Merge pull request 'End the check of a pull request's old head when a new head is checked (hq issue 726)' (#339) from fix/726-a-new-push-ends-the-old-check into main

A check judges one head; once the pull request has another, its verdict
answers nobody and its run holds a build machine the new head waits
behind. Asking a check of R#N at H now drops every waiting check of R#N
at another head and kills every one in flight, saying each in the log.
Announcements are unordered and a recheck asks a recorded head, so this
happens only when the forge confirms H is the pull request's current
head; otherwise nothing ends and that is said. A one-shot recheck ends
them within the call. Tries, walk builds, group checks, other pull
requests' checks and rechecks of the same head are left alone.

novox/hq issue 726

cmd/mesh-builder/busy.go

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+// really waits, so an agent whose replacement was withdrawn — the declaration put back, the walk stopped —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

cmd/mesh-builder/busy_test.go

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

cmd/mesh-builder/holder.go

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

cmd/mesh-builder/main.go

@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@ import (
 	"os/signal"
 	"sort"
 	"strings"
+	"sync"
 	"syscall"
 	"time"
 
@@ -75,6 +76,12 @@ digest of their own configuration. The result is printed as JSON.
 
 exits 0 once the agent running in this container is bound to its build work and pulls it, and
 1 before: its container's health check.
+
+  mesh-builder busy
+
+exits 0 while the agent running in this container has a build in hand, and 1 when it has none;
+from the first ask the agent takes no new build: its container's busy command, asked before the
+container is replaced (novox/hq ADR 0335).
 `
 
 func run() error {
@@ -86,17 +93,41 @@ func run() error {
 		case "build":
 			return buildOnce(context.Background(), os.Args[2:])
 		case "ready":
-			// The container's health check (novox/hq issue 544): exits non-zero until the agent takes work.
+			// The container's health check (novox/hq issue 544): exits non-zero until the agent takes work, and
-			return ready()
+			// once it has been drained longer than its node-engine would wait to replace it (ADR 0335).
-		default:
+			if err := ready(); err != nil {
+				return err
+			}
+			return drainedTooLong(time.Now())
+		case "busy":
+			// The container's busy command (novox/hq ADR 0335): drains the agent, and exits non-zero once
+			// nothing is in hand.
+			said, err := busy()
+			if err != nil {
+				return err
+			}
+			fmt.Println(said)
+			return nil
+		case "help", "-h", "--help":
 			fmt.Print(usage)
 			return nil
+		default:
+			// **An ask this build does not know fails** (novox/hq ADR 0335): an image older than `busy`, asked
+			// it, must read as idle — exiting 0 would hold its container for the node-engine's whole bound.
+			fmt.Fprint(os.Stderr, usage)
+			return fmt.Errorf("%q is not a command this mesh-builder knows", os.Args[1])
 		}
 	}
 
 	if err := notReady(); err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
+	// **The builder's own version is part of every reuse key** (novox/hq ADR 0350 §1): a builder that builds
+	// differently never takes a build another one made.
+	builder.Version = builder.SelfVersion(version)
+	if err := undrained(); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
 	credential, err := brokerFrom()
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
@@ -149,8 +180,13 @@ func run() error {
 	// **What an earlier holder here left goes before anything is taken** (novox/hq issue 306): a holder
 	// recreated mid-check left the check's store and bus running, and the ask went to another machine.
 	h.removeLeftBehind()
-	machine := link.MachineOverNATSWith(js, on, seat, link.MachineOptions{Paused: h.Paused,
+	// Paused or drained, it takes nothing new (novox/hq ADR 0219, ADR 0335): a drained agent finishes the build
-		Taking: func() { taking(seat) }})
+	// in hand and then says idle, and its container is replaced between builds.
+	machine := link.MachineOverNATSWith(js, on, seat, link.MachineOptions{
+		Paused: func() bool { return h.Paused() || drained() },
+		Taking: func() { taking(seat) },
+		Claim:  claim,
+	})
 	defer machine.Close()
 
 	// The seat's verbs, on this machine's subjects. Only the seat that declares them: the retired
@@ -174,8 +210,13 @@ func run() error {
 
 	fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "building for the mesh, publishing to %s\n", registry)
 	publisher := builder.Registry{Address: registry, Run: builder.Command}
+	// Check builds are let go of after a week (novox/hq ADR 0350 §5).
+	h.scratch = publisher
+	go h.expireChecks(ctx, time.Hour, time.Now)
 
 	return machine.Take(ctx, func(ctx context.Context, work link.Build) {
+		defer released()
+		holding(work.Request().Repository + " (" + work.Request().ID + ")")
 		answer(ctx, publisher, on, workspace, work, h)
 	})
 }
@@ -232,7 +273,12 @@ func answer(ctx context.Context, publisher builder.Publisher, on, workspace stri
 	// role's own events under the build's id (novox/hq ADR 0157) — so whoever asked, and anybody
 	// watching, reads the same lines this container's log holds, live, and after the fact from the
 	// stream. Said first, before anything runs, so a build that hangs is one that visibly started.
+	// One line at a time: a check's builds for its merge say their lines while its tests say theirs (novox/hq
+	// issue 716).
+	var saying sync.Mutex
 	say := func(step, message string) {
+		saying.Lock()
+		defer saying.Unlock()
 		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "  [%s] %s\n", step, message)
 		work.Say(step, message)
 		if mine != nil && step != "run" && step != "output" {
@@ -262,6 +308,7 @@ func answer(ctx context.Context, publisher builder.Publisher, on, workspace stri
 	if err == nil {
 		say("packages", saysRegistry(npmrc))
 	}
+	registryHere, isRegistry := publisher.(builder.Registry)
 	var built builder.Result
 	if request.Check != nil {
 		// **A pull request's merge check, not a build** (novox/hq to-be 45 §9): nothing is built,
@@ -271,17 +318,37 @@ func answer(ctx context.Context, publisher builder.Publisher, on, workspace stri
 		if r, ok := publisher.(builder.Registry); ok {
 			registry = r.Address
 		}
+		spec := checkSpecOf(request)
+		// The judge cache the build agent declares as its own data, never in the workspace: only judge builds and
+		// mesh-lab's replays mount it, never a check's containers, so no pull request's script can write what a judge
+		// is built with or kept as, or what the replays run (novox/hq ADR 0358 §6, issue 709).
+		spec.JudgeCache = judgeCache()
+		// What the merge would move, built by the check for the walk to take (novox/hq ADR 0350 §1): into the
+		// scratch namespace. **Never with the package registry's credential**: this is code nobody has approved
+		// yet, and a recipe could read the credential it is handed (issue 462). A module that resolves packages
+		// at build time has no reuse key anyway, so nothing is lost by refusing it here.
+		if isRegistry && len(spec.Builds) > 0 {
+			spec.BuildWith = &builder.CheckBuilding{Publish: publisher, Scratch: registryHere, Held: request.Held,
+				Running: request.Check.Running, Seats: request.Seats, Named: namedOf(request.Check.Named)}
+		}
 		var v builder.CheckVerdict
-		v, err = builder.Check(building, builder.Command, checkSpecOf(request), workspace, registry, forgeFrom(), say)
+		v, err = builder.Check(building, builder.Command, spec, workspace, registry, forgeFrom(), say)
 		if err == nil {
 			result.Check = &link.CheckOutcome{Verdict: v.Verdict, Summary: v.Summary, Report: v.Report,
 				Took: v.Took.Round(time.Second).String(), Gate: layerOf(v.Gate), RepoCheck: layerOf(v.Repo),
-				Head: v.Head, Trunk: v.Trunk, Beside: v.Beside}
+				Head: v.Head, Trunk: v.Trunk, Beside: v.Beside, Built: checkBuiltOf(v.Built),
+				Release: v.Release, JudgedBy: v.JudgedBy, BesideAt: v.BesideAt, Validator: v.Validator}
 			// What each of a group's heads was judged as (novox/hq ADR 0323 §6).
 			for _, m := range v.Members {
 				result.Check.Members = append(result.Check.Members, link.CheckedMember{Owner: m.Owner, Repo: m.Repo,
 					Commit: m.Head, Trunk: m.Trunk})
 			}
+			// A branch tried before its pull request reads its outcome from this log, whole (novox/hq issue 686).
+			if request.Check.Try {
+				if line, err := json.Marshal(triedOf(v)); err == nil {
+					say(link.StepTried, string(line))
+				}
+			}
 		}
 	} else if err == nil {
 		// The package-registry credential is a build input, so it is resolved before the clone: a
@@ -289,9 +356,22 @@ func answer(ctx context.Context, publisher builder.Publisher, on, workspace stri
 		// after a clone that then fails at npm ci.
 		// Every container it starts is labelled with its id, so a kill finds what outlived the
 		// docker client (ADR 0219).
-		built, err = builder.Build(building, builder.Labelled(builder.Command, request.ID), publisher,
+		if request.Reuse != nil && isRegistry && !request.DryRun {
-			request.Repository, request.Path, request.Ref, workspace, request.Held, npmrc,
+			// **A walk's build takes the check's build of the same key** (novox/hq ADR 0350 §2).
-			forgeFrom(), say, request.Seats)
+			reuse := builder.Reuse{Scratch: registryHere}
+			for _, p := range request.Reuse.Pulls {
+				reuse.Pulls = append(reuse.Pulls, builder.PullRef{Owner: p.Owner, Repo: p.Repo, Number: p.Number})
+			}
+			// Only what a verdict names is taken (ADR 0350 §2).
+			reuse.Named = namedOf(request.Reuse.Builds)
+			built, err = builder.BuildReusing(building, builder.Labelled(builder.Command, request.ID), publisher, reuse,
+				request.Repository, request.Path, request.Ref, workspace, request.Held, npmrc,
+				forgeFrom(), say, request.Seats)
+		} else {
+			built, err = builder.Build(building, builder.Labelled(builder.Command, request.ID), publisher,
+				request.Repository, request.Path, request.Ref, workspace, request.Held, npmrc,
+				forgeFrom(), say, request.Seats)
+		}
 	}
 	// What it copied into the store, whatever became of the build (novox/hq ADR 0257).
 	result.Mirrored = built.Mirrored
@@ -327,6 +407,19 @@ func answer(ctx context.Context, publisher builder.Publisher, on, workspace stri
 			}
 			result.Against = built.Against
 			result.SourceFingerprint = built.Source
+			// What the walk did instead of building, or why it built (novox/hq ADR 0350 §3, §4).
+			result.ReuseKey = built.ReuseKey
+			if built.Reused != nil {
+				f := built.Reused.From
+				result.Reused = built.Reused.Words()
+				result.ReusedFrom = &link.ReusedFrom{Pull: link.PullRef{Owner: f.Pull.Owner, Repo: f.Pull.Repo,
+					Number: f.Pull.Number}, Head: f.Head, Trunk: f.Trunk, Check: f.Check, Key: f.Key}
+			} else if request.Reuse != nil {
+				result.BuiltWhy = built.Why
+				if result.BuiltWhy == "" {
+					result.BuiltWhy = "it has no artifact to build"
+				}
+			}
 			result.Trunk, result.OnTrunk, result.Branches = built.Trunk, built.OnTrunk, built.Branches
 			for _, r := range built.Read {
 				result.Read = append(result.Read, link.ReadRepository{Repository: r.Repository, Ref: r.Ref})
@@ -373,9 +466,14 @@ func checkSpecOf(request link.BuildRequest) builder.CheckSpec {
 	spec := builder.CheckSpec{ID: request.ID, Repository: request.Repository, Ref: request.Ref,
 		Owner: c.Owner, Repo: c.Repo, Number: c.Number, Paths: c.Paths, Beside: map[string]builder.Beside{},
 		Modules: c.Modules, New: c.New, Manifests: c.Manifests, Judge: c.Judge, Base: c.Base,
-		Toolchain: builder.ToolchainOf(request.Held), Toolchains: builder.ToolchainsOf(request.Held)}
+		Toolchain: builder.ToolchainOf(request.Held), Toolchains: builder.ToolchainsOf(request.Held),
+		Tests: c.Tests, StoreOnly: c.StoreOnly, Release: c.Release}
 	for dir, b := range c.Beside {
-		spec.Beside[dir] = builder.Beside{Repository: b.Repository, Ref: b.Ref}
+		spec.Beside[dir] = builder.Beside{Repository: b.Repository, Ref: b.Ref, Else: b.Else}
+	}
+	for _, b := range c.Builds {
+		spec.Builds = append(spec.Builds, builder.CheckBuildSpec{Module: b.Module, Repository: b.Repository, Path: b.Path,
+			Ref: b.Ref, Merged: b.Merged, Tier: b.Tier, Skip: b.Skip})
 	}
 	for _, m := range c.Members {
 		spec.Group = append(spec.Group, builder.GroupHead{Owner: m.Owner, Repo: m.Repo, Repository: m.Repository,
@@ -384,6 +482,58 @@ func checkSpecOf(request link.BuildRequest) builder.CheckSpec {
 	return spec
 }
 
+// judgeCache is the judge cache the build agent's manifest declares (MESH_JUDGE_CACHE, novox/hq ADR 0358 §6): a
+// directory mounted at the same path on the host, so a judge build's mounts name what the agent sees. Empty when the
+// agent declares none, and every judge is then built cold under its check's root.
+func judgeCache() string { return os.Getenv("MESH_JUDGE_CACHE") }
+
+// triedOf is a try's outcome as its log line says it (novox/hq issue 686): the repository's own check's verdict,
+// or the check's where that did not run — a head that does not merge — and the lines naming what failed.
+func triedOf(v builder.CheckVerdict) link.Tried {
+	t := link.Tried{Verdict: v.Verdict, Summary: v.Summary, Took: v.Took.Round(time.Second).String(),
+		Head: v.Head, Trunk: v.Trunk}
+	if v.Repo != nil && (v.Gate == nil || v.Gate.Verdict == "pass") {
+		t.Verdict, t.Summary = v.Repo.Verdict, v.Repo.Summary
+	}
+	if v.Repo != nil && v.Repo.Failed != "" {
+		t.Failed = strings.Split(v.Repo.Failed, "\n")
+	}
+	if t.Verdict == "" {
+		t.Verdict = "error"
+	}
+	return t
+}
+
+// namedOf are the builds the seat's verdicts name, as the builder believes a scratch record by them (novox/hq ADR
+// 0350 §2, issue 703): each module's key with every artifact's digest.
+func namedOf(builds []link.CheckedBuild) []builder.NamedBuild {
+	var out []builder.NamedBuild
+	for _, b := range builds {
+		named := builder.NamedBuild{Pull: builder.PullRef{Owner: b.Pull.Owner, Repo: b.Pull.Repo,
+			Number: b.Pull.Number}, Check: b.Check, Module: b.Built.Module, Key: b.Built.Key,
+			Digests: map[string]string{}}
+		for _, m := range b.Built.Made {
+			named.Digests[m.Name] = builder.DigestOf(m.Reference)
+		}
+		out = append(out, named)
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// checkBuiltOf is a check's builds for its merge as the outcome carries them (novox/hq ADR 0350 §1).
+func checkBuiltOf(built []builder.CheckBuilt) []link.CheckBuilt {
+	var out []link.CheckBuilt
+	for _, b := range built {
+		c := link.CheckBuilt{Module: b.Module, Key: b.Key, NotBuilt: b.NotBuilt, Took: b.Took.Round(time.Second).String(),
+			Kept: b.Kept, Same: b.Same, SameAs: b.SameAs}
+		for _, m := range b.Made {
+			c.Made = append(c.Made, link.MadeArtifact{Name: m.Name, Kind: m.Kind, Reference: m.Reference})
+		}
+		out = append(out, c)
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
 // layerOf is one layer of a check as the outcome carries it.
 func layerOf(l *builder.Layer) *link.CheckLayer {
 	if l == nil {

cmd/mesh-builder/release_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// **A pull request into a release branch reaches the check as one** (novox/hq ADR 0358): the build seat hands the
+// check the release branch and, beside it, the trunk each repository is read at when it has no branch of that name;
+// and it hands the check the judge cache the build agent declares (MESH_JUDGE_CACHE), never a path of its own.
+func TestTheBuildSeatHandsTheCheckItsReleaseBranch(t *testing.T) {
+	spec := checkSpecOf(link.BuildRequest{ID: "b", Repository: "r", Ref: "abc", Check: &link.CheckRequest{
+		Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-catalog", Base: "feat/57", Release: "feat/57",
+		Beside: map[string]link.CheckedOut{"mesh-host": {Repository: "h", Ref: "feat/57", Else: "main"}}}})
+	if spec.Release != "feat/57" || spec.Beside["mesh-host"].Ref != "feat/57" || spec.Beside["mesh-host"].Else != "main" {
+		t.Fatalf("the check was handed release %q and mesh-host %+v", spec.Release, spec.Beside["mesh-host"])
+	}
+	t.Setenv("MESH_JUDGE_CACHE", "/var/lib/mesh/build-agent/judge-cache")
+	if got := judgeCache(); got != "/var/lib/mesh/build-agent/judge-cache" {
+		t.Fatalf("the judge cache the manifest declares is read as %q", got)
+	}
+	t.Setenv("MESH_JUDGE_CACHE", "")
+	if got := judgeCache(); got != "" {
+		t.Fatalf("with no judge cache declared, %q is used", got)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-builder/stdout_test.go

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

cmd/mesh-builder/tried_test.go

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

cmd/mesh-controller/accept_outside.go

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

cmd/mesh-controller/acting.go

@@ -26,8 +26,11 @@ import (
 //
 //   - **The serving controller** takes it before it does anything else — before it asserts the bus's
 //     objects, which are the controller's to write — waiting while another holds it, and renews it.
-//     A renewal refused or failed is the lease lost: the gate closes at once and the process exits, so
+//     Another holder seen, or the key's age passed with no renewal made, is the lease lost: the gate
-//     its service manager restarts it as a candidate (serve, in push.go).
+//     closes at once and the process exits, so its service manager restarts it as a candidate (serve,
+//     in push.go). A renewal the bus does not answer in time is not a loss (novox/hq issue 477): the
+//     lease is kept, no new act starts once half the key's age passed unrenewed, and the next renewal
+//     made opens the gate again.
 //   - **A command run at a shell** — `push` in the installer, the lab, a person repairing a mesh whose
 //     controller is down (issue 201) — acts **under the holder's epoch** when a controller holds the
 //     lease: it is the same mesh's word, composed and sent under the store's hold of each machine like

cmd/mesh-controller/acts.go

@@ -203,8 +203,9 @@ func seatDependenciesOnAssign(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string, mo
 	if _, err := catalogue.AssignRefusal(shelf, node, assigned, adding); err != nil {
 		return nil, nil, err
 	}
-	// Two modules declaring one package, path or unit is refused before anything is recorded
+	// Two modules declaring one path or unit, or one package present and absent, is refused before anything
-	// (novox/hq ADR 0210, 04-ISSUES/235): kept, the node would not resolve until one came off again.
+	// is recorded (novox/hq ADR 0210, ADR 0303, 04-ISSUES/235): kept, the node would not resolve until one came
+	// off again. Two modules declaring one package present is not a collision (ADR 0303, issue 628).
 	if err := catalogue.CollisionRefusal(shelf, node, assigned, adding); err != nil {
 		return nil, nil, err
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/addresses_test.go

@@ -140,7 +140,7 @@ func TestTheRegistryTrustAndEveryImageFollowThePortTheNodeGaveTheStore(t *testin
 	}
 
 	// And a replay to the catalogue says where the store is now.
-	announced, err := following{open}.Announceable(ctx)
+	announced, err := following{open: open}.Announceable(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/adoption.go

@@ -722,7 +722,7 @@ func converge(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string, yes bool, digest s
 		return "", err
 	}
 	derived := derivedFilter{rules: rules, foundation: with.Foundation, mesh: with.Mesh,
-		outward: plan.PublicDomain != "", outwardLinks: with.OutwardLinks}
+		outward: plan.PublicDomain != "", outwardLinks: with.OutwardLinks, local: with.LocalNetworks}
 	filtering, err := inv.FilteringOf(ctx, node)
 	if err != nil {
 		return "", err
@@ -930,6 +930,9 @@ type derivedFilter struct {
 	// The filter constrains what arrives on them; everything arriving elsewhere is this machine's
 	// own guest and is not filtered.
 	outwardLinks []string
+	// local is the machine's local networks, which a port from `local-network` stays open to (novox/hq
+	// ADR 0340).
+	local []string
 }
 
 // closesOutside is what a narrowing from everywhere to the private network is called: it closes.
@@ -977,6 +980,17 @@ func (d derivedFilter) fate(r inventory.Reach) string {
 			if !onMesh {
 				return fmt.Sprintf("%s — declared by %s from the mesh only", closesOutside, by)
 			}
+		case catalogue.FromLocalNetwork:
+			// The private network and this machine's local networks (novox/hq ADR 0340): it closes to
+			// everything else outside, and says which local networks stay.
+			if !onMesh {
+				if len(d.local) == 0 {
+					return fmt.Sprintf("%s — declared by %s from the local network, and this machine "+
+						"reported none", closesOutside, by)
+				}
+				return fmt.Sprintf("WILL CLOSE to everything outside the private network and %s — declared "+
+					"by %s from the local network", strings.Join(d.local, ", "), by)
+			}
 		}
 		return fmt.Sprintf("declared by %s (from %s)", by, rule.From)
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/batches.go

@@ -688,7 +688,7 @@ func spelledOf(m inventory.BatchedMerge) string {
 func namedOf(m inventory.BatchedMerge, repository string) inventory.PlanMerge {
 	k := announcedOf(m)
 	return inventory.PlanMerge{Repository: repository, Commit: m.Commit, Number: k.Number, Title: k.Title, Moves: k.Moves,
-		Merged: m.Merged, Heard: m.Heard}
+		Head: k.HeadSHA, Merged: m.Merged, Heard: m.Heard}
 }
 
 // laterMerge says a was merged after b: by the forge's merge time, then by when each was heard.
@@ -1000,10 +1000,15 @@ func planBatch(ctx context.Context, open *stores, batch *inventory.Plan, carry [
 	plan.Delivery.Merges = named
 	plan.Delivery.Alone = batch.Delivery != nil && batch.Delivery.Alone
 	plan.Delivery.Withheld = withheld
+	// **Left where it is, a module whose program did not change** (novox/hq issue 721): its check found it the same as
+	// the build the mesh holds.
+	for n, why := range leaveSameAsRunning(ctx, inv, &plan, moved, append(append([]inventory.Edge{}, edges...), ordered...)) {
+		unchanged[n] = why
+	}
 	plan.Delivery.Unchanged = unchangedLeft(unchanged, plan.Modules)
 	// **Its moments and its class** (novox/hq ADR 0282 decision 6): measured, never acted on.
 	plan.Times = walkTimesAtCut(*batch, plan, entries, now)
-	if len(moved) == 0 {
+	if len(moved) == 0 || len(plan.Modules) == 0 {
 		plan.State = inventory.PlanDone
 		plan.Tiers = [][]string{}
 		plan.Note = "moved nothing the mesh holds: nothing to walk"

cmd/mesh-controller/batches_test.go

@@ -758,7 +758,7 @@ func TestTheCatchUpKeepsWhatACutMadeHistory(t *testing.T) {
 		return entries, read, err
 	}
 	if err := catchUpOnMerges(ctx, time.Now(), unheardMerges{announcedList(lost), open.inventory}, catalogued,
-		(following{open}).SourceMoved, t.Logf); err != nil {
+		(following{open: open}).SourceMoved, t.Logf); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
 	got, _ := open.inventory.PlanByID(ctx, w.ID)

cmd/mesh-controller/build.go

@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@ import (
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
 
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/builder"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
@@ -483,6 +484,7 @@ func buildOneAsked(ctx context.Context, source buildSource, path, ref string, wa
 		Seats:      seatBases(ctx),
 		DryRun:     dryRun,
 	}
+	request.Reuse = reuseAsked(ctx, dryRun)
 	fmt.Printf("asked for %s", source)
 	if source.Seat != "" {
 		fmt.Printf(" (%s)", repository)
@@ -669,6 +671,12 @@ func takeIn(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, result link.BuildResu
 		return manifest, kept, fmt.Errorf("%s built %s (%s), recorded and not registered: %w", result.On,
 			manifest.Module, short(result.Commit), err)
 	}
+	// **Never a build in the scratch namespace** (novox/hq ADR 0239 §9, ADR 0350 §2): what a check builds is
+	// registered only as the walk's copy in the module's own namespace.
+	if scratch := inScratch(result.Made); scratch != "" {
+		return manifest, kept, fmt.Errorf("%s built %s (%s), recorded and not registered: %s is in the scratch "+
+			"namespace, which only a walk's copy leaves (ADR 0350)", result.On, manifest.Module, short(result.Commit), scratch)
+	}
 	// **A build that failed its gate is never registered again** (novox/hq ADR 0236): an outcome heard
 	// twice, or replayed, would otherwise make the build a rollback put back what the module is again,
 	// and the next push would send it.
@@ -714,6 +722,16 @@ func takeIn(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, result link.BuildResu
 	return manifest, kept, nil
 }
 
+// inScratch is the first artifact a build made into the scratch namespace; empty when none is.
+func inScratch(made []link.MadeArtifact) string {
+	for _, m := range made {
+		if path, kept := catalogue.InArtifactStore(catalogue.Recorded(m.Reference)); kept && strings.HasPrefix(path, builder.ScratchPrefix) {
+			return m.Reference
+		}
+	}
+	return ""
+}
+
 // errOffTheTrunk is a build of a commit off its repository's trunk, which is never published.
 var errOffTheTrunk = errors.New("the commit is not on its repository's trunk: a commit off the trunk is checked, " +
 	"never published (ADR 0238) — merge it, and the merge builds it")
@@ -881,6 +899,34 @@ type answers struct {
 //
 // Routed through the artifact store as the network reaches it now (novox/hq 04-ISSUES/102): a
 // base is recorded by digest and path, and a build machine needs something it can pull.
+// runningBy is, keyed "<module>/<artifact>", each artifact of the build the mesh has registered for its module, as a
+// builder reaches the artifact store (novox/hq issue 721): what a check compares its builds with. Empty when it cannot
+// be read, said, and then nothing is said unchanged.
+func runningBy(ctx context.Context) map[string]string {
+	open, err := openStores(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "could not read what this mesh runs, so the check compares nothing: %v\n", err)
+		// empty-on-error: said above; a check given nothing to compare with says no module unchanged, and all move
+		return nil
+	}
+	defer open.Close()
+	running, err := open.inventory.RegisteredHeld(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "could not read what this mesh runs, so the check compares nothing: %v\n", err)
+		// empty-on-error: said above; a check given nothing to compare with says no module unchanged, and all move
+		return nil
+	}
+	address, err := whereABuilderReachesTheStore(ctx, open.inventory)
+	if err != nil || address == "" {
+		return running
+	}
+	routed := make(map[string]string, len(running))
+	for key, reference := range running {
+		routed[key] = catalogue.Rerouted(reference, address)
+	}
+	return routed
+}
+
 func heldBy(ctx context.Context) map[string]string {
 	open, err := openStores(ctx)
 	if err != nil {

cmd/mesh-controller/bus_users_closed_test.go

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

cmd/mesh-controller/busobjects.go

@@ -60,9 +60,19 @@ func assertBusObjects(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, r broker.Ra
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
+	// And every module's own stream (novox/hq ADR 0363), from the catalogue, before the consumers on it.
+	modStreams, err := inv.DeclaredStreams(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
 	// Every one tried, and every failure named: one module's consumer the bus refuses is no reason
 	// the modules after it in the list hear nothing (novox/hq issue 208, where this runs on each send).
 	var failed []error
+	for _, s := range broker.ModuleStreams(modStreams) {
+		if err := r.EnsureStream(s); err != nil {
+			failed = append(failed, fmt.Errorf("the module stream %s: %w", s.Name, err))
+		}
+	}
 	for _, s := range trafficStreams {
 		if err := r.EnsureStream(s); err != nil {
 			failed = append(failed, fmt.Errorf("the work queue %s: %w", s.Name, err))
@@ -73,11 +83,30 @@ func assertBusObjects(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, r broker.Ra
 			failed = append(failed, fmt.Errorf("the worker %s on %s: %w", c.Name, c.Stream, err))
 		}
 	}
+	restricted := map[string]bool{}
+	for _, s := range modStreams {
+		restricted[s.Name] = s.Restricted
+	}
 	for _, c := range consumers {
-		if err := r.EnsureConsumer(c.Consumer); err != nil {
+		if err := broker.EnsureHeard(r, c.Consumer, restricted[c.Consumer.Stream]); err != nil {
 			failed = append(failed, fmt.Errorf("how %s on %s hears what it consumes: %w", c.Module, c.Node, err))
 		}
 	}
+	// **And a consumer no longer granted loses what it reads through** (novox/hq ADR 0363 §6): every consumer
+	// on a module's stream the composition no longer asks for is removed, on this very send.
+	if p, prunes := r.(broker.Pruner); prunes && len(modStreams) > 0 {
+		var wanted []broker.Consumer
+		for _, c := range consumers {
+			wanted = append(wanted, c.Consumer)
+		}
+		removed, err := broker.PruneHeard(p, modStreams, wanted)
+		if err != nil {
+			failed = append(failed, err)
+		}
+		for _, gone := range removed {
+			fmt.Printf("  removed the consumer %s: its module is no longer granted that stream (novox/hq ADR 0363)\n", gone)
+		}
+	}
 	if len(failed) > 0 {
 		return nil, errors.Join(failed...)
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/busy.go

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

cmd/mesh-controller/busy_test.go

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

cmd/mesh-controller/check_builds.go

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

cmd/mesh-controller/check_builds_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,280 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"reflect"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/builder"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// One build per change (novox/hq ADR 0350), as the controller asks it and takes it in.
+
+// The check of a change is asked to build what a merge of it would move, in the walk's order: a module of the
+// repository checked from the merge, one standing on it from its own repository as the walk builds it, and one
+// that reads the repository through a context not at all. A change that moves no module builds nothing.
+func TestACheckIsAskedToBuildWhatTheMergeWouldMove(t *testing.T) {
+	entries := []inventory.Entry{
+		{Manifest: catalogue.Manifest{Module: "app"}, Source: inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/shop", Seat: "git", Path: "modules/app"}},
+		{Manifest: catalogue.Manifest{Module: "web"}, Source: inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/web", Seat: "git", Ref: "main"}},
+		{Manifest: catalogue.Manifest{Module: "docs"}, Source: inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/docs", Seat: "git"}},
+	}
+	p := link.PullUpdated{Owner: "novox", Repo: "shop", Number: 7, Base: "main", Commit: "abc"}
+	scope := checkScope{Reach: mergeReach{Packaging: entries[2:], Plan: inventory.Plan{Tiers: [][]string{{"app", "docs"}, {"web"}}}}}
+	clone := func(s inventory.Source) (string, error) { return "http://forge.invalid/" + s.Repository + ".git", nil }
+
+	got := checkBuildsOf(p, scope, entries, clone)
+	want := []link.CheckBuild{
+		{Module: "app", Path: "modules/app", Merged: true, Tier: 0},
+		{Module: "docs", Tier: 0, Skip: "its build reads novox/shop through a context, which a check cannot hand the merge"},
+		{Module: "web", Repository: "http://forge.invalid/novox/web.git", Ref: "main", Tier: 1},
+	}
+	if !reflect.DeepEqual(got, want) {
+		t.Fatalf("the check is asked to build\n%+v\nwant\n%+v", got, want)
+	}
+	if got := checkBuildsOf(p, checkScope{}, entries, clone); got != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("a change that moves no module asks for builds: %+v", got)
+	}
+}
+
+// A walk's ask carries its leave to take a check's build, naming the pull requests of the merges it answers; a dry
+// run never does, and neither does an ask that is not a walk's.
+func TestOnlyAWalksAskTakesAChecksBuildAndADryRunNever(t *testing.T) {
+	p := &inventory.Plan{Delivery: &inventory.PlanDelivery{Merges: []inventory.PlanMerge{
+		{Repository: "novox/shop", Number: 7}, {Repository: "http://forge.invalid/novox/web.git", Number: 3},
+		{Repository: "novox/shop", Number: 7}, {Repository: "novox/shop"}}}}
+	asked := reuseAskOf(p)
+	if want := []link.PullRef{{Owner: "novox", Repo: "shop", Number: 7}, {Owner: "novox", Repo: "web", Number: 3}}; !reflect.DeepEqual(asked.Pulls, want) {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk names %+v", asked.Pulls)
+	}
+	walk := withReuse(t.Context(), asked)
+	if reuseAsked(walk, false) != asked {
+		t.Fatal("a walk's ask does not carry its leave")
+	}
+	if reuseAsked(walk, true) != nil {
+		t.Fatal("a dry run carries a leave to take a check's build")
+	}
+	if reuseAsked(t.Context(), false) != nil {
+		t.Fatal("an ask that is not a walk's carries a leave")
+	}
+}
+
+// A walk ended lets go of its merges' check builds — only once it ended, after it took what it reuses.
+func TestAWalkEndedLetsGoOfItsMergesCheckBuilds(t *testing.T) {
+	var forgot []builder.PullRef
+	was := forgetChecks
+	forgetChecks = func(_ context.Context, _ *inventory.Inventory, pull builder.PullRef) (string, error) {
+		forgot = append(forgot, pull)
+		return "", nil
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { forgetChecks = was })
+	p := inventory.Plan{ID: "plan-1", Delivery: &inventory.PlanDelivery{Merges: []inventory.PlanMerge{
+		{Repository: "novox/shop", Number: 7}}}}
+
+	p.WalkSaid = inventory.WalkStarted
+	forgetChecksOfWalk(t.Context(), nil, p)
+	p.WalkSaid = ""
+	forgetChecksOfWalk(t.Context(), nil, p)
+	if len(forgot) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a walk not ended let go of %v, which it may still take", forgot)
+	}
+	p.WalkSaid = inventory.WalkEnded
+	forgetChecksOfWalk(t.Context(), nil, p)
+	if want := []builder.PullRef{{Owner: "novox", Repo: "shop", Number: 7}}; !reflect.DeepEqual(forgot, want) {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk ended let go of %v", forgot)
+	}
+}
+
+// A build in the scratch namespace is never registered: only the walk's copy in the module's own namespace is.
+func TestABuildInTheScratchNamespaceIsNeverRegistered(t *testing.T) {
+	if got := inScratch([]link.MadeArtifact{{Name: "server", Reference: "store.internal:5000/app/server@sha256:aa"}}); got != "" {
+		t.Fatalf("a module's own build reads as a scratch build: %s", got)
+	}
+	scratch := "store.internal:5000/scratch/app/server@sha256:aa"
+	if got := inScratch([]link.MadeArtifact{{Name: "server", Reference: scratch}}); got != scratch {
+		t.Fatalf("a scratch build was not found: %q", got)
+	}
+	if got := inScratch([]link.MadeArtifact{{Name: "look", Reference: "http://store.internal:5000/v2/scratch/app/look/blobs/sha256:bb"}}); got == "" {
+		t.Fatal("a scratch archive was not found")
+	}
+}
+
+// The walk says per module what it did: "reused from …" or "built: <why>" — and a build seat from before says
+// neither, which is said.
+func TestAWalksBuildSaysWhetherItReusedOrBuilt(t *testing.T) {
+	if got := (link.BuildResult{Reused: "reused from the check of novox/shop#7"}).MadeWords(); got != "reused from the check of novox/shop#7" {
+		t.Fatalf("said %q", got)
+	}
+	if got := (link.BuildResult{BuiltWhy: "no check built it"}).MadeWords(); got != "built: no check built it" {
+		t.Fatalf("said %q", got)
+	}
+	if got := (link.BuildResult{}).MadeWords(); !strings.Contains(got, "predates ADR 0350") {
+		t.Fatalf("said %q", got)
+	}
+}
+
+// A walk's module the check's build stood in for is registered by the digest the check built — the copy in the
+// module's namespace — and the walk keeps "reused from …" for it; its first-node gate judges that registered
+// build as it judges one the walk built. A scratch reference is refused. Needs the store (MESH_TEST_POSTGRES), and
+// is named in testdata/store-tests.
+func TestAReusedCheckBuildIsRegisteredByItsDigestAndGatedAsABuiltOne(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate's own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
+	g := aGateMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := g.open.inventory
+	gateEvery = 0
+
+	digest := "sha256:" + strings.Repeat("c", 64)
+	reused := func(id, reference string) link.BuildResult {
+		manifest := mustJSON(t, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "app", Version: "c3", Resources: []map[string]any{
+			{"id": "svc", "type": "container", "name": "app", "image": reference}}})
+		return link.BuildResult{ID: id, Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Path: "modules/app", Ref: "main", On: "anchor",
+			Commit: "c3", Manifest: manifest, Trunk: "main", OnTrunk: true, Branches: []string{"main"},
+			Made:   []link.MadeArtifact{{Name: "server", Kind: "image", Reference: reference}},
+			Source: &link.SourceOnSeat{Seat: "git", Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog"},
+			Reused: "reused from the check of novox/mesh-catalog#9 at head abcdefabcdef (merged into trunk 123456123456): server " + digest,
+			ReusedFrom: &link.ReusedFrom{Pull: link.PullRef{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-catalog", Number: 9},
+				Head: "abcdefabcdef", Trunk: "123456123456", Key: "r1:" + strings.Repeat("1", 64)}}
+	}
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, inv, reused(link.NewBuildID(time.Now()), "store.internal:5000/scratch/app/server@"+digest)); err == nil ||
+		!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "scratch") {
+		t.Fatalf("a build in the scratch namespace was registered: %v", err)
+	}
+	id := link.NewBuildID(time.Now().Add(time.Second))
+	result := reused(id, "store.internal:5000/app/server@"+digest)
+	if _, _, err := takeIn(ctx, inv, result); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	current, err := inv.CurrentBuilds(ctx)
+	if err != nil || current["app"].Commit != "c3" {
+		t.Fatalf("the reused build is not what app is registered at: %+v %v", current["app"], err)
+	}
+	shelf, err := inv.Catalogue(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	raw, _ := json.Marshal(shelf["app"].Resources)
+	if !strings.Contains(string(raw), "app/server@"+digest) {
+		t.Fatalf("app is registered as %s, not by the check's digest in its own namespace", raw)
+	}
+
+	// The walk asked it: the walk keeps what its build did, and its gate judges the registered build.
+	asked := time.Now().UTC()
+	p := g.plan(t)
+	p.Commit = "c3"
+	p.Modules["app"] = &inventory.PlanModule{State: "asked", AskedAt: &asked, Build: id}
+	if err := inv.SavePlan(ctx, &p); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	planBuiltSaying(ctx, g.open, "app", "c3", "", asked, id, result.MadeWords())
+	p = g.plan(t)
+	if m := p.Modules["app"]; m.State != "built" || !strings.HasPrefix(m.Made, "reused from the check of novox/mesh-catalog#9") {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk keeps %+v", m)
+	}
+	for i := 0; i < 6; i++ {
+		advancePlans(ctx, g.open)
+	}
+	p = g.plan(t)
+	gate := p.Modules["app"].Gate
+	if gate == nil || gate.To != "c3" || gate.Verdict != inventory.GatePassed {
+		t.Fatalf("the gate judged %+v, not the reused build", gate)
+	}
+	if sent, _, _ := inv.SentBuilds(ctx, "anchor"); sent["app"] != "c3" {
+		t.Fatalf("the first machine was sent %v, not the reused build", sent)
+	}
+}
+
+// A walk's leave names the builds its own pull requests' verdicts made at the head each merge merged — never an
+// earlier head's — read once per walk, and none when they cannot be read: the builder takes nothing a verdict does
+// not name (novox/hq ADR 0350 §2, issue 703).
+func TestAWalksLeaveNamesTheBuildsItsPullRequestsVerdictsMade(t *testing.T) {
+	was := checkedBuildsOf
+	forgetWalkVerdicts()
+	t.Cleanup(func() { checkedBuildsOf = was; forgetWalkVerdicts() })
+	var asked [][]link.PullRef
+	pull := link.PullRef{Owner: "novox", Repo: "shop", Number: 7}
+	atHead := link.CheckedBuild{Pull: pull, Check: "build-2", Head: "bbbbbbbbbbbb", Built: link.CheckBuilt{Module: "app", Key: "r1:2"}}
+	earlier := link.CheckedBuild{Pull: pull, Check: "build-1", Head: "aaaaaaaaaaaa", Built: link.CheckBuilt{Module: "app", Key: "r1:1"}}
+	checkedBuildsOf = func(_ context.Context, pulls []link.PullRef) ([]link.CheckedBuild, error) {
+		asked = append(asked, pulls)
+		return []link.CheckedBuild{atHead, earlier}, nil
+	}
+	pulls := []link.PullRef{pull}
+	heads := map[link.PullRef]string{pull: "bbbbbbbbbbbb0123456789"}
+	for range 3 {
+		if got := reuseWithVerdicts(t.Context(), "plan-1", &link.ReuseAsk{Pulls: pulls}, heads); !reflect.DeepEqual(got.Builds,
+			[]link.CheckedBuild{atHead}) {
+			t.Fatalf("the leave names %+v, not only the merged head's build", got.Builds)
+		}
+	}
+	if !reflect.DeepEqual(asked, [][]link.PullRef{pulls}) {
+		t.Fatalf("the verdicts were read %d times for one walk: %v", len(asked), asked)
+	}
+	// A merge whose head was not said takes nothing.
+	if got := reuseWithVerdicts(t.Context(), "plan-1", &link.ReuseAsk{Pulls: pulls}, nil); got.Builds != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("a merge of no said head names %+v", got.Builds)
+	}
+	checkedBuildsOf = func(context.Context, []link.PullRef) ([]link.CheckedBuild, error) {
+		return nil, errors.New("no bus")
+	}
+	if got := reuseWithVerdicts(t.Context(), "plan-2", &link.ReuseAsk{Pulls: pulls}, heads); got.Builds != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("verdicts that could not be read named %+v", got.Builds)
+	}
+}
+
+// A check is handed only the builds earlier checks of its own pull request at its own head made: another pull
+// request's build, or an earlier head's, is never kept (novox/hq issue 703). None when they cannot be read.
+func TestACheckIsHandedOnlyItsOwnHeadsBuilds(t *testing.T) {
+	was := checkedBuildsOf
+	t.Cleanup(func() { checkedBuildsOf = was })
+	pull := link.PullRef{Owner: "novox", Repo: "shop", Number: 7}
+	mine := link.CheckedBuild{Pull: pull, Check: "build-1", Head: "bbbbbbbbbbbb", Built: link.CheckBuilt{Module: "app", Key: "r1:1"}}
+	earlier := link.CheckedBuild{Pull: pull, Check: "build-0", Head: "aaaaaaaaaaaa", Built: link.CheckBuilt{Module: "app", Key: "r1:1"}}
+	another := link.CheckedBuild{Pull: link.PullRef{Owner: "novox", Repo: "shop", Number: 8}, Check: "build-9",
+		Head: "bbbbbbbbbbbb", Built: link.CheckBuilt{Module: "app", Key: "r1:1"}}
+	var asked [][]link.PullRef
+	checkedBuildsOf = func(_ context.Context, pulls []link.PullRef) ([]link.CheckedBuild, error) {
+		asked = append(asked, pulls)
+		return []link.CheckedBuild{mine, earlier, another}, nil
+	}
+	p := link.PullUpdated{Owner: "novox", Repo: "shop", Number: 7, Commit: "bbbbbbbbbbbb0123456789"}
+	builds := []link.CheckBuild{{Module: "app"}}
+	if got := namedForTheCheck(t.Context(), p, builds); !reflect.DeepEqual(got, []link.CheckedBuild{mine}) ||
+		!reflect.DeepEqual(asked, [][]link.PullRef{{pull}}) {
+		t.Fatalf("the check is handed %+v, read for %v", got, asked)
+	}
+	checkedBuildsOf = func(context.Context, []link.PullRef) ([]link.CheckedBuild, error) {
+		return nil, errors.New("no bus")
+	}
+	if got := namedForTheCheck(t.Context(), p, builds); got != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("verdicts that could not be read named %+v", got)
+	}
+}
+
+func forgetWalkVerdicts() {
+	walkVerdicts.Lock()
+	defer walkVerdicts.Unlock()
+	walkVerdicts.read = map[string]verdictsRead{}
+}
+
+// A walk's merged heads are the forge's word for each merge; a merge announced without its head, or a pull request
+// merged at two heads in one walk, has none, and its walk takes no check's build (novox/hq issue 703).
+func TestAWalksMergedHeadsAreTheForgesWord(t *testing.T) {
+	merge := func(number int, head string) inventory.PlanMerge {
+		return inventory.PlanMerge{Repository: "novox/shop", Number: number, Head: head}
+	}
+	p := &inventory.Plan{Delivery: &inventory.PlanDelivery{Merges: []inventory.PlanMerge{
+		merge(7, "aaaaaaaaaaaa1"), merge(8, ""), merge(9, "bbbbbbbbbbbb"), merge(9, "cccccccccccc")}}}
+	heads := mergedHeadsOf(p)
+	shop := func(n int) link.PullRef { return link.PullRef{Owner: "novox", Repo: "shop", Number: n} }
+	if heads[shop(7)] != "aaaaaaaaaaaa1" || heads[shop(8)] != "" || heads[shop(9)] != "" {
+		t.Fatalf("merged heads %v", heads)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/checks.go

@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ package main
 import (
 	"context"
 	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"path"
 	"regexp"
@@ -188,6 +189,8 @@ func (f following) PullUpdated(ctx context.Context, p link.PullUpdated) error {
 	if err := ask.Ask(ctx, request); err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
+	// A new head ends the check of the old one (novox/hq issue 726).
+	endingSupersededChecks(ctx, seat, p, request.ID, f.oneShot)
 	what := "its own merge-check.sh alone: " + noModuleTouched
 	if scope.gated() {
 		what = fmt.Sprintf("the gate over %s (a merge would build %d module(s) in %d tier(s))",
@@ -248,31 +251,16 @@ func checkRequestFor(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p link.PullUpdated, scop
 	if err != nil {
 		return link.BuildRequest{}, err
 	}
-	// Beside it, at what the mesh runs: each core repository by the module the mesh builds from it.
+	// **A pull request into a release branch is judged by that branch** (novox/hq ADR 0358): asked of the forge once.
-	beside := map[string]link.CheckedOut{}
+	release, err := releaseBranchOf(ctx, p, scope, entries)
-	for _, e := range entries {
+	if err != nil {
-		dir, core := coreModules[e.Manifest.Module]
+		return link.BuildRequest{}, err
-		if !core || e.Provided || e.Source.Repository == "" {
-			continue
-		}
-		url, err := clone(e.Source)
-		if err != nil {
-			return link.BuildRequest{}, err
-		}
-		refs := besideRefs(dir, current[e.Manifest.Module].Commit)
-		beside[dir] = link.CheckedOut{Repository: url, Ref: refs[dir]}
-		if dir == "mesh-controller" {
-			beside["mesh-controller-main"] = link.CheckedOut{Repository: url, Ref: refs["mesh-controller-main"]}
-			if e.Source.Seat != "" {
-				for _, sibling := range []string{"mesh-lab", "mesh-sdk"} {
-					if url, err := clone(inventory.Source{Seat: e.Source.Seat, Repository: siblingOf(e.Source.Repository,
-						sibling)}); err == nil {
-						beside[sibling] = link.CheckedOut{Repository: url, Ref: refs[sibling]}
-					}
-				}
-			}
-		}
 	}
+	beside, err := besideOf(entries, func(module string) string { return current[module].Commit }, clone, release)
+	if err != nil {
+		return link.BuildRequest{}, err
+	}
+	builds := checkBuildsOf(p, scope, entries, clone)
 	return link.BuildRequest{
 		ID:         link.NewBuildID(time.Now()),
 		Repository: repository,
@@ -282,10 +270,237 @@ func checkRequestFor(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p link.PullUpdated, scop
 		Source:     sourceOnSeat(source),
 		Check: &link.CheckRequest{Owner: p.Owner, Repo: p.Repo, Number: p.Number, Base: p.Base,
 			Paths: p.Paths, Beside: beside, Modules: scope.Modules, Dependents: scope.Dependents, New: scope.New,
-			Manifests: scope.Manifests, Judge: scope.Judge},
+			Manifests: scope.Manifests, Judge: scope.Judge, Builds: builds, Named: namedForTheCheck(ctx, p, builds),
+			Release: release, Running: runningBy(ctx)},
 	}, nil
 }
 
+// besideOf is what a check reads beside its own repository, by the directory it is found under: each core repository
+// by the module the mesh builds from it, at besideRefs — or, for a pull request into a release branch (novox/hq ADR
+// 0358 §3), at its branch of that name where it has one and at its trunk otherwise, the controller's main kept for
+// its judge, and mesh-lab at its trunk whatever the base: its replays run with the container runtime's socket. running
+// is the commit the mesh runs of a module.
+func besideOf(entries []inventory.Entry, running func(module string) string,
+	clone func(inventory.Source) (string, error), release string) (map[string]link.CheckedOut, error) {
+	beside := map[string]link.CheckedOut{}
+	for _, e := range entries {
+		dir, core := coreModules[e.Manifest.Module]
+		if !core || e.Provided || e.Source.Repository == "" {
+			continue
+		}
+		url, err := clone(e.Source)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		refs := besideRefs(dir, running(e.Manifest.Module))
+		at := func(dir, trunk string) link.CheckedOut {
+			if release == "" {
+				return link.CheckedOut{Repository: url, Ref: refs[dir]}
+			}
+			if trunk == "" {
+				trunk = "main"
+			}
+			return link.CheckedOut{Repository: url, Ref: release, Else: trunk}
+		}
+		beside[dir] = at(dir, followedBranch(e.Source.Ref))
+		if dir == "mesh-controller" {
+			// The controller's main stays its main: it judges only a check the running controller predates.
+			beside["mesh-controller-main"] = link.CheckedOut{Repository: url, Ref: refs["mesh-controller-main"]}
+			if release != "" {
+				// mesh-controller has the release branch: that is what makes it one (ADR 0358 §1).
+				beside[dir] = link.CheckedOut{Repository: url, Ref: release}
+			}
+			if e.Source.Seat != "" {
+				for _, sibling := range []string{"mesh-lab", "mesh-sdk"} {
+					if url, err := clone(inventory.Source{Seat: e.Source.Seat, Repository: siblingOf(e.Source.Repository,
+						sibling)}); err == nil {
+						b := link.CheckedOut{Repository: url, Ref: refs[sibling]}
+						// **mesh-lab is read at its trunk, always** (ADR 0358): its replays run with the container
+						// runtime's socket, so they are only ever reviewed code — never a branch anyone may create.
+						if release != "" && sibling != "mesh-lab" {
+							b = link.CheckedOut{Repository: url, Ref: release, Else: "main"}
+						}
+						beside[sibling] = b
+					}
+				}
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return beside, nil
+}
+
+// releaseBranchOf is the release branch a pull request merges into (novox/hq ADR 0358 §1): its base, when that is not
+// its repository's trunk and mesh-controller has a branch of that name; empty otherwise, and the pull request is
+// checked as before it. **A base that is a trunk asks nothing**: the branch a module built from the repository follows
+// (main when it records none), or mesh-controller's own trunk. Any other base is asked of the forge once, and an
+// answer it cannot give is an error, never read as "no release branch".
+func releaseBranchOf(ctx context.Context, p link.PullUpdated, scope checkScope, entries []inventory.Entry) (string, error) {
+	base := p.Base
+	if base == "" {
+		return "", nil
+	}
+	if scope.From != nil && base == trunkOf(scope.From.Source) {
+		return "", nil
+	}
+	var controller *inventory.Entry
+	for i, e := range entries {
+		if e.Manifest.Module == "mesh-controller" && !e.Provided && e.Source.Repository != "" {
+			controller = &entries[i]
+			break
+		}
+	}
+	if controller == nil || base == trunkOf(controller.Source) {
+		return "", nil
+	}
+	if !tryRef.MatchString(base) || strings.Contains(base, "..") {
+		return "", nil // no branch the forge could hold: checked as before
+	}
+	owner, repo := sourceOwner(controller.Source.Repository), sourceName(controller.Source.Repository)
+	if owner == "" || repo == "" {
+		return "", nil
+	}
+	has, err := forgeHasBranch(ctx, owner, repo, base)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("whether %s/%s#%d merges into a release branch cannot be told — the forge did not say "+
+			"whether %s/%s has a branch %s (novox/hq ADR 0358): %w", p.Owner, p.Repo, p.Number, owner, repo, base, err)
+	}
+	if !has {
+		return "", nil
+	}
+	return base, nil
+}
+
+// trunkOf is the branch a module's source follows: main when it records none, or records a commit.
+func trunkOf(s inventory.Source) string {
+	if t := strings.TrimSpace(followedBranch(s.Ref)); t != "" {
+		return t
+	}
+	return "main"
+}
+
+// sourceName is the name of a recorded repository, a path on the git seat or a URL: novox/mesh-host → mesh-host.
+func sourceName(repository string) string {
+	parts := strings.Split(strings.Trim(strings.TrimSuffix(repository, ".git"), "/"), "/")
+	if len(parts) < 2 {
+		return ""
+	}
+	return parts[len(parts)-1]
+}
+
+// forgeHasBranch asks the forge, through its module's tools on the bus, whether a repository has a branch. A
+// variable so a test needs no forge.
+var forgeHasBranch = func(ctx context.Context, owner, repo, branch string) (bool, error) {
+	js, err := aBus()
+	if err != nil {
+		return false, err
+	}
+	defer js.Close()
+	raw, _ := json.Marshal(map[string]any{"path": "/repos/" + owner + "/" + repo + "/branches/" + branch})
+	answer, err := link.Ask(ctx, link.OverNATS{Conn: js.Conn()}, "gitea", "gitea_api", raw, 30*time.Second)
+	if err != nil {
+		return false, err
+	}
+	return branchAnswered(answer, branch)
+}
+
+// branchAnswered reads the forge's answer about a branch: a 404 is "no such branch"; an answer naming the branch is
+// "it has it"; anything else — another error, an unreadable answer, one naming no branch or another — is an error,
+// never read as "no release branch".
+func branchAnswered(answer link.Answer, branch string) (bool, error) {
+	if answer.Error != "" {
+		if strings.Contains(answer.Error, " 404 ") {
+			return false, nil
+		}
+		return false, errors.New(answer.Error)
+	}
+	var found struct {
+		Result struct {
+			Name string `json:"name"`
+		} `json:"result"`
+	}
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(answer.Result, &found); err != nil {
+		return false, fmt.Errorf("the forge's answer about branch %s cannot be read: %w", branch, err)
+	}
+	if found.Result.Name != branch {
+		return false, fmt.Errorf("the forge answered about branch %s naming %q", branch, found.Result.Name)
+	}
+	return true, nil
+}
+
+// namedForTheCheck are the builds earlier checks of the same pull request at the same head named, read once for the
+// check (novox/hq issue 703): asked again because only the trunk moved, the check keeps what they built of a key
+// still the same. Another pull request's build, or one of an earlier head, is never kept. None when they cannot be
+// read, and the check builds, as before.
+func namedForTheCheck(ctx context.Context, p link.PullUpdated, builds []link.CheckBuild) []link.CheckedBuild {
+	if len(builds) == 0 || p.Commit == "" {
+		return nil
+	}
+	pull := link.PullRef{Owner: p.Owner, Repo: p.Repo, Number: p.Number}
+	read, err := checkedBuildsOf(ctx, []link.PullRef{pull})
+	if err != nil {
+		fmt.Printf("  the earlier checks' builds of %s/%s#%d could not be read, so the check builds: %v\n",
+			p.Owner, p.Repo, p.Number, err)
+		// empty-on-error: said above; a check handed no named build builds every module, as before issue 703
+		return nil
+	}
+	var named []link.CheckedBuild
+	for _, b := range read {
+		if b.Pull == pull && link.SameHead(b.Head, p.Commit) {
+			named = append(named, b)
+		}
+	}
+	return named
+}
+
+// checkBuildsOf are the modules a merge of the change would build, in the walk's order, as the check builds them
+// for the walk to take (novox/hq ADR 0350 §1): a module built from the repository checked, at the branch it merges
+// into, from the merge the check makes; any other — a module standing on one — from its own repository at the
+// branch it follows, as the walk builds it. A module whose build reads the repository checked through a context,
+// or that the merge deletes, cannot be built as the walk would: said, and nothing after it is built. A change that
+// moves no module builds nothing.
+func checkBuildsOf(p link.PullUpdated, scope checkScope, entries []inventory.Entry,
+	clone func(inventory.Source) (string, error)) []link.CheckBuild {
+	if len(scope.Reach.Plan.Tiers) == 0 {
+		return nil
+	}
+	m := link.SourceMoved{Owner: p.Owner, Repo: p.Repo, Base: p.Base, CloneURL: p.CloneURL}
+	byName := map[string]inventory.Entry{}
+	for _, e := range entries {
+		byName[e.Manifest.Module] = e
+	}
+	skip := map[string]string{}
+	for _, e := range scope.Reach.Packaging {
+		skip[e.Manifest.Module] = "its build reads " + p.Owner + "/" + p.Repo + " through a context, which a check " +
+			"cannot hand the merge"
+	}
+	for _, e := range scope.Reach.Deleted {
+		skip[e.Manifest.Module] = "the merge deletes it"
+	}
+	var out []link.CheckBuild
+	for tier, names := range scope.Reach.Plan.Tiers {
+		for _, name := range names {
+			e, known := byName[name]
+			b := link.CheckBuild{Module: name, Tier: tier, Skip: skip[name]}
+			switch {
+			case !known:
+				b.Skip = "the catalogue does not hold it"
+			case b.Skip != "":
+			case sourceIs(e.Source, m):
+				b.Merged, b.Path = true, e.Source.Path
+			default:
+				url, err := clone(e.Source)
+				if err != nil {
+					b.Skip = "its repository cannot be cloned: " + err.Error()
+					break
+				}
+				b.Repository, b.Path, b.Ref = url, e.Source.Path, followedBranch(e.Source.Ref)
+			}
+			out = append(out, b)
+		}
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
 // besideRefs is the ref each repository is cloned at beside a check, by the directory it is found under:
 // a core repository at the commit the mesh runs of the module built from it (`running`) — but the
 // catalogue, whose checkout beside is what tests read its files from, at its main, what the next merge
@@ -382,6 +597,9 @@ func checkedOf(result link.BuildResult) link.Checked {
 		// What was judged (novox/hq ADR 0323 §3): the head merged into the trunk commit, and the commits of the
 		// repositories read beside it.
 		c.Trunk, c.Beside, c.Took = result.Check.Trunk, result.Check.Beside, result.Check.Took
+		c.Built = result.Check.Built
+		c.Release, c.JudgedBy, c.BesideAt = result.Check.Release, result.Check.JudgedBy, result.Check.BesideAt
+		c.Validator = result.Check.Validator
 		if c.Gate == nil {
 			// A build seat from before the layers: its verdict is the gate's.
 			c.Gate = &link.CheckLayer{Verdict: c.Verdict, Summary: c.Summary}

cmd/mesh-controller/delivery.go

@@ -952,7 +952,7 @@ 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}).PullUpdated(ctx, members[0].pull()) }); err != nil {
+			if err := sayingOnTheBus(ctx, inv, func() error { return (following{open: open, oneShot: true}).PullUpdated(ctx, members[0].pull()) }); err != nil {
 				return err
 			}
 			return answer(map[string]any{"rechecked": members[0].ID})

cmd/mesh-controller/found_wait_test.go

@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@ func foundDirectory(module string, since time.Time) inventory.ResourceHealth {
 }
 
 func TestADirectoryFoundBeforeTheSendIsAWaitForAPerson(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	now := time.Now()
 	sent := now.Add(-time.Minute)
 	f := gateFacts{now: now, health: map[string]inventory.NodeHealth{"laptop": {Node: "laptop", HeardAt: now,
@@ -48,6 +49,7 @@ func TestADirectoryFoundBeforeTheSendIsAWaitForAPerson(t *testing.T) {
 // The whole walk: a module whose directory was used as found long before still gets its fix to every machine,
 // its pass kept and the wait said; a directory this very send found holds it and puts it back.
 func TestAFixGoesThroughPastADirectoryFoundBefore(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	for _, c := range []struct {
 		name   string
 		found  time.Duration // when the directory was found, against now
@@ -81,9 +83,13 @@ func TestAFixGoesThroughPastADirectoryFoundBefore(t *testing.T) {
 				}
 				return f, err
 			}
-			wasSettle, wasEvery, wasBound := gateSettle, gateEvery, gateBound
+			wasWithin, wasEvery, wasBound := gateWithin, gateEvery, gateBound
-			t.Cleanup(func() { gateSettle, gateEvery, gateBound = wasSettle, wasEvery, wasBound })
+			// The witness window is the node-engine's, from a start no test makes (novox/hq ADR 0351).
-			gateSettle, gateEvery, gateBound = 0, 0, 300*time.Millisecond
+			wasWindow := gateWitnessWindow
+			gateWitnessWindow = 0
+			t.Cleanup(func() { gateWitnessWindow = wasWindow })
+			t.Cleanup(func() { gateWithin, gateEvery, gateBound = wasWithin, wasEvery, wasBound })
+			gateWithin, gateEvery, gateBound = time.Hour, 0, 300*time.Millisecond
 			deadline := time.Now().Add(5 * time.Second)
 			for time.Now().Before(deadline) {
 				advancePlans(ctx, b.open)
@@ -112,6 +118,7 @@ func TestAFixGoesThroughPastADirectoryFoundBefore(t *testing.T) {
 
 // The condition says the wait in its own kind: the operator's, never urgent, and cleared once handed over.
 func TestADirectoryUsedAsFoundIsItsOwnCondition(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	k, _ := withConditionsInMemory(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	rs := map[string][]inventory.ResourceHealth{"notes": {foundDirectory("notes", time.Now().Add(-time.Hour))}}

cmd/mesh-controller/gate.go

@@ -28,9 +28,12 @@ import (
 // that machine reported it applied. A build that applies and then does nothing, crashes, serves no
 // tools, or breaks the machine's word to the mesh passed that test. Now the first machine is judged by
 // the component's health — the core's health definitions, or a module's own — within ten minutes of the
-// apply: a core module passing three times over at least two minutes, a leaf module once, as soon as the
+// apply, each module by its rule (gateRuleOf): the node-engine and the mesh's resolver passing on their third
-// node-engine states it healthy (novox/hq ADR 0282 decision 4 as ADR 0304 decision 3 changed it). Only then
+// healthy reading, and never later than two minutes after the send while healthy; the controller and the tool runner once, no earlier than the end of the
-// are the rest sent.
+// node-engine's witness window for it; mesh-delivery and a leaf module once, as soon as the node-engine states
+// it healthy (novox/hq ADR 0351 and ADR 0352, changing ADR 0236 decision 3, ADR 0282 decision 4 and ADR 0304
+// decision 3).
+// Only then are the rest sent.
 //
 // **A failing gate stops the plan and puts the previous build back there.** The build is marked failed
 // at its gate — registration refuses it and nothing sends it again on its own — the module's registered
@@ -41,22 +44,30 @@ import (
 
