Keep delivery check standard output the answer alone and answer the request id asked (issue 1311)

ADR 0437 §3's check: the gate, written in the test as the clause declares it, is composed with the parts and the view
through Users; its seven buckets are writable by its machine's tool runner and by no other account, and each part
reads only the gate buckets its manifest declares.

cmd/mesh-builder/main.go

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

cmd/mesh-controller/apply_failing.go

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

cmd/mesh-controller/asker.go

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

cmd/mesh-controller/asker_retry_integration_test.go

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

cmd/mesh-controller/asker_test.go

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

cmd/mesh-controller/asker_wire.go

@@ -135,6 +135,12 @@ func (b busAsked) All(ctx context.Context) ([]asked, error) {
 	return out, nil
 }
 
+// verbRefused is a verb's own refusal of an act: the seat answered, and said no. Any other error of callAction (a bus
+// that did not answer, a grant that is refused) is not one: the verb may have run.
+type verbRefused struct{ verb, words string }
+
+func (e verbRefused) Error() string { return e.verb + " refused: " + e.words }
+
 // callAction performs an action's verb as the controller, through the grant that names it.
 func callAction(conn *nats.Conn) func(ctx context.Context, a conditions.Action, args map[string]string) error {
 	return func(ctx context.Context, a conditions.Action, args map[string]string) error {
@@ -168,7 +174,23 @@ func callAction(conn *nats.Conn) func(ctx context.Context, a conditions.Action,
 			return err
 		}
 		if answer.Error != "" {
-			return fmt.Errorf("%s refused: %s", a.Verb, answer.Error)
+			return verbRefused{verb: a.Verb, words: answer.Error}
+		}
+		return nil
+	}
+}
+
+// tellThrough tells the operator one plain notice through the operator channel's `tell`, over the controller's own
+// connection and grant (novox/hq ADR 0380); a holder's refusal is an error naming it.
+func tellThrough(conn *nats.Conn) func(ctx context.Context, headline string, lines []string) error {
+	return func(ctx context.Context, headline string, lines []string) error {
+		answer, err := link.AskMeshSeatTool(ctx, conn, "operator-channel", "tell",
+			map[string]any{"headline": headline, "lines": lines}, tellWithin)
+		if err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+		if answer.Error != "" {
+			return fmt.Errorf("operator-channel.tell refused: %s", answer.Error)
 		}
 		return nil
 	}
@@ -201,7 +223,7 @@ func routerRecordOf(conn *nats.Conn, inv *inventory.Inventory) func(ctx context.
 }
 
 // asksRecords is the bucket the asks seat's declarer keeps its record of asks in.
-func asksRecords(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory) (string, error) {
+func asksRecords(ctx context.Context, inv catalogueReader) (string, error) {
 	declared, err := inv.Catalogue(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
 		return "", err
@@ -576,6 +598,7 @@ func servingAsker(open *stores, conn *nats.Conn, js jetstream.JetStream, keeper
 			_, err := link.RecordHandAct(ctx, conn, act)
 			return err
 		},
+		tell:         tellThrough(conn),
 		routerRecord: routerRecordOf(conn, open.inventory),
 		routerHere:   routerHereIn(open.inventory),
 		grantHeld:    grantHeldIn(open, conn),

cmd/mesh-controller/awaiting_push_integration_test.go

@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ import (
 
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/overlay"
 )
 
@@ -146,8 +147,18 @@ func TestAMachineAwaitsAPushSinceItsOldestAssignmentSinceTheLastSend(t *testing.
 func TestALastSendIsReadFromTheSendAndTheReport(t *testing.T) {
 	open := aMesh(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
-	register(t, open, aKeeper())
-	pushedBy(t, open, "laptop")
+	// What a machine was sent is read from the commits its assignments name (issue 1109): a module is carried by a send only
+	// when it was built from a commit, and a hand send on a machine with nothing assigned leaves no key to mark unknown.
+	if err := open.inventory.RegisterModule(ctx, aKeeper(), inventory.Source{BuiltFrom: "c-keeper"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	record, err := open.inventory.NodeByName(ctx, "laptop")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := open.inventory.RecordSent(ctx, record.ID, "carried", map[string]string{overlay.Name: "c-overlay"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
 	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "laptop", "keeper"); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/awaiting_push_test.go

@@ -46,7 +46,21 @@ func pushedBy(t *testing.T, open *stores, node string) string {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
 	digest := digestOf(body)
-	if err := open.inventory.RecordSent(ctx, record.ID, digest, declared.Builds); err != nil {
+	// A push records the build of each module it carries (plan.go, Allocating); a module is carried by a send only when it was
+	// built from a commit, for what a machine was sent is read from the commits its assignments name (issue 1109).
+	builds := declared.Builds
+	if builds == nil {
+		current, err := open.inventory.CurrentBuilds(ctx)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		names := make([]string, 0, len(plan.Modules))
+		for _, m := range plan.Modules {
+			names = append(names, m.Module)
+		}
+		builds = carriedBuilds(names, nil, current, nil)
+	}
+	if err := open.inventory.RecordSent(ctx, record.ID, digest, builds); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
 	return digest

cmd/mesh-controller/away.go

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

cmd/mesh-controller/away_integration_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,226 @@
+//go:build integration
+
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"fmt"
+	"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"
+)
+
+// 1161/AC5, with the store and a real bus and no ticker: a plan of two tiers whose first tier runs on a machine away when it
+// is sent finishes that tier without waiting for it and without its bound, sends the second tier to the machine heard
+// alone, and says the machine was away (issue 1161). The machine away keeps its want: it was sent nothing of the plan's
+// builds, so the send it gets when it is heard again carries them (AC3).
+func TestAPlanGoesOnWithoutAMachineAwayWhenItsTierIsSent(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+
+	// laptop is away as every tier is sent; anchor is heard.
+	wasAway := judgeAway
+	judgeAway = func(context.Context, *stores, time.Time) (map[string]bool, error) {
+		return map[string]bool{"laptop": true}, nil
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { judgeAway = wasAway })
+
+	js, err := broker.Dial(testbus.URL(t))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(js.Close)
+	if err := broker.AssertMeshStreams(js); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := js.EnsureControllerBuckets(); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	legacy, err := js.Conn().JetStream()
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	checkEvents = link.OverNATS{Conn: js.Conn(), JS: legacy}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { checkEvents = nil })
+	sentHeard := make(chan *nats.Msg, 32)
+	sub, err := js.Conn().ChanSubscribe(link.SeatEventSubject(link.MeshControllerSeat, link.KeySent), sentHeard)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { _ = sub.Unsubscribe() })
+
+	wasSaved := inventory.PlanSaved
+	inventory.PlanSaved = servingPlanSaved(ctx, checkEvents, open)
+	t.Cleanup(func() { inventory.PlanSaved = wasSaved })
+
+	// The build machine and the machines, as far as the plan meets them: an ask is counted, a send is recorded and kept.
+	var mu sync.Mutex
+	var asks []string
+	var sends [][]string
+	wasAsk := askABuild
+	askABuild = func(_ context.Context, source buildSource, _, _ string) (string, error) {
+		mu.Lock()
+		defer mu.Unlock()
+		id := link.NewBuildID(time.Now().Add(time.Duration(len(asks)) * time.Millisecond))
+		asks = append(asks, source.Repository+"#"+id)
+		return id, nil
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { askABuild = wasAsk })
+	digests := 0
+	wasSend := sendRollout
+	sendRollout = func(ctx context.Context, open *stores, names []string) ([]string, error) {
+		mu.Lock()
+		defer mu.Unlock()
+		sends = append(sends, append([]string(nil), names...))
+		current, err := open.inventory.CurrentBuilds(ctx)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		builds := map[string]string{}
+		for _, m := range []string{"a", "b"} {
+			builds[m] = current[m].Commit
+		}
+		for _, node := range names {
+			digests++
+			if err := open.inventory.RecordSent(ctx, nodeID(t, open, node), fmt.Sprintf("d-%s-%d", node, digests), builds); err != nil {
+				return nil, err
+			}
+		}
+		return names, nil
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { sendRollout = wasSend })
+
+	register := func(m, commit string, asked time.Time) {
+		t.Helper()
+		if err := inv.RegisterModule(ctx, catalogue.Manifest{Module: m, Version: commit},
+			inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/" + m, Seat: "git", Path: "modules/" + m, BuiltFrom: commit, Head: commit,
+				Asked: asked}); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	record := func(id, m, commit string, at time.Time) {
+		t.Helper()
+		b := inventory.Build{ID: id, Module: m, Commit: commit, Repository: "novox/" + m, Path: "modules/" + m, Asked: at, At: at}
+		b.Manifest, _ = json.Marshal(catalogue.Manifest{Module: m, Version: commit})
+		if err := inv.RecordBuild(ctx, b); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	old := time.Now().Add(-2 * time.Hour)
+	for _, m := range []string{"a", "b"} {
+		record("build-"+m+"-1", m, "c1", old)
+		register(m, "c1", old)
+		for _, n := range []string{"anchor", "laptop"} {
+			if _, err := inv.Assign(ctx, n, m); err != nil {
+				t.Fatal(err)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	for _, n := range []string{"anchor", "laptop"} {
+		if err := inv.RecordSent(ctx, nodeID(t, open, n), "d-"+n+"-c1", map[string]string{"a": "c1", "b": "c1"}); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	record("build-a-2", "a", "c2", time.Now().Add(-time.Minute))
+	register("a", "c2", time.Now().Add(-time.Minute))
+
+	// A machine's report on what it was sent, heard as the controller hears it.
+	listener := nudgingListener{Enrolment: link.Enrolment{Inventory: inv}}
+	seq := int64(0)
+	reports := func(node string) {
+		t.Helper()
+		last, found, err := inv.SentTo(ctx, node)
+		if err != nil || !found {
+			t.Fatalf("%s was sent nothing: %v", node, err)
+		}
+		seq++
+		body, _ := json.Marshal(map[string]any{"node": node, "applied": []string{"x.server"}, "declared": last.Digest,
+			"report_sequence": seq})
+		var report link.Report
+		if err := json.Unmarshal(body, &report); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		if _, err := listener.Heard(ctx, report); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	plan := func() inventory.Plan {
+		t.Helper()
+		p, err := inv.PlanByID(ctx, "plan-1160")
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		return p
+	}
+
+	built := time.Now().UTC()
+	p := inventory.Plan{ID: "plan-1160", Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Branch: "main", Commit: "c2", Created: time.Now().UTC(),
+		State: inventory.PlanBuilding, Tiers: [][]string{{"a"}, {"b"}},
+		Delivery: &inventory.PlanDelivery{Order: []inventory.Edge{{From: "b", To: "a", Kind: edgeChangeOrder}}},
+		Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{
+			"a": {State: "built", BuiltAt: &built, Commit: "c2", Build: "build-a-2"},
+			"b": {},
+		}}
+	first, stopFirst := context.WithCancel(ctx)
+	defer stopFirst()
+	startRolloutEvents(first, open, js)
+	if err := inv.SavePlan(ctx, &p); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	eventually(t, "tier 0 sent to anchor alone", func() bool {
+		mu.Lock()
+		defer mu.Unlock()
+		return len(sends) == 1 && strings.Join(sends[0], ",") == "anchor"
+	})
+	reports("anchor")
+	// The note of the move to tier 1 is read in the step that sees it: later steps of the tier say their own.
+	var moved string
+	eventually(t, "tier 1 reached on anchor's report alone", func() bool {
+		if q := plan(); q.Tier == 1 {
+			moved = q.Note
+			return true
+		}
+		return false
+	})
+	if !strings.Contains(moved, "laptop was away: sent when it is heard again") || strings.Contains(moved, "anchor") {
+		t.Errorf("1161/AC2: the plan says %q; want laptop named away and not anchor", moved)
+	}
+	// The ask for tier 1's build is the next step, and records its build id on the module.
+	eventually(t, "tier 1 asked", func() bool { m := plan().Modules["b"]; return m != nil && m.Build != "" })
+	b := plan().Modules["b"]
+	askedAt, _ := link.BuildAskedAt(b.Build)
+	record(b.Build, "b", "c2", askedAt)
+	register("b", "c2", askedAt)
+	planBuilt(ctx, open, "b", "c2", "", askedAt, b.Build)
+	eventually(t, "tier 1 sent to anchor alone", func() bool {
+		mu.Lock()
+		defer mu.Unlock()
+		return len(sends) == 2 && strings.Join(sends[1], ",") == "anchor"
+	})
+	// 1161/AC3: laptop was sent nothing of the plan's builds, so it still wants them for the send it gets when heard again.
+	was, known, err := inv.SentBuilds(ctx, "laptop")
+	if err != nil || !known {
+		t.Fatalf("1161/AC3: laptop's last send: %v, known %v", err, known)
+	}
+	current, err := inv.CurrentBuilds(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if was["a"] == current["a"].Commit || was["a"] != "c1" {
+		t.Errorf("1161/AC3: laptop was last sent a at %q and a is now %q; want it still at c1, owed c2", was["a"], current["a"].Commit)
+	}
+	if got := plan().Away; strings.Join(got, ",") != "laptop" {
+		t.Errorf("1161/AC2: the plan keeps %v away; want laptop", got)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/away_test.go

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

cmd/mesh-controller/batches.go

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

cmd/mesh-controller/build.go

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

cmd/mesh-controller/build_source.go

@@ -389,10 +389,31 @@ func (f *sourceForms) onTheForge(repository, seat string) (owner, name string, o
 //     least one required status, no administrator merging past one.
 //
 // Anything else only when the build request was kept as asked at the controller's terminal, for this very
-// repository and path. path is the module's directory as built; branch the trunk it is registered from.
+// repository and path; or, for the build of a merge, when mesh-delivery announced it on the operator's Approve of
+// that head (novox/hq ADR 0420 §7 for a moved module, ADR 0432 for a new one), the forge's checks still holding. path is the module's directory as built; branch the trunk it is registered from.
 func mayRegisterFrom(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, module string, built inventory.Source,
 	buildID, path, branch string) (int64, error) {
-	forms := newSourceForms(ctx, inv)
+	return mayRegisterIn(ctx, inv, newSourceForms(ctx, inv), module, built, buildID, path, branch)
+}
+
+// catalogueReader is the catalogue's manifests, as the router's records are found in them.
+type catalogueReader interface {
+	Catalogue(ctx context.Context) (map[string]catalogue.Manifest, error)
+}
+
+// registrations is what a registration's decision reads of the mesh: *inventory.Inventory, or a test's stand-in.
+type registrations interface {
+	catalogueReader
+	SourceOf(ctx context.Context, module string) (inventory.Source, error)
+	SourceIdentity(ctx context.Context, module string) (int64, error)
+	Catalogued(ctx context.Context) ([]inventory.Entry, error)
+	BuildRequestByID(ctx context.Context, id string) (inventory.BuildRequest, bool, error)
+	MergeOf(ctx context.Context, repository, commit string) (inventory.BatchedMerge, bool, error)
+}
+
+// mayRegisterIn is mayRegisterFrom on what it reads of the mesh handed in.
+func mayRegisterIn(ctx context.Context, inv registrations, forms *sourceForms, module string, built inventory.Source,
+	buildID, path, branch string) (int64, error) {
 	was, err := inv.SourceOf(ctx, module)
 	isNew := errors.Is(err, inventory.ErrNoSuchModule)
 	if err != nil && !isNew {
@@ -404,7 +425,8 @@ func mayRegisterFrom(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, module strin
 	}
 	refuse := func(why string) (int64, error) {
 		return 0, fmt.Errorf("%w: %s. A module is registered from such a source only by a build asked at the "+
-			"controller's terminal, never through a verb: a registered module is what the next push sends, and whoever "+
+			"controller's terminal, or by the build of a merge mesh-delivery announced on the operator's Approve of that "+
+			"head, never through a verb: a registered module is what the next push sends, and whoever "+
 			"may call a verb includes agents (novox/hq ADR 0266)", errNotItsSource, why)
 	}
 
@@ -438,8 +460,11 @@ func mayRegisterFrom(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, module strin
 	// **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.
+	// **Or a new module from a repository nothing registered is built from, on the same warrant** (novox/hq ADR 0432,
+	// issue 1146): the build of a merge mesh-delivery announced on the operator's Approve of that head registers it.
+	// The forge's protection and the repository's identity are checked below as for every registration.
 	movedWhy := ""
-	if why != "" && !terminal && !isNew {
+	if why != "" && !terminal {
 		accepted, err := approvedMove(ctx, inv, forms, buildID, built)
 		switch {
 		case err == nil:
@@ -507,7 +532,10 @@ func mayRegisterFrom(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, module strin
 				owner, name, m, facts.ID, m, id))
 		}
 	}
-	if movedWhy != "" {
+	if movedWhy != "" && isNew {
+		fmt.Printf("%s: %s is new, from %s/%s — registered at the operator's Approve: %s\n", buildID, module, owner, name,
+			movedWhy)
+	} else 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)
 	}
@@ -516,7 +544,7 @@ func mayRegisterFrom(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, module strin
 
 // askedHereFor says the build was asked at the controller's terminal, for this repository and this path: a kept
 // request marked so, whose source is the outcome's (novox/hq ADR 0266).
-func askedHereFor(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, forms *sourceForms, buildID string,
+func askedHereFor(ctx context.Context, inv registrations, forms *sourceForms, buildID string,
 	built inventory.Source, path string) (bool, error) {
 	r, found, err := inv.BuildRequestByID(ctx, buildID)
 	if err != nil || !found || !r.AtTerminal {
@@ -539,13 +567,49 @@ func sourceWords(repository, seat string) string {
 	return buildSource{Repository: repository, Seat: seat}.String()
 }
 
+// firstBuildWarrant is what the controller checked before it asks the first build of the modules a merge adds to a
+// repository nothing is built from: the merge was made on the operator's Approve of its head (approvedAnnounced). It
+// travels in the context of that ask alone, in this process, so no verb carries one.
+type firstBuildWarrant struct {
+	repository string // owner/name on the git seat
+	paths      map[string]bool
+	why        string
+}
+
+type firstBuildWarrantKey struct{}
+
+// withFirstBuildWarrant is ctx carrying the warrant for asking the first builds of paths in repository.
+func withFirstBuildWarrant(ctx context.Context, repository string, paths []string, why string) context.Context {
+	w := &firstBuildWarrant{repository: repository, paths: map[string]bool{}, why: why}
+	for _, p := range paths {
+		w.paths[strings.Trim(p, "/")] = true
+	}
+	return context.WithValue(ctx, firstBuildWarrantKey{}, w)
+}
+
+func firstBuildWarrantIn(ctx context.Context) *firstBuildWarrant {
+	w, _ := ctx.Value(firstBuildWarrantKey{}).(*firstBuildWarrant)
+	return w
+}
+
+// covers says the warrant is for exactly this ask: the repository on the git seat, and a module path the merge holds.
+func (w *firstBuildWarrant) covers(source buildSource, path string) bool {
+	return w != nil && source.Seat == gitSeat && strings.EqualFold(strings.Trim(source.Repository, "/"), w.repository) &&
+		w.paths[strings.Trim(path, "/")]
+}
+
 // verbMayAsk refuses, for a call through a verb, a build of a repository the catalogue builds no module from
 // (novox/hq ADR 0266): the build node would run what an agent wrote, and its outcome could never be
 // registered anyway. url is the repository as it is cloned. At the terminal anything may be asked.
-func verbMayAsk(ctx context.Context, source buildSource, url string) error {
+func verbMayAsk(ctx context.Context, source buildSource, url, path string) error {
 	if startedAtTheTerminal() {
 		return nil
 	}
+	// **Or the first build of a module a merge adds on the operator's Approve** (novox/hq ADR 0432, issue 1146): the
+	// controller's own ask, carrying the warrant it checked, for that repository and the module paths the merge holds.
+	if firstBuildWarrantIn(ctx).covers(source, path) {
+		return nil
+	}
 	open, err := openStores(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err

cmd/mesh-controller/build_source_integration_test.go

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

cmd/mesh-controller/build_test.go

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

cmd/mesh-controller/chain.go

@@ -13,9 +13,7 @@ import (
 )
 
 // The chain on the bus (novox/hq ADR 0408, design 47 milestone 5): builds, rollouts and assignments are keys of the
-// bus's key-value store, written by the controller that holds the lease. The tables of the controller's store are
-// copied into them once, by the serving controller at its start, and a kind is read from its bucket only once the move
-// has recorded it (inventory.ChainReads).
+// bus's key-value store, written by the controller that holds the lease, and the controller's store keeps none of them.
 
 // chainHolds is whether this process may write the chain now: the lease's gate, the one every act passes.
 func chainHolds(ctx context.Context) error {
@@ -33,97 +31,7 @@ func openTheChain(ctx context.Context) (*chain.Chain, error) {
 	return chain.OnTheBus(ctx, js.Conn(), chainHolds)
 }
 
-// kindChainMoveRefused is the condition of a move that stopped without switching a kind.
-const kindChainMoveRefused = "chain-move-refused"
-
-// chainMoveRetry is how long a move that failed for want of the bus waits before it tries again.
-const chainMoveRetry = 30 * time.Second
-
-// movingTheChain copies the tables into the buckets and records it, at the serving controller's start: after the buckets
-// exist and the lease is held, before anything reads a kind that has not moved. **The first try is made here, before the
-// controller serves**, so what it serves is read from one place. A move that fails for want of the bus is tried again
-// every half minute while the controller serves from the tables; one that is refused — a count that differs, a value
-// over the bus's largest — is raised as an urgent condition, and the tables stay what is read: nothing is half-switched.
-func movingTheChain(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory) {
-	say := func(format string, args ...any) { fmt.Printf("chain: "+format+"\n", args...) }
-	// The first try is made here, before the controller serves; the tries after it, while it serves.
-	if movedOrStopped(ctx, inv, say) {
-		return
-	}
-	go func() {
-		for {
-			select {
-			case <-ctx.Done():
-				return
-			case <-time.After(chainMoveRetry):
-			}
-			if movedOrStopped(ctx, inv, say) {
-				return
-			}
-		}
-	}()
-}
-
-// movedOrStopped makes one try at the move and says whether there is nothing more to try: moved, refused, or the controller
-// ending. False for a failure of the kind that is tried again (the bus away, a write not granted yet, the lease not held).
-func movedOrStopped(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, say func(string, ...any)) bool {
-	_, err := inv.MoveChain(ctx, say)
-	var refusal *inventory.Refusal
-	switch {
-	case err == nil:
-		go clearChainMove(ctx)
-		go askAgainSoon(ctx, inv)
-		return true
-	case errors.As(err, &refusal):
-		say("%v", err)
-		go raiseChainMove(ctx, refusal)
-		return true
-	case ctx.Err() != nil:
-		return true
-	}
-	say("the move to the bus did not finish, and the tables are read until it does: %v", err)
-	return false
-}
-
-// chainMoveObservation is the urgent condition for a refused move.
-func chainMoveObservation(r *inventory.Refusal) conditions.Observation {
-	return conditions.Observation{Scope: conditions.ScopeBus, ID: "chain." + r.Kind, Token: kindChainMoveRefused,
-		Kind: kindChainMoveRefused, Severity: conditions.Urgent, Resolver: conditions.ResolverOperator,
-		Summary: "the controller's " + r.Kind + " were not moved to the bus: " + r.Why, Source: "chain move"}
-}
-
-// whenKept runs f once the serving controller keeps conditions: the move runs before they are kept.
-func whenKept(ctx context.Context, f func(k *conditions.Keeper)) {
-	for conditionsFrom == nil {
-		select {
-		case <-ctx.Done():
-			return
-		case <-time.After(time.Second):
-		}
-	}
-	f(conditionsFrom)
-}
-
-func raiseChainMove(ctx context.Context, r *inventory.Refusal) {
-	whenKept(ctx, func(k *conditions.Keeper) {
-		if _, err := k.Observe(ctx, chainMoveObservation(r)); err != nil {
-			fmt.Printf("chain: the condition for the refused move could not be raised: %v\n", err)
-		}
-	})
-}
-
-func clearChainMove(ctx context.Context) {
-	whenKept(ctx, func(k *conditions.Keeper) {
-		for _, kind := range []string{inventory.KindBuilds, inventory.KindRollouts, inventory.KindAssignments} {
-			key := chainMoveObservation(&inventory.Refusal{Kind: kind}).Key()
-			if _, err := k.Clear(ctx, key, "the "+kind+" are on the bus"); err != nil {
-				fmt.Printf("chain: the condition for the move of the %s could not be cleared: %v\n", kind, err)
-			}
-		}
-	})
-}
-
-// attachTheChain gives the inventory of the serving controller the chain on its connection, then moves what has not moved.
+// attachTheChain gives the inventory of the serving controller the chain on its connection.
 func attachTheChain(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, server *link.Server) error {
 	bus, ok := server.Bus().(link.OverNATS)
 	if !ok {
@@ -134,7 +42,19 @@ func attachTheChain(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, server *link.
 		return err
 	}
 	inv.UseChain(c)
-	movingTheChain(ctx, inv)
+	inv.RequireLayout()
+	// And the builds laid out under their modules, once, before they are read (issue 1121) — **before this returns**, so
+	// nothing the start goes on to read meets a chain not laid out yet: on 2026-10-18 the layout ran beside the start, a
+	// read of the start was refused, and the controller exited and was started again every five seconds. The layout of
+	// keys laid out before skips them, so this takes seconds; one that fails is tried again beside the serving, loudly.
+	if err := inv.LayBuildsOut(ctx, func(format string, args ...any) { fmt.Printf("chain: "+format+"\n", args...) }); err != nil {
+		fmt.Printf("chain: the builds are not laid out under their modules yet, and none is read until they are: %v\n", err)
+		go layBuildsOutSoon(ctx, inv)
+	}
+	// And the requests the move of delivery 1 found never handed over, asked again once (askAgain), once it is serving.
+	go askAgainSoon(ctx, inv)
+	// And what delivery 1 recorded of what each machine was sent, copied onto the keys of the assignments (CopySentBuilds).
+	go copySentBuildsSoon(ctx, inv)
 	return nil
 }
 
@@ -179,3 +99,79 @@ func askAgainSoon(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory) {
 		askAgain(ctx, inv)
 	}
 }
+
+// kindSentBuildsNotCopied is the condition of the one-time copy of node.sent_builds onto the assignments' keys that has not
+// succeeded: until it has, a module an assignment pulled in may be missing from what a machine is read to run.
+const kindSentBuildsNotCopied = "sent-builds-not-copied"
+
+// copySentBuildsSoon copies what the store recorded of what each machine was sent onto the keys of the assignments, as soon
+// as this controller holds the lease (the chain refuses a write before), and tries again every half minute while it fails,
+// each time it fails saying so as an urgent condition until it has worked. It is idempotent: CopySentBuilds overwrites no key
+// that names a commit and empties each column it has copied.
+func copySentBuildsSoon(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory) {
+	failed := false
+	for {
+		_, err := inv.CopySentBuilds(ctx)
+		o := conditions.Observation{Scope: conditions.ScopeBuild, ID: kindSentBuildsNotCopied, Token: kindSentBuildsNotCopied,
+			Kind: kindSentBuildsNotCopied, Severity: conditions.Urgent, Resolver: conditions.ResolverOperator,
+			Source: "chain", Summary: "what each machine was sent is not copied onto its assignments: "}
+		if err != nil {
+			fmt.Printf("chain: what the machines were sent is not copied onto the assignments: %v\n", err)
+			if keeper := conditionsFrom; keeper != nil && !failed {
+				o.Summary += err.Error()
+				if _, oerr := keeper.Observe(ctx, o); oerr == nil {
+					failed = true
+				}
+			}
+		} else {
+			if keeper := conditionsFrom; keeper != nil && failed {
+				_, _ = keeper.Clear(ctx, o.Key(), "copied")
+			}
+			return
+		}
+		select {
+		case <-ctx.Done():
+			return
+		case <-time.After(chainMoveRetry):
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// chainMoveRetry is how long the copy waits before it tries again.
+const chainMoveRetry = 30 * time.Second
+
+// kindBuildsNotLaidOut is the condition of the layout of the builds under their modules that has not succeeded: until it
+// has, no build is read, and a send that needs one is refused with the reason.
+const kindBuildsNotLaidOut = "builds-not-laid-out"
+
+// layBuildsOutSoon lays the builds out under their modules as soon as this controller holds the lease (the chain refuses a
+// write before), and tries again every half minute while it fails, loudly: each failure is printed, and the first raises an
+// urgent condition until it has worked. It is idempotent (LayBuildsOut).
+func layBuildsOutSoon(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory) {
+	failed := false
+	for {
+		err := inv.LayBuildsOut(ctx, func(format string, args ...any) { fmt.Printf("chain: "+format+"\n", args...) })
+		o := conditions.Observation{Scope: conditions.ScopeBuild, ID: kindBuildsNotLaidOut, Token: kindBuildsNotLaidOut,
+			Kind: kindBuildsNotLaidOut, Severity: conditions.Urgent, Resolver: conditions.ResolverOperator,
+			Source: "chain", Summary: "the builds are not laid out under their modules, so none is read: "}
+		if err != nil {
+			fmt.Printf("chain: the builds are not laid out under their modules, and none is read until they are: %v\n", err)
+			if keeper := conditionsFrom; keeper != nil && !failed {
+				o.Summary += err.Error()
+				if _, oerr := keeper.Observe(ctx, o); oerr == nil {
+					failed = true
+				}
+			}
+		} else {
+			if keeper := conditionsFrom; keeper != nil && failed {
+				_, _ = keeper.Clear(ctx, o.Key(), "laid out")
+			}
+			return
+		}
+		select {
+		case <-ctx.Done():
+			return
+		case <-time.After(chainMoveRetry):
+		}
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/chain_integration_test.go

@@ -176,12 +176,12 @@ func TestASendOfWhatAMachineRunsAlreadyChangesNoLinkOfItsAssignment(t *testing.T
 	if a, _ := assignmentOf(on, "notes"); a.Rollout != "plan-1" || a.Build != "build-1" || a.Commit != "c1" {
 		t.Fatalf("the assignment names %+v", on)
 	}
-	// A declaration sent by hand with no builds known says nothing of them.
+	// A declaration sent by hand with no builds known makes what the machine runs unknown: a time on the key, no commit.
 	if err := inv.RecordSent(ctx, node, "d3", nil); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
-	if on, _ = inv.AssignmentsOn(ctx, "anchor"); runOf(on, "notes").Commit != "c1" {
-		t.Fatalf("a send of unknown builds changed %+v", on)
+	if on, _ = inv.AssignmentsOn(ctx, "anchor"); runOf(on, "notes").Commit != "" || runOf(on, "notes").SentUnknown.IsZero() {
+		t.Fatalf("a send of unknown builds left %+v", on)
 	}
 	// A module sent a commit no build is kept of is named by its commit alone.
 	if err := inv.RecordSent(ctx, node, "d4", map[string]string{"notes": "c2"}); err != nil {
@@ -207,3 +207,39 @@ func runOf(on []chain.Assignment, module string) chain.Assignment {
 	a, _ := assignmentOf(on, module)
 	return a
 }
+
+// **An assignment waiting for its build is one key of the assignments bucket** (ADR 0261, ADR 0408, issue 1094): entered
+// through the `assign` verb for a module whose build is in flight, one read of `<node>.<module>` says state pending with the
+// build it waits for, the build's outcome through the build seat's path makes the key stand with the wait carried as applied,
+// and the table of pending assignments is read by nobody. No key is written by hand.
+func TestAnAssignmentWaitingForItsBuildIsOneKeyOfTheAssignmentsBucket(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aCatalogueMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	asksWithPaths(t)
+	mergeAdding(t, open, "modules/sensors", "3da80a4b00aa")
+	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "laptop", "sensors"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("an assignment while its build runs was refused: %v", err)
+	}
+	waiting, found, err := inv.AssignmentValue(ctx, "laptop", "sensors")
+	if err != nil || !found || waiting.State != chain.StatePending || waiting.Stands() || !waiting.Assigned.IsZero() ||
+		waiting.Pending == nil || waiting.Pending.State != chain.PendingWaiting || waiting.Pending.Build != "b-modules/sensors" ||
+		!strings.HasPrefix(waiting.Pending.ID, "p-") {
+		t.Fatalf("one read of the key says %+v (found %v, %v)", waiting, found, err)
+	}
+	if got := assignedTo(t, open, "laptop"); slices.Contains(got, "sensors") {
+		t.Fatalf("a module only waiting is assigned: %v", got)
+	}
+
+	if err := (builds{inv: inv, open: open}).Built(ctx, outcome("b-modules/sensors", "modules/sensors", "3da80a4b00aa", "sensors", "")); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	made, found, err := inv.AssignmentValue(ctx, "laptop", "sensors")
+	if err != nil || !found || !made.Stands() || made.State != "" || made.Assigned.IsZero() || made.Pending == nil ||
+		made.Pending.State != chain.PendingApplied || made.Pending.ID != waiting.Pending.ID {
+		t.Fatalf("one read of the key after the build says %+v (found %v, %v)", made, found, err)
+	}
+	if !slices.Contains(assignedTo(t, open, "laptop"), "sensors") {
+		t.Fatal("the build registered sensors and it was not assigned")
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/chain_no_table_integration_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,85 @@
+//go:build integration
+
+package main
+
+import (
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// **Acceptance 12 of design 47: no table in the controller's store holds builds, rollouts or assignments** (novox/hq ADR
+// 0408, issue 1111). A delivery is driven through the live trigger — a merge heard, its batch cut into a plan, the plan's
+// build asked and answered, the assignment made — until a build, a rollout and an assignment exist; they are read from the
+// chain, and then the store's own catalog is read: none of the tables of the chain is in it, nor the function that raised the generation from the assignment table; the table that stays, stays.
+func TestNoTableOfTheControllersStoreHoldsBuildsRolloutsOrAssignments(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	everyHeadWaits(t)
+	asked := asksRecorded(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "anchor", "notes"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	hear(t, open, catalogueMerge("c-notes", "notes", t0), t0.Add(time.Second))
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(91*time.Second))
+	ws, _ := walks(t, open)
+	if len(ws) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("%d walk(s) after the cut", len(ws))
+	}
+	rollout := ws[0].ID
+	asking, err := inv.PlanByID(ctx, rollout)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	for try := 0; try < 3 && (asking.Modules["notes"] == nil || asking.Modules["notes"].Build == ""); try++ {
+		advancePlans(ctx, open)
+		if asking, err = inv.PlanByID(ctx, rollout); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	buildID := asking.Modules["notes"].Build
+	if buildID == "" || len(*asked) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk asked %v, and notes' build is %q", *asked, buildID)
+	}
+	digest := "sha256:" + strings.Repeat("b", 64)
+	result := outcome(buildID, "modules/notes", "c-notes", "notes", "")
+	result.Made = []link.MadeArtifact{{Name: "notes", Kind: "image", Reference: "artifact-store://notes/notes@" + digest}}
+	if err := (builds{inv: inv, open: open}).Built(ctx, result); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+
+	// What the live path made is in the chain.
+	if built, found, err := inv.BuildByID(ctx, buildID); err != nil || !found || built.Commit != "c-notes" {
+		t.Fatalf("the build is not read from the chain: %+v %v %v", built, found, err)
+	}
+	if p, err := inv.PlanByID(ctx, rollout); err != nil || p.ID != rollout {
+		t.Fatalf("the rollout is not read from the chain: %+v %v", p, err)
+	}
+	if on, err := inv.AssignmentsOn(ctx, "anchor"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	} else if _, ok := assignmentOf(on, "notes"); !ok {
+		t.Fatalf("the assignment is not read from the chain: %+v", on)
+	}
+
+	// And the catalog of the store holds none of them.
+	have := map[string]bool{}
+	for _, row := range inv.QueryForTest(t, `select table_name::text from information_schema.tables where table_schema = 'public'`) {
+		have[strings.Trim(row[0], `"`)] = true
+	}
+	for _, table := range []string{"build", "build_request", "release_plan", "batched_merge", "assignment", "pending_assignment", "chain_moved"} {
+		if have[table] {
+			t.Errorf("the table %s is in the controller's store", table)
+		}
+	}
+	for _, table := range []string{"build_gate", "assignment_generation"} {
+		if !have[table] {
+			t.Errorf("the table %s, which stays, is gone", table)
+		}
+	}
+	if rows := inv.QueryForTest(t, `select count(*) from pg_proc where proname = 'raise_assignment_generation'`); rows[0][0] != "0" {
+		t.Errorf("the function raise_assignment_generation is in the store: %v", rows)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/check_pulls_test.go

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

cmd/mesh-controller/checks.go

@@ -4,6 +4,8 @@ import (
 	"context"
 	"encoding/json"
 	"fmt"
+	"io"
+	"os"
 	"path"
 	"regexp"
 	"runtime/debug"
@@ -12,6 +14,7 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 	"time"
 
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
@@ -140,18 +143,26 @@ func sourceOwner(repository string) string {
 
 // PullUpdated decides a pull request's merge check, and asks for it when there is something to run.
 func (f following) PullUpdated(ctx context.Context, p link.PullUpdated) error {
+	_, err := f.pullUpdated(ctx, p, os.Stdout)
+	return err
+}
+
+// pullUpdated is PullUpdated saying what it did to w. It returns the id of the check it asked of the build seat, or
+// "" when it said a verdict itself and asked nothing. A command that answers JSON on standard output (`delivery
+// check`) gives it standard error, so its output stays the document alone (novox/hq issue 1311).
+func (f following) pullUpdated(ctx context.Context, p link.PullUpdated, w io.Writer) (string, error) {
 	inv := f.open.inventory
 	entries, err := inv.Catalogued(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
-		return err
+		return "", err
 	}
 	read, err := readForPlanning(ctx, inv)
 	if err != nil {
-		return err
+		return "", err
 	}
 	edges, err := inv.Dependencies(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
-		return err
+		return "", err
 	}
 	scope := pullScope(p, entries, read, edges)
 	// **A cycle of edges fails the check, naming every module and edge** (novox/hq ADR 0419 clause 6), a lone pull
@@ -160,12 +171,12 @@ func (f following) PullUpdated(ctx context.Context, p link.PullUpdated) error {
 		Head: p.Commit, Number: p.Number, Paths: p.Paths, PathsTruncated: p.PathsTruncated, Removed: p.Removed, BaseSHA: p.BaseSHA}
 	if failing, cyclic, err := cycleVerdict(ctx, "", []orderMember{alone},
 		map[string]orderReach{alone.ID: {Moved: scope.Modules}}, edges, entries); err != nil {
-		return err
+		return "", err
 	} else if cyclic {
 		failing.Commit, failing.Trunk = p.Commit, twelve(p.BaseSHA)
-		fmt.Printf("%s/%s#%d (%.8s): %s\n", p.Owner, p.Repo, p.Number, p.Commit, failing.Summary)
-		sayChecked(ctx, failing)
-		return nil
+		fmt.Fprintf(w, "%s/%s#%d (%.8s): %s\n", p.Owner, p.Repo, p.Number, p.Commit, failing.Summary)
+		sayChecked(ctx, w, failing)
+		return "", nil
 	}
 	// **A member of a group whose gate is the composed check's runs its repository's check alone** (novox/hq ADR 0403
 	// clause 1): mesh-delivery is asked once, and says so on the group's line. Told nothing, the pull request is
@@ -178,7 +189,7 @@ func (f following) PullUpdated(ctx context.Context, p link.PullUpdated) error {
 		u, err := inv.UpgradeOf(ctx, module)
 		return u, err == nil
 	})
-	fmt.Print(planText(plan))
+	fmt.Fprint(w, planText(plan))
 	direct := directVerdict(p, plan)
 	if composed {
 		scope.Modules, scope.Dependents, scope.New, scope.Manifests = nil, nil, nil, nil
@@ -186,19 +197,19 @@ func (f following) PullUpdated(ctx context.Context, p link.PullUpdated) error {
 	}
 	switch {
 	case !scope.gated() && !scope.Mesh:
-		fmt.Printf("%s/%s#%d (%.8s): %s, and the repository is not the mesh's: said, nothing run\n",
+		fmt.Fprintf(w, "%s/%s#%d (%.8s): %s, and the repository is not the mesh's: said, nothing run\n",
 			p.Owner, p.Repo, p.Number, p.Commit, noModuleTouched)
-		sayChecked(ctx, direct)
-		return nil
+		sayChecked(ctx, w, direct)
+		return "", nil
 	case !scope.gated() && p.MergeCheckSaid && !p.MergeCheck:
 		direct.RepoCheck = &link.CheckLayer{Verdict: "warning", Summary: noMergeCheck}
-		fmt.Printf("%s/%s#%d (%.8s): %s; %s\n", p.Owner, p.Repo, p.Number, p.Commit, noModuleTouched, noMergeCheck)
-		sayChecked(ctx, direct)
-		return nil
+		fmt.Fprintf(w, "%s/%s#%d (%.8s): %s; %s\n", p.Owner, p.Repo, p.Number, p.Commit, noModuleTouched, noMergeCheck)
+		sayChecked(ctx, w, direct)
+		return "", nil
 	}
 	request, err := checkRequestFor(ctx, f.open, p, scope, entries)
 	if err != nil {
-		return err
+		return "", err
 	}
 	request.Check.Plan = &plan
 	request.Check.Composed = composed
@@ -207,11 +218,11 @@ func (f following) PullUpdated(ctx context.Context, p link.PullUpdated) error {
 	seat := buildSeatHeld(ctx)
 	ask, err := askOverOn(seat)
 	if err != nil {
-		return err
+		return "", err
 	}
 	defer ask.Close()
 	if err := ask.Ask(ctx, request); err != nil {
-		return err
+		return "", err
 	}
 	// **A newer request replaces the one still waiting, and a newer key stops the one running** (novox/hq ADR 0406 §3, §4,
 	// issue 974): the check queue keeps one request a pull request, and a running check watches its key. Nothing is asked
@@ -225,9 +236,9 @@ func (f following) PullUpdated(ctx context.Context, p link.PullUpdated) error {
 			strings.Join(append(append([]string{}, scope.Modules...), prefixedAll("new:", scope.New)...), ", "),
 			scope.Width, scope.Tiers)
 	}
-	fmt.Printf("%s/%s#%d (%.8s): asked %s to check it before it merges — %s — as %s\n", p.Owner, p.Repo, p.Number,
+	fmt.Fprintf(w, "%s/%s#%d (%.8s): asked %s to check it before it merges — %s — as %s\n", p.Owner, p.Repo, p.Number,
 		p.Commit, seat, what, request.ID)
-	return nil
+	return request.ID, nil
 }
 
