diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-assigner/cmd/mesh-delivery-assigner/main.go b/modules/mesh-delivery-assigner/cmd/mesh-delivery-assigner/main.go
index 2f2512d..3ba0133 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-assigner/cmd/mesh-delivery-assigner/main.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-assigner/cmd/mesh-delivery-assigner/main.go
@@ -86,11 +86,11 @@ var keptStates = []announce.State{
 // buckets is every bucket the assigner opened, by name.
 type buckets map[string]jetstream.KeyValue
 
-// open opens every bucket the assigner reads and writes; a bucket it cannot open stops the start, named with its grant (issue 1945), since a pass
-// without it would write wants from half the mesh. The puts' bucket is the exception: whatever keeps it from opening (it
+// open opens every bucket the assigner reads and writes; a bucket it cannot open stops the start, named with its grant (issue 1945),
+// since a pass without it would write wants from half the mesh. The puts' bucket is the exception: whatever keeps it from opening (it
 // does not exist yet, the credential is not granted it yet, the bus does not answer in time), the assigner writes wants
 // without it and takes no put further until it starts again (ADR 0546).
-func open(ctx context.Context, js bucketOpener, logf func(string, ...any)) (buckets, error) {
+func open(ctx context.Context, js process.BucketOpener, logf func(string, ...any)) (buckets, error) {
 	out := buckets{}
 	for _, name := range append(append([]string{}, readBuckets...), ownBuckets...) {
 		kv, err := js.KeyValue(ctx, name)
@@ -99,7 +99,7 @@ func open(ctx context.Context, js bucketOpener, logf func(string, ...any)) (buck
 			continue
 		}
 		if err != nil {
-			return nil, essentialErr(name, "write a want from the whole mesh", err)
+			return nil, process.EssentialErr("assigner", name, "write a want from the whole mesh", err)
 		}
 		out[name] = kv
 	}
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-assigner/cmd/mesh-delivery-assigner/optional.go b/modules/mesh-delivery-assigner/cmd/mesh-delivery-assigner/optional.go
deleted file mode 100644
index 0267144..0000000
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-assigner/cmd/mesh-delivery-assigner/optional.go
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,27 +0,0 @@
-package main
-
-import (
-	"context"
-	"fmt"
-
-	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go/jetstream"
-)
-
-// **A part does not stop for a bucket it can work without** (novox/hq issue 1945, met twice on 2026-10-25: the builder of
-// mesh-delivery #48 exited on a refused read of the gate's source, and its new reasks bucket would have done the same). A
-// grant reaches the bus with a delivery, so a bucket the bus refuses, or times out on, at start is often only not granted
-// yet: exiting for it stops the part until a person's hand. The assigner works without none of its buckets but the Go build
-// module's steps, so the others stop the start, naming the grant to look at. (The same two functions are in each delivery part;
-// they belong in mesh-sdk.)
-
-// bucketOpener is the part of the bus a start opens buckets with.
-type bucketOpener interface {
-	KeyValue(ctx context.Context, bucket string) (jetstream.KeyValue, error)
-}
-
-// essentialErr is the error of a bucket the part cannot work without: it names the bucket and the grant.
-func essentialErr(name, does string, err error) error {
-	return fmt.Errorf("the bucket %s cannot be read (%v): the assigner cannot %s without it, so it stops; where the bus "+
-		"refused it or did not answer, this module's grant of %s (its manifest's reads or state, issued with its credential) "+
-		"has not reached the bus yet", name, err, does, name)
-}
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-assigner/go.mod b/modules/mesh-delivery-assigner/go.mod
index 893c786..df8760f 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-assigner/go.mod
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-assigner/go.mod
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ module mesh-delivery-assigner
 go 1.26.0
 
 require (
-	git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261025203528-db26f7e8b6f5
+	git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261025211220-e0d1de047585
 	github.com/nats-io/nats-server/v2 v2.11.17
 	github.com/nats-io/nats.go v1.54.0
 )
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-assigner/go.sum b/modules/mesh-delivery-assigner/go.sum
index 2d6d7be..8492faa 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-assigner/go.sum
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-assigner/go.sum
@@ -6,6 +6,8 @@ git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261025200810-d4ae4b6790b8 h1:vhYk/iv4
 git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261025200810-d4ae4b6790b8/go.mod h1:ouERNpZizzwZ0HLEtAypsY9FR20FyUgUYRni6J7kVCY=
 git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261025203528-db26f7e8b6f5 h1:gE80bR0tPME7MTMBLcdP62v+F/9soVXmdcBYNMOye44=
 git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261025203528-db26f7e8b6f5/go.mod h1:ouERNpZizzwZ0HLEtAypsY9FR20FyUgUYRni6J7kVCY=
+git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261025211220-e0d1de047585 h1:7QoFH5qjXRpx5M4uPdYsVJ5qKl2082gq8n0lFxhoNIg=
+git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261025211220-e0d1de047585/go.mod h1:ouERNpZizzwZ0HLEtAypsY9FR20FyUgUYRni6J7kVCY=
 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/google/go-tpm v0.9.8 h1:slArAR9Ft+1ybZu0lBwpSmpwhRXaa85hWtMinMyRAWo=
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-builder/cmd/mesh-delivery-builder/main.go b/modules/mesh-delivery-builder/cmd/mesh-delivery-builder/main.go
index d6b2e9f..1726dc5 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-builder/cmd/mesh-delivery-builder/main.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-builder/cmd/mesh-delivery-builder/main.go
@@ -13,7 +13,6 @@ import (
 	"encoding/json"
 	"errors"
 	"fmt"
-	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/delivery/buildrun"
 	"io"
 	"log"
 	"maps"
@@ -25,6 +24,8 @@ import (
 	"syscall"
 	"time"
 
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/delivery/buildrun"
+
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go/jetstream"
 
