diff --git a/internal/compose/composed.go b/internal/compose/composed.go
index e976e04..5bdc1c0 100644
--- a/internal/compose/composed.go
+++ b/internal/compose/composed.go
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ import (
 // writer folds them (issue 1126). Each module's Data says whether its manifest declares data. The compositions are unsigned
 // (ADR 0593 §6) and not yet by digest (Composed.ByDigest).
 func Compositions(in Input, node string, fps map[string]string, mode Mode) (out map[string]engcomp.Composed, skipped []string, err error) {
-	out, skipped, _, err = compositions(in, node, fps, mode, false)
+	out, skipped, _, _, err = compositions(in, node, fps, mode, false)
 	return out, skipped, err
 }
 
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ const BusUsersStandIn = "the bus's user list"
 // ErrStoodIn, naming each, so a stand-in is never applied as if it were the value; but for the bus's user list
 // (BusUsersStandIn), which the bus node holds out of every apply of a composition it made itself.
 func CompositionsApplied(in Input, node string, fps map[string]string) (map[string]engcomp.Composed, []string, error) {
-	out, skipped, _, err := compositions(in, node, fps, Reading, true)
+	out, skipped, _, _, err := compositions(in, node, fps, Reading, true)
 	return out, skipped, err
 }
 
@@ -56,13 +56,22 @@ func CompositionsApplied(in Input, node string, fps map[string]string) (map[stri
 // module the candidate adds, or one missing for a module the node runs. A module whose every value is held composes
 // as CompositionsApplied composes it: the modes differ only in an own secret never issued.
 func CompositionsShadow(in Input, node string, fps map[string]string) (out map[string]engcomp.Composed, skipped, stood []string, err error) {
-	return compositions(in, node, fps, Foreseeing, false)
+	out, skipped, stood, _, err = compositions(in, node, fps, Foreseeing, false)
+	return out, skipped, stood, err
 }
 
 // CompositionsIn is the node's compositions in mode with what they stand in for answered (stood, sorted, the bus's user
 // list left out) rather than refused: CompositionsShadow in Foreseeing, and in Reading what CompositionsApplied refuses
 // before it is refused, so a caller that applies refuses each stand-in to the module it is for alone (issue 1126).
 func CompositionsIn(in Input, node string, fps map[string]string, mode Mode) (out map[string]engcomp.Composed, skipped, stood []string, err error) {
+	out, skipped, stood, _, err = compositions(in, node, fps, mode, false)
+	return out, skipped, stood, err
+}
+
+// CompositionsHolding is CompositionsIn with the modules the node leaves out as they run, each with why: one whose claim cannot be
+// held or whose credential was refused (issue 1966). Their compositions are not in out, so a caller that applies keeps what it last
+// applied of each and says it held, as for any module refused alone.
+func CompositionsHolding(in Input, node string, fps map[string]string, mode Mode) (out map[string]engcomp.Composed, skipped, stood []string, held map[string]string, err error) {
 	return compositions(in, node, fps, mode, false)
 }
 
@@ -75,7 +84,7 @@ func Folds(inOwn bool, fp string) bool {
 	return inOwn && !strings.HasPrefix(fp, meshcatalogclient.SourcePrefix2)
 }
 
-func compositions(in Input, node string, fps map[string]string, mode Mode, applied bool) (out map[string]engcomp.Composed, skipped, stood []string, err error) {
+func compositions(in Input, node string, fps map[string]string, mode Mode, applied bool) (out map[string]engcomp.Composed, skipped, stood []string, heldBy map[string]string, err error) {
 	reading := in
 	reading.Nodes = append([]Node(nil), in.Nodes...)
