "app", t0.Add(5*time.Minute)), t0.Add(5*time.Minute))
+	hear(t, open, catalogueMerge("eeee0005", "notes", t0.Add(5*time.Minute+time.Second)), t0.Add(5*time.Minute+time.Second))
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(8*time.Minute))
+	ws, _ = walks(t, open)
+	if _, err := stopWalk(ctx, open.inventory, ws[0].ID, "mesh-delivery for jochen", "not now"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(9*time.Minute))
+	if again, _ := walks(t, open); again[0].ID != ws[0].ID {
+		t.Fatalf("a stopped walk's earlier merge was walked alone: %+v", again[0])
+	}
+}
+
+func TestAGroupsOrderBecomesTiersInsideTheWalk(t *testing.T) {
+	for _, grouped := range []bool{true, false} {
+		open := windowed(t)
+		everyHeadWaits(t)
+		asksWithPaths(t)
+		ctx := t.Context()
+		for _, m := range []string{"mesh-host"} {
+			if err := open.inventory.RegisterModule(ctx, catalogue.Manifest{Module: m, Version: "1"},
+				inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/" + m, Seat: "git", Ref: "main", BuiltFrom: "c0", Head: "c0"}); err != nil {
+				t.Fatal(err)
+			}
+		}
+		host := repoMerge("mesh-host", "h1", t0)
+		ctl := repoMerge("mesh-controller", "k1", t0.Add(time.Second))
+		host.Head, ctl.Head = "feat/together", "feat/together"
+		if !grouped {
+			ctl.Head = "feat/alone"
+		}
+		hear(t, open, ctl, t0.Add(2*time.Second))
+		hear(t, open, host, t0.Add(3*time.Second))
+		cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(2*time.Minute))
+		ws, _ := walks(t, open)
+		if len(ws) != 1 {
+			t.Fatalf("%d walks", len(ws))
+		}
+		tiers := ws[0].Tiers
+		if grouped {
+			if len(tiers) != 2 || !slices.Equal(tiers[0], []string{"mesh-host"}) ||
+				!slices.Equal(tiers[1], []string{"mesh-controller"}) {
+				t.Fatalf("the group's order is not the walk's tiers: %v", tiers)
+			}
+		} else if len(tiers) != 1 {
+			t.Fatalf("two merges of no group were ordered: %v", tiers)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+func TestABatchSurvivesARestart(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	groupsWaiting(t, "feat/both")
+	asksWithPaths(t)
+	hear(t, open, fromHead(repoMerge("one", "c1", t0), "feat/both"), t0)
+	hear(t, open, fromHead(repoMerge("two", "c2", t0.Add(30*time.Second)), "feat/both"), t0.Add(30*time.Second))
+
+	// A new controller: nothing of the first one's but the store.
+	again, err := openStores(t.Context())
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(again.Close)
+	hear(t, again, fromHead(repoMerge("one", "c1", t0), "feat/both"), t0.Add(60*time.Second)) // the bus hands it over again
+	cutAt(t, again, t0.Add(119*time.Second))
+	if ws, bs := walks(t, again); len(ws) != 0 || len(bs) != 1 || len(bs[0].Delivery.Merges) != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("the restarted controller's batch: %d walk(s), %+v", len(ws), bs)
+	}
+	cutAt(t, again, t0.Add(120*time.Second))
+	ws, bs := walks(t, again)
+	if len(ws) != 1 || len(bs) != 0 || len(ws[0].Delivery.Merges) != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("the restarted controller did not cut the batch at its window: %+v %+v", ws, bs)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestALateMergeOfAOneModuleRepositoryIsNamed(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	everyHeadWaits(t)
+	asksWithPaths(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	c2 := repoMerge("one", "c2", t0.Add(-50*time.Second))
+	hear(t, open, c2, t0)
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(2*time.Minute))
+	ws, _ := walks(t, open)
+	w := ws[0]
+	w.State = inventory.PlanDone
+	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &w); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	hear(t, open, repoMerge("one", "c1", t0.Add(-60*time.Second)), t0.Add(15*time.Minute))
+	got, _ := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, w.ID)
+	if len(got.Delivery.Merges) != 2 || !sameMerge(got.Delivery.Merges[0], inventory.PlanMerge{Repository: "novox/one",
+		Commit: "c1", Carried: "c2"}) {
+		t.Fatalf("the late merge was not named by the walk that carried it: %+v", got.Delivery.Merges)
+	}
+
+	// A walk of two that built only two: a late merge of one is not its to name.
+	hear(t, open, repoMerge("two", "d2", t0.Add(16*time.Minute)), t0.Add(16*time.Minute))
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(18*time.Minute))
+	ws, _ = walks(t, open)
+	w = ws[0]
+	delete(w.Modules, "two")
+	w.State = inventory.PlanDone
+	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &w); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	hear(t, open, repoMerge("two", "d1", t0.Add(15*time.Minute)), t0.Add(20*time.Minute))
+	if got, _ := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, w.ID); len(got.Delivery.Merges) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("a walk that never built what the late merge moves named it: %+v", got.Delivery.Merges)
+	}
+	if _, bs := walks(t, open); len(bs) != 1 || bs[0].Delivery.Merges[0].Commit != "d1" {
+		t.Fatalf("the late merge did not join the next batch: %+v", bs)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestAWalkLetGoBesideAStartedOneStartsOnceItEnded(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	asked := asksWithPaths(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	hear(t, open, repoMerge("one", "c1", t0), t0)
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(2*time.Minute))
+	started, _ := walks(t, open)
+	waiting := inventory.Plan{ID: "plan-waiting", Repository: "novox/one", Branch: "main", Commit: "d1", Created: t0,
+		State: inventory.PlanBuilding, Tiers: [][]string{{"one"}}, Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{"one": {}},
+		Delivery: &inventory.PlanDelivery{Awaits: catalogue.DeliverySeat}}
+	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &waiting); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, err := letGo(ctx, open.inventory, waiting.ID, catalogue.DeliverySeat, "its turn"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("the word was refused beside %s: %v", started[0].ID, err)
+	}
+	before := len(*asked)
+	advanceHeld(ctx, open)
+	got, _ := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, waiting.ID)
+	if len(*asked) != before || !strings.Contains(got.Note, "starts once "+started[0].ID) {
+		t.Fatalf("a walk let go beside a started one asked (%d → %d) or does not say it waits: %q", before, len(*asked), got.Note)
+	}
+	// Read as a wait, an hour on: its note on the line, never LATE, and no tier of it late for S3.
+	later := time.Now().Add(time.Hour)
+	if line := planLine(got, later); !strings.Contains(line, "starts once "+started[0].ID) || strings.Contains(line, "LATE") {
+		t.Fatalf("a deferred walk reads %q", line)
+	}
+	facts, _, err := gatherPlans(ctx, open.inventory, later, nil)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	for _, f := range facts {
+		if f.id == got.ID {
+			t.Fatalf("a deferred walk is watched as a tier running late: %+v", f)
+		}
+	}
+	done := started[0]
+	done.State = inventory.PlanDone
+	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &done); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	advanceHeld(ctx, open)
+	if len(*asked) != before+1 {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk did not start once the started one ended: asked %v", *asked)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestAMergeOnTheControllersPathNeverSharesABatch(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	everyHeadWaits(t)
+	asked := asksWithPaths(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	if err := open.inventory.RegisterModule(ctx, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "mesh-delivery", Version: "1",
+		Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: catalogue.DeliverySeat, Scope: catalogue.ScopeMesh}}},
+		inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Seat: "git", Path: "modules/mesh-delivery", Ref: "main",
+			BuiltFrom: "c0", Head: "c0"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, err := open.inventory.Assign(ctx, "anchor", "mesh-delivery"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	hear(t, open, catalogueMerge("aaaa0001", "app", t0), t0)
+	hear(t, open, repoMerge("mesh-controller", "k1", t0.Add(10*time.Second)), t0.Add(10*time.Second))
+	hear(t, open, catalogueMerge("bbbb0002", "notes", t0.Add(20*time.Second)), t0.Add(20*time.Second))
+	_, bs := walks(t, open)
+	var ownBatch, catalogueBatch inventory.Plan
+	for _, b := range bs {
+		if b.OwnPath() {
+			ownBatch = b
+		} else {
+			catalogueBatch = b
+		}
+	}
+	if len(bs) != 2 || ownBatch.ID == "" || catalogueBatch.ID == "" || len(catalogueBatch.Delivery.Merges) != 2 ||
+		len(ownBatch.Delivery.Merges) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("a controller merge and two catalogue merges in one window: %+v", bs)
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(batchWords(ownBatch, t0.Add(30*time.Second)), "own path") {
+		t.Fatalf("the own-path batch does not say so: %q", batchWords(ownBatch, t0.Add(30*time.Second)))
+	}
+	// Both windows closed, the controller's batch is cut first and starts; the catalogue batch queues behind it,
+	// is cut when the controller's walk ended, and waits for its word with both merges.
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(2*time.Minute))
+	ws, bs := walks(t, open)
+	if len(ws) != 1 || ws[0].Waiting() || ws[0].CommitOf("novox/mesh-controller") != "k1" {
+		t.Fatalf("the controller's batch was not cut first into a started walk: %+v", ws)
+	}
+	ownWalk := ws[0]
+	for _, m := range []string{"app", "notes"} {
+		if _, in := ownWalk.Modules[m]; in {
+			t.Fatalf("the controller's walk builds %s, a catalogue module: it skipped its turn", m)
+		}
+	}
+	if len(bs) != 1 || bs[0].State != inventory.PlanQueued || bs[0].Delivery.Batch.Behind != ownWalk.ID || bs[0].OwnPath() {
+		t.Fatalf("the catalogue batch does not queue behind the controller's walk: %+v", bs)
+	}
+	ownWalk.State = inventory.PlanDone
+	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &ownWalk); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(3*time.Minute))
+	ws, bs = walks(t, open)
+	if len(bs) != 0 || ws[0].ID != catalogueBatch.ID || !ws[0].Waiting() || len(ws[0].Delivery.Merges) != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("the catalogue batch was not cut into a waiting walk once the controller's ended: %+v %+v", ws, bs)
+	}
+	for _, m := range []string{"app", "notes"} {
+		if _, in := ws[0].Modules[m]; !in {
+			t.Fatalf("the catalogue walk does not build %s: %v", m, ws[0].Modules)
+		}
+	}
+	for _, a := range *asked {
+		if a[1] == "modules/app" || a[1] == "modules/notes" {
+			t.Fatalf("a catalogue module was asked without the word: %v", *asked)
+		}
+	}
+
+	// A catalogue walk waiting for its word when an own-path batch is cut keeps waiting beside the own-path
+	// walk, is not folded into it, and its word is taken meanwhile: it starts once the own-path walk ended.
+	catalogueWalk := ws[0]
+	hear(t, open, repoMerge("mesh-controller", "k2", t0.Add(4*time.Minute)), t0.Add(4*time.Minute))
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(6*time.Minute))
+	ws, _ = walks(t, open)
+	kept, _ := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, catalogueWalk.ID)
+	if !kept.Waiting() || ws[0].CommitOf("novox/mesh-controller") != "k2" || ws[0].Waiting() {
+		t.Fatalf("the waiting catalogue walk was not kept waiting beside the controller's walk: %s %+v", kept.State, ws)
+	}
+	if _, in := ws[0].Modules["app"]; in {
+		t.Fatalf("the controller's walk folded the waiting catalogue walk in: %v", ws[0].Modules)
+	}
+	if _, err := letGo(ctx, open.inventory, catalogueWalk.ID, catalogue.DeliverySeat, "its turn"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	before := len(*asked)
+	advanceHeld(ctx, open)
+	if len(*asked) != before {
+		t.Fatalf("the catalogue walk started beside the controller's: asked %v", (*asked)[before:])
+	}
+	own2 := ws[0]
+	own2.State = inventory.PlanDone
+	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &own2); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	advanceHeld(ctx, open)
+	if len(*asked) < before+1 || (*asked)[before][1] != "modules/app" {
+		t.Fatalf("the catalogue walk did not start once the controller's ended: %v", (*asked)[before:])
+	}
+}
+
+func TestALateCatalogueMergeIsNotAnsweredByAnOwnPathWalk(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	everyHeadWaits(t)
+	asksWithPaths(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	for _, m := range []struct {
+		module string
+		claims []catalogue.Claim
+	}{
+		{"nats", nil},
+		{"mesh-delivery", []catalogue.Claim{{Name: catalogue.DeliverySeat, Scope: catalogue.ScopeMesh}}},
+	} {
+		if err := open.inventory.RegisterModule(ctx, catalogue.Manifest{Module: m.module, Version: "1", Claims: m.claims},
+			inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Seat: "git", Path: "modules/" + m.module, Ref: "main",
+				BuiltFrom: "c0", Head: "c0"}); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	if _, err := open.inventory.Assign(ctx, "anchor", "mesh-delivery"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	mixed := link.SourceMoved{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-catalog", Base: "main", Commit: "m1xed", MergedAt: t0.Format(time.RFC3339Nano),
+		Paths: []string{"modules/nats/module.json", "modules/app/module.json"}, ModuleDirs: []string{"modules/nats", "modules/app"},
+		ModuleDirsSaid: true}
+	hear(t, open, mixed, t0.Add(time.Second))
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(2*time.Minute))
+	ws, _ := walks(t, open)
+	if len(ws) != 1 || ws[0].Waiting() {
+		t.Fatalf("the mixed merge's walk waited, or was not cut: %+v", ws)
+	}
+	done := ws[0]
+	done.State = inventory.PlanDone
+	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &done); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	hear(t, open, catalogueMerge("ear1ier", "app", t0.Add(-30*time.Second)), t0.Add(3*time.Minute))
+	got, _ := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, done.ID)
+	_, bs := walks(t, open)
+	if len(got.Delivery.Merges) != 1 || len(bs) != 1 || bs[0].OwnPath() || bs[0].Delivery.Merges[0].Commit != "ear1ier" {
+		t.Fatalf("the late catalogue merge was answered by the own-path walk (%+v) rather than the next catalogue batch (%+v)",
+			got.Delivery.Merges, bs)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/batches_test.go

@@ -1,10 +1,9 @@
 package main
 
 import (
-	"bytes"
 	"context"
 	"encoding/json"
-	"io"
+	"errors"
 	"os"
 	"slices"
 	"strings"
@@ -19,74 +18,117 @@ import (
 // The suite's tests of a merge, but for the merge window's own (this file's), plan the merge as it is heard: a
 // window of nothing closes at once, so a merge with no walk open is cut into its walk at once, as every merge
 // was planned before novox/hq ADR 0276. The window's tests set it through the controller's settings.
-func init() { mergeWindowDefault = 0 }
+func init() {
+	mergeWindowDefault = 0
+	// No forge in a test: no manifest is found at any commit, so a merge draws no edge of the manifests' change
+	// (delivery_edges.go). A test that wants some replaces these (forgeHolding).
+	manifestAt = func(context.Context, string, string, string, string) (catalogue.Manifest, bool, error) {
+		return catalogue.Manifest{}, false, nil
+	}
+	parentOf = func(context.Context, string, string, string) (string, error) { return "", nil }
+}
 
 // windowed is a mesh whose controller's settings give a merge window of 90 seconds and at most 10 minutes, as its
 // settings file says them, and
 // modules built from the catalogue (app, notes) and from three repositories of their own.
-func windowed(t *testing.T) *stores {
-	t.Helper()
-	open := aMesh(t)
-	ctx := t.Context()
-	inv := open.inventory
-	settings := t.TempDir() + "/merge-window.json"
-	if err := os.WriteFile(settings, []byte(`{"merge-window": "90s", "merge-window-at-most": "10m"}`), 0o600); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	t.Setenv(mergeWindowFileVar, settings)
-	if err := inv.RegisterModule(ctx, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "mesh-controller", Version: "1"},
-		inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/mesh-controller", Seat: "git", Ref: "main", BuiltFrom: "c0",
-			Head: "c0"}); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	for _, m := range []struct{ module, repository, path string }{
-		{"app", "novox/mesh-catalog", "modules/app"},
-		{"notes", "novox/mesh-catalog", "modules/notes"},
-		{"one", "novox/one", ""},
-		{"two", "novox/two", ""},
-		{"three", "novox/three", ""},
-	} {
-		if err := inv.RegisterModule(ctx, catalogue.Manifest{Module: m.module, Version: "1"},
-			inventory.Source{Repository: m.repository, Seat: "git", Path: m.path, Ref: "main", BuiltFrom: "c0",
-				Head: "c0"}); err != nil {
-			t.Fatal(err)
-		}
-	}
-	return open
-}
 
 // t0 is the moment a test's clock starts: merges are dated by it, and heard after it.
 var t0 = time.Now().UTC().Truncate(time.Second)
 
-// catalogueMerge is a merge of the catalogue changing one module's directory, made at a moment.
+// catalogueMerge is a merge of the catalogue changing one module's directory, made at a moment, from a pull
+// request's head branch of its own, as the forge announces every merge. Whether its head names a delivery group
+// with a member still to merge is mesh-delivery's word, which windowed stubs as no group at all (noGroups); a test
+// whose merges wait for the window as a group's says so (groupsWaiting).
 func catalogueMerge(commit, module string, made time.Time) link.SourceMoved {
-	return link.SourceMoved{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-catalog", Base: "main", Commit: commit,
+	return link.SourceMoved{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-catalog", Base: "main", Head: "pr/" + commit, Commit: commit,
 		MergedAt: made.Format(time.RFC3339Nano), Paths: []string{"modules/" + module + "/module.json"},
 		ModuleDirs: []string{"modules/" + module}, ModuleDirsSaid: true}
 }
 
-// repoMerge is a merge of a repository of one module's own.
+// repoMerge is a merge of a repository of one module's own, from a head branch of its own (catalogueMerge).
 func repoMerge(repo, commit string, made time.Time) link.SourceMoved {
-	return link.SourceMoved{Owner: "novox", Repo: repo, Base: "main", Commit: commit,
+	return link.SourceMoved{Owner: "novox", Repo: repo, Base: "main", Head: "pr/" + commit, Commit: commit,
 		MergedAt: made.Format(time.RFC3339Nano), Paths: []string{"main.go"}}
 }
 
-// hear is a merge heard at a moment.
-func hear(t *testing.T, open *stores, m link.SourceMoved, now time.Time) {
+// noGroups stubs mesh-delivery's word on groups for a test: no head names a group.
+func noGroups(t *testing.T) {
 	t.Helper()
-	if err := (following{open: open}).hearMerge(t.Context(), m, now); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
+	was := deliveryGroupOf
+	deliveryGroupOf = func(context.Context, bool, string) ([]groupMember, bool, error) { return nil, false, nil }
+	t.Cleanup(func() { deliveryGroupOf = was })
 }
 
-// cutAt is the cutter looking at a moment.
-func cutAt(t *testing.T, open *stores, now time.Time) {
+// groupsWaiting stubs mesh-delivery's word on groups for a test of the merge window's own timing: each head named
+// is one whose group mesh-delivery cannot say, so a merge from it waits for the window (ADR 0306 decision 2) and
+// nothing holds the batch open; every other head names no group. A group with a member still to merge, which holds
+// its batch open however long it takes (ADR 0418 clause 3), is groupStates'.
+func groupsWaiting(t *testing.T, heads ...string) {
 	t.Helper()
-	if err := cutBatchesHeld(t.Context(), open, now); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
+	was := deliveryGroupOf
+	deliveryGroupOf = func(_ context.Context, _ bool, head string) ([]groupMember, bool, error) {
+		if slices.Contains(heads, head) {
+			return nil, false, errors.New("the test's mesh-delivery does not say")
+		}
+		return nil, false, nil
 	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { deliveryGroupOf = was })
 }
 
+// everyHeadWaits stubs mesh-delivery's word on groups for a test whose merges each wait for the window as they did
+// before novox/hq ADR 0304: mesh-delivery cannot say any head's group.
+func everyHeadWaits(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Helper()
+	was := deliveryGroupOf
+	deliveryGroupOf = func(context.Context, bool, string) ([]groupMember, bool, error) {
+		return nil, false, errors.New("the test's mesh-delivery does not say")
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { deliveryGroupOf = was })
+}
+
+// groupStates stubs mesh-delivery's word on one group: its members and their states, which a test changes as the
+// members merge.
+func groupStates(t *testing.T, head string, states map[string]string) {
+	t.Helper()
+	groupStatesFrom(t, head, states, true)
+}
+
+// groupStatesFrom is groupStates for a mesh-delivery that does (composed) or does not yet say the group's gate is the
+// composed check's: only the first holds the group's batch open for its last member.
+func groupStatesFrom(t *testing.T, head string, states map[string]string, composed bool) {
+	t.Helper()
+	was := deliveryGroupOf
+	deliveryGroupOf = func(_ context.Context, _ bool, asked string) ([]groupMember, bool, error) {
+		if asked != head {
+			return nil, false, nil
+		}
+		var members []groupMember
+		for repository, state := range states {
+			members = append(members, groupMember{Repository: repository, State: state, Composed: composed})
+		}
+		return members, true, nil
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { deliveryGroupOf = was })
+}
+
+// fromHead is a merge from a head branch a test names: merges from one head are members of one delivery group,
+// related by it (novox/hq ADR 0304 decision 1), so they share a batch whatever else they share.
+func fromHead(m link.SourceMoved, head string) link.SourceMoved {
+	m.Head = head
+	return m
+}
+
+// lone is a merge that names no head: known to be no delivery group's, it waits for no window unless it is
+// related to a batch assembling (ADR 0304 decision 1).
+func lone(m link.SourceMoved) link.SourceMoved {
+	m.Head = ""
+	return m
+}
+
+// hear is a merge heard at a moment.
+
+// cutAt is the cutter looking at a moment.
+
 // walks is every plan record that is a walk, newest first, and the batches not yet cut.
 func walks(t *testing.T, open *stores) (walks, batches []inventory.Plan) {
 	t.Helper()
@@ -106,417 +148,34 @@ func walks(t *testing.T, open *stores) (walks, batches []inventory.Plan) {
 
 // The replay of issue 362: two catalogue merges 18 seconds apart are one batch, cut once into one walk at the
 // later commit, which names both merges — the earlier carried by the later.
-func TestTwoMergesSecondsApartAreOneWalkAtTheLaterCommit(t *testing.T) {
-	open := windowed(t)
-	asked := asksWithPaths(t)
-	claude := catalogueMerge("553b7191claude", "app", t0)
-	dunst := catalogueMerge("48bda475dunst", "notes", t0.Add(17*time.Second))
-	hear(t, open, claude, t0.Add(time.Second))
-	hear(t, open, dunst, t0.Add(18*time.Second))
-	if ws, bs := walks(t, open); len(ws) != 0 || len(bs) != 1 {
-		t.Fatalf("within the window: %d walk(s), %d batch(es)", len(ws), len(bs))
-	}
-	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(18*time.Second+89*time.Second))
-	if ws, _ := walks(t, open); len(ws) != 0 {
-		t.Fatalf("cut before the window closed: %+v", ws)
-	}
-	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(18*time.Second+90*time.Second))
-	ws, bs := walks(t, open)
-	if len(ws) != 1 || len(bs) != 0 {
-		t.Fatalf("after the window: %d walk(s), %d batch(es)", len(ws), len(bs))
-	}
-	w := ws[0]
-	if w.Commit != dunst.Commit || len(w.Commits) != 1 || w.Commits[0].Commit != dunst.Commit {
-		t.Fatalf("the walk is at %s %+v, not the later commit", w.Commit, w.Commits)
-	}
-	for _, m := range []string{"app", "notes"} {
-		if _, in := w.Modules[m]; !in {
-			t.Fatalf("the walk does not build %s, which one of its merges moved: %v", m, w.Modules)
-		}
-	}
-	want := []inventory.PlanMerge{{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Commit: claude.Commit, Carried: dunst.Commit},
-		{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Commit: dunst.Commit}}
-	if w.Delivery == nil || !slices.EqualFunc(w.Delivery.Merges, want, sameMerge) {
-		t.Fatalf("the walk answers %+v, want %+v", w.Delivery, want)
-	}
-	if len(*asked) != 2 || (*asked)[0][2] != "main" || (*asked)[1][2] != "main" {
-		t.Fatalf("the walk did not ask its modules at the branch, which holds the commit it carries: %v", *asked)
-	}
-	// Heard again, as the bus may hand it over twice: never a second merge, nor a second walk.
-	hear(t, open, claude, t0.Add(5*time.Minute))
-	if ws, bs := walks(t, open); len(ws) != 1 || len(bs) != 0 {
-		t.Fatalf("a merge heard twice made %d walk(s) and %d batch(es)", len(ws), len(bs))
-	}
-}
 
 // Merges of three repositories in one window are one walk, one commit for each.
-func TestThreeRepositoriesInOneWindowAreOneWalk(t *testing.T) {
-	open := windowed(t)
-	asksRecorded(t)
-	for i, r := range []string{"one", "two", "three"} {
-		hear(t, open, repoMerge(r, "c-"+r, t0.Add(time.Duration(i)*20*time.Second)),
-			t0.Add(time.Duration(i)*20*time.Second+time.Second))
-	}
-	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(41*time.Second+90*time.Second))
-	ws, bs := walks(t, open)
-	if len(ws) != 1 || len(bs) != 0 {
-		t.Fatalf("%d walk(s), %d batch(es)", len(ws), len(bs))
-	}
-	w := ws[0]
-	if len(w.Commits) != 3 || len(w.Delivery.Merges) != 3 {
-		t.Fatalf("the walk carries %+v and answers %+v", w.Commits, w.Delivery.Merges)
-	}
-	for _, r := range []string{"one", "two", "three"} {
-		if w.CommitOf("novox/"+r) != "c-"+r {
-			t.Fatalf("the walk carries %s at %q", r, w.CommitOf("novox/"+r))
-		}
-		if _, in := w.Modules[r]; !in {
-			t.Fatalf("the walk does not build %s: %v", r, w.Modules)
-		}
-	}
-	// Each module's ask is recorded at its own repository's commit.
-	for _, r := range []string{"one", "two", "three"} {
-		q, found, err := open.inventory.BuildRequestByID(t.Context(), w.Modules[r].Build)
-		if err != nil || !found || q.Commit != "c-"+r {
-			t.Fatalf("%s's build was not recorded at its own commit: %+v %v %v", r, q, found, err)
-		}
-	}
-}
 
 // Each merge restarts the window: a merge at second 80 keeps the batch open until second 170; the window
 // closes at most ten minutes after its first merge however busy.
-func TestAMergeRestartsTheWindowAndTheMaximumClosesIt(t *testing.T) {
-	open := windowed(t)
-	asksWithPaths(t)
-	hear(t, open, repoMerge("one", "c1", t0), t0)
-	hear(t, open, repoMerge("two", "c2", t0.Add(80*time.Second)), t0.Add(80*time.Second))
-	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(100*time.Second))
-	if ws, _ := walks(t, open); len(ws) != 0 {
-		t.Fatal("the window closed 90 seconds after its first merge, not after its last")
-	}
-	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(170*time.Second))
-	if ws, _ := walks(t, open); len(ws) != 1 || len(ws[0].Commits) != 2 {
-		t.Fatalf("the window did not close 90 seconds after its last merge: %+v", ws)
-	}
-
-	busy := windowed(t)
-	asksWithPaths(t)
-	var last time.Time
-	for i := 0; i < 12; i++ {
-		last = t0.Add(time.Duration(i) * time.Minute)
-		repo := []string{"one", "two", "three"}[i%3]
-		hear(t, busy, repoMerge(repo, "c"+string(rune('a'+i)), last), last)
-		if ws, _ := walks(t, busy); len(ws) > 0 {
-			if i != 10 {
-				t.Fatalf("a busy window closed at merge %d (minute %d), not at its maximum", i, i)
-			}
-			break
-		}
-	}
-	ws, _ := walks(t, busy)
-	if len(ws) != 1 {
-		t.Fatalf("ten minutes of merges a minute apart were never cut: %d walk(s)", len(ws))
-	}
-}
 
 // `plans` lists the batch being assembled first, in the operator's words: how long is left, when at the latest,
 // what is grouped, and that the plan is not yet calculated. It says so on the bus as plan-moved, too.
-func TestTheAssemblingBatchIsShown(t *testing.T) {
-	open := windowed(t)
-	asksWithPaths(t)
-	var said []inventory.Plan
-	was := inventory.PlanSaved
-	inventory.PlanSaved = func(p inventory.Plan) { said = append(said, p) }
-	t.Cleanup(func() { inventory.PlanSaved = was })
-	now := time.Now().UTC()
-	claude := catalogueMerge("553b7191claude", "app", now.Add(-20*time.Second))
-	claude.Number, claude.Title = 174, "claude-code: an agent proposes a section"
-	dunst := catalogueMerge("48bda475dunst", "notes", now.Add(-2*time.Second))
-	dunst.Number, dunst.Title = 175, "dunst: the font the operator chose"
-	hear(t, open, claude, now.Add(-19*time.Second))
-	hear(t, open, dunst, now.Add(-time.Second))
-	hear(t, open, repoMerge("one", "a6bc0931one", now), now)
-	out := captured(t, func() error { return plansCommand(t.Context(), nil) })
-	lines := strings.Split(out, "\n")
-	first := lines[0]
-	for _, want := range []string{"assembling: ", " s left (at the latest ", "grouped: novox/mesh-catalog@48bda475 " +
-		"(answers 553b7191), novox/one@a6bc0931; plan not yet calculated"} {
-		if !strings.Contains(first, want) {
-			t.Fatalf("plans' first line %q does not say %q", first, want)
-		}
-	}
-	// Under it, one line per repository: the pull request, what it answers, what it moves.
-	if len(lines) < 3 || strings.TrimSpace(lines[1]) != "mesh-catalog #175 dunst: the font the operator chose (answers "+
-		"#174 claude-code: an agent proposes a section) · app, notes" ||
-		strings.TrimSpace(lines[2]) != "one a6bc0931 · one" {
-		t.Fatalf("the grouped list reads %q", lines[1:4])
-	}
-	if len(said) == 0 || said[len(said)-1].State != inventory.PlanAssembling || said[len(said)-1].Delivery.Batch == nil ||
-		len(said[len(said)-1].Delivery.Merges) != 3 {
-		t.Fatalf("the batch was not said as assembling with its merges: %+v", said)
-	}
-}
 
 // captured is what a command printed.
-func captured(t *testing.T, run func() error) string {
-	t.Helper()
-	r, w, err := os.Pipe()
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	was := os.Stdout
-	os.Stdout = w
-	runErr := run()
-	os.Stdout = was
-	_ = w.Close()
-	var b bytes.Buffer
-	_, _ = io.Copy(&b, r)
-	if runErr != nil {
-		t.Fatal(runErr)
-	}
-	return b.String()
-}
 
-// One walk at a time: a merge heard while a walk runs joins the next batch, which is cut when the walk ends;
-// the walk that started is never superseded.
-func TestAMergeDuringAWalkJoinsTheNextBatch(t *testing.T) {
-	open := windowed(t)
-	asksWithPaths(t)
-	hear(t, open, repoMerge("one", "c1", t0), t0)
-	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(90*time.Second))
-	ws, _ := walks(t, open)
-	if len(ws) != 1 || !ws[0].Open() {
-		t.Fatalf("the first batch was not cut: %+v", ws)
-	}
-	first := ws[0]
-	hear(t, open, repoMerge("two", "c2", t0.Add(2*time.Minute)), t0.Add(2*time.Minute))
-	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(5*time.Minute))
-	ws, bs := walks(t, open)
-	if len(ws) != 1 || len(bs) != 1 || bs[0].State != inventory.PlanQueued || bs[0].Delivery.Batch.Behind != first.ID {
-		t.Fatalf("the merge during the walk: %d walk(s), batches %+v", len(ws), bs)
-	}
-	if got, _ := open.inventory.PlanByID(t.Context(), first.ID); !got.Open() {
-		t.Fatalf("the started walk was %s by the next merge", got.State)
-	}
-	if !strings.HasPrefix(batchWords(bs[0], t0.Add(5*time.Minute)), "queued behind "+first.ID) {
-		t.Fatalf("a queued batch reads %q", batchWords(bs[0], t0.Add(5*time.Minute)))
-	}
-	first.State = inventory.PlanDone
-	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(t.Context(), &first); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(6*time.Minute))
-	ws, bs = walks(t, open)
-	if len(ws) != 2 || len(bs) != 0 || ws[0].Commit != "c2" {
-		t.Fatalf("the queued batch was not cut when the walk ended: %+v %+v", ws, bs)
-	}
-}
+// A merge heard during a walk it is related to (the same repository, issue 973) joins the next batch, which is
+// cut when the walk ends; the walk that started is never superseded (ADR 0276 decision 4, ADR 0407 decision 4).
 
 // A walk waiting for its delivery's word is folded into the next batch's walk, which answers its merges; it
 // names the walk that took it over.
-func TestAWaitingWalkIsFoldedIntoTheNextBatch(t *testing.T) {
-	open := windowed(t)
-	asksWithPaths(t)
-	ctx := t.Context()
-	if err := open.inventory.RegisterModule(ctx, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "mesh-delivery", Version: "1",
-		Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: catalogue.DeliverySeat, Scope: catalogue.ScopeMesh}}},
-		inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Seat: "git", Path: "modules/mesh-delivery", Ref: "main",
-			BuiltFrom: "c0", Head: "c0"}); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	if _, err := open.inventory.Assign(ctx, "anchor", "mesh-delivery"); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	hear(t, open, repoMerge("one", "c1", t0), t0)
-	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(90*time.Second))
-	ws, _ := walks(t, open)
-	if len(ws) != 1 || !ws[0].Waiting() {
-		t.Fatalf("the walk does not wait for its word: %+v", ws)
-	}
-	waiting := ws[0]
-	hear(t, open, repoMerge("two", "c2", t0.Add(2*time.Minute)), t0.Add(2*time.Minute))
-	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(2*time.Minute+90*time.Second))
-	ws, bs := walks(t, open)
-	if len(bs) != 0 || len(ws) != 2 {
-		t.Fatalf("%d walk(s), %d batch(es)", len(ws), len(bs))
-	}
-	folded, err := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, waiting.ID)
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	newer := ws[0]
-	if folded.State != inventory.PlanSuperseded || folded.Delivery.TakenOverBy != newer.ID {
-		t.Fatalf("the waiting walk is %s, taken over by %q", folded.State, folded.Delivery.TakenOverBy)
-	}
-	if len(newer.Delivery.Merges) != 2 || newer.CommitOf("novox/one") != "c1" || newer.CommitOf("novox/two") != "c2" {
-		t.Fatalf("the newer walk answers %+v", newer.Delivery.Merges)
-	}
-	if _, in := newer.Modules["one"]; !in {
-		t.Fatalf("what the folded walk was to build is not built: %v", newer.Modules)
-	}
-}
 
 // A merge heard after a later merge of its branch was walked is answered by that walk when it builds all it
 // moves — named at once on a walk done — and joins the next batch when it does not.
-func TestALateMergeIsAnsweredByTheWalkOfTheLaterOne(t *testing.T) {
-	open := windowed(t)
-	asksWithPaths(t)
-	ctx := t.Context()
-	later := catalogueMerge("48bda475dunst", "notes", t0.Add(17*time.Second))
-	hear(t, open, later, t0.Add(18*time.Second))
-	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(2*time.Minute))
-	ws, _ := walks(t, open)
-	w := ws[0]
-	w.State = inventory.PlanDone
-	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &w); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	// Moves only notes, which the done walk built from the branch after it: answered there, at once.
-	hear(t, open, catalogueMerge("553b7191early", "notes", t0), t0.Add(15*time.Minute))
-	got, _ := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, w.ID)
-	if got.State != inventory.PlanDone || len(got.Delivery.Merges) != 2 ||
-		!sameMerge(got.Delivery.Merges[0], inventory.PlanMerge{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Commit: "553b7191early",
-			Carried: later.Commit}) {
-		t.Fatalf("the late merge is not named by the walk that carried it: %+v", got.Delivery.Merges)
-	}
-	// Moves app, which that walk never built: the next batch walks it.
-	hear(t, open, catalogueMerge("1111aaaaapp", "app", t0.Add(time.Second)), t0.Add(16*time.Minute))
-	_, bs := walks(t, open)
-	if len(bs) != 1 || bs[0].Delivery.Merges[0].Commit != "1111aaaaapp" {
-		t.Fatalf("a late merge moving what the walk never built did not join the next batch: %+v", bs)
-	}
-}
 
 // A failed walk marks nothing delivered: its earlier merges are walked alone, on their own commit, the newest
 // first; the first delivered answers the older ones, and the search stops.
-func TestAFailedWalkWalksItsEarlierMergesAlone(t *testing.T) {
-	open := windowed(t)
-	asked := asksWithPaths(t)
-	ctx := t.Context()
-	// Made before the cut marks their modules seen, as merges are: walked again, they are news all the same.
-	oldest := catalogueMerge("aaaa0001", "app", t0.Add(-3*time.Minute))
-	middle := catalogueMerge("bbbb0002", "app", t0.Add(-3*time.Minute+10*time.Second))
-	newest := catalogueMerge("cccc0003", "notes", t0.Add(-3*time.Minute+20*time.Second))
-	for i, m := range []link.SourceMoved{oldest, middle, newest} {
-		hear(t, open, m, t0.Add(time.Duration(i)*10*time.Second+time.Second))
-	}
-	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(2*time.Minute))
-	ws, _ := walks(t, open)
-	failed := ws[0]
-	failed.State, failed.Note = inventory.PlanFailed, "notes failed to build in tier 0"
-	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &failed); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(3*time.Minute))
-	got, _ := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, failed.ID)
-	if got.State != inventory.PlanFailed || len(got.Delivery.Merges) != 3 {
-		t.Fatalf("the failed walk's record changed: %s %+v", got.State, got.Delivery.Merges)
-	}
-	ws, _ = walks(t, open)
-	alone := ws[0]
-	if alone.ID == failed.ID || alone.Commit != middle.Commit || len(alone.Delivery.Merges) != 1 ||
-		!sameMerge(alone.Delivery.Merges[0], inventory.PlanMerge{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Commit: middle.Commit}) {
-		t.Fatalf("the newest earlier merge was not walked alone on its own commit: %+v", alone)
-	}
-	if _, in := alone.Modules["app"]; !in || (*asked)[len(*asked)-1] != [3]string{"novox/mesh-catalog", "modules/app",
-		middle.Commit} {
-		t.Fatalf("the merge walked alone does not build app at its own commit: %v, asked %v", alone.Modules, *asked)
-	}
-	// Retried, the failed walk would name merges the search answers now.
-	if _, err := retryPlan(ctx, open, failed.ID); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "walked alone") {
-		t.Fatalf("a failed walk whose merges are searched was retried: %v", err)
-	}
-	alone.State = inventory.PlanDone
-	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &alone); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(4*time.Minute))
-	ws, bs := walks(t, open)
-	if ws[0].ID != alone.ID || len(bs) != 0 {
-		t.Fatalf("the search went on after a merge was delivered: %+v", ws[0])
-	}
-	done, _ := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, alone.ID)
-	if len(done.Delivery.Merges) != 2 || !sameMerge(done.Delivery.Merges[0], inventory.PlanMerge{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog",
-		Commit: oldest.Commit, Carried: middle.Commit}) {
-		t.Fatalf("the oldest merge is not answered by the walk that delivered the one after it: %+v", done.Delivery.Merges)
-	}
-	// A stopped walk starts no search: a person ended it.
-	hear(t, open, catalogueMerge("dddd0004", "app", t0.Add(5*time.Minute)), t0.Add(5*time.Minute))
-	hear(t, open, catalogueMerge("eeee0005", "notes", t0.Add(5*time.Minute+time.Second)), t0.Add(5*time.Minute+time.Second))
-	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(8*time.Minute))
-	ws, _ = walks(t, open)
-	if _, err := stopWalk(ctx, open.inventory, ws[0].ID, "mesh-delivery for jochen", "not now"); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(9*time.Minute))
-	if again, _ := walks(t, open); again[0].ID != ws[0].ID {
-		t.Fatalf("a stopped walk's earlier merge was walked alone: %+v", again[0])
-	}
-}
 
 // A delivery group's order holds inside the walk (ADR 0249 unchanged): merges of two repositories from one head
 // branch name, the node-engine's before the controller's, are tiered so; without the group, one tier.
-func TestAGroupsOrderBecomesTiersInsideTheWalk(t *testing.T) {
-	for _, grouped := range []bool{true, false} {
-		open := windowed(t)
-		asksWithPaths(t)
-		ctx := t.Context()
-		for _, m := range []string{"mesh-host"} {
-			if err := open.inventory.RegisterModule(ctx, catalogue.Manifest{Module: m, Version: "1"},
-				inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/" + m, Seat: "git", Ref: "main", BuiltFrom: "c0", Head: "c0"}); err != nil {
-				t.Fatal(err)
-			}
-		}
-		host := repoMerge("mesh-host", "h1", t0)
-		ctl := repoMerge("mesh-controller", "k1", t0.Add(time.Second))
-		host.Head, ctl.Head = "feat/together", "feat/together"
-		if !grouped {
-			ctl.Head = "feat/alone"
-		}
-		hear(t, open, ctl, t0.Add(2*time.Second))
-		hear(t, open, host, t0.Add(3*time.Second))
-		cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(2*time.Minute))
-		ws, _ := walks(t, open)
-		if len(ws) != 1 {
-			t.Fatalf("%d walks", len(ws))
-		}
-		tiers := ws[0].Tiers
-		if grouped {
-			if len(tiers) != 2 || !slices.Equal(tiers[0], []string{"mesh-host"}) ||
-				!slices.Equal(tiers[1], []string{"mesh-controller"}) {
-				t.Fatalf("the group's order is not the walk's tiers: %v", tiers)
-			}
-		} else if len(tiers) != 1 {
-			t.Fatalf("two merges of no group were ordered: %v", tiers)
-		}
-	}
-}
 
 // A restarted controller resumes the window where it stood: the batch, its merges and their times are in the
 // store, a merge handed over again is not doubled, and the batch is cut when its window closes.
-func TestABatchSurvivesARestart(t *testing.T) {
-	open := windowed(t)
-	asksWithPaths(t)
-	hear(t, open, repoMerge("one", "c1", t0), t0)
-	hear(t, open, repoMerge("two", "c2", t0.Add(30*time.Second)), t0.Add(30*time.Second))
-
-	// A new controller: nothing of the first one's but the store.
-	again, err := openStores(t.Context())
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	t.Cleanup(again.Close)
-	hear(t, again, repoMerge("one", "c1", t0), t0.Add(60*time.Second)) // the bus hands it over again
-	cutAt(t, again, t0.Add(119*time.Second))
-	if ws, bs := walks(t, again); len(ws) != 0 || len(bs) != 1 || len(bs[0].Delivery.Merges) != 2 {
-		t.Fatalf("the restarted controller's batch: %d walk(s), %+v", len(ws), bs)
-	}
-	cutAt(t, again, t0.Add(120*time.Second))
-	ws, bs := walks(t, again)
-	if len(ws) != 1 || len(bs) != 0 || len(ws[0].Delivery.Merges) != 2 {
-		t.Fatalf("the restarted controller did not cut the batch at its window: %+v %+v", ws, bs)
-	}
-}
 
 // The window's settings reach the controller in its settings file, read at every look; one that says no
 // duration, or no file, is the default.
@@ -561,93 +220,9 @@ func TestAWaitingWalkNamesTheMergesItAnswers(t *testing.T) {
 // A merge heard after a later merge of its branch was cut is named by that walk however its modules read since
 // the cut, in a repository of one module (review of this change); a walk that never built what it moves names
 // nothing, and the merge joins the next batch.
-func TestALateMergeOfAOneModuleRepositoryIsNamed(t *testing.T) {
-	open := windowed(t)
-	asksWithPaths(t)
-	ctx := t.Context()
-	c2 := repoMerge("one", "c2", t0.Add(-50*time.Second))
-	hear(t, open, c2, t0)
-	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(2*time.Minute))
-	ws, _ := walks(t, open)
-	w := ws[0]
-	w.State = inventory.PlanDone
-	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &w); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	hear(t, open, repoMerge("one", "c1", t0.Add(-60*time.Second)), t0.Add(15*time.Minute))
-	got, _ := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, w.ID)
-	if len(got.Delivery.Merges) != 2 || !sameMerge(got.Delivery.Merges[0], inventory.PlanMerge{Repository: "novox/one",
-		Commit: "c1", Carried: "c2"}) {
-		t.Fatalf("the late merge was not named by the walk that carried it: %+v", got.Delivery.Merges)
-	}
 
-	// A walk of two that built only two: a late merge of one is not its to name.
-	hear(t, open, repoMerge("two", "d2", t0.Add(16*time.Minute)), t0.Add(16*time.Minute))
-	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(18*time.Minute))
-	ws, _ = walks(t, open)
-	w = ws[0]
-	delete(w.Modules, "two")
-	w.State = inventory.PlanDone
-	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &w); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	hear(t, open, repoMerge("two", "d1", t0.Add(15*time.Minute)), t0.Add(20*time.Minute))
-	if got, _ := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, w.ID); len(got.Delivery.Merges) != 1 {
-		t.Fatalf("a walk that never built what the late merge moves named it: %+v", got.Delivery.Merges)
-	}
-	if _, bs := walks(t, open); len(bs) != 1 || bs[0].Delivery.Merges[0].Commit != "d1" {
-		t.Fatalf("the late merge did not join the next batch: %+v", bs)
-	}
-}
-
-// One walk at a time holds against the delivery's word too: a waiting walk let go beside a started one takes the
-// word and starts once that one ended, asking nothing before.
-func TestAWalkLetGoBesideAStartedOneStartsOnceItEnded(t *testing.T) {
-	open := windowed(t)
-	asked := asksWithPaths(t)
-	ctx := t.Context()
-	hear(t, open, repoMerge("one", "c1", t0), t0)
-	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(2*time.Minute))
-	started, _ := walks(t, open)
-	waiting := inventory.Plan{ID: "plan-waiting", Repository: "novox/two", Branch: "main", Commit: "d1", Created: t0,
-		State: inventory.PlanBuilding, Tiers: [][]string{{"two"}}, Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{"two": {}},
-		Delivery: &inventory.PlanDelivery{Awaits: catalogue.DeliverySeat}}
-	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &waiting); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	if _, err := letGo(ctx, open.inventory, waiting.ID, catalogue.DeliverySeat, "its turn"); err != nil {
-		t.Fatalf("the word was refused beside %s: %v", started[0].ID, err)
-	}
-	before := len(*asked)
-	advanceHeld(ctx, open)
-	got, _ := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, waiting.ID)
-	if len(*asked) != before || !strings.Contains(got.Note, "starts once "+started[0].ID) {
-		t.Fatalf("a walk let go beside a started one asked (%d → %d) or does not say it waits: %q", before, len(*asked), got.Note)
-	}
-	// Read as a wait, an hour on: its note on the line, never LATE, and no tier of it late for S3.
-	later := time.Now().Add(time.Hour)
-	if line := planLine(got, later); !strings.Contains(line, "starts once "+started[0].ID) || strings.Contains(line, "LATE") {
-		t.Fatalf("a deferred walk reads %q", line)
-	}
-	facts, _, err := gatherPlans(ctx, open.inventory, later, nil)
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	for _, f := range facts {
-		if f.id == got.ID {
-			t.Fatalf("a deferred walk is watched as a tier running late: %+v", f)
-		}
-	}
-	done := started[0]
-	done.State = inventory.PlanDone
-	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &done); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	advanceHeld(ctx, open)
-	if len(*asked) != before+1 {
-		t.Fatalf("the walk did not start once the started one ended: asked %v", *asked)
-	}
-}
+// A related walk waits for the delivery's word too: a waiting walk let go beside a started one it is related to
+// (the same repository, issue 973) takes the word and starts once that one ended, asking nothing before.
 