@@ -124,20 +125,20 @@ func run(ctx context.Context, getenv func(string) string, logOut io.Writer) erro
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
-	builds, err := essentialBucket(ctx, js, delivery.BuilderBuildsBucket, "claim or write a build key")
+	builds, err := process.EssentialBucket(ctx, js, "builder", delivery.BuilderBuildsBucket, "claim or write a build key")
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
-	modules, err := essentialBucket(ctx, js, delivery.ModulesBucket, "know any fingerprint to build")
+	modules, err := process.EssentialBucket(ctx, js, "builder", delivery.ModulesBucket, "know any fingerprint to build")
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
-	manifests, err := essentialBucket(ctx, js, delivery.ManifestsBucket, "read what a module builds")
+	manifests, err := process.EssentialBucket(ctx, js, "builder", delivery.ManifestsBucket, "read what a module builds")
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 	// The candidates' fingerprints are built too (issue 1684): a builder that cannot read them builds the trunk's.
-	candidates := optionalBucket(ctx, js, delivery.CandidatesBucket, "no candidate's fingerprint is built until the builder starts again; the trunk's are", logger.Printf)
+	candidates := process.OptionalBucket(ctx, js, delivery.CandidatesBucket, "no candidate's fingerprint is built until the builder starts again; the trunk's are", logger.Printf)
 	bound := defaultStepBound
 	if v := strings.TrimSpace(getenv("MESH_BUILDER_STEP_BOUND")); v != "" {
 		if bound, err = time.ParseDuration(v); err != nil {
@@ -188,7 +189,7 @@ func run(ctx context.Context, getenv func(string) string, logOut io.Writer) erro
 	// controller delivers from this builder's keys only while an instance says it writes references. A bucket not there
 	// yet (the manifest's state not made) is said, and the controller's plan waits for the keys, named (no build-agent
 	// is asked since R4g, ADR 0524 §7).
-	switch kv := optionalBucket(ctx, js, instancesBucket, "the controller is not told that this builder writes references until it starts again", logger.Printf); {
+	switch kv := process.OptionalBucket(ctx, js, instancesBucket, "the controller is not told that this builder writes references until it starts again", logger.Printf); {
 	case kv == nil:
 	default:
 		says := newSayer(ctx, kv, cred.Node, []string{buildrun.GoBuildModule, buildrun.NodeBuildModule, build.ImageBuildModule}, logger.Printf)
@@ -272,17 +273,17 @@ func run(ctx context.Context, getenv func(string) string, logOut io.Writer) erro
 	if candidates != nil {
 		cw, err := settle(ctx, candidates, eachCandidate)
 		if err != nil {
-			logger.Printf("the bucket %s cannot be watched (%v): no candidate's fingerprint is built until the builder starts again", delivery.CandidatesBucket, err)
+			process.NotWatched(logger.Printf, delivery.CandidatesBucket, err, "no candidate's fingerprint is built until the builder starts again")
 		} else {
 			go func() { errs <- follow(ctx, cw, eachCandidate) }()
 		}
 	}
 	// A person asks a key's build again with builder_ask_again, which writes the reasks state (issue 1945): watched, as
 	// every other input. The builder asks again by itself without it.
-	if kv := optionalBucket(ctx, js, build.ReAsksBucket, "builder_ask_again is not heard until the builder starts again; an ask that can no longer be answered is still asked again by itself", logger.Printf); kv != nil {
+	if kv := process.OptionalBucket(ctx, js, build.ReAsksBucket, "builder_ask_again is not heard until the builder starts again; an ask that can no longer be answered is still asked again by itself", logger.Printf); kv != nil {
 		eachReAsk := func(e jetstream.KeyValueEntry) { reAsked(ctx, b, kv, e, logger.Printf) }
 		if rw, err := settle(ctx, kv, eachReAsk); err != nil {
-			logger.Printf("the bucket %s cannot be watched (%v): builder_ask_again is not heard until the builder starts again", build.ReAsksBucket, err)
+			process.NotWatched(logger.Printf, build.ReAsksBucket, err, "builder_ask_again is not heard until the builder starts again")
 		} else {
 			go func() { errs <- follow(ctx, rw, eachReAsk) }()
 		}
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-builder/cmd/mesh-delivery-builder/optional.go b/modules/mesh-delivery-builder/cmd/mesh-delivery-builder/optional.go
index bd2542e..02afe10 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-builder/cmd/mesh-delivery-builder/optional.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-builder/cmd/mesh-delivery-builder/optional.go
@@ -10,39 +10,13 @@ import (
 	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/delivery"
 )
 
-// **A part does not stop for a bucket it can work without** (novox/hq issue 1945, met twice on 2026-10-25: the builder of
+// **A part does not stop for a bucket it can work without** (mesh-sdk process.EssentialBucket, OptionalBucket) (novox/hq issue 1945, met twice on 2026-10-25: the builder of
 // mesh-delivery #48 exited on a refused read of the gate's source, and its reasks bucket would have done the same). A grant
 // reaches the bus with a delivery, so a bucket the bus refuses, or times out on, at start is often only not granted yet:
 // exiting for it stops every build until a person's hand. A bucket the builder cannot build at all without (its builds,
 // the indexer's modules and manifests) still stops the start, naming the grant to look at; every other is said and left,
 // and opened again at the next event that needs it where there is one.
 
-// essentialBucket opens a bucket the builder cannot work without; its error names the bucket and the grant.
-func essentialBucket(ctx context.Context, js bucketOpener, name, does string) (jetstream.KeyValue, error) {
-	kv, err := js.KeyValue(ctx, name)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, essentialErr(name, does, err)
-	}
-	return kv, nil
-}
-
-// essentialErr is the error of a bucket the part cannot work without: it names the bucket and the grant.
-func essentialErr(name, does string, err error) error {
-	return fmt.Errorf("the bucket %s cannot be read (%v): the builder cannot %s without it, so it stops; where the bus "+
-		"refused it or did not answer, this module's grant of %s (its manifest's reads or state, issued with its credential) "+
-		"has not reached the bus yet", name, err, does, name)
-}
-
-// optionalBucket opens a bucket the builder works without: any error is said with what is not heard, and nil answered.
-func optionalBucket(ctx context.Context, js bucketOpener, name, without string, logf func(string, ...any)) jetstream.KeyValue {
-	kv, err := js.KeyValue(ctx, name)
-	if err != nil {
-		logf("the bucket %s cannot be read (%v): %s", name, err, without)
-		return nil
-	}
-	return kv
-}
-
 // trunkSource is the gate's source history the candidates' previews are merged onto (sourceHeads), opened at start and,
 // while it cannot be, again at the next candidate that asks a trunk head: a builder without it builds the trunk's keys,
 // and a candidate's preview waits, saying why.
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-builder/cmd/mesh-delivery-builder/standing_test.go b/modules/mesh-delivery-builder/cmd/mesh-delivery-builder/standing_test.go
index ae19091..4a0e7ca 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-builder/cmd/mesh-delivery-builder/standing_test.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-builder/cmd/mesh-delivery-builder/standing_test.go
@@ -12,6 +12,8 @@ import (
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/process"
+
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go/jetstream"
 
 	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/delivery"
@@ -111,7 +113,7 @@ func TestAnUnassignedBuildNodesReportIsNoBuilder(t *testing.T) {
 	if !strings.Contains(logs.String(), "cannot be watched") || !strings.Contains(logs.String(), "cannot be read") {
 		t.Errorf("the refusals were not said: %q", logs.String())
 	}
-	if _, err := essentialBucket(context.Background(), refusingBus{refuseOpen: true, err: refused.err}, "mesh-delivery-indexer_modules", "work"); err == nil ||
+	if _, err := process.EssentialBucket(context.Background(), refusingBus{refuseOpen: true, err: refused.err}, "builder", "mesh-delivery-indexer_modules", "work"); err == nil ||
 		!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "grant of mesh-delivery-indexer_modules") {
 		t.Errorf("a refused bucket the part needs: %v, want an error naming its grant", err)
 	}
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-builder/cmd/mesh-delivery-builder/toolchains.go b/modules/mesh-delivery-builder/cmd/mesh-delivery-builder/toolchains.go
index f574c2d..58ae514 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-builder/cmd/mesh-delivery-builder/toolchains.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-builder/cmd/mesh-delivery-builder/toolchains.go
@@ -3,11 +3,14 @@ package main
 import (
 	"context"
 	"errors"
-	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/delivery/buildrun"
+	"fmt"
 	"log"
 	"strings"
 	"sync"
 
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/delivery/buildrun"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/process"
+
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go/jetstream"
 
 	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/delivery"
@@ -67,7 +70,7 @@ func (w *toolchainWatch) ensure(module string) error {
 	}
 	watcher, err := settle(w.ctx, kv, func(e jetstream.KeyValueEntry) { w.put(module, e.Key(), e.Value(), !opOf(e)) })
 	if err != nil {
-		w.logger.Printf("the bucket %s cannot be watched (%v): %s's toolchains are not heard until its next report", name, err, module)
+		process.NotWatched(w.logger.Printf, name, err, fmt.Sprintf("%s's toolchains are not heard until its next report", module))
 		return nil
 	}
 	w.watched[module] = true
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-builder/go.mod b/modules/mesh-delivery-builder/go.mod
index 615cce0..fb89b4d 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-builder/go.mod
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-builder/go.mod
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ module mesh-delivery-builder
 go 1.26.0
 