 // composedWords is what a group member's own verdict says of its gate layer (novox/hq ADR 0403 clause 1).
@@ -305,13 +316,19 @@ func checkRequestFor(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p link.PullUpdated, scop
 		Held:       heldBy(ctx),
 		Seats:      seatBases(ctx),
 		Source:     sourceOnSeat(source),
-		Check: &link.CheckRequest{Owner: p.Owner, Repo: p.Repo, Number: p.Number, Base: p.Base, Trunk: p.BaseSHA, Ready: p.Ready,
-			Paths: p.Paths, Beside: beside, Modules: scope.Modules, Dependents: scope.Dependents, New: scope.New,
-			Manifests: scope.Manifests, Judge: scope.Judge, Builds: builds, Named: namedForTheCheck(ctx, p, builds),
-			Running: runningBy(ctx)},
+		Check:      checkOf(p, scope, entries, beside, builds, namedForTheCheck(ctx, p, builds), runningBy(ctx)),
 	}, nil
 }
 
+// checkOf is the check a request carries: the pull request, what the change touches, and the buckets of the pull
+// requests' keys of the modules claiming the delivery seat (novox/hq ADR 0437 §3, issue 1212).
+func checkOf(p link.PullUpdated, scope checkScope, entries []inventory.Entry, beside map[string]link.CheckedOut,
+	builds []link.CheckBuild, named []link.CheckedBuild, running map[string]string) *link.CheckRequest {
+	return &link.CheckRequest{Pulls: pullsBucketsOf(entries), Owner: p.Owner, Repo: p.Repo, Number: p.Number, Base: p.Base,
+		Trunk: p.BaseSHA, Ready: p.Ready, Paths: p.Paths, Beside: beside, Modules: scope.Modules, Dependents: scope.Dependents,
+		New: scope.New, Manifests: scope.Manifests, Judge: scope.Judge, Builds: builds, Named: named, Running: running}
+}
+
 // besideOf is what a check reads beside its own repository, by the directory it is found under: each core repository
 // by the module the mesh builds from it, at besideRefs. running is the commit the mesh runs of a module.
 func besideOf(entries []inventory.Entry, running func(module string) string,
@@ -521,7 +538,7 @@ func checked(ctx context.Context, result link.BuildResult) {
 		fmt.Printf("%s: stopped, its pull request's key moved on; the newer check will judge\n", result.ID)
 		return
 	}
-	sayChecked(ctx, checkedOf(result))
+	sayChecked(ctx, os.Stdout, checkedOf(result))
 }
 
 // checkedOf is what a check's outcome says: each layer, and an error — never a pass — for a check that
@@ -637,7 +654,7 @@ func prefixedAll(prefix string, items []string) []string {
 }
 
 // sayChecked says a merge check's verdict on the bus, where the forge's holder hears it.
-func sayChecked(ctx context.Context, c link.Checked) {
+func sayChecked(ctx context.Context, w io.Writer, c link.Checked) {
 	repo := "none"
 	if c.RepoCheck != nil {
 		repo = strings.ToUpper(c.RepoCheck.Verdict) + " — " + c.RepoCheck.Summary
@@ -646,7 +663,7 @@ func sayChecked(ctx context.Context, c link.Checked) {
 	if c.Trunk != "" {
 		judged = " merged into trunk " + c.Trunk
 	}
-	fmt.Printf("%s: %s/%s#%d at %.8s%s checked on %s: gate %s — %s; repository %s\n", c.ID, c.Owner, c.Repo, c.Number,
+	fmt.Fprintf(w, "%s: %s/%s#%d at %.8s%s checked on %s: gate %s — %s; repository %s\n", c.ID, c.Owner, c.Repo, c.Number,
 		c.Commit, judged, orSomewhere(c.On), strings.ToUpper(c.Verdict), c.Summary, repo)
 	if checkEvents == nil {
 		return
@@ -658,6 +675,16 @@ func sayChecked(ctx context.Context, c link.Checked) {
 	stating, stop := context.WithTimeout(context.WithoutCancel(ctx), 10*time.Second)
 	defer stop()
 	if err := checkEvents.PublishSeatEvent(stating, link.MeshControllerSeat, link.KeyChecked, body); err != nil {
-		fmt.Printf("%s: the verdict could not be said, so the pull request is not told it: %v\n", c.ID, err)
+		fmt.Fprintf(w, "%s: the verdict could not be said, so the pull request is not told it: %v\n", c.ID, err)
 	}
 }
+
+// pullsBucketsOf are the buckets of the pull requests' keys a check names for the build agent: one per module
+// claiming the delivery seat, in the order of their names (novox/hq ADR 0437 §3, issue 1212).
+func pullsBucketsOf(entries []inventory.Entry) []string {
+	var out []string
+	for _, m := range claimantsOf(entries, catalogue.DeliverySeat) {
+		out = append(out, broker.BucketName(m, "pulls"))
+	}
+	return out
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/data_integration_test.go

@@ -56,13 +56,19 @@ func TestNatsUnassigningIrreplaceableDataRetiresItAndAnEmptyReplacementIsUrgent(
 	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"}}}})
+	// Built from a commit, so that a send carries them: a holder is asked only of what the machine was sent (issue 1109).
+	built := inventory.Source{BuiltFrom: "c1"}
+	if err := inv.RegisterModule(ctx, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "keeper", Version: "1",
+		Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: catalogue.BackupSeat, Scope: catalogue.ScopeNode, Serves: []string{"backed-up", "now", "restore"}}}}, built); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
 	house, err := catalogue.ParseManifest([]byte(houseManifest))
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
-	register(t, open, house)
+	if err := inv.RegisterModule(ctx, house, built); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
 	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "laptop", "house"); err == nil {
 		t.Fatal("irreplaceable data was assigned to a machine with nothing to back it up")
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/delivery.go

@@ -42,13 +42,53 @@ import (
 // `delivery order` (a group's order from the graph), `delivery check` (a group's heads composed), `delivery
 // go`, `delivery stop` and `delivery walks`.
 
-// onTheControllersPath are the modules whose walk never waits for the delivery's owner, and what each is.
+// onTheControllersPath are the modules, by name, whose walk never waits for the delivery's owner, and what each is.
+// The delivery's owner is not among them: it is whichever module claims the seat (ownPathOf, novox/hq ADR 0437 §3).
 var onTheControllersPath = map[string]string{
-	"mesh-controller":      "the controller",
-	"mesh-host":            "the node-engine",
-	"node-tools":           "the node tools",
-	"nats":                 "the bus",
-	catalogue.DeliverySeat: "the delivery's owner",
+	"mesh-controller": "the controller",
+	"mesh-host":       "the node-engine",
+	"node-tools":      "the node tools",
+	"nats":            "the bus",
+}
+
+// claimantsOf are the modules among the catalogued entries that claim a seat, each once, in name order.
+func claimantsOf(entries []inventory.Entry, seat string) []string {
+	var out []string
+	for _, e := range entries {
+		if e.Manifest.ClaimsSeat(seat) && !slices.Contains(out, e.Manifest.Module) {
+			out = append(out, e.Manifest.Module)
+		}
+	}
+	sort.Strings(out)
+	return out
+}
+
+// ownPathOf is the controller's own path among these entries: the modules by name, and the modules that claim
+// the delivery seat, which is how the delivery's owner is found (novox/hq ADR 0437 §3).
+func ownPathOf(entries []inventory.Entry) map[string]string {
+	own := make(map[string]string, len(onTheControllersPath)+1)
+	for m, what := range onTheControllersPath {
+		own[m] = what
+	}
+	for _, m := range claimantsOf(entries, catalogue.DeliverySeat) {
+		own[m] = "the delivery's owner"
+	}
+	return own
+}
+
+// onTheOwnPath is whether one module, with its manifest at hand, is on the controller's own path.
+func onTheOwnPath(module string, m catalogue.Manifest) bool {
+	_, named := onTheControllersPath[module]
+	return named || m.ClaimsSeat(catalogue.DeliverySeat)
+}
+
+// ownPathNow is ownPathOf the catalogue as it is.
+func ownPathNow(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory) (map[string]string, error) {
+	entries, err := inv.Catalogued(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return ownPathOf(entries), nil
 }
 
 // deliverySeatHeld is whether a module claiming the delivery seat is assigned somewhere: the seat has a
@@ -69,8 +109,9 @@ func awaitsFor(entries []inventory.Entry, modules []string) *inventory.PlanDeliv
 	if !deliverySeatHeld(entries) {
 		return nil
 	}
+	onPath := ownPathOf(entries)
 	for _, m := range modules {
-		if _, own := onTheControllersPath[m]; own {
+		if _, own := onPath[m]; own {
 			return nil
 		}
 	}
@@ -327,16 +368,17 @@ func stopInBatch(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, b *inventory.Pla
 // the stop's one act. The kind is read from what the merges moved; the stopped walk itself is no walk a cut folds.
 func batchToWalkAgain(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, stopping string, again []inventory.BatchedMerge,
 	now time.Time) (inventory.Plan, []*inventory.Plan, []inventory.MergeMove, error) {
-	own := false
-	for _, n := range movesOf(again) {
-		if _, on := onTheControllersPath[n]; on {
-			own = true
-		}
-	}
 	entries, read, edges, err := theGraph(ctx, inv)
 	if err != nil {
 		return inventory.Plan{}, nil, nil, err
 	}
+	own := false
+	onPath := ownPathOf(entries)
+	for _, n := range movesOf(again) {
+		if _, on := onPath[n]; on {
+			own = true
+		}
+	}
 	joins, _, _, err := relatedBatches(ctx, inv, again, own, stopping, entries, read, edges)
 	if err != nil {
 		return inventory.Plan{}, nil, nil, err
@@ -742,6 +784,27 @@ func reachOfMembers(members []orderMember, entries []inventory.Entry, read map[s
 	return out
 }
 
+// changeMember is one change as the planner is asked about it, the same for `delivery plan` and `plans --what-if`.
+func changeMember(repository, base, head string, paths, removed []string, moduleDirs *[]string) orderMember {
+	m := orderMember{ID: repository + "@" + head, Repository: repository, Base: base, Head: head,
+		Paths: paths, Removed: removed}
+	if moduleDirs != nil {
+		m.ModuleDirs, m.ModuleDirsSaid = *moduleDirs, true
+	}
+	return m
+}
+
+// deliveryPlanDocument is the answer of `delivery plan` and of `plans --what-if … --data`: one change's
+// change plan with its reach, the mesh's own part in it and whether the gate would run. One function, so
+// the two verbs cannot differ (novox/hq ADR 0450 §2, issue 1324).
+func deliveryPlanDocument(m orderMember, entries []inventory.Entry, read map[string][]inventory.ReadRepository,
+	edges []inventory.Edge, policy policyOf) map[string]any {
+	s := pullScope(m.pull(), entries, read, edges)
+	plan := changePlanOf(m.Repository, m.Base, m.Head, s.Reach, entries, policy)
+	return map[string]any{"plan": plan, "reach": orderReach{Moved: s.Modules, Dependents: s.Dependents,
+		New: s.New, Manifests: s.Manifests}, "mesh": s.Mesh, "gated": s.gated()}
+}
+
 // deliveryCommand is `delivery`, the controller's verbs for the delivery's owner:
 //
 //	delivery plan --repository owner/repo --head <commit> [--base main] --paths a,b [--module-dirs …] [--removed …]
@@ -763,6 +826,8 @@ func deliveryCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 	moduleDirs := set.String("module-dirs", "", "the directories holding a module.json at the head, comma-separated")
 	removed := set.String("removed", "", "the files it deletes, comma-separated")
 	membersJSON := set.String("members", "", "a group's members, as JSON")
+	membersFile := set.String("members-file", "", "a file of a group's members, as JSON: the same as --members, for a list "+
+		"too long for an argument (novox/hq issue 1272)")
 	group := set.String("group", "", "a delivery group's id")
 	ready := set.Bool("ready", false, "the head's pull request is marked ready: its check is queued before every other check "+
 		"(novox/hq ADR 0406 §3)")
@@ -777,6 +842,13 @@ func deliveryCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 		return err
 	}
 	var members []orderMember
+	if *membersFile != "" {
+		raw, err := os.ReadFile(*membersFile)
+		if err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("--members-file: %w", err)
+		}
+		*membersJSON = string(raw)
+	}
 	if *membersJSON != "" {
 		if err := json.Unmarshal([]byte(*membersJSON), &members); err != nil {
 			return fmt.Errorf("the members are not readable: %w", err)
@@ -804,22 +876,15 @@ func deliveryCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 		if *repository == "" || *head == "" && *paths == "" {
 			return errors.New("delivery plan --repository owner/repo --head <commit> --paths a,b")
 		}
-		m := orderMember{ID: *repository + "@" + *head, Repository: *repository, Base: *base, Head: *head,
-			Paths: splitList(*paths), Removed: splitList(*removed)}
-		if d := moduleDirsOf(*moduleDirs); d != nil {
-			m.ModuleDirs, m.ModuleDirsSaid = *d, true
-		}
+		m := changeMember(*repository, *base, *head, splitList(*paths), splitList(*removed), moduleDirsOf(*moduleDirs))
 		entries, read, edges, err := theGraph(ctx, inv)
 		if err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
-		s := pullScope(m.pull(), entries, read, edges)
-		plan := changePlanOf(*repository, *base, *head, s.Reach, entries, func(module string) (inventory.Upgrade, bool) {
+		return answer(deliveryPlanDocument(m, entries, read, edges, func(module string) (inventory.Upgrade, bool) {
 			u, err := inv.UpgradeOf(ctx, module)
 			return u, err == nil
-		})
-		return answer(map[string]any{"plan": plan, "reach": orderReach{Moved: s.Modules, Dependents: s.Dependents,
-			New: s.New, Manifests: s.Manifests}, "mesh": s.Mesh, "gated": s.gated()})
+		}))
 	case "order":
 		if len(members) == 0 {
 			return errors.New("delivery order --members <json>: a group has members")
@@ -837,10 +902,16 @@ func deliveryCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 		if *group == "" && len(members) == 1 {
 			// One head, checked again as the forge's announcement would have it (a recheck): the controller's
 			// own path for a pull request, run because the delivery's owner asked.
-			if err := sayingOnTheBus(ctx, inv, func() error { return (following{open: open, oneShot: true}).PullUpdated(ctx, members[0].pull()) }); err != nil {
+			// Its prose goes to standard error: standard output is the answer's JSON alone, or the seat verb
+			// reads no answer from it (novox/hq issue 1311).
+			var asked string
+			if err := sayingOnTheBus(ctx, inv, func() (err error) {
+				asked, err = (following{open: open, oneShot: true}).pullUpdated(ctx, members[0].pull(), os.Stderr)
+				return err
+			}); err != nil {
 				return err
 			}
-			return answer(map[string]any{"rechecked": members[0].ID})
+			return answer(recheckAnswer(asked, members[0].ID))
 		}
 		if *group == "" || len(members) < 2 {
 			return errors.New("delivery check --group <id> --members <json> (two heads or more), or --members <one head>")
@@ -935,7 +1006,7 @@ func deliveryCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 			walks[i].Phases = walks[i].WalkPhases(now, appliedFrom(ctx, inv))
 		}
 		return answer(map[string]any{"held": deliverySeatHeld(entries), "walks": walks,
-			"own-path": sortedKeysOf(ownPathWords())})
+			"own-path": sortedKeysOf(ownPathOf(entries))})
 	}
 	return fmt.Errorf("delivery %s: plan, order, check, go, stop, backups-again or walks", sub)
 }
@@ -1006,9 +1077,6 @@ func recordWalkPhases(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, now time.Ti
 	return nil
 }
 
-// ownPathWords is the controller's own path as words, for an answer.
-func ownPathWords() map[string]string { return onTheControllersPath }
-
 // theGraph is what the planner reads.
 func theGraph(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory) ([]inventory.Entry, map[string][]inventory.ReadRepository,
 	[]inventory.Edge, error) {
@@ -1094,7 +1162,7 @@ func askGroupCheck(ctx context.Context, open *stores, group string, members []or
 	if failing, cyclic, err := cycleVerdict(ctx, group, members, reach, edges, entries); err != nil {
 		return "", err
 	} else if cyclic {
-		sayChecked(ctx, failing)
+		sayChecked(ctx, os.Stderr, failing)
 		return failing.ID, nil
 	}
 	primary := groupPrimary(members, reach)
@@ -1181,8 +1249,32 @@ func shelfOf(entries []inventory.Entry) map[string]catalogue.Manifest {
 // On the save that starts the walk and the one that ends it, the walk also says what it touches, its bound and,
 // at the end, its outcome (novox/hq ADR 0308 decision 1, walk_said.go), read from facts; nil facts say only what
 // the walk recorded.
+//
+// The plan the announcement is made from is a copy that shares nothing with the walk, taken before the goroutine
+// starts: the walk goes on writing its steps' maps and pointers while the announcement is marshalled and its
+// touches read (novox/hq issue 1260), and it says the plan as it was when this was called.
 func sayPlanMoved(ctx context.Context, bus link.Bus, facts walkFacts, p inventory.Plan) {
-	go publishPlanMoved(ctx, bus, facts, p)
+	kept, err := copyOfPlan(p)
+	if err != nil {
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "%s: kept, and could not be said as plan-moved: %v\n", p.ID, err)
+		return
+	}
+	go publishPlanMoved(ctx, bus, facts, kept)
+}
+
+// copyOfPlan is the plan with nothing shared with the original: its JSON round trip, which is all of it but what
+// the plan never keeps (WalkSaid), carried over.
+func copyOfPlan(p inventory.Plan) (inventory.Plan, error) {
+	raw, err := json.Marshal(p)
+	if err != nil {
+		return inventory.Plan{}, err
+	}
+	var kept inventory.Plan
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(raw, &kept); err != nil {
+		return inventory.Plan{}, err
+	}
+	kept.WalkSaid = p.WalkSaid
+	return kept, nil
 }
 
 func publishPlanMoved(ctx context.Context, bus link.Bus, facts walkFacts, p inventory.Plan) {
@@ -1290,3 +1382,9 @@ func overNATS(conn *nats.Conn) (link.Bus, error) {
 	}
 	return link.OverNATS{Conn: conn, JS: js}, nil
 }
+
+// recheckAnswer is what `delivery check` answers for one head: the id of the check asked of the build seat (empty when
+// the controller said the verdict itself and asked nothing), which mesh-delivery reads, and the head rechecked.
+func recheckAnswer(asked, member string) map[string]any {
+	return map[string]any{"asked": asked, "rechecked": member}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/delivery_check_answer_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,46 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"bytes"
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// `delivery check` with one head answers the id of the check it asked, as data (novox/hq issue 1311): the prose
+// the check says goes to standard error, so standard output is the document alone and answerOf reads it.
+func TestDeliveryCheckOfOneHeadAnswersTheRequestID(t *testing.T) {
+	argv := []string{"delivery", "check", "--members", "[]"}
+	doc, err := json.Marshal(recheckAnswer("check-42", "novox/x@abc"))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	// Seen failing first: the prose the command used to print on standard output before the document.
+	polluted := append([]byte("novox/x#7 (abc): asked the build seat as check-42\n"), doc...)
+	if got := answerOf(argv, polluted, "", true); got.Answer != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("prose before the document should leave no answer; got %v", got.Answer)
+	}
+	got := answerOf(argv, doc, "novox/x#7 (abc): asked the build seat as check-42\n", true)
+	m, ok := got.Answer.(map[string]any)
+	if !ok || m["asked"] != "check-42" || m["rechecked"] != "novox/x@abc" {
+		t.Fatalf("the answer is %v; want asked check-42 and rechecked novox/x@abc", got.Answer)
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(got.Output, "asked the build seat") {
+		t.Fatalf("the prose is still said in the text: %q", got.Output)
+	}
+}
+
+// The text of the other callers does not change: sayChecked writes the same line to the writer it is given, and
+// the controller's own path still gives PullUpdated standard output.
+func TestSayCheckedWritesTheSameLineToItsWriter(t *testing.T) {
+	var w bytes.Buffer
+	sayChecked(context.Background(), &w, link.Checked{ID: "c1", Owner: "novox", Repo: "x", Number: 7, Commit: "0123456789abcdef",
+		Verdict: "pass", Summary: "fine"})
+	want := "c1: novox/x#7 at 01234567 checked on a machine that did not say which: gate PASS — fine; repository none\n"
+	if w.String() != want {
+		t.Fatalf("sayChecked said %q; want %q", w.String(), want)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/delivery_conditions.go

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

cmd/mesh-controller/delivery_stalled_severity_test.go

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

cmd/mesh-controller/doctor.go

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

cmd/mesh-controller/durations.go

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

cmd/mesh-controller/first_build_ask_integration_test.go

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

cmd/mesh-controller/first_build_warrant_test.go

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

cmd/mesh-controller/first_builds.go

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

cmd/mesh-controller/first_builds_integration_test.go

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

cmd/mesh-controller/first_builds_test.go

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

cmd/mesh-controller/fixclass_test.go

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

cmd/mesh-controller/gate.go

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

cmd/mesh-controller/gate_rule_test.go

@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ func TestEachModuleHasItsGateRule(t *testing.T) {
 	}{
 		{"mesh-controller", nil, 1, 0, true, "the controller's rule"},
 		{"node-tools", nil, 1, 0, true, "the tool runner's rule"},
-		{catalogue.DeliverySeat, nil, 1, 0, false, "mesh-delivery's rule"},
+		{catalogue.DeliverySeat, []catalogue.Claim{{Name: catalogue.DeliverySeat}}, 1, 0, false, "mesh-delivery's rule"},
 		{"mesh-host", nil, 3, 2 * time.Minute, false, "the core's rule"},
 		{"dnsmasq", []catalogue.Claim{{Name: resolverSeat}}, 3, 2 * time.Minute, false, "the core's rule"},
 		{"nats", nil, 3, 2 * time.Minute, false, "the core's rule"},
@@ -56,7 +56,12 @@ func TestEachModuleHasItsGateRule(t *testing.T) {
 // Every module that was core stays core for its delivery budget and its walk: only its readings change.
 func TestTheCoreStaysTheCore(t *testing.T) {
 	for _, m := range []string{"mesh-controller", "mesh-host", "node-tools", "nats", catalogue.DeliverySeat} {
-		if !coreModule(m, catalogue.Manifest{Module: m}) {
+		// The delivery's owner is core by the claim of the seat, not by its name (novox/hq ADR 0437 §3, issue 1210).
+		claims := []catalogue.Claim(nil)
+		if m == catalogue.DeliverySeat {
+			claims = []catalogue.Claim{{Name: catalogue.DeliverySeat}}
+		}
+		if !coreModule(m, catalogue.Manifest{Module: m, Claims: claims}) {
 			t.Errorf("%s is no longer judged as the core for its class", m)
 		}
 	}
@@ -78,7 +83,11 @@ func aGateOn(module, node string, since time.Time) *gateOn {
 }
 
 func (o *gateOn) read(at time.Time, h health, why string) {
-	r := gateRuleOf(o.module, catalogue.Manifest{Module: o.module})
+	m := catalogue.Manifest{Module: o.module}
+	if o.module == catalogue.DeliverySeat { // today's module, which claims the seat
+		m.Claims = []catalogue.Claim{{Name: catalogue.DeliverySeat}}
+	}
+	r := gateRuleOf(o.module, m)
 	floor := gateFloor(o.module, r, *o.g.Since, []string{o.node}, o.g.Applied, o.holder)
 	tallyGate(o.g, gateJudging{modules: []string{o.module}, reading: map[string]health{o.module: h},
 		worst: h, why: why, rules: map[string]gateRule{o.module: r}, floors: map[string]time.Time{o.module: floor}}, at)

cmd/mesh-controller/handacts.go

@@ -72,6 +72,10 @@ var handActVerbs = []handActVerb{
 	// An act the operator chose on a warrant (novox/hq ADR 0259): asked by the controller, answered on a
 	// channel that proved who answered, performed by the controller as itself.
 	{Verb: handActWarrant, Decision: "the operator chose it, answering what the controller asked (ADR 0259)"},
+	// A seat passed by the controller to its only claimant when its holder on record left (novox/hq ADR 0449
+	// §4): the mesh working as decided. A person's own `seat --to` is not recorded under this cause.
+	{Verb: "seat", Decision: "the controller passes a seat held once to its only claimant when its recorded " +
+		"holder is assigned nowhere (ADR 0449 §4)", DecidedFor: []string{"seat-passed"}},
 	{Verb: "broker consumer-reset"},
 	// Silencing the same condition twice says the condition, or what it watches, wants mending — unless
 	// it is the operator's answer on a notification: a decision to live with it (novox/hq ADR 0258).

cmd/mesh-controller/handacts_test.go

@@ -77,15 +77,11 @@ func TestDurationsAreSummarisedPerSubject(t *testing.T) {
 		ds = append(ds, inventory.Duration{Kind: inventory.DurationApply, Subject: "anchor",
 			Took: time.Duration(i) * time.Second})
 	}
-	ds = append(ds, inventory.Duration{Kind: inventory.DurationHeartbeatGap, Subject: "anchor", Took: time.Minute})
 	got := summarise(ds)
-	if len(got) != 2 || got[0].Kind != inventory.DurationApply || got[0].Count != 10 ||
+	if len(got) != 1 || got[0].Kind != inventory.DurationApply || got[0].Count != 10 ||
 		got[0].Max != "10s" || got[0].Median != "5s" || got[0].P90 != "9s" {
 		t.Fatalf("%+v", got)
 	}
-	if !strings.Contains(got[1].Suggests, "3m0s") {
-		t.Fatalf("a minute between words suggests %q", got[1].Suggests)
-	}
 }
 
 // **A drill has its own verb** — `hand-act drill`, the seat's `drill` — and `hand-act record` refuses

cmd/mesh-controller/last_heard.go

@@ -0,0 +1,120 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"fmt"
+	"os"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// Last heard (novox/hq ADR 0433 §3, issue 1183): one answer to when the controller last heard a machine, read from the
+// watchman's presence. The alive message that used to keep last_seen fresh is gone; a report, which is rare, is the
+// answer only where presence has no key for the machine.
+
+// presenceReader reads presence.<node>'s entry for each node; a node without an entry is left out.
+type presenceReader func(ctx context.Context, nodes []string) (map[string]presenceEntry, error)
+
+// lastHeard is when a machine was last heard: now when presence says it is online, the entry's time when it says offline
+// (the time it went), and the machine's last report only when presence has no entry for it. Zero is never heard.
+func lastHeard(report time.Time, entry *presenceEntry, now time.Time) time.Time {
+	switch {
+	case entry == nil:
+		return report
+	case entry.Online:
+		return now
+	default:
+		return entry.At
+	}
+}
+
+// nodesHeard returns the nodes with their last-heard time (LastSeen) as lastHeard says it. Unreadable presence is
+// returned as an error with the nodes unchanged, so a caller says it and shows the reports.
+func nodesHeard(ctx context.Context, nodes []inventory.Node, read presenceReader, now time.Time) ([]inventory.Node, error) {
+	names := make([]string, len(nodes))
+	for i, n := range nodes {
+		names[i] = n.Name
+	}
+	entries, err := read(ctx, names)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nodes, fmt.Errorf("what the watchman says of the machines' presence cannot be read: %w", err)
+	}
+	out := make([]inventory.Node, len(nodes))
+	for i, n := range nodes {
+		var entry *presenceEntry
+		if e, ok := entries[n.Name]; ok {
+			entry = &e
+		}
+		n.LastSeen = lastHeard(n.LastSeen, entry, now)
+		out[i] = n
+	}
+	return out, nil
+}
+
+// heardNodes is every node, read with its last-heard time from the watchman's presence over a connection of its own. A bus
+// that cannot be reached is said on standard error and the reports stand, which reads a machine as quiet rather than well.
+func (h *stores) heardNodes(ctx context.Context) ([]inventory.Node, error) {
+	nodes, err := h.inventory.Nodes(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return h.withPresence(ctx, nodes), nil
+}
+
+// heardNode is one node, read the same way.
+func (h *stores) heardNode(ctx context.Context, name string) (inventory.Node, error) {
+	n, err := h.inventory.NodeByName(ctx, name)
+	if err != nil {
+		return n, err
+	}
+	return h.withPresence(ctx, []inventory.Node{n})[0], nil
+}
+
+func (h *stores) withPresence(ctx context.Context, nodes []inventory.Node) []inventory.Node {
+	address, err := broker.BusAddress()
+	var js *broker.JetStream
+	if err == nil {
+		js, err = broker.Dial(address)
+	}
+	if err != nil {
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "what the watchman says of the machines' presence cannot be read: %v\n", err)
+		return nodes
+	}
+	defer js.Close()
+	read := func(ctx context.Context, names []string) (map[string]presenceEntry, error) {
+		return readPresence(ctx, js.Conn(), names)
+	}
+	heard, err := nodesHeard(ctx, nodes, read, time.Now())
+	if err != nil {
+		fmt.Fprintln(os.Stderr, err)
+	}
+	return heard
+}
+
+// heardFromAt says when a node was last heard from, in a form somebody can act on.
+//
+// "never" and "an hour ago" are different answers and are kept different. A node that has never spoken did not finish
+// joining; a node last heard from an hour ago is running an hour-old picture of the mesh.
+func heardFromAt(n inventory.Node, now time.Time) string {
+	if n.LastSeen.IsZero() {
+		return "never spoken"
+	}
+	if silent := now.Sub(n.LastSeen); silent > SilentFor {
+		return "out of touch " + roughly(silent)
+	}
+	return "here"
+}
+
+// notHeardLately is the nodes never heard from or not within the hour: different from failing, for a machine that says
+// nothing may be new, switched off or unreachable, and none of those is a machine that tried and could not.
+func notHeardLately(nodes []inventory.Node, now time.Time) []inventory.Node {
+	var out []inventory.Node
+	for _, n := range nodes {
+		if n.LastSeen.IsZero() || now.Sub(n.LastSeen) > time.Hour {
+			out = append(out, n)
+		}
+	}
+	return out
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/last_heard_integration_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,82 @@
+//go:build integration
+
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	sdkdelivery "git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/delivery"
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go/jetstream"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/testbus"
+)
+
+// 1183/AC5: with the watchman's presence bucket holding a node online and no alive message ever sent, the node reads here
+// in `nodes` four minutes later by the controller's clock, however old its last report; and an alive message still sent
+// by a node-engine is published to the same bus without error and changes nothing.
+func TestAnOnlineNodeReadsHereWithNoAliveMessage(t *testing.T) { // 1183/AC5
+	js, err := broker.Dial(testbus.URL(t))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(js.Close)
+	if _, err := broker.RaiseBuckets(js, []broker.Bucket{
+		{Module: sdkdelivery.WatchmanModule, Name: "presence", History: sdkdelivery.PresenceHistory},
+	}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	ctx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(context.Background(), 30*time.Second)
+	defer cancel()
+	api, err := jetstream.New(js.Conn())
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	kv, err := api.KeyValue(ctx, sdkdelivery.PresenceBucket)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	put := func(node string, online bool) {
+		t.Helper()
+		key, err := sdkdelivery.PresenceNodeKey(node)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		body, err := sdkdelivery.EncodePresence(sdkdelivery.Presence{Online: online})
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		if _, err := kv.Put(ctx, key, body); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	put("ace", true)
+	put("laptop", false)
+	// A node-engine still sending its alive message: harmless.
+	if err := js.Conn().Publish("mesh.control.ace.alive", []byte(`{"node":"ace"}`)); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("an alive message could not be published: %v", err)
+	}
+	if err := js.Conn().Flush(); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+
+	later := time.Now().Add(4 * time.Minute)
+	nodes := []inventory.Node{{Name: "ace", LastSeen: time.Now().Add(-time.Hour)},
+		{Name: "laptop", LastSeen: time.Now().Add(-time.Hour)}}
+	read := func(ctx context.Context, names []string) (map[string]presenceEntry, error) {
+		return readPresence(ctx, js.Conn(), names)
+	}
+	heard, err := nodesHeard(ctx, nodes, read, later)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if got := heardFromAt(heard[0], later); got != "here" {
+		t.Fatalf("a node online by presence reads %q four minutes later", got)
+	}
+	if got := heardFromAt(heard[1], later); got == "here" {
+		t.Fatalf("a node offline by presence reads %q", got)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/last_heard_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,112 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// aPresenceFake is the watchman's presence bucket as a reader sees it.
+func aPresenceFake(entries map[string]presenceEntry, err error) presenceReader {
+	return func(_ context.Context, _ []string) (map[string]presenceEntry, error) { return entries, err }
+}
+
+// 1183/AC1: one function says when a machine was last heard: online is now, offline is the entry's time, and only where
+// presence has no key, the last report.
+func TestLastHeardIsPresenceThenTheReport(t *testing.T) { // 1183/AC1
+	now := time.Now()
+	report := now.Add(-time.Hour)
+	if got := lastHeard(report, nil, now); !got.Equal(report) {
+		t.Fatalf("no presence key: last heard is %v, want the report %v", got, report)
+	}
+	if got := lastHeard(report, &presenceEntry{Online: true, At: now.Add(-9 * time.Hour)}, now); !got.Equal(now) {
+		t.Fatalf("online: last heard is %v, want now", got)
+	}
+	offlineAt := now.Add(-4 * time.Minute)
+	if got := lastHeard(now.Add(-time.Minute), &presenceEntry{At: offlineAt}, now); !got.Equal(offlineAt) {
+		t.Fatalf("offline: last heard is %v, want the entry's time %v, not a report's", got, offlineAt)
+	}
+	if got := lastHeard(time.Time{}, nil, now); !got.IsZero() {
+		t.Fatalf("never heard and no key: %v", got)
+	}
+}
+
+// The machines facts, the nodes list, node and status all take that one function.
+func TestEveryReaderOfLastHeardTakesPresence(t *testing.T) { // 1183/AC1
+	now := time.Now()
+	m := machineFacts{name: "laptop", lastHeard: now.Add(-time.Minute)}
+	applyPresence(&m, nil, &presenceEntry{At: now.Add(-4 * time.Minute)}, now)
+	if !m.lastHeard.Equal(now.Add(-4 * time.Minute)) {
+		t.Fatalf("machine facts take a report over the offline entry: %v", m.lastHeard)
+	}
+}
+
+func twoNodes(now time.Time) []inventory.Node {
+	return []inventory.Node{
+		{Name: "anchor", LastSeen: now.Add(-time.Hour)},
+		{Name: "laptop", LastSeen: now.Add(-30 * time.Second)},
+		{Name: "fresh"},
+	}
+}
+
+// 1183/AC2: a machine online by presence whose last report is an hour old reads here, is not quiet and is not silent; one
+// offline for 4 minutes reads out of touch.
+func TestOnlineByPresenceReadsHereWhateverTheReport(t *testing.T) { // 1183/AC2
+	now := time.Now()
+	read := aPresenceFake(map[string]presenceEntry{
+		"anchor": {Online: true, At: now.Add(-6 * time.Hour)},
+		"laptop": {Online: false, At: now.Add(-4 * time.Minute)},
+	}, nil)
+	nodes, err := nodesHeard(context.Background(), twoNodes(now), read, now)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if got := heardFromAt(nodes[0], now); got != "here" {
+		t.Errorf("anchor online with an hour-old report reads %q", got)
+	}
+	if got := heardFromAt(nodes[1], now); got != "out of touch 4m" {
+		t.Errorf("laptop offline 4 minutes reads %q", got)
+	}
+	if got := heardFromAt(nodes[2], now); got != "never spoken" {
+		t.Errorf("a machine with no key and no report reads %q", got)
+	}
+	quiet := notHeardLately(nodes, now)
+	if len(quiet) != 1 || quiet[0].Name != "fresh" {
+		t.Errorf("quiet is %+v: an online machine is not quiet, and a machine offline 4 minutes is not quiet yet", quiet)
+	}
+	f := &machineFacts{name: "anchor", lastHeard: nodes[0].LastSeen}
+	if f.silent(now) {
+		t.Errorf("a machine online by presence is silent")
+	}
+}
+
+// Unreadable presence is said, and the report stands as it was.
+func TestUnreadablePresenceLeavesTheReport(t *testing.T) { // 1183/AC1
+	now := time.Now()
+	nodes, err := nodesHeard(context.Background(), twoNodes(now), aPresenceFake(nil, errors.New("no bus")), now)
+	if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "no bus") {
+		t.Fatalf("an unreadable presence is not said: %v", err)
+	}
+	if !nodes[0].LastSeen.Equal(now.Add(-time.Hour)) {
+		t.Fatalf("the report was replaced: %v", nodes[0].LastSeen)
+	}
+}
+
+// 1183/AC4: where the watchman gives no verdict a machine is silent after a fixed three minutes, whatever interval a
+// node-engine once said.
+func TestTheSilentBoundIsFixed(t *testing.T) { // 1183/AC4
+	now := time.Now()
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		ago  time.Duration
+		want bool
+	}{{179 * time.Second, false}, {181 * time.Second, true}} {
+		m := machineFacts{name: "laptop", lastHeard: now.Add(-c.ago)}
+		if got := m.silent(now); got != c.want {
+			t.Errorf("heard %v ago: silent %v, want %v", c.ago, got, c.want)
+		}
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/members_file_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,93 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"encoding/json"
+	"fmt"
+	"os"
+	"slices"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+)
+
+// aLongGroup is members as JSON over 200 KB: 1666 paths of the shape of mesh-delivery #5's change (novox/hq issue 1272).
+func aLongGroup(t *testing.T) string {
+	t.Helper()
+	var paths []string
+	for i := 0; i < 1666; i++ {
+		paths = append(paths, fmt.Sprintf("modules/mesh-delivery-forge-bridge/vendor/github.com/nats-io/nats-server/v2/server/certstore/certstore_windows_file_%04d.go", i))
+	}
+	body, err := json.Marshal([]map[string]any{{"id": "novox/mesh-delivery#5", "paths": paths}, {"id": "novox/mesh-catalog#374"}})
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if len(body) < 200<<10 {
+		t.Fatalf("the members are only %d bytes", len(body))
+	}
+	return string(body)
+}
+
+func readBackFromTheCommand(t *testing.T, argv []string, members string) {
+	t.Helper()
+	for _, a := range argv {
+		if len(a) > 64<<10 {
+			t.Errorf("an argument of %d bytes is handed to the command", len(a))
+		}
+	}
+	i := slices.Index(argv, "--members-file")
+	if i < 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the command does not name a members file: %.200v", argv)
+	}
+	raw, err := os.ReadFile(argv[i+1])
+	if err != nil || string(raw) != members {
+		t.Errorf("the file does not hold the whole members list (%d bytes, %v)", len(raw), err)
+	}
+	removeMembersFile(argv)
+	if _, err := os.Stat(argv[i+1]); !os.IsNotExist(err) {
+		t.Errorf("the file is still there after the command: %v", err)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestDeliveryCheckHandsALongMembersListInAFile(t *testing.T) { // 1272/AC1
+	members := aLongGroup(t)
+	argv, err := argvFor("delivery-check", map[string]any{"group": "feat/x", "members": members})
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if argv[0] != "delivery" || argv[1] != "check" || !slices.Contains(argv, "--group") {
+		t.Errorf("the command is %.100v", strings.Join(argv, " "))
+	}
+	readBackFromTheCommand(t, argv, members)
+}
+
+func TestDeliveryOrderHandsALongMembersListInAFile(t *testing.T) { // 1272/AC2
+	members := aLongGroup(t)
+	argv, err := argvFor("delivery-order", map[string]any{"members": members})
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if argv[0] != "delivery" || argv[1] != "order" {
+		t.Errorf("the command is %.100v", strings.Join(argv, " "))
+	}
+	readBackFromTheCommand(t, argv, members)
+}
+
+func TestAShortMembersListIsStillTheArgumentItWas(t *testing.T) { // 1272/AC3
+	members := `[{"id":"novox/a#1"},{"id":"novox/b#2"}]`
+	argv, err := argvFor("delivery-check", map[string]any{"group": "feat/x", "members": members, "ready": "true"})
+	want := []string{"delivery", "check", "--group", "feat/x", "--members", members, "--ready"}
+	if err != nil || !slices.Equal(argv, want) {
+		t.Errorf("a short list gives %v, %v, want %v", argv, err, want)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestTheCommandReadsTheMembersFromTheFileAsFromTheArgument(t *testing.T) { // 1272/AC1
+	members := `[{"id":"novox/a#1"}]`
+	argv, _ := membersFlags(strings.Repeat(" ", membersInArgument) + members)
+	defer removeMembersFile(argv)
+	if len(argv) != 2 || argv[0] != "--members-file" {
+		t.Fatalf("a long list gives %v", argv)
+	}
+	if st, err := os.Stat(argv[1]); err != nil || st.Mode().Perm() != 0o600 {
+		t.Errorf("the file is %v, %v", st, err)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/merge_gate.go