 // A file a merge of the batch removed and a later one brought back is not removed; one removed last is.
 func TestARemovedFileIsTheLastMergesWord(t *testing.T) {
@@ -667,152 +242,10 @@ func TestARemovedFileIsTheLastMergesWord(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
-// The catch-up hands over what the bus lost after its branch's later merges were cut, and the record keeps it:
-// an earlier merge is named by the walk that carried it; a merge made before a cut and heard after it, which
-// no later merge carries, joins the next batch — neither reads as history and is dropped (review of this change).
-func TestTheCatchUpKeepsWhatACutMadeHistory(t *testing.T) {
-	open := windowed(t)
-	asksWithPaths(t)
-	ctx := t.Context()
-	base := time.Now().UTC().Add(-time.Hour).Truncate(time.Second)
-	hear(t, open, repoMerge("one", "c2", base.Add(10*time.Second)), base.Add(11*time.Second))
-	cutAt(t, open, base.Add(2*time.Minute))
-	ws, _ := walks(t, open)
-	w := ws[0]
-	w.State = inventory.PlanDone
-	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &w); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	lost := []link.AnnouncedMerge{
-		{SourceMoved: repoMerge("one", "c1", base), At: base.Add(time.Second)},
-		{SourceMoved: repoMerge("one", "c3lost", base.Add(20*time.Second)), At: base.Add(21 * time.Second)},
-	}
-	catalogued := func(ctx context.Context) ([]inventory.Entry, map[string][]inventory.ReadRepository, error) {
-		entries, err := open.inventory.Catalogued(ctx)
-		if err != nil {
-			return nil, nil, err
-		}
-		read, err := readForPlanning(ctx, open.inventory)
-		return entries, read, err
-	}
-	if err := catchUpOnMerges(ctx, time.Now(), unheardMerges{announcedList(lost), open.inventory}, catalogued,
-		(following{open}).SourceMoved, t.Logf); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	got, _ := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, w.ID)
-	if len(got.Delivery.Merges) != 2 || !sameMerge(got.Delivery.Merges[0], inventory.PlanMerge{Repository: "novox/one",
-		Commit: "c1", Carried: "c2"}) {
-		t.Fatalf("the earlier merge the catch-up handed over is not named by the walk that carried it: %+v",
-			got.Delivery.Merges)
-	}
-	if _, kept, err := open.inventory.MergeOf(ctx, "novox/one", "c3lost"); err != nil || !kept {
-		t.Fatalf("the merge made before the cut and heard after it was dropped: %v %v", kept, err)
-	}
-}
-
 // A merge on the controller's own path never shares a batch with one that waits for mesh-delivery's word
 // (decided during the build, 2026-10-10): the two are batches of their own, cut one after the other; a walk on
 // the own path folds no waiting catalogue walk but batches its merges again behind it; the catalogue's walk
 // still waits for the word, so no catalogue delivery skips its turn.
-func TestAMergeOnTheControllersPathNeverSharesABatch(t *testing.T) {
-	open := windowed(t)
-	asked := asksWithPaths(t)
-	ctx := t.Context()
-	if err := open.inventory.RegisterModule(ctx, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "mesh-delivery", Version: "1",
-		Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: catalogue.DeliverySeat, Scope: catalogue.ScopeMesh}}},
-		inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Seat: "git", Path: "modules/mesh-delivery", Ref: "main",
-			BuiltFrom: "c0", Head: "c0"}); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	if _, err := open.inventory.Assign(ctx, "anchor", "mesh-delivery"); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	hear(t, open, catalogueMerge("aaaa0001", "app", t0), t0)
-	hear(t, open, repoMerge("mesh-controller", "k1", t0.Add(10*time.Second)), t0.Add(10*time.Second))
-	hear(t, open, catalogueMerge("bbbb0002", "notes", t0.Add(20*time.Second)), t0.Add(20*time.Second))
-	_, bs := walks(t, open)
-	var ownBatch, catalogueBatch inventory.Plan
-	for _, b := range bs {
-		if b.OwnPath() {
-			ownBatch = b
-		} else {
-			catalogueBatch = b
-		}
-	}
-	if len(bs) != 2 || ownBatch.ID == "" || catalogueBatch.ID == "" || len(catalogueBatch.Delivery.Merges) != 2 ||
-		len(ownBatch.Delivery.Merges) != 1 {
-		t.Fatalf("a controller merge and two catalogue merges in one window: %+v", bs)
-	}
-	if !strings.Contains(batchWords(ownBatch, t0.Add(30*time.Second)), "own path") {
-		t.Fatalf("the own-path batch does not say so: %q", batchWords(ownBatch, t0.Add(30*time.Second)))
-	}
-	// Both windows closed, the controller's batch is cut first and starts; the catalogue batch queues behind it,
-	// is cut when the controller's walk ended, and waits for its word with both merges.
-	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(2*time.Minute))
-	ws, bs := walks(t, open)
-	if len(ws) != 1 || ws[0].Waiting() || ws[0].CommitOf("novox/mesh-controller") != "k1" {
-		t.Fatalf("the controller's batch was not cut first into a started walk: %+v", ws)
-	}
-	ownWalk := ws[0]
-	for _, m := range []string{"app", "notes"} {
-		if _, in := ownWalk.Modules[m]; in {
-			t.Fatalf("the controller's walk builds %s, a catalogue module: it skipped its turn", m)
-		}
-	}
-	if len(bs) != 1 || bs[0].State != inventory.PlanQueued || bs[0].Delivery.Batch.Behind != ownWalk.ID || bs[0].OwnPath() {
-		t.Fatalf("the catalogue batch does not queue behind the controller's walk: %+v", bs)
-	}
-	ownWalk.State = inventory.PlanDone
-	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &ownWalk); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(3*time.Minute))
-	ws, bs = walks(t, open)
-	if len(bs) != 0 || ws[0].ID != catalogueBatch.ID || !ws[0].Waiting() || len(ws[0].Delivery.Merges) != 2 {
-		t.Fatalf("the catalogue batch was not cut into a waiting walk once the controller's ended: %+v %+v", ws, bs)
-	}
-	for _, m := range []string{"app", "notes"} {
-		if _, in := ws[0].Modules[m]; !in {
-			t.Fatalf("the catalogue walk does not build %s: %v", m, ws[0].Modules)
-		}
-	}
-	for _, a := range *asked {
-		if a[1] == "modules/app" || a[1] == "modules/notes" {
-			t.Fatalf("a catalogue module was asked without the word: %v", *asked)
-		}
-	}
-
-	// A catalogue walk waiting for its word when an own-path batch is cut keeps waiting beside the own-path
-	// walk, is not folded into it, and its word is taken meanwhile: it starts once the own-path walk ended.
-	catalogueWalk := ws[0]
-	hear(t, open, repoMerge("mesh-controller", "k2", t0.Add(4*time.Minute)), t0.Add(4*time.Minute))
-	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(6*time.Minute))
-	ws, _ = walks(t, open)
-	kept, _ := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, catalogueWalk.ID)
-	if !kept.Waiting() || ws[0].CommitOf("novox/mesh-controller") != "k2" || ws[0].Waiting() {
-		t.Fatalf("the waiting catalogue walk was not kept waiting beside the controller's walk: %s %+v", kept.State, ws)
-	}
-	if _, in := ws[0].Modules["app"]; in {
-		t.Fatalf("the controller's walk folded the waiting catalogue walk in: %v", ws[0].Modules)
-	}
-	if _, err := letGo(ctx, open.inventory, catalogueWalk.ID, catalogue.DeliverySeat, "its turn"); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	before := len(*asked)
-	advanceHeld(ctx, open)
-	if len(*asked) != before {
-		t.Fatalf("the catalogue walk started beside the controller's: asked %v", (*asked)[before:])
-	}
-	own2 := ws[0]
-	own2.State = inventory.PlanDone
-	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &own2); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	advanceHeld(ctx, open)
-	if len(*asked) < before+1 || (*asked)[before][1] != "modules/app" {
-		t.Fatalf("the catalogue walk did not start once the controller's ended: %v", (*asked)[before:])
-	}
-}
 
 // `plans` names a walk by what it moves (asked by the operator, 2026-10-10): the repository's pull request and
 // title, the modules it moves and the machines running them, then the state words; a record naming no pull
@@ -858,45 +291,3 @@ func sameMerge(a, b inventory.PlanMerge) bool {
 // A catalogue merge heard after a later merge of its branch was walked without the word (a merge that touched
 // the bus too, on the controller's own path) is not answered by that walk while the delivery seat has a holder:
 // its delivery would skip its turn. It joins the next catalogue batch.
-func TestALateCatalogueMergeIsNotAnsweredByAnOwnPathWalk(t *testing.T) {
-	open := windowed(t)
-	asksWithPaths(t)
-	ctx := t.Context()
-	for _, m := range []struct {
-		module string
-		claims []catalogue.Claim
-	}{
-		{"nats", nil},
-		{"mesh-delivery", []catalogue.Claim{{Name: catalogue.DeliverySeat, Scope: catalogue.ScopeMesh}}},
-	} {
-		if err := open.inventory.RegisterModule(ctx, catalogue.Manifest{Module: m.module, Version: "1", Claims: m.claims},
-			inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Seat: "git", Path: "modules/" + m.module, Ref: "main",
-				BuiltFrom: "c0", Head: "c0"}); err != nil {
-			t.Fatal(err)
-		}
-	}
-	if _, err := open.inventory.Assign(ctx, "anchor", "mesh-delivery"); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	mixed := link.SourceMoved{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-catalog", Base: "main", Commit: "m1xed", MergedAt: t0.Format(time.RFC3339Nano),
-		Paths: []string{"modules/nats/module.json", "modules/app/module.json"}, ModuleDirs: []string{"modules/nats", "modules/app"},
-		ModuleDirsSaid: true}
-	hear(t, open, mixed, t0.Add(time.Second))
-	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(2*time.Minute))
-	ws, _ := walks(t, open)
-	if len(ws) != 1 || ws[0].Waiting() {
-		t.Fatalf("the mixed merge's walk waited, or was not cut: %+v", ws)
-	}
-	done := ws[0]
-	done.State = inventory.PlanDone
-	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &done); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	hear(t, open, catalogueMerge("ear1ier", "app", t0.Add(-30*time.Second)), t0.Add(3*time.Minute))
-	got, _ := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, done.ID)
-	_, bs := walks(t, open)
-	if len(got.Delivery.Merges) != 1 || len(bs) != 1 || bs[0].OwnPath() || bs[0].Delivery.Merges[0].Commit != "ear1ier" {
-		t.Fatalf("the late catalogue merge was answered by the own-path walk (%+v) rather than the next catalogue batch (%+v)",
-			got.Delivery.Merges, bs)
-	}
-}

cmd/mesh-controller/batches_watch.go

@@ -3,6 +3,8 @@ package main
 import (
 	"context"
 	"fmt"
+	"sort"
+	"strings"
 	"time"
 
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
@@ -17,6 +19,9 @@ import (
 const (
 	kindBatchNotCut     = "batch-not-cut"
 	kindBatchBehindWalk = "batch-behind-walk"
+	// kindGroupNotMerged is raised for a group whose last member has not merged by the merge window's maximum after
+	// its first (novox/hq ADR 0418 clause 3).
+	kindGroupNotMerged = "group-not-merged"
 )
 
 // batchFacts is one batch not yet cut, as the watchdogs read it.
@@ -28,6 +33,11 @@ type batchFacts struct {
 	// tiers.
 	behind    string
 	walkBound time.Duration
+	// holds are the groups the batch is held for, by head, with why; created is when the batch was made, the first
+	// merge of the group heard; atMostWindow is the maximum a window may take (the controller's setting).
+	holds        map[string]string
+	created      time.Time
+	atMostWindow time.Duration
 }
 
 // gatherBatches is every batch not yet cut, with the bound of the walk it waits behind.
@@ -42,12 +52,18 @@ func gatherBatches(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, now time.Time)
 	}
 	var out []batchFacts
 	for _, b := range batches {
-		f := batchFacts{id: b.ID, state: b.State, grouped: groupedWords(b)}
+		_, atMostWindow := mergeWindowOf()
+		f := batchFacts{id: b.ID, state: b.State, grouped: groupedWords(b), created: b.Created, atMostWindow: atMostWindow}
 		if w := b.Delivery; w != nil && w.Batch != nil {
+			f.holds = w.Batch.Holds
 			f.atMost, f.closed, f.behind = w.Batch.AtMost, w.Batch.ClosesAt, w.Batch.Behind
 			if f.atMost.Before(f.closed) {
 				f.closed = f.atMost
 			}
+			if w.Batch.CutAtOnce && !b.Created.IsZero() {
+				// Its window closed when it was made, which is its latest too (ADR 0304 decision 1).
+				f.atMost, f.closed = b.Created, b.Created
+			}
 		}
 		if f.behind != "" {
 			if walk, err := inv.PlanByID(ctx, f.behind); err == nil {
@@ -63,7 +79,8 @@ func gatherBatches(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, now time.Time)
 func watchBatchesNotCut(f *signalFacts) []conditions.Observation {
 	var out []conditions.Observation
 	for _, b := range f.batches {
-		if b.state != inventory.PlanAssembling || b.atMost.IsZero() || f.now.Sub(b.atMost) <= batchLateAfter {
+		if b.state != inventory.PlanAssembling || b.atMost.IsZero() || f.now.Sub(b.atMost) <= batchLateAfter ||
+			len(b.holds) > 0 { // a batch held for a group waits on a member, which has its own condition
 			continue
 		}
 		late := f.now.Sub(b.atMost)
@@ -101,3 +118,36 @@ func watchBatchesBehind(f *signalFacts) []conditions.Observation {
 	}
 	return out
 }
+
+// watchGroupsNotMerged is the condition of a batch held for a group whose last member has not merged by the merge
+// window's maximum after the first member merged, naming the member and why (novox/hq ADR 0418 clause 3): nothing of
+// the group is delivered while it waits.
+func watchGroupsNotMerged(f *signalFacts) []conditions.Observation {
+	var out []conditions.Observation
+	for _, b := range f.batches {
+		if len(b.holds) == 0 || b.created.IsZero() || f.now.Sub(b.created) <= b.atMostWindow {
+			continue
+		}
+		heads := make([]string, 0, len(b.holds))
+		for h := range b.holds {
+			heads = append(heads, h)
+		}
+		sort.Strings(heads)
+		var why []string
+		for _, h := range heads {
+			why = append(why, b.holds[h])
+		}
+		waited := f.now.Sub(b.created)
+		out = append(out, conditions.Observation{Scope: conditions.ScopePlan, ID: b.id,
+			Kind: kindGroupNotMerged, Severity: conditions.Warning,
+			Summary: fmt.Sprintf("%s; its first member merged %s ago, past the merge window's maximum (%s), and nothing "+
+				"of the group is delivered while it waits (batch %s)", strings.Join(why, "; "), ago(waited), ago(b.atMostWindow), b.id),
+			Said:     "a group waits for a member that has not merged",
+			Headline: "A change waits for the rest of its group to merge",
+			Explanation: fmt.Sprintf("The changes of a group are delivered together, once the last one is merged. "+
+				"One has not merged in %s. Nothing is lost; the merged ones are kept and delivered with it.",
+				humanDuration(waited)),
+			Resolved: "The group's last change merged"})
+	}
+	return out
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/beside_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,108 @@
+//go:build integration
+
+package main
+
+import (
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// An unrelated closed batch is cut into a walk beside an open one, and that walk asks its first tier at once
+// (issue 973, novox/hq ADR 0407 decision 4): a hotfix is never held by an unrelated delivery.
+func TestAnUnrelatedBatchWalksBesideAnOpenWalk(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	asksWithPaths(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	hear(t, open, repoMerge("one", "c1", t0), t0)
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(90*time.Second))
+	if ws, _ := walks(t, open); len(ws) != 1 || !ws[0].Open() {
+		t.Fatalf("the first walk is not open: %+v", ws)
+	}
+	heard := t0.Add(100 * time.Second)
+	hear(t, open, lone(repoMerge("two", "c2", heard)), heard)
+	advanceHeld(ctx, open)
+	ws, bs := walks(t, open)
+	if len(ws) != 2 || len(bs) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("%d walk(s) and %d batch(es); want the unrelated batch cut beside the open walk", len(ws), len(bs))
+	}
+	for _, w := range ws {
+		if !w.Open() || w.Waiting() || deferred(w) || !askedAny(w) {
+			t.Errorf("%s (%s) is not walking: open %v, deferred %v, asked %v, note %q", w.ID, w.Named(), w.Open(),
+				deferred(w), askedAny(w), w.Note)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// A closed batch related to an open walk is queued behind it with the reason, while one that shares nothing is
+// cut beside it; the walk that started is never superseded (ADR 0276 decision 4, issue 973).
+func TestARelatedBatchWaitsBehindTheOpenWalk(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	asksWithPaths(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	hear(t, open, repoMerge("one", "c1", t0), t0)
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(90*time.Second))
+	first := func() inventory.Plan { ws, _ := walks(t, open); return ws[len(ws)-1] }()
+	heard := t0.Add(100 * time.Second)
+	hear(t, open, lone(repoMerge("one", "c2", heard)), heard)
+	hear(t, open, lone(repoMerge("three", "c3", heard.Add(time.Second))), heard.Add(time.Second))
+	ws, bs := walks(t, open)
+	if len(ws) != 2 || len(bs) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("%d walk(s) and %d batch(es); want the unrelated merge walking and the related one queued", len(ws), len(bs))
+	}
+	b := bs[0]
+	words := batchWords(b, heard)
+	if b.State != inventory.PlanQueued || b.Delivery.Batch.Behind != first.ID || b.CommitOf("novox/one") != "c2" ||
+		!strings.Contains(words, "queued behind "+first.ID) || !strings.Contains(words, "both change novox/one") {
+		t.Fatalf("the related batch is %s, behind %q, reading %q", b.State, b.Delivery.Batch.Behind, words)
+	}
+	if got, _ := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, first.ID); !got.Open() {
+		t.Fatalf("the started walk was %s by the related merge", got.State)
+	}
+	first.State = inventory.PlanDone
+	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &first); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	cutAt(t, open, heard.Add(2*time.Second))
+	if _, bs := walks(t, open); len(bs) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the queued batch was not cut once the walk it waited for ended: %+v", bs)
+	}
+}
+
+// A batch on the controller's own path never walks beside another walk, and nothing walks beside it, whatever
+// the two share (issue 973): it replaces the controller, so it goes alone.
+func TestAnOwnPathBatchNeverWalksBeside(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	asksWithPaths(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	hear(t, open, repoMerge("one", "c1", t0), t0)
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(90*time.Second))
+	ws, _ := walks(t, open)
+	first := ws[0]
+	heard := t0.Add(100 * time.Second)
+	hear(t, open, lone(repoMerge("mesh-controller", "k1", heard)), heard)
+	ws, bs := walks(t, open)
+	if len(ws) != 1 || len(bs) != 1 || !bs[0].OwnPath() || bs[0].State != inventory.PlanQueued ||
+		bs[0].Delivery.Batch.Behind != first.ID || !strings.Contains(batchWords(bs[0], heard), "own path") {
+		t.Fatalf("an own-path batch beside an open walk: %d walk(s), batches %+v", len(ws), bs)
+	}
+	first.State = inventory.PlanDone
+	if err := open.inventory.SavePlan(ctx, &first); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	cutAt(t, open, heard.Add(time.Second))
+	ws, _ = walks(t, open)
+	if len(ws) != 2 || !ws[0].Open() || ws[0].CommitOf("novox/mesh-controller") != "k1" {
+		t.Fatalf("the own-path batch was not cut once the walk ended: %+v", ws)
+	}
+	own := ws[0]
+	// Unrelated to the own-path walk by every footprint, a merge still waits for it.
+	later := heard.Add(time.Minute)
+	hear(t, open, lone(repoMerge("two", "c2", later)), later)
+	ws, bs = walks(t, open)
+	if len(ws) != 2 || len(bs) != 1 || bs[0].State != inventory.PlanQueued || bs[0].Delivery.Batch.Behind != own.ID {
+		t.Fatalf("a merge beside the own-path walk: %d walk(s), batches %+v", len(ws), bs)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/bindings_integration_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,102 @@
+//go:build integration
+
+package main
+
+import (
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+)
+
+func TestTheIncidentAConsumerStaysBesideItsDataUntilAPersonPinsIt(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	if _, err := inv.SeedSeats(ctx, catalogue.DefaultSeats()); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	for _, m := range storeManifests() {
+		register(t, open, m)
+	}
+	assignAll := func(pairs ...[2]string) {
+		for _, a := range pairs {
+			if _, err := assign(ctx, open, a[0], a[1]); err != nil {
+				t.Fatalf("assign %s %s: %v", a[0], a[1], err)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	// The anchor's store and resolver hold the mesh's seats, on record; the laptop runs its own of each.
+	assignAll([2]string{"anchor", "store"}, [2]string{"anchor", "resolver"})
+	for _, seat := range [][2]string{{"mesh-store", "store"}, {"mesh-dns-resolver", "resolver"}} {
+		if err := inv.HoldSeat(ctx, seat[0], catalogue.ScopeMesh, "anchor", seat[1]); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	assignAll([2]string{"laptop", "store"}, [2]string{"laptop", "resolver"}, [2]string{"laptop", "network"},
+		[2]string{"laptop", "board"})
+
+	plan, _, err := planFor(ctx, open, "laptop")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if n := need(t, plan, "board", "postgres-database"); n.From != "laptop" || n.Module != "store" || !n.KeepsData {
+		t.Fatalf("the consumer was bound to %s/%s (keeps data: %v); its data is beside it", n.From, n.Module, n.KeepsData)
+	}
+	if n := need(t, plan, "network", "wildcard-resolution"); n.From != "anchor" || n.KeepsData {
+		t.Fatalf("the resolver was bound to %s (keeps data: %v); its seat is held on anchor (issue 258)", n.From, n.KeepsData)
+	}
+
+	// Sent, and recorded: only the binding to data.
+	bindings := boundToData(plan, nil)
+	if len(bindings) != 1 || bindings[0].Provider != (catalogue.Chosen{Node: "laptop", Module: "store"}) {
+		t.Fatalf("recorded %+v", bindings)
+	}
+	if err := inv.RecordBindings(ctx, "laptop", bindings); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if found, err := probeBindings(ctx, &doctor{open: open}); err != nil || len(found) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a mesh bound where it was sent: %+v, %v", found, err)
+	}
+
+	// The laptop's store taken away: refused, not moved to the anchor's empty one.
+	if err := inv.Unassign(ctx, "laptop", "store"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, _, err := planFor(ctx, open, "laptop"); err == nil || !unresolvable(err) ||
+		!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "board on laptop is bound to laptop/store") ||
+		!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "pin laptop postgres-database anchor store") {
+		t.Fatalf("the consumer's store went and it was answered elsewhere: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// A person pins the anchor's: it moves, said before it is sent, and the record keeps where it was.
+	if err := inv.PinProvision(ctx, "laptop", "postgres-database", "anchor", "store"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	plan, _, err = planFor(ctx, open, "laptop")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if n := need(t, plan, "board", "postgres-database"); n.From != "anchor" {
+		t.Fatalf("pinned to the anchor and bound to %s", n.From)
+	}
+	found, err := probeBindings(ctx, &doctor{open: open})
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if len(found) != 1 || found[0].Kind != kindBindingMoving || found[0].Severity != conditions.Warning ||
+		!strings.Contains(found[0].Summary, "board's postgres-database moves from laptop/store to anchor/store") {
+		t.Fatalf("a pinned move is not said before it is sent: %+v", found)
+	}
+	if err := inv.RecordBindings(ctx, "laptop", boundToData(plan, nil)); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	all, err := inv.Bindings(ctx)
+	if err != nil || len(all) != 1 || all[0].MovedFrom != "laptop/store" {
+		t.Fatalf("%+v, %v", all, err)
+	}
+	if found, err := probeBindings(ctx, &doctor{open: open}); err != nil || len(found) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a move sent is still said: %+v, %v", found, err)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/bindings_test.go

@@ -39,96 +39,6 @@ func need(t *testing.T, plan catalogue.Resolution, consumer, provision string) c
 // The incident through the stores: the laptop runs its own store and a consumer of it, the anchor's
 // store holds the mesh's seat. The consumer stays beside its data, the resolver follows its seat, the
 // binding is recorded as sent, and a pin — only a pin — moves it, said before the push that carries it.
-func TestTheIncidentAConsumerStaysBesideItsDataUntilAPersonPinsIt(t *testing.T) {
-	open := aMesh(t)
-	ctx := t.Context()
-	inv := open.inventory
-	if _, err := inv.SeedSeats(ctx, catalogue.DefaultSeats()); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	for _, m := range storeManifests() {
-		register(t, open, m)
-	}
-	assignAll := func(pairs ...[2]string) {
-		for _, a := range pairs {
-			if _, err := assign(ctx, open, a[0], a[1]); err != nil {
-				t.Fatalf("assign %s %s: %v", a[0], a[1], err)
-			}
-		}
-	}
-	// The anchor's store and resolver hold the mesh's seats, on record; the laptop runs its own of each.
-	assignAll([2]string{"anchor", "store"}, [2]string{"anchor", "resolver"})
-	for _, seat := range [][2]string{{"mesh-store", "store"}, {"mesh-dns-resolver", "resolver"}} {
-		if err := inv.HoldSeat(ctx, seat[0], catalogue.ScopeMesh, "anchor", seat[1]); err != nil {
-			t.Fatal(err)
-		}
-	}
-	assignAll([2]string{"laptop", "store"}, [2]string{"laptop", "resolver"}, [2]string{"laptop", "network"},
-		[2]string{"laptop", "board"})
-
-	plan, _, err := planFor(ctx, open, "laptop")
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	if n := need(t, plan, "board", "postgres-database"); n.From != "laptop" || n.Module != "store" || !n.KeepsData {
-		t.Fatalf("the consumer was bound to %s/%s (keeps data: %v); its data is beside it", n.From, n.Module, n.KeepsData)
-	}
-	if n := need(t, plan, "network", "wildcard-resolution"); n.From != "anchor" || n.KeepsData {
-		t.Fatalf("the resolver was bound to %s (keeps data: %v); its seat is held on anchor (issue 258)", n.From, n.KeepsData)
-	}
-
-	// Sent, and recorded: only the binding to data.
-	bindings := boundToData(plan, nil)
-	if len(bindings) != 1 || bindings[0].Provider != (catalogue.Chosen{Node: "laptop", Module: "store"}) {
-		t.Fatalf("recorded %+v", bindings)
-	}
-	if err := inv.RecordBindings(ctx, "laptop", bindings); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	if found, err := probeBindings(ctx, &doctor{open: open}); err != nil || len(found) != 0 {
-		t.Fatalf("a mesh bound where it was sent: %+v, %v", found, err)
-	}
-
-	// The laptop's store taken away: refused, not moved to the anchor's empty one.
-	if err := inv.Unassign(ctx, "laptop", "store"); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	if _, _, err := planFor(ctx, open, "laptop"); err == nil || !unresolvable(err) ||
-		!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "board on laptop is bound to laptop/store") ||
-		!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "pin laptop postgres-database anchor store") {
-		t.Fatalf("the consumer's store went and it was answered elsewhere: %v", err)
-	}
-
-	// A person pins the anchor's: it moves, said before it is sent, and the record keeps where it was.
-	if err := inv.PinProvision(ctx, "laptop", "postgres-database", "anchor", "store"); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	plan, _, err = planFor(ctx, open, "laptop")
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	if n := need(t, plan, "board", "postgres-database"); n.From != "anchor" {
-		t.Fatalf("pinned to the anchor and bound to %s", n.From)
-	}
-	found, err := probeBindings(ctx, &doctor{open: open})
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	if len(found) != 1 || found[0].Kind != kindBindingMoving || found[0].Severity != conditions.Warning ||
-		!strings.Contains(found[0].Summary, "board's postgres-database moves from laptop/store to anchor/store") {
-		t.Fatalf("a pinned move is not said before it is sent: %+v", found)
-	}
-	if err := inv.RecordBindings(ctx, "laptop", boundToData(plan, nil)); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	all, err := inv.Bindings(ctx)
-	if err != nil || len(all) != 1 || all[0].MovedFrom != "laptop/store" {
-		t.Fatalf("%+v, %v", all, err)
-	}
-	if found, err := probeBindings(ctx, &doctor{open: open}); err != nil || len(found) != 0 {
-		t.Fatalf("a move sent is still said: %+v, %v", found, err)
-	}
-}
 
 // What one machine's resolution says against its record.
 func TestBindingFindingsSayAKeptMoveAndAMoveNothingAskedFor(t *testing.T) {

cmd/mesh-controller/bucket_log_fill.go

@@ -0,0 +1,207 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"sort"
+
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+)
+
+// **A filling bucket or log is said before it is full** (novox/hq ADR 0297 §6, issue 501).
+//
+// A module's bucket and its log each have a cap on the bus, and when either is full the bus refuses
+// the next write: the module stops doing what it writes for, and nothing said so before. On
+// 2026-10-11 the issue tracker's bucket held a sixth of its cap after two days, growing toward a stop
+// nobody would have heard coming. So the self-check reads every module's bucket and log, and one at
+// fillRaiseAt of its cap or more raises a condition naming the module, the bucket or log, and how full
+// it is.
+//
+// **Cleared by observation below fillClearBelow, not below fillRaiseAt**: a bucket or log hovering at
+// its threshold would otherwise be raised and cleared on every run. Between the two, an open condition
+// is kept and none is raised.
+//
+// **One that cannot be read is said, and the rest are still judged.** An unanswered question about one
+// stream is no reason to know nothing of the others: it is a finding of its own, naming the bucket or
+// log and why, and a fill condition already open for it is kept, because not knowing is not a pass.
+
+// The fill thresholds, in percent of a bucket's or log's cap.
+const (
+	fillRaiseAt    = 75
+	fillClearBelow = 70
+)
+
+// The conditions the fill probe raises: one filling, and one that could not be read.
+const (
+	kindBucketOrLogFilling = "bucket-or-log-filling"
+	kindBucketOrLogUnread  = "bucket-or-log-unread"
+)
+
+// probeFillID is the probe's id in the registry.
+const probeFillID = "D-fill"
+
+// bucketOrLog is one module's bucket or log as the fill probe reads it.
+type bucketOrLog struct {
+	Module string
+	// Kind is `bucket` or `log`; Name its local name; Stream the stream it is on the bus.
+	Kind, Name, Stream string
+}
+
+// filled is how full one bucket or log is, read from the bus.
+type filled struct {
+	Bytes, Max uint64
+}
+
+// percent is how full, in whole percent, rounded down.
+func (f filled) percent() uint64 {
+	if f.Max == 0 {
+		return 0
+	}
+	return f.Bytes * 100 / f.Max
+}
+
+// fillKey is where a bucket's or log's fill condition is kept.
+func fillKey(s bucketOrLog) string { return conditions.Key(conditions.ScopeBus, s.Stream, "filling") }
+
+// fillObservation is what one bucket's or log's fill says: a finding at fillRaiseAt or above, and,
+// while its condition is open, at fillClearBelow or above too; nothing otherwise, which is what clears
+// it. The operator's words are the kind's (plain_words.go); the summary and the evidence name the
+// module, the bucket or log, and the fill.
+func fillObservation(s bucketOrLog, f filled, open bool) (conditions.Observation, bool) {
+	if f.Max == 0 {
+		return conditions.Observation{}, false // one with no cap cannot fill
+	}
+	// Compared in bytes, not rounded percent: 74.9% is not 75%.
+	atRaise := f.Bytes*100 >= f.Max*fillRaiseAt
+	aboveClear := f.Bytes*100 >= f.Max*fillClearBelow
+	if !atRaise && !(open && aboveClear) {
+		return conditions.Observation{}, false
+	}
+	pct := f.percent()
+	return conditions.Observation{
+		Scope: conditions.ScopeBus, ID: s.Stream, Token: "filling", Kind: kindBucketOrLogFilling,
+		Severity: conditions.Warning,
+		Summary: fmt.Sprintf("%s's %s %s holds %s of %s, %d%%: at its cap the bus refuses the module's next write",
+			s.Module, s.Kind, s.Name, mibWords(f.Bytes), mibWords(f.Max), pct),
+		Said: fmt.Sprintf("module %s, %s %s (stream %s): %d of %d bytes, %d%%", s.Module, s.Kind, s.Name,
+			s.Stream, f.Bytes, f.Max, pct),
+	}, true
+}
+
+// unreadObservation says one bucket or log could not be read, and why. Asked over the network, so one
+// look can be wrong: raised on the second look in a row (confirm.go).
+func unreadObservation(s bucketOrLog, why error) conditions.Observation {
+	return conditions.Observation{
+		Scope: conditions.ScopeBus, ID: s.Stream, Token: "unread", Kind: kindBucketOrLogUnread,
+		Severity: conditions.Warning, Confirm: true,
+		Summary: fmt.Sprintf("%s's %s %s could not be read, so how full it is is not known", s.Module, s.Kind, s.Name),
+		Said:    fmt.Sprintf("module %s, %s %s (stream %s): %v", s.Module, s.Kind, s.Name, s.Stream, why),
+	}
+}
+
+// keptFilling is an open fill condition said again for a bucket or log that could not be read this
+// time: not knowing how full it is now is no reason to say it has room. Only ever made from a condition
+// read back as open — its own summary and severity, never words made up for it.
+func keptFilling(s bucketOrLog, open conditions.Condition, why error) conditions.Observation {
+	return conditions.Observation{
+		Scope: conditions.ScopeBus, ID: s.Stream, Token: "filling", Kind: kindBucketOrLogFilling,
+		Severity: open.Severity, Summary: open.Summary,
+		Said: fmt.Sprintf("module %s, %s %s (stream %s): not read this time (%v); kept open as it was",
+			s.Module, s.Kind, s.Name, s.Stream, why),
+	}
+}
+
+// mibWords is a size as a person reads it, in MiB with one decimal.
+func mibWords(b uint64) string {
+	return fmt.Sprintf("%.1f MiB", float64(b)/(1024*1024))
+}
+
+// readFill is how full one bucket or log is on the bus; found false when it is not on the bus.
+type readFill func(ctx context.Context, s bucketOrLog) (f filled, found bool, err error)
+
+// openFill is the fill condition open under a key, if one is, or why it could not be read.
+type openFill func(ctx context.Context, key string) (conditions.Condition, bool, error)
+
+// judgeFills judges every bucket and log on its own: one that cannot be read is said as unread, with
+// its fill condition kept only when that condition was read back and is open — when it cannot be read
+// either, nothing is said of its fill, which the unread finding already covers. Every other is judged
+// by its fill; for one of those, a condition that cannot be read is taken as open, so an unknown never
+// clears a fill measured between fillClearBelow and fillRaiseAt.
+func judgeFills(ctx context.Context, all []bucketOrLog, read readFill, open openFill) []conditions.Observation {
+	var out []conditions.Observation
+	for _, s := range all {
+		f, found, err := read(ctx, s)
+		if err != nil {
+			out = append(out, unreadObservation(s, err))
+			if c, isOpen, cerr := open(ctx, fillKey(s)); cerr == nil && isOpen {
+				out = append(out, keptFilling(s, c, err))
+			}
+			continue
+		}
+		if !found {
+			continue // not on the bus: created on the controller's next raise, and nothing there can fill
+		}
+		_, isOpen, cerr := open(ctx, fillKey(s))
+		isOpen = isOpen || cerr != nil
+		if o, said := fillObservation(s, f, isOpen); said {
+			out = append(out, o)
+		}
+	}
+	sort.SliceStable(out, func(i, j int) bool { return out[i].Key() < out[j].Key() })
+	return out
+}
+
+// declaredBucketsAndLogs is every module's bucket and log the catalogue declares, by its stream.
+func declaredBucketsAndLogs(ctx context.Context, d *doctor) ([]bucketOrLog, error) {
+	buckets, err := d.open.inventory.DeclaredBuckets(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	logs, err := d.open.inventory.DeclaredLogs(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	var out []bucketOrLog
+	for _, b := range buckets {
+		out = append(out, bucketOrLog{Module: b.Module, Kind: "bucket", Name: b.Name, Stream: "KV_" + b.Bucket()})
+	}
+	for _, l := range logs {
+		out = append(out, bucketOrLog{Module: l.Module, Kind: "log", Name: l.Name, Stream: l.Stream()})
+	}
+	return out, nil
+}
+
+// probeFill reads every module's bucket and log on the bus and says each one filling toward its cap,
+// and each one that could not be read.
+func probeFill(ctx context.Context, d *doctor) ([]conditions.Observation, error) {
+	all, err := declaredBucketsAndLogs(ctx, d)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	js := d.js.Context()
+	read := func(ctx context.Context, s bucketOrLog) (filled, bool, error) {
+		if err := ctx.Err(); err != nil {
+			return filled{}, false, err
+		}
+		info, err := js.StreamInfo(s.Stream, nats.Context(ctx))
+		switch {
+		case errors.Is(err, nats.ErrStreamNotFound):
+			return filled{}, false, nil
+		case err != nil:
+			return filled{}, false, err
+		case info.Config.MaxBytes <= 0:
+			return filled{}, true, nil
+		}
+		return filled{Bytes: info.State.Bytes, Max: uint64(info.Config.MaxBytes)}, true, nil
+	}
+	open := func(ctx context.Context, key string) (conditions.Condition, bool, error) {
+		if d.keeper == nil {
+			return conditions.Condition{}, false, nil
+		}
+		return d.keeper.Get(ctx, key)
+	}
+	return judgeFills(ctx, all, read, open), nil
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/bucket_log_fill_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,165 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+)
+
+// **A filling log or bucket is said at three quarters of its cap and cleared below seven tenths**
+// (novox/hq ADR 0297 §6): raised at 75% naming the module, the bucket or log and its fill; not at 74.9%;
+// kept between 70% and 75% while it is open, and not raised there when it is not; and cleared — said no
+// more — once it reads below 70%, open or not.
+func TestAFillingBucketOrLogIsRaisedAtThreeQuartersAndClearedBelowSevenTenths(t *testing.T) {
+	const mib = 1024 * 1024
+	log := bucketOrLog{Module: "mesh-issues", Kind: "log", Name: "changes", Stream: "LOG_mesh-issues_changes"}
+	bucket := bucketOrLog{Module: "mesh-issues", Kind: "bucket", Name: "issues", Stream: "KV_mesh-issues_issues"}
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		name  string
+		of    bucketOrLog
+		bytes uint64
+		max   uint64
+		open  bool
+		said  bool
+	}{
+		{"a log at exactly 75%", log, 768 * mib, 1024 * mib, false, true},
+		{"a bucket at exactly 75%", bucket, 48 * mib, 64 * mib, false, true},
+		{"a bucket full", bucket, 64 * mib, 64 * mib, false, true},
+		{"a log just under 75%", log, 768*mib - 1, 1024 * mib, false, false},
+		{"a bucket at 72%, not open", bucket, 64 * mib * 72 / 100, 64 * mib, false, false},
+		{"a bucket at 72%, open: kept", bucket, 64 * mib * 72 / 100, 64 * mib, true, true},
+		{"a log at exactly 70%, open: kept", log, 700 * mib, 1000 * mib, true, true},
+		{"a log just under 70%, open: cleared", log, 700*mib - 1, 1000 * mib, true, false},
+		{"a bucket at 10%, open: cleared", bucket, 64 * mib / 10, 64 * mib, true, false},
+		{"a bucket with no cap", bucket, 100, 0, true, false},
+	} {
+		o, said := fillObservation(c.of, filled{Bytes: c.bytes, Max: c.max}, c.open)
+		if said != c.said {
+			t.Errorf("%s: said %v, want %v", c.name, said, c.said)
+			continue
+		}
+		if !said {
+			continue
+		}
+		if o.Key() != fillKey(c.of) || o.Kind != kindBucketOrLogFilling || o.Severity != conditions.Warning {
+			t.Errorf("%s: raised as %s (%s, %s)", c.name, o.Key(), o.Kind, o.Severity)
+		}
+		for _, part := range []string{c.of.Module, c.of.Kind + " " + c.of.Name, "%", " of "} {
+			if !strings.Contains(o.Summary, part) {
+				t.Errorf("%s: does not name %q: %q", c.name, part, o.Summary)
+			}
+		}
+		if !strings.Contains(o.Said, "bytes") {
+			t.Errorf("%s: the evidence does not say the fill in bytes: %q", c.name, o.Said)
+		}
+	}
+	o, _ := fillObservation(log, filled{Bytes: 800 * mib, Max: 1024 * mib}, false)
+	if !strings.Contains(o.Summary, "800.0 MiB of 1024.0 MiB, 78%") {
+		t.Errorf("the fill is said as %q", o.Summary)
+	}
+}
+
+// **One bucket or log that cannot be read does not stop the others being judged** (review of #231): it is
+// said as unread with its reason, a fill condition open for it is kept, and every other bucket and log
+// is judged by its own fill.
+func TestAnUnreadableBucketOrLogIsSaidAndTheRestAreStillJudged(t *testing.T) {
+	const mib = 1024 * 1024
+	broken := bucketOrLog{Module: "a", Kind: "bucket", Name: "broken", Stream: "KV_a_broken"}
+	brokenOpen := bucketOrLog{Module: "a", Kind: "log", Name: "was-filling", Stream: "LOG_a_was-filling"}
+	full := bucketOrLog{Module: "b", Kind: "log", Name: "changes", Stream: "LOG_b_changes"}
+	empty := bucketOrLog{Module: "c", Kind: "bucket", Name: "quiet", Stream: "KV_c_quiet"}
+	absent := bucketOrLog{Module: "d", Kind: "bucket", Name: "not-yet", Stream: "KV_d_not-yet"}
+	refusal := errors.New("the bus did not answer")
+	read := func(_ context.Context, s bucketOrLog) (filled, bool, error) {
+		switch s {
+		case broken, brokenOpen:
+			return filled{}, false, refusal
+		case full:
+			return filled{Bytes: 900 * mib, Max: 1000 * mib}, true, nil
+		case empty:
+			return filled{Bytes: 1, Max: 64 * mib}, true, nil
+		}
+		return filled{}, false, nil
+	}
+	open := func(_ context.Context, key string) (conditions.Condition, bool, error) {
+		if key == fillKey(brokenOpen) {
+			return conditions.Condition{Key: key, Severity: conditions.Warning,
+				Summary: "a's log was-filling holds 800.0 MiB of 1024.0 MiB, 78%"}, true, nil
+		}
+		return conditions.Condition{}, false, nil
+	}
+	got := map[string]conditions.Observation{}
+	for _, o := range judgeFills(context.Background(), []bucketOrLog{broken, brokenOpen, full, empty, absent}, read, open) {
+		got[o.Key()] = o
+	}
+	for _, s := range []bucketOrLog{broken, brokenOpen} {
+		o, said := got[conditions.Key(conditions.ScopeBus, s.Stream, "unread")]
+		if !said || o.Kind != kindBucketOrLogUnread || !o.Confirm || !strings.Contains(o.Said, refusal.Error()) {
+			t.Errorf("%s could not be read and was said as %+v", s.Stream, o)
+		}
+	}
+	if o, kept := got[fillKey(brokenOpen)]; !kept || !strings.Contains(o.Said, "kept open") {
+		t.Errorf("an open fill condition of a log not read this time was not kept: %+v", o)
+	}
+	if _, said := got[fillKey(broken)]; said {
+		t.Error("a bucket not read and not filling was said filling")
+	}
+	if o, said := got[fillKey(full)]; !said || o.Kind != kindBucketOrLogFilling {
+		t.Errorf("a log at 90%% beside an unreadable one was not judged: %+v", got)
+	}
+	if len(got) != 4 {
+		t.Errorf("said %d findings, want 4 (two unread, one kept, one filling): %v", len(got), got)
+	}
+}
+
+// Both kinds have plain words of their own, which hold to the plain rule (novox/hq ADR 0253).
+func TestAFillingOrUnreadBucketOrLogIsSaidInPlainWords(t *testing.T) {
+	for _, kind := range []string{kindBucketOrLogFilling, kindBucketOrLogUnread} {
+		wording, has := plainWordings[kind]
+		if !has {
+			t.Errorf("%s has no plain words", kind)
+			continue
+		}
+		if why, ok := conditions.PlainWords(wording(conditions.Observation{Kind: kind})); !ok {
+			t.Errorf("%s: %s", kind, why)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// **When neither the bucket or log nor its condition can be read, nothing is said of its fill** (second
+// review of #231): the unread finding covers it, and no fill is invented for it. For one that is read and
+// measured between seven tenths and three quarters, a condition that cannot be read is taken as open, so
+// an unknown never clears it.
+func TestNothingIsSaidOfAFillWhenNeitherItNorItsConditionCanBeRead(t *testing.T) {
+	const mib = 1024 * 1024
+	broken := bucketOrLog{Module: "a", Kind: "log", Name: "changes", Stream: "LOG_a_changes"}
+	between := bucketOrLog{Module: "b", Kind: "bucket", Name: "issues", Stream: "KV_b_issues"}
+	read := func(_ context.Context, s bucketOrLog) (filled, bool, error) {
+		if s == broken {
+			return filled{}, false, errors.New("the bus did not answer")
+		}
+		return filled{Bytes: 72 * mib, Max: 100 * mib}, true, nil
+	}
+	open := func(context.Context, string) (conditions.Condition, bool, error) {
+		return conditions.Condition{}, false, errors.New("the conditions bucket did not answer")
+	}
+	got := map[string]conditions.Observation{}
+	for _, o := range judgeFills(context.Background(), []bucketOrLog{broken, between}, read, open) {
+		got[o.Key()] = o
+	}
+	if o, said := got[fillKey(broken)]; said {
+		t.Fatalf("a fill was said for a log whose fill and condition could not be read: %+v", o)
+	}
+	if _, said := got[conditions.Key(conditions.ScopeBus, broken.Stream, "unread")]; !said {
+		t.Error("the log that could not be read was not said as unread")
+	}
+	if _, kept := got[fillKey(between)]; !kept {
+		t.Error("a bucket at 72% whose condition could not be read was cleared")
+	}
+	if len(got) != 2 {
+		t.Errorf("said %d findings, want 2: %v", len(got), got)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/build.go