 // The gate's bounds (to-be 45 §8). Variables so a test can judge in a second, not in minutes.
 var (
-	// gateSettle is how long the first machine must stay healthy, at the least.
+	// gateWithin is the longest a module under the three-reading rule that stays healthy is held: at it, the
-	gateSettle = 2 * time.Minute
+	// gate passes on the healthy readings it has, the newest healthy and none since the send not (novox/hq ADR
+	// 0352). Readings gateEvery apart, the first at the apply, put three inside it.
+	gateWithin = 2 * time.Minute
 	// gateBound is how long after the apply the build may take to become healthy.
 	gateBound = 10 * time.Minute
-	// gatePasses is how many consecutive judgings must find a core module healthy, gateEvery apart at the
+	// gatePasses is how many consecutive judgings must find such a core module healthy, gateEvery apart at
-	// least, after gateSettle. gateLeafPasses is a leaf module's: one, taken once the node-engine states every
+	// the least, counted from the send: it passes on the third (novox/hq ADR 0352). gateLeafPasses is a leaf module's: one, taken once the
-	// resource of it healthy by its own check, with no settle (novox/hq ADR 0282 decision 4 as ADR 0304
+	// node-engine states every resource of it healthy by its own check, with no settle (novox/hq ADR 0282
-	// decision 3 changed it, issue 524).
+	// decision 4 as ADR 0304 decision 3 changed it, issue 524).
 	gatePasses      = 3
 	gateLeafPasses  = 1
 	gateLeafSettles = false
 	gateEvery       = 40 * time.Second
+	// gateWitnessWindow is the node-engine's witness window for a new controller or tool runner, from its
+	// start (ADR 0236 decision 27, lease.ControllerWithin and lease.NodeToolsWithin): a reading of either
+	// counts only after it has ended, so the build is judged by the witness and the gate both (novox/hq ADR
+	// 0351 decisions 1 and 4).
+	gateWitnessWindow = max(lease.ControllerWithin, lease.NodeToolsWithin)
 )
 
 // coreModule is whether a module is judged as the core (novox/hq ADR 0282 decision 1): one on the controller's
-// own path, or one holding the mesh's resolver. Every other module is a leaf.
+// 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 {
 		return true
@@ -69,12 +80,72 @@ func coreModule(module string, m catalogue.Manifest) bool {
 	return coreComponent(module) != ""
 }
 
-// gateWants is how many passes a module needs, and whether it must stay healthy gateSettle first.
+// gateRule is how a module's first-node gate judges it: passes healthy readings, gateEvery apart at the
-func gateWants(module string, m catalogue.Manifest) (passes int, settles bool) {
+// least, counted from the send or, where witnessed, from the end of the node-engine's witness window for it;
-	if coreModule(module, m) {
+// and, where within is set, passed at within after the send on fewer, if it was healthy at every reading
-		return gatePasses, true
+// (novox/hq ADR 0352). said names the rule in the gate's text.
+type gateRule struct {
+	passes    int
+	within    time.Duration
+	witnessed bool
+	said      string
+}
+
+// gateRuleOf is a module's gate rule (novox/hq ADR 0351): a core module keeps three readings only where its
+// build, broken on every machine, could not receive its own fix — the node-engine, which applies every send,
+// and the mesh's resolver, which gives every machine the bus's name (decisions 2, 3 and 6); the bus is never
+// walked through a gate but kept so (decision 7). The controller, run on one machine, and the tool runner,
+// whose fix the node-engine applies, are judged by one reading after the witness window (decisions 1 and 4);
+// mesh-delivery, whose fix goes the controller's own path, by one (decision 5); a leaf module by one (ADR 0304
+// decision 3).
+func gateRuleOf(module string, m catalogue.Manifest) gateRule {
+	switch {
+	case coreComponent(module) == lease.ComponentController:
+		return gateRule{passes: 1, witnessed: true, said: "the controller's rule: one reading once it is ready, " +
+			"after the node-engine's witness window (novox/hq ADR 0351)"}
+	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:
+		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, "+
+			"or healthy throughout %s after the send (novox/hq ADR 0352)", gatePasses, gateWithin)}
 	}
-	return gateLeafPasses, gateLeafSettles
+	r := gateRule{passes: gateLeafPasses, said: "a leaf module's rule: one reading (novox/hq ADR 0304)"}
+	if gateLeafSettles {
+		r.within = gateWithin
+		r.said = fmt.Sprintf("a leaf module's rule, judged as the core: %d readings, or healthy throughout %s after the send",
+			gateLeafPasses, gateWithin)
+	}
+	return r
+}
+
+// gateFloor is the earliest a module's reading counts by its rule: the send and, for a witnessed module, the
+// end of the node-engine's witness window on every machine judged (novox/hq ADR 0351 decisions 1 and 4). A
+// module under the three-reading rule counts from the send (novox/hq ADR 0352). The window opens when the node-engine starts the build, which is before the machine reports it
+// applied (applied, as the gate first read it) and, for the controller, before the new controller took the
+// lease (holder): the later of those, the send's time at the least, plus the window, is never before its end.
+// A controller that starts again takes the lease again, and so moves its floor on. Pure.
+func gateFloor(module string, rule gateRule, since time.Time, machines []string, applied map[string]time.Time,
+	holder *lease.Holder) time.Time {
+	floor := since
+	if !rule.witnessed {
+		return floor
+	}
+	for _, n := range machines {
+		start := since
+		if at, read := applied[n]; read && at.After(start) {
+			start = at
+		}
+		if coreComponent(module) == lease.ComponentController && holder != nil && holder.Taken.After(start) {
+			start = holder.Taken
+		}
+		if end := start.Add(gateWitnessWindow); end.After(floor) {
+			floor = end
+		}
+	}
+	return floor
 }
 
 // gateProbe is the registry's row for the gate's verdicts and the witnesses' rollbacks: its conditions
@@ -501,6 +572,13 @@ func judgeGate(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan, module stri
 	return judgeMoves(ctx, open, g, pairs, now)
 }
 
+// dueAtTheMost says a gate healthy since its send has reached gateWithin and not been judged since: the one
+// judging that may come sooner than gateEvery after the last pass (novox/hq ADR 0352).
+func dueAtTheMost(g *inventory.PlanGate, now time.Time) bool {
+	most := g.Since.Add(gateWithin)
+	return !g.Faulted && g.LastPass != nil && !now.Before(most) && g.LastPass.Before(most)
+}
+
 // judged is one module on one machine, as a gate judges it.
 type judged struct{ module, node string }
 
@@ -511,7 +589,9 @@ func judgeMoves(ctx context.Context, open *stores, g *inventory.PlanGate, pairs
 	if g.Verdict != "" {
 		return g.Verdict, nil
 	}
-	if g.LastPass != nil && now.Sub(*g.LastPass) < gateEvery {
+	// A judging comes gateEvery after the last pass, and once at gateWithin after the send whatever the spacing:
+	// a module healthy throughout is never held past it (novox/hq ADR 0352).
+	if g.LastPass != nil && now.Sub(*g.LastPass) < gateEvery && !dueAtTheMost(g, now) {
 		return "", nil
 	}
 	for _, c := range g.Carried {
@@ -544,6 +624,11 @@ func judgeMoves(ctx context.Context, open *stores, g *inventory.PlanGate, pairs
 			facts.sentBuilds[j.node] = builds
 		}
 	}
+	// **A busy container on a judged machine holds the judging before it starts** (novox/hq ADR 0335 §4): the
+	// walk says it waits there, and its gate starts at the report that says the container replaced.
+	if busyWait(g, pairs, facts, now) {
+		return "", nil
+	}
 	// **What is wrong with a machine itself is the machine's** (novox/hq issue 281): read once for each
 	// machine judged, apart from what is wrong with a module there, and never pinned on the module the
 	// gate happens to be kept on.
@@ -568,6 +653,9 @@ func judgeMoves(ctx context.Context, open *stores, g *inventory.PlanGate, pairs
 	for _, j := range pairs {
 		w := words[j.node]
 		h, said := judgeHealth(j.module, coreComponent(j.module), shelf[j.module], j.node, *g.Since, w.facts)
+		if why, still := busyStill(j, facts); still && (h == healthGood || h == healthPerson) {
+			h, said = healthNotYet, why
+		}
 		if h == healthGood || h == healthPerson {
 			if on, named := w.on[j.module]; named {
 				h, said = healthNotYet, on
@@ -608,6 +696,51 @@ func judgeMoves(ctx context.Context, open *stores, g *inventory.PlanGate, pairs
 			why = said
 		}
 	}
+	// **Each module counts its readings by its own rule** (novox/hq ADR 0351): from when the gate first read
+	// each machine report its send applied, and who holds the controller lease, the earliest its reading counts.
+	if g.Applied == nil {
+		g.Applied = map[string]time.Time{}
+	}
+	for node := range byMachine {
+		r, said := facts.reports[node]
+		if _, read := g.Applied[node]; !read && said && r.At != nil && r.Outcome == inventory.OutcomeApplied &&
+			facts.reportedOn(node, r) {
+			g.Applied[node] = *r.At
+		}
+	}
+	rules, floors := map[string]gateRule{}, map[string]time.Time{}
+	for _, m := range modules {
+		var on []string
+		for _, j := range pairs {
+			if j.module == m {
+				on = append(on, j.node)
+			}
+		}
+		rules[m] = gateRuleOf(m, shelf[m])
+		floors[m] = gateFloor(m, rules[m], *g.Since, on, g.Applied, facts.holder)
+	}
+	tallyGate(g, gateJudging{modules: modules, reading: reading, waits: waits, worst: worst, why: why,
+		rules: rules, floors: floors}, now)
+	return g.Verdict, nil
+}
+
+// gateJudging is one judging's readings, as tallyGate counts them: the modules judged, each one's reading
+// (the worst of its machines'), its waits for a person, the send's worst reading and why, and each module's
+// rule and the earliest its reading counts.
+type gateJudging struct {
+	modules []string
+	reading map[string]health
+	waits   map[string]string
+	worst   health
+	why     string
+	rules   map[string]gateRule
+	floors  map[string]time.Time
+}
+
+// tallyGate counts one judging into the gate: a pass counted, a pass missed (and why), or the verdict. Pure but
+// for the gate it writes.
+func tallyGate(g *inventory.PlanGate, j gateJudging, now time.Time) {
+	modules, reading, waits, worst, why := j.modules, j.reading, j.waits, j.worst, j.why
 	if g.Healthy == nil {
 		g.Healthy = map[string]int{}
 	}
@@ -623,38 +756,53 @@ func judgeMoves(ctx context.Context, open *stores, g *inventory.PlanGate, pairs
 			delete(g.HealthyAt, m)
 			continue
 		}
-		// **A pass is counted only gateEvery after the one before** (issue 318 review): a send judged more
-		// often while another module beside it is not yet healthy counts no faster.
-		if at, counted := g.HealthyAt[m]; !counted || now.Sub(at) >= gateEvery {
-			g.Healthy[m]++
-			g.HealthyAt[m] = now
-		}
 		if w := waits[m]; w != "" {
 			if g.Waits == nil {
 				g.Waits = map[string]string{}
 			}
 			g.Waits[m] = w
 		}
+		// **A reading counts only from the module's floor** (novox/hq ADR 0351 decisions 1 and 4): the
+		// controller's and the tool runner's after the witness window, any other module's from the send.
+		if now.Before(j.floors[m]) {
+			continue
+		}
+		// **A pass is counted only gateEvery after the one before** (issue 318 review): a send judged more
+		// often while another module beside it is not yet healthy counts no faster.
+		if at, counted := g.HealthyAt[m]; !counted || now.Sub(at) >= gateEvery {
+			g.Healthy[m]++
+			g.HealthyAt[m] = now
+		}
 	}
-	settled := now.Sub(*g.Since) >= gateSettle
+	// What the send needs is what its most demanding module needs — the most readings, then the latest
-	// What the send needs is what its most demanding module needs: a send carrying a core module is judged
+	// floor: a send carrying the node-engine is judged by its three readings, or by being healthy throughout
-	// as the core.
+	// its two minutes (novox/hq ADR 0352).
-	wants, settles := 0, false
+	wants, floor, within, said := 0, time.Time{}, time.Duration(0), ""
 	for _, m := range modules {
-		p, s := gateWants(m, shelf[m])
+		r, f := j.rules[m], j.floors[m]
-		wants, settles = max(wants, p), settles || s
+		if r.passes > wants || (r.passes == wants && f.After(floor)) {
+			wants, within, said = r.passes, r.within, r.said
+		}
+		if f.After(floor) {
+			floor = f
+		}
 	}
 	if len(modules) == 0 {
 		// A send judged on no machine of its modules (its first machine not running them) has no class to
 		// be judged by: it is judged as the core, never passed at once without a reading.
-		wants, settles = gatePasses, true
+		wants, floor, within = gatePasses, *g.Since, gateWithin
+		said = fmt.Sprintf("the core's rule: %d readings, or healthy throughout %s after the send", gatePasses, gateWithin)
+	}
+	// heldLongEnough is a rule's most: within after the send, healthy at every reading since it.
+	heldLongEnough := func(within time.Duration) bool {
+		return within > 0 && !g.Faulted && !now.Before(g.Since.Add(within))
 	}
 	g.Wants = wants
-	// A module's own pass is its own class's: a leaf beside a core module that fails keeps its build after
+	// A module's own pass is its own rule's: a leaf beside a core module that fails keeps its build after
 	// its one reading, and only what did not pass is put back (issue 318's rule, by class since issue 524).
 	passedAlone := func(m string) bool {
-		p, s := gateWants(m, shelf[m])
+		r := j.rules[m]
-		return (settled || !s) && reading[m] <= healthPerson && g.Healthy[m] >= p
+		return reading[m] <= healthPerson && (g.Healthy[m] >= r.passes || (g.Healthy[m] >= 1 && heldLongEnough(r.within)))
 	}
 	// fail decides the send failed: what passed on its own keeps its pass, everything else is put back.
 	fail := func(why string) {
@@ -671,6 +819,7 @@ func judgeMoves(ctx context.Context, open *stores, g *inventory.PlanGate, pairs
 	pastBound := now.Sub(*g.Since) > gateBound
 	switch {
 	case worst == healthBroken:
+		g.Faulted = true
 		g.Read(now, false, g.BrokenWhy)
 		var judging []string
 		for _, m := range modules {
@@ -689,25 +838,36 @@ func judgeMoves(ctx context.Context, open *stores, g *inventory.PlanGate, pairs
 	case worst == healthWaiting:
 		// Waiting on a provider that is unhealthy: not a pass, and not a failure at the bound either —
 		// the provider's own condition says what is wrong (ADR 0240 rule 5).
+		g.Faulted = g.Faulted || g.HealthySeen // not healthy after a healthy reading; before one, still starting
 		g.Passes, g.LastPass, g.Last, g.Failing = 0, nil, why, failing
 		g.Read(now, false, why)
 	case worst == healthNotYet:
+		g.Faulted = g.Faulted || g.HealthySeen // not healthy after a healthy reading; before one, still starting
 		g.Passes, g.LastPass, g.Last, g.Failing = 0, nil, why, failing
 		g.Read(now, false, why)
 		if pastBound {
 			fail(fmt.Sprintf("not healthy within %s of its apply: %s", gateBound, why))
 		}
+	case now.Before(floor):
+		// Healthy before its rule lets a reading count: not a pass yet, and not a fault (novox/hq ADR 0351).
+		g.HealthySeen = true
+		// The bound still holds: a module that cannot be read healthy after its floor fails at it.
+		g.Last, g.Failing = fmt.Sprintf("healthy, and a reading counts from %s by %s",
+			floor.UTC().Format(time.RFC3339), said), nil
+		if pastBound {
+			fail(fmt.Sprintf("not judged within %s of its apply: %s", gateBound, g.Last))
+		}
 	default:
 		// Healthy, or waiting for a person (ADR 0254): a pass, the wait carried along in the verdict.
+		g.HealthySeen = true
 		g.Passes++
 		g.LastPass, g.Last, g.Failing = &now, "", nil
 		g.Read(now, true, "")
-		if g.Passes >= wants && (settled || !settles) {
+		if g.Passes >= wants || heldLongEnough(within) {
-			decide(g, inventory.GatePassed, fmt.Sprintf("healthy %d times over %s", g.Passes,
+			decide(g, inventory.GatePassed, fmt.Sprintf("healthy %d times over %s, by %s", g.Passes,
-				now.Sub(*g.Since).Round(time.Second))+waitsSaid(g.Waits), now)
+				now.Sub(*g.Since).Round(time.Second), said)+waitsSaid(g.Waits), now)
 		}
 	}
-	return g.Verdict, nil
 }
 
 // judgedCommits is the commit of each module a gate judges: the gate's own To for its module, and each
@@ -1283,6 +1443,12 @@ func probeGates(ctx context.Context, d *doctor) ([]conditions.Observation, error
 	}
 	// A release held after a failed one, while builds still wait for a gate (ADR 0236).
 	out = append(out, backlogObservation()...)
+	// And a rest that went silent (novox/hq ADR 0353 §4).
+	silent, err := silentObservation(ctx, d.open.inventory)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	out = append(out, silent...)
 	return sortedFound(dedupeObservations(out)), nil
 }
 
@@ -1372,6 +1538,15 @@ func gateLine(g *inventory.PlanGate) string {
 	case inventory.GateFailed:
 		what = "FAILED"
 	}
+	switch {
+	case g.Verdict == "" && g.Pending:
+		what = "kept, not yet sent" // novox/hq ADR 0353 §8
+	case g.Verdict == "" && g.Silent:
+		what = "silent on its send, left" // ADR 0353 §4
+	}
+	if g.Verdict == "" && g.Waiting() {
+		what = "waits for a busy container on " + g.Busy.Machine
+	}
 	line := fmt.Sprintf("gate on %s: %s", strings.Join(g.Machines, ", "), what)
 	if g.Component != "" {
 		line += " (core: " + g.Component + ")"

cmd/mesh-controller/gate_followup_test.go

@@ -21,11 +21,15 @@ import (
 // wait, and a provider waiting for a login says who waits on it.
 
 // withGateBounds sets the gate's bounds for one test.
-func withGateBounds(t *testing.T, settle, every, bound time.Duration) {
+func withGateBounds(t *testing.T, within, every, bound time.Duration) {
 	t.Helper()
-	wasSettle, wasEvery, wasBound := gateSettle, gateEvery, gateBound
+	wasWithin, wasEvery, wasBound := gateWithin, gateEvery, gateBound
-	gateSettle, gateEvery, gateBound = settle, every, bound
+	// The witness window is the node-engine's, from a start no test makes (novox/hq ADR 0351).
-	t.Cleanup(func() { gateSettle, gateEvery, gateBound = wasSettle, wasEvery, wasBound })
+	wasWindow := gateWitnessWindow
+	gateWitnessWindow = 0
+	t.Cleanup(func() { gateWitnessWindow = wasWindow })
+	gateWithin, gateEvery, gateBound = within, every, bound
+	t.Cleanup(func() { gateWithin, gateEvery, gateBound = wasWithin, wasEvery, wasBound })
 }
 
 // factsOn is a judging's facts for one machine that applied its send: the node tools answer, and what it says
@@ -53,10 +57,11 @@ func healthyContainer(module string) inventory.ResourceHealth {
 // tools' witness put its build back at once, and the send waits for the healthy module's own verdict — a pass,
 // counted over the gate's spacing — before it says its own. The broken one alone is put back.
 func TestAFaultBeforeTheSettleTimeWaitsForTheModuleBesideIt(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
 	open := aMesh(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
-	withGateBounds(t, 150*time.Millisecond, 20*time.Millisecond, 10*time.Second)
+	withGateBounds(t, time.Hour, 20*time.Millisecond, 10*time.Second)
 	since := time.Now().Add(-time.Second)
 	base := factsOn(t, "laptop", since, healthyContainer("app"))
 	wasGather := gatherGateFacts
@@ -95,9 +100,10 @@ const broker_runtime = "node-tools"
 // **A pass is counted only the gate's spacing after the one before** (review (c)): a send judged every tick
 // while a module beside it is not yet healthy counts the healthy one once.
 func TestAPassIsCountedNoFasterThanTheGatesSpacing(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	open := aMesh(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
-	withGateBounds(t, 0, time.Hour, time.Hour)
+	withGateBounds(t, time.Hour, time.Hour, time.Hour)
 	since := time.Now().Add(-time.Minute)
 	base := factsOn(t, "laptop", since, healthyContainer("app"), inventory.ResourceHealth{Module: "late",
 		Resource: "late.web", Kind: "container", Target: "late", State: link.StateUnhealthy, Reason: "down"})
@@ -119,6 +125,7 @@ func TestAPassIsCountedNoFasterThanTheGatesSpacing(t *testing.T) {
 
 // **A carried build's pass carries its own wait, never another's** (review (e)).
 func TestACarriedPassCarriesOnlyItsOwnWait(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	b := aBacklog(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	inv := b.open.inventory
@@ -143,6 +150,7 @@ func TestACarriedPassCarriesOnlyItsOwnWait(t *testing.T) {
 // carried its own module, healthy, and a build waiting on that machine that never became healthy. At the
 // bound the waiting one is put back and marked; the plan's own module keeps its pass, so no walk waits on it.
 func TestThePlansOwnModuleKeepsItsPassWhenItsSendFails(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	g := aGateMesh(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	inv := g.open.inventory
@@ -223,6 +231,7 @@ func TestThePlansOwnModuleKeepsItsPassWhenItsSendFails(t *testing.T) {
 // **A provider waiting for a login says who waits on it** (review (g)): its consumer, failing a check that
 // needs it, is held under it, and the provider's relogin-needed condition lists it and is urgent.
 func TestAProviderWaitingForALoginSaysWhoWaitsOnIt(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	open := aMesh(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	inv := open.inventory
@@ -285,6 +294,7 @@ func TestAProviderWaitingForALoginSaysWhoWaitsOnIt(t *testing.T) {
 // tools are marked and put back in the very judging that found them broken — their registered build is the
 // one before, and the laptop is sent it — while `app` goes on being judged, recovers, and keeps its own pass.
 func TestABrokenModuleIsPutBackAtOnceAndTheOneBesideItGetsItsOwnVerdict(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
 	open := aMesh(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
@@ -376,7 +386,7 @@ func TestABrokenModuleIsPutBackAtOnceAndTheOneBesideItGetsItsOwnVerdict(t *testi
 		f.health = map[string]inventory.NodeHealth{"laptop": {Node: "laptop", HeardAt: now, Resources: []inventory.ResourceHealth{app}}}
 		return f, nil
 	}
-	withGateBounds(t, 100*time.Millisecond, 0, 10*time.Second)
+	withGateBounds(t, time.Hour, 0, 10*time.Second)
 
 	release := func() inventory.Plan {
 		t.Helper()
@@ -427,6 +437,7 @@ func TestABrokenModuleIsPutBackAtOnceAndTheOneBesideItGetsItsOwnVerdict(t *testi
 // **A move from a build not known excuses no wait** (issue 318 review): a plan's own module whose previous
 // build was not recorded, or whose previous manifest is not kept, cannot be shown to have added the group.
 func TestAMoveFromAnUnknownBuildExcusesNoWait(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	open := aMesh(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	inv := open.inventory

cmd/mesh-controller/gate_rule_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,338 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/lease"
+)
+
+// The first-node gate's readings by module (novox/hq ADR 0351, ADR 0352): the controller and the tool runner pass
+// on one reading after the node-engine's witness window, mesh-delivery on one, the node-engine and the mesh's
+// resolver on their third healthy reading and never later than two minutes while healthy; the bus is kept so.
+
+// withTheGatesTimes sets the gate's production bounds for a test, whatever another test left.
+func withTheGatesTimes(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Helper()
+	wasWithin, wasEvery, wasBound, wasWindow := gateWithin, gateEvery, gateBound, gateWitnessWindow
+	wasPasses, wasLeafPasses, wasLeafSettles := gatePasses, gateLeafPasses, gateLeafSettles
+	gateWithin, gateEvery, gateBound, gateWitnessWindow = 2*time.Minute, 40*time.Second, 10*time.Minute, 60*time.Second
+	gatePasses, gateLeafPasses, gateLeafSettles = 3, 1, false
+	t.Cleanup(func() {
+		gateWithin, gateEvery, gateBound, gateWitnessWindow = wasWithin, wasEvery, wasBound, wasWindow
+		gatePasses, gateLeafPasses, gateLeafSettles = wasPasses, wasLeafPasses, wasLeafSettles
+	})
+}
+
+func TestEachModuleHasItsGateRule(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGatesTimes(t)
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		module    string
+		claims    []catalogue.Claim
+		passes    int
+		within    time.Duration
+		witnessed bool
+		said      string
+	}{
+		{"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"},
+		{"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"},
+		{"app", nil, 1, 0, false, "a leaf module's rule"},
+	} {
+		r := gateRuleOf(c.module, catalogue.Manifest{Module: c.module, Claims: c.claims})
+		if r.passes != c.passes || r.within != c.within || r.witnessed != c.witnessed || !strings.HasPrefix(r.said, c.said) {
+			t.Errorf("%s: %+v; want %d readings, within %s, witnessed %v, said %q", c.module, r, c.passes, c.within,
+				c.witnessed, c.said)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// 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}) {
+			t.Errorf("%s is no longer judged as the core for its class", m)
+		}
+	}
+	if !coreModule("dnsmasq", catalogue.Manifest{Module: "dnsmasq", Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: resolverSeat}}}) {
+		t.Error("the resolver's holder is no longer judged as the core for its class")
+	}
+}
+
+// gateOn judges one module on one machine, healthy at every reading.
+type gateOn struct {
+	module, node string
+	g            *inventory.PlanGate
+	holder       *lease.Holder
+}
+
+func aGateOn(module, node string, since time.Time) *gateOn {
+	return &gateOn{module: module, node: node, g: &inventory.PlanGate{Machines: []string{node}, Since: &since,
+		Applied: map[string]time.Time{}}}
+}
+
+func (o *gateOn) read(at time.Time, h health, why string) {
+	r := gateRuleOf(o.module, catalogue.Manifest{Module: o.module})
+	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)
+}
+
+func TestTheControllerPassesOnOneReadingAfterTheWitnessWindow(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGatesTimes(t)
+	sent := time.Date(2026, 10, 13, 20, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	o := aGateOn("mesh-controller", "novox", sent)
+	o.g.Applied["novox"] = sent.Add(15 * time.Second)
+	o.holder = &lease.Holder{Instance: "new", Taken: sent.Add(20 * time.Second)}
+
+	// Ready, but inside the witness window, which opened before it took the lease: not counted.
+	for _, after := range []time.Duration{30 * time.Second, 60 * time.Second, 79 * time.Second} {
+		o.read(sent.Add(after), healthGood, "")
+		if o.g.Verdict != "" || o.g.Passes != 0 || !strings.Contains(o.g.Last, "counts from") {
+			t.Fatalf("at %s: %+v; want no reading counted inside the witness window", after, o.g)
+		}
+	}
+	o.read(sent.Add(80*time.Second), healthGood, "")
+	if o.g.Verdict != inventory.GatePassed || o.g.Passes != 1 || o.g.Wants != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("after the witness window: %+v; want passed on one reading", o.g)
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(o.g.Why, "healthy 1 times") || !strings.Contains(o.g.Why, "the controller's rule") ||
+		!strings.Contains(o.g.Why, "ADR 0351") {
+		t.Errorf("the verdict says %q; want the rule it applied", o.g.Why)
+	}
+}
+
+// A controller that starts again takes the lease again: its witness window starts again, and so does the
+// gate's wait.
+func TestAControllerThatStartsAgainWaitsOutItsNewWindow(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGatesTimes(t)
+	sent := time.Now()
+	o := aGateOn("mesh-controller", "novox", sent)
+	o.g.Applied["novox"] = sent.Add(10 * time.Second)
+	o.holder = &lease.Holder{Instance: "again", Taken: sent.Add(70 * time.Second)}
+	o.read(sent.Add(90*time.Second), healthGood, "")
+	if o.g.Verdict != "" {
+		t.Fatalf("passed %s after a start the witness still judges: %+v", 20*time.Second, o.g)
+	}
+	o.read(sent.Add(130*time.Second), healthGood, "")
+	if o.g.Verdict != inventory.GatePassed {
+		t.Fatalf("not passed after the new window: %+v", o.g)
+	}
+}
+
+// Without the lease's word (a controller carried by another gate), the window counts from the applied report,
+// and from the send at the least.
+func TestTheWitnessWindowCountsFromTheSendAtTheLeast(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGatesTimes(t)
+	sent := time.Now()
+	r := gateRuleOf("mesh-controller", catalogue.Manifest{})
+	if f := gateFloor("mesh-controller", r, sent, []string{"novox"}, nil, nil); !f.Equal(sent.Add(time.Minute)) {
+		t.Errorf("floor %s after the send; want 1m", f.Sub(sent))
+	}
+	if f := gateFloor("node-tools", gateRuleOf("node-tools", catalogue.Manifest{}), sent, []string{"ace"},
+		map[string]time.Time{"ace": sent.Add(12 * time.Second)}, nil); !f.Equal(sent.Add(72 * time.Second)) {
+		t.Errorf("the tool runner's floor %s after the send; want 1m12s", f.Sub(sent))
+	}
+}
+
+// A controller that a witness put back, or that never becomes ready, fails its gate as before.
+func TestAControllerThatFailsIsStillFailed(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGatesTimes(t)
+	sent := time.Now()
+	o := aGateOn("mesh-controller", "novox", sent)
+	o.read(sent.Add(30*time.Second), healthBroken, "the witness on novox judged the controller and rolled-back")
+	if o.g.Verdict != inventory.GateFailed {
+		t.Fatalf("a controller put back by its witness: %+v; want failed", o.g)
+	}
+	o = aGateOn("mesh-controller", "novox", sent)
+	o.read(sent.Add(5*time.Minute), healthNotYet, "the controller holding the lease does not say it is ready")
+	if o.g.Verdict != "" {
+		t.Fatalf("failed before the bound: %+v", o.g)
+	}
+	o.read(sent.Add(10*time.Minute+time.Second), healthNotYet, "the controller holding the lease does not say it is ready")
+	if o.g.Verdict != inventory.GateFailed || !strings.Contains(o.g.Why, "not healthy within") {
+		t.Fatalf("never ready: %+v; want failed at the bound", o.g)
+	}
+}
+
+// threeReadings judges a module under the three-reading rule on one machine, the send at sent.
+func threeReadings(t *testing.T, module string, sent time.Time) (*inventory.PlanGate, func(time.Duration, health)) {
+	t.Helper()
+	g := &inventory.PlanGate{Machines: []string{"ace"}, Since: &sent}
+	rule := gateRuleOf(module, catalogue.Manifest{Module: module, Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: resolverSeat}}})
+	floor := gateFloor(module, rule, sent, []string{"ace"}, nil, nil)
+	return g, func(after time.Duration, h health) {
+		why := ""
+		if h != healthGood {
+			why = "the node-engine reports another build"
+		}
+		tallyGate(g, gateJudging{modules: []string{module}, reading: map[string]health{module: h}, worst: h, why: why,
+			rules: map[string]gateRule{module: rule}, floors: map[string]time.Time{module: floor}}, sent.Add(after))
+	}
+}
+
+// A healthy node-engine or resolver passes at its third healthy reading, 40 s apart from the apply: before two
+// minutes (novox/hq ADR 0352).
+func TestTheNodeEngineAndTheResolverPassAtTheirThirdReading(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGatesTimes(t)
+	for _, module := range []string{"mesh-host", "dnsmasq"} {
+		g, judge := threeReadings(t, module, time.Now())
+		judge(15*time.Second, healthGood)
+		judge(55*time.Second, healthGood)
+		if g.Verdict != "" || g.Passes != 2 {
+			t.Fatalf("%s: after two readings %+v; want still judging", module, g)
+		}
+		judge(95*time.Second, healthGood)
+		if g.Verdict != inventory.GatePassed || g.Passes != 3 || g.Wants != 3 ||
+			!strings.Contains(g.Why, "over 1m35s") || !strings.Contains(g.Why, "the core's rule: 3 readings") {
+			t.Fatalf("%s: after three readings %+v; want passed at 1m35s by the core's rule", module, g)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// One healthy throughout whose readings came late passes at two minutes on the readings it has; the judging at
+// two minutes comes sooner than the spacing after the last pass.
+func TestAHealthyNodeEngineIsNeverHeldPastTwoMinutes(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGatesTimes(t)
+	sent := time.Now()
+	last := sent.Add(100 * time.Second)
+	held := &inventory.PlanGate{Since: &sent, LastPass: &last}
+	if dueAtTheMost(held, sent.Add(119*time.Second)) || !dueAtTheMost(held, sent.Add(2*time.Minute)) {
+		t.Fatal("the judging at two minutes is not due, or is due before")
+	}
+	held.Faulted = true
+	if dueAtTheMost(held, sent.Add(2*time.Minute)) {
+		t.Fatal("a send that was not healthy at a reading is judged at two minutes")
+	}
+
+	g, judge := threeReadings(t, "mesh-host", time.Now())
+	judge(100*time.Second, healthGood)
+	judge(2*time.Minute, healthGood)
+	if g.Verdict != inventory.GatePassed || g.Passes != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("late readings, healthy throughout, at two minutes: %+v; want passed on two", g)
+	}
+	g, judge = threeReadings(t, "mesh-host", time.Now())
+	judge(2*time.Minute, healthGood)
+	if g.Verdict != inventory.GatePassed || g.Passes != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("one healthy reading, at two minutes: %+v; want passed on it", g)
+	}
+}
+
+// A reading not yet healthy before the first healthy one is the build still starting: the two minutes still hold.
+func TestANodeEngineStillStartingKeepsItsTwoMinutes(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGatesTimes(t)
+	g, judge := threeReadings(t, "mesh-host", time.Now())
+	judge(10*time.Second, healthNotYet)
+	judge(100*time.Second, healthGood)
+	judge(2*time.Minute, healthGood)
+	if g.Verdict != inventory.GatePassed || g.Faulted {
+		t.Fatalf("%+v; want passed at two minutes", g)
+	}
+}
+
+// A reading that is not healthy after a healthy one takes the two minutes away: the module needs its three readings, and one
+// never healthy fails at the bound and is put back; one found broken fails.
+func TestANodeEngineThatFailsAReadingIsNotPassedAtTwoMinutes(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGatesTimes(t)
+	g, judge := threeReadings(t, "mesh-host", time.Now())
+	judge(20*time.Second, healthNotYet)
+	judge(60*time.Second, healthGood)
+	judge(100*time.Second, healthGood)
+	judge(2*time.Minute+10*time.Second, healthGood)
+	if g.Verdict != inventory.GatePassed || g.Passes != 3 {
+		t.Fatalf("%+v; want passed only on its third healthy reading", g)
+	}
+	g, judge = threeReadings(t, "mesh-host", time.Now())
+	judge(60*time.Second, healthGood)
+	judge(100*time.Second, healthNotYet)
+	judge(2*time.Minute, healthGood)
+	if g.Verdict != "" || !g.Faulted {
+		t.Fatalf("passed at two minutes after a reading that was not healthy: %+v", g)
+	}
+	judge(10*time.Minute+time.Second, healthNotYet)
+	if g.Verdict != inventory.GateFailed || !strings.Contains(g.Why, "not healthy within") {
+		t.Fatalf("never healthy again: %+v; want failed at the bound", g)
+	}
+	g, judge = threeReadings(t, "mesh-host", time.Now())
+	judge(60*time.Second, healthGood)
+	judge(100*time.Second, healthBroken)
+	if g.Verdict != inventory.GateFailed {
+		t.Fatalf("a broken reading: %+v; want failed, to be put back", g)
+	}
+}
+
+// The tool runner passes on one reading after its witness window; mesh-delivery on one, at once.
+func TestTheToolRunnerAndMeshDeliveryPassOnOneReading(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGatesTimes(t)
+	sent := time.Now()
+	o := aGateOn("node-tools", "ace", sent)
+	o.g.Applied["ace"] = sent.Add(10 * time.Second)
+	o.read(sent.Add(30*time.Second), healthGood, "")
+	if o.g.Verdict != "" {
+		t.Fatalf("the tool runner passed inside its witness window: %+v", o.g)
+	}
+	o.read(sent.Add(70*time.Second), healthGood, "")
+	if o.g.Verdict != inventory.GatePassed || o.g.Passes != 1 || !strings.Contains(o.g.Why, "the tool runner's rule") {
+		t.Fatalf("the tool runner: %+v; want passed on one reading", o.g)
+	}
+
+	o = aGateOn(catalogue.DeliverySeat, "novox", sent)
+	o.read(sent.Add(5*time.Second), healthGood, "")
+	if o.g.Verdict != inventory.GatePassed || o.g.Passes != 1 || !strings.Contains(o.g.Why, "mesh-delivery's rule") {
+		t.Fatalf("mesh-delivery: %+v; want passed on one reading", o.g)
+	}
+}
+
+// A dip after a healthy reading taken before the controller's witness floor is a fault: the send is not passed at
+// two minutes (novox/hq ADR 0352 decision 3).
+func TestADipAfterAnUncountedHealthyReadingIsAFault(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGatesTimes(t)
+	sent := time.Now()
+	g := &inventory.PlanGate{Machines: []string{"novox"}, Since: &sent}
+	modules := []string{"mesh-controller", "mesh-host"}
+	rules, floors := map[string]gateRule{}, map[string]time.Time{}
+	for _, m := range modules {
+		rules[m] = gateRuleOf(m, catalogue.Manifest{Module: m})
+	}
+	floors["mesh-host"] = sent
+	floors["mesh-controller"] = sent.Add(90 * time.Second)
+	judge := func(after time.Duration, h health) {
+		tallyGate(g, gateJudging{modules: modules, reading: map[string]health{"mesh-controller": h, "mesh-host": h},
+			worst: h, why: "not yet", rules: rules, floors: floors}, sent.Add(after))
+	}
+	judge(30*time.Second, healthGood)
+	if g.Passes != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a reading before the controller's floor was counted: %+v", g)
+	}
+	judge(70*time.Second, healthNotYet)
+	judge(2*time.Minute, healthGood)
+	if !g.Faulted || g.Verdict != "" {
+		t.Fatalf("%+v; want the dip a fault, and no pass at two minutes", g)
+	}
+}
+
+// A send carrying the controller and the node-engine is judged by the node-engine's three readings.
+func TestASendIsJudgedByItsMostDemandingRule(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGatesTimes(t)
+	sent := time.Now()
+	g := &inventory.PlanGate{Machines: []string{"novox"}, Since: &sent}
+	modules := []string{"mesh-controller", "mesh-host"}
+	rules, floors := map[string]gateRule{}, map[string]time.Time{}
+	for _, m := range modules {
+		rules[m] = gateRuleOf(m, catalogue.Manifest{Module: m})
+		floors[m] = gateFloor(m, rules[m], sent, []string{"novox"}, nil, nil)
+	}
+	for _, after := range []time.Duration{70 * time.Second, 110 * time.Second} {
+		tallyGate(g, gateJudging{modules: modules, reading: map[string]health{"mesh-controller": healthGood,
+			"mesh-host": healthGood}, worst: healthGood, rules: rules, floors: floors}, sent.Add(after))
+	}
+	if g.Verdict != "" || g.Wants != 3 || g.Passes != 2 || g.Healthy["mesh-controller"] != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("%+v; want the send judged by the node-engine's three readings, the controller's own counted", g)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/gate_test.go

@@ -36,6 +36,10 @@ func aGateMesh(t *testing.T) *gateMesh {
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	inv := open.inventory
 	g := &gateMesh{open: open, health: map[string]health{}}
+	// The gate's own tests judge a first machine, as walks a controller before novox/hq ADR 0360 started still are.
+	wasGated := gateFirstMachine
+	gateFirstMachine = true
+	t.Cleanup(func() { gateFirstMachine = wasGated })
 	g.keeper, _ = withConditionsInMemory(t)
 	g.told = &conditions.Told{}
 	was := doctorFrom
@@ -124,10 +128,14 @@ func aGateMesh(t *testing.T) *gateMesh {
 	}
 	t.Cleanup(func() { gatherGateFacts = wasGather })
 
-	wasSettle, wasEvery, wasBound := gateSettle, gateEvery, gateBound
+	wasWithin, wasEvery, wasBound := gateWithin, gateEvery, gateBound
+	// The witness window is the node-engine's, from a start no test makes (novox/hq ADR 0351).
+	wasWindow := gateWitnessWindow
+	gateWitnessWindow = 0
+	t.Cleanup(func() { gateWitnessWindow = wasWindow })
 	// One judging per advance until a test says otherwise: a pass waits gateEvery for the next.
-	gateSettle, gateEvery = 0, time.Hour
+	gateWithin, gateEvery = time.Hour, time.Hour
-	t.Cleanup(func() { gateSettle, gateEvery, gateBound = wasSettle, wasEvery, wasBound })
+	t.Cleanup(func() { gateWithin, gateEvery, gateBound = wasWithin, wasEvery, wasBound })
 
 	built := time.Now().UTC()
 	plan := inventory.Plan{ID: "plan-gate", Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Branch: "main", Commit: "c2",
@@ -267,12 +275,40 @@ func TestABuildThatPassesItsGateRollsEverywhereUnattended(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
+// A build rolls everywhere with no hand and no gate (novox/hq ADR 0360 §1): both machines in one send, no health
+// judged, and the walk done once both reported on the send. Before, anchor was judged first, then laptop sent.
+func TestABuildRollsToEveryMachineAtOnceWithNoGate(t *testing.T) {
+	g := aGateMesh(t)
+	gateFirstMachine = false
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	judged := false
+	wasGather := gatherGateFacts
+	gatherGateFacts = func(ctx context.Context, open *stores, component string) (gateFacts, error) {
+		judged = true
+		return wasGather(ctx, open, component)
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { gatherGateFacts = wasGather })
+	for i := 0; i < 6; i++ {
+		advancePlans(ctx, g.open)
+	}
+	p := g.plan(t)
+	if !reflect.DeepEqual(g.sent, [][]string{{"anchor", "laptop"}}) {
+		t.Fatalf("sent %v, not both machines in one send", g.sent)
+	}
+	if s := p.Modules["app"]; p.State != inventory.PlanDone || s.Gate != nil || s.FirstAt != nil || judged {
+		t.Fatalf("the plan is %s (%s), app %+v, judged %v", p.State, p.Note, s, judged)
+	}
+	if obs, err := probeGates(ctx, doctorFrom); err != nil || len(obs) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a rolled build left a condition: %+v %v", obs, err)
+	}
+}
+
 // A leaf module passes its gate on one reading, as soon as its first machine is healthy, without waiting out the
 // core's settle time (novox/hq ADR 0282 decision 4 as ADR 0304 decision 3 changed it, issue 524).
 func TestALeafModulePassesOnOneHealthyReading(t *testing.T) {
 	g := aGateMesh(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
-	gateSettle = time.Hour    // a core module could not pass for an hour
+	gateWithin = time.Hour    // a core module could not pass on fewer readings for an hour
 	advancePlans(ctx, g.open) // the first machine is sent the new build
 	advancePlans(ctx, g.open) // one healthy judging
 	p := g.plan(t)
@@ -285,31 +321,6 @@ func TestALeafModulePassesOnOneHealthyReading(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
-// Which modules are judged as the core: those on the controller's own path and the resolver's holder, three
-// readings after the settle time; every other module one (novox/hq ADR 0282 decision 1, ADR 0304 decision 3).
-func TestAModuleIsJudgedByItsClass(t *testing.T) {
-	for _, c := range []struct {
-		module  string
-		claims  []catalogue.Claim
-		passes  int
-		settles bool
-	}{
-		{"app", nil, 1, false},
-		{"nzbget", nil, 1, false},
-		{"mesh-controller", nil, 3, true},
-		{"mesh-host", nil, 3, true},
-		{"node-tools", nil, 3, true},
-		{"nats", nil, 3, true},
-		{catalogue.DeliverySeat, nil, 3, true},
-		{"dnsmasq", []catalogue.Claim{{Name: resolverSeat}}, 3, true},
-	} {
-		p, s := gateWants(c.module, catalogue.Manifest{Module: c.module, Claims: c.claims})
-		if p != c.passes || s != c.settles {
-			t.Errorf("%s: %d passes, settles %v; want %d, %v", c.module, p, s, c.passes, c.settles)
-		}
-	}
-}
-
 // A first machine that never becomes healthy fails its gate at the bound, and is put back.
 func TestABuildNeverHealthyFailsAtTheBound(t *testing.T) {
 	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)

cmd/mesh-controller/handacts_test.go

@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ func TestARepairByHandCarriesItsReason(t *testing.T) {
 		want string
 	}{
 		{"push", map[string]any{"node": "anchor", "why": "stuck", "cause": "sent-not-reported"},
-			"push anchor --wait 0 --why stuck --cause sent-not-reported"},
+			"push anchor --wait 0s --why stuck --cause sent-not-reported"},
 		{"plans", map[string]any{"close": "plan-1", "why": "the report will not come"},
 			"plans close plan-1 --why the report will not come"},
 		{"plans", map[string]any{"retry": "plan-1"}, "plans retry plan-1"},

cmd/mesh-controller/held_back.go

@@ -151,7 +151,7 @@ func heldMachines(ctx context.Context, open *stores, names []string) (map[string
 		for _, mv := range f.moves(node, modules, same, known, false) {
 			if planStillToSend(plans, mv.Module, node) == "" {
 				why = append(why, fmt.Sprintf("%s would move from %s to %s, which has passed no gate yet — a release "+
-					"plan sends it, one machine at a time, judged", mv.Module, buildName(mv.From), buildName(mv.To)))
+					"plan sends it, one machine first and then the rest at once, judged", mv.Module, buildName(mv.From), buildName(mv.To)))
 			}
 		}
 		if len(why) > 0 {

cmd/mesh-controller/issue352_test.go

@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ import (
 // another send reaches anchor, unreported; the gate still passes. And a send that moves a judged module
 // to another build supersedes the judging: no verdict, nothing put back.
 func TestReplay352(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
 	t.Run("a newer send to the judged machine does not unreport the gate's", testANewerSendDoesNotUnreportTheGatesOwn)
 	t.Run("a send that moves the module supersedes the judging", testASendThatMovesTheModuleSupersedesTheJudging)
@@ -67,6 +68,7 @@ func testANewerSendDoesNotUnreportTheGatesOwn(t *testing.T) {
 
 // A plan's own first send waits while a release judges the same module on that machine with another build.
 func TestAPlansFirstSendWaitsForAReleaseJudgingTheModuleThere(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
 	b := aBacklog(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
@@ -82,6 +84,7 @@ func TestAPlansFirstSendWaitsForAReleaseJudgingTheModuleThere(t *testing.T) {
 
 // A merge plan's judging is superseded the same way: another send moved its module on the first machine.
 func TestAPlansJudgingIsSupersededByASendThatMovesItsModule(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
 	g := aGateMesh(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
@@ -140,6 +143,7 @@ func testASendThatMovesTheModuleSupersedesTheJudging(t *testing.T) {
 // A report is on the gate's own send: the declaration itself, or one sequenced after it; a gate kept
 // without its send reads the report against the send made last, as before. Pure.
 func TestAReportIsHeldAgainstTheGatesOwnSend(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	sent := inventory.SentDeclaration{Digest: "d-490", Sequence: 490}
 	for _, c := range []struct {
 		r    inventory.Reported
@@ -185,6 +189,7 @@ func TestAReportIsHeldAgainstTheGatesOwnSend(t *testing.T) {
 // A gate judges only the build the machine was last sent: last sent another build of the module, the
 // judging is superseded, whatever the machine reports. Pure.
 func TestAGateJudgesOnlyTheBuildTheMachineWasLastSent(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	at := time.Now()
 	f := gateFacts{now: at, reports: map[string]inventory.Reported{"anchor": {Node: "anchor", Outcome: inventory.OutcomeApplied,
 		At: &at, Current: true}}, engines: map[string]string{}, served: map[string]served{}, rolledBack: map[string][]lease.Rollback{},
@@ -212,6 +217,7 @@ func TestAGateJudgesOnlyTheBuildTheMachineWasLastSent(t *testing.T) {
 // A move of another build of a module to a machine where a release or a plan is judging that module
 // waits for that judging; the same build to that machine is already there. Pure.
 func TestAWalkWaitsForAJudgingOfTheSameModuleOnThatMachine(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	at := time.Now()
 	release := inventory.Plan{ID: "release-1", State: inventory.PlanRolling, Release: &inventory.PlanRelease{
 		Gate: &inventory.PlanGate{Machines: []string{"novox"}, Carried: []inventory.CarriedMove{
@@ -249,6 +255,7 @@ func TestAWalkWaitsForAJudgingOfTheSameModuleOnThatMachine(t *testing.T) {
 // The controller is never put back to a build that reaches less of the store's schema than the store
 // has, or to one that never said what it reaches: the current build is kept, and the condition says so.
 func TestTheControllerIsNotPutBackToABuildOlderThanTheStoresSchema(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	open := aMesh(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	inv := open.inventory
@@ -345,6 +352,7 @@ func TestTheControllerIsNotPutBackToABuildOlderThanTheStoresSchema(t *testing.T)
 
 // The lease's holder names the build the declaration told it it is, and the version stamp only without one.
 func TestTheHolderNamesTheBuildTheDeclarationToldIt(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	t.Setenv(RunningBuildVar, " ad62528c47c7 ")
 	if h := holderOf("x"); h.Build != "ad62528c47c7" {
 		t.Fatalf("the holder's build is %q", h.Build)

cmd/mesh-controller/issue648_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,88 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"encoding/json"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// A tier whose module is no move — made from the source every machine running it runs, so nothing is
+// sent — is not waited on for a report after its marking (novox/hq issue 648). Its machines answered the
+// send that last carried that build before the walk got there, and nothing will make them report again:
+// the walk asks the next tier in the same step, rather than "waiting for app on anchor, laptop" for ever.
+func TestANoMoveTierWaitsForNoNewReport(t *testing.T) {
+	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
+	g := aGateMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := g.open.inventory
+
+	// app holds the build seat, so a module of the next tier is built by it; since novox/hq ADR 0360 §3 that gates
+	// nothing.
+	for _, m := range []catalogue.Manifest{
+		{Module: "app", Version: "c2", Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: "node-build-agent", Scope: catalogue.ScopeNode}}},
+		{Module: "web", Version: "w1"},
+	} {
+		if err := inv.RegisterModule(ctx, m, inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Seat: "git",
+			Path: "modules/" + m.Module, BuiltFrom: m.Version, Head: m.Version, Asked: time.Now().Add(-time.Minute)}); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	// What anchor and laptop were last sent (c1) was made from the source the plan's build of c2 is.
+	for _, b := range []inventory.Build{
+		{ID: "build-1s", Module: "app", Commit: "c1", SourceFingerprint: "src1:app",
+			Asked: time.Now().Add(-30 * time.Second), At: time.Now().Add(-30 * time.Second)},
+		{ID: "build-2s", Module: "app", Commit: "c2", SourceFingerprint: "src1:app", Asked: time.Now(), At: time.Now()},
+	} {
+		b.Manifest, _ = json.Marshal(catalogue.Manifest{Module: "app", Version: "1"})
+		if err := inv.RecordBuild(ctx, b); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	// Each machine answered that send, applied, before the walk's tier was built.
+	for _, n := range []string{"anchor", "laptop"} {
+		if _, err := inv.RecordDoing(ctx, nodeID(t, g.open, n), inventory.Doing{Node: n,
+			Outcome: inventory.OutcomeApplied, Declared: "d-" + n + "-c1", Applied: 1,
+			At: time.Now().Add(-10 * time.Second)}); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	built := time.Now().UTC()
+	p := g.plan(t)
+	p.Tiers = [][]string{{"app"}, {"web"}}
+	p.Modules["app"].Build, p.Modules["app"].BuiltAt = "build-2s", &built
+	if err := inv.SavePlan(ctx, &p); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+
+	advancePlans(ctx, g.open)
+
+	if len(g.sent) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a no-move build was sent: %v", g.sent)
+	}
+	p = g.plan(t)
+	if s := p.Modules["app"]; s == nil || !strings.HasPrefix(s.Why, "no move") {
+		t.Fatalf("the build was not marked no move: %+v", s)
+	}
+	if p.Tier < 1 || strings.Contains(p.Note, "waiting for app") {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk waits on a no-move tier for a report nothing will cause: tier %d, %s %q", p.Tier, p.State, p.Note)
+	}
+
+	// A machine that has not answered its last send is not waited on either: a built-by edge gates no tier
+	// (novox/hq ADR 0360 §3). Before, the walk waited for app on laptop.
+	p.Tier, p.State, p.Note = 0, inventory.PlanRolling, ""
+	if err := inv.RecordSent(ctx, nodeID(t, g.open, "laptop"), "d-laptop-later", map[string]string{"app": "c1"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := inv.SavePlan(ctx, &p); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	advancePlans(ctx, g.open)
+	p = g.plan(t)
+	if p.Tier < 1 || strings.Contains(p.Note, "waiting for app") {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk waits on a built-by edge: tier %d, %q", p.Tier, p.Note)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/lean_walk_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,188 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"slices"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// novox/hq ADR 0360 §4, §5: a walk ends on its machines' reports — every machine sent has reported on its send,
+// or is silent past ApplySilentAfter — and names a failed or refused apply; it never waits for a health reading.
+func TestAWalkEndsOnItsMachinesReports(t *testing.T) {
+	now := time.Date(2026, 10, 14, 12, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	sent := now.Add(-time.Minute)
+	long := now.Add(-inventory.ApplySilentAfter - time.Minute)
+	at := now.Add(-10 * time.Second)
+	p := inventory.Plan{Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{
+		"app": {Rest: map[string]inventory.SentDeclaration{
+			"ace":    {Digest: "d-ace", At: sent},
+			"novox":  {Digest: "d-novox", At: sent},
+			"shanks": {Digest: "d-shanks", At: sent},
+			"laptop": {Digest: "d-laptop", At: long},
+		}},
+		"proxy": {Rest: map[string]inventory.SentDeclaration{"ace": {Digest: "d-ace", At: sent}}},
+	}}
+	reports := []inventory.Reported{
+		{Node: "ace", Outcome: inventory.OutcomeApplied, At: &at, Declared: "d-ace"},
+		{Node: "novox", Outcome: inventory.OutcomeFailed, At: &at, Declared: "d-novox"},
+		{Node: "shanks", Outcome: inventory.OutcomeApplied, At: &at, Declared: "d-before"},
+	}
+	waiting, failed, silent := walkReports(p, reports, now)
+	if !slices.Equal(waiting, []string{"shanks"}) || !slices.Equal(failed, []string{"novox"}) ||
+		!slices.Equal(silent, []string{"laptop"}) {
+		t.Fatalf("waiting %v, failed %v, silent %v", waiting, failed, silent)
+	}
+	reports[2].Declared = "d-shanks"
+	if waiting, _, _ := walkReports(p, reports, now); len(waiting) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk still waits once every machine reported: %v", waiting)
+	}
+}
+
+// withTheGate turns the first-machine gate on for a test of its own path: kept for the walks a controller before
+// novox/hq ADR 0360 started.
+func withTheGate(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Helper()
+	was := gateFirstMachine
+	gateFirstMachine = true
+	t.Cleanup(func() { gateFirstMachine = was })
+}
+
+// Every machine heard from is sent at once and passed on its applied report, with no judging (novox/hq ADR 0360 §7);
+// before, the first machine was judged before the rest were sent (ADR 0353 §1).
+func TestAReleaseSendsEveryMachineAtOnce(t *testing.T) {
+	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
+	b := aBacklogOnThree(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	said := events(t)
+	for i := 0; i < 12; i++ {
+		advancePlans(ctx, b.open)
+	}
+	p := b.release(t)
+	if p.State != inventory.PlanDone || len(p.Release.Done) != 3 {
+		t.Fatalf("the release is %s: %s %+v", p.State, p.Note, p.Release)
+	}
+	for _, n := range []string{"desk", "laptop", "anchor"} {
+		if !slices.Contains(*said, "send "+n) {
+			t.Fatalf("%s was not sent: %v", n, *said)
+		}
+	}
+	if slices.Contains(*said, "judge") {
+		t.Fatalf("a machine was judged by its health: %v", *said)
+	}
+	if v, found, err := b.open.inventory.GateOf(ctx, "build-late-c2"); err != nil || !found || v.Verdict != inventory.GatePassed {
+		t.Fatalf("late's pass on laptop was not kept: %+v %v %v", v, found, err)
+	}
+}
+
+// A machine that reports its apply failed is named and fails the release, with nothing put back, and every other
+// machine goes on to its own report (novox/hq ADR 0360 §5, §7); before, it was put back (ADR 0353 §3).
+func TestAMachineThatFailsItsApplyIsNamedAndNothingIsPutBack(t *testing.T) {
+	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
+	b := aBacklogOnThree(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := b.open.inventory
+	b.broken["desk"] = true // desk fails what it is sent
+	advancePlans(ctx, b.open)
+	for i := 0; i < 12 && b.release(t).Open(); i++ {
+		advancePlans(ctx, b.open)
+	}
+	p := b.release(t)
+	if p.State != inventory.PlanFailed || !slices.Equal(p.Release.Failed, []string{"desk"}) {
+		t.Fatalf("the release is %s: %s %+v", p.State, p.Note, p.Release)
+	}
+	if !slices.Contains(p.Release.Done, "laptop") || !slices.Contains(p.Release.Done, "anchor") {
+		t.Fatalf("the others have no verdict of their own: %+v", p.Release)
+	}
+	if v, found, err := inv.GateOf(ctx, "build-late-c2"); err != nil || !found || v.Verdict != inventory.GatePassed {
+		t.Fatalf("late's pass on laptop was not kept: %+v %v %v", v, found, err)
+	}
+	if sent, _, _ := inv.SentBuilds(ctx, "desk"); sent["app"] != "c2" {
+		t.Fatalf("desk was put back: %v", sent)
+	}
+}
+
+// A release's send kept before it was made, and made, is judged by the controller that takes over without being
+// made again (ADR 0353 §8), with every machine sent at once (ADR 0360 §7).
+func TestAReleaseSendKeptAndMadeIsNotMadeAgainAtOnce(t *testing.T) {
+	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
+	b := aBacklog(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := b.open.inventory
+	p, err := releaseBacklog(ctx, b.open, "")
+	if err != nil || p == nil {
+		t.Fatalf("no release opened: %v", err)
+	}
+	if _, err := advanceRelease(ctx, b.open, p); err != nil || p.Release.Gates["anchor"] == nil || !p.Release.Gates["anchor"].Pending {
+		t.Fatalf("the send was not kept before it was made: %+v %v", p.Release, err)
+	}
+	if err := inv.SavePlan(ctx, p); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	// The send is made, and the controller is replaced before it keeps it.
+	if _, err := sendRollout(ctx, b.open, []string{"anchor"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	advancePlans(ctx, b.open)
+	if n := len(slices.DeleteFunc(slices.Clone(b.sent), func(s []string) bool { return !slices.Equal(s, []string{"anchor"}) })); n != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("anchor was sent again: %v", b.sent)
+	}
+	g := b.release(t).Release.Gates["anchor"]
+	if g == nil || g.Pending || g.Since == nil || len(g.Carried) == 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("anchor is not judged on the send made: %+v", g)
+	}
+}
+
+// A machine of the rest that says nothing on its send is left silent after fifteen minutes: not failed, not put
+// back; a rest that went silent whole ends failed, said as a condition (ADR 0353 §4); its step also sent anchor, so the release is done, not failed (ADR 0360 §7).
+func TestAMachineSilentPastItsBoundIsLeftAndSaidAtOnce(t *testing.T) {
+	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
+	b := aBacklog(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := b.open.inventory
+	reporting := sendRollout
+	sendRollout = func(ctx context.Context, open *stores, names []string) ([]string, error) {
+		if slices.Equal(names, []string{"laptop"}) { // laptop sleeps: sent, and says nothing
+			b.sent = append(b.sent, names)
+			current, _ := open.inventory.CurrentBuilds(ctx)
+			return names, open.inventory.RecordSent(ctx, nodeID(t, open, "laptop"), "d-laptop-asleep",
+				map[string]string{"app": current["app"].Commit, "late": current["late"].Commit, "same": current["same"].Commit})
+		}
+		return reporting(ctx, open, names)
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { sendRollout = reporting })
+	for i := 0; i < 8; i++ {
+		advancePlans(ctx, b.open)
+	}
+	p := b.release(t)
+	g := p.Release.Gates["laptop"]
+	if !p.Open() || g == nil || g.Verdict != "" || g.Silent {
+		t.Fatalf("laptop is judged before fifteen minutes: %s %s %+v", p.State, p.Note, g)
+	}
+	since := time.Now().Add(-inventory.ApplySilentAfter - time.Minute)
+	g.Since = &since
+	if err := inv.SavePlan(ctx, &p); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	advancePlans(ctx, b.open)
+	p = b.release(t)
+	// anchor applied in the same step, so the release is done, laptop named silent (novox/hq ADR 0360 §7).
+	if p.State != inventory.PlanDone || !slices.Equal(p.Release.Silent, []string{"laptop"}) || len(p.Release.Failed) > 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the release is %s: %s %+v", p.State, p.Note, p.Release)
+	}
+	if failed, _ := inv.GateFailed(ctx, "build-late-c2"); failed {
+		t.Fatal("a silent machine's build was marked failed")
+	}
+	if sent, _, _ := inv.SentBuilds(ctx, "laptop"); sent["late"] != "c2" {
+		t.Fatalf("laptop was put back: %v", sent)
+	}
+	obs, err := silentObservation(ctx, inv)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if len(obs) != 1 || obs[0].Kind != "release-silent" || !slices.Equal(obs[0].Also, []string{"laptop"}) {
+		t.Fatalf("the silence is not said: %+v", obs)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/local_network.go