 require (
-	git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261024020722-34f210e5eba1
+	git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261025211220-e0d1de047585
 	github.com/nats-io/nats-server/v2 v2.11.17
 	github.com/nats-io/nats.go v1.54.0
 )
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-builder/go.sum b/modules/mesh-delivery-builder/go.sum
index d648ca0..2dfa4fd 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-builder/go.sum
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-builder/go.sum
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261024020722-34f210e5eba1 h1:fzOkrz9CSp3mEjeV7NfZx8yoivI1sD1AOtIPtyyF8RI=
 git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261024020722-34f210e5eba1/go.mod h1:ouERNpZizzwZ0HLEtAypsY9FR20FyUgUYRni6J7kVCY=
+git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261025211220-e0d1de047585 h1:7QoFH5qjXRpx5M4uPdYsVJ5qKl2082gq8n0lFxhoNIg=
+git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261025211220-e0d1de047585/go.mod h1:ouERNpZizzwZ0HLEtAypsY9FR20FyUgUYRni6J7kVCY=
 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/google/go-tpm v0.9.8 h1:slArAR9Ft+1ybZu0lBwpSmpwhRXaa85hWtMinMyRAWo=
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-checker/cmd/mesh-delivery-checker/main.go b/modules/mesh-delivery-checker/cmd/mesh-delivery-checker/main.go
index 7b97f0d..c46ec4d 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-checker/cmd/mesh-delivery-checker/main.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-checker/cmd/mesh-delivery-checker/main.go
@@ -157,7 +157,7 @@ func run(ctx context.Context, getenv func(string) string, logOut io.Writer) erro
 	buckets := map[string]jetstream.KeyValue{}
 	for _, name := range []string{delivery.CheckerVerdictsBucket, delivery.CheckerKeptBucket, delivery.CheckerOwedBucket, delivery.PreviewsBucket,
 		delivery.CandidatesBucket, delivery.ModulesBucket, delivery.ManifestsBucket, check.TriesBucket} {
-		if buckets[name], err = essentialBucket(ctx, js, name, "judge or keep a check"); err != nil {
+		if buckets[name], err = process.EssentialBucket(ctx, js, "checker", name, "judge or keep a check"); err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
 	}
@@ -207,7 +207,7 @@ func run(ctx context.Context, getenv func(string) string, logOut io.Writer) erro
 	// The builder's builds say how the candidates' fingerprints stand (issue 1684); where its bucket is not there yet the line
 	// says nothing of the builds, until the checker starts again.
 	var builds check.BuildStates
-	if kv := optionalBucket(ctx, js, delivery.BuilderBuildsBucket, "the line says nothing of the builds until the checker starts again", logger.Printf); kv != nil {
+	if kv := process.OptionalBucket(ctx, js, delivery.BuilderBuildsBucket, "the line says nothing of the builds until the checker starts again", logger.Printf); kv != nil {
 		builds = buildReader{kvStore{kv}}
 	}
 	// The assigner's compositions (ADR 0528 clause 5, issue 1297): their bucket is looked up at each check until it is
@@ -280,9 +280,9 @@ func run(ctx context.Context, getenv func(string) string, logOut io.Writer) erro
 	// the assigner's own presence says whether a composition is being made (compositionWatch, ADR 0537 §4). A check is no
 	// longer held for a node: its asks wait in the build seats' streams, which redeliver a lost node's ask (ADR 0525 §6,
 	// issue 1912), so the node-engine's have is not watched here.
-	if kv := optionalBucket(ctx, js, delivery.PresenceBucket, "no node counts as online until the checker starts again", logger.Printf); kv != nil {
+	if kv := process.OptionalBucket(ctx, js, delivery.PresenceBucket, "no node counts as online until the checker starts again", logger.Printf); kv != nil {
 		if pw, err := settle(ctx, kv, func(e jetstream.KeyValueEntry) { presence.Put(e.Key(), e.Value(), !opOf(e)) }); err != nil {
-			logger.Printf("the bucket %s cannot be watched (%v): no node counts as online until the checker starts again", delivery.PresenceBucket, err)
+			process.NotWatched(logger.Printf, delivery.PresenceBucket, err, "no node counts as online until the checker starts again")
 		} else {
 			go func() {
 				errs <- follow(ctx, pw, func(e jetstream.KeyValueEntry) {
@@ -295,14 +295,14 @@ func run(ctx context.Context, getenv func(string) string, logOut io.Writer) erro
 	}
 	// The gate's source says the trunk head of each repository, which a pull request is merged onto. Where it is not there
 	// yet no trunk is known, so nothing is checked.
-	if kv := optionalBucket(ctx, js, delivery.SourceBucket, "no trunk is known, so nothing is checked until the checker starts again", logger.Printf); kv != nil {
+	if kv := process.OptionalBucket(ctx, js, delivery.SourceBucket, "no trunk is known, so nothing is checked until the checker starts again", logger.Printf); kv != nil {
 		sw, err := settle(ctx, kv, func(e jetstream.KeyValueEntry) {
 			if e.Key() == delivery.SourceMainKey {
 				trunks.Put(e.Value(), !opOf(e))
 			}
 		})
 		if err != nil {
-			logger.Printf("the bucket %s cannot be watched (%v): no trunk is known, so nothing is checked until the checker starts again", delivery.SourceBucket, err)
+			process.NotWatched(logger.Printf, delivery.SourceBucket, err, "no trunk is known, so nothing is checked until the checker starts again")
 		} else {
 			go func() {
 				errs <- follow(ctx, sw, func(e jetstream.KeyValueEntry) {
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-checker/cmd/mesh-delivery-checker/optional.go b/modules/mesh-delivery-checker/cmd/mesh-delivery-checker/optional.go
deleted file mode 100644
index 466cdd0..0000000
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-checker/cmd/mesh-delivery-checker/optional.go
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,41 +0,0 @@
-package main
-
-import (
-	"context"
-	"fmt"
-
-	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go/jetstream"
-)
-
-// **A part does not stop for a bucket it can work without** (novox/hq issue 1945, met twice on 2026-10-25: the builder of
-// mesh-delivery #48 exited on a refused read of the gate's source, and its new reasks bucket would have done the same). A
-// grant reaches the bus with a delivery, so a bucket the bus refuses, or times out on, at start is often only not granted
-// yet: exiting for it stops the part until a person's hand. A bucket the checker cannot do its job at all without still stops
-// the start, naming the grant to look at; every other is said and left. (The same two functions are in each delivery part;
-// they belong in mesh-sdk.)
-
-// essentialBucket opens a bucket the checker cannot work without; its error names the bucket and the grant.
-func essentialBucket(ctx context.Context, js bucketOpener, name, does string) (jetstream.KeyValue, error) {
-	kv, err := js.KeyValue(ctx, name)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, essentialErr(name, does, err)
-	}
-	return kv, nil
-}
-
-// essentialErr is the error of a bucket the part cannot work without: it names the bucket and the grant.
-func essentialErr(name, does string, err error) error {
-	return fmt.Errorf("the bucket %s cannot be read (%v): the checker cannot %s without it, so it stops; where the bus "+
-		"refused it or did not answer, this module's grant of %s (its manifest's reads or state, issued with its credential) "+
-		"has not reached the bus yet", name, err, does, name)
-}
-
-// optionalBucket opens a bucket the checker works without: any error is said with what is not heard, and nil answered.
-func optionalBucket(ctx context.Context, js bucketOpener, name, without string, logf func(string, ...any)) jetstream.KeyValue {
-	kv, err := js.KeyValue(ctx, name)
-	if err != nil {
-		logf("the bucket %s cannot be read (%v): %s", name, err, without)
-		return nil
-	}
-	return kv
-}
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-checker/cmd/mesh-delivery-checker/standing_test.go b/modules/mesh-delivery-checker/cmd/mesh-delivery-checker/standing_test.go
index c759d3a..0715aea 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-checker/cmd/mesh-delivery-checker/standing_test.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-checker/cmd/mesh-delivery-checker/standing_test.go
@@ -12,6 +12,8 @@ import (
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/process"
+
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go/jetstream"
 