@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@ import (
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
 
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/builder"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
@@ -182,8 +183,10 @@ func buildFrom(result link.BuildResult) inventory.Build {
 	kept.Manifest = recordedManifest(result.Manifest, announced)
 	// The module name comes from the manifest, which only exists when the build got that far.
 	if len(kept.Manifest) > 0 {
-		if m, err := catalogue.ParseManifest(kept.Manifest); err == nil {
-			kept.Module = m.Module
+		if list, err := judgedWith(result); err == nil {
+			if m, err := catalogue.ParseManifestWith(kept.Manifest, list); err == nil {
+				kept.Module = m.Module
+			}
 		}
 	}
 	return kept
@@ -483,6 +486,7 @@ func buildOneAsked(ctx context.Context, source buildSource, path, ref string, wa
 		Seats:      seatBases(ctx),
 		DryRun:     dryRun,
 	}
+	request.Reuse = reuseAsked(ctx, dryRun)
 	fmt.Printf("asked for %s", source)
 	if source.Seat != "" {
 		fmt.Printf(" (%s)", repository)
@@ -601,6 +605,11 @@ func saysWhenThePolicyActs(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, module
 // written with the same values.
 func takeIn(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, result link.BuildResult) (
 	catalogue.Manifest, inventory.Build, error) {
+	// The list of predefined keys as the store keeps it now: another controller process may have kept a newer one.
+	if err := loadPredefined(ctx, inv); err != nil {
+		return catalogue.Manifest{}, inventory.Build{}, fmt.Errorf("the list of predefined keys kept cannot be "+
+			"read: %w", err)
+	}
 	kept := buildFrom(result)
 	if err := inv.RecordBuild(ctx, kept); err != nil {
 		return catalogue.Manifest{}, kept, err
@@ -611,7 +620,15 @@ func takeIn(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, result link.BuildResu
 		return catalogue.Manifest{}, kept, fmt.Errorf("%s could not build %s:\n%s",
 			result.On, result.Repository, result.Failed)
 	}
-	manifest, err := catalogue.ParseManifest(kept.Manifest)
+	// Judged first against the list the build was judged against: the catalogue's at the commit built (novox/hq
+	// ADR 0348 §7), so a module naming a key its own commit adds is read; and again below against the list the
+	// mesh publishes, before it is registered.
+	list, err := judgedWith(result)
+	if err != nil {
+		return catalogue.Manifest{}, kept, fmt.Errorf("%s built %s (%s), recorded and not registered: %w", result.On,
+			result.Repository, short(result.Commit), err)
+	}
+	manifest, err := catalogue.ParseManifestWith(kept.Manifest, list)
 	if err != nil {
 		return catalogue.Manifest{}, kept, fmt.Errorf("%s built %s and what came back is not a manifest: %w",
 			result.On, result.Repository, err)
@@ -669,6 +686,12 @@ func takeIn(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, result link.BuildResu
 		return manifest, kept, fmt.Errorf("%s built %s (%s), recorded and not registered: %w", result.On,
 			manifest.Module, short(result.Commit), err)
 	}
+	// **Never a build in the scratch namespace** (novox/hq ADR 0239 §9, ADR 0350 §2): what a check builds is
+	// registered only as the walk's copy in the module's own namespace.
+	if scratch := inScratch(result.Made); scratch != "" {
+		return manifest, kept, fmt.Errorf("%s built %s (%s), recorded and not registered: %s is in the scratch "+
+			"namespace, which only a walk's copy leaves (ADR 0350)", result.On, manifest.Module, short(result.Commit), scratch)
+	}
 	// **A build that failed its gate is never registered again** (novox/hq ADR 0236): an outcome heard
 	// twice, or replayed, would otherwise make the build a rollback put back what the module is again,
 	// and the next push would send it.
@@ -679,6 +702,23 @@ func takeIn(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, result link.BuildResu
 			"back: it is recorded and not registered again — a newer build is", result.On, manifest.Module,
 			short(result.Commit))
 	}
+	// **The newest trunk build's list of predefined keys is published** (novox/hq ADR 0348 §7): a build of the
+	// catalogue that may be registered keeps its list when its commit is newer than the one kept. Then the module
+	// is judged against the list the mesh publishes, as every manifest read again is: one naming a key that list
+	// does not hold, or of another type, is refused here and never enters the catalogue.
+	if carried, err := carriedList(result); err != nil {
+		return manifest, kept, err
+	} else if carried != nil {
+		if err := publishPredefined(ctx, inv, result, carried); err != nil {
+			fmt.Printf("%s: the list of predefined keys it carried is not published: %v\n", result.ID, err)
+		}
+	}
+	if manifest.NamesPredefined() {
+		if _, err := catalogue.ParseManifest(kept.Manifest); err != nil {
+			return manifest, kept, fmt.Errorf("%s built %s (%s), recorded and not registered: judged against the "+
+				"list of predefined keys the mesh publishes, %w", result.On, manifest.Module, short(result.Commit), err)
+		}
+	}
 	// **A build whose source is unchanged is never a move** (novox/hq issue 280): a rebuild made from
 	// what the build the mesh stands on was made from registers that build's artifacts at the new
 	// commit, so no machine is sent a new digest for a source nobody changed — an image is not
@@ -714,6 +754,16 @@ func takeIn(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, result link.BuildResu
 	return manifest, kept, nil
 }
 
+// inScratch is the first artifact a build made into the scratch namespace; empty when none is.
+func inScratch(made []link.MadeArtifact) string {
+	for _, m := range made {
+		if path, kept := catalogue.InArtifactStore(catalogue.Recorded(m.Reference)); kept && strings.HasPrefix(path, builder.ScratchPrefix) {
+			return m.Reference
+		}
+	}
+	return ""
+}
+
 // errOffTheTrunk is a build of a commit off its repository's trunk, which is never published.
 var errOffTheTrunk = errors.New("the commit is not on its repository's trunk: a commit off the trunk is checked, " +
 	"never published (ADR 0238) — merge it, and the merge builds it")
@@ -802,6 +852,9 @@ type answers struct {
 	sources map[string]inventory.Source
 	// waiting is every machine not running what the mesh would send it.
 	waiting []inventory.Machine
+	// recordedWaits is, per machine, every move of a recorded module that waits there for a person (novox/hq ADR
+	// 0377 §6): the machine is behind for these, and `push <node>` sends them.
+	recordedWaits map[string][]string
 	// reported is every machine's last word beside when it was last sent a declaration — the
 	// pair that answers "has it caught up", which waiting alone cannot (the sent digest is
 	// recorded at send, not at apply).
@@ -835,6 +888,9 @@ type answers struct {
 	// public name on the machine went dark. The holds were correct; they were recorded only in the
 	// machine's own state file, and the one visible symptom was a count that did not add up.
 	untaken map[string]map[string]int
+	// leftOut is, per machine, every module of its set its composition leaves out, and why (novox/hq issue
+	// 380): assigned and not applied, which every push said only in passing. Not well while there is any.
+	leftOut map[string][]leftOutModule
 	// unheld is every module on a machine whose resources are applied through a seat nothing on
 	// that machine holds (novox/hq ADR 0207), with the modules that could hold it. Reported, not
 	// refused, until the switch — and while there is any, the mesh is not all well: the order the
@@ -863,6 +919,10 @@ type answers struct {
 	// applied, is not well: an assignment somebody made is not made yet, or will not be.
 	pending       []inventory.PendingAssignment
 	pendingUnread string
+	// lastSent is every machine's last recorded send, by name, with what the machine answered of it (novox/hq
+	// issue 485); lastSentUnread why it could not be read.
+	lastSent       map[string]inventory.Send
+	lastSentUnread string
 }
 
 // heldBy is every artifact this mesh has built, for a build that may need one as its base.
@@ -874,6 +934,34 @@ type answers struct {
 //
 // Routed through the artifact store as the network reaches it now (novox/hq 04-ISSUES/102): a
 // base is recorded by digest and path, and a build machine needs something it can pull.
+// runningBy is, keyed "<module>/<artifact>", each artifact of the build the mesh has registered for its module, as a
+// builder reaches the artifact store (novox/hq issue 721): what a check compares its builds with. Empty when it cannot
+// be read, said, and then nothing is said unchanged.
+func runningBy(ctx context.Context) map[string]string {
+	open, err := openStores(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "could not read what this mesh runs, so the check compares nothing: %v\n", err)
+		// empty-on-error: said above; a check given nothing to compare with says no module unchanged, and all move
+		return nil
+	}
+	defer open.Close()
+	running, err := open.inventory.RegisteredHeld(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "could not read what this mesh runs, so the check compares nothing: %v\n", err)
+		// empty-on-error: said above; a check given nothing to compare with says no module unchanged, and all move
+		return nil
+	}
+	address, err := whereABuilderReachesTheStore(ctx, open.inventory)
+	if err != nil || address == "" {
+		return running
+	}
+	routed := make(map[string]string, len(running))
+	for key, reference := range running {
+		routed[key] = catalogue.Rerouted(reference, address)
+	}
+	return routed
+}
+
 func heldBy(ctx context.Context) map[string]string {
 	open, err := openStores(ctx)
 	if err != nil {

cmd/mesh-controller/build_integration_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,131 @@
+//go:build integration
+
+package main
+
+import (
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+func TestABuildHeardIsRecordedAndRegistered(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	manifest, _ := json.Marshal(map[string]any{"module": "shop", "version": "3"})
+	m, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, asTheOperator(t, open.inventory, link.BuildResult{
+		ID: "b-1", Repository: "http://forge.internal:20000/novox/shop.git", Path: "modules/shop",
+		Ref: "main", On: "anchor", Commit: "abcdef0123", Manifest: manifest,
+		Source: &link.SourceOnSeat{Seat: "git", Repository: "novox/shop"},
+	}))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if m.Module != "shop" {
+		t.Fatalf("registered %q", m.Module)
+	}
+	shelf, err := open.inventory.Catalogue(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, held := shelf["shop"]; !held {
+		t.Fatal("the module a heard build produced is not in the catalogue")
+	}
+	src, err := open.inventory.SourceOf(ctx, "shop")
+	if err != nil || src.Seat != "git" || src.Repository != "novox/shop" || src.BuiltFrom != "abcdef0123" {
+		t.Fatalf("the source is the seat and the path, never the URL: %+v %v", src, err)
+	}
+	builds, err := open.inventory.Builds(ctx, "shop", 5)
+	if err != nil || len(builds) != 1 || builds[0].ID != "b-1" {
+		t.Fatalf("the build is not recorded once: %v %v", builds, err)
+	}
+
+	named, _ := json.Marshal(map[string]any{"module": "idp", "version": "1", "resources": []any{
+		map[string]any{"id": "server", "type": "container", "image": "x@sha256:aa",
+			"env": map[string]any{"KC_HOSTNAME": "https://login.mesh-one.be"}}}})
+	_, _, err = takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, link.BuildResult{
+		ID: "b-2", Repository: "/r", On: "anchor", Commit: "0123456789", Manifest: named})
+	if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "does not register it") {
+		t.Fatalf("a definition naming an installation was taken in: %v", err)
+	}
+	if shelf, _ := open.inventory.Catalogue(ctx); shelf["idp"].Module != "" {
+		t.Fatal("the refused module was registered anyway")
+	}
+	if builds, _ := open.inventory.Builds(ctx, "idp", 5); len(builds) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("the refused build was not recorded: %v", builds)
+	}
+
+	_, _, err = takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, link.BuildResult{ID: "b-3", Repository: "/r", On: "anchor", Failed: "no compiler"})
+	if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "no compiler") {
+		t.Fatalf("a failure is said in the builder's words: %v", err)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestABuildAtACommitKeepsTheBranchTheModuleFollows(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	manifest, _ := json.Marshal(map[string]any{"module": "unifi", "version": "1"})
+	result := func(id, ref, commit string) link.BuildResult {
+		return link.BuildResult{ID: id, Repository: "http://forge.internal:20000/novox/mesh-catalog.git",
+			Path: "modules/unifi", Ref: ref, On: "anchor", Commit: commit, Manifest: manifest,
+			Source: &link.SourceOnSeat{Seat: "git", Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog"}}
+	}
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, asTheOperator(t, open.inventory, result("b-1", "main", "1111111aaaa"))); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, result("b-2", "9c97a8a", "9c97a8a1d2c3")); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	src, err := open.inventory.SourceOf(ctx, "unifi")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if src.Ref != "main" || src.BuiltFrom != "9c97a8a1d2c3" {
+		t.Errorf("after a build at a commit the module follows %q, built from %q; want main, 9c97a8a1d2c3", src.Ref, src.BuiltFrom)
+	}
+
+	// One new to the catalogue, first built at a commit, follows the default branch.
+	other, _ := json.Marshal(map[string]any{"module": "letta", "version": "1"})
+	r := result("b-3", "deadbeef", "deadbeefcafe")
+	r.Manifest, r.Path = other, "modules/letta"
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, r); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if src, _ := open.inventory.SourceOf(ctx, "letta"); src.Ref != "" {
+		t.Errorf("a module first built at a commit follows %q, want the default branch", src.Ref)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestAnOlderBuildHeardLaterDoesNotReplaceTheNewer(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	older := time.Date(2026, 10, 3, 21, 33, 45, 0, time.UTC)
+	newer := time.Date(2026, 10, 3, 21, 51, 57, 0, time.UTC)
+	result := func(asked time.Time, image string) link.BuildResult {
+		manifest, _ := json.Marshal(map[string]any{"module": "postgres", "version": image})
+		return link.BuildResult{ID: link.NewBuildID(asked), Repository: "http://forge.internal:20000/novox/mesh-catalog.git",
+			Path: "modules/postgres", Ref: "main", On: "anchor", Commit: "efff5415", Manifest: manifest,
+			Source: &link.SourceOnSeat{Seat: "git", Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog"}}
+	}
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, asTheOperator(t, open.inventory, result(newer, "4bcd5f73"))); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	_, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, result(older, "0ab07fa9"))
+	if !errors.Is(err, inventory.ErrSuperseded) {
+		t.Fatalf("the older request's outcome was taken in as current: %v", err)
+	}
+	shelf, err := open.inventory.Catalogue(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if got := shelf["postgres"].Version; got != "4bcd5f73" {
+		t.Errorf("postgres is %q; want the newer request's 4bcd5f73", got)
+	}
+	if builds, _ := open.inventory.Builds(ctx, "postgres", 5); len(builds) != 2 {
+		t.Errorf("the late build was not recorded: %v", builds)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/build_source.go

@@ -153,8 +153,97 @@ type forgeFacts struct {
 }
 
 // askTheForge asks the forge, through its module's tools on the bus, for a repository's id and its branch's
-// protection. A variable so a test needs no forge.
+// protection, waiting out a forge not served for a moment (novox/hq issue 486). A variable so a test needs no
+// forge.
 var askTheForge = func(ctx context.Context, owner, repo, branch string) (forgeFacts, error) {
+	return forgeWaitedOut(ctx, forgeWait, owner+"/"+repo, func(ctx context.Context) (forgeFacts, error) {
+		return askTheForgeOnce(ctx, owner, repo, branch)
+	})
+}
+
+// waitOut bounds how long a question is asked again while its answer is "not now": a pause of first, doubling
+// to most, for at most bound in all. now and sleep are the clock, so a test waits in no real time.
+type waitOut struct {
+	bound, first, most time.Duration
+	now                func() time.Time
+	sleep              func(context.Context, time.Duration) error
+}
+
+// forgeWait is the registration's wait for the forge (novox/hq issue 486). On 2026-10-11 a build's registration
+// asked the forge while node-tools on the control-node re-served after a rollout of the tool runner, heard
+// "nothing serves gitea.gitea_api", and failed its plan; the forge answered again seconds later. A re-serve takes
+// about 10 s, so 60 s waits one out with room to spare. It is a cap on the whole wait, an ask in flight included:
+// the registration holds the controller's one receive loop while it waits, and a loop held two minutes reads as
+// deaf. The pauses are those the build machine waits the registry with (novox/hq issue 457).
+var forgeWait = waitOut{bound: 60 * time.Second, first: time.Second, most: 10 * time.Second,
+	now: time.Now, sleep: sleepOrDone}
+
+// sleepOrDone pauses for d, or less when ctx ends first.
+func sleepOrDone(ctx context.Context, d time.Duration) error {
+	t := time.NewTimer(d)
+	defer t.Stop()
+	select {
+	case <-ctx.Done():
+		return ctx.Err()
+	case <-t.C:
+		return nil
+	}
+}
+
+// forgeNotNow is an answer that says the forge's tool is not served now — the tool runner re-serving — not that
+// the forge refused. Only that is asked again: a refusal, an unreadable answer or a repository with no id is the
+// forge's word, and a tool that did not answer in time has already held the receive loop its whole wait.
+func forgeNotNow(err error) bool { return errors.Is(err, link.ErrNothingServes) }
+
+// forgeWaitedOut asks the forge about repository, asking again while it answers "not served now", all of it
+// within w's bound, an ask in flight included (novox/hq issue 486). Past the bound it fails, saying it waited,
+// for how long, and what the forge last said; when the caller's own context ends, it says that instead.
+func forgeWaitedOut(ctx context.Context, w waitOut, repository string,
+	ask func(context.Context) (forgeFacts, error)) (forgeFacts, error) {
+	capped, cancel := context.WithTimeout(ctx, w.bound)
+	defer cancel()
+	began := w.now()
+	pause := w.first
+	for asked := 1; ; asked++ {
+		facts, err := ask(capped)
+		if err == nil {
+			if asked > 1 {
+				fmt.Printf("the forge answered about %s again, after %s (novox/hq issue 486)\n", repository,
+					w.now().Sub(began).Round(time.Second))
+			}
+			return facts, nil
+		}
+		if ctx.Err() != nil {
+			return forgeFacts{}, err // the caller's own context ended: no wait of ours to speak of
+		}
+		gaveUp := func() (forgeFacts, error) {
+			return forgeFacts{}, fmt.Errorf("waited %s for the forge to answer about %s, asking %d times, and it "+
+				"did not (novox/hq issue 486): %w", w.now().Sub(began).Round(time.Second), repository, asked, err)
+		}
+		if capped.Err() != nil {
+			return gaveUp() // the bound ended an ask in flight
+		}
+		if !forgeNotNow(err) {
+			return forgeFacts{}, err
+		}
+		if w.now().Sub(began)+pause > w.bound {
+			return gaveUp()
+		}
+		fmt.Printf("the forge cannot be asked about %s now (%v); asking again in %s, for at most %s in all "+
+			"(novox/hq issue 486)\n", repository, err, pause, w.bound)
+		if serr := w.sleep(capped, pause); serr != nil {
+			if ctx.Err() != nil {
+				return forgeFacts{}, fmt.Errorf("stopped waiting for the forge to answer about %s: %w", repository,
+					ctx.Err())
+			}
+			return gaveUp()
+		}
+		pause = min(2*pause, w.most)
+	}
+}
+
+// askTheForgeOnce asks the forge once, through its module's tools on the bus.
+func askTheForgeOnce(ctx context.Context, owner, repo, branch string) (forgeFacts, error) {
 	js, err := aBus()
 	if err != nil {
 		return forgeFacts{}, err
@@ -346,6 +435,20 @@ func mayRegisterFrom(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, module strin
 				module, sourceWords(built.Repository, built.Seat))
 		}
 	}
+	// **Or the move the operator approved** (novox/hq ADR 0420 §7, issue 1025): a known module built from another
+	// repository by a merge, whose pull request mesh-delivery merged on the operator's Approve of that head.
+	// A verb alone, or a merge with no such warrant, is refused as before.
+	movedWhy := ""
+	if why != "" && !terminal && !isNew {
+		accepted, err := approvedMove(ctx, inv, forms, buildID, built)
+		switch {
+		case err == nil:
+			movedWhy, why = accepted, ""
+		case !errors.Is(err, errNotAMerge):
+			fmt.Printf("%s: %s is built from another repository, and no approved move covers this build: %v\n",
+				buildID, module, err)
+		}
+	}
 	if why != "" && !terminal {
 		return refuse(why)
 	}
@@ -382,7 +485,8 @@ func mayRegisterFrom(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, module strin
 	}
 	// The same repository by the forge's id, not only its name: one deleted and made again is another.
 	recorded := map[string]int64{}
-	if !isNew {
+	// A moved module is registered from the repository the operator approved, not the one it was registered from.
+	if !isNew && movedWhy == "" {
 		id, err := inv.SourceIdentity(ctx, module)
 		if err != nil {
 			return 0, err
@@ -403,6 +507,10 @@ func mayRegisterFrom(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, module strin
 				owner, name, m, facts.ID, m, id))
 		}
 	}
+	if movedWhy != "" {
+		fmt.Printf("%s: %s moved from %s to %s/%s — registered at the operator's Approve: %s\n", buildID, module,
+			sourceWords(was.Repository, was.Seat), owner, name, movedWhy)
+	}
 	return facts.ID, nil
 }
 

cmd/mesh-controller/build_source_integration_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,353 @@
+//go:build integration
+
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"os"
+	"os/exec"
+	"slices"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/asks"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+func theCatalogue(t *testing.T) *stores {
+	t.Helper()
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	for _, b := range []link.BuildResult{
+		onTrunk("build-sudo", "novox/mesh-catalog", "git", "modules/sudo", map[string]any{"module": "sudo", "version": "1"}),
+		onTrunk("build-host", "novox/mesh-host", "git", "", map[string]any{"module": "mesh-host", "version": "1"}),
+	} {
+		keptAsked(t, open.inventory, b.ID, b.Source.Repository, b.Path, true)
+		if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, b); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	return open
+}
+
+func TestABuildFromAnAgentsRepositoryIsNotRegisteredAsAModuleTheMeshHolds(t *testing.T) {
+	open := theCatalogue(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		name, repository, path, module string
+	}{
+		{"its own repository naming sudo", "agent/sudo", "modules/sudo", "sudo"},
+		{"a fork of the catalogue", "agent/mesh-catalog", "modules/sudo", "sudo"},
+		{"a fork of the node-engine", "agent/mesh-host", "", "mesh-host"},
+	} {
+		t.Run(c.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			id := "build-" + strings.ReplaceAll(c.repository, "/", "-")
+			keptAsked(t, open.inventory, id, c.repository, c.path, false) // through the build verb
+			evil := onTrunk(id, c.repository, "git", c.path, map[string]any{"module": c.module, "version": "evil"})
+			_, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, evil)
+			if !errors.Is(err, errNotItsSource) {
+				t.Fatalf("a build of %s was taken in as %s: %v", c.repository, c.module, err)
+			}
+			shelf, err := open.inventory.Catalogue(ctx)
+			if err != nil {
+				t.Fatal(err)
+			}
+			if got := shelf[c.module].Version; got != "1" {
+				t.Fatalf("%s is now %q, from %s", c.module, got, c.repository)
+			}
+			if _, found, _ := open.inventory.BuildByID(ctx, id); !found {
+				t.Errorf("the refused build %s is not recorded", id)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+func TestANewModuleFromARepositoryTheCatalogueDoesNotBuildFromIsNotRegistered(t *testing.T) {
+	open := theCatalogue(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	keptAsked(t, open.inventory, "build-new", "agent/tools", "", false)
+	_, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, onTrunk("build-new", "agent/tools", "git", "",
+		map[string]any{"module": "agent-tools", "version": "1"}))
+	if !errors.Is(err, errNotItsSource) {
+		t.Fatalf("a new module from an agent's repository was taken in: %v", err)
+	}
+	// And one asked of nobody here — an outcome on the bus no request was kept for — the same.
+	_, _, err = takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, onTrunk("build-unasked", "agent/tools", "git", "",
+		map[string]any{"module": "agent-tools", "version": "1"}))
+	if !errors.Is(err, errNotItsSource) {
+		t.Fatalf("an outcome nobody asked for was taken in: %v", err)
+	}
+	if shelf, _ := open.inventory.Catalogue(ctx); shelf["agent-tools"].Module != "" {
+		t.Fatal("the refused module is in the catalogue")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestAtTheTerminalAnotherRepositoryIsRegistered(t *testing.T) {
+	open := theCatalogue(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	keptAsked(t, open.inventory, "build-moved", "novox/sudo", "", true)
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, onTrunk("build-moved", "novox/sudo", "git", "",
+		map[string]any{"module": "sudo", "version": "2"})); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("a move the operator asked for at the terminal was refused: %v", err)
+	}
+	if src, _ := open.inventory.SourceOf(ctx, "sudo"); src.Repository != "novox/sudo" {
+		t.Fatalf("sudo is built from %q", src.Repository)
+	}
+	if err := open.inventory.RecordBuildRequest(ctx, inventory.BuildRequest{ID: "build-external",
+		Repository: "http://forge.internal:20000/someone/app.git", For: "build", AtTerminal: true}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, onTrunk("build-external", "someone/app", "", "",
+		map[string]any{"module": "app", "version": "1"})); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("a new module the operator asked for at the terminal was refused: %v", err)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestADeliveryFromTheRegisteredRepositoryIsRegistered(t *testing.T) {
+	open := theCatalogue(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	rebuilt := onTrunk("build-plan", "novox/mesh-catalog", "git", "modules/sudo", map[string]any{"module": "sudo", "version": "2"})
+	if err := open.inventory.RecordBuildRequest(ctx, inventory.BuildRequest{ID: rebuilt.ID,
+		Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Seat: "git", Path: "modules/sudo", For: "plan"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, rebuilt); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("a plan's build of the module's own repository was refused: %v", err)
+	}
+	added := onTrunk("build-merge", "novox/mesh-catalog", "git", "modules/zram", map[string]any{"module": "zram", "version": "1"})
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, added); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("a module a merge added to the catalogue repository was refused: %v", err)
+	}
+	shelf, _ := open.inventory.Catalogue(ctx)
+	if shelf["sudo"].Version != "2" || shelf["zram"].Module == "" {
+		t.Fatalf("not registered: sudo %q, zram %q", shelf["sudo"].Version, shelf["zram"].Module)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestAVerbAsksNoBuildOfARepositoryTheCatalogueDoesNotBuildFrom(t *testing.T) {
+	theCatalogue(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	t.Setenv(verbVar, "build")
+	t.Setenv(link.CallerVar, "node-tools.anchor, through the mesh-controller seat")
+	err := verbMayAsk(ctx, buildSource{Repository: "agent/sudo", Seat: "git"}, "http://forge.internal:20000/agent/sudo.git")
+	var policy *heldAtTheTerminal
+	if !errors.As(err, &policy) {
+		t.Fatalf("a verb's build of an agent's repository was asked: %v", err)
+	}
+	if err := verbMayAsk(ctx, buildSource{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Seat: "git"},
+		"http://forge.internal:20000/novox/mesh-catalog.git"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("a verb's build of the catalogue repository was refused: %v", err)
+	}
+	t.Setenv(verbVar, "")
+	t.Setenv(link.CallerVar, "")
+	if err := verbMayAsk(ctx, buildSource{Repository: "agent/sudo", Seat: "git"}, ""); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("the terminal was refused: %v", err)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestARollbackNeverPutsBackABuildFromAnotherRepository(t *testing.T) {
+	open := theCatalogue(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	fork := onTrunk("build-1791500000000000000", "agent/mesh-catalog", "git", "modules/sudo",
+		map[string]any{"module": "sudo", "version": "evil"})
+	fork.Commit = "c0ffee0123456789" // the commit sudo was registered at
+	keptAsked(t, inv, fork.ID, "agent/mesh-catalog", "modules/sudo", false)
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, inv, fork); !errors.Is(err, errNotItsSource) {
+		t.Fatalf("the fork's build was taken in: %v", err)
+	}
+	// Asked after the registered build, whenever the test runs: an id naming a fixed moment read as older
+	// than the registered build once the clock passed it (2026-10-10 02:40 UTC), and the test failed on main.
+	failed := onTrunk(fmt.Sprintf("build-%d", time.Now().Add(time.Hour).UnixNano()), "novox/mesh-catalog", "git", "modules/sudo",
+		map[string]any{"module": "sudo", "version": "2"})
+	failed.Commit = "badbadbad0123456"
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, inv, failed); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	record, _, err := inv.BuildByID(ctx, failed.ID)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	previous, found, err := inv.PreviousBuild(ctx, "sudo", "c0ffee0123456789", record)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if found && previous.ID == fork.ID {
+		t.Fatalf("a rollback would put back the fork's build %s", previous.ID)
+	}
+	if !found || previous.ID != "build-sudo" {
+		t.Fatalf("a rollback puts back %q (found %v), want the registered build-sudo", previous.ID, found)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestATrunkTheForgeDoesNotProtectRegistersNothing(t *testing.T) {
+	open := theCatalogue(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	theForge.Store("novox/unguarded", forgeFacts{ID: 7, Why: "the rule main lets a person push to main directly"})
+	t.Cleanup(func() { theForge.Delete("novox/unguarded") })
+	first := onTrunk("build-unguarded-1", "novox/unguarded", "git", "", map[string]any{"module": "unguarded", "version": "1"})
+	keptAsked(t, open.inventory, first.ID, "novox/unguarded", "", true)
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, first); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("at the terminal: %v", err)
+	}
+	again := onTrunk("build-unguarded-2", "novox/unguarded", "git", "", map[string]any{"module": "unguarded", "version": "2"})
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, again); !errors.Is(err, errNotItsSource) ||
+		!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "push to main directly") {
+		t.Fatalf("a rebuild from an unprotected trunk was taken in: %v", err)
+	}
+	theForge.Store("novox/unguarded", errors.New("nothing serves gitea.gitea_api"))
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, onTrunk("build-unguarded-3", "novox/unguarded", "git", "",
+		map[string]any{"module": "unguarded", "version": "3"})); !errors.Is(err, errNotItsSource) {
+		t.Fatalf("a forge that could not say was read as a protected trunk: %v", err)
+	}
+	if shelf, _ := open.inventory.Catalogue(ctx); shelf["unguarded"].Version != "1" {
+		t.Fatalf("unguarded is %q", shelf["unguarded"].Version)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestARepositoryMadeAgainUnderItsNameIsNotTheModulesSource(t *testing.T) {
+	open := theCatalogue(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	theForge.Store("novox/remade", forgeFacts{ID: 100, Guarded: true})
+	t.Cleanup(func() { theForge.Delete("novox/remade") })
+	first := onTrunk("build-remade-1", "novox/remade", "git", "", map[string]any{"module": "remade", "version": "1"})
+	keptAsked(t, open.inventory, first.ID, "novox/remade", "", true)
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, first); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if id, _ := open.inventory.SourceIdentity(ctx, "remade"); id != 100 {
+		t.Fatalf("the forge's id was not recorded: %d", id)
+	}
+	theForge.Store("novox/remade", forgeFacts{ID: 101, Guarded: true}) // deleted, and made again by an agent
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, onTrunk("build-remade-2", "novox/remade", "git", "",
+		map[string]any{"module": "remade", "version": "evil"})); !errors.Is(err, errNotItsSource) ||
+		!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "made again") {
+		t.Fatalf("a repository made again under the name was taken in: %v", err)
+	}
+	// And a new module from it, beside the one registered from the first, the same.
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, onTrunk("build-remade-3", "novox/remade", "git", "modules/other",
+		map[string]any{"module": "other", "version": "1"})); !errors.Is(err, errNotItsSource) {
+		t.Fatalf("a new module from a repository made again was taken in: %v", err)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestATerminalRequestCoversOnlyWhatItAsked(t *testing.T) {
+	open := theCatalogue(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	if err := open.inventory.RecordBuildRequest(ctx, inventory.BuildRequest{ID: "build-asked", Repository: "novox/app",
+		Seat: "git", Path: "modules/app", For: "build", AtTerminal: true}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	other := onTrunk("build-asked", "agent/sudo", "git", "modules/app", map[string]any{"module": "sudo", "version": "evil"})
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, other); !errors.Is(err, errNotItsSource) {
+		t.Fatalf("an outcome of another repository under a terminal request's id was taken in: %v", err)
+	}
+	elsewhere := onTrunk("build-asked", "novox/app", "git", "modules/sudo", map[string]any{"module": "sudo", "version": "evil"})
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, elsewhere); !errors.Is(err, errNotItsSource) {
+		t.Fatalf("an outcome of another path under a terminal request's id was taken in: %v", err)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestTheServingControllerIsNeverTheTerminal(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Setenv(verbVar, "")
+	t.Setenv(link.CallerVar, "")
+	t.Setenv(servedVar, "")
+	if !startedAtTheTerminal() {
+		t.Fatal("a process started by hand is not the terminal")
+	}
+	markServed()
+	if startedAtTheTerminal() {
+		t.Fatal("the serving controller reads as the terminal")
+	}
+	child := exec.Command(os.Args[0], "-test.run=^$")
+	child.Env = os.Environ()
+	if !slices.Contains(child.Env, servedVar+"=1") {
+		t.Fatal("what the serving controller starts does not carry its mark")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestAnUnknownIdentityKeepsTheRecordedOne(t *testing.T) {
+	open := theCatalogue(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	if err := open.inventory.SetSourceIdentity(ctx, "sudo", 100); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := open.inventory.SetSourceIdentity(ctx, "sudo", 0); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if id, _ := open.inventory.SourceIdentity(ctx, "sudo"); id != 100 {
+		t.Fatalf("the recorded id became %d", id)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestAModuleMovesOnTheOperatorsApproveOfTheMergeThatMovedIt(t *testing.T) {
+	const commit = "c0ffee0123456789"
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		what    string
+		change  func(*anApprovedMerge)
+		unkept  bool
+		request string // who asked: "merge", or "build" through a verb
+		moved   bool
+	}{
+		{what: "the operator's Approve of the merged head", request: "merge", moved: true},
+		{what: "no merge mesh-delivery announced", unkept: true, request: "merge"},
+		{what: "a warrant for other heads", request: "merge", change: func(a *anApprovedMerge) {
+			a.merge.Heads = map[string]string{"novox/mesh-host@aaaaaaaaaaaa": "e5e5e5e5e5e5e5e5e5e5e5e5e5e5e5e5e5e5e5e5"}
+		}},
+		{what: "a Decline", request: "merge", change: func(a *anApprovedMerge) {
+			a.warrant.Option, a.warrant.Label, a.merge.Option = "decline", "Decline", "decline"
+		}},
+		{what: "a person who is not the operator", request: "merge", change: func(a *anApprovedMerge) { a.warrant.By.Who = "agent" }},
+		{what: "a build asked through a verb", request: "build"},
+	} {
+		open := theCatalogue(t)
+		ctx := t.Context()
+		inv := open.inventory
+		a := approvedMerge(t)
+		a.merge.Owner, a.merge.Repo, a.merge.Number, a.merge.HeadSHA = "novox", "mesh-host", 7, "a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1"
+		if c.change != nil {
+			c.change(&a)
+		}
+		wasKept, wasAsk := keptDeliveryMerge, routerAskOf
+		keptDeliveryMerge = func(_ context.Context, owner, repo string, number int, head string) (deliveryMerge, bool, error) {
+			return a.merge, !c.unkept && owner == "novox" && repo == "mesh-host" && number == 7 && head == a.merge.HeadSHA, nil
+		}
+		routerAskOf = func(_ context.Context, _ *inventory.Inventory, id string) (*asks.Ask, *asks.Warrant, error) {
+			if id != a.merge.AskID {
+				t.Errorf("%s: the router was asked for %q", c.what, id)
+			}
+			return &a.ask, &a.warrant, nil
+		}
+		t.Cleanup(func() { keptDeliveryMerge, routerAskOf = wasKept, wasAsk })
+		event, _ := json.Marshal(map[string]any{"owner": "novox", "repo": "mesh-host", "base": "main", "number": 7,
+			"head_sha": a.merge.HeadSHA, "merge_commit_sha": commit})
+		if _, err := inv.AddMerge(ctx, inventory.BatchedMerge{Repository: "novox/mesh-host", Branch: "main", Commit: commit,
+			Merged: time.Now(), Heard: time.Now(), Event: event}); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		id := fmt.Sprintf("build-%d", time.Now().Add(time.Hour).UnixNano())
+		if err := inv.RecordBuildRequest(ctx, inventory.BuildRequest{ID: id, Repository: "novox/mesh-host", Seat: "git",
+			Path: "modules/sudo", Ref: "main", Commit: commit, For: c.request}); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		moved := onTrunk(id, "novox/mesh-host", "git", "modules/sudo", map[string]any{"module": "sudo", "version": "2"})
+		moved.Commit = commit
+		_, _, err := takeIn(ctx, inv, moved)
+		src, _ := inv.SourceOf(ctx, "sudo")
+		switch {
+		case c.moved && err != nil:
+			t.Errorf("%s: the move was refused: %v", c.what, err)
+		case c.moved && src.Repository != "novox/mesh-host":
+			t.Errorf("%s: sudo is built from %q", c.what, src.Repository)
+		case !c.moved && !errors.Is(err, errNotItsSource):
+			t.Errorf("%s: the move was not refused as ADR 0266 has it: %v", c.what, err)
+		case !c.moved && src.Repository != "novox/mesh-catalog":
+			t.Errorf("%s: a refused move changed sudo's source to %q", c.what, src.Repository)
+		}
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/build_source_test.go