 	found := false
@@ -99,7 +108,7 @@ func compositions(in Input, node string, fps map[string]string, mode Mode, appli
 		return module != "" && Folds(inOwn[module], fps[module])
 	}
 	if !found {
-		return nil, nil, nil, fmt.Errorf("compose: the mesh has no node %q", node)
+		return nil, nil, nil, nil, fmt.Errorf("compose: the mesh has no node %q", node)
 	}
 	// A folded module built by a build of the old form (Node.RunsOwn) is left to the node: composed from what runs of it
 	// (Carried), so what it provides and requires still shapes the rest and what the others read of it (its published
@@ -167,10 +176,10 @@ func compositions(in Input, node string, fps map[string]string, mode Mode, appli
 	}
 	d, problems, err := ComposeIn(reading, node, mode)
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, nil, nil, err
+		return nil, nil, nil, nil, err
 	}
 	if len(problems) > 0 {
-		return nil, nil, nil, fmt.Errorf("compose: %s's declaration is refused by the node-engine's validator: %v", node, problems)
+		return nil, nil, nil, nil, fmt.Errorf("compose: %s's declaration is refused by the node-engine's validator: %v", node, problems)
 	}
 	for _, x := range d.StoodIn {
 		// The bus's user list is the bus node's own to follow, written alone and never from a composition the node
@@ -186,11 +195,11 @@ func compositions(in Input, node string, fps map[string]string, mode Mode, appli
 	sort.Strings(stood)
 	stood = slices.Compact(stood) // an own secret is both stood in for and foreseen
 	if applied && len(stood) > 0 {
-		return nil, nil, nil, fmt.Errorf("%w on %s: %s", ErrStoodIn, node, strings.Join(stood, ", "))
+		return nil, nil, nil, nil, fmt.Errorf("%w on %s: %s", ErrStoodIn, node, strings.Join(stood, ", "))
 	}
 	body, err := d.Body()
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, nil, nil, err
+		return nil, nil, nil, nil, err
 	}
 	var envelope struct {
 		Resources   []json.RawMessage     `json:"resources"`
@@ -199,7 +208,7 @@ func compositions(in Input, node string, fps map[string]string, mode Mode, appli
 		Provisioner string                `json:"provisioner_account"`
 	}
 	if err := json.Unmarshal(body, &envelope); err != nil {
-		return nil, nil, nil, err
+		return nil, nil, nil, nil, err
 	}
 	var kept []json.RawMessage
 	keptPaths := map[string]bool{}
@@ -213,7 +222,7 @@ func compositions(in Input, node string, fps map[string]string, mode Mode, appli
 			Path   string `json:"path"`
 		}
 		if err := json.Unmarshal(raw, &head); err != nil {
-			return nil, nil, nil, err
+			return nil, nil, nil, nil, err
 		}
 		if isCarried(head.Module, head.ID) {
 			continue // what the stub composed of it: the node's own carries what runs of it instead
@@ -223,11 +232,11 @@ func compositions(in Input, node string, fps map[string]string, mode Mode, appli
 			// compositionsOf): the node's own composition is then the controller's, byte for byte.
 			var fields map[string]json.RawMessage
 			if err := json.Unmarshal(raw, &fields); err != nil {
-				return nil, nil, nil, err
+				return nil, nil, nil, nil, err
 			}
 			delete(fields, "module")
 			if raw, err = json.Marshal(fields); err != nil {
-				return nil, nil, nil, err
+				return nil, nil, nil, nil, err
 			}
 			if head.Type == string(declaration.TypeFile) {
 				foldedPaths[head.Path] = true
@@ -248,7 +257,7 @@ func compositions(in Input, node string, fps map[string]string, mode Mode, appli
 	if len(carried) > 0 {
 		var err error
 		if kept, foldedPaths, err = carry(kept, foldedPaths, runsOwn, isCarried); err != nil {
-			return nil, nil, nil, err
+			return nil, nil, nil, nil, err
 		}
 		for _, p := range runsOwn.Filled {
 			if foldedPaths[p] && !slices.Contains(envelope.Filled, p) {
@@ -270,12 +279,12 @@ func compositions(in Input, node string, fps map[string]string, mode Mode, appli
 	out, err = engcomp.Split(node, kept, fps, filled,
 		engcomp.NodeOwn{Adoption: envelope.Adoption, Provisioner: envelope.Provisioner})
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, nil, nil, err
+		return nil, nil, nil, nil, err
 	}
 	if len(ownFilled) > 0 {
 		own, err := engcomp.NodeKey(node)
 		if err != nil {
-			return nil, nil, nil, err
+			return nil, nil, nil, nil, err
 		}
 		c := out[own]
 		c.Filled = append(c.Filled, ownFilled...)