@@ -0,0 +1,67 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"fmt"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/overlay"
+)
+
+// localNetworksOf is a machine's attached networks judged (novox/hq ADR 0340): which count as its local
+// network, from what it last said of itself and the links it said face outside it. A machine that has
+// said none judges to nothing, and a port reached from `local-network` is then admitted from the private
+// network only, and said so.
+func localNetworksOf(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, node string) ([]catalogue.LocalNetwork, error) {
+	account, had, err := inv.MachineOf(ctx, node)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	outward, err := inv.OutwardLinksOf(ctx, node)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return judgedNetworks(account, had, outward, overlay.Interface), nil
+}
+
+// judgedNetworks is the judging alone, from what was read.
+func judgedNetworks(account inventory.MachineAccount, had bool, outward []string, tunnel string) []catalogue.LocalNetwork {
+	if !had || account.Machine == nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+	attached := make([]catalogue.AttachedNetwork, 0, len(account.Machine.Networks))
+	for _, n := range account.Machine.Networks {
+		attached = append(attached, catalogue.AttachedNetwork{Link: n.Link, Network: n.Network})
+	}
+	return catalogue.JudgeLocalNetworks(attached, outward, tunnel)
+}
+
+// localNetworkLines is what `node` shows of a machine's attached networks (ADR 0340 §8): each one, with
+// whether it counts as the local network and why, or why none is shown.
+func localNetworkLines(account inventory.MachineAccount, had bool, judged []catalogue.LocalNetwork) []string {
+	out := []string{"  its local network (what a port reached from local-network is admitted from):"}
+	switch {
+	case !had || account.Machine == nil:
+		return append(out, "    not said — this machine has not reported what it is attached to")
+	case len(account.Machine.Networks) == 0:
+		why := account.Machine.Unknown["networks"]
+		if why == "" {
+			why = "its node-engine is older than the one that says it"
+		}
+		return append(out, "    not said — "+why)
+	}
+	counted := 0
+	for _, j := range judged {
+		verdict := "not counted"
+		if j.Counts {
+			verdict = "counts"
+			counted++
+		}
+		out = append(out, fmt.Sprintf("    %-22s on %-10s %s: %s", j.Network, j.Link, verdict, j.Why))
+	}
+	if counted == 0 {
+		out = append(out, "    none counts: a port reached from local-network is admitted from the private network only")
+	}
+	return out
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/local_network_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,65 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// **node shows what the local network resolved to** (novox/hq ADR 0340 §8): every attached network,
+// whether it counts, and why the others do not — the public subnet named as never counted.
+func TestNodeShowsWhichAttachedNetworksCountAndWhy(t *testing.T) {
+	account := inventory.MachineAccount{Architecture: "amd64", Kernel: "linux", Machine: &inventory.MadeOf{
+		Networks: []inventory.AttachedNetwork{
+			{Link: "eth0", Network: "192.168.1.10/24"},
+			{Link: "eth1", Network: "203.0.113.7/24"},
+			{Link: "wg-mesh", Network: "10.10.0.4/24"},
+		}}}
+	judged := judgedNetworks(account, true, []string{"eth0", "eth1"}, "wg-mesh")
+	text := strings.Join(localNetworkLines(account, true, judged), "\n")
+	for _, want := range []string{
+		"192.168.1.0/24", "counts: in a private range (RFC 1918, 192.168.0.0/16)",
+		"203.0.113.0/24", "not counted: public, never counted",
+		"10.10.0.0/24", "the private network's own link",
+	} {
+		if !strings.Contains(text, want) {
+			t.Errorf("node does not say %q:\n%s", want, text)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// A machine that said none, or whose node-engine is older, is said as that — never as an empty list
+// that reads like a machine on no network.
+func TestNodeSaysWhenNoNetworkWasSaid(t *testing.T) {
+	older := inventory.MachineAccount{Machine: &inventory.MadeOf{}}
+	if text := strings.Join(localNetworkLines(older, true, nil), "\n"); !strings.Contains(text, "older than the one that says it") {
+		t.Errorf("an older node-engine is not said:\n%s", text)
+	}
+	public := inventory.MachineAccount{Machine: &inventory.MadeOf{
+		Networks: []inventory.AttachedNetwork{{Link: "eth0", Network: "198.51.100.9/24"}}}}
+	judged := judgedNetworks(public, true, []string{"eth0"}, "wg-mesh")
+	if text := strings.Join(localNetworkLines(public, true, judged), "\n"); !strings.Contains(text, "none counts") {
+		t.Errorf("a machine on a public network only is not said to have no local network:\n%s", text)
+	}
+	if text := strings.Join(localNetworkLines(inventory.MachineAccount{}, false, nil), "\n"); !strings.Contains(text, "not said") {
+		t.Errorf("a machine that never reported is not said:\n%s", text)
+	}
+}
+
+// The preview of a flip says what a port from the local network keeps: the local networks it stays
+// open to, or that the machine reported none (ADR 0340 §6).
+func TestTheFlipPreviewSaysWhatALocalNetworkPortKeeps(t *testing.T) {
+	rules := []catalogue.Rule{{Port: 1883, Protocol: "tcp", From: catalogue.FromLocalNetwork, Because: []string{"mosquitto"}}}
+	at := inventory.Reach{Protocol: "tcp", Address: "0.0.0.0", Port: 1883}
+	with := derivedFilter{rules: rules, mesh: []string{"10.10.0.1"}, outwardLinks: []string{"eth0"},
+		local: []string{"192.168.1.0/24"}}
+	if fate := with.fate(at); !strings.Contains(fate, "192.168.1.0/24") {
+		t.Errorf("the preview says %q, without the local network it stays open to", fate)
+	}
+	with.local = nil
+	if fate := with.fate(at); !strings.Contains(fate, "reported none") {
+		t.Errorf("the preview says %q, without saying no local network was reported", fate)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/main.go

@@ -104,6 +104,10 @@ func run() error {
 		return replayCommand(ctx, args[1:])
 	case "kill":
 		return killCommand(ctx, args[1:])
+	case "forget-checks":
+		return forgetChecksCommand(ctx, args[1:])
+	case "try":
+		return tryCommand(ctx, args[1:])
 	case "pause", "resume":
 		return pauseCommand(ctx, args[0], args[1:])
 	case "collection":
@@ -379,6 +383,13 @@ func (b builds) Built(ctx context.Context, result link.BuildResult) error {
 	// **A merge check builds nothing** (novox/hq to-be 45 §9): its verdict is said, and nothing of it is
 	// recorded or registered.
 	if result.Check != nil || result.Checked != nil {
+		if isTry(result) {
+			// A branch tried before its pull request (novox/hq issue 686): its asker reads the outcome from the
+			// build's log. Never said as `checked`, so the forge's holder sets no status.
+			fmt.Printf("%s: a try of %s at %.8s, read with `try --id`: said to nobody, nothing taken in\n", result.ID,
+				result.Repository, result.Ref)
+			return nil
+		}
 		checked(ctx, result)
 		return nil
 	}
@@ -429,8 +440,14 @@ func (b builds) Built(ctx context.Context, result link.BuildResult) error {
 	}
 	fmt.Printf("%s: %s %s registered, built on %s from %s\n",
 		result.ID, manifest.Module, manifest.Version, result.On, short(result.Commit))
+	// What the walk's build did, kept on the walk whose ask it answers (novox/hq ADR 0350 §4); a build seat from
+	// before it says nothing, and that is what is kept.
+	made := result.MadeWords()
+	if result.Reused != "" || result.BuiltWhy != "" {
+		fmt.Printf("%s: %s %s\n", result.ID, manifest.Module, made)
+	}
 	saysWhenThePolicyActs(ctx, b.inv, manifest.Module)
-	planBuilt(ctx, b.open, manifest.Module, result.Commit, "", asked, result.ID)
+	planBuiltSaying(ctx, b.open, manifest.Module, result.Commit, "", asked, result.ID, made)
 	// A module registered may be one a machine is now behind: `status` is composed again.
 	statusFrom.nudge()
 	return nil

cmd/mesh-controller/missed_merges.go

@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ func owedToTheRecord(ctx context.Context, announced merges, m link.SourceMoved,
 
 // catchingUpOnMerges reads back the forge's announcements on a timer, until the context ends.
 func catchingUpOnMerges(ctx context.Context, open *stores, announced merges) {
-	f := following{open}
+	f := following{open: open}
 	catalogued := func(ctx context.Context) ([]inventory.Entry, map[string][]inventory.ReadRepository, error) {
 		entries, err := open.inventory.Catalogued(ctx)
 		if err != nil {

cmd/mesh-controller/module_health.go

@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ func stateHealth(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, k *conditions.Ke
 			State: r.State, Reason: r.Reason, Since: r.Since, Streak: r.Streak, Restarts: r.Restarts,
 			Check: r.Check, Needs: r.Needs, Account: r.Account, Root: r.Root}
 		for _, w := range r.Waits {
-			kept.Waits = append(kept.Waits, inventory.Wait{Part: w.Part, Secret: w.Secret, Setting: w.Setting, What: w.What})
+			kept.Waits = append(kept.Waits, inventory.Wait{Part: w.Part, Secret: w.Secret, Setting: w.Setting, Provision: w.Provision, What: w.What})
 		}
 		resources = append(resources, kept)
 	}
@@ -240,6 +240,7 @@ func judgeModuleHealth(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, k *conditi
 			continue
 		}
 		o := moduleUnhealthyObservation(m, node, unhealthy[m])
+		declaredSeverity(&o, hold, m)
 		if hold != nil {
 			if by, held := hold.heldWith(node, m, unhealthy[m]); held {
 				// Held under the provider's condition: nothing of its own, and the provider's says it waits. The
@@ -347,6 +348,7 @@ func sayWaiters(ctx context.Context, k *conditions.Keeper, hold *holding, p cata
 	} else {
 		_, rest := besideAWait(p.Module, rs)
 		o = moduleUnhealthyObservation(p.Module, p.Node, rest)
+		declaredSeverity(&o, hold, p.Module)
 		if said, waits := personWait(p.Module, p.Node, rest); waits {
 			o = reloginObservation(p.Module, p.Node, said, operatorOn(ctx, hold.inv, p.Node), rest)
 		}
@@ -481,6 +483,19 @@ func sayWaitingOn(o *conditions.Observation, waiters []string) {
 	o.Explanation += fmt.Sprintf(" %d module(s) that depend on it wait for it.", len(waiters))
 }
 
+// declaredSeverity raises a module's unhealthy condition urgent when its manifest declares `unhealthy` urgent
+// (novox/hq ADR 0355 §1). Only that condition changes (ADR 0355 §4): a wait for a new login, a module that needs
+// the operator and a directory used as found keep their severities, and without the field, or without a manifest
+// to read it from, it stays the warning it was.
+func declaredSeverity(o *conditions.Observation, hold *holding, module string) {
+	if o.Kind != kindModuleUnhealthy || hold == nil {
+		return
+	}
+	if m, ok := hold.manifestOf(module); ok && m.UnhealthyIsUrgent() {
+		o.Severity = conditions.Urgent
+	}
+}
+
 // moduleUnhealthyObservation is a module unhealthy on a machine, in words: the summary names the module,
 // the machine and what is wrong with each resource; the detail — targets, streaks, since — is evidence.
 func moduleUnhealthyObservation(module, node string, rs []inventory.ResourceHealth) conditions.Observation {

cmd/mesh-controller/network.go

@@ -684,7 +684,7 @@ func artifactStoreOnNetwork(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory,
 			if !offers {
 				continue
 			}
-			serves, err := servedOnNode(ctx, inv, machine, m, catalogue.ArtifactStoreProvision)
+			serves, _, err := servedOnNode(ctx, inv, machine, m, catalogue.ArtifactStoreProvision)
 			if err != nil {
 				return "", "", false, fmt.Errorf("reading where %s puts the artifact store: %w", machine, err)
 			}

cmd/mesh-controller/nodes.go

@@ -19,6 +19,7 @@ import (
 	"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/overlay"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/token"
 )
 
@@ -884,6 +885,16 @@ func showNode(ctx context.Context, stored *stores, name string) error {
 		for _, line := range machineLines(account, had, time.Now()) {
 			fmt.Println(line)
 		}
+		// And which of the networks it is attached to count as its local network, and why the others
+		// do not (novox/hq ADR 0340 §8).
+		outward, err := inv.OutwardLinksOf(ctx, name)
+		if err != nil {
+			fmt.Printf("  its local network could NOT be judged: %v\n", err)
+		} else {
+			for _, line := range localNetworkLines(account, had, judgedNetworks(account, had, outward, overlay.Interface)) {
+				fmt.Println(line)
+			}
+		}
 	}
 
 	held, err := inv.Profile(ctx, name)

cmd/mesh-controller/operator_wait.go

@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ package main
 import (
 	"context"
 	"fmt"
+	"slices"
 	"sort"
 	"strings"
 	"time"
@@ -44,6 +45,28 @@ func needsOperatorKey(module, node string) string {
 type operatorWaitFacts struct {
 	manifests map[string]catalogue.Manifest
 	given     map[string]map[string]time.Time
+	// outside is, per provision some module offers with a credential issued outside the mesh, that provider module
+	// and the machines it is assigned to (novox/hq ADR 0337); pairsGiven, per "<module>@<machine>", the provisions
+	// it holds a value a person gave for, sealed to the keys both ends have now. Absent is not known: no wait for a
+	// provision of it is excused.
+	outside    map[string]outsideProvider
+	pairsGiven map[string]map[string]bool
+}
+
+// outsideProvider is the module offering a provision whose credential only a person gives, and where it runs.
+type outsideProvider struct {
+	Module   string
+	Machines []string
+}
+
+// acceptLine is the one line that gives an outside provision's credential for every consumer of its provider: on
+// the provider's machine when it runs on one, named as <machine> when on several or none.
+func (p outsideProvider) acceptLine(provision string) string {
+	machine := "<its machine>"
+	if len(p.Machines) == 1 {
+		machine = p.Machines[0]
+	}
+	return inventory.AcceptLine(machine, p.Module, provision)
 }
 
 // checkWait is nil when a wait is excused, and otherwise why not, in words. Pure.
@@ -52,9 +75,18 @@ func checkWait(module, machine string, w inventory.Wait, f operatorWaitFacts) er
 	if !known {
 		return fmt.Errorf("says it waits for %s, and the mesh holds no manifest of %s to check it against", waitNames(w), module)
 	}
+	named := 0
+	for _, n := range []string{w.Secret, w.Setting, w.Provision} {
+		if n != "" {
+			named++
+		}
+	}
 	switch {
-	case w.Secret != "" && w.Setting != "", w.Secret == "" && w.Setting == "":
+	case named != 1:
-		return fmt.Errorf("says it waits, naming %s, where a wait names one secret or one setting", waitNames(w))
+		return fmt.Errorf("says it waits, naming %s, where a wait names one secret, one setting or one provision",
+			waitNames(w))
+	case w.Provision != "":
+		return checkProvisionWait(module, machine, w, m, f)
 	case w.Setting != "":
 		if _, declared := m.Settings[w.Setting]; !declared {
 			return fmt.Errorf("says it waits for the setting %s, which %s does not declare", w.Setting, module)
@@ -80,20 +112,46 @@ func checkWait(module, machine string, w inventory.Wait, f operatorWaitFacts) er
 	return nil
 }
 
+// checkProvisionWait excuses a wait for a provision's credential only when the store bears it out (novox/hq ADR 0337
+// §6): the module requires the provision, a provider offers it with a credential issued outside the mesh, and the
+// module on this machine holds no value a person gave for it under the keys both ends have now.
+func checkProvisionWait(module, machine string, w inventory.Wait, m catalogue.Manifest, f operatorWaitFacts) error {
+	if !slices.Contains(m.Requires, w.Provision) {
+		return fmt.Errorf("says it waits for the provision %s, which %s does not require", w.Provision, module)
+	}
+	if _, outside := f.outside[w.Provision]; !outside {
+		return fmt.Errorf("says it waits for the provision %s, whose credential the mesh gives itself: only a "+
+			"credential issued outside the mesh waits for the operator", w.Provision)
+	}
+	given, readable := f.pairsGiven[module+"@"+machine]
+	if !readable {
+		return fmt.Errorf("says it waits for the provision %s, and what was given on %s could not be read", w.Provision, machine)
+	}
+	if given[w.Provision] {
+		return fmt.Errorf("says it waits for the provision %s, whose credential was given", w.Provision)
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
 // waitRefusedPrefix opens every reason checkWait gives, so the words of a refused wait are told from a check's own.
 const waitRefusedPrefix = "says it waits"
 
 // waitNames is what a wait names, as "the secret x" or "the setting y".
 func waitNames(w inventory.Wait) string {
-	switch {
+	var names []string
-	case w.Secret != "" && w.Setting != "":
+	if w.Secret != "" {
-		return "the secret " + w.Secret + " and the setting " + w.Setting
+		names = append(names, "the secret "+w.Secret)
-	case w.Secret != "":
-		return "the secret " + w.Secret
-	case w.Setting != "":
-		return "the setting " + w.Setting
 	}
-	return "nothing"
+	if w.Setting != "" {
+		names = append(names, "the setting "+w.Setting)
+	}
+	if w.Provision != "" {
+		names = append(names, "the provision "+w.Provision)
+	}
+	if len(names) == 0 {
+		return "nothing"
+	}
+	return strings.Join(names, " and ")
 }
 
 // checkWaiting reads one machine's resources against the facts: every waiting resource whose waits all check out is
@@ -107,11 +165,17 @@ func checkWaiting(machine string, rs []inventory.ResourceHealth, f operatorWaitF
 			if len(r.Waits) == 0 {
 				why = fmt.Errorf("says it waits, and names nothing it waits for")
 			}
+			waits := make([]inventory.Wait, 0, len(r.Waits))
 			for _, w := range r.Waits {
 				if why == nil {
 					why = checkWait(r.Module, machine, w, f)
 				}
+				if p, outside := f.outside[w.Provision]; outside && w.Provision != "" {
+					w.Act = p.acceptLine(w.Provision)
+				}
+				waits = append(waits, w)
 			}
+			r.Waits = waits
 			if why != nil {
 				r.State, r.Reason = link.StateUnhealthy, why.Error()
 			}
@@ -150,6 +214,10 @@ func operatorWaitSaid(module, machine string, waits []inventory.Wait) string {
 		if w.Secret != "" {
 			part += fmt.Sprintf(", given with `nox secret ask %s %s %s`", machine, module, w.Secret)
 		}
+		if w.Provision != "" && w.Act != "" {
+			// One line for the provider, which seals it to every consumer of it (ADR 0337 §3, §7).
+			part += fmt.Sprintf(", given for every consumer with `%s`", w.Act)
+		}
 		parts = append(parts, part+")")
 	}
 	return fmt.Sprintf("%s on %s waits for the operator: %s", module, machine, strings.Join(parts, "; "))
@@ -172,7 +240,7 @@ func needsOperatorObservation(module, node string, waits []inventory.Wait, rs []
 func needsOperatorWords(module, node string, waits []inventory.Wait) words {
 	var acts []string
 	seen := map[string]bool{}
-	secret := false
+	secret, provision := false, false
 	for _, w := range waits {
 		var act string
 		switch {
@@ -180,6 +248,9 @@ func needsOperatorWords(module, node string, waits []inventory.Wait) words {
 			act, secret = fmt.Sprintf("type %s at %s's desk prompt", w.What, node), true
 		case w.Setting != "":
 			act = fmt.Sprintf("approve %s of %s on %s when it is proposed to you", w.Setting, module, node)
+		case w.Provision != "":
+			// ADR 0337 §7: "give <what> of <provider> on <machine>"; the line is in the summary.
+			act, provision = "give "+w.What, true
 		}
 		if act != "" && !seen[act] {
 			seen[act] = true
@@ -197,6 +268,10 @@ func needsOperatorWords(module, node string, waits []inventory.Wait) words {
 		explanation += " A hidden prompt opens at the desk when the secret is asked for, and what you type there " +
 			"is sealed to the machine."
 	}
+	if provision {
+		explanation += " A key only you can give is given once for the app that issued it, and reaches every " +
+			"module that uses it."
+	}
 	explanation += " Its update is in place and nothing was undone; it carries on by itself once it is given."
 	return words{
 		Headline:    fmt.Sprintf("%s waits for you on %s", module, node),
@@ -217,6 +292,12 @@ func readWaitFacts(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, machine string
 	if f.given == nil {
 		f.given = map[string]map[string]time.Time{}
 	}
+	if f.outside == nil {
+		f.outside = map[string]outsideProvider{}
+	}
+	if f.pairsGiven == nil {
+		f.pairsGiven = map[string]map[string]bool{}
+	}
 	if inv == nil {
 		return
 	}
@@ -238,15 +319,59 @@ func readWaitFacts(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, machine string
 				}
 			}
 		}
-		if _, read := f.given[module+"@"+machine]; read {
+		if _, read := f.given[module+"@"+machine]; !read {
+			if given, err := inv.GivenOwnSecrets(ctx, machine, module); err == nil {
+				f.given[module+"@"+machine] = given
+			}
+		}
+		if _, read := f.pairsGiven[module+"@"+machine]; !read {
+			if given, err := inv.GivenPairsOf(ctx, machine, module); err == nil {
+				f.pairsGiven[module+"@"+machine] = given
+			}
+		}
+		// The provisions it requires whose credential only a person gives, and where their provider runs (ADR 0337).
+		m, known := f.manifests[module]
+		if !known {
 			continue
 		}
-		if given, err := inv.GivenOwnSecrets(ctx, machine, module); err == nil {
+		for _, provision := range m.Requires {
-			f.given[module+"@"+machine] = given
+			if _, read := f.outside[provision]; read {
+				continue
+			}
+			if shelf == nil {
+				var err error
+				if shelf, err = inv.Catalogue(ctx); err != nil {
+					shelf = map[string]catalogue.Manifest{}
+				}
+			}
+			provider, outside := catalogue.OffersIssuedOutside(shelf, provision)
+			if !outside {
+				continue
+			}
+			f.outside[provision] = outsideProvider{Module: provider, Machines: machinesRunning(ctx, inv, provider)}
 		}
 	}
 }
 
+// machinesRunning is every machine a module is assigned to, by name; a read that fails is left out.
+func machinesRunning(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, module string) []string {
+	nodes, err := inv.Nodes(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		// Only the summary's accept line reads it, which then names the provider's machine "<its machine>".
+		// empty-on-error: no wait is excused or refused by it
+		return nil
+	}
+	var out []string
+	for _, n := range nodes {
+		assigned, err := inv.Assigned(ctx, n.Name)
+		if err == nil && slices.Contains(assigned, module) {
+			out = append(out, n.Name)
+		}
+	}
+	sort.Strings(out)
+	return out
+}
+
 // waitingModules is every module with a waiting resource in a statement.
 func waitingModules(rs []inventory.ResourceHealth) []string {
 	seen := map[string]bool{}

cmd/mesh-controller/operator_wait_test.go

@@ -55,8 +55,8 @@ func TestAWaitIsExcusedOnlyWhenItChecksOut(t *testing.T) {
 		{"a secret the mesh makes", inventory.Wait{Part: "p", Secret: "made", What: "w"}, factsGiven(nil), "mesh makes itself"},
 		{"the bus account", inventory.Wait{Part: "p", Secret: "broker", What: "w"}, factsGiven(nil), "mesh makes itself"},
 		{"a setting not declared", inventory.Wait{Part: "p", Setting: "logins", What: "w"}, factsGiven(nil), "does not declare"},
-		{"both", inventory.Wait{Part: "p", Secret: "licence", Setting: "smb-users", What: "w"}, factsGiven(nil), "one secret or one setting"},
+		{"both", inventory.Wait{Part: "p", Secret: "licence", Setting: "smb-users", What: "w"}, factsGiven(nil), "one secret, one setting or one provision"},
-		{"neither", inventory.Wait{Part: "p", What: "w"}, factsGiven(nil), "one secret or one setting"},
+		{"neither", inventory.Wait{Part: "p", What: "w"}, factsGiven(nil), "one secret, one setting or one provision"},
 		{"no manifest known", passwordWait, operatorWaitFacts{}, "no manifest"},
 		{"what was given cannot be read", passwordWait,
 			operatorWaitFacts{manifests: map[string]catalogue.Manifest{"mounts": mountsManifest}}, "could not be read"},

cmd/mesh-controller/outside_accept_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,83 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+)
+
+// One accept for a provider reaches every consumer that binds the provision from it, and each consumer's send
+// places it; the per-pair form naming a consumer is refused for such a provision, naming the provider's form; a
+// value the mesh made before the rule is not placed (novox/hq ADR 0337 §2, §3, §4, issue 164, issue 165). Needs the
+// store (MESH_TEST_POSTGRES), and is named in testdata/store-tests.
+func TestOneAcceptForAProviderIsPlacedForEveryConsumer(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	// Before the rule: tv's offer said nothing of its credential, and the send made one per pair.
+	register(t, open, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "tv", Version: "1",
+		Provides: []catalogue.Offer{{Name: "tv-api", Scope: catalogue.ScopeMesh}}})
+	for _, m := range []string{"requests", "indexer"} {
+		register(t, open, catalogue.Manifest{Module: m, Version: "1", Requires: []string{"tv-api"},
+			Secrets: map[string]string{"tv-api": "/var/lib/mesh/" + m + "/tv-api.secret"}})
+	}
+	for _, a := range [][2]string{{"anchor", "tv"}, {"laptop", "requests"}, {"laptop", "indexer"}} {
+		if _, err := assign(ctx, open, a[0], a[1]); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	placed := func(module string) bool {
+		t.Helper()
+		plan, settings, err := planFor(ctx, open, "laptop")
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("laptop was refused: %v", err)
+		}
+		declared, err := declarationFor(ctx, open, "laptop", plan, settings)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("laptop did not compose: %v", err)
+		}
+		for _, r := range declared.Resources {
+			if r["path"] == "/var/lib/mesh/"+module+"/tv-api.secret" && r["sealed"] != nil {
+				return true
+			}
+		}
+		return false
+	}
+
+	if !placed("requests") || !placed("indexer") {
+		t.Fatal("before the rule, the send made and placed a credential per pair")
+	}
+	// The offer now says only a person gives it: the values the mesh made are not placed.
+	register(t, open, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "tv", Version: "2",
+		Provides: []catalogue.Offer{{Name: "tv-api", Scope: catalogue.ScopeMesh,
+			Credential: &catalogue.OfferCredential{IssuedBy: catalogue.IssuedOutside}}}})
+	if placed("requests") || placed("indexer") {
+		t.Fatal("a credential nobody gave was placed")
+	}
+
+	// The per-pair form is refused, naming the provider's form, and reads nothing.
+	file := filepath.Join(t.TempDir(), "key")
+	if err := os.WriteFile(file, []byte("the app's key\n"), 0o600); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	err := secretCommand(ctx, []string{"accept", "laptop", "requests", "tv-api", "--provider", "anchor", "--from", file})
+	if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "secret accept anchor tv tv-api") {
+		t.Fatalf("the per-pair form was not refused naming the provider's: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	consumers, unresolved, err := consumersFrom(ctx, open, "anchor", "tv", "tv-api")
+	if err != nil || len(unresolved) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the consumers of tv on anchor could not be found: %v %v", err, unresolved)
+	}
+	if len(consumers) != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("the consumers of tv on anchor are %+v; want requests and indexer on laptop", consumers)
+	}
+	if _, err := open.inventory.AcceptSecretForProvision(ctx, "tv-api", "anchor", "tv", "the app's key", consumers); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if !placed("requests") || !placed("indexer") {
+		t.Fatal("the value given once for the provider was not placed for every consumer")
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/outside_wait_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,113 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// A consumer may wait for a provision's credential only a person gives (novox/hq ADR 0337 §5–§7, issue 164).
+
+var requestsManifest = catalogue.Manifest{Module: "requests", Version: "1", Requires: []string{"tv-api", "db"},
+	Secrets: map[string]string{"tv-api": "/s/tv-api", "db": "/s/db"}}
+
+var tvKeyWait = inventory.Wait{Part: "the tv library", Provision: "tv-api", What: "the API key of tv"}
+
+func outsideFacts(given map[string]bool) operatorWaitFacts {
+	return operatorWaitFacts{manifests: map[string]catalogue.Manifest{"requests": requestsManifest},
+		outside:    map[string]outsideProvider{"tv-api": {Module: "tv", Machines: []string{"media"}}},
+		pairsGiven: map[string]map[string]bool{"requests@laptop": given}}
+}
+
+// §6: excused only when the module requires the provision, its provider says it is issued outside, and no value a
+// person gave is held for the pair under the keys both ends have now.
+func TestAWaitForAProvisionIsExcusedOnlyWhenTheStoreBearsItOut(t *testing.T) {
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		name string
+		w    inventory.Wait
+		f    operatorWaitFacts
+		says string
+	}{
+		{"required, issued outside, not given", tvKeyWait, outsideFacts(nil), ""},
+		{"given", tvKeyWait, outsideFacts(map[string]bool{"tv-api": true}), "was given"},
+		{"not required", inventory.Wait{Part: "p", Provision: "music-api", What: "w"}, outsideFacts(nil), "does not require"},
+		{"a credential the mesh gives itself", inventory.Wait{Part: "p", Provision: "db", What: "w"}, outsideFacts(nil),
+			"mesh gives itself"},
+		{"what was given cannot be read", tvKeyWait, operatorWaitFacts{
+			manifests: map[string]catalogue.Manifest{"requests": requestsManifest},
+			outside:   map[string]outsideProvider{"tv-api": {Module: "tv"}}}, "could not be read"},
+		{"a provision and a secret", inventory.Wait{Part: "p", Provision: "tv-api", Secret: "x", What: "w"},
+			outsideFacts(nil), "one secret, one setting or one provision"},
+	} {
+		err := checkWait("requests", "laptop", c.w, c.f)
+		switch {
+		case c.says == "" && err != nil:
+			t.Errorf("%s: refused: %v", c.name, err)
+		case c.says != "" && (err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), c.says)):
+			t.Errorf("%s: %v; want a refusal saying %q", c.name, err, c.says)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// §7: an excused wait is the consumer's needs-operator condition, in plain words, its summary naming the one line
+// that gives the credential for every consumer of the provider; the wait as kept is not changed.
+func TestAWaitForAProvisionNamesTheOneAcceptForItsProvider(t *testing.T) {
+	r := inventory.ResourceHealth{Module: "requests", Resource: "requests.app", Kind: "container", Target: "requests",
+		State: link.StateWaiting, Check: "tool", Waits: []inventory.Wait{tvKeyWait}}
+	kept := []inventory.ResourceHealth{r}
+	got := checkWaiting("laptop", kept, outsideFacts(nil))
+	if got[0].State != link.StateWaiting {
+		t.Fatalf("an excused wait for a provision was judged: %+v", got[0])
+	}
+	if kept[0].Waits[0].Act != "" {
+		t.Fatal("checking the wait changed the statement as kept")
+	}
+	waits, waiting := operatorWait("requests", got)
+	if !waiting {
+		t.Fatal("the module does not read as waiting for the operator")
+	}
+	o := needsOperatorObservation("requests", "laptop", waits, got)
+	if !strings.Contains(o.Summary, "secret accept media tv tv-api") {
+		t.Fatalf("the summary does not name the accept for the provider: %q", o.Summary)
+	}
+	if !strings.HasPrefix(o.Needs, "give the API key of tv") {
+		t.Fatalf("the needs do not name the act: %q", o.Needs)
+	}
+	if why, ok := conditions.PlainWords(conditions.Words{Headline: o.Headline, Explanation: o.Explanation,
+		Resolved: o.Resolved, Needs: o.Needs, Actions: o.Actions}, "laptop"); !ok {
+		t.Fatalf("the condition is not in plain words: %s", why)
+	}
+	// A provider on several machines, or none: the line names its machine as a place to fill.
+	if line := (outsideProvider{Module: "tv", Machines: []string{"a", "b"}}).acceptLine("tv-api"); line !=
+		"secret accept <its machine> tv tv-api" {
+		t.Fatalf("a provider on two machines reads %q", line)
+	}
+}
+
+// §3: the consumers one accept reaches are those whose resolution answers the provision from that provider.
+func TestTheConsumersOfAProviderAreThoseItAnswers(t *testing.T) {
+	plan := catalogue.Resolution{Needs: []catalogue.Needed{
+		{Name: "tv-api", From: "media", Module: "tv", For: "requests"},
+		{Name: "tv-api", From: "media", Module: "tv", For: "indexer", Local: "main"},
+		{Name: "tv-api", From: "other", Module: "tv", For: "elsewhere"},
+		{Name: "tv-api", From: "media", Module: "another-tv", For: "not-this-module"},
+		{Name: "db", From: "media", Module: "tv", For: "requests"},
+		{Name: "tv-api", ByRecord: true, For: "by-record"},
+	}}
+	got := bindsFrom(plan, "laptop", "media", "tv", "tv-api")
+	if len(got) != 2 || got[0].ConsumerModule != "indexer" || got[0].Local != "main" || got[1].ConsumerModule != "requests" {
+		t.Fatalf("the consumers from tv on media are %+v", got)
+	}
+	said := acceptedSaid("media", "tv", "tv-api", inventory.ProvisionAccepted{
+		Sealed:     []inventory.PairEnd{{Consumer: "laptop", ConsumerModule: "requests"}},
+		Unsealable: []inventory.PairEnd{{Consumer: "new", ConsumerModule: "indexer"}}}, []string{"down: refused"})
+	for _, want := range []string{"sealed to requests on laptop", "no sealing key", "down: refused"} {
+		if !strings.Contains(said, want) {
+			t.Errorf("what the accept says lacks %q:\n%s", want, said)
+		}
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/person_wait_test.go

@@ -30,6 +30,7 @@ func userUnit(module, account string) inventory.ResourceHealth {
 // Only what depends on the new login alone is a wait; anything else unhealthy of the module is judged as
 // before, so that a fault is never excused.
 func TestOnlyWhatDependsOnTheNewLoginIsAWait(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	notInGroup := relogin("lights", "operator")
 	notInGroup.Reason = "not in the group lights: the apply has not put operator there; its outcome says why"
 	systemUnit := userUnit("lights", "operator")
@@ -74,6 +75,7 @@ func TestOnlyWhatDependsOnTheNewLoginIsAWait(t *testing.T) {
 // The gate reads a wait for a person as its own reading, never a fault, and passes with it; the same module
 // with a container down beside it is not yet healthy, as before.
 func TestAWaitForAPersonIsAPassCarriedAlong(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	now := time.Now()
 	since := now.Add(-time.Minute)
 	account := relogin("lights", "operator")
@@ -102,6 +104,7 @@ func TestAWaitForAPersonIsAPassCarriedAlong(t *testing.T) {
 // The module's condition says the wait in one sentence for a person, and clears on the first statement that
 // no longer says it — said as the module's own fault when its unit still fails after the new login.
 func TestTheReloginConditionSaysTheWaitAndClearsAfterTheLogin(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	open := aMesh(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	k, _ := withConditionsInMemory(t)
@@ -158,6 +161,7 @@ func TestTheReloginConditionSaysTheWaitAndClearsAfterTheLogin(t *testing.T) {
 // A module that is healthy on its own keeps its pass when another module of the same send fails at the
 // bound: it is neither put back nor left without a verdict for every other walk to wait on.
 func TestAModuleHealthyOnItsOwnKeepsItsPassWhenItsSendFails(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	b := aBacklog(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	inv := b.open.inventory
@@ -207,6 +211,7 @@ func TestAModuleHealthyOnItsOwnKeepsItsPassWhenItsSendFails(t *testing.T) {
 // What the operator reads of the wait (ADR 0253, ADR 0254): it needs them, so it is never quiet, and it offers
 // no button, since nothing but their own new login can do it.
 func TestTheReloginConditionNeedsTheOperatorAndOffersNoButton(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	o := reloginObservation("openrazer", "g14", "relogin needed on g14: …", "operator", []inventory.ResourceHealth{
 		relogin("openrazer", "operator"), userUnit("openrazer", "operator")})
 	plainExample(t, o, "openrazer waits for a new login on g14",
@@ -238,6 +243,7 @@ func TestTheReloginConditionNeedsTheOperatorAndOffersNoButton(t *testing.T) {
 // When a module not working turns into one waiting for a new login, and back, the clearing line says what it
 // became, never that it works again (issue 318 review).
 func TestAConditionThatBecameTheOtherKindSaysSoWhenItClears(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	open := aMesh(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	store := conditions.NewInMemory()
@@ -286,6 +292,7 @@ func TestAConditionThatBecameTheOtherKindSaysSoWhenItClears(t *testing.T) {
 
 // Which moves add an account group, read from the builds' manifests (issue 318 review).
 func TestOnlyAMoveThatAddsAnAccountGroupCanBringAWait(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	user := func(groups ...any) catalogue.Manifest {
 		return catalogue.Manifest{Module: "lights", Resources: []map[string]any{{"id": "operator", "type": "user",
 			"name": "operator", "groups": groups}}}

cmd/mesh-controller/plain_words.go

@@ -456,6 +456,9 @@ var plainWordings = map[string]func(conditions.Observation) words{
 	"release-held": worded(func(o conditions.Observation) words {
 		return releaseHeldWords(nil, o.Also)
 	}),
+	"release-silent": worded(func(o conditions.Observation) words {
+		return releaseSilentWords(o.Also)
+	}),
 	"facts-stale": worded(func(o conditions.Observation) words {
 		return words{Headline: "Merge checks use outdated facts",
 			Explanation: "The facts a merge check judges a change against are out of date; they are gathered again " +
@@ -617,6 +620,18 @@ var plainWordings = map[string]func(conditions.Observation) words{
 			Explanation: "The bus reports a listener too slow to keep up, so messages to it are late.",
 			Resolved:    "The listener keeps up again"}
 	}),
+	kindBusFaultsUnread: worded(func(o conditions.Observation) words {
+		return words{Headline: "Slow clients of the bus cannot be checked",
+			Explanation: "The controller could not read what the bus said about its clients' connections, so a " +
+				"client the bus cut off would go unnoticed. It tries again at every check.",
+			Resolved: "Resolved: the bus's clients are checked again"}
+	}),
+	"connection-closed": worded(func(o conditions.Observation) words {
+		return words{Headline: "The bus cut a client off",
+			Explanation: "The bus closed a client's connection because it broke the bus's rules, so what it was " +
+				"sending was lost.",
+			Resolved: "Resolved: the client keeps to the bus's rules"}
+	}),
 	kindBusReconnects: worded(func(o conditions.Observation) words {
 		return words{Headline: "A client keeps losing the bus",
 			Explanation: "One of the mesh's clients lost its connection to the bus again and again in the last hour. " +
@@ -841,6 +856,19 @@ func releaseHeldWords(modules, machines []string) words {
 		Resolved: "Resolved: the held updates are released"}
 }
 
+// releaseSilentWords are the plain words of machines that said nothing on an update they were sent (ADR 0353 §4).
+func releaseSilentWords(machines []string) words {
+	where := "Some machines"
+	if len(machines) > 0 {
+		where = conditions.Capital(namesWords(machines, 4))
+	}
+	return words{Headline: "Machines did not answer an update",
+		Needs: "check that they are awake and on the mesh; the next walk sends them what waits.",
+		Explanation: where + " were sent module updates and said nothing about them within fifteen minutes, so " +
+			"they were left as they were. What they run is not known to be the update.",
+		Resolved: "Resolved: the next walk reached them"}
+}
+
 // reloginNeeds is what an account waiting for its groups needs (ADR 0252).
 func reloginNeeds(node string) string {
 	return fmt.Sprintf("log out of %s completely and log in again, or restart it.", node)

cmd/mesh-controller/plan.go

@@ -182,12 +182,21 @@ func planFor(ctx context.Context, open *stores, nodeName string) (catalogue.Reso
 		}
 		var secret inventory.Secret
 		var err error
-		if n.SharedOwn != "" {
+		if outsideModule, outside := issuedOutsideBy(shelf, n); outside {
+			// Only a person can give it (novox/hq ADR 0337, issue 164): read as given, never made.
+			secret, err = inv.GivenPairSecret(ctx, n.Name, nodeName, n.For, n.From, outsideModule, n.Local)
+		} else if n.SharedOwn != "" {
 			// The provider's one credential, sealed to this consumer too (novox/hq ADR 0158).
 			secret, err = inv.SharedSecretFor(ctx, n.Name, nodeName, n.For, n.From, providerModuleOf(resolved, open, ctx, n), n.Local, n.SharedOwn)
 		} else {
 			secret, err = inv.SecretFor(ctx, n.Name, nodeName, n.For, n.From, n.Local)
 		}
+		if inventory.IsNotGiven(err) {
+			// **Not given, and the rest of the consumer runs** (ADR 0337 §4): no credential file, so the module can
+			// tell it was not given and says it waits for it; the machine is not refused for what only a person can
+			// give, and nothing the mesh made stands in for it.
+			continue
+		}
 		if err != nil {
 			// Said rather than skipped. A machine that resolves cleanly and receives no
 			// credential is one that will fail to authenticate at some later, less obvious
@@ -280,9 +289,14 @@ func theRestOfTheMesh(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory,
 			continue
 		}
 		caps, _ := inv.ProfileOf(ctx, n.Name)
+		// Its public domain too (novox/hq ADR 0346): a provider elsewhere serves its own composed names,
+		// and composes them as its own plan does, under its own domain.
+		// Read as its profile is: a machine whose domain cannot be read (removed since the list was read)
+		// composes no public name, which leaves the key out and says so, and fails no other machine's plan.
+		domain, _ := inv.PublicDomainOf(ctx, n.Name)
 		others = append(others, candidate{
 			catalogue.Node{Name: n.Name, Site: siteOf[n.Name], Capabilities: caps,
-				At: onNetwork[n.Name]}, theirs})
+				At: onNetwork[n.Name], PublicDomain: domain}, theirs})
 	}
 
 	offered := map[string][]catalogue.Provider{}
@@ -301,12 +315,18 @@ func theRestOfTheMesh(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory,
 				// What that module says a consumer needs to know, with that node's settings on
 				// it: a port somebody moved on the provider is a port its consumers must be told
 				// about, and the two coming from different places is how they come to disagree.
-				serves, err := servedOnNode(ctx, inv, o.node.Name, m, name)
+				serves, layers, err := servedOnNode(ctx, inv, o.node.Name, m, name)
+				if err != nil {
+					return catalogue.World{}, err
+				}
+				// And its own composed names, as that node composes them (novox/hq ADR 0346): a name it
+				// does not compose leaves the key out, said under each consumer's need.
+				serves, leftOut, err := got.ServedOwnNames(m, name, serves, catalogue.WithDefaults(m, layers))
 				if err != nil {
 					return catalogue.World{}, err
 				}
 				offered[name] = append(offered[name], catalogue.Provider{
-					Node: o.node.Name, At: o.node.At, Serves: serves, Module: m.Module})
+					Node: o.node.Name, At: o.node.At, Serves: serves, Module: m.Module, LeftOut: leftOut})
 			}
 		}
 	}
@@ -442,6 +462,12 @@ func declarationWith(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string,
 	if err != nil {
 		return sendable{}, err
 	}
+	// Which ports the filter admits from the local network, and from which networks, for plan to say
+	// (novox/hq ADR 0340 §8). The same rules the composition rendered, never sent.
+	rules, err := plan.Rules(with)
+	if err != nil {
+		return sendable{}, err
+	}
 	// And what was taken on it, said in every declaration it is sent from this one place.
 	adoption, err := adoptionOf(ctx, open.inventory, record, plan, composed)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -451,7 +477,8 @@ func declarationWith(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string,
 		Received: composed.Received, Mesh: with.Mesh, BusUsers: with.BusUsers,
 		LeftOut: sortedKeysOf(composed.LeftOut), leftOutWhy: composed.LeftOut, withheld: with.Withheld,
 		unbound: with.Unbound, foreseen: composed.Foreseen, unplaced: composed.Unplaced,
-		modules: namedModules(plan, composed.LeftOut)}
+		modules:      namedModules(plan, composed.LeftOut),
+		localNetwork: catalogue.LocalNetworkPorts(rules, with.LocalNetworks)}
 	// 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 {
@@ -960,6 +987,12 @@ func renderingFor(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string,
 	if err != nil {
 		return catalogue.Rendering{}, inventory.Node{}, err
 	}
+	// And which of the networks it is attached to count as its local network (novox/hq ADR 0340):
+	// private ranges only, on a link facing outside it. Reported by the machine, never set.
+	local, err := localNetworksOf(ctx, inv, node)
+	if err != nil {
+		return catalogue.Rendering{}, inventory.Node{}, err
+	}
 	// Where this machine reaches each mesh seat's holder, for ${seat:<seat>:reach} (novox/hq ADR
 	// 0222): the artifact store as this network reaches it, which the container runtime is told to
 	// trust (ADR 0082). The same address composed into every reference the mesh built.
@@ -975,16 +1008,22 @@ func renderingFor(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string,
 	if err != nil {
 		return catalogue.Rendering{}, inventory.Node{}, err
 	}
+	readsBusy, err := engineReadsBusy(ctx, inv, node)
+	if err != nil {
+		return catalogue.Rendering{}, inventory.Node{}, err
+	}
 	return catalogue.Rendering{
 		ReadsHealth:   readsHealth,
 		JudgesRoot:    judgesRoot,
+		ReadsBusy:     readsBusy,
 		BusMembership: memberships[node],
 		Settings:      settings, Generators: gens, Grants: grants, Needed: needed, Foreseen: foreseen, Ports: ports,
 		Certificate: certificate, Authority: authority, Mesh: private, Names: names,
 		Machines: machines, Zones: zones, Holders: replicas,
 		Suffix: overlay.Suffix(), MeshRange: meshRange, TunnelInterface: overlay.Interface, Accounts: accounts, Foundation: foundation,
 		Kept: kept, Adopted: record.Adopted, OutwardLinks: outwardLinks,
-		Given: given, Taken: taken, Seats: seats, ArtifactStore: artifactStore, SeatReach: reach, Built: built,
+		LocalNetworks: catalogue.CountedLocalNetworks(local),
+		Given:         given, Taken: taken, Seats: seats, ArtifactStore: artifactStore, SeatReach: reach, Built: built,
 		BusUsers: busUsers, Withheld: withheld, Unbound: unbound,
 	}, record, nil
 }
@@ -1010,6 +1049,35 @@ func engineJudgesRoot(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, node string
 	return had && stated.Contract >= link.RootContract, nil
 }
 
+// engineReadsBusy says whether a machine's node-engine reads a container's `busy` (novox/hq ADR 0335), by its
+// own newest statement, for the same reason as engineReadsHealth: an older engine parses strictly.
+func engineReadsBusy(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, node string) (bool, error) {
+	stated, had, err := inv.HealthOf(ctx, node)
+	if err != nil {
+		return false, err
+	}
+	return had && stated.Contract >= link.BusyContract, nil
+}
+
+// busyNotSent is, for a node-engine that does not read a container's busy, each container whose module declares
+// one: not sent it, so replaced at once while it may hold work (novox/hq ADR 0335). Nothing for one that reads it.
+func busyNotSent(modules []catalogue.Manifest, reads bool) []string {
+	if reads {
+		return nil
+	}
+	var out []string
+	for _, m := range modules {
+		for _, r := range m.Resources {
+			if _, has := r[catalogue.BusyField]; has {
+				out = append(out, fmt.Sprintf("%s.%v declares busy, and this node-engine does not read it yet (its "+
+					"statement's contract is below %d): not sent, so the container is replaced at once, busy or not "+
+					"(novox/hq ADR 0335)", m.Module, r["id"], link.BusyContract))
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
 // zonesInTheMesh is every zone a module in the mesh declares, where the mesh placed it (novox/hq ADR
 // 0199): the zone settled from that node's settings, the node's private address, the port the
 // answering listen is published on there.
@@ -1403,10 +1471,29 @@ func planCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 	// in this output would have told anybody that.
 	for _, n := range plan.Needs {
 		fmt.Printf("  needs %s from %s, for %s\n", n.Name, n.From, n.For)
+		// And a served key the provider left out, because its machine composes no name it asks for
+		// (novox/hq ADR 0346 §3).
+		for _, line := range n.LeftOut {
+			fmt.Printf("    %s\n", line)
+		}
+	}
+	// What the providers on this machine leave out of what they serve, and why: said where the remedy
+	// is (novox/hq ADR 0346 §3).
+	for _, line := range plan.ServedLeftOut(settings) {
+		fmt.Printf("%s: %s\n", args[0], line)
 	}
 	for _, line := range unboundLines(plan) {
 		fmt.Println(line)
 	}
+	// And a container's busy that this machine's node-engine is too old to be sent (novox/hq ADR 0335): its
+	// container is replaced at once, as before. A statement that cannot be read is said as such.
+	if reads, err := engineReadsBusy(ctx, open.inventory, args[0]); err != nil {
+		fmt.Printf("%s: whether its node-engine reads a container's busy could not be read: %v\n", args[0], err)
+	} else {
+		for _, line := range busyNotSent(plan.Modules, reads) {
+			fmt.Printf("%s: %s\n", args[0], line)
+		}
+	}
 	declared, err := declarationFor(ctx, open, args[0], plan, settings)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
@@ -1417,6 +1504,11 @@ func planCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 			fmt.Printf("  %-20s settings from %s\n", module, layer.From)
 		}
 	}
+	// What each port reached from the local network resolved to on this machine (novox/hq ADR 0340 §8),
+	// or that it resolved to none.
+	for _, p := range declared.localNetwork {
+		fmt.Println("  " + p.Said())
+	}
 	fmt.Printf("\n%d resource(s)\n", len(resources))
 
 	if *show {
@@ -1538,19 +1630,20 @@ func managerPublicKeyFor(
 // artifact store's trust and the references composed through it (04-ISSUES/102). Unreadable
 // given ports are that node's refusal to report, not this reader's.
 func servedOnNode(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, node string,
-	m catalogue.Manifest, provision string) (map[string]any, error) {
+	m catalogue.Manifest, provision string) (map[string]any, []catalogue.Layer, error) {
 	ports, layers, err := portsGivenOn(ctx, inv, node, m)
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
+		return nil, nil, err
 	}
 	serves := catalogue.ServedOn(m, provision, ports)
 	if len(serves) > 0 {
 		serves, err = catalogue.Settle(serves, catalogue.WithDefaults(m, layers))
 		if err != nil {
-			return nil, err
+			return nil, nil, err
 		}
 	}
-	return serves, nil
+	// The layers too, read once, for what is filled after (novox/hq ADR 0346).
+	return serves, layers, nil
 }
 
 // portsGivenOn is where a node puts a module's ports — assigned, then given over them — and the
@@ -1742,6 +1835,17 @@ func busUserList(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory,
 
 // providerModuleOf is which module answers a need on the providing node: the one in this node's
 // own set when the provider is here, else the one the catalogue says offers it.
+// issuedOutsideBy is whether a need's provision is offered by its provider with a credential issued outside the
+// mesh (novox/hq ADR 0337), and that provider module: the one answering it when known, else any that offers it so.
+func issuedOutsideBy(shelf map[string]catalogue.Manifest, n catalogue.Needed) (string, bool) {
+	if n.Module != "" {
+		if m, known := shelf[n.Module]; known {
+			return n.Module, m.IssuedOutsideOf(n.Name)
+		}
+	}
+	return catalogue.OffersIssuedOutside(shelf, n.Name)
+}
+
 func providerModuleOf(resolved catalogue.Resolution, open *stores, ctx context.Context, n catalogue.Needed) string {
 	for _, m := range resolved.Modules {
 		if _, shared := m.SharedCredentialOf(n.Name); shared {

cmd/mesh-controller/planner_records_test.go

@@ -133,7 +133,7 @@ func TestASharedRepositoryIsPlannedFromTheRecordedBuildSources(t *testing.T) {
 		{"the route proxy's program: the route proxy alone", "mesh-controller",
 			[]string{"examples/route-proxy/main.go"}, "route-proxy", true},
 		{"a package all three build from: all three", "mesh-controller",
-			[]string{"internal/broker/broker.go"}, "mesh-controller | build-agent | route-proxy", false},
+			[]string{"internal/broker/broker.go"}, "mesh-controller,route-proxy | build-agent", false},
 		{"the route proxy's directory in the catalogue: it alone", "mesh-catalog",
 			[]string{"modules/route-proxy/module.json"}, "route-proxy", false},
 		{"the build agent's directory: it alone, nothing it builds", "mesh-catalog",

cmd/mesh-controller/planner_rules_test.go

@@ -145,8 +145,9 @@ func TestAPlanIsWhatTheChangeTouchedAndWhatIsBuiltOnIt(t *testing.T) {
 			repo: "one", paths: []string{"modules/a/x", "modules/x/y"}, want: "a,x"},
 		{what: "built-by never widens", edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("x", builtBy, "a")},
 			repo: "one", paths: []string{"modules/a/x"}, want: "a"},
-		{what: "built-by orders", edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("x", builtBy, "a")},
+		// Whichever builder runs builds it (novox/hq ADR 0360 §3): built-by orders nothing, as before it ordered.
-			repo: "one", paths: []string{"modules/a/x", "modules/x/y"}, want: "a | x"},
+		{what: "built-by does not order", edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("x", builtBy, "a")},
+			repo: "one", paths: []string{"modules/a/x", "modules/x/y"}, want: "a,x"},
 		{what: "worker-of never widens", edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("x", workerOf, "a")},
 			repo: "one", paths: []string{"modules/a/x"}, want: "a"},
 		{what: "worker-of orders", edges: []inventory.Edge{dep("x", workerOf, "a")},
@@ -296,18 +297,18 @@ func TestASharedRepositoryMovesOnlyWhatItsBuildSourceHolds(t *testing.T) {
 			[]string{"internal/inventory/migrations/0088-a-build-says-its-build-source.sql"}, read,
 			"mesh-controller | build-agent", ""},
 		// A package all three build from: all three; the build seat's holder after the controller whose worker
-		// it binds (worker-of, issue 206), the proxy after the holder that builds it (built-by).
+		// it binds (worker-of, issue 206), the proxy beside the controller: built-by orders nothing (ADR 0360 §3).
 		{"a package all three build from: all three", "mesh-controller",
-			[]string{"internal/broker/broker.go"}, read, "mesh-controller | build-agent | route-proxy", ""},
+			[]string{"internal/broker/broker.go"}, read, "mesh-controller,route-proxy | build-agent", ""},
 		{"a vendored package all three build from: all three", "mesh-controller",
-			[]string{"vendor/github.com/nats-io/nats.go/nats.go"}, read, "mesh-controller | build-agent | route-proxy", ""},
+			[]string{"vendor/github.com/nats-io/nats.go/nats.go"}, read, "mesh-controller,route-proxy | build-agent", ""},
 		{"go.sum: all three", "mesh-controller",
-			[]string{"go.sum"}, read, "mesh-controller | build-agent | route-proxy", ""},
+			[]string{"go.sum"}, read, "mesh-controller,route-proxy | build-agent", ""},
 		{"a file added to the proxy's package: the proxy", "mesh-controller",
 			[]string{"examples/route-proxy/new.go"}, read, "route-proxy", ""},
 		// Before any build source is said: as before.
 		{"no build source said: a README moves all three, as before", "mesh-controller",
-			[]string{"README.md"}, unsaid, "mesh-controller | build-agent | route-proxy", ""},
+			[]string{"README.md"}, unsaid, "mesh-controller,route-proxy | build-agent", ""},
 		// In the catalogue, where they live, each by its own build source.
 		{"the route proxy's recipe: it alone", "mesh-catalog",
 			[]string{"modules/route-proxy/Dockerfile"}, read, "route-proxy", ""},
@@ -331,7 +332,7 @@ func TestASharedRepositoryMovesOnlyWhatItsBuildSourceHolds(t *testing.T) {
 	// Files not all said: everything the repository builds, as before.
 	m := link.SourceMoved{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-controller", Base: "main", Commit: "head",
 		Paths: []string{"README.md"}, PathsTruncated: true}
-	if got := tiered(reachOfMerge(m, entries, read, edges).Plan.Tiers); got != "mesh-controller | build-agent | route-proxy" {
+	if got := tiered(reachOfMerge(m, entries, read, edges).Plan.Tiers); got != "mesh-controller,route-proxy | build-agent" {
 		t.Errorf("a merge whose files were not all said: planned %q, wanted all three", got)
 	}
 }
@@ -452,8 +453,9 @@ func TestAPlanIsTheTouchedModulesAndWhatIsReachableAlongTheWideningEdges(t *test
 	kinds := []string{inventory.EdgeStandsOn, inventory.EdgeDeclared, inventory.EdgePackages,
 		inventory.EdgeBuiltBy, inventory.EdgeWorkerOf}
 	widens := map[string]bool{inventory.EdgeStandsOn: true, inventory.EdgeDeclared: true}
+	// Built-by orders nothing since novox/hq ADR 0360 §3.
 	orders := map[string]bool{inventory.EdgeStandsOn: true, inventory.EdgeDeclared: true,
-		inventory.EdgeBuiltBy: true, inventory.EdgeWorkerOf: true}
+		inventory.EdgeWorkerOf: true}
 	// Directory names drawn from one pool, so two repositories hold directories of the same name, and one
 	// is a prefix of another.
 	dirs := []string{"a", "ab", "b", "c", "lib/x", "lib/y", "modules/a", "modules/a/sub"}

cmd/mesh-controller/proposals.go

@@ -18,8 +18,9 @@ package main
 // it beside the layer (`settings` says it back), and records the warrant in the hand-act log on the bus, where a
 // person's decisions are read; the router edits the ask on every channel to its outcome. No seat event of its
 // own: nothing consumes one, and the installer's first user list in the node-engine's repository names every
-// controller event, so one would cost a node-engine change for a fact without a reader. The push afterwards is a
+// controller event, so one would cost a node-engine change for a fact without a reader. No push is left for
-// separate act, as it is for a layer set at the terminal.
+// afterwards: the warrant that sets the layer opens the walk that sends it (novox/hq ADR 0344, settings_walk.go),
+// so the operator's one Approve is the act that makes the change take effect.
 //
 // **What the operator reads** is the module, the machine, each key with its exact new value and, for a changed
 // key, the value it replaces. A value that may not leave the mesh (an address, a path, a secret's shape: the
@@ -27,6 +28,13 @@ package main
 // ask says so, and the whole is read with `settings proposals <id>` — whose fingerprint must be the one on the
 // phone. Fail closed: a proposal nothing can carry to the operator is refused at once, in words, and never left
 // waiting for an answer that cannot come.
+//
+// **On a channel that proves who answers, the values are shown WHOLE** (novox/hq issue 383, the operator's
+// decision of 2026-10-10): a mount point, a share name or a private address is the thing being approved and must
+// be readable, so the ask carries them whole beside the explanation (asks.Ask.Whole), the router shows that only
+// on a kind that verifies its sender, and only a value shaped like a secret is withheld there. The message is the
+// headline, one line per key, who proposed it and when; the fingerprint and how to read the proposal whole are
+// the Details answer's (asks.Ask.Details). The masking stays for conditions and for channels that prove nothing.
 
 import (
 	"context"
@@ -47,6 +55,7 @@ import (
 	"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"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/outward"
 )
@@ -154,47 +163,48 @@ func (p settingsProposal) ask(id string, machines []string) (asks.Ask, map[strin
 	if len([]rune(headline)) > asks.HeadlineLength {
 		headline = verb + " settings?"
 	}
-	shown, whole := p.change(machines)
+	// The message reads at a glance (issues 383 and 639): a summary of what changes where, then at most three
-	var b strings.Builder
+	// points, a key each; every key with its whole value, who proposed it, the fingerprint and how to read it at the
-	if p.Clear {
+	// terminal are its Details, which the router notes after the answers.
-		fmt.Fprintf(&b, "Clear the settings of %s on %s, back to what the module says?\n\n", p.Module, p.where())
+	shown, shownAll, shownWhole := p.change(machines, false)
-	} else {
+	whole, wholeAll, _ := p.change(machines, true)
-		fmt.Fprintf(&b, "Set the settings of %s on %s to these values?\n\n", p.Module, p.where())
+	summary := p.summary()
+	compose := func(points []string) string {
+		return strings.Join(append([]string{summary}, points...), "\n")
 	}
-	fmt.Fprintf(&b, "Proposed by %s, at %s. ", sayable(p.From, machines), p.At.Local().Format("15:04 on 2 Jan"))
+	// The Details: every setting it sets, one line each, uncut — whole where the sender is proven (WholeDetails),
-	switch {
+	// masked elsewhere — then who proposed it, the fingerprint and how to read it at the terminal.
-	case p.Clear && p.HadLayer:
+	details := func(lines []string) string {
-		b.WriteString("The layer it removes:\n\n")
+		var d strings.Builder
-	case p.Clear:
+		d.WriteString(strings.Join(lines, "\n") + "\n")
-		b.WriteString("There is no layer to remove; approving changes nothing.")
+		d.WriteString(p.onApprove() + "\n")
-	case !p.HadLayer:
+		fmt.Fprintf(&d, "Proposed by %s at %s. Fingerprint %s.\n", sayable(p.From, machines), p.At.Local().Format("15:04 on 2 Jan"),
-		b.WriteString("There is no layer yet; this is the whole of it:\n\n")
+			fingerprint(p.Digest))
-	default:
+		if !shownWhole {
-		b.WriteString("The layer is replaced whole; what changes against it:\n\n")
+			d.WriteString("Where who answers is not proven, its values are shown as ‹address›, ‹path› or ‹withheld›.\n")
+		}
+		fmt.Fprintf(&d, "Read it whole, with this fingerprint: settings proposals %s at the controller's terminal, or the "+
+			"controller's settings verb with proposal %s through the mesh MCP server.", id, id)
+		return d.String()
 	}
-	b.WriteString(shown)
+	q := asks.Ask{ID: id, Headline: headline, Explanation: compose(shown), Who: asks.Operator,
-	fmt.Fprintf(&b, "\n\nFingerprint %s.", fingerprint(p.Digest))
-	if !whole {
-		b.WriteString(" Parts shown as ‹address›, ‹path› or ‹withheld› may not leave the mesh: read it whole, with " +
-			"this fingerprint, through the mesh MCP server (mesh-controller.settings, proposal " + id + ") or with " +
-			"mesh-cli settings proposals " + id + ".")
-	}
-	if p.Clear {
-		b.WriteString(" Approved, the layer is removed at once and the machine takes it at its next push.")
-	} else {
-		b.WriteString(" Approved, the layer is set at once and the machine takes it at its next push.")
-	}
-	q := asks.Ask{ID: id, Headline: headline, Explanation: b.String(), Who: asks.Operator,
 		Expires: p.At.Add(askApproveFor), OnExpiry: "the proposal is discarded; nothing changes",
-		About: p.about()}
+		About: p.about(), Details: details(shownAll)}
+	// Only where a value was masked: an ask whose values all pass the content rule shows the same everywhere.
+	if w := compose(whole); w != q.Explanation {
+		q.Whole = w
+	}
+	if w := details(wholeAll); w != q.Details {
+		q.WholeDetails = w
+	}
 	options := map[string]int{}
 	for i, act := range p.actions(id) {
 		binds, _ := asks.ActDigest(boundAct(act))
 		oid := optionID(act.Label)
 		options[oid] = i
-		does := "the settings are set; nothing is pushed yet"
+		does := "the settings are set and sent to " + p.reaches() + " at once, each machine judged"
 		if p.Clear {
-			does = "the layer is removed; nothing is pushed yet"
+			does = "the layer is removed and that is sent to " + p.reaches() + " at once, each machine judged"
 		}
 		if act.Arguments["answer"] == answerDecline {
 			does = "nothing changes; the proposal is discarded"
@@ -205,55 +215,141 @@ func (p settingsProposal) ask(id string, machines []string) (asks.Ask, map[strin
 	return q, options
 }
 
-// shownMost is the most of a change the phone is shown, in bytes; the rest is read whole with `settings proposals`.
+// summary is the proposal's first line, what changes where: how many settings, how many stay, and that Approve sends
-const shownMost = 1400
+// the layer at once by a walk, one machine at a time (novox/hq ADR 0344); the rest of what Approve does
+// (onApprove) is the Details'.
+func (p settingsProposal) summary() string {
+	if p.Clear {
+		if !p.HadLayer {
+			return "There is no layer to remove; approving changes nothing."
+		}
+		return fmt.Sprintf("Removes the %d setting(s) of %s set on %s; approved, the layer is removed and that is sent at once "+
+			"by a walk to %s, one machine at a time, each judged.", len(leaves(p.Before, "")), p.Module, p.where(), p.reaches())
+	}
+	added, changed, removed := settingsChange(p.Before, p.Values)
+	n := len(added) + len(changed) + len(removed)
+	unchanged := len(leaves(p.Values, "")) - len(added) - len(changed)
+	if n == 0 {
+		return fmt.Sprintf("Nothing changes: the %d setting(s) of %s on %s are as they stand.", unchanged, p.Module, p.where())
+	}
+	stay := ""
+	if unchanged > 0 {
+		stay = fmt.Sprintf(", and %d stay as they are", unchanged)
+	}
+	return fmt.Sprintf("Changes %d setting(s) of %s on %s%s; approved, the layer is set and sent at once by a walk to %s, "+
+		"one machine at a time, each judged.", n, p.Module, p.where(), stay, p.reaches())
+}
 