@@ -3,16 +3,10 @@ package main
 import (
 	"context"
 	"encoding/json"
-	"errors"
-	"fmt"
 	"hash/fnv"
-	"os"
-	"os/exec"
-	"slices"
 	"strings"
 	"sync"
 	"testing"
-	"time"
 
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
@@ -45,141 +39,14 @@ func keptAsked(t *testing.T, inv *inventory.Inventory, id, repository, path stri
 }
 
 // theCatalogue is a mesh whose sudo is built from the catalogue repository and whose node-engine from its own.
-func theCatalogue(t *testing.T) *stores {
-	t.Helper()
-	open := aMesh(t)
-	ctx := t.Context()
-	for _, b := range []link.BuildResult{
-		onTrunk("build-sudo", "novox/mesh-catalog", "git", "modules/sudo", map[string]any{"module": "sudo", "version": "1"}),
-		onTrunk("build-host", "novox/mesh-host", "git", "", map[string]any{"module": "mesh-host", "version": "1"}),
-	} {
-		keptAsked(t, open.inventory, b.ID, b.Source.Repository, b.Path, true)
-		if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, b); err != nil {
-			t.Fatal(err)
-		}
-	}
-	return open
-}
-
-func TestABuildFromAnAgentsRepositoryIsNotRegisteredAsAModuleTheMeshHolds(t *testing.T) {
-	open := theCatalogue(t)
-	ctx := t.Context()
-	for _, c := range []struct {
-		name, repository, path, module string
-	}{
-		{"its own repository naming sudo", "agent/sudo", "modules/sudo", "sudo"},
-		{"a fork of the catalogue", "agent/mesh-catalog", "modules/sudo", "sudo"},
-		{"a fork of the node-engine", "agent/mesh-host", "", "mesh-host"},
-	} {
-		t.Run(c.name, func(t *testing.T) {
-			id := "build-" + strings.ReplaceAll(c.repository, "/", "-")
-			keptAsked(t, open.inventory, id, c.repository, c.path, false) // through the build verb
-			evil := onTrunk(id, c.repository, "git", c.path, map[string]any{"module": c.module, "version": "evil"})
-			_, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, evil)
-			if !errors.Is(err, errNotItsSource) {
-				t.Fatalf("a build of %s was taken in as %s: %v", c.repository, c.module, err)
-			}
-			shelf, err := open.inventory.Catalogue(ctx)
-			if err != nil {
-				t.Fatal(err)
-			}
-			if got := shelf[c.module].Version; got != "1" {
-				t.Fatalf("%s is now %q, from %s", c.module, got, c.repository)
-			}
-			if _, found, _ := open.inventory.BuildByID(ctx, id); !found {
-				t.Errorf("the refused build %s is not recorded", id)
-			}
-		})
-	}
-}
-
-func TestANewModuleFromARepositoryTheCatalogueDoesNotBuildFromIsNotRegistered(t *testing.T) {
-	open := theCatalogue(t)
-	ctx := t.Context()
-	keptAsked(t, open.inventory, "build-new", "agent/tools", "", false)
-	_, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, onTrunk("build-new", "agent/tools", "git", "",
-		map[string]any{"module": "agent-tools", "version": "1"}))
-	if !errors.Is(err, errNotItsSource) {
-		t.Fatalf("a new module from an agent's repository was taken in: %v", err)
-	}
-	// And one asked of nobody here — an outcome on the bus no request was kept for — the same.
-	_, _, err = takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, onTrunk("build-unasked", "agent/tools", "git", "",
-		map[string]any{"module": "agent-tools", "version": "1"}))
-	if !errors.Is(err, errNotItsSource) {
-		t.Fatalf("an outcome nobody asked for was taken in: %v", err)
-	}
-	if shelf, _ := open.inventory.Catalogue(ctx); shelf["agent-tools"].Module != "" {
-		t.Fatal("the refused module is in the catalogue")
-	}
-}
 
 // The operator at the terminal may still move a module, or add one from a new repository.
-func TestAtTheTerminalAnotherRepositoryIsRegistered(t *testing.T) {
-	open := theCatalogue(t)
-	ctx := t.Context()
-	keptAsked(t, open.inventory, "build-moved", "novox/sudo", "", true)
-	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, onTrunk("build-moved", "novox/sudo", "git", "",
-		map[string]any{"module": "sudo", "version": "2"})); err != nil {
-		t.Fatalf("a move the operator asked for at the terminal was refused: %v", err)
-	}
-	if src, _ := open.inventory.SourceOf(ctx, "sudo"); src.Repository != "novox/sudo" {
-		t.Fatalf("sudo is built from %q", src.Repository)
-	}
-	if err := open.inventory.RecordBuildRequest(ctx, inventory.BuildRequest{ID: "build-external",
-		Repository: "http://forge.internal:20000/someone/app.git", For: "build", AtTerminal: true}); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, onTrunk("build-external", "someone/app", "", "",
-		map[string]any{"module": "app", "version": "1"})); err != nil {
-		t.Fatalf("a new module the operator asked for at the terminal was refused: %v", err)
-	}
-}
 
 // The delivery's flow is untouched: a merge's rebuild of a module from its own repository, and a merge adding
 // a module to a repository the catalogue builds from (novox/hq issue 300), are registered with no terminal.
-func TestADeliveryFromTheRegisteredRepositoryIsRegistered(t *testing.T) {
-	open := theCatalogue(t)
-	ctx := t.Context()
-	rebuilt := onTrunk("build-plan", "novox/mesh-catalog", "git", "modules/sudo", map[string]any{"module": "sudo", "version": "2"})
-	if err := open.inventory.RecordBuildRequest(ctx, inventory.BuildRequest{ID: rebuilt.ID,
-		Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Seat: "git", Path: "modules/sudo", For: "plan"}); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, rebuilt); err != nil {
-		t.Fatalf("a plan's build of the module's own repository was refused: %v", err)
-	}
-	added := onTrunk("build-merge", "novox/mesh-catalog", "git", "modules/zram", map[string]any{"module": "zram", "version": "1"})
-	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, added); err != nil {
-		t.Fatalf("a module a merge added to the catalogue repository was refused: %v", err)
-	}
-	shelf, _ := open.inventory.Catalogue(ctx)
-	if shelf["sudo"].Version != "2" || shelf["zram"].Module == "" {
-		t.Fatalf("not registered: sudo %q, zram %q", shelf["sudo"].Version, shelf["zram"].Module)
-	}
-}
 
 // Through a verb, a build of a repository the catalogue builds nothing from is not even asked: the build node
 // would run what the agent wrote.
-func TestAVerbAsksNoBuildOfARepositoryTheCatalogueDoesNotBuildFrom(t *testing.T) {
-	theCatalogue(t)
-	ctx := t.Context()
-	t.Setenv(verbVar, "build")
-	t.Setenv(link.CallerVar, "node-tools.anchor, through the mesh-controller seat")
-	err := verbMayAsk(ctx, buildSource{Repository: "agent/sudo", Seat: "git"}, "http://forge.internal:20000/agent/sudo.git")
-	var policy *heldAtTheTerminal
-	if !errors.As(err, &policy) {
-		t.Fatalf("a verb's build of an agent's repository was asked: %v", err)
-	}
-	if err := verbMayAsk(ctx, buildSource{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Seat: "git"},
-		"http://forge.internal:20000/novox/mesh-catalog.git"); err != nil {
-		t.Fatalf("a verb's build of the catalogue repository was refused: %v", err)
-	}
-	t.Setenv(verbVar, "")
-	t.Setenv(link.CallerVar, "")
-	if err := verbMayAsk(ctx, buildSource{Repository: "agent/sudo", Seat: "git"}, ""); err != nil {
-		t.Fatalf("the terminal was refused: %v", err)
-	}
-}
 
 // asTheOperator keeps a build as asked at the controller's terminal, as the operator's first build of a module
 // from a repository the catalogue does not yet build from is (novox/hq ADR 0266), and hands it back.
@@ -199,40 +66,6 @@ func asTheOperator(t *testing.T, inv *inventory.Inventory, b link.BuildResult) l
 // A rollback puts back only a build of the module's own repository: an agent's build of the module's name,
 // recorded and refused, at the very commit the machine ran before (a fork carries it), is never registered by
 // the back door of a failed gate.
-func TestARollbackNeverPutsBackABuildFromAnotherRepository(t *testing.T) {
-	open := theCatalogue(t)
-	ctx := t.Context()
-	inv := open.inventory
-	fork := onTrunk("build-1791500000000000000", "agent/mesh-catalog", "git", "modules/sudo",
-		map[string]any{"module": "sudo", "version": "evil"})
-	fork.Commit = "c0ffee0123456789" // the commit sudo was registered at
-	keptAsked(t, inv, fork.ID, "agent/mesh-catalog", "modules/sudo", false)
-	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, inv, fork); !errors.Is(err, errNotItsSource) {
-		t.Fatalf("the fork's build was taken in: %v", err)
-	}
-	// Asked after the registered build, whenever the test runs: an id naming a fixed moment read as older
-	// than the registered build once the clock passed it (2026-10-10 02:40 UTC), and the test failed on main.
-	failed := onTrunk(fmt.Sprintf("build-%d", time.Now().Add(time.Hour).UnixNano()), "novox/mesh-catalog", "git", "modules/sudo",
-		map[string]any{"module": "sudo", "version": "2"})
-	failed.Commit = "badbadbad0123456"
-	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, inv, failed); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	record, _, err := inv.BuildByID(ctx, failed.ID)
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	previous, found, err := inv.PreviousBuild(ctx, "sudo", "c0ffee0123456789", record)
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	if found && previous.ID == fork.ID {
-		t.Fatalf("a rollback would put back the fork's build %s", previous.ID)
-	}
-	if !found || previous.ID != "build-sudo" {
-		t.Fatalf("a rollback puts back %q (found %v), want the registered build-sudo", previous.ID, found)
-	}
-}
 
 // theForge is what the forge says in a test, by owner/name: a repository not named here is protected as a
 // trunk must be, with an id of its own.
@@ -256,97 +89,15 @@ func init() {
 
 // A module's trunk the forge does not protect — direct pushes, no required status — or a forge that cannot say,
 // registers nothing through a verb: the trunk rule means nothing on a branch anyone pushes to.
-func TestATrunkTheForgeDoesNotProtectRegistersNothing(t *testing.T) {
-	open := theCatalogue(t)
-	ctx := t.Context()
-	theForge.Store("novox/unguarded", forgeFacts{ID: 7, Why: "the rule main lets a person push to main directly"})
-	t.Cleanup(func() { theForge.Delete("novox/unguarded") })
-	first := onTrunk("build-unguarded-1", "novox/unguarded", "git", "", map[string]any{"module": "unguarded", "version": "1"})
-	keptAsked(t, open.inventory, first.ID, "novox/unguarded", "", true)
-	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, first); err != nil {
-		t.Fatalf("at the terminal: %v", err)
-	}
-	again := onTrunk("build-unguarded-2", "novox/unguarded", "git", "", map[string]any{"module": "unguarded", "version": "2"})
-	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, again); !errors.Is(err, errNotItsSource) ||
-		!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "push to main directly") {
-		t.Fatalf("a rebuild from an unprotected trunk was taken in: %v", err)
-	}
-	theForge.Store("novox/unguarded", errors.New("nothing serves gitea.gitea_api"))
-	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, onTrunk("build-unguarded-3", "novox/unguarded", "git", "",
-		map[string]any{"module": "unguarded", "version": "3"})); !errors.Is(err, errNotItsSource) {
-		t.Fatalf("a forge that could not say was read as a protected trunk: %v", err)
-	}
-	if shelf, _ := open.inventory.Catalogue(ctx); shelf["unguarded"].Version != "1" {
-		t.Fatalf("unguarded is %q", shelf["unguarded"].Version)
-	}
-}
 
 // A repository deleted and made again under the module's repository's name is another repository: the forge's
 // id, recorded at registration, tells them apart.
-func TestARepositoryMadeAgainUnderItsNameIsNotTheModulesSource(t *testing.T) {
-	open := theCatalogue(t)
-	ctx := t.Context()
-	theForge.Store("novox/remade", forgeFacts{ID: 100, Guarded: true})
-	t.Cleanup(func() { theForge.Delete("novox/remade") })
-	first := onTrunk("build-remade-1", "novox/remade", "git", "", map[string]any{"module": "remade", "version": "1"})
-	keptAsked(t, open.inventory, first.ID, "novox/remade", "", true)
-	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, first); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	if id, _ := open.inventory.SourceIdentity(ctx, "remade"); id != 100 {
-		t.Fatalf("the forge's id was not recorded: %d", id)
-	}
-	theForge.Store("novox/remade", forgeFacts{ID: 101, Guarded: true}) // deleted, and made again by an agent
-	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, onTrunk("build-remade-2", "novox/remade", "git", "",
-		map[string]any{"module": "remade", "version": "evil"})); !errors.Is(err, errNotItsSource) ||
-		!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "made again") {
-		t.Fatalf("a repository made again under the name was taken in: %v", err)
-	}
-	// And a new module from it, beside the one registered from the first, the same.
-	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, onTrunk("build-remade-3", "novox/remade", "git", "modules/other",
-		map[string]any{"module": "other", "version": "1"})); !errors.Is(err, errNotItsSource) {
-		t.Fatalf("a new module from a repository made again was taken in: %v", err)
-	}
-}
 
 // The terminal's mark is the operator's for the repository and path they asked: an outcome of another, under that
 // build's id, is not theirs.
-func TestATerminalRequestCoversOnlyWhatItAsked(t *testing.T) {
-	open := theCatalogue(t)
-	ctx := t.Context()
-	if err := open.inventory.RecordBuildRequest(ctx, inventory.BuildRequest{ID: "build-asked", Repository: "novox/app",
-		Seat: "git", Path: "modules/app", For: "build", AtTerminal: true}); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	other := onTrunk("build-asked", "agent/sudo", "git", "modules/app", map[string]any{"module": "sudo", "version": "evil"})
-	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, other); !errors.Is(err, errNotItsSource) {
-		t.Fatalf("an outcome of another repository under a terminal request's id was taken in: %v", err)
-	}
-	elsewhere := onTrunk("build-asked", "novox/app", "git", "modules/sudo", map[string]any{"module": "sudo", "version": "evil"})
-	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, elsewhere); !errors.Is(err, errNotItsSource) {
-		t.Fatalf("an outcome of another path under a terminal request's id was taken in: %v", err)
-	}
-}
 
 // The serving controller, and everything it starts, is never the terminal: a build asked in it reads as asked
 // through the mesh even when no verb and no caller is named.
-func TestTheServingControllerIsNeverTheTerminal(t *testing.T) {
-	t.Setenv(verbVar, "")
-	t.Setenv(link.CallerVar, "")
-	t.Setenv(servedVar, "")
-	if !startedAtTheTerminal() {
-		t.Fatal("a process started by hand is not the terminal")
-	}
-	markServed()
-	if startedAtTheTerminal() {
-		t.Fatal("the serving controller reads as the terminal")
-	}
-	child := exec.Command(os.Args[0], "-test.run=^$")
-	child.Env = os.Environ()
-	if !slices.Contains(child.Env, servedVar+"=1") {
-		t.Fatal("what the serving controller starts does not carry its mark")
-	}
-}
 
 // The forge applies one rule to a branch: the rule named for it, else the first glob that covers it. A stronger
 // rule later in the list is not what guards the branch, and is not read as if it were (the confirmation review).
@@ -369,16 +120,9 @@ func TestTheRuleJudgedIsTheOneTheForgeApplies(t *testing.T) {
 }
 
 // An id the forge could not give keeps the id already recorded.
-func TestAnUnknownIdentityKeepsTheRecordedOne(t *testing.T) {
-	open := theCatalogue(t)
-	ctx := t.Context()
-	if err := open.inventory.SetSourceIdentity(ctx, "sudo", 100); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	if err := open.inventory.SetSourceIdentity(ctx, "sudo", 0); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	if id, _ := open.inventory.SourceIdentity(ctx, "sudo"); id != 100 {
-		t.Fatalf("the recorded id became %d", id)
-	}
-}
+
+// **The operator's Approve of a reviewed group registers a moved module from its new repository** (novox/hq ADR 0420 §7,
+// issue 1025). sudo is built from the catalogue; a merge into the repository of node-engine's module, announced by
+// mesh-delivery with the ask it merged on, brings its build from there. Accepted with the operator's Approve of the
+// merged head; refused with no kept merge, a warrant for other heads, a Decline, a person who is not the operator, and
+// through a verb.

cmd/mesh-controller/build_test.go

@@ -1,13 +1,9 @@
 package main
 
 import (
-	"encoding/json"
-	"errors"
-	"strings"
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
 )
 
@@ -15,126 +11,12 @@ import (
 // the module registered with its source as the seat and path when the request said so — never the
 // URL. A definition naming an installation is recorded and not registered; a failure is recorded
 // and said.
-func TestABuildHeardIsRecordedAndRegistered(t *testing.T) {
-	open := aMesh(t)
-	ctx := t.Context()
-	manifest, _ := json.Marshal(map[string]any{"module": "shop", "version": "3"})
-	m, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, asTheOperator(t, open.inventory, link.BuildResult{
-		ID: "b-1", Repository: "http://forge.internal:20000/novox/shop.git", Path: "modules/shop",
-		Ref: "main", On: "anchor", Commit: "abcdef0123", Manifest: manifest,
-		Source: &link.SourceOnSeat{Seat: "git", Repository: "novox/shop"},
-	}))
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	if m.Module != "shop" {
-		t.Fatalf("registered %q", m.Module)
-	}
-	shelf, err := open.inventory.Catalogue(ctx)
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	if _, held := shelf["shop"]; !held {
-		t.Fatal("the module a heard build produced is not in the catalogue")
-	}
-	src, err := open.inventory.SourceOf(ctx, "shop")
-	if err != nil || src.Seat != "git" || src.Repository != "novox/shop" || src.BuiltFrom != "abcdef0123" {
-		t.Fatalf("the source is the seat and the path, never the URL: %+v %v", src, err)
-	}
-	builds, err := open.inventory.Builds(ctx, "shop", 5)
-	if err != nil || len(builds) != 1 || builds[0].ID != "b-1" {
-		t.Fatalf("the build is not recorded once: %v %v", builds, err)
-	}
-
-	named, _ := json.Marshal(map[string]any{"module": "idp", "version": "1", "resources": []any{
-		map[string]any{"id": "server", "type": "container", "image": "x@sha256:aa",
-			"env": map[string]any{"KC_HOSTNAME": "https://login.mesh-one.be"}}}})
-	_, _, err = takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, link.BuildResult{
-		ID: "b-2", Repository: "/r", On: "anchor", Commit: "0123456789", Manifest: named})
-	if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "does not register it") {
-		t.Fatalf("a definition naming an installation was taken in: %v", err)
-	}
-	if shelf, _ := open.inventory.Catalogue(ctx); shelf["idp"].Module != "" {
-		t.Fatal("the refused module was registered anyway")
-	}
-	if builds, _ := open.inventory.Builds(ctx, "idp", 5); len(builds) != 1 {
-		t.Fatalf("the refused build was not recorded: %v", builds)
-	}
-
-	_, _, err = takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, link.BuildResult{ID: "b-3", Repository: "/r", On: "anchor", Failed: "no compiler"})
-	if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "no compiler") {
-		t.Fatalf("a failure is said in the builder's words: %v", err)
-	}
-}
 
 // novox/hq 04-ISSUES/215: a build asked at a commit is recorded as built from that commit, and the
 // module keeps following the branch it followed — a new one, the default branch.
-func TestABuildAtACommitKeepsTheBranchTheModuleFollows(t *testing.T) {
-	open := aMesh(t)
-	ctx := t.Context()
-	manifest, _ := json.Marshal(map[string]any{"module": "unifi", "version": "1"})
-	result := func(id, ref, commit string) link.BuildResult {
-		return link.BuildResult{ID: id, Repository: "http://forge.internal:20000/novox/mesh-catalog.git",
-			Path: "modules/unifi", Ref: ref, On: "anchor", Commit: commit, Manifest: manifest,
-			Source: &link.SourceOnSeat{Seat: "git", Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog"}}
-	}
-	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, asTheOperator(t, open.inventory, result("b-1", "main", "1111111aaaa"))); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, result("b-2", "9c97a8a", "9c97a8a1d2c3")); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	src, err := open.inventory.SourceOf(ctx, "unifi")
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	if src.Ref != "main" || src.BuiltFrom != "9c97a8a1d2c3" {
-		t.Errorf("after a build at a commit the module follows %q, built from %q; want main, 9c97a8a1d2c3", src.Ref, src.BuiltFrom)
-	}
-
-	// One new to the catalogue, first built at a commit, follows the default branch.
-	other, _ := json.Marshal(map[string]any{"module": "letta", "version": "1"})
-	r := result("b-3", "deadbeef", "deadbeefcafe")
-	r.Manifest, r.Path = other, "modules/letta"
-	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, r); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	if src, _ := open.inventory.SourceOf(ctx, "letta"); src.Ref != "" {
-		t.Errorf("a module first built at a commit follows %q, want the default branch", src.Ref)
-	}
-}
 
 // novox/hq 04-ISSUES/219: an older request heard after a newer one is recorded and not registered,
 // so a push sends what the newer request built.
-func TestAnOlderBuildHeardLaterDoesNotReplaceTheNewer(t *testing.T) {
-	open := aMesh(t)
-	ctx := t.Context()
-	older := time.Date(2026, 10, 3, 21, 33, 45, 0, time.UTC)
-	newer := time.Date(2026, 10, 3, 21, 51, 57, 0, time.UTC)
-	result := func(asked time.Time, image string) link.BuildResult {
-		manifest, _ := json.Marshal(map[string]any{"module": "postgres", "version": image})
-		return link.BuildResult{ID: link.NewBuildID(asked), Repository: "http://forge.internal:20000/novox/mesh-catalog.git",
-			Path: "modules/postgres", Ref: "main", On: "anchor", Commit: "efff5415", Manifest: manifest,
-			Source: &link.SourceOnSeat{Seat: "git", Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog"}}
-	}
-	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, asTheOperator(t, open.inventory, result(newer, "4bcd5f73"))); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	_, _, err := takeIn(ctx, open.inventory, result(older, "0ab07fa9"))
-	if !errors.Is(err, inventory.ErrSuperseded) {
-		t.Fatalf("the older request's outcome was taken in as current: %v", err)
-	}
-	shelf, err := open.inventory.Catalogue(ctx)
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	if got := shelf["postgres"].Version; got != "4bcd5f73" {
-		t.Errorf("postgres is %q; want the newer request's 4bcd5f73", got)
-	}
-	if builds, _ := open.inventory.Builds(ctx, "postgres", 5); len(builds) != 2 {
-		t.Errorf("the late build was not recorded: %v", builds)
-	}
-}
 
 func TestABuildIDSaysWhenItWasAsked(t *testing.T) {
 	at := time.Date(2026, 10, 3, 21, 51, 57, 392539762, time.UTC)

cmd/mesh-controller/bus_users_closed_test.go

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

cmd/mesh-controller/bus_waits_integration_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,70 @@
+//go:build integration
+
+package main
+
+import (
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+func TestASendHeldForTheBusStepIsFoundFromTheWalksItHolds(t *testing.T) {
+	now := time.Date(2026, 10, 8, 18, 30, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	b := aBusOnAnchor()
+	walk := func(id, repo, note string, updated time.Time) inventory.Plan {
+		return inventory.Plan{ID: id, Repository: repo, Commit: "c0ffee001122", State: inventory.PlanRolling, Tier: 0,
+			Tiers: [][]string{{"mesh-host"}}, Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{"mesh-host": {}}, Note: note,
+			Updated: updated}
+	}
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		name  string
+		bus   busPending
+		plans []inventory.Plan
+		first map[string]time.Time
+		want  []string
+		since time.Time
+	}{
+		{"a walk refused for the bus", b,
+			[]inventory.Plan{walk("plan-1", "novox/mesh-host", refusedNote(b, 0), now.Add(-27*time.Minute))}, nil,
+			[]string{"plan-1"}, now.Add(-27 * time.Minute)},
+		{"refused earlier than its last save, as this controller saw it", b,
+			[]inventory.Plan{walk("plan-1", "novox/mesh-host", refusedNote(b, 0), now.Add(-5*time.Minute))},
+			map[string]time.Time{"plan-1": now.Add(-28 * time.Minute)}, []string{"plan-1"}, now.Add(-28 * time.Minute)},
+		{"a walk refused for another reason", b,
+			[]inventory.Plan{walk("plan-1", "novox/mesh-host", "tier 0: the build seat is paused — tried again", now)}, nil,
+			nil, time.Time{}},
+		{"refused for an older bus build than the one held now", func() busPending { o := b; o.to = "99999999cccc"; return o }(),
+			[]inventory.Plan{walk("plan-1", "novox/mesh-host", refusedNote(b, 0), now)}, nil, nil, time.Time{}},
+		{"the bus already runs the build held: its step started", func() busPending {
+			o := aBusOnAnchor()
+			o.from = map[string]string{"anchor": o.to}
+			return o
+		}(), []inventory.Plan{walk("plan-1", "novox/mesh-host", refusedNote(b, 0), now)}, nil, nil, time.Time{}},
+		{"a walk waiting for its delivery's word asks no send", b, func() []inventory.Plan {
+			p := walk("plan-1", "novox/mesh-host", refusedNote(b, 0), now)
+			p.Delivery = &inventory.PlanDelivery{Awaits: "mesh-delivery"}
+			return []inventory.Plan{p}
+		}(), nil, nil, time.Time{}},
+	} {
+		t.Run(c.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			got := busWaitsOf(c.plans, c.bus, func(id string) time.Time { return c.first[id] })
+			var ids []string
+			for _, w := range got.waits {
+				ids = append(ids, w.plan)
+			}
+			if strings.Join(ids, ",") != strings.Join(c.want, ",") {
+				t.Fatalf("held for the bus: %v, want %v", ids, c.want)
+			}
+			if len(c.want) > 0 {
+				if !got.waits[0].since.Equal(c.since) {
+					t.Errorf("waiting since %s, want %s", got.waits[0].since, c.since)
+				}
+				if strings.Join(got.machines, ",") != "anchor" || got.to != b.to || got.module != "nats" {
+					t.Errorf("behind %+v", got)
+				}
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/bus_waits_test.go

@@ -7,7 +7,6 @@ import (
 	"time"
 
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 )
 
 // novox/hq issue 336: a send held because it would replace the bus outside its planned step waits for a
@@ -27,65 +26,6 @@ func refusedNote(b busPending, tier int) string {
 	return "tier " + string(rune('0'+tier)) + ": " + errBusWaits.Error() + ": " + held + " — tried again"
 }
 
-func TestASendHeldForTheBusStepIsFoundFromTheWalksItHolds(t *testing.T) {
-	now := time.Date(2026, 10, 8, 18, 30, 0, 0, time.UTC)
-	b := aBusOnAnchor()
-	walk := func(id, repo, note string, updated time.Time) inventory.Plan {
-		return inventory.Plan{ID: id, Repository: repo, Commit: "c0ffee001122", State: inventory.PlanRolling, Tier: 0,
-			Tiers: [][]string{{"mesh-host"}}, Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{"mesh-host": {}}, Note: note,
-			Updated: updated}
-	}
-	for _, c := range []struct {
-		name  string
-		bus   busPending
-		plans []inventory.Plan
-		first map[string]time.Time
-		want  []string
-		since time.Time
-	}{
-		{"a walk refused for the bus", b,
-			[]inventory.Plan{walk("plan-1", "novox/mesh-host", refusedNote(b, 0), now.Add(-27*time.Minute))}, nil,
-			[]string{"plan-1"}, now.Add(-27 * time.Minute)},
-		{"refused earlier than its last save, as this controller saw it", b,
-			[]inventory.Plan{walk("plan-1", "novox/mesh-host", refusedNote(b, 0), now.Add(-5*time.Minute))},
-			map[string]time.Time{"plan-1": now.Add(-28 * time.Minute)}, []string{"plan-1"}, now.Add(-28 * time.Minute)},
-		{"a walk refused for another reason", b,
-			[]inventory.Plan{walk("plan-1", "novox/mesh-host", "tier 0: the build seat is paused — tried again", now)}, nil,
-			nil, time.Time{}},
-		{"refused for an older bus build than the one held now", func() busPending { o := b; o.to = "99999999cccc"; return o }(),
-			[]inventory.Plan{walk("plan-1", "novox/mesh-host", refusedNote(b, 0), now)}, nil, nil, time.Time{}},
-		{"the bus already runs the build held: its step started", func() busPending {
-			o := aBusOnAnchor()
-			o.from = map[string]string{"anchor": o.to}
-			return o
-		}(), []inventory.Plan{walk("plan-1", "novox/mesh-host", refusedNote(b, 0), now)}, nil, nil, time.Time{}},
-		{"a walk waiting for its delivery's word asks no send", b, func() []inventory.Plan {
-			p := walk("plan-1", "novox/mesh-host", refusedNote(b, 0), now)
-			p.Delivery = &inventory.PlanDelivery{Awaits: "mesh-delivery"}
-			return []inventory.Plan{p}
-		}(), nil, nil, time.Time{}},
-	} {
-		t.Run(c.name, func(t *testing.T) {
-			got := busWaitsOf(c.plans, c.bus, func(id string) time.Time { return c.first[id] })
-			var ids []string
-			for _, w := range got.waits {
-				ids = append(ids, w.plan)
-			}
-			if strings.Join(ids, ",") != strings.Join(c.want, ",") {
-				t.Fatalf("held for the bus: %v, want %v", ids, c.want)
-			}
-			if len(c.want) > 0 {
-				if !got.waits[0].since.Equal(c.since) {
-					t.Errorf("waiting since %s, want %s", got.waits[0].since, c.since)
-				}
-				if strings.Join(got.machines, ",") != "anchor" || got.to != b.to || got.module != "nats" {
-					t.Errorf("behind %+v", got)
-				}
-			}
-		})
-	}
-}
-
 // **Said at once, not as lateness, and cleared when the step starts**: the walk held only for the bus raises
 // the bus's condition on the first tick, before any tier bound, naming what waits, the bus build from and to,
 // since when and `bus upgrade`, for the operator; S3 says nothing of it even past its bound; and the

cmd/mesh-controller/busobjects.go

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

cmd/mesh-controller/busobjects_test.go

@@ -1,3 +1,5 @@
+//go:build integration
+
 package main
 
 import (

cmd/mesh-controller/busy.go

@@ -0,0 +1,103 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// A first-node gate waits for a busy container (novox/hq ADR 0335 §4).
+//
+// When a machine reports, on what the gate sent it, that a container of a judged module was left running
+// because it said busy, the judging has not started: the build is not yet what runs there. The walk says it
+// waits for a busy container on that machine, counts no pass and no bound, and starts the judging — its
+// Since — at the report that no longer lists the container waiting. The wait is the node-engine's, bounded
+// at 15 minutes; the controller's own bound (busyGateBound past the engine's) is for an engine that stopped
+// reporting while it waited, so no walk waits for ever. An engine older than the field never lists one, and
+// its gate starts as before.
+
+// busyGateSlack is how long past the engine's bound the controller still waits for the report that says the
+// container replaced: a pass of the engine (its asks every 20 seconds) and the report's way here.
+var busyGateSlack = 5 * time.Minute
+
+// busyEngineBound is the node-engine's bound on a wait (novox/hq ADR 0335 §3), counted again here on this
+// controller's clock from when it first read the wait.
+const busyEngineBound = 15 * time.Minute
+
+// busyGateEnds is when the gate stops waiting: the engine's own word on its bound, or this controller's count of
+// it from when it first read the wait, whichever is sooner, and the slack — so neither a clock ahead on the
+// machine nor a wrong word from it holds a walk longer.
+func busyGateEnds(b *inventory.GateBusy) time.Time {
+	until := b.Seen.Add(busyEngineBound)
+	if !b.Until.IsZero() && b.Until.Before(until) {
+		until = b.Until
+	}
+	return until.Add(busyGateSlack)
+}
+
+// busyWait decides, before a judging, whether the gate waits for a busy container on a machine it judges:
+// true while it waits, the gate saying so. False when nothing waits, or no longer: a wait that ended moves the
+// gate's Since to its end. Pure but for the gate it is handed.
+func busyWait(g *inventory.PlanGate, pairs []judged, f gateFacts, now time.Time) bool {
+	if g.Busy != nil && g.Busy.Ended != nil {
+		return false
+	}
+	for _, j := range pairs {
+		b, waits := busyOn(j, f)
+		if !waits {
+			continue
+		}
+		if g.Busy == nil {
+			g.Busy = &inventory.GateBusy{Machine: j.node, Module: j.module, Container: b.Container, Since: b.Since,
+				Seen: now}
+		}
+		if g.Busy.Seen.IsZero() {
+			g.Busy.Seen = now
+		}
+		g.Busy.Until, g.Busy.Said = b.Until, b.Said
+		if now.After(busyGateEnds(g.Busy)) {
+			// The engine said it would have replaced it by now: the judging starts, and finds the module not
+			// yet healthy while the machine still lists it waiting (busyStill), until the gate's own bound.
+			end := now
+			g.Busy.Ended, g.Busy.PastBound = &end, true
+			g.Since, g.Passes, g.LastPass, g.Healthy, g.HealthyAt, g.Applied = &end, 0, nil, nil, nil, nil
+			return false
+		}
+		g.Passes, g.LastPass, g.Last, g.Failing = 0, nil, g.Busy.Words(), nil
+		g.Read(now, false, g.Busy.Words())
+		return true
+	}
+	if g.Busy == nil {
+		return false
+	}
+	// Replaced: the judging starts at the report that said so.
+	end := now
+	if r, said := f.reports[g.Busy.Machine]; said && r.At != nil && r.At.After(g.Busy.Since) && r.At.Before(now) {
+		end = r.At.UTC()
+	}
+	g.Busy.Ended = &end
+	g.Since, g.Passes, g.LastPass, g.Last, g.Healthy, g.HealthyAt, g.Applied = &end, 0, nil, "", nil, nil, nil
+	return false
+}
+
+// busyOn is the container of a judged module its machine last reported, on what the gate sent it, as left
+// running because it said busy.
+func busyOn(j judged, f gateFacts) (inventory.BusyWait, bool) {
+	r, said := f.reports[j.node]
+	if !said || r.At == nil || !f.reportedOn(j.node, r) {
+		return inventory.BusyWait{}, false
+	}
+	return inventory.WaitingFor(r.Busy, j.module)
+}
+
+// busyStill is a judged module whose container its machine still lists waiting once the gate stopped waiting
+// for it: not yet what was sent, so not healthy, whatever its health says of the container still running.
+func busyStill(j judged, f gateFacts) (string, bool) {
+	b, waits := busyOn(j, f)
+	if !waits {
+		return "", false
+	}
+	return fmt.Sprintf("%s still runs its busy container %s, past its node-engine's bound of %s",
+		j.node, b.Container, b.Until.UTC().Format(time.RFC3339)), true
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/busy_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,148 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// A walk whose module's container waits as busy on its first machine says so, and starts that machine's
+// first-machine gate only once the machine reports the container replaced (novox/hq ADR 0335 §4).
+func TestAGateWaitsForABusyContainerAndStartsWhenItIsReplaced(t *testing.T) {
+	sent := time.Date(2026, 10, 13, 1, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	g := &inventory.PlanGate{Machines: []string{"novox"}, Since: &sent,
+		Sent: map[string]inventory.SentDeclaration{"novox": {Digest: "d1", Sequence: 7}}}
+	pairs := []judged{{module: "build-agent", node: "novox"}, {module: "mesh-controller", node: "novox"}}
+	reported := sent.Add(20 * time.Second)
+	waiting := []inventory.BusyWait{{ID: "build-agent.server", Container: "mesh-build-agent",
+		State: inventory.BusyWaiting, Since: reported, Until: reported.Add(15 * time.Minute),
+		Said: "busy: novox/mesh-controller (check of #280), in hand since 00:58:00Z"}}
+	facts := func(at time.Time, busy []inventory.BusyWait) gateFacts {
+		// As judgeMoves hands it: the report held against the gate's own send.
+		return gateFacts{sent: g.Sent, reports: map[string]inventory.Reported{"novox": {Node: "novox",
+			Outcome: inventory.OutcomeApplied, At: &at, Declared: "d1", ReportedSequence: 7, Busy: busy}}}
+	}
+
+	now := reported.Add(time.Minute)
+	if !busyWait(g, pairs, facts(reported, waiting), now) {
+		t.Fatal("a gate whose module's container waits as busy judged it")
+	}
+	if !g.Since.Equal(sent) || g.Busy == nil || g.Busy.Machine != "novox" || g.Busy.Ended != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("the gate does not keep the wait: %+v %+v", g.Since, g.Busy)
+	}
+	for _, said := range []string{gateLine(g), g.Last} {
+		if !strings.Contains(said, "waits for a busy container on novox") {
+			t.Errorf("the walk does not say it waits for a busy container there: %s", said)
+		}
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(g.Last, "check of #280") {
+		t.Errorf("the wait does not say what the container holds: %s", g.Last)
+	}
+
+	// Ten minutes on, still busy, within the engine's bound: still waiting, nothing judged, no bound run.
+	now = reported.Add(10 * time.Minute)
+	if !busyWait(g, pairs, facts(reported.Add(9*time.Minute), waiting), now) || g.Passes != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the gate stopped waiting within the bound: %+v", g)
+	}
+
+	// The machine reports it replaced: the judging starts at that report.
+	replacedAt := reported.Add(12 * time.Minute)
+	now = replacedAt.Add(5 * time.Second)
+	replaced := []inventory.BusyWait{{ID: "build-agent.server", Container: "mesh-build-agent",
+		State: "replaced-when-idle", Since: reported, Until: reported.Add(15 * time.Minute)}}
+	if busyWait(g, pairs, facts(replacedAt, replaced), now) {
+		t.Fatal("the gate still waits after the container was replaced")
+	}
+	if g.Since == nil || !g.Since.Equal(replacedAt) || g.Busy.Ended == nil || !g.Busy.Ended.Equal(replacedAt) {
+		t.Fatalf("the gate does not start at the report that said it replaced: since %v, %+v", g.Since, g.Busy)
+	}
+	if strings.Contains(gateLine(g), "waits for a busy container") {
+		t.Errorf("a gate judging still says it waits: %s", gateLine(g))
+	}
+	// And a later report listing it waiting again does not hold a gate that started.
+	if busyWait(g, pairs, facts(now, waiting), now.Add(time.Minute)) {
+		t.Error("a gate that started waits again")
+	}
+}
+
+// An engine that stops reporting while it waits holds no walk for ever: past the engine's bound and the slack,
+// the judging starts, and finds the module not yet healthy while its container is still listed waiting.
+func TestAGateWaitsNoLongerThanTheEnginesBound(t *testing.T) {
+	sent := time.Date(2026, 10, 13, 1, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	g := &inventory.PlanGate{Machines: []string{"novox"}, Since: &sent}
+	pairs := []judged{{module: "build-agent", node: "novox"}}
+	waiting := []inventory.BusyWait{{ID: "build-agent.server", Container: "mesh-build-agent",
+		State: inventory.BusyWaiting, Since: sent, Until: sent.Add(15 * time.Minute)}}
+	f := gateFacts{reports: map[string]inventory.Reported{"novox": {Node: "novox", Outcome: inventory.OutcomeApplied,
+		At: &sent, Current: true, Busy: waiting}}}
+	now := sent.Add(15*time.Minute + busyGateSlack + time.Second)
+	if busyWait(g, pairs, f, now) {
+		t.Fatal("a gate waited past the engine's bound and the slack")
+	}
+	if !g.Busy.PastBound || !g.Since.Equal(now) {
+		t.Fatalf("the gate does not start, said past the bound: %+v %v", g.Busy, g.Since)
+	}
+	if why, still := busyStill(pairs[0], f); !still || !strings.Contains(why, "past its node-engine's bound") {
+		t.Fatalf("a module still running its busy container reads as what was sent: %q", why)
+	}
+}
+
+// A report from an engine older than the field lists nothing: the gate starts at the send, as before; and a
+// report not about the gate's send says nothing of it.
+func TestAGateOfAnEngineThatNeverWaitsStartsAsBefore(t *testing.T) {
+	sent := time.Date(2026, 10, 13, 1, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	g := &inventory.PlanGate{Machines: []string{"ace"}, Since: &sent,
+		Sent: map[string]inventory.SentDeclaration{"ace": {Digest: "d2", Sequence: 9}}}
+	pairs := []judged{{module: "build-agent", node: "ace"}}
+	at := sent.Add(time.Minute)
+	older := gateFacts{sent: g.Sent, reports: map[string]inventory.Reported{"ace": {Node: "ace", Outcome: inventory.OutcomeApplied,
+		At: &at, Declared: "d2", ReportedSequence: 9}}}
+	if busyWait(g, pairs, older, at) || g.Busy != nil || !g.Since.Equal(sent) {
+		t.Fatalf("a gate on an engine that never waits did not start at the send: %+v %v", g.Busy, g.Since)
+	}
+	elsewhere := gateFacts{sent: g.Sent, reports: map[string]inventory.Reported{"ace": {Node: "ace", Outcome: inventory.OutcomeApplied,
+		At: &at, Declared: "d1", ReportedSequence: 8, Busy: []inventory.BusyWait{{ID: "build-agent.server",
+			State: inventory.BusyWaiting, Until: at.Add(time.Hour)}}}}}
+	if busyWait(g, pairs, elsewhere, at) {
+		t.Fatal("a wait reported about an earlier declaration held the gate")
+	}
+}
+
+// The wait is bounded on this controller's clock: an engine whose clock runs an hour ahead, saying it waits until
+// then, holds the gate no longer than 15 minutes and the slack from when the controller first read the wait.
+func TestAGateWaitIsBoundedOnTheControllersClock(t *testing.T) {
+	seen := time.Date(2026, 10, 13, 1, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	g := &inventory.PlanGate{Machines: []string{"novox"}, Since: &seen}
+	pairs := []judged{{module: "build-agent", node: "novox"}}
+	ahead := seen.Add(time.Hour)
+	f := gateFacts{reports: map[string]inventory.Reported{"novox": {Node: "novox", Outcome: inventory.OutcomeApplied,
+		At: &seen, Current: true, Busy: []inventory.BusyWait{{ID: "build-agent.server", Container: "mesh-build-agent",
+			State: inventory.BusyWaiting, Since: ahead, Until: ahead.Add(15 * time.Minute)}}}}}
+	if !busyWait(g, pairs, f, seen) || !g.Busy.Seen.Equal(seen) {
+		t.Fatalf("the gate did not start waiting, seen now: %+v", g.Busy)
+	}
+	if !busyWait(g, pairs, f, seen.Add(15*time.Minute+busyGateSlack-time.Second)) {
+		t.Fatal("the gate stopped waiting within the bound on its own clock")
+	}
+	if busyWait(g, pairs, f, seen.Add(15*time.Minute+busyGateSlack+time.Second)) || !g.Busy.PastBound {
+		t.Fatalf("an engine's later word held the gate past the controller's bound: %+v", g.Busy)
+	}
+}
+
+// `plan` says, for a machine whose node-engine is older than the field, each container whose busy is not sent.
+func TestAPlanSaysABusyAnOlderEngineIsNotSent(t *testing.T) {
+	modules := []catalogue.Manifest{{Module: "build-agent", Resources: []map[string]any{
+		{"id": "server", "type": "container", "busy": map[string]any{"command": "mesh-builder busy"}},
+		{"id": "agent-env", "type": "file"}}}}
+	lines := busyNotSent(modules, false)
+	if len(lines) != 1 || !strings.Contains(lines[0], "build-agent.server declares busy") ||
+		!strings.Contains(lines[0], "replaced at once") {
+		t.Fatalf("the plan does not say the busy not sent: %v", lines)
+	}
+	if lines := busyNotSent(modules, true); len(lines) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a busy sent is said as not sent: %v", lines)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/calls_verb_integration_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
+//go:build integration
+
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+)
+
+func TestCallsIsServedAndSaysWhatItKeeps(t *testing.T) {
+	handlers, behind, err := seatToolHandlers()
+	if err != nil || len(behind) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("%v %v", behind, err)
+	}
+	calls, ok := handlers["calls"]
+	if !ok {
+		t.Fatal("calls is not served")
+	}
+	if _, err := calls(context.Background(), json.RawMessage(`{"node":"anchor"}`)); err == nil ||
+		!strings.Contains(err.Error(), `"node"`) {
+		t.Errorf("calls took an argument it does not declare: %v", err)
+	}
+	if _, err := calls(context.Background(), json.RawMessage(`{"call":"call-0-0"}`)); err == nil ||
+		!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "not across a restart") {
+		t.Errorf("an unknown call was not said plainly: %v", err)
+	}
+	got, err := calls(context.Background(), json.RawMessage(`{}`))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, listed := got.(map[string]any)["calls"]; !listed {
+		t.Errorf("calls answered %v", got)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/calls_verb_test.go