@@ -154,6 +154,24 @@ type mergeWidthOf struct {
 // wideRebuild is how many modules a rebuild may take before the gate says so as a warning.
 var wideRebuild = 12
 
+// changedPaths are the paths --changed (comma-separated) and --changed-file (one per line) name together.
+func changedPaths(list, file string) ([]string, error) {
+	out := splitList(list)
+	if file == "" {
+		return out, nil
+	}
+	raw, err := os.ReadFile(file)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("--changed-file: %w", err)
+	}
+	for _, line := range strings.Split(string(raw), "\n") {
+		if line = strings.TrimSpace(line); line != "" {
+			out = append(out, line)
+		}
+	}
+	return out, nil
+}
+
 // mergeGateCommand is `gate`:
 //
 //	merge-gate --facts <file> --store <postgres> [--repository owner/repo --tree <dir>] [--changed a,b] [--json]
@@ -167,6 +185,8 @@ func mergeGateCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 	repository := set.String("repository", "", "owner/repository of the change")
 	tree := set.String("tree", "", "the change's checkout: every module.json in it replaces the mesh's")
 	changed := set.String("changed", "", "the paths the change touches, comma-separated, for its rebuild's width")
+	changedFile := set.String("changed-file", "", "a file of the paths the change touches, one per line; the same as "+
+		"--changed, for a list too long for an argument (novox/hq issue 1247)")
 	group := set.String("group", "", "a delivery group's other heads, as JSON [{repository, tree, changed}], composed "+
 		"with this one as one future state (novox/hq ADR 0239)")
 	asJSON := set.Bool("json", false, "print the verdict as JSON")
@@ -198,7 +218,11 @@ func mergeGateCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 		// verdict at all. What is said goes beside the report.
 		os.Stdout = os.Stderr
 	}
-	v, err := judgeChange(ctx, mergeCheckInput{facts: f, repository: *repository, tree: *tree, changed: splitList(*changed),
+	changedList, err := changedPaths(*changed, *changedFile)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	v, err := judgeChange(ctx, mergeCheckInput{facts: f, repository: *repository, tree: *tree, changed: changedList,
 		group: others, admin: *admin, say: out, beside: os.Getenv("MESH_CHECK_BESIDE")})
 	os.Stdout = stdout
 	if err != nil {
@@ -1120,6 +1144,9 @@ func throwawayStores(ctx context.Context, admin string) (*stores, func(), error)
 		drop()
 		return nil, nil, err
 	}
+	// The chain lives on the bus, and the gate has none: this mesh is raised for a moment, with a chain of its own in memory
+	// that no other reads (issue 1121).
+	open.inventory.UseThrowawayChain()
 	for _, m := range provided {
 		if err := open.inventory.Provide(ctx, m); err != nil {
 			open.Close()

cmd/mesh-controller/merge_gate_changed_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,31 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"reflect"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+)
+
+func TestTheGateJudgesAFileOfPathsAsItDoesTheSameListOfThem(t *testing.T) { // 1247/AC3
+	paths := []string{"modules/a/x.go", "modules/a/y.go", "modules/b/z.go", "README.md"}
+	file := filepath.Join(t.TempDir(), "changed.txt")
+	if err := os.WriteFile(file, []byte(strings.Join(paths, "\n")+"\n"), 0o644); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	fromFile, err := changedPaths("", file)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	fromList, err := changedPaths(strings.Join(paths, ","), "")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if !reflect.DeepEqual(fromFile, fromList) || len(fromFile) != len(paths) {
+		t.Errorf("the file gives %v, the list %v", fromFile, fromList)
+	}
+	if _, err := changedPaths("", filepath.Join(t.TempDir(), "none")); err == nil {
+		t.Error("a file that is not there is read as no paths")
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/merge_on_the_bus_test.go

@@ -50,9 +50,17 @@ func theMergePathOn(t *testing.T, open *stores) func(link.SourceMoved) {
 	t.Cleanup(func() {
 		stop()
 		<-done
+		lookingAtBatches.Wait()
 		setWindowClock(nil)
 		windowLook.Store(nil)
 	})
+	// The forge's merges are taken from a consumer made when the server starts serving: a merge published before it exists
+	// is not delivered to it. With the chain read from the bus the set-up above is quick enough to lose that race, so the
+	// publisher waits for the consumer.
+	becomes(t, 10*time.Second, "the merges' consumer being made", func() bool {
+		_, err := js.Context().ConsumerInfo("EVENTS", broker.MergesConsumerName)
+		return err == nil
+	})
 	return func(m link.SourceMoved) {
 		t.Helper()
 		body, err := json.Marshal(m)

cmd/mesh-controller/merge_window_bus.go

@@ -145,9 +145,15 @@ func (w *busWindow) Forget(ctx context.Context, batch string) {
 	}
 }
 
+// lookingAtBatches counts the looks under way, so a test that ends the window's clock can wait for the last of them before the
+// next test replaces what they read.
+var lookingAtBatches sync.WaitGroup
+
 // lookAtBatches is the look an expired window asks for: the plans held, as a merge heard holds them, and the batches
 // whose window closed cut (cutBatchesHeld). Waiting for the plans rather than giving up: an expiry is heard once.
 func lookAtBatches(ctx context.Context, open *stores) {
+	lookingAtBatches.Add(1)
+	defer lookingAtBatches.Done()
 	release, err := open.inventory.HoldPlans(ctx, true)
 	if err != nil {
 		fmt.Printf("batches: a window closed and the plans could not be held for the look: %v\n", err)

cmd/mesh-controller/merged_by_claim_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,37 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// 1211/AC1 to AC3: the controller keeps a merge announced by a module that claims the delivery seat, whatever its
+// name, and takes no word from one that does not (novox/hq ADR 0437 §3). With no bus held, a word that passes the
+// claim is held for the bus (ErrTryAgain); a word that does not is refused before the bus is asked.
+func TestOnlyAModuleClaimingTheSeatIsTheDeliverysWordOnAMerge(t *testing.T) {
+	entries := []inventory.Entry{claimingTheSeat("mesh-delivery-gate"), namedOnly("gitea"), namedOnly("mesh-delivery")}
+	keeper := keepingDeliveryMerges{
+		js:      func() *broker.JetStream { return nil },
+		catalog: func(context.Context) ([]inventory.Entry, error) { return entries, nil },
+	}
+	body := []byte(`{"owner":"novox","repo":"r","number":1,"head_sha":"abc","ask_id":"a","option":"approve"}`)
+	for emitter, passes := range map[string]bool{
+		"mesh-delivery-gate": true,  // the claimant, under another name
+		"gitea":              false, // claims no seat
+		"mesh-delivery":      false, // named so, claiming no seat here
+	} {
+		err := keeper.KeepDeliveryMerge(context.Background(), emitter, body)
+		if passes != errors.Is(err, link.ErrTryAgain) || (!passes && !errors.Is(err, link.ErrNotTheDeliverysWord)) {
+			t.Errorf("%s: %v (passes the claim: %v)", emitter, err, passes)
+		}
+	}
+	entries = []inventory.Entry{claimingTheSeat("mesh-delivery")}
+	if err := keeper.KeepDeliveryMerge(context.Background(), "mesh-delivery", body); !errors.Is(err, link.ErrTryAgain) {
+		t.Errorf("today's module, claiming the seat: %v", err)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/modules.go

@@ -926,13 +926,45 @@ func brokerReachableAt(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, known brok
 // A module that runs its machine's provisioner client and declares no broker is issued the client's account
 // alone (issue 917): the client speaks on the bus only as itself.
 func mayIssue(m catalogue.Manifest) error {
-	if _, reads := m.OwnSecrets["broker"]; !reads && !runsTheProvisionerClient(m) {
+	processes := m.ProcessBuses()
+	// A module whose own tools run in the machine's tool runner — mesh-mail's real shape — declares no
+	// `broker` of its own at all (novox/hq ADR 0436 §2): its process's account is a different account,
+	// delivered as its own secret below, so a process with a bus is reason enough to pass this check on
+	// its own, before the module's own `broker` is asked for.
+	if _, reads := m.OwnSecrets["broker"]; !reads && !runsTheProvisionerClient(m) && len(processes) == 0 {
 		return fmt.Errorf("%s declares no own secret named broker, so there is nowhere to deliver "+
 			"an account; a module that speaks on the bus declares \"own-secrets\": {\"broker\": <path>}", m.Module)
 	}
+	// And every process with a bus declaration (novox/hq ADR 0436 §2): its own account is delivered as the
+	// module's own secret broker-<process id>, never the module's `broker`, so a process with a bus and no
+	// such secret has nowhere to read an account either.
+	for id := range processes {
+		name := processSecretName(id)
+		if _, reads := m.OwnSecrets[name]; !reads {
+			return fmt.Errorf("%s's process %s declares bus, and declares no own secret named %s, so there "+
+				"is nowhere to deliver its account; a process with a bus declares \"own-secrets\": "+
+				"{%q: <path>} (novox/hq ADR 0436 §2)", m.Module, id, name, name)
+		}
+	}
 	return nil
 }
 
+// processSecretName is the own secret a process's bus account is delivered in (novox/hq ADR 0436 §2):
+// broker-<process id>, never the module's own `broker`.
+func processSecretName(processID string) string { return "broker-" + processID }
+
+// processPrincipalFor is the one process of m's bus declarations named processID, as `rollout mint` finds it
+// again from a KindProcess principal's bare id (novox/hq ADR 0436 §1, §2): false when the manifest no longer
+// declares it.
+func processPrincipalFor(m catalogue.Manifest, processID string) (broker.ProcessPrincipal, bool) {
+	for _, pr := range inventory.ProcessesOf(m) {
+		if pr.Process == processID {
+			return pr, true
+		}
+	}
+	return broker.ProcessPrincipal{}, false
+}
+
 // issueOnTheNewBus gives an assigned module its credential on the bus being built.
 //
 // **Three things differ from a management call, and each is the point of the move.** The credential
@@ -968,12 +1000,82 @@ func issueOnTheNewBus(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, m catalogue
 			return err
 		}
 	}
+	// Every process with a bus declaration gets an account of its own (novox/hq ADR 0436 §1, §2), minted and
+	// delivered whether or not the module itself speaks on the bus — its own secret is broker-<process id>,
+	// never the module's `broker`.
+	for _, pr := range inventory.ProcessesOf(m) {
+		if err := issueProcess(ctx, inv, m, pr, node, busAddress, known, reachable); err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+	}
 	if !runsTheProvisionerClient(m) {
 		return nil
 	}
 	return issueProvisionerClient(ctx, inv, m, node, known, reachable)
 }
 
+// issueProcess gives one process its account: minted under its own name <node>.<module>.<process id>,
+// delivered as the module's own secret broker-<process id> in the provisioner client's form (novox/hq ADR
+// 0436 §2), handed to the vault as any covered account is, and its work-queue consumer or consumers
+// created where the bus can be reached — never the module's claims, since a process holds no seat.
+func issueProcess(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, m catalogue.Manifest, pr broker.ProcessPrincipal,
+	node, busAddress string, known broker.Broker, reachable string) error {
+	user := broker.Principal{Kind: broker.KindProcess, Node: node, Module: m.Module, Process: pr.Process}.Username()
+	password, err := inv.MintBusPassword(ctx, inventory.BusUser{
+		Username: user, Kind: inventory.BusProcess, Node: node, Module: m.Module,
+	})
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	name := processSecretName(pr.Process)
+	held, err := heldProcessAccount(known, reachable, node, m.Module, user, password)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	if err := inv.AcceptSecretForModule(ctx, node, m.Module, name, string(held)); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	if err := handIssuedToVault(ctx, inv, m, node, name, string(held)); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	if len(pr.Queues) > 0 {
+		if busAddress == "" {
+			fmt.Printf("  %s's process %s consumes its work queue; its consumer is created when the bus is "+
+				"reachable (`push --behind`, then `rollout mint` again is harmless)\n", m.Module, pr.Process)
+		} else {
+			js, err := broker.Dial(busAddress)
+			if err != nil {
+				return fmt.Errorf("the credential is minted and the mesh cannot reach the bus to create "+
+					"%s's process %s's work-queue consumer: %w", m.Module, pr.Process, err)
+			}
+			defer js.Close()
+			who := broker.Principal{Kind: broker.KindProcess, Node: node, Module: m.Module, Process: pr.Process}
+			for _, q := range pr.Queues {
+				if err := js.EnsureConsumer(broker.QueueConsumer(who, q)); err != nil {
+					return err
+				}
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	fmt.Printf("bus user %s minted for %s's process %s, scoped to its bus declaration\n", user, m.Module, pr.Process)
+	fmt.Printf("  sealed to %s as %s. It arrives with the next push — `push %s` to send it\n", node, name, node)
+	return nil
+}
+
+// heldProcessAccount is a process's account, in the provisioner client's form (novox/hq ADR 0436 §2):
+// {url, fingerprint, node, module, user, password} — never claims, since a process holds no seat (§3).
+func heldProcessAccount(known broker.Broker, reachable, node, module, user, password string) ([]byte, error) {
+	return json.Marshal(struct {
+		URL         string `json:"url"`
+		Fingerprint string `json:"fingerprint,omitempty"`
+		Node        string `json:"node"`
+		Module      string `json:"module"`
+		User        string `json:"user"`
+		Password    string `json:"password"`
+	}{URL: "nats://" + reachable, Fingerprint: known.Fingerprint, Node: node, Module: module, User: user,
+		Password: password})
+}
+
 // runsTheProvisionerClient says a module runs its machine's provisioner client, which reaches the bus on an
 // account of its own (novox/hq ADR 0349 clause 11, design 57 P3): it claims the seat and declares the own secret
 // that account is delivered in. The same test the bus's user list makes (inventory's declaredFor).

cmd/mesh-controller/modules_wire_store_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,91 @@
+//go:build integration
+
+package main
+
+import (
+	"encoding/json"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// 1145/AC1 on a store: declarationWith itself sets the module of each resource and the build of each module for a
+// node recorded as reading them, and for no other. Skips without a store.
+func TestAComposedDeclarationCarriesModulesAndBuildsOnlyForANodeThatReadsThem(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	start := time.Now().Add(-time.Hour)
+	manifest := resticFixture(false)
+	manifest["module"], manifest["version"] = "restic", "1"
+	raw, _ := json.Marshal(manifest)
+	b := link.BuildResult{ID: link.NewBuildID(start), Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Path: "modules/restic",
+		On: "anchor", Module: "restic", Commit: "c1", Manifest: raw,
+		Source: &link.SourceOnSeat{Seat: "git", Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog"}}
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, inv, asTheOperator(t, inv, b)); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	for _, n := range []string{"anchor", "laptop"} {
+		if _, err := inv.Assign(ctx, n, "restic"); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	anchor, err := inv.NodeByName(ctx, "anchor")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := inv.RecordReadsModules(ctx, anchor.ID, true); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	wantBuild, err := inv.BuildOf(ctx, "restic", "c1")
+	if err != nil || wantBuild == "" {
+		t.Fatalf("the build of restic at c1 is %q (%v)", wantBuild, err)
+	}
+
+	declare := func(node string) sendable {
+		t.Helper()
+		plan, settings, err := planFor(ctx, open, node)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		gens, err := generators(ctx, open)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		d, err := declarationWith(ctx, open, node, plan, settings, gens, Allocating)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		return d
+	}
+	reads := bodyKeys(t, declare("anchor"))
+	builds, _ := reads["builds"].(map[string]any)
+	if builds["restic"] != wantBuild {
+		t.Errorf("1145/AC1: anchor reads modules and was sent builds %v, want restic at %s", reads["builds"], wantBuild)
+	}
+	owned := 0
+	for _, r := range reads["resources"].([]any) {
+		r := r.(map[string]any)
+		if strings.HasPrefix(r["id"].(string), "restic.") {
+			owned++
+			if r["module"] != "restic" {
+				t.Errorf("1145/AC1: resource %v carries module %v, want restic", r["id"], r["module"])
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	if owned == 0 {
+		t.Fatal("1145/AC1: no resource of restic was composed")
+	}
+
+	plain := bodyKeys(t, declare("laptop"))
+	if _, there := plain["builds"]; there {
+		t.Errorf("1145/AC1: laptop never said it reads modules and was sent builds %v", plain["builds"])
+	}
+	for _, r := range plain["resources"].([]any) {
+		if _, there := r.(map[string]any)["module"]; there {
+			t.Fatalf("1145/AC1: laptop was sent a module on %v", r)
+		}
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/modules_wire_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,87 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"encoding/json"
+	"fmt"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/chain"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-host/validate"
+)
+
+// The module of each resource and the build of each module (novox/hq issue 1145, design 47 release 1-2). The
+// composer's owner of an id and the module's build go on the wire only to a machine whose node-engine said it reads
+// them: an older one decodes strictly and refuses a key it does not know, whole.
+
+func modulesDeclaration(reads bool) sendable {
+	return sendable{
+		Resources: []map[string]any{
+			{"id": "web.app.conf", "type": "file", "path": "/etc/app.conf", "content": "x\n"},
+			{"id": "web.app.data", "type": "file", "path": "/etc/data", "content": "d\n"},
+			{"id": "mesh.guard", "type": "file", "path": "/etc/guard", "content": "g\n"}},
+		moduleOf:     map[string]string{"web.app.conf": "web.app", "web.app.data": "web.app"},
+		buildIDs:     map[string]string{"web.app": "build-7"},
+		ReadsModules: reads,
+	}
+}
+
+// 1145/AC1
+func TestAMachineThatReadsModulesIsSentEachResourcesModuleAndEachModulesBuild(t *testing.T) {
+	keys := bodyKeys(t, modulesDeclaration(true))
+	builds, _ := keys["builds"].(map[string]any)
+	if len(builds) != 1 || builds["web.app"] != "build-7" {
+		t.Fatalf("1145/AC1: the body carries builds %v", keys["builds"])
+	}
+	want := map[string]any{"web.app.conf": "web.app", "web.app.data": "web.app", "mesh.guard": nil}
+	for _, r := range keys["resources"].([]any) {
+		r := r.(map[string]any)
+		if r["module"] != want[r["id"].(string)] {
+			t.Errorf("1145/AC1: resource %v carries module %v, want %v", r["id"], r["module"], want[r["id"].(string)])
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// 1145/AC2: the body is byte for byte what it is today.
+func TestAMachineThatDoesNotReadModulesIsSentTheBodyItWasSentBefore(t *testing.T) {
+	d := modulesDeclaration(false)
+	got, err := d.Body()
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	before := sendable{Resources: d.Resources}
+	want, _ := before.Body()
+	if string(got) != string(want) {
+		t.Fatalf("1145/AC2: the body changed:\n%s\nwas\n%s", got, want)
+	}
+}
+
+// 1145/AC4: the node-engine's own validator, as the gate runs it, takes the two words.
+func TestTheNodeEnginesValidatorTakesAModulePerResourceAndABuildPerModule(t *testing.T) {
+	raw, err := modulesDeclaration(true).Body()
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	var generic map[string]any
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(raw, &generic); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if problems := validate.Declaration(raw); len(problems) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("1145/AC4: refused: %q\n%s", problems, fmt.Sprint(generic))
+	}
+}
+
+// The build a module carries is the one its assignment names when that is the commit carried, else the one built from
+// the commit carried; none when neither is known.
+func TestTheBuildOfACarriedCommitIsTheAssignmentsOrTheOneBuiltFromIt(t *testing.T) {
+	runs := map[string]chain.Ref{"a": {Build: "b-a", Commit: "c1"}, "b": {Build: "b-old", Commit: "c0"}}
+	looked := map[string]string{"b/c2": "b-new"}
+	got, err := wireBuilds(map[string]string{"a": "c1", "b": "c2", "c": "c3", "d": ""}, runs,
+		func(module, commit string) (string, error) { return looked[module+"/"+commit], nil })
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	want := map[string]string{"a": "b-a", "b": "b-new"}
+	if len(got) != len(want) || got["a"] != want["a"] || got["b"] != want["b"] {
+		t.Fatalf("1145: builds %v, want %v", got, want)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/moved.go

@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ import (
 	"encoding/json"
 	"errors"
 	"fmt"
+	"slices"
 	"sort"
 	"strings"
 
@@ -12,8 +13,10 @@ import (
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go/jetstream"
 
 	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/asks"
+	sdkdelivery "git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/delivery"
 
 	"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"
 )
@@ -44,6 +47,28 @@ type deliveryMerge struct {
 	AskID   string            `json:"ask_id"`
 	Option  string            `json:"option"`
 	Heads   map[string]string `json:"heads"`
+	// Asker is the module that asked the ask, whose warrant is read from the router under that name (novox/hq ADR
+	// 0437 §6): empty is today's module, mesh-delivery.
+	Asker string `json:"asker,omitempty"`
+}
+
+// askerOf is the asker whose warrant the merge is read under: the one the announcement names, mesh-delivery when it
+// names none.
+func (d deliveryMerge) askerOf() string {
+	if d.Asker == "" {
+		return theDelivery
+	}
+	return d.Asker
+}
+
+// askerAccepted is whether the controller takes a warrant from this asker for a merge: the teller, and mesh-delivery
+// until the gate takes the seat over (novox/hq ADR 0437 §6). Any other registers no move.
+func askerAccepted(asker string) error {
+	if asker == theDelivery || asker == sdkdelivery.TellerModule {
+		return nil
+	}
+	return fmt.Errorf("the merge names the asker %q, and the controller takes a warrant only from %s and %s",
+		asker, sdkdelivery.TellerModule, theDelivery)
 }
 
 // parseDeliveryMerge reads an announcement, refusing one that names no pull request, head or ask.
@@ -79,6 +104,10 @@ func mergeAct(ask, option string, heads map[string]string) asks.Act {
 // proved by the channel it came through, of this very ask as it was published (digest), bound to the heads the
 // announcement names, and those heads hold the head merged. Answers why it holds, or why not.
 func movedOnApprove(d deliveryMerge, ask *asks.Ask, w *asks.Warrant) (string, error) {
+	asker := d.askerOf()
+	if err := askerAccepted(asker); err != nil {
+		return "", err
+	}
 	switch {
 	case ask == nil || w == nil:
 		return "", errors.New("the router holds no closed record of the ask the merge was made on")
@@ -87,7 +116,7 @@ func movedOnApprove(d deliveryMerge, ask *asks.Ask, w *asks.Warrant) (string, er
 	case d.Option != optionApprove:
 		return "", fmt.Errorf("the merge was made on the option %q, not an Approve", d.Option)
 	}
-	option, err := w.For(theDelivery, *ask)
+	option, err := w.For(asker, *ask)
 	if err != nil {
 		return "", err
 	}
@@ -115,9 +144,26 @@ func movedOnApprove(d deliveryMerge, ask *asks.Ask, w *asks.Warrant) (string, er
 // keepingDeliveryMerges keeps each merge mesh-delivery announces in the controller's bucket for them.
 type keepingDeliveryMerges struct {
 	js func() *broker.JetStream
+	// catalog is the catalogue, whose modules claiming the delivery seat are the only ones whose word on a merge is
+	// kept (novox/hq ADR 0437 §3).
+	catalog func(ctx context.Context) ([]inventory.Entry, error)
+	// kept, when set, is told each merge once it is kept: a first merge waiting for the word asks its builds then
+	// (novox/hq ADR 0432, issue 1146).
+	kept func(ctx context.Context, d deliveryMerge) error
 }
 
-func (k keepingDeliveryMerges) KeepDeliveryMerge(ctx context.Context, body []byte) error {
+func (k keepingDeliveryMerges) KeepDeliveryMerge(ctx context.Context, emitter string, body []byte) error {
+	if k.catalog == nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("%w: the catalogue is not read", link.ErrTryAgain)
+	}
+	entries, err := k.catalog(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("%w: %w", link.ErrTryAgain, err)
+	}
+	if !slices.Contains(claimantsOf(entries, catalogue.DeliverySeat), emitter) {
+		return fmt.Errorf("%w: %q is not among %v", link.ErrNotTheDeliverysWord, emitter,
+			claimantsOf(entries, catalogue.DeliverySeat))
+	}
 	d, err := parseDeliveryMerge(body)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
@@ -137,6 +183,9 @@ func (k keepingDeliveryMerges) KeepDeliveryMerge(ctx context.Context, body []byt
 	if _, err := kv.Put(ctx, deliveryMergeKey(d.Owner, d.Repo, d.Number, d.HeadSHA), body); err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("%w: %w", link.ErrTryAgain, err)
 	}
+	if k.kept != nil {
+		return k.kept(ctx, d)
+	}
 	return nil
 }
 
@@ -166,9 +215,9 @@ var keptDeliveryMerge = func(ctx context.Context, owner, repo string, number int
 	return d, err == nil, err
 }
 
-// routerAskOf is the router's record of one of mesh-delivery's asks: the ask as published and its warrant. A
+// routerAskOf is the router's record of one of the delivery's asks, under its asker: the ask as published and its warrant. A
 // variable so a test can hand it one.
-var routerAskOf = func(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, id string) (*asks.Ask, *asks.Warrant, error) {
+var routerAskOf = func(ctx context.Context, inv catalogueReader, asker, id string) (*asks.Ask, *asks.Warrant, error) {
 	serving := servingBus.Load()
 	if serving == nil {
 		return nil, nil, errors.New("only the serving controller reads the router's record")
@@ -180,7 +229,7 @@ var routerAskOf = func(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, id string)
 	if bucket == "" {
 		return nil, nil, errors.New("no module declares the operator channel's records")
 	}
-	_, ask, w, err := readRouterEntry(ctx, serving.Conn(), bucket, theDelivery, id)
+	_, ask, w, err := readRouterEntry(ctx, serving.Conn(), bucket, asker, id)
 	return ask, w, err
 }
 
@@ -216,7 +265,7 @@ var errNotAMerge = errors.New("the build is not of a merge")
 // (ADR 0420 §7): the build is of a merge, that merge is a pull request mesh-delivery announced it made, and the
 // ask it made it on holds an Approve by the operator of that head. Answers why it was accepted; an error says why
 // it was not, and the refusal of ADR 0266 stands.
-func approvedMove(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, forms *sourceForms, buildID string,
+func approvedMove(ctx context.Context, inv registrations, forms *sourceForms, buildID string,
 	built inventory.Source) (string, error) {
 	r, found, err := inv.BuildRequestByID(ctx, buildID)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -236,24 +285,42 @@ func approvedMove(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, forms *sourceFo
 	if !known {
 		return "", fmt.Errorf("the controller kept no merge of %s/%s at %.8s", owner, name, r.Commit)
 	}
-	k := announcedOf(merged)
+	return approvedAnnounced(ctx, inv, owner, name, announcedOf(merged))
+}
+
+// errWordNotAnApprove says the merge cannot be shown to be the operator's Approve of its head: its announcement names no
+// pull request, or the word on record is not that Approve.
+var errWordNotAnApprove = errors.New("the word on record is no Approve of the head merged")
+
+// errNotAnnounced says mesh-delivery's word on a merge is not kept (yet): the merge may have been made by someone else,
+// or its word may still be on its way.
+var errNotAnnounced = errors.New("mesh-delivery announced no such merge")
+
+// approvedAnnounced is the warrant of the merge the forge announced as k: mesh-delivery announced it, and the ask it made
+// it on holds the operator's Approve of that head. Why it holds, or why not. Shared by the approved move of a known
+// module and the first build of a new repository's modules (ADR 0420 §7, ADR 0432).
+func approvedAnnounced(ctx context.Context, inv catalogueReader, owner, name string, k keptMerge) (string, error) {
 	if k.Number <= 0 || k.HeadSHA == "" {
-		return "", errors.New("the forge's announcement of the merge names no pull request or head")
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("%w: the forge's announcement of the merge names no pull request or head", errWordNotAnApprove)
 	}
 	d, kept, err := keptDeliveryMerge(ctx, owner, name, k.Number, k.HeadSHA)
 	if err != nil {
 		return "", err
 	}
 	if !kept {
-		return "", fmt.Errorf("mesh-delivery announced no merge of %s/%s#%d at %.8s", owner, name, k.Number, k.HeadSHA)
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("%w: %s/%s#%d at %.8s", errNotAnnounced, owner, name, k.Number, k.HeadSHA)
 	}
-	ask, w, err := routerAskOf(ctx, inv, d.AskID)
+	// The warrant is read under the asker the announcement names, and under none the controller does not take.
+	if err := askerAccepted(d.askerOf()); err != nil {
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("%w: %w", errWordNotAnApprove, err)
+	}
+	ask, w, err := routerAskOf(ctx, inv, d.askerOf(), d.AskID)
 	if err != nil {
 		return "", err
 	}
 	why, err := movedOnApprove(d, ask, w)
 	if err != nil {
-		return "", err
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("%w: %w", errWordNotAnApprove, err)
 	}
 	return fmt.Sprintf("%s/%s#%d merged at %.8s on %s", owner, name, k.Number, k.HeadSHA, why), nil
 }

cmd/mesh-controller/moved_asker_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,139 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/asks"
+	sdkdelivery "git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/delivery"
+)
+
+// The controller reads a merge's warrant under the asker the announcement names, and accepts only the teller and
+// today's mesh-delivery (novox/hq ADR 0437 §6, issue 1213). The teller's name is the SDK's.
+
+// askedBy is an approved merge whose announcement names an asker ("" names none) and whose warrant is that asker's.
+func askedBy(t *testing.T, named, warrantOf string) anApprovedMerge {
+	t.Helper()
+	a := approvedMerge(t)
+	a.merge.Asker = named
+	a.warrant.Asker = warrantOf
+	return a
+}
+
+// 1213/AC1: an announcement naming the teller, and the teller's warrant of the operator's verified Approve of the
+// merge's heads: the move is registered (the warrant is read from the router under the teller).
+func TestAMergeNamingTheTellerIsMovedOnTheTellersWarrant(t *testing.T) {
+	a := askedBy(t, sdkdelivery.TellerModule, sdkdelivery.TellerModule)
+	if _, err := movedOnApprove(a.merge, &a.ask, &a.warrant); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("the teller's warrant of the operator's Approve was refused: %v", err)
+	}
+	was := routerAskOf
+	t.Cleanup(func() { routerAskOf = was })
+	wasKept := keptDeliveryMerge
+	t.Cleanup(func() { keptDeliveryMerge = wasKept })
+	keptDeliveryMerge = func(context.Context, string, string, int, string) (deliveryMerge, bool, error) {
+		return a.merge, true, nil
+	}
+	var readUnder string
+	routerAskOf = func(_ context.Context, _ catalogueReader, asker, _ string) (*asks.Ask, *asks.Warrant, error) {
+		readUnder = asker
+		return &a.ask, &a.warrant, nil
+	}
+	if _, err := approvedAnnounced(t.Context(), nil, "novox", "mesh-controller", announcedPull(7, a.merge.HeadSHA)); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("the merge was not moved on the teller's warrant: %v", err)
+	}
+	if readUnder != sdkdelivery.TellerModule {
+		t.Errorf("the warrant was read under %q", readUnder)
+	}
+}
+
+// 1213/AC2: an announcement naming mesh-delivery, or none (today's module): read under mesh-delivery, registered.
+func TestAMergeNamingNoAskerIsMovedOnMeshDeliverysWarrant(t *testing.T) {
+	for _, named := range []string{"", theDelivery} {
+		a := askedBy(t, named, theDelivery)
+		if _, err := movedOnApprove(a.merge, &a.ask, &a.warrant); err != nil {
+			t.Errorf("asker %q: refused: %v", named, err)
+		}
+	}
+	was := routerAskOf
+	wasKept := keptDeliveryMerge
+	t.Cleanup(func() { routerAskOf, keptDeliveryMerge = was, wasKept })
+	a := askedBy(t, "", theDelivery)
+	keptDeliveryMerge = func(context.Context, string, string, int, string) (deliveryMerge, bool, error) {
+		return a.merge, true, nil
+	}
+	var readUnder string
+	routerAskOf = func(_ context.Context, _ catalogueReader, asker, _ string) (*asks.Ask, *asks.Warrant, error) {
+		readUnder = asker
+		return &a.ask, &a.warrant, nil
+	}
+	if _, err := approvedAnnounced(t.Context(), nil, "novox", "mesh-controller", announcedPull(7, a.merge.HeadSHA)); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if readUnder != theDelivery {
+		t.Errorf("with no asker named the warrant was read under %q, not %q", readUnder, theDelivery)
+	}
+}
+
+// 1213/AC3: any other asker registers no move, and the reason names the asker refused; the router is not asked.
+func TestAMergeNamingAnyOtherAskerMovesNothingAndNamesIt(t *testing.T) {
+	was := routerAskOf
+	wasKept := keptDeliveryMerge
+	t.Cleanup(func() { routerAskOf, keptDeliveryMerge = was, wasKept })
+	for _, other := range []string{sdkdelivery.GateModule, "mesh-controller", "unknown-module"} {
+		a := askedBy(t, other, other) // even a warrant of that very asker
+		_, err := movedOnApprove(a.merge, &a.ask, &a.warrant)
+		if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), other) {
+			t.Errorf("asker %q: %v", other, err)
+		}
+		keptDeliveryMerge = func(context.Context, string, string, int, string) (deliveryMerge, bool, error) {
+			return a.merge, true, nil
+		}
+		routerAskOf = func(context.Context, catalogueReader, string, string) (*asks.Ask, *asks.Warrant, error) {
+			t.Errorf("the router was read under the refused asker %q", other)
+			return &a.ask, &a.warrant, nil
+		}
+		if _, err := approvedAnnounced(t.Context(), nil, "novox", "mesh-controller", announcedPull(7, a.merge.HeadSHA)); err == nil ||
+			!strings.Contains(err.Error(), other) {
+			t.Errorf("asker %q, approved as announced: %v", other, err)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// 1213/AC4: a warrant whose own asker differs from the asker read, or whose heads differ from the head merged, moves nothing.
+func TestAWarrantOfAnotherAskerOrOtherHeadsMovesNothing(t *testing.T) {
+	a := askedBy(t, sdkdelivery.TellerModule, theDelivery) // read under the teller, but the warrant says mesh-delivery
+	if why, err := movedOnApprove(a.merge, &a.ask, &a.warrant); err == nil {
+		t.Errorf("a warrant of another asker was accepted: %s", why)
+	}
+	a = askedBy(t, "", sdkdelivery.TellerModule) // today's module named, the teller's warrant
+	if why, err := movedOnApprove(a.merge, &a.ask, &a.warrant); err == nil {
+		t.Errorf("the teller's warrant under mesh-delivery was accepted: %s", why)
+	}
+	a = askedBy(t, sdkdelivery.TellerModule, sdkdelivery.TellerModule)
+	a.merge.HeadSHA = "d4d4d4d4d4d4d4d4d4d4d4d4d4d4d4d4d4d4d4d4"
+	if why, err := movedOnApprove(a.merge, &a.ask, &a.warrant); err == nil {
+		t.Errorf("a head the Approve did not cover was accepted: %s", why)
+	}
+}
+
+// 1213/AC5: the announcement's asker is read and kept with the rest of it, under the JSON name asker.
+func TestTheAnnouncementsAskerIsReadAndKept(t *testing.T) {
+	body := `{"owner":"novox","repo":"r","number":1,"head_sha":"abc","ask_id":"a","option":"approve","asker":"mesh-delivery-teller"}`
+	d, err := parseDeliveryMerge([]byte(body))
+	if err != nil || d.Asker != sdkdelivery.TellerModule {
+		t.Fatalf("read %+v, %v", d, err)
+	}
+	none, err := parseDeliveryMerge([]byte(strings.Replace(body, `,"asker":"mesh-delivery-teller"`, "", 1)))
+	if err != nil || none.Asker != "" {
+		t.Fatalf("an announcement naming none read as %+v, %v", none, err)
+	}
+}
+
+// announcedPull is the forge's announcement of a merge of a pull request at a head.
+func announcedPull(number int, head string) keptMerge {
+	var k keptMerge
+	k.Number, k.HeadSHA = number, head
+	return k
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/moved_bus_test.go

@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ func TestAModuleBuiltFromANewRepositoryIsRegisteredOnlyOnTheOperatorsApproveOnTh
 			}
 
 			server := link.ConnectNats(js, nil, noListener{})
-			if err := server.KeepsDeliveryMerges(keepingDeliveryMerges{js: server.JetStream}); err != nil {
+			if err := server.KeepsDeliveryMerges(keepingDeliveryMerges{js: server.JetStream, catalog: theDeliveryClaims}); err != nil {
 				t.Fatal(err)
 			}
 			// The events consumer exists, from now on, before the word is published: Receive would make it too late.
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ func TestAModuleBuiltFromANewRepositoryIsRegisteredOnlyOnTheOperatorsApproveOnTh
 