 	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/delivery"
@@ -111,7 +113,7 @@ func TestAnUnassignedBuildNodesReportIsNoBuilder(t *testing.T) {
 	if !strings.Contains(logs.String(), "cannot be watched") || !strings.Contains(logs.String(), "cannot be read") {
 		t.Errorf("the refusals were not said: %q", logs.String())
 	}
-	if _, err := essentialBucket(context.Background(), refusingBus{refuseOpen: true, err: refused.err}, "mesh-delivery-indexer_modules", "work"); err == nil ||
+	if _, err := process.EssentialBucket(context.Background(), refusingBus{refuseOpen: true, err: refused.err}, "checker", "mesh-delivery-indexer_modules", "work"); err == nil ||
 		!strings.Contains(err.Error(), "grant of mesh-delivery-indexer_modules") {
 		t.Errorf("a refused bucket the part needs: %v, want an error naming its grant", err)
 	}
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-checker/cmd/mesh-delivery-checker/toolchains.go b/modules/mesh-delivery-checker/cmd/mesh-delivery-checker/toolchains.go
index 0fe2f41..99c3087 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-checker/cmd/mesh-delivery-checker/toolchains.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-checker/cmd/mesh-delivery-checker/toolchains.go
@@ -3,10 +3,13 @@ package main
 import (
 	"context"
 	"errors"
+	"fmt"
 	"log"
 	"strings"
 	"sync"
 
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/process"
+
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go/jetstream"
 
 	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/delivery"
@@ -68,7 +71,7 @@ func (w *toolchainWatch) ensure(module string) error {
 	}
 	watcher, err := settle(w.ctx, kv, func(e jetstream.KeyValueEntry) { w.put(module, e.Key(), e.Value(), !opOf(e)) })
 	if err != nil {
-		w.logger.Printf("the bucket %s cannot be watched (%v): %s's toolchains are not heard until its next report", name, err, module)
+		process.NotWatched(w.logger.Printf, name, err, fmt.Sprintf("%s's toolchains are not heard until its next report", module))
 		return nil
 	}
 	w.watched[module] = true
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-checker/go.mod b/modules/mesh-delivery-checker/go.mod
index e753fa3..5c4d652 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-checker/go.mod
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-checker/go.mod
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ module mesh-delivery-checker
 go 1.26.0
 
 require (
-	git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261023213200-403a5d72ab93
+	git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261025211220-e0d1de047585
 	github.com/nats-io/nats-server/v2 v2.11.17
 	github.com/nats-io/nats.go v1.54.0
 )
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-checker/go.sum b/modules/mesh-delivery-checker/go.sum
index 744af4c..4e82aa0 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-checker/go.sum
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-checker/go.sum
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261023213200-403a5d72ab93 h1:FAiFY2KBKEoZSH49OZTt7/zRBIQxyl5g/KhYrpggbN4=
 git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261023213200-403a5d72ab93/go.mod h1:ouERNpZizzwZ0HLEtAypsY9FR20FyUgUYRni6J7kVCY=
+git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261025211220-e0d1de047585 h1:7QoFH5qjXRpx5M4uPdYsVJ5qKl2082gq8n0lFxhoNIg=
+git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261025211220-e0d1de047585/go.mod h1:ouERNpZizzwZ0HLEtAypsY9FR20FyUgUYRni6J7kVCY=
 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/google/go-tpm v0.9.8 h1:slArAR9Ft+1ybZu0lBwpSmpwhRXaa85hWtMinMyRAWo=
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-forge-bridge/cmd/mesh-delivery-forge-bridge/main.go b/modules/mesh-delivery-forge-bridge/cmd/mesh-delivery-forge-bridge/main.go
index 383bedc..e069a6c 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-forge-bridge/cmd/mesh-delivery-forge-bridge/main.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-forge-bridge/cmd/mesh-delivery-forge-bridge/main.go
@@ -22,6 +22,8 @@ import (
 	"syscall"
 	"time"
 
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/process"
+
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go/jetstream"
 
@@ -188,7 +190,7 @@ func run(ctx context.Context, getenv func(string) string, logOut io.Writer) erro
 	call := callerOn(conn, cred.User)
 	// No forge event is heard while the open pull requests are read and said (ADR 0443 §5): events and syncs take turns.
 	var turn sync.Mutex
-	kv, err := essentialBucket(ctx, js, headsBucket, "keep the heads it wrote on the forge stream")
+	kv, err := process.EssentialBucket(ctx, js, "bridge", headsBucket, "keep the heads it wrote on the forge stream")
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
@@ -197,7 +199,7 @@ func run(ctx context.Context, getenv func(string) string, logOut io.Writer) erro
 	rec := &recorder{pub: js, heads: heads, logger: logger}
 	said := func(ctx context.Context) error { return syncOpen(ctx, call, rec, heads, &turn, logger) }
 	// What the gate asks of the forge (ADR 0437 §8): its owed acts and its merges, each performed once per revision.
-	performedKV, err := essentialBucket(ctx, js, performedBucket, "perform an act of the gate only once")
+	performedKV, err := process.EssentialBucket(ctx, js, "bridge", performedBucket, "perform an act of the gate only once")
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
@@ -209,7 +211,7 @@ func run(ctx context.Context, getenv func(string) string, logOut io.Writer) erro
 	}{{delivery.OwedBucket, perf.owed}, {delivery.MergesBucket, perf.merges}} {
 		// The gate's buckets come with the gate and its grant; the bridge does not wait for them (no timer), and is started
 		// again by its delivery when the gate arrives. A bucket refused or not answered is the same (issue 1945).
-		kv := optionalBucket(ctx, js, w.bucket, "nothing of it is performed until the bridge starts again", logger.Printf)
+		kv := process.OptionalBucket(ctx, js, w.bucket, "nothing of it is performed until the bridge starts again", logger.Printf)
 		if kv == nil {
 			continue
 		}
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-forge-bridge/cmd/mesh-delivery-forge-bridge/main_test.go b/modules/mesh-delivery-forge-bridge/cmd/mesh-delivery-forge-bridge/main_test.go
index 0f9cc32..9a16a64 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-forge-bridge/cmd/mesh-delivery-forge-bridge/main_test.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-forge-bridge/cmd/mesh-delivery-forge-bridge/main_test.go
@@ -13,6 +13,8 @@ import (
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/process"
+
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go/jetstream"
 