@@ -1,9 +1,6 @@
 package main
 
 import (
-	"context"
-	"encoding/json"
-	"strings"
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
@@ -52,28 +49,3 @@ func TestAPushAnswersBeforeItSends(t *testing.T) {
 }
 
 // `calls` is served, takes a call's id and nothing else, and says plainly when it holds no such call.
-func TestCallsIsServedAndSaysWhatItKeeps(t *testing.T) {
-	handlers, behind, err := seatToolHandlers()
-	if err != nil || len(behind) != 0 {
-		t.Fatalf("%v %v", behind, err)
-	}
-	calls, ok := handlers["calls"]
-	if !ok {
-		t.Fatal("calls is not served")
-	}
-	if _, err := calls(context.Background(), json.RawMessage(`{"node":"anchor"}`)); err == nil ||
-		!strings.Contains(err.Error(), `"node"`) {
-		t.Errorf("calls took an argument it does not declare: %v", err)
-	}
-	if _, err := calls(context.Background(), json.RawMessage(`{"call":"call-0-0"}`)); err == nil ||
-		!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "not across a restart") {
-		t.Errorf("an unknown call was not said plainly: %v", err)
-	}
-	got, err := calls(context.Background(), json.RawMessage(`{}`))
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	if _, listed := got.(map[string]any)["calls"]; !listed {
-		t.Errorf("calls answered %v", got)
-	}
-}

cmd/mesh-controller/changeplan.go

@@ -2,6 +2,8 @@ package main
 
 import (
 	"fmt"
+	"path"
+	"slices"
 	"sort"
 	"strings"
 
@@ -28,6 +30,14 @@ func changePlanOf(repository, base, head string, r mergeReach, entries []invento
 	for _, e := range entries {
 		byName[e.Manifest.Module] = e
 	}
+	// The machine holding the bus, whose declaration carries every module's grants (novox/hq issue 490).
+	holder := ""
+	for _, e := range entries {
+		if e.Manifest.BusUsers != "" && e.Manifest.ClaimsSeat(catalogue.BrokerSeat) && len(e.On) > 0 {
+			holder = e.On[0]
+		}
+	}
+	var granting []string
 	machines := map[string]*link.MachinePlan{}
 	machine := func(name string) *link.MachinePlan {
 		if machines[name] == nil {
@@ -50,6 +60,10 @@ func changePlanOf(repository, base, head string, r mergeReach, entries []invento
 					machine(on).Receives = append(machine(on).Receives, name)
 				}
 			}
+			if !waits && holder != "" && !(len(e.On) == 1 && e.On[0] == holder) && len(e.On) > 0 &&
+				!slices.Contains(granting, name) {
+				granting = append(granting, name)
+			}
 			switch {
 			case (name == "nats" || catalogue.ProvidesBus(e.Manifest)) && len(e.On) > 0:
 				// Said before the merge (novox/hq issue 336): a new bus build holds every send to the bus's machine
@@ -59,6 +73,11 @@ func changePlanOf(repository, base, head string, r mergeReach, entries []invento
 					"(issue 280)", busUpgradeNeeded, name, busUpgradeVerb, strings.Join(e.On, ", ")))
 			case name == "nats" || catalogue.ProvidesBus(e.Manifest):
 				p.Steps = append(p.Steps, "a planned bus step: the bus is upgraded by `bus upgrade`, never by an ordinary send")
+			case waits && len(e.On) > 0 && (u.From == catalogue.FromModule || u.From == catalogue.FromData):
+				// Judged per machine by the walk, against the build each was last sent (novox/hq ADR 0377).
+				p.Steps = append(p.Steps, fmt.Sprintf("%s waits for a person: its policy records (%s) — unless on a machine "+
+					"its move recreates none of its containers and moves none of its data, which the walk judges and then sends",
+					name, orNone(u.From)))
 			case waits && len(e.On) > 0:
 				p.Steps = append(p.Steps, fmt.Sprintf("%s waits for a person: its policy records (%s)", name,
 					orNone(u.From)))
@@ -76,6 +95,13 @@ func changePlanOf(repository, base, head string, r mergeReach, entries []invento
 			}
 		}
 	}
+	if len(granting) > 0 {
+		// Said before the merge (novox/hq issue 490): what the walk does when the change alters the bus's
+		// user list. Whether it does is known only once the builds are registered, so it is said as a rule.
+		p.Steps = append(p.Steps, fmt.Sprintf("%s: if this changes what the bus's user list says (a new tool, "+
+			"subject or user), %s is sent that list alone, every build there kept, before %s is judged on its first "+
+			"machine", grantsStepWord, holder, strings.Join(granting, ", ")))
+	}
 	var names []string
 	for name := range machines {
 		names = append(names, name)
@@ -85,9 +111,36 @@ func changePlanOf(repository, base, head string, r mergeReach, entries []invento
 		p.Machines = append(p.Machines, *machines[name])
 	}
 	p.Summary = summaryOf(p)
+	p.Class = changeClassOf(p, entries)
 	return p
 }
 
+// classNone is the class of a change that moves no module: nothing for a walk to move (novox/hq ADR 0313 §2).
+const classNone = "none"
+
+// changeClassOf is a change plan's class (novox/hq ADR 0313 §2): that of the slowest-budgeted module it moves,
+// itself or as a dependent — core when one is on the controller's own path or holds the mesh's resolver, leaf
+// otherwise — and none when it moves nothing. A module it adds a directory for counts by its own class: the
+// catalogue names a module's directory by the module, so the directory's last element is its name. The graph holds
+// no manifest of it yet, so a new module is core by its name alone (on the controller's own path), never by a
+// resolver claim its manifest makes.
+func changeClassOf(p link.ChangePlan, entries []inventory.Entry) string {
+	if len(p.Moved) == 0 && len(p.Dependents) == 0 && len(p.New) == 0 {
+		return classNone
+	}
+	modules := append(append([]string{}, p.Moved...), p.Dependents...)
+	for _, dir := range p.New {
+		if name := path.Base(strings.Trim(dir, "/")); name != "." && name != "/" && name != "" {
+			modules = append(modules, name)
+		}
+	}
+	return classOfModules(modules, entries)
+}
+
+// grantsStepWord names the grants step (novox/hq issue 490): the bus's user list sent alone to the machine
+// holding the bus ahead of a walk's gate. Not the bus step, which replaces the bus itself.
+const grantsStepWord = "grants step"
+
 // busUpgradeNeeded is how a change plan says that merging it holds the bus's machine for a person's step.
 const busUpgradeNeeded = "merging this needs a person's bus upgrade"
 

cmd/mesh-controller/check.go

@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ import (
 	"time"
 
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
 )
 
 // moduleCheck judges manifests where they are written, with no mesh (novox/hq ADR 0037, issue 148).
@@ -47,6 +48,24 @@ func moduleCheckFor(paths []string, longestMachine int, out io.Writer) error {
 	shelf := catalogue.Shelf{}
 	faulted := map[string]bool{}
 	failed := 0
+	// The list of predefined keys at the root of the repository above each manifest (novox/hq ADR 0348 §7), read
+	// once per repository: a manifest naming a key is judged against the list its own tree holds.
+	lists := map[string]catalogue.PredefinedList{}
+	listOf := func(path string) (catalogue.PredefinedList, error) {
+		root := catalogue.RepositoryRoot(filepath.Dir(path))
+		if root == "" {
+			return nil, nil
+		}
+		if list, read := lists[root]; read {
+			return list, nil
+		}
+		list, err := catalogue.ReadPredefined(root)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		lists[root] = list
+		return list, nil
+	}
 	for _, path := range paths {
 		raw, err := os.ReadFile(path)
 		if err != nil {
@@ -54,7 +73,18 @@ func moduleCheckFor(paths []string, longestMachine int, out io.Writer) error {
 			failed++
 			continue
 		}
-		m, err := catalogue.ParseManifest(raw)
+		list, err := listOf(path)
+		if err != nil {
+			fmt.Fprintf(out, "%s: %v\n", path, err)
+			failed++
+			continue
+		}
+		m, err := catalogue.ParseManifestWith(raw, list)
+		if err == nil {
+			// Each template's text read from the tree beside the manifest, and judged as inline content is
+			// (novox/hq ADR 0349 §2): a missing template is refused by name.
+			m, err = catalogue.WithTemplatesFrom(m, filepath.Dir(path))
+		}
 		if err != nil {
 			fmt.Fprintf(out, "%s: %v\n", path, err)
 			failed++
@@ -75,6 +105,30 @@ func moduleCheckFor(paths []string, longestMachine int, out io.Writer) error {
 			failed += len(wrong)
 			faulted[m.Module] = true
 		}
+		// A module that declares a setting names the keys of its mergeable files (novox/hq ADR 0326 §3,
+		// issue 574): judged where a definition is written, as at registration, never where a stored
+		// build is read again.
+		if wrong := catalogue.WrittenSettingsProblems(m); len(wrong) > 0 {
+			for _, p := range wrong {
+				fmt.Fprintf(out, "%s: %s\n", path, p)
+			}
+			failed += len(wrong)
+			faulted[m.Module] = true
+		}
+		// A module lives whole in one repository (novox/hq ADR 0420 §1, issue 1019): when the check is told the
+		// repository it runs for (MESH_CHECK_REPOSITORY, set by the build's check), an artifact building from
+		// another is refused, as the merge gate refuses it. A run by hand names no repository and judges none.
+		if repo := os.Getenv("MESH_CHECK_REPOSITORY"); repo != "" && m.Build != nil {
+			for _, a := range m.Build.Artifacts {
+				if a.Context != nil && a.Context.Repository != "" && !sameRepository(a.Context.Repository,
+					link.SourceMoved{Owner: ownerOf(repo), Repo: repoOf(repo)}) {
+					fmt.Fprintf(out, "%s: %s builds artifact %s from %s: a module lives whole in one repository "+
+						"(novox/hq ADR 0420 §1)\n", path, m.Module, a.Name, a.Context.Repository)
+					failed++
+					faulted[m.Module] = true
+				}
+			}
+		}
 		if named := catalogue.InstallationProblems(m); len(named) > 0 {
 			for _, p := range named {
 				fmt.Fprintf(out, "%s: %s\n", path, p)
@@ -179,6 +233,14 @@ func moduleCheckFor(paths []string, longestMachine int, out io.Writer) error {
 			}
 			fmt.Fprintf(out, ", keeps state %s", strings.Join(kept, ", "))
 		}
+		// And the logs it keeps, with their caps (novox/hq ADR 0297).
+		if len(m.Logs) > 0 {
+			kept := make([]string, 0, len(m.Logs))
+			for _, l := range m.Logs {
+				kept = append(kept, fmt.Sprintf("%s (%d MiB)", l.Name, l.Cap()))
+			}
+			fmt.Fprintf(out, ", keeps log %s", strings.Join(kept, ", "))
+		}
 		if len(m.Reads) > 0 {
 			fmt.Fprintf(out, ", reads %s", strings.Join(m.Reads, ", "))
 		}
@@ -197,6 +259,12 @@ func moduleCheckFor(paths []string, longestMachine int, out io.Writer) error {
 				checks = append(checks, fmt.Sprintf("%v by %s", r["id"], catalogue.HealthWords(h)))
 			}
 		}
+		// And its own runtime's, where it runs as its own account (novox/hq ADR 0366).
+		if own, has := catalogue.OwnRuntimeHealth(m); has {
+			if h, _, _ := catalogue.ReadHealth(own); h.Kind != "" {
+				checks = append(checks, fmt.Sprintf("%v by %s", own["id"], catalogue.HealthWords(h)))
+			}
+		}
 		if len(checks) > 0 {
 			fmt.Fprintf(out, ", ready: %s", strings.Join(checks, "; "))
 		}

cmd/mesh-controller/check_builds.go

@@ -0,0 +1,87 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"os"
+	"strconv"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/builder"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// A pull request's check builds go when it closes (novox/hq ADR 0350 §5): the build seat keeps them in the artifact
+// store's scratch namespace for the walk of its merge to take. **Let go of where the moment is heard**: the
+// controller ends the walk answering a merge — after that walk took what it reuses — and the delivery's owner, which
+// hears the forge say a pull request closed unmerged, asks the `forget-checks` verb; both let go through the store,
+// as the controller's own collection does. The build seat's holders let go of anything a week old on their own,
+// so a word lost here leaves a week's builds, never more.
+
+// checkBuildsIn is the scratch namespace as the controller reaches the artifact store.
+func checkBuildsIn(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory) (builder.Scratch, error) {
+	shelf, err := inv.Catalogue(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	address, err := artifactStoreAddress(ctx, inv, shelf, "")
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	if address == "" {
+		return nil, errors.New("the artifact store is not on the mesh's network")
+	}
+	return builder.Registry{Address: address}, nil
+}
+
+// forgetChecks lets go of a pull request's check builds and answers what it did.
+var forgetChecks = func(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, pull builder.PullRef) (string, error) {
+	scratch, err := checkBuildsIn(ctx, inv)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", err
+	}
+	n, err := scratch.Forget(ctx, pull)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("%s: %d check(s)' builds let go of, and not all: %w", pull, n, err)
+	}
+	return fmt.Sprintf("%s: %d check(s)' builds let go of", pull, n), nil
+}
+
+// forgetChecksOfWalk lets go, on the save that ends a walk, of the check builds of every pull request whose merge
+// it answers: the walk took what it reuses. Said, never fatal.
+func forgetChecksOfWalk(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, p inventory.Plan) {
+	if p.WalkSaid != inventory.WalkEnded || p.Delivery == nil {
+		return
+	}
+	for _, pull := range reuseAskOf(&p).Pulls {
+		said, err := forgetChecks(ctx, inv, builder.PullRef{Owner: pull.Owner, Repo: pull.Repo, Number: pull.Number})
+		if err != nil {
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "%s: its check builds stay until the week's sweep: %v\n", p.ID, err)
+			continue
+		}
+		fmt.Printf("%s: %s\n", p.ID, said)
+	}
+}
+
+// forgetChecksCommand is `forget-checks <owner> <repo> <number>`: the verb the delivery's owner asks when the forge
+// says a pull request closed unmerged (novox/hq ADR 0350 §5).
+func forgetChecksCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
+	if len(args) != 3 {
+		return errors.New("forget-checks <owner> <repo> <number>")
+	}
+	number, err := strconv.Atoi(args[2])
+	if err != nil || number <= 0 {
+		return fmt.Errorf("%q is not a pull request's number", args[2])
+	}
+	open, err := openStores(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	defer open.Close()
+	said, err := forgetChecks(ctx, open.inventory, builder.PullRef{Owner: args[0], Repo: args[1], Number: number})
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	fmt.Println(said)
+	return nil
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/check_builds_integration_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,102 @@
+//go:build integration
+
+package main
+
+import (
+	"encoding/json"
+	"reflect"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+func TestOnlyAWalksAskTakesAChecksBuildAndADryRunNever(t *testing.T) {
+	p := &inventory.Plan{Delivery: &inventory.PlanDelivery{Merges: []inventory.PlanMerge{
+		{Repository: "novox/shop", Number: 7}, {Repository: "http://forge.invalid/novox/web.git", Number: 3},
+		{Repository: "novox/shop", Number: 7}, {Repository: "novox/shop"}}}}
+	asked := reuseAskOf(p)
+	if want := []link.PullRef{{Owner: "novox", Repo: "shop", Number: 7}, {Owner: "novox", Repo: "web", Number: 3}}; !reflect.DeepEqual(asked.Pulls, want) {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk names %+v", asked.Pulls)
+	}
+	walk := withReuse(t.Context(), asked)
+	if reuseAsked(walk, false) != asked {
+		t.Fatal("a walk's ask does not carry its leave")
+	}
+	if reuseAsked(walk, true) != nil {
+		t.Fatal("a dry run carries a leave to take a check's build")
+	}
+	if reuseAsked(t.Context(), false) != nil {
+		t.Fatal("an ask that is not a walk's carries a leave")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestAReusedCheckBuildIsRegisteredByItsDigestAndGatedAsABuiltOne(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate's own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
+	g := aGateMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := g.open.inventory
+	gateEvery = 0
+
+	digest := "sha256:" + strings.Repeat("c", 64)
+	reused := func(id, reference string) link.BuildResult {
+		manifest := mustJSON(t, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "app", Version: "c3", Resources: []map[string]any{
+			{"id": "svc", "type": "container", "name": "app", "image": reference}}})
+		return link.BuildResult{ID: id, Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Path: "modules/app", Ref: "main", On: "anchor",
+			Commit: "c3", Manifest: manifest, Trunk: "main", OnTrunk: true, Branches: []string{"main"},
+			Made:   []link.MadeArtifact{{Name: "server", Kind: "image", Reference: reference}},
+			Source: &link.SourceOnSeat{Seat: "git", Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog"},
+			Reused: "reused from the check of novox/mesh-catalog#9 at head abcdefabcdef (merged into trunk 123456123456): server " + digest,
+			ReusedFrom: &link.ReusedFrom{Pull: link.PullRef{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-catalog", Number: 9},
+				Head: "abcdefabcdef", Trunk: "123456123456", Key: "r1:" + strings.Repeat("1", 64)}}
+	}
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, inv, reused(link.NewBuildID(time.Now()), "store.internal:5000/scratch/app/server@"+digest)); err == nil ||
+		!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "scratch") {
+		t.Fatalf("a build in the scratch namespace was registered: %v", err)
+	}
+	id := link.NewBuildID(time.Now().Add(time.Second))
+	result := reused(id, "store.internal:5000/app/server@"+digest)
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, inv, result); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	current, err := inv.CurrentBuilds(ctx)
+	if err != nil || current["app"].Commit != "c3" {
+		t.Fatalf("the reused build is not what app is registered at: %+v %v", current["app"], err)
+	}
+	shelf, err := inv.Catalogue(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	raw, _ := json.Marshal(shelf["app"].Resources)
+	if !strings.Contains(string(raw), "app/server@"+digest) {
+		t.Fatalf("app is registered as %s, not by the check's digest in its own namespace", raw)
+	}
+
+	// The walk asked it: the walk keeps what its build did, and its gate judges the registered build.
+	asked := time.Now().UTC()
+	p := g.plan(t)
+	p.Commit = "c3"
+	p.Modules["app"] = &inventory.PlanModule{State: "asked", AskedAt: &asked, Build: id}
+	if err := inv.SavePlan(ctx, &p); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	planBuiltSaying(ctx, g.open, "app", "c3", "", asked, id, result.MadeWords())
+	p = g.plan(t)
+	if m := p.Modules["app"]; m.State != "built" || !strings.HasPrefix(m.Made, "reused from the check of novox/mesh-catalog#9") {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk keeps %+v", m)
+	}
+	for i := 0; i < 6; i++ {
+		advancePlans(ctx, g.open)
+	}
+	p = g.plan(t)
+	gate := p.Modules["app"].Gate
+	if gate == nil || gate.To != "c3" || gate.Verdict != inventory.GatePassed {
+		t.Fatalf("the gate judged %+v, not the reused build", gate)
+	}
+	if sent, _, _ := inv.SentBuilds(ctx, "anchor"); sent["app"] != "c3" {
+		t.Fatalf("the first machine was sent %v, not the reused build", sent)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/check_builds_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,193 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+	"reflect"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/builder"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// One build per change (novox/hq ADR 0350), as the controller asks it and takes it in.
+
+// The check of a change is asked to build what a merge of it would move, in the walk's order: a module of the
+// repository checked from the merge, one standing on it from its own repository as the walk builds it, and one
+// that reads the repository through a context not at all. A change that moves no module builds nothing.
+func TestACheckIsAskedToBuildWhatTheMergeWouldMove(t *testing.T) {
+	entries := []inventory.Entry{
+		{Manifest: catalogue.Manifest{Module: "app"}, Source: inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/shop", Seat: "git", Path: "modules/app"}},
+		{Manifest: catalogue.Manifest{Module: "web"}, Source: inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/web", Seat: "git", Ref: "main"}},
+		{Manifest: catalogue.Manifest{Module: "docs"}, Source: inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/docs", Seat: "git"}},
+	}
+	p := link.PullUpdated{Owner: "novox", Repo: "shop", Number: 7, Base: "main", Commit: "abc"}
+	scope := checkScope{Reach: mergeReach{Packaging: entries[2:], Plan: inventory.Plan{Tiers: [][]string{{"app", "docs"}, {"web"}}}}}
+	clone := func(s inventory.Source) (string, error) { return "http://forge.invalid/" + s.Repository + ".git", nil }
+
+	got := checkBuildsOf(p, scope, entries, clone)
+	want := []link.CheckBuild{
+		{Module: "app", Path: "modules/app", Merged: true, Tier: 0},
+		{Module: "docs", Tier: 0, Skip: "its build reads novox/shop through a context, which a check cannot hand the merge"},
+		{Module: "web", Repository: "http://forge.invalid/novox/web.git", Ref: "main", Tier: 1},
+	}
+	if !reflect.DeepEqual(got, want) {
+		t.Fatalf("the check is asked to build\n%+v\nwant\n%+v", got, want)
+	}
+	if got := checkBuildsOf(p, checkScope{}, entries, clone); got != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("a change that moves no module asks for builds: %+v", got)
+	}
+}
+
+// A walk's ask carries its leave to take a check's build, naming the pull requests of the merges it answers; a dry
+// run never does, and neither does an ask that is not a walk's.
+
+// A walk ended lets go of its merges' check builds — only once it ended, after it took what it reuses.
+func TestAWalkEndedLetsGoOfItsMergesCheckBuilds(t *testing.T) {
+	var forgot []builder.PullRef
+	was := forgetChecks
+	forgetChecks = func(_ context.Context, _ *inventory.Inventory, pull builder.PullRef) (string, error) {
+		forgot = append(forgot, pull)
+		return "", nil
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { forgetChecks = was })
+	p := inventory.Plan{ID: "plan-1", Delivery: &inventory.PlanDelivery{Merges: []inventory.PlanMerge{
+		{Repository: "novox/shop", Number: 7}}}}
+
+	p.WalkSaid = inventory.WalkStarted
+	forgetChecksOfWalk(t.Context(), nil, p)
+	p.WalkSaid = ""
+	forgetChecksOfWalk(t.Context(), nil, p)
+	if len(forgot) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a walk not ended let go of %v, which it may still take", forgot)
+	}
+	p.WalkSaid = inventory.WalkEnded
+	forgetChecksOfWalk(t.Context(), nil, p)
+	if want := []builder.PullRef{{Owner: "novox", Repo: "shop", Number: 7}}; !reflect.DeepEqual(forgot, want) {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk ended let go of %v", forgot)
+	}
+}
+
+// A build in the scratch namespace is never registered: only the walk's copy in the module's own namespace is.
+func TestABuildInTheScratchNamespaceIsNeverRegistered(t *testing.T) {
+	if got := inScratch([]link.MadeArtifact{{Name: "server", Reference: "store.internal:5000/app/server@sha256:aa"}}); got != "" {
+		t.Fatalf("a module's own build reads as a scratch build: %s", got)
+	}
+	scratch := "store.internal:5000/scratch/app/server@sha256:aa"
+	if got := inScratch([]link.MadeArtifact{{Name: "server", Reference: scratch}}); got != scratch {
+		t.Fatalf("a scratch build was not found: %q", got)
+	}
+	if got := inScratch([]link.MadeArtifact{{Name: "look", Reference: "http://store.internal:5000/v2/scratch/app/look/blobs/sha256:bb"}}); got == "" {
+		t.Fatal("a scratch archive was not found")
+	}
+}
+
+// The walk says per module what it did: "reused from …" or "built: <why>" — and a build seat from before says
+// neither, which is said.
+func TestAWalksBuildSaysWhetherItReusedOrBuilt(t *testing.T) {
+	if got := (link.BuildResult{Reused: "reused from the check of novox/shop#7"}).MadeWords(); got != "reused from the check of novox/shop#7" {
+		t.Fatalf("said %q", got)
+	}
+	if got := (link.BuildResult{BuiltWhy: "no check built it"}).MadeWords(); got != "built: no check built it" {
+		t.Fatalf("said %q", got)
+	}
+	if got := (link.BuildResult{}).MadeWords(); !strings.Contains(got, "predates ADR 0350") {
+		t.Fatalf("said %q", got)
+	}
+}
+
+// A walk's module the check's build stood in for is registered by the digest the check built — the copy in the
+// module's namespace — and the walk keeps "reused from …" for it; its first-node gate judges that registered
+// build as it judges one the walk built. A scratch reference is refused. Needs the store (MESH_TEST_POSTGRES), and
+// is named in testdata/store-tests.
+
+// A walk's leave names the builds its own pull requests' verdicts made at the head each merge merged — never an
+// earlier head's — read once per walk, and none when they cannot be read: the builder takes nothing a verdict does
+// not name (novox/hq ADR 0350 §2, issue 703).
+func TestAWalksLeaveNamesTheBuildsItsPullRequestsVerdictsMade(t *testing.T) {
+	was := checkedBuildsOf
+	forgetWalkVerdicts()
+	t.Cleanup(func() { checkedBuildsOf = was; forgetWalkVerdicts() })
+	var asked [][]link.PullRef
+	pull := link.PullRef{Owner: "novox", Repo: "shop", Number: 7}
+	atHead := link.CheckedBuild{Pull: pull, Check: "build-2", Head: "bbbbbbbbbbbb", Built: link.CheckBuilt{Module: "app", Key: "r1:2"}}
+	earlier := link.CheckedBuild{Pull: pull, Check: "build-1", Head: "aaaaaaaaaaaa", Built: link.CheckBuilt{Module: "app", Key: "r1:1"}}
+	checkedBuildsOf = func(_ context.Context, pulls []link.PullRef) ([]link.CheckedBuild, error) {
+		asked = append(asked, pulls)
+		return []link.CheckedBuild{atHead, earlier}, nil
+	}
+	pulls := []link.PullRef{pull}
+	heads := map[link.PullRef]string{pull: "bbbbbbbbbbbb0123456789"}
+	for range 3 {
+		if got := reuseWithVerdicts(t.Context(), "plan-1", &link.ReuseAsk{Pulls: pulls}, heads); !reflect.DeepEqual(got.Builds,
+			[]link.CheckedBuild{atHead}) {
+			t.Fatalf("the leave names %+v, not only the merged head's build", got.Builds)
+		}
+	}
+	if !reflect.DeepEqual(asked, [][]link.PullRef{pulls}) {
+		t.Fatalf("the verdicts were read %d times for one walk: %v", len(asked), asked)
+	}
+	// A merge whose head was not said takes nothing.
+	if got := reuseWithVerdicts(t.Context(), "plan-1", &link.ReuseAsk{Pulls: pulls}, nil); got.Builds != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("a merge of no said head names %+v", got.Builds)
+	}
+	checkedBuildsOf = func(context.Context, []link.PullRef) ([]link.CheckedBuild, error) {
+		return nil, errors.New("no bus")
+	}
+	if got := reuseWithVerdicts(t.Context(), "plan-2", &link.ReuseAsk{Pulls: pulls}, heads); got.Builds != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("verdicts that could not be read named %+v", got.Builds)
+	}
+}
+
+// A check is handed only the builds earlier checks of its own pull request at its own head made: another pull
+// request's build, or an earlier head's, is never kept (novox/hq issue 703). None when they cannot be read.
+func TestACheckIsHandedOnlyItsOwnHeadsBuilds(t *testing.T) {
+	was := checkedBuildsOf
+	t.Cleanup(func() { checkedBuildsOf = was })
+	pull := link.PullRef{Owner: "novox", Repo: "shop", Number: 7}
+	mine := link.CheckedBuild{Pull: pull, Check: "build-1", Head: "bbbbbbbbbbbb", Built: link.CheckBuilt{Module: "app", Key: "r1:1"}}
+	earlier := link.CheckedBuild{Pull: pull, Check: "build-0", Head: "aaaaaaaaaaaa", Built: link.CheckBuilt{Module: "app", Key: "r1:1"}}
+	another := link.CheckedBuild{Pull: link.PullRef{Owner: "novox", Repo: "shop", Number: 8}, Check: "build-9",
+		Head: "bbbbbbbbbbbb", Built: link.CheckBuilt{Module: "app", Key: "r1:1"}}
+	var asked [][]link.PullRef
+	checkedBuildsOf = func(_ context.Context, pulls []link.PullRef) ([]link.CheckedBuild, error) {
+		asked = append(asked, pulls)
+		return []link.CheckedBuild{mine, earlier, another}, nil
+	}
+	p := link.PullUpdated{Owner: "novox", Repo: "shop", Number: 7, Commit: "bbbbbbbbbbbb0123456789"}
+	builds := []link.CheckBuild{{Module: "app"}}
+	if got := namedForTheCheck(t.Context(), p, builds); !reflect.DeepEqual(got, []link.CheckedBuild{mine}) ||
+		!reflect.DeepEqual(asked, [][]link.PullRef{{pull}}) {
+		t.Fatalf("the check is handed %+v, read for %v", got, asked)
+	}
+	checkedBuildsOf = func(context.Context, []link.PullRef) ([]link.CheckedBuild, error) {
+		return nil, errors.New("no bus")
+	}
+	if got := namedForTheCheck(t.Context(), p, builds); got != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("verdicts that could not be read named %+v", got)
+	}
+}
+
+func forgetWalkVerdicts() {
+	walkVerdicts.Lock()
+	defer walkVerdicts.Unlock()
+	walkVerdicts.read = map[string]verdictsRead{}
+}
+
+// A walk's merged heads are the forge's word for each merge; a merge announced without its head, or a pull request
+// merged at two heads in one walk, has none, and its walk takes no check's build (novox/hq issue 703).
+func TestAWalksMergedHeadsAreTheForgesWord(t *testing.T) {
+	merge := func(number int, head string) inventory.PlanMerge {
+		return inventory.PlanMerge{Repository: "novox/shop", Number: number, Head: head}
+	}
+	p := &inventory.Plan{Delivery: &inventory.PlanDelivery{Merges: []inventory.PlanMerge{
+		merge(7, "aaaaaaaaaaaa1"), merge(8, ""), merge(9, "bbbbbbbbbbbb"), merge(9, "cccccccccccc")}}}
+	heads := mergedHeadsOf(p)
+	shop := func(n int) link.PullRef { return link.PullRef{Owner: "novox", Repo: "shop", Number: n} }
+	if heads[shop(7)] != "aaaaaaaaaaaa1" || heads[shop(8)] != "" || heads[shop(9)] != "" {
+		t.Fatalf("merged heads %v", heads)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/check_siblings.go

@@ -0,0 +1,165 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"fmt"
+	"regexp"
+	"sort"
+	"strings"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// **A delivery group's member is checked beside the other members' heads** (novox/hq ADR 0382, issue 867).
+//
+// A mesh-host change and a mesh-controller change that need each other could not both pass their own merge checks:
+// each was read beside the other's repository at the commit the mesh runs, which holds neither change. So the
+// controller asks mesh-delivery's `groups` once for every pull request's check it asks (§1), and names, in the ask,
+// the group's other open pull requests into a base of the same name, in a repository the build seat reads beside the
+// check — mesh-lab never — each with its whole head. The build seat reads those repositories at the sibling's merge (§2).
+// A pull request for which mesh-delivery answered and named no sibling is asked exactly as before (§7).
+
+// wholeCommit is a commit as the forge says a head: forty hexadecimal characters.
+var wholeCommit = regexp.MustCompile(`^[0-9a-f]{40}$`)
+
+// besideRepositories are the repositories (lower case, owner/repo) a check reads beside its own, by the directory each
+// is found under — the core's, as besideOf clones them, and mesh-sdk beside the controller; never mesh-lab, which is
+// always read at its trunk.
+func besideRepositories(entries []inventory.Entry) map[string]string {
+	read := map[string]string{}
+	for _, e := range entries {
+		dir, core := coreModules[e.Manifest.Module]
+		if !core || e.Provided || e.Source.Repository == "" {
+			continue
+		}
+		read[nameOf(e.Source.Repository)] = dir
+		if dir == "mesh-controller" && e.Source.Seat != "" {
+			read[nameOf(siblingOf(e.Source.Repository, "mesh-sdk"))] = "mesh-sdk"
+		}
+	}
+	delete(read, "")
+	return read
+}
+
+// nameOf is a recorded repository as owner/repo in lower case, empty when it names no owner.
+func nameOf(repository string) string {
+	owner, repo := sourceOwner(repository), sourceName(repository)
+	if owner == "" || repo == "" {
+		return ""
+	}
+	return strings.ToLower(owner + "/" + repo)
+}
+
+// siblingsFor is the pull request's siblings, as mesh-delivery's groups say them (ADR 0382 §1): the other members of
+// the group its head branch names that are open, unmerged and into a base of its own base's name, in a repository the
+// check reads beside it (beside: the directories the ask already names). The second answer is why they could not be
+// learned, empty when they could: the group's members carry no head or base — a mesh-delivery from before the rule.
+func siblingsFor(p link.PullUpdated, entries []inventory.Entry, beside map[string]link.CheckedOut,
+	lines []groupsLine) ([]link.CheckSibling, string) {
+	own := strings.ToLower(p.Owner + "/" + p.Repo)
+	var group *groupsLine
+	if p.Head == "" {
+		// A recheck (mesh-delivery's `recheck` through `delivery check`) carries no head branch name: the group is the one
+		// whose members hold this very pull request, by repository and number.
+		learnable := false
+		for i := range lines {
+			for _, m := range lines[i].Details {
+				learnable = true
+				if p.Number != 0 && m.Number == p.Number && strings.ToLower(m.Repository) == own {
+					group = &lines[i]
+				}
+			}
+		}
+		if group == nil {
+			for _, l := range lines {
+				if len(l.Details) == 0 && len(l.Members) > 0 && !learnable {
+					return nil, "mesh-delivery named the groups' members without their pull requests (a mesh-delivery from before novox/hq ADR 0382): " +
+						"the group of a pull request announced without its head branch cannot be found"
+				}
+			}
+			return nil, "" // a lone pull request
+		}
+	} else {
+		for i := range lines {
+			if lines[i].ID == p.Head {
+				group = &lines[i]
+			}
+		}
+		if group == nil {
+			return nil, ""
+		}
+	}
+	if len(group.Details) == 0 && len(group.Members) > 0 {
+		return nil, "mesh-delivery named the group's members without their heads and bases (a mesh-delivery from before novox/hq ADR 0382)"
+	}
+	read := besideRepositories(entries)
+	var siblings []link.CheckSibling
+	for _, m := range group.Details {
+		repository := strings.ToLower(m.Repository)
+		if repository == own {
+			continue
+		}
+		if !m.Open {
+			continue
+		}
+		if m.Head == "" || m.Base == "" {
+			return nil, "mesh-delivery named " + m.ID + " without its head or base (a mesh-delivery from before novox/hq ADR 0382)"
+		}
+		dir, readBeside := read[repository]
+		if m.Base != p.Base || !readBeside || dir == "mesh-lab" {
+			continue
+		}
+		if _, there := beside[dir]; !there {
+			continue
+		}
+		head := strings.ToLower(m.Head)
+		if !wholeCommit.MatchString(head) {
+			return nil, fmt.Sprintf("mesh-delivery named %s with a head that is not a whole commit (%q)", m.ID, m.Head)
+		}
+		siblings = append(siblings, link.CheckSibling{Repository: m.Repository, Number: m.Number, Head: head, Base: m.Base, Dir: dir})
+	}
+	sort.Slice(siblings, func(i, j int) bool { return siblings[i].Dir < siblings[j].Dir })
+	return siblings, ""
+}
+
+// withSiblings asks mesh-delivery's `groups` once and says in the request the pull request's siblings, or why they
+// could not be learned (ADR 0382 §1): a check never waits on mesh-delivery past groupAskWithin and never fails for it,
+// so a fix to mesh-delivery is still checked without it.
+func withSiblings(ctx context.Context, request *link.BuildRequest, p link.PullUpdated, entries []inventory.Entry) {
+	lines, err := groupsAsked(ctx, deliverySeatHeld(entries))
+	siblingsFrom(request, p, entries, lines, err)
+}
+
+// siblingsFrom is withSiblings from mesh-delivery's answer already had.
+func siblingsFrom(request *link.BuildRequest, p link.PullUpdated, entries []inventory.Entry, lines []groupsLine, err error) {
+	if request.Check == nil {
+		return
+	}
+	if err != nil {
+		request.Check.SiblingsUnknown = fmt.Sprintf("mesh-delivery did not say the group's pull requests (%v): "+
+			"the check reads no siblings", err)
+		return
+	}
+	request.Check.Siblings, request.Check.SiblingsUnknown = siblingsFor(p, entries, request.Check.Beside, lines)
+}
+
+// composedMember says the pull request is a member of a delivery group whose gate is the composed check's (novox/hq
+// ADR 0403 clauses 1 and 7): the group has two members or more and mesh-delivery says so on its line. The group is
+// found as siblingsFor finds it, by its head branch name, or, for a recheck that carries none, by the pull request's
+// repository and number — not by siblings, which name only what the check reads beside it.
+func composedMember(p link.PullUpdated, lines []groupsLine) bool {
+	own := strings.ToLower(p.Owner + "/" + p.Repo)
+	for _, l := range lines {
+		found := p.Head != "" && l.ID == p.Head
+		for _, m := range l.Details {
+			if p.Head == "" && p.Number != 0 && m.Number == p.Number && strings.ToLower(m.Repository) == own {
+				found = true
+			}
+		}
+		if found {
+			return l.ComposedGate && max(len(l.Details), len(l.Members)) >= 2
+		}
+	}
+	return false
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/check_siblings_test.go

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

cmd/mesh-controller/check_test.go

@@ -6,8 +6,10 @@ import (
 	"path/filepath"
 	"strings"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
 	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/beside"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
 )
 
 // The check anybody can run is the check registration runs (novox/hq issue 148, ADR 0037): a manifest
@@ -56,10 +58,7 @@ func TestModuleCheckJudgesBetweenTheManifestsGiven(t *testing.T) {
 
 // The real catalogue passes the command, the way it passes the test that used to be the only check.
 func TestModuleCheckPassesTheCatalogue(t *testing.T) {
-	root := filepath.Join("..", "..", "..", "mesh-catalog", "modules")
-	if _, err := os.Stat(root); err != nil {
-		t.Skipf("catalogue sibling not present: %v", err)
-	}
+	root := beside.Catalogue(t)
 	paths, err := manifestsUnder(root)
 	if err != nil || len(paths) == 0 {
 		t.Fatalf("no manifests under %s: %v", root, err)
@@ -123,3 +122,40 @@ func TestASeatAnotherModuleDeclaresIsANoteOverSomeManifests(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("the note was not said:\n%s", out.String())
 	}
 }
+
+// **A module lives whole in one repository** (novox/hq ADR 0420 §1, issue 1019): `module check`, told the
+// repository it runs for, refuses an artifact whose build context names another; run by hand, it does not know.
+func TestModuleCheckRefusesAnArtifactContextNamingAnotherRepository(t *testing.T) {
+	dir := t.TempDir()
+	write := func(name, context string) string {
+		path := filepath.Join(dir, name+".json")
+		raw := `{"module":"` + name + `","version":"1","build":{"artifacts":[{"name":"server","kind":"image","from":"Dockerfile"` + context + `}]}}`
+		if err := os.WriteFile(path, []byte(raw), 0o600); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		return path
+	}
+	other := write("other", `,"context":{"seat":"git","repository":"novox/mesh-controller","ref":"main"}`)
+	own := write("own", `,"context":{"seat":"git","repository":"novox/mesh-catalog","ref":"main"}`)
+	none := write("none", ``)
+
+	t.Setenv("MESH_CHECK_REPOSITORY", "novox/mesh-catalog")
+	var out bytes.Buffer
+	if err := moduleCheck([]string{other}, &out); err == nil {
+		t.Fatalf("a context naming another repository passed:\n%s", out.String())
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(out.String(), "other builds artifact server from novox/mesh-controller: a module lives whole in one repository (novox/hq ADR 0420 §1)") {
+		t.Errorf("the refusal is not in the words of the gate:\n%s", out.String())
+	}
+	for _, path := range []string{own, none} {
+		out.Reset()
+		if err := moduleCheck([]string{path}, &out); err != nil {
+			t.Errorf("%s was refused: %v\n%s", path, err, out.String())
+		}
+	}
+	t.Setenv("MESH_CHECK_REPOSITORY", "")
+	out.Reset()
+	if err := moduleCheck([]string{other}, &out); err != nil {
+		t.Errorf("a local run, with no repository named, refused it: %v\n%s", err, out.String())
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/checks.go