@@ -295,7 +304,7 @@ func compositions(in Input, node string, fps map[string]string, mode Mode, appli
 		skipped = append(skipped, m)
 	}
 	sort.Strings(skipped)
-	return out, skipped, stood, nil
+	return out, skipped, stood, d.Held, nil
 }
 
 // RunsAnyOf says runs (a composition as it runs) holds a resource of module, by its module or the module its id names.
diff --git a/internal/compose/credentials_needed.go b/internal/compose/credentials_needed.go
index ec36c71..cd9306c 100644
--- a/internal/compose/credentials_needed.go
+++ b/internal/compose/credentials_needed.go
@@ -23,12 +23,12 @@ type CredentialKey struct {
 // in neither list: the vault mints nothing for it (issue 1126).
 func CredentialsNeeded(in Input, node string) (asConsumer, asProvider []CredentialKey, err error) {
 	c := newComposer(in)
-	resolved, err := c.resolution(node)
+	resolved, held, err := c.resolutionHolding(node)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, nil, err
 	}
 	for _, n := range resolved.Needs {
-		if n.ByRecord || n.From == "" || credentialless(n) {
+		if _, isHeld := held[n.For]; isHeld || n.ByRecord || n.From == "" || credentialless(n) {
 			continue
 		}
 		asConsumer = append(asConsumer, CredentialKey{Provision: n.Name, Consumer: node, ConsumerModule: n.For,
diff --git a/internal/compose/credentials_test.go b/internal/compose/credentials_test.go
index 47b5671..1ba5920 100644
--- a/internal/compose/credentials_test.go
+++ b/internal/compose/credentials_test.go
@@ -201,10 +201,7 @@ func TestAGrantIsCreatedForEachCredentialMadeForAConsumer(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 	// A consumer whose set does not resolve is skipped, not fatal.
 	nodeOf(t, &in, "laptop").Assigned = append(nodeOf(t, &in, "laptop").Assigned, "files")
-	in.Catalogue["files"] = catalogue.Manifest{Module: "files", Version: "1", Requires: []string{"s3-bucket"},
-		Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: "x", Scope: catalogue.ScopeNode}}}
-	in.Catalogue["twin"] = catalogue.Manifest{Module: "twin", Version: "1", Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: "x", Scope: catalogue.ScopeNode}}}
-	nodeOf(t, &in, "laptop").Assigned = append(nodeOf(t, &in, "laptop").Assigned, "twin")
+	in.Catalogue["files"] = catalogue.Manifest{Module: "files", Version: "1", Requires: []string{"s3-bucket", "nothing-gives-this"}}
 	if got, err := Render(in, "anchor", Foreseeing); err != nil || len(got.Rendering.Grants) != 0 {
 		t.Errorf("a consumer that does not resolve: %v %+v", err, got.Rendering.Grants)
 	}
diff --git a/internal/compose/frombus/answer.go b/internal/compose/frombus/answer.go
index 702f1cb..9e0ecb9 100644
--- a/internal/compose/frombus/answer.go
+++ b/internal/compose/frombus/answer.go
@@ -337,7 +337,8 @@ func composeEach(in compose.Input, node string, fps map[string]string, applied b
 		hold(m, failed[m], "")
 	}
 	for {
-		out, skipped, stood, err = compose.CompositionsIn(in, node, fps, mode)
+		var leftOut map[string]string
+		out, skipped, stood, leftOut, err = compose.CompositionsHolding(in, node, fps, mode)
 		if err != nil {
 			module, leave := culprit(in, node, fps, mode, failed, err)
 			if module == "" {
@@ -346,6 +347,18 @@ func composeEach(in compose.Input, node string, fps map[string]string, applied b
 			hold(module, err.Error(), leave)
 			continue
 		}
+		// A module the node leaves out because its claim cannot be held or its credential was refused (issue 1966) is held with
+		// those words: its handed composition stays and the check names it refused; the rest composes.