 			// mesh-delivery says it merged the pull request, and the controller keeps what it said.
 			body, _ := json.Marshal(a.merge)
-			if _, err := js.Context().Publish(broker.DeliveryMergedSubject, body); err != nil {
+			if _, err := js.Context().Publish(broker.DeliveryMergedSubjectOf(theDelivery), body); err != nil {
 				t.Fatal(err)
 			}
 			becomes(t, 15*time.Second, "the merge being kept", func() bool {

cmd/mesh-controller/new_module_approved_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,163 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/asks"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// **The operator's Approve of a merge registers a new module from its repository** (novox/hq ADR 0432, issue 1146).
+// The mesh as the decision reads it, with nothing registered from the repository, and the build request and merge the
+// controller kept.
+type anEmptyMesh struct {
+	request inventory.BuildRequest
+	asked   bool
+	merge   inventory.BatchedMerge
+}
+
+func (m *anEmptyMesh) Catalogue(context.Context) (map[string]catalogue.Manifest, error) {
+	return nil, nil
+}
+func (m *anEmptyMesh) SourceOf(context.Context, string) (inventory.Source, error) {
+	return inventory.Source{}, inventory.ErrNoSuchModule
+}
+func (m *anEmptyMesh) SourceIdentity(context.Context, string) (int64, error) { return 0, nil }
+func (m *anEmptyMesh) Catalogued(context.Context) ([]inventory.Entry, error) { return nil, nil }
+func (m *anEmptyMesh) BuildRequestByID(_ context.Context, id string) (inventory.BuildRequest, bool, error) {
+	return m.request, m.asked && id == m.request.ID, nil
+}
+func (m *anEmptyMesh) MergeOf(context.Context, string, string) (inventory.BatchedMerge, bool, error) {
+	return m.merge, true, nil
+}
+
+// aDeliveryMergeOf is the Approved merge of a pull request of novox/mesh-delivery, its heads keyed by that repository,
+// and the ask and warrant bound to exactly those heads (the digest the Approve left covers them).
+func aDeliveryMergeOf(t *testing.T, head string, covered map[string]string) anApprovedMerge {
+	t.Helper()
+	a := approvedMerge(t)
+	a.merge.Owner, a.merge.Repo, a.merge.Number, a.merge.HeadSHA = "novox", "mesh-delivery", 7, head
+	a.merge.Heads = covered
+	for n := range a.ask.Options {
+		d, err := asks.ActDigest(mergeAct(a.merge.AskID, a.ask.Options[n].ID, covered))
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		a.ask.Options[n].Binds = d
+	}
+	a.warrant.AskDigest = a.ask.Digest()
+	return a
+}
+
+func TestANewModuleIsRegisteredOnTheOperatorsApproveOfItsMergeAndRefusedOtherwise(t *testing.T) {
+	const commit, head = "c0ffee0123456789", "a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1"
+	built := inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/mesh-delivery", Seat: "git"}
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		what     string
+		change   func(*anApprovedMerge)
+		request  string // "merge", or "build" through a verb
+		unkept   bool
+		forge    any // what the forge says of the repository; nil is protected
+		built    *inventory.Source
+		accepted bool
+		ac       string
+	}{
+		{what: "the Approve of the merged head, a protected trunk on the forge", request: "merge", accepted: true, ac: "1146/AC1"},
+		{what: "a build asked through a verb", request: "build", ac: "1146/AC2"},
+		{what: "a merge with no warrant", request: "merge", unkept: true, ac: "1146/AC2"},
+		{what: "a merged head the Approve did not cover", request: "merge", ac: "1146/AC2", change: func(a *anApprovedMerge) {
+			*a = aDeliveryMergeOf(t, head, map[string]string{
+				"novox/mesh-delivery@eeeeeeeeeeee": "e5e5e5e5e5e5e5e5e5e5e5e5e5e5e5e5e5e5e5e5"})
+		}},
+		{what: "heads other than the ones the Approve was bound to", request: "merge", ac: "1146/AC2", change: func(a *anApprovedMerge) {
+			a.merge.Heads = map[string]string{"novox/mesh-delivery@eeeeeeeeeeee": "e5e5e5e5e5e5e5e5e5e5e5e5e5e5e5e5e5e5e5e5"}
+		}},
+		{what: "a repository not on the mesh's forge", request: "merge", ac: "1146/AC3",
+			built: &inventory.Source{Repository: "http://elsewhere.example/x/y.git"}},
+		{what: "a forge that cannot be asked", request: "merge", ac: "1146/AC3", forge: errors.New("connection refused")},
+		{what: "an unprotected trunk", request: "merge", ac: "1146/AC3", forge: forgeFacts{ID: 9, Guarded: false, Why: "direct push"}},
+	} {
+		t.Run(c.ac+" "+c.what, func(t *testing.T) {
+			a := aDeliveryMergeOf(t, head, map[string]string{"novox/mesh-delivery@a1a1a1a1a1a1": head})
+			if c.change != nil {
+				c.change(&a)
+			}
+			wasKept, wasAsk := keptDeliveryMerge, routerAskOf
+			t.Cleanup(func() { keptDeliveryMerge, routerAskOf = wasKept, wasAsk })
+			keptDeliveryMerge = func(context.Context, string, string, int, string) (deliveryMerge, bool, error) {
+				return a.merge, !c.unkept, nil
+			}
+			routerAskOf = func(context.Context, catalogueReader, string, string) (*asks.Ask, *asks.Warrant, error) {
+				return &a.ask, &a.warrant, nil
+			}
+			if c.forge != nil {
+				theForge.Store("novox/mesh-delivery", c.forge)
+				t.Cleanup(func() { theForge.Delete("novox/mesh-delivery") })
+			}
+			event, _ := json.Marshal(map[string]any{"owner": "novox", "repo": "mesh-delivery", "base": "main", "number": 7,
+				"head_sha": head, "merge_commit_sha": commit})
+			mesh := &anEmptyMesh{asked: true, merge: inventory.BatchedMerge{Repository: "novox/mesh-delivery", Branch: "main",
+				Commit: commit, Merged: time.Now(), Event: event},
+				request: inventory.BuildRequest{ID: "build-1", Repository: "novox/mesh-delivery", Seat: "git", Path: "",
+					Ref: "main", Commit: commit, For: c.request}}
+			forms := &sourceForms{bases: map[string]string{}, base: func(seat string) string {
+				if seat == "git" {
+					return "http://forge.internal:20000"
+				}
+				return ""
+			}}
+			src := built
+			if c.built != nil {
+				src = *c.built
+			}
+			id, err := mayRegisterIn(t.Context(), mesh, forms, "mesh-delivery-view", src, "build-1", "", "main")
+			switch {
+			case c.accepted && err != nil:
+				t.Fatalf("%s: the Approved merge's new module was refused: %v", c.ac, err)
+			case c.accepted && id == 0:
+				t.Fatalf("%s: registered with no forge identity to record", c.ac)
+			case !c.accepted && !errors.Is(err, errNotItsSource):
+				t.Fatalf("%s: %s was not refused: %v", c.ac, c.what, err)
+			case !c.accepted && c.ac == "1146/AC2" &&
+				(!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "controller's terminal") || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "Approve")):
+				t.Fatalf("%s: the refusal does not name both ways in: %v", c.ac, err)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+// A second new module from a repository whose first was registered is the case ADR 0266 §44 already has —
+// "alongside": registered through a verb with no warrant asked of the router (1146/AC5).
+type aMeshWithOneAlready struct{ anEmptyMesh }
+
+func (m *aMeshWithOneAlready) Catalogued(context.Context) ([]inventory.Entry, error) {
+	e := inventory.Entry{Source: inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/mesh-delivery", Seat: "git"}}
+	e.Manifest.Module = "mesh-delivery-view"
+	return []inventory.Entry{e}, nil
+}
+
+func TestASecondNewModuleFromARepositoryIsJudgedAlongsideAndAsksNoWarrant(t *testing.T) {
+	wasKept, wasAsk := keptDeliveryMerge, routerAskOf
+	t.Cleanup(func() { keptDeliveryMerge, routerAskOf = wasKept, wasAsk })
+	keptDeliveryMerge = func(context.Context, string, string, int, string) (deliveryMerge, bool, error) {
+		t.Error("1146/AC5: the announced merges were asked for a module judged alongside")
+		return deliveryMerge{}, false, nil
+	}
+	routerAskOf = func(context.Context, catalogueReader, string, string) (*asks.Ask, *asks.Warrant, error) {
+		t.Error("1146/AC5: the router was asked for a module judged alongside")
+		return nil, nil, nil
+	}
+	mesh := &aMeshWithOneAlready{anEmptyMesh{asked: true,
+		request: inventory.BuildRequest{ID: "build-2", Repository: "novox/mesh-delivery", Seat: "git", For: "build"}}}
+	forms := &sourceForms{bases: map[string]string{}, base: func(string) string { return "http://forge.internal:20000" }}
+	built := inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/mesh-delivery", Seat: "git"}
+	if id, err := mayRegisterIn(t.Context(), mesh, forms, "mesh-delivery-watchman", built, "build-2", "", "main"); err != nil || id == 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("1146/AC5: a second module from a repository the catalogue builds from was refused (id %d): %v", id, err)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/new_module_bus_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,127 @@
+//go:build integration
+
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"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"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/testbus"
+)
+
+// 1146/AC4: a new module from a repository nothing registered is built from, whole against a real bus and the store
+// (novox/hq ADR 0432, issue 1146; the warrant is read as for a move, ADR 0420 §7, issue 1025): mesh-delivery's word that it
+// merged a pull request is published on the subject the controller consumes and kept in its bucket; the router's
+// record of the ask is read back from the router's bucket by a direct get; and the build of a module from the
+// repository that merge was made in is registered from there only when that record holds the operator's Approve of
+// the merged head. Store-backed: skips without one.
+func TestANewModuleFromANewRepositoryIsRegisteredOnlyOnTheOperatorsApproveOnTheBus(t *testing.T) {
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		what   string
+		answer bool // the router holds the operator's Approve of the merged heads
+		moved  bool
+	}{
+		{what: "the router holds the operator's Approve", answer: true, moved: true},
+		{what: "the router holds no record of the ask"},
+	} {
+		t.Run(c.what, func(t *testing.T) {
+			open := theCatalogue(t)
+			ctx := t.Context()
+			inv := open.inventory
+			// The module declaring the router's records, as the controller finds them.
+			if err := inv.RegisterModule(ctx, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "operator-channel", Version: "1",
+				DefinesSeats: []catalogue.SeatDeclaration{{Name: broker.AsksSeat, Records: []string{"asks"}}}},
+				inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Seat: "git", Path: "modules/operator-channel", BuiltFrom: "c0ffee"}); err != nil {
+				t.Fatal(err)
+			}
+
+			js, err := broker.Dial(testbus.URL(t))
+			if err != nil {
+				t.Fatal(err)
+			}
+			t.Cleanup(js.Close)
+			if err := broker.AssertMeshStreams(js); err != nil {
+				t.Fatal(err)
+			}
+			if err := js.EnsureControllerBuckets(); err != nil {
+				t.Fatal(err)
+			}
+			api, err := jetstream.New(js.Conn())
+			if err != nil {
+				t.Fatal(err)
+			}
+			records, err := api.CreateKeyValue(ctx, jetstream.KeyValueConfig{Bucket: broker.BucketName("operator-channel", "asks")})
+			if err != nil {
+				t.Fatal(err)
+			}
+
+			a := aDeliveryMergeOf(t, "a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1",
+				map[string]string{"novox/mesh-delivery@a1a1a1a1a1a1": "a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1"})
+			if c.answer {
+				record, _ := json.Marshal(map[string]any{"state": "closed", "ask": a.ask, "warrant": a.warrant})
+				if _, err := records.Put(ctx, theDelivery+"."+a.merge.AskID, record); err != nil {
+					t.Fatal(err)
+				}
+			}
+
+			server := link.ConnectNats(js, nil, noListener{})
+			if err := server.KeepsDeliveryMerges(keepingDeliveryMerges{js: server.JetStream, catalog: theDeliveryClaims}); err != nil {
+				t.Fatal(err)
+			}
+			// The events consumer exists, from now on, before the word is published: Receive would make it too late.
+			if err := broker.AssertServingConsumers(js); err != nil {
+				t.Fatal(err)
+			}
+			serving, stop := context.WithCancel(context.Background())
+			done := make(chan struct{})
+			go func() { defer close(done); _ = server.Serve(serving) }()
+			t.Cleanup(func() { stop(); <-done })
+			servingBus.Store(js)
+			t.Cleanup(func() { servingBus.Store(nil) })
+
+			// mesh-delivery says it merged the pull request, and the controller keeps what it said.
+			body, _ := json.Marshal(a.merge)
+			if _, err := js.Context().Publish(broker.DeliveryMergedSubjectOf(theDelivery), body); err != nil {
+				t.Fatal(err)
+			}
+			becomes(t, 15*time.Second, "the merge being kept", func() bool {
+				_, kept, err := keptDeliveryMerge(ctx, "novox", "mesh-delivery", 7, a.merge.HeadSHA)
+				return err == nil && kept
+			})
+
+			// The forge's merge of that pull request, as the controller heard it, and the build it asked for.
+			const commit = "c0ffee0123456789"
+			event, _ := json.Marshal(map[string]any{"owner": "novox", "repo": "mesh-delivery", "base": "main", "number": 7,
+				"head_sha": a.merge.HeadSHA, "merge_commit_sha": commit})
+			if _, err := inv.AddMerge(ctx, inventory.BatchedMerge{Repository: "novox/mesh-delivery", 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-delivery", Seat: "git",
+				Path: "modules/mesh-delivery-view", Ref: "main", Commit: commit, For: "merge"}); err != nil {
+				t.Fatal(err)
+			}
+			moved := onTrunk(id, "novox/mesh-delivery", "git", "modules/mesh-delivery-view", map[string]any{"module": "mesh-delivery-view", "version": "2"})
+			moved.Commit = commit
+			_, _, err = takeIn(ctx, inv, moved)
+			src, _ := inv.SourceOf(ctx, "mesh-delivery-view")
+			if c.moved && (err != nil || src.Repository != "novox/mesh-delivery") {
+				t.Fatalf("the Approved move was not registered from its repository: %v (built from %q)", err, src.Repository)
+			}
+			if !c.moved && (!errors.Is(err, errNotItsSource) || src.Repository != "") {
+				t.Fatalf("a new module with no Approve was not refused as it is: %v (built from %q)", err, src.Repository)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/nodes.go

@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ func nodeCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 		return addNode(ctx, inv, args[1:])
 
 	case "list":
-		nodes, err := inv.Nodes(ctx)
+		nodes, err := open.heardNodes(ctx)
 		if err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
@@ -755,22 +755,8 @@ func consumerReset(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 	return nil
 }
 
-// heardFrom says when a node was last heard from, in a form somebody can act on.
-//
-// "never" and "an hour ago" are different answers and are kept different. A node that has never
-// spoken did not finish joining; a node last heard from an hour ago is running an hour-old
-// picture of the mesh.
-func heardFrom(n inventory.Node) string {
-	silent, ever := n.Silent()
-	switch {
-	case !ever:
-		return "never spoken"
-	case silent > SilentFor:
-		return "out of touch " + roughly(silent)
-	default:
-		return "here"
-	}
-}
+// heardFrom is heardFromAt for now.
+func heardFrom(n inventory.Node) string { return heardFromAt(n, time.Now()) }
 
 // roughly is a duration a person reads rather than parses.
 func roughly(d time.Duration) string {
@@ -795,7 +781,7 @@ func roughly(d time.Duration) string {
 // assignment carries `card1-DP-1`, and a person composing settings for that machine needs it.
 func showNode(ctx context.Context, stored *stores, name string) error {
 	inv := stored.inventory
-	node, err := inv.NodeByName(ctx, name)
+	node, err := stored.heardNode(ctx, name)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/not_asked_id_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,24 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/chain"
+)
+
+// 1146: a merge's ask that failed is kept under an id the bus takes as a key, for a module at the repository's root
+// (".") as for one in a folder.
+func TestTheIdOfABuildNotAskedIsAKeyTheBusTakes(t *testing.T) {
+	for dir, want := range map[string]string{
+		".":                          "not-asked-0177ea7a",
+		"modules/mesh-delivery-view": "not-asked-0177ea7a-modules-mesh-delivery-view",
+	} {
+		id := notAskedID("0177ea7a00000000", dir)
+		if id != want {
+			t.Errorf("notAskedID(%q) = %q, want %q", dir, id, want)
+		}
+		if !chain.ValidKey("req." + id) {
+			t.Errorf("notAskedID(%q) = %q: the bus takes no key req.%s", dir, id, id)
+		}
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/own_path_by_claim_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,93 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// The controller finds the delivery's owner by the claim of the seat mesh-delivery, never by the module's name
+// (novox/hq ADR 0437 §3, issue 1210). The gate is a module named mesh-delivery-gate; this is only a fixture name.
+
+func claimingTheSeat(module string) inventory.Entry {
+	return inventory.Entry{Manifest: catalogue.Manifest{Module: module,
+		Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: catalogue.DeliverySeat, Scope: catalogue.ScopeMesh}}}, On: []string{"anchor"}}
+}
+
+func namedOnly(module string) inventory.Entry {
+	return inventory.Entry{Manifest: catalogue.Manifest{Module: module}, On: []string{"anchor"}}
+}
+
+// 1210/AC1: a module claiming the seat is on the controller's own path whatever its name, awaiting the delivery's
+// word as today's module does; a module named mesh-delivery that claims no seat is not on it.
+func TestTheModuleClaimingTheSeatIsOnTheControllersOwnPath(t *testing.T) {
+	gate := []inventory.Entry{claimingTheSeat("mesh-delivery-gate"), namedOnly("mesh-delivery")}
+	own := ownPathOf(gate)
+	if _, on := own["mesh-delivery-gate"]; !on {
+		t.Error("the module claiming the seat is not on the controller's own path")
+	}
+	if _, on := own["mesh-delivery"]; on {
+		t.Error("a module named mesh-delivery that claims no seat is on the controller's own path")
+	}
+	if d := awaitsFor(gate, []string{"gitea", "plex"}); d == nil || d.Awaits != catalogue.DeliverySeat {
+		t.Errorf("an ordinary walk awaits %+v with the gate holding the seat", d)
+	}
+	if d := awaitsFor(gate, []string{"mesh-delivery-gate", "gitea"}); d != nil {
+		t.Errorf("a walk moving the gate awaits %+v; the gate cannot gate itself", d)
+	}
+	if d := awaitsFor(gate, []string{"mesh-delivery", "gitea"}); d == nil {
+		t.Error("a walk moving a module named mesh-delivery that claims no seat starts at once")
+	}
+	if !ownWalk(walkOf("novox/one", "notes", "mesh-delivery-gate"), own) || ownWalk(walkOf("novox/one", "notes", "mesh-delivery"), own) {
+		t.Error("a walk is on the own path by the claim of the module it plans")
+	}
+	if ownPath([]inventory.Entry{claimingTheSeat("mesh-delivery-gate")}) != true || ownPath([]inventory.Entry{namedOnly("mesh-delivery")}) {
+		t.Error("a merge touches the own path by the claim of the module it touches")
+	}
+	if classOfModules([]string{"mesh-delivery-gate"}, gate) != inventory.ClassCore {
+		t.Error("the module claiming the seat is not core")
+	}
+}
+
+// 1210/AC2: the merge gate's rule of the module claiming the seat is one reading; a module claiming no delivery
+// seat gets its ordinary rule.
+func TestTheModuleClaimingTheSeatGetsTheDeliverysGateRule(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGatesTimes(t)
+	claimant := claimingTheSeat("mesh-delivery-gate").Manifest
+	r := gateRuleOf("mesh-delivery-gate", claimant)
+	if r.passes != 1 || r.within != 0 || !strings.HasPrefix(r.said, "mesh-delivery's rule: one reading (novox/hq ADR 0351)") {
+		t.Errorf("the gate's rule is %+v", r)
+	}
+	r = gateRuleOf("mesh-delivery", catalogue.Manifest{Module: "mesh-delivery"})
+	if !strings.HasPrefix(r.said, "a leaf module's rule") {
+		t.Errorf("a module named mesh-delivery claiming no seat gets %q", r.said)
+	}
+}
+
+// 1210/AC3: with both today's module and the gate claiming the seat (R3d's group), both are on the own path and
+// both get the delivery's rule.
+func TestBothClaimantsAreOnTheOwnPathAndGetTheRule(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGatesTimes(t)
+	both := []inventory.Entry{claimingTheSeat("mesh-delivery"), claimingTheSeat("mesh-delivery-gate")}
+	own := ownPathOf(both)
+	for _, m := range []string{"mesh-delivery", "mesh-delivery-gate"} {
+		if _, on := own[m]; !on {
+			t.Errorf("%s is not on the own path", m)
+		}
+		if r := gateRuleOf(m, claimingTheSeat(m).Manifest); r.passes != 1 || !strings.HasPrefix(r.said, "mesh-delivery's rule") {
+			t.Errorf("%s gets %+v", m, r)
+		}
+		if d := awaitsFor(both, []string{m, "gitea"}); d != nil {
+			t.Errorf("a walk moving %s awaits %+v", m, d)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// theDeliveryClaims is a catalogue whose one module claiming the seat is today's mesh-delivery, for the tests that
+// announce a merge from it.
+func theDeliveryClaims(context.Context) ([]inventory.Entry, error) {
+	return []inventory.Entry{claimingTheSeat("mesh-delivery")}, nil
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/pending.go

@@ -491,8 +491,7 @@ func settlingPending(ctx context.Context, open *stores) {
 
 // settlePending is one tick: claims left by a controller that stopped are settled from what the mesh holds;
 // a module registered meanwhile is assigned; a build heard and not registered, or silent past its bound,
-// ends its assignment; ended ones are raised as conditions and cleared once answered; ended rows older than
-// KeptFor are deleted. Returns what it did.
+// ends its assignment; ended ones are raised as conditions and cleared once answered. Returns what it did.
 func settlePending(ctx context.Context, open *stores, now time.Time) []string {
 	inv := open.inventory
 	var said []string
@@ -565,11 +564,6 @@ func settlePending(ctx context.Context, open *stores, now time.Time) []string {
 	}
 
 	said = append(said, raisePendingEnded(ctx, inv)...)
-	if n, err := inv.ForgetEndedPending(ctx, now); err != nil {
-		say("ended pending assignments could not be deleted: %v", err)
-	} else if n > 0 {
-		say("deleted %d pending assignment(s) ended more than %s ago", n, inventory.KeptFor)
-	}
 	return said
 }
 
@@ -585,7 +579,7 @@ func containsString(xs []string, x string) bool {
 // pendingObservation is the condition for a pending assignment that was not made: one per pending
 // assignment, its row's id the last part of its id, so one row's condition is never another's.
 func pendingObservation(p inventory.PendingAssignment) conditions.Observation {
-	return conditions.Observation{Scope: conditions.ScopeMachine, ID: fmt.Sprintf("%s.%s.%d", p.Node, p.Module, p.ID),
+	return conditions.Observation{Scope: conditions.ScopeMachine, ID: fmt.Sprintf("%s.%s.%s", p.Node, p.Module, p.ID),
 		Token: kindPendingEnded, Kind: kindPendingEnded, Machine: p.Node, Severity: conditions.Warning,
 		Resolver: conditions.ResolverOperator, Source: "pending assignments",
 		Summary: p.Note}
@@ -671,8 +665,8 @@ func clearOrphaned(ctx context.Context, keeper *conditions.Keeper, inv *inventor
 	if err != nil {
 		return []string{fmt.Sprintf("the open conditions could not be read to clear orphaned ones: %v", err)}
 	}
-	byID := map[int64]string{}
-	var ids []int64
+	byID := map[string]string{}
+	var ids []string
 	for _, c := range open {
 		if c.Kind != kindPendingEnded {
 			continue
@@ -682,8 +676,8 @@ func clearOrphaned(ctx context.Context, keeper *conditions.Keeper, inv *inventor
 		if len(parts) < 2 {
 			continue
 		}
-		var id int64
-		if _, err := fmt.Sscan(parts[len(parts)-2], &id); err != nil {
+		id := parts[len(parts)-2]
+		if !strings.HasPrefix(id, "p-") {
 			continue
 		}
 		byID[id] = c.Key
@@ -701,7 +695,7 @@ func clearOrphaned(ctx context.Context, keeper *conditions.Keeper, inv *inventor
 		if known[id] {
 			continue
 		}
-		if _, err := keeper.Clear(ctx, key, "its pending assignment is no longer on record: its machine was removed"); err != nil {
+		if _, err := keeper.Clear(ctx, key, "its pending assignment is no longer on record: its machine was removed, or the module was assigned and the wait taken back"); err != nil {
 			said = append(said, fmt.Sprintf("the condition %s could not be cleared: %v", key, err))
 		}
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/pending_integration_test.go

@@ -542,23 +542,26 @@ func TestAPendingAssignmentNeverWaitsSilently(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("a module registered meanwhile: %+v", p)
 	}
 
-	// Ended rows are deleted after KeptFor (review point 7); open ones never, nor one whose condition is
-	// still open (second review, bug B).
+	// Ended waits are not deleted, for the chain removes no key (ADR 0408 section 4): after KeptFor they are no longer listed, open
+	// ones never are left out, nor one whose condition is still open (second review, bug B).
 	if _, err := inv.RecordPending(ctx, inventory.PendingAssignment{Node: "anchor", Module: "lost", Build: "build-lost"}); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
-	said := settlePending(ctx, open, time.Now().Add(inventory.KeptFor+time.Hour))
-	rows, err := inv.Pending(ctx, time.Unix(0, 0))
+	later := time.Now().Add(inventory.KeptFor + time.Hour)
+	settlePending(ctx, open, later)
+	rows, err := inv.Pending(ctx, later.Add(-inventory.KeptFor))
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
 	for _, r := range rows {
 		if !r.Open() && (r.Raised == nil || r.Cleared != nil) {
-			t.Fatalf("an ended pending assignment with no open condition outlived %s: %+v (%v)", inventory.KeptFor, r, said)
+			t.Fatalf("an ended pending assignment with no open condition is listed past %s: %+v", inventory.KeptFor, r)
 		}
 	}
-	if !strings.Contains(strings.Join(said, "\n"), "deleted 1 pending assignment(s)") {
-		t.Fatalf("the applied row was not deleted: %v", said)
+	for _, r := range rows {
+		if r.Module == "heard" {
+			t.Fatalf("an applied wait is listed past %s: %+v", inventory.KeptFor, r)
+		}
 	}
 }
 
@@ -637,8 +640,9 @@ func TestARaisedRowIsKeptUntilItsConditionClears(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 	settlePending(ctx, open, time.Now())
 	settlePending(ctx, open, time.Now().Add(inventory.KeptFor+time.Hour))
-	if known, err := inv.PendingKnown(ctx, []int64{row.ID}); err != nil || known[row.ID] {
-		t.Fatalf("a cleared row outlived %s: %v", inventory.KeptFor, err)
+	// No key of the chain is removed (ADR 0408 §4): a cleared wait stays in the value of its key, saying it was cleared.
+	if known, err := inv.PendingKnown(ctx, []string{row.ID}); err != nil || !known[row.ID] || rowOf(t, open, row.ID).Cleared == nil {
+		t.Fatalf("a cleared row is not kept, saying so: %v", err)
 	}
 
 	// On anchor, then anchor removed: the row goes, and its condition with it at the next tick.

cmd/mesh-controller/pending_test.go

@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ func conditionOpen(t *testing.T, p inventory.PendingAssignment) bool {
 	return found
 }
 
-func rowOf(t *testing.T, open *stores, id int64) inventory.PendingAssignment {
+func rowOf(t *testing.T, open *stores, id string) inventory.PendingAssignment {
 	t.Helper()
 	rows, err := open.inventory.Pending(t.Context(), time.Unix(0, 0))
 	if err != nil {
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ func rowOf(t *testing.T, open *stores, id int64) inventory.PendingAssignment {
 			return r
 		}
 	}
-	t.Fatalf("pending assignment %d is not on record", id)
+	t.Fatalf("pending assignment %s is not on record", id)
 	return inventory.PendingAssignment{}
 }
 

cmd/mesh-controller/plain_words.go

@@ -429,6 +429,11 @@ var plainWordings = map[string]func(conditions.Observation) words{
 				"out) has not let it start yet.",
 			Resolved: "Resolved: the delivery is no longer waiting"}
 	}),
+	kindPlanFailed: worded(func(o conditions.Observation) words {
+		return words{Headline: "A delivery failed",
+			Explanation: "A delivery did not finish. Nothing is tried again until you say so.",
+			Resolved:    "Resolved: the delivery is no longer failed"}
+	}),
 	"ask-lost": worded(func(o conditions.Observation) words {
 		return words{Headline: "A build has no result",
 			Explanation: "A build was asked for and never answered. It is asked again with the next delivery.",
@@ -610,6 +615,19 @@ var plainWordings = map[string]func(conditions.Observation) words{
 				"did not answer in ten minutes, so nothing of the delivery is built or sent.",
 			Resolved: "Resolved: the backup is done and the delivery goes on"}
 	}),
+	kindStuck: worded(func(o conditions.Observation) words {
+		return words{Headline: "Something in a delivery has stopped moving",
+			Explanation: "The watchman noticed a part of the delivery that did not move when it should have: a build " +
+				"asked and not answered, a check that stopped, or a part that went offline. Nothing is lost, and it is " +
+				"said again until it moves.",
+			Resolved: "Resolved: it moves again"}
+	}),
+	kindSendKeyRefused: worded(func(o conditions.Observation) words {
+		return words{Headline: "A delivery cannot watch a machine for its report",
+			Explanation: "The bus refused the note that makes the mesh notice a machine that never reports on a send. " +
+				"The delivery goes on, and the note is written again at its next look.",
+			Resolved: "Resolved: the delivery watches the machine for its report again"}
+	}),
 	kindConsumerBehind: worded(func(o conditions.Observation) words {
 		return words{Headline: "Messages pile up for a listener",
 			Explanation: "One of the mesh's listeners on the bus is far behind, so what it handles happens late. A " +

cmd/mesh-controller/plan.go

@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ import (
 
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/chain"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/licences"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
@@ -284,12 +285,28 @@ func theRestOfTheMesh(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory,
 		assigned []string
 	}
 	var others []candidate
+	// **Every machine's assignments, before the holdings are read by any resolution** (novox/hq ADR 0449 §4): a
+	// seat held once whose holder on record is assigned on no machine needs the whole mesh to be known, and it
+	// passes to its only claimant here, in the composition that finds it.
+	everyAssigned := map[string][]string{}
+	var assignedErr error
+	for _, n := range nodes {
+		theirs, err := inv.Assigned(ctx, n.Name)
+		if err != nil {
+			assignedErr = errors.Join(assignedErr, fmt.Errorf("%s: %w", n.Name, err))
+			continue
+		}
+		if len(theirs) > 0 {
+			everyAssigned[n.Name] = theirs
+		}
+	}
+	holdings = theMeshPassesSeatsOn(ctx, inv, shelf, everyAssigned, assignedErr, holdings)
 	for _, n := range nodes {
 		if n.Name == exclude {
 			continue
 		}
-		theirs, err := inv.Assigned(ctx, n.Name)
-		if err != nil || len(theirs) == 0 {
+		theirs := everyAssigned[n.Name]
+		if len(theirs) == 0 {
 			continue
 		}
 		caps, _ := inv.ProfileOf(ctx, n.Name)
@@ -500,33 +517,75 @@ func declarationWith(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string,
 	// And which build of each module it carries, for the send to record (novox/hq issue 259, ADR
 	// 0221). Read only on the send path: a question about what would be sent records nothing.
 	if choosing == Allocating {
-		current, err := open.inventory.CurrentBuilds(ctx)
+		carried, err := carriedOn(ctx, open, node, plan, composed.LeftOut, true)
 		if err != nil {
 			return sendable{}, err
 		}
-		before, known, err := open.inventory.SentBuilds(ctx, node)
-		if err != nil {
-			return sendable{}, err
-		}
-		if !known {
-			before = nil
-		}
-		names := make([]string, 0, len(plan.Modules))
-		for _, m := range plan.Modules {
-			names = append(names, m.Module)
-		}
-		out.Builds = carriedBuilds(names, composed.LeftOut, current, before)
-		// A recorded module kept at the build the machine runs is recorded as carrying that one (ADR 0245).
-		kept, err := recordedKept(ctx, open, node)
-		if err != nil {
-			return sendable{}, err
-		}
-		for m, was := range kept {
-			if _, carried := out.Builds[m]; carried {
-				out.Builds[m] = was
+		out.Builds = carried
+		out.Bindings = boundToData(plan, composed.LeftOut)
+	}
+	// And the module of each resource and the build of each module, to a machine whose node-engine said it reads them
+	// (novox/hq issue 1145) and to no other; the same whatever the composition is for, so what a question about the
+	// send digests is what the send digests.
+	reads, err := open.inventory.ReadsModules(ctx, record.ID)
+	if err != nil {
+		return sendable{}, err
+	}
+	if reads {
+		carried := out.Builds
+		if choosing != Allocating {
+			if carried, err = carriedOn(ctx, open, node, plan, composed.LeftOut, false); err != nil {
+				return sendable{}, err
 			}
 		}
-		out.Bindings = boundToData(plan, composed.LeftOut)
+		runs, err := open.inventory.AssignmentRuns(ctx, node)
+		if err != nil {
+			return sendable{}, err
+		}
+		builds, err := wireBuilds(carried, runs, func(module, commit string) (string, error) {
+			return open.inventory.BuildOf(ctx, module, commit)
+		})
+		if err != nil {
+			return sendable{}, err
+		}
+		out.ReadsModules, out.moduleOf, out.buildIDs = true, composed.Owner, builds
+	}
+	return out, nil
+}
+
+// carriedOn is the build of each module a declaration for node carries (see carriedBuilds), the module kept at the
+// build a machine runs included (ADR 0245). Only a send (strict) fails for a kept module that cannot be read: a question
+// about it is answered without.
+func carriedOn(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string, plan catalogue.Resolution, leftOut map[string]string,
+	strict bool) (map[string]string, error) {
+	current, err := open.inventory.CurrentBuilds(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	before, known, err := open.inventory.SentBuilds(ctx, node)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	if !known {
+		before = nil
+	}
+	names := make([]string, 0, len(plan.Modules))
+	for _, m := range plan.Modules {
+		names = append(names, m.Module)
+	}
+	out := carriedBuilds(names, leftOut, current, before)
+	// A recorded module kept at the build the machine runs is recorded as carrying that one (ADR 0245).
+	kept, err := recordedKept(ctx, open, node)
+	if err != nil {
+		if strict {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		kept = nil
+	}
+	for m, was := range kept {
+		if _, carried := out[m]; carried {
+			out[m] = was
+		}
 	}
 	return out, nil
 }
@@ -2109,3 +2168,27 @@ func sortedNames[V any](m map[string]V) []string {
 	sort.Strings(out)
 	return out
 }
+
+// wireBuilds is the build of each carried module that goes on the wire (novox/hq issue 1145): the build its assignment
+// names when that assignment is of the commit carried, else the build made from that commit; a module with neither
+// is not named.
+func wireBuilds(carried map[string]string, runs map[string]chain.Ref, lookup func(module, commit string) (string, error)) (map[string]string, error) {
+	out := map[string]string{}
+	for module, commit := range carried {
+		if commit == "" {
+			continue
+		}
+		if ref, ok := runs[module]; ok && ref.Commit == commit && ref.Build != "" {
+			out[module] = ref.Build
+			continue
+		}
+		build, err := lookup(module, commit)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		if build != "" {
+			out[module] = build
+		}
+	}
+	return out, nil
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/plan_announce_copy_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,102 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"reflect"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// heldPublish is a bus that holds a plan-moved publish until it is let go, and keeps the body.
+type heldPublish struct {
+	link.Bus
+	let  chan struct{}
+	body chan []byte
+}
+
+func (h *heldPublish) PublishSeatEvent(_ context.Context, _, _ string, body []byte) error {
+	<-h.let
+	h.body <- body
+	return nil
+}
+
+func aWalkWithSteps() inventory.Plan {
+	built := time.Date(2026, 10, 19, 12, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	return inventory.Plan{ID: "plan-1", Repository: "novox/one", Commit: "abc", State: "walking", Tier: 1,
+		Created: built, Updated: built, Revision: 4,
+		Tiers: [][]string{{"alpha"}, {"beta", "gamma"}},
+		Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{
+			"alpha": {State: "built", BuiltAt: &built, Commit: "abc", First: []string{"ace"}},
+			"beta":  {State: "asked", Why: "waiting"},
+			"gamma": {},
+		},
+		Times: &inventory.PlanTimes{Started: &built}, WalkSaid: inventory.WalkStarted}
+}
+
+func TestAnAnnouncementIsThePlanAsItWasWhenSaidWhatTheWalkDoesNext(t *testing.T) { // 1260/AC1
+	p := aWalkWithSteps()
+	bus := &heldPublish{let: make(chan struct{}), body: make(chan []byte, 1)}
+	sayPlanMoved(t.Context(), bus, nil, p)
+
+	// The walk goes on, writing its steps while the announcement is being made.
+	for i := 0; i < 2000; i++ {
+		step := p.Modules["beta"]
+		step.State, step.Why = "built", "changed after the call"
+		step.First = append(step.First[:0], "novox")
+		p.Modules["delta"] = &inventory.PlanModule{State: "asked"}
+		p.Tiers[1][0] = "changed"
+		p.Times.Started = nil
+		delete(p.Modules, "delta")
+	}
+	close(bus.let)
+
+	var said inventory.Plan
+	select {
+	case body := <-bus.body:
+		if err := json.Unmarshal(body, &said); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	case <-time.After(10 * time.Second):
+		t.Fatal("nothing was announced")
+	}
+	if said.Modules["beta"].State != "asked" || said.Modules["beta"].Why != "waiting" || said.Tiers[1][0] != "beta" ||
+		len(said.Modules) != 3 || said.Times == nil || said.Times.Started == nil {
+		t.Errorf("the announcement carries the walk as it went on, not as it was: %+v", said)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestAnAnnouncementOfAnUnchangedPlanIsTheBodyItWasBeforeTheCopy(t *testing.T) { // 1260/AC2
+	p := aWalkWithSteps()
+	bus := &heldPublish{let: make(chan struct{}), body: make(chan []byte, 1)}
+	close(bus.let)
+	sayPlanMoved(t.Context(), bus, nil, p)
+	var got []byte
+	select {
+	case got = <-bus.body:
+	case <-time.After(10 * time.Second):
+		t.Fatal("nothing was announced")
+	}
+	// What it was: the plan whole, its phases worked out, and what the walk says of itself.
+	q := p
+	q.Phases = q.WalkPhases(time.Now(), nil)
+	want, err := json.Marshal(planMovedBody{Plan: q, walkSaid: sayWalk(t.Context(), nil, q)})
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	var a, b map[string]any
+	if json.Unmarshal(got, &a) != nil || json.Unmarshal(want, &b) != nil {
+		t.Fatal("a body is not JSON")
+	}
+	delete(a, "phases") // worked out from the time of the call
+	delete(b, "phases")
+	if !reflect.DeepEqual(a, b) {
+		t.Errorf("the body changed:\n got %s\nwant %s", got, want)
+	}
+	if a["walk"] != "plan-1" {
+		t.Errorf("the walk's own words are not in the body: %s", got)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/plan_failed.go