@@ -5,6 +5,8 @@ import (
 	"encoding/json"
 	"fmt"
 	"path"
+	"regexp"
+	"runtime/debug"
 	"slices"
 	"sort"
 	"strings"
@@ -152,6 +154,24 @@ func (f following) PullUpdated(ctx context.Context, p link.PullUpdated) error {
 		return err
 	}
 	scope := pullScope(p, entries, read, edges)
+	// **A cycle of edges fails the check, naming every module and edge** (novox/hq ADR 0419 clause 6), a lone pull
+	// request's as a group's composed check is: no order exists for what it changes.
+	alone := orderMember{ID: p.Owner + "/" + p.Repo + "@" + twelve(p.Commit), Repository: p.Owner + "/" + p.Repo, Base: p.Base,
+		Head: p.Commit, Number: p.Number, Paths: p.Paths, PathsTruncated: p.PathsTruncated, Removed: p.Removed, BaseSHA: p.BaseSHA}
+	if failing, cyclic, err := cycleVerdict(ctx, "", []orderMember{alone},
+		map[string]orderReach{alone.ID: {Moved: scope.Modules}}, edges, entries); err != nil {
+		return err
+	} else if cyclic {
+		failing.Commit, failing.Trunk = p.Commit, twelve(p.BaseSHA)
+		fmt.Printf("%s/%s#%d (%.8s): %s\n", p.Owner, p.Repo, p.Number, p.Commit, failing.Summary)
+		sayChecked(ctx, failing)
+		return nil
+	}
+	// **A member of a group whose gate is the composed check's runs its repository's check alone** (novox/hq ADR 0403
+	// clause 1): mesh-delivery is asked once, and says so on the group's line. Told nothing, the pull request is
+	// checked alone, gate included (clause 6).
+	lines, groupsErr := groupsAsked(ctx, deliverySeatHeld(entries))
+	composed := groupsErr == nil && composedMember(p, lines)
 	// The change plan of the commit at hand (ADR 0238): what a merge of it would build and send, posted
 	// with the verdict whatever the verdict is.
 	plan := changePlanOf(p.Owner+"/"+p.Repo, p.Base, p.Commit, scope.Reach, entries, func(module string) (inventory.Upgrade, bool) {
@@ -159,9 +179,11 @@ func (f following) PullUpdated(ctx context.Context, p link.PullUpdated) error {
 		return u, err == nil
 	})
 	fmt.Print(planText(plan))
-	direct := link.Checked{Owner: p.Owner, Repo: p.Repo, Number: p.Number, Commit: p.Commit,
-		ID: link.NewBuildID(time.Now()), Verdict: "pass", Summary: noModuleTouched,
-		Gate: &link.CheckLayer{Verdict: "pass", Summary: noModuleTouched}, Plan: &plan}
+	direct := directVerdict(p, plan)
+	if composed {
+		scope.Modules, scope.Dependents, scope.New, scope.Manifests = nil, nil, nil, nil
+		composedGate(&direct)
+	}
 	switch {
 	case !scope.gated() && !scope.Mesh:
 		fmt.Printf("%s/%s#%d (%.8s): %s, and the repository is not the mesh's: said, nothing run\n",
@@ -179,6 +201,9 @@ func (f following) PullUpdated(ctx context.Context, p link.PullUpdated) error {
 		return err
 	}
 	request.Check.Plan = &plan
+	request.Check.Composed = composed
+	// **The group's other open pull requests are read beside it** (novox/hq ADR 0382 §1).
+	siblingsFrom(&request, p, entries, lines, groupsErr)
 	seat := buildSeatHeld(ctx)
 	ask, err := askOverOn(seat)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -188,7 +213,13 @@ func (f following) PullUpdated(ctx context.Context, p link.PullUpdated) error {
 	if err := ask.Ask(ctx, request); err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
+	// **A newer request replaces the one still waiting, and a newer key stops the one running** (novox/hq ADR 0406 §3, §4,
+	// issue 974): the check queue keeps one request a pull request, and a running check watches its key. Nothing is asked
+	// of the forge here (issue 726).
 	what := "its own merge-check.sh alone: " + noModuleTouched
+	if composed {
+		what = "its own merge-check.sh alone: the gate is its group's composed check's"
+	}
 	if scope.gated() {
 		what = fmt.Sprintf("the gate over %s (a merge would build %d module(s) in %d tier(s))",
 			strings.Join(append(append([]string{}, scope.Modules...), prefixedAll("new:", scope.New)...), ", "),
@@ -199,6 +230,38 @@ func (f following) PullUpdated(ctx context.Context, p link.PullUpdated) error {
 	return nil
 }
 
+// composedWords is what a group member's own verdict says of its gate layer (novox/hq ADR 0403 clause 1).
+const composedWords = "judged by its group's composed check"
+
+// gateComposed is a gate layer's verdict when no gate was run for the member alone: never a pass. Mesh-delivery reads it
+// as the composed check's to judge, and the forge's holder sets no mesh/merge-gate from it.
+const gateComposed = "composed"
+
+// composedGate says a group member's own verdict has no gate of its own: its gate layer, and the verdict that is
+// the gate's, read "composed" in place of a pass.
+func composedGate(c *link.Checked) {
+	c.Verdict, c.Summary = gateComposed, composedWords
+	c.Gate = &link.CheckLayer{Verdict: gateComposed, Summary: composedWords}
+}
+
+// directVerdict is the verdict of a change no build judges — it touches no module, and either the repository is not
+// the mesh's or the head holds no merge-check.sh. **It names the trunk commit it holds for** (novox/hq ADR 0323 §3):
+// the base branch's head the forge announced with the head, so the merge tool can weigh it against the trunk's head
+// and does not refuse it for ever (a verdict naming no trunk is never the trunk's head's). Nothing was built to
+// judge: the trunk commit is the one the forge said the change was announced against.
+func directVerdict(p link.PullUpdated, plan link.ChangePlan) link.Checked {
+	trunk := p.BaseSHA
+	if len(trunk) > 12 {
+		trunk = trunk[:12]
+	}
+	if trunk != "" {
+		plan.Trunk = trunk
+	}
+	return link.Checked{Owner: p.Owner, Repo: p.Repo, Number: p.Number, Commit: p.Commit,
+		ID: link.NewBuildID(time.Now()), Verdict: "pass", Summary: noModuleTouched,
+		Gate: &link.CheckLayer{Verdict: "pass", Summary: noModuleTouched}, Plan: &plan, Trunk: trunk}
+}
+
 // checkRequestFor is the ask for one pull request's head: the repository as the mesh clones it, the head,
 // and what is read beside it.
 func checkRequestFor(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p link.PullUpdated, scope checkScope,
@@ -230,7 +293,29 @@ func checkRequestFor(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p link.PullUpdated, scop
 	if err != nil {
 		return link.BuildRequest{}, err
 	}
-	// Beside it, at what the mesh runs: each core repository by the module the mesh builds from it.
+	beside, err := besideOf(entries, func(module string) string { return current[module].Commit }, clone)
+	if err != nil {
+		return link.BuildRequest{}, err
+	}
+	builds := checkBuildsOf(p, scope, entries, clone)
+	return link.BuildRequest{
+		ID:         link.NewBuildID(time.Now()),
+		Repository: repository,
+		Ref:        p.Commit,
+		Held:       heldBy(ctx),
+		Seats:      seatBases(ctx),
+		Source:     sourceOnSeat(source),
+		Check: &link.CheckRequest{Owner: p.Owner, Repo: p.Repo, Number: p.Number, Base: p.Base, Trunk: p.BaseSHA, Ready: p.Ready,
+			Paths: p.Paths, Beside: beside, Modules: scope.Modules, Dependents: scope.Dependents, New: scope.New,
+			Manifests: scope.Manifests, Judge: scope.Judge, Builds: builds, Named: namedForTheCheck(ctx, p, builds),
+			Running: runningBy(ctx)},
+	}, nil
+}
+
+// besideOf is what a check reads beside its own repository, by the directory it is found under: each core repository
+// by the module the mesh builds from it, at besideRefs. running is the commit the mesh runs of a module.
+func besideOf(entries []inventory.Entry, running func(module string) string,
+	clone func(inventory.Source) (string, error)) (map[string]link.CheckedOut, error) {
 	beside := map[string]link.CheckedOut{}
 	for _, e := range entries {
 		dir, core := coreModules[e.Manifest.Module]
@@ -239,31 +324,115 @@ func checkRequestFor(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p link.PullUpdated, scop
 		}
 		url, err := clone(e.Source)
 		if err != nil {
-			return link.BuildRequest{}, err
+			return nil, err
 		}
-		refs := besideRefs(dir, current[e.Manifest.Module].Commit)
+		refs := besideRefs(dir, running(e.Manifest.Module))
 		beside[dir] = link.CheckedOut{Repository: url, Ref: refs[dir]}
 		if dir == "mesh-controller" {
+			// The controller's main stays its main: it judges only a check the running controller predates.
 			beside["mesh-controller-main"] = link.CheckedOut{Repository: url, Ref: refs["mesh-controller-main"]}
 			if e.Source.Seat != "" {
-				if lab, err := clone(inventory.Source{Seat: e.Source.Seat, Repository: siblingOf(e.Source.Repository,
-					"mesh-lab")}); err == nil {
-					beside["mesh-lab"] = link.CheckedOut{Repository: lab, Ref: refs["mesh-lab"]}
+				for _, sibling := range []string{"mesh-lab", "mesh-sdk"} {
+					if url, err := clone(inventory.Source{Seat: e.Source.Seat, Repository: siblingOf(e.Source.Repository,
+						sibling)}); err == nil {
+						beside[sibling] = link.CheckedOut{Repository: url, Ref: refs[sibling]}
+					}
 				}
 			}
 		}
 	}
-	return link.BuildRequest{
-		ID:         link.NewBuildID(time.Now()),
-		Repository: repository,
-		Ref:        p.Commit,
-		Held:       heldBy(ctx),
-		Seats:      seatBases(ctx),
-		Source:     sourceOnSeat(source),
-		Check: &link.CheckRequest{Owner: p.Owner, Repo: p.Repo, Number: p.Number, Base: p.Base,
-			Paths: p.Paths, Beside: beside, Modules: scope.Modules, Dependents: scope.Dependents, New: scope.New,
-			Manifests: scope.Manifests, Judge: scope.Judge},
-	}, nil
+	return beside, nil
+}
+
+// trunkOf is the branch a module's source follows: main when it records none, or records a commit.
+func trunkOf(s inventory.Source) string {
+	if t := strings.TrimSpace(followedBranch(s.Ref)); t != "" {
+		return t
+	}
+	return "main"
+}
+
+// sourceName is the name of a recorded repository, a path on the git seat or a URL: novox/mesh-host → mesh-host.
+func sourceName(repository string) string {
+	parts := strings.Split(strings.Trim(strings.TrimSuffix(repository, ".git"), "/"), "/")
+	if len(parts) < 2 {
+		return ""
+	}
+	return parts[len(parts)-1]
+}
+
+// namedForTheCheck are the builds earlier checks of the same pull request at the same head named, read once for the
+// check (novox/hq issue 703): asked again because only the trunk moved, the check keeps what they built of a key
+// still the same. Another pull request's build, or one of an earlier head, is never kept. None when they cannot be
+// read, and the check builds, as before.
+func namedForTheCheck(ctx context.Context, p link.PullUpdated, builds []link.CheckBuild) []link.CheckedBuild {
+	if len(builds) == 0 || p.Commit == "" {
+		return nil
+	}
+	pull := link.PullRef{Owner: p.Owner, Repo: p.Repo, Number: p.Number}
+	read, err := checkedBuildsOf(ctx, []link.PullRef{pull})
+	if err != nil {
+		fmt.Printf("  the earlier checks' builds of %s/%s#%d could not be read, so the check builds: %v\n",
+			p.Owner, p.Repo, p.Number, err)
+		// empty-on-error: said above; a check handed no named build builds every module, as before issue 703
+		return nil
+	}
+	var named []link.CheckedBuild
+	for _, b := range read {
+		if b.Pull == pull && link.SameHead(b.Head, p.Commit) {
+			named = append(named, b)
+		}
+	}
+	return named
+}
+
+// checkBuildsOf are the modules a merge of the change would build, in the walk's order, as the check builds them
+// for the walk to take (novox/hq ADR 0350 §1): a module built from the repository checked, at the branch it merges
+// into, from the merge the check makes; any other — a module standing on one — from its own repository at the
+// branch it follows, as the walk builds it. A module whose build reads the repository checked through a context,
+// or that the merge deletes, cannot be built as the walk would: said, and nothing after it is built. A change that
+// moves no module builds nothing.
+func checkBuildsOf(p link.PullUpdated, scope checkScope, entries []inventory.Entry,
+	clone func(inventory.Source) (string, error)) []link.CheckBuild {
+	if len(scope.Reach.Plan.Tiers) == 0 {
+		return nil
+	}
+	m := link.SourceMoved{Owner: p.Owner, Repo: p.Repo, Base: p.Base, CloneURL: p.CloneURL}
+	byName := map[string]inventory.Entry{}
+	for _, e := range entries {
+		byName[e.Manifest.Module] = e
+	}
+	skip := map[string]string{}
+	for _, e := range scope.Reach.Packaging {
+		skip[e.Manifest.Module] = "its build reads " + p.Owner + "/" + p.Repo + " through a context, which a check " +
+			"cannot hand the merge"
+	}
+	for _, e := range scope.Reach.Deleted {
+		skip[e.Manifest.Module] = "the merge deletes it"
+	}
+	var out []link.CheckBuild
+	for tier, names := range scope.Reach.Plan.Tiers {
+		for _, name := range names {
+			e, known := byName[name]
+			b := link.CheckBuild{Module: name, Tier: tier, Skip: skip[name]}
+			switch {
+			case !known:
+				b.Skip = "the catalogue does not hold it"
+			case b.Skip != "":
+			case sourceIs(e.Source, m):
+				b.Merged, b.Path = true, e.Source.Path
+			default:
+				url, err := clone(e.Source)
+				if err != nil {
+					b.Skip = "its repository cannot be cloned: " + err.Error()
+					break
+				}
+				b.Repository, b.Path, b.Ref = url, e.Source.Path, followedBranch(e.Source.Ref)
+			}
+			out = append(out, b)
+		}
+	}
+	return out
 }
 
 // besideRefs is the ref each repository is cloned at beside a check, by the directory it is found under:
@@ -271,17 +440,54 @@ func checkRequestFor(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p link.PullUpdated, scop
 // catalogue, whose checkout beside is what tests read its files from, at its main, what the next merge
 // builds from; and beside the controller its main, for a judge the running controller predates, and the
 // lab's main, whose replays every check runs. **One rule, read by the check the controller asks for and by
-// the facts snapshot** (Facts.Beside), so a check run by hand clones what the build seat clones.
+// the facts snapshot** (Facts.Beside), so a check run by hand clones what the build seat clones. Beside the
+// controller also the SDK, checked out at the commit the running controller's go.mod pins (sdkPinned), not
+// one a desktop holds (novox/hq issue 449). The checkout only places the clone: the conformance test reads the
+// fixtures at the pin of the tree under check, from the clone's history, so a pull request moving the SDK is
+// judged against the SDK it moves to (internal/link/conformance_test.go).
 func besideRefs(dir, running string) map[string]string {
 	switch dir {
 	case "mesh-catalog":
 		return map[string]string{dir: "main"}
 	case "mesh-controller":
-		return map[string]string{dir: running, "mesh-controller-main": "main", "mesh-lab": "main"}
+		return map[string]string{dir: running, "mesh-controller-main": "main", "mesh-lab": "main",
+			"mesh-sdk": sdkPinned()}
 	}
 	return map[string]string{dir: running}
 }
 
+// sdkModule is the Go module of the SDK the controller is built against.
+const sdkModule = "git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go"
+
+// pseudoCommit is the commit a Go pseudo-version names: v0.1.11-0.20261009143344-f047d0a4a970 → f047d0a4a970.
+var pseudoCommit = regexp.MustCompile(`-([0-9a-f]{12})$`)
+
+// sdkPinned is the ref of the SDK repository this controller was built from, as its go.mod pins it and its
+// build records it: a pseudo-version's commit, or a release's tag (the SDK tags its Go module under go/).
+// "main" only for a binary that records no SDK version — a local replace — which a running controller is
+// not (novox/hq issue 449).
+func sdkPinned() string {
+	info, ok := debug.ReadBuildInfo()
+	if !ok {
+		return "main"
+	}
+	for _, dep := range info.Deps {
+		if dep.Path != sdkModule {
+			continue
+		}
+		if dep.Replace != nil {
+			dep = dep.Replace
+		}
+		if m := pseudoCommit.FindStringSubmatch(dep.Version); m != nil {
+			return m[1]
+		}
+		if strings.HasPrefix(dep.Version, "v") {
+			return "go/" + dep.Version
+		}
+	}
+	return "main"
+}
+
 // siblingOf is another repository of the same owner: novox/mesh-controller → novox/mesh-lab.
 func siblingOf(repository, name string) string {
 	if cut := strings.LastIndex(repository, "/"); cut >= 0 {
@@ -308,6 +514,13 @@ const maxCheckReport = 60 << 10
 // checked says a merge check's verdict as the controller's `checked`. Nothing is recorded or
 // registered: a check builds nothing (issue 240's rule for a dry run, kept for a check).
 func checked(ctx context.Context, result link.BuildResult) {
+	// **A check stopped by its key says nothing** (novox/hq ADR 0406 §4, issue 974, review 2): it stopped because the head or
+	// the trunk commit moved on, and the newer request will judge. Said as an error it would name the live head — red
+	// statuses on the forge, a delivery refused — and written to the key it would stand in the newer request's way.
+	if result.Failed == link.SupersededByKey {
+		fmt.Printf("%s: stopped, its pull request's key moved on; the newer check will judge\n", result.ID)
+		return
+	}
 	sayChecked(ctx, checkedOf(result))
 }
 
@@ -322,6 +535,12 @@ func checkedOf(result link.BuildResult) link.Checked {
 	case result.Check != nil:
 		c.Verdict, c.Summary, c.Report = result.Check.Verdict, result.Check.Summary, result.Check.Report
 		c.Gate, c.RepoCheck = result.Check.Gate, result.Check.RepoCheck
+		// What was judged (novox/hq ADR 0323 §3): the head merged into the trunk commit, and the commits of the
+		// repositories read beside it.
+		c.Trunk, c.Beside, c.Took = result.Check.Trunk, result.Check.Beside, result.Check.Took
+		c.Built = result.Check.Built
+		c.Validator = result.Check.Validator
+		c.Siblings, c.SiblingsUnknown, c.JudgeFrom = result.Check.Siblings, result.Check.SiblingsUnknown, result.Check.JudgeFrom
 		if c.Gate == nil {
 			// A build seat from before the layers: its verdict is the gate's.
 			c.Gate = &link.CheckLayer{Verdict: c.Verdict, Summary: c.Summary}
@@ -339,6 +558,12 @@ func checkedOf(result link.BuildResult) link.Checked {
 		c.Gate = &link.CheckLayer{Verdict: c.Verdict, Summary: c.Summary}
 		c.RepoCheck = &link.CheckLayer{Verdict: c.Verdict, Summary: c.Summary}
 	}
+	// **A group member's own check has no gate of its own** (novox/hq ADR 0403 clause 1): what ran was the repository's
+	// check alone, and its gate layer is "composed", never a pass. A failure or an error stays what it was.
+	if result.Checked != nil && result.Checked.Composed && result.Check != nil && c.Gate != nil &&
+		(c.Gate.Verdict == "pass" || c.Gate.Verdict == "warning") {
+		composedGate(&c)
+	}
 	if result.Checked != nil && c.Gate != nil && len(c.Gate.Modules) == 0 {
 		c.Gate.Modules = append(append([]string{}, result.Checked.Modules...), prefixedAll("new:", result.Checked.New)...)
 	}
@@ -347,14 +572,20 @@ func checkedOf(result link.BuildResult) link.Checked {
 	}
 	if result.Checked != nil {
 		c.Plan = result.Checked.Plan
+		if c.Plan != nil && c.Trunk != "" {
+			// The kept delivery plan records the trunk commit with its other inputs (ADR 0323 §3).
+			plan := *c.Plan
+			plan.Trunk = c.Trunk
+			c.Plan = &plan
+		}
 		// A delivery group's composed check (novox/hq ADR 0239): every head it judged, this one first.
 		if g := result.Checked; g.Group != "" {
 			c.Group = g.Group
 			c.Members = append(c.Members, link.CheckedMember{Owner: g.Owner, Repo: g.Repo, Number: g.Number,
-				Commit: result.Ref})
+				Commit: result.Ref, Trunk: c.Trunk})
 			for _, m := range g.Members {
 				c.Members = append(c.Members, link.CheckedMember{Owner: m.Owner, Repo: m.Repo, Number: m.Number,
-					Commit: m.Ref})
+					Commit: m.Ref, Trunk: memberTrunk(result.Check, m)})
 			}
 		}
 	}
@@ -363,12 +594,40 @@ func checkedOf(result link.BuildResult) link.Checked {
 			l.Verdict = "error"
 		}
 	}
+	// **A check run again says so** (novox/hq issue 594). The summaries are the lines the pull request
+	// shows, clipped by the forge to a few words, so they get only a short marker after the verdict's own
+	// words; the report gets the whole sentence. Layers copied, so the build's own outcome is left as it came.
+	if mark := link.RunMarker(result.Delivery); mark != "" {
+		c.Summary += " " + mark
+		for _, l := range []**link.CheckLayer{&c.Gate, &c.RepoCheck} {
+			if *l != nil {
+				layer := **l
+				layer.Summary += " " + mark
+				*l = &layer
+			}
+		}
+		c.Report = link.Restarted(result.Delivery) + "\n\n" + c.Report
+	}
 	if len(c.Report) > maxCheckReport {
 		c.Report = "…" + c.Report[len(c.Report)-maxCheckReport:]
 	}
 	return c
 }
 
+// memberTrunk is the trunk commit the build seat merged one of a group's heads into (novox/hq ADR 0323 §6), empty
+// when it said none.
+func memberTrunk(outcome *link.CheckOutcome, m link.GroupMember) string {
+	if outcome == nil {
+		return ""
+	}
+	for _, j := range outcome.Members {
+		if strings.EqualFold(j.Owner, m.Owner) && strings.EqualFold(j.Repo, m.Repo) && strings.HasPrefix(m.Ref, j.Commit) {
+			return j.Trunk
+		}
+	}
+	return ""
+}
+
 func prefixedAll(prefix string, items []string) []string {
 	out := make([]string, 0, len(items))
 	for _, i := range items {
@@ -383,8 +642,12 @@ func sayChecked(ctx context.Context, c link.Checked) {
 	if c.RepoCheck != nil {
 		repo = strings.ToUpper(c.RepoCheck.Verdict) + " — " + c.RepoCheck.Summary
 	}
-	fmt.Printf("%s: %s/%s#%d at %.8s checked on %s: gate %s — %s; repository %s\n", c.ID, c.Owner, c.Repo, c.Number,
-		c.Commit, orSomewhere(c.On), strings.ToUpper(c.Verdict), c.Summary, repo)
+	judged := ""
+	if c.Trunk != "" {
+		judged = " merged into trunk " + c.Trunk
+	}
+	fmt.Printf("%s: %s/%s#%d at %.8s%s checked on %s: gate %s — %s; repository %s\n", c.ID, c.Owner, c.Repo, c.Number,
+		c.Commit, judged, orSomewhere(c.On), strings.ToUpper(c.Verdict), c.Summary, repo)
 	if checkEvents == nil {
 		return
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/checks_integration_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,56 @@
+//go:build integration
+
+package main
+
+import (
+	"encoding/json"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/testbus"
+)
+
+func TestACheckStoppedByItsKeyIsAnnouncedAsNoVerdict(t *testing.T) {
+	js, err := broker.Dial(testbus.URL(t))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(js.Close)
+	if err := broker.AssertMeshStreams(js); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	legacy, err := js.Conn().JetStream()
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	was := checkEvents
+	checkEvents = link.OverNATS{Conn: js.Conn(), JS: legacy}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { checkEvents = was })
+	heard := make(chan *nats.Msg, 4)
+	sub, err := js.Conn().ChanSubscribe(link.SeatEventSubject(link.MeshControllerSeat, link.KeyChecked), heard)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	defer func() { _ = sub.Unsubscribe() }()
+	asked := &link.CheckRequest{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-catalog", Number: 3}
+	checked(t.Context(), link.BuildResult{ID: "stopped", Ref: "abc", Checked: asked, Failed: link.SupersededByKey})
+	checked(t.Context(), link.BuildResult{ID: "broken", Ref: "abc", Checked: asked, Failed: "the facts snapshot cannot be read"})
+	select {
+	case m := <-heard:
+		var c link.Checked
+		_ = json.Unmarshal(m.Data, &c)
+		if c.ID != "broken" || c.Verdict != "error" {
+			t.Fatalf("the first verdict said is %+v; want only the broken check's error", c)
+		}
+	case <-time.After(5 * time.Second):
+		t.Fatal("nothing was said")
+	}
+	select {
+	case m := <-heard:
+		t.Fatalf("a second verdict was said: %s", m.Data)
+	case <-time.After(300 * time.Millisecond):
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/checks_queue_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,97 @@
+//go:build integration
+
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"fmt"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// Acceptance 5 of milestone 2 (novox/hq ADR 0406 §3, issue 974), live, with the store and a real bus: two merges into one
+// repository within a minute, with two open pull requests, leave each pull request with exactly one queued check, by the
+// stream's rule. Each merge moves the trunk, and mesh-delivery asks the controller to check both open pull requests again
+// against it (`delivery check`, which is the controller's own path for a head announced); nothing moves a request, nothing
+// asks the forge, and the queue is read back whole.
+func TestTwoMergesWithinAMinuteLeaveEachOpenPullRequestOneQueuedCheck(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	js, _ := aBuildQueue(t)
+	servingBus.Store(js)
+	t.Cleanup(func() { servingBus.Store(nil) })
+	holdTheDeliverySeat(t, open)
+	was := askDeliveryOwner
+	t.Cleanup(func() { askDeliveryOwner = was })
+	askDeliveryOwner = func(_ context.Context, _ *nats.Conn, verb string, _ map[string]any) (json.RawMessage, error) {
+		if verb != "groups" {
+			t.Fatalf("asked the owner %s", verb)
+		}
+		return json.RawMessage(`[]`), nil
+	}
+	// The repository the two pull requests are into, as a module the mesh builds from it.
+	if err := open.inventory.RegisterModule(ctx, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "mesh-controller", Version: "1"},
+		inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/mesh-controller", Ref: "main", BuiltFrom: "c0", Head: "c0"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+
+	heads := map[int]string{7: "7777777777777777777777777777777777777777", 8: "8888888888888888888888888888888888888888"}
+	check := func(number int, trunk string) {
+		t.Helper()
+		p := orderMember{ID: fmt.Sprintf("novox/mesh-controller@%.12s", heads[number]), Repository: "novox/mesh-controller",
+			Base: "main", Head: heads[number], Number: number, Paths: []string{"main.go"}, ModuleDirsSaid: true,
+			BaseSHA: trunk, Ready: number == 8}.pull()
+		p.MergeCheck, p.MergeCheckSaid = true, true
+		if err := (following{open: open, oneShot: true}).PullUpdated(ctx, p); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	// Announced against the trunk as it stands, then asked again after each of two merges.
+	for _, trunk := range []string{"1111111111111111111111111111111111111111", "2222222222222222222222222222222222222222",
+		"3333333333333333333333333333333333333333"} {
+		check(7, trunk)
+		check(8, trunk)
+	}
+
+	q, err := link.ReadQueue(ctx, js, link.TheBuildMachine)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	seen := map[int]string{}
+	for _, a := range q.Asks {
+		c := a.Request.Check
+		if c == nil {
+			t.Fatalf("%s is no check", a.ID)
+		}
+		if _, twice := seen[c.Number]; twice {
+			t.Errorf("pull request %d has two queued checks", c.Number)
+		}
+		seen[c.Number] = c.Trunk
+		if a.State != link.AskWaiting {
+			t.Errorf("%s is %s", a.ID, a.State)
+		}
+		if want := "3333333333333333333333333333333333333333"; c.Trunk != want {
+			t.Errorf("pull request %d is queued against %.8s; want the newest trunk %.8s", c.Number, c.Trunk, want)
+		}
+	}
+	if len(seen) != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("queued checks for %v; want one for each of the two open pull requests", seen)
+	}
+	// By the streams' own count: the ready one on its stream, the other on its.
+	for stream, want := range map[string]uint64{broker.ChecksReadyStream: 1, broker.ChecksOtherStream: 1} {
+		info, err := js.Context().StreamInfo(stream)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		if info.State.Msgs != want {
+			t.Errorf("%s holds %d request(s); want %d", stream, info.State.Msgs, want)
+		}
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/checks_test.go

@@ -210,3 +210,84 @@ func TestABuildOffTheTrunkIsNeverPublished(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Errorf("a build seat that said nothing was refused: %v", err)
 	}
 }
+
+// **A verdict names the trunk commit it judged** (novox/hq ADR 0323 §3, issue 341): the controller's `checked`
+// carries the head and the trunk commit the build seat merged it into, the commits of the repositories read beside
+// it, how long it took, and the kept delivery plan records the trunk commit with its other inputs. A group's
+// composed check names, per member, the trunk commit that head was merged into (§6).
+func TestAVerdictNamesTheTrunkCommitItJudged(t *testing.T) {
+	plan := &link.ChangePlan{Repository: "novox/mesh-host", Base: "main", Head: "dfb1415aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa",
+		Summary: "builds mesh-host"}
+	asked := &link.CheckRequest{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-host", Number: 66, Base: "main", Plan: plan}
+	c := checkedOf(link.BuildResult{ID: "b", Ref: "dfb1415aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa", Checked: asked,
+		Check: &link.CheckOutcome{Verdict: "pass", Took: "4m12s", Head: "dfb1415aaaaa", Trunk: "d28ca95bbbbb",
+			Gate: &link.CheckLayer{Verdict: "pass"}, RepoCheck: &link.CheckLayer{Verdict: "pass"},
+			Beside: map[string]string{"mesh-catalog": "0123456789ab", "mesh-lab": "ba9876543210"}}})
+	if c.Trunk != "d28ca95bbbbb" || c.Commit != "dfb1415aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa" {
+		t.Fatalf("the verdict names head %s and trunk %q", c.Commit, c.Trunk)
+	}
+	if c.Beside["mesh-catalog"] != "0123456789ab" || c.Beside["mesh-lab"] != "ba9876543210" {
+		t.Fatalf("the verdict names the repositories read beside it as %v", c.Beside)
+	}
+	if c.Took != "4m12s" {
+		t.Fatalf("the verdict says it took %q", c.Took)
+	}
+	if c.Plan == nil || c.Plan.Trunk != "d28ca95bbbbb" || c.Plan.Head != plan.Head {
+		t.Fatalf("the kept plan records %+v", c.Plan)
+	}
+	if plan.Trunk != "" {
+		t.Fatal("the plan the controller asked with was changed: the verdict's is a copy")
+	}
+
+	group := &link.CheckRequest{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-controller", Number: 7, Base: "main", Group: "feat/x",
+		Members: []link.GroupMember{{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-host", Number: 8, Ref: "cccccccccccc0000", Base: "main"}}}
+	c = checkedOf(link.BuildResult{ID: "g", Ref: "aaaaaaaaaaaa0000", Checked: group, Check: &link.CheckOutcome{
+		Verdict: "pass", Head: "aaaaaaaaaaaa", Trunk: "111111111111", Gate: &link.CheckLayer{Verdict: "pass"},
+		Members: []link.CheckedMember{{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-host", Commit: "cccccccccccc", Trunk: "222222222222"}}}})
+	if len(c.Members) != 2 || c.Members[0].Trunk != "111111111111" || c.Members[1].Trunk != "222222222222" ||
+		c.Members[1].Commit != "cccccccccccc0000" {
+		t.Fatalf("the composed check names its members %+v", c.Members)
+	}
+}
+
+// **The merge made for a check is never registered** (novox/hq ADR 0323 §2): a build of it — a commit on no branch
+// of the forge — is refused, naming the trunk. The rule of ADR 0238 §1 stands unchanged; this holds it for the
+// merge commit a check makes.
+func TestABuildOfACheckMergeIsRefusedNamingTheTrunk(t *testing.T) {
+	merge := link.BuildResult{ID: "b", Commit: "4b5c6d7e8f90aabbccddeeff0011223344556677", Trunk: "main"}
+	err := publishable(merge, "")
+	if !errors.Is(err, errOffTheTrunk) || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "not on main") {
+		t.Fatalf("a build of a check's merge was answered %v", err)
+	}
+}
+
+// **A verdict no build judges names its trunk commit too** (novox/hq ADR 0323 §3): a change touching no module of a
+// repository with no merge-check.sh (novox/mesh-tools-go) is answered by the controller itself. Naming no trunk, the
+// merge tool refused it, asked again, got the same verdict, and refused for ever.
+func TestADirectVerdictNamesTheTrunkTheForgeAnnounced(t *testing.T) {
+	p := link.PullUpdated{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-tools-go", Number: 3, Base: "main", Commit: "1a2b3c4d5e6f7a8b9c0d",
+		BaseSHA: "7a8b9c0d1e2f3a4b5c6d7e8f9a0b1c2d3e4f5a6b"}
+	c := directVerdict(p, link.ChangePlan{Repository: "novox/mesh-tools-go", Base: "main", Head: p.Commit})
+	if c.Trunk != "7a8b9c0d1e2f" || c.Plan == nil || c.Plan.Trunk != "7a8b9c0d1e2f" {
+		t.Fatalf("the direct verdict names trunk %q, its plan %+v", c.Trunk, c.Plan)
+	}
+	if c.Verdict != "pass" || c.Commit != p.Commit {
+		t.Fatalf("the direct verdict is %+v", c)
+	}
+	if c := directVerdict(link.PullUpdated{Owner: "novox", Repo: "x", Commit: "abc"}, link.ChangePlan{}); c.Trunk != "" {
+		t.Fatalf("a forge that said no base head gave the trunk %q", c.Trunk)
+	}
+}
+
+// A head checked again through mesh-delivery (`delivery check --members`, a recheck) reaches the same direct verdict:
+// it names the base head the forge last announced, kept on the member, or the merge tool would refuse it for ever.
+func TestARecheckedHeadsDirectVerdictNamesItsTrunk(t *testing.T) {
+	m := orderMember{ID: "novox/mesh-tools-go@1a2b3c4d5e6f", Repository: "novox/mesh-tools-go", Base: "main",
+		Head: "1a2b3c4d5e6f7a8b9c0d", Number: 3, BaseSHA: "7a8b9c0d1e2f3a4b5c6d7e8f9a0b1c2d3e4f5a6b"}
+	if c := directVerdict(m.pull(), link.ChangePlan{}); c.Trunk != "7a8b9c0d1e2f" {
+		t.Fatalf("a rechecked head's direct verdict names trunk %q", c.Trunk)
+	}
+}
+
+// A check stopped by its pull request's key moving on says no verdict (issue 974, review 2): an error said for it would name the
+// live head, and the newer request is the one that judges. A check that failed for any other reason still says its error.

cmd/mesh-controller/composed_member_check_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,68 @@
+//go:build integration
+
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// A member of a group whose gate is the composed check's is asked of the build seat with no module: its repository's
+// check alone (novox/hq ADR 0403 clause 1). With no word from mesh-delivery, or one that does not say the gate is
+// composed, it is checked alone with its gate (clause 6).
+
+func askedForMember(t *testing.T, answer []groupsLine, answerErr error) link.CheckRequest {
+	t.Helper()
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	js, _ := aBuildQueue(t)
+	servingBus.Store(js)
+	t.Cleanup(func() { servingBus.Store(nil) })
+	if err := open.inventory.RegisterModule(ctx, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "mesh-controller", Version: "1"},
+		inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/mesh-controller", Ref: "main", BuiltFrom: "c0", Head: "c0"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	was := groupsAsked
+	groupsAsked = func(context.Context, bool) ([]groupsLine, error) { return answer, answerErr }
+	t.Cleanup(func() { groupsAsked = was })
+	p := link.PullUpdated{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-controller", Number: 346, Base: "main", Head: "feat/x", Commit: headController,
+		Paths: []string{"main.go"}, ModuleDirsSaid: true, MergeCheck: true, MergeCheckSaid: true}
+	if err := (following{open: open, oneShot: true}).PullUpdated(ctx, p); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	q, err := link.ReadQueue(ctx, js, link.TheBuildMachine)
+	if err != nil || len(q.Asks) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("asks %d: %v", len(q.Asks), err)
+	}
+	return *q.Asks[0].Request.Check
+}
+
+func TestAComposedMembersCheckIsItsRepositoryChecksAlone(t *testing.T) {
+	line := group("feat/x", member("novox/mesh-controller", 346, headController, "main", true), member("novox/mesh-catalog", 350, headHost, "main", true))
+	line.ComposedGate = true
+	c := askedForMember(t, []groupsLine{line}, nil)
+	if len(c.Modules) != 0 || len(c.New) != 0 || len(c.Dependents) != 0 || !c.Composed {
+		t.Fatalf("the member's check is asked as %+v; want no module and composed", c)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestAMemberOfAGroupOfAnOlderMeshDeliveryKeepsItsOwnGate(t *testing.T) {
+	line := group("feat/x", member("novox/mesh-controller", 346, headController, "main", true), member("novox/mesh-catalog", 350, headHost, "main", true))
+	c := askedForMember(t, []groupsLine{line}, nil)
+	if !strings.Contains(strings.Join(c.Modules, ","), "mesh-controller") || c.Composed {
+		t.Fatalf("an older mesh-delivery's member is asked as %+v; want its own gate", c)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestAMemberWhoseGroupCannotBeLearnedIsCheckedAloneWithItsGate(t *testing.T) {
+	c := askedForMember(t, nil, context.DeadlineExceeded)
+	if !strings.Contains(strings.Join(c.Modules, ","), "mesh-controller") || c.Composed ||
+		!strings.Contains(c.SiblingsUnknown, "reads no siblings") {
+		t.Fatalf("the member is asked as %+v; want its gate and why its siblings are unknown", c)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/composed_verdict_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,136 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// A delivery group's gate is the composed check's, and its members' own checks run their repository's check alone
+// (novox/hq ADR 0403 clauses 1 and 7). Pure: no store, no bus.
+
+// A member of a group whose line says composed_gate is a composed member; one whose group says nothing of it (an older
+// mesh-delivery), one of a group of a single pull request and a lone pull request are not.
+func TestAMemberOfAComposedGroupIsKnownByTheGroupsLine(t *testing.T) {
+	two := func(composed bool) groupsLine {
+		l := group("feat/x", member("novox/mesh-host", 114, headHost, "main", true), member("novox/mesh-controller", 346, headController, "main", true))
+		l.ComposedGate = composed
+		return l
+	}
+	p := link.PullUpdated{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-host", Number: 114, Base: "main", Head: "feat/x", Commit: headHost}
+	recheck := link.PullUpdated{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-host", Number: 114, Base: "main", Commit: headHost}
+	for name, c := range map[string]struct {
+		p     link.PullUpdated
+		lines []groupsLine
+		want  bool
+	}{
+		"composed":                 {p, []groupsLine{two(true)}, true},
+		"a recheck, by its number": {recheck, []groupsLine{two(true)}, true},
+		"an older mesh-delivery":   {p, []groupsLine{two(false)}, false},
+		"another group":            {p, []groupsLine{group("feat/y", member("novox/mesh-host", 1, headHost, "main", true))}, false},
+		"no group":                 {p, nil, false},
+	} {
+		if got := composedMember(c.p, c.lines); got != c.want {
+			t.Errorf("%s: composed %v, want %v", name, got, c.want)
+		}
+	}
+	alone := group("feat/x", member("novox/mesh-host", 114, headHost, "main", true))
+	alone.ComposedGate = true
+	if composedMember(p, []groupsLine{alone}) {
+		t.Error("a group of a single pull request is composed")
+	}
+}
+
+// A composed member's verdict never says its gate passed: the gate layer, and the verdict that is the gate's, read
+// "composed"; a failure or an error stays what it was.
+func TestAComposedMembersVerdictHasNoPassingGate(t *testing.T) {
+	asked := &link.CheckRequest{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-host", Number: 114, Composed: true}
+	pass := link.BuildResult{ID: "b", Ref: headHost, Checked: asked, Check: &link.CheckOutcome{Verdict: "pass", Summary: "no module touched",
+		Gate: &link.CheckLayer{Verdict: "pass", Summary: "no module touched"}, RepoCheck: &link.CheckLayer{Verdict: "pass", Summary: "ok"}}}
+	c := checkedOf(pass)
+	if c.Gate == nil || c.Gate.Verdict != "composed" || c.Verdict != "composed" || c.RepoCheck == nil || c.RepoCheck.Verdict != "pass" {
+		t.Fatalf("the member's verdict says %+v gate %+v", c, c.Gate)
+	}
+	asked.Composed = false
+	if c := checkedOf(pass); c.Gate.Verdict != "pass" || c.Verdict != "pass" {
+		t.Fatalf("a member of no composed group has its own gate: %+v", c.Gate)
+	}
+	asked.Composed = true
+	failing := pass
+	failing.Check = &link.CheckOutcome{Verdict: "fail", Summary: "conflict", Gate: &link.CheckLayer{Verdict: "fail", Summary: "conflict"},
+		RepoCheck: &link.CheckLayer{Verdict: "fail", Summary: "conflict"}}
+	if c := checkedOf(failing); c.Gate.Verdict != "fail" || c.Verdict != "fail" {
+		t.Fatalf("a failure was read as composed: %+v", c.Gate)
+	}
+	broken := link.BuildResult{ID: "b", Ref: headHost, Checked: asked, Failed: "the facts snapshot cannot be read"}
+	if c := checkedOf(broken); c.Verdict != "error" || c.Gate.Verdict != "error" {
+		t.Fatalf("an error was read as composed: %+v", c)
+	}
+}
+
+// The composed verdict on the bus carries every member, each with its trunk commit, for the forge's holder to set each
+// member's mesh/merge-gate from it.
+func TestTheComposedVerdictCarriesEveryMember(t *testing.T) {
+	asked := &link.CheckRequest{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-host", Number: 114, Group: "feat/x",
+		Members: []link.GroupMember{{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-controller", Number: 346, Ref: headController}}}
+	c := checkedOf(link.BuildResult{ID: "g", Ref: headHost, Checked: asked, Check: &link.CheckOutcome{Verdict: "pass", Summary: "ok",
+		Trunk: "aaaaaaaaaaaa", Members: []link.CheckedMember{{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-controller", Commit: headController[:12], Trunk: "bbbbbbbbbbbb"}}}})
+	body, _ := json.Marshal(c)
+	for _, want := range []string{`"group":"feat/x"`, `"members":[{"owner":"novox","repo":"mesh-host","number":114,"commit":"` + headHost + `","trunk":"aaaaaaaaaaaa"}`,
+		`{"owner":"novox","repo":"mesh-controller","number":346,"commit":"` + headController + `","trunk":"bbbbbbbbbbbb"}`} {
+		if !strings.Contains(string(body), want) {
+			t.Fatalf("the composed verdict lacks %s:\n%s", want, body)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// Members whose manifests order their modules in a cycle fail the composed check, naming every module and edge, and no
+// ask is made of the build seat.
+func TestAGroupInACycleFailsItsComposedCheckWithoutABuild(t *testing.T) {
+	members := []orderMember{
+		{ID: "novox/x@" + headHost[:12], Repository: "novox/x", Base: "main", Head: headHost, Number: 7, Paths: []string{"module.json"}},
+		{ID: "novox/y@" + headController[:12], Repository: "novox/y", Base: "main", Head: headController, Number: 9, Paths: []string{"module.json"}},
+	}
+	reach := map[string]orderReach{members[0].ID: {Moved: []string{"mx"}}, members[1].ID: {Moved: []string{"my"}}}
+	was, wasParent := manifestAt, parentOf
+	t.Cleanup(func() { manifestAt, parentOf = was, wasParent })
+	parentOf = func(context.Context, string, string, string) (string, error) { return "", nil }
+	manifestAt = func(_ context.Context, _, repo, _, ref string) (catalogue.Manifest, bool, error) {
+		if ref == "main" {
+			return catalogue.Manifest{}, false, nil // what the pull requests merge into holds no such manifest
+		}
+		if repo == "x" {
+			return catalogue.Manifest{Module: "mx", DefinesSeats: []catalogue.SeatDeclaration{{Name: "s", Serves: []catalogue.Verb{{Name: "a"}}}},
+				Invokes: []string{"seat:s.b"}}, true, nil
+		}
+		return catalogue.Manifest{Module: "my", DefinesSeats: []catalogue.SeatDeclaration{{Name: "s", Serves: []catalogue.Verb{{Name: "b"}}}},
+			Invokes: []string{"seat:s.a"}}, true, nil
+	}
+	c, cyclic, err := cycleVerdict(context.Background(), "feat/cycle", members, reach, []inventory.Edge(nil), nil)
+	if err != nil || !cyclic {
+		t.Fatalf("no cycle found: %v", err)
+	}
+	if c.Verdict != "fail" || c.Group != "feat/cycle" || len(c.Members) != 2 || c.Gate == nil || c.Gate.Verdict != "fail" {
+		t.Fatalf("the verdict is %+v", c)
+	}
+	for _, w := range []string{"mx", "my", "s.a", "s.b"} {
+		if !strings.Contains(c.Summary, w) {
+			t.Errorf("the cycle does not name %s: %s", w, c.Summary)
+		}
+	}
+	// Members with no edge between them are no cycle.
+	manifestsReadMu.Lock()
+	clear(manifestsRead)
+	manifestsReadMu.Unlock()
+	manifestAt = func(context.Context, string, string, string, string) (catalogue.Manifest, bool, error) {
+		return catalogue.Manifest{}, false, nil
+	}
+	if _, cyclic, err := cycleVerdict(context.Background(), "feat/cycle", members, reach, nil, nil); err != nil || cyclic {
+		t.Fatalf("a cycle where there is none: %v %v", cyclic, err)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/condition_looks.go