-// change is what changes, line by line, each value shown under the content rule, and whether every value was
+// change is what changes: as at most asks.MostPoints points for the glance, as every line whole for the note, and
-// shown whole: "+ key: value" added, "~ key: value (was: old)" changed, "- key (was: old)" removed, and the
+// whether every value was shown exactly: "+ key: value"
-// count of keys unchanged.
+// added, "~ key: value (was: old)" changed, "- key (was: old)" removed. Each value is shown under the content rule
-func (p settingsProposal) change(machines []string) (string, bool) {
+// (sayableValue), or — exact, for a channel that proves who answers — as it is, withheld only when shaped like a
+// secret (wholeValue). More changes than points: the first two, and the keys of the rest; a point longer than a
+// phone shows at a glance is cut and says so. The note carries every line uncut (the review of #304: Approve sets
+// exactly what the operator can read).
+func (p settingsProposal) change(machines []string, exact bool) ([]string, []string, bool) {
 	whole := true
 	say := func(v any) string {
 		s, w := sayableValue(v, machines)
+		if exact {
+			s, w = wholeValue(v, machines)
+		}
 		whole = whole && w
 		return s
 	}
-	var lines []string
+	type line struct{ key, text string }
+	var lines []line
 	if p.Clear {
 		was := leaves(p.Before, "")
 		for _, k := range layerKeys(was) {
-			lines = append(lines, fmt.Sprintf("- %s: %s", k, say(was[k])))
+			lines = append(lines, line{k, fmt.Sprintf("- %s: %s", k, say(was[k]))})
 		}
 	} else {
 		added, changed, removed := settingsChange(p.Before, p.Values)
 		was, now := leaves(p.Before, ""), leaves(p.Values, "")
 		for _, k := range added {
-			lines = append(lines, fmt.Sprintf("+ %s: %s", k, say(now[k])))
+			lines = append(lines, line{k, fmt.Sprintf("+ %s: %s", k, say(now[k]))})
 		}
 		for _, k := range changed {
-			lines = append(lines, fmt.Sprintf("~ %s: %s (was: %s)", k, say(now[k]), say(was[k])))
+			lines = append(lines, line{k, fmt.Sprintf("~ %s: %s (was: %s)", k, say(now[k]), say(was[k]))})
 		}
 		for _, k := range removed {
-			lines = append(lines, fmt.Sprintf("- %s (was: %s)", k, say(was[k])))
+			lines = append(lines, line{k, fmt.Sprintf("- %s (was: %s)", k, say(was[k]))})
-		}
-		unchanged := len(now) - len(added) - len(changed)
-		switch {
-		case len(lines) == 0 && unchanged > 0:
-			lines = append(lines, fmt.Sprintf("= nothing changes: the %d key(s) are as they stand", unchanged))
-		case unchanged > 0:
-			lines = append(lines, fmt.Sprintf("= %d key(s) unchanged", unchanged))
 		}
 	}
-	out := strings.Join(lines, "\n")
+	// **Each line is judged as the router will judge it** (the review of #304, ADR 0347 §1 and §3): a line the
-	if len(out) > shownMost {
+	// content rule (masked) or the secret rule (whole) would refuse — a value given to a secret's name, say
-		cut := shownMost
+	// "+ password: hunter2" — is said with its key still named and its value withheld, never left for the
-		for cut > 0 && out[cut] != '\n' {
+	// router to withhold whole and unnamed. A line refused even so is the propose's refusal (judgeLines).
-			cut--
+	for i, l := range lines {
+		if lineLeaves(l.text, exact, machines) {
+			continue
 		}
-		out = out[:cut] + fmt.Sprintf("\n… NOT SHOWN IN FULL here: %d more bytes", len(strings.Join(lines, "\n"))-cut)
+		lines[i].text = l.text[:2] + l.key + " (value withheld)"
 		whole = false
 	}
-	return out, whole
+	all := make([]string, len(lines))
+	for i, l := range lines {
+		all[i] = l.text
+	}
+	// What the note holds of a value: whole where the glance is the whole one (shown only where the sender is
+	// proven, with the whole details beside it), under the content rule elsewhere — so the marker says no more than
+	// the note it points to (the review of ADR 0347).
+	inNote := "in the note"
+	if exact {
+		inNote = "whole in the note"
+	}
+	var out []string
+	for i, l := range lines {
+		if len(lines) > asks.MostPoints && i == asks.MostPoints-1 {
+			var rest []string
+			for _, r := range lines[i:] {
+				rest = append(rest, r.key)
+			}
+			out = append(out, fmt.Sprintf("and %d more, each %s: %s", len(rest), inNote, strings.Join(rest, ", ")))
+			break
+		}
+		out = append(out, l.text)
+	}
+	// A point too long for a glance is cut, and says so: its value is the note's.
+	cut := "… (cut: " + inNote + ")"
+	for i, l := range out {
+		if r := []rune(l); len(r) > asks.PointLength {
+			out[i] = string(r[:asks.PointLength-len([]rune(cut))]) + cut
+		}
+	}
+	return out, all, whole
+}
+
+// lineLeaves says whether a line may leave the mesh as the router judges it: under the content rule for the masked
+// form, the secret rule alone for the whole one.
+func lineLeaves(line string, exact bool, machines []string) bool {
+	if exact {
+		_, ok := outward.Secret(line, machines...)
+		return ok
+	}
+	_, ok := outward.Check(line, machines...)
+	return ok
+}
+
+// judgeLines is the first line of an ask's details the router would refuse, or withhold, and why: masked under
+// the content rule line by line, whole under the secret rule. Empty when every line may leave.
+func judgeLines(details string, exact bool, machines []string) (string, string) {
+	for _, line := range strings.Split(details, "\n") {
+		if strings.TrimSpace(line) == "" {
+			continue
+		}
+		if exact {
+			if refusal, ok := outward.Secret(line, machines...); !ok {
+				return line, refusal.String()
+			}
+			continue
+		}
+		if refusal, ok := outward.Check(line, machines...); !ok {
+			return line, refusal.String()
+		}
+	}
+	return "", ""
 }
 
 func layerKeys(m map[string]any) []string {
@@ -300,6 +396,27 @@ func sayableValue(v any, machines []string) (string, bool) {
 	return out, out == text
 }
 
+// wholeValue is a value as a channel that proves who answers is shown it (asks.Ask.Whole), and whether it was
+// shown whole: as it is, unless it is shaped like a secret (outward.Secret), which is withheld whole — never in
+// part, so no half of a key reaches the phone.
+func wholeValue(v any, machines []string) (string, bool) {
+	text, ok := v.(string)
+	if !ok {
+		raw, err := json.Marshal(v)
+		if err != nil {
+			return markWithheld, false
+		}
+		text = string(raw)
+	}
+	if text == "" {
+		return `""`, true
+	}
+	if _, ok := outward.Secret(text, machines...); !ok {
+		return markWithheld, false
+	}
+	return text, true
+}
+
 // sayable is a text with what may not leave the mesh replaced in place by a marker; what the markers cannot make
 // pass is withheld whole.
 func sayable(text string, machines []string) string {
@@ -432,6 +549,23 @@ func (pr proposer) propose(ctx context.Context, in proposeInput) (string, error)
 		return refuse("the ask's words would carry %s, which may not leave the mesh, and the change could not be "+
 			"shown without it; %s", refusal, atTheTerminalInstead(in))
 	}
+	// The whole words are shown only where the sender is proven, and never a secret's shape: wholeValue withholds
+	// one, and the router would refuse the ask if one were left, so it is refused here first, in words.
+	if refusal, ok := outward.Secret(q.Whole, machines...); !ok {
+		return refuse("the change shown whole would carry %s, which may not leave the mesh on any channel; %s",
+			refusal, atTheTerminalInstead(in))
+	}
+	// So are the details (ADR 0347 §1, §3): every line the router would withhold from the note, or refuse the ask
+	// for, is refused here, in the controller's own words, naming the line's key — Approve never sets a value the
+	// operator was shown nothing of.
+	if line, why := judgeLines(q.Details, false, machines); line != "" {
+		return refuse("the change's line %q would carry %s, which the operator's note may not show; %s",
+			keyOfLine(line), why, atTheTerminalInstead(in))
+	}
+	if line, why := judgeLines(q.WholeDetails, true, machines); line != "" {
+		return refuse("the change's line %q shown whole would carry %s, which may not leave the mesh on any channel; %s",
+			keyOfLine(line), why, atTheTerminalInstead(in))
+	}
 	// Fail closed, before anything is kept: no router, no grant, no channel means no ask.
 	if pr.routerHere != nil {
 		here, err := pr.routerHere(ctx)
@@ -519,15 +653,29 @@ func (pr proposer) propose(ctx context.Context, in proposeInput) (string, error)
 		fingerprint(p.Digest))
 	fmt.Fprintf(&b, "  until %s nothing changes: the layer is set only on Approve, and discarded on Decline or at expiry\n",
 		q.Expires.Local().Format("2006-01-02 15:04"))
-	fmt.Fprintf(&b, "  `settings proposals %s` shows it whole; once approved, `push %s` sends it", id, pushWord(p.Node))
+	fmt.Fprintf(&b, "  `settings proposals %s` shows it whole; once approved, a walk sends it to %s at once, one machine at "+
+		"a time, each judged, and its end is told as every walk's is (novox/hq ADR 0344)", id, p.reaches())
 	return b.String(), nil
 }
 
-func pushWord(node string) string {
+// reaches is the machines an approved layer is sent to, in words: the one it names, or every machine running the
-	if node == "" {
+// module.
-		return "--behind"
+func (p settingsProposal) reaches() string {
+	if p.Node == "" {
+		return "every machine running " + p.Module
 	}
-	return node
+	return p.Node
+}
+
+// onApprove is what the ask says Approve does (novox/hq ADR 0344 §4): the one Approve sets the layer and sends it.
+func (p settingsProposal) onApprove() string {
+	what := "the layer is set"
+	if p.Clear {
+		what = "the layer is removed"
+	}
+	return fmt.Sprintf("Approved, %s and sent at once to %s, one machine at a time, each judged, every build there "+
+		"kept; its end is told as every walk's is. A module that reads its settings only when it starts takes them at "+
+		"its next start.", what, p.reaches())
 }
 
 func newProposalID() string {
@@ -788,6 +936,40 @@ func setLayerIn(open *stores) setOnWarrant {
 				changed = "nothing changed"
 			}
 		}
-		return changed + " (ask " + askID + ")", nil
+		// **And sends it** (novox/hq ADR 0344): the layer the operator approved is walked to the machines it reaches
+		// at once. A walk that cannot be opened is said as the act's failure — the layer is set and nothing sends it.
+		walked, err := openSettingsWalk(ctx, open, inventory.PlanSettings{Module: p.Module, Node: p.Node, Ask: askID,
+			Change: changed})
+		if err != nil {
+			return "", fmt.Errorf("%s (ask %s) is set, and the walk that sends it could not be opened: %v — `push %s` sends it",
+				changed, askID, err, pushTo(p.Node))
+		}
+		return changed + " (ask " + askID + "); " + walked, nil
 	}
 }
+
+// pushTo is the push that sends a layer by hand when its walk could not: the machine, or every one behind.
+func pushTo(node string) string {
+	if node == "" {
+		return "--behind"
+	}
+	return node
+}
+
+// keyOfLine is what a refusal names of a line: the key of a change's line ("+ key: …"), or the line's first words.
+func keyOfLine(line string) string {
+	if len(line) > 2 && strings.ContainsRune("+~-=", rune(line[0])) && line[1] == ' ' {
+		rest := line[2:]
+		if i := strings.IndexAny(rest, ": "); i > 0 {
+			rest = rest[:i]
+		}
+		if _, ok := outward.Secret(rest); !ok {
+			return "whose key is shaped like a secret"
+		}
+		return rest
+	}
+	if r := []rune(line); len(r) > 40 {
+		return string(r[:40]) + "…"
+	}
+	return line
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/proposals_test.go

@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ import (
 	"context"
 	"encoding/json"
 	"errors"
+	"fmt"
 	"io"
 	"os"
 	"slices"
@@ -116,24 +117,43 @@ func TestAProposalAsksAtTheLevelApproveWithTheExactChange(t *testing.T) {
 	if q.Options[0].Binds == q.Options[1].Binds {
 		t.Error("Approve and Decline bind the same act")
 	}
-	for _, line := range []string{
+	// The message reads at a glance (issues 383 and 639): a summary, then one point per key — and nothing else:
-		"Set the settings of mounts on shanks to these values?",
+	// who proposed it, the fingerprint and the how-to are the Details, which the router notes after the answers.
-		"Proposed by g14/claude-code, through the mesh-controller seat, at " + r.now.Local().Format("15:04 on 2 Jan") + ".",
+	summary := "Changes 3 setting(s) of mounts on shanks; approved, the layer is set and sent at once by a walk to shanks, one machine at a time, each judged."
-		"+ sources: recalbox=‹address›@‹path›:ro",
+	if q.Explanation != summary+"\n+ sources: recalbox=‹address›@‹path›:ro\n~ shares: library=‹path› (was: none)\n- old (was: x)" {
-		"~ shares: library=‹path› (was: none)",
+		t.Errorf("the explanation:\n%s", q.Explanation)
-		"- old (was: x)",
+	}
-		"Fingerprint " + fingerprint(layerDigest(mountsSources)) + ".",
+	if err := asks.Glance(q.Explanation); err != nil {
-		"read it whole, with this fingerprint",
+		t.Error(err)
-	} {
-		if !strings.Contains(q.Explanation, line) {
-			t.Errorf("the explanation lacks %q:\n%s", line, q.Explanation)
-		}
 	}
 	for _, leak := range []string{"nas.lan", "/mnt/recalbox", "/mnt/library", "smb://"} {
 		if strings.Contains(q.Explanation, leak) {
 			t.Errorf("the explanation carries %q, which may not leave the mesh", leak)
 		}
 	}
+	// Where the sender is proven, the values whole: the mount point and the share are what is approved.
+	if q.Whole != summary+"\n+ sources: recalbox=smb://nas.lan/recalbox@/mnt/recalbox:ro\n~ shares: library=/mnt/library (was: none)\n- old (was: x)" ||
+		asks.Glance(q.Whole) != nil {
+		t.Errorf("the whole words:\n%s", q.Whole)
+	}
+	for _, line := range []string{
+		"Proposed by g14/claude-code, through the mesh-controller seat at " + r.now.Local().Format("15:04 on 2 Jan") +
+			". Fingerprint " + fingerprint(layerDigest(mountsSources)) + ".",
+		"Where who answers is not proven, its values are shown as ‹address›, ‹path› or ‹withheld›.",
+		"Read it whole, with this fingerprint: settings proposals " + kept(r).ID + " at the controller's terminal",
+	} {
+		if !strings.Contains(q.Details, line) {
+			t.Errorf("Details lack %q:\n%s", line, q.Details)
+		}
+	}
+	if refusal, ok := outward.Check(q.Details, "anchor", "laptop", "shanks"); !ok {
+		t.Errorf("the router would withhold a line of the details: %s", refusal)
+	}
+	for _, howTo := range []string{"ingerprint", "settings proposals", "settings verb", "not proven", "Proposed by"} {
+		if strings.Contains(q.Explanation, howTo) || strings.Contains(q.Whole, howTo) {
+			t.Errorf("the message carries the how-to %q", howTo)
+		}
+	}
 	all := []string{q.Headline, q.Explanation, q.OnExpiry}
 	for _, o := range q.Options {
 		all = append(all, o.Label, o.Does)
@@ -141,6 +161,9 @@ func TestAProposalAsksAtTheLevelApproveWithTheExactChange(t *testing.T) {
 	if refusal, ok := outward.Check(strings.Join(all, "\n"), "anchor", "laptop", "shanks"); !ok {
 		t.Errorf("the router would refuse the ask: %s", refusal)
 	}
+	if refusal, ok := outward.Secret(q.Whole, "anchor", "laptop", "shanks"); !ok {
+		t.Errorf("the router would refuse the whole words: %s", refusal)
+	}
 	// Kept as the controller's own ask, about no condition, with the proposal whole and its digests.
 	kept := r.theProposal(t)
 	p := kept.Proposal
@@ -173,11 +196,98 @@ func TestAMeshWideLayerIsProposed(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 	q := r.askSent(t)
 	if q.Headline != "Set notes on the whole mesh?" || q.About != "settings.notes.mesh" ||
-		!strings.Contains(q.Explanation, "Set the settings of notes on the whole mesh to these values?") {
+		q.Explanation != "Changes 1 setting(s) of notes on the whole mesh; approved, the layer is set and sent at once by a walk to every machine running notes, one machine at a time, each judged.\n+ x: 1" ||
+		q.Whole != "" {
 		t.Errorf("%+v", q)
 	}
 }
 
+// kept is the one proposal the rig keeps.
+func kept(r *proposerRig) asked {
+	for _, a := range r.store {
+		if a.Proposal != nil {
+			return a
+		}
+	}
+	return asked{}
+}
+
+// The switch between the masked and the whole change (issue 383): the same change, under the content rule and
+// exact, differs in the masked values alone; a value shaped like a secret is withheld in both, whole, with its
+// key still named; and a change no value of which is masked carries no whole words of its own.
+func TestAProposalShowsItsValuesWholeOnlyWhereTheSenderIsProvenAndNeverASecret(t *testing.T) {
+	machines := []string{"anchor", "laptop", "shanks"}
+	r := newProposerRig(t)
+	values := map[string]any{"shares": "media=/storage/media", "sources": "recalbox=smb://nas.lan/recalbox@/mnt/recalbox", "font": "Inter 13"}
+	if _, err := r.pr.propose(context.Background(), proposeInput{module: "mounts", node: "shanks", values: values}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	q := r.askSent(t)
+	masked, _, _ := kept(r).Proposal.change(machines, false)
+	whole, _, _ := kept(r).Proposal.change(machines, true)
+	if !strings.HasSuffix(q.Explanation, "\n"+strings.Join(masked, "\n")) || !strings.HasSuffix(q.Whole, "\n"+strings.Join(whole, "\n")) {
+		t.Fatalf("the ask does not carry the change masked and whole:\n%s\n--\n%s", q.Explanation, q.Whole)
+	}
+	if want := []string{"+ font: Inter 13", "+ shares: media=‹path›", "+ sources: recalbox=‹address›@‹path›"}; strings.Join(masked, "\n") != strings.Join(want, "\n") {
+		t.Errorf("masked: %q", masked)
+	}
+	if want := []string{"+ font: Inter 13", "+ shares: media=/storage/media", "+ sources: recalbox=smb://nas.lan/recalbox@/mnt/recalbox"}; strings.Join(whole, "\n") != strings.Join(want, "\n") {
+		t.Errorf("whole: %q", whole)
+	}
+	if _, ok := outward.Secret(q.Whole, "shanks"); !ok {
+		t.Error("the router would refuse the whole words")
+	}
+	// Mutation: the masked and the whole change differ in exactly the lines whose value was masked.
+	differ := 0
+	for i := range masked {
+		if masked[i] != whole[i] {
+			differ++
+			if !strings.Contains(masked[i], "‹") || strings.Contains(whole[i], "‹") {
+				t.Errorf("the lines differ otherwise than by the mask:\n%s\n%s", masked[i], whole[i])
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	if differ != 2 {
+		t.Errorf("%d lines differ, and the mask covered 2", differ)
+	}
+	// A value shaped like a secret is withheld in both, whole, with its key still named.
+	r1 := newProposerRig(t)
+	secrets := map[string]any{"github": "ghp_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789", "cert": "-----BEGIN CERTIFICATE-----"}
+	if _, err := r1.pr.propose(context.Background(), proposeInput{module: "mounts", node: "shanks", values: secrets}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	q1 := r1.askSent(t)
+	for _, line := range []string{"+ cert: ‹withheld›", "+ github: ‹withheld›"} {
+		if !strings.Contains(q1.Explanation, line) {
+			t.Errorf("lacks %q:\n%s", line, q1.Explanation)
+		}
+	}
+	for _, secret := range []string{"ghp_", "BEGIN CERTIFICATE"} {
+		if strings.Contains(q1.Explanation, secret) || strings.Contains(q1.Whole, secret) || strings.Contains(q1.Details, secret) {
+			t.Errorf("the secret %q reaches the phone", secret)
+		}
+	}
+	// More keys than points (issue 639): the first two, then the keys of the rest, read whole at the terminal.
+	r3 := newProposerRig(t)
+	five := map[string]any{"a": "1", "b": "2", "c": "3", "d": "4", "e": "5"}
+	if _, err := r3.pr.propose(context.Background(), proposeInput{module: "notes", node: "laptop", values: five}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if q3 := r3.askSent(t); !strings.HasSuffix(q3.Explanation, "\n+ a: 1\n+ b: 2\nand 3 more, each in the note: c, d, e") || asks.Glance(q3.Explanation) != nil ||
+		!strings.Contains(q3.Details, "settings proposals") {
+		t.Errorf("five keys:\n%s", q3.Explanation)
+	}
+	// No value masked: the message is the same everywhere, and the ask says no whole words.
+	r2 := newProposerRig(t)
+	if _, err := r2.pr.propose(context.Background(), proposeInput{module: "dunst", node: "laptop", values: map[string]any{"font-size": 13, "width": 500}}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if q2 := r2.askSent(t); q2.Whole != "" || !strings.HasSuffix(q2.Explanation, "\n+ font-size: 13\n+ width: 500") ||
+		strings.Contains(q2.Details, "not proven") {
+		t.Errorf("%+v", q2)
+	}
+}
+
 // A proposal expired unanswered is kept so by the reconciling, and a warrant for it afterwards sets nothing.
 func TestAnExpiredProposalIsKeptExpired(t *testing.T) {
 	r := newAskerRig(t)
@@ -205,7 +315,8 @@ func TestAClearIsProposedAndShowsWhatItRemoves(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 	q := r.askSent(t)
 	if q.Headline != "Clear notes on laptop?" || !strings.Contains(q.Explanation, "- places.data.owner: 1001:1001") ||
-		!strings.Contains(q.Explanation, "- places.data.path: ‹path›") {
+		!strings.Contains(q.Explanation, "- places.data.path: ‹path›") || !strings.Contains(q.Whole, "- places.data.path: /srv/notes") ||
+		!strings.HasPrefix(q.Explanation, "Removes the 2 setting(s) of notes set on laptop; approved, the layer is removed and that is sent at once by a walk to laptop, one machine at a time") {
 		t.Errorf("%+v", q)
 	}
 	if p := r.theProposal(t).Proposal; !p.Clear || p.Digest != layerDigest(r.before) || len(r.judged) != 0 {
@@ -744,3 +855,125 @@ func captureStdout(t *testing.T, f func()) string {
 	_ = w.Close()
 	return <-done
 }
+
+// The review of #304: Approve sets exactly what the operator can read. A proposal of five keys, one value 300
+// characters long, shows two keys at a glance, says what it cut, and carries every key with its whole value in its
+// Details for a channel that proves who answers (WholeDetails), and every key masked for one that does not.
+func TestEveryKeyAndItsWholeValueReachTheOperator(t *testing.T) {
+	var long strings.Builder
+	long.WriteString("library=/storage")
+	for i := 0; long.Len() < 300; i++ {
+		long.WriteString(fmt.Sprintf("/album-%02d", i))
+	}
+	value := long.String()[:300]
+	values := map[string]any{"a": "1", "b": "2", "c": "3", "d": "4", "shares": value}
+	r := newProposerRig(t)
+	if _, err := r.pr.propose(context.Background(), proposeInput{module: "mounts", node: "shanks", values: values}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	q := r.askSent(t)
+	if err := q.Check(r.now); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	// What the operator reads on a proving channel: the whole words, then the note's whole details.
+	visible := q.Whole + "\n" + q.WholeDetails
+	if q.Whole == "" {
+		visible = q.Explanation + "\n" + q.WholeDetails
+	}
+	for k, v := range values {
+		if !strings.Contains(visible, "+ "+k+": "+v.(string)) {
+			t.Errorf("the operator never reads %s whole:\n%s", k, visible)
+		}
+	}
+	// The masked glance points to a note that holds the values masked, and says no more; the whole glance, shown only
+	// beside the whole details, says they are whole there.
+	if asks.Glance(q.Explanation) != nil || !strings.HasSuffix(q.Explanation, "\nand 3 more, each in the note: c, d, shares") ||
+		strings.Contains(q.Explanation, "whole in the note") || !strings.HasSuffix(q.Whole, "\nand 3 more, each whole in the note: c, d, shares") {
+		t.Errorf("the glance:\n%s", q.Explanation)
+	}
+	for k := range values {
+		if !strings.Contains(q.Details, "+ "+k+": ") {
+			t.Errorf("the masked details lack %s:\n%s", k, q.Details)
+		}
+	}
+	if strings.Contains(q.Details, "/storage") {
+		t.Errorf("the masked details show a path:\n%s", q.Details)
+	}
+	if refusal, ok := outward.Check(q.Details, "shanks"); !ok {
+		t.Errorf("the router would withhold the masked details: %s", refusal)
+	}
+	if _, ok := outward.Secret(q.WholeDetails, "shanks"); !ok {
+		t.Error("the router would refuse the whole details")
+	}
+	// A value too long for a glance is cut there, and says so.
+	r2 := newProposerRig(t)
+	if _, err := r2.pr.propose(context.Background(), proposeInput{module: "mounts", node: "shanks", values: map[string]any{"shares": value}}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	q2 := r2.askSent(t)
+	// The cut point is 160 characters, its marker inside the bound.
+	if last := q2.Whole[strings.LastIndex(q2.Whole, "\n")+1:]; len([]rune(last)) != asks.PointLength {
+		t.Errorf("the cut point is %d characters, not %d: %q", len([]rune(last)), asks.PointLength, last)
+	}
+	if !strings.HasSuffix(q2.Whole, "… (cut: whole in the note)") || !strings.HasSuffix(q2.Explanation, "‹path›") && !strings.HasSuffix(q2.Explanation, "… (cut: in the note)") || !strings.Contains(q2.WholeDetails, "+ shares: "+value) || asks.Glance(q2.Whole) != nil {
+		t.Errorf("the cut is not said, or the note lacks the whole:\n%s\n--\n%s", q2.Whole, q2.WholeDetails)
+	}
+}
+
+// The review of #304: a value given to a secret's name, past the second key, is said with its key named and its
+// value withheld, in the note on every channel; the router has nothing left to withhold unnamed or refuse. A line
+// the router would refuse even so is refused at propose, in the controller's words.
+func TestASecretNamedKeyIsNamedAndItsValueWithheld(t *testing.T) {
+	r := newProposerRig(t)
+	values := map[string]any{"a": "1", "b": "2", "c": "3", "password": "hunter2"}
+	if _, err := r.pr.propose(context.Background(), proposeInput{module: "notes", node: "laptop", values: values}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	q := r.askSent(t)
+	for _, form := range []string{q.Details, q.WholeDetails, q.Explanation, q.Whole} {
+		if strings.Contains(form, "hunter2") {
+			t.Errorf("the value reaches the phone:\n%s", form)
+		}
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(q.Details, "+ password (value withheld)") {
+		t.Errorf("the key is not named with its value withheld:\n%s", q.Details)
+	}
+	if q.WholeDetails != "" && !strings.Contains(q.WholeDetails, "+ password (value withheld)") {
+		t.Errorf("the whole details do not name the key:\n%s", q.WholeDetails)
+	}
+	if line, why := judgeLines(q.Details, false, nil); line != "" {
+		t.Errorf("the router would withhold %q: %s", line, why)
+	}
+	if line, why := judgeLines(q.WholeDetails, true, nil); line != "" {
+		t.Errorf("the router would refuse %q: %s", line, why)
+	}
+	if !strings.HasSuffix(q.Explanation, "\nand 2 more, each in the note: c, password") {
+		t.Errorf("the glance:\n%s", q.Explanation)
+	}
+	// A key shaped like a secret cannot be named on any channel: refused at propose, in the controller's words, and
+	// the key itself not echoed.
+	r2 := newProposerRig(t)
+	secretKey := "ghp_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789"
+	_, err := r2.pr.propose(context.Background(), proposeInput{module: "notes", node: "laptop",
+		values: map[string]any{"a": "1", "b": "2", secretKey: "3"}})
+	if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "Nothing was proposed") || strings.Contains(err.Error(), secretKey) {
+		t.Errorf("a secret-shaped key: %v", err)
+	}
+	if len(r2.sent) != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("the refused proposal was asked")
+	}
+}
+
+// keyOfLine names a change's key, and never one shaped like a secret.
+func TestARefusalNamesTheKeyAndNeverASecret(t *testing.T) {
+	for line, want := range map[string]string{
+		"+ password (value withheld)":                   "password",
+		"~ shares: ‹path› (was: none)":                  "shares",
+		"+ ghp_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789: 1": "whose key is shaped like a secret",
+		"Proposed by g14 at 15:04.":                     "Proposed by g14 at 15:04.",
+	} {
+		if got := keyOfLine(line); got != want {
+			t.Errorf("%q: %q, want %q", line, got, want)
+		}
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/push.go

@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 	"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"
@@ -194,7 +195,7 @@ func serve(ctx context.Context) (err error) {
 	// And what the catalogue decided a build meant. The builder's own result is already handled
 	// above; this is the other half — the control plane is the only one of the three that knows
 	// which machines run the thing, so it is the one that acts (novox/hq ADR 0072).
-	if err := server.Follows(following{open}); err != nil {
+	if err := server.Follows(following{open: open}); err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 	// And the merges the bus announced and never handed over, read back on a timer and acted on late
@@ -202,7 +203,7 @@ func serve(ctx context.Context) (err error) {
 	go catchingUpOnMerges(ctx, open, server)
 	// And a catalogue that has just started, asking for what it missed. The same type answers
 	// both: what a build meant and what the builds were are two questions about one record.
-	if err := server.Answers(following{open}); err != nil {
+	if err := server.Answers(following{open: open}); err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 	// And what providers say about consumers they keep failing, kept for `status` (novox/hq ADR
@@ -249,8 +250,14 @@ func serve(ctx context.Context) (err error) {
 	// (novox/hq to-be 45 §9).
 	checkEvents = bus
 	// And every walk this controller keeps in a new state, for the delivery it walks (novox/hq ADR 0239).
-	inventory.PlanSaved = func(_ *inventory.Inventory, p inventory.Plan) { sayPlanMoved(ctx, bus, open.inventory, p) }
+	inventory.PlanSaved = func(_ *inventory.Inventory, p inventory.Plan) {
-	if err := server.Checks(following{open}); err != nil {
+		sayPlanMoved(ctx, bus, open.inventory, p)
+		// A walk ended has taken what it reuses: its merges' check builds go (novox/hq ADR 0350 §5).
+		if p.WalkSaid == inventory.WalkEnded {
+			go forgetChecksOfWalk(context.WithoutCancel(ctx), open.inventory, p)
+		}
+	}
+	if err := server.Checks(following{open: open}); err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 	// Composed now and kept current, before the verb that answers from it is served.
@@ -740,7 +747,14 @@ func waitForApplied(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, node, digest
 				fmt.Printf("%s applied it\n", node)
 				return nil
 			case inventory.OutcomeFailed:
-				return fmt.Errorf("%s applied what it was sent but %d resource(s) failed", node, len(doing.Failed))
+				// Each failed resource by id with the machine's own words, so the answer says what to fix
+				// without a second look (novox/hq issue 629).
+				var each []string
+				for _, f := range doing.Failed {
+					each = append(each, f.ID+": "+f.Error)
+				}
+				return fmt.Errorf("%s applied what it was sent but %d resource(s) failed: %s", node, len(doing.Failed),
+					strings.Join(each, "; "))
 			case inventory.OutcomeRefused:
 				return fmt.Errorf("%s refused what it was sent: %s", node, doing.Refused)
 			}
@@ -1373,6 +1387,13 @@ func issueMemberships(ctx context.Context, open *stores, server *link.Server, se
 	if issued > 0 {
 		fmt.Printf("  issued %d membership(s)\n", issued)
 	}
+	// **And what every other machine hears of a module's stream** (novox/hq ADR 0363 §6): a grant the provider's
+	// setting changed reaches a consumer on a machine this send does not reach. Its membership is issued again
+	// as last issued, with only what it hears changed, so nothing else of it moves before its own send.
+	reheard := reissueHearing(ctx, bus, records, where, sent)
+	if reheard > 0 {
+		fmt.Printf("  issued %d membership(s) again for what they hear of a module's stream\n", reheard)
+	}
 	if len(refused) > 0 {
 		// Returned, never passed over (novox/hq issue 249): the declarations of the machines they are
 		// for are not sent, and the rollout that asked is tried again rather than waiting for a push.
@@ -1731,3 +1752,78 @@ func schemaReach() (int, error) {
 	}
 	return reach, nil
 }
+
+// reissueHearing issues again, on every machine not just sent, the membership of each assignment whose
+// `consumes` names a module owning a stream, when what it hears changed: read as last issued from the bus,
+// its `hears` replaced, and published. One that was never issued is left to its own send. Failures are said
+// and passed over: the send that carries the grant is not the consumer's, and its own next send issues it.
+func reissueHearing(ctx context.Context, bus link.OverNATS, records broker.Records, where broker.Placements,
+	sent []readyNode) int {
+	reached := map[string]bool{}
+	for _, s := range sent {
+		reached[s.node] = true
+	}
+	issued := 0
+	for node, declared := range records.Assigned {
+		if reached[node] {
+			continue
+		}
+		for _, d := range declared {
+			if !d.HearsAStream {
+				continue
+			}
+			subject := broker.MembershipSubject(node, d.Module)
+			last, err := bus.JS.GetLastMsg(broker.AssignmentsStream, subject)
+			if err != nil {
+				if !errors.Is(err, nats.ErrMsgNotFound) {
+					fmt.Printf("  %s on %s: its membership could not be read to issue what it hears again: %v\n",
+						d.Module, node, err)
+				}
+				continue
+			}
+			body, changed, err := withHearing(last.Data, broker.HeardIssuedFor(node, d))
+			if err != nil {
+				fmt.Printf("  %s on %s: its membership could not be read to issue what it hears again: %v\n",
+					d.Module, node, err)
+				continue
+			}
+			if !changed {
+				continue
+			}
+			if err := bus.PublishMembership(ctx, node, d.Module, body); err != nil {
+				fmt.Printf("  %s on %s: what it hears could not be issued again: %v\n", d.Module, node, err)
+				continue
+			}
+			issued++
+		}
+	}
+	return issued
+}
+
+// withHearing is a membership as issued with its `hears` replaced, and whether that changed it. Pure.
+func withHearing(issued []byte, hears []broker.HeardIssued) ([]byte, bool, error) {
+	var fields map[string]json.RawMessage
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(issued, &fields); err != nil {
+		return nil, false, err
+	}
+	var had []broker.HeardIssued
+	if raw, ok := fields["hears"]; ok {
+		if err := json.Unmarshal(raw, &had); err != nil {
+			return nil, false, err
+		}
+	}
+	if slices.Equal(had, hears) {
+		return issued, false, nil
+	}
+	if len(hears) == 0 {
+		delete(fields, "hears")
+	} else {
+		raw, err := json.Marshal(hears)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, false, err
+		}
+		fields["hears"] = raw
+	}
+	body, err := json.Marshal(fields)
+	return body, true, err
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/queue.go

@@ -340,7 +340,10 @@ func cancelAsk(ctx context.Context, js *broker.JetStream, open *stores, seat str
 		return "", fmt.Errorf("%s is marked cancelled and could not be deleted from the queue (seq %d): %w — a "+
 			"holder taking it ends it as cancelled", ask.ID, ask.Seq, err)
 	}
-	recordCancelled(ctx, open, ask)
+	// A check ended because its pull request has a newer head records nothing (novox/hq issue 726): open is nil.
+	if open != nil {
+		recordCancelled(ctx, open, ask)
+	}
 	return cancelSaid(ask, seat, removed), nil
 }
 

cmd/mesh-controller/queue_test.go

@@ -616,6 +616,7 @@ func TestKillAndPauseAskTheHolderOnTheMachine(t *testing.T) {
 // A plan that stopped at its first machine is retried: the module sent to that machine again, the
 // send recorded as the first anew, and the plan goes on — unless a newer plan holds the module.
 func TestAPlanStoppedAtItsFirstMachineIsRetried(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate's own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	open := aMesh(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	asked := asksRecorded(t)

cmd/mesh-controller/recorded_kept.go

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ package main
 
 import (
 	"context"
+	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"sort"
 
@@ -83,6 +84,27 @@ func everyBuildKept(ctx context.Context, node string) bool {
 	return on != "" && on == node
 }
 
+type keepForSettingsKey struct{}
+
+// keepingBuildsForSettings is a context whose sends compose every module of one machine — recorded or rolling out —
+// at the build that machine was last sent, as keepingEveryBuild does, for a settings walk's send (novox/hq ADR 0344):
+// the layer the operator approved, and nothing of any module's new code. A build held for a person, or waiting
+// for a gate, stays where it is; the walk that is its own carries it.
+func keepingBuildsForSettings(ctx context.Context, node string) context.Context {
+	return context.WithValue(ctx, keepForSettingsKey{}, node)
+}
+
+// errSettingsCannotKeep is a settings walk's send refused because a build of its machine cannot be kept: what the
+// machine was last sent is not known, or a build it runs is gone from the records. It does not clear by itself, so
+// the walk fails on it rather than trying again (ADR 0344).
+var errSettingsCannotKeep = errors.New("the settings cannot be sent with every build kept")
+
+// settingsKeptOn is whether this context is a settings walk's send to this machine.
+func settingsKeptOn(ctx context.Context, node string) bool {
+	on, _ := ctx.Value(keepForSettingsKey{}).(string)
+	return on != "" && on == node
+}
+
 // recordedKept is, for a send under keepingRecorded, every recorded module the machine was last sent a
 // build of that the mesh's build is not identical to: module → the commit it keeps. Nil when the context
 // keeps nothing, or when what the machine was last sent is not known (it is then held whole elsewhere —
@@ -92,7 +114,7 @@ func everyBuildKept(ctx context.Context, node string) bool {
 // 490), and a machine whose last send is not known refuses the send: there is nothing to keep it at, and
 // composing the mesh's builds would be the very move the grants step must not make.
 func recordedKept(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string) (map[string]string, error) {
-	every := everyBuildKept(ctx, node)
+	every := everyBuildKept(ctx, node) || settingsKeptOn(ctx, node)
 	skip, on := keptExcept(ctx)
 	if !on && !every {
 		return nil, nil
@@ -106,6 +128,9 @@ func recordedKept(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string) (map[string]st
 		return nil, err
 	}
 	if !known {
+		if settingsKeptOn(ctx, node) {
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("%w: what %s was last sent is not known (novox/hq ADR 0344)", errSettingsCannotKeep, node)
+		}
 		if every {
 			return nil, fmt.Errorf("what %s was last sent is not known, so the bus's user list cannot be sent "+
 				"there alone with every build kept (novox/hq issue 490)", node)
@@ -166,6 +191,10 @@ func keepRecorded(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string, shelf map[stri
 		if err != nil {
 			return nil, err
 		}
+		if !found && settingsKeptOn(ctx, node) {
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("%w: %s runs %s's build %s, which the build records no longer hold (novox/hq ADR 0344)",
+				errSettingsCannotKeep, node, m, short(kept[m]))
+		}
 		if !found && everyBuildKept(ctx, node) {
 			return nil, fmt.Errorf("%s runs %s's build %s, which the build records no longer hold: the bus's user "+
 				"list cannot be sent there alone with it kept (novox/hq issue 490)", node, m, short(kept[m]))

cmd/mesh-controller/reissue_hearing_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,39 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"encoding/json"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+)
+
+// A membership issued again for what it hears changes nothing else of it (novox/hq ADR 0363 §6).
+func TestAMembershipIssuedAgainChangesOnlyWhatItHears(t *testing.T) {
+	issued := []byte(`{"node":"ace","module":"reader","receives":{"x":[1]},"emits":"mesh.mod.reader.event.{event}"}`)
+	hears := []broker.HeardIssued{{Stream: "MAIL", Consumer: "ace_reader"}}
+	body, changed, err := withHearing(issued, hears)
+	if err != nil || !changed {
+		t.Fatalf("changed %v, %v", changed, err)
+	}
+	var got map[string]any
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(body, &got); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if got["receives"] == nil || got["emits"] != "mesh.mod.reader.event.{event}" || got["hears"] == nil {
+		t.Fatalf("issued again as %s", body)
+	}
+	if _, again, _ := withHearing(body, hears); again {
+		t.Fatal("the same hearing issued again counts as a change")
+	}
+	gone, changed, err := withHearing(body, nil)
+	if err != nil || !changed {
+		t.Fatalf("a withdrawal: %v, %v", changed, err)
+	}
+	got = nil
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(gone, &got); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, still := got["hears"]; still {
+		t.Fatalf("a withdrawn hearing is still issued: %s", gone)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/release.go

@@ -39,8 +39,8 @@ import (
 //     from the same manifest is no move.
 //
 // **The release plan** is what walks the waiting moves through: whenever moves wait for a gate that no
-// started plan is walking, the mesh opens one — every such machine, one at a time, the control node last,
+// started plan is walking, the mesh opens one — every such machine, the first sent and judged, then the rest
-// each sent and judged before the next. A release plan that fails stops the next one opening on its own:
+// at once, each judged by its own gate (novox/hq ADR 0353, in place of one at a time). A release plan that fails stops the next one opening on its own:
 // a person releases it again (`upgrade release-backlog --why`), after the condition says why.
 
 // sendScope is what a send may carry that no gate has seen.
@@ -81,6 +81,15 @@ type moveFacts struct {
 	srcs   map[string]map[string]string
 	passed map[string]map[string]bool
 	plans  []inventory.Plan
+	// self is the release walking these moves, whose own gates are no other walk's (novox/hq ADR 0353).
+	self string
+}
+
+type walkingKey struct{}
+
+// withWalking says a release plan is the one sending: its own gates never hold its own sends back.
+func withWalking(ctx context.Context, id string) context.Context {
+	return context.WithValue(ctx, walkingKey{}, id)
 }
 
 func readMoveFacts(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory) (moveFacts, error) {
@@ -99,6 +108,7 @@ func readMoveFacts(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory) (moveFacts, er
 		return f, err
 	}
 	f.plans, err = inv.OpenPlans(ctx)
+	f.self, _ = ctx.Value(walkingKey{}).(string)
 	return f, err
 }
 
@@ -193,17 +203,24 @@ func (f moveFacts) moves(node string, modules []string, sent map[string]string,
 // feet. A release keeps no module records: its open gate's carried moves are its walk.
 func (f moveFacts) walkedBy(module, node, to string) string {
 	for _, p := range f.plans {
-		if !p.Open() {
+		if !p.Open() || (p.Release != nil && p.ID == f.self) {
 			continue
 		}
 		if p.Release != nil {
-			g := p.Release.Gate
+			// The first machine's gate, and every gate of the rest still judging (novox/hq ADR 0353).
-			if g == nil || g.Verdict != "" {
+			gates := []*inventory.PlanGate{p.Release.Gate}
-				continue
+			for _, g := range p.Release.Gates {
+				gates = append(gates, g)
 			}
-			for _, c := range g.Carried {
+			for _, g := range gates {
-				if c.Module == module && !(slices.Contains(g.Machines, node) && sameCommit(c.To, to)) {
+				// A send kept and not yet made walks nothing yet (ADR 0353 §8).
-					return p.ID
+				if g == nil || g.Verdict != "" || g.Silent || g.Pending {
+					continue
+				}
+				for _, c := range g.Carried {
+					if c.Module == module && !(slices.Contains(g.Machines, node) && sameCommit(c.To, to)) {
+						return p.ID
+					}
 				}
 			}
 			continue
@@ -303,8 +320,8 @@ func ungatedIn(ctx context.Context, open *stores, names []string, addedHolder st
 		}
 	}
 	if len(refused) > 0 {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("%w: %s — a walk sends them, one machine at a time, each judged (novox/hq ADR "+
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("%w: %s — a walk sends them, one machine first and then the rest at once, each judged (novox/hq ADR "+
-			"0236); `upgrade backlog` lists them", errUngated, strings.Join(refused, "; "))
+			"0236, ADR 0353); `upgrade backlog` lists them", errUngated, strings.Join(refused, "; "))
 	}
 	return kept, nil
 }
@@ -320,19 +337,35 @@ func ungatedIn(ctx context.Context, open *stores, names []string, addedHolder st
 // And the grants step first, when the send changes what the bus's user list must say (novox/hq issue 490):
 // answered for the gate to keep, nil when there was none.
 func gatedSend(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string, owns []inventory.CarriedMove) ([]inventory.CarriedMove, []string, *inventory.GrantsStep, error) {
-	inv := open.inventory
+	moves, err := gatedMoves(ctx, open, node, owns)
-	f, err := readMoveFacts(ctx, inv)
+	if err != nil || len(moves) == 0 {
+		return nil, nil, nil, err
+	}
+	sayRecreations(ctx, open, moves)
+	sent, grants, err := sendJudged(ctx, open, node)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, nil, nil, err
 	}
+	return moves, sent, grants, nil
+}
+
+// gatedMoves is what a gated send to one machine would carry, with the build each moves to, made of nothing:
+// gatedSend's reading, which a walk also keeps before it sends (novox/hq ADR 0353 §8). Refused the same way
+// while a plan that has started walks one of those builds elsewhere.
+func gatedMoves(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string, owns []inventory.CarriedMove) ([]inventory.CarriedMove, error) {
+	inv := open.inventory
+	f, err := readMoveFacts(ctx, inv)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
 	moves, err := machineMoves(ctx, open, f, node, true)
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, nil, nil, err
+		return nil, err
 	}
 	// A move the send keeps is not made, and is no move for the gate to judge (novox/hq issue 201): a core module
 	// kept over an older record judged as moving back to it would read the gate as superseded by its own send.
 	if moves, err = withoutKept(ctx, open, node, moves); err != nil {
-		return nil, nil, nil, err
+		return nil, err
 	}
 	own := func(module string) bool {
 		return slices.ContainsFunc(owns, func(o inventory.CarriedMove) bool { return o.Module == module })
@@ -342,7 +375,7 @@ func gatedSend(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string, owns []inventory.
 			continue
 		}
 		if id := f.walkedBy(mv.Module, node, mv.To); id != "" {
-			return nil, nil, nil, fmt.Errorf("%w: %s's build %s waits on %s, which %s is walking", errWalkedElsewhere,
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("%w: %s's build %s waits on %s, which %s is walking", errWalkedElsewhere,
 				mv.Module, short(mv.To), node, id)
 		}
 	}
@@ -350,7 +383,7 @@ func gatedSend(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string, owns []inventory.
 	// plan, or a release, on this machine is not crossed with a newer build; this send waits for its gate.
 	for _, o := range owns {
 		if id := f.walkedBy(o.Module, node, o.To); id != "" {
-			return nil, nil, nil, fmt.Errorf("%w: %s's build %s waits on %s, which %s is walking", errWalkedElsewhere,
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("%w: %s's build %s waits on %s, which %s is walking", errWalkedElsewhere,
 				o.Module, short(o.To), node, id)
 		}
 	}
@@ -363,30 +396,26 @@ func gatedSend(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string, owns []inventory.
 			moves[i].Build = o.Build
 		}
 	}
-	if len(moves) == 0 && len(owns) == 0 {
+	if len(moves) == 0 {
-		return nil, nil, nil, nil
+		return nil, nil
 	}
 	for i := range moves {
 		if moves[i].Build == "" {
 			if moves[i].Build, err = inv.BuildOf(ctx, moves[i].Module, moves[i].To); err != nil {
-				return nil, nil, nil, err
+				return nil, err
 			}
 		}
 	}
 	sort.Slice(moves, func(i, j int) bool { return moves[i].Module < moves[j].Module })
-	sayRecreations(ctx, open, moves)
+	return moves, nil
-	sent, grants, err := sendJudged(ctx, open, node)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, nil, nil, err
-	}
-	return moves, sent, grants, nil
 }
 
 // passCarried keeps a pass as the verdict of every build the gate judged beside its own module.
 func passCarried(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan, g *inventory.PlanGate, except string) {
 	seen := map[string]bool{}
 	for _, c := range g.Carried {
-		if c.Module == except || c.Build == "" || seen[c.Build] {
+		// A build put back with another machine's failure is not this gate's to pass (novox/hq ADR 0353 §3).
+		if c.Module == except || c.Build == "" || seen[c.Build] || slices.Contains(g.Returned, c.Module) {
 			continue
 		}
 		seen[c.Build] = true
@@ -616,6 +645,10 @@ func releaseBacklog(ctx context.Context, open *stores, by string) (*inventory.Pl
 	}
 	for _, p := range plans {
 		if p.Release != nil {
+			if by != "" && p.Release.Settings != nil {
+				return nil, fmt.Errorf("%s is sending %s; what waits is released once it ends — `plans %s` says where it is",
+					p.ID, p.Repository, p.ID)
+			}
 			if by != "" {
 				return nil, fmt.Errorf("%s is already releasing what waits; `plans %s` says where it is", p.ID, p.ID)
 			}
@@ -641,7 +674,9 @@ func releaseBacklog(ctx context.Context, open *stores, by string) (*inventory.Pl
 			return nil, err
 		}
 		for _, p := range recent {
-			if p.Release == nil {
+			// A settings walk that failed holds nothing back (novox/hq ADR 0344 §6): its failure is its module's
+			// settings on one machine, said on its own, not a build no gate passed.
+			if p.Release == nil || p.Release.Settings != nil {
 				continue
 			}
 			if p.State == inventory.PlanFailed {
@@ -689,7 +724,7 @@ func releaseBacklog(ctx context.Context, open *stores, by string) (*inventory.Pl
 	p := inventory.Plan{ID: fmt.Sprintf("release-%d", now.UnixNano()), Repository: releaseRepository,
 		Created: now, State: inventory.PlanRolling, Tiers: [][]string{names}, Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{},
 		Release: &inventory.PlanRelease{Order: order, By: by},
-		Note: fmt.Sprintf("%d build(s) wait for a gate on %s; one machine at a time, each judged", len(names),
+		Note: fmt.Sprintf("%d build(s) wait for a gate on %s; one machine first, then the rest at once, each judged", len(names),
 			strings.Join(order, ", "))}
 	if err := inv.SavePlan(ctx, &p); err != nil {
 		return nil, err
@@ -698,11 +733,28 @@ func releaseBacklog(ctx context.Context, open *stores, by string) (*inventory.Pl
 	return &p, nil
 }
 
-// advanceRelease takes one step of a release plan: the next machine sent everything waiting there under a
+// advanceRelease takes one step of a release plan: the first machine sent everything waiting there under a
-// gate, or the machine being judged judged once more; the plan done when every machine is.
+// gate and judged; once it passed, every other machine sent at once, each under its own gate (novox/hq ADR
+// 0353 §1), and judged; the plan done when every machine is.
+//
+// **A send is kept before it is made** (ADR 0353 §8): the step that chooses a machine keeps its gate pending with
+// what it will carry, and the next step makes the send. A controller replaced between the send and keeping it
+// finds the gate pending, reads the machine's last send, and neither sends again nor leaves the machine unjudged.
 func advanceRelease(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan) (bool, error) {
 	r := p.Release
+	if r.Settings != nil {
+		return advanceSettingsWalk(ctx, open, p)
+	}
+	ctx = withWalking(ctx, p.ID)
 	now := time.Now().UTC()
+	if r.Rest {
+		return advanceRest(ctx, open, p, now)
+	}
+	if r.Gate == nil && !gateFirstMachine {
+		// **No first machine** (novox/hq ADR 0360 §7): every machine heard from is sent at once, in one step.
+		r.Rest = true
+		return advanceRest(ctx, open, p, now)
+	}
 	if r.Gate == nil {
 		heard, err := releaseHeard(ctx, open)
 		if err != nil {
@@ -715,7 +767,7 @@ func advanceRelease(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan) (bool,
 				r.Next++
 				continue
 			}
-			moves, sent, grants, err := gatedSend(ctx, open, node, nil)
+			moves, err := gatedMoves(ctx, open, node, nil)
 			if errors.Is(err, errWalkedElsewhere) {
 				note := fmt.Sprintf("waiting before %s: %v", node, err)
 				changed := p.Note != note
@@ -723,23 +775,15 @@ func advanceRelease(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan) (bool,
 				return changed, nil
 			}
 			if err != nil {
-				return false, fmt.Errorf("sending %s what waits there: %w", node, err)
+				return false, fmt.Errorf("reading what waits on %s: %w", node, err)
 			}
 			if len(moves) == 0 {
 				r.Done = append(r.Done, node)
 				r.Next++
 				continue
 			}
-			r.Gate = &inventory.PlanGate{Machines: sent, Since: &now, Carried: moves, Sent: sentNow(ctx, open.inventory, sent),
+			r.Gate = &inventory.PlanGate{Machines: []string{node}, Carried: moves, Pending: true}
-				Grants: grants}
+			p.Note = fmt.Sprintf("sending %s %d build(s) that wait for a gate, first", node, len(moves))
-			p.Note = fmt.Sprintf("sent %s %d build(s) that waited for a gate; judging them there", node, len(moves))
-			if said := grantsSaid(grants); said != "" {
-				p.Note += "; " + said
-			}
-			if said := recreationsSaid(moves); said != "" {
-				p.Note += "; " + said
-			}
-			fmt.Printf("%s: %s\n", p.ID, p.Note)
 			return true, nil
 		}
 		p.State, p.Tier = inventory.PlanDone, len(p.Tiers)
@@ -750,6 +794,19 @@ func advanceRelease(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan) (bool,
 		return true, nil
 	}
 	g := r.Gate
+	if g.Pending {
+		node := firstOf(g.Machines)
+		out, err := sendKept(ctx, open, p, node, g, now)
+		if err != nil || out == keptWaiting {
+			return out == keptWaiting, err
+		}
+		if out == keptNothing {
+			r.Gate = nil
+			r.Done = append(r.Done, node)
+			r.Next++
+		}
+		return true, nil
+	}
 	verdict, err := judgeMoves(ctx, open, g, nil, now)
 	if err != nil {
 		return false, err
@@ -768,6 +825,11 @@ func advanceRelease(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan) (bool,
 		r.Done = append(r.Done, firstOf(g.Machines))
 		r.Next++
 		r.Gate = nil
+		// **Then the rest at once** (novox/hq ADR 0353 §1): every other machine heard from, each judged by its own
+		// gate, in place of one machine at a time (ADR 0236 §22).
+		r.Rest = true
+		p.Note = fmt.Sprintf("passed on %s; the rest are sent at once, each judged", firstOf(g.Machines))
+		fmt.Printf("%s: %s\n", p.ID, p.Note)
 		return true, nil
 	case inventory.GateSuperseded:
 		// Another send moved a judged module on the judged machine (novox/hq issue 352): no verdict on what
@@ -788,6 +850,479 @@ func advanceRelease(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan) (bool,
 	return true, nil
 }
 
+// What sendKept did with a kept send.
+const (
+	keptSent    = iota // sent now
+	keptAlready        // the machine was already sent it: judged from that send, nothing sent
+	keptNothing        // nothing waits there any more: no gate
+	keptWaiting        // another walk judges a build it would carry: it waits
+)
+
+// sendKept makes a send a gate kept before it was made (novox/hq ADR 0353 §8) — unless the machine's last send
+// already carries what the gate is for, made before a controller was replaced and before it was kept: then
+// nothing is sent, and the gate judges from that send (§6).
+func sendKept(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan, node string, g *inventory.PlanGate,
+	now time.Time) (int, error) {
+	inv := open.inventory
+	moves, sent, grants, err := gatedSend(ctx, open, node, nil)
+	if errors.Is(err, errWalkedElsewhere) {
+		p.Note = fmt.Sprintf("waiting before %s: %v", node, err)
+		return keptWaiting, nil
+	}
+	if err != nil {
+		return keptSent, fmt.Errorf("sending %s what waits there: %w", node, err)
+	}
+	if len(moves) > 0 {
+		g.Machines, g.Carried, g.Since, g.Grants, g.Pending = sent, moves, &now, grants, false
+		g.Sent = sentNow(ctx, inv, sent)
+		p.Note = fmt.Sprintf("sent %s %d build(s) that waited for a gate; judging them there", node, len(moves))
+		if said := grantsSaid(grants); said != "" {
+			p.Note += "; " + said
+		}
+		if said := recreationsSaid(moves); said != "" {
+			p.Note += "; " + said
+		}
+		fmt.Printf("%s: %s\n", p.ID, p.Note)
+		return keptSent, nil
+	}
+	if !alreadySent(ctx, inv, node, g.Carried) {
+		return keptNothing, nil
+	}
+	since := now
+	if s, found, err := inv.SentTo(ctx, node); err == nil && found {
+		if !s.At.IsZero() {
+			since = s.At
+		}
+		g.Sent = map[string]inventory.SentDeclaration{node: s}
+	}
+	g.Since, g.Pending = &since, false
+	p.Note = fmt.Sprintf("%s was already sent the %d build(s) kept for it, at %s: judged from that send, nothing sent again",
+		node, len(g.Carried), since.Local().Format("15:04:05"))
+	fmt.Printf("%s: %s\n", p.ID, p.Note)
+	return keptAlready, nil
+}
+
+// alreadySent says a machine's last send carries every build of the moves: a send made and not kept.
+func alreadySent(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, node string, moves []inventory.CarriedMove) bool {
+	if len(moves) == 0 {
+		return false
+	}
+	sent, known, err := inv.SentBuilds(ctx, node)
+	if err != nil || !known {
+		return false
+	}
+	for _, mv := range moves {
+		if !sameCommit(sent[mv.Module], mv.To) {
+			return false
+		}
+	}
+	return true
+}
+
+// advanceRest takes one step of a release plan's rest (novox/hq ADR 0353): the sends kept for a step made, every
+// machine of the step judged by its own gate, one that fails put back by itself while the others go on to their
+// verdicts, and the next step — or the end — once every gate of the step has its verdict or is silent.
+func advanceRest(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan, now time.Time) (bool, error) {
+	r := p.Release
+	// The sends kept for this step, in the plan's order: the control node, last in it, last (§1).
+	var pending []string
+	for _, n := range r.Order {
+		if g := r.Gates[n]; g != nil && g.Pending {
+			pending = append(pending, n)
+		}
+	}
+	if len(pending) > 0 {
+		// **A kept send carries only what was kept** (ADR 0353 §2): a build that passed no gate and came to wait on
+		// a machine since its step was chosen could reach a second machine in it; the step is chosen again.
+		if grew, err := keptStepGrew(ctx, open, r, pending); err != nil {
+			return false, err
+		} else if grew != "" {
+			for _, n := range pending {
+				delete(r.Gates, n)
+			}
+			opened, waiting, err := openRestStep(ctx, open, p)
+			if err != nil {
+				return true, err
+			}
+			p.Note = "chosen again: " + grew
+			if !opened && waiting != "" {
+				p.Note += "; " + waiting
+			}
+			return true, nil
+		}
+		var sent, already, waiting []string
+		for _, node := range pending {
+			out, err := sendKept(ctx, open, p, node, r.Gates[node], now)
+			if err != nil {
+				return true, err
+			}
+			switch out {
+			case keptSent:
+				sent = append(sent, node)
+			case keptAlready:
+				already = append(already, node)
+			case keptNothing:
+				delete(r.Gates, node)
+				r.Done = append(r.Done, node)
+			case keptWaiting:
+				waiting = append(waiting, node)
+			}
+		}
+		var said []string
+		if len(sent) > 0 {
+			said = append(said, "sent "+strings.Join(sent, ", ")+" at once, each judged there")
+		}
+		if len(already) > 0 {
+			said = append(said, strings.Join(already, ", ")+" already sent it: judged from that send")
+		}
+		if len(waiting) > 0 {
+			said = append(said, "waiting before "+strings.Join(waiting, ", ")+": another walk judges a build it carries")
+		}
+		if len(said) > 0 {
+			p.Note = strings.Join(said, "; ")
+		}
+		return len(sent)+len(already) > 0 || len(waiting) < len(pending), nil
+	}
+	reports, err := open.inventory.LastReports(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return false, err
+	}
+	byNode := map[string]inventory.Reported{}
+	for _, rep := range reports {
+		byNode[rep.Node] = rep
+	}
+	changed, noteWas := false, p.Note
+	var notes, judging []string
+	batched, back := batchingRollbacks(ctx)
+	for _, node := range r.Order {
+		g := r.Gates[node]
+		if g == nil || g.Verdict != "" || g.Silent {
+			continue
+		}
+		// What another machine's failure already put back is not this gate's to judge (ADR 0353 §3).
+		if len(g.Carried) > 0 && len(g.Returned) >= len(g.Carried) {
+			decide(g, inventory.GateFailed, "what it was sent was put back with another machine's failure", now)
+			r.Failed = append(r.Failed, node)
+			changed = true
+			continue
+		}
+		// **A machine that says nothing on its send is left silent, not failed** (ADR 0353 §4): it is not judged
+		// until it reports, and past ApplySilentAfter it is listed and left.
+		if !reportedOnSend(byNode[node], node, g) {
+			if now.Sub(*g.Since) > inventory.ApplySilentAfter {
+				g.Silent = true
+				r.Silent = append(r.Silent, node)
+				changed = true
+				notes = append(notes, fmt.Sprintf("%s said nothing on its send within %s: left silent", node,
+					inventory.ApplySilentAfter))
+				continue
+			}
+			judging = append(judging, node+": not yet reported on its send")
+			continue
+		}
+		if !gateFirstMachine {
+			// **Judged by its report alone** (novox/hq ADR 0360 §7): applied passes; failed or refused is named and
+			// fails the walk, with nothing put back — apply-failing says it.
+			switch rep := byNode[node]; rep.Outcome {
+			case inventory.OutcomeApplied:
+				decide(g, inventory.GatePassed, node+" reported it applied its send (novox/hq ADR 0360)", now)
+				passCarried(ctx, open, p, g, "")
+				r.Done = append(r.Done, node)
+				changed = true
+			case inventory.OutcomeFailed, inventory.OutcomeRefused:
+				decide(g, inventory.GateFailed, fmt.Sprintf("%s %s its send", node, rep.Outcome), now)
+				r.Failed = append(r.Failed, node)
+				changed = true
+				notes = append(notes, fmt.Sprintf("%s %s its send: nothing put back, apply-failing says it", node, rep.Outcome))
+			default:
+				judging = append(judging, node+": not yet reported on its send")
+			}
+			continue
+		}
+		verdict, err := judgeMoves(ctx, open, g, nil, now)
+		if err != nil {
+			return changed, err
+		}
+		switch verdict {
+		case "":
+			if putBackBroken(ctx, open, p, g, "", nil) {
+				changed = true
+				notes = append(notes, p.Note)
+			}
+			judging = append(judging, node+": "+gateLine(g))
+		case inventory.GatePassed:
+			passCarried(ctx, open, p, g, "")
+			r.Done = append(r.Done, node)
+			changed = true
+		case inventory.GateSuperseded:
+			// Another send moved a judged module there (novox/hq issue 352): nothing judged, nothing put back on
+			// it; what still waits is released again.
+			r.Done = append(r.Done, node)
+			changed = true
+			notes = append(notes, fmt.Sprintf("superseded on %s: %s", node, g.Why))
+		default:
+			// **Put back by itself** (ADR 0353 §3): what was found wanting goes back at once, and every other
+			// machine of the step goes on to its own verdict.
+			stateWas := p.State
+			p.Note = ""
+			failCarried(batched, open, p, g, "")
+			p.State = stateWas
+			r.Failed = append(r.Failed, node)
+			changed = true
+			notes = append(notes, fmt.Sprintf("failed its gate on %s: %s — %s", node, g.Why, p.Note))
+			returnedElsewhere(ctx, open, r, node, g)
+		}
+	}
+	p.Note = ""
+	sendRollbacks(ctx, open, p, back)
+	if p.Note != "" {
+		notes = append(notes, strings.TrimPrefix(p.Note, "; "))
+	}
+	if len(judging) > 0 {
+		note := strings.Join(append(notes, "judging "+strings.Join(judging, "; ")), "; ")
+		p.Note = note
+		return changed || noteWas != note, nil
+	}
+	// Every gate of the step has its verdict or is silent: the next step, unless a machine failed (§3).
+	if len(r.Failed) == 0 {
+		opened, waiting, err := openRestStep(ctx, open, p)
+		if err != nil {
+			return changed, err
+		}
+		if opened {
+			return true, nil
+		}
+		if waiting != "" {
+			note := strings.Join(append(notes, waiting), "; ")
+			p.Note = note
+			return changed || noteWas != note, nil
+		}
+	}
+	p.Tier = len(p.Tiers)
+	end := fmt.Sprintf("released on %s", orNone(strings.Join(r.Done, ", ")))
+	if len(r.Silent) > 0 {
+		end += "; silent on their send, left: " + strings.Join(r.Silent, ", ")
+	}
+	if len(r.Skipped) > 0 {
+		end += "; not heard from, left as they were: " + strings.Join(r.Skipped, ", ")
+	}
+	p.State = inventory.PlanDone
+	if len(r.Failed) > 0 {
+		p.State = inventory.PlanFailed
+		end = "failed on " + strings.Join(r.Failed, ", ") + "; " + end
+	} else if len(r.Silent) > 0 && len(r.Gates) == len(r.Silent) {
+		// **A rest that said nothing is no success** (ADR 0353 §4): failure is loud; the condition says it.
+		p.State = inventory.PlanFailed
+		end = "no machine of the rest reported on its send; " + end
+	}
+	p.Note = strings.Join(append(notes, end), "; ")
+	fmt.Printf("%s: %s\n", p.ID, p.Note)
+	return true, nil
+}
+
+// keptStepGrew says why a step's kept sends would now carry a build no gate passed that they were not kept with;
+// empty when none would.
+func keptStepGrew(ctx context.Context, open *stores, r *inventory.PlanRelease, pending []string) (string, error) {
+	if !gateFirstMachine {
+		return "", nil // every machine goes at once (novox/hq ADR 0360 §7): a send carries what waits when it is made
+	}
+	f, err := readMoveFacts(ctx, open.inventory)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", err
+	}
+	shelf, err := open.inventory.Catalogue(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", err
+	}
+	for _, node := range pending {
+		moves, err := gatedMoves(ctx, open, node, nil)
+		if errors.Is(err, errWalkedElsewhere) {
+			continue // sendKept says it waits
+		}
+		if err != nil {
+			return "", err
+		}
+		kept := r.Gates[node].Carried
+		for _, mv := range moves {
+			// The node-engine and the resolver keep one machine at a time, passed or not (ADR 0353 §9).
+			if (f.gated(mv.Module, mv.To) && !oneAtATime(mv.Module, shelf[mv.Module])) || slices.ContainsFunc(kept, func(c inventory.CarriedMove) bool {
+				return c.Module == mv.Module && sameCommit(c.To, mv.To)
+			}) {
+				continue
+			}
+			return fmt.Sprintf("%s's build %s, which this step did not keep for it, came to wait on %s", mv.Module, short(mv.To), node), nil
+		}
+	}
+	return "", nil
+}
+
+// reportedOnSend says a machine's last report is about the send its gate judges (novox/hq issue 352): the
+// declaration kept on the gate, or one sequenced after it; a gate that kept none reads the send made last.
+func reportedOnSend(r inventory.Reported, node string, g *inventory.PlanGate) bool {
+	if r.At == nil {
+		return false
+	}
+	if s, kept := g.Sent[node]; kept {
+		return s.ReportsOn(r)
+	}
+	return r.Current
+}
+
+// returnedElsewhere marks, on every other gate of the rest still judging, the builds a failed machine's
+// rollback put back wherever they were sent (ADR 0236 §5): no longer theirs to judge (ADR 0353 §3).
+func returnedElsewhere(ctx context.Context, open *stores, r *inventory.PlanRelease, failed string, g *inventory.PlanGate) {
+	for _, c := range g.Carried {
+		if c.Build == "" {
+			continue
+		}
+		if marked, err := open.inventory.GateFailed(ctx, c.Build); err != nil || !marked {
+			continue
+		}
+		for node, other := range r.Gates {
+			if node == failed || other.Verdict != "" || slices.Contains(other.Returned, c.Module) {
+				continue
+			}
+			for _, oc := range other.Carried {
+				if oc.Module == c.Module && sameCommit(oc.To, c.To) {
+					other.Returned = append(other.Returned, c.Module)
+				}
+			}
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// openRestStep chooses the next step of a release plan's rest and keeps its sends (novox/hq ADR 0353 §1, §2):
+// every machine left that is heard from and has something waiting, except that a build no gate has passed goes
+// to one machine of the step only. Answers whether a step was kept, or why the walk waits.
+func openRestStep(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan) (bool, string, error) {
+	r := p.Release
+	heard, err := releaseHeard(ctx, open)
+	if err != nil {
+		return false, "", err
+	}
+	f, err := readMoveFacts(ctx, open.inventory)
+	if err != nil {
+		return false, "", err
+	}
+	waiting := map[string][]inventory.CarriedMove{}
+	var nodes, walked []string
+	for _, node := range r.Order[min(r.Next, len(r.Order)):] {
+		if r.Gates[node] != nil || slices.Contains(r.Done, node) || slices.Contains(r.Skipped, node) ||
+			slices.Contains(r.Failed, node) || slices.Contains(r.Silent, node) {
+			continue
+		}
+		if !heard[node] {
+			r.Skipped = append(r.Skipped, node)
+			continue
+		}
+		moves, err := gatedMoves(ctx, open, node, nil)
+		if errors.Is(err, errWalkedElsewhere) {
+			walked = append(walked, fmt.Sprintf("%s (%v)", node, err))
+			continue
+		}
+		if err != nil {
+			return false, "", fmt.Errorf("reading what waits on %s: %w", node, err)
+		}
+		if len(moves) == 0 {
+			r.Done = append(r.Done, node)
+			continue
+		}
+		waiting[node] = moves
+		nodes = append(nodes, node)
+	}
+	shelf, err := open.inventory.Catalogue(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return false, "", err
+	}
+	// **Every machine at once** (novox/hq ADR 0360 §2, §7): no build waits for one machine to pass first.
+	step := nodes
+	if gateFirstMachine {
+		step = restStep(nodes, waiting, f.gated, func(module string) bool { return oneAtATime(module, shelf[module]) })
+	}
+	if len(step) == 0 {
+		if len(walked) > 0 {
+			return false, "waiting before " + strings.Join(walked, "; "), nil
+		}
+		return false, "", nil
+	}
+	if r.Gates == nil {
+		r.Gates = map[string]*inventory.PlanGate{}
+	}
+	for _, node := range step {
+		r.Gates[node] = &inventory.PlanGate{Machines: []string{node}, Carried: waiting[node], Pending: true}
+	}
+	p.Note = fmt.Sprintf("sending %s at once, each judged there", strings.Join(step, ", "))
+	if left := len(nodes) - len(step); left > 0 {
+		p.Note += fmt.Sprintf("; %d machine(s) wait for a build that passed no gate yet to pass on one", left)
+	}
+	return true, "", nil
+}
+
+// oneAtATime is a module whose builds go to the rest one machine at a time (novox/hq ADR 0353 §9): the
+// node-engine, which applies every send, and a module holding the mesh's resolver, which names the bus.
+func oneAtATime(module string, m catalogue.Manifest) bool {
+	if module == hostModule {
+		return true
+	}
+	return slices.ContainsFunc(m.Claims, func(c catalogue.Claim) bool { return c.Name == resolverSeat })
+}
+
+// restStep is the machines of one step of the rest (novox/hq ADR 0353 §2), in the order given: each machine, unless
+// a build it would carry has passed no gate and an earlier machine of the step already carries it — that build's
+// first machine. Pure.
+//
+// **The node-engine and the mesh's resolver still go one machine at a time** (ADR 0353 §9): a step carries a
+// build of either to one machine only, judged before the next, since a fault that cuts a machine off the bus
+// shows only as its silence and no rollback reaches it.
+func restStep(nodes []string, waiting map[string][]inventory.CarriedMove, passed func(module, commit string) bool,
+	alone func(module string) bool) []string {
+	first := map[string]string{}
+	var out []string
+	for _, n := range nodes {
+		var unpassed []string
+		for _, mv := range waiting[n] {
+			if !passed(mv.Module, mv.To) || alone(mv.Module) {
+				unpassed = append(unpassed, mv.Module+"@"+mv.To)
+			}
+		}
+		if slices.ContainsFunc(unpassed, func(k string) bool { _, taken := first[k]; return taken }) {
+			continue
+		}
+		for _, k := range unpassed {
+			first[k] = n
+		}
+		out = append(out, n)
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// silentObservation is what the gate's probe says of the newest release whose rest went silent (novox/hq ADR 0353
+// §4): machines that never reported on their send, left as they were — loud, never a success said by nothing.
+func silentObservation(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory) ([]conditions.Observation, error) {
+	recent, err := inv.RecentPlans(ctx, 20)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	for _, p := range recent {
+		if p.Release == nil || p.Release.Settings != nil || p.Open() {
+			continue
+		}
+		if len(p.Release.Silent) == 0 {
+			return nil, nil
+		}
+		machines := append([]string(nil), p.Release.Silent...)
+		sort.Strings(machines)
+		o := conditions.Observation{Scope: conditions.ScopeMesh, ID: "release", Token: "silent", Kind: "release-silent",
+			Severity: conditions.Warning, Resolver: conditions.ResolverOperator, Also: machines,
+			Summary: fmt.Sprintf("%s: %s said nothing on the send of the builds that waited for a gate within %s, and were "+
+				"left as they were", p.ID, strings.Join(machines, ", "), inventory.ApplySilentAfter)}
+		w := releaseSilentWords(machines)
+		o.Headline, o.Explanation, o.Resolved, o.Needs = w.Headline, w.Explanation, w.Resolved, w.Needs
+		return []conditions.Observation{o}, nil
+	}
+	return nil, nil
+}
+
 // backlogObservation is what the gate's probe says of a release held after a failure.
 func backlogObservation() []conditions.Observation {
 	if backlogNow.held == "" || len(backlogNow.waiting) == 0 {