@@ -0,0 +1,227 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"regexp"
+	"sort"
+	"strings"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// failedModule is one module of a failed plan that failed to build, where it runs and what it said.
+type failedModule struct {
+	module   string
+	machines []string
+	why      string
+}
+
+// failedPlanFacts is one failed delivery plan asked of the operator (S23, novox/hq ADR 0449 §1).
+type failedPlanFacts struct {
+	id, repository, commit string
+	modules                []string
+	failed                 []failedModule
+	// note is where the plan stopped when no module failed to build (a rollout stopped at its first machine).
+	note string
+	// since is the plan's last change: when it failed.
+	since time.Time
+	// refusal is why `plans retry` would not run it, empty when it would.
+	refusal string
+	// passed is set when a newer plan of its repository and branch is done and the retry is refused for that
+	// (novox/hq ADR 0451): the condition asks nothing.
+	passed bool
+}
+
+// machines are the machines the failed modules run on, sorted, each once.
+func (p failedPlanFacts) machines() []string {
+	seen := map[string]bool{}
+	var out []string
+	for _, m := range p.failed {
+		for _, n := range m.machines {
+			if !seen[n] {
+				seen[n] = true
+				out = append(out, n)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	sort.Strings(out)
+	return out
+}
+
+// failureSaid is what failed, in the mesh's own words, for the condition's evidence.
+func (p failedPlanFacts) failureSaid() string {
+	var parts []string
+	for _, m := range p.failed {
+		line := m.module
+		if len(m.machines) > 0 {
+			line += " on " + strings.Join(m.machines, ", ")
+		}
+		if m.why != "" {
+			line += ": " + oneLine(m.why)
+		}
+		parts = append(parts, line)
+	}
+	if len(parts) == 0 {
+		return "stopped: " + oneLine(p.note)
+	}
+	return strings.Join(parts, "; ")
+}
+
+// refusalSaid is why a retry would not run, for the evidence.
+func (p failedPlanFacts) refusalSaid() string {
+	if p.refusal == "" {
+		return ""
+	}
+	return "; a retry would not run: " + oneLine(p.refusal)
+}
+
+// retryAction is the one answer a failed plan offers: the controller's `plans` verb with `retry` naming the plan,
+// at the level approve. Only that argument: `plans` refuses a retry that carries others (seatverbs).
+func retryAction(plan string) conditions.Action {
+	return conditions.Action{Label: "Retry", Verb: "mesh-controller.plans", Level: conditions.LevelApprove,
+		Arguments: map[string]string{"retry": plan}}
+}
+
+var (
+	planIDWord = regexp.MustCompile(`\bplan-[0-9]+\b`)
+	walkWd     = regexp.MustCompile(`\bwalks\b`)
+	walkOne    = regexp.MustCompile(`\bwalk\b`)
+)
+
+// plainRefusal is a retry's refusal in words the operator reads: the plans named as "the plan", a walk said as a
+// delivery. Whatever still breaks the plain rule (a hash, a dotted name) is left to the condition's evidence, and the
+// words say only that a retry would not run.
+func plainRefusal(refusal string) string {
+	return plainRefusalOr(refusal, "a retry would not run now; the details say why")
+}
+
+// plainRefusalOr is plainRefusal with the sentence to say when the refusal's own words cannot be said plainly.
+func plainRefusalOr(refusal, fallback string) string {
+	r := planIDWord.ReplaceAllString(refusal, "the plan")
+	r = walkWd.ReplaceAllString(r, "deliveries")
+	r = walkOne.ReplaceAllString(r, "delivery")
+	r = strings.TrimSpace(r)
+	if _, ok := conditions.Plain(r); !ok {
+		return fallback
+	}
+	return r
+}
+
+// planFailedWords are the plain words of a failed plan: which modules failed and where, what they said when that
+// is plain, and Retry when a retry would run, else the refusal's words.
+func planFailedWords(p failedPlanFacts) (headline, explanation, needs string, actions []conditions.Action, resolved string) {
+	name := deliveryName(p.modules, p.repository)
+	headline = conditions.Capital(name) + " failed"
+	what := deliveryWhat(p.modules, p.repository)
+	var parts []string
+	for i, m := range p.failed {
+		if i == 2 {
+			parts = append(parts, fmt.Sprintf("%d more", len(p.failed)-2))
+			break
+		}
+		line := m.module
+		if len(m.machines) > 0 {
+			line += " for " + readableList(m.machines)
+		}
+		if w := strings.TrimRight(cutWords(oneLine(m.why), 110), ".;:, "); w != "" {
+			if _, ok := conditions.Plain(w); ok {
+				line += " (" + w + ")"
+			}
+		}
+		parts = append(parts, line)
+	}
+	if len(parts) > 0 {
+		explanation = fmt.Sprintf("The delivery of %s failed: %s did not build.", what, readableList(parts))
+	} else {
+		explanation = fmt.Sprintf("The delivery of %s stopped before it finished.", what)
+	}
+	switch {
+	case p.passed:
+		explanation += " A newer delivery has passed it, so a retry would send older code. Nothing is needed from you."
+	case p.refusal == "":
+		explanation += " Nothing is tried again until you say so."
+		needs = "try the failed builds again " + FromMeshMCPServer
+		actions = []conditions.Action{retryAction(p.id)}
+	default:
+		explanation += " " + conditions.Capital(plainRefusal(p.refusal)) + "."
+		needs = "look at why it failed; a retry would not run now."
+	}
+	resolved = conditions.Capital(name) + " is no longer failed"
+	return
+}
+
+// cutWords is s cut to at most n bytes at a word.
+func cutWords(s string, n int) string {
+	if len(s) <= n {
+		return s
+	}
+	t := s[:n]
+	if i := strings.LastIndexByte(t, ' '); i > n/2 {
+		t = t[:i]
+	}
+	return strings.TrimRight(t, " ,;:") + "…"
+}
+
+// gatherFailedPlans is every delivery plan that failed within planFailedWithin and is asked of the operator
+// (S23, novox/hq ADR 0449 §1): a failed plan that carries a delivery, is no rollout of held updates and was not
+// stopped by a person. Each carries why `plans retry` would not run it, when it would not.
+func gatherFailedPlans(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, now time.Time) ([]failedPlanFacts, error) {
+	plans, err := inv.PlansSince(ctx, now.Add(-planFailedWithin))
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("the plans cannot be read: %w", err)
+	}
+	var failed []inventory.Plan
+	for _, p := range plans {
+		if failedAndAsked(p) {
+			failed = append(failed, p)
+		}
+	}
+	if len(failed) == 0 {
+		return nil, nil
+	}
+	entries, err := inv.Catalogued(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("the catalogue cannot be read: %w", err)
+	}
+	onPath := ownPathOf(entries)
+	runsOn := map[string][]string{}
+	for _, e := range entries {
+		runsOn[e.Manifest.Module] = e.On
+	}
+	var out []failedPlanFacts
+	for _, p := range failed {
+		out = append(out, failedFactsOf(p, plans, onPath, runsOn))
+	}
+	return out, nil
+}
+
+// failedAndAsked says a plan is one S23 asks about: failed, a delivery's, not a rollout of held updates, not
+// stopped by a person.
+func failedAndAsked(p inventory.Plan) bool {
+	return p.State == inventory.PlanFailed && p.Delivery != nil && p.Release == nil && p.Delivery.Stopped == ""
+}
+
+// failedFactsOf is what S23 says of one failed plan, given every plan, the controller's own path and where each
+// module runs.
+func failedFactsOf(p inventory.Plan, plans []inventory.Plan, onPath map[string]string,
+	runsOn map[string][]string) failedPlanFacts {
+	f := failedPlanFacts{id: p.ID, repository: p.Repository, commit: p.Commit, modules: planModules(p),
+		note: p.Note, since: p.Updated}
+	for _, m := range f.modules {
+		if s := p.Modules[m]; s != nil && s.State == "failed" {
+			machines := append([]string(nil), runsOn[m]...)
+			sort.Strings(machines)
+			f.failed = append(f.failed, failedModule{module: m, machines: machines, why: s.Why})
+		}
+	}
+	if err := retryRefusal(p, plans, onPath); err != nil {
+		f.refusal = err.Error()
+		var passed passedBy
+		f.passed = errors.As(err, &passed)
+	}
+	return f
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/plan_failed_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,338 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"fmt"
+	"sort"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// **A failed delivery plan is asked of the operator** (novox/hq ADR 0449 §1 and §2, issue 1314).
+
+func aFailedPlan(id string, mutate func(p *inventory.Plan)) inventory.Plan {
+	p := inventory.Plan{ID: id, Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Commit: "48bda475dunst0000", State: inventory.PlanFailed,
+		Tiers: [][]string{{"openrazer"}}, Updated: time.Date(2026, 10, 19, 18, 26, 0, 0, time.UTC),
+		Modules:  map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{"openrazer": {State: "failed", Why: "the build could not fetch its source"}},
+		Delivery: &inventory.PlanDelivery{Awaits: "mesh-delivery"}}
+	if mutate != nil {
+		mutate(&p)
+	}
+	return p
+}
+
+func failedFactsFor(p inventory.Plan, others ...inventory.Plan) failedPlanFacts {
+	return failedFactsOf(p, append([]inventory.Plan{p}, others...), map[string]string{},
+		map[string][]string{"openrazer": {"g14", "shanks"}})
+}
+
+// 1314/AC1
+func TestAFailedDeliveryPlanIsRaisedWithRetryAsItsOnlyAction(t *testing.T) {
+	now := time.Date(2026, 10, 19, 18, 30, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	p := aFailedPlan("plan-1792433168676870614", nil)
+	f := calm(now)
+	f.failed = []failedPlanFacts{failedFactsFor(p)}
+	got := watchPlansFailed(f)
+	if len(got) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("%+v", got)
+	}
+	o := got[0]
+	if o.Kind != "plan-failed" || o.Severity != conditions.Warning || o.Resolver != conditions.ResolverOperator ||
+		o.Scope != conditions.ScopePlan || o.ID != p.ID {
+		t.Fatalf("kind, severity, resolver or subject: %+v", o)
+	}
+	if len(o.Actions) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("actions: %+v", o.Actions)
+	}
+	a := o.Actions[0]
+	if a.Label != "Retry" || a.Verb != "mesh-controller.plans" || a.Level != conditions.LevelApprove ||
+		len(a.Arguments) != 1 || a.Arguments["retry"] != p.ID {
+		t.Fatalf("the action is not Retry with only the plan: %+v", a)
+	}
+	if o.Needs == "" {
+		t.Fatal("no Needs: the asker wants an action with a need")
+	}
+	for _, want := range []string{"openrazer", "g14", "shanks", "could not fetch its source"} {
+		if !strings.Contains(o.Headline+o.Explanation+o.Said, want) {
+			t.Errorf("the words do not name %q:\nheadline %q\nexplanation %q\nsaid %q", want, o.Headline, o.Explanation, o.Said)
+		}
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(o.Said, "could not fetch its source") || !strings.Contains(o.Explanation, "could not fetch its source") {
+		t.Errorf("the failure's own words are not in both the evidence and the explanation: %q / %q", o.Said, o.Explanation)
+	}
+	words := conditions.Words{Headline: o.Headline, Explanation: o.Explanation, Resolved: o.Resolved, Needs: o.Needs, Actions: o.Actions}
+	if why, ok := conditions.PlainWords(words, "g14", "shanks"); !ok {
+		t.Errorf("the words are not plain: %s\n%+v", why, words)
+	}
+}
+
+// 1314/AC2
+func TestAFailedRolloutOfHeldUpdatesOrAPersonStoppedPlanIsNotRaised(t *testing.T) {
+	for name, p := range map[string]inventory.Plan{
+		"held updates": aFailedPlan("plan-1", func(p *inventory.Plan) { p.Release = &inventory.PlanRelease{} }),
+		"stopped":      aFailedPlan("plan-2", func(p *inventory.Plan) { p.Delivery.Stopped = "jochen" }),
+		"no delivery":  aFailedPlan("plan-3", func(p *inventory.Plan) { p.Delivery = nil }),
+		"building":     aFailedPlan("plan-4", func(p *inventory.Plan) { p.State = inventory.PlanBuilding }),
+	} {
+		if failedAndAsked(p) {
+			t.Errorf("%s: a plan not asked of the operator is asked", name)
+		}
+	}
+	if !failedAndAsked(aFailedPlan("plan-5", nil)) {
+		t.Error("a failed delivery plan is not asked")
+	}
+}
+
+// 1314/AC3: every refusal of `plans retry` gives a condition with no action that says it.
+func TestAFailedPlanThatCannotBeRetriedHasNoActionAndSaysWhy(t *testing.T) {
+	now := time.Date(2026, 10, 19, 18, 30, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	older := aFailedPlan("plan-1", func(p *inventory.Plan) { p.Created = now.Add(-time.Hour) })
+	newer := aFailedPlan("plan-2", func(p *inventory.Plan) {
+		p.State, p.Created = inventory.PlanBuilding, now.Add(-time.Minute)
+	})
+	superseded := aFailedPlan("plan-3", func(p *inventory.Plan) { p.State, p.Note = inventory.PlanSuperseded, "superseded by plan-9" })
+	done := aFailedPlan("plan-4", func(p *inventory.Plan) { p.State = inventory.PlanDone })
+	first := time.Date(2026, 10, 19, 18, 20, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	gate := aFailedPlan("plan-5", func(p *inventory.Plan) {
+		p.Note = "openrazer stopped at its first machine"
+		p.Modules = map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{"openrazer": {State: "built", FirstAt: &first, First: []string{"g14"},
+			Why: "the build did not become healthy on g14", Gate: &inventory.PlanGate{Machines: []string{"g14"},
+				Verdict: inventory.GateFailed, Why: "not healthy", From: "aaaaaaa", To: "bbbbbbb"}}}
+	})
+	for name, c := range map[string]struct {
+		p      inventory.Plan
+		others []inventory.Plan
+		says   string
+	}{
+		"a newer plan": {older, []inventory.Plan{newer}, "supersedes it"},
+		"superseded":   {superseded, nil, "superseded"},
+		"done":         {done, nil, "nothing to retry"},
+		"gate failed":  {gate, nil, "failed its gate"},
+	} {
+		f := calm(now)
+		f.failed = []failedPlanFacts{failedFactsFor(c.p, c.others...)}
+		got := watchPlansFailed(f)
+		if len(got) != 1 {
+			t.Fatalf("%s: %+v", name, got)
+		}
+		o := got[0]
+		if len(o.Actions) != 0 {
+			t.Errorf("%s: a refused retry carries an action: %+v", name, o.Actions)
+		}
+		if !strings.Contains(o.Said, c.says) {
+			t.Errorf("%s: the evidence does not carry the refusal's words (%q): %q", name, c.says, o.Said)
+		}
+		if !strings.Contains(o.Explanation, "retry would not run") && !strings.Contains(o.Explanation, c.says) {
+			t.Errorf("%s: the explanation does not say the refusal: %q", name, o.Explanation)
+		}
+		words := conditions.Words{Headline: o.Headline, Explanation: o.Explanation, Resolved: o.Resolved, Needs: o.Needs}
+		if why, ok := conditions.PlainWords(words, "g14", "shanks"); !ok {
+			t.Errorf("%s: the words are not plain: %s\n%+v", name, why, words)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// 1314/AC4: the condition ends when the plan is no longer failed, kept by the keeper reconciling S23.
+func TestAFailedPlanConditionEndsWhenThePlanLeavesFailed(t *testing.T) {
+	now := time.Date(2026, 10, 19, 18, 30, 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(t.Context())
+	p := aFailedPlan("plan-1792433168676870614", nil)
+	f := calm(now)
+	f.failed = []failedPlanFacts{failedFactsFor(p)}
+	if err := k.Reconcile(t.Context(), "S23", watchPlansFailed(f)); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	open, _ := k.Open(t.Context())
+	if len(open) != 1 || open[0].Kind != "plan-failed" {
+		t.Fatalf("not raised: %+v", open)
+	}
+	// Retried: the plan is building, so it is no longer among the failed.
+	f = calm(now.Add(time.Minute))
+	if err := k.Reconcile(t.Context(), "S23", watchPlansFailed(f)); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if open, _ = k.Open(t.Context()); len(open) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the condition outlived the failure: %+v", open)
+	}
+	// Failed again: asked again, with Retry, and nothing retried it.
+	f = calm(now.Add(2 * time.Minute))
+	again := aFailedPlan(p.ID, func(q *inventory.Plan) { q.Updated = now.Add(2 * time.Minute) })
+	f.failed = []failedPlanFacts{failedFactsFor(again)}
+	if err := k.Reconcile(t.Context(), "S23", watchPlansFailed(f)); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	open, _ = k.Open(t.Context())
+	if len(open) != 1 || len(open[0].Actions) != 1 || open[0].Actions[0].Label != "Retry" {
+		t.Fatalf("a second failure was not asked again with Retry: %+v", open)
+	}
+}
+
+// 1314/AC7 and ADR 0449 §2: no look at a failed plan retries it, however much time passes; the only thing
+// S23 produces is an observation that offers an answer.
+func TestNoClockRetriesAFailedPlan(t *testing.T) {
+	now := time.Date(2026, 10, 19, 18, 30, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	f := calm(now)
+	f.failed = []failedPlanFacts{failedFactsFor(aFailedPlan("plan-1", nil))}
+	for _, later := range []time.Duration{time.Hour, 24 * time.Hour, 6 * 24 * time.Hour} {
+		f.now = now.Add(later)
+		got := watchPlansFailed(f)
+		if len(got) != 1 || len(got[0].Actions) != 1 || got[0].Actions[0].Arguments["retry"] != "plan-1" {
+			t.Fatalf("after %s: %+v", later, got)
+		}
+	}
+	// A plan failed longer ago than the week it is kept is left to `plans`.
+	f.now = now.Add(planFailedWithin + time.Second)
+	if got := watchPlansFailed(f); len(got) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a plan failed beyond the window is still raised: %+v", got)
+	}
+}
+
+// A later plan of the same repository and branch, in a state, made after the failed one.
+func laterPlan(id, branch, state string, after inventory.Plan) inventory.Plan {
+	q := aFailedPlan(id, func(p *inventory.Plan) {
+		p.State, p.Branch, p.Created = state, branch, after.Created.Add(time.Hour)
+	})
+	return q
+}
+
+// 1328/AC1: a later done plan of the same repository and branch makes `plans retry` refuse, naming the later plan.
+func TestARetryIsRefusedWhenALaterPlanOfTheBranchIsDone(t *testing.T) {
+	failed := aFailedPlan("plan-1", func(p *inventory.Plan) { p.Branch, p.Created = "main", time.Date(2026, 10, 19, 12, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC) })
+	later := laterPlan("plan-2", "main", inventory.PlanDone, failed)
+	err := retryRefusal(failed, []inventory.Plan{failed, later}, map[string]string{})
+	if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "plan-2") || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "passed") {
+		t.Fatalf("the retry was not refused, naming the later plan: %v", err)
+	}
+}
+
+// 1328/AC2: with the later plan still open the refusal is today's; a later done plan of another branch refuses nothing.
+func TestARetryIsRefusedAsBeforeWhileTheLaterPlanIsOpenAndNotForAnotherBranch(t *testing.T) {
+	failed := aFailedPlan("plan-1", func(p *inventory.Plan) { p.Branch, p.Created = "main", time.Date(2026, 10, 19, 12, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC) })
+	open := laterPlan("plan-2", "main", inventory.PlanBuilding, failed)
+	err := retryRefusal(failed, []inventory.Plan{failed, open}, map[string]string{})
+	if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "supersedes it") {
+		t.Fatalf("with the later plan open the refusal is not today's: %v", err)
+	}
+	other := laterPlan("plan-3", "feature/x", inventory.PlanDone, failed)
+	if err := retryRefusal(failed, []inventory.Plan{failed, other}, map[string]string{}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("a later done plan of another branch refused the retry: %v", err)
+	}
+	earlier := laterPlan("plan-4", "main", inventory.PlanDone, failed)
+	earlier.Created = failed.Created.Add(-time.Hour)
+	if err := retryRefusal(failed, []inventory.Plan{failed, earlier}, map[string]string{}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("an earlier done plan refused the retry: %v", err)
+	}
+}
+
+// 1328/AC3: such a plan's plan-failed condition has no action and says it was passed by a newer delivery.
+func TestAPassedFailedPlanHasNoActionAndSaysItWasPassed(t *testing.T) {
+	now := time.Date(2026, 10, 19, 18, 30, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	failed := aFailedPlan("plan-1", func(p *inventory.Plan) { p.Branch, p.Created = "main", now.Add(-5*time.Hour) })
+	later := laterPlan("plan-2", "main", inventory.PlanDone, failed)
+	f := calm(now)
+	f.failed = []failedPlanFacts{failedFactsFor(failed, later)}
+	got := watchPlansFailed(f)
+	if len(got) != 1 || len(got[0].Actions) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("%+v", got)
+	}
+	o := got[0]
+	if !strings.Contains(o.Explanation, "newer delivery") || !strings.Contains(o.Explanation, "passed") {
+		t.Errorf("the words do not say it was passed by a newer delivery: %q", o.Explanation)
+	}
+	if strings.Contains(o.Explanation, "details say why") {
+		t.Errorf("the generic fallback was said: %q", o.Explanation)
+	}
+	words := conditions.Words{Headline: o.Headline, Explanation: o.Explanation, Resolved: o.Resolved, Needs: o.Needs}
+	if why, ok := conditions.PlainWords(words, "g14", "shanks"); !ok {
+		t.Errorf("not plain: %s\n%+v", why, words)
+	}
+}
+
+// plansBehind serves plans as the inventory does: the open ones, the most recent n, and every one made since.
+type plansBehind []inventory.Plan
+
+func (s plansBehind) OpenPlans(context.Context) ([]inventory.Plan, error) {
+	var out []inventory.Plan
+	for _, p := range s {
+		if p.Open() {
+			out = append(out, p)
+		}
+	}
+	return out, nil
+}
+
+func (s plansBehind) RecentPlans(_ context.Context, limit int) ([]inventory.Plan, error) {
+	all := append([]inventory.Plan(nil), s...)
+	sort.SliceStable(all, func(i, j int) bool { return all[i].Created.After(all[j].Created) })
+	if len(all) > limit {
+		all = all[:limit]
+	}
+	return all, nil
+}
+
+func (s plansBehind) PlansSince(_ context.Context, since time.Time) ([]inventory.Plan, error) {
+	var out []inventory.Plan
+	for _, p := range s {
+		if p.Created.After(since) || p.Open() {
+			out = append(out, p)
+		}
+	}
+	return out, nil
+}
+
+// 1328, review round 3: the plan that passed a failed one is seen by `plans retry` however many plans were made after it.
+func TestARetrySeesThePassingPlanBeyondTheFiftyMostRecent(t *testing.T) {
+	failed := aFailedPlan("plan-1", func(p *inventory.Plan) { p.Branch, p.Created = "main", time.Date(2026, 10, 1, 12, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC) })
+	all := plansBehind{failed, laterPlan("plan-done", "main", inventory.PlanDone, failed)}
+	for i := 0; i < 60; i++ { // 60 newer plans of other repositories push the passing one out of the newest 50
+		other := laterPlan(fmt.Sprintf("plan-x%d", i), "main", inventory.PlanFailed, failed)
+		other.Repository = "novox/other"
+		other.Created = failed.Created.Add(time.Duration(48+i) * time.Hour)
+		all = append(all, other)
+	}
+	plans, err := plansForRetry(t.Context(), all, failed)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := retryRefusal(failed, plans, map[string]string{}); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "plan-done") {
+		t.Fatalf("the retry was not refused naming the passing plan beyond the 50 most recent: %v", err)
+	}
+}
+
+// ADR 0451 §3: a failed plan that last changed 8 days ago raises nothing, and a raised condition ends once its
+// plan's last change passes 7 days.
+func TestAFailedPlanLastChangedEightDaysAgoRaisesNothingAndARaisedOneEnds(t *testing.T) {
+	now := time.Date(2026, 10, 19, 18, 30, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	old := aFailedPlan("plan-1", func(p *inventory.Plan) { p.Updated = now.Add(-8 * 24 * time.Hour) })
+	f := calm(now)
+	f.failed = []failedPlanFacts{failedFactsFor(old)}
+	if got := watchPlansFailed(f); len(got) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a plan last changed 8 days ago raised %+v", got)
+	}
+	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(t.Context())
+	fresh := aFailedPlan("plan-1", func(p *inventory.Plan) { p.Updated = now.Add(-6 * 24 * time.Hour) })
+	f.failed = []failedPlanFacts{failedFactsFor(fresh)}
+	if err := k.Reconcile(t.Context(), "S23", watchPlansFailed(f)); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if open, _ := k.Open(t.Context()); len(open) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("a plan last changed 6 days ago is not raised: %+v", open)
+	}
+	f.now = now.Add(2 * 24 * time.Hour) // its last change is now 8 days old
+	if err := k.Reconcile(t.Context(), "S23", watchPlansFailed(f)); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if open, _ := k.Open(t.Context()); len(open) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the condition outlived the 7 days: %+v", open)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/plan_looks.go

@@ -400,33 +400,39 @@ func syncSilentKeys(ctx context.Context, open *stores) error {
 }
 
 // keepSilentKeys puts the keys on the bus as the waits are. Where the bus will not take a key — no bucket, the keys
-// cannot be read, one cannot be put — the wait is looked at by a timer of its own, once, and the error is given back so
-// the look is retried.
+// cannot be read, one cannot be put — the refusal is raised as a condition naming the plan and the machine, never
+// stood in for by a timer, and the error is given back so the look is retried and writes the key again (novox/hq ADR
+// 0433 §4). The set of refusals is what this look found: a key written at the next look is no longer in it.
 func keepSilentKeys(ctx context.Context, c silentClock, want map[silentWait]time.Time, now time.Time) error {
-	byTimer := func() {
-		for w, sent := range want {
-			silentByTimer(w, sent, silentTTL(sent, now))
+	refused := func(err error) map[silentWait]error {
+		out := map[silentWait]error{}
+		for w := range want {
+			out[w] = err
 		}
+		return out
 	}
 	if c == nil {
-		byTimer()
+		noteRefusedSendKeys(refused(errors.New("the bus's clock for the waits is not there")))
 		return nil
 	}
+	c = boundedClock{c}
 	held, err := c.Held(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
-		byTimer()
+		noteRefusedSendKeys(refused(err))
 		return err
 	}
 	arm, drop := silentDiff(want, held)
 	var first error
+	notTaken := map[silentWait]error{}
 	for _, w := range arm {
 		if err := c.Arm(ctx, w, silentTTL(want[w], now), want[w]); err != nil {
-			silentByTimer(w, want[w], silentTTL(want[w], now))
+			notTaken[w] = err
 			if first == nil {
 				first = err
 			}
 		}
 	}
+	noteRefusedSendKeys(notTaken)
 	for _, w := range drop {
 		if err := c.Reported(ctx, w); err != nil && first == nil {
 			first = err
@@ -435,29 +441,49 @@ func keepSilentKeys(ctx context.Context, c silentClock, want map[silentWait]time
 	return first
 }
 
-var silentTimers = struct {
-	mu     sync.Mutex
-	timers map[silentWait]time.Time
-}{timers: map[silentWait]time.Time{}}
+// silentCallBound is how long one call to the silent clock may take while the look holds the plans (novox/hq issue 1121).
+// The vendored key listing reads its watcher without the context, so a consumer lost when the broker reloaded its user
+// list left the look waiting for good, with the plans and every node held.
+var silentCallBound = 20 * time.Second
 
-// silentByTimer looks at the plans when a wait's time is up, for a process whose bus will not take the key
-// (DegradableGrants says why that can be): never silently never. Once for each send.
-func silentByTimer(w silentWait, sent time.Time, ttl time.Duration) {
-	silentTimers.mu.Lock()
-	defer silentTimers.mu.Unlock()
-	if at, ok := silentTimers.timers[w]; ok && at.Equal(sent) {
-		return
+// boundedClock is a clock whose every call is answered within silentCallBound, or fails: a call that never returns is
+// left behind on its own goroutine.
+type boundedClock struct{ silentClock }
+
+func boundedCall[T any](ctx context.Context, what string, call func(context.Context) (T, error)) (T, error) {
+	ctx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(ctx, silentCallBound)
+	defer cancel()
+	type answer struct {
+		v   T
+		err error
 	}
-	silentTimers.timers[w] = sent
-	// retries: a rollout's wait for a machine, where the bus would not take its key. One per send, once.
-	time.AfterFunc(ttl, func() {
-		silentTimers.mu.Lock()
-		if silentTimers.timers[w].Equal(sent) {
-			delete(silentTimers.timers, w)
-		}
-		silentTimers.mu.Unlock()
-		askToLook()
+	done := make(chan answer, 1)
+	go func() { v, err := call(ctx); done <- answer{v, err} }()
+	select {
+	case a := <-done:
+		return a.v, a.err
+	case <-ctx.Done():
+		var zero T
+		return zero, fmt.Errorf("%s: no answer from the bus within %s: %w", what, silentCallBound, ctx.Err())
+	}
+}
+
+func (b boundedClock) Arm(ctx context.Context, w silentWait, ttl time.Duration, sent time.Time) error {
+	_, err := boundedCall(ctx, "arming a wait", func(ctx context.Context) (struct{}, error) {
+		return struct{}{}, b.silentClock.Arm(ctx, w, ttl, sent)
 	})
+	return err
+}
+
+func (b boundedClock) Held(ctx context.Context) (map[silentWait]time.Time, error) {
+	return boundedCall(ctx, "listing the waits", b.silentClock.Held)
+}
+
+func (b boundedClock) Reported(ctx context.Context, w silentWait) error {
+	_, err := boundedCall(ctx, "dropping a wait", func(ctx context.Context) (struct{}, error) {
+		return struct{}{}, b.silentClock.Reported(ctx, w)
+	})
+	return err
 }
 
 // startRolloutSilent puts the wait for the machines' reports on the bus for as long as the context lives: the

cmd/mesh-controller/plan_looks_test.go

@@ -3,10 +3,12 @@ package main
 import (
 	"context"
 	"errors"
+	"strings"
 	"sync/atomic"
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 )
 
@@ -159,23 +161,105 @@ func (brokenClock) Held(context.Context) (map[silentWait]time.Time, error) {
 	return nil, errors.New("the bus is down")
 }
 
-// A bus that will not say which keys it holds does not leave the waits unwatched: each is looked at by a timer of its own
-// and the error is given back, so the look is marked failed and retried (issue 974, review 1).
-func TestKeysThatCannotBeReadAreWatchedByTimersAndTheLookFails(t *testing.T) {
+// 1157/AC1: a bus that will not say which keys it holds, or will not take one, does not leave the waits unwatched by
+// nothing: the refusal raises a condition naming the plan and the machine, no timer stands in for the key, and the error
+// is given back so the look is marked failed and retried (issue 974, review 1; ADR 0433 §4).
+func TestARefusedSendKeyRaisesAConditionNamingThePlanAndTheMachine(t *testing.T) { // 1157/AC1
 	w := silentWait{Plan: "plan-held", Tier: 0, Node: "ace"}
 	sent := time.Now().UTC()
-	t.Cleanup(func() { silentTimers.mu.Lock(); delete(silentTimers.timers, w); silentTimers.mu.Unlock() })
-	err := keepSilentKeys(t.Context(), brokenClock{}, map[silentWait]time.Time{w: sent}, sent)
-	if err == nil {
-		t.Fatal("no error given back")
+	for name, clock := range map[string]silentClock{"keys cannot be read": brokenClock{}, "a key cannot be put": armRefusingClock{},
+		"no clock": nil} {
+		t.Run(name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			noteRefusedSendKeys(nil)
+			t.Cleanup(func() { noteRefusedSendKeys(nil) })
+			err := keepSilentKeys(t.Context(), clock, map[silentWait]time.Time{w: sent}, sent)
+			if clock != nil && err == nil {
+				t.Fatal("no error given back")
+			}
+			got := observeRefusedSendKeys()
+			if len(got) != 1 {
+				t.Fatalf("observations %+v", got)
+			}
+			o := got[0]
+			if o.Scope != conditions.ScopePlan || o.ID != "plan-held" || o.Machine != "ace" || o.Kind != kindSendKeyRefused ||
+				!strings.Contains(o.Summary, "plan-held") || !strings.Contains(o.Summary, "ace") {
+				t.Fatalf("the condition does not name the plan and the machine: %+v", o)
+			}
+		})
 	}
-	silentTimers.mu.Lock()
-	armed := silentTimers.timers[w].Equal(sent)
-	silentTimers.mu.Unlock()
-	if !armed {
-		t.Error("no timer of its own watches the wait")
+}
+
+// 1157/AC2: at the plan's next look the send key is written again, and the condition clears once it is.
+func TestTheNextLookWritesTheRefusedSendKeyAndTheConditionClears(t *testing.T) { // 1157/AC2
+	w := silentWait{Plan: "plan-held", Tier: 0, Node: "ace"}
+	sent := time.Now().UTC()
+	noteRefusedSendKeys(nil)
+	t.Cleanup(func() { noteRefusedSendKeys(nil) })
+	want := map[silentWait]time.Time{w: sent}
+	if err := keepSilentKeys(t.Context(), armRefusingClock{}, want, sent); err == nil || len(observeRefusedSendKeys()) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("the refusal was not raised: %v %+v", err, observeRefusedSendKeys())
 	}
+	clock := &keptClock{}
+	if err := keepSilentKeys(t.Context(), clock, want, sent); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if !clock.armed[w].Equal(sent) {
+		t.Fatalf("the next look did not write the key again: %v", clock.armed)
+	}
+	if got := observeRefusedSendKeys(); len(got) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the condition stays after the key was written: %+v", got)
+	}
+}
+
+type armRefusingClock struct{ silentClock }
+
+func (armRefusingClock) Held(context.Context) (map[silentWait]time.Time, error) { return nil, nil }
+func (armRefusingClock) Arm(context.Context, silentWait, time.Duration, time.Time) error {
+	return errors.New("the bus refuses the key")
+}
+
+// keptClock is a clock that takes every key.
+type keptClock struct {
+	silentClock
+	armed map[silentWait]time.Time
+}
+
+func (c *keptClock) Held(context.Context) (map[silentWait]time.Time, error) { return nil, nil }
+func (c *keptClock) Arm(_ context.Context, w silentWait, _ time.Duration, sent time.Time) error {
+	if c.armed == nil {
+		c.armed = map[silentWait]time.Time{}
+	}
+	c.armed[w] = sent
+	return nil
 }
 
 // A plan moved by a process the serving controller did not spawn — a verb run at the control node's terminal — is
 // looked at: the controller follows its own plan-moved (issue 974, round 1).
+
+// A clock whose bus answers nothing, ever: a consumer lost when the broker reloaded its user list, a key listing that
+// never reaches its end.
+type hungClock struct{ silentClock }
+
+func (hungClock) Held(context.Context) (map[silentWait]time.Time, error) {
+	select {} // never answers, whatever the context says (the vendored Keys reads its watcher without it)
+}
+
+// issue 1121: the look holds the plans while it keeps the silent keys, so a key listing that never ends held the plans
+// and every node for good. Every call to the clock has a bound, and the refusal is raised as a condition.
+func TestAClockThatNeverAnswersDoesNotHoldTheLookForever(t *testing.T) {
+	was := silentCallBound
+	silentCallBound = 50 * time.Millisecond
+	t.Cleanup(func() { silentCallBound = was })
+	w := silentWait{Plan: "plan-hung", Tier: 0, Node: "ace"}
+	sent := time.Now().UTC()
+	done := make(chan error, 1)
+	go func() { done <- keepSilentKeys(t.Context(), hungClock{}, map[silentWait]time.Time{w: sent}, sent) }()
+	select {
+	case err := <-done:
+		if err == nil {
+			t.Fatal("a clock that never answered was reported as fine")
+		}
+	case <-time.After(5 * time.Second):
+		t.Fatal("the look is still waiting for a clock that never answers")
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/plan_moved_every_writer_test.go

@@ -12,9 +12,9 @@ import (
 )
 
 // **Every plan is written through SavePlansMoving, which says it** (issue 974, novox/hq ADR 0406 §2: every move of a plan
-// is said as plan-moved, so no move is found only by comparing). The one hook, inventory.PlanSaved, is called there
-// after the commit; so no statement that writes the plan table may stand anywhere else, and writePlan, the one that
-// does, may be called from nowhere but SavePlansMoving. Checked by reading the sources, no store needed.
+// is said as plan-moved, so no move is found only by comparing). The one hook, inventory.PlanSaved, is called there after the
+// write; so no code but chainSavePlans (which SavePlansMoving calls, and no other function) writes a plan to the rollouts
+// bucket by anything but a change of the merges it holds. Checked by reading the sources, no store needed.
 func TestNoPlanIsWrittenButThroughSavePlansMoving(t *testing.T) {
 	write := regexp.MustCompile(`(?is)(insert\s+into|update|delete\s+from|truncate)\s+(table\s+)?release_plan\b`)
 	var found []string
@@ -31,11 +31,13 @@ func TestNoPlanIsWrittenButThroughSavePlansMoving(t *testing.T) {
 				return err
 			}
 			text := string(raw)
-			if write.MatchString(text) && filepath.ToSlash(path) != "../../internal/inventory/plans.go" {
+			if write.MatchString(text) {
 				found = append(found, path+" writes the plan table")
 			}
-			if strings.Contains(text, "writePlan(") && filepath.ToSlash(path) != "../../internal/inventory/plans.go" {
-				found = append(found, path+" calls writePlan")
+			// A plan record is written by the bucket's raw create and update, which only the plans' own file calls.
+			if filepath.ToSlash(path) != "../../internal/inventory/chain_rollouts.go" && filepath.ToSlash(path) != "../../internal/chain/chain.go" &&
+				strings.Contains(text, "chain.RolloutsOf") {
+				found = append(found, path+" reaches the rollouts bucket")
 			}
 			return nil
 		})
@@ -51,17 +53,26 @@ func TestNoPlanIsWrittenButThroughSavePlansMoving(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
 	text := string(raw)
-	if n := len(write.FindAllString(text, -1)); n != 1 {
-		t.Errorf("plans.go has %d statements that write the plan table; want the one in writePlan", n)
-	}
-	calls := regexp.MustCompile(`writePlan\(ctx, tx`).FindAllStringIndex(text, -1)
 	save := strings.Index(text, "func (i *Inventory) SavePlansMoving")
 	next := strings.Index(text[save:], "\nfunc ")
-	if len(calls) != 1 || calls[0][0] < save || calls[0][0] > save+next {
-		t.Errorf("writePlan is called %d times, and not only from SavePlansMoving", len(calls))
+	if next < 0 {
+		next = len(text) - save
 	}
-	if !strings.Contains(text[save:save+next], "PlanSaved(i, *p)") {
-		t.Error("SavePlansMoving does not say each plan it wrote")
+	if !strings.Contains(text[save:save+next], "chainSavePlans(") {
+		t.Error("SavePlansMoving does not write through chainSavePlans")
+	}
+	chainRaw, err := os.ReadFile("../../internal/inventory/chain_rollouts.go")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	chainText := string(chainRaw)
+	at := strings.Index(chainText, "func (i *Inventory) chainSavePlans")
+	end := strings.Index(chainText[at:], "\nfunc ")
+	if !strings.Contains(chainText[at:at+end], "PlanSaved(i, *p)") {
+		t.Error("chainSavePlans does not say each plan it wrote")
+	}
+	if n := strings.Count(chainText, "createRaw(ctx, c, p.ID"); n != 1 {
+		t.Errorf("a plan is made from %d places of chain_rollouts.go, want the one in chainSavePlans", n)
 	}
 }
 

cmd/mesh-controller/plan_retry.go

@@ -154,8 +154,33 @@ func newerOpenPlan(p inventory.Plan, plans []inventory.Plan) (inventory.Plan, bo
 	return inventory.Plan{}, false
 }
 
+// newerDonePlan is a done plan of the same repository and branch made after this one: the newer commit it delivered
+// runs now (novox/hq ADR 0451).
+func newerDonePlan(p inventory.Plan, plans []inventory.Plan) (inventory.Plan, bool) {
+	var found inventory.Plan
+	var ok bool
+	for _, q := range plans {
+		if q.ID == p.ID || q.State != inventory.PlanDone || !strings.EqualFold(q.Repository, p.Repository) ||
+			(p.Branch != "" && q.Branch != "" && p.Branch != q.Branch) || !q.Created.After(p.Created) {
+			continue
+		}
+		if !ok || q.Created.After(found.Created) {
+			found, ok = q, true
+		}
+	}
+	return found, ok
+}
+
+// passedBy is the refusal of a retry of a plan that a newer done plan of its repository and branch has passed.
+type passedBy struct{ plan, by, repository, commit string }
+
+func (e passedBy) Error() string {
+	return fmt.Sprintf("%s was passed by %s, a newer plan of %s (at %s) that is done: retrying it would build and "+
+		"send the older commit over the newer one that runs", e.plan, e.by, e.repository, short(e.commit))
+}
+
 // retryRefusal is why a plan cannot be retried, or nothing.
-func retryRefusal(p inventory.Plan, plans []inventory.Plan) error {
+func retryRefusal(p inventory.Plan, plans []inventory.Plan, onPath map[string]string) error {
 	switch {
 	case p.State == inventory.PlanDone:
 		return fmt.Errorf("%s is done; there is nothing to retry", p.ID)
@@ -165,12 +190,17 @@ func retryRefusal(p inventory.Plan, plans []inventory.Plan) error {
 		return fmt.Errorf("%s is still %s; nothing in it failed to retry — `rebuild <module>` asks one module again", p.ID, p.State)
 	}
 