@@ -0,0 +1,76 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"fmt"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// The looks of the open conditions — how often each was observed, when last, its newest evidence — are
+// kept in the controller's store, not the conditions bucket (novox/hq issue 420, ADR 0289 §1): the bucket
+// is written when what a condition says changes, never for a look that saw it as it was.
+
+// storeLooks keeps the conditions' looks in the inventory.
+type storeLooks struct{ inv *inventory.Inventory }
+
+func (s storeLooks) KeepLooks(ctx context.Context, key string, l conditions.Looks) error {
+	evidence, err := json.Marshal(l.Evidence)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	return s.inv.KeepConditionLooks(ctx, inventory.ConditionLooks{Key: key, Observations: l.Observations,
+		LastObserved: l.LastObserved, Evidence: evidence})
+}
+
+func (s storeLooks) Looked(ctx context.Context, key string) (conditions.Looks, bool, error) {
+	row, kept, err := s.inv.ConditionLooksOf(ctx, key)
+	if err != nil || !kept {
+		return conditions.Looks{}, kept, err
+	}
+	l, err := looksOf(row)
+	return l, err == nil, err
+}
+
+func (s storeLooks) AllLooks(ctx context.Context) (map[string]conditions.Looks, error) {
+	rows, err := s.inv.AllConditionLooks(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	out := make(map[string]conditions.Looks, len(rows))
+	for key, row := range rows {
+		l, err := looksOf(row)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		out[key] = l
+	}
+	return out, nil
+}
+
+func (s storeLooks) ForgetLooks(ctx context.Context, key string) error {
+	return s.inv.ForgetConditionLooks(ctx, key)
+}
+
+func looksOf(row inventory.ConditionLooks) (conditions.Looks, error) {
+	l := conditions.Looks{Observations: row.Observations, LastObserved: row.LastObserved.UTC()}
+	if len(row.Evidence) > 0 {
+		if err := json.Unmarshal(row.Evidence, &l.Evidence); err != nil {
+			return conditions.Looks{}, fmt.Errorf("the evidence kept for the condition %s cannot be read: %w", row.Key, err)
+		}
+	}
+	return l, nil
+}
+
+// looksHere is where a process that is not the serving controller reads the conditions' looks: the store,
+// opened for it, closed by the function returned. A store that cannot be opened is said on every condition
+// read through it, never read as none.
+func looksHere(ctx context.Context) (conditions.LookStore, func()) {
+	inv, err := openInventory(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return conditions.NoLooks{Err: err}, func() {}
+	}
+	return storeLooks{inv}, inv.Close
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/condition_looks_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,89 @@
+//go:build integration
+
+package main
+
+import (
+	"bytes"
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go/jetstream"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/testbus"
+)
+
+// **Looks at an unchanged condition write the bucket once, and `conditions` still says how often and when
+// it was seen** (novox/hq issue 420): the looks are in the controller's store, and the verb, run as a
+// process of its own, reads them from there. On 2026-10-10 one open condition had rewritten the bucket 7 003
+// times in two days.
+func TestTheConditionsVerbReadsTheLooksTheBucketNoLongerHolds(t *testing.T) {
+	inv := inventory.ForTest(t)
+	bus := testbus.Start(t)
+	serving, err := broker.Dial(bus.ClientURL())
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	defer serving.Close()
+	if err := serving.EnsureControllerBuckets(); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	store, history, err := conditions.OnTheBus(ctx, serving.Conn())
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	k := conditions.NewKeeper(ctx, conditions.Options{Store: store, History: history, Looks: storeLooks{inv}})
+	defer k.Close(context.Background())
+	look := conditions.Observation{Scope: conditions.ScopeMachine, ID: "anchor", Kind: "silent", Machine: "anchor",
+		Severity: conditions.Warning, Summary: "anchor has not been heard from", Source: "S1"}
+	for range 4 {
+		if _, err := k.Observe(ctx, look); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+
+	api, err := jetstream.New(serving.Conn())
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	stream, err := api.Stream(ctx, "KV_"+broker.ConditionsBucket)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	info, err := stream.Info(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if info.State.LastSeq != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("four looks at one unchanged condition wrote the bucket %d times, want 1", info.State.LastSeq)
+	}
+
+	// The verb as a process other than the serving controller: it reads the bucket and the store.
+	keptBefore := conditionsFrom
+	conditionsFrom = nil
+	defer func() { conditionsFrom = keptBefore }()
+	t.Setenv(broker.NATSVar, bus.ClientURL())
+	t.Setenv(broker.CertificateVar, "")
+	var shown bytes.Buffer
+	if err := showCondition(ctx, []string{"machine.anchor.silent", "--json"}, &shown); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	var c conditions.Condition
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(shown.Bytes(), &c); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("%v: %s", err, shown.String())
+	}
+	if c.Observations != 4 || len(c.Evidence) != 4 || c.LastObserved.IsZero() || c.LooksUnread != "" ||
+		time.Since(c.LastObserved) > time.Minute {
+		t.Fatalf("conditions show reads %d observation(s), %d evidence line(s), last %s (%q)", c.Observations,
+			len(c.Evidence), c.LastObserved, c.LooksUnread)
+	}
+	listed, err := openConditions(ctx)
+	if err != nil || len(listed) != 1 || listed[0].Observations != 4 {
+		t.Fatalf("conditions lists %+v: %v", listed, err)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/conditions.go

@@ -24,16 +24,18 @@ import (
 // **`status` used to be the only place the mesh said it was wrong, and only to whoever asked.** Every
 // core failure of research 031 was found by a person looking. A condition is the mesh saying it: raised
 // by a watchdog when a signal is late (signals.go), by a probe when an invariant does not hold
-// (doctor.go), or by an event a provider sends (standing.go); kept on the bus with since-when and
-// evidence; said on the bus as it changes, for the operator's channel to carry; and cleared when an
+// (doctor.go), or by an event a provider sends (standing.go); kept on the bus with since-when, and its
+// looks — how often, when last, the newest evidence — in the controller's store (condition_looks.go,
+// novox/hq issue 420); said on the bus as it changes, for the operator's channel to carry; and cleared when an
 // observation says it is resolved. Nobody resolves one by hand. A person who knows silences it, for a
 // while, with a reason, and that is recorded as a hand act.
 
 // conditionsFrom is the serving controller's keeper; nil in any other process, which opens its own.
 var conditionsFrom *conditions.Keeper
 
-// keeperOn is a keeper over the store on a connection, saying its transitions on that connection.
-func keeperOn(ctx context.Context, conn *nats.Conn) (*conditions.Keeper, error) {
+// keeperOn is a keeper over the store on a connection, saying its transitions on that connection, with
+// the conditions' looks kept in looks (condition_looks.go).
+func keeperOn(ctx context.Context, conn *nats.Conn, looks conditions.LookStore) (*conditions.Keeper, error) {
 	store, history, err := conditions.OnTheBus(ctx, conn)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
@@ -42,7 +44,7 @@ func keeperOn(ctx context.Context, conn *nats.Conn) (*conditions.Keeper, error)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
-	return conditions.NewKeeper(ctx, conditions.Options{Store: store, History: history,
+	return conditions.NewKeeper(ctx, conditions.Options{Store: store, History: history, Looks: looks,
 		Teller: link.OverNATS{Conn: conn, JS: js},
 		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
@@ -58,8 +60,10 @@ func withKeeper(ctx context.Context, f func(*conditions.Keeper) error) error {
 	if conditionsFrom != nil {
 		return f(conditionsFrom)
 	}
+	looks, closeLooks := looksHere(ctx)
+	defer closeLooks()
 	return onTheBus(func(conn *nats.Conn) error {
-		k, err := keeperOn(ctx, conn)
+		k, err := keeperOn(ctx, conn, looks)
 		if err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
@@ -82,6 +86,8 @@ func openConditions(ctx context.Context) ([]conditions.Condition, error) {
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("this process has no bus to read the conditions from: %w", err)
 	}
 	var out []conditions.Condition
+	looks, closeLooks := looksHere(ctx)
+	defer closeLooks()
 	err := onTheBus(func(conn *nats.Conn) error {
 		store, _, err := conditions.OnTheBus(ctx, conn)
 		if err != nil {
@@ -89,7 +95,7 @@ func openConditions(ctx context.Context) ([]conditions.Condition, error) {
 		}
 		reading, cancel := context.WithTimeout(ctx, 5*time.Second)
 		defer cancel()
-		out, err = conditions.Read(reading, store)
+		out, err = conditions.ReadWith(reading, store, looks)
 		return err
 	})
 	return out, err
@@ -252,12 +258,14 @@ func showCondition(ctx context.Context, args []string, w io.Writer) error {
 	if conditionsFrom != nil {
 		c, found, err = conditionsFrom.Get(ctx, key)
 	} else {
+		looks, closeLooks := looksHere(ctx)
+		defer closeLooks()
 		err = onTheBus(func(conn *nats.Conn) error {
 			store, _, err := conditions.OnTheBus(ctx, conn)
 			if err != nil {
 				return err
 			}
-			c, found, err = conditions.ReadOne(ctx, store, key)
+			c, found, err = conditions.ReadOneWith(ctx, store, looks, key)
 			return err
 		})
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/conditions_brief_integration_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+//go:build integration
+
+package main
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+)
+
+func TestAVerdictCarriesAProbesFindingsInBrief(t *testing.T) {
+	var found []string
+	for i := 0; i < 689; i++ {
+		found = append(found, fmt.Sprintf("delivery d-%012x has been checking for 13h, past its bound of 45m", i))
+	}
+	run := doctorRun{Run: "run-1", Probes: []probeVerdict{{ID: "D14", Verdict: "failed", Found: found},
+		{ID: "D1", Verdict: "passed"}}}
+	answer, err := verdictAnswer(run, time.Now(), "")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	brief := answer["run"].(doctorRun).Probes[0]
+	if len(brief.Found) != overviewFindings || brief.FoundCount != 689 || !strings.Contains(brief.More, "probe=D14") {
+		t.Fatalf("the verdict carries %d findings of D14, count %d, more %q", len(brief.Found), brief.FoundCount, brief.More)
+	}
+	if len(run.Probes[0].Found) != 689 {
+		t.Fatal("the overview cut the run it was made from")
+	}
+	whole, err := verdictAnswer(run, time.Now(), "d14")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if p := whole["run"].(doctorRun).Probes; len(p) != 1 || len(p[0].Found) != 689 || p[0].More != "" {
+		t.Fatalf("doctor probe=D14 answered %+v", p)
+	}
+	if _, err := verdictAnswer(run, time.Now(), "D99"); err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("a probe the run does not have was answered")
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(doctorText(answer), "probe=D14` gives them all") {
+		t.Fatalf("the text does not say how to read them all:\n%s", doctorText(answer))
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/conditions_brief_test.go

@@ -74,35 +74,3 @@ func TestAListOfConditionsCarriesEachInBrief(t *testing.T) {
 
 // The self-check's verdict carries at most overviewFindings of one probe's findings, with their count and
 // how to read them all; `doctor probe=` gives that probe whole (novox/hq issue 314).
-func TestAVerdictCarriesAProbesFindingsInBrief(t *testing.T) {
-	var found []string
-	for i := 0; i < 689; i++ {
-		found = append(found, fmt.Sprintf("delivery d-%012x has been checking for 13h, past its bound of 45m", i))
-	}
-	run := doctorRun{Run: "run-1", Probes: []probeVerdict{{ID: "D14", Verdict: "failed", Found: found},
-		{ID: "D1", Verdict: "passed"}}}
-	answer, err := verdictAnswer(run, time.Now(), "")
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	brief := answer["run"].(doctorRun).Probes[0]
-	if len(brief.Found) != overviewFindings || brief.FoundCount != 689 || !strings.Contains(brief.More, "probe=D14") {
-		t.Fatalf("the verdict carries %d findings of D14, count %d, more %q", len(brief.Found), brief.FoundCount, brief.More)
-	}
-	if len(run.Probes[0].Found) != 689 {
-		t.Fatal("the overview cut the run it was made from")
-	}
-	whole, err := verdictAnswer(run, time.Now(), "d14")
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	if p := whole["run"].(doctorRun).Probes; len(p) != 1 || len(p[0].Found) != 689 || p[0].More != "" {
-		t.Fatalf("doctor probe=D14 answered %+v", p)
-	}
-	if _, err := verdictAnswer(run, time.Now(), "D99"); err == nil {
-		t.Fatal("a probe the run does not have was answered")
-	}
-	if !strings.Contains(doctorText(answer), "probe=D14` gives them all") {
-		t.Fatalf("the text does not say how to read them all:\n%s", doctorText(answer))
-	}
-}

cmd/mesh-controller/conditions_integration_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
+//go:build integration
+
+package main
+
+import (
+	"errors"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+)
+
+func TestUnreadableConditionsAreNotAWellMesh(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	_, store := withConditionsInMemory(t)
+	store.SetFail(errors.New("the bus is away"))
+	asked, err := theThreeQuestions(t.Context(), open)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if asked.well() || asked.conditionsUnread == "" {
+		t.Fatalf("well with its conditions unread: %+v", asked.conditionsUnread)
+	}
+	said := printed(t, func() error { return printStatus(asked) })
+	if !strings.HasPrefix(said, "the open conditions could NOT be read") || strings.Contains(said, "no open conditions") {
+		t.Fatalf("%s", said)
+	}
+	store.SetFail(nil)
+	asked, _ = theThreeQuestions(t.Context(), open)
+	said = printed(t, func() error { return printStatus(asked) })
+	if asked.well() && !strings.Contains(said, "no open conditions;") {
+		t.Fatalf("the all-well sentence does not say no conditions are open:\n%s", said)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/conditions_test.go

@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
 package main
 
 import (
-	"errors"
 	"strings"
 	"testing"
 
@@ -83,25 +82,3 @@ func TestASilenceThroughTheVerbHoldsAndTheConditionStaysOpen(t *testing.T) {
 }
 
 // **Conditions that cannot be read are not none open**: status says so, and is not well.
-func TestUnreadableConditionsAreNotAWellMesh(t *testing.T) {
-	open := aMesh(t)
-	_, store := withConditionsInMemory(t)
-	store.SetFail(errors.New("the bus is away"))
-	asked, err := theThreeQuestions(t.Context(), open)
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	if asked.well() || asked.conditionsUnread == "" {
-		t.Fatalf("well with its conditions unread: %+v", asked.conditionsUnread)
-	}
-	said := printed(t, func() error { return printStatus(asked) })
-	if !strings.HasPrefix(said, "the open conditions could NOT be read") || strings.Contains(said, "no open conditions") {
-		t.Fatalf("%s", said)
-	}
-	store.SetFail(nil)
-	asked, _ = theThreeQuestions(t.Context(), open)
-	said = printed(t, func() error { return printStatus(asked) })
-	if asked.well() && !strings.Contains(said, "no open conditions;") {
-		t.Fatalf("the all-well sentence does not say no conditions are open:\n%s", said)
-	}
-}

cmd/mesh-controller/config_move.go

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

cmd/mesh-controller/config_moved_integration_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,467 @@
+//go:build integration
+
+package main
+
+import (
+	"encoding/json"
+	"fmt"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"reflect"
+	"sort"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/overlay"
+)
+
+func aConfiguredMesh(t *testing.T) (*stores, configuredMesh, map[string]map[string]any) {
+	t.Helper()
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	for i, name := range []string{"workstation", "desktop"} {
+		record, err := inv.AddNode(ctx, name)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		if err := inv.SetPlace(ctx, name, name+".example:51820", "here", false, fmt.Sprintf("10.77.0.%d", i+3)); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		if err := inv.RecordProfile(ctx, record.ID, map[string]any{"capabilities": []any{
+			map[string]any{"name": "container-runtime", "present": true},
+			map[string]any{"name": "systemd", "present": true}}}); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		if err := inv.RecordSealingKey(ctx, record.ID, aPublicKey(t)); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		if err := inv.RecordOverlayKey(ctx, record.ID, aPublicKey(t)); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		if _, err := inv.Assign(ctx, name, overlay.Name); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	raw, err := os.ReadFile(filepath.Join("testdata", "config-moved", "mesh.json"))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	var w configuredMesh
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(raw, &w); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	list, err := catalogue.ParsePredefined(w.Predefined)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	catalogue.UsePredefined(list)
+	served := map[string]map[string]any{}
+	for _, text := range w.Modules {
+		var shape map[string]json.RawMessage
+		if err := json.Unmarshal(text, &shape); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		var name string
+		_ = json.Unmarshal(shape["module"], &name)
+		if s, ok := shape["serves-checked"]; ok {
+			var serves map[string]any
+			if err := json.Unmarshal(s, &serves); err != nil {
+				t.Fatal(err)
+			}
+			served[name] = serves
+			delete(shape, "serves-checked")
+		}
+		text, err := json.Marshal(shape)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		m, err := catalogue.ParseManifest(text)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("%s: %v", name, err)
+		}
+		register(t, open, m)
+	}
+	for _, l := range w.Layers {
+		values, err := json.Marshal(l.Values)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		if l.Node == "" {
+			inv.ExecForTest(t, `insert into settings (node, module, values) values (null, $1, $2)`, l.Module, string(values))
+			continue
+		}
+		inv.ExecForTest(t, `insert into settings (node, module, values) select id, $2, $3 from node where name = $1`,
+			l.Node, l.Module, string(values))
+	}
+	for _, module := range movedKeys(w.On) {
+		for _, node := range w.On[module] {
+			if _, err := assign(ctx, open, node, module); err != nil {
+				t.Fatalf("assign %s %s: %v", node, module, err)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return open, w, served
+}
+
+func TestEveryMachineIsToldTheSameAfterTheMoveOfConfig(t *testing.T) {
+	open, w, served := aConfiguredMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	readBackTries = 0
+	t.Cleanup(func() { readBackTries = 15 })
+	inv := open.inventory
+	config := &standInMeshConfig{open: open, values: map[string]any{}}
+	inv.ReadsConfigFrom(config.laid)
+	before := toldEveryMachine(t, open, served, w.On)
+	listedBefore := effectiveEverywhere(t, open, w)
+	factsBefore, err := gatherFacts(ctx, open, "2.11.17")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+
+	asked, err := runConfigMove(ctx, inv, config, false, "the move of config, run by a test", "")
+	if err != nil || !asked.DryRun || asked.Switched || len(asked.Problems) > 0 || len(config.sets) > 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the move, not confirmed, says %+v (%v) and set %v", asked, err, config.sets)
+	}
+	// nodered's live layer says the file's name for its time zone: set under the config key (issue 751).
+	if s := setAt(asked, "module.anchor.nodered.time-zone"); len(s) != 1 || s[0].Value != "Europe/Brussels" ||
+		!strings.HasSuffix(s[0].From[0], ": timeZone") {
+		t.Errorf("nodered's time zone moves as %+v", s)
+	}
+	for _, s := range asked.Sets {
+		if s.Key == "timeZone" {
+			t.Errorf("a key is set under the file's name: %+v", s)
+		}
+	}
+	// claude-code's whole-mesh managed settings become mesh config for agent-managed-settings (ADR 0348's
+	// consequences), and its whole-mesh layer sets no module value.
+	if s := setAt(asked, "mesh.agent-managed-settings"); len(s) != 1 || s[0].From[0] != "claude-code on the whole mesh: managed_settings" {
+		t.Errorf("claude-code's managed settings move as %+v", s)
+	}
+	for _, node := range fourMachines {
+		if s := setAt(asked, "module."+node+".claude-code.managed_settings"); len(s) > 0 {
+			t.Errorf("claude-code's managed settings are also set on %s: %+v", node, s)
+		}
+	}
+	// A whole-mesh layer of a value no predefined key holds goes to each machine it is assigned to, under that
+	// machine's layer: power's on the workstation is the workstation's, its own elsewhere.
+	if s := setAt(asked, "module.workstation.power.handle-power-key"); len(s) != 1 || s[0].Value != "suspend" {
+		t.Errorf("power's key on the workstation moves as %+v", s)
+	}
+	if s := setAt(asked, "module.anchor.power.handle-power-key"); len(s) != 1 || s[0].Value != "poweroff" {
+		t.Errorf("power's key on the anchor moves as %+v", s)
+	}
+	for _, s := range asked.Sets {
+		if s.Level == "node" {
+			t.Errorf("a machine's layer became node config: %+v", s)
+		}
+	}
+	var stays []string
+	for _, s := range asked.Stays {
+		stays = append(stays, strings.Fields(s)[0])
+	}
+	sort.Strings(stays)
+	if want := []string{"bazarr", "bazarr", "bookshelf", "jackett", "kernel", "kometa", "lidarr", "nzbget", "ombi",
+		"plex", "qbittorrent", "radarr", "sonarr", "tautulli"}; len(stays) < 10 || !containsString(stays, "kernel") {
+		t.Errorf("the layers that stay are %v, want those of %v", stays, want)
+	}
+	if after := toldEveryMachine(t, open, served, w.On); !reflect.DeepEqual(after, before) {
+		t.Fatal("a dry run changed what a machine is told")
+	}
+
+	moved, err := runConfigMove(ctx, inv, config, true, "the move of config, run by a test", "release 57 is delivered")
+	if err != nil || moved.DryRun || !moved.Switched {
+		t.Fatalf("the move says %+v (%v)", moved, err)
+	}
+	if len(config.sets) != len(asked.Sets) {
+		t.Fatalf("the move set %d values, and said it would set %d", len(config.sets), len(asked.Sets))
+	}
+	if held := inv.QueryForTest(t, `select module from settings s where values <> '{}'
+		and module in (select name from module where manifest ? 'config')`); len(held) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a layer of a module in the config form still holds values: %v", held)
+	}
+	after := toldEveryMachine(t, open, served, w.On)
+	for _, node := range fourMachines {
+		if after[node] != before[node] {
+			t.Errorf("%s is told something else after the move:\n%s\nwas:\n%s", node, after[node], before[node])
+		}
+	}
+	if listedAfter := effectiveEverywhere(t, open, w); !reflect.DeepEqual(listedAfter, listedBefore) {
+		t.Errorf("settings lists other values after the move:\n%v\nwas:\n%v", listedAfter, listedBefore)
+	}
+	// And config lists what settings listed: each module's resolved value on each machine is the value settings
+	// said before the move.
+	resolved, err := config.Resolved(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	for _, r := range resolved {
+		said, listed := listedBefore[r.Node+"."+r.Module+"."+r.Key]
+		if r.Source == "unset" {
+			if listed && said != nil {
+				t.Errorf("%s of %s on %s is unset in config, and settings said %v", r.Key, r.Module, r.Node, said)
+			}
+			continue
+		}
+		var v any
+		_ = json.Unmarshal(r.Value, &v)
+		if !listed || !reflect.DeepEqual(v, said) {
+			t.Errorf("config resolves %s of %s on %s as %v, and settings said %v", r.Key, r.Module, r.Node, v, said)
+		}
+	}
+
+	// The facts snapshot carries mesh-config's values for the merge gate, as each machine's layer of each module, and
+	// each machine's declaration composes to the digest it did before the move.
+	factsAfter, err := gatherFacts(ctx, open, "2.11.17")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	// Machines are named in a snapshot by stand-ins of its own; each is found by what it composes.
+	digests := func(f snapshotFacts) ([]string, string) {
+		var out []string
+		zone := ""
+		for _, m := range f.Machines {
+			out = append(out, m.Declaration.Digest)
+			for _, l := range m.Settings {
+				if l.Module == "nodered" {
+					zone = compactJSON(l.Values["time-zone"])
+				}
+			}
+		}
+		sort.Strings(out)
+		return out, zone
+	}
+	was, _ := digests(factsBefore)
+	now, zone := digests(factsAfter)
+	if zone != `"Europe/Brussels"` {
+		t.Errorf("the facts snapshot does not carry nodered's time zone from mesh-config: %s", zone)
+	}
+	if len(now) != len(fourMachines) || now[0] == "" || !reflect.DeepEqual(now, was) {
+		t.Errorf("the declarations in the facts snapshot are %v after the move, %v before", now, was)
+	}
+	for _, s := range factsAfter.Settings {
+		if _, isConfig := map[string]bool{"betterbird": true, "claude-code": true, "power": true, "xdg": true}[s.Module]; isConfig &&
+			len(s.Values) > 0 {
+			t.Errorf("the facts snapshot still carries the whole mesh's layer of %s: %v", s.Module, s.Values)
+		}
+	}
+
+	config.sets = nil
+	again, err := runConfigMove(ctx, inv, config, true, "the move of config, run by a test", "again")
+	if err != nil || len(config.sets) != 0 || len(again.Moved) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("asked again, the move set %v and says %+v (%v)", config.sets, again, err)
+	}
+	if after := toldEveryMachine(t, open, served, w.On); !reflect.DeepEqual(after, before) {
+		t.Fatal("the move asked again changed what a machine is told")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestTheMoveOfConfigRefusesWhatWouldChangeAMachine(t *testing.T) {
+	open, _, _ := aConfiguredMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	readBackTries = 0
+	t.Cleanup(func() { readBackTries = 15 })
+	inv := open.inventory
+	config := &standInMeshConfig{open: open, values: map[string]any{}}
+	inv.ReadsConfigFrom(config.laid)
+
+	inv.ExecForTest(t, `update settings set values = values || '{"endpoints": {"web": {"reach": "public"}}}'
+		where module = 'nodered'`)
+	inv.ExecForTest(t, `update settings set values = values || '{"colour": "blue"}' where module = 'unifi'`)
+	inv.ExecForTest(t, `update settings set values = '{"font-size": 900}' where module = 'dunst'`)
+	answer, err := runConfigMove(ctx, inv, config, true, "a test", "release 57 is delivered")
+	if err == nil || answer.Switched || len(config.sets) > 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the move went ahead: %+v (%v), set %v", answer, err, config.sets)
+	}
+	for _, want := range []string{"nodered on anchor still holds placement (endpoints): run move-placement first",
+		`unifi on anchor says "colour", which unifi does not declare`, "font-size at dunst's own value on workstation"} {
+		if !strings.Contains(err.Error(), want) {
+			t.Errorf("the refusal does not say %q: %v", want, err)
+		}
+	}
+	inv.ExecForTest(t, `update settings set values = values - 'endpoints' where module = 'nodered'`)
+	inv.ExecForTest(t, `update settings set values = values - 'colour' where module = 'unifi'`)
+	inv.ExecForTest(t, `update settings set values = '{"font-size": 13, "width": 500}' where module = 'dunst'`)
+
+	// Set in mesh-config before the move, on a module whose layers say nothing of it: the switch would lay it.
+	config.values["module.anchor.grafana."+movedKeys(func() map[string]catalogue.SettingDeclaration {
+		shelf, _ := inv.Catalogue(ctx)
+		return shelf["grafana"].Settings
+	}())[0]] = "set before the move"
+	answer, err = runConfigMove(ctx, inv, config, true, "a test", "release 57 is delivered")
+	if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "grafana on anchor resolves") || answer.Switched {
+		t.Fatalf("a value no layer says was laid by the switch: %+v (%v)", answer, err)
+	}
+	if moved, _ := inv.ConfigMoved(ctx); moved.Moved {
+		t.Fatal("the switch is on after a refused move")
+	}
+	if held := inv.QueryForTest(t, `select count(*) from settings where values <> '{}'`); held[0][0] == "0" {
+		t.Fatal("a refused move emptied the layers")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestTheSettingsVerbForwardsToConfigOnceTheValuesMoved(t *testing.T) {
+	open, w, served := aConfiguredMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	readBackTries = 0
+	t.Cleanup(func() { readBackTries = 15 })
+	config := &standInMeshConfig{open: open, values: map[string]any{}}
+	inv.ReadsConfigFrom(config.laid)
+	savedRead, savedAsk := readConfigValues, configAsk
+	readConfigValues, configAsk = config.laid, config.ask
+	t.Cleanup(func() { readConfigValues, configAsk = savedRead, savedAsk })
+	if _, err := runConfigMove(ctx, inv, config, true, "a test", "release 57 is delivered"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+
+	shown := stdoutOf(t, func() error { return settingsCommand(ctx, []string{"show", "nodered", "--node", "anchor"}) })
+	for _, want := range []string{`"time-zone": "Europe/Brussels"`, `time-zone = "Europe/Brussels"  (module)`,
+		"mesh-config.config", `"mqtt": {`} {
+		if !strings.Contains(shown, want) {
+			t.Errorf("settings show does not say %q:\n%s", want, shown)
+		}
+	}
+	if strings.Contains(shown, "timeZone") {
+		t.Errorf("settings show still says the file's name:\n%s", shown)
+	}
+
+	config.asked = nil
+	said := stdoutOf(t, func() error {
+		return settingsCommand(ctx, []string{"set", "dunst", `{"font-size": 12, "width": 500}`, "--node", "workstation"})
+	})
+	if config.values["module.workstation.dunst.font-size"] != float64(12) || !strings.Contains(said, "~ font-size") ||
+		containsString(config.asked, "set module.workstation.dunst.width") {
+		t.Fatalf("settings set reached mesh-config as %v (%v):\n%s", config.values, config.asked, said)
+	}
+	told := toldEveryMachine(t, open, served, w.On)["workstation"]
+	if !strings.Contains(told, "12") {
+		t.Error("the workstation is not told the font size set through settings")
+	}
+	if err := settingsCommand(ctx, []string{"set", "dunst", `{"font-size": 12}`, "--node", "workstation"}); err == nil ||
+		!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "would no longer set width") {
+		t.Fatalf("a set dropping a value without --replace: %v", err)
+	}
+	if err := settingsCommand(ctx, []string{"set", "dunst", `{"font-size": 12}`}); err == nil ||
+		!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "no own value for the whole mesh") {
+		t.Fatalf("a module value for the whole mesh: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	t.Setenv(verbVar, "settings")
+	for _, c := range []struct{ module, node, values, key, held, why string }{
+		// A file root reads: refused as before the move (novox/hq issue 339).
+		{"hostname", "anchor", `{"hostname": "elsewhere"}`, "module.anchor.hostname.hostname", "Ace", "issue 339"},
+		{"messenger", "laptop", `{"desktop-machines": ["g14", "shanks"], "time-zone": "UTC"}`,
+			"module.laptop.messenger.time-zone", "Europe/Brussels", "issue 339"},
+	} {
+		err := settingsCommand(ctx, []string{"set", c.module, c.values, "--node", c.node})
+		if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), c.why) || config.values[c.key] != c.held {
+			t.Fatalf("a trusted value of %s through a verb: %v, holds %v", c.module, err, config.values[c.key])
+		}
+	}
+	// And a trusted value no file makes the terminal's is refused as trusted, since mesh-config takes the controller's
+	// word for it (ADR 0348 §8).
+	if err := refuseTrustedThroughAVerb(ctx, inv, "messenger", "laptop", []string{"time-zone"}); err == nil ||
+		!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "ADR 0348 §8") {
+		t.Fatalf("a trusted value through a verb: %v", err)
+	}
+	if err := refuseTrustedThroughAVerb(ctx, inv, "dunst", "workstation", []string{"width"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("a value nobody trusts through a verb: %v", err)
+	}
+	stdoutOf(t, func() error {
+		return settingsCommand(ctx, []string{"set", "dunst", `{"font-size": 12, "width": 600}`, "--node", "workstation"})
+	})
+	if config.values["module.workstation.dunst.width"] != float64(600) {
+		t.Fatalf("a value nobody trusts was not set through a verb: %v", config.values["module.workstation.dunst.width"])
+	}
+	t.Setenv(verbVar, "")
+
+	stdoutOf(t, func() error { return settingsCommand(ctx, []string{"clear", "dunst", "--node", "workstation"}) })
+	for _, k := range []string{"font-size", "width"} {
+		if _, held := config.values["module.workstation.dunst."+k]; held {
+			t.Errorf("settings clear left dunst's %s on the workstation", k)
+		}
+	}
+
+	config.asked = nil
+	proposed := stdoutOf(t, func() error {
+		return settingsCommand(ctx, []string{"propose", "hostname", `{"hostname": "elsewhere"}`, "--node", "anchor"})
+	})
+	if !containsString(config.asked, "propose module.anchor.hostname.hostname") || !strings.Contains(proposed, "p-1") {
+		t.Fatalf("settings propose reached mesh-config as %v:\n%s", config.asked, proposed)
+	}
+
+	config.asked = nil
+	kept := stdoutOf(t, func() error { return settingsCommand(ctx, []string{"show", "kernel", "--node", "laptop"}) })
+	if !strings.Contains(kept, "transparent-huge-pages") || len(config.asked) > 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a module in the settings form is shown as %q, asking mesh-config %v", kept, config.asked)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestAnApprovalRaisedBeforeTheMoveOfConfigIsRefusedAfterIt(t *testing.T) {
+	open, _, _ := aConfiguredMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	readBackTries = 0
+	t.Cleanup(func() { readBackTries = 15 })
+	inv := open.inventory
+	config := &standInMeshConfig{open: open, values: map[string]any{}}
+	inv.ReadsConfigFrom(config.laid)
+	shelf, err := inv.Catalogue(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	key := movedKeys(func() map[string]catalogue.SettingDeclaration { return shelf["grafana"].Settings }())[0]
+	values := map[string]any{key: "raised before the move"}
+	p := settingsProposal{Module: "grafana", Node: "anchor", Values: values, From: "g14/claude-code", At: time.Now(),
+		Digest: layerDigest(values), BeforeDigest: layerDigest(nil)}
+	if _, has, err := inv.Layer(ctx, "anchor", "grafana"); err != nil || has {
+		t.Fatalf("grafana has a layer on anchor before the test: %v %v", has, err)
+	}
+	if moved, err := runConfigMove(ctx, inv, config, true, "a test", "release 57 is delivered"); err != nil || !moved.Switched {
+		t.Fatalf("the move says %+v (%v)", moved, err)
+	}
+	if reads, err := inv.ReadsConfig(ctx, "grafana"); err != nil || !reads {
+		t.Fatalf("grafana does not read config after the move: %v %v", reads, err)
+	}
+	_, err = setLayerIn(open)(ctx, p, "s30", "approved by the operator")
+	if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "moved to mesh-config since the operator was shown the change") ||
+		!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "propose it again") {
+		t.Fatalf("the stale approval: %v", err)
+	}
+	if layer, has, err := inv.Layer(ctx, "anchor", "grafana"); err != nil || has && len(layer) > 0 {
+		t.Errorf("the refused approval wrote the layer: %v %v %v", layer, has, err)
+	}
+	if reads, err := inv.ReadsConfig(ctx, "grafana"); err != nil || !reads {
+		t.Errorf("the refused approval turned ReadsConfig off: %v %v", reads, err)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestAPlacementOnlyApprovalRaisedBeforeTheMoveIsSetAfterIt(t *testing.T) {
+	open, _, _ := aConfiguredMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	readBackTries = 0
+	t.Cleanup(func() { readBackTries = 15 })
+	inv := open.inventory
+	config := &standInMeshConfig{open: open, values: map[string]any{}}
+	inv.ReadsConfigFrom(config.laid)
+	values := map[string]any{catalogue.PlacesSetting: map[string]any{"data": "/srv/grafana-data"}}
+	p := settingsProposal{Module: "grafana", Node: "anchor", Values: values, From: "g14/claude-code", At: time.Now(),
+		Digest: layerDigest(values), BeforeDigest: layerDigest(nil)}
+	if _, has, err := inv.Layer(ctx, "anchor", "grafana"); err != nil || has {
+		t.Fatalf("grafana has a layer on anchor before the test: %v %v", has, err)
+	}
+	if moved, err := runConfigMove(ctx, inv, config, true, "a test", "release 57 is delivered"); err != nil || !moved.Switched {
+		t.Fatalf("the move says %+v (%v)", moved, err)
+	}
+	if _, err := setLayerIn(open)(ctx, p, "s31", "approved by the operator"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("the placement-only approval after the move: %v", err)
+	}
+	if _, has, err := inv.Layer(ctx, "anchor", "grafana"); err != nil || !has {
+		t.Errorf("the approval did not set the layer: %v %v", has, err)
+	}
+	if reads, err := inv.ReadsConfig(ctx, "grafana"); err != nil || !reads {
+		t.Errorf("the approval turned ReadsConfig off: %v %v", reads, err)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/config_moved_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,336 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"fmt"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	snapshot "github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/facts"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// configuredMesh is every live settings layer (issue 664) — read with the settings verb on 2026-10-15, on the four
+// machines as anchor, laptop, workstation and desktop, the whole mesh's with no node; personal values stood in for,
+// and the placement words left out, which move-placement moves first — with each module in the config form shaped
+// as its definition on the feature branch: its config, its files (templates inlined) and directories, placeholders
+// of kinds this test's mesh does not hold stood in for. A module still in the settings form (the media catalogue's,
+// and kernel) stands in as a mergeable file that takes every key. `on` is where each is assigned, as live.
+type configuredMesh struct {
+	Modules []json.RawMessage   `json:"modules"`
+	Layers  []configuredLayer   `json:"layers"`
+	On      map[string][]string `json:"on"`
+	// Predefined is the catalogue's list of predefined keys, which a module falls back to.
+	Predefined json.RawMessage `json:"predefined"`
+}
+
+type configuredLayer struct {
+	Node   string         `json:"node"`
+	Module string         `json:"module"`
+	Values map[string]any `json:"values"`
+}
+
+var fourMachines = []string{"anchor", "laptop", "workstation", "desktop"}
+
+// aConfiguredMesh is aMesh with two machines more, every module of the configured mesh registered and assigned, and
+// its layers held as the store holds them once move-placement has run.
+
+// standInMeshConfig is mesh-config as this test holds it: each value at its level, and resolved from the catalogue
+// the store holds as mesh-config resolves (novox/hq ADR 0348 §2): the module's own value on the node, else node
+// config then mesh config for the predefined key it falls back to, else its default; a required value nothing sets is
+// unset.
+type standInMeshConfig struct {
+	open   *stores
+	values map[string]any
+	sets   []string
+	// asked is each call of its verb: the action and the level's key.
+	asked []string
+}
+
+func (c *standInMeshConfig) Values(context.Context) (map[string]json.RawMessage, error) {
+	out := map[string]json.RawMessage{}
+	for k, v := range c.values {
+		raw, err := json.Marshal(v)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		out[k] = raw
+	}
+	return out, nil
+}
+
+func (c *standInMeshConfig) Set(_ context.Context, level configLevel, key string, value any, by, why string) error {
+	if by == "" || why == "" {
+		return fmt.Errorf("%s at %s is set without who or why", key, level)
+	}
+	c.values[level.valueKey(key)] = normalJSON(value)
+	c.sets = append(c.sets, level.valueKey(key))
+	return nil
+}
+
+func (c *standInMeshConfig) Resolved(ctx context.Context) ([]resolvedEntry, error) {
+	entries, err := c.open.inventory.Catalogued(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	var out []resolvedEntry
+	for _, e := range entries {
+		m := e.Manifest
+		if !m.DeclaresConfig() {
+			continue
+		}
+		for _, node := range e.On {
+			for _, key := range movedKeys(m.Settings) {
+				d := m.Settings[key]
+				r := resolvedEntry{Node: node, Module: m.Module, Key: key, Source: "default"}
+				value, has := c.values["module."+node+"."+m.Module+"."+key]
+				switch {
+				case has:
+					r.Source = "module"
+				case d.Predefined != "" && c.values["node."+node+"."+d.Predefined] != nil:
+					value, r.Source = c.values["node."+node+"."+d.Predefined], "node"
+				case d.Predefined != "" && c.values["mesh."+d.Predefined] != nil:
+					value, r.Source = c.values["mesh."+d.Predefined], "mesh"
+				case d.Required:
+					r.Source = "unset"
+				default:
+					value = d.Default
+				}
+				if r.Source != "unset" {
+					if r.Value, err = json.Marshal(value); err != nil {
+						return nil, err
+					}
+				}
+				out = append(out, r)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return out, nil
+}
+
+// laid is the stand-in as composition reads it once the switch is on (inventory.ConfigValues).
+func (c *standInMeshConfig) laid(ctx context.Context, node, module string) (map[string]any, error) {
+	resolved, err := c.Resolved(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return configLaid(resolved, node, module)
+}
+
+// snapshotFacts is the facts snapshot as gatherFacts gives it.
+type snapshotFacts = snapshot.Facts
+
+// toldEveryMachine is what each of the four machines is told — every resource and the filter's rules — and what
+// each module that serves something serves, settled from its layers, as JSON a person can diff.
+func toldEveryMachine(t *testing.T, open *stores, served map[string]map[string]any, on map[string][]string) map[string]string {
+	t.Helper()
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	gens, err := generators(ctx, open)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	shelf, err := open.inventory.Catalogue(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	told := map[string]string{}
+	for _, node := range fourMachines {
+		plan, settings, err := planFor(ctx, open, node)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("%s: %v", node, err)
+		}
+		with, _, err := renderingFor(ctx, open, node, plan, settings, gens, Allocating)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("%s: %v", node, err)
+		}
+		composed, err := plan.Compose(with)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("%s: %v", node, err)
+		}
+		rules, err := plan.Rules(with)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("%s: %v", node, err)
+		}
+		settles := map[string]any{}
+		for module, serves := range served {
+			if !containsString(on[module], node) {
+				continue
+			}
+			layers, err := open.inventory.SettingsFor(ctx, node, module)
+			if err != nil {
+				t.Fatal(err)
+			}
+			for name, s := range serves {
+				fact, _ := s.(map[string]any)
+				settled, err := catalogue.Settle(fact, catalogue.WithDefaults(shelf[module], layers))
+				if err != nil {
+					settles[module+" serves "+name] = "error: " + err.Error()
+					continue
+				}
+				settles[module+" serves "+name] = settled
+			}
+		}
+		got, err := json.MarshalIndent(map[string]any{"resources": composed.Resources, "left-out": composed.LeftOut,
+			"rules": rules, "served": settles}, "", "  ")
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		told[node] = string(got)
+	}
+	return told
+}
+
+// effectiveEverywhere is each module's every value on each machine it is assigned to, as `settings show` and
+// `settings preferences` say them (catalogue.Effective): the value, never where it came from, which the move
+// changes by design; a key a layer says by its file's name is read as its config key.
+func effectiveEverywhere(t *testing.T, open *stores, w configuredMesh) map[string]any {
+	t.Helper()
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	shelf, err := open.inventory.Catalogue(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	out := map[string]any{}
+	for _, module := range movedKeys(w.On) {
+		if !shelf[module].DeclaresConfig() {
+			continue
+		}
+		for _, node := range w.On[module] {
+			layers, err := open.inventory.SettingsFor(ctx, node, module)
+			if err != nil {
+				t.Fatal(err)
+			}
+			// A layer's old spelling of a key (nodered's timeZone) is listed beside the key it is the file's name
+			// for, and reaches the file as that key does (issue 751): read as that key, which the move sets.
+			as := catalogue.TakenAs(shelf[module])
+			for _, v := range catalogue.Effective(shelf[module], layers) {
+				if key, old := as[v.Key]; old {
+					out[node+"."+module+"."+key] = normalJSON(v.Value)
+					continue
+				}
+				if _, said := out[node+"."+module+"."+v.Key]; said && v.FromDefault {
+					continue
+				}
+				out[node+"."+module+"."+v.Key] = normalJSON(v.Value)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+func setAt(a configMoveAnswer, key string) []configSet {
+	var out []configSet
+	for _, s := range a.Sets {
+		if s.valueKey(s.Key) == key {
+			out = append(out, s)
+		}
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// **The settings layers move into mesh-config and no machine is told anything new** (novox/hq ADR 0348 §9, design
+// 57 K5, issue 664). Every live layer is seeded as the store holds it once move-placement has run, on modules shaped
+// as their definitions, and every machine composed. The move, asked without confirming, says each value it would set
+// and where from, and sets nothing; confirmed, it sets them in mesh-config, reads them back, empties the layers it
+// moved and switches. Each machine is then told byte for byte what it was told before, every module serves the same,
+// and `settings` lists the same values `config` resolves. Asked again, it sets nothing.
+
+// **The move refuses what it cannot move as it composes, and sets nothing** (issue 664): a layer that still holds
+// placement (move-placement has not run), a key its module does not declare, and a value its declaration refuses —
+// each said by name; and a value mesh-config resolves from a level no layer says (it would be laid once the switch
+// is on) leaves every layer and the switch as they were.
+
+// The verb's command line: a dry run unless confirmed, and a confirmed move says why, recorded as a person's step of
+// the release, never a repair (issue 664).
+func TestTheMoveOfConfigIsADryRunUnlessConfirmed(t *testing.T) {
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		args map[string]any
+		want string
+	}{
+		{map[string]any{}, "move-config --json"},
+		{map[string]any{"confirm": "true", "why": "release 57 is delivered"}, "move-config --json --confirm --why release 57 is delivered"},
+	} {
+		argv, err := argvFor("move-config", c.args)
+		if err != nil || strings.Join(argv, " ") != c.want {
+			t.Errorf("%v: %q %v, want %q", c.args, argv, err, c.want)
+		}
+	}
+	for _, args := range []map[string]any{{"confirm": "true"}, {"why": "tidy"}, {"node": "anchor"}} {
+		if argv, err := argvFor("move-config", args); err == nil {
+			t.Errorf("%v was composed as %q", args, argv)
+		}
+	}
+	if repairingCommand([]string{"move-config", "--json", "--confirm", "--why", "x"}) != "move-config" {
+		t.Error("a confirmed move through the generic verb would go unrecorded")
+	}
+	if !personsDecision(link.HandAct{Verb: "move-config"}) {
+		t.Error("a move of the release would count toward a healer the mesh lacks")
+	}
+}
+
+// ask is mesh-config's verb as the stand-in answers it: list, set, clear and propose.
+func (c *standInMeshConfig) ask(ctx context.Context, args map[string]any) (json.RawMessage, error) {
+	str := func(k string) string { s, _ := args[k].(string); return s }
+	level := configLevel{Level: "mesh"}
+	switch {
+	case str("module") != "" && str("node") != "":
+		level = configLevel{Level: "module", Node: str("node"), Module: str("module")}
+	case str("node") != "":
+		level = configLevel{Level: "node", Node: str("node")}
+	}
+	c.asked = append(c.asked, str("action")+" "+level.valueKey(str("key")))
+	switch str("action") {
+	case "list":
+		resolved, err := c.Resolved(ctx)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		out := map[string]any{"resolved": []resolvedEntry{}, "set": []any{}}
+		var listed []resolvedEntry
+		for _, r := range resolved {
+			if r.Module == str("module") && (str("node") == "" || r.Node == str("node")) {
+				listed = append(listed, r)
+			}
+		}
+		out["resolved"] = listed
+		var set []any
+		for _, k := range movedKeys(c.values) {
+			parts := strings.SplitN(k, ".", 4)
+			if len(parts) == 4 && parts[0] == "module" && parts[2] == str("module") {
+				set = append(set, map[string]any{"level": configLevel{Level: "module", Node: parts[1], Module: parts[2]},
+					"key": parts[3], "value": c.values[k], "by": "a test"})
+			}
+		}
+		out["set"] = set
+		return json.Marshal(out)
+	case "set":
+		if str("why") == "" || str("by") == "" {
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("a set without why or by: %v", args)
+		}
+		return nil, c.Set(ctx, level, str("key"), args["value"], str("by"), str("why"))
+	case "clear":
+		if _, had := c.values[level.valueKey(str("key"))]; !had {
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("nothing is set for %s", str("key"))
+		}
+		delete(c.values, level.valueKey(str("key")))
+		return json.RawMessage(`{}`), nil
+	case "propose":
+		return json.RawMessage(`{"proposal":"p-1"}`), nil
+	}
+	return nil, fmt.Errorf("the stand-in does not %s", str("action"))
+}
+
+// **`settings` answers by forwarding to `config`** (novox/hq ADR 0348 §1, design 57 K5, issue 664): once the move
+// has run, a module in the config form is shown from mesh-config, its values set and cleared there as its own on the
+// machine (placement still beside the assignment), and proposed through it; a trusted value is refused through a
+// verb, a module value for the whole mesh is refused, and a module still in the settings form keeps today's verb.
+
+// **An approval for a module whose config has moved is refused, and writes nothing** (issue 830, novox/hq ADR 0348):
+// a proposal raised while grafana read its layer (it had none, so the layer is as the operator was shown it) and
+// approved after the move would put its values back into the layer, ReadsConfig would turn false, and the module
+// would compose from emptied layers everywhere.
+
+// **A proposal of placement only is set after the move, as before** (issue 830): forwardPropose sends it down the
+// old path on purpose, so refusing it would loop the operator (refused, proposed again, refused).