+		heldNow := false
+		for _, m := range sortedKeys(leftOut) {
+			if _, done := failed[m]; !done {
+				hold(m, leftOut[m], "")
+				heldNow = true
+			}
+		}
+		if heldNow {
+			continue
+		}
 		again := false
 		if applied && len(stood) > 0 {
 			placed := map[string]bool{}
diff --git a/internal/compose/frombus/held_rows_test.go b/internal/compose/frombus/held_rows_test.go
index e4d5673..5bc01e9 100644
--- a/internal/compose/frombus/held_rows_test.go
+++ b/internal/compose/frombus/held_rows_test.go
@@ -300,3 +300,35 @@ func aHeldModuleOfItsOwnAccountNeverRefusesTheNode(t *testing.T) {
 		}
 	}
 }
+
+// Issue 1966: two modules claiming one seat held once cost the second claimant, not the node: Compose holds it with the claim's
+// words, composes the first, and (the node-engine keeping what it handed of a held module) leaves its composition out, whether or
+// not it runs.
+func TestASecondClaimantOfASeatIsHeldAndTheNodeComposesTheRest(t *testing.T) {
+	first := `{"module":"alpha","version":"1","claims":[{"name":"the-seat","scope":"node"}]}`
+	second := `{"module":"beta","version":"1","claims":[{"name":"the-seat","scope":"node"}]}`
+	for _, running := range []bool{false, true} {
+		b, fps := aNode(t, first, second)
+		scope := Scope{Node: "n1"}
+		if running {
+			scope.Running = []engcomp.Composed{{Node: "n1", Module: "beta", FP: fps["beta"], Resources: nil}}
+		}
+		got, _, held, err := Compose(context.Background(), b, Mesh{}, scope, fps)
+		if err != nil || len(held) != 1 || !strings.Contains(held["beta"], "alpha and beta both claim") {
+			t.Fatalf("running %v: err %v, held %v; want beta held with the claim's words", running, err, held)
+		}
+		for _, c := range got {
+			if c.Module == "beta" {
+				t.Errorf("running %v: the held claimant is composed: %+v", running, c)
+			}
+		}
+		// A check that adds the second claimant is refused for it, in the claim's words, and not judged to compose.
+		p := b.assignments["n1"]
+		ans := Answer(context.Background(), b, Mesh{}, Scope{Node: "n1", Assignments: map[string]*meshmoduleassigner.Assignments{"n1": &p}},
+			fps, scope.Running, "p-h1", 1)
+		if ans.Verdict != nodeengine.CandidateAnswerVerdictRefused || len(ans.Refusals) != 1 || ans.Refusals[0].Module != "beta" ||
+			!strings.Contains(ans.Refusals[0].Why, "both claim") {
+			t.Errorf("running %v: the answer is %+v, want beta refused with the claim's words", running, ans)
+		}
+	}
+}
diff --git a/internal/compose/network.go b/internal/compose/network.go
index 09ab10d..6ebce85 100644
--- a/internal/compose/network.go
+++ b/internal/compose/network.go
@@ -283,7 +283,7 @@ func (c *composer) onTheNetworkNow() []Node {
 		if len(n.Assigned) == 0 {
 			continue
 		}
-		got, err := resolution.Resolve(c.in.Catalogue, n.Assigned,
+		got, _, err := resolution.ResolveHolding(c.in.Catalogue, n.Assigned,
 			catalogue.Node{Name: n.Name, Site: n.Place.Site, Capabilities: n.Capabilities},
 			catalogue.World{Unchecked: true, Holdings: c.in.Holdings})
 		if err != nil {
diff --git a/internal/compose/network_test.go b/internal/compose/network_test.go