+	// **A newer delivery of the branch has passed it** (novox/hq ADR 0451): retrying would build and send the older
+	// commit over the newer one that runs.
+	if q, found := newerDonePlan(p, plans); found {
+		return passedBy{plan: p.ID, by: q.ID, repository: q.Repository, commit: q.Commit}
+	}
 	if len(failedIn(p)) > 0 {
 		if q, found := newerOpenPlan(p, plans); found {
 			return fmt.Errorf("%s supersedes it: a newer merge of %s (%s at %s) is open, and retrying %s would build "+
 				"what that one replaced", q.ID, q.Repository, q.ID, short(q.Commit), p.ID)
 		}
-		return oneWalkAtATime(p, plans)
+		return oneWalkAtATime(p, plans, onPath)
 	}
 	stopped := stoppedRollouts(p)
 	if len(stopped) == 0 {
@@ -194,20 +224,20 @@ func retryRefusal(p inventory.Plan, plans []inventory.Plan) error {
 				"the older build back", m, q.ID, q.State, q.Repository, short(q.Commit), p.ID)
 		}
 	}
-	return oneWalkAtATime(p, plans)
+	return oneWalkAtATime(p, plans, onPath)
 }
 
 // oneWalkAtATime refuses a retry while an open walk, started or waiting for its word, is related to it (novox/hq
 // ADR 0276, ADR 0407 decision 4, issue 973): a walk retried beside a related one would be two walks on the same
 // things at once. A walk related to none may be retried beside them. The retried walk is judged by the modules it
 // plans, which already hold their dependents, and the repositories it carries.
-func oneWalkAtATime(p inventory.Plan, plans []inventory.Plan) error {
+func oneWalkAtATime(p inventory.Plan, plans []inventory.Plan, onPath map[string]string) error {
 	mine := footprintOfWalk(p, nil)
 	for _, q := range plans {
 		if q.ID == p.ID || !q.Open() || q.Release != nil {
 			continue
 		}
-		if ownWalk(p) || ownWalk(q) {
+		if ownWalk(p, onPath) || ownWalk(q, onPath) {
 			return fmt.Errorf("%s is open (%s) and one of them is on the controller's own path: one walk at a time — "+
 				"retry %s once it ended", q.ID, q.Named(), p.ID)
 		}
@@ -275,6 +305,32 @@ func goesOnAgain(p *inventory.Plan) {
 	}
 }
 
+// planReader is what a retry reads the mesh's plans through.
+type planReader interface {
+	OpenPlans(ctx context.Context) ([]inventory.Plan, error)
+	RecentPlans(ctx context.Context, limit int) ([]inventory.Plan, error)
+	PlansSince(ctx context.Context, since time.Time) ([]inventory.Plan, error)
+}
+
+// plansForRetry are the plans a retry of p judges itself against.
+func plansForRetry(ctx context.Context, inv planReader, p inventory.Plan) ([]inventory.Plan, error) {
+	plans, err := inv.OpenPlans(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	recent, err := inv.RecentPlans(ctx, 50)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	// **Every plan made after this one** (novox/hq ADR 0451 §1): a plan that passed it is seen however many plans
+	// were made since, not only when it is among the newest.
+	later, err := inv.PlansSince(ctx, p.Created)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return append(append(plans, recent...), later...), nil
+}
+
 // retryPlan asks a failed plan's failed modules again, under new ids, and sets it building again at
 // that tier: what follows is the plan going on as if they had built the first time.
 func retryPlan(ctx context.Context, open *stores, id string) (string, error) {
@@ -288,15 +344,10 @@ func retryPlan(ctx context.Context, open *stores, id string) (string, error) {
 	if err != nil {
 		return "", err
 	}
-	plans, err := inv.OpenPlans(ctx)
+	plans, err := plansForRetry(ctx, inv, p)
 	if err != nil {
 		return "", err
 	}
-	recent, err := inv.RecentPlans(ctx, 50)
-	if err != nil {
-		return "", err
-	}
-	plans = append(plans, recent...)
 	// **A failed walk whose earlier merges are walked alone is not retried** (novox/hq ADR 0276): the search for
 	// the merge that brought the failure answers them now, and a retried walk would name them twice.
 	// **A walk stopped without some merges is not retried** (novox/hq ADR 0299): the merges it left out were stopped,
@@ -327,7 +378,11 @@ func retryPlan(ctx context.Context, open *stores, id string) (string, error) {
 		}
 		failed = toRetry(&p, recorded, byID)
 	}
-	if err := retryRefusal(p, plans); err != nil {
+	onPath, err := ownPathNow(ctx, inv)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", err
+	}
+	if err := retryRefusal(p, plans, onPath); err != nil {
 		return "", err
 	}
 	if again := unjudgedAtGate(p); len(failed) == 0 && len(again) > 0 {

cmd/mesh-controller/plans_data_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,140 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"encoding/json"
+	"reflect"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// flagsOf reads a command line's flags (and its first positional after --what-if) into a map.
+func flagsOf(argv []string) map[string]string {
+	out := map[string]string{}
+	for i := 0; i < len(argv); i++ {
+		if !strings.HasPrefix(argv[i], "--") {
+			continue
+		}
+		name := strings.TrimPrefix(argv[i], "--")
+		if i+1 < len(argv) && !strings.HasPrefix(argv[i+1], "--") {
+			out[name] = argv[i+1]
+			i++
+		} else {
+			out[name] = "true"
+		}
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// **The plan of a change as data from `plans`** (novox/hq ADR 0450 §2, issue 1324 AC1): asked for one change
+// both ways, `plans` with data and `delivery-plan` answer the same plan in every field.
+func TestPlansWhatIfAsDataAnswersWhatDeliveryPlanAnswers(t *testing.T) {
+	change := map[string]any{"repository": "novox/mesh-catalog", "paths": "modules/gitea/index.ts,modules/gitea/old.txt",
+		"head": "abc123", "base": "main", "module-dirs": "modules/gitea", "removed": "modules/gitea/old.txt"}
+	with := func(extra map[string]any) map[string]any {
+		out := map[string]any{}
+		for k, v := range change {
+			out[k] = v
+		}
+		for k, v := range extra {
+			out[k] = v
+		}
+		return out
+	}
+	plansArgv, err := argvFor("plans", with(map[string]any{"data": "true"}))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	deliveryArgv, err := argvFor("delivery-plan", change)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if plansArgv[0] != "plans" || !slicesHas(plansArgv, "--data") || !slicesHas(plansArgv, "--what-if") {
+		t.Fatalf("plans with data became %q", strings.Join(plansArgv, " "))
+	}
+	p, d := flagsOf(plansArgv), flagsOf(deliveryArgv)
+	for _, name := range []string{"paths", "head", "base", "module-dirs", "removed"} {
+		if p[name] == "" || p[name] != d[name] {
+			t.Errorf("--%s: plans says %q, delivery-plan %q", name, p[name], d[name])
+		}
+	}
+	if p["what-if"] != d["repository"] {
+		t.Errorf("repository: plans says %q, delivery-plan %q", p["what-if"], d["repository"])
+	}
+
+	// Both commands build their document from the one function, from the same member.
+	const src = "http://forge.internal:20000/novox/mesh-catalog.git"
+	gitea := fromRepo("gitea", src, "modules/gitea")
+	gitea.Source.BuiltFrom = "old"
+	gitea.On = []string{"anchor", "laptop"}
+	entries := []inventory.Entry{gitea}
+	policy := func(string) (inventory.Upgrade, bool) { return inventory.Upgrade{RollOut: true}, true }
+	member := func(f map[string]string, repository string) orderMember {
+		return changeMember(repository, f["base"], f["head"], splitList(f["paths"]), splitList(f["removed"]),
+			moduleDirsOf(f["module-dirs"]))
+	}
+	a := deliveryPlanDocument(member(p, p["what-if"]), entries, nil, nil, policy)
+	b := deliveryPlanDocument(member(d, d["repository"]), entries, nil, nil, policy)
+	ja, _ := json.Marshal(a)
+	jb, _ := json.Marshal(b)
+	if !reflect.DeepEqual(ja, jb) {
+		t.Errorf("the two plans differ:\n%s\n%s", ja, jb)
+	}
+	plan := a["plan"].(interface{})
+	raw, _ := json.Marshal(plan)
+	var fields map[string]any
+	_ = json.Unmarshal(raw, &fields)
+	for _, want := range []string{"moved", "tiers", "machines", "summary", "class", "head", "base", "repository"} {
+		if _, ok := fields[want]; !ok {
+			t.Errorf("the plan has no %q: %s", want, raw)
+		}
+	}
+	if fields["head"] != "abc123" || fields["base"] != "main" {
+		t.Errorf("head and base are %v and %v", fields["head"], fields["base"])
+	}
+}
+
+// Without the data form the text answer is unchanged (AC2): no data flag, and the data-only arguments are not passed.
+func TestPlansWhatIfWithoutDataIsUnchanged(t *testing.T) {
+	argv, err := argvFor("plans", map[string]any{"repository": "novox/x", "paths": "a,b"})
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if got := strings.Join(argv, " "); got != "plans --what-if novox/x --paths a,b" {
+		t.Errorf("the text what-if reads %q", got)
+	}
+	if _, err := argvFor("plans", map[string]any{"repository": "novox/x", "paths": "a", "head": "h"}); err == nil {
+		t.Error("a head without data was passed over, not refused")
+	}
+	argv, _ = argvFor("plans", map[string]any{"repository": "novox/x", "paths": "a", "data": "false"})
+	if got := strings.Join(argv, " "); got != "plans --what-if novox/x --paths a" {
+		t.Errorf("data false reads %q", got)
+	}
+}
+
+// delivery-plan stays and answers as before (AC3, ADR 0450 §8).
+func TestDeliveryPlanStaysAsItWas(t *testing.T) {
+	argv, err := argvFor("delivery-plan", map[string]any{"repository": "novox/x", "paths": "a", "head": "h"})
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if got := strings.Join(argv, " "); got != "delivery plan --repository novox/x --paths a --head h" {
+		t.Errorf("delivery-plan reads %q", got)
+	}
+	if _, ok := catalogueVerb("delivery-plan"); !ok {
+		t.Error("delivery-plan is gone")
+	}
+}
+
+func catalogueVerb(name string) (catalogue.Verb, bool) { return controllerVerb(name) }
+
+func slicesHas(s []string, v string) bool {
+	for _, x := range s {
+		if x == v {
+			return true
+		}
+	}
+	return false
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/probes.go

@@ -629,7 +629,7 @@ func heardMachines(d *doctor) map[string]bool {
 		return out
 	}
 	for _, m := range f.machines {
-		if !m.lastHeard.IsZero() && f.now.Sub(m.lastHeard) <= heartbeatBound(m.every) && !m.asleep() {
+		if !m.lastHeard.IsZero() && !m.silent(f.now) && !m.asleep() {
 			out[m.name] = true
 		}
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/process_issue_integration_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,87 @@
+//go:build integration
+
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+)
+
+// review round 3, fault B (1181): the test asserted a literal url, while issueOnTheNewBus works out the
+// machine's reachable address from the catalogue's network records (brokerReachableAt), not from this
+// process's environment — the real try found "nats://anchor.internal:5671", not the literal guessed here.
+// Fixed by calling issueProcess directly, with the known broker and reachable address given to it, exactly
+// as issued_to_vault_test.go's issue/issueWith and issueProvisionerClient are called directly; the url
+// asserted below is one of those two inputs, never a separate guess.
+//
+// review round 1, findings 3 and 4 (1181/AC1, AC2): module issue mints and delivers a process's own
+// account against the store — no bus to dial, busAddress "" — for mesh-mail's real manifest shape (review
+// round 1 finding 1: no own secret `broker` at all, its tools served by the tool runner), and issuing it
+// again is the path every bus account takes (`rollout mint`'s KindProcess case, and a re-run of `module
+// issue`): it rotates the password, and the old hash no longer matches.
+func TestModuleIssueMintsAndDeliversAProcesssAccount(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	theVaultIsInstalled(t, open)
+
+	m := mailSenderWithProcess()
+	m.Moved = true // so handIssuedToVault's accountIsCovered is true, and the hand-off is exercised whole
+	register(t, open, m)
+
+	vault := newStandInVault(t)
+	vaultAskerForIssue = func(context.Context) vaultAsker { return vault.ask }
+	t.Cleanup(func() { vaultAskerForIssue = func(context.Context) vaultAsker { return newStandInVault(nil).ask } })
+
+	pr, found := processPrincipalFor(m, "send")
+	if !found {
+		t.Fatal("mesh-mail declares no process send")
+	}
+	known := broker.Broker{Fingerprint: "ab"}
+	const reachable = "10.0.0.1:4222"
+	issue := func() {
+		t.Helper()
+		if err := issueProcess(ctx, inv, m, pr, "laptop", "", known, reachable); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+
+	issue()
+	user := broker.Principal{Kind: broker.KindProcess, Node: "laptop", Module: "mesh-mail", Process: "send"}.Username()
+	if user != "laptop.mesh-mail.send" {
+		t.Fatalf("the process's username: %q", user)
+	}
+	hash1, held, err := inv.BusUserHash(ctx, user)
+	if err != nil || !held || hash1 == "" {
+		t.Fatalf("the process's account was not minted: held %v, %v", held, err)
+	}
+
+	// 1181/AC1: accepted with the provisioner client's JSON, and handed to the vault whole — the url and
+	// the fingerprint being exactly what issueProcess was given above, not a guess at what it computes.
+	taken := vault.taken["accept"]
+	for _, want := range []string{`"url":"nats://` + reachable + `"`, `"fingerprint":"ab"`, `"node":"laptop"`,
+		`"module":"mesh-mail"`, `"user":"laptop.mesh-mail.send"`, `"password"`} {
+		if !strings.Contains(taken, want) {
+			t.Errorf("the vault was handed %q, without %s", taken, want)
+		}
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(vault.said(), `"name":"broker-send"`) {
+		t.Errorf("the vault was not told the secret's name broker-send: %s", vault.said())
+	}
+	// The file's own owner (mesh-mail-send, review round 1 finding 7's area) is 1170's mechanism, proven
+	// generically there and for this fixture in TestAProcessesOwnSecretIsOwnedByItsOwnAccount.
+
+	// 1181/AC2: issued again — the path `rollout mint`'s KindProcess case and a re-run of `module issue`
+	// both take — rotates the password; the old hash no longer matches what is recorded.
+	issue()
+	hash2, held, err := inv.BusUserHash(ctx, user)
+	if err != nil || !held {
+		t.Fatalf("the process's account is gone after a re-issue: held %v, %v", held, err)
+	}
+	if hash1 == hash2 {
+		t.Fatal("issuing the process's account again did not rotate its password")
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/process_issue_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,106 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"encoding/json"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+)
+
+// mailSenderWithProcess is mesh-mail's real manifest shape (novox/hq ADR 0436 §7, §8, the lead's fixture):
+// no own secret named `broker` at all — its tools run in the machine's tool runner — and the process "send"
+// declares bus, whose own secret broker-send is where module issue delivers its account (ADR 0436 §2),
+// owned by mesh-mail-send, the user resource the process declares, at mode 0600 as every own secret is.
+func mailSenderWithProcess() catalogue.Manifest {
+	m, err := catalogue.ParseManifest([]byte(`{"module":"mesh-mail","version":"1","emits":["mail.send.sent"],
+		"own-secrets":{"broker-send":{"path":"/var/lib/mesh-mail/broker-send","owner":"mesh-mail-send"}},
+		"resources":[{"id":"account","type":"user","name":"mesh-mail-send"},
+			{"id":"send","type":"process","run":["./mesh-mail","send"],"user":"mesh-mail-send",
+			 "bus":{"emits":["mail.send.sent"]}}]}`))
+	if err != nil {
+		panic(err)
+	}
+	return m
+}
+
+// review round 1, finding 1 (1181): a module declaring no `broker` of its own at all — mesh-mail's real
+// shape, tools served by the tool runner — still passes mayIssue on its process's bus declaration alone.
+func TestAModuleWithNoBrokerAndOnlyAProcessMayBeIssued(t *testing.T) {
+	if err := mayIssue(mailSenderWithProcess()); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("a module with no broker of its own, whose process declares bus, was refused: %v", err)
+	}
+}
+
+// 1181/AC1: a process with a bus declaration and no own secret broker-<process id> cannot be issued — the
+// same refusal mayIssue already gives a module with no `broker` (novox/hq ADR 0436 §2).
+func TestAProcessWithNoBrokerSecretCannotBeIssued(t *testing.T) {
+	m := mailSenderWithProcess()
+	delete(m.OwnSecrets, "broker-send")
+	err := mayIssue(m)
+	if err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("a process with no broker-<id> own secret was issued an account")
+	}
+	for _, want := range []string{"mesh-mail", "send", "broker-send", "own-secrets"} {
+		if !strings.Contains(err.Error(), want) {
+			t.Errorf("the refusal does not say %q: %v", want, err)
+		}
+	}
+	if err := mayIssue(mailSenderWithProcess()); err != nil {
+		t.Errorf("a process declaring its own broker-<id> secret was refused: %v", err)
+	}
+}
+
+// 1181/AC1: the account held for a process is the provisioner client's form — {url, fingerprint, node,
+// module, user, password} — named for the process, never the module's own account.
+func TestAProcesssHeldAccountIsTheProvisionersForm(t *testing.T) {
+	user := broker.Principal{Kind: broker.KindProcess, Node: "novox", Module: "mesh-mail", Process: "send"}.Username()
+	if user != "novox.mesh-mail.send" {
+		t.Fatalf("the process's username: %q", user)
+	}
+	held, err := heldProcessAccount(broker.Broker{Fingerprint: "abc"}, "novox.example:4222", "novox", "mesh-mail",
+		user, "a-password")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	var got map[string]any
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(held, &got); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	want := map[string]any{"url": "nats://novox.example:4222", "fingerprint": "abc", "node": "novox",
+		"module": "mesh-mail", "user": "novox.mesh-mail.send", "password": "a-password"}
+	for k, v := range want {
+		if got[k] != v {
+			t.Errorf("%s: %v, want %v", k, got[k], v)
+		}
+	}
+	if len(got) != len(want) {
+		t.Errorf("the held account carries %v; want exactly %v (never claims — a process holds no seat)", got, want)
+	}
+}
+
+// 1181/AC1: composed, the process's own secret belongs to its own account at 0600 (novox/hq ADR 0436 §1, §2;
+// the owner mechanism is issue 1170's, proven generically there — this is mesh-mail's own shape).
+func TestAProcessesOwnSecretIsOwnedByItsOwnAccount(t *testing.T) {
+	m := mailSenderWithProcess()
+	r := catalogue.Resolution{Node: "novox", Modules: []catalogue.Manifest{m}}
+	out, err := r.Declaration(catalogue.Rendering{
+		Needed: map[string]map[string]string{"mesh-mail": {"broker-send": "sealed-account"}},
+	})
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("composing the declaration: %v", err)
+	}
+	var found bool
+	for _, res := range out {
+		if res["type"] == "file" && res["path"] == "/var/lib/mesh-mail/broker-send" {
+			found = true
+			if got := res["owner"]; got != "mesh-mail-send" {
+				t.Fatalf("broker-send's owner: %v; want mesh-mail-send", got)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	if !found {
+		t.Fatal("broker-send was not composed at all")
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/process_live_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,302 @@
+//go:build integration
+
+package main
+
+import (
+	"errors"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats-server/v2/server"
+	"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"
+)
+
+// mailSenderLiveManifest is mesh-mail's future manifest shape whole (novox/hq ADR 0436 §7, §8): the
+// process "send" declares every clause of bus (emits, its one work-queue stream, its state, asks, and its
+// invoked seat verb), so the account module issue delivers for it can be put through every grant at once.
+func mailSenderLiveManifest(t *testing.T) catalogue.Manifest {
+	t.Helper()
+	m, err := catalogue.ParseManifest([]byte(`{"module":"mesh-mail","version":"1",
+		"emits":["mail.send.sent","mail.send.failed"],"state":["sends"],
+		"streams":[{"name":"mail-sends","events":["mail.send.approved"],"max-age-days":1,"max-mib":8,
+			"retention":"work-queue","max-deliveries":5}],
+		"own-secrets":{"broker-send":{"path":"/var/lib/mesh-mail/broker-send","owner":"mesh-mail-send"}},
+		"resources":[{"id":"account","type":"user","name":"mesh-mail-send"},
+			{"id":"send","type":"process","run":["./mesh-mail","send"],"user":"mesh-mail-send",
+			 "bus":{"emits":["mail.send.sent","mail.send.failed"],"queues":["mail-sends"],"state":["sends"],
+				"asks":true,"invokes":["seat:operator-channel.tell"]}}]}`))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	return m
+}
+
+// operatorChannelWithTell is operator-channel as messenger declares it (broker.operatorChannel, novox/hq
+// ADR 0259 §3), with the one verb this release adds: `tell` (novox/hq ADR 0436 §1's own fixture), so the
+// process's invoked seat verb has a holder to answer it.
+func operatorChannelWithTell() broker.Seat {
+	return broker.Seat{Name: "operator-channel", Scope: "mesh", Accepts: []string{"ask", "cancel"},
+		Emits: []string{"decided"}, Serves: []string{"open", "history", "notify", "tell"},
+		ByCaller: []string{"ask", "cancel", "decided"}, Records: []string{"messenger_asks"}}
+}
+
+// review round 1, finding 5 (1181/AC3), the release's acceptance test, on a real bus and the store: the
+// account module issue delivers for mesh-mail's process "send" — composed from the manifest the real way
+// (inventory.ProcessesOf -> broker.Users -> broker.ComposeAccounts), minted with the password module issue
+// mints (aMesh) — does exactly what its bus declares and nothing else.
+func TestAProcessAccountOnARealBusAndStore(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+
+	m := mailSenderLiveManifest(t)
+	operatorChannel := operatorChannelWithTell()
+	mailSends := broker.ModuleStream{Module: "mesh-mail", Name: "MAIL_SENDS", Events: []string{"mail.send.approved"},
+		MaxAgeDays: 1, MaxMiB: 8, WorkQueue: true, Duplicates: 1}
+	records := broker.Records{Nodes: []string{"laptop"}, Assigned: map[string][]broker.Declared{"laptop": {
+		{Module: broker.RuntimeModule},
+		{Module: "messenger", Holds: []broker.Seat{operatorChannel}, RunsAs: "messenger"},
+		{Module: "mesh-mail", NoAccount: true, Uses: []broker.Seat{operatorChannel}, Streams: []broker.ModuleStream{mailSends},
+			Processes: inventory.ProcessesOf(m)},
+	}}}
+	users, err := broker.Users(records)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+
+	// The four principals this test drives, each minted the password module issue mints — the same
+	// inv.MintBusPassword call issueProcess makes for the process account. mesh-mail publishes its own
+	// stream's events as the tool runner carrying it (review round 2's finding): the controller's own
+	// grants do not cover a module's stream, only the runtime that carries the module does.
+	var admin, runtime, messenger, sender broker.Principal
+	for _, p := range users {
+		switch {
+		case p.Kind == broker.KindController:
+			admin = p
+		case p.Kind == broker.KindNodeTools:
+			runtime = p
+		case p.Module == "messenger":
+			messenger = p
+		case p.Kind == broker.KindProcess:
+			sender = p
+		}
+	}
+	if admin.Kind == "" || runtime.Kind == "" || messenger.Kind == "" || sender.Kind == "" {
+		t.Fatalf("not every principal was composed: admin=%+v runtime=%+v messenger=%+v sender=%+v",
+			admin, runtime, messenger, sender)
+	}
+	if sender.Username() != "laptop.mesh-mail.send" {
+		t.Fatalf("the process's username: %q", sender.Username())
+	}
+
+	passwords := map[string]string{}
+	hashes := map[string]string{}
+	for _, p := range []struct {
+		principal broker.Principal
+		kind      string
+	}{{admin, inventory.BusController}, {runtime, inventory.BusNodeTools}, {messenger, inventory.BusModule},
+		{sender, inventory.BusProcess}} {
+		pw, err := inv.MintBusPassword(ctx, inventory.BusUser{Username: p.principal.Username(), Kind: p.kind,
+			Node: p.principal.Node, Module: p.principal.Module})
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		passwords[p.principal.Username()] = pw
+		hash, held, err := inv.BusUserHash(ctx, p.principal.Username())
+		if err != nil || !held {
+			t.Fatalf("the minted password of %s was not recorded: %v, %v", p.principal.Username(), held, err)
+		}
+		hashes[p.principal.Username()] = hash
+	}
+	filled, missing := broker.WithPasswords([]broker.Principal{admin, runtime, messenger, sender}, hashes)
+	if len(missing) > 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("no password for %v", missing)
+	}
+
+	accounts, err := broker.ComposeAccounts(filled)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	conf := filepath.Join(t.TempDir(), "bus.conf")
+	if err := os.WriteFile(conf, []byte("listen: 127.0.0.1:-1\njetstream { store_dir: "+
+		`"`+t.TempDir()+`"`+" }\n"+accounts), 0o600); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	opts, err := server.ProcessConfigFile(conf)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("the composed accounts do not parse: %v", err)
+	}
+	opts.NoLog, opts.NoSigs = true, true
+	s, err := server.NewServer(opts)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	go s.Start()
+	if !s.ReadyForConnections(10 * time.Second) {
+		t.Fatal("the bus did not come up")
+	}
+	defer s.Shutdown()
+
+	// Every connection names its own inbox prefix: the grant is `_INBOX.<username>.>`, and the client
+	// library's own default random inbox matches nothing granted, so replies are refused without it.
+	adminConn, err := broker.Dial(s.ClientURL(), nats.UserInfo(admin.Username(), passwords[admin.Username()]),
+		nats.CustomInboxPrefix("_INBOX."+admin.Username()))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	defer adminConn.Close()
+	if err := adminConn.EnsureStream(mailSends.Stream()); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := adminConn.EnsureConsumer(broker.QueueConsumer(sender, sender.Queues[0])); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := adminConn.EnsureBucket(broker.Bucket{Module: "mesh-mail", Name: "sends"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	js, err := jetstream.New(adminConn.Conn())
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, err := js.CreateKeyValue(ctx, jetstream.KeyValueConfig{Bucket: "messenger_asks"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+
+	// The machine's tool runner, which carries mesh-mail (it has no account of its own) and so is the
+	// principal that publishes its own stream's events on its behalf.
+	runtimeConn, err := nats.Connect(s.ClientURL(), nats.UserInfo(runtime.Username(), passwords[runtime.Username()]),
+		nats.CustomInboxPrefix("_INBOX."+runtime.Username()))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	defer runtimeConn.Close()
+
+	// messenger, the router, answers exactly its granted verbs — never a wildcard the grant does not give it.
+	holder, err := nats.Connect(s.ClientURL(), nats.UserInfo(messenger.Username(), passwords[messenger.Username()]),
+		nats.CustomInboxPrefix("_INBOX."+messenger.Username()))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	defer holder.Close()
+	heard := make(chan string, 1)
+	for _, verb := range []string{"open", "history", "notify", "tell"} {
+		if _, err := holder.Subscribe("mesh.seat.operator-channel.tool."+verb, func(m *nats.Msg) {
+			heard <- m.Subject
+			_ = m.Respond([]byte(`{"result":{}}`))
+		}); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	_ = holder.Flush()
+
+	refusals := make(chan error, 8)
+	sender2, err := nats.Connect(s.ClientURL(), nats.UserInfo(sender.Username(), passwords[sender.Username()]),
+		nats.CustomInboxPrefix("_INBOX."+sender.Username()),
+		nats.ErrorHandler(func(_ *nats.Conn, _ *nats.Subscription, err error) { refusals <- err }))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	defer sender2.Close()
+
+	// 1. Its event.
+	if err := sender2.Publish("mesh.mod.mesh-mail.event.mail.send.sent", []byte("{}")); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+
+	// 2. Its state: writes and reads its own bucket.
+	senderKV, err := jetstream.New(sender2)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	bucket, err := senderKV.KeyValue(ctx, "mesh-mail_sends")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, err := bucket.Put(ctx, "key", []byte("value")); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("the process may not write its own state: %v", err)
+	}
+	if got, err := bucket.Get(ctx, "key"); err != nil || string(got.Value()) != "value" {
+		t.Fatalf("the process may not read its own state back: %v, %v", got, err)
+	}
+
+	// 3. Its queue: pulls and acknowledges MAIL_SENDS through its own consumer. Published as the tool
+	// runner carrying mesh-mail — the live path a module's own stream's event takes — never as the
+	// controller, whose own grants do not cover a module's stream at all.
+	runtimeJS, err := jetstream.New(runtimeConn)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, err := runtimeJS.Publish(ctx, broker.ModuleStreamSubject("mesh-mail", "mail.send.approved"), []byte("{}")); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	reading, err := jetstream.New(sender2)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	consumer, err := reading.Consumer(ctx, "MAIL_SENDS", broker.QueueConsumer(sender, sender.Queues[0]).Name)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("the process may not bind its own queue consumer: %v", err)
+	}
+	batch, err := consumer.Fetch(1, jetstream.FetchMaxWait(3*time.Second))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	got := false
+	for msg := range batch.Messages() {
+		got = true
+		if err := msg.Ack(); err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("the process may not acknowledge its own queue: %v", err)
+		}
+	}
+	if !got {
+		t.Fatal("the process did not pull the message its own queue holds")
+	}
+
+	// 4. Its invoked seat verb, in its own name.
+	if _, err := sender2.Request("mesh.seat.operator-channel.tool.tell", []byte(`{}`), 3*time.Second); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("the process may not call operator-channel.tell: %v", err)
+	}
+	select {
+	case s := <-heard:
+		if s != "mesh.seat.operator-channel.tool.tell" {
+			t.Fatalf("messenger heard %s", s)
+		}
+	case <-time.After(time.Second):
+		t.Fatal("messenger never heard the call")
+	}
+
+	// 5. Refused, one at a time, so each refusal is counted against the attempt that caused it rather than
+	// any other: answering a tool call it holds no seat and serves no tool for.
+	if _, err := sender2.Subscribe("mesh.mod.mesh-mail.tool.>", func(*nats.Msg) {}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	_ = sender2.Flush()
+	select {
+	case err := <-refusals:
+		if !errors.Is(err, nats.ErrPermissionViolation) {
+			t.Errorf("subscribing a tool call was not refused as a permissions violation: %v", err)
+		}
+	case <-time.After(3 * time.Second):
+		t.Error("subscribing a tool call the process does not serve was not refused")
+	}
+	// 6. Refused: publishing a warrant — only the holder, messenger, may say operator-channel decided.
+	if err := sender2.Publish("mesh.seat.operator-channel.event.decided.mesh-mail", []byte("{}")); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	_ = sender2.Flush()
+	select {
+	case err := <-refusals:
+		if !errors.Is(err, nats.ErrPermissionViolation) {
+			t.Errorf("publishing a warrant was not refused as a permissions violation: %v", err)
+		}
+	case <-time.After(3 * time.Second):
+		t.Error("publishing a warrant the process does not hold the seat for was not refused")
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/push.go

@@ -209,7 +209,8 @@ func serve(ctx context.Context) (err error) {
 	}
 	// And the merges mesh-delivery made, kept a week with the ask each was made on: what registers a module that
 	// moved between repositories on the operator's Approve (novox/hq ADR 0420 §7, issue 1025).
-	if err := server.KeepsDeliveryMerges(keepingDeliveryMerges{js: server.JetStream}); err != nil {
+	if err := server.KeepsDeliveryMerges(keepingDeliveryMerges{js: server.JetStream, catalog: open.inventory.Catalogued,
+		kept: following{open: open}.resumeFirstBuilds}); err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 	// No timer reads the merges back (novox/hq ADR 0407 decision 3, issue 973): the forge's event and the durable

cmd/mesh-controller/queue_test.go

@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ func TestRetryRefusesWhatItCannotResume(t *testing.T) {
 		{plan("plan-o", inventory.PlanBuilding, at), nil, "still building"},
 		{failed, []inventory.Plan{plan("plan-2", inventory.PlanRolling, at.Add(time.Hour))}, "plan-2 supersedes it"},
 	} {
-		err := retryRefusal(c.p, c.others)
+		err := retryRefusal(c.p, c.others, ownPathOf(nil))
 		if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), c.says) {
 			t.Errorf("%s: %v, wanted it to say %q", c.p.ID, err, c.says)
 		}
@@ -76,20 +76,23 @@ func TestRetryRefusesWhatItCannotResume(t *testing.T) {
 	stopped := failed
 	stopped.Modules = map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{"a": {State: "built"}}
 	stopped.Note = "a stopped at its first machine"
-	if err := retryRefusal(stopped, nil); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "nothing in tier 0") {
+	if err := retryRefusal(stopped, nil, ownPathOf(nil)); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "nothing in tier 0") {
 		t.Errorf("a plan with nothing failed to build was retried: %v", err)
 	}
-	// A failed or done plan does not supersede it.
-	if err := retryRefusal(failed, []inventory.Plan{plan("plan-4", inventory.PlanFailed, at.Add(time.Hour)),
-		plan("plan-5", inventory.PlanDone, at.Add(time.Hour))}); err != nil {
+	// A later failed plan does not supersede it; a later done one passes it (novox/hq ADR 0451).
+	if err := retryRefusal(failed, []inventory.Plan{plan("plan-4", inventory.PlanFailed, at.Add(time.Hour))}, ownPathOf(nil)); err != nil {
 		t.Errorf("refused for a plan that does not supersede it: %v", err)
 	}
+	if err := retryRefusal(failed, []inventory.Plan{plan("plan-5", inventory.PlanDone, at.Add(time.Hour))}, ownPathOf(nil)); err == nil ||
+		!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "plan-5") {
+		t.Errorf("a plan a later done plan passed was retried: %v", err)
+	}
 	// Another branch's open walk, or an older one, does not supersede it, and is one walk open: one at a time
 	// (novox/hq ADR 0276).
 	other := plan("plan-3", inventory.PlanBuilding, at.Add(time.Hour))
 	other.Branch = "release"
 	for _, open := range []inventory.Plan{other, plan("plan-0", inventory.PlanBuilding, at.Add(-time.Hour))} {
-		if err := retryRefusal(failed, []inventory.Plan{open}); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "one walk at a time") {
+		if err := retryRefusal(failed, []inventory.Plan{open}, ownPathOf(nil)); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "one walk at a time") {
 			t.Errorf("retried beside the open walk %s: %v", open.ID, err)
 		}
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/record_mirrors.go

@@ -44,7 +44,6 @@ func mirroringRecords(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, conn *nats.
 		return e
 	}
 	sources := map[string]func(context.Context) (map[string][]byte, error){
-		recordmirror.Assignments.Name:    inv.AssignmentsMirrorToWrite,
 		recordmirror.DeclaredConfig.Name: inv.DeclaredConfigMirror,
 		recordmirror.Predefined.Name:     inv.PredefinedMirror,
 	}
@@ -55,15 +54,11 @@ func mirroringRecords(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, conn *nats.
 	events := &assignmentEvents{}
 	for {
 		if holds() {
-			// The assignments, once they are keys of the bus, are written by the verbs that change them (novox/hq ADR
-			// 0408): this tick keeps the provisioner's plan in their values and says what changed; the mirror of the store
-			// writes them only until the move.
-			onTheBus := keepingAssignments(ctx, inv, announce, epoch, events, failing)
+			// The assignments are keys of the bus, written by the verbs that change them (novox/hq ADR 0408): this tick
+			// keeps the provisioner's plan in their values and says what changed. They are no mirror of the store.
+			keepingAssignments(ctx, inv, announce, epoch, events, failing)
 			for _, m := range recordmirror.Mirrors() {
-				if m.Name == recordmirror.Assignments.Name && onTheBus {
-					continue
-				}
-				why := mirrorOnce(ctx, inv, api, m, writers, sources[m.Name], announce, epoch, holds)
+				why := mirrorOnce(ctx, api, m, writers, sources[m.Name], announce, epoch, holds)
 				if why != failing[m.Name] {
 					if why != "" {
 						fmt.Printf("the %s mirror cannot be kept: %s\n", m.Name, why)
@@ -83,7 +78,7 @@ func mirroringRecords(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, conn *nats.
 }
 
 // mirrorOnce brings one mirror to what the store holds, and answers why it could not; empty when it could.
-func mirrorOnce(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, api jetstream.JetStream, m recordmirror.Mirror, writers map[string]*recordmirror.Writer,
+func mirrorOnce(ctx context.Context, api jetstream.JetStream, m recordmirror.Mirror, writers map[string]*recordmirror.Writer,
 	source func(context.Context) (map[string][]byte, error), announce recordmirror.Announcer, epoch func() uint64,
 	holds func() bool) string {
 	reading, cancel := context.WithTimeout(ctx, 30*time.Second)
@@ -95,9 +90,6 @@ func mirrorOnce(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, api jetstream.Jet
 			return fmt.Sprintf("the bucket %s cannot be read: %v", m.Bucket, err)
 		}
 		w = &recordmirror.Writer{Mirror: m, KV: kv, Announce: announce, Epoch: epoch, Holds: holds}
-		if m.Name == recordmirror.Assignments.Name {
-			w.Holds = assignmentsHolds(inv, holds)
-		}
 		writers[m.Name] = w
 	}
 	want, err := source(reading)
@@ -128,21 +120,10 @@ type assignmentEvents struct {
 // the values it belongs to, and one `assignment-changed` event for each key that is new, changed or ended since the last
 // look — whoever wrote it, a verb in this process or a command in another. False when they are not on the bus yet.
 func keepingAssignments(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, announce recordmirror.Announcer, epoch func() uint64,
-	events *assignmentEvents, failing map[string]string) bool {
+	events *assignmentEvents, failing map[string]string) {
 	reading, cancel := context.WithTimeout(ctx, 30*time.Second)
 	defer cancel()
 	const name = "assignments"
-	if _, on, err := inv.KeptAssignments(reading); err != nil || !on {
-		if err != nil {
-			// Not known to be off the bus: the store's mirror is not written over what the bus may hold.
-			if failing[name] == "" {
-				failing[name] = err.Error()
-				fmt.Printf("the assignments cannot be read from the bus: %v\n", err)
-			}
-			return true
-		}
-		return false
-	}
 	if _, _, err := inv.KeepAssignmentPlans(reading); err != nil {
 		if failing[name] != err.Error() {
 			failing[name] = err.Error()
@@ -152,9 +133,9 @@ func keepingAssignments(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, announce
 		fmt.Printf("the provisioner's plans are kept in the assignments again\n")
 		failing[name] = ""
 	}
-	now, _, err := inv.KeptAssignments(reading)
+	now, err := inv.KeptAssignments(reading)
 	if err != nil {
-		return true
+		return
 	}
 	if events.known != nil {
 		keys := make([]string, 0, len(now)+len(events.known))
@@ -194,12 +175,4 @@ func keepingAssignments(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, announce
 		}
 	}
 	events.known = now
-	return true
-}
-
-// assignmentsHolds is the assignments mirror's leave to write: the lease's, and the assignments neither being switched to
-// the bus nor on it. Asked by the writer before every write and purge, so a pass that read its source before the switch
-// writes nothing after it (ADR 0408 §4).
-func assignmentsHolds(inv *inventory.Inventory, holds func() bool) func() bool {
-	return func() bool { return holds() && inv.AssignmentsMirrorMayWrite() }
 }

cmd/mesh-controller/record_mirrors_switch_test.go

@@ -1,29 +0,0 @@
-package main
-
-import (
-	"errors"
-	"testing"
-
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
-	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/recordmirror"
-)
-
-// **A writer of the store's mirror of the assignments, made before the assignments are switched to the bus, writes and
-// purges nothing after** (ADR 0408 §4, issue 1093): its leave to write is asked before every write, and false once they are
-// switching or moved.
-func TestAMirrorWriterMadeBeforeTheSwitchWritesAndPurgesNothingAfter(t *testing.T) {
-	inv := inventory.NewForTest()
-	w := &recordmirror.Writer{Mirror: recordmirror.Assignments, Holds: assignmentsHolds(inv, func() bool { return true })}
-	if !w.Holds() {
-		t.Fatal("the writer may not write before the switch")
-	}
-	inv.BeginSwitchForTest(inventory.KindAssignments)
-	if w.Holds() {
-		t.Fatal("the writer may write while the assignments are switching")
-	}
-	// Refused before it reads the bucket (it has none here) or lays or ends a key.
-	r, err := w.Sync(t.Context(), map[string][]byte{"anchor.notes": []byte(`{}`)})
-	if !errors.Is(err, recordmirror.ErrNotHeld) || r.Written != 0 || r.Removed != 0 {
-		t.Fatalf("the writer wrote after the switch: %+v %v", r, err)
-	}
-}

cmd/mesh-controller/related.go

@@ -144,12 +144,12 @@ func relatedOpen(cand footprint, candOwn bool, open []openWalk, edges []inventor
 