cmd/mesh-controller/release_branch_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,273 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+	"reflect"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// **A pull request into a release branch is judged by that branch** (novox/hq ADR 0358, issue 704): a base that is
+// not its repository's trunk, where mesh-controller has a branch of that name, is a release branch; the check then
+// reads every repository beside it at its branch of that name where it has one, else at its trunk. Any other base is
+// checked exactly as before.
+
+const aRelease = "feat/57-config-and-provisioning"
+
+// theCore is the mesh's core as a check reads it beside: the controller, the node-engine, the tool runner and the
+// catalogue's bus, on the git seat.
+func theCore() []inventory.Entry {
+	onSeat := func(module, repository string) inventory.Entry {
+		e := fromRepo(module, repository, "")
+		e.Source.Seat = "git"
+		return e
+	}
+	nats := onSeat("nats", "novox/mesh-catalog")
+	nats.Source.Path = "modules/nats"
+	return []inventory.Entry{onSeat("mesh-controller", "novox/mesh-controller"), onSeat("mesh-host", "novox/mesh-host"),
+		onSeat("node-tools", "novox/mesh-tools"), nats, onSeat("gitea", "novox/mesh-catalog")}
+}
+
+// aForgeWithBranches stands in for the forge: which branches each repository has, and how often it was asked.
+func aForgeWithBranches(t *testing.T, branches map[string][]string, failing error) *int {
+	t.Helper()
+	asked := 0
+	was := forgeHasBranch
+	t.Cleanup(func() { forgeHasBranch = was })
+	forgeHasBranch = func(_ context.Context, owner, repo, branch string) (bool, error) {
+		asked++
+		if failing != nil {
+			return false, failing
+		}
+		for _, b := range branches[owner+"/"+repo] {
+			if b == branch {
+				return true, nil
+			}
+		}
+		return false, nil
+	}
+	return &asked
+}
+
+func TestABaseIsAReleaseBranchWhenTheControllerHasABranchOfThatName(t *testing.T) {
+	entries := theCore()
+	scopeOf := func(p link.PullUpdated) checkScope { return pullScope(p, entries, nil, nil) }
+	pull := func(repo, base string) link.PullUpdated {
+		return link.PullUpdated{Owner: "novox", Repo: repo, Number: 286, Base: base, Commit: "abc",
+			Paths: []string{"modules/gitea/index.ts"}}
+	}
+
+	asked := aForgeWithBranches(t, map[string][]string{"novox/mesh-controller": {"main", aRelease}}, nil)
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		what    string
+		p       link.PullUpdated
+		release string
+		asks    int
+	}{
+		{"a pull request into the trunk asks nothing and is no release", pull("mesh-catalog", "main"), "", 0},
+		{"a catalogue pull request into the release branch", pull("mesh-catalog", aRelease), aRelease, 1},
+		{"a controller pull request into the release branch", pull("mesh-controller", aRelease), aRelease, 1},
+		{"a base mesh-controller has no branch of is checked as today", pull("mesh-catalog", "feat/other"), "", 1},
+		{"no base: as today", pull("mesh-catalog", ""), "", 0},
+	} {
+		*asked = 0
+		got, err := releaseBranchOf(t.Context(), c.p, scopeOf(c.p), entries)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("%s: %v", c.what, err)
+		}
+		if got != c.release || *asked != c.asks {
+			t.Errorf("%s: release %q after %d question(s) to the forge, not %q after %d", c.what, got, *asked,
+				c.release, c.asks)
+		}
+	}
+
+	// The branch a module built from the repository follows is its trunk: never asked about.
+	photos := fromRepo("photos", "novox/photos", "")
+	photos.Source.Ref = "nox-mesh"
+	withPhotos := append(theCore(), photos)
+	p := link.PullUpdated{Owner: "novox", Repo: "photos", Base: "nox-mesh", Commit: "abc", Paths: []string{"x.js"}}
+	*asked = 0
+	if got, err := releaseBranchOf(t.Context(), p, pullScope(p, withPhotos, nil, nil), withPhotos); err != nil ||
+		got != "" || *asked != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a module's own trunk read as release %q (%v) after %d question(s)", got, err, *asked)
+	}
+
+	// A forge that cannot answer is an error, never "no release branch".
+	aForgeWithBranches(t, nil, errors.New("nothing serves gitea.gitea_api"))
+	q := pull("mesh-catalog", aRelease)
+	if _, err := releaseBranchOf(t.Context(), q, scopeOf(q), entries); err == nil ||
+		!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "cannot be told") {
+		t.Fatalf("an unanswered forge was read as an answer: %v", err)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestBesideAReleaseBranchCheckEachRepositoryIsReadAtThatBranchElseItsTrunk(t *testing.T) {
+	entries := theCore()
+	clone := func(s inventory.Source) (string, error) { return "http://git/" + s.Repository + ".git", nil }
+	running := func(module string) string { return "running-" + module }
+
+	beside, err := besideOf(entries, running, clone, aRelease)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	at := func(repo string, ref, orElse string) link.CheckedOut {
+		return link.CheckedOut{Repository: "http://git/novox/" + repo + ".git", Ref: ref, Else: orElse}
+	}
+	want := map[string]link.CheckedOut{
+		// The judge: mesh-controller's release branch, which it has.
+		"mesh-controller":      at("mesh-controller", aRelease, ""),
+		"mesh-controller-main": at("mesh-controller", "main", ""),
+		// A controller pull request into the release branch reads mesh-host at that branch where it has one.
+		"mesh-host":    at("mesh-host", aRelease, "main"),
+		"mesh-tools":   at("mesh-tools", aRelease, "main"),
+		"mesh-catalog": at("mesh-catalog", aRelease, "main"),
+		// mesh-lab at its trunk, always: its replays run with the container runtime's socket.
+		"mesh-lab": at("mesh-lab", "main", ""),
+		"mesh-sdk": at("mesh-sdk", aRelease, "main"),
+	}
+	if !reflect.DeepEqual(beside, want) {
+		t.Fatalf("beside a release-branch check:\n got %v\nwant %v", beside, want)
+	}
+
+	// Any other base: exactly as before — what the mesh runs, the catalogue's and the lab's main.
+	beside, err = besideOf(entries, running, clone, "")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	want = map[string]link.CheckedOut{
+		"mesh-controller":      at("mesh-controller", "running-mesh-controller", ""),
+		"mesh-controller-main": at("mesh-controller", "main", ""),
+		"mesh-host":            at("mesh-host", "running-mesh-host", ""),
+		"mesh-tools":           at("mesh-tools", "running-node-tools", ""),
+		"mesh-catalog":         at("mesh-catalog", "main", ""),
+		"mesh-lab":             at("mesh-lab", "main", ""),
+		"mesh-sdk":             at("mesh-sdk", sdkPinned(), ""),
+	}
+	if !reflect.DeepEqual(beside, want) {
+		t.Fatalf("beside a trunk check:\n got %v\nwant %v", beside, want)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestAReleaseBranchVerdictNamesTheBranchTheJudgeAndWhatItRead(t *testing.T) {
+	asked := &link.CheckRequest{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-catalog", Number: 286, Base: aRelease, Release: aRelease}
+	c := checkedOf(link.BuildResult{ID: "b", Ref: "aaaaaaaaaaaa0000", Checked: asked, Check: &link.CheckOutcome{
+		Verdict: "pass", Head: "aaaaaaaaaaaa", Trunk: "111111111111", Gate: &link.CheckLayer{Verdict: "pass"},
+		RepoCheck: &link.CheckLayer{Verdict: "pass"}, Release: aRelease, JudgedBy: "fcdecb436117",
+		Beside:    map[string]string{"mesh-host": "222222222222", "mesh-lab": "333333333333"},
+		BesideAt:  map[string]string{"mesh-host": aRelease, "mesh-lab": "main"},
+		Validator: "mesh-host's validator of " + aRelease + " at 222222222222"}})
+	if c.Release != aRelease || c.JudgedBy != "fcdecb436117" {
+		t.Fatalf("the verdict names release %q judged by %q", c.Release, c.JudgedBy)
+	}
+	if c.BesideAt["mesh-host"] != aRelease || c.BesideAt["mesh-lab"] != "main" || c.Beside["mesh-host"] != "222222222222" ||
+		c.Validator != "mesh-host's validator of "+aRelease+" at 222222222222" {
+		t.Fatalf("the verdict names what it read beside it as %v at %v", c.Beside, c.BesideAt)
+	}
+}
+
+// **Clause 5** (ADR 0358 §5): a release branch's own pull request into its trunk is no release-branch check: the forge
+// is asked nothing, the request names no release branch, and the repositories beside it are read as for any trunk
+// pull request. Its delivery group's composed check is asked as for any other (askGroupCheck, unchanged).
+func TestAReleaseBranchsPullRequestIntoItsTrunkIsCheckedAsAnyTrunkPullRequest(t *testing.T) {
+	entries := theCore()
+	asked := aForgeWithBranches(t, map[string][]string{"novox/mesh-controller": {"main", aRelease}}, nil)
+	for _, repo := range []string{"mesh-catalog", "mesh-controller", "mesh-host"} {
+		p := link.PullUpdated{Owner: "novox", Repo: repo, Number: 400, Head: aRelease, Base: "main", Commit: "abc",
+			Paths: []string{"modules/gitea/index.ts"}}
+		got, err := releaseBranchOf(t.Context(), p, pullScope(p, entries, nil, nil), entries)
+		if err != nil || got != "" || *asked != 0 {
+			t.Fatalf("%s's release branch into main read as release %q (%v) after %d question(s)", repo, got, err, *asked)
+		}
+	}
+	clone := func(s inventory.Source) (string, error) { return "http://git/" + s.Repository + ".git", nil }
+	beside, err := besideOf(entries, func(module string) string { return "running-" + module }, clone, "")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	for dir, b := range beside {
+		if b.Ref == aRelease || b.Else != "" {
+			t.Fatalf("beside a trunk pull request %s is read at %+v", dir, b)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// **A forge answer that names no branch is an error**, never "no release branch"; a 404 is "no such branch".
+func TestTheForgesAnswerAboutABranchIsReadStrictly(t *testing.T) {
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		what   string
+		answer link.Answer
+		has    bool
+		fails  bool
+	}{
+		{"the branch named", link.Answer{Result: []byte(`{"result":{"name":"` + aRelease + `"}}`)}, true, false},
+		{"not found", link.Answer{Error: "Gitea API /repos/novox/mesh-controller/branches/x: 404 {\"message\":\"not found\"}"},
+			false, false},
+		{"an empty branch name", link.Answer{Result: []byte(`{"result":{"name":""}}`)}, false, true},
+		{"no result", link.Answer{Result: []byte(`{}`)}, false, true},
+		{"another branch named", link.Answer{Result: []byte(`{"result":{"name":"main"}}`)}, false, true},
+		{"unreadable", link.Answer{Result: []byte(`not json`)}, false, true},
+		{"another error", link.Answer{Error: "Gitea API: 500 internal"}, false, true},
+	} {
+		has, err := branchAnswered(c.answer, aRelease)
+		if has != c.has || (err != nil) != c.fails {
+			t.Errorf("%s: has %v, error %v", c.what, has, err)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// **The trunk is the repository's own, not a name**: a repository whose trunk is not main, one that follows main, and
+// a controller whose trunk is not main.
+func TestATrunkIsTheBranchTheRepositoryFollows(t *testing.T) {
+	asked := aForgeWithBranches(t, map[string][]string{"novox/mesh-controller": {"main", aRelease, "master"}}, nil)
+	legacy := fromRepo("legacy", "novox/legacy", "")
+	legacy.Source.Ref = "master"
+	onMain := fromRepo("photos", "novox/photos", "")
+	onMain.Source.Ref = "main"
+	entries := append(theCore(), legacy, onMain)
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		what, repo, base, release string
+		asks                      int
+	}{
+		{"a repository whose trunk is master, into master", "legacy", "master", "", 0},
+		{"a repository whose trunk is master, into the release branch", "legacy", aRelease, aRelease, 1},
+		{"a repository whose module follows main, into main", "photos", "main", "", 0},
+		{"a repository whose module follows main, into the release branch", "photos", aRelease, aRelease, 1},
+	} {
+		*asked = 0
+		p := link.PullUpdated{Owner: "novox", Repo: c.repo, Base: c.base, Commit: "abc", Paths: []string{"x"}}
+		got, err := releaseBranchOf(t.Context(), p, pullScope(p, entries, nil, nil), entries)
+		if err != nil || got != c.release || *asked != c.asks {
+			t.Errorf("%s: release %q (%v) after %d question(s), not %q after %d", c.what, got, err, *asked, c.release, c.asks)
+		}
+	}
+
+	// A controller whose trunk is not main: main may be a release branch there, and its own trunk never is.
+	core := theCore()
+	core[0].Source.Ref = "trunk"
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		base, release string
+		asks          int
+	}{{"trunk", "", 0}, {"main", "main", 1}} {
+		*asked = 0
+		p := link.PullUpdated{Owner: "novox", Repo: "hq", Base: c.base, Commit: "abc", Paths: []string{"x"}}
+		got, err := releaseBranchOf(t.Context(), p, pullScope(p, core, nil, nil), core)
+		if err != nil || got != c.release || *asked != c.asks {
+			t.Errorf("hq into %s, the controller following trunk: release %q (%v) after %d question(s)", c.base, got, err,
+				*asked)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// trunkOf: the branch a source follows, and main when it records none or records a commit (issue 215's rule).
+func TestATrunkIsMainWhenTheSourceRecordsNone(t *testing.T) {
+	for ref, want := range map[string]string{"": "main", "main": "main", "master": "master", "nox-mesh": "nox-mesh",
+		"0123456789abcdef0123456789abcdef01234567": "main", "  ": "main"} {
+		if got := trunkOf(inventory.Source{Ref: ref}); got != want {
+			t.Errorf("a source recording %q follows %q, not %q", ref, got, want)
+		}
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/release_plan.go

@@ -9,10 +9,13 @@ import (
 	"slices"
 	"sort"
 	"strings"
+	"sync"
 	"time"
 
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
 
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/builder"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
 )
@@ -25,6 +28,10 @@ import (
 // alone cannot (a tier waiting for machines to report); a controller replaced mid-plan finds the
 // plan where it left it.
 
+// gateFirstMachine sends a module that rolls out to one machine first and judges it there (ADR 0236). Off since
+// novox/hq ADR 0360: the gate's code is kept for the walks a controller before it started, and its tests turn it on.
+var gateFirstMachine = false
+
 // planWaitBound is how long a plan may wait on one thing before `status` names it red.
 const planWaitBound = 30 * time.Minute
 
@@ -41,29 +48,15 @@ func tiersOf(set []string, edges []inventory.Edge) [][]string {
 	for _, m := range set {
 		deps[m] = map[string]bool{}
 	}
-	// The build seat's holders follow the controller that defines their worker (EdgeWorkerOf,
-	// novox/hq issue 206), so the built-by edge from that controller to such a holder yields: the
-	// controller is built by whichever build machine is running, as the runtime image always was.
-	worker := map[string]map[string]bool{}
-	for _, e := range edges {
-		if e.Kind == inventory.EdgeWorkerOf && in[e.From] && in[e.To] {
-			if worker[e.To] == nil {
-				worker[e.To] = map[string]bool{}
-			}
-			worker[e.To][e.From] = true
-		}
-	}
 	for _, e := range edges {
 		// A code dependency — B packages A's source — rebuilds B with A, in the same tier: B's
-		// build needs nothing of A's first. The other kinds order: stands-on and declared after
+		// build needs nothing of A's first. Stands-on and declared order after the base is built, and the
-		// the base is built, built-by after the build machine is built and running — except for
+		// build seat's holder follows the controller that defines its worker (EdgeWorkerOf, issue 206).
-		// what the build machine itself stands on, and for the controller whose worker the build
-		// machine binds. The runtime image is built by the builder and the builder is built on the
-		// runtime image; the image comes first, built by the builder that is running.
 		if !in[e.From] || !in[e.To] || e.From == e.To || e.Kind == inventory.EdgePackages {
 			continue
 		}
-		if e.Kind == inventory.EdgeBuiltBy && (isBaseOf(e.From, e.To, edges, in) || worker[e.From][e.To]) {
+		// **Being built by the builder orders nothing** (novox/hq ADR 0360 §3): whichever builder runs builds it.
+		if e.Kind == inventory.EdgeBuiltBy {
 			continue
 		}
 		deps[e.From][e.To] = true
@@ -104,29 +97,6 @@ func tiersOf(set []string, edges []inventory.Edge) [][]string {
 	return tiers
 }
 
-// isBaseOf says whether `to` stands on `base`, directly or through other bases in the set, along
-// the build edges alone.
-func isBaseOf(base, to string, edges []inventory.Edge, in map[string]bool) bool {
-	seen := map[string]bool{}
-	var walk func(string) bool
-	walk = func(m string) bool {
-		if m == base {
-			return true
-		}
-		if seen[m] {
-			return false
-		}
-		seen[m] = true
-		for _, e := range edges {
-			if e.From == m && in[e.To] && (e.Kind == inventory.EdgeStandsOn || e.Kind == inventory.EdgeDeclared) && walk(e.To) {
-				return true
-			}
-		}
-		return false
-	}
-	return walk(to)
-}
-
 // reachableFrom is the moved modules plus everything that depends on them, through every layer:
 // what a merge rebuilds. Along the code and build edges only: a module *built by* the build machine
 // is not changed by a new build machine, so a built-by edge orders and gates a plan and never
@@ -162,7 +132,7 @@ func reachableFrom(moved []string, edges []inventory.Edge) []string {
 }
 
 // hasCycle says whether the tiers' last tier holds modules that still depend on each other. A packages
-// edge orders nothing (tiersOf), so a module and what packages its source share a tier by rule: that is
+// or built-by edge orders nothing (tiersOf), so a module and what packages its source share a tier by rule: that is
 // no cycle, and saying one was is a false report in every such plan's log.
 func hasCycle(tiers [][]string, edges []inventory.Edge) bool {
 	if len(tiers) == 0 {
@@ -173,7 +143,7 @@ func hasCycle(tiers [][]string, edges []inventory.Edge) bool {
 		last[m] = true
 	}
 	for _, e := range edges {
-		if e.Kind == inventory.EdgePackages {
+		if e.Kind == inventory.EdgePackages || e.Kind == inventory.EdgeBuiltBy {
 			continue
 		}
 		if last[e.From] && last[e.To] {
@@ -219,12 +189,6 @@ func gates(p inventory.Plan, edges []inventory.Edge, rollsOut func(string) bool)
 		return nil
 	}
 	inTier := map[string]bool{}
-	all := map[string]bool{}
-	for _, tier := range p.Tiers {
-		for _, m := range tier {
-			all[m] = true
-		}
-	}
 	for _, m := range p.Tiers[p.Tier] {
 		inTier[m] = true
 	}
@@ -239,8 +203,8 @@ func gates(p inventory.Plan, edges []inventory.Edge, rollsOut func(string) bool)
 	for _, e := range edges {
 		// A delivery group's order inside a walk (novox/hq ADR 0276 decision 5) gates as built-by does: the
 		// member before is running on its machines before the member after is asked.
-		ordered := e.Kind == edgeGroupOrder ||
+		// A built-by edge waits for nothing since novox/hq ADR 0360 §3.
-			e.Kind == inventory.EdgeBuiltBy && !isBaseOf(e.From, e.To, edges, all)
+		ordered := e.Kind == edgeGroupOrder
 		if later[e.From] && inTier[e.To] && ordered && !seen[e.To] && rollsOut(e.To) {
 			seen[e.To] = true
 			out = append(out, e.To)
@@ -250,6 +214,20 @@ func gates(p inventory.Plan, edges []inventory.Edge, rollsOut func(string) bool)
 	return out
 }
 
+// noMoveWhy is what a plan says of a module of its tier whose build was made from the source every machine
+// running it runs (novox/hq issue 280): nothing is sent for it.
+// noMovePrefix opens it, and is what noMove reads: one prefix for the writer and the reader.
+const (
+	noMovePrefix = "no move"
+	noMoveWhy    = noMovePrefix + ": made from the source every machine running it runs"
+)
+
+// noMove is whether the plan marked the module no move and sent it nothing. Read from what the plan says,
+// so a plan kept before the mark had a name of its own is read the same (novox/hq issue 648).
+func noMove(s *inventory.PlanModule) bool {
+	return s != nil && s.FirstAt == nil && s.Gate == nil && strings.HasPrefix(s.Why, noMovePrefix)
+}
+
 // applied says whether every machine running the module has reported since the module was built.
 // appliedEach is applied with a moment of its own for each machine: the reports that count are the ones
 // after that machine was sent the build (novox/hq issue 256).
@@ -313,6 +291,144 @@ func init() {
 	}
 }
 
+// reuseKey carries a walk's leave to take a check's build from askModule to the ask it makes (novox/hq ADR 0350 §2).
+type reuseKey struct{}
+
+// withReuse is ctx carrying a walk's leave to take a check's build.
+func withReuse(ctx context.Context, r *link.ReuseAsk) context.Context {
+	return context.WithValue(ctx, reuseKey{}, r)
+}
+
+// reuseIn is the leave ctx carries; nil for every ask but a walk's.
+func reuseIn(ctx context.Context) *link.ReuseAsk {
+	r, _ := ctx.Value(reuseKey{}).(*link.ReuseAsk)
+	return r
+}
+
+// reuseAsked is the leave an ask carries: a walk's, and never a dry run's — a dry run registers nothing, so it
+// takes nothing either (novox/hq ADR 0350 §2, §6).
+func reuseAsked(ctx context.Context, dryRun bool) *link.ReuseAsk {
+	if dryRun {
+		return nil
+	}
+	return reuseIn(ctx)
+}
+
+// reuseAskOf is a walk's leave to take a check's build: the pull requests of the merges it answers.
+func reuseAskOf(p *inventory.Plan) *link.ReuseAsk {
+	r := &link.ReuseAsk{}
+	if p.Delivery == nil {
+		return r
+	}
+	seen := map[link.PullRef]bool{}
+	for _, m := range p.Delivery.Merges {
+		pull, ok := pullOf(m)
+		if !ok {
+			continue
+		}
+		if !seen[pull] {
+			seen[pull] = true
+			r.Pulls = append(r.Pulls, pull)
+		}
+	}
+	return r
+}
+
+// checkedBuildsOf are the builds the build seat's checks of those pull requests said they made for their merges,
+// within the week check builds are kept (novox/hq ADR 0350 §2): read from the seat's own outcomes on the bus. A
+// variable so a test needs no bus.
+var checkedBuildsOf = func(ctx context.Context, pulls []link.PullRef) ([]link.CheckedBuild, error) {
+	if len(pulls) == 0 {
+		return nil, nil
+	}
+	js, err := aBus()
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	defer js.Close()
+	return link.ReadCheckBuilds(ctx, js, buildSeatHeld(ctx), pulls, time.Now().Add(-builder.CheckBuildsKept))
+}
+
+// mergedHeadsOf are the head commits the walk's merges merged, by pull request (novox/hq issue 703): a pull request
+// merged twice in one walk, or whose head the announcement did not say, has none, and takes no check's build.
+func mergedHeadsOf(p *inventory.Plan) map[link.PullRef]string {
+	heads := map[link.PullRef]string{}
+	if p.Delivery == nil {
+		return heads
+	}
+	seen := map[link.PullRef]bool{}
+	for _, m := range p.Delivery.Merges {
+		pull, ok := pullOf(m)
+		if !ok {
+			continue
+		}
+		if seen[pull] && heads[pull] != m.Head {
+			heads[pull] = ""
+			continue
+		}
+		seen[pull] = true
+		heads[pull] = m.Head
+	}
+	return heads
+}
+
+// walkVerdicts are the checks' builds a walk read, by the walk's plan: read once per walk (novox/hq issue 649), not
+// once per module it asks for. Kept a day; a walk lasts minutes.
+var walkVerdicts = struct {
+	sync.Mutex
+	read map[string]verdictsRead
+}{read: map[string]verdictsRead{}}
+
+type verdictsRead struct {
+	at     time.Time
+	builds []link.CheckedBuild
+}
+
+// reuseWithVerdicts is a walk's leave with the builds its pull requests' verdicts name: the only builds the builder
+// may take (ADR 0350 §2), and **only those of a check of the head each merge merged** (novox/hq issue 703): a build
+// a check made at an earlier head of the same pull request is never registered. Read once per walk. When they
+// cannot be read the leave names none, and the walk builds, saying why.
+func reuseWithVerdicts(ctx context.Context, walk string, r *link.ReuseAsk, heads map[link.PullRef]string) *link.ReuseAsk {
+	walkVerdicts.Lock()
+	read, known := walkVerdicts.read[walk]
+	walkVerdicts.Unlock()
+	if !known || walk == "" {
+		builds, err := checkedBuildsOf(ctx, r.Pulls)
+		if err != nil {
+			fmt.Printf("  the checks' builds of %d pull request(s) could not be read, so the walk builds: %v\n", len(r.Pulls), err)
+			return r
+		}
+		read = verdictsRead{at: time.Now(), builds: builds}
+		if walk != "" {
+			walkVerdicts.Lock()
+			for id, w := range walkVerdicts.read {
+				if time.Since(w.at) > 24*time.Hour {
+					delete(walkVerdicts.read, id)
+				}
+			}
+			walkVerdicts.read[walk] = read
+			walkVerdicts.Unlock()
+		}
+	}
+	r.Builds = nil
+	for _, b := range read.builds {
+		if link.SameHead(b.Head, heads[b.Pull]) {
+			r.Builds = append(r.Builds, b)
+		}
+	}
+	return r
+}
+
+// pullOf is a merge's pull request: owner and repository, the last two parts of however the repository is spelled
+// (owner/repo, a path on the git seat, a URL), and its number. False when the merge names none.
+func pullOf(m inventory.PlanMerge) (link.PullRef, bool) {
+	parts := strings.Split(strings.Trim(strings.TrimSuffix(m.Repository, ".git"), "/"), "/")
+	if len(parts) < 2 || m.Number <= 0 || parts[len(parts)-2] == "" || parts[len(parts)-1] == "" {
+		return link.PullRef{}, false
+	}
+	return link.PullRef{Owner: parts[len(parts)-2], Repo: parts[len(parts)-1], Number: m.Number}, true
+}
+
 // askModule asks the build machine for one module of a plan and marks it asked, with the id it was
 // asked under (novox/hq ADR 0219) — or failed, with the plan, when it could not be asked.
 func askModule(ctx context.Context, p *inventory.Plan, name string, byName map[string]inventory.Entry) {
@@ -340,7 +456,10 @@ func askModule(ctx context.Context, p *inventory.Plan, name string, byName map[s
 	if p.Delivery != nil && p.Delivery.Alone && carried != "" {
 		ref = carried
 	}
-	id, err := askABuild(ctx, source, e.Source.Path, ref)
+	// **The walk takes the check's build of the same key** (novox/hq ADR 0350 §2): its ask says so, with the pull
+	// requests it answers, whose checks name the part of a differing key.
+	id, err := askABuild(withReuse(ctx, reuseWithVerdicts(ctx, p.ID, reuseAskOf(p), mergedHeadsOf(p))), source,
+		e.Source.Path, ref)
 	if err != nil {
 		state.State = "failed"
 		state.Why = err.Error()
@@ -359,7 +478,7 @@ func askModule(ctx context.Context, p *inventory.Plan, name string, byName map[s
 	state.State = "asked"
 	state.AskedAt = &now
 	state.Build = id
-	state.Why, state.Commit, state.BuiltAt = "", "", nil
+	state.Why, state.Commit, state.BuiltAt, state.Made = "", "", nil, ""
 }
 
 // planBuilt marks a module built (or failed) in every open plan whose current tier holds it, and
@@ -371,6 +490,12 @@ func askModule(ctx context.Context, p *inventory.Plan, name string, byName map[s
 // would send machines, and the next tier, what the later merge replaced. asked is zero when the
 // build's request time is not known, and such an outcome is taken as before.
 func planBuilt(ctx context.Context, open *stores, module, commit, failed string, asked time.Time, id string) {
+	planBuiltSaying(ctx, open, module, commit, failed, asked, id, "")
+}
+
+// planBuiltSaying is planBuilt keeping what the build did — "reused from <check build>" or "built: <why>" (novox/hq
+// ADR 0350 §4) — on the module of the walk it answers.
+func planBuiltSaying(ctx context.Context, open *stores, module, commit, failed string, asked time.Time, id, made string) {
 	inv := open.inventory
 	// One controller works the plans at a time (novox/hq issue 213); an outcome waits its turn rather
 	// than write over what the holder is about to save. Not taken, it is still in the build records,
@@ -436,6 +561,7 @@ func planBuilt(ctx context.Context, open *stores, module, commit, failed string,
 			state.State = "built"
 			state.BuiltAt = &now
 			state.Commit = commit
+			state.Made = made
 		}
 		if err := inv.SavePlan(ctx, p); err != nil {
 			fmt.Printf("%s: cannot keep the plan: %v\n", p.ID, err)
@@ -505,7 +631,7 @@ func advancePlans(ctx context.Context, open *stores) {
 		return
 	}
 	defer release()
-	// What waits for a gate, released one machine at a time (ADR 0236).
+	// What waits for a gate, released one machine first, then the rest at once (ADR 0236, ADR 0353).
 	if _, err := releaseBacklog(ctx, open, ""); err != nil {
 		fmt.Printf("plans: what waits for a gate could not be looked at: %v\n", err)
 	}
@@ -715,7 +841,7 @@ func advanceOnce(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan,
 			} else if same {
 				now := time.Now().UTC()
 				state.SentAt = &now
-				state.Why = "no move: made from the source every machine running it runs"
+				state.Why = noMoveWhy
 				fmt.Printf("%s: %s built from the source every machine running it runs: no move, nothing sent\n", p.ID, m)
 				continue
 			}
@@ -724,6 +850,12 @@ func advanceOnce(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan,
 		if err != nil {
 			return false, err
 		}
+		// **Every machine at once** (novox/hq ADR 0360 §1, §2): a module that rolls out is sent to every machine
+		// running it in one step, with no first machine and no gate, whatever module it is. A module a controller
+		// before ADR 0360 already sent to its first machine finishes under its gate.
+		if !gateFirstMachine && state.FirstAt == nil {
+			policy.Together = true
+		}
 		var reports []inventory.Reported
 		if !policy.Together {
 			// Read for the choice of the first machine as well as for its report.
@@ -905,6 +1037,25 @@ func advanceOnce(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan,
 			if state.BuiltAt != nil {
 				since = *state.BuiltAt
 			}
+			// **A build that is no move is waited on by the send that last carried it** (novox/hq issue 648).
+			// Nothing was sent for it, so no report follows its marking or its build: a machine that does not
+			// happen to report again held the walk for ever. Each machine runs it once it answered its last
+			// send — the one whose builds made it no move — whenever that was.
+			if noMove(state) {
+				byNode := map[string]inventory.Reported{}
+				for _, r := range reports {
+					byNode[r.Node] = r
+				}
+				if ok, on := appliedEach(m, 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)
 			// a module is sent twice — the first machine, then the rest — and SentAt is the second.
 			// Asked of every machine, the first machine's report, made between the two sends, read as
@@ -934,15 +1085,92 @@ func advanceOnce(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan,
 			return changed, nil
 		}
 	}
+	// **A walk ends on its machines' reports** (novox/hq ADR 0360 §4, §5): after its last tier, every machine it sent
+	// has reported on that send, or is silent past ApplySilentAfter; never a health reading.
+	end := ""
+	if p.Tier == len(p.Tiers)-1 {
+		reports, err := inv.LastReports(ctx)
+		if err != nil {
+			return false, err
+		}
+		waiting, failed, silent := walkReports(*p, reports, time.Now().UTC())
+		if len(waiting) > 0 {
+			note := "sent; waiting for " + strings.Join(waiting, ", ") + " to report on their send"
+			changed := p.State != inventory.PlanRolling || p.Note != note
+			p.State = inventory.PlanRolling
+			p.Note = note
+			return changed, nil
+		}
+		var said []string
+		if len(failed) > 0 {
+			said = append(said, "failed or refused its send (apply-failing says it): "+strings.Join(failed, ", "))
+		}
+		if len(silent) > 0 {
+			said = append(said, fmt.Sprintf("said nothing on its send within %s: %s", inventory.ApplySilentAfter,
+				strings.Join(silent, ", ")))
+		}
+		end = strings.Join(said, "; ")
+		// **The new controller's user list follows its walk** (ADR 0236 §34, read without the gate since ADR 0360):
+		// once a walk that moved the controller ends, the bus's machine is sent the list it composes, if behind.
+		if s := p.Modules[catalogue.ControllerSeatName]; s != nil && s.SentAt != nil && s.Gate == nil && !noMove(s) {
+			carryUserList(ctx, open, p)
+		}
+	}
 	p.Tier++
 	p.State = inventory.PlanBuilding
-	p.Note = ""
+	p.Note = end
 	if p.Tier < len(p.Tiers) {
 		fmt.Printf("%s: tier %d done; asking tier %d: %s\n", p.ID, p.Tier-1, p.Tier, strings.Join(p.Tiers[p.Tier], ", "))
 	}
 	return true, nil
 }
 
+// walkReports is, for every machine a walk sent its rest, whether it reported on that send (novox/hq ADR 0360 §4):
+// those still waiting, those that reported a failed or refused apply, and those silent past ApplySilentAfter,
+// each sorted. Pure.
+func walkReports(p inventory.Plan, reports []inventory.Reported, now time.Time) (waiting, failed, silent []string) {
+	byNode := map[string]inventory.Reported{}
+	for _, r := range reports {
+		byNode[r.Node] = r
+	}
+	seen := map[string]bool{}
+	for _, s := range p.Modules {
+		if s == nil {
+			continue
+		}
+		for node, sent := range s.Rest {
+			if seen[node] {
+				continue
+			}
+			r := byNode[node]
+			at := sent.At
+			if at.IsZero() && s.SentAt != nil {
+				at = *s.SentAt
+			}
+			switch {
+			case r.At != nil && sent.ReportsOn(r):
+				seen[node] = true
+				if r.Outcome == inventory.OutcomeFailed || r.Outcome == inventory.OutcomeRefused {
+					failed = append(failed, node)
+				}
+			case !at.IsZero() && now.Sub(at) > inventory.ApplySilentAfter:
+				seen[node] = true
+				silent = append(silent, node)
+			default:
+				if !slices.Contains(waiting, node) {
+					waiting = append(waiting, node)
+				}
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	// A machine one module's send was reported on and another's not yet is the same send: reported.
+	waiting = slices.DeleteFunc(waiting, func(n string) bool { return seen[n] })
+	sort.Strings(waiting)
+	sort.Strings(failed)
+	sort.Strings(silent)
+	return waiting, failed, silent
+}
+
 // restOf is, for one module, every machine of its rest that the send reached and what it carried there.
 func restOf(to, sent []string, what map[string]inventory.SentDeclaration) map[string]inventory.SentDeclaration {
 	out := map[string]inventory.SentDeclaration{}
@@ -966,10 +1194,36 @@ func firstSend(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan, node string
 	runningOf map[string][]string) error {
 	inv := open.inventory
 	before, beforeKnown, _ := inv.SentBuilds(ctx, node)
+	// **A machine already sent what this send is for is not sent again** (novox/hq ADR 0353 §6): sent by this plan
+	// before a controller was replaced and before it was kept, or by another walk. Judged from that send, and from
+	// the readings of a gate already judging it there.
+	// Only a send the machine reported it applied is one it has; one it never reported on is sent, as before
+	// (issue 280: what it ran before is then that build, and a failure leaves it as it was).
+	if beforeKnown && slices.IndexFunc(modules, func(m string) bool { return !sameCommit(before[m], p.Modules[m].Commit) }) < 0 &&
+		appliedLastSend(ctx, inv, node) {
+		if others, err := gatedMoves(ctx, open, node, nil); err == nil && len(others) == 0 {
+			adoptSend(ctx, open, p, node, modules, before, runningOf)
+			return nil
+		}
+	}
+	// **What the machine ran before is kept before the send is made** (novox/hq ADR 0353 §6): a controller replaced
+	// between the send and keeping it reads it here, and a failure still puts the machine back.
+	kept := false
+	for _, m := range modules {
+		s := p.Modules[m]
+		if beforeKnown && (s.Previous == "" || !sameCommit(before[m], s.Commit)) && s.Previous != before[m] {
+			s.Previous, kept = before[m], true
+		}
+	}
+	if kept {
+		if err := inv.SavePlan(ctx, p); err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("what %s ran before is not kept, so nothing is sent: %w", node, err)
+		}
+	}
 	owns := make([]inventory.CarriedMove, 0, len(modules))
 	for _, m := range modules {
 		s := p.Modules[m]
-		owns = append(owns, inventory.CarriedMove{Module: m, Node: node, From: before[m], To: s.Commit, Build: s.Build})
+		owns = append(owns, inventory.CarriedMove{Module: m, Node: node, From: s.Previous, To: s.Commit, Build: s.Build})
 	}
 	// A gated send (ADR 0236): everything waiting on the machine goes with the tier, and the gate judges
 	// all of it there.
@@ -984,10 +1238,7 @@ func firstSend(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan, node string
 	sentWhat := sentNow(ctx, inv, sent)
 	for _, m := range modules {
 		s := p.Modules[m]
-		// What the first machine ran before: what a failed gate puts back (ADR 0236).
+		// What the first machine ran before (ADR 0236), kept above before the send.
-		if beforeKnown {
-			s.Previous = before[m]
-		}
 		s.First, s.FirstAt = sent, &now
 		s.Gate = &inventory.PlanGate{Component: coreComponent(m), Machines: firstRunning(sent, runningOf[m]),
 			From: s.Previous, To: s.Commit, Since: &now, Sent: sentWhat}
@@ -1016,6 +1267,113 @@ func firstSend(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan, node string
 	return nil
 }
 
+// adoptSend records a first send the machine already had (novox/hq ADR 0353 §6, §7): nothing is sent; the gate counts
+// from the machine's last send, and takes over the readings of an open gate of another walk judging the same build
+// there — whose carried move also says what the machine ran before, for a rollback.
+func adoptSend(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan, node string, modules []string,
+	before map[string]string, runningOf map[string][]string) {
+	inv := open.inventory
+	since := time.Now().UTC()
+	last, found, err := inv.SentTo(ctx, node)
+	if err == nil && found && !last.At.IsZero() {
+		since = last.At
+	}
+	lead := modules[0]
+	other, id, from := judgingThere(ctx, inv, p.ID, lead, node, p.Modules[lead].Commit, p.Modules[lead].Build)
+	for _, m := range modules {
+		s := p.Modules[m]
+		// What it ran before: kept by this walk before its send was made (§6); else what the other walk's send
+		// moved it from; else the build itself, so a failure leaves it as it was (issue 280).
+		switch {
+		case s.Previous != "":
+		case m == lead && from != "":
+			s.Previous = from
+		default:
+			s.Previous = before[m]
+		}
+		at := since
+		s.First, s.FirstAt = []string{node}, &at
+		s.Gate = &inventory.PlanGate{Component: coreComponent(m), Machines: firstRunning([]string{node}, runningOf[m]),
+			From: s.Previous, To: s.Commit, Since: &at}
+		if found {
+			s.Gate.Sent = map[string]inventory.SentDeclaration{node: last}
+		}
+		s.GatedBy = ""
+		if m == lead {
+			s.Gate.TakeReadings(other, modules, id)
+		} else {
+			s.GatedBy = lead
+		}
+	}
+	p.State = inventory.PlanRolling
+	p.Note = fmt.Sprintf("tier %d built; %s already runs %s's build: nothing sent again, judged from that send",
+		p.Tier, node, strings.Join(modules, ", "))
+	if id != "" {
+		p.Note += ", going on from the readings of " + id
+	}
+	fmt.Printf("%s: %s\n", p.ID, p.Note)
+}
+
+// appliedLastSend says a machine reported it applied the declaration it was sent last.
+func appliedLastSend(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, node string) bool {
+	reports, err := inv.LastReports(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return false
+	}
+	for _, r := range reports {
+		if r.Node == node {
+			return r.Current && r.At != nil && r.Outcome == inventory.OutcomeApplied
+		}
+	}
+	return false
+}
+
+// judgingThere is an open gate of another walk judging a module's build on a machine (novox/hq ADR 0353 §7), the
+// walk's id, and what the machine ran before; nil when none does.
+func judgingThere(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, self, module, node, commit, build string) (*inventory.PlanGate, string, string) {
+	plans, err := inv.OpenPlans(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, "", ""
+	}
+	// The same build, by its id where both name one, else by its commit.
+	same := func(b, c string) bool {
+		if b != "" && build != "" {
+			return b == build
+		}
+		return sameCommit(c, commit)
+	}
+	usable := func(g *inventory.PlanGate) bool {
+		return g != nil && !g.Pending && g.Since != nil && (g.Verdict == "" || g.Verdict == inventory.GatePassed) &&
+			slices.Contains(g.Machines, node)
+	}
+	for _, q := range plans {
+		if q.ID == self {
+			continue
+		}
+		if r := q.Release; r != nil {
+			gates := []*inventory.PlanGate{r.Gate}
+			for _, g := range r.Gates {
+				gates = append(gates, g)
+			}
+			for _, g := range gates {
+				if !usable(g) {
+					continue
+				}
+				for _, c := range g.Carried {
+					if c.Module == module && c.Node == node && same(c.Build, c.To) {
+						return g, q.ID, c.From
+					}
+				}
+			}
+			continue
+		}
+		if s := q.Modules[module]; s != nil && usable(s.Gate) && same(s.Build, s.Commit) {
+			return s.Gate, q.ID, s.Previous
+		}
+	}
+	return nil, "", ""
+}
+
 // passedWith keeps, on a module sent with others, the verdict of the gate that judged the send: the gate
 // on the first of them passed, and its pass was kept for every build it carried (passCarried).
 func passedWith(module string, s *inventory.PlanModule, lead string, g *inventory.PlanGate) {
@@ -1504,9 +1862,19 @@ func plansCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 			// A release plan's walk (ADR 0236): machines done, the one judged, those to come.
 			fmt.Printf("  machines in order: %s; done: %s; skipped: %s\n", strings.Join(r.Order, ", "),
 				orNone(strings.Join(r.Done, ", ")), orNone(strings.Join(r.Skipped, ", ")))
-			if r.Gate != nil {
+			if len(r.Failed)+len(r.Silent) > 0 {
-				fmt.Printf("  %s\n", gateLine(r.Gate))
+				fmt.Printf("  failed: %s; silent: %s\n", orNone(strings.Join(r.Failed, ", ")), orNone(strings.Join(r.Silent, ", ")))
-				for _, c := range r.Gate.Carried {
+			}
+			gates := []*inventory.PlanGate{r.Gate}
+			for _, n := range r.Order {
+				gates = append(gates, r.Gates[n])
+			}
+			for _, g := range gates {
+				if g == nil {
+					continue
+				}
+				fmt.Printf("  %s\n", gateLine(g))
+				for _, c := range g.Carried {
 					fmt.Printf("    %-22s %s → %s\n", c.Module, short(c.From), short(c.To))
 					if c.Recreates != "" {
 						fmt.Printf("    %-22s %s\n", "", c.Recreates)

cmd/mesh-controller/release_plan_test.go

@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 package main
 
 import (
+	"slices"
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
@@ -49,8 +50,10 @@ func TestAMergeIsPlannedInTiersAlongTheThreeKindsOfDependency(t *testing.T) {
 	if pos["mesh-tools"] != 0 || pos["builder"] != 1 {
 		t.Fatalf("the runtime then the builder: %v", tiers)
 	}
-	if !(pos["shop"] > pos["builder"] && pos["postgres"] > pos["builder"]) {
+	// Built-by orders nothing (novox/hq ADR 0360 §3): what the builder builds is beside it, after the runtime it
-		t.Fatalf("what the builder builds comes after the builder: %v", tiers)
+	// stands on.
+	if pos["shop"] != 1 || pos["postgres"] != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("what the builder builds waits for the builder: %v", tiers)
 	}
 	if pos["shop-plugin"] <= pos["shop"] {
 		t.Fatalf("a plugin after what it is declared on: %v", tiers)
@@ -67,24 +70,23 @@ func TestAMergeIsPlannedInTiersAlongTheThreeKindsOfDependency(t *testing.T) {
 	// A change to a package all three build from moves all three. The builder holds
 	// the build seat, whose worker the controller defines, so it follows the controller (worker-of,
 	// novox/hq issue 206), and the controller's built-by edge to it yields: the controller is built by the
-	// build machine that is running. The proxy is built by the new builder: the controller, the builder,
+	// build machine that is running. The proxy is built by whichever builder runs, so it goes beside the
-	// the proxy — the live plan of every controller merge. (This read "the builder, then the controller
+	// controller (novox/hq ADR 0360 §3; it read "the controller, the builder, the proxy" before).
-	// and the proxy together" before issue 206, and the fixture had no worker-of edge.)
 	small := reachableFrom([]string{"mesh-controller", "builder", "route-proxy"}, edges)
 	smallTiers := tiersOf(small, edges)
-	if got := tiered(smallTiers); got != "mesh-controller | builder | route-proxy" {
+	if got := tiered(smallTiers); got != "mesh-controller,route-proxy | builder" {
-		t.Fatalf("the controller, then the builder, then the proxy: %v", smallTiers)
+		t.Fatalf("the controller and the proxy, then the builder: %v", smallTiers)
 	}
 	// The builder alone moved: the builder, and nothing it builds.
 	if only := reachableFrom([]string{"builder"}, edges); len(only) != 1 {
 		t.Fatalf("a build machine change rebuilds the build machine alone: %v", only)
 	}
 
-	// Only a runtime dependency gates on deployment, and only when the module rolls out.
+	// Nothing waits on deployment for a built-by edge (novox/hq ADR 0360 §3): the builder gates no tier after it.
 	p := planOfMerge(link.SourceMoved{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-tools", Commit: "abc"}, []string{"mesh-tools"}, edges)
 	p.Tier = pos["builder"]
 	rollsOut := func(m string) bool { return m == "builder" }
-	if g := gates(p, edges, rollsOut); len(g) != 1 || g[0] != "builder" {
+	if g := gates(p, edges, rollsOut); len(g) != 0 {
 		t.Fatalf("the builder gates the tier after it: %v", g)
 	}
 	p.Tier = 0
@@ -253,10 +255,10 @@ func TestAChangeToTheBuildAgentRebuildsTheBuildAgentAlone(t *testing.T) {
 			t.Fatalf("%v planned %v: the build agent alone", paths, p.Tiers)
 		}
 	}
-	// With what it builds moved beside it, the agent comes first and they follow: an order, not a widening.
+	// With what it builds moved beside it, both go in one tier (novox/hq ADR 0360 §3): built-by orders nothing.
 	p := planOfMerge(link.SourceMoved{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-catalog", Commit: "abc"},
 		[]string{"build-agent", "redis"}, edges)
-	if len(p.Tiers) != 2 || p.Tiers[0][0] != "build-agent" || p.Tiers[1][0] != "redis" || len(p.Modules) != 2 {
+	if len(p.Tiers) != 1 || !slices.Equal(p.Tiers[0], []string{"build-agent", "redis"}) || len(p.Modules) != 2 {
-		t.Fatalf("the agent, then what moved beside it: %v", p.Tiers)
+		t.Fatalf("the agent and what moved beside it, in one tier: %v", p.Tiers)
 	}
 }

cmd/mesh-controller/release_test.go

@@ -111,8 +111,13 @@ func aBacklog(t *testing.T) *backlogMesh {
 			if err := open.inventory.RecordSent(ctx, nodeID(t, open, node), digest, carried); err != nil {
 				return nil, err
 			}
+			// A broken machine reports its apply failed (novox/hq ADR 0360 §7: the report is the verdict).
+			outcome := inventory.OutcomeApplied
+			if b.broken[node] {
+				outcome = inventory.OutcomeFailed
+			}
 			if _, err := open.inventory.RecordDoing(ctx, nodeID(t, open, node), inventory.Doing{Node: node,
-				Outcome: inventory.OutcomeApplied, Declared: digest, Applied: 1, At: time.Now()}); err != nil {
+				Outcome: outcome, Declared: digest, Applied: 1, At: time.Now()}); err != nil {
 				return nil, err
 			}
 		}
@@ -133,11 +138,15 @@ func aBacklog(t *testing.T) *backlogMesh {
 		}
 		return f, nil
 	}
-	wasSettle, wasEvery, wasBound := gateSettle, gateEvery, gateBound
+	wasWithin, wasEvery, wasBound := gateWithin, gateEvery, gateBound
-	gateSettle, gateEvery = 0, time.Hour
+	// The witness window is the node-engine's, from a start no test makes (novox/hq ADR 0351).
+	wasWindow := gateWitnessWindow
+	gateWitnessWindow = 0
+	t.Cleanup(func() { gateWitnessWindow = wasWindow })
+	gateWithin, gateEvery = time.Hour, time.Hour
 	t.Cleanup(func() {
 		machineMoves, releaseHeard, sendRollout, gatherGateFacts = wasMoves, wasHeard, wasSend, wasGather
-		gateSettle, gateEvery, gateBound = wasSettle, wasEvery, wasBound
+		gateWithin, gateEvery, gateBound = wasWithin, wasEvery, wasBound
 	})
 	return b
 }
@@ -160,6 +169,7 @@ func (b *backlogMesh) release(t *testing.T) inventory.Plan {
 // The backlog goes out one machine at a time: the first judged before the second is sent, each build's
 // pass kept; a rebuild with the same bytes is no move at all; and a send outside a gate is refused.
 func TestTheBacklogIsReleasedOneMachineAtATimeEachJudged(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate's own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
 	b := aBacklog(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
@@ -215,6 +225,7 @@ func TestTheBacklogIsReleasedOneMachineAtATimeEachJudged(t *testing.T) {
 // A release that fails on its first machine puts back what it carried there, goes no further, and the
 // next one waits for a person, said as a condition; a person releases it with why.
 func TestAFailedReleaseIsPutBackAndTheNextWaitsForAPerson(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate's own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	b := aBacklog(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	inv := b.open.inventory

cmd/mesh-controller/replay164_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,74 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+)
+
+// TestReplay164 replays novox/hq issue 164 (found provisioning the media machine's modules, re-checked
+// 2026-10-08): a Servarr app's API key, an indexer's key and a downloader's password are values the provider's
+// software holds and only a person can give, and for a consumer of such a provision the send made a random pair
+// credential, sealed it to both ends and placed it; the provider refused it, and a consumer retrying it could be
+// banned by the provider. The outcome asserted (ADR 0337): for a provision whose offer says its credential is
+// issued outside the mesh, the send makes no value and places none, the consumer's machine still composes, and a
+// value a person gave for the pair is placed. Written with only what the controller had before its fix —
+// register, assign, planFor, declarationFor, AcceptSecretForPair and the inventory's secret reads — so it is laid
+// over the commit before. Needs the store (MESH_TEST_POSTGRES), and is named in testdata/store-tests.
+func TestReplay164(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	const secretFile = "/var/lib/mesh/requests/tv-api.secret"
+	register(t, open, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "tv", Version: "1",
+		Provides: []catalogue.Offer{{Name: "tv-api", Scope: catalogue.ScopeMesh,
+			Credential: &catalogue.OfferCredential{IssuedBy: catalogue.IssuedOutside}}},
+		Serves: map[string]map[string]any{"tv-api": {"port": 8989}}})
+	register(t, open, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "requests", Version: "1", Requires: []string{"tv-api"},
+		Secrets: map[string]string{"tv-api": secretFile}})
+	for _, a := range [][2]string{{"anchor", "tv"}, {"laptop", "requests"}} {
+		if _, err := assign(ctx, open, a[0], a[1]); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	sent := func() []map[string]any {
+		t.Helper()
+		plan, settings, err := planFor(ctx, open, "laptop")
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("the consumer's machine was refused for a credential only a person gives: %v", err)
+		}
+		declared, err := declarationFor(ctx, open, "laptop", plan, settings)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("the send to laptop did not compose: %v", err)
+		}
+		return declared.Resources
+	}
+	placed := func(resources []map[string]any) map[string]any {
+		for _, r := range resources {
+			if r["path"] == secretFile && r["sealed"] != nil {
+				return r
+			}
+		}
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	if got := placed(sent()); got != nil {
+		t.Errorf("the send placed a credential for tv-api (%v), which only a person can give and nobody gave", got["id"])
+	}
+	held, err := open.inventory.SecretsOf(ctx, "laptop", "requests")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	for _, s := range held {
+		if s.Name == "tv-api" {
+			t.Fatalf("the mesh holds a value for tv-api that nobody gave (origin %q)", s.Origin)
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Given by a person for the pair, it is placed, as given.
+	if err := open.inventory.AcceptSecretForPair(ctx, "tv-api", "laptop", "requests", "anchor", "", "the app's key"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if placed(sent()) == nil {
+		t.Fatal("the value a person gave for tv-api was not placed")
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/replay318_test.go