index 2cf4657..47a8553 100644
--- a/internal/compose/network_test.go
+++ b/internal/compose/network_test.go
@@ -164,9 +164,8 @@ func TestANodeNotOnThePrivateNetworkGetsNoAddressAndNoNetwork(t *testing.T) {
 func TestARefusedNodeIsSaidWhenTheNetworkCannotBeComposed(t *testing.T) {
 	in := aMesh(t)
 	nodeOf(t, &in, "anchor").Place.Key = ""
-	one := catalogue.Manifest{Module: "rival-one", Version: "1", Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: "the-seat", Scope: catalogue.ScopeNode}}}
-	two := catalogue.Manifest{Module: "rival-two", Version: "1", Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: "the-seat", Scope: catalogue.ScopeNode}}}
-	in.Catalogue["rival-one"], in.Catalogue["rival-two"] = one, two
+	in.Catalogue["rival-one"] = catalogue.Manifest{Module: "rival-one", Version: "1", Resources: []map[string]any{{"id": "r", "type": "directory", "path": "/var/lib/the-same", "mode": "0700"}}}
+	in.Catalogue["rival-two"] = catalogue.Manifest{Module: "rival-two", Version: "1", Resources: []map[string]any{{"id": "r", "type": "directory", "path": "/var/lib/the-same", "mode": "0700"}}}
 	hub := nodeOf(t, &in, "anchor")
 	hub.Assigned = append(hub.Assigned, "rival-one", "rival-two") // its own set is incoherent: the hub does not resolve
 	_, err := Generators(in)
@@ -293,14 +292,13 @@ func TestEachFieldOfTheInputReachesTheGenerator(t *testing.T) {
 		}
 		laptop := nodeOf(t, &in, "laptop")
 		laptop.Assigned = append(laptop.Assigned, "holder-one", "holder-two")
-		// Without a key: a machine that does not resolve and holds a complete place keeps it on the network (issue 1833).
-		laptop.Place.Key = ""
-		if got := addressesOf(in); got["laptop"] != "" {
-			t.Fatalf("a machine whose set claims one seat twice is on the network: %v", got)
+		// Two claimants and nobody on record: the second is held and the machine stays on the network (issue 1966).
+		if got, err := Resolve(in, "laptop"); err != nil || len(got.Held) != 1 || got.Held["holder-two"] == "" || addressesOf(in)["laptop"] != "10.77.0.2" {
+			t.Fatalf("two claimants, none on record: held %v, %v", got.Held, err)
 		}
 		in.Holdings = []catalogue.Held{{Claim: "mesh-broker", Scope: catalogue.ScopeMesh, Node: "laptop", Module: "holder-one"}}
-		if got := addressesOf(in); got["laptop"] != "10.77.0.2" {
-			t.Errorf("a holder on record did not settle the seat: %v", got)
+		if got, err := Resolve(in, "laptop"); err != nil || len(got.Held) != 0 {
+			t.Errorf("a holder on record did not settle the seat: held %v, %v", got.Held, err)
 		}
 	})
 }
diff --git a/internal/compose/node.go b/internal/compose/node.go
index bfd0408..1d52253 100644
--- a/internal/compose/node.go
+++ b/internal/compose/node.go
@@ -37,6 +37,9 @@ type Declared struct {
 	// ADR 0163, rule 6), sorted; LeftOutWhy is why each was.
 	LeftOut    []string
 	LeftOutWhy map[string]string
+	// Held is, of those, each module left out because its claim cannot be held or its credential was refused, and why (issue
+	// 1966): the node keeps what runs of it and the composer says it held. Not on the wire.