@@ -70,10 +72,10 @@ func TestReadableEventIsWrittenOnForgeAndAcked(t *testing.T) { // 1235/AC2 (unit
 	t.Run("1945: a refused bucket is said, or stops the start naming its grant", func(t *testing.T) {
 		refusal := errors.New("nats: permissions violation for publish to $JS.API.STREAM.INFO.KV_x")
 		var said []string
-		if kv := optionalBucket(context.Background(), refusingBus{refusal}, "x", "x is not heard", func(f string, a ...any) { said = append(said, fmt.Sprintf(f, a...)) }); kv != nil || len(said) != 1 || !strings.Contains(said[0], "permissions violation") {
+		if kv := process.OptionalBucket(context.Background(), refusingBus{refusal}, "x", "x is not heard", func(f string, a ...any) { said = append(said, fmt.Sprintf(f, a...)) }); kv != nil || len(said) != 1 || !strings.Contains(said[0], "permissions violation") {
 			t.Errorf("an optional bucket refused: %v, said %v", kv, said)
 		}
-		if _, err := essentialBucket(context.Background(), refusingBus{refusal}, "x", "work"); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "grant of x") {
+		if _, err := process.EssentialBucket(context.Background(), refusingBus{refusal}, "bridge", "x", "work"); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "grant of x") {
 			t.Errorf("an essential bucket refused: %v, want its grant named", err)
 		}
 	})
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-forge-bridge/cmd/mesh-delivery-forge-bridge/optional.go b/modules/mesh-delivery-forge-bridge/cmd/mesh-delivery-forge-bridge/optional.go
deleted file mode 100644
index 68df917..0000000
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-forge-bridge/cmd/mesh-delivery-forge-bridge/optional.go
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,46 +0,0 @@
-package main
-
-import (
-	"context"
-	"fmt"
-
-	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go/jetstream"
-)
-
-// **A part does not stop for a bucket it can work without** (novox/hq issue 1945, met twice on 2026-10-25: the builder of
-// mesh-delivery #48 exited on a refused read of the gate's source, and its new reasks bucket would have done the same). A
-// grant reaches the bus with a delivery, so a bucket the bus refuses, or times out on, at start is often only not granted
-// yet: exiting for it stops the part until a person's hand. A bucket the bridge cannot do its job at all without still stops
-// the start, naming the grant to look at; every other is said and left. (The same two functions are in each delivery part;
-// they belong in mesh-sdk.)
-
-// bucketOpener is the part of the bus a start opens buckets with.
-type bucketOpener interface {
-	KeyValue(ctx context.Context, bucket string) (jetstream.KeyValue, error)
-}
-
-// essentialBucket opens a bucket the bridge cannot work without; its error names the bucket and the grant.
-func essentialBucket(ctx context.Context, js bucketOpener, name, does string) (jetstream.KeyValue, error) {
-	kv, err := js.KeyValue(ctx, name)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, essentialErr(name, does, err)
-	}
-	return kv, nil
-}
-
-// essentialErr is the error of a bucket the part cannot work without: it names the bucket and the grant.
-func essentialErr(name, does string, err error) error {
-	return fmt.Errorf("the bucket %s cannot be read (%v): the bridge cannot %s without it, so it stops; where the bus "+
-		"refused it or did not answer, this module's grant of %s (its manifest's reads or state, issued with its credential) "+
-		"has not reached the bus yet", name, err, does, name)
-}
-
-// optionalBucket opens a bucket the bridge works without: any error is said with what is not heard, and nil answered.
-func optionalBucket(ctx context.Context, js bucketOpener, name, without string, logf func(string, ...any)) jetstream.KeyValue {
-	kv, err := js.KeyValue(ctx, name)
-	if err != nil {
-		logf("the bucket %s cannot be read (%v): %s", name, err, without)
-		return nil
-	}
-	return kv
-}
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-forge-bridge/go.mod b/modules/mesh-delivery-forge-bridge/go.mod
index 669a04d..6f902ec 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-forge-bridge/go.mod
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-forge-bridge/go.mod
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ module mesh-delivery-forge-bridge
 go 1.26.0
 
 require (
-	git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261022190740-104533e8c0c9
+	git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261025211220-e0d1de047585
 	github.com/nats-io/nats-server/v2 v2.11.17
 	github.com/nats-io/nats.go v1.54.0
 )
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-forge-bridge/go.sum b/modules/mesh-delivery-forge-bridge/go.sum
index db1ea18..bdc8b83 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-forge-bridge/go.sum
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-forge-bridge/go.sum
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261022190740-104533e8c0c9 h1:Ufmd2cYEXICQ817IGflccP9bexABE4WhIO49HPbaoSo=
 git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261022190740-104533e8c0c9/go.mod h1:ouERNpZizzwZ0HLEtAypsY9FR20FyUgUYRni6J7kVCY=
+git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261025211220-e0d1de047585 h1:7QoFH5qjXRpx5M4uPdYsVJ5qKl2082gq8n0lFxhoNIg=
+git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261025211220-e0d1de047585/go.mod h1:ouERNpZizzwZ0HLEtAypsY9FR20FyUgUYRni6J7kVCY=
 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/google/go-tpm v0.9.8 h1:slArAR9Ft+1ybZu0lBwpSmpwhRXaa85hWtMinMyRAWo=
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-indexer/cmd/mesh-delivery-indexer/main.go b/modules/mesh-delivery-indexer/cmd/mesh-delivery-indexer/main.go
index 0e32028..a4a515f 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-indexer/cmd/mesh-delivery-indexer/main.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-indexer/cmd/mesh-delivery-indexer/main.go
@@ -240,21 +240,21 @@ func run(ctx context.Context, getenv func(string) string, logOut io.Writer) erro
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
-	candidates, err := essentialBucket(ctx, js, delivery.CandidatesBucket, "write a candidate's fingerprints")
+	candidates, err := process.EssentialBucket(ctx, js, "indexer", delivery.CandidatesBucket, "write a candidate's fingerprints")
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
-	modules, err := essentialBucket(ctx, js, delivery.ModulesBucket, "write a module's fingerprint")
+	modules, err := process.EssentialBucket(ctx, js, "indexer", delivery.ModulesBucket, "write a module's fingerprint")
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
-	manifests, err := essentialBucket(ctx, js, delivery.ManifestsBucket, "keep a module's manifest")
+	manifests, err := process.EssentialBucket(ctx, js, "indexer", delivery.ManifestsBucket, "keep a module's manifest")
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 	// The controller's build records only name the directory of a module whose key names none (fillPaths): without them
 	// such a module waits for its path, every other is indexed (issue 1945).
-	builds := optionalBucket(ctx, js, delivery.BuildsBucket, "a module whose key names no directory is not given one from the controller's build records until the indexer starts again", logger.Printf)
+	builds := process.OptionalBucket(ctx, js, delivery.BuildsBucket, "a module whose key names no directory is not given one from the controller's build records until the indexer starts again", logger.Printf)
 	known := index.NewBuilds()
 	// The controller's build records name the directory of a module whose key names none (fillPaths); no build of any
 	// module moves a fingerprint since no fingerprint takes the builder (ADR 0530 §1).
@@ -268,7 +268,7 @@ func run(ctx context.Context, getenv func(string) string, logOut io.Writer) erro
 	errs := make(chan error, 1)
 	if builds != nil {
 		if w, err := settle(ctx, builds, each); err != nil {
-			logger.Printf("the bucket %s cannot be watched (%v): a module whose key names no directory is not given one until the indexer starts again", delivery.BuildsBucket, err)
+			process.NotWatched(logger.Printf, delivery.BuildsBucket, err, "a module whose key names no directory is not given one until the indexer starts again")
 		} else {
 			go func() { errs <- follow(ctx, w, each) }()
 		}
@@ -290,14 +290,14 @@ func run(ctx context.Context, getenv func(string) string, logOut io.Writer) erro
 	// main is the mesh's source revision, which stamps the modules (issue 1344). Where it does not exist yet the indexer does
 	// not wait for it (that needs a timer, ADR 0437 §8): it says so, and is started again with the gate.
 	sourceErrs := make(chan error, 1)
-	if source := optionalBucket(ctx, js, delivery.SourceBucket, "no source revision is read until the indexer starts again", logger.Printf); source != nil {
+	if source := process.OptionalBucket(ctx, js, delivery.SourceBucket, "no source revision is read until the indexer starts again", logger.Printf); source != nil {
 		each := func(e jetstream.KeyValueEntry) {
 			if opOf(e) {
 				applySource(ctx, ix, e.Key(), e.Revision(), e.Value(), logger)
 			}
 		}
 		if sw, err := settle(ctx, source, each); err != nil {
-			logger.Printf("the bucket %s cannot be watched (%v): no source revision is read until the indexer starts again", delivery.SourceBucket, err)
+			process.NotWatched(logger.Printf, delivery.SourceBucket, err, "no source revision is read until the indexer starts again")
 		} else {
 			go func() { sourceErrs <- follow(ctx, sw, each) }()
 		}
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-indexer/cmd/mesh-delivery-indexer/optional.go b/modules/mesh-delivery-indexer/cmd/mesh-delivery-indexer/optional.go
deleted file mode 100644
index 1f1fb5c..0000000
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-indexer/cmd/mesh-delivery-indexer/optional.go
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,41 +0,0 @@
-package main
-
-import (
-	"context"
-	"fmt"
-
-	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go/jetstream"
-)
-
-// **A part does not stop for a bucket it can work without** (novox/hq issue 1945, met twice on 2026-10-25: the builder of
-// mesh-delivery #48 exited on a refused read of the gate's source, and its new reasks bucket would have done the same). A
-// grant reaches the bus with a delivery, so a bucket the bus refuses, or times out on, at start is often only not granted
-// yet: exiting for it stops the part until a person's hand. A bucket the indexer cannot do its job at all without still stops
-// the start, naming the grant to look at; every other is said and left. (The same two functions are in each delivery part;
-// they belong in mesh-sdk.)
-
-// essentialBucket opens a bucket the indexer cannot work without; its error names the bucket and the grant.
-func essentialBucket(ctx context.Context, js bucketOpener, name, does string) (jetstream.KeyValue, error) {
-	kv, err := js.KeyValue(ctx, name)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, essentialErr(name, does, err)
-	}
-	return kv, nil
-}
-
-// essentialErr is the error of a bucket the part cannot work without: it names the bucket and the grant.
-func essentialErr(name, does string, err error) error {
-	return fmt.Errorf("the bucket %s cannot be read (%v): the indexer cannot %s without it, so it stops; where the bus "+
-		"refused it or did not answer, this module's grant of %s (its manifest's reads or state, issued with its credential) "+
-		"has not reached the bus yet", name, err, does, name)
-}
-
-// optionalBucket opens a bucket the indexer works without: any error is said with what is not heard, and nil answered.
-func optionalBucket(ctx context.Context, js bucketOpener, name, without string, logf func(string, ...any)) jetstream.KeyValue {
-	kv, err := js.KeyValue(ctx, name)
-	if err != nil {
-		logf("the bucket %s cannot be read (%v): %s", name, err, without)
-		return nil
-	}
-	return kv
-}
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-indexer/cmd/mesh-delivery-indexer/previews.go b/modules/mesh-delivery-indexer/cmd/mesh-delivery-indexer/previews.go
index 748182b..3b95a25 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-indexer/cmd/mesh-delivery-indexer/previews.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-indexer/cmd/mesh-delivery-indexer/previews.go
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ package main
 import (
 	"context"
 	"errors"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/process"
 	"log"
 	"strings"
 	"sync"
@@ -60,7 +61,7 @@ func (w *previewWatch) ensure() error {
 	}
 	watcher, err := settle(w.ctx, kv, func(e jetstream.KeyValueEntry) { w.ix.PutPreview(e.Key(), e.Value(), !opOf(e)) })
 	if err != nil {
-		w.logger.Printf("the bucket %s cannot be watched (%v): it is watched when the checker says it wrote a preview", delivery.PreviewsBucket, err)
+		process.NotWatched(w.logger.Printf, delivery.PreviewsBucket, err, "it is watched when the checker says it wrote a preview")
 		return nil
 	}
 	w.watched = true
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-indexer/cmd/mesh-delivery-indexer/toolchains.go b/modules/mesh-delivery-indexer/cmd/mesh-delivery-indexer/toolchains.go
index 3e4f0cf..92aafa4 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-indexer/cmd/mesh-delivery-indexer/toolchains.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-indexer/cmd/mesh-delivery-indexer/toolchains.go
@@ -3,12 +3,15 @@ package main
 import (
 	"context"
 	"errors"
+	"fmt"
 	"log"
 	"maps"
 	"slices"
 	"strings"
 	"sync"
 