@@ -31,6 +31,7 @@ import (
 // nothing is put back, the walk goes on to the workstation, and openrazer's condition says, in one sentence
 // for the operator, that a new login is needed on the laptop.
 func TestReplay318(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	open := aMesh(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	inv := open.inventory
@@ -112,10 +113,14 @@ func TestReplay318(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 
 	wasMoves, wasHeard, wasSend, wasGather := machineMoves, releaseHeard, sendRollout, gatherGateFacts
-	wasSettle, wasEvery, wasBound := gateSettle, gateEvery, gateBound
+	wasWithin, wasEvery, wasBound := gateWithin, gateEvery, gateBound
+	// The witness window is the node-engine's, from a start no test makes (novox/hq ADR 0351).
+	wasWindow := gateWitnessWindow
+	gateWitnessWindow = 0
+	t.Cleanup(func() { gateWitnessWindow = wasWindow })
 	t.Cleanup(func() {
 		machineMoves, releaseHeard, sendRollout, gatherGateFacts = wasMoves, wasHeard, wasSend, wasGather
-		gateSettle, gateEvery, gateBound = wasSettle, wasEvery, wasBound
+		gateWithin, gateEvery, gateBound = wasWithin, wasEvery, wasBound
 	})
 	machineMoves = func(ctx context.Context, open *stores, f moveFacts, node string, all bool) ([]inventory.CarriedMove, error) {
 		modules, err := open.inventory.Assigned(ctx, node)
@@ -184,7 +189,7 @@ func TestReplay318(t *testing.T) {
 		return f, nil
 	}
 	// The bound is reached at the first judging that is not a pass: what happened at 11:21 happens at once.
-	gateSettle, gateEvery, gateBound = 0, 0, 0
+	gateWithin, gateEvery, gateBound = time.Hour, 0, 0
 
 	for i := 0; i < 12; i++ {
 		advancePlans(ctx, open)

cmd/mesh-controller/replay335_test.go

@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ import (
 // at its gate with the pass's own words, and put it back. Written with only what the controller had before
 // its fix, so it is laid over the commit before.
 func TestReplay335(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	t.Run("the first machine's later reports", testAPassedGateIsNotJudgedAgainFromTheFirstMachinesLaterReports)
 	t.Run("a walk stopped after the pass", testAWalkStoppedAfterItsGatePassedKeepsThePass)
 }
@@ -77,6 +78,7 @@ func testAWalkStoppedAfterItsGatePassedKeepsThePass(t *testing.T) {
 // the first send is older than the wait for a first machine's report. Read before the pass is taken over, the
 // carried module's step said the first machine never applied it, and the passed build was put back.
 func TestACarriedModuleTakesItsLeadsPassBeforeItsStepIsRead(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
 	tm := aTierMesh(t, "m01", "m02")
 	ctx := t.Context()

cmd/mesh-controller/replay336_test.go

@@ -19,6 +19,7 @@ import (
 // had before its fix — the stores, register, assign, a plan saved and advanced, the watchdogs' gathering and
 // seeing — so it is laid over the commit before.
 func TestReplay336(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	open := aMesh(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	inv := open.inventory

cmd/mesh-controller/replay614_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,71 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"reflect"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// **A new SDK plans the toolchain, and then every bundle compiled in it** (novox/hq issue 614), reasoned
+// as `mesh-controller.delivery-plan` reasons it: the modules registered as a build registers them —
+// resolved, so carrying no `build` — their builds recorded with what they stood on and what they made,
+// the graph read by theGraph and the change scoped by pullScope. On 2026-10-13 mesh-sdk 0.1.14 planned
+// "builds mesh-sdk, sent nowhere": mesh-tools' `build.on` naming the SDK's package and the providers'
+// TypeScript bundles were edges only while their manifests were unbuilt.
+//
+// **The replay of issue 614** (mesh-lab R614): written only with what the controller had before its fix — a
+// store, modules registered and builds recorded, theGraph and pullScope — so it is laid over the commit before
+// and fails there with the plan of that day, [[mesh-sdk]]. Needs a store: MESH_TEST_POSTGRES.
+func TestReplay614ANewSDKPlansTheToolchainAndThenItsBundles(t *testing.T) {
+	inv := inventory.ForTest(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	asked := time.Now().Add(-time.Hour)
+	digest := func(c string) string { return "@sha256:" + strings.Repeat(c, 64) }
+	register := func(m catalogue.Manifest, repository, path string, against []string, made []inventory.Artifact) {
+		t.Helper()
+		if err := inv.RegisterModule(ctx, m, inventory.Source{Repository: repository, Seat: "git", Path: path,
+			Ref: "main", BuiltFrom: "old", Asked: asked}); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		if err := inv.RecordBuild(ctx, inventory.Build{ID: "build-" + m.Module, Repository: repository, Ref: "main",
+			Module: m.Module, Commit: "old", On: "builder", Path: path, Against: against, Made: made, Asked: asked}); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	bundle := func(module, language string) catalogue.Manifest {
+		return catalogue.Manifest{Module: module, Version: "1", Bundles: []catalogue.Bundle{{
+			Name: "code", Language: language, Source: catalogue.ArtifactStoreScheme + module + "/code" + digest("2"),
+			Entrypoints: []string{"tools/index.js"}}}}
+	}
+	register(catalogue.Manifest{Module: "build-agent", Version: "1",
+		Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: "node-build-agent", Scope: catalogue.ScopeNode}}},
+		"novox/mesh-catalog", "modules/build-agent", nil, nil)
+	register(catalogue.Manifest{Module: "mesh-sdk", Version: "1"}, "novox/mesh-sdk", "", nil,
+		[]inventory.Artifact{{Name: "lib", Kind: "package", Reference: "@novox/mesh-sdk@0.1.13"}})
+	register(catalogue.Manifest{Module: "mesh-tools", Version: "1"}, "novox/mesh-tools", "",
+		[]string{"@novox/mesh-sdk@0.1.13", catalogue.ArtifactStoreScheme + "upstream/docker.io/library/node" + digest("0")},
+		[]inventory.Artifact{{Name: "build", Kind: "image", Reference: catalogue.ArtifactStoreScheme + "mesh-tools/build" + digest("1")}})
+	register(catalogue.Manifest{Module: "mesh-tools-go", Version: "1"}, "novox/mesh-tools", "go", nil, nil)
+	register(bundle("minio", "typescript"), "novox/mesh-catalog", "modules/minio", nil, nil)
+	register(bundle("umami", "typescript"), "novox/mesh-catalog", "modules/umami", nil, nil)
+	register(bundle("dnsmasq", "go"), "novox/mesh-catalog", "modules/dnsmasq", nil, nil)
+
+	entries, read, edges, err := theGraph(ctx, inv)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	m := orderMember{ID: "novox/mesh-sdk@new", Repository: "novox/mesh-sdk", Head: "new",
+		Paths: []string{"src/provisioner/index.ts", "package.json"}}
+	s := pullScope(m.pull(), entries, read, edges)
+	want := [][]string{{"mesh-sdk"}, {"mesh-tools"}, {"minio", "umami"}}
+	if !reflect.DeepEqual(s.Reach.Plan.Tiers, want) {
+		t.Fatalf("a new SDK plans %v, want %v (edges %v)", s.Reach.Plan.Tiers, want, edges)
+	}
+	if !reflect.DeepEqual(s.Dependents, []string{"mesh-tools", "minio", "umami"}) {
+		t.Errorf("dependents %v", s.Dependents)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/replays_test.go

@@ -139,6 +139,7 @@ func TestReplay273AConsumerBesideItsStoreStaysBoundToIt(t *testing.T) {
 // one, kept below. Heard as bytes, so an older controller reads them as it reads any report — this file is
 // written only with what the controller had before the judging, for the prover to lay over that commit.
 func TestReplayCrashLoopFailsItsGateOnTheFirstMachine(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate's own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	open := aMesh(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	inv := open.inventory
@@ -248,9 +249,13 @@ func TestReplayCrashLoopFailsItsGateOnTheFirstMachine(t *testing.T) {
 		return names, nil
 	}
 	t.Cleanup(func() { sendRollout = wasSend })
-	wasSettle, wasEvery, wasBound := gateSettle, gateEvery, gateBound
+	wasWithin, wasEvery, wasBound := gateWithin, gateEvery, gateBound
-	gateSettle, gateEvery = 0, 0
+	// The witness window is the node-engine's, from a start no test makes (novox/hq ADR 0351).
-	t.Cleanup(func() { gateSettle, gateEvery, gateBound = wasSettle, wasEvery, wasBound })
+	wasWindow := gateWitnessWindow
+	gateWitnessWindow = 0
+	t.Cleanup(func() { gateWitnessWindow = wasWindow })
+	gateWithin, gateEvery = time.Hour, 0
+	t.Cleanup(func() { gateWithin, gateEvery, gateBound = wasWithin, wasEvery, wasBound })
 
 	built := time.Now().UTC()
 	plan := inventory.Plan{ID: "plan-crashloop", Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Branch: "main", Commit: "c2",

cmd/mesh-controller/rest_at_once_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,382 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"slices"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// novox/hq ADR 0353, kept behind gateFirstMachine for walks a controller before ADR 0360 started: after its first machine passes, a build goes to every other machine at once, each judged by
+// its own gate and a failing one put back by itself; and a gate's readings outlive the controller that took them —
+// a machine already sent what a send is for is not sent again, and its judging goes on from what was read.
+//
+// Seen 2026-10-14: release-1791930194184991192 sent ace, g14, shanks and the control node one after another in
+// eleven minutes; the new controller its last send started sent the control node again the controller build it
+// had just applied, and judged it from its first reading.
+
+// aBacklogOnThree is the backlog fixture with a third machine, desk, running app at c1 like the others.
+func aBacklogOnThree(t *testing.T) *backlogMesh {
+	t.Helper()
+	b := aBacklog(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := b.open.inventory
+	if _, err := inv.AddNode(ctx, "desk"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, err := inv.Assign(ctx, "desk", "app"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := inv.RecordSent(ctx, nodeID(t, b.open, "desk"), "d-desk", map[string]string{"app": "c1"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	wasHeard := releaseHeard
+	releaseHeard = func(context.Context, *stores) (map[string]bool, error) {
+		return map[string]bool{"anchor": true, "laptop": true, "desk": true}, nil
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { releaseHeard = wasHeard })
+	return b
+}
+
+// events records every send and every judging, in order.
+func events(t *testing.T) *[]string {
+	t.Helper()
+	var said []string
+	wasSend, wasGather := sendRollout, gatherGateFacts
+	sendRollout = func(ctx context.Context, open *stores, names []string) ([]string, error) {
+		said = append(said, "send "+strings.Join(names, ","))
+		return wasSend(ctx, open, names)
+	}
+	gatherGateFacts = func(ctx context.Context, open *stores, component string) (gateFacts, error) {
+		said = append(said, "judge")
+		return wasGather(ctx, open, component)
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { sendRollout, gatherGateFacts = wasSend, wasGather })
+	return &said
+}
+
+// Once the first machine passed, the rest are both sent before either is judged (ADR 0353 §1); before, the second
+// was judged to its verdict before the third was sent.
+func TestAReleaseSendsTheRestAtOnceAfterTheFirstPasses(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t)
+	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
+	b := aBacklogOnThree(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	said := events(t)
+	gateEvery = 0
+	for i := 0; i < 12; i++ {
+		advancePlans(ctx, b.open)
+	}
+	p := b.release(t)
+	if p.State != inventory.PlanDone || len(p.Release.Done) != 3 {
+		t.Fatalf("the release is %s: %s %+v", p.State, p.Note, p.Release)
+	}
+	desk, laptop := slices.Index(*said, "send desk"), slices.Index(*said, "send laptop")
+	if desk < 0 || laptop < 0 || slices.Index(*said, "send anchor") > min(desk, laptop) {
+		t.Fatalf("sends and judgings: %v", *said)
+	}
+	if slices.Contains((*said)[min(desk, laptop):max(desk, laptop)], "judge") {
+		t.Fatalf("the rest were sent one at a time, each judged before the next: %v", *said)
+	}
+	if v, found, err := b.open.inventory.GateOf(ctx, "build-late-c2"); err != nil || !found || v.Verdict != inventory.GatePassed {
+		t.Fatalf("late's pass on laptop was not kept: %+v %v %v", v, found, err)
+	}
+}
+
+// A machine of the rest whose gate fails is put back at once, and the other machine of the step goes on to its own
+// verdict (ADR 0353 §3); before, the walk stopped at the failure and the machine after it was never sent.
+func TestARestMachineThatFailsIsPutBackAloneAndTheOthersAreJudgedOn(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t)
+	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
+	b := aBacklogOnThree(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := b.open.inventory
+	gateEvery = 0
+	b.broken["desk"] = true // desk fails what it is sent in the rest's step
+	advancePlans(ctx, b.open)
+	for i := 0; i < 12 && b.release(t).Open(); i++ {
+		advancePlans(ctx, b.open)
+	}
+	p := b.release(t)
+	if p.State != inventory.PlanFailed || !slices.Equal(p.Release.Failed, []string{"desk"}) {
+		t.Fatalf("the release is %s: %s %+v", p.State, p.Note, p.Release)
+	}
+	if !slices.ContainsFunc(b.sent, func(s []string) bool { return slices.Equal(s, []string{"laptop"}) }) {
+		t.Fatalf("laptop was never sent: %v", b.sent)
+	}
+	if !slices.Contains(p.Release.Done, "laptop") {
+		t.Fatalf("laptop has no verdict of its own: %+v", p.Release)
+	}
+	// late waited on laptop alone and was healthy there: its pass is kept, whatever desk did.
+	if v, found, err := inv.GateOf(ctx, "build-late-c2"); err != nil || !found || v.Verdict != inventory.GatePassed {
+		t.Fatalf("late's pass on laptop was not kept: %+v %v %v", v, found, err)
+	}
+	// app failed on desk: marked, and put back wherever it was sent (ADR 0236).
+	if failed, _ := inv.GateFailed(ctx, "build-app-c2"); !failed {
+		t.Fatal("app's build is not marked failed")
+	}
+	if sent, _, _ := inv.SentBuilds(ctx, "desk"); sent["app"] != "c1" {
+		t.Fatalf("desk was not put back: %v", sent)
+	}
+}
+
+// A walk whose first machine already runs its build under another walk's gate sends nothing and goes on from that
+// gate's readings (ADR 0353 §7); before, it sent the machine again and judged from its first reading.
+func TestAWalkTakesOverTheReadingsOfAGateJudgingTheSameBuildThere(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t)
+	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
+	b := aBacklog(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := b.open.inventory
+	advancePlans(ctx, b.open) // the release sends anchor app c2, and reads it once
+	release := b.release(t)
+	judging := release.Release.Gate
+	if judging == nil || judging.Pending || judging.Passes == 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the release is not judging anchor: %+v", judging)
+	}
+	built := time.Now().UTC()
+	plan := inventory.Plan{ID: "plan-app", Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Branch: "main", Commit: "c2",
+		Created: built, State: inventory.PlanBuilding, Tiers: [][]string{{"app"}},
+		Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{"app": {State: "built", BuiltAt: &built, Commit: "c2",
+			Build: "build-app-c2"}}}
+	if err := inv.SavePlan(ctx, &plan); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	advancePlans(ctx, b.open)
+	if len(b.sent) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("anchor was sent again what it runs: %v", b.sent)
+	}
+	p, err := inv.PlanByID(ctx, "plan-app")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	g := p.Modules["app"].Gate
+	if g == nil || g.Since == nil || !g.Since.Equal(*judging.Since) || g.Passes < judging.Passes || g.TookOver != release.ID {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk's gate starts from zero: %+v (the release's: %+v)", g, judging)
+	}
+	if p.Modules["app"].Previous != "c1" {
+		t.Fatalf("what anchor ran before is %q, not c1", p.Modules["app"].Previous)
+	}
+}
+
+// A walk's first send that was made and not kept — the controller replaced between the two — is not made again
+// by the controller that takes over: the gate counts from that send (ADR 0353 §5, §6).
+func TestAFirstSendMadeAndNotKeptIsNotSentAgain(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t)
+	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
+	g := aGateMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	// The old controller sends anchor app c2 and is replaced before it keeps the send.
+	made := sendRollout
+	sendRollout = func(ctx context.Context, open *stores, names []string) ([]string, error) {
+		if _, err := made(ctx, open, names); err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		return nil, context.Canceled
+	}
+	advancePlans(ctx, g.open)
+	sendRollout = made
+	if len(g.sent) != 1 || g.plan(t).Modules["app"].FirstAt != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("the fixture's send was not made, or was kept: %v", g.sent)
+	}
+	last, _, err := g.open.inventory.SentTo(ctx, "anchor")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	advancePlans(ctx, g.open)
+	if len(g.sent) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("the send was made again: %v", g.sent)
+	}
+	s := g.plan(t).Modules["app"]
+	if s.FirstAt == nil || s.Gate == nil || s.Gate.Since == nil || !s.Gate.Since.Equal(last.At) {
+		t.Fatalf("the gate does not count from the send made: %+v %+v", s, s.Gate)
+	}
+	// What anchor ran before was kept before the send, so a failure still puts it back (§5).
+	if s.Previous != "c1" || s.Gate.From != "c1" {
+		t.Fatalf("what anchor ran before is %q (gate from %q), not c1", s.Previous, s.Gate.From)
+	}
+}
+
+// A release's send kept before it was made, and made, is judged by the controller that takes over without being
+// made again (ADR 0353 §8).
+func TestAReleaseSendKeptAndMadeIsNotMadeAgain(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t)
+	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
+	b := aBacklog(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := b.open.inventory
+	p, err := releaseBacklog(ctx, b.open, "")
+	if err != nil || p == nil {
+		t.Fatalf("no release opened: %v", err)
+	}
+	if _, err := advanceRelease(ctx, b.open, p); err != nil || p.Release.Gate == nil || !p.Release.Gate.Pending {
+		t.Fatalf("the send was not kept before it was made: %+v %v", p.Release, err)
+	}
+	if err := inv.SavePlan(ctx, p); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	// The send is made, and the controller is replaced before it keeps it.
+	if _, err := sendRollout(ctx, b.open, []string{"anchor"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	advancePlans(ctx, b.open)
+	if len(b.sent) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("anchor was sent again: %v", b.sent)
+	}
+	g := b.release(t).Release.Gate
+	if g == nil || g.Pending || g.Since == nil || len(g.Carried) == 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("anchor is not judged on the send made: %+v", g)
+	}
+}
+
+// A build no gate has passed goes to one machine of a step, its first; a machine that would be its second waits
+// for the next step, and one whose every build passed goes now (ADR 0353 §2).
+func TestABuildThatPassedNoGateGoesToOneMachineOfAStep(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t)
+	waiting := map[string][]inventory.CarriedMove{
+		"desk":   {{Module: "app", To: "c2"}, {Module: "new", To: "n1"}},
+		"laptop": {{Module: "app", To: "c2"}, {Module: "new", To: "n1"}},
+		"shanks": {{Module: "app", To: "c2"}},
+		"novox":  {{Module: "app", To: "c2"}, {Module: "ctl", To: "k1"}},
+	}
+	passed := func(module, commit string) bool { return module == "app" && commit == "c2" }
+	never := func(string) bool { return false }
+	step := restStep([]string{"desk", "laptop", "shanks", "novox"}, waiting, passed, never)
+	if !slices.Equal(step, []string{"desk", "shanks", "novox"}) {
+		t.Fatalf("the step is %v: laptop would be new's second machine before it passed", step)
+	}
+	if step := restStep([]string{"laptop"}, waiting, func(string, string) bool { return true }, never); !slices.Equal(step, []string{"laptop"}) {
+		t.Fatalf("a machine whose every build passed waits: %v", step)
+	}
+}
+
+// The node-engine and the mesh's resolver go to the rest one machine at a time, even passed (ADR 0353 §9): a step
+// carries either to one machine only, while what else passed goes everywhere at once.
+func TestTheNodeEngineAndTheResolverGoToTheRestOneAtATime(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t)
+	waiting := map[string][]inventory.CarriedMove{
+		"desk":   {{Module: hostModule, To: "h2"}},
+		"laptop": {{Module: hostModule, To: "h2"}, {Module: "app", To: "c2"}},
+		"shanks": {{Module: "app", To: "c2"}},
+		"novox":  {{Module: "dns", To: "d2"}},
+		"ace":    {{Module: "dns", To: "d2"}},
+	}
+	resolver := catalogue.Manifest{Module: "dns", Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: resolverSeat}}}
+	alone := func(m string) bool {
+		if m == "dns" {
+			return oneAtATime(m, resolver)
+		}
+		return oneAtATime(m, catalogue.Manifest{Module: m})
+	}
+	step := restStep([]string{"desk", "laptop", "shanks", "novox", "ace"}, waiting,
+		func(string, string) bool { return true }, alone)
+	if !slices.Equal(step, []string{"desk", "shanks", "novox"}) {
+		t.Fatalf("the step is %v: the node-engine and the resolver each reach one machine of it", step)
+	}
+	if oneAtATime("app", catalogue.Manifest{Module: "app"}) {
+		t.Fatal("a leaf module is held to one machine at a time")
+	}
+}
+
+// A first machine that fails still stops the walk (ADR 0236 §5, kept by ADR 0353 §3): the rest are never sent.
+func TestAFirstMachineThatFailsStillStopsTheWalk(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t)
+	b := aBacklogOnThree(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	gateEvery = 0
+	b.broken["anchor"] = true
+	advancePlans(ctx, b.open)
+	for i := 0; i < 6 && b.release(t).Open(); i++ {
+		advancePlans(ctx, b.open)
+	}
+	if p := b.release(t); p.State != inventory.PlanFailed || p.Release.Rest {
+		t.Fatalf("the release is %s: %s %+v", p.State, p.Note, p.Release)
+	}
+	for _, s := range b.sent {
+		if !slices.Equal(s, []string{"anchor"}) {
+			t.Fatalf("sent %v: the rest after a failed first machine", b.sent)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// The control node is sent last in a step of the rest (ADR 0353 §1): the machine holding the controller is
+// ordered after every other.
+func TestTheControlNodeIsSentLastInAStep(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t)
+	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
+	b := aBacklogOnThree(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	register(t, b.open, catalogue.Manifest{Module: catalogue.ControllerSeatName, Version: "1"})
+	if _, err := b.open.inventory.Assign(ctx, "anchor", catalogue.ControllerSeatName); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	said := events(t)
+	gateEvery = 0
+	for i := 0; i < 12 && (len(b.sent) == 0 || b.release(t).Open()); i++ {
+		advancePlans(ctx, b.open)
+	}
+	if p := b.release(t); !slices.Equal(p.Release.Order, []string{"desk", "laptop", "anchor"}) {
+		t.Fatalf("the order is %v", p.Release.Order)
+	}
+	laptop, anchor := slices.Index(*said, "send laptop"), slices.Index(*said, "send anchor")
+	if laptop < 0 || anchor < laptop || slices.Contains((*said)[laptop:anchor], "judge") {
+		t.Fatalf("the control node is not sent last in the rest's step: %v", *said)
+	}
+}
+
+// A machine of the rest that says nothing on its send is left silent after fifteen minutes: not failed, not put
+// back; a rest that went silent whole ends failed, said as a condition (ADR 0353 §4).
+func TestARestMachineSilentPastItsBoundIsLeftAndSaid(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t)
+	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
+	b := aBacklog(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := b.open.inventory
+	reporting := sendRollout
+	sendRollout = func(ctx context.Context, open *stores, names []string) ([]string, error) {
+		if slices.Equal(names, []string{"laptop"}) { // laptop sleeps: sent, and says nothing
+			b.sent = append(b.sent, names)
+			current, _ := open.inventory.CurrentBuilds(ctx)
+			return names, open.inventory.RecordSent(ctx, nodeID(t, open, "laptop"), "d-laptop-asleep",
+				map[string]string{"app": current["app"].Commit, "late": current["late"].Commit, "same": current["same"].Commit})
+		}
+		return reporting(ctx, open, names)
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { sendRollout = reporting })
+	gateEvery = 0
+	for i := 0; i < 8; i++ {
+		advancePlans(ctx, b.open)
+	}
+	p := b.release(t)
+	g := p.Release.Gates["laptop"]
+	if !p.Open() || g == nil || g.Verdict != "" || g.Silent {
+		t.Fatalf("laptop is judged before fifteen minutes: %s %s %+v", p.State, p.Note, g)
+	}
+	since := time.Now().Add(-inventory.ApplySilentAfter - time.Minute)
+	g.Since = &since
+	if err := inv.SavePlan(ctx, &p); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	advancePlans(ctx, b.open)
+	p = b.release(t)
+	if p.State != inventory.PlanFailed || !slices.Equal(p.Release.Silent, []string{"laptop"}) || len(p.Release.Failed) > 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the release is %s: %s %+v", p.State, p.Note, p.Release)
+	}
+	if failed, _ := inv.GateFailed(ctx, "build-late-c2"); failed {
+		t.Fatal("a silent machine's build was marked failed")
+	}
+	if sent, _, _ := inv.SentBuilds(ctx, "laptop"); sent["late"] != "c2" {
+		t.Fatalf("laptop was put back: %v", sent)
+	}
+	obs, err := silentObservation(ctx, inv)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if len(obs) != 1 || obs[0].Kind != "release-silent" || !slices.Equal(obs[0].Also, []string{"laptop"}) {
+		t.Fatalf("the silence is not said: %+v", obs)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/same_program.go

@@ -0,0 +1,176 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"fmt"
+	"slices"
+	"sort"
+	"strings"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// **A module moves only when its program changes** (novox/hq issue 721). A merge check builds every module the
+// delivery plan moves and compares each with the build the mesh holds of it; a walk is cut without a module whose
+// check found its whole image the same as that build, while the mesh still holds it, and says so among the modules
+// it left unchanged. A merge of one sentence in a package a program imports but never reaches moves no build of it.
+
+// sameAsRunning are the modules of a walk its checks found the same as the build the mesh holds, each with what its
+// check said. **Only when every pull request the walk answers was checked at the head it merged, and every one of
+// those checks built the module and found it the same as the build the mesh still holds**: a merge the walk answers
+// without a pull request, a check of another head, a check that built it differently, or a held build that moved
+// since, leaves the module in the walk.
+func sameAsRunning(plan *inventory.Plan, builds []link.CheckedBuild, held map[string]string) map[string]string {
+	if plan.Delivery == nil || len(plan.Delivery.Merges) == 0 {
+		return nil
+	}
+	for _, m := range plan.Delivery.Merges {
+		if _, ok := pullOf(m); !ok {
+			return nil
+		}
+	}
+	pulls := reuseAskOf(plan).Pulls
+	heads := mergedHeadsOf(plan)
+	out := map[string]string{}
+	for name := range plan.Modules {
+		said := ""
+		for _, pull := range pulls {
+			b, ok := checkedBuildOf(builds, pull, heads[pull], name)
+			if !ok || !stillHeld(b.Built, name, held) {
+				said = ""
+				break
+			}
+			if said == "" {
+				said = b.Built.Same
+			}
+		}
+		if said != "" {
+			out[name] = said
+		}
+	}
+	if len(out) == 0 {
+		return nil
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// checkedBuildOf is the newest build a check of the pull request at head made of the module; false when none did.
+func checkedBuildOf(builds []link.CheckedBuild, pull link.PullRef, head, module string) (link.CheckedBuild, bool) {
+	if head == "" {
+		return link.CheckedBuild{}, false
+	}
+	for _, b := range builds {
+		if b.Pull == pull && b.Built.Module == module && link.SameHead(b.Head, head) {
+			return b, true
+		}
+	}
+	return link.CheckedBuild{}, false
+}
+
+// stillHeld is whether a check found every artifact of the module the same as a build the mesh still holds.
+func stillHeld(b link.CheckBuilt, module string, held map[string]string) bool {
+	if b.Same == "" || b.NotBuilt != "" || len(b.Made) == 0 || len(b.SameAs) != len(b.Made) {
+		return false
+	}
+	for _, m := range b.Made {
+		was := pinnedDigest(b.SameAs[m.Name])
+		if was == "" || was != pinnedDigest(held[module+"/"+m.Name]) {
+			return false
+		}
+	}
+	return true
+}
+
+// pinnedDigest is a reference's pinned digest, empty when it is not pinned.
+func pinnedDigest(ref string) string {
+	if i := strings.LastIndex(ref, "@"); i >= 0 {
+		return ref[i+1:]
+	}
+	return ""
+}
+
+// leaveSameAsRunning takes from a walk being cut every module its checks found the same as the build the mesh holds
+// (sameAsRunning), and every dependent in the walk only for one of those (withDependentsOf): what was taken, with why. **Anything not read leaves the walk as it was**, said.
+func leaveSameAsRunning(ctx context.Context, inv *inventory.Inventory, plan *inventory.Plan, moved []string,
+	edges []inventory.Edge) map[string]string {
+	if plan.Delivery == nil || len(plan.Modules) == 0 {
+		return nil
+	}
+	pulls := reuseAskOf(plan).Pulls
+	if len(pulls) == 0 {
+		return nil
+	}
+	builds, err := checkedBuildsOf(ctx, pulls)
+	if err != nil {
+		fmt.Printf("  the checks' builds could not be read, so every module moves: %v\n", err)
+		// empty-on-error: said above; nothing left out of the walk is the safe answer, every module moves as before
+		return nil
+	}
+	held, err := inv.RegisteredHeld(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		fmt.Printf("  what the mesh holds could not be read, so every module moves: %v\n", err)
+		// empty-on-error: said above; nothing left out of the walk is the safe answer, every module moves as before
+		return nil
+	}
+	same := withDependentsOf(sameAsRunning(plan, builds, held), plan, moved, edges)
+	if len(same) == 0 {
+		return nil
+	}
+	names := make([]string, 0, len(same))
+	for n := range same {
+		names = append(names, n)
+	}
+	sort.Strings(names)
+	withhold(plan, names, nil)
+	for _, n := range names {
+		fmt.Printf("  %s left out: %s\n", n, same[n])
+	}
+	return same
+}
+
+// withDependentsOf adds to the modules found the same every module of the walk that is in it only as a dependent of
+// one of them (novox/hq ADR 0267 rule 3): **a dependent is left out when its base comes out the same**, since the
+// base it stands on stays the build the mesh holds. A module a merge moves itself, or a dependent of a base that
+// still moves, stays. moved are the modules the walk's merges move; edges the graph the walk was planned along.
+func withDependentsOf(same map[string]string, plan *inventory.Plan, moved []string, edges []inventory.Edge) map[string]string {
+	if len(same) == 0 {
+		return same
+	}
+	var still []string
+	for _, n := range moved {
+		if same[n] == "" {
+			still = append(still, n)
+		}
+	}
+	keep := map[string]bool{}
+	for _, n := range reachableFrom(still, edges) {
+		keep[n] = true
+	}
+	// Until nothing more is found: a dependent of a dependent left out is left out too.
+	for grew := true; grew; {
+		grew = false
+		for n := range plan.Modules {
+			if keep[n] || same[n] != "" {
+				continue
+			}
+			var bases []string
+			for _, e := range edges {
+				ordering := e.Kind == inventory.EdgeBuiltBy || e.Kind == inventory.EdgeWorkerOf ||
+					e.Kind == inventory.EdgePackages || e.Kind == edgeGroupOrder
+				if !ordering && e.From == n && same[e.To] != "" && !slices.Contains(bases, e.To) {
+					bases = append(bases, e.To)
+				}
+			}
+			sort.Strings(bases)
+			if len(bases) == 0 {
+				// In the walk for no base found the same: whatever brought it in is not said here, so it moves.
+				continue
+			}
+			same[n] = "unchanged: it is in the walk only for " + strings.Join(bases, ", ") +
+				", which came out the same as the build the mesh holds (ADR 0267 rule 3)"
+			grew = true
+		}
+	}
+	return same
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/same_program_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,141 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// TestAWalkLeavesOutAModuleWhoseProgramDidNotChange is novox/hq issue 721: mesh-controller #335 changed one sentence
+// that mesh-builder never reaches; its check found build-agent the same as the build the mesh holds, so the walk moves
+// mesh-controller alone and says build-agent is unchanged.
+func TestAWalkLeavesOutAModuleWhoseProgramDidNotChange(t *testing.T) {
+	pull := link.PullRef{Owner: "novox", Repo: "mesh-controller", Number: 335}
+	head := "34050dc6aaaabbbbccccdddd"
+	aPlan := func() *inventory.Plan {
+		return &inventory.Plan{Tiers: [][]string{{"mesh-controller", "build-agent"}},
+			Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{"mesh-controller": {}, "build-agent": {}},
+			Delivery: &inventory.PlanDelivery{Merges: []inventory.PlanMerge{{Repository: "novox/mesh-controller",
+				Commit: "c2ec0a60", Number: 335, Head: head}}}}
+	}
+	held := map[string]string{"build-agent/agent": "store/build-agent@sha256:aaaa",
+		"mesh-controller/controller": "store/mesh-controller@sha256:cccc"}
+	builds := []link.CheckedBuild{
+		{Pull: pull, Head: head[:12], Built: link.CheckBuilt{Module: "build-agent", Key: "k1",
+			Made:   []link.MadeArtifact{{Name: "agent", Kind: "image", Reference: "scratch/build-agent@sha256:bbbb"}},
+			Same:   "unchanged: its program is the same as running build agent aaaa",
+			SameAs: map[string]string{"agent": "10.0.0.1:5000/build-agent@sha256:aaaa"}}},
+		{Pull: pull, Head: head[:12], Built: link.CheckBuilt{Module: "mesh-controller", Key: "k2",
+			Made: []link.MadeArtifact{{Name: "controller", Kind: "image", Reference: "scratch/mesh-controller@sha256:dddd"}}}},
+	}
+
+	p := aPlan()
+	same := sameAsRunning(p, builds, held)
+	if len(same) != 1 || same["build-agent"] == "" {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk leaves out %v, want build-agent alone", same)
+	}
+	withhold(p, []string{"build-agent"}, nil)
+	if len(p.Tiers) != 1 || len(p.Tiers[0]) != 1 || p.Tiers[0][0] != "mesh-controller" {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk moves %v, want mesh-controller alone", p.Tiers)
+	}
+
+	// **The held build moved since the check**: what it was compared with no longer runs.
+	moved := map[string]string{"build-agent/agent": "store/build-agent@sha256:eeee"}
+	if same := sameAsRunning(aPlan(), builds, moved); len(same) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a module compared with a build the mesh no longer holds is left out: %v", same)
+	}
+	// **A check of another head** says nothing of this merge.
+	other := aPlan()
+	other.Delivery.Merges[0].Head = "ffffffffffffffff"
+	if same := sameAsRunning(other, builds, held); len(same) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a check of another head left out %v", same)
+	}
+	// **Another pull request the walk answers** that did not find it the same leaves it in.
+	two := aPlan()
+	two.Delivery.Merges = append(two.Delivery.Merges, inventory.PlanMerge{Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog",
+		Commit: "1234", Number: 9, Head: "abcdefabcdefabcdef"})
+	if same := sameAsRunning(two, builds, held); len(same) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a module another merge moves is left out: %v", same)
+	}
+	// **A merge with no pull request** leaves the walk as it is.
+	direct := aPlan()
+	direct.Delivery.Merges[0].Number = 0
+	if same := sameAsRunning(direct, builds, held); len(same) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a walk answering a merge without a pull request left out %v", same)
+	}
+}
+
+// TestADependentOfABaseThatCameOutTheSameIsLeftOut is ADR 0267 rule 3 (novox/hq issue 607): a dependent is in a walk
+// for its base; when the base comes out the same as the build the mesh holds, the dependent stands on that build
+// still, and leaves the walk with it — and so does a dependent of that dependent. One a merge moves itself stays.
+func TestADependentOfABaseThatCameOutTheSameIsLeftOut(t *testing.T) {
+	edges := []inventory.Edge{{From: "app", To: "base", Kind: inventory.EdgeDeclared},
+		{From: "app2", To: "app", Kind: inventory.EdgeDeclared}, {From: "own", To: "base", Kind: inventory.EdgeDeclared}}
+	plan := &inventory.Plan{Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{"base": {}, "app": {}, "app2": {}, "own": {}}}
+	same := withDependentsOf(map[string]string{"base": "unchanged: its program is the same"}, plan,
+		[]string{"base", "own"}, edges)
+	if !strings.Contains(same["app"], "only for base") || !strings.Contains(same["app2"], "only for app") {
+		t.Fatalf("the dependents of a base that came out the same are not left out: %v", same)
+	}
+	if _, left := same["own"]; left {
+		t.Fatalf("a module its merge moves itself is left out for its base: %v", same)
+	}
+	// A dependent of a base that still moves stays.
+	edges = append(edges, inventory.Edge{From: "app", To: "own", Kind: inventory.EdgeDeclared})
+	same = withDependentsOf(map[string]string{"base": "unchanged"}, plan, []string{"base", "own"}, edges)
+	if _, left := same["app"]; left {
+		t.Fatalf("a dependent of a base that still moves is left out: %v", same)
+	}
+}
+
+// Against the store, the path a real merge takes (novox/hq issues 721 and 611): a merge whose check built its one
+// module the same as the build the mesh holds is cut into a walk done with nothing to walk, whose record names the
+// module unchanged and why — the walk mesh-delivery reads as delivered, never stranded.
+func TestAWalkWhoseEveryBuildCameOutTheSameIsDone(t *testing.T) {
+	open := windowed(t)
+	endsItsLine(t)
+	asksRecorded(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	if err := inv.RecordBuild(ctx, inventory.Build{ID: "build-one", Repository: "novox/one", Ref: "main",
+		Module: "one", Commit: "c0", On: "builder", Asked: t0.Add(-time.Hour),
+		Made:    []inventory.Artifact{{Name: "one", Kind: "image", Reference: "store/one@sha256:aaaa"}},
+		Sources: []inventory.BuildSource{{Paths: []string{"main.go", "go.mod"}}}}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	// What runs: the module registered with that build's image (RegisteredHeld reads the module table).
+	if err := inv.RegisterModule(ctx, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "one", Version: "1", Resources: []map[string]any{
+		{"id": "app", "type": "container", "name": "one", "image": "store/one@sha256:aaaa"}}},
+		inventory.Source{Repository: "novox/one", Ref: "main", BuiltFrom: "c0", Asked: time.Now()}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	pull := link.PullRef{Owner: "novox", Repo: "one", Number: 7}
+	was := checkedBuildsOf
+	checkedBuildsOf = func(context.Context, []link.PullRef) ([]link.CheckedBuild, error) {
+		return []link.CheckedBuild{{Pull: pull, Head: "headaaaaaaaa", Built: link.CheckBuilt{Module: "one", Key: "k",
+			Made:   []link.MadeArtifact{{Name: "one", Kind: "image", Reference: "scratch/one@sha256:bbbb"}},
+			Same:   "unchanged: its program is the same as running build one aaaa",
+			SameAs: map[string]string{"one": "10.0.0.1:5000/one@sha256:aaaa"}}}}, nil
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { checkedBuildsOf = was })
+	code := repoMerge("one", "one1aaaaaaaa", t0)
+	code.Number, code.HeadSHA = 7, "headaaaaaaaa1111"
+	hear(t, open, code, t0.Add(time.Second))
+	cutAt(t, open, t0.Add(2*time.Minute))
+	ws, _ := walks(t, open)
+	if len(ws) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("walks: %+v", ws)
+	}
+	w := ws[0]
+	if w.State != inventory.PlanDone || len(w.Tiers) != 0 || len(w.Modules) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk reads %s, tiers %v, modules %v; want done with nothing to walk", w.State, w.Tiers, w.Modules)
+	}
+	if w.Delivery == nil || !strings.Contains(w.Delivery.Unchanged["one"], "its program is the same as running build") {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk does not say one matched what runs: %+v", w.Delivery)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/seatverbs.go

@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@ import (
 	"slices"
 	"sort"
 	"strings"
+	"time"
 
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
@@ -451,6 +452,33 @@ func (a *verbArguments) commandLine() ([]string, error) {
 	case "queue":
 		// As data, the table its output (novox/hq issue 455).
 		return []string{"queue", "--json"}, nil
+	case "forget-checks":
+		if err := need("owner", "repo", "number"); err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		return []string{"forget-checks", str("owner"), str("repo"), str("number")}, nil
+	case "try":
+		// A branch tried before its pull request (novox/hq issue 686): asked, or read by the id it answered.
+		if id := str("id"); id != "" {
+			return []string{"try", "--id", id}, nil
+		}
+		if a.given["repository"] == "" && a.given["ref"] == "" {
+			// Neither shape named: the command says its usage, which names both, as `build` does.
+			return []string{"try"}, nil
+		}
+		if err := need("repository", "ref"); err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		argv := []string{"try", str("repository"), str("ref")}
+		for _, flag := range []string{"base", "tests"} {
+			if v := str(flag); v != "" {
+				argv = append(argv, "--"+flag, v)
+			}
+		}
+		if on("store-only") {
+			argv = append(argv, "--store-only")
+		}
+		return argv, nil
 	case "cancel", "kill":
 		if err := need("id"); err != nil {
 			return nil, err
@@ -519,9 +547,13 @@ func (a *verbArguments) commandLine() ([]string, error) {
 		}
 		return []string{"unpin", str("node"), str("provision")}, nil
 	case "push":
-		// Sent and not waited for: the asker reads `status` for what the machine did, which is
+		// A push to a named machine waits for that machine's own answer, so the call's record says
-		// what a person at a shell does too. A tool call that blocked for a push's whole apply would
+		// how it went: applied, refused with the machine's reason, or which resources failed and why
-		// time out on every machine that takes a minute, and say nothing about the ones that did not.
+		// (novox/hq issue 629). How long is the call's `wait`, else the controller's setting `push-wait`;
+		// neither given waits for nothing, as before. The caller is answered before the push starts
+		// (answersFirst) and the machines are released once sent, so the wait holds nobody; it is what
+		// `calls` then shows. A sweep (--behind) does not wait: the slowest machine would hold back
+		// what is said of the others.
 		// A push through the seat is a push by hand, and says why (novox/hq to-be 45 §7).
 		if err := need("why"); err != nil {
 			return nil, fmt.Errorf("%w: a push by hand is a repair, recorded in the hand-act log with why", err)
@@ -534,7 +566,11 @@ func (a *verbArguments) commandLine() ([]string, error) {
 			// behind is not read here: given with a machine, it is refused as passed over — naming
 			// a machine and asking for every machine behind are two requests, and guessing one
 			// would push a machine nobody named, or not push one somebody did.
-			argv := []string{"push", n, "--wait", "0"}
+			wait, err := pushWait(str("wait"))
+			if err != nil {
+				return nil, err
+			}
+			argv := []string{"push", n, "--wait", wait.String()}
 			// A running module's data moving is sent only when said, per module (novox/hq ADR 0217).
 			if m := str("move"); m != "" {
 				argv = append(argv, "--move", m)
@@ -1004,6 +1040,8 @@ var jsonVerbs = map[string]bool{"status": true, "seats": true, "plan": true, "co
 	"delivery": true,
 	// The build queue, each ask with its position among the waiting (novox/hq issue 455).
 	"queue": true,
+	// A branch tried before its pull request (novox/hq issue 686).
+	"try": true,
 	// A plan followed (novox/hq issue 229): `plans wait` answers JSON; its other forms say text, and so answer no data.
 	"plans": true}
 
@@ -1294,6 +1332,10 @@ func seatToolHandlers() (map[string]link.ToolHandler, []string, error) {
 					link.AnswersWithin(ctx, bound+planWaitStart)
 				}
 			}
+			if verb == "try" && len(argv) > 1 && argv[1] == "--id" {
+				// Reading a try holds its answer for the verdict, up to its bound (novox/hq issue 686, 229).
+				link.AnswersWithin(ctx, tryWait+planWaitStart)
+			}
 			if answer, read := readHere(ctx, argv); read {
 				return answer, nil
 			}
@@ -1328,6 +1370,47 @@ var inProcess = map[string]bool{"tools": true, "calls": true, "doctor": true,
 	// 0259 §8): the router asks it before an approval.
 	"root-free": true}
 
+// pushFileVar names the file the controller's push settings are written to (module.json, `push-wait`).
+const pushFileVar = "MESH_PUSH_FILE"
+
+// pushWait is how long a push to a named machine waits for its answer (novox/hq issue 629): the call's own
+// `wait` when given, else the controller's setting `push-wait`, else nothing. No length is written here: the
+// setting's default is the module's, and a setting that cannot be read waits for nothing, as a push did
+// before, and is said.
+func pushWait(given string) (time.Duration, error) {
+	if strings.TrimSpace(given) != "" {
+		d, ok := durationSetting(given)
+		if !ok {
+			return 0, fmt.Errorf("push: wait %q is no duration: say it as \"90s\", \"2m\", or \"0\" to wait for nothing", given)
+		}
+		return d, nil
+	}
+	path := os.Getenv(pushFileVar)
+	if path == "" {
+		return 0, nil
+	}
+	raw, err := os.ReadFile(path)
+	if err != nil {
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "the push settings cannot be read (%v); a push waits for nothing\n", err)
+		return 0, nil
+	}
+	var values map[string]any
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(raw, &values); err != nil {
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "the push settings are not JSON (%v); a push waits for nothing\n", err)
+		return 0, nil
+	}
+	v, has := values["push-wait"]
+	if !has || v == "" {
+		return 0, nil
+	}
+	d, ok := durationSetting(v)
+	if !ok {
+		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "the setting push-wait=%v is no duration; a push waits for nothing\n", v)
+		return 0, nil
+	}
+	return d, nil
+}
+
 // answersFirst is a command line whose caller is answered before it runs: a push, by its verb or
 // through `command`. A push sends the machine holding the bus first when its user list changed, the
 // broker reloads, and a reload forgets every answer the bus was about to permit — so an answer

cmd/mesh-controller/seatverbs_schema_test.go

@@ -146,7 +146,7 @@ func TestAnArgumentAVerbDoesNotDeclareIsRefused(t *testing.T) {
 // naming one beside behind is refused rather than one of the two guessed.
 func TestAPushIsOneMachineOrSaysItIsTheWholeMesh(t *testing.T) {
 	argv, err := argvFor("push", map[string]any{"node": "g1", "why": "w"})
-	if err != nil || strings.Join(argv, " ") != "push g1 --wait 0 --why w" {
+	if err != nil || strings.Join(argv, " ") != "push g1 --wait 0s --why w" {
 		t.Fatalf("a named push: %v %v", argv, err)
 	}
 	for _, args := range []map[string]any{{"why": "w"}, {"behind": "true", "why": "w"}} {

cmd/mesh-controller/seatverbs_test.go

@@ -5,6 +5,8 @@ import (
 	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
 	"strings"
 	"testing"
 
@@ -164,12 +166,14 @@ func TestAVerbMissingWhatItNeedsIsRefused(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
-// A push and a build are sent, not waited for: the asker reads status, or the build's log by its
+// Acts do not block the call. A build is sent, not waited for: the asker reads the build's log by its id.
-// id, for what happened. A repository given as a forge path is said to be one (issue 176).
+// A push answers its caller before it starts (answersFirst), so a named push waits for the machine's own
+// answer without holding anybody, and the call's record says how it went (novox/hq issue 629). A
+// repository given as a forge path is said to be one (issue 176).
 func TestActsDoNotBlockTheCall(t *testing.T) {
 	argv, _ := argvFor("push", map[string]any{"node": "one", "why": "w"})
-	if strings.Join(argv, " ") != "push one --wait 0 --why w" {
+	if strings.Join(argv, " ") != "push one --wait 0s --why w" || !answersFirst(argv) {
-		t.Fatalf("push waits: %v", argv)
+		t.Fatalf("a named push with no setting waits, or holds its caller: %v", argv)
 	}
 	argv, _ = argvFor("build", map[string]any{"repository": "novox/x", "path": "modules/x"})
 	if strings.Join(argv, " ") != "build novox/x --wait 0 --self --path modules/x" {
@@ -460,3 +464,40 @@ func TestAQuotedValueRoundTrips(t *testing.T) {
 		}
 	}
 }
+
+// A named push waits as long as the call says, else as long as the controller's setting push-wait says, else
+// not at all: no length is the code's own (novox/hq issue 629).
+func TestAPushWaitsAsTheCallOrTheSettingSays(t *testing.T) {
+	file := filepath.Join(t.TempDir(), "push.json")
+	if err := os.WriteFile(file, []byte(`{"push-wait": "2m"}`), 0o600); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	t.Setenv(pushFileVar, file)
+	argv, err := argvFor("push", map[string]any{"node": "one", "why": "w"})
+	if err != nil || strings.Join(argv, " ") != "push one --wait 2m0s --why w" {
+		t.Fatalf("the setting was not the default: %v %v", argv, err)
+	}
+	argv, err = argvFor("push", map[string]any{"node": "one", "why": "w", "wait": "30s"})
+	if err != nil || strings.Join(argv, " ") != "push one --wait 30s --why w" {
+		t.Fatalf("the call's wait did not win over the setting: %v %v", argv, err)
+	}
+	argv, err = argvFor("push", map[string]any{"node": "one", "why": "w", "wait": "0"})
+	if err != nil || strings.Join(argv, " ") != "push one --wait 0s --why w" {
+		t.Fatalf("a wait of 0 did not wait for nothing: %v %v", argv, err)
+	}
+	if _, err := argvFor("push", map[string]any{"node": "one", "why": "w", "wait": "soon"}); err == nil ||
+		!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "no duration") {
+		t.Fatalf("a wait that is no duration was taken: %v", err)
+	}
+	if err := os.WriteFile(file, []byte(`{"push-wait": "later"}`), 0o600); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	argv, err = argvFor("push", map[string]any{"node": "one", "why": "w"})
+	if err != nil || strings.Join(argv, " ") != "push one --wait 0s --why w" {
+		t.Fatalf("an unreadable setting did not fall back to waiting for nothing: %v %v", argv, err)
+	}
+	argv, _ = argvFor("push", map[string]any{"why": "w"})
+	if strings.Join(argv, " ") != "push --behind --wait 0 --why w" {
+		t.Fatalf("a sweep waits: %v", argv)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/secret.go

@@ -79,6 +79,37 @@ func secretCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
 		return fmt.Errorf("a secret's value is given at the controller's terminal or at the desk (`give`), never "+
 			"through a verb (this line came through %q): nothing was read or sealed", verb)
 	}
+	// **A provision's credential issued outside the mesh is given once, for its provider** (novox/hq ADR 0337 §3,
+	// issue 165): `secret accept <provider's machine> <provider module> <provision>`, sealed to every consumer of
+	// that provider; the per-pair form naming a consumer is refused for it, naming this one.
+	outsideAt, err := outsideOffer(ctx, module, name, *provider)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	if outsideAt == "" && *provider != "" {
+		if offered, err := offeredOutsideBy(ctx, name); err != nil {
+			return err
+		} else if offered != "" {
+			return fmt.Errorf("%s is issued outside the mesh and given once for its provider, which seals it to "+
+				"every consumer of it (ADR 0337): `secret accept %s %s %s`; nothing was read or sealed",
+				name, *provider, offered, name)
+		}
+	}
+	if outsideAt != "" {
+		if *desk != "" || *local != "" {
+			return errors.New("a provision's credential issued outside the mesh is given at the controller's " +
+				"terminal, for every consumer of its provider; it takes neither --at-desk nor --local")
+		}
+		value, err := valueFor(node, module, name, *from)
+		if err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+		value = asSupplied(value)
+		if value == "" {
+			return errors.New("there is nothing to seal")
+		}
+		return acceptForProvision(ctx, node, module, name, value)
+	}
 	if *desk != "" {
 		if *from != "" || *provider != "" {
 			return errors.New("--at-desk gives a module's own secret, and takes neither --from nor --provider")
@@ -173,6 +204,7 @@ const secretUsage = "secret rotate <node> <module> <name> [--why <text> [--cause
 	"secret ask <node> <module> <name> [--at <machine>]\n" +
 	"secret issued <provision>\n" +
 	"secret accept <node> <module> <name> [--from <file> | --at-desk <machine>] [--provider <node> [--local <name>]]\n" +
+	"secret accept <provider's node> <provider module> <provision> [--from <file>]   (a credential issued outside the mesh, for every consumer)\n" +
 	"secret recover <node> <module> <name> --key <operator-key> [--out <file>] [--from-export <file>] [--provider <node>]\n" +
 	"secret export [--out <file>]"
 

cmd/mesh-controller/sendable.go

@@ -40,6 +40,9 @@ type sendable struct {
 	actingEpoch  uint64
 	// 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
+	// 0340 §8), for plan to say; never on the wire.
+	localNetwork []catalogue.LocalNetworkPort
 	// Adoption is nil for a converged node, and then the body is byte for byte what it was before
 	// adoption existed: an older host parses the envelope strictly and would refuse the key.
 	Adoption *adoptionEnvelope

cmd/mesh-controller/served_own_names_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,60 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+)
+
+// novox/hq ADR 0346, issue 624: a provider on another machine serves its consumers its own composed
+// names, as that machine composes them; one it does not compose is left out, said under the need.
+func TestAProviderElsewhereServesItsOwnComposedName(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	forge, err := catalogue.ParseManifest([]byte(`{"module":"forge","version":"1","requires":["route"],
+	  "provides":[{"name":"npm-package-registry","scope":"mesh"}],
+	  "contributes":{"route":{"web":{"label":"git","port":3000}}},
+	  "serves":{"npm-package-registry":{"scheme":"http","port":3000,"npm-path":"/api/packages/novox/npm/",
+	    "public-root":"https://${bound:route:name-web}/api/packages/novox/npm/"}}}`))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	register(t, open, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "proxy", Version: "1", Provides: catalogue.FromAnywhere("route"),
+		Receives: map[string]string{"route": "/var/lib/proxy/routes.json"}})
+	register(t, open, forge)
+	register(t, open, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "lab", Version: "1", Requires: []string{"npm-package-registry"},
+		Binds: map[string]string{"npm-package-registry": "/var/lib/lab/package-registry.json"}})
+	for _, a := range [][2]string{{"anchor", "proxy"}, {"anchor", "forge"}, {"laptop", "lab"}} {
+		if _, err := assign(ctx, open, a[0], a[1]); err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("assign %s %s: %v", a[0], a[1], err)
+		}
+	}
+
+	if err := open.inventory.SetPublicDomain(ctx, "anchor", "example.test"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	plan, _, err := planFor(ctx, open, "laptop")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	n := need(t, plan, "lab", "npm-package-registry")
+	if n.Serves["public-root"] != "https://git.example.test/api/packages/novox/npm/" || len(n.LeftOut) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the consumer elsewhere is served the forge's public root: %v, left out %v", n.Serves, n.LeftOut)
+	}
+
+	if err := open.inventory.SetPublicDomain(ctx, "anchor", ""); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	plan, _, err = planFor(ctx, open, "laptop")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	n = need(t, plan, "lab", "npm-package-registry")
+	if _, there := n.Serves["public-root"]; there {
+		t.Fatalf("anchor composes no public name, so the key is left out: %v", n.Serves)
+	}
+	if len(n.LeftOut) != 1 || !strings.Contains(n.LeftOut[0], `without "public-root"`) {
+		t.Fatalf("and the need says so: %v", n.LeftOut)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/settings_walk.go