+	Held map[string]string
 
 	// Not on the wire:
 	Received map[string]map[string][]catalogue.Contribution
@@ -199,7 +202,7 @@ func (c *composer) declaration(nodeName string, mode Mode) (Declared, error) {
 	if err != nil {
 		return Declared{}, err
 	}
-	out := Declared{Resources: composed.Resources, Adoption: adoptionFor(plan, node, composed),
+	out := Declared{Held: resolved.Held, Resources: composed.Resources, Adoption: adoptionFor(plan, node, composed),
 		Received: composed.Received, Mesh: with.Mesh, BusUsers: with.BusUsers,
 		LeftOut: sortedKeysOf(composed.LeftOut), LeftOutWhy: composed.LeftOut,
 		Withheld: rendered.Withheld, Unbound: rendered.Unbound,
diff --git a/internal/compose/node_test.go b/internal/compose/node_test.go
index 6735f95..15b97fe 100644
--- a/internal/compose/node_test.go
+++ b/internal/compose/node_test.go
@@ -112,22 +112,6 @@ func TestAManifestTheNodeEngineRefusesComesBackAsProblemsAndNoError(t *testing.T
 	}
 }
 
-// 1298/AC3: a node whose own set does not compose returns an error and no declaration, told apart from an unreadable Input.
-func TestANodeWhoseSetDoesNotComposeReturnsAnErrorAndNoDeclaration(t *testing.T) {
-	in := aMesh(t)
-	in.Catalogue["rival-one"] = catalogue.Manifest{Module: "rival-one", Version: "1", Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: "the-seat", Scope: catalogue.ScopeNode}}}
-	in.Catalogue["rival-two"] = catalogue.Manifest{Module: "rival-two", Version: "1", Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: "the-seat", Scope: catalogue.ScopeNode}}}
-	laptop := nodeOf(t, &in, "laptop")
-	laptop.Assigned = append(laptop.Assigned, "rival-one", "rival-two")
-	d, problems, err := Compose(in, "laptop")
-	if err == nil || !IsUnresolvable(err) || d.Resources != nil || problems != nil {
-		t.Fatalf("a set that does not compose: %v %v %v", d.Resources, problems, err)
-	}
-	if _, _, err := Compose(in, "nowhere"); err == nil || IsUnresolvable(err) {
-		t.Fatalf("a node the Input does not have: %v", err)
-	}
-}
-
 // 1298/AC4: composing the same Input twice gives byte-identical bodies, and the Input is unchanged.
 func TestComposingTwiceGivesTheSameBytesAndChangesNothing(t *testing.T) {
 	mk := func() Input {
@@ -392,8 +376,8 @@ func overlayName() string { return overlay.Name }
 func TestANodeNotCountedAsOnTheNetworkIsSaidInTheResult(t *testing.T) {
 	in := aMesh(t)
 	nodeOf(t, &in, "laptop").Place.Key = ""
-	in.Catalogue["rival-one"] = catalogue.Manifest{Module: "rival-one", Version: "1", Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: "the-seat", Scope: catalogue.ScopeNode}}}
-	in.Catalogue["rival-two"] = catalogue.Manifest{Module: "rival-two", Version: "1", Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: "the-seat", Scope: catalogue.ScopeNode}}}
+	in.Catalogue["rival-one"] = catalogue.Manifest{Module: "rival-one", Version: "1", Resources: []map[string]any{{"id": "r", "type": "directory", "path": "/var/lib/the-same", "mode": "0700"}}}
+	in.Catalogue["rival-two"] = catalogue.Manifest{Module: "rival-two", Version: "1", Resources: []map[string]any{{"id": "r", "type": "directory", "path": "/var/lib/the-same", "mode": "0700"}}}
 	laptop := nodeOf(t, &in, "laptop")
 	laptop.Assigned = append(laptop.Assigned, "rival-one", "rival-two")
 	said := func(lines []string) bool {
diff --git a/internal/compose/one_machine_alone_test.go b/internal/compose/one_machine_alone_test.go
index f05accb..2c8fef9 100644
--- a/internal/compose/one_machine_alone_test.go
+++ b/internal/compose/one_machine_alone_test.go
@@ -147,8 +147,8 @@ func TestANetworkThatCannotBeComposedFromWhatRemainsStillFails(t *testing.T) {
 // among the sources "from the mesh" -- and another machine still composes.