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/process"
+
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go/jetstream"
 
 	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/delivery"
@@ -78,7 +81,7 @@ func (w *toolchainWatch) ensure(module string) error {
 		}
 		watcher, err := settle(w.ctx, kv, func(e jetstream.KeyValueEntry) { w.sink.put(module, e.Key(), e.Value(), !opOf(e)) })
 		if err != nil {
-			w.logger.Printf("the bucket %s cannot be watched (%v): %s's toolchains are not heard until its next report", name, err, module)
+			process.NotWatched(w.logger.Printf, name, err, fmt.Sprintf("%s's toolchains are not heard until its next report", module))
 			return nil
 		}
 		w.watched[module] = true
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-indexer/go.mod b/modules/mesh-delivery-indexer/go.mod
index 0aaff15..e8728ce 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-indexer/go.mod
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-indexer/go.mod
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ module mesh-delivery-indexer
 go 1.26.0
 
 require (
-	git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261023150321-a2c813a6b468
+	git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261025211220-e0d1de047585
 	github.com/nats-io/nats-server/v2 v2.11.17
 	github.com/nats-io/nats.go v1.54.0
 )
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-indexer/go.sum b/modules/mesh-delivery-indexer/go.sum
index 2a3e9f3..8e94e90 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-indexer/go.sum
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-indexer/go.sum
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261023150321-a2c813a6b468 h1:UcMee+IV2ii5E4dRZdQUaSaeh9IedTFYumuQbBiB0k0=
 git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261023150321-a2c813a6b468/go.mod h1:ouERNpZizzwZ0HLEtAypsY9FR20FyUgUYRni6J7kVCY=
+git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261025211220-e0d1de047585 h1:7QoFH5qjXRpx5M4uPdYsVJ5qKl2082gq8n0lFxhoNIg=
+git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261025211220-e0d1de047585/go.mod h1:ouERNpZizzwZ0HLEtAypsY9FR20FyUgUYRni6J7kVCY=
 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/google/go-tpm v0.9.8 h1:slArAR9Ft+1ybZu0lBwpSmpwhRXaa85hWtMinMyRAWo=
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-teller/cmd/mesh-delivery-teller/main.go b/modules/mesh-delivery-teller/cmd/mesh-delivery-teller/main.go
index 8ed2b7b..d73893d 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-teller/cmd/mesh-delivery-teller/main.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-teller/cmd/mesh-delivery-teller/main.go
@@ -22,6 +22,8 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 	"syscall"
 
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/process"
+
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go/jetstream"
 