@@ -0,0 +1,281 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"slices"
+	"sort"
+	"strings"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+)
+
+// An approved settings change is sent by a walk at once, and the operator's one Approve is its push (novox/hq ADR
+// 0344, issue 641).
+//
+// On 2026-10-13 the operator approved a betterbird proposal on Telegram and nothing happened: the warrant set the
+// layer, and the push stayed a separate act (ADR 0277 §18) that nobody took. Now the warrant that sets the layer
+// opens a **settings walk**: the walk ADR 0236 opens for builds waiting for a gate, with a layer in place of the
+// builds. Its order is every machine running the module that the layer reaches, the control node last; each is
+// sent and its module judged there, from the machine's report on that send, before the next is sent. The send is
+// the layer alone: every module there stays at the build its machine was last sent (keepingBuildsForSettings), so a
+// build held for a person (ADR 0242) or waiting for a gate stays where it is — a policy of `record` holds a build,
+// never a setting — and a send that would move a running module's data stops the walk (ADR 0217 §3). The walk says its start and end on `plan-moved` (ADR 0308), and the holder of the operator's
+// channel tells its end once. A failure stops the walk and leaves the layer as approved; it holds back nothing
+// else.
+
+// settingsWalkPrefix names a settings walk's id.
+const settingsWalkPrefix = "settings-"
+
+// settingsWalkFor is what a settings walk says it is for, where a merge's walk says its repository.
+func settingsWalkFor(s inventory.PlanSettings) string {
+	where := s.Node
+	if where == "" {
+		where = "the whole mesh"
+	}
+	return fmt.Sprintf("the settings of %s on %s", s.Module, where)
+}
+
+// settingsWalkOrder is the machines a layer reaches, in the order a settings walk sends them: every machine
+// running the module, or the one the layer names when it runs it there, sorted, the control node last. Pure.
+func settingsWalkOrder(node string, running, controllers []string) []string {
+	var order, last []string
+	for _, n := range running {
+		if node != "" && n != node {
+			continue
+		}
+		if slices.Contains(controllers, n) {
+			last = append(last, n)
+		} else {
+			order = append(order, n)
+		}
+	}
+	sort.Strings(order)
+	sort.Strings(last)
+	return append(order, last...)
+}
+
+// openSettingsWalk opens the walk that sends an approved layer, and answers the words of what it does: the
+// machines it sends, or that no machine runs the module and nothing is sent. Called on the operator's warrant,
+// after the layer is set.
+var openSettingsWalk = func(ctx context.Context, open *stores, s inventory.PlanSettings) (string, error) {
+	inv := open.inventory
+	running, err := inv.Running(ctx, s.Module)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", err
+	}
+	controllers, err := inv.Running(ctx, catalogue.ControllerSeatName)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", err
+	}
+	order := settingsWalkOrder(s.Node, running, controllers)
+	if len(order) == 0 {
+		return fmt.Sprintf("no machine runs %s there, so there is nothing to send", s.Module), nil
+	}
+	release, err := inv.HoldPlans(ctx, true)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", err
+	}
+	defer release()
+	now := time.Now().UTC()
+	p := inventory.Plan{ID: fmt.Sprintf("%s%d", settingsWalkPrefix, now.UnixNano()), Repository: settingsWalkFor(s),
+		Created: now, State: inventory.PlanRolling, Tiers: [][]string{{s.Module}}, Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{},
+		Release: &inventory.PlanRelease{Order: order, Settings: &s},
+		Note: fmt.Sprintf("approved (ask %s): sent to %s, one machine at a time, each judged", s.Ask,
+			strings.Join(order, ", "))}
+	if err := inv.SavePlan(ctx, &p); err != nil {
+		return "", err
+	}
+	fmt.Printf("%s: %s — %s\n", p.ID, p.Repository, p.Note)
+	return fmt.Sprintf("%s sends it to %s, one machine at a time, each judged", p.ID, strings.Join(order, ", ")), nil
+}
+
+// settingsDataMoves is what a settings walk's send to a machine would move of a running module's data: composed as
+// that send composes it, every build kept, and compared with what the machine was last sent (ADR 0217 §3).
+var settingsDataMoves = func(ctx context.Context, open *stores, node string) ([]dataMove, error) {
+	keeping := keepingBuildsForSettings(keepingRecorded(ctx), node)
+	gens, err := generators(keeping, open)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	plan, settings, err := planFor(keeping, open, node)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	declared, err := declarationWith(keeping, open, node, plan, settings, gens, Reading)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	body, err := declared.Body()
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return heldMoves(keeping, open.inventory, node, body, nil)
+}
+
+// judgingOn is the open walk, other than the one named, whose gate is judging on a machine; empty when none is. A
+// settings walk sends a machine only when no other walk judges there: its send would set aside the declaration
+// that walk's gate reads the machine's report against.
+var judgingOn = func(ctx context.Context, open *stores, self, node string) (string, error) {
+	plans, err := open.inventory.OpenPlans(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", err
+	}
+	return judgingIn(plans, self, node), nil
+}
+
+// judgingIn is judgingOn over plans read. Pure.
+func judgingIn(plans []inventory.Plan, self, node string) string {
+	judging := func(g *inventory.PlanGate) bool {
+		return g != nil && g.Verdict == "" && slices.Contains(g.Machines, node)
+	}
+	for _, p := range plans {
+		if p.ID == self || !p.Open() {
+			continue
+		}
+		if p.Release != nil {
+			if judging(p.Release.Gate) {
+				return p.ID
+			}
+			continue
+		}
+		for _, s := range p.Modules {
+			if s != nil && judging(s.Gate) {
+				return p.ID
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return ""
+}
+
+// advanceSettingsWalk takes one step of a settings walk: the next machine sent and its module judged there, or the
+// machine being judged judged once more; done when every machine is.
+func advanceSettingsWalk(ctx context.Context, open *stores, p *inventory.Plan) (bool, error) {
+	r, s := p.Release, p.Release.Settings
+	now := time.Now().UTC()
+	wait := func(note string) (bool, error) {
+		changed := p.Note != note
+		p.Note = note
+		return changed, nil
+	}
+	if r.Gate == nil {
+		heard, err := releaseHeard(ctx, open)
+		if err != nil {
+			return false, err
+		}
+		for r.Next < len(r.Order) {
+			node := r.Order[r.Next]
+			if !heard[node] {
+				r.Skipped = append(r.Skipped, node)
+				r.Next++
+				continue
+			}
+			if id, err := judgingOn(ctx, open, p.ID, node); err != nil {
+				return false, err
+			} else if id != "" {
+				return wait(fmt.Sprintf("waiting before %s: %s is judging there", node, id))
+			}
+			// **A running module's data that would move is a person's word** (ADR 0217 §3): the walk stops before
+			// that machine, failed and said, and `push --move` sends it.
+			held, err := settingsDataMoves(ctx, open, node)
+			if errors.Is(err, errSettingsCannotKeep) {
+				return failBefore(p, node, err.Error())
+			}
+			if err != nil {
+				return false, fmt.Errorf("whether %s's data would move could not be read: %w", node, err)
+			}
+			if len(held) > 0 {
+				var said strings.Builder
+				sayDataHeld(&said, node, held)
+				return failBefore(p, node, "a running module's data would move there — "+
+					strings.Join(strings.Fields(said.String()), " "))
+			}
+			// A build that cannot be kept is refused by the composition above, which is the send's own, and fails the
+			// walk there: the send flattens its refusals into words, so it is not looked for again here.
+			sent, grants, err := sendJudged(keepingBuildsForSettings(ctx, node), open, node)
+			if err != nil {
+				return false, fmt.Errorf("sending %s %s: %w", node, settingsWalkFor(*s), err)
+			}
+			// **The module's build is the one the gate judges** (issue 641 review): kept by this send, it is what a
+			// crossing send — a merge's walk sending the machine a new build of the module — supersedes, so this gate
+			// never reads that send's report as its own.
+			kept := ""
+			if builds, known, err := open.inventory.SentBuilds(ctx, node); err == nil && known {
+				kept = builds[s.Module]
+			}
+			r.Gate = &inventory.PlanGate{Component: coreComponent(s.Module), Machines: sent, Since: &now,
+				From: kept, To: kept, Sent: sentNow(ctx, open.inventory, sent), Grants: grants}
+			p.Note = fmt.Sprintf("sent %s %s (ask %s), every build there kept; judging %s there", node,
+				settingsWalkFor(*s), s.Ask, s.Module)
+			if said := grantsSaid(grants); said != "" {
+				p.Note += "; " + said
+			}
+			fmt.Printf("%s: %s\n", p.ID, p.Note)
+			return true, nil
+		}
+		p.State, p.Tier = inventory.PlanDone, len(p.Tiers)
+		p.Note = fmt.Sprintf("%s (ask %s) delivered on %s", settingsWalkFor(*s), s.Ask, strings.Join(r.Done, ", "))
+		if len(r.Done) == 0 {
+			// Sent nowhere is not delivered: said as the walk's failure, so the operator is not told it landed.
+			p.State = inventory.PlanFailed
+			p.Note = fmt.Sprintf("%s (ask %s) was sent to no machine", settingsWalkFor(*s), s.Ask)
+		}
+		if len(r.Skipped) > 0 {
+			p.Note += "; not heard from, left as they were, their next send carries it: " + strings.Join(r.Skipped, ", ")
+		}
+		fmt.Printf("%s: %s\n", p.ID, p.Note)
+		return true, nil
+	}
+	g := r.Gate
+	node := r.Order[r.Next]
+	verdict, err := judgeMoves(ctx, open, g, []judged{{module: s.Module, node: node}}, now)
+	if err != nil {
+		return false, err
+	}
+	switch verdict {
+	case "":
+		return wait(fmt.Sprintf("judging %s on %s: %s", s.Module, node, gateLine(g)))
+	case inventory.GatePassed:
+		r.Done = append(r.Done, node)
+		r.Next++
+		r.Gate = nil
+		return true, nil
+	case inventory.GateSuperseded:
+		p.State = inventory.PlanSuperseded
+		p.Note = fmt.Sprintf("superseded on %s: %s — nothing judged, nothing put back; the layer is set, and the "+
+			"machines not yet sent take it at their next send", node, g.Why)
+		fmt.Printf("%s: %s\n", p.ID, p.Note)
+		return true, nil
+	}
+	p.State = inventory.PlanFailed
+	p.Note = fmt.Sprintf("%s failed its gate on %s: %s — the layer stays as the operator approved it, and the one it "+
+		"replaced is in `settings %s` history", settingsWalkFor(*s), node, g.Why, s.Module) + unreached(r)
+	fmt.Printf("%s: %s\n", p.ID, p.Note)
+	return true, nil
+}
+
+// failBefore ends a settings walk failed before it sent a machine, saying why, and that the layer stays.
+func failBefore(p *inventory.Plan, node, why string) (bool, error) {
+	r, s := p.Release, p.Release.Settings
+	p.State = inventory.PlanFailed
+	p.Note = fmt.Sprintf("%s not sent to %s: %s; the layer stays as the operator approved it", settingsWalkFor(*s),
+		node, why) + unreached(r)
+	fmt.Printf("%s: %s\n", p.ID, p.Note)
+	return true, nil
+}
+
+// unreached is what a stopped settings walk left without the layer, in words: the machines after the one it stopped
+// at, and those passed over as away (ADR 0344 §6). Empty when there are none.
+func unreached(r *inventory.PlanRelease) string {
+	var out string
+	if r.Next+1 < len(r.Order) {
+		out += "; not sent: " + strings.Join(r.Order[r.Next+1:], ", ")
+	}
+	if len(r.Skipped) > 0 {
+		out += "; not heard from, left as they were: " + strings.Join(r.Skipped, ", ")
+	}
+	return out
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/settings_walk_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,572 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"reflect"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/lease"
+)
+
+// novox/hq ADR 0344, issue 641: the operator's one Approve on a settings proposal is the act that makes it take
+// effect. The warrant sets the layer and opens a settings walk, which sends it to the machines it reaches one at a
+// time, judging the module on each; the ask says so before the Approve, and nothing names a push.
+
+// The order: every machine running the module, or the one the layer names, the control node last.
+func TestASettingsWalkGoesToTheMachinesTheLayerReachesTheControlNodeLast(t *testing.T) {
+	running := []string{"shanks", "novox", "g14", "ace"}
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		node string
+		want []string
+	}{
+		{"", []string{"ace", "g14", "shanks", "novox"}},
+		{"g14", []string{"g14"}},
+		{"novox", []string{"novox"}},
+		{"elsewhere", nil},
+	} {
+		if got := settingsWalkOrder(c.node, running, []string{"novox"}); !reflect.DeepEqual(got, c.want) {
+			t.Errorf("a layer on %q goes to %v, want %v", c.node, got, c.want)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// A settings walk sends a machine only when no other walk judges there.
+func TestASettingsWalkWaitsWhileAnotherWalkJudgesOnTheMachine(t *testing.T) {
+	judging := &inventory.PlanGate{Machines: []string{"g14"}}
+	passed := &inventory.PlanGate{Machines: []string{"g14"}, Verdict: inventory.GatePassed}
+	plans := []inventory.Plan{
+		{ID: "settings-1", State: inventory.PlanRolling, Release: &inventory.PlanRelease{Gate: judging}},
+		{ID: "release-2", State: inventory.PlanRolling, Release: &inventory.PlanRelease{Gate: passed}},
+		{ID: "plan-3", State: inventory.PlanRolling, Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{"app": {Gate: judging}}},
+		{ID: "plan-4", State: inventory.PlanDone, Modules: map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{"app": {Gate: judging}}},
+	}
+	if id := judgingIn(plans, "settings-1", "g14"); id != "plan-3" {
+		t.Errorf("on g14 %q judges, want plan-3 (itself, a passed gate and an ended walk are not judging)", id)
+	}
+	if id := judgingIn(plans[1:2], "x", "g14"); id != "" {
+		t.Errorf("a passed gate judges: %q", id)
+	}
+	if id := judgingIn(plans, "x", "shanks"); id != "" {
+		t.Errorf("on shanks %q judges", id)
+	}
+}
+
+// The ask says, before the Approve, that the layer is sent at once and judged, and that its end is told as every
+// walk's is; neither the ask nor the proposer's answer names a push any more.
+func TestTheAskSaysAnApprovedLayerIsSentAtOnce(t *testing.T) {
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		in    proposeInput
+		where string
+		had   bool
+	}{
+		{proposeInput{module: "mounts", node: "shanks", values: mountsSources}, "shanks", false},
+		{proposeInput{module: "notes", values: map[string]any{"x": "1"}}, "every machine running notes", true},
+		{proposeInput{module: "notes", node: "laptop", clear: true}, "laptop", true},
+	} {
+		r := newProposerRig(t)
+		if c.had {
+			r.before, r.had = map[string]any{"x": "0"}, true
+		}
+		words, err := r.pr.propose(context.Background(), c.in)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		q := r.askSent(t)
+		if err := q.Check(r.now); err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("the ask is refused: %v", err)
+		}
+		// At a glance (ADR 0345): the summary says it is sent at once by a walk, one machine at a time; the rest of
+		// what Approve does is the Details', which the router notes after the answers.
+		if !strings.Contains(q.Explanation, "sent at once by a walk to "+c.where+", one machine at a time, each judged") ||
+			!strings.Contains(q.Details, "and sent at once to "+c.where+", one machine at a time, each judged, "+
+				"every build there kept; its end is told as every walk's is") {
+			t.Errorf("the ask does not say the layer is sent at once to %s:\n%s", c.where, q.Explanation)
+		}
+		approve := q.Options[0]
+		if approve.Label != "Approve" || !strings.Contains(approve.Does, "sent to "+c.where+" at once") {
+			t.Errorf("Approve does %q", approve.Does)
+		}
+		if !strings.Contains(words, "a walk sends it to "+c.where+" at once") {
+			t.Errorf("the proposer's answer:\n%s", words)
+		}
+		for _, said := range []string{q.Explanation, q.Whole, approve.Does, words} {
+			if strings.Contains(said, "push") {
+				t.Errorf("a push is still named, as if a second act were needed:\n%s", said)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// ---- on the real stores -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+// The warrant sets the layer and opens the walk that sends it, naming the machines it reaches; a layer for a
+// machine that does not run the module opens none and says so.
+func TestAnApprovedLayerOpensTheWalkThatSendsIt(t *testing.T) {
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	register(t, open, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "notes", Version: "1",
+		Resources: []map[string]any{{"id": "rc", "type": "file", "path": "/etc/notes.conf", "mode": "0644",
+			"content": "x = ${setting:x}\n"}}})
+	if _, err := assign(ctx, open, "laptop", "notes"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	// A layer set by hand opens no walk: it still waits for a push (ADR 0344 §7).
+	if err := atTheTerminal(t, "settings", "set", "notes", `{"x":"0"}`, "--node", "laptop"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if plans, _ := open.inventory.OpenPlans(ctx); len(plans) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a layer set at the terminal opened %d walk(s)", len(plans))
+	}
+	set := setLayerIn(open)
+	now := time.Now()
+	values := map[string]any{"x": "1"}
+	p := settingsProposal{Module: "notes", Values: values, From: "g14/claude-code", At: now,
+		Digest: layerDigest(values), BeforeDigest: layerDigest(nil)}
+	words, err := set(ctx, p, "s9", "approved by the operator (ask s9)")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(words, "+ x (ask s9); settings-") || !strings.Contains(words, "sends it to laptop, one machine at a time") {
+		t.Errorf("the warrant's words: %q", words)
+	}
+	plans, err := open.inventory.OpenPlans(ctx)
+	if err != nil || len(plans) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("open walks: %+v %v", plans, err)
+	}
+	w := plans[0]
+	if w.Release == nil || w.Release.Settings == nil || w.Release.Settings.Module != "notes" || w.Release.Settings.Ask != "s9" ||
+		!reflect.DeepEqual(w.Release.Order, []string{"laptop"}) || w.Repository != "the settings of notes on the whole mesh" ||
+		!reflect.DeepEqual(w.Tiers, [][]string{{"notes"}}) {
+		t.Fatalf("the settings walk: %+v %+v", w, w.Release)
+	}
+
+	// A machine's layer where the module does not run: set, and nothing to send.
+	q := settingsProposal{Module: "notes", Node: "anchor", Values: values, From: "g14/claude-code", At: now,
+		Digest: layerDigest(values), BeforeDigest: layerDigest(nil)}
+	words, err = set(ctx, q, "s10", "approved by the operator (ask s10)")
+	if err != nil || !strings.Contains(words, "no machine runs notes there, so there is nothing to send") {
+		t.Fatalf("a layer nobody runs: %q %v", words, err)
+	}
+	if plans, _ := open.inventory.OpenPlans(ctx); len(plans) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("a walk was opened for a machine that does not run the module: %d open", len(plans))
+	}
+
+	// A walk that cannot be opened is the act's failure, said with the push that sends it by hand.
+	was := openSettingsWalk
+	openSettingsWalk = func(context.Context, *stores, inventory.PlanSettings) (string, error) {
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("the plans are not to be had")
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { openSettingsWalk = was })
+	again := map[string]any{"x": "2"}
+	byHand := map[string]any{"x": "0"}
+	r := settingsProposal{Module: "notes", Node: "laptop", Values: again, Before: byHand, HadLayer: true,
+		From: "g14/claude-code", At: now, Digest: layerDigest(again), BeforeDigest: layerDigest(byHand)}
+	if _, err := set(ctx, r, "s11", "approved"); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "is set, and the walk that "+
+		"sends it could not be opened: the plans are not to be had — `push laptop` sends it") {
+		t.Errorf("an unopened walk: %v", err)
+	}
+}
+
+// walkMesh is a mesh where `app` runs c1 on anchor and laptop and nothing waits for a gate: every send applied at
+// once, recorded, and judged from the reports, with a machine named broken failing what it was sent.
+type walkMesh struct {
+	open   *stores
+	sent   [][]string
+	broken map[string]bool
+	// kept says, per send, whether it kept every build of its machine; moves is the data a machine's send would move.
+	kept  []bool
+	moves map[string][]dataMove
+	heard map[string]bool
+}
+
+func aSettledMesh(t *testing.T) *walkMesh {
+	t.Helper()
+	open := aMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := open.inventory
+	w := &walkMesh{open: open, broken: map[string]bool{}, moves: map[string][]dataMove{},
+		heard: map[string]bool{"anchor": true, "laptop": true}}
+	withConditionsInMemory(t)
+	was := doctorFrom
+	doctorFrom = nil
+	t.Cleanup(func() { doctorFrom = was })
+	old := time.Now().Add(-2 * time.Hour)
+	manifest, _ := json.Marshal(catalogue.Manifest{Module: "app", Version: "1"})
+	if err := inv.RecordBuild(ctx, inventory.Build{ID: "build-app-c1", Module: "app", Commit: "c1",
+		Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Path: "modules/app", Manifest: manifest, Asked: old, At: old,
+		Made: []inventory.Artifact{{Name: "x", Kind: "bundle", Reference: "sha256:app-1"}}}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := inv.RegisterModule(ctx, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "app", Version: "1"}, inventory.Source{
+		Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Seat: "git", Path: "modules/app", BuiltFrom: "c1", Head: "c1", Asked: old}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	for _, n := range []string{"anchor", "laptop"} {
+		if _, err := inv.Assign(ctx, n, "app"); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		if err := inv.RecordSent(ctx, nodeID(t, open, n), "d-"+n, map[string]string{"app": "c1"}); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	wasMoves, wasHeard, wasSend, wasGather, wasData := machineMoves, releaseHeard, sendRollout, gatherGateFacts, settingsDataMoves
+	settingsDataMoves = func(_ context.Context, _ *stores, node string) ([]dataMove, error) { return w.moves[node], nil }
+	machineMoves = func(ctx context.Context, open *stores, f moveFacts, node string, all bool) ([]inventory.CarriedMove, error) {
+		modules, err := open.inventory.Assigned(ctx, node)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		sent, known, err := open.inventory.SentBuilds(ctx, node)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		return f.moves(node, modules, sent, known, all), nil
+	}
+	releaseHeard = func(context.Context, *stores) (map[string]bool, error) { return w.heard, nil }
+	n := 0
+	sendRollout = func(ctx context.Context, open *stores, names []string) ([]string, error) {
+		w.sent = append(w.sent, append([]string(nil), names...))
+		w.kept = append(w.kept, len(names) == 1 && settingsKeptOn(ctx, names[0]))
+		current, err := open.inventory.CurrentBuilds(ctx)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		for _, node := range names {
+			modules, _ := open.inventory.Assigned(ctx, node)
+			carried := map[string]string{}
+			for _, m := range modules {
+				carried[m] = current[m].Commit
+			}
+			n++
+			digest := fmt.Sprintf("d-%s-%d", node, n)
+			if err := open.inventory.RecordSent(ctx, nodeID(t, open, node), digest, carried); err != nil {
+				return nil, err
+			}
+			if _, err := open.inventory.RecordDoing(ctx, nodeID(t, open, node), inventory.Doing{Node: node,
+				Outcome: inventory.OutcomeApplied, Declared: digest, Applied: 1, At: time.Now()}); err != nil {
+				return nil, err
+			}
+		}
+		return names, nil
+	}
+	gatherGateFacts = func(ctx context.Context, open *stores, component string) (gateFacts, error) {
+		f := gateFacts{now: time.Now(), reports: map[string]inventory.Reported{}, engines: map[string]string{},
+			rolledBack: map[string][]lease.Rollback{}, served: map[string]served{}}
+		reports, err := open.inventory.LastReports(ctx)
+		if err != nil {
+			return f, err
+		}
+		for _, r := range reports {
+			if w.broken[r.Node] {
+				r.Outcome = inventory.OutcomeFailed
+			}
+			f.reports[r.Node] = r
+		}
+		return f, nil
+	}
+	wasWithin, wasEvery, wasBound := gateWithin, gateEvery, gateBound
+	// The witness window is the node-engine's, from a start no test makes (novox/hq ADR 0351).
+	wasWindow := gateWitnessWindow
+	gateWitnessWindow = 0
+	t.Cleanup(func() { gateWitnessWindow = wasWindow })
+	gateWithin, gateEvery = time.Hour, time.Hour
+	t.Cleanup(func() {
+		machineMoves, releaseHeard, sendRollout, gatherGateFacts = wasMoves, wasHeard, wasSend, wasGather
+		settingsDataMoves = wasData
+		gateWithin, gateEvery, gateBound = wasWithin, wasEvery, wasBound
+	})
+	return w
+}
+
+func (w *walkMesh) walk(t *testing.T) inventory.Plan {
+	t.Helper()
+	plans, err := w.open.inventory.RecentPlans(t.Context(), 10)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	for _, p := range plans {
+		if p.Release != nil && p.Release.Settings != nil {
+			return p
+		}
+	}
+	t.Fatal("no settings walk")
+	return inventory.Plan{}
+}
+
+// The walk sends the first machine alone and judges the module there before it sends the next, and ends
+// delivered on both; nothing waited for a gate, so each send carried the layer alone.
+func TestASettingsWalkSendsOneMachineAtATimeEachJudged(t *testing.T) {
+	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
+	w := aSettledMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	words, err := openSettingsWalk(ctx, w.open, inventory.PlanSettings{Module: "app", Ask: "s1", Change: "~ x"})
+	if err != nil || !strings.Contains(words, "sends it to anchor, laptop") {
+		t.Fatalf("%q %v", words, err)
+	}
+	advancePlans(ctx, w.open)
+	if !reflect.DeepEqual(w.sent, [][]string{{"anchor"}}) {
+		t.Fatalf("sent %v: the first machine alone, before it is judged", w.sent)
+	}
+	p := w.walk(t)
+	if p.Release.Gate == nil || p.Release.Next != 0 || !strings.Contains(p.Note, "judging app on anchor") {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk after its first send: %s %+v", p.Note, p.Release)
+	}
+	gateEvery = 0
+	for i := 0; i < 6; i++ {
+		advancePlans(ctx, w.open)
+	}
+	if !reflect.DeepEqual(w.sent, [][]string{{"anchor"}, {"laptop"}}) {
+		t.Fatalf("sent %v", w.sent)
+	}
+	p = w.walk(t)
+	if p.State != inventory.PlanDone || !reflect.DeepEqual(p.Release.Done, []string{"anchor", "laptop"}) ||
+		p.Outcome() != inventory.WalkDelivered || !strings.Contains(p.Note, "delivered on anchor, laptop") {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk is %s: %s %+v", p.State, p.Note, p.Release)
+	}
+	// It said its start and its end, so the operator is told once (ADR 0308).
+	if p.Times == nil || p.Times.Started == nil || p.Times.Ended == nil {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk's start and end are not marked: %+v", p.Times)
+	}
+	// Nothing waits, and no walk of waiting builds opened beside it.
+	if r, err := releaseBacklog(ctx, w.open, ""); err != nil || r != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("%+v %v", r, err)
+	}
+}
+
+// A machine that fails what it was sent stops the walk there: the next is not sent, the layer stays, and the
+// failure holds back no walk of waiting builds.
+func TestAFailedSettingsWalkStopsAndHoldsNothingBack(t *testing.T) {
+	w := aSettledMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := w.open.inventory
+	w.broken["anchor"] = true
+	if err := inv.KeepSettings(ctx, "", "app", map[string]any{"x": "1"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, err := openSettingsWalk(ctx, w.open, inventory.PlanSettings{Module: "app", Ask: "s2"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	for i := 0; i < 4; i++ {
+		advancePlans(ctx, w.open)
+	}
+	p := w.walk(t)
+	if p.State != inventory.PlanFailed || p.Outcome() != inventory.WalkFailed ||
+		!strings.Contains(p.Note, "the settings of app on the whole mesh failed its gate on anchor") ||
+		!strings.Contains(p.Note, "the layer stays as the operator approved it") || !strings.Contains(p.Note, "not sent: laptop") {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk is %s: %s", p.State, p.Note)
+	}
+	if !reflect.DeepEqual(w.sent, [][]string{{"anchor"}}) {
+		t.Fatalf("sent %v: anchor alone, nothing to laptop", w.sent)
+	}
+	if layer, has, err := inv.Layer(ctx, "", "app"); err != nil || !has || layer["x"] != "1" {
+		t.Fatalf("the layer after the failure: %v %v %v", layer, has, err)
+	}
+	// A build that waits for a gate is still walked: the failed settings walk holds nothing back.
+	w.broken["anchor"] = false
+	now := time.Now().Add(-time.Minute)
+	manifest, _ := json.Marshal(catalogue.Manifest{Module: "app", Version: "1"})
+	if err := inv.RecordBuild(ctx, inventory.Build{ID: "build-app-c2", Module: "app", Commit: "c2",
+		Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Path: "modules/app", Manifest: manifest, Asked: now, At: now,
+		Made: []inventory.Artifact{{Name: "x", Kind: "bundle", Reference: "sha256:app-2"}}}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := inv.RegisterModule(ctx, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "app", Version: "1"}, inventory.Source{
+		Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Seat: "git", Path: "modules/app", BuiltFrom: "c2", Head: "c2", Asked: now}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if r, err := releaseBacklog(ctx, w.open, ""); err != nil || r == nil {
+		t.Fatalf("the waiting build is held back by a failed settings walk: %+v %v", r, err)
+	}
+}
+
+// Each send of a settings walk keeps every build of its machine: the layer goes, and a build held for a person or
+// waiting for a gate stays where it is (ADR 0344 §3).
+func TestASettingsWalkSendsTheLayerAloneEveryBuildKept(t *testing.T) {
+	w := aSettledMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := w.open.inventory
+	gateEvery = 0
+	if _, err := openSettingsWalk(ctx, w.open, inventory.PlanSettings{Module: "app", Ask: "s3"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	for i := 0; i < 4; i++ {
+		advancePlans(ctx, w.open)
+	}
+	if !reflect.DeepEqual(w.kept, []bool{true, true}) || w.walk(t).State != inventory.PlanDone {
+		t.Fatalf("the sends kept every build: %v; the walk: %s", w.kept, w.walk(t).Note)
+	}
+	// What such a send keeps, on the store: a rolled-out build waiting there is kept at the one last sent.
+	now := time.Now().Add(-time.Minute)
+	manifest, _ := json.Marshal(catalogue.Manifest{Module: "app", Version: "1"})
+	if err := inv.RecordBuild(ctx, inventory.Build{ID: "build-app-c2", Module: "app", Commit: "c2",
+		Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Path: "modules/app", Manifest: manifest, Asked: now, At: now,
+		Made: []inventory.Artifact{{Name: "x", Kind: "bundle", Reference: "sha256:app-2"}}}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := inv.RegisterModule(ctx, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "app", Version: "1"}, inventory.Source{
+		Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Seat: "git", Path: "modules/app", BuiltFrom: "c2", Head: "c2", Asked: now}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	kept, err := recordedKept(keepingBuildsForSettings(ctx, "anchor"), w.open, "anchor")
+	if err != nil || kept["app"] != "c1" {
+		t.Fatalf("a settings send to anchor keeps %v (%v), want app at c1", kept, err)
+	}
+	if kept, _ := recordedKept(ctx, w.open, "anchor"); kept["app"] != "" {
+		t.Fatalf("an ordinary send keeps a rolled-out build: %v", kept)
+	}
+	// And so the ungated build waiting on anchor is no move of the settings send's: nothing for a gate to see.
+	f, err := readMoveFacts(ctx, inv)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	waiting, _ := machineMoves(ctx, w.open, f, "anchor", false)
+	if len(waiting) != 1 || waiting[0].Module != "app" {
+		t.Fatalf("anchor waits for %+v, want app's c2", waiting)
+	}
+	if moved, err := withoutKept(keepingBuildsForSettings(ctx, "anchor"), w.open, "anchor", waiting); err != nil || len(moved) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a settings send to anchor would move %+v (%v)", moved, err)
+	}
+}
+
+// A machine whose send would move a running module's data stops the walk there, failed and said with the push that
+// sends it on a person's word (ADR 0217 §3); one not heard from is passed over and named; and a walk that reached
+// no machine is not said delivered.
+func TestASettingsWalkStopsBeforeADataMoveAndPassesOverAMachineAway(t *testing.T) {
+	w := aSettledMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	gateEvery = 0
+	w.moves["laptop"] = []dataMove{{Container: "app-server", Inside: "/data", From: "/srv/a", To: "/srv/b"}}
+	if _, err := openSettingsWalk(ctx, w.open, inventory.PlanSettings{Module: "app", Ask: "s4"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	for i := 0; i < 4; i++ {
+		advancePlans(ctx, w.open)
+	}
+	p := w.walk(t)
+	if p.State != inventory.PlanFailed || !reflect.DeepEqual(w.sent, [][]string{{"anchor"}}) ||
+		!strings.Contains(p.Note, "not sent to laptop: a running module's data would move there") ||
+		!strings.Contains(p.Note, "push laptop --move app") {
+		t.Fatalf("sent %v; the walk is %s: %s", w.sent, p.State, p.Note)
+	}
+
+	v := aSettledMesh(t)
+	v.heard = map[string]bool{"laptop": true}
+	gateEvery = 0
+	if _, err := openSettingsWalk(ctx, v.open, inventory.PlanSettings{Module: "app", Ask: "s5"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	for i := 0; i < 4; i++ {
+		advancePlans(ctx, v.open)
+	}
+	p = v.walk(t)
+	if p.State != inventory.PlanDone || !reflect.DeepEqual(p.Release.Skipped, []string{"anchor"}) ||
+		!strings.Contains(p.Note, "delivered on laptop; not heard from, left as they were, their next send carries it: anchor") {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk with anchor away is %s: %s", p.State, p.Note)
+	}
+
+	u := aSettledMesh(t)
+	u.heard = map[string]bool{}
+	if _, err := openSettingsWalk(ctx, u.open, inventory.PlanSettings{Module: "app", Ask: "s6"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	advancePlans(ctx, u.open)
+	if p := u.walk(t); p.State != inventory.PlanFailed || p.Outcome() != inventory.WalkFailed ||
+		!strings.Contains(p.Note, "was sent to no machine") || len(u.sent) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a walk that reached nobody is %s: %s", p.State, p.Note)
+	}
+}
+
+// The gate keeps the module's build its send kept, so a crossing send — a merge's walk sending the machine a new
+// build of the module while the settings gate judges there — supersedes it, and its report is never read as the
+// settings send's (issue 641 review, finding 1).
+func TestACrossingSendSupersedesASettingsGate(t *testing.T) {
+	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
+	w := aSettledMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := w.open.inventory
+	if _, err := openSettingsWalk(ctx, w.open, inventory.PlanSettings{Module: "app", Ask: "s7"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	advancePlans(ctx, w.open)
+	p := w.walk(t)
+	if g := p.Release.Gate; g == nil || g.To != "c1" || g.From != "c1" {
+		t.Fatalf("the settings gate judges no build: %+v", p.Release.Gate)
+	}
+	// Another walk sends anchor app's c2 while the settings gate judges there.
+	now := time.Now().Add(-time.Minute)
+	manifest, _ := json.Marshal(catalogue.Manifest{Module: "app", Version: "1"})
+	if err := inv.RecordBuild(ctx, inventory.Build{ID: "build-app-c2", Module: "app", Commit: "c2",
+		Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Path: "modules/app", Manifest: manifest, Asked: now, At: now,
+		Made: []inventory.Artifact{{Name: "x", Kind: "bundle", Reference: "sha256:app-2"}}}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := inv.RecordSent(ctx, nodeID(t, w.open, "anchor"), "d-merge", map[string]string{"app": "c2"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, err := inv.RecordDoing(ctx, nodeID(t, w.open, "anchor"), inventory.Doing{Node: "anchor",
+		Outcome: inventory.OutcomeApplied, Declared: "d-merge", Applied: 1, At: time.Now()}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	gateEvery = 0
+	advancePlans(ctx, w.open)
+	p = w.walk(t)
+	if p.State != inventory.PlanSuperseded || p.Release.Gate == nil || p.Release.Gate.Verdict != inventory.GateSuperseded ||
+		!strings.Contains(p.Note, "superseded on anchor") || len(p.Release.Done) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("the settings walk after a crossing send is %s: %s %+v", p.State, p.Note, p.Release)
+	}
+	if !reflect.DeepEqual(w.sent, [][]string{{"anchor"}}) {
+		t.Fatalf("sent %v: laptop was sent after a superseded judging", w.sent)
+	}
+}
+
+// A send refusal that cannot clear by itself — what the machine was last sent is not known, or a build it runs is
+// gone — fails the walk with why, rather than keeping it open and holding the walk of waiting builds; and a
+// failure names the machines passed over as away (issue 641 review, findings 2 and 3).
+func TestASettingsWalkFailsOnARefusalThatCannotClear(t *testing.T) {
+	w := aSettledMesh(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	inv := w.open.inventory
+	// What a send to a machine never sent can keep: nothing, and said as the refusal the walk fails on.
+	if _, err := inv.AddNode(ctx, "fresh"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, err := recordedKept(keepingBuildsForSettings(ctx, "fresh"), w.open, "fresh"); !errors.Is(err, errSettingsCannotKeep) {
+		t.Fatalf("a settings send to a machine never sent: %v", err)
+	}
+	w.heard = map[string]bool{"laptop": true}
+	settingsDataMoves = func(_ context.Context, _ *stores, node string) ([]dataMove, error) {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("%w: what %s was last sent is not known", errSettingsCannotKeep, node)
+	}
+	if _, err := openSettingsWalk(ctx, w.open, inventory.PlanSettings{Module: "app", Ask: "s8"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	advancePlans(ctx, w.open)
+	p := w.walk(t)
+	if p.State != inventory.PlanFailed || len(w.sent) != 0 ||
+		!strings.Contains(p.Note, "not sent to laptop: the settings cannot be sent with every build kept: what laptop was last sent is not known") ||
+		!strings.Contains(p.Note, "not heard from, left as they were: anchor") {
+		t.Fatalf("the walk is %s: %s", p.State, p.Note)
+	}
+	// It is not open, so a build waiting for a gate is walked.
+	now := time.Now().Add(-time.Minute)
+	manifest, _ := json.Marshal(catalogue.Manifest{Module: "app", Version: "1"})
+	if err := inv.RecordBuild(ctx, inventory.Build{ID: "build-app-c2", Module: "app", Commit: "c2",
+		Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Path: "modules/app", Manifest: manifest, Asked: now, At: now,
+		Made: []inventory.Artifact{{Name: "x", Kind: "bundle", Reference: "sha256:app-2"}}}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := inv.RegisterModule(ctx, catalogue.Manifest{Module: "app", Version: "1"}, inventory.Source{
+		Repository: "novox/mesh-catalog", Seat: "git", Path: "modules/app", BuiltFrom: "c2", Head: "c2", Asked: now}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if r, err := releaseBacklog(ctx, w.open, ""); err != nil || r == nil {
+		t.Fatalf("the waiting build is held by the failed settings walk: %+v %v", r, err)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/signals.go

@@ -153,11 +153,15 @@ var signalsTable = []signalRow{
 			return newestOf(f.standings, func(c conditions.Condition) time.Time { return c.LastObserved })
 		}},
 	{Row: "S9", Signal: "bus advisories: maximum deliveries, consumer deleted; the controller's own slow " +
-		"consumer and refused subjects", Emitter: "bus server's advisory subjects; the controller's connection",
+		"consumer and refused subjects; every user's connection the server closed as a slow consumer or for " +
+		"breaking the bus's rules (ADR 0357)",
+		Emitter: "bus server's advisory subjects; the controller's connection; the bus module's watch of its " +
+			"server (bus.slow-consumer, bus.connection-closed)",
 		Trigger: "any", Bound: "any occurrence; clears after an hour without another, a deleted consumer " +
 			"once it exists again or the mesh no longer expects it, and a message given up on once DEAD_LETTERS " +
 			"no longer holds it (novox/hq issue 330)",
-		Kind: "slow-consumer, max-deliveries, refused, consumer-lost", Severity: conditions.Warning, Phase: 1,
+		Kind: "slow-consumer, connection-closed, max-deliveries, refused, consumer-lost", Severity: conditions.Warning,
+		Phase: 1,
 		needs: func(f *signalFacts) error { return f.advisoriesErr }, watch: watchAdvisories,
 		newest: func(f *signalFacts) time.Time {
 			return newestOf(f.advisories, func(a link.Advisory) time.Time { return a.Last })
@@ -569,6 +573,9 @@ func watchAdvisories(f *signalFacts) []conditions.Observation {
 			// The advisory is remembered and read again on every look for an hour: the condition counts
 			// what the bus said and when, not the looks (novox/hq issue 402).
 			Happened: a.Last, Times: a.Count}
+		if a.User != "" && a.Reason != "" {
+			busUserClosed(&o, a, f.host)
+		}
 		if a.Kind == link.AdvisoryMaxDeliveries && a.Token == link.AdvisoryNotKept {
 			o.Machine = consumerMachine(a.Stream, a.Consumer)
 			o.Headline = clip(conditions.Capital(fmt.Sprintf("%s gave up on a message, not kept",
@@ -579,9 +586,58 @@ func watchAdvisories(f *signalFacts) []conditions.Observation {
 		}
 		out = append(out, o)
 	}
+	if f.busFaultsErr != nil {
+		out = append(out, busFaultsUnread(f.busFaultsErr))
+	}
 	return append(out, watchDeadLetters(f)...)
 }
 
+// kindBusFaultsUnread is the bus module's events not read back (novox/hq ADR 0357): every other user's
+// slow consumer is unheard while it lasts, and the controller's own signals are still said.
+const kindBusFaultsUnread = "bus-faults-unread"
+
+func busFaultsUnread(err error) conditions.Observation {
+	return conditions.Observation{Scope: conditions.ScopeBus, ID: "bus-module", Kind: kindBusFaultsUnread,
+		Severity: conditions.Warning, Confirm: true,
+		Summary: "what the bus module said of its users' connections could not be read back, so a slow consumer " +
+			"or a connection the bus closed is not said until it can",
+		Said: firstLine(err.Error())}
+}
+
+// busUserClosed words an advisory about a bus user's connection the server closed (novox/hq ADR 0357): the
+// user as the operator says it and the machine it is on, the dotted user name kept in the evidence only.
+func busUserClosed(o *conditions.Observation, a link.Advisory, host string) {
+	who, machine := busUserWords(a.User)
+	if machine == "" && a.User == "controller" {
+		machine = host
+	}
+	o.Machine = machine
+	times, count := "once", "once"
+	if a.Count > 1 {
+		times = fmt.Sprintf("%d times since %s", a.Count, a.First.UTC().Format("15:04 MST"))
+		count = fmt.Sprintf("%d times", a.Count)
+	}
+	switch a.Kind {
+	case link.AdvisorySlowConsumer:
+		o.Summary = fmt.Sprintf("the bus closed the connection of %s as a slow consumer %s in the last hour, "+
+			"newest at %s: it could not take what it was sent fast enough, and what was on its way to it was lost",
+			who, times, a.Last.UTC().Format("15:04 MST"))
+		o.Headline = clip(conditions.Capital(who)+" was too slow for the bus", 60)
+		o.Explanation = conditions.Capital(fmt.Sprintf("%s could not keep up with what the bus sent it, so the bus "+
+			"closed its connection (%s in the last hour) and what was on its way was lost. It connects again "+
+			"by itself; this clears an hour after the last time.", who, count))
+		o.Resolved = "Resolved: " + who + " kept up for an hour"
+	default:
+		o.Summary = fmt.Sprintf("the bus closed the connection of %s for breaking its rules %s in the last hour, "+
+			"newest at %s: %s", who, times, a.Last.UTC().Format("15:04 MST"), strings.ToLower(a.Reason))
+		o.Headline = clip(conditions.Capital(who)+" was cut off by the bus", 60)
+		o.Explanation = conditions.Capital(fmt.Sprintf("The bus closed the connection of %s because it broke "+
+			"the bus's rules (%s, %s in the last hour), so what it was sending was lost. This clears an hour "+
+			"after the last time.", who, strings.ToLower(a.Reason), count))
+		o.Resolved = "Resolved: " + who + " kept to the bus's rules for an hour"
+	}
+}
+
 // watchDeadLetters says each consumer that DEAD_LETTERS holds a message for (novox/hq issue 330): open
 // while it holds any, so it clears when they are delivered again or dropped, never because the server
 // stopped saying it.
@@ -806,7 +862,7 @@ func watchLease(f *signalFacts) []conditions.Observation {
 		}
 	}
 	if len(lost) > 0 {
-		how := "lost it: its renewal was refused or could not be made"
+		how := "lost it: another holder wrote its key, or no renewal was made within the key's age"
 		if newest.How == inventory.EpochExpired {
 			how = "stopped renewing it without giving it back, and was taken over"
 		}

cmd/mesh-controller/superseded.go

@@ -0,0 +1,157 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"os"
+	"strings"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// A new push to a pull request ends the check of its old head (novox/hq issue 726).
+//
+// A check judges one head; once the pull request has another, its verdict answers nobody and its run holds a build
+// machine for minutes the new head waits behind. So when a check is asked for pull request N of a repository at a
+// head, **every check of that pull request at another head ends**: a waiting one is dropped from the queue as
+// `cancel` drops it, one in flight is ended on its machine as `kill` ends it. Each is said in the log.
+//
+// **Never anything else**: a try (`try`, asked for no pull request), a walk's build (no check), a delivery group's
+// composed check (it answers several pull requests), another pull request's check, a dead ask (left for `clear
+// --dead`), and a check of the same head — a recheck of that head is not another head.
+
+// **Only for the pull request's current head.** Announcements of a pull request are not ordered, one is heard again
+// after a restart, and a recheck asks for the head it recorded: a check asked for a head the pull request no longer
+// has must never end the check of the head it has. So the forge is asked first which head the pull request has; only
+// when it names this one does anything end, and when it cannot be asked, or names another, nothing ends and that is
+// said.
+
+// forgePullHead asks the forge, through its module's tools on the bus, which commit a pull request's head is. A
+// variable so a test needs no forge.
+var forgePullHead = func(ctx context.Context, js *broker.JetStream, owner, repo string, number int) (string, error) {
+	raw, _ := json.Marshal(map[string]any{"path": fmt.Sprintf("/repos/%s/%s/pulls/%d", owner, repo, number)})
+	answer, err := link.Ask(ctx, link.OverNATS{Conn: js.Conn()}, "gitea", "gitea_api", raw, 30*time.Second)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", err
+	}
+	if answer.Error != "" {
+		return "", errors.New(answer.Error)
+	}
+	var pull struct {
+		Result struct {
+			Head struct {
+				SHA string `json:"sha"`
+			} `json:"head"`
+		} `json:"result"`
+	}
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(answer.Result, &pull); err != nil {
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("the forge's answer about the pull request cannot be read: %w", err)
+	}
+	if pull.Result.Head.SHA == "" {
+		return "", errors.New("the forge named no head for the pull request")
+	}
+	return pull.Result.Head.SHA, nil
+}
+
+// supersededChecks are the checks in the queue that a check of owner/repo#number at head ends: of the same pull
+// request, at another head, waiting or in flight, and not the ask keep.
+func supersededChecks(q link.Queue, owner, repo string, number int, head, keep string) []link.QueuedAsk {
+	if number <= 0 || head == "" {
+		return nil
+	}
+	var out []link.QueuedAsk
+	for _, a := range q.Asks {
+		c := a.Request.Check
+		switch {
+		case c == nil, link.IsTry(a.Request), c.Group != "", c.Number != number, a.ID == keep,
+			!strings.EqualFold(c.Owner, owner), !strings.EqualFold(c.Repo, repo),
+			a.State != link.AskWaiting && a.State != link.AskInFlight:
+			continue
+		}
+		ref := a.Request.Ref
+		if ref == "" {
+			ref = a.Ref
+		}
+		if ref == "" || ref == head || link.SameHead(ref, head) {
+			continue
+		}
+		out = append(out, a)
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// endSupersededChecks ends the checks a check of p at its head supersedes, keep being the new check's own ask, and
+// says each in the log. A waiting one is cancelled — nothing recorded: a check builds nothing, and the forge's status
+// of the old head is no longer the pull request's — and one a machine builds is killed there.
+func endSupersededChecks(ctx context.Context, js *broker.JetStream, seat string, p link.PullUpdated, keep string) []string {
+	if p.Number <= 0 || p.Commit == "" {
+		return nil
+	}
+	current, err := forgePullHead(ctx, js, p.Owner, p.Repo, p.Number)
+	if err != nil {
+		return []string{fmt.Sprintf("%s/%s#%d (%.8s): nothing ended — the forge could not say the pull request's "+
+			"current head, so checks of its other heads keep running: %v", p.Owner, p.Repo, p.Number, p.Commit, err)}
+	}
+	if current != p.Commit && !link.SameHead(current, p.Commit) {
+		return []string{fmt.Sprintf("%s/%s#%d (%.8s): nothing ended — the pull request's head is %.12s now, not "+
+			"this one", p.Owner, p.Repo, p.Number, p.Commit, current)}
+	}
+	q, err := link.ReadQueue(ctx, js, seat)
+	if err != nil {
+		return []string{fmt.Sprintf("%s/%s#%d (%.8s): could not read the %s queue for checks of its earlier heads: %v",
+			p.Owner, p.Repo, p.Number, p.Commit, seat, err)}
+	}
+	var said []string
+	for _, a := range supersededChecks(q, p.Owner, p.Repo, p.Number, p.Commit, keep) {
+		old := a.Request.Ref
+		if old == "" {
+			old = a.Ref
+		}
+		what := fmt.Sprintf("check of %s/%s#%d at %.12s", p.Owner, p.Repo, p.Number, old)
+		var err error
+		if a.State == link.AskInFlight && a.On != "" {
+			var answer link.Answer
+			answer, err = link.AskSeatTool(ctx, js.Conn(), seat, "kill", a.On, map[string]string{"id": a.ID}, killAnswer)
+			if err == nil && answer.Error != "" {
+				err = fmt.Errorf("%s refused: %s", a.On, answer.Error)
+			}
+		} else {
+			_, err = cancelAsk(ctx, js, nil, seat, a)
+		}
+		if err != nil {
+			said = append(said, fmt.Sprintf("not ended: %s (%s) — superseded by %.12s, but: %v", what, a.ID, p.Commit, err))
+			continue
+		}
+		said = append(said, fmt.Sprintf("ended: %s — superseded by %.12s (%s, %s)", what, p.Commit, a.ID, a.State))
+	}
+	return said
+}
+
+// endingSupersededChecks ends them beside the announcement, so a kill waiting on its machine never holds the
+// handler: on its own connection to the bus, within twice a kill's wait. A one-shot process (oneShot) ends them
+// within the call instead, as its exit would cut them off.
+func endingSupersededChecks(ctx context.Context, seat string, p link.PullUpdated, keep string, oneShot bool) {
+	end := func() {
+		ctx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(context.WithoutCancel(ctx), 2*killAnswer)
+		defer cancel()
+		js, err := dialTheBus()
+		if err != nil {
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "%s/%s#%d (%.8s): could not reach the bus to end checks of its earlier heads: %v\n",
+				p.Owner, p.Repo, p.Number, p.Commit, err)
+			return
+		}
+		defer js.Close()
+		for _, line := range endSupersededChecks(ctx, js, seat, p, keep) {
+			fmt.Println(line)
+		}
+	}
+	if oneShot {
+		end()
+		return
+	}
+	go end()
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/superseded_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,192 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"strings"
+	"sync"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// A new push to a pull request ends the check of its old head (novox/hq issue 726): the waiting one is dropped from
+// the queue, the one in flight is killed on its machine, and each is said. A try, a walk's build, another pull
+// request's check, a group's check and a recheck of the new head are left alone. On the bus alone: no store.
+func TestANewHeadEndsTheChecksOfTheOldOnes(t *testing.T) {
+	js, _ := aBuildQueue(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	const (
+		oldHead   = "1111111111111111111111111111111111111111"
+		olderHead = "2222222222222222222222222222222222222222"
+		newHead   = "3333333333333333333333333333333333333333"
+	)
+	publish := func(r link.BuildRequest) {
+		t.Helper()
+		body, _ := json.Marshal(r)
+		if _, err := js.Context().Publish(link.BuildWork(), body); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	check := func(id string, number int, head string) link.BuildRequest {
+		return link.BuildRequest{ID: id, Repository: "https://forge.example/novox/a.git", Ref: head,
+			Check: &link.CheckRequest{Owner: "novox", Repo: "a", Number: number}}
+	}
+	// In flight first: taken by a holder, started on ace.
+	publish(check("check-running", 7, olderHead))
+	worker, _ := broker.HolderConsumerFor("", "", broker.DeclaredSeat{Name: link.TheBuildMachine, Accepts: []string{"build"}})
+	sub, err := js.Context().PullSubscribe(worker.Filters[0], worker.Name, nats.Bind(worker.Stream, worker.Name), nats.ManualAck())
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	defer func() { _ = sub.Unsubscribe() }()
+	if _, err := sub.Fetch(1, nats.MaxWait(3*time.Second)); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	started, _ := json.Marshal(link.BuildStart{ID: "check-running", On: "ace", At: time.Now().UTC().Format(time.RFC3339Nano)})
+	if _, err := js.Context().Publish(link.BuildStarted(), started); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	publish(check("check-old", 7, oldHead))
+	publish(check("check-other-pull", 8, oldHead))
+	publish(check("check-recheck", 7, newHead))
+	publish(check("check-new", 7, newHead))
+	try := check("try-old", 7, oldHead)
+	try.Check.Number, try.Check.Try = 0, true
+	publish(try)
+	group := check("group-old", 7, oldHead)
+	group.Check.Group = "g1"
+	publish(group)
+	publish(link.BuildRequest{ID: "walk-build", Repository: "https://forge.example/novox/a.git", Ref: oldHead})
+
+	var mu sync.Mutex
+	var killed []string
+	stop, err := link.OverNATS{Conn: js.Conn()}.ServeNodeSeatTools(link.TheBuildMachine, "ace", map[string]link.ToolHandler{
+		"kill": func(_ context.Context, raw json.RawMessage) (any, error) {
+			var args struct{ ID string }
+			_ = json.Unmarshal(raw, &args)
+			mu.Lock()
+			killed = append(killed, args.ID)
+			mu.Unlock()
+			return map[string]any{"said": "killed " + args.ID}, nil
+		}}, nil)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	defer stop()
+
+	forgeSays(t, newHead, nil)
+	said := endSupersededChecks(ctx, js, link.TheBuildMachine,
+		link.PullUpdated{Owner: "novox", Repo: "a", Number: 7, Commit: newHead}, "check-new")
+
+	mu.Lock()
+	if len(killed) != 1 || killed[0] != "check-running" {
+		t.Errorf("the holder was asked to kill %v, want only the in-flight check of the older head", killed)
+	}
+	mu.Unlock()
+	q, err := link.ReadQueue(ctx, js, link.TheBuildMachine)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if _, found := q.Find("check-old"); found {
+		t.Error("the waiting check of the old head is still in the queue")
+	}
+	for _, id := range []string{"check-other-pull", "check-recheck", "check-new", "try-old", "group-old", "walk-build"} {
+		if _, found := q.Find(id); !found {
+			t.Errorf("%s was ended; only checks of the same pull request at another head end", id)
+		}
+	}
+	text := strings.Join(said, "\n")
+	for _, want := range []string{
+		"ended: check of novox/a#7 at " + oldHead[:12] + " — superseded by " + newHead[:12],
+		"ended: check of novox/a#7 at " + olderHead[:12] + " — superseded by " + newHead[:12],
+	} {
+		if !strings.Contains(text, want) {
+			t.Errorf("the log does not say %q:\n%s", want, text)
+		}
+	}
+	if len(said) != 2 {
+		t.Errorf("said %d lines, want 2:\n%s", len(said), text)
+	}
+}
+
+// Which asks a check supersedes, read from the queue alone.
+func TestSupersededChecksAreOnlyThePullRequestsOtherHeads(t *testing.T) {
+	ask := func(id, state, ref string, c *link.CheckRequest) link.QueuedAsk {
+		return link.QueuedAsk{ID: id, State: state, Ref: ref, Request: link.BuildRequest{ID: id, Ref: ref, Check: c}}
+	}
+	pr := func(n int) *link.CheckRequest { return &link.CheckRequest{Owner: "Novox", Repo: "A", Number: n} }
+	head := "abcdefabcdefabcdef0123456789abcdef012345"
+	q := link.Queue{Asks: []link.QueuedAsk{
+		ask("old", link.AskWaiting, "0123456789ab0123456789ab0123456789ab0123", pr(7)),
+		ask("short-same", link.AskWaiting, head[:12], pr(7)),
+		ask("dead", link.AskDead, "0123456789ab0123456789ab0123456789ab0123", pr(7)),
+		ask("other", link.AskWaiting, "0123456789ab0123456789ab0123456789ab0123", pr(8)),
+		ask("build", link.AskWaiting, "0123456789ab0123456789ab0123456789ab0123", nil),
+		ask("keep", link.AskWaiting, "0123456789ab0123456789ab0123456789ab0123", pr(7)),
+	}}
+	got := supersededChecks(q, "novox", "a", 7, head, "keep")
+	if len(got) != 1 || got[0].ID != "old" {
+		t.Fatalf("superseded %+v, want only old", got)
+	}
+	if got := supersededChecks(q, "novox", "a", 0, head, ""); got != nil {
+		t.Errorf("a check of no pull request superseded %+v", got)
+	}
+}
+
+// forgeSays makes the forge name head as every pull request's current head, or fail with err.
+func forgeSays(t *testing.T, head string, err error) {
+	t.Helper()
+	was := forgePullHead
+	forgePullHead = func(context.Context, *broker.JetStream, string, string, int) (string, error) { return head, err }
+	t.Cleanup(func() { forgePullHead = was })
+}
+
+// An older head heard after a newer one — an announcement out of order, one heard again after a restart, a recheck
+// of a recorded head — ends nothing: the forge says the pull request's head is the newer one. Nor does a check whose
+// pull request's head the forge cannot say.
+func TestAnOlderHeadHeardLateEndsNothing(t *testing.T) {
+	js, _ := aBuildQueue(t)
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	const (
+		oldHead = "1111111111111111111111111111111111111111"
+		newHead = "3333333333333333333333333333333333333333"
+	)
+	for _, id := range []string{"check-new", "check-old-late"} {
+		head := newHead
+		if id == "check-old-late" {
+			head = oldHead
+		}
+		body, _ := json.Marshal(link.BuildRequest{ID: id, Repository: "https://forge.example/novox/a.git", Ref: head,
+			Check: &link.CheckRequest{Owner: "novox", Repo: "a", Number: 7}})
+		if _, err := js.Context().Publish(link.BuildWork(), body); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	late := link.PullUpdated{Owner: "novox", Repo: "a", Number: 7, Commit: oldHead}
+	forgeSays(t, newHead, nil)
+	said := endSupersededChecks(ctx, js, link.TheBuildMachine, late, "check-old-late")
+	if len(said) != 1 || !strings.Contains(said[0], "nothing ended") {
+		t.Errorf("an older head heard late said %q", said)
+	}
+	forgeSays(t, "", errors.New("nothing serves gitea.gitea_api"))
+	said = endSupersededChecks(ctx, js, link.TheBuildMachine,
+		link.PullUpdated{Owner: "novox", Repo: "a", Number: 7, Commit: newHead}, "check-new")
+	if len(said) != 1 || !strings.Contains(said[0], "nothing ended") {
+		t.Errorf("a head the forge could not confirm said %q", said)
+	}
+	q, err := link.ReadQueue(ctx, js, link.TheBuildMachine)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	for _, id := range []string{"check-new", "check-old-late"} {
+		if _, found := q.Find(id); !found {
+			t.Errorf("%s was ended", id)
+		}
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/tier_send_test.go

@@ -130,10 +130,14 @@ func aTierMesh(t *testing.T, modules ...string) *tierMesh {
 	}
 	t.Cleanup(func() { gatherGateFacts = wasGather })
 
-	wasSettle, wasEvery, wasBound := gateSettle, gateEvery, gateBound
+	wasWithin, wasEvery, wasBound := gateWithin, gateEvery, gateBound
+	// The witness window is the node-engine's, from a start no test makes (novox/hq ADR 0351).
+	wasWindow := gateWitnessWindow
+	gateWitnessWindow = 0
+	t.Cleanup(func() { gateWitnessWindow = wasWindow })
 	// One judging per advance until a test says otherwise: a pass waits gateEvery for the next.
-	gateSettle, gateEvery = 0, time.Hour
+	gateWithin, gateEvery = time.Hour, time.Hour
-	t.Cleanup(func() { gateSettle, gateEvery, gateBound = wasSettle, wasEvery, wasBound })
+	t.Cleanup(func() { gateWithin, gateEvery, gateBound = wasWithin, wasEvery, wasBound })
 
 	built := time.Now().UTC()
 	states := map[string]*inventory.PlanModule{}
@@ -167,6 +171,7 @@ func (tm *tierMesh) raise(machine, kind, summary string) {
 // The incident's tier, small: a dozen modules whose first machine is the same are sent there in one
 // send, judged by one gate, and the rest of their machines are sent once — two sends, not two dozen.
 func TestATierOfManyModulesIsSentToEachMachineOnce(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
 	var modules []string
 	for i := 1; i <= 12; i++ {
@@ -219,9 +224,13 @@ func TestATierOfManyModulesIsSentToEachMachineOnce(t *testing.T) {
 // settling, is the node tools' — inside their settle window, the gate's bound — and no failure of the
 // modules sent with them: at the bound only the node tools are put back.
 func TestACoreBehindWhileTheNodeToolsSettleFailsNoOtherModule(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	tm := aTierMesh(t, "app1", "app2", broker.RuntimeModule)
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	inv := tm.open.inventory
+	// The node tools are held inside their witness window, which the node-engine keeps while they settle: their
+	// one reading does not count yet, so the core behind raised meanwhile is theirs (novox/hq ADR 0351 decision 4).
+	gateWitnessWindow = time.Hour
 
 	advancePlans(ctx, tm.open)
 	if len(tm.sent) != 1 {
@@ -269,6 +278,7 @@ func TestACoreBehindWhileTheNodeToolsSettleFailsNoOtherModule(t *testing.T) {
 // A machine-level condition about anything else holds the machine back as a whole: everything the send
 // moved there fails together, once, with that reason — not one module for it.
 func TestAMachineUnhealthyAsAWholeFailsTheWholeSendTogether(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
 	tm := aTierMesh(t, "app1", "app2", "app3")
 	ctx := t.Context()
@@ -300,6 +310,7 @@ func TestAMachineUnhealthyAsAWholeFailsTheWholeSendTogether(t *testing.T) {
 // The machine-level conditions, sorted: one naming a module is that module's; the core behind is the
 // core's when the send moved it and nobody's when it did not; anything else is the machine's as a whole.
 func TestTheConditionsAboutAMachineItself(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	since := time.Now().Add(-time.Minute)
 	about := func(kind, id string) conditions.Condition {
 		return conditions.Condition{Key: "machine." + id + "." + kind, Kind: kind, Raised: time.Now(),
@@ -332,6 +343,7 @@ func TestTheConditionsAboutAMachineItself(t *testing.T) {
 // rollback that failed; and `plans retry` asks it again rather than refusing a build that was never
 // judged (the incident's "NOT put back: no build kept").
 func TestAModuleItsSendChangedNothingOfIsLeftAsItWasAndRetried(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
 	g := aGateMesh(t)
 	ctx := t.Context()
@@ -387,6 +399,7 @@ func TestAModuleItsSendChangedNothingOfIsLeftAsItWasAndRetried(t *testing.T) {
 // them, they are registered back and marked in the judging that finds them broken, the plan goes on judging
 // the other module to its own pass, and only then fails.
 func TestATierPutsABrokenModuleBackAtOnce(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	judgeLeavesAsTheCore(t)
 	for _, order := range [][]string{{broker.RuntimeModule, "app1"}, {"app1", broker.RuntimeModule}} {
 		t.Run("gate kept on "+order[0], func(t *testing.T) {
@@ -405,7 +418,10 @@ func TestATierPutsABrokenModuleBackAtOnce(t *testing.T) {
 				}
 				return f, err
 			}
-			gateEvery, gateSettle, gateBound = 0, 100*time.Millisecond, 10*time.Second
+			// app1, judged as the core, counts a reading at most every 100 ms: it cannot have its three in the
+			// judgings that find the node tools broken, and is judged to its own pass after them (the hold the
+			// settle time gave before novox/hq ADR 0352 counted readings from the send).
+			gateEvery, gateWithin, gateBound = 100*time.Millisecond, time.Hour, 10*time.Second
 			for i := 0; i < 20 && len(seen) < 2; i++ {
 				advancePlans(ctx, tm.open)
 			}
@@ -440,15 +456,16 @@ func TestATierPutsABrokenModuleBackAtOnce(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
-// **A send carrying a core module waits for the core's readings** (issue 524 review): the leaf beside the node
+// **A send carrying the tool runner waits for its witness window** (issue 524 review, novox/hq ADR 0351
-// tools has its one reading at once, but the send is judged as the core: not before the settle time, and three
+// decision 4): the leaf beside the node tools has its one reading at once, but the send is judged by the tool
-// readings.
+// runner's rule: one reading, not before the node-engine's witness window for it has ended.
-func TestASendCarryingTheCoreIsJudgedAsTheCore(t *testing.T) {
+func TestASendCarryingTheToolRunnerWaitsForItsWitnessWindow(t *testing.T) {
+	withTheGate(t) // the first-machine gate\'s own path (novox/hq ADR 0360 keeps it for earlier walks)
 	tm := aTierMesh(t, broker.RuntimeModule, "app1")
 	ctx := t.Context()
 	// One reading counted per advance, as every test with a gate left open does: a gate judged with no time
 	// between readings would count a pass at every look and never let an advance rest.
-	gateEvery, gateSettle = time.Hour, time.Hour
+	gateEvery, gateWitnessWindow = time.Hour, time.Hour
 	for i := 0; i < 6; i++ {
 		advancePlans(ctx, tm.open)
 	}
@@ -457,10 +474,10 @@ func TestASendCarryingTheCoreIsJudgedAsTheCore(t *testing.T) {
 	if lead == nil {
 		lead = p.Modules["app1"].Gate
 	}
-	if !reflect.DeepEqual(tm.sent, [][]string{{"anchor"}}) || !p.Open() || lead == nil || lead.Verdict != "" || lead.Wants != gatePasses {
+	if !reflect.DeepEqual(tm.sent, [][]string{{"anchor"}}) || !p.Open() || lead == nil || lead.Verdict != "" || lead.Wants != 1 {
-		t.Fatalf("passed before the core's settle time: sent %v, plan %s (%s), gate %+v", tm.sent, p.State, p.Note, lead)
+		t.Fatalf("passed inside the witness window: sent %v, plan %s (%s), gate %+v", tm.sent, p.State, p.Note, lead)
 	}
-	gateEvery, gateSettle = 0, 0
+	gateEvery, gateWitnessWindow = 0, 0
 	for i := 0; i < 6; i++ {
 		advancePlans(ctx, tm.open)
 	}
@@ -469,8 +486,9 @@ func TestASendCarryingTheCoreIsJudgedAsTheCore(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("the plan is %s (%s), sent %v", p.State, p.Note, tm.sent)
 	}
 	for _, m := range []string{broker.RuntimeModule, "app1"} {
-		if g := p.Modules[m].Gate; g != nil && (g.Verdict != inventory.GatePassed || g.Passes < gatePasses) {
+		if g := p.Modules[m].Gate; g != nil && (g.Verdict != inventory.GatePassed || g.Passes < 1 ||
-			t.Fatalf("%s's gate: %+v; want passed on %d readings", m, g, gatePasses)
+			!strings.Contains(g.Why, "the tool runner's rule")) {
+			t.Fatalf("%s's gate: %+v; want passed on one reading by the tool runner's rule", m, g)
 		}
 	}
 }