 // ownWalk says a walk is on the controller's own path: its batch says so, or it plans a module of that path
 // (issue 973).
-func ownWalk(p inventory.Plan) bool {
+func ownWalk(p inventory.Plan, onPath map[string]string) bool {
 	if p.OwnPath() {
 		return true
 	}
 	for name := range p.Modules {
-		if _, own := onTheControllersPath[name]; own {
+		if _, own := onPath[name]; own {
 			return true
 		}
 	}
@@ -173,19 +173,19 @@ func startedWalks(plans []inventory.Plan, id string, created time.Time) []invent
 
 // openWalkOf is an open walk as a change is judged against it: what it reaches, from its planned modules and the
 // merges the record holds for it.
-func openWalkOf(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, p inventory.Plan) (openWalk, error) {
+func openWalkOf(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, p inventory.Plan, onPath map[string]string) (openWalk, error) {
 	kept, err := inv.MergesOf(ctx, p.ID)
 	if err != nil {
 		return openWalk{}, err
 	}
-	return openWalk{id: p.ID, fp: footprintOfWalk(p, kept), own: ownWalk(p)}, nil
+	return openWalk{id: p.ID, fp: footprintOfWalk(p, kept), own: ownWalk(p, onPath)}, nil
 }
 
 // openWalksOf are openWalkOf for each of plans.
-func openWalksOf(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, plans []inventory.Plan) ([]openWalk, error) {
+func openWalksOf(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, plans []inventory.Plan, onPath map[string]string) ([]openWalk, error) {
 	var out []openWalk
 	for _, p := range plans {
-		w, err := openWalkOf(ctx, inv, p)
+		w, err := openWalkOf(ctx, inv, p, onPath)
 		if err != nil {
 			return nil, err
 		}

cmd/mesh-controller/related_test.go

@@ -119,19 +119,19 @@ func TestABatchWhoseMovesAreNotKnownIsRelatedToEverything(t *testing.T) {
 
 // A walk is on the controller's own path when its batch says so or it plans a module of that path (issue 973).
 func TestAWalkOnTheControllersPathIsKnownByItsFlagOrItsModules(t *testing.T) {
-	if ownWalk(walkOf("novox/one", "notes")) {
+	if ownWalk(walkOf("novox/one", "notes"), ownPathOf(nil)) {
 		t.Error("an ordinary walk read as on the controller's own path")
 	}
 	flagged := walkOf("novox/one", "notes")
 	flagged.Delivery = &inventory.PlanDelivery{Batch: &inventory.PlanBatch{Own: true}}
-	if !ownWalk(flagged) {
+	if !ownWalk(flagged, ownPathOf(nil)) {
 		t.Error("a walk whose batch is own-path read as ordinary")
 	}
 	var module string
 	for m := range onTheControllersPath {
 		module = m
 	}
-	if !ownWalk(walkOf("novox/one", "notes", module)) {
+	if !ownWalk(walkOf("novox/one", "notes", module), ownPathOf(nil)) {
 		t.Errorf("a walk planning %s read as ordinary", module)
 	}
 }
@@ -168,15 +168,15 @@ func TestARetryWaitsOnlyForAnOpenWalkItIsRelatedTo(t *testing.T) {
 		p.ID, p.State = id, inventory.PlanBuilding
 		return p
 	}
-	if err := oneWalkAtATime(failed, []inventory.Plan{open("plan-2", "novox/two", "app")}); err != nil {
+	if err := oneWalkAtATime(failed, []inventory.Plan{open("plan-2", "novox/two", "app")}, ownPathOf(nil)); err != nil {
 		t.Errorf("refused beside an unrelated walk: %v", err)
 	}
-	err := oneWalkAtATime(failed, []inventory.Plan{open("plan-3", "novox/three", "notes")})
+	err := oneWalkAtATime(failed, []inventory.Plan{open("plan-3", "novox/three", "notes")}, ownPathOf(nil))
 	if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "plan-3") || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "both move notes") {
 		t.Errorf("a retry beside a walk moving the same module: %v", err)
 	}
 	failed.Delivery = &inventory.PlanDelivery{Batch: &inventory.PlanBatch{Own: true}}
-	if err := oneWalkAtATime(failed, []inventory.Plan{open("plan-2", "novox/two", "app")}); err == nil {
+	if err := oneWalkAtATime(failed, []inventory.Plan{open("plan-2", "novox/two", "app")}, ownPathOf(nil)); err == nil {
 		t.Error("an own-path retry went beside an open walk")
 	}
 }

cmd/mesh-controller/release.go

@@ -1589,7 +1589,9 @@ func grantsOnlyIn(ctx context.Context, open *stores, holder string, plan catalog
 	var other []string
 	listID := ""
 	for _, m := range plan.Modules {
-		if _, was := sent[m.Module]; !was {
+		// A module no build is recorded for is carried with no commit and names none on its key (issue 1109), so it is "sent"
+		// only by the comparison of the summaries below; a module with a commit that was never sent is a new assignment.
+		if _, was := sent[m.Module]; !was && declared.Builds[m.Module] != "" {
 			other = append(other, m.Module+" newly assigned")
 		}
 		if m.BusUsers != "" && m.ClaimsSeat(catalogue.BrokerSeat) {

cmd/mesh-controller/release_plan.go

@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ import (
 	"errors"
 	"flag"
 	"fmt"
+	"os"
 	"slices"
 	"sort"
 	"strings"
@@ -250,6 +251,68 @@ func appliedEach(module string, since func(node string) time.Time, running []str
 	return len(waiting) == 0, waiting
 }
 
+// gateNeed is a module the next tier waits for: the machines running it, and from when each must have reported.
+type gateNeed struct {
+	module  string
+	running []string
+	since   func(node string) time.Time
+}
+
+// silentNodes is the machines a walk sent and heard nothing from past ApplySilentAfter, on whichever tier it sent
+// them (novox/hq ADR 0360 §5, issue 1160): the one rule both the gates between tiers and the walk's end read, through
+// walkReports. A machine that reports on its send is not silent from then on.
+func silentNodes(p inventory.Plan, reports []inventory.Reported, now time.Time, prov inventory.ProvLookup) map[string]bool {
+	_, _, silent := walkReports(p, reports, now, prov)
+	out := map[string]bool{}
+	for _, n := range silent {
+		out[n] = true
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// withoutSilent is the machines of running that are not silent: a later tier is not sent to a machine the walk heard
+// nothing from, which keeps its want of the plan's builds for the send it gets when it is heard again (ADR 0360 §5).
+func withoutSilent(running []string, silent map[string]bool) []string {
+	return slices.DeleteFunc(slices.Clone(running), func(n string) bool { return silent[n] })
+}
+
+// settleTierGate is the wait between tiers on the reports of the machines running what the next tier needs: what is
+// still waited for ("module on a, b"), the silent machines left out of the wait, sorted, and whether every machine the
+// gate waits on is silent, so that nothing it needs was delivered anywhere (issue 1160).
+func settleTierGate(needs []gateNeed, reports []inventory.Reported, silent map[string]bool) (waiting, quiet []string, lost bool) {
+	all, silentAll := 0, 0
+	seenQuiet := map[string]bool{}
+	seenNode := map[string]bool{}
+	for _, need := range needs {
+		for _, n := range need.running {
+			if !seenNode[n] {
+				seenNode[n] = true
+				all++
+				if silent[n] {
+					silentAll++
+				}
+			}
+		}
+		_, on := appliedEach(need.module, need.since, need.running, reports)
+		var still []string
+		for _, n := range on {
+			if silent[n] {
+				if !seenQuiet[n] {
+					seenQuiet[n] = true
+					quiet = append(quiet, n)
+				}
+				continue
+			}
+			still = append(still, n)
+		}
+		if len(still) > 0 {
+			waiting = append(waiting, fmt.Sprintf("%s on %s", need.module, strings.Join(still, ", ")))
+		}
+	}
+	sort.Strings(quiet)
+	return waiting, quiet, all > 0 && silentAll == all
+}
+
 func applied(module string, builtAt time.Time, running []string, reports []inventory.Reported) (bool, []string) {
 	at := map[string]*time.Time{}
 	for _, r := range reports {
@@ -639,11 +702,15 @@ func startedBeside(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, p inventory.Pl
 	if err != nil {
 		return "", "", err
 	}
-	open, err := openWalksOf(ctx, inv, started)
+	onPath, err := ownPathNow(ctx, inv)
 	if err != nil {
 		return "", "", err
 	}
-	mine, err := openWalkOf(ctx, inv, p)
+	open, err := openWalksOf(ctx, inv, started, onPath)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", "", err
+	}
+	mine, err := openWalkOf(ctx, inv, p, onPath)
 	if err != nil {
 		return "", "", err
 	}
@@ -869,6 +936,22 @@ func advanceOnce(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan,
 	// being behind. Now every module of the tier whose first machine is the same is sent there in one
 	// send, judged there by one gate — kept on the first of them, the others gated by it — and the rest
 	// of the tier's machines are sent once, together, when the gates have passed.
+	// **A machine silent past the bound is left as it was, on every tier** (novox/hq ADR 0360 §5, issue 1160): the
+	// walk's end names it, and the gates between tiers and the sends of the tiers after do not wait for it or go to it.
+	allReports, err := inv.LastReports(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return false, err
+	}
+	silent := silentNodes(*p, allReports, time.Now().UTC(), provLookup(ctx))
+	// **A machine away when a tier is sent is not sent to and not waited for** (ADR 0435 §1, issue 1161): read once,
+	// for a tier that has something left to send.
+	var away map[string]bool
+	for _, m := range tier {
+		if s := p.Modules[m]; s != nil && s.SentAt == nil && s.FirstAt == nil && s.State != planDeleted {
+			away = judgedAway(ctx, open, time.Now().UTC())
+			break
+		}
+	}
 	var pending []string
 	firstOn := map[string][]string{}
 	runningOf := map[string][]string{}
@@ -903,6 +986,19 @@ func advanceOnce(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan,
 		if goes != nil {
 			running = slices.DeleteFunc(running, func(n string) bool { return !goes[n] })
 		}
+		if state.FirstAt == nil {
+			running = withoutSilent(running, silent)
+			passed := withoutSilent(running, away)
+			if len(passed) < len(running) {
+				for _, n := range running {
+					if away[n] && !slices.Contains(p.Away, n) {
+						fmt.Printf("%s: %s is away; %s is not sent to it and not waited for\n", p.ID, n, m)
+					}
+				}
+				rememberAway(p, running, away)
+				running = passed
+			}
+		}
 		runningOf[m] = running
 		// **A build whose source is unchanged is never a move** (novox/hq issue 280): made from the source
 		// of the build every machine running it was sent, it is registered with that build's artifacts —
@@ -1096,13 +1192,14 @@ func advanceOnce(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan,
 		return changed, nil
 	}
 	// And wait for what the next tier needs running.
+	leftAsWas := ""
 	needed := gates(*p, edges, rollsOut)
 	if len(needed) > 0 {
 		reports, err := inv.LastReports(ctx)
 		if err != nil {
 			return false, err
 		}
-		var waiting []string
+		var needs []gateNeed
 		for _, m := range needed {
 			running, err := inv.Running(ctx, m)
 			if err != nil {
@@ -1116,6 +1213,8 @@ func advanceOnce(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan,
 			if state.State == planDeleted {
 				continue
 			}
+			// A machine passed as away was sent nothing to wait on (ADR 0435 §1, issue 1161).
+			running = runningHeard(*p, running, state)
 			// The plan sends what it waits for. A rebuild from the same source commit is not a
 			// move the catalogue announces — the build machine rebuilt for a controller change
 			// is one — so the roll-out that opens this gate is the plan's to make, once, and
@@ -1133,14 +1232,12 @@ func advanceOnce(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan,
 				for _, r := range reports {
 					byNode[r.Node] = r
 				}
-				if ok, on := appliedEach(m, func(node string) time.Time {
+				needs = append(needs, gateNeed{m, running, func(node string) time.Time {
 					if s := byNode[node].Sent; s != nil {
 						return *s
 					}
 					return time.Time{}
-				}, running, reports); !ok {
-					waiting = append(waiting, fmt.Sprintf("%s on %s", m, strings.Join(on, ", ")))
-				}
+				}})
 				continue
 			}
 			// **Each machine from its own send** (novox/hq issue 256). With one machine first (ADR 0218)
@@ -1160,9 +1257,23 @@ func advanceOnce(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan,
 				}
 				return at
 			}
-			if ok, on := appliedEach(m, sinceFor, running, reports); !ok {
-				waiting = append(waiting, fmt.Sprintf("%s on %s", m, strings.Join(on, ", ")))
-			}
+			needs = append(needs, gateNeed{m, running, sinceFor})
+		}
+		waiting, quiet, lost := settleTierGate(needs, reports, silent)
+		if lost {
+			// Every machine the next tier waits on is silent: nothing it needs was delivered anywhere, so the plan does
+			// not go on as if it had been (issue 1160).
+			p.State = inventory.PlanFailed
+			p.Note = fmt.Sprintf("tier %d built; every machine it waits on said nothing on its send within %s: %s",
+				p.Tier, applySilentAfter, strings.Join(quiet, ", "))
+			fmt.Printf("%s: %s\n", p.ID, p.Note)
+			return true, nil
+		}
+		if len(quiet) > 0 {
+			fmt.Printf("%s: tier %d: %s said nothing on its send within %s and is left as it was; the plan goes on without it\n",
+				p.ID, p.Tier, strings.Join(quiet, ", "), applySilentAfter)
+			leftAsWas = fmt.Sprintf("%s said nothing on its send within %s and is left as it was", strings.Join(quiet, ", "),
+				applySilentAfter)
 		}
 		if len(waiting) > 0 {
 			note := "tier " + fmt.Sprint(p.Tier) + " built; waiting for " + strings.Join(waiting, "; ") + " to be applied"
@@ -1204,6 +1315,13 @@ func advanceOnce(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan,
 			carryUserList(ctx, open, p)
 		}
 	}
+	if end == "" {
+		end = leftAsWas
+	}
+	// A machine passed as away is said where the others passed are said (ADR 0435 §1, issue 1161).
+	if said := awaySaying(*p); said != "" {
+		end = strings.TrimPrefix(end+"; "+said, "; ")
+	}
 	p.Tier++
 	p.State = inventory.PlanBuilding
 	p.Note = end
@@ -1920,6 +2038,12 @@ func plansCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 	modules := set.String("modules", "", "or the modules it would change, comma-separated")
 	moduleDirs := set.String("module-dirs", "", "with --paths: the directories holding a module.json at the commit, "+
 		"comma-separated, as the forge's announcer says them (novox/hq issue 278)")
+	// The what-if as data, the document `delivery plan` answers (novox/hq ADR 0450 §2, issue 1324).
+	data := set.Bool("data", false, "with --what-if: answer the change plan as data, the document `delivery plan` answers; "+
+		"without it the answer is the text a person reads")
+	head := set.String("head", "", "with --data: the commit at hand")
+	base := set.String("base", "main", "with --data: the branch it merges into")
+	removed := set.String("removed", "", "with --data: the files among --paths it deletes, comma-separated")
 	// Following a plan (novox/hq issue 229): `plans wait <id>`.
 	until := set.String("until", "", "with wait: what to wait for — moved (any change), tier (its next tier) or done (its end)")
 	bound := set.String("bound", "", "with wait: how long to wait at most, as 15s or seconds (default and at most the "+
@@ -2035,6 +2159,25 @@ func plansCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 		}
 		return nil
 	}
+	if *data && *whatIf == "" {
+		return errors.New("--data answers a what-if: give --what-if owner/repository")
+	}
+	if *whatIf != "" && *data {
+		if *paths == "" {
+			return errors.New("plans --what-if --data: the change plan is of the files a change touches; give --paths")
+		}
+		entries, read, edges, err := theGraph(ctx, inv)
+		if err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+		m := changeMember(*whatIf, *base, *head, splitList(*paths), splitList(*removed), moduleDirsOf(*moduleDirs))
+		enc := json.NewEncoder(os.Stdout)
+		enc.SetIndent("", "  ")
+		return enc.Encode(deliveryPlanDocument(m, entries, read, edges, func(module string) (inventory.Upgrade, bool) {
+			u, err := inv.UpgradeOf(ctx, module)
+			return u, err == nil
+		}))
+	}
 	if *whatIf != "" {
 		return planWhatIf(ctx, inv, *whatIf, splitList(*paths), splitList(*modules), moduleDirsOf(*moduleDirs))
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/rollout.go

@@ -392,6 +392,32 @@ func rolloutMint(ctx context.Context, again bool) error {
 			}
 			modules++
 
+		case broker.KindProcess:
+			// One process's own account (novox/hq ADR 0436 §1, §2), delivered as the module's own secret
+			// broker-<process id> — minted here exactly as `module issue` mints it, so a process issued
+			// once still gets a new password every time the bus's accounts are issued again.
+			m, inShelf := shelf[p.Module]
+			if !inShelf {
+				skipped++
+				continue
+			}
+			pr, found := processPrincipalFor(m, p.Process)
+			if !found {
+				skipped++
+				continue
+			}
+			name := processSecretName(p.Process)
+			if _, reads := m.OwnSecrets[name]; !reads {
+				fmt.Printf("  %s's process %s declares bus but declares no `%s` secret to receive a "+
+					"credential in; skipped\n", p.Module, p.Process, name)
+				skipped++
+				continue
+			}
+			if err := issueProcess(ctx, inv, m, pr, p.Node, "", known, busAddress); err != nil {
+				return err
+			}
+			modules++
+
 		default:
 			skipped++
 		}

cmd/mesh-controller/rollout_silent_bus_integration_test.go

@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ func silentOnABus(t *testing.T) (*busSilent, <-chan silentWait) {
 	return s, heard
 }
 
-func TestAKeyLeftAloneExpiresAndTheWatcherNamesTheMachineSilent(t *testing.T) {
+func TestAKeyLeftAloneExpiresAndTheWatcherNamesTheMachineSilent(t *testing.T) { // 1157/AC3: the send keys stay until release 6 (ADR 0433 §5)
 	s, heard := silentOnABus(t)
 	want := silentWait{Plan: "plan.7", Tier: 2, Node: "ace"}
 	if err := s.Arm(t.Context(), want, time.Second, time.Now()); err != nil {

cmd/mesh-controller/seat_pass.go

@@ -0,0 +1,129 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"fmt"
+	"io"
+	"os"
+
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// seatPassing is what passing seats on needs of the outside: the record's compare-and-set, and the hand act.
+type seatPassing struct {
+	pass func(ctx context.Context, p catalogue.SeatPass) (bool, error)
+	act  func(ctx context.Context, p catalogue.SeatPass) error
+	say  io.Writer
+}
+
+// passSeatsOn records, in the composition that finds it, the new holder of each seat held once whose holder on
+// record is assigned nowhere and which has exactly one claimant able to hold it, and writes the controller's own
+// hand act for it (novox/hq ADR 0449 §4, issue 1317). It answers the holdings as they are after it, so the
+// resolution that follows reads the record it just moved. A failed write is said and leaves the record as it was:
+// a composition is never refused for it.
+func passSeatsOn(ctx context.Context, sp seatPassing, holdings []catalogue.Held,
+	assignments []catalogue.Assignment) []catalogue.Held {
+	passes, said := catalogue.SeatsToPassOn(holdings, assignments)
+	for _, line := range said {
+		fmt.Fprintln(sp.say, line)
+	}
+	for _, p := range passes {
+		moved, err := sp.pass(ctx, p)
+		if err != nil {
+			fmt.Fprintf(sp.say, "%s could not be passed from %s on %s to %s on %s: %v\n", p.Seat.Name,
+				p.From.Module, p.From.Node, p.To.Module, p.To.Node, err)
+			continue
+		}
+		if !moved {
+			continue // another composition passed it first, and wrote the act
+		}
+		if err := sp.act(ctx, p); err != nil {
+			fmt.Fprintf(sp.say, "%s passed from %s on %s to %s on %s, and the hand act could NOT be recorded: %v\n",
+				p.Seat.Name, p.From.Module, p.From.Node, p.To.Module, p.To.Node, err)
+		}
+		var next []catalogue.Held
+		for _, h := range holdings {
+			if hs, ok := catalogue.SeatNamed(h.Claim); ok && hs.Name == p.Seat.Name {
+				continue
+			}
+			next = append(next, h)
+		}
+		p.To.Site = p.From.Site
+		holdings = append(next, p.To)
+	}
+	return holdings
+}
+
+// seatPassHandAct is the controller's own entry for a pass: it is the act that puts the holder on record,
+// where a person's `seat --to` would have, so the record of who held what stays complete (ADR 0449 §4).
+func seatPassHandAct(p catalogue.SeatPass) link.HandAct {
+	return link.HandAct{
+		By:   "the controller",
+		Verb: "seat",
+		Args: []string{p.Seat.Name, "--to", p.To.Node + "/" + p.To.Module, "--was", p.From.Node + "/" + p.From.Module},
+		Why: fmt.Sprintf("%s on %s, the holder on record of %s, is assigned on no machine, and %s on %s is the only "+
+			"assignment that claims it and can hold it (ADR 0449 §4)", p.From.Module, p.From.Node, p.Seat.Name,
+			p.To.Module, p.To.Node),
+		Cause:   "seat-passed",
+		Outcome: "done",
+	}
+}
+
+// assignmentsOf are the assignments of every machine, as the passing of a seat reads them. **A module assigned and
+// missing from the shelf is still assigned**: it is an assignment with no claims, so its holder is not taken for gone.
+func assignmentsOf(shelf map[string]catalogue.Manifest, assigned map[string][]string) []catalogue.Assignment {
+	var out []catalogue.Assignment
+	for node, modules := range assigned {
+		for _, module := range modules {
+			m, ok := shelf[module]
+			if !ok {
+				m = catalogue.Manifest{Module: module}
+			}
+			out = append(out, catalogue.Assignment{Node: node, Manifest: m})
+		}
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// seatPassingOn is how a composition on this inventory passes a seat: against the store's record with the hand act
+// on the bus, or, on a throwaway mesh (the merge gate's), in memory only, writing nothing anywhere.
+func seatPassingOn(inv *inventory.Inventory, w io.Writer) seatPassing {
+	if inv.Throwaway() {
+		return seatPassing{say: w,
+			pass: func(context.Context, catalogue.SeatPass) (bool, error) { return true, nil },
+			act:  func(context.Context, catalogue.SeatPass) error { return nil }}
+	}
+	return seatPassing{
+		say: w,
+		pass: func(ctx context.Context, p catalogue.SeatPass) (bool, error) {
+			return inv.PassSeat(ctx, p.Seat.Name, p.Seat.Scope, p.From, p.To)
+		},
+		act: func(ctx context.Context, p catalogue.SeatPass) error {
+			return onTheBus(func(conn *nats.Conn) error {
+				_, err := link.RecordHandAct(ctx, conn, seatPassHandAct(p))
+				return err
+			})
+		},
+	}
+}
+
+// theMeshPassesSeatsOn is passSeatsOn as the composition runs it. **Only when every machine's assignments were
+// read** (assignedErr nil): a machine whose read failed would look as if its modules were assigned nowhere, and
+// its holder would lose the seat. Said to where the composition says its other lines (sayLeftOut).
+func theMeshPassesSeatsOn(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, shelf map[string]catalogue.Manifest,
+	assigned map[string][]string, assignedErr error, holdings []catalogue.Held) []catalogue.Held {
+	var w io.Writer = os.Stderr
+	if lw, ok := ctx.Value(leftOutKey{}).(io.Writer); ok {
+		w = lw
+	}
+	if assignedErr != nil {
+		fmt.Fprintf(w, "no seat is passed on in this composition: a machine's assignments could not be read, so a "+
+			"holder on record might look assigned nowhere: %v\n", assignedErr)
+		return holdings
+	}
+	return passSeatsOn(ctx, seatPassingOn(inv, w), holdings, assignmentsOf(shelf, assigned))
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/seat_pass_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,193 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"bytes"
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+func aBrokerClaiming(module string) catalogue.Manifest {
+	return catalogue.Manifest{Module: module,
+		Provides: []catalogue.Offer{{Name: "mesh-bus", Scope: catalogue.ScopeMesh}},
+		Claims:   []catalogue.Claim{{Name: "mesh-broker", Scope: catalogue.ScopeMesh}}}
+}
+
+func withBusSeat(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Helper()
+	was := catalogue.Seats()
+	t.Cleanup(func() { catalogue.UseSeats(was) })
+	catalogue.UseSeats([]catalogue.Seat{{Name: "mesh-broker", Scope: catalogue.ScopeMesh, Delivers: "mesh-bus", Decision: "test"}})
+}
+
+// 1317/AC1: the composition records the claimant as the holder and writes one hand act by the controller naming
+// the seat, the former holder and the new one; the holdings it answers name the new holder.
+func TestACompositionPassesTheSeatAndWritesOneHandActByTheController(t *testing.T) {
+	withBusSeat(t)
+	var passed []catalogue.SeatPass
+	var acts []link.HandAct
+	var said bytes.Buffer
+	sp := seatPassing{say: &said,
+		pass: func(_ context.Context, p catalogue.SeatPass) (bool, error) {
+			passed = append(passed, p)
+			return true, nil
+		},
+		act: func(_ context.Context, p catalogue.SeatPass) error {
+			acts = append(acts, seatPassHandAct(p))
+			return nil
+		},
+	}
+	holdings := []catalogue.Held{{Claim: "mesh-broker", Scope: catalogue.ScopeMesh, Node: "novox", Module: "old-broker"}}
+	got := passSeatsOn(t.Context(), sp, holdings, []catalogue.Assignment{{Node: "novox", Manifest: aBrokerClaiming("gate")}})
+	if len(got) != 1 || got[0].Module != "gate" || got[0].Node != "novox" {
+		t.Fatalf("the holdings after the composition do not name the gate: %+v", got)
+	}
+	if len(passed) != 1 || len(acts) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("passes=%d acts=%d, want one each", len(passed), len(acts))
+	}
+	a := acts[0]
+	text := strings.Join(append([]string{a.By, a.Verb, a.Why}, a.Args...), " ")
+	for _, want := range []string{"the controller", "mesh-broker", "novox/old-broker", "novox/gate"} {
+		if !strings.Contains(text, want) {
+			t.Fatalf("the hand act does not name %q: %+v", want, a)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// 1317/AC2: two claimants, nothing recorded, the refusal said.
+func TestACompositionWithTwoClaimantsRecordsNoneAndSaysSo(t *testing.T) {
+	withBusSeat(t)
+	sp := seatPassing{say: &bytes.Buffer{},
+		pass: func(context.Context, catalogue.SeatPass) (bool, error) {
+			t.Fatal("a seat with two claimants was passed")
+			return false, nil
+		},
+		act: func(context.Context, catalogue.SeatPass) error { t.Fatal("an act was written"); return nil },
+	}
+	var said bytes.Buffer
+	sp.say = &said
+	holdings := []catalogue.Held{{Claim: "mesh-broker", Scope: catalogue.ScopeMesh, Node: "novox", Module: "old-broker"}}
+	got := passSeatsOn(t.Context(), sp, holdings, []catalogue.Assignment{
+		{Node: "novox", Manifest: aBrokerClaiming("gate")}, {Node: "ace", Manifest: aBrokerClaiming("other")}})
+	if len(got) != 1 || got[0].Module != "old-broker" {
+		t.Fatalf("the record changed: %+v", got)
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(said.String(), "gate") || !strings.Contains(said.String(), "other") ||
+		!strings.Contains(said.String(), "seat mesh-broker --to") {
+		t.Fatalf("the refusal is not said with both and the remedy: %q", said.String())
+	}
+}
+
+// 1317/AC3 and AC4: nothing changes while the holder is assigned, nor with no claimant.
+func TestACompositionChangesNothingWhileTheHolderIsAssignedOrNobodyClaims(t *testing.T) {
+	withBusSeat(t)
+	sp := seatPassing{say: &bytes.Buffer{},
+		pass: func(context.Context, catalogue.SeatPass) (bool, error) { t.Fatal("passed"); return false, nil },
+		act:  func(context.Context, catalogue.SeatPass) error { t.Fatal("act"); return nil },
+	}
+	holdings := []catalogue.Held{{Claim: "mesh-broker", Scope: catalogue.ScopeMesh, Node: "novox", Module: "old-broker"}}
+	got := passSeatsOn(t.Context(), sp, holdings, []catalogue.Assignment{
+		{Node: "novox", Manifest: aBrokerClaiming("old-broker")}, {Node: "novox", Manifest: aBrokerClaiming("gate")}})
+	if len(got) != 1 || got[0].Module != "old-broker" {
+		t.Fatalf("holder assigned: record changed: %+v", got)
+	}
+	got = passSeatsOn(t.Context(), sp, holdings, nil)
+	if len(got) != 1 || got[0].Module != "old-broker" {
+		t.Fatalf("no claimant: record changed: %+v", got)
+	}
+}
+
+// A composition that lost the compare-and-set writes no act, and a failed write leaves the record.
+func TestALostPassWritesNoActAndAFailedOneLeavesTheRecord(t *testing.T) {
+	withBusSeat(t)
+	holdings := []catalogue.Held{{Claim: "mesh-broker", Scope: catalogue.ScopeMesh, Node: "novox", Module: "old-broker"}}
+	as := []catalogue.Assignment{{Node: "novox", Manifest: aBrokerClaiming("gate")}}
+	lost := seatPassing{say: &bytes.Buffer{},
+		pass: func(context.Context, catalogue.SeatPass) (bool, error) { return false, nil },
+		act:  func(context.Context, catalogue.SeatPass) error { t.Fatal("act without a pass"); return nil },
+	}
+	passSeatsOn(t.Context(), lost, holdings, as)
+	var said bytes.Buffer
+	sp := seatPassing{say: &said,
+		pass: func(context.Context, catalogue.SeatPass) (bool, error) { return false, context.DeadlineExceeded },
+		act:  func(context.Context, catalogue.SeatPass) error { t.Fatal("act"); return nil },
+	}
+	got := passSeatsOn(t.Context(), sp, holdings, as)
+	if got[0].Module != "old-broker" || !strings.Contains(said.String(), "could not be passed") {
+		t.Fatalf("got %+v said %q", got, said.String())
+	}
+}
+
+// A pass is the mesh working as ADR 0449 §4 decided, never a repair: two of them raise no healer-wanted and
+// count as no repair.
+func TestTwoSeatPassesAreNoRepairAndRaiseNoHealerWanted(t *testing.T) {
+	withBusSeat(t)
+	now := time.Date(2026, 10, 19, 20, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	mk := func(at time.Time) link.HandAct {
+		a := seatPassHandAct(catalogue.SeatPass{Seat: catalogue.Seat{Name: "mesh-broker"},
+			From: catalogue.Held{Node: "novox", Module: "old"}, To: catalogue.Held{Node: "novox", Module: "gate"}})
+		a.At = at
+		return a
+	}
+	acts := []link.HandAct{mk(now.Add(-26 * time.Hour)), mk(now.Add(-time.Hour))}
+	if r := repairs(acts); len(r) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a seat pass counts as a repair: %+v", r)
+	}
+	f := calm(now)
+	f.handActs = acts
+	if got := watchHandActs(f); len(got) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("two passes raised %+v", got)
+	}
+}
+
+// A failed read of one machine's assignments passes no seat: its holder would look assigned nowhere.
+func TestNoSeatIsPassedWhenAMachinesAssignmentsCouldNotBeRead(t *testing.T) {
+	withBusSeat(t)
+	var said bytes.Buffer
+	ctx := leftOutSaidBy(t.Context(), &said)
+	holdings := []catalogue.Held{{Claim: "mesh-broker", Scope: catalogue.ScopeMesh, Node: "ace", Module: "old-broker"}}
+	shelf := map[string]catalogue.Manifest{"gate": aBrokerClaiming("gate")}
+	got := theMeshPassesSeatsOn(ctx, nil, shelf, map[string][]string{"novox": {"gate"}},
+		errors.New("ace: the bus did not answer"), holdings)
+	if len(got) != 1 || got[0].Module != "old-broker" {
+		t.Fatalf("the record moved: %+v", got)
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(said.String(), "no seat is passed") || !strings.Contains(said.String(), "ace") {
+		t.Errorf("not said: %q", said.String())
+	}
+}
+
+// A holder that is assigned but missing from the shelf is still assigned.
+func TestAHolderAssignedButNotOnTheShelfIsNotTakenForGone(t *testing.T) {
+	withBusSeat(t)
+	as := assignmentsOf(map[string]catalogue.Manifest{"gate": aBrokerClaiming("gate")},
+		map[string][]string{"novox": {"gate", "old-broker"}})
+	passes, _ := catalogue.SeatsToPassOn(
+		[]catalogue.Held{{Claim: "mesh-broker", Scope: catalogue.ScopeMesh, Node: "novox", Module: "old-broker"}}, as)
+	if len(passes) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a holder missing from the shelf lost its seat: %+v", passes)
+	}
+}
+
+// The merge gate's throwaway mesh passes the seat in memory and writes nothing: no record, no hand act.
+func TestAThrowawayMeshPassesTheSeatInMemoryAndWritesNothing(t *testing.T) {
+	withBusSeat(t)
+	inv := &inventory.Inventory{}
+	inv.MarkThrowaway()
+	var said bytes.Buffer
+	holdings := []catalogue.Held{{Claim: "mesh-broker", Scope: catalogue.ScopeMesh, Node: "novox", Module: "old-broker"}}
+	got := passSeatsOn(t.Context(), seatPassingOn(inv, &said), holdings,
+		[]catalogue.Assignment{{Node: "novox", Manifest: aBrokerClaiming("gate")}})
+	if len(got) != 1 || got[0].Module != "gate" {
+		t.Fatalf("the gate's view does not hold the pass: %+v", got)
+	}
+	if said.Len() != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("the throwaway composition said %q (a write was tried)", said.String())
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/seatverbs.go

@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ import (
 	"io"
 	"os"
 	"os/exec"
+	"path/filepath"
 	"slices"
 	"sort"
 	"strings"
@@ -351,6 +352,15 @@ func (a *verbArguments) commandLine() ([]string, error) {
 			if d := str("module-dirs"); d != "" {
 				argv = append(argv, "--module-dirs", d)
 			}
+			// The plan as data, the document delivery-plan answers (novox/hq ADR 0450 §2, issue 1324).
+			if str("data") == "true" {
+				argv = append(argv, "--data")
+				for _, flag := range []string{"head", "base", "removed"} {
+					if v := str(flag); v != "" {
+						argv = append(argv, "--"+flag, v)
+					}
+				}
+			}
 			return argv, nil
 		}
 		for _, act := range []string{"stop", "close", "retry", "go"} {
@@ -408,14 +418,22 @@ func (a *verbArguments) commandLine() ([]string, error) {
 		if err := need("members"); err != nil {
 			return nil, err
 		}
-		return []string{"delivery", "order", "--members", str("members")}, nil
+		members, err := membersFlags(str("members"))
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		return append([]string{"delivery", "order"}, members...), nil
 	case "delivery-check":
 		if err := need("members"); err != nil {
 			return nil, err
 		}
-		argv := []string{"delivery", "check", "--members", str("members")}
+		members, err := membersFlags(str("members"))
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		argv := append([]string{"delivery", "check"}, members...)
 		if g := str("group"); g != "" {
-			argv = []string{"delivery", "check", "--group", g, "--members", str("members")}
+			argv = append([]string{"delivery", "check", "--group", g}, members...)
 		}
 		// Marked ready (novox/hq ADR 0406 §3): the check is queued before every other check.
 		if r := strings.ToLower(str("ready")); r != "" && r != "false" && r != "no" && r != "0" {
@@ -1193,6 +1211,7 @@ func runVerb(ctx context.Context, argv []string) (verbAnswer, error) {
 	if handingOver.Load() {
 		return verbAnswer{}, fmt.Errorf("%w: this controller is stopping and runs no new command", link.ErrHandingOver)
 	}
+	defer removeMembersFile(argv)
 	cmd := selfCommand(ctx, argv)
 	// And who asked, so an act it does by hand is recorded as theirs (novox/hq to-be 45 §7).
 	caller := link.CallerIn(ctx)
@@ -1858,3 +1877,41 @@ func terminalOnly(argv []string) error {
 		"decide who may become root on it (novox/hq ADR 0266). A verb may run node list and node show. "+
 		"Nothing was done", sub)
 }
+
+// membersInArgument is how long a group's members may be as one argument of the command a verb re-executes: over
+// the kernel's 128 KiB for one argument the command cannot start (novox/hq issue 1272).
+const membersInArgument = 32 << 10
+
+// membersDirPrefix names the private directory a long list of members is handed over in.
+const membersDirPrefix = "mesh-members-"
+
+// membersFlags is a group's members as the flags of the command a verb re-executes: `--members <json>` while the
+// list is short, as a person would type it, and `--members-file <path>` to a file in a private directory of its own
+// when it is not. runVerb removes the directory once the command has ended.
+func membersFlags(members string) ([]string, error) {
+	if len(members) <= membersInArgument {
+		return []string{"--members", members}, nil
+	}
+	dir, err := os.MkdirTemp("", membersDirPrefix)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("the members cannot be handed to the command: %w", err)
+	}
+	file := filepath.Join(dir, "members.json")
+	if err := os.WriteFile(file, []byte(members), 0o600); err != nil {
+		os.RemoveAll(dir)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("the members cannot be handed to the command: %w", err)
+	}
+	return []string{"--members-file", file}, nil
+}
+
+// removeMembersFile removes the private directory membersFlags made for a command line, and only such a directory.
+func removeMembersFile(argv []string) {
+	for i, a := range argv {
+		if a == "--members-file" && i+1 < len(argv) {
+			dir := filepath.Dir(argv[i+1])
+			if strings.HasPrefix(filepath.Base(dir), membersDirPrefix) {
+				os.RemoveAll(dir)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/send_key_refused.go

@@ -0,0 +1,62 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"fmt"
+	"sort"
+	"sync"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+)
+
+// A plan's send key the bus refuses (novox/hq ADR 0433 §4, issue 1157): the look that could not write it says which, and
+// a probe of the controller's self-check raises each as a condition naming the plan and the machine. The next look writes
+// the key again; the look that writes it leaves it out of the set, and the condition clears.
+const (
+	kindSendKeyRefused = "send-key-refused"
+	sendKeyRefusedID   = "DL"
+)
+
+var refusedSendKeys = struct {
+	mu sync.Mutex
+	by map[silentWait]error
+}{}
+
+// noteRefusedSendKeys sets the keys the newest look could not write, replacing what the look before found.
+func noteRefusedSendKeys(refused map[silentWait]error) {
+	refusedSendKeys.mu.Lock()
+	defer refusedSendKeys.mu.Unlock()
+	refusedSendKeys.by = refused
+}
+
+// observeRefusedSendKeys is one condition per plan and machine whose send key was refused.
+func observeRefusedSendKeys() []conditions.Observation {
+	refusedSendKeys.mu.Lock()
+	waits := make([]silentWait, 0, len(refusedSendKeys.by))
+	why := map[silentWait]error{}
+	for w, err := range refusedSendKeys.by {
+		waits = append(waits, w)
+		why[w] = err
+	}
+	refusedSendKeys.mu.Unlock()
+	sort.Slice(waits, func(i, j int) bool { return silentKey(waits[i]) < silentKey(waits[j]) })
+	seen := map[[2]string]bool{}
+	var out []conditions.Observation
+	for _, w := range waits {
+		if seen[[2]string{w.Plan, w.Node}] {
+			continue // a plan sends a machine one tier at a time; one condition says it
+		}
+		seen[[2]string{w.Plan, w.Node}] = true
+		out = append(out, conditions.Observation{Scope: conditions.ScopePlan, ID: w.Plan, Token: kindSendKeyRefused + "-" + w.Node,
+			Kind: kindSendKeyRefused, Machine: w.Node, Severity: conditions.Warning,
+			Summary: fmt.Sprintf("the bus refused the key that watches the delivery %s for a report from %s, so nothing "+
+				"names the machine silent if it never reports; the plan writes the key again at its next look", w.Plan, w.Node),
+			Said: fmt.Sprintf("%s: %v", silentKey(w), why[w])})
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// probeSendKeyRefused reads what the newest look of the plans could not write.
+func probeSendKeyRefused(context.Context, *doctor) ([]conditions.Observation, error) {
+	return observeRefusedSendKeys(), nil
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/sendable.go