@@ -120,12 +122,12 @@ func run(ctx context.Context, getenv func(string) string, logOut io.Writer) erro
 	}
 	if err != nil {
 		// Essential: the gate's asks are what the teller tells (issue 1945: the error names the grant).
-		return essentialErr(delivery.AsksBucket, "tell any of the gate's asks", err)
+		return process.EssentialErr("teller", delivery.AsksBucket, "tell any of the gate's asks", err)
 	}
 	// The answers it writes and what it asked: its own work, so each stops the start, naming its grant.
 	var kvs [2]jetstream.KeyValue
 	for i, name := range []string{delivery.AnswersBucket, askedBucket} {
-		if kvs[i], err = essentialBucket(ctx, js, name, "write an answer or remember what it asked"); err != nil {
+		if kvs[i], err = process.EssentialBucket(ctx, js, "teller", name, "write an answer or remember what it asked"); err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
 	}
@@ -142,7 +144,7 @@ func run(ctx context.Context, getenv func(string) string, logOut io.Writer) erro
 	// The view's answers to the assigner's asks (issue 1297 B10): both buckets are the controller's to create, and a bucket not
 	// there is said and leaves the teller without that path rather than without the gate's asks (a wait for it needs a timer).
 	failed := make(chan error, 2)
-	assignerKV, viewKV := optionalBucket(ctx, js, delivery.AssignerAsksBucket, teller, logger.Printf), optionalBucket(ctx, js, delivery.ViewAnswersBucket, teller, logger.Printf)
+	assignerKV, viewKV := process.OptionalBucket(ctx, js, delivery.AssignerAsksBucket, teller, logger.Printf), process.OptionalBucket(ctx, js, delivery.ViewAnswersBucket, teller, logger.Printf)
 	// The assigner's asks are raised on the operator channel whether or not the view's answers can be read (issue 1906).
 	if viewKV != nil {
 		t.View = kvGate{ctx: ctx, kv: viewKV}
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-teller/cmd/mesh-delivery-teller/optional.go b/modules/mesh-delivery-teller/cmd/mesh-delivery-teller/optional.go
deleted file mode 100644
index 9f8f3bc..0000000
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-teller/cmd/mesh-delivery-teller/optional.go
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,46 +0,0 @@
-package main
-
-import (
-	"context"
-	"fmt"
-
-	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go/jetstream"
-)
-
-// **A part does not stop for a bucket it can work without** (novox/hq issue 1945, met twice on 2026-10-25: the builder of
-// mesh-delivery #48 exited on a refused read of the gate's source, and its new reasks bucket would have done the same). A
-// grant reaches the bus with a delivery, so a bucket the bus refuses, or times out on, at start is often only not granted
-// yet: exiting for it stops the part until a person's hand. A bucket the teller cannot do its job at all without still stops
-// the start, naming the grant to look at; every other is said and left. (The same two functions are in each delivery part;
-// they belong in mesh-sdk.)
-
-// bucketOpener is the part of the bus a start opens buckets with.
-type bucketOpener interface {
-	KeyValue(ctx context.Context, bucket string) (jetstream.KeyValue, error)
-}
-
-// essentialBucket opens a bucket the teller cannot work without; its error names the bucket and the grant.
-func essentialBucket(ctx context.Context, js bucketOpener, name, does string) (jetstream.KeyValue, error) {
-	kv, err := js.KeyValue(ctx, name)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, essentialErr(name, does, err)
-	}
-	return kv, nil
-}
-
-// essentialErr is the error of a bucket the part cannot work without: it names the bucket and the grant.
-func essentialErr(name, does string, err error) error {
-	return fmt.Errorf("the bucket %s cannot be read (%v): the teller cannot %s without it, so it stops; where the bus "+
-		"refused it or did not answer, this module's grant of %s (its manifest's reads or state, issued with its credential) "+
-		"has not reached the bus yet", name, err, does, name)
-}
-
-// optionalBucket opens a bucket the teller works without: any error is said with what is not heard, and nil answered.
-func optionalBucket(ctx context.Context, js bucketOpener, name, without string, logf func(string, ...any)) jetstream.KeyValue {
-	kv, err := js.KeyValue(ctx, name)
-	if err != nil {
-		logf("the bucket %s cannot be read (%v): %s", name, err, without)
-		return nil
-	}
-	return kv
-}
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-teller/cmd/mesh-delivery-teller/teller_test.go b/modules/mesh-delivery-teller/cmd/mesh-delivery-teller/teller_test.go
index ce2cf62..ae05ae0 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-teller/cmd/mesh-delivery-teller/teller_test.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-teller/cmd/mesh-delivery-teller/teller_test.go
@@ -5,11 +5,13 @@ import (
 	"encoding/json"
 	"errors"
 	"fmt"
-	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go/jetstream"
 	"strings"
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/process"
+	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go/jetstream"
+
 	stdio "git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go"
 	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/asker"
 	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/asks"
@@ -242,10 +244,10 @@ func TestAnAsksKeyBecomesOneRouterAskAndDeletingItCancelsIt(t *testing.T) { // 1
 	t.Run("1945: a refused bucket is said, or stops the start naming its grant", func(t *testing.T) {
 		refusal := errors.New("nats: permissions violation for publish to $JS.API.STREAM.INFO.KV_x")
 		var said []string
-		if kv := optionalBucket(context.Background(), refusingBus{refusal}, "x", "x is not heard", func(f string, a ...any) { said = append(said, fmt.Sprintf(f, a...)) }); kv != nil || len(said) != 1 || !strings.Contains(said[0], "permissions violation") {
+		if kv := process.OptionalBucket(context.Background(), refusingBus{refusal}, "x", "x is not heard", func(f string, a ...any) { said = append(said, fmt.Sprintf(f, a...)) }); kv != nil || len(said) != 1 || !strings.Contains(said[0], "permissions violation") {
 			t.Errorf("an optional bucket refused: %v, said %v", kv, said)
 		}
-		if _, err := essentialBucket(context.Background(), refusingBus{refusal}, "x", "work"); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "grant of x") {
+		if _, err := process.EssentialBucket(context.Background(), refusingBus{refusal}, "teller", "x", "work"); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "grant of x") {
 			t.Errorf("an essential bucket refused: %v, want its grant named", err)
 		}
 	})
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-teller/go.mod b/modules/mesh-delivery-teller/go.mod
index db3470d..0937a16 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-teller/go.mod
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-teller/go.mod
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ module mesh-delivery-teller
 go 1.26.0
 
 require (
-	git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261025203528-db26f7e8b6f5
+	git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261025211220-e0d1de047585
 	github.com/nats-io/nats-server/v2 v2.11.17
 	github.com/nats-io/nats.go v1.54.0
 )
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-teller/go.sum b/modules/mesh-delivery-teller/go.sum
index 97c314d..3baa2a5 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-teller/go.sum
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-teller/go.sum
@@ -6,6 +6,8 @@ git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261025200810-d4ae4b6790b8 h1:vhYk/iv4
 git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261025200810-d4ae4b6790b8/go.mod h1:ouERNpZizzwZ0HLEtAypsY9FR20FyUgUYRni6J7kVCY=
 git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261025203528-db26f7e8b6f5 h1:gE80bR0tPME7MTMBLcdP62v+F/9soVXmdcBYNMOye44=
 git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261025203528-db26f7e8b6f5/go.mod h1:ouERNpZizzwZ0HLEtAypsY9FR20FyUgUYRni6J7kVCY=
+git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261025211220-e0d1de047585 h1:7QoFH5qjXRpx5M4uPdYsVJ5qKl2082gq8n0lFxhoNIg=
+git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261025211220-e0d1de047585/go.mod h1:ouERNpZizzwZ0HLEtAypsY9FR20FyUgUYRni6J7kVCY=
 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/google/go-tpm v0.9.8 h1:slArAR9Ft+1ybZu0lBwpSmpwhRXaa85hWtMinMyRAWo=
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-view/cmd/mesh-delivery-view-tools/main.go b/modules/mesh-delivery-view/cmd/mesh-delivery-view-tools/main.go
index 3ffe7d1..d0675db 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-view/cmd/mesh-delivery-view-tools/main.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-view/cmd/mesh-delivery-view-tools/main.go
@@ -9,8 +9,9 @@ import (
 	"os"
 	"strings"
 
-	stdio "git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go"
 	"mesh-delivery-view/internal/view"
+
+	stdio "git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go"
 )
 
 // Tools are the read tools over a modules state.
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-watchman/cmd/mesh-delivery-watchman/main.go b/modules/mesh-delivery-watchman/cmd/mesh-delivery-watchman/main.go
index e59d27f..57994b4 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-watchman/cmd/mesh-delivery-watchman/main.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-watchman/cmd/mesh-delivery-watchman/main.go
@@ -22,6 +22,8 @@ import (
 	"syscall"
 	"time"
 
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/process"
+
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go/jetstream"
 