cmd/mesh-controller/try.go

@@ -0,0 +1,353 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"flag"
+	"fmt"
+	"net/url"
+	"os"
+	"regexp"
+	"strings"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/broker"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// A branch is tried before its pull request (novox/hq issue 686).
+//
+// A repository's store tests skip without a store, and no agent may start a database on its machine. So a
+// builder pushed, a reviewer read, and only the pull request's merge check ran those tests for the first time:
+// each failure there cost a round of fifteen to thirty minutes (mesh-controller #283, #310, #312).
+//
+// `try <owner>/<repository> <ref>` asks the build seat for the repository's own check of a pushed branch or
+// commit, as the merge check runs it (internal/builder/check.go): the ref merged into the trunk's head, the
+// trunk's merge-check.sh, each part in its toolchain's container, against a throwaway store and bus. It is a
+// check and nothing more:
+//
+//   - **no pull request, so no status**: its outcome is never said as `checked`, which is what the forge's
+//     holder sets statuses from (isTry, in Built);
+//   - **nothing registered, nothing built**: it names no module of the graph, so the merge gate does not run and
+//     no build is made for a merge (novox/hq ADR 0350's scratch builds are a pull request's check's alone);
+//   - **a check in the build queue**: after deliveries (link.KindOf, novox/hq issue 558), and bounded by the
+//     check's own bound (checkTimeout);
+//   - **the code a pull request's check would run anyway**: only a repository of the mesh, whose every pull
+//     request the build seat already checks, in containers that hold no runtime socket.
+//
+// A check outlasts a seat verb's one answer, so the ask answers its id at once and `try --id <id>` reads what
+// came of it from the build's log, where the build seat says it whole (link.StepTried): holding its answer up
+// to tryWait for a verdict, like `plans wait` (novox/hq issue 229). Nothing is kept beside the log.
+
+// tryWait is how long reading a try holds its answer for the verdict. A variable so a test need not wait.
+var tryWait = 20 * time.Second
+
+// A ref as the forge is asked for it — a branch or a commit, never an option — and a `go test -run` pattern.
+var (
+	tryRef   = regexp.MustCompile(`^[A-Za-z0-9][A-Za-z0-9._/-]*$`)
+	tryTests = regexp.MustCompile(`^[A-Za-z0-9_^$|().*+?/\[\]-]+$`)
+)
+
+// tryAnswer is what `try` answers, asking or reading.
+type tryAnswer struct {
+	ID string `json:"id"`
+	// State is asked (just now), waiting (nothing said of it yet: in the build queue), running, or the verdict:
+	// pass, warning (the repository declares no merge-check.sh), fail, or error (it could not run).
+	State      string   `json:"state"`
+	Said       string   `json:"said"`
+	Repository string   `json:"repository,omitempty"`
+	Ref        string   `json:"ref,omitempty"`
+	Commit     string   `json:"commit,omitempty"`
+	Base       string   `json:"base,omitempty"`
+	Trunk      string   `json:"trunk,omitempty"`
+	On         string   `json:"on,omitempty"`
+	Took       string   `json:"took,omitempty"`
+	Failed     []string `json:"failed,omitempty"`
+	// Last is the last thing the build seat said of one still running.
+	Last string `json:"last,omitempty"`
+}
+
+// isTry says a check's outcome is a try's: marked so, or — echoed by a build seat from before the mark — a
+// check of no pull request and no group, which is nobody's status either.
+func isTry(result link.BuildResult) bool {
+	c := result.Checked
+	return c != nil && (c.Try || (c.Number == 0 && c.Group == ""))
+}
+
+// asATry makes a check's ask a try's: the repository's own script alone, for no pull request.
+func asATry(request link.BuildRequest, tests string, storeOnly bool) link.BuildRequest {
+	c := *request.Check
+	c.Number, c.Try, c.Tests, c.StoreOnly = 0, true, tests, storeOnly
+	c.Paths, c.Modules, c.New, c.Dependents, c.Manifests, c.Builds = nil, nil, nil, nil, nil, nil
+	c.Judge, c.Plan, c.Group, c.Members = "", nil, "", nil
+	request.Check = &c
+	return request
+}
+
+// maxTries is how many tries may wait or run at once, mesh-wide: each holds a build machine for minutes.
+const maxTries = 4
+
+// triesIn reads the build queue for a new try of one commit: the id of a try of that commit already waiting or
+// running — the answer to a second ask — and whether there is room for another.
+func triesIn(q link.Queue, owner, repo, commit string) (same string, room bool) {
+	n := 0
+	for _, a := range q.Asks {
+		if !link.IsTry(a.Request) || (a.State != link.AskWaiting && a.State != link.AskInFlight) {
+			continue
+		}
+		n++
+		c := a.Request.Check
+		if same == "" && strings.EqualFold(c.Owner, owner) && strings.EqualFold(c.Repo, repo) && a.Request.Ref == commit {
+			same = a.ID
+		}
+	}
+	return same, n < maxTries
+}
+
+// forgeCommit asks the forge, through its module's tools on the bus, which commit a branch or commit of a
+// repository is, and the repository's default branch. A variable so a test needs no forge.
+var forgeCommit = func(ctx context.Context, owner, repo, ref string) (commit, trunk string, err error) {
+	js, err := aBus()
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", "", err
+	}
+	defer js.Close()
+	bus := link.OverNATS{Conn: js.Conn()}
+	ask := func(path string, into any) error {
+		raw, _ := json.Marshal(map[string]any{"path": path})
+		answer, err := link.Ask(ctx, bus, "gitea", "gitea_api", raw, 30*time.Second)
+		if err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+		if answer.Error != "" {
+			return errors.New(answer.Error)
+		}
+		return json.Unmarshal(answer.Result, into)
+	}
+	var commits struct {
+		Result []struct {
+			SHA string `json:"sha"`
+		} `json:"result"`
+	}
+	if err := ask("/repos/"+owner+"/"+repo+"/commits?limit=1&stat=false&verification=false&files=false&sha="+
+		url.QueryEscape(ref), &commits); err != nil {
+		return "", "", err
+	}
+	if len(commits.Result) == 0 || commits.Result[0].SHA == "" {
+		return "", "", errors.New("the forge named no commit for it")
+	}
+	var found struct {
+		Result struct {
+			DefaultBranch string `json:"default_branch"`
+		} `json:"result"`
+	}
+	if err := ask("/repos/"+owner+"/"+repo, &found); err != nil {
+		return "", "", err
+	}
+	return commits.Result[0].SHA, found.Result.DefaultBranch, nil
+}
+
+// tryCommand is `try <owner>/<repository> <ref> [--base <branch>] [--tests <pattern>] [--store-only]`, and
+// `try --id <id>` to read what came of one.
+func tryCommand(ctx context.Context, args []string) error {
+	set := flag.NewFlagSet("try", flag.ContinueOnError)
+	base := set.String("base", "", "the branch it is merged into (the repository's default branch when none)")
+	tests := set.String("tests", "", "only the tests this `go test -run` pattern names")
+	storeOnly := set.Bool("store-only", false, "only the repository's store tests")
+	id := set.String("id", "", "a try's id: what came of it")
+	positionals, err := parseAround(set, args)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	usage := errors.New("try <owner>/<repository> <branch or commit> [--base <branch>] [--tests <pattern>] " +
+		"[--store-only], or try --id <id>")
+	if *id != "" {
+		if len(positionals) != 0 {
+			return usage
+		}
+		// Before it is a token of a bus subject: an id, never a pattern.
+		if !link.SafeBuildID(*id) {
+			return fmt.Errorf("%q is not a try's id", *id)
+		}
+		return tryRead(ctx, *id)
+	}
+	if len(positionals) != 2 {
+		return usage
+	}
+	owner, repo, isPath := strings.Cut(positionals[0], "/")
+	ref := positionals[1]
+	switch {
+	case !isPath || !tryRef.MatchString(owner) || !tryRef.MatchString(repo) || strings.Contains(repo, "/"):
+		return fmt.Errorf("%q is not a repository on the forge, owner/name; nothing was asked", positionals[0])
+	case !tryRef.MatchString(ref):
+		return fmt.Errorf("%q is not a branch or a commit; nothing was asked", ref)
+	case *base != "" && !tryRef.MatchString(*base):
+		return fmt.Errorf("%q is not a branch; nothing was asked", *base)
+	case *tests != "" && !tryTests.MatchString(*tests):
+		return fmt.Errorf("%q is not a `go test -run` pattern of test names; nothing was asked", *tests)
+	}
+	// **An unknown ref is refused here, loudly** — not sent to a machine to fail at its clone minutes later.
+	commit, trunk, err := forgeCommit(ctx, owner, repo, ref)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("the forge holds no branch or commit %s in %s/%s — is it pushed? — so nothing was asked: %w",
+			ref, owner, repo, err)
+	}
+	if *base != "" {
+		trunk = *base
+	}
+	if trunk == "" {
+		return fmt.Errorf("the forge named no default branch for %s/%s, and no --base says what %s is merged into; "+
+			"nothing was asked", owner, repo, ref)
+	}
+
+	open, err := openStores(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	defer open.Close()
+	entries, read, edges, err := theGraph(ctx, open.inventory)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	p := link.PullUpdated{Owner: owner, Repo: repo, Base: trunk, Commit: commit}
+	// Whose repository it is, as a pull request's check reckons it: only the mesh's is tried, the code the
+	// build seat runs for every pull request already.
+	mesh := pullScope(p, entries, read, edges)
+	if !mesh.Mesh {
+		return fmt.Errorf("%s/%s is no repository of the mesh — no module is built from it and its owner is not "+
+			"the core's — and only the mesh's are tried on the build seat; nothing was asked", owner, repo)
+	}
+	request, err := checkRequestFor(ctx, open, p, checkScope{Mesh: true, From: mesh.From}, entries)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	request = asATry(request, *tests, *storeOnly)
+	seat := buildSeatHeld(ctx)
+	// **Bounded in number** (novox/hq issue 686): one try of a commit at a time, and maxTries in all.
+	js, err := dialTheBus()
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	queue, err := link.ReadQueue(ctx, js, seat)
+	js.Close()
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	same, room := triesIn(queue, owner, repo, commit)
+	if same != "" {
+		return printTry(tryAnswer{ID: same, State: "asked", Repository: owner + "/" + repo, Ref: ref, Commit: commit,
+			On: seat, Said: fmt.Sprintf("a try of %s/%s at %.12s already waits or runs, as %s: nothing new was asked. "+
+				"Read it with try id=%s", owner, repo, commit, same, same)})
+	}
+	if !room {
+		return fmt.Errorf("%d tries already wait or run on the build seat, the most at once (`queue` lists them); "+
+			"nothing was asked — read one of yours, or ask again when one has ended", maxTries)
+	}
+	ask, err := askOverOn(seat)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	defer ask.Close()
+	if err := ask.Ask(ctx, request); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	return printTry(tryAnswer{ID: request.ID, State: "asked", Repository: owner + "/" + repo, Ref: ref, Commit: commit,
+		Base: trunk, On: seat, Said: fmt.Sprintf("asked %s to try %s/%s at %.12s (%s) merged into %s: its own "+
+			"merge-check.sh, as a check in the build queue, bounded at %s; no status is set and nothing is registered. "+
+			"Read it with try id=%s — a full run of this kind takes minutes", seat, owner, repo, commit, ref, trunk,
+			checkTimeout, request.ID)})
+}
+
+// tryRead answers what came of a try, holding the answer up to tryWait for its verdict.
+func tryRead(ctx context.Context, id string) error {
+	until := time.Now().Add(tryWait)
+	for {
+		lines, err := buildLines(ctx, id)
+		if err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+		a := tryAnswerOf(id, lines)
+		if (a.State != "waiting" && a.State != "running") || !time.Now().Add(2*time.Second).Before(until) {
+			return printTry(a)
+		}
+		if err := sleepOrDone(ctx, 2*time.Second); err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// tryAnswerOf reads a try's answer from what the build seat said of it: its outcome under StepTried; `failed`
+// for one that could not run — an error, never a pass; else how far it is.
+func tryAnswerOf(id string, lines []link.BuildLine) tryAnswer {
+	a := tryAnswer{ID: id, State: "waiting", Said: "nothing is said of " + id + " yet: it waits in the build queue " +
+		"(`queue` says where), or no try has that id; ask again"}
+	for _, l := range lines {
+		switch l.Step {
+		case link.StepTried:
+			var t link.Tried
+			if err := json.Unmarshal([]byte(l.Message), &t); err != nil || t.Verdict == "" {
+				return tryAnswer{ID: id, State: "error", Said: "the build seat's word on it cannot be read: " + l.Message}
+			}
+			return tryAnswer{ID: id, State: t.Verdict, Said: t.Summary, Took: t.Took, Commit: t.Head, Trunk: t.Trunk,
+				Failed: t.Failed}
+		case "failed":
+			return tryAnswer{ID: id, State: "error", Said: "it could not run: " + l.Message}
+		case "checked":
+			// A check that is no try, or a build seat from before the verb: its verdict is not a try's.
+			return tryAnswer{ID: id, State: "error", Said: "the build seat checked it and said no try's outcome — " +
+				"it predates the verb (novox/hq issue 686), or " + id + " is no try: " + l.Message + "; `builds` with " +
+				"the id says every line"}
+		}
+		a.State, a.Last = "running", l.Message
+		a.Said = "still running; ask again. `builds` with the id says every line so far"
+	}
+	return a
+}
+
+func printTry(a tryAnswer) error {
+	fmt.Fprintln(os.Stderr, a.Said)
+	for _, l := range a.Failed {
+		fmt.Fprintln(os.Stderr, "    "+l)
+	}
+	out, err := json.MarshalIndent(a, "", "  ")
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	fmt.Println(string(out))
+	return nil
+}
+
+// buildLines is everything the build seat said of one build, as the bus keeps it, in order.
+func buildLines(ctx context.Context, id string) ([]link.BuildLine, error) {
+	js, err := aBus()
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("cannot reach the bus to read a build's log: %w", err)
+	}
+	defer js.Close()
+	subject := link.BuildLogOf("*", id)
+	sub, err := js.Context().PullSubscribe(subject, "",
+		nats.BindStream(broker.EventsStream), nats.DeliverAll(), nats.AckNone())
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("cannot read %s from the bus: %w", subject, err)
+	}
+	defer func() { _ = sub.Unsubscribe() }()
+	var lines []link.BuildLine
+	for {
+		batch, err := sub.Fetch(200, nats.MaxWait(2*time.Second))
+		if err != nil && !errors.Is(err, nats.ErrTimeout) && !errors.Is(err, context.DeadlineExceeded) {
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("reading a build's log: %w", err)
+		}
+		for _, msg := range batch {
+			var line link.BuildLine
+			if json.Unmarshal(msg.Data, &line) == nil {
+				lines = append(lines, line)
+			}
+		}
+		if len(batch) < 200 {
+			return lines, nil
+		}
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/try_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,194 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"reflect"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// A branch is tried before its pull request (novox/hq issue 686): the repository's own check asked for a pushed
+// branch or commit, with no pull request.
+
+// What a try asks is a check — after deliveries in the build queue, bounded as one — of the repository's own
+// script alone: no module of the graph, so no gate; nothing built for a merge, so no reusable image.
+func TestATryAsksACheckOfTheRepositorysOwnScriptAlone(t *testing.T) {
+	request := link.BuildRequest{ID: "build-1", Ref: "c0ffee", Check: &link.CheckRequest{Owner: "novox", Repo: "a",
+		Number: 7, Base: "main", Modules: []string{"a"}, New: []string{"b"}, Manifests: []string{"module.json"},
+		Dependents: []string{"c"}, Builds: []link.CheckBuild{{Module: "a"}}, Judge: link.JudgeSelf,
+		Plan: &link.ChangePlan{}}}
+	tried := asATry(request, "^TestStore", true)
+	c := tried.Check
+	if !c.Try || c.Number != 0 || c.Tests != "^TestStore" || !c.StoreOnly {
+		t.Fatalf("not marked a try, or it kept a pull request's number: %+v", c)
+	}
+	if len(c.Modules)+len(c.New)+len(c.Manifests)+len(c.Dependents)+len(c.Builds) != 0 || c.Judge != "" || c.Plan != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("a try runs the gate or builds for a merge: %+v", c)
+	}
+	if c.Base != "main" || c.Owner != "novox" || tried.Ref != "c0ffee" {
+		t.Fatalf("a try lost what it merges into what: %+v", tried)
+	}
+	if link.KindOf(tried) != link.KindCheck {
+		t.Fatal("a try does not count as a check in the build queue")
+	}
+}
+
+// A try's outcome is heard and left there: no `checked` is said, so the forge's holder sets no status, and
+// nothing is recorded or registered (the handler holds no store here, and would fail reaching for one).
+func TestATrysOutcomeSetsNoStatusAndRegistersNothing(t *testing.T) {
+	said := &saidOnTheBus{}
+	checkEvents = said
+	defer func() { checkEvents = nil }()
+	for name, result := range map[string]link.BuildResult{
+		"a try": {ID: "build-1", Ref: "c0ffee", Checked: &link.CheckRequest{Owner: "novox", Repo: "a", Try: true},
+			Check: &link.CheckOutcome{Verdict: "pass", RepoCheck: &link.CheckLayer{Verdict: "fail", Summary: "failed"}}},
+		"a try that could not run": {ID: "build-2", Checked: &link.CheckRequest{Owner: "novox", Repo: "a", Try: true},
+			Failed: "cannot clone"},
+		// A build seat from before the mark echoes the ask without it: a check of no pull request and no
+		// group is still nobody's status.
+		"a try echoed by an older build seat": {ID: "build-3", Checked: &link.CheckRequest{Owner: "novox", Repo: "a"},
+			Check: &link.CheckOutcome{Verdict: "pass"}},
+	} {
+		if err := (builds{}).Built(context.Background(), result); err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("%s: %v", name, err)
+		}
+	}
+	if len(said.events) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("a try's outcome was said for the forge: %v", said.events)
+	}
+	// A pull request's check is still said.
+	_ = (builds{}).Built(context.Background(), link.BuildResult{ID: "build-4", Checked: &link.CheckRequest{
+		Owner: "novox", Repo: "a", Number: 7}, Check: &link.CheckOutcome{Verdict: "pass"}})
+	if len(said.events) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("a pull request's check was said %d time(s)", len(said.events))
+	}
+}
+
+// saidOnTheBus keeps the seat events said, and nothing else.
+type saidOnTheBus struct {
+	link.Bus
+	events []string
+}
+
+func (s *saidOnTheBus) PublishSeatEvent(_ context.Context, seat, event string, _ []byte) error {
+	s.events = append(s.events, seat+" "+event)
+	return nil
+}
+
+// A ref the forge does not hold is refused before anything is asked, naming it.
+func TestATryOfAnUnknownRefIsRefusedLoudly(t *testing.T) {
+	was := forgeCommit
+	defer func() { forgeCommit = was }()
+	forgeCommit = func(_ context.Context, owner, repo, ref string) (string, string, error) {
+		return "", "", errors.New("404 object does not exist [id: " + ref + "]")
+	}
+	err := tryCommand(context.Background(), []string{"novox/mesh-controller", "fix/no-such-branch"})
+	if err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("a try of a ref the forge does not hold was asked")
+	}
+	for _, want := range []string{"fix/no-such-branch", "novox/mesh-controller", "nothing was asked", "404"} {
+		if !strings.Contains(err.Error(), want) {
+			t.Errorf("the refusal does not say %q: %v", want, err)
+		}
+	}
+	for _, args := range [][]string{{"mesh-controller", "main"}, {"novox/mesh-controller"}, {"novox/a", "--upload-pack=x"},
+		{"novox/a", "main", "--tests", "x; rm -rf /"}, {"novox/a", "main", "--id", "build-1"}} {
+		if err := tryCommand(context.Background(), args); err == nil {
+			t.Errorf("try %v was taken", args)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// The answer of a try carries the lines that name what failed (novox/hq issue 460's shape) and how long it took.
+func TestATrysAnswerCarriesTheFailingLines(t *testing.T) {
+	tried, _ := json.Marshal(link.Tried{Verdict: "fail", Summary: "its merge-check.sh failed: TestX", Took: "5m3s",
+		Head: "c0ffee", Trunk: "ca3f43c", Failed: []string{"--- FAIL: TestX (0.01s)", "    x_test.go:12: got 1, want 2",
+			"FAIL\tgithub.com/novox/a/cmd\t3.1s"}})
+	lines := []link.BuildLine{{Seq: 1, Step: "check", Message: "novox/a#0 at c0ffee"},
+		{Seq: 2, Step: "output", Message: "ok  	github.com/novox/a/internal	1.2s"},
+		{Seq: 3, Step: link.StepTried, Message: string(tried)}, {Seq: 4, Step: "checked", Message: "pass: x"}}
+	a := tryAnswerOf("build-1", lines)
+	if a.State != "fail" || a.Took != "5m3s" || len(a.Failed) != 3 || a.Failed[0] != "--- FAIL: TestX (0.01s)" ||
+		a.Trunk != "ca3f43c" || a.ID != "build-1" {
+		t.Fatalf("the answer lost the verdict, the time or the failing lines: %+v", a)
+	}
+	// Not answered yet: said as running, with how far it is — never as a pass.
+	if a := tryAnswerOf("build-1", lines[:2]); a.State != "running" || a.Last == "" {
+		t.Fatalf("a try still running: %+v", a)
+	}
+	if a := tryAnswerOf("build-1", nil); a.State != "waiting" {
+		t.Fatalf("a try nothing was said of: %+v", a)
+	}
+	// One that could not run is an error with the build seat's word, never a pass.
+	if a := tryAnswerOf("build-1", append(lines[:1:1], link.BuildLine{Seq: 2, Step: "failed",
+		Message: "cannot clone"})); a.State != "error" || !strings.Contains(a.Said, "cannot clone") {
+		t.Fatalf("a try that could not run: %+v", a)
+	}
+}
+
+// One try of a commit at a time, and four in all (novox/hq issue 686): a second ask is answered the first's id,
+// a fifth is refused; a try that ended, and a pull request's check, count for nothing.
+func TestTriesAreBoundedInNumber(t *testing.T) {
+	ask := func(id, repo, ref, state string, try bool) link.QueuedAsk {
+		return link.QueuedAsk{ID: id, State: state, Request: link.BuildRequest{ID: id, Ref: ref,
+			Check: &link.CheckRequest{Owner: "novox", Repo: repo, Try: try}}}
+	}
+	q := link.Queue{Asks: []link.QueuedAsk{
+		ask("t1", "a", "c1", link.AskInFlight, true), ask("t2", "a", "c2", link.AskWaiting, true),
+		ask("t3", "b", "c1", link.AskDead, true), ask("p1", "a", "c9", link.AskWaiting, false)}}
+	if same, room := triesIn(q, "novox", "a", "c2"); same != "t2" || !room {
+		t.Fatalf("a second try of a commit: %q %v", same, room)
+	}
+	if same, room := triesIn(q, "novox", "b", "c1"); same != "" || !room {
+		t.Fatalf("a dead try, or another repository's, was taken for this one: %q %v", same, room)
+	}
+	if same, _ := triesIn(q, "novox", "a", "c9"); same != "" {
+		t.Fatalf("a pull request's check was taken for a try: %q", same)
+	}
+	q.Asks = append(q.Asks, ask("t4", "c", "c3", link.AskWaiting, true), ask("t5", "d", "c4", link.AskWaiting, true))
+	if _, room := triesIn(q, "novox", "e", "c5"); room {
+		t.Fatal("a fifth try was let in")
+	}
+	// An id is checked before it is a token of a bus subject.
+	for _, id := range []string{"x.>", "*", "a b"} {
+		if err := tryCommand(context.Background(), []string{"--id", id}); err == nil ||
+			!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "not a try's id") {
+			t.Errorf("try --id %q: %v", id, err)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// The verb runs its command, and is declared with the shell habit it replaces (novox/hq ADR 0245).
+func TestTheTryVerbRunsItsCommand(t *testing.T) {
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		args map[string]any
+		want []string
+	}{
+		{map[string]any{"repository": "novox/a", "ref": "fix/x"}, []string{"try", "novox/a", "fix/x"}},
+		{map[string]any{"repository": "novox/a", "ref": "fix/x", "base": "main", "tests": "^TestX$", "store-only": "true"},
+			[]string{"try", "novox/a", "fix/x", "--base", "main", "--tests", "^TestX$", "--store-only"}},
+		{map[string]any{"id": "build-1"}, []string{"try", "--id", "build-1"}},
+	} {
+		got, err := argvFor("try", c.args)
+		if err != nil || !reflect.DeepEqual(got, c.want) {
+			t.Errorf("try %v: %v %v, want %v", c.args, got, err, c.want)
+		}
+	}
+	if _, err := argvFor("try", map[string]any{"repository": "novox/a"}); err == nil {
+		t.Error("a try of no ref was taken")
+	}
+	for _, v := range catalogue.ControllerVerbs {
+		if v.Name == "try" {
+			if len(v.Replaces) == 0 {
+				t.Error("try names no shell habit it replaces")
+			}
+			return
+		}
+	}
+	t.Error("try is not a verb of the controller seat")
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/unseen_test.go

@@ -160,7 +160,7 @@ func TestTheVerbsCarryReadReplaceAndMove(t *testing.T) {
 		{"settings", map[string]any{"module": "plex", "history": "true"}, []string{"settings", "show", "plex", "--history"}},
 		{"settings", map[string]any{"module": "plex", "values": "{}", "replace": "true"}, []string{"settings", "set", "plex", "{}", "--replace"}},
 		{"push", map[string]any{"node": "home", "move": "plex", "why": "w"},
-			[]string{"push", "home", "--wait", "0", "--move", "plex", "--why", "w"}},
+			[]string{"push", "home", "--wait", "0s", "--move", "plex", "--why", "w"}},
 		{"push", map[string]any{"why": "w"}, []string{"push", "--behind", "--wait", "0", "--why", "w"}},
 		{"plan", map[string]any{"node": "home", "diff": "true"}, []string{"plan", "home", "--diff"}},
 	} {

cmd/mesh-controller/upgrades.go

@@ -23,7 +23,12 @@ import (
 // **It holds the stores, not a copy of the decision.** What to do about an upgrade is read when
 // one arrives, so changing it takes effect on the next upgrade rather than on the next restart of
 // the control plane.
-type following struct{ open *stores }
+type following struct {
+	open *stores
+	// oneShot is a process that ends after the call (a recheck through `delivery check`): what it would do beside
+	// the call it does within it, or the process's exit would cut it off (novox/hq issue 726).
+	oneShot bool
+}
 
 // Upgraded sends the machines running a module the version the catalogue now considers current —
 // or records that they are behind, which is the default and needs no record.
@@ -79,7 +84,7 @@ func (f following) Upgraded(ctx context.Context, u link.Upgraded) error {
 	// `rebuild`, a `replay` registered — was sent here one machine after another without any judging; it
 	// now waits for a gate like any other build, and the release plan walks it through the machines, one
 	// at a time, each judged.
-	fmt.Printf("%s moved to %s outside a plan; a release plan sends it to %s, one machine at a time, each judged "+
+	fmt.Printf("%s moved to %s outside a plan; a release plan sends it to %s, one machine first and then the rest at once, each judged "+
 		"(`upgrade backlog` lists what waits)\n", u.Module, shortCommit(u.Commit), readableList(on))
 	return nil
 }

cmd/mesh-controller/urgent_unhealthy_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,91 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/catalogue"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/conditions"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/inventory"
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/link"
+)
+
+// A module may declare its unhealthy urgent (novox/hq ADR 0355): its module-unhealthy condition is then raised
+// urgent; without the field it stays a warning; a wait for a new login stays a warning whatever the module says.
+
+// judgedTwice judges one machine's statement twice, over a catalogue in which mail declares its unhealthy
+// urgent and notes says nothing, and returns what is open.
+func judgedTwice(t *testing.T, unhealthy map[string][]inventory.ResourceHealth) []conditions.Condition {
+	t.Helper()
+	ctx := t.Context()
+	k, _ := withConditionsInMemory(t)
+	was := readHoldingFor
+	t.Cleanup(func() { readHoldingFor = was })
+	readHoldingFor = func(_ context.Context, _ *inventory.Inventory, open []conditions.Condition) (*holding, error) {
+		return &holding{ctx: context.Background(), open: open, providers: map[string]providerLookup{},
+			shelf: map[string]catalogue.Manifest{
+				"mail": {Module: "mail", Version: "1", Unhealthy: &catalogue.UnhealthyPolicy{
+					Severity: catalogue.UnhealthyUrgent, Why: "mail is refused or stuck for everyone with a mailbox"}},
+				"notes": {Module: "notes", Version: "1"},
+			}}, nil
+	}
+	streaks := map[string]int{}
+	for look := 1; look <= 2; look++ {
+		for m := range unhealthy {
+			streaks[m] = look
+		}
+		if err := judgeModuleHealth(ctx, nil, k, "anchor", unhealthy, streaks, time.Now()); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+	}
+	open, err := k.Open(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	return open
+}
+
+func containerDown(module string) inventory.ResourceHealth {
+	return inventory.ResourceHealth{Module: module, Resource: module + ".web", Kind: "container", Target: module,
+		State: link.StateUnhealthy, Reason: "down"}
+}
+
+func TestAModuleThatDeclaresItsUnhealthyUrgentIsRaisedUrgent(t *testing.T) {
+	open := judgedTwice(t, map[string][]inventory.ResourceHealth{"mail": {containerDown("mail")}})
+	c := conditionOf(open, "module.mail.anchor.unhealthy")
+	if c == nil {
+		t.Fatalf("mail's unhealthy condition was not raised: %+v", open)
+	}
+	if c.Severity != conditions.Urgent {
+		t.Errorf("mail declares its unhealthy urgent, and it was raised %s", c.Severity)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestAModuleThatSaysNothingOfItsUnhealthyStaysAWarning(t *testing.T) {
+	open := judgedTwice(t, map[string][]inventory.ResourceHealth{"notes": {containerDown("notes")}})
+	c := conditionOf(open, "module.notes.anchor.unhealthy")
+	if c == nil {
+		t.Fatalf("notes' unhealthy condition was not raised: %+v", open)
+	}
+	if c.Severity != conditions.Warning {
+		t.Errorf("notes says nothing of its unhealthy, and it was raised %s", c.Severity)
+	}
+}
+
+// Only the module-unhealthy condition changes (ADR 0355 §4): a wait for a new login (ADR 0254) of a module that
+// declares its unhealthy urgent stays a warning.
+func TestAWaitForANewLoginStaysAWarningWhenTheModuleDeclaresItsUnhealthyUrgent(t *testing.T) {
+	open := judgedTwice(t, map[string][]inventory.ResourceHealth{"mail": {relogin("mail", "operator"),
+		userUnit("mail", "operator")}})
+	c := conditionOf(open, "module.mail.anchor.relogin-needed")
+	if c == nil {
+		t.Fatalf("mail's relogin-needed condition was not raised: %+v", open)
+	}
+	if c.Severity != conditions.Warning {
+		t.Errorf("a wait for a new login was raised %s; want a warning", c.Severity)
+	}
+	if conditionOf(open, "module.mail.anchor.unhealthy") != nil {
+		t.Errorf("a wait for a new login raised mail's unhealthy condition beside it: %+v", open)
+	}
+}

cmd/mesh-controller/walk_said.go

@@ -177,6 +177,12 @@ func walkReached(p inventory.Plan, running func(string) []string) map[string][]s
 			reached = appendNew(reached, r.Gate.Machines...)
 			carried(r.Gate)
 		}
+		for _, g := range r.Gates {
+			if g != nil && !g.Pending {
+				reached = appendNew(reached, g.Machines...)
+				carried(g)
+			}
+		}
 		for _, tier := range p.Tiers {
 			for _, m := range tier {
 				for _, n := range running(m) {

cmd/mesh-controller/watchdogs.go

@@ -92,6 +92,8 @@ type signalFacts struct {
 	// consumers: the condition counts the messages given up on, not the looks (novox/hq issue 440).
 	deadLettersNewest map[string]time.Time
 	advisoriesErr     error
+	// busFaultsErr is why the bus module's events could not be read this tick (novox/hq ADR 0357).
+	busFaultsErr error
 
 	selfCheck selfCheckFacts
 
@@ -358,6 +360,15 @@ func (w *watchdogs) gather(ctx context.Context) *signalFacts {
 	}
 	f.advisories = link.Advisories.Since(now.Add(-advisoryQuiet))
 	f.lostConsumers, f.advisoriesErr = w.lostConsumers(ctx, f.advisories)
+	// And what the bus did to every other user's connection, as the bus module said it (novox/hq ADR 0357):
+	// read back for the same hour, and one advisory with the controller's own where both are its.
+	// A read that fails is its own condition, never S9 blind: the controller's own signals are still said.
+	if w.server != nil && w.js != nil {
+		var faults []link.Advisory
+		if faults, f.busFaultsErr = w.server.BusFaults(ctx, now.Add(-advisoryQuiet)); f.busFaultsErr == nil {
+			f.advisories = link.MergeAdvisories(f.advisories, faults)
+		}
+	}
 	if f.advisoriesErr == nil && w.js != nil {
 		f.deadLetters, f.advisoriesErr = link.HeldDeadLetters(w.js.Context())
 	}

cmd/mesh-controller/worker_order_test.go

@@ -38,8 +38,9 @@ func TestTheBuildSeatsHolderFollowsTheControllerThatDefinesItsWorker(t *testing.
 	if pos["build-agent"] <= pos["mesh-controller"] {
 		t.Fatalf("the build machine after the controller that defines its worker: %v", tiers)
 	}
-	if pos["route-proxy"] <= pos["build-agent"] {
+	// Built-by orders nothing (novox/hq ADR 0360 §3): whichever builder runs builds the proxy, beside the controller.
-		t.Fatalf("what the build machine builds comes after it: %v", tiers)
+	if pos["route-proxy"] != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("what the builder builds waits for a new one: %v", tiers)
 	}
 	if hasCycle(tiers, edges) {
 		t.Fatalf("no cycle here: %v", tiers)

go.mod

@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ module github.com/novox/mesh-controller
 go 1.26.0
 
 require (
-	git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261010191001-33917f91ac3c
+	git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261013182924-5933eb757d44
 	github.com/jackc/pgx/v5 v5.10.0
 	github.com/nats-io/nats-server/v2 v2.11.17
 	github.com/nats-io/nats.go v1.54.0
@@ -36,4 +36,4 @@ require (
 // committed. Every build (the build agent's `go build`, the Dockerfile) compiles from vendor/ and
 // fetches nothing; go refuses to build when vendor/ and this file disagree, so a pin moved without
 // `go mod vendor` fails loudly, at once, everywhere.
-replace github.com/novox/mesh-host => git.novox.be/novox/mesh-host v0.0.0-20261011092230-20d5af9b2d5f
+replace github.com/novox/mesh-host => git.novox.be/novox/mesh-host v0.0.0-20261013220009-b9a293f8c8bc

go.sum

@@ -1,7 +1,13 @@
-git.novox.be/novox/mesh-host v0.0.0-20261011092230-20d5af9b2d5f h1:8N5OW2mdTNIck2pe4EciTYX5NsrPsHrTLENGNIWYNTU=
+git.novox.be/novox/mesh-host v0.0.0-20261013220009-b9a293f8c8bc h1:h5v2AbdjM/clMY1YxS9p7VuyYtIjkcw85w9Oz1cOYQc=
-git.novox.be/novox/mesh-host v0.0.0-20261011092230-20d5af9b2d5f/go.mod h1:tcTK4LMs1d6JpZUwy3hSHMFG/MIuDr/XFs7/nbeaW/c=
+git.novox.be/novox/mesh-host v0.0.0-20261013220009-b9a293f8c8bc/go.mod h1:tcTK4LMs1d6JpZUwy3hSHMFG/MIuDr/XFs7/nbeaW/c=
 git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261010191001-33917f91ac3c h1:l5onJwoIeH8yE/PjVlEeoPyXBsHp2NQiWLllz2fwX7s=
 git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261010191001-33917f91ac3c/go.mod h1:GFuZUElBZ9A++mxgIKo97aXXo+kV0uJ/UkbhQPPIbrY=
+git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261013141520-9588871d6629 h1:7TYFV1Q6Mcz+lsLP/sds87tysET4rKCn3rRIQV8gNmA=
+git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261013141520-9588871d6629/go.mod h1:GFuZUElBZ9A++mxgIKo97aXXo+kV0uJ/UkbhQPPIbrY=
+git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261013145622-f4745447ba6d h1:HEJyqorKktrkJPeeJdwEo0kdrJjH3fm/YVS9MGftCqY=
+git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261013145622-f4745447ba6d/go.mod h1:GFuZUElBZ9A++mxgIKo97aXXo+kV0uJ/UkbhQPPIbrY=
+git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261013182924-5933eb757d44 h1:r5xIo5qWOXQdCSMxvqJy8kV4U+P/QWXFK6971Ha6wU8=
+git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261013182924-5933eb757d44/go.mod h1:GFuZUElBZ9A++mxgIKo97aXXo+kV0uJ/UkbhQPPIbrY=
 github.com/antithesishq/antithesis-sdk-go v0.7.0-default-no-op h1:Z/MZK75wC/NSrkgqeNIa7jexam9uWzhLmFTSCPI/kn0=
 github.com/antithesishq/antithesis-sdk-go v0.7.0-default-no-op/go.mod h1:FQyySiasQQM8735Ddel3MRojmy4dA1IqCeyJ5jmPMbI=
 github.com/davecgh/go-spew v1.1.0/go.mod h1:J7Y8YcW2NihsgmVo/mv3lAwl/skON4iLHjSsI+c5H38=

internal/artifacts/scratch.go

@@ -0,0 +1,91 @@
+package artifacts
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"io"
+	"net/http"
+	"strings"
+)
+
+// Listing and letting go of tagged documents: the check builds the scratch namespace keeps (novox/hq ADR 0350
+// §5). A check build is found by its tag, and the build seat's holder lets each go when its pull request closes
+// or it is seven days old, so the store keeps a week of check builds and no more.
+
+// Tags is every tag repository holds, in the store's order. None for a repository the store does not hold.
+func (s Store) Tags(ctx context.Context, repository string) ([]string, error) {
+	if s.Address == "" {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("this mesh has no artifact store on its network to list %s in", repository)
+	}
+	var tags []string
+	next := "http://" + s.Address + "/v2/" + repository + "/tags/list?n=1000"
+	for next != "" {
+		request, err := http.NewRequestWithContext(ctx, http.MethodGet, next, nil)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		response, err := s.client().Do(request)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("cannot reach the artifact store at %s: %w", s.Address, err)
+		}
+		switch response.StatusCode {
+		case http.StatusOK:
+		case http.StatusNotFound:
+			response.Body.Close()
+			return tags, nil
+		default:
+			response.Body.Close()
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("the artifact store answered %s for the tags of %s", response.Status, repository)
+		}
+		var page struct {
+			Tags []string `json:"tags"`
+		}
+		err = json.NewDecoder(io.LimitReader(response.Body, 8<<20)).Decode(&page)
+		link := response.Header.Get("Link")
+		response.Body.Close()
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("the tags of %s could not be read: %w", repository, err)
+		}
+		tags = append(tags, page.Tags...)
+		next = nextPage(link, s.Address)
+	}
+	return tags, nil
+}
+
+// nextPage is the registry's `Link: </v2/…>; rel="next"`, made whole; empty when there is no next page.
+func nextPage(link, address string) string {
+	if !strings.Contains(link, `rel="next"`) {
+		return ""
+	}
+	start, end := strings.Index(link, "<"), strings.Index(link, ">")
+	if start < 0 || end <= start+1 {
+		return ""
+	}
+	target := link[start+1 : end]
+	if strings.HasPrefix(target, "/") {
+		return "http://" + address + target
+	}
+	return target
+}
+
+// DeleteTagged lets go of the document tag names in repository: its manifest, by digest, so the next
+// collection takes its layer. Gone when the tag names nothing.
+func (s Store) DeleteTagged(ctx context.Context, repository, tag string) error {
+	if s.Address == "" {
+		return fmt.Errorf("this mesh has no artifact store on its network to let go of %s:%s in", repository, tag)
+	}
+	digest, err := s.manifestDigest(ctx, repository, tag)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	if digest == "" {
+		return Gone
+	}
+	err = s.remove(ctx, s.url(repository, "manifests", digest), repository+":"+tag)
+	if errors.Is(err, Gone) {
+		return Gone
+	}
+	return err
+}

internal/broker/bus_module_emits_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,34 @@
+package broker
+
+import (
+	"slices"
+	"testing"
+)
+
+// **The bus module's watch speaks through the runtime that carries it** (novox/hq ADR 0357): the node's
+// runtime is granted the events the bus module declares, under the module's name, while the bus's own
+// account keeps the snapshot API and nothing else (ADR 0235).
+func TestTheRuntimeCarryingTheBusModuleMayPublishItsEventsAndTheBussAccountMayNot(t *testing.T) {
+	events := []string{"bus.slow-consumer", "bus.connection-closed"}
+	runtime := Principal{Kind: KindNodeTools, Node: "anchor", Module: RuntimeModule,
+		Carries: []Declared{{Module: "nats", Emits: events}}}
+	p, err := PermissionsFor(runtime)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	for _, e := range events {
+		if !slices.Contains(p.Publish, "mesh.mod.nats.event."+e) {
+			t.Errorf("the runtime carrying the bus module may not publish %s: %v", e, p.Publish)
+		}
+	}
+	account := Principal{Kind: KindModule, Node: "anchor", Module: "nats", Emits: events, SnapshotsTheBus: true}
+	a, err := PermissionsFor(account)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	for _, s := range a.Publish {
+		if s == "mesh.mod.nats.event.bus.slow-consumer" || s == "mesh.mod.nats.event.bus.connection-closed" {
+			t.Errorf("the bus's own account is granted %s", s)
+		}
+	}
+}

internal/broker/derived.go

@@ -128,7 +128,13 @@ func ConsumerFor(p Principal) (Consumer, bool) {
 	// connected, and its graph stayed empty with nothing anywhere reporting why.
 	// And one that hears its own answers on a seat it uses (novox/hq ADR 0259 §3): an asker's warrants.
 	hearsItsOwn := len(SeatTrafficOf(p.Module, nil, p.Uses, nil).Subscribe) > 0
-	if p.Kind != KindModule || (len(p.Consumes) == 0 && len(p.Watches) == 0 && !hearsItsOwn) {
+	hearsAStream := false
+	for _, h := range p.Hears {
+		if len(h.Filters) > 0 {
+			hearsAStream = true
+		}
+	}
+	if p.Kind != KindModule || (len(p.Consumes) == 0 && len(p.Watches) == 0 && !hearsItsOwn && !hearsAStream) {
 		return Consumer{}, false
 	}
 	perms, err := PermissionsFor(p)
@@ -140,11 +146,14 @@ func ConsumerFor(p Principal) (Consumer, bool) {
 	// business, which is why this is a filter and not the whole list.
 	var filters []string
 	for _, s := range perms.Subscribe {
-		if strings.Contains(s, ".event.") {
+		// Not a module stream's, which its own consumer on that stream hears (novox/hq ADR 0363).
+		if strings.Contains(s, ".event.") && !strings.HasPrefix(s, moduleStreamPrefix) {
 			filters = append(filters, s)
 		}
 	}
-	if len(filters) == 0 {
+	// **A module that hears only a module's stream still has one here** (novox/hq ADR 0363 §7): what it
+	// gives up on there is delivered again under `mesh.again.<consumer>.` on EVENTS, and only this filters it.
+	if len(filters) == 0 && !hearsAStream {
 		return Consumer{}, false
 	}
 	sort.Strings(filters)
@@ -181,6 +190,13 @@ func ConsumersOf(users []Principal) []ModuleConsumer {
 		}
 		seen[p.Node+"/"+p.Module] = true
 		out = append(out, ModuleConsumer{Node: p.Node, Module: p.Module, Consumer: c})
+		// And one on each module stream it hears (novox/hq ADR 0363 §5).
+		for _, h := range p.Hears {
+			if len(h.Filters) == 0 {
+				continue
+			}
+			out = append(out, ModuleConsumer{Node: p.Node, Module: p.Module, Consumer: heardConsumer(p, h)})
+		}
 	}
 	for _, p := range users {
 		if p.Kind == KindModule {
@@ -193,7 +209,8 @@ func ConsumersOf(users []Principal) []ModuleConsumer {
 		}
 		for _, d := range p.Carries {
 			add(Principal{Kind: KindModule, Node: p.Node, Module: d.Module, Emits: d.Emits,
-				Consumes: d.Consumes, Serves: d.Serves, Holds: d.Holds, Uses: d.Uses, Watches: d.Watches})
+				Consumes: d.Consumes, Serves: d.Serves, Holds: d.Holds, Uses: d.Uses, Watches: d.Watches,
+				Streams: d.Streams, Hears: d.Hears})
 		}
 	}
 	return out

internal/broker/jetstream.go

@@ -486,3 +486,25 @@ func (j *JetStream) LogStreams() ([]string, error) {
 	}
 	return out, lister.Err()
 }
+
+// ConsumerNames is every durable consumer on a stream; none for a stream that does not exist yet.
+func (j *JetStream) ConsumerNames(stream string) ([]string, error) {
+	if _, err := j.js.StreamInfo(stream); errors.Is(err, nats.ErrStreamNotFound) {
+		return nil, nil
+	} else if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	var out []string
+	for name := range j.js.ConsumerNames(stream) {
+		out = append(out, name)
+	}
+	return out, nil
+}
+
+// RemoveConsumer deletes one durable consumer (novox/hq ADR 0363 §6): one the composition no longer asks for.
+func (j *JetStream) RemoveConsumer(stream, name string) error {
+	if err := j.js.DeleteConsumer(stream, name); err != nil && !errors.Is(err, nats.ErrConsumerNotFound) {
+		return err
+	}
+	return nil
+}

internal/broker/membership.go

@@ -61,6 +61,11 @@ type Membership struct {
 	// over every module on the machine, so one module's code reaching another's name or kind through
 	// the runtime is the runtime's to refuse.
 	SeatTraffic *SeatTraffic `json:"seat-traffic,omitempty"`
+	// Streams are this module's own streams (novox/hq ADR 0363 §2): an event one of them carries is published
+	// on that stream's subject, never on Emits. Hears are the module streams it hears, each through a durable
+	// consumer on that stream the runtime binds beside the one on EVENTS (§8).
+	Streams []StreamIssued `json:"streams,omitempty"`
+	Hears   []HeardIssued  `json:"hears,omitempty"`
 }
 
 // Served is one address a tool is answered on.
@@ -126,6 +131,8 @@ func MembershipFor(node string, d Declared, where Placements) Membership {
 	}
 	m.State = stateIssuedFor(d, node)
 	m.Logs = logsIssuedFor(d)
+	m.Streams = streamsIssuedFor(d)
+	m.Hears = HeardIssuedFor(node, d)
 	t := SeatTrafficOf(d.Module, d.Holds, d.Uses, d.Watches)
 	for _, s := range append(append([]Seat{}, d.Uses...), d.Watches...) {
 		if !s.Kinded {

internal/broker/modstreams.go

@@ -0,0 +1,243 @@
+package broker
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+	"sort"
+	"strings"
+)
+
+// A module's own stream on the bus (novox/hq ADR 0363).
+//
+// A module declares a stream as it declares a log: named locally, created by the controller from the
+// catalogue on every raise and every send, never removed by the mesh. Its events are published on
+// `mesh.stream.<module>.event.<event>`, a subject space the shared EVENTS stream (`mesh.mod.*.event.>`)
+// does not take — the bus refuses two streams claiming one subject, so a module's stream cannot share
+// EVENTS' — and a consumer hears it through a durable consumer of its own on that stream, named as on
+// EVENTS. Pure; the controller's raise asserts what is composed here.
+
+// moduleStreamPrefix starts every subject a module's own stream takes.
+const moduleStreamPrefix = "mesh.stream."
+
+// ModuleStreamSubject is where a module's event on its own stream lands: `mesh.stream.<module>.event.<event>`.
+// The token before `.event.` is the emitter, as on EVENTS, so a runtime reads the same key from it.
+func ModuleStreamSubject(module, event string) string {
+	return moduleStreamPrefix + module + ".event." + event
+}
+
+// OnAModuleStream says a subject is one a module's own stream takes.
+func OnAModuleStream(subject string) bool { return strings.HasPrefix(subject, moduleStreamPrefix) }
+
+// WirePattern is a local event pattern as the bus spells it: `**` is `>`.
+func WirePattern(local string) string {
+	parts := strings.Split(local, ".")
+	for i, p := range parts {
+		if p == "**" {
+			parts[i] = ">"
+		}
+	}
+	return strings.Join(parts, ".")
+}
+
+// A ModuleStream is one module's declared stream as the bus holds it.
+type ModuleStream struct {
+	Module string
+	// Name is its name on the bus, `MAIL`.
+	Name string
+	// Events are the events it carries, as the bus spells them (WirePattern).
+	Events     []string
+	MaxAgeDays int
+	MaxMiB     int
+	// Restricted says a trusted config value of the module grants who hears it (ADR 0363 §4).
+	Restricted bool
+}
+
+// Subjects are the subjects the stream takes.
+func (s ModuleStream) Subjects() []string {
+	var out []string
+	for _, e := range s.Events {
+		out = append(out, ModuleStreamSubject(s.Module, e))
+	}
+	sort.Strings(out)
+	return out
+}
+
+// Stream is the stream the controller asserts: kept by limits, its age and size the module's, dropping
+// its oldest when full — a consumer that was away catches up within the age, and the module's own record
+// answers for anything older.
+func (s ModuleStream) Stream() Stream {
+	why := fmt.Sprintf("%s's own stream (novox/hq ADR 0363): its events, kept %d days and at most %d MiB so a "+
+		"consumer that was away catches up", s.Module, s.MaxAgeDays, s.MaxMiB)
+	if s.Restricted {
+		why += "; heard only by the consumers its trusted config value grants"
+	}
+	return Stream{
+		Name:      s.Name,
+		Subjects:  s.Subjects(),
+		Retention: RetentionLimits,
+		MaxAge:    s.MaxAgeDays * 24 * 60 * 60,
+		MaxBytes:  int64(s.MaxMiB) * 1024 * 1024,
+		Why:       why,
+	}
+}
+
+// ModuleStreams is every declared module stream as the controller asserts it, in name order.
+func ModuleStreams(declared []ModuleStream) []Stream {
+	sorted := append([]ModuleStream(nil), declared...)
+	sort.Slice(sorted, func(i, j int) bool { return sorted[i].Name < sorted[j].Name })
+	out := make([]Stream, 0, len(sorted))
+	for _, s := range sorted {
+		out = append(out, s.Stream())
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// Heard is a module's stream another module hears, and the subjects it hears of it: its `consumes`
+// within the stream and, for a restricted stream, within what the provider's trusted config value grants it
+// (ADR 0363 §5). Composed only with at least one subject.
+type Heard struct {
+	Stream  string
+	Emitter string
+	Filters []string
+}
+
+// heardConsumer is the durable consumer a module hears a module's stream through: named as its consumer
+// on EVENTS, on that stream, with the subjects it was granted as its filters.
+func heardConsumer(p Principal, h Heard) Consumer {
+	filters := append([]string(nil), h.Filters...)
+	sort.Strings(filters)
+	return Consumer{
+		Name:           consumerDurable(p),
+		Stream:         h.Stream,
+		Filters:        filters,
+		AckWaitSeconds: 30,
+		MaxDeliver:     5,
+		Why: "what " + p.Module + " consumes of " + h.Emitter + "'s stream " + h.Stream + " and is granted " +
+			"(novox/hq ADR 0363); after max-deliver it gives an event up, and the controller keeps it in " +
+			"DEAD_LETTERS until a person delivers it again or drops it",
+	}
+}
+
+// heardGrants are what a principal publishes to read and acknowledge the consumers it hears module streams
+// through: asking about each, pulling from it, acknowledging it — its own name on each stream, no other's.
+func heardGrants(p Principal, hears []Heard) []string {
+	var out []string
+	durable := consumerDurable(p)
+	for _, h := range hears {
+		if !safeSubject.MatchString(h.Stream) || len(h.Filters) == 0 {
+			continue
+		}
+		out = append(out,
+			"$JS.API.CONSUMER.INFO."+h.Stream+"."+durable,
+			"$JS.API.CONSUMER.MSG.NEXT."+h.Stream+"."+durable,
+			"$JS.ACK."+h.Stream+"."+durable+".>")
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// ownStreamGrants are the subjects a module publishes its own streams' events on, and no other's.
+func ownStreamGrants(module string, streams []ModuleStream) []string {
+	var out []string
+	for _, s := range streams {
+		if s.Module != module {
+			continue
+		}
+		out = append(out, s.Subjects()...)
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// StreamIssued is one of a module's own streams as its membership names it (ADR 0363 §2): the events it
+// carries, as the bus spells them, and the subject an event of them is published on, `{event}` the event.
+type StreamIssued struct {
+	Stream  string   `json:"stream"`
+	Events  []string `json:"events"`
+	Subject string   `json:"subject"`
+}
+
+// HeardIssued is one module stream an assignment hears, as its membership names it (ADR 0363 §8): the
+// stream and the durable consumer on it the runtime binds.
+type HeardIssued struct {
+	Stream   string `json:"stream"`
+	Consumer string `json:"consumer"`
+}
+
+// streamsIssuedFor is every stream of its own a module's membership names.
+func streamsIssuedFor(d Declared) []StreamIssued {
+	var out []StreamIssued
+	for _, s := range d.Streams {
+		if s.Module != d.Module || !safeSubject.MatchString(d.Module) {
+			continue
+		}
+		out = append(out, StreamIssued{Stream: s.Name, Events: append([]string(nil), s.Events...),
+			Subject: ModuleStreamSubject(d.Module, "{event}")})
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// HeardIssuedFor is every module stream an assignment hears, as its membership names it.
+func HeardIssuedFor(node string, d Declared) []HeardIssued {
+	var out []HeardIssued
+	for _, h := range d.Hears {
+		if len(h.Filters) == 0 {
+			continue
+		}
+		out = append(out, HeardIssued{Stream: h.Stream, Consumer: node + "_" + d.Module})
+	}
+	sort.Slice(out, func(i, j int) bool { return out[i].Stream < out[j].Stream })
+	return out
+}
+
+// Pruner is the part of a JetStream connection that removes a module's consumer on a module's stream it
+// may no longer hear (ADR 0363 §6). Optional: what only records what it is asked to assert has none.
+type Pruner interface {
+	ConsumerNames(stream string) ([]string, error)
+	RemoveConsumer(stream, name string) error
+}
+
+// PruneHeard removes, from each module stream, every durable consumer the composition no longer asks for,
+// and answers what it removed as `<stream>/<consumer>`. A consumer that loses its grant loses what it reads
+// through, whatever its runtime still holds; a stream that does not exist yet has nothing to remove.
+func PruneHeard(p Pruner, streams []ModuleStream, wanted []Consumer) ([]string, error) {
+	keep := map[string]bool{}
+	for _, c := range wanted {
+		keep[c.Stream+"/"+c.Name] = true
+	}
+	var removed []string
+	for _, s := range streams {
+		names, err := p.ConsumerNames(s.Name)
+		if err != nil {
+			return removed, fmt.Errorf("listing the consumers on %s: %w", s.Name, err)
+		}
+		for _, n := range names {
+			if keep[s.Name+"/"+n] {
+				continue
+			}
+			if err := p.RemoveConsumer(s.Name, n); err != nil {
+				return removed, fmt.Errorf("removing %s's consumer on %s, which is no longer granted: %w", n, s.Name, err)
+			}
+			removed = append(removed, s.Name+"/"+n)
+		}
+	}
+	return removed, nil
+}
+
+// EnsureHeard asserts a consumer on a module's stream (ADR 0363 §5, §6). **On a restricted stream, a consumer
+// the bus will not bring to match is removed**: a pull consumer delivers to whoever pulls it, so one left with
+// its wider filters after a narrowing was refused would keep handing over what the grant no longer names,
+// whatever the user list now says. The next assertion makes it again with the granted filters. The refusal is
+// returned either way, saying what was done, so the send says it and raises it.
+func EnsureHeard(r Raiser, c Consumer, restricted bool) error {
+	err := r.EnsureConsumer(c)
+	if err == nil || !restricted {
+		return err
+	}
+	p, prunes := r.(Pruner)
+	if !prunes {
+		return fmt.Errorf("%w; it could not be removed here, and may still deliver more than it is granted", err)
+	}
+	if rerr := p.RemoveConsumer(c.Stream, c.Name); rerr != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("%w; REMOVING IT FAILED TOO, so it may still deliver more than it is granted: %v", err, rerr)
+	}
+	return fmt.Errorf("%w; REMOVED, so it delivers nothing it is no longer granted: the next assertion makes it "+
+		"again with its granted filters (novox/hq ADR 0363 §6)", err)
+}

internal/broker/modstreams_live_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,68 @@
+package broker
+
+import (
+	"slices"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-controller/internal/testbus"
+)
+
+// On a real bus: a module's stream is made beside EVENTS without a clash, keeps what the module publishes on
+// its own subjects, a granted consumer hears only its part, a narrowed grant narrows it, and a withdrawn one
+// is removed (novox/hq ADR 0363).
+//
+//	go test ./internal/broker/ -run TestAModuleStreamOnARealBus
+func TestAModuleStreamOnARealBus(t *testing.T) {
+	js, err := Dial(testbus.URL(t))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	defer js.Close()
+	for _, s := range []Stream{MeshStreams()[3], mailStream.Stream()} {
+		_ = js.js.DeleteStream(s.Name)
+		if err := js.EnsureStream(s); err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("%s: %v", s.Name, err)
+		}
+		defer func(name string) { _ = js.js.DeleteStream(name) }(s.Name)
+	}
+	for _, account := range []string{"mesh", "work"} {
+		if _, err := js.js.Publish(ModuleStreamSubject("mesh-mail", "mail."+account+".message.added"), []byte("{}")); err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("publishing %s's mail: %v", account, err)
+		}
+	}
+	if info, _ := js.js.StreamInfo(EventsStream); info.State.Msgs != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("EVENTS kept %d of the module stream's events", info.State.Msgs)
+	}
+
+	reader := Principal{Kind: KindModule, Node: "ace", Module: "reader", Hears: []Heard{mailHeard}}
+	c := heardConsumer(reader, mailHeard)
+	if err := js.EnsureConsumer(c); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	time.Sleep(50 * time.Millisecond)
+	if info, _ := js.js.ConsumerInfo("MAIL", c.Name); info.NumPending != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("the reader granted `mesh` has %d pending, want 1", info.NumPending)
+	}
+	narrowed := c
+	narrowed.Filters = []string{"mesh.stream.mesh-mail.event.mail.mesh.message.changed"}
+	if err := EnsureHeard(js, narrowed, true); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("narrowing the grant: %v", err)
+	}
+	if info, _ := js.js.ConsumerInfo("MAIL", c.Name); info.Config.FilterSubject != narrowed.Filters[0] || len(info.Config.FilterSubjects) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("narrowed to %q %v, want only %s", info.Config.FilterSubject, info.Config.FilterSubjects, narrowed.Filters[0])
+	}
+	if info, _ := js.js.ConsumerInfo("MAIL", c.Name); info.NumPending != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("after narrowing, %d of the reader's former grant are still pending", info.NumPending)
+	}
+	removed, err := PruneHeard(js, []ModuleStream{mailStream}, nil)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if !slices.Equal(removed, []string{"MAIL/ace_reader"}) {
+		t.Fatalf("removed %v", removed)
+	}
+	if names, _ := js.ConsumerNames("MAIL"); len(names) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("still on MAIL: %v", names)
+	}
+}

internal/broker/modstreams_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,210 @@
+package broker
+
+import (
+	"errors"
+	"reflect"
+	"slices"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+)
+
+// mailStream is mesh-mail's own stream as the bus holds it (novox/hq ADR 0363).
+var mailStream = ModuleStream{Module: "mesh-mail", Name: "MAIL",
+	Events:     []string{"mail.*.message.added", "mail.*.message.changed", "mail.*.message.removed"},
+	MaxAgeDays: 7, MaxMiB: 1024, Restricted: true}
+
+// mailHeard is what a reader granted the account `mesh` hears of it.
+var mailHeard = Heard{Stream: "MAIL", Emitter: "mesh-mail", Filters: []string{
+	"mesh.stream.mesh-mail.event.mail.mesh.message.added", "mesh.stream.mesh-mail.event.mail.mesh.message.changed"}}
+
+// A module's stream is its own: subjects EVENTS does not claim, its age and size, kept by limits (ADR 0363 §1, §2).
+func TestAModuleStreamTakesSubjectsEventsDoesNot(t *testing.T) {
+	s := mailStream.Stream()
+	if s.Name != "MAIL" || s.Retention != RetentionLimits || s.MaxAge != 7*24*60*60 || s.MaxBytes != 1024<<20 || s.DiscardNew {
+		t.Fatalf("composed as %+v", s)
+	}
+	want := []string{"mesh.stream.mesh-mail.event.mail.*.message.added", "mesh.stream.mesh-mail.event.mail.*.message.changed",
+		"mesh.stream.mesh-mail.event.mail.*.message.removed"}
+	if !reflect.DeepEqual(s.Subjects, want) {
+		t.Fatalf("subjects %v", s.Subjects)
+	}
+	for _, own := range MeshStreams() {
+		for _, a := range own.Subjects {
+			for _, b := range s.Subjects {
+				if SubjectsOverlap(a, b) {
+					t.Fatalf("%s claims %s, which overlaps %s of %s: the bus would refuse the stream", s.Name, b, a, own.Name)
+				}
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	if WirePattern("mail.**") != "mail.>" {
+		t.Fatal("`**` is spelled `>` on the wire")
+	}
+}
+
+// The provider publishes its stream's events on their subjects and nowhere on EVENTS for them; a consumer
+// granted a part hears it through its own consumer on the stream, and one not granted has nothing there
+// (ADR 0363 §2, §5).
+func TestTheProviderPublishesItsStreamAndOnlyAGrantedConsumerHearsIt(t *testing.T) {
+	provider, err := PermissionsFor(Principal{Kind: KindModule, Node: "novox", Module: "mesh-mail",
+		Streams: []ModuleStream{mailStream}})
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if !MayPublish(provider, "mesh.stream.mesh-mail.event.mail.work.message.added") {
+		t.Fatal("the provider may not publish its own stream's event")
+	}
+	if MayPublish(provider, "mesh.mod.mesh-mail.event.mail.work.message.added") {
+		t.Fatal("the provider may publish its stream's event on EVENTS")
+	}
+	if MayPublish(provider, "mesh.stream.other.event.mail.work.message.added") {
+		t.Fatal("the provider may publish on another module's stream")
+	}
+
+	reader := Principal{Kind: KindModule, Node: "ace", Module: "reader", Hears: []Heard{mailHeard}}
+	perms, err := PermissionsFor(reader)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	for _, s := range []string{"$JS.API.CONSUMER.MSG.NEXT.MAIL.ace_reader", "$JS.API.CONSUMER.INFO.MAIL.ace_reader",
+		"$JS.ACK.MAIL.ace_reader.1"} {
+		if !MayPublish(perms, s) {
+			t.Errorf("the granted reader may not publish %s", s)
+		}
+	}
+	if !MaySubscribe(perms, "mesh.stream.mesh-mail.event.mail.mesh.message.added") ||
+		MaySubscribe(perms, "mesh.stream.mesh-mail.event.mail.work.message.added") {
+		t.Fatal("the reader's subscription is not what it was granted")
+	}
+	if MayPublish(perms, "$JS.API.CONSUMER.MSG.NEXT.MAIL.ace_other") {
+		t.Fatal("the reader may pull another's consumer")
+	}
+
+	stranger, err := PermissionsFor(Principal{Kind: KindModule, Node: "ace", Module: "stranger",
+		Consumes: []string{"billing.paid"}})
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if MayPublish(stranger, "$JS.API.CONSUMER.MSG.NEXT.MAIL.ace_stranger") ||
+		MaySubscribe(stranger, "mesh.stream.mesh-mail.event.mail.mesh.message.added") {
+		t.Fatal("a module not granted reaches the stream")
+	}
+}
+
+// A granted consumer has a durable consumer on the stream, with its granted subjects as filters, and an EVENTS
+// consumer that hears what it gives up on delivered again (ADR 0363 §5, §7); the runtime carrying it may read both.
+func TestAGrantedConsumerHasAConsumerOnTheStream(t *testing.T) {
+	records := Records{Nodes: []string{"ace", "novox"}, Assigned: map[string][]Declared{
+		"novox": {{Module: "mesh-mail", Streams: []ModuleStream{mailStream}}},
+		"ace":   {{Module: RuntimeModule}, {Module: "reader", Hears: []Heard{mailHeard}, HearsAStream: true}, {Module: "stranger", HearsAStream: true}},
+	}}
+	users, err := Users(records)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	var onMail, onEvents []Consumer
+	for _, c := range ConsumersOf(users) {
+		switch c.Consumer.Stream {
+		case "MAIL":
+			onMail = append(onMail, c.Consumer)
+		case EventsStream:
+			onEvents = append(onEvents, c.Consumer)
+		}
+	}
+	if len(onMail) != 1 || onMail[0].Name != "ace_reader" || !slices.Equal(onMail[0].Filters, mailHeard.Filters) {
+		t.Fatalf("on MAIL: %+v", onMail)
+	}
+	if len(onEvents) != 1 || onEvents[0].Name != "ace_reader" || !slices.Equal(onEvents[0].Filters, []string{AgainFilter("ace_reader")}) {
+		t.Fatalf("on EVENTS: %+v", onEvents)
+	}
+	for _, u := range users {
+		if u.Kind != KindNodeTools || u.Node != "ace" {
+			continue
+		}
+		perms, err := PermissionsFor(u)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		if !MayPublish(perms, "$JS.API.CONSUMER.MSG.NEXT.MAIL.ace_reader") || !MayPublish(perms, "$JS.ACK.MAIL.ace_reader.1") {
+			t.Fatal("the runtime carrying the reader may not read its consumer on MAIL")
+		}
+		if MayPublish(perms, "$JS.API.CONSUMER.MSG.NEXT.MAIL.ace_stranger") {
+			t.Fatal("the runtime may read a consumer no module it carries is granted")
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// The membership says where a module's stream events go and which consumers on module streams to bind
+// (ADR 0363 §2, §8).
+func TestTheMembershipNamesTheStreamAndWhatIsHeard(t *testing.T) {
+	where := Placements{Nodes: map[string][]string{}}
+	provider := MembershipFor("novox", Declared{Module: "mesh-mail", Streams: []ModuleStream{mailStream}}, where)
+	if len(provider.Streams) != 1 || provider.Streams[0].Stream != "MAIL" ||
+		provider.Streams[0].Subject != "mesh.stream.mesh-mail.event.{event}" ||
+		!slices.Equal(provider.Streams[0].Events, mailStream.Events) {
+		t.Fatalf("the provider's membership: %+v", provider.Streams)
+	}
+	reader := MembershipFor("ace", Declared{Module: "reader", Hears: []Heard{mailHeard}}, where)
+	if !reflect.DeepEqual(reader.Hears, []HeardIssued{{Stream: "MAIL", Consumer: "ace_reader"}}) {
+		t.Fatalf("the reader's membership: %+v", reader.Hears)
+	}
+	if none := MembershipFor("ace", Declared{Module: "stranger", HearsAStream: true}, where); none.Hears != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("a module not granted is told to bind %+v", none.Hears)
+	}
+}
+
+type fakePruner struct {
+	on      map[string][]string
+	removed []string
+}
+
+func (f *fakePruner) ConsumerNames(stream string) ([]string, error) { return f.on[stream], nil }
+func (f *fakePruner) RemoveConsumer(stream, name string) error {
+	f.removed = append(f.removed, stream+"/"+name)
+	return nil
+}
+
+// A consumer that lost its grant has its consumer on the stream removed by the next assertion (ADR 0363 §6).
+func TestAConsumerThatLostItsGrantIsRemoved(t *testing.T) {
+	f := &fakePruner{on: map[string][]string{"MAIL": {"ace_reader", "ace_former"}}}
+	wanted := []Consumer{{Name: "ace_reader", Stream: "MAIL"}, {Name: "ace_former", Stream: EventsStream}}
+	removed, err := PruneHeard(f, []ModuleStream{mailStream}, wanted)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if !slices.Equal(removed, []string{"MAIL/ace_former"}) || !slices.Equal(f.removed, removed) {
+		t.Fatalf("removed %v", removed)
+	}
+}
+
+type refusingRaiser struct {
+	fakePruner
+	refuse bool
+}
+
+func (r *refusingRaiser) EnsureStream(Stream) error { return nil }
+func (r *refusingRaiser) EnsureConsumer(Consumer) error {
+	if r.refuse {
+		return errors.New("consumer update refused")
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+// A narrowing the bus refuses on a restricted stream removes the consumer, so its wider filters deliver nothing
+// more; on an unrestricted stream the refusal is only said (review of PR 338, ADR 0363 §6).
+func TestARefusedNarrowingOnARestrictedStreamRemovesTheConsumer(t *testing.T) {
+	c := Consumer{Name: "ace_reader", Stream: "MAIL", Filters: mailHeard.Filters[:1]}
+	r := &refusingRaiser{refuse: true}
+	err := EnsureHeard(r, c, true)
+	if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "REMOVED") || !slices.Equal(r.removed, []string{"MAIL/ace_reader"}) {
+		t.Fatalf("restricted: %v, removed %v", err, r.removed)
+	}
+	r = &refusingRaiser{refuse: true}
+	if err := EnsureHeard(r, c, false); err == nil || len(r.removed) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("unrestricted: %v, removed %v", err, r.removed)
+	}
+	r = &refusingRaiser{}
+	if err := EnsureHeard(r, c, true); err != nil || len(r.removed) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("accepted: %v, removed %v", err, r.removed)
+	}
+}