@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ package main
 import (
 	"context"
 	"encoding/json"
+	"fmt"
 	"sort"
 	"strings"
 
@@ -38,6 +39,13 @@ type sendable struct {
 	// the send; never on the wire.
 	composedFrom int64
 	actingEpoch  uint64
+	// ReadsModules says the machine's node-engine reads a module per resource and a build per module (novox/hq issue
+	// 1145): only then are they sent, because an older node-engine refuses a key it does not know, whole.
+	ReadsModules bool
+	// moduleOf is the composer's owner of each resource id, and buildIDs the build each module carries (its id):
+	// kept beside the resources, and on the wire only to a machine that reads them.
+	moduleOf map[string]string
+	buildIDs map[string]string
 	// modules are the modules this declaration names, for the record of the send; never on the wire.
 	modules []string
 	// localNetwork is every port admitted from the local network and what it resolved to (novox/hq ADR
@@ -111,6 +119,28 @@ type adoptionEnvelope struct {
 // Body is the declaration's bytes, as sent and as digested.
 func (s sendable) Body() ([]byte, error) {
 	envelope := map[string]any{"declaration": 1, "resources": s.Resources}
+	if s.ReadsModules {
+		// The module of each resource the composer owns (what the mesh adds of its own has none), and the build of each
+		// module (novox/hq issue 1145): to a machine that said it reads them, and no other.
+		named := make([]map[string]any, len(s.Resources))
+		for n, r := range s.Resources {
+			module, owned := s.moduleOf[fmt.Sprint(r["id"])]
+			if !owned {
+				named[n] = r
+				continue
+			}
+			with := make(map[string]any, len(r)+1)
+			for k, v := range r {
+				with[k] = v
+			}
+			with["module"] = module
+			named[n] = with
+		}
+		envelope["resources"] = named
+		if len(s.buildIDs) > 0 {
+			envelope["builds"] = s.buildIDs
+		}
+	}
 	if s.Adoption != nil {
 		envelope["adoption"] = s.Adoption
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/sent_required_by_integration_test.go

@@ -85,10 +85,7 @@ func TestAModulePulledInIsHandedOnAMachineThatCanTakeItAndMirrored(t *testing.T)
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
 	inv.SetProvisioningPlans(inv.SentProvisioningPlans)
-	mirror, err := inv.AssignmentsMirror(ctx)
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
-	}
+	mirror := inv.PlanValuesForTest(t)
 	var value inventory.AssignmentMirrored
 	if err := json.Unmarshal(mirror["laptop.moved-bot"], &value); err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("no value for the pulled-in module: %s (%v)", mirror["laptop.moved-bot"], err)

cmd/mesh-controller/signals.go

@@ -234,6 +234,16 @@ var signalsTable = []signalRow{
 		newest: func(f *signalFacts) time.Time {
 			return newestOf(f.batches, func(b batchFacts) time.Time { return b.created })
 		}},
+	{Row: "S23", Signal: "a delivery plan that failed is asked of the operator", Emitter: "controller's plan",
+		Trigger: "each delivery plan in state failed, not a rollout of held updates and not one a person stopped (novox/hq ADR 0449)",
+		Bound: "none: raised when the plan fails, naming the modules that failed, their machines and the failure's own " +
+			"words, with Retry when `plans retry` would run and the refusal's words when it would not; kept a week " +
+			"from the plan's last change, and ended when the plan is no longer failed",
+		Kind: kindPlanFailed, Severity: conditions.Warning, Phase: 3,
+		needs: func(f *signalFacts) error { return f.failedErr }, watch: watchPlansFailed,
+		newest: func(f *signalFacts) time.Time {
+			return newestOf(f.failed, func(p failedPlanFacts) time.Time { return p.since })
+		}},
 	{Row: "S20", Signal: "a send refused for the assignment generation it was composed from",
 		Emitter: "node-engine", Trigger: "each refusal (novox/hq issue 234)",
 		Bound: "none: raised at the first refusal, naming its sender, the generation it came from and the one the " +
@@ -318,6 +328,10 @@ func ago(d time.Duration) string {
 	return d.Round(time.Minute).String()
 }
 
+// silentBound is how long a machine may go unheard, where the watchman gives no verdict: three of the intervals nodes have
+// always used, fixed now that no machine says its own (issue 1183).
+const silentBound = heartbeatsMissed * heartbeatEvery
+
 // heartbeatBound is a machine's S1 or S11 bound from the interval it says.
 func heartbeatBound(every time.Duration) time.Duration {
 	if every <= 0 {
@@ -333,9 +347,9 @@ func watchHeartbeats(f *signalFacts) []conditions.Observation {
 			// Never heard is a machine that has not joined, which status says; asleep is not lost.
 			continue
 		}
-		bound := heartbeatBound(m.every)
+		bound := silentBound
 		silent := f.now.Sub(m.lastHeard)
-		if silent <= bound {
+		if !m.silent(f.now) {
 			continue
 		}
 		severity := conditions.Warning
@@ -357,7 +371,7 @@ func watchReports(f *signalFacts) []conditions.Observation {
 		if m.sentAt.IsZero() || m.reportedCurrent || m.asleep() {
 			continue
 		}
-		if !m.lastHeard.IsZero() && f.now.Sub(m.lastHeard) > heartbeatBound(m.every) {
+		if m.silent(f.now) {
 			continue // silent: S1 says it, and a silent machine reports nothing
 		}
 		bound := max(reportAtLeast, 3*m.lastApply)
@@ -400,6 +414,34 @@ func watchPlans(f *signalFacts) []conditions.Observation {
 	return out
 }
 
+// kindPlanFailed is S23's kind: plan.<id>.plan-failed.
+const kindPlanFailed = "plan-failed"
+
+// planFailedWithin is how long a failed plan is kept as a condition from its last change (ADR 0449 §1 names no
+// bound; a failed plan stays failed for ever, and a condition for every one the mesh has ever had is no question to
+// the operator). A plan failed longer ago than this is left to `plans`.
+const planFailedWithin = 7 * 24 * time.Hour
+
+// watchPlansFailed is S23: a delivery plan that failed, said to the operator at once with a Retry answer when
+// `plans retry` would run it (novox/hq ADR 0449 §1). Never a retry of its own: the answer is the operator's (§2).
+// The condition ends when the plan is no longer failed, because it is no longer among the facts.
+func watchPlansFailed(f *signalFacts) []conditions.Observation {
+	var out []conditions.Observation
+	for _, p := range f.failed {
+		if f.now.Sub(p.since) > planFailedWithin {
+			continue
+		}
+		headline, explanation, needs, actions, resolved := planFailedWords(p)
+		out = append(out, conditions.Observation{Scope: conditions.ScopePlan, ID: p.id, Kind: kindPlanFailed,
+			Also: p.machines(), Severity: conditions.Warning, Resolver: conditions.ResolverOperator,
+			Summary: fmt.Sprintf("the delivery plan %s of %s %s failed: %s", p.id, p.repository, short(p.commit),
+				p.failureSaid()),
+			Said:     p.failureSaid() + p.refusalSaid(),
+			Headline: headline, Explanation: explanation, Needs: needs, Actions: actions, Resolved: resolved})
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
 // kindWalkWaiting is S16's kind: plan.<id>.waiting.
 const kindWalkWaiting = "waiting"
 

cmd/mesh-controller/signals_test.go

@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ import (
 func calm(now time.Time) *signalFacts {
 	return &signalFacts{now: now, started: now.Add(-time.Hour), host: "anchor", toolsHeardFrom: now.Add(-time.Hour),
 		machines: []machineFacts{{name: "anchor", control: true, lastHeard: now.Add(-10 * time.Second),
-			every: time.Minute, sentAt: now.Add(-time.Hour), reportedCurrent: true, reportedAt: now.Add(-59 * time.Minute),
+			sentAt: now.Add(-time.Hour), reportedCurrent: true, reportedAt: now.Add(-59 * time.Minute),
 			lastApply: 20 * time.Second, tools: true, toolsHeard: now.Add(-10 * time.Second), toolsEvery: time.Minute}},
 		plans: []planFacts{{id: "plan-1", repository: "novox/app", commit: "c0ffee00", tier: 0, tiers: 2,
 			entered: now.Add(-time.Minute), bound: 30 * time.Minute, waiting: "building"}},
@@ -160,6 +160,17 @@ var suppressions = map[string]suppression{
 				created: f.now.Add(-11 * time.Minute), atMostWindow: 10 * time.Minute}}
 		},
 	},
+	// A failed delivery plan is said when it fails and kept a week from its last change (novox/hq ADR 0449).
+	"S23": {
+		inside: func(f *signalFacts) {
+			f.failed = []failedPlanFacts{{id: "plan-1", repository: "novox/app", commit: "c0ffee11", modules: []string{"app"},
+				since: f.now.Add(-planFailedWithin - time.Second)}}
+		},
+		past: func(f *signalFacts) {
+			f.failed = []failedPlanFacts{{id: "plan-1", repository: "novox/app", commit: "c0ffee11", modules: []string{"app"},
+				since: f.now.Add(-time.Second)}}
+		},
+	},
 	// A batch queued behind an open walk past that walk's bound, named.
 	"S19": {
 		inside: func(f *signalFacts) {

cmd/mesh-controller/silent_mid_tier_integration_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,212 @@
+//go:build integration
+
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"fmt"
+	"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"
+)
+
+// 1160/AC5, live, with the store and a real bus and no ticker: a plan of two tiers whose first tier has a machine that
+// never reports, and whose second tier waits on the first (the plan's own order), passes its first tier after the bound,
+// the silent key's expiry the only trigger, and sends its second tier to the machine that reported alone (issue 1160).
+func TestAPlanPassesATierWhoseMachineNeverReportsAfterTheBoundAndSendsTheNextToTheOthers(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+
+	// A quarter of an hour of silence is two seconds here.
+	wasSilent := applySilentAfter
+	applySilentAfter = 2 * time.Second
+	t.Cleanup(func() { applySilentAfter = wasSilent })
+
+	js, err := broker.Dial(testbus.URL(t))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(js.Close)
+	if err := broker.AssertMeshStreams(js); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := js.EnsureControllerBuckets(); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	legacy, err := js.Conn().JetStream()
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	checkEvents = link.OverNATS{Conn: js.Conn(), JS: legacy}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { checkEvents = nil })
+	sentHeard := make(chan *nats.Msg, 32)
+	sub, err := js.Conn().ChanSubscribe(link.SeatEventSubject(link.MeshControllerSeat, link.KeySent), sentHeard)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { _ = sub.Unsubscribe() })
+
+	wasSaved := inventory.PlanSaved
+	inventory.PlanSaved = servingPlanSaved(ctx, checkEvents, open)
+	t.Cleanup(func() { inventory.PlanSaved = wasSaved })
+
+	// The build machine and the machines, as far as the plan meets them: an ask is counted, a send is recorded and kept.
+	var mu sync.Mutex
+	var asks []string
+	var sends [][]string
+	wasAsk := askABuild
+	askABuild = func(_ context.Context, source buildSource, _, _ string) (string, error) {
+		mu.Lock()
+		defer mu.Unlock()
+		id := link.NewBuildID(time.Now().Add(time.Duration(len(asks)) * time.Millisecond))
+		asks = append(asks, source.Repository+"#"+id)
+		return id, nil
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { askABuild = wasAsk })
+	digests := 0
+	wasSend := sendRollout
+	sendRollout = func(ctx context.Context, open *stores, names []string) ([]string, error) {
+		mu.Lock()
+		defer mu.Unlock()
+		sends = append(sends, append([]string(nil), names...))
+		current, err := open.inventory.CurrentBuilds(ctx)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		builds := map[string]string{}
+		for _, m := range []string{"a", "b"} {
+			builds[m] = current[m].Commit
+		}
+		for _, node := range names {
+			digests++
+			if err := open.inventory.RecordSent(ctx, nodeID(t, open, node), fmt.Sprintf("d-%s-%d", node, digests), builds); err != nil {
+				return nil, err
+			}
+		}
+		return names, nil
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { sendRollout = wasSend })
+
+	register := func(m, commit string, asked time.Time) {
+		t.Helper()
+		if err := inv.RegisterModule(ctx, catalogue.Manifest{Module: m, Version: commit},
+			inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/" + m, Seat: "git", Path: "modules/" + m, BuiltFrom: commit, Head: commit,
+				Asked: asked}); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	record := func(id, m, commit string, at time.Time) {
+		t.Helper()
+		b := inventory.Build{ID: id, Module: m, Commit: commit, Repository: "novox/" + m, Path: "modules/" + m, Asked: at, At: at}
+		b.Manifest, _ = json.Marshal(catalogue.Manifest{Module: m, Version: commit})
+		if err := inv.RecordBuild(ctx, b); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	old := time.Now().Add(-2 * time.Hour)
+	for _, m := range []string{"a", "b"} {
+		record("build-"+m+"-1", m, "c1", old)
+		register(m, "c1", old)
+		for _, n := range []string{"anchor", "laptop"} {
+			if _, err := inv.Assign(ctx, n, m); err != nil {
+				t.Fatal(err)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	for _, n := range []string{"anchor", "laptop"} {
+		if err := inv.RecordSent(ctx, nodeID(t, open, n), "d-"+n+"-c1", map[string]string{"a": "c1", "b": "c1"}); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	record("build-a-2", "a", "c2", time.Now().Add(-time.Minute))
+	register("a", "c2", time.Now().Add(-time.Minute))
+
+	// A machine's report on what it was sent, heard as the controller hears it.
+	listener := nudgingListener{Enrolment: link.Enrolment{Inventory: inv}}
+	seq := int64(0)
+	reports := func(node string) {
+		t.Helper()
+		last, found, err := inv.SentTo(ctx, node)
+		if err != nil || !found {
+			t.Fatalf("%s was sent nothing: %v", node, err)
+		}
+		seq++
+		body, _ := json.Marshal(map[string]any{"node": node, "applied": []string{"x.server"}, "declared": last.Digest,
+			"report_sequence": seq})
+		var report link.Report
+		if err := json.Unmarshal(body, &report); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		if _, err := listener.Heard(ctx, report); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	plan := func() inventory.Plan {
+		t.Helper()
+		p, err := inv.PlanByID(ctx, "plan-1160")
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		return p
+	}
+
+	built := time.Now().UTC()
+	p := inventory.Plan{ID: "plan-1160", Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Branch: "main", Commit: "c2", Created: time.Now().UTC(),
+		State: inventory.PlanBuilding, Tiers: [][]string{{"a"}, {"b"}},
+		Delivery: &inventory.PlanDelivery{Order: []inventory.Edge{{From: "b", To: "a", Kind: edgeChangeOrder}}},
+		Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{
+			"a": {State: "built", BuiltAt: &built, Commit: "c2", Build: "build-a-2"},
+			"b": {},
+		}}
+	first, stopFirst := context.WithCancel(ctx)
+	defer stopFirst()
+	startRolloutEvents(first, open, js)
+	if err := inv.SavePlan(ctx, &p); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	eventually(t, "tier 0 sent to both machines", func() bool {
+		mu.Lock()
+		defer mu.Unlock()
+		return len(sends) == 1
+	})
+	reports("anchor")
+	time.Sleep(time.Second)
+	if got := plan().Tier; got != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("1160/AC5: the plan went on to tier %d before the bound, with laptop not heard from", got)
+	}
+	// The note of the move to tier 1 is read in the step that sees it: later steps of the tier say their own.
+	var moved string
+	eventually(t, "tier 1 passed once laptop's key expired", func() bool {
+		if q := plan(); q.Tier == 1 {
+			moved = q.Note
+			return true
+		}
+		return false
+	})
+	if !strings.Contains(moved, "laptop") || strings.Contains(moved, "anchor") {
+		t.Errorf("1160/AC5: the plan says %q; want laptop named silent and not anchor", moved)
+	}
+	// The ask for tier 1's build is the next step, and records its build id on the module.
+	eventually(t, "tier 1 asked", func() bool { m := plan().Modules["b"]; return m != nil && m.Build != "" })
+	b := plan().Modules["b"]
+	askedAt, _ := link.BuildAskedAt(b.Build)
+	record(b.Build, "b", "c2", askedAt)
+	register("b", "c2", askedAt)
+	planBuilt(ctx, open, "b", "c2", "", askedAt, b.Build)
+	eventually(t, "tier 1 sent to anchor alone", func() bool {
+		mu.Lock()
+		defer mu.Unlock()
+		return len(sends) == 2 && strings.Join(sends[1], ",") == "anchor"
+	})
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/silent_mid_tier_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,85 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"slices"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// A machine silent past the bound at a tier between the first and the last is named silent and left as it was, as the
+// last tier's is (novox/hq ADR 0282 §1, ADR 0360 §4-5, issue 1160): one rule, walkReports, read by the walk's end and by
+// the gates between tiers.
+
+func silentWalk(now time.Time) (inventory.Plan, []inventory.Reported) {
+	sent := now.Add(-time.Minute)
+	long := now.Add(-inventory.ApplySilentAfter - time.Minute)
+	at := now.Add(-10 * time.Second)
+	p := inventory.Plan{Tier: 0, Tiers: [][]string{{"engine"}, {"app"}}, Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{
+		"engine": {Rest: map[string]inventory.SentDeclaration{
+			"anchor": {Digest: "d-anchor", At: sent},
+			"g14":    {Digest: "d-g14", At: long},
+			"fresh":  {Digest: "d-fresh", At: sent}}},
+		"app": {}}}
+	reports := []inventory.Reported{{Node: "anchor", Outcome: inventory.OutcomeApplied, At: &at, Declared: "d-anchor"}}
+	return p, reports
+}
+
+func needsOf(running ...string) []gateNeed {
+	return []gateNeed{{module: "engine", running: running, since: func(string) time.Time { return time.Time{} }}}
+}
+
+// 1160/AC1: at a middle tier the machine silent past the bound is named, not waited for, and the plan goes on with the
+// machines that reported; one still inside the bound is waited for.
+func TestAMiddleTierGateNamesTheSilentMachineAndGoesOnWithThoseThatReported(t *testing.T) {
+	now := time.Now().UTC()
+	p, reports := silentWalk(now)
+	silent := silentNodes(p, reports, now, nil)
+	waiting, quiet, lost := settleTierGate(needsOf("anchor", "g14"), reports, silent)
+	if len(waiting) != 0 || !slices.Equal(quiet, []string{"g14"}) || lost {
+		t.Fatalf("1160/AC1: waiting %v, silent %v, lost %v; want g14 named silent and nothing waited for", waiting, quiet, lost)
+	}
+	waiting, quiet, _ = settleTierGate(needsOf("anchor", "g14", "fresh"), reports, silent)
+	if len(waiting) != 1 || waiting[0] != "engine on fresh" || !slices.Equal(quiet, []string{"g14"}) {
+		t.Fatalf("1160/AC1: a machine inside the bound is still waited for: waiting %v, silent %v", waiting, quiet)
+	}
+}
+
+// 1160/AC2: the walk's end and the gate read the same silent machines.
+func TestTheGateAndTheWalksEndShareOneRuleOfSilence(t *testing.T) {
+	now := time.Now().UTC()
+	p, reports := silentWalk(now)
+	_, _, ended := walkReports(p, reports, now, nil)
+	got := silentNodes(p, reports, now, nil)
+	if len(got) != len(ended) || !got["g14"] || !slices.Equal(ended, []string{"g14"}) {
+		t.Fatalf("1160/AC2: the gate reads %v silent, the walk's end %v", got, ended)
+	}
+}
+
+// 1160/AC3: a later tier is not sent to a machine silent.
+func TestALaterTierIsNotSentToASilentMachine(t *testing.T) {
+	got := withoutSilent([]string{"anchor", "g14"}, map[string]bool{"g14": true})
+	if !slices.Equal(got, []string{"anchor"}) {
+		t.Fatalf("1160/AC3: a later tier goes to %v; want anchor alone", got)
+	}
+	in := []string{"anchor", "g14"}
+	withoutSilent(in, map[string]bool{"g14": true})
+	if !slices.Equal(in, []string{"anchor", "g14"}) {
+		t.Fatalf("1160/AC3: the machines running it were changed: %v", in)
+	}
+}
+
+// 1160/AC4: every machine the gate waits on silent: the plan is lost, not gone on as if delivered.
+func TestAGateWhoseEveryMachineIsSilentIsLost(t *testing.T) {
+	now := time.Now().UTC()
+	p, reports := silentWalk(now)
+	reports = nil
+	p.Modules["engine"].Rest = map[string]inventory.SentDeclaration{
+		"g14": {Digest: "d", At: now.Add(-time.Hour)}, "laptop": {Digest: "d", At: now.Add(-time.Hour)}}
+	silent := silentNodes(p, reports, now, nil)
+	_, quiet, lost := settleTierGate(needsOf("g14", "laptop"), reports, silent)
+	if !lost || !slices.Equal(quiet, []string{"g14", "laptop"}) {
+		t.Fatalf("1160/AC4: lost %v, silent %v; want both named and the gate lost", lost, quiet)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/status.go

@@ -414,18 +414,11 @@ func theThreeQuestions(ctx context.Context, open *stores) (answers, error) {
 	if err != nil {
 		return answers{}, err
 	}
-	out.nodes, err = inv.Nodes(ctx)
+	out.nodes, err = open.heardNodes(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
 		return answers{}, err
 	}
-	for _, n := range out.nodes {
-		// Never heard from, or not lately. Different from failing: a machine that says nothing
-		// may be new, switched off, or unreachable, and none of those is a machine that tried
-		// and could not.
-		if n.LastSeen.IsZero() || time.Since(n.LastSeen) > time.Hour {
-			out.quiet = append(out.quiet, n)
-		}
-	}
+	out.quiet = notHeardLately(out.nodes, time.Now())
 	out.behind, err = inv.Behind(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
 		return answers{}, err

cmd/mesh-controller/stuck_probe.go

@@ -0,0 +1,221 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"sort"
+	"time"
+
+	sdkdelivery "git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/delivery"
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go/jetstream"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+)
+
+// What stopped moving (novox/hq ADR 0433 §2, §3, issue 1156). The watchman writes `stuck.<bucket>.<key>` in its own
+// bucket for each key whose pulse expired, and again as moved when the key moves; it never deletes one. The controller
+// reads that bucket in two places and holds no timer for either: a probe of the self-check raises each key not moved as
+// a condition of the delivery scope, and the check that a machine is silent takes a node's presence key as its verdict.
+const (
+	kindStuck    = "stuck"
+	probeStuckID = "DM"
+)
+
+// presenceVerdict is the watchman's word on whether a machine is online, from its stuck presence key.
+type presenceVerdict int
+
+const (
+	// presenceUnsaid: the watchman has written nothing for the machine; the heartbeat rule judges it, as before.
+	presenceUnsaid presenceVerdict = iota
+	// presenceHeard: the key says moved, the machine is back online.
+	presenceHeard
+	// presenceSilent: the key says not moved, the machine was offline past its bound.
+	presenceSilent
+)
+
+// presenceEntry is presence.<node> as the watchman wrote it: whether the machine is online and when the entry was made.
+// The watchman writes it only when it changes, so for an online machine the time is when it connected.
+type presenceEntry struct {
+	Online bool
+	At     time.Time
+}
+
+// applyPresence sets what the watchman says of a machine: the verdict of its stuck presence key (nil when there is none).
+// Last heard is lastHeard's: now when online, the entry's time when offline, the store's last report only without an entry.
+func applyPresence(m *machineFacts, stuck *sdkdelivery.Stuck, entry *presenceEntry, now time.Time) {
+	switch {
+	case stuck == nil:
+		m.presence = presenceUnsaid
+	case stuck.Moved:
+		m.presence = presenceHeard
+	default:
+		m.presence = presenceSilent
+	}
+	m.lastHeard = lastHeard(m.lastHeard, entry, now)
+}
+
+// silent says the machine is silent: the watchman's verdict where it gave one, else the heartbeat rule. A machine never
+// heard from is not silent, it has not joined.
+func (m machineFacts) silent(now time.Time) bool {
+	switch m.presence {
+	case presenceSilent:
+		return true
+	case presenceHeard:
+		return false
+	}
+	return !m.lastHeard.IsZero() && now.Sub(m.lastHeard) > silentBound
+}
+
+// stuckObservations are the conditions of what stopped moving: one for each key not moved, in the delivery scope, kind
+// stuck, naming the key and what it waited for. A node's presence key is left to the silent check; a moved key raises
+// nothing, so its condition clears.
+func stuckObservations(entries map[string]sdkdelivery.Stuck) []conditions.Observation {
+	keys := make([]string, 0, len(entries))
+	for k := range entries {
+		keys = append(keys, k)
+	}
+	sort.Strings(keys)
+	var out []conditions.Observation
+	for _, k := range keys {
+		s := entries[k]
+		if s.Moved {
+			continue
+		}
+		if s.Bucket == sdkdelivery.PresenceBucket {
+			if node, _, _, err := sdkdelivery.ParsePresenceKey(s.Key); err == nil && node != "" {
+				continue
+			}
+		}
+		waited := s.Waited
+		if waited == "" {
+			waited = "a move"
+		}
+		out = append(out, conditions.Observation{Scope: conditions.ScopeDelivery, ID: k, Kind: kindStuck,
+			Severity: conditions.Warning,
+			Summary: fmt.Sprintf("%s has not moved since %s: it waited for %s", k, s.Since.UTC().Format("2006-01-02 15:04 MST"),
+				waited),
+			Said: fmt.Sprintf("%s: waiting for %s since %s", k, waited, s.Since.UTC().Format(time.RFC3339))})
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// readStuck is every key of the stuck bucket and its value; none when the bucket is not there yet (the watchman not
+// delivered). A value of another version is left out, said.
+func readStuck(ctx context.Context, conn *nats.Conn) (map[string]sdkdelivery.Stuck, error) {
+	api, err := jetstream.New(conn)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	kv, err := api.KeyValue(ctx, sdkdelivery.StuckBucket)
+	if errors.Is(err, jetstream.ErrBucketNotFound) {
+		return nil, nil
+	}
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("the watchman's stuck bucket: %w", err)
+	}
+	keys, err := boundedCall(ctx, "listing the stuck keys", func(ctx context.Context) ([]string, error) { return kv.Keys(ctx) })
+	if errors.Is(err, jetstream.ErrNoKeysFound) {
+		return nil, nil
+	}
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	out := map[string]sdkdelivery.Stuck{}
+	for _, key := range keys {
+		e, err := kv.Get(ctx, key)
+		if errors.Is(err, jetstream.ErrKeyNotFound) {
+			continue
+		}
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		s, err := sdkdelivery.DecodeStuck(e.Value())
+		if err != nil {
+			fmt.Printf("the stuck key %s is not read: %v\n", key, err)
+			continue
+		}
+		out[key] = s
+	}
+	return out, nil
+}
+
+// readPresence is, by node, presence.<node>'s entry; a node without an entry is left out.
+func readPresence(ctx context.Context, conn *nats.Conn, nodes []string) (map[string]presenceEntry, error) {
+	api, err := jetstream.New(conn)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	kv, err := api.KeyValue(ctx, sdkdelivery.PresenceBucket)
+	if errors.Is(err, jetstream.ErrBucketNotFound) {
+		return nil, nil
+	}
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("the watchman's presence bucket: %w", err)
+	}
+	out := map[string]presenceEntry{}
+	for _, node := range nodes {
+		key, err := sdkdelivery.PresenceNodeKey(node)
+		if err != nil {
+			continue
+		}
+		e, err := kv.Get(ctx, key)
+		if errors.Is(err, jetstream.ErrKeyNotFound) {
+			continue
+		}
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		p, err := sdkdelivery.DecodePresence(e.Value())
+		if err != nil {
+			fmt.Printf("the presence key %s is not read: %v\n", key, err)
+			continue
+		}
+		out[node] = presenceEntry{Online: p.Online, At: e.Created()}
+	}
+	return out, nil
+}
+
+// withPresence says of each machine what the watchman says: its stuck presence key and its presence entry's time.
+func withPresence(ctx context.Context, conn *nats.Conn, machines []machineFacts, now time.Time) error {
+	stuck, err := readStuck(ctx, conn)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	names := make([]string, len(machines))
+	for i, m := range machines {
+		names[i] = m.name
+	}
+	entries, err := readPresence(ctx, conn, names)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	for i := range machines {
+		var said *sdkdelivery.Stuck
+		if key, err := sdkdelivery.StuckKey(sdkdelivery.PresenceBucket, machines[i].name); err == nil {
+			if s, ok := stuck[key]; ok {
+				said = &s
+			}
+		}
+		var entry *presenceEntry
+		if e, ok := entries[machines[i].name]; ok {
+			entry = &e
+		}
+		applyPresence(&machines[i], said, entry, now)
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+// probeStuck is DM: every key the watchman says stopped moving is raised, but a node's presence, which the silent check
+// takes.
+func probeStuck(ctx context.Context, d *doctor) ([]conditions.Observation, error) {
+	if d.js == nil {
+		return nil, nil
+	}
+	entries, err := readStuck(ctx, d.js.Conn())
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return stuckObservations(entries), nil
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/stuck_probe_integration_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,82 @@
+//go:build integration
+
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	sdkdelivery "git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/delivery"
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go/jetstream"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/testbus"
+)
+
+// 1156/AC4: on the embedded bus with the watchman's buckets, a stuck key written raises a condition and written as moved
+// clears it; a node's presence key not moved says the machine silent through the facts, and moved says it heard.
+func TestAStuckKeyWrittenAndThenMovedRaisesAndClearsACondition(t *testing.T) { // 1156/AC4
+	js, err := broker.Dial(testbus.URL(t))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(js.Close)
+	if _, err := broker.RaiseBuckets(js, []broker.Bucket{
+		{Module: sdkdelivery.WatchmanModule, Name: "stuck"},
+		{Module: sdkdelivery.WatchmanModule, Name: "presence", History: sdkdelivery.PresenceHistory},
+	}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	ctx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(context.Background(), 30*time.Second)
+	defer cancel()
+	api, err := jetstream.New(js.Conn())
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	kv, err := api.KeyValue(ctx, sdkdelivery.StuckBucket)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	write := func(bucket, key string, moved bool) string {
+		t.Helper()
+		stuckKey, err := sdkdelivery.StuckKey(bucket, key)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		body, err := sdkdelivery.EncodeStuck(sdkdelivery.Stuck{Bucket: bucket, Key: key, Waited: "an answer", Since: time.Now().UTC(), Moved: moved})
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		if _, err := kv.Put(ctx, stuckKey, body); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		return stuckKey
+	}
+	d := &doctor{js: js}
+	stuckKey := write(sdkdelivery.PulseBucket, "builds.x", false)
+	write(sdkdelivery.PresenceBucket, "ace", false)
+	got, err := probeStuck(ctx, d)
+	if err != nil || len(got) != 1 || got[0].ID != stuckKey || got[0].Kind != kindStuck {
+		t.Fatalf("a stuck key written: %+v %v", got, err)
+	}
+	machines := []machineFacts{{name: "ace", lastHeard: time.Now()}}
+	if err := withPresence(ctx, js.Conn(), machines, time.Now()); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if !machines[0].silent(time.Now()) {
+		t.Fatal("a presence key not moved did not say the machine silent")
+	}
+	write(sdkdelivery.PulseBucket, "builds.x", true)
+	write(sdkdelivery.PresenceBucket, "ace", true)
+	if got, err := probeStuck(ctx, d); err != nil || len(got) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a stuck key written as moved: %+v %v", got, err)
+	}
+	machines = []machineFacts{{name: "ace", lastHeard: time.Now().Add(-time.Hour)}}
+	if err := withPresence(ctx, js.Conn(), machines, time.Now()); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if machines[0].silent(time.Now()) {
+		t.Fatal("a presence key that moved still says the machine silent")
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/stuck_probe_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,122 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	sdkdelivery "git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/delivery"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+func aStuckKey(t *testing.T, bucket, key string) string {
+	t.Helper()
+	k, err := sdkdelivery.StuckKey(bucket, key)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	return k
+}
+
+// 1156/AC1: each not-moved stuck key that is not a node's presence is an observation of the delivery scope, kind stuck,
+// naming the key and what it waited for; a moved key raises nothing, so its condition clears.
+func TestEachStuckKeyThatHasNotMovedIsAConditionOfTheDeliveryScope(t *testing.T) { // 1156/AC1
+	since := time.Date(2026, 10, 18, 19, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	pulse := aStuckKey(t, sdkdelivery.PulseBucket, "x")
+	moved := aStuckKey(t, sdkdelivery.HaveBucket, "ace.zsh")
+	node := aStuckKey(t, sdkdelivery.PresenceBucket, "ace")
+	part := aStuckKey(t, sdkdelivery.PresenceBucket, "part.mesh-controller.one")
+	entries := map[string]sdkdelivery.Stuck{
+		pulse: {Bucket: sdkdelivery.PulseBucket, Key: "x", Waited: "the build of zsh to be answered", Since: since},
+		moved: {Bucket: sdkdelivery.HaveBucket, Key: "ace.zsh", Waited: "a want", Since: since, Moved: true},
+		node:  {Bucket: sdkdelivery.PresenceBucket, Key: "ace", Waited: "its return", Since: since},
+		part:  {Bucket: sdkdelivery.PresenceBucket, Key: "part.mesh-controller.one", Waited: "its return", Since: since},
+	}
+	got := stuckObservations(entries)
+	if len(got) != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("observations %+v, want the pulse key and the part's presence", got)
+	}
+	byID := map[string]conditions.Observation{}
+	for _, o := range got {
+		if o.Scope != conditions.ScopeDelivery || o.Kind != kindStuck {
+			t.Errorf("%+v is not a stuck condition of the delivery scope", o)
+		}
+		byID[o.ID] = o
+	}
+	o, ok := byID[pulse]
+	if !ok || !strings.Contains(o.Summary, pulse) || !strings.Contains(o.Summary, "the build of zsh to be answered") {
+		t.Fatalf("the condition does not name the key and what it waited for: %+v", got)
+	}
+	if _, ok := byID[part]; !ok {
+		t.Errorf("a part's presence is left out: %v", byID)
+	}
+	// Moved again: the same key, written as moved, raises nothing.
+	entries[pulse] = sdkdelivery.Stuck{Bucket: sdkdelivery.PulseBucket, Key: "x", Since: since, Moved: true}
+	if got := stuckObservations(entries); len(got) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("a moved key still raises: %+v", got)
+	}
+}
+
+func aMachineHeardAt(now time.Time, ago time.Duration) machineFacts {
+	return machineFacts{name: "laptop", lastHeard: now.Add(-ago)}
+}
+
+// 1156/AC2: a node's stuck presence key not moved makes the machine silent, unless it sleeps; moved, it is heard; no
+// timer is armed (the verdict is the key's, whatever the time of the last word).
+func TestAStuckPresenceKeyIsTheSilentVerdict(t *testing.T) { // 1156/AC2
+	now := time.Now()
+	f := calm(now)
+	f.machines = append(f.machines, aMachineHeardAt(now, 10*time.Second))
+	notMoved := sdkdelivery.Stuck{Bucket: sdkdelivery.PresenceBucket, Key: "laptop", Waited: "its return", Since: now.Add(-3 * time.Minute)}
+	applyPresence(&f.machines[1], &notMoved, nil, now)
+	got := watchHeartbeats(f)
+	if len(got) != 1 || got[0].Machine != "laptop" || got[0].Kind != "silent" {
+		t.Fatalf("a presence key not moved: %+v", got)
+	}
+	// Asleep: not silent.
+	f.machines[1].power = link.PowerState{State: "sleeping", At: now.Add(-time.Hour)}
+	if got := watchHeartbeats(f); len(got) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a sleeping machine raised %+v", got)
+	}
+	// Moved: heard, whatever the store's last word says.
+	f.machines[1].power = link.PowerState{}
+	f.machines[1].lastHeard = now.Add(-2 * time.Hour)
+	moved := notMoved
+	moved.Moved = true
+	applyPresence(&f.machines[1], &moved, nil, now)
+	if got := watchHeartbeats(f); len(got) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a presence key that moved raised %+v", got)
+	}
+}
+
+// 1156/AC3: with a presence entry that says offline, last heard is the entry's time (1183/AC1); with none,
+// last_seen. An entry that says online counts as heard now: the watchman writes it only when it changes, so its time is
+// when the machine connected, and a machine online for hours with no stuck key is not silent, whatever last_seen says.
+func TestLastHeardFollowsThePresenceEntry(t *testing.T) { // 1156/AC3
+	now := time.Now()
+	seen := now.Add(-time.Hour)
+	m := machineFacts{name: "laptop", lastHeard: seen}
+	applyPresence(&m, nil, nil, now)
+	if !m.lastHeard.Equal(seen) {
+		t.Fatalf("with no presence entry last heard is %v, want last_seen %v", m.lastHeard, seen)
+	}
+	offlineAt := now.Add(-5 * time.Minute)
+	applyPresence(&m, nil, &presenceEntry{Online: false, At: offlineAt}, now)
+	if !m.lastHeard.Equal(offlineAt) {
+		t.Fatalf("offline since %v: last heard is %v", offlineAt, m.lastHeard)
+	}
+	m = machineFacts{name: "laptop", lastHeard: now.Add(-time.Minute)}
+	applyPresence(&m, nil, &presenceEntry{Online: false, At: now.Add(-time.Hour)}, now)
+	if !m.lastHeard.Equal(now.Add(-time.Hour)) {
+		t.Fatalf("an offline entry's time is last heard, not a report: %v", m.lastHeard)
+	}
+	for _, lastSeen := range []time.Duration{10 * time.Second, 5 * time.Hour} {
+		m := machineFacts{name: "laptop", lastHeard: now.Add(-lastSeen)}
+		applyPresence(&m, nil, &presenceEntry{Online: true, At: now.Add(-6 * time.Hour)}, now)
+		if m.silent(now) {
+			t.Fatalf("a machine online since hours ago (last_seen %v ago) with no stuck key is silent", lastSeen)
+		}
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/upgrades.go

@@ -406,7 +406,12 @@ func askNewModules(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, m link.SourceM
 	if len(added) == 0 || len(from) == 0 {
 		return nil
 	}
-	source := buildSource{Repository: from[0].Source.Repository, Seat: from[0].Source.Seat}
+	return askBuilds(ctx, inv, m, buildSource{Repository: from[0].Source.Repository, Seat: from[0].Source.Seat}, added)
+}
+
+// askBuilds asks the first build of each directory of a merge's repository, as askNewModules does, from the source given.
+func askBuilds(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, m link.SourceMoved, source buildSource,
+	added []string) []string {
 	var asked []string
 	for _, dir := range added {
 		path := dir
@@ -419,7 +424,7 @@ func askNewModules(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, m link.SourceM
 		request := inventory.BuildRequest{ID: id, Repository: source.Repository, Seat: source.Seat, Path: path,
 			Ref: m.Base, Commit: m.Commit, For: "merge"}
 		if err != nil {
-			request.ID = fmt.Sprintf("not-asked-%s-%s", short(m.Commit), strings.ReplaceAll(dir, "/", "-"))
+			request.ID = notAskedID(m.Commit, dir)
 			request.NotAsked = err.Error()
 			recordBuildRequest(ctx, inv, request)
 			fmt.Printf("  %s is a new module in %s/%s and could not be built: %v — a hand `build` of it "+
@@ -434,6 +439,15 @@ func askNewModules(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, m link.SourceM
 	return asked
 }
 
+// notAskedID is the id a merge's build that could not be asked is kept under: a key the bus takes, so a module at the
+// repository's root (".") is kept as one in a folder is.
+func notAskedID(commit, dir string) string {
+	if dir == "." || dir == "" {
+		return "not-asked-" + short(commit)
+	}
+	return fmt.Sprintf("not-asked-%s-%s", short(commit), strings.ReplaceAll(strings.Trim(dir, "/"), "/", "-"))
+}
+
 // actingOnMerges keeps one merge acted on at a time (novox/hq issue 266).
 var actingOnMerges sync.Mutex