@@ -230,12 +232,12 @@ func run(ctx context.Context, getenv func(string) string, logOut io.Writer) erro
 		name string
 		into *jetstream.KeyValue
 	}{{delivery.PresenceBucket, &kvs.presence}, {delivery.PulseBucket, &kvs.pulse}, {delivery.StuckBucket, &kvs.stuck}} {
-		if *b.into, err = essentialBucket(ctx, js, b.name, "say who is online or what stopped moving"); err != nil {
+		if *b.into, err = process.EssentialBucket(ctx, js, "watchman", b.name, "say who is online or what stopped moving"); err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
 	}
-	kvs.wants = optionalBucket(ctx, js, delivery.AssignerWantsBucket, "a want makes no pulse, so a move that stops is not seen, until the watchman starts again", logger.Printf)
-	kvs.haves = optionalBucket(ctx, js, delivery.HaveBucket, "a want makes no pulse, so a move that stops is not seen, until the watchman starts again", logger.Printf)
+	kvs.wants = process.OptionalBucket(ctx, js, delivery.AssignerWantsBucket, "a want makes no pulse, so a move that stops is not seen, until the watchman starts again", logger.Printf)
+	kvs.haves = process.OptionalBucket(ctx, js, delivery.HaveBucket, "a want makes no pulse, so a move that stops is not seen, until the watchman starts again", logger.Printf)
 	if kvs.wants == nil || kvs.haves == nil {
 		kvs.wants, kvs.haves = nil, nil // a want is a pulse only against the have that ends it
 	}
@@ -286,9 +288,9 @@ func run(ctx context.Context, getenv func(string) string, logOut io.Writer) erro
 	var haveSeen, wantSeen jetstream.KeyWatcher
 	if kvs.haves != nil {
 		if haveSeen, err = settle(ctx, kvs.haves, func(e jetstream.KeyValueEntry) { w.Have(e.Key(), e.Value(), opOf(e)) }); err != nil {
-			logger.Printf("the bucket %s cannot be watched (%v): moves are not watched until the watchman starts again", delivery.HaveBucket, err)
+			process.NotWatched(logger.Printf, delivery.HaveBucket, err, "moves are not watched until the watchman starts again")
 		} else if wantSeen, err = settle(ctx, kvs.wants, func(e jetstream.KeyValueEntry) { w.Want(e.Key(), e.Value(), opOf(e), e.Created()) }); err != nil {
-			logger.Printf("the bucket %s cannot be watched (%v): moves are not watched until the watchman starts again", delivery.AssignerWantsBucket, err)
+			process.NotWatched(logger.Printf, delivery.AssignerWantsBucket, err, "moves are not watched until the watchman starts again")
 			haveSeen.Stop()
 			haveSeen = nil
 		}
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-watchman/cmd/mesh-delivery-watchman/main_test.go b/modules/mesh-delivery-watchman/cmd/mesh-delivery-watchman/main_test.go
index bee4b2e..58fe0a7 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-watchman/cmd/mesh-delivery-watchman/main_test.go
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-watchman/cmd/mesh-delivery-watchman/main_test.go
@@ -10,6 +10,8 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 	"testing"
 
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/process"
+
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go/jetstream"
 )
 
@@ -34,10 +36,10 @@ func TestRunNeedsItsCredential(t *testing.T) { // 1135/AC6
 	t.Run("1945: a refused bucket is said, or stops the start naming its grant", func(t *testing.T) {
 		refusal := errors.New("nats: permissions violation for publish to $JS.API.STREAM.INFO.KV_x")
 		var said []string
-		if kv := optionalBucket(context.Background(), refusingBus{refusal}, "x", "x is not heard", func(f string, a ...any) { said = append(said, fmt.Sprintf(f, a...)) }); kv != nil || len(said) != 1 || !strings.Contains(said[0], "permissions violation") {
+		if kv := process.OptionalBucket(context.Background(), refusingBus{refusal}, "x", "x is not heard", func(f string, a ...any) { said = append(said, fmt.Sprintf(f, a...)) }); kv != nil || len(said) != 1 || !strings.Contains(said[0], "permissions violation") {
 			t.Errorf("an optional bucket refused: %v, said %v", kv, said)
 		}
-		if _, err := essentialBucket(context.Background(), refusingBus{refusal}, "x", "work"); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "grant of x") {
+		if _, err := process.EssentialBucket(context.Background(), refusingBus{refusal}, "watchman", "x", "work"); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "grant of x") {
 			t.Errorf("an essential bucket refused: %v, want its grant named", err)
 		}
 	})
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-watchman/cmd/mesh-delivery-watchman/optional.go b/modules/mesh-delivery-watchman/cmd/mesh-delivery-watchman/optional.go
deleted file mode 100644
index 4d3e2dc..0000000
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-watchman/cmd/mesh-delivery-watchman/optional.go
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,46 +0,0 @@
-package main
-
-import (
-	"context"
-	"fmt"
-
-	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go/jetstream"
-)
-
-// **A part does not stop for a bucket it can work without** (novox/hq issue 1945, met twice on 2026-10-25: the builder of
-// mesh-delivery #48 exited on a refused read of the gate's source, and its new reasks bucket would have done the same). A
-// grant reaches the bus with a delivery, so a bucket the bus refuses, or times out on, at start is often only not granted
-// yet: exiting for it stops the part until a person's hand. A bucket the watchman cannot do its job at all without still stops
-// the start, naming the grant to look at; every other is said and left. (The same two functions are in each delivery part;
-// they belong in mesh-sdk.)
-
-// bucketOpener is the part of the bus a start opens buckets with.
-type bucketOpener interface {
-	KeyValue(ctx context.Context, bucket string) (jetstream.KeyValue, error)
-}
-
-// essentialBucket opens a bucket the watchman cannot work without; its error names the bucket and the grant.
-func essentialBucket(ctx context.Context, js bucketOpener, name, does string) (jetstream.KeyValue, error) {
-	kv, err := js.KeyValue(ctx, name)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, essentialErr(name, does, err)
-	}
-	return kv, nil
-}
-
-// essentialErr is the error of a bucket the part cannot work without: it names the bucket and the grant.
-func essentialErr(name, does string, err error) error {
-	return fmt.Errorf("the bucket %s cannot be read (%v): the watchman cannot %s without it, so it stops; where the bus "+
-		"refused it or did not answer, this module's grant of %s (its manifest's reads or state, issued with its credential) "+
-		"has not reached the bus yet", name, err, does, name)
-}
-
-// optionalBucket opens a bucket the watchman works without: any error is said with what is not heard, and nil answered.
-func optionalBucket(ctx context.Context, js bucketOpener, name, without string, logf func(string, ...any)) jetstream.KeyValue {
-	kv, err := js.KeyValue(ctx, name)
-	if err != nil {
-		logf("the bucket %s cannot be read (%v): %s", name, err, without)
-		return nil
-	}
-	return kv
-}
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-watchman/go.mod b/modules/mesh-delivery-watchman/go.mod
index d343e0e..b154f77 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-watchman/go.mod
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-watchman/go.mod
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ module mesh-delivery-watchman
 go 1.26.0
 
 require (
-	git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261024210118-748c564cdf7c
+	git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261025211220-e0d1de047585
 	github.com/nats-io/nats-server/v2 v2.11.17
 	github.com/nats-io/nats.go v1.54.0
 )
diff --git a/modules/mesh-delivery-watchman/go.sum b/modules/mesh-delivery-watchman/go.sum
index bfba8a6..3c78612 100644
--- a/modules/mesh-delivery-watchman/go.sum
+++ b/modules/mesh-delivery-watchman/go.sum
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261024210118-748c564cdf7c h1:pY2YpHSSsfDPBrOEiWTNSIPn0zdnAayRmtmmyQ3hCHY=
 git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261024210118-748c564cdf7c/go.mod h1:ouERNpZizzwZ0HLEtAypsY9FR20FyUgUYRni6J7kVCY=
+git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261025211220-e0d1de047585 h1:7QoFH5qjXRpx5M4uPdYsVJ5qKl2082gq8n0lFxhoNIg=
+git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go v0.1.14-0.20261025211220-e0d1de047585/go.mod h1:ouERNpZizzwZ0HLEtAypsY9FR20FyUgUYRni6J7kVCY=
 github.com/antithesishq/antithesis-sdk-go v0.8.0-default-no-op h1:1BOWQJweNyvZMlpAHXGLiZQn9S+QXGcz3xh94lC0w6E=
 github.com/antithesishq/antithesis-sdk-go v0.8.0-default-no-op/go.mod h1:FQyySiasQQM8735Ddel3MRojmy4dA1IqCeyJ5jmPMbI=
 github.com/google/go-tpm v0.9.8 h1:slArAR9Ft+1ybZu0lBwpSmpwhRXaa85hWtMinMyRAWo=