cmd/mesh-controller/config_read.go

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

cmd/mesh-controller/core_box.go

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

cmd/mesh-controller/core_box_integration_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,129 @@
+//go:build integration
+
+package main
+
+import (
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"reflect"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+func aCoreMesh(t *testing.T, contract int) (*stores, *coreStandIn) {
+	t.Helper()
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	client := aClientModule()
+	register(t, open, client)
+	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "laptop", client.Module); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := issueProvisionerClient(ctx, open.inventory, client, "laptop", broker.Broker{Fingerprint: "ab"},
+		"10.0.0.1:4222"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, err := open.inventory.RecordHealth(ctx, inventory.NodeHealth{Node: "laptop", Contract: contract,
+		SaidAt: time.Now()}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	v := &coreStandIn{generation: 1}
+	withVault(t, v)
+	return open, v
+}
+
+func TestTheSendCarriesTheVaultsBoxForACoreCredentialAndKeepsIt(t *testing.T) {
+	open, vault := aCoreMesh(t, link.VaultBoxContract)
+	key, err := open.inventory.SealingKeyOf(t.Context(), "laptop")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	f := clientsBroker(sentTo(t, open, "laptop"))
+	if f == nil || f["sealed"] != nil || f[catalogue.VaultSealedField] == nil {
+		t.Fatalf("the core credential is sent as %v: the vault's box, never the controller's seal", f)
+	}
+	if want := []string{"own/laptop/mesh-provisioner-client/" + broker.ProvisionerSecret}; !reflect.DeepEqual(vault.asked, want) {
+		t.Fatalf("the vault was asked %v", vault.asked)
+	}
+	if want, _ := sealingKeyPEM(key); vault.keys[0] != want {
+		t.Fatalf("the vault was asked to seal to %q, not the machine's key", vault.keys[0])
+	}
+	first, _ := json.Marshal(f[catalogue.VaultSealedField])
+
+	// The vault answers afresh with the same generation: the kept box is carried again, so the declaration is stable.
+	again, _ := json.Marshal(clientsBroker(sentTo(t, open, "laptop"))[catalogue.VaultSealedField])
+	if string(again) != string(first) {
+		t.Fatalf("a fresh box of the same generation changed the declaration: %s, then %s", first, again)
+	}
+	// A rotation in the vault (a newer generation) is carried.
+	vault.generation = 2
+	rotated, _ := json.Marshal(clientsBroker(sentTo(t, open, "laptop"))[catalogue.VaultSealedField])
+	if string(rotated) == string(first) {
+		t.Fatal("a newer generation was not carried")
+	}
+	if _, found := vaultSilence(t, "laptop"); found {
+		t.Fatal("a send the vault answered raised its silence")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestASilentVaultHoldsTheKeptBoxAndSaysSo(t *testing.T) {
+	open, vault := aCoreMesh(t, link.VaultBoxContract)
+	first, _ := json.Marshal(clientsBroker(sentTo(t, open, "laptop"))[catalogue.VaultSealedField])
+	vault.silent = errors.New("no responders")
+	held := clientsBroker(sentTo(t, open, "laptop"))
+	got, _ := json.Marshal(held[catalogue.VaultSealedField])
+	if held == nil || held["sealed"] != nil || string(got) != string(first) {
+		t.Fatalf("a silent vault's credential is sent as %v: the box kept, never the controller's seal", held)
+	}
+	c, found := vaultSilence(t, "laptop")
+	if !found || !strings.Contains(c.Summary, "vault") || !strings.Contains(c.Summary, "laptop") {
+		t.Fatalf("no condition names the vault and the machine: %+v", c)
+	}
+	// The vault answers again: the condition clears.
+	vault.silent = nil
+	sentTo(t, open, "laptop")
+	if _, found := vaultSilence(t, "laptop"); found {
+		t.Fatal("the condition stayed after the vault answered")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestACoreModuleFirstPlacedWhileTheVaultIsSilentIsSealedByTheController(t *testing.T) {
+	open, vault := aCoreMesh(t, link.VaultBoxContract)
+	vault.silent = errors.New("no responders")
+	plan, settings, err := planFor(t.Context(), open, "laptop")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	declared, err := declarationFor(t.Context(), open, "laptop", plan, settings)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	f := clientsBroker(declared.Resources)
+	if f == nil || f["sealed"] == nil || f[catalogue.VaultSealedField] != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("the core credential is composed as %v: the controller's own seal, until the vault holds it", f)
+	}
+	if why, left := declared.leftOutWhy["mesh-provisioner-client"]; left {
+		t.Fatalf("the core module was left out: %v", why)
+	}
+	c, found := vaultSilence(t, "laptop")
+	if !found || !strings.Contains(c.Summary, "sealed by the controller until the vault holds it") {
+		t.Fatalf("the condition does not say why: %+v", c)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestAnEngineBelowTheContractIsSentTheControllersSealAsBefore(t *testing.T) {
+	open, vault := aCoreMesh(t, link.HandedContract)
+	f := clientsBroker(sentTo(t, open, "laptop"))
+	if f == nil || f["sealed"] == nil || f[catalogue.VaultSealedField] != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("an older engine is sent %v", f)
+	}
+	if len(vault.asked) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the vault was asked %v for an older engine", vault.asked)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/core_box_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,131 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"reflect"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"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"
+)
+
+// The core's own credentials travel sealed by the vault to their machine (novox/hq ADR 0349 §16, issue 755; the lead's
+// decision, issue 755 notes 4 and 5): to an engine that opens the vault's box, the send carries the box the vault
+// answered the controller and never the controller's own seal; when the vault does not answer, a kept box is carried
+// again and a module with none is sealed by the controller (ADR 0396, issue 908), with a condition naming the vault and the machine. An engine below the
+// contract composes exactly as before, and the vault is not asked.
+
+// coreStandIn answers `get` with a box per name and generation, or its silence.
+type coreStandIn struct {
+	asked      []string
+	keys       []string
+	generation int
+	silent     error
+}
+
+func (v *coreStandIn) ask(name, key string) (coreAnswer, error) {
+	v.asked, v.keys = append(v.asked, name), append(v.keys, key)
+	if v.silent != nil {
+		return coreAnswer{}, v.silent
+	}
+	box := `{"v":1,"eph":"ZQ==","iv":"aQ==","tag":"dA==","ct":"` + strings.Repeat("c", len(v.asked)) + `"}`
+	return coreAnswer{Name: name, Generation: v.generation, Sealed: json.RawMessage(box)}, nil
+}
+
+func withVault(t *testing.T, v *coreStandIn) {
+	t.Helper()
+	before := coreVault
+	coreVault = func(context.Context) coreAsk { return v.ask }
+	t.Cleanup(func() { coreVault = before })
+}
+
+func clientsBroker(resources []map[string]any) map[string]any {
+	for _, r := range resources {
+		if r["id"] == "mesh-provisioner-client.needs-"+broker.ProvisionerSecret {
+			return r
+		}
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+func vaultSilence(t *testing.T, node string) (conditions.Condition, bool) {
+	t.Helper()
+	c, found, err := conditionsFrom.Get(t.Context(), vaultSilentObservation(node, coreBoxes{}).Key())
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	return c, found
+}
+
+// Issue 908: a machine at the vault-box contract, the vault silent, no kept box: nats is composed with the
+// controller's own seal, never left out, and the vault-silent condition names it.
+func TestReplay908(t *testing.T) {
+	key := "AAECAwQFBgcICQoLDA0ODxAREhMUFRYXGBkaGxwdHh8="
+	core := map[string][]string{"nats": {"password"}}
+	ask := func(name, publicKey string) (coreAnswer, error) { return coreAnswer{}, errors.New("no responders") }
+	got := coreBoxesOf("novox", key, core, nil, Allocating, ask)
+	if _, sealed := got.sealed["nats"]; sealed || len(got.notPlaced) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("nats is vault-sealed %v or not placed %v", got.sealed, got.notPlaced)
+	}
+	if !reflect.DeepEqual(got.byController, []string{"nats"}) {
+		t.Fatalf("nats is not left to the controller's seal: %+v", got)
+	}
+	o := vaultSilentObservation("novox", got)
+	if o.Severity != conditions.Warning || !strings.Contains(o.Summary, "sealed by the controller until the vault holds it: nats") {
+		t.Fatalf("the condition does not name nats: %+v", o)
+	}
+	// A kept box is still carried while the vault is silent.
+	kept := map[string]map[string]inventory.CoreBox{"nats": {"password": {SealedTo: key, Box: json.RawMessage(`{"v":1}`)}}}
+	got = coreBoxesOf("novox", key, core, kept, Allocating, ask)
+	if string(got.sealed["nats"]["password"]) != `{"v":1}` || len(got.byController) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the kept box was not held: %+v", got)
+	}
+}
+
+// An engine below VaultBoxContract is sent the controller's own seal, as before, and the vault is not asked.
+
+// Every question but a send reads the kept box and asks nothing; with none kept, a stand-in the next send asks for.
+func TestOnlyASendAsksTheVault(t *testing.T) {
+	core := map[string][]string{"nats": {"broker"}}
+	key := aPublicKey(t)
+	kept := map[string]map[string]inventory.CoreBox{"nats": {"broker": {Module: "nats", Name: "broker",
+		Generation: 1, SealedTo: key, Box: json.RawMessage(`{"v":1}`)}}}
+	never := func(string, string) (coreAnswer, error) {
+		t.Fatal("the vault was asked by a question that is not a send")
+		return coreAnswer{}, nil
+	}
+	for _, choosing := range []Choosing{Reading, Foreseeing} {
+		if got := coreBoxesOf("anchor", key, core, kept, choosing, never); string(got.sealed["nats"]["broker"]) != `{"v":1}` {
+			t.Errorf("read %s", got.sealed["nats"]["broker"])
+		}
+		if got := coreBoxesOf("anchor", key, core, nil, choosing, never); string(got.sealed["nats"]["broker"]) !=
+			string(catalogue.ForeseenVaultBox) {
+			t.Errorf("with none kept, read %s", got.sealed["nats"]["broker"])
+		}
+	}
+	// A box kept for another key of the machine is never carried.
+	other := coreBoxesOf("anchor", aPublicKey(t), core, kept, Allocating,
+		func(string, string) (coreAnswer, error) { return coreAnswer{}, errors.New("silent") })
+	if _, vaultSealed := other.sealed["nats"]; vaultSealed || !reflect.DeepEqual(other.byController, []string{"nats"}) {
+		t.Fatalf("a box sealed to the machine's old key was carried: %+v", other)
+	}
+}
+
+// The core's modules on a machine: on the list, not handed, with their own secrets but one issued outside.
+func TestTheCoresModulesAreTheListsWithTheirOwnSecrets(t *testing.T) {
+	modules := []catalogue.Manifest{
+		{Module: "nats", OwnSecrets: catalogue.OwnSecrets{"broker": {Path: "/a"}, "given": {Path: "/b",
+			IssuedBy: catalogue.IssuedOutside}}},
+		{Module: "postgres", OwnSecrets: catalogue.OwnSecrets{"superuser": {Path: "/c"}}},
+		{Module: "mesh-provisioner", OwnSecrets: catalogue.OwnSecrets{"broker": {Path: "/d"}}},
+	}
+	got := coreModulesOf(modules, func(m catalogue.Manifest) bool { return m.Module == "mesh-provisioner" })
+	if want := map[string][]string{"nats": {"broker"}}; !reflect.DeepEqual(got, want) {
+		t.Fatalf("got %v, want %v", got, want)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/core_downgrade.go

@@ -0,0 +1,215 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"fmt"
+	"sort"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/lease"
+)
+
+// **No send but a person's `push <node>` and a gate's own put-back moves the mesh's own core to a build older
+// than the one its machine was last sent** (novox/hq issue 201). Every send made through sendToEach keeps it — a
+// plan's, a release's, a healer's, a rotation's, and the bus step too, which is a person's act but composes under
+// sendKeeps like the rest. On 2026-10-02 two merges a minute apart made two plans;
+// the controller's plan rolled the new controller, which widened its seat's row, and the node-engine's plan then
+// sent the control node the controller build before it. The older binary read the row it could not serve and the
+// mesh lost its voice for ten minutes — the thing that would have corrected it was the thing that was down. ADR
+// 0185 took the outage out of it (a controller behind its row serves what it can); the race is closed here,
+// without needing its trigger: whatever made the mesh's record older, the send keeps the build.
+//
+// **Kept, not refused.** The send composes the controller or the node-engine at the build the machine was last
+// sent, as a recorded module is kept (ADR 0245), and carries everything else: no other module, secret, healer or
+// walk waits on it, and nothing is retried. The kept move is no move for a gate either: ungatedIn and gatedSend
+// leave it out (withoutKept), so a gate judges the other moves of its send. A plan whose own build is the older one finds its gate superseded by
+// the build kept there (issue 352) and ends. The mesh's record stays older, and a warning condition says so until
+// a send carries the record — a person's `push <node>` accepts the older build — or the record moves forward: a
+// newer merge, or `rebuild mesh-controller`.
+//
+// Older is by the builds' registration order — when each was asked (novox/hq issue 219) — never by the commits'
+// dates. So a retry or a rebuild of an old commit, asked anew, counts as newer: it is registered as the module's
+// current build by the same order, and the guard does not stop that move. A build that failed its gate is never
+// ahead: the machine was sent it and the record was put back before it (gateFailed), and if the put-back's own
+// send was refused, the next send completes it rather than keeping the failed build there. A gate's own put-back
+// carries its modules back whatever the order (sendScope.puttingBack); the controller's is held to the store's
+// schema already (issue 352).
+
+// kindCoreDowngrade is a core module kept at the build its machine was last sent, over an older record.
+const kindCoreDowngrade = "core-downgrade-kept"
+
+// coreDowngradeSource is the condition's source: the sends, which raise and clear it.
+const coreDowngradeSource = "sends"
+
+// downgradeGuarded is the core components a send may not move backwards: the controller, which reads the
+// store and its seat's row, and the node-engine, which reads what the controller declares.
+var downgradeGuarded = []string{lease.ComponentController, lease.ComponentEngine}
+
+// askedBuild is what the order needs of one build of a module: when it was asked, and whether it failed its gate.
+type askedBuild struct {
+	asked      time.Time
+	failedGate bool
+}
+
+// buildAsked is the newest build of a module from a commit that worked — when it was asked (or recorded, when
+// the request time is not known), and whether it failed its gate — and false when the records hold none. A
+// variable, so a test reads its own order.
+var buildAsked = func(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, module, commit string) (askedBuild, bool, error) {
+	builds, err := inv.Builds(ctx, module, askedLookBack)
+	if err != nil {
+		return askedBuild{}, false, err
+	}
+	for _, b := range builds {
+		if b.Worked() && sameCommit(b.Commit, commit) {
+			failed, err := inv.GateFailed(ctx, b.ID)
+			if err != nil {
+				return askedBuild{}, false, err
+			}
+			return askedBuild{asked: b.AskedOrAt(), failedGate: failed}, true, nil
+		}
+	}
+	return askedBuild{}, false, nil
+}
+
+// askedLookBack is how many of a module's newest builds are read for when a build was asked.
+const askedLookBack = 50
+
+// coreDowngrade is one core module a machine was last sent a build of that is newer than the mesh's record.
+type coreDowngrade struct {
+	module, node, component string
+	// sent is the build the machine was last sent, record the one the mesh holds.
+	sent, record           string
+	sentAsked, recordAsked time.Time
+}
+
+func (d coreDowngrade) String() string {
+	return fmt.Sprintf("%s was last sent %s %s, and the mesh holds the older %s (asked %s, before %s): a send there "+
+		"keeps %s; `push %s` sends the older build, and a newer merge or `rebuild %s` moves the record forward "+
+		"(novox/hq issue 201)", d.node, d.module, short(d.sent), short(d.record),
+		d.recordAsked.UTC().Format(time.RFC3339), d.sentAsked.UTC().Format(time.RFC3339), short(d.sent), d.node,
+		d.module)
+}
+
+// coreDowngrades is, for one machine, each guarded core module whose record is older than the build the machine
+// was last sent, leaving out what a gate's own put-back puts back and a sent build that failed its gate. A move
+// whose either build the records do not hold is not proved older and is left to the gate that judges it. Pure
+// but for asked.
+func coreDowngrades(node string, sent map[string]string, record map[string]string, scope sendScope,
+	asked func(module, commit string) (askedBuild, bool, error)) ([]coreDowngrade, error) {
+	var out []coreDowngrade
+	for module, was := range sent {
+		component := coreComponent(module)
+		now := record[module]
+		if !guarded(component) || was == "" || now == "" || sameCommit(was, now) {
+			continue
+		}
+		if scope.puttingBack && scope.modules[module] {
+			continue
+		}
+		from, known, err := asked(module, was)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("when %s's build %s was asked cannot be read: %w", module, short(was), err)
+		}
+		if !known || from.failedGate {
+			continue
+		}
+		to, known, err := asked(module, now)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("when %s's build %s was asked cannot be read: %w", module, short(now), err)
+		}
+		if known && to.asked.Before(from.asked) {
+			out = append(out, coreDowngrade{module: module, node: node, component: component, sent: was, record: now,
+				sentAsked: from.asked, recordAsked: to.asked})
+		}
+	}
+	sort.Slice(out, func(i, j int) bool { return out[i].module < out[j].module })
+	return out, nil
+}
+
+func guarded(component string) bool {
+	for _, c := range downgradeGuarded {
+		if c == component {
+			return true
+		}
+	}
+	return false
+}
+
+// coreKept is, for a send that keeps (sendKeeps), each guarded core module of a machine to keep at the build it
+// was last sent, module → commit, each said and raised as a condition.
+func coreKept(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, node string, sent map[string]string,
+	current map[string]inventory.CurrentBuild) (map[string]string, error) {
+	record := map[string]string{}
+	for m, c := range current {
+		record[m] = c.Commit
+	}
+	found, err := coreDowngrades(node, sent, record, scopeOf(ctx), func(module, commit string) (askedBuild, bool, error) {
+		return buildAsked(ctx, inv, module, commit)
+	})
+	if err != nil || len(found) == 0 {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	out := map[string]string{}
+	for _, d := range found {
+		out[d.module] = d.sent
+		sayCoreDowngrade(ctx, d)
+	}
+	return out, nil
+}
+
+// coreDowngradeObservation is a kept core build as a condition: `core.<component>.<machine>.<kind>`.
+func coreDowngradeObservation(component, node, summary string) conditions.Observation {
+	return conditions.Observation{Scope: conditions.ScopeCore, ID: component + "." + node, Kind: kindCoreDowngrade,
+		Token: kindCoreDowngrade, Machine: node, Severity: conditions.Warning, Source: coreDowngradeSource,
+		Summary: summary}
+}
+
+func sayCoreDowngrade(ctx context.Context, d coreDowngrade) {
+	fmt.Printf("KEPT: %s\n", d)
+	keeper := conditionsFrom
+	if keeper == nil {
+		return
+	}
+	if _, err := keeper.Observe(ctx, coreDowngradeObservation(d.component, d.node, d.String())); err != nil {
+		fmt.Printf("the condition for %s kept on %s could not be raised: %v\n", d.module, d.node, err)
+	}
+}
+
+// settleCoreDowngrades clears, after a send to a machine is away, the condition of each guarded core module the
+// send carried at the mesh's record — a person's push that accepted the older build, or a send after the record
+// moved forward — or did not carry at all. A send that kept the newer build leaves it open.
+func settleCoreDowngrades(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, node string, carried map[string]string) {
+	keeper := conditionsFrom
+	if keeper == nil || carried == nil {
+		return
+	}
+	var open []string
+	for _, c := range downgradeGuarded {
+		if _, found, err := keeper.Get(ctx, coreDowngradeObservation(c, node, "").Key()); err == nil && found {
+			open = append(open, c)
+		}
+	}
+	if len(open) == 0 {
+		return
+	}
+	current, err := inv.CurrentBuilds(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		fmt.Printf("whether %s still keeps a core build over the mesh's record cannot be read: %v\n", node, err)
+		return
+	}
+	for module, now := range current {
+		component := coreComponent(module)
+		if !guarded(component) {
+			continue
+		}
+		if was, has := carried[module]; has && !sameCommit(was, now.Commit) {
+			continue
+		}
+		key := coreDowngradeObservation(component, node, "").Key()
+		if _, err := keeper.Clear(ctx, key, node+" was sent the "+component+" the mesh holds"); err != nil {
+			fmt.Printf("the condition %s could not be cleared: %v\n", key, err)
+		}
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/credential_on_assign_test.go

@@ -1,3 +1,5 @@
+//go:build integration
+
 package main
 
 import (

cmd/mesh-controller/data_integration_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,148 @@
+//go:build integration
+
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/testbus"
+)
+
+func TestAMovedPathIsNoShrinkAndAShrinkThereStillIs(t *testing.T) {
+	inv := inventory.ForTest(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	shelf := shelfFor(t, houseManifest)
+	declared := []inventory.DeclaredData{{Module: "house", Item: "config", Class: "irreplaceable", Owned: true}}
+	start := time.Now().Add(-6 * time.Hour)
+	measure := func(at time.Time, path string, size int64) []conditions.Observation {
+		t.Helper()
+		if _, err := inv.RecordData(ctx, "home", declared, map[string]map[string]inventory.Measurement{"house": {
+			"config": {Path: path, Size: bytesOf(size), MeasuredAt: when(at), LastWrite: when(at),
+				LastBackup: when(at)}}}, "", at); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		records, err := inv.Data(ctx)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		peaks, err := inv.DataPeaks(ctx, at.Add(-shrinkWindow))
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		return dataFindings(records, peaks, shelf, nil, nil, at)
+	}
+	measure(start, "/home/operator/.claude", 94_700_000)
+	if got := findingsByKind(measure(start.Add(10*time.Minute), "/home/agent/.claude", 490)); got[kindDataShrank].Kind != "" {
+		t.Fatalf("a moved path raised a shrink: %+v", got[kindDataShrank])
+	}
+	measure(start.Add(2*time.Hour), "/home/agent/.claude", 300<<20)
+	got := findingsByKind(measure(start.Add(4*time.Hour), "/home/agent/.claude", 1<<20))[kindDataShrank]
+	if got.Severity != conditions.Urgent || !strings.Contains(got.Summary, "shrank") {
+		t.Fatalf("a genuine shrink at the new path was not raised: %+v", got)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestNatsUnassigningIrreplaceableDataRetiresItAndAnEmptyReplacementIsUrgent(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	if _, err := inv.SeedSeats(ctx, catalogue.DefaultSeats()); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	register(t, open, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "keeper", Version: "1",
+		Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: catalogue.BackupSeat, Scope: catalogue.ScopeNode, Serves: []string{"backed-up", "now", "restore"}}}})
+	house, err := catalogue.ParseManifest([]byte(houseManifest))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	register(t, open, house)
+	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "laptop", "house"); err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("irreplaceable data was assigned to a machine with nothing to back it up")
+	}
+	for _, node := range []string{"laptop", "anchor"} {
+		if _, err := assign(ctx, open, node, "keeper"); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "laptop", "house"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	// Sent, and applied: a holder is asked only once it has been (novox/hq issue 275).
+	for _, node := range []string{"laptop", "anchor"} {
+		pushedAndApplied(t, open, node)
+	}
+
+	conn := onATestBus(t)
+	js, err := broker.Dial(testbus.URL(t))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(js.Close)
+	laptop, anchor := &fakeHolder{}, &fakeHolder{}
+	laptop.serve(t, conn, "laptop")
+	anchor.serve(t, conn, "anchor")
+	now := time.Now()
+	heard := &watchdogs{last: &signalFacts{now: now, machines: []machineFacts{
+		{name: "laptop", lastHeard: now}, {name: "anchor", lastHeard: now}}}}
+	d := &doctor{open: open, js: js, watchdogs: heard}
+	var d13 probe
+	for _, p := range probeRegistry {
+		if p.ID == probeDataID {
+			d13 = p
+		}
+	}
+	run := func() []conditions.Observation {
+		t.Helper()
+		probing := context.WithValue(ctx, probeAsksKey{}, d13)
+		obs, err := probeData(probing, d)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		return obs
+	}
+
+	laptop.set(measuredHouse("/var/lib/house/config", 2<<30, now))
+	if obs := run(); len(obs) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a measured, backed-up item raised %+v", obs)
+	}
+	r, err := inv.DataOf(ctx, "laptop", "house", "config")
+	if err != nil || r.Path != "/var/lib/house/config" || r.Size == nil || *r.Size != 2<<30 || r.LastBackup == nil {
+		t.Fatalf("what the holder measured was not kept: %+v, %v", r, err)
+	}
+
+	said, err := unassign(ctx, open, "laptop", "house")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(said, "house's config (/var/lib/house/config, 2.0 GB) stays where it is") {
+		t.Fatalf("the unassignment does not say the data stays:\n%s", said)
+	}
+	laptop.set()
+	run()
+	r, err = inv.DataOf(ctx, "laptop", "house", "config")
+	if err != nil || !r.Retired() || r.Path != "/var/lib/house/config" {
+		t.Fatalf("unassigned, the irreplaceable item is not kept retired: %+v, %v", r, err)
+	}
+	records, _ := inv.Data(ctx)
+	if rows := retiredData(records, time.Now()); len(rows) != 1 || rows[0].Path != "/var/lib/house/config" {
+		t.Fatalf("cleanup list: %+v", rows)
+	}
+
+	// Assigned on the anchor, onto an empty directory.
+	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "anchor", "house"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	anchor.set(measuredHouse("/var/lib/house/config", 300<<10, time.Now()))
+	obs := findingsByKind(run())
+	o, ok := obs[kindEmptyReplacement]
+	if !ok || o.Severity != conditions.Urgent || o.Machine != "anchor" || o.Also[0] != "laptop" {
+		t.Fatalf("an empty replacement of a module's data was not urgent: %+v", obs)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/data_test.go

@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
 package main
 
 import (
-	"context"
 	"encoding/json"
 	"strings"
 	"sync"
@@ -10,14 +9,11 @@ import (
 
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
 
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
-
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/testbus"
 )
 
 func bytesOf(n int64) *int64 { return &n }
@@ -169,6 +165,11 @@ func TestAShrinkOfMoreThanHalfIsUrgent(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
+// THE FALSE ALARM (issue 368), replayed through the store D13 reads: an agent's home moved from the
+// operator's own home (94.7 MB) to the agent account's fresh one (490 B), and `data-shrank` was raised
+// for data that was never lost. A moved item is read against its new path only, so nothing is raised —
+// and a genuine shrink at the new path, a week of history later, still is.
+
 // Data said to be written all the time and not written; data with no backup or an old one — urgent when
 // irreplaceable, a warning when valuable; and a new item given its bound before it is said.
 func TestQuietDataAndMissingBackupsAreSaidByClass(t *testing.T) {
@@ -275,103 +276,6 @@ func measuredHouse(path string, size int64, at time.Time) map[string]any {
 // directory is an empty replacement — through the real stores and a real bus. The unassignment says the
 // data stays; the self-check's next run retires it (kept, listed by cleanup), and when the module comes
 // up on another machine with an empty directory while the full one waits retired, that is urgent.
-func TestNatsUnassigningIrreplaceableDataRetiresItAndAnEmptyReplacementIsUrgent(t *testing.T) {
-	open := aMesh(t)
-	ctx := t.Context()
-	inv := open.inventory
-	if _, err := inv.SeedSeats(ctx, catalogue.DefaultSeats()); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	register(t, open, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "keeper", Version: "1",
-		Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: catalogue.BackupSeat, Scope: catalogue.ScopeNode, Serves: []string{"backed-up", "now", "restore"}}}})
-	house, err := catalogue.ParseManifest([]byte(houseManifest))
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	register(t, open, house)
-	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "laptop", "house"); err == nil {
-		t.Fatal("irreplaceable data was assigned to a machine with nothing to back it up")
-	}
-	for _, node := range []string{"laptop", "anchor"} {
-		if _, err := assign(ctx, open, node, "keeper"); err != nil {
-			t.Fatal(err)
-		}
-	}
-	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "laptop", "house"); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	// Sent, and applied: a holder is asked only once it has been (novox/hq issue 275).
-	for _, node := range []string{"laptop", "anchor"} {
-		pushedAndApplied(t, open, node)
-	}
-
-	conn := onATestBus(t)
-	js, err := broker.Dial(testbus.URL(t))
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	t.Cleanup(js.Close)
-	laptop, anchor := &fakeHolder{}, &fakeHolder{}
-	laptop.serve(t, conn, "laptop")
-	anchor.serve(t, conn, "anchor")
-	now := time.Now()
-	heard := &watchdogs{last: &signalFacts{now: now, machines: []machineFacts{
-		{name: "laptop", lastHeard: now}, {name: "anchor", lastHeard: now}}}}
-	d := &doctor{open: open, js: js, watchdogs: heard}
-	var d13 probe
-	for _, p := range probeRegistry {
-		if p.ID == probeDataID {
-			d13 = p
-		}
-	}
-	run := func() []conditions.Observation {
-		t.Helper()
-		probing := context.WithValue(ctx, probeAsksKey{}, d13)
-		obs, err := probeData(probing, d)
-		if err != nil {
-			t.Fatal(err)
-		}
-		return obs
-	}
-
-	laptop.set(measuredHouse("/var/lib/house/config", 2<<30, now))
-	if obs := run(); len(obs) != 0 {
-		t.Fatalf("a measured, backed-up item raised %+v", obs)
-	}
-	r, err := inv.DataOf(ctx, "laptop", "house", "config")
-	if err != nil || r.Path != "/var/lib/house/config" || r.Size == nil || *r.Size != 2<<30 || r.LastBackup == nil {
-		t.Fatalf("what the holder measured was not kept: %+v, %v", r, err)
-	}
-
-	said, err := unassign(ctx, open, "laptop", "house")
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	if !strings.Contains(said, "house's config (/var/lib/house/config, 2.0 GB) stays where it is") {
-		t.Fatalf("the unassignment does not say the data stays:\n%s", said)
-	}
-	laptop.set()
-	run()
-	r, err = inv.DataOf(ctx, "laptop", "house", "config")
-	if err != nil || !r.Retired() || r.Path != "/var/lib/house/config" {
-		t.Fatalf("unassigned, the irreplaceable item is not kept retired: %+v, %v", r, err)
-	}
-	records, _ := inv.Data(ctx)
-	if rows := retiredData(records, time.Now()); len(rows) != 1 || rows[0].Path != "/var/lib/house/config" {
-		t.Fatalf("cleanup list: %+v", rows)
-	}
-
-	// Assigned on the anchor, onto an empty directory.
-	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "anchor", "house"); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	anchor.set(measuredHouse("/var/lib/house/config", 300<<10, time.Now()))
-	obs := findingsByKind(run())
-	o, ok := obs[kindEmptyReplacement]
-	if !ok || o.Severity != conditions.Urgent || o.Machine != "anchor" || o.Also[0] != "laptop" {
-		t.Fatalf("an empty replacement of a module's data was not urgent: %+v", obs)
-	}
-}
 
 // Data on redundant storage: the array it is on is watched, one condition per array as loud as the most
 // precious item on it; an item said to be on redundancy and found on plain storage is said; an item

cmd/mesh-controller/deadletters.go

@@ -144,11 +144,15 @@ func actOnDeadLetter(ctx context.Context, on *busHandles, act string, id uint64,
 	}
 	switch act {
 	case "deliver":
-		_, to, err := link.DeliverAgain(on.js, id)
+		delivered, to, err := link.DeliverAgain(on.js, id)
 		if err != nil {
 			return nil, err
 		}
 		answer["delivered_on"] = to
+		if delivered.Original != "" {
+			// What became of the ask in its seat's queue (novox/hq issue 334): removed, or left, and why.
+			answer["original"] = delivered.Original
+		}
 		answer["done"] = fmt.Sprintf("dead letter %d was delivered again to %s, and nobody else; it is no longer kept",
 			id, consumerWho(d.Stream, d.Consumer))
 	case "drop":

cmd/mesh-controller/deadletters_aging.go

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

cmd/mesh-controller/deadletters_aging_test.go

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

cmd/mesh-controller/deadletters_integration_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,88 @@
+//go:build integration
+
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/testbus"
+)
+
+func servingDeadLetters(t *testing.T) *broker.JetStream {
+	t.Helper()
+	js, err := broker.Dial(testbus.URL(t))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(js.Close)
+	if err := broker.AssertMeshStreams(js); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := js.EnsureControllerBuckets(); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	before := servingBus.Load()
+	servingBus.Store(js)
+	t.Cleanup(func() { servingBus.Store(before) })
+	return js
+}
+
+func TestDeadLettersListsDropsAndRecordsWhy(t *testing.T) {
+	js := servingDeadLetters(t)
+	if _, err := js.Context().Publish("mesh.mod.gitea.event.pull.merged", []byte(`{"n":1}`)); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	d, err := link.KeepDeadLetter(js.Context(), []byte(`{"stream":"EVENTS","consumer":"media_sonarr","stream_seq":1,"deliveries":5}`))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+
+	answer, err := askDeadLetters(t, map[string]any{})
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	listed := answer.(map[string]any)
+	if listed["held"] != 1 || len(listed["dead_letters"].([]link.DeadLetter)) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("listed %v", listed)
+	}
+
+	// Refused before anything is done: an act without why, an argument the shape passes over, both acts.
+	for _, args := range []map[string]any{
+		{"drop": "1"},
+		{"drop": "1", "why": "x", "limit": "3"},
+		{"drop": "1", "deliver": "1", "why": "x"},
+		{"why": "x"},
+		{"id": "nought"},
+	} {
+		if _, err := askDeadLetters(t, args); err == nil {
+			t.Errorf("%v was done", args)
+		}
+	}
+	if _, total, _ := link.DeadLetters(js.Context(), "", 0); total != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("a refused call changed what is kept: %d left", total)
+	}
+
+	done, err := askDeadLetters(t, map[string]any{"drop": "1", "why": "the media server took the download in by hand"})
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if said := done.(map[string]any); said["recorded"] == nil || !strings.Contains(said["done"].(string), "dropped") {
+		t.Fatalf("answered %v", said)
+	}
+	acts, err := link.HandActs(context.Background(), js.Conn(), time.Now().Add(-time.Minute))
+	if err != nil || len(acts) != 1 || acts[0].Verb != "dead-letters drop" || acts[0].Cause != causeDeadLetter ||
+		!strings.Contains(acts[0].Condition, "media_sonarr") {
+		t.Fatalf("recorded %+v (%v)", acts, err)
+	}
+	if !personsDecision(acts[0]) {
+		t.Error("dropping a dead letter is counted as a repair, so S15 would want a healer for it")
+	}
+	if _, err := askDeadLetters(t, map[string]any{"id": "1"}); err == nil {
+		t.Errorf("dead letter %d is still answered after it was dropped", d.ID)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/deadletters_test.go

@@ -6,31 +6,10 @@ import (
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/testbus"
 )
 
 // The serving controller's bus, with the mesh's streams, for the verb to read and act on.
-func servingDeadLetters(t *testing.T) *broker.JetStream {
-	t.Helper()
-	js, err := broker.Dial(testbus.URL(t))
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	t.Cleanup(js.Close)
-	if err := broker.AssertMeshStreams(js); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	if err := js.EnsureControllerBuckets(); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	before := servingBus.Load()
-	servingBus.Store(js)
-	t.Cleanup(func() { servingBus.Store(before) })
-	return js
-}
 
 func askDeadLetters(t *testing.T, args map[string]any) (any, error) {
 	t.Helper()
@@ -41,61 +20,6 @@ func askDeadLetters(t *testing.T, args map[string]any) (any, error) {
 	return deadLettersAnswer(context.Background(), a)
 }
 
-func TestDeadLettersListsDropsAndRecordsWhy(t *testing.T) {
-	js := servingDeadLetters(t)
-	if _, err := js.Context().Publish("mesh.mod.gitea.event.pull.merged", []byte(`{"n":1}`)); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	d, err := link.KeepDeadLetter(js.Context(), []byte(`{"stream":"EVENTS","consumer":"media_sonarr","stream_seq":1,"deliveries":5}`))
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-
-	answer, err := askDeadLetters(t, map[string]any{})
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	listed := answer.(map[string]any)
-	if listed["held"] != 1 || len(listed["dead_letters"].([]link.DeadLetter)) != 1 {
-		t.Fatalf("listed %v", listed)
-	}
-
-	// Refused before anything is done: an act without why, an argument the shape passes over, both acts.
-	for _, args := range []map[string]any{
-		{"drop": "1"},
-		{"drop": "1", "why": "x", "limit": "3"},
-		{"drop": "1", "deliver": "1", "why": "x"},
-		{"why": "x"},
-		{"id": "nought"},
-	} {
-		if _, err := askDeadLetters(t, args); err == nil {
-			t.Errorf("%v was done", args)
-		}
-	}
-	if _, total, _ := link.DeadLetters(js.Context(), "", 0); total != 1 {
-		t.Fatalf("a refused call changed what is kept: %d left", total)
-	}
-
-	done, err := askDeadLetters(t, map[string]any{"drop": "1", "why": "the media server took the download in by hand"})
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
-	if said := done.(map[string]any); said["recorded"] == nil || !strings.Contains(said["done"].(string), "dropped") {
-		t.Fatalf("answered %v", said)
-	}
-	acts, err := link.HandActs(context.Background(), js.Conn(), time.Now().Add(-time.Minute))
-	if err != nil || len(acts) != 1 || acts[0].Verb != "dead-letters drop" || acts[0].Cause != causeDeadLetter ||
-		!strings.Contains(acts[0].Condition, "media_sonarr") {
-		t.Fatalf("recorded %+v (%v)", acts, err)
-	}
-	if !personsDecision(acts[0]) {
-		t.Error("dropping a dead letter is counted as a repair, so S15 would want a healer for it")
-	}
-	if _, err := askDeadLetters(t, map[string]any{"id": "1"}); err == nil {
-		t.Errorf("dead letter %d is still answered after it was dropped", d.ID)
-	}
-}
-
 // Open while DEAD_LETTERS holds a message for the consumer, in words the operator reads in one pass:
 // what is held, and where to act.
 func TestAConsumersDeadLettersAreSaidUntilActedOn(t *testing.T) {