 func TestAMachineThatDoesNotResolveKeepsItsNameAndItsAddressInTheMesh(t *testing.T) {
 	in := fourOnTheNetwork(t)
-	in.Catalogue["rival-one"] = catalogue.Manifest{Module: "rival-one", Version: "1", Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: "the-seat", Scope: catalogue.ScopeNode}}}
-	in.Catalogue["rival-two"] = catalogue.Manifest{Module: "rival-two", Version: "1", Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: "the-seat", Scope: catalogue.ScopeNode}}}
+	in.Catalogue["rival-one"] = catalogue.Manifest{Module: "rival-one", Version: "1", Resources: []map[string]any{{"id": "r", "type": "directory", "path": "/var/lib/the-same", "mode": "0700"}}}
+	in.Catalogue["rival-two"] = catalogue.Manifest{Module: "rival-two", Version: "1", Resources: []map[string]any{{"id": "r", "type": "directory", "path": "/var/lib/the-same", "mode": "0700"}}}
 	hub := nodeOf(t, &in, "anchor")
 	hub.Assigned = append(hub.Assigned, "rival-one", "rival-two")
 	if _, err := Resolve(in, "anchor"); !IsUnresolvable(err) {
diff --git a/internal/compose/render.go b/internal/compose/render.go
index 125569d..09d9b7b 100644
--- a/internal/compose/render.go
+++ b/internal/compose/render.go
@@ -114,6 +114,17 @@ func (c *composer) render(nodeName string, mode Mode) (Rendered, error) {
 		out.CoreBoxesWanted = wanted
 	}
 
+	// A module whose claim cannot be held, or whose credential was refused, is left out of the declaration and run as it runs:
+	// the machine composes the rest (issue 1966, ADR 0636 §3).
+	for module, why := range resolved.Held {
+		if r.NotPlaced == nil {
+			r.NotPlaced = map[string]string{}
+		}
+		if _, said := r.NotPlaced[module]; !said {
+			r.NotPlaced[module] = why
+		}
+	}
+
 	// And a certificate for this machine's name inside the mesh, when anything on it asks.
 	for _, m := range plan.Modules {
 		if m.Certificate == nil {
diff --git a/internal/compose/resolution/declaration.go b/internal/compose/resolution/declaration.go
index 3133367..b3f5672 100644
--- a/internal/compose/resolution/declaration.go
+++ b/internal/compose/resolution/declaration.go
@@ -1253,6 +1253,11 @@ func Rules(r mcat.Resolution, with mcat.Rendering) ([]mcat.Rule, error) {
 	// cannot be read for it, its listens open no wider than the mesh, never at the manifest's
 	// default, which could reopen a port an operator had narrowed.
 	left := LeftOut(r, with.Settings, with.Adopted)
+	for module, why := range with.NotPlaced {
+		if _, already := left[module]; !already {
+			left[module] = why
+		}
+	}
 	exposure := map[string]map[int]string{}
 	for _, m := range r.Modules {
 		e, err := exposureOf(m, with.Settings[m.Module])
diff --git a/internal/compose/resolution/holdings_test.go b/internal/compose/resolution/holdings_test.go
index 103d133..953111b 100644
--- a/internal/compose/resolution/holdings_test.go
+++ b/internal/compose/resolution/holdings_test.go
@@ -37,6 +37,11 @@ func TestWithNoHolderOnRecordTheSoleClaimantHoldsAndTwoAreRefused(t *testing.T)
 	if len(problems) != 1 || !strings.Contains(problems[0], "both claim") {
 		t.Fatalf("two claimants with nothing on record were not refused: %v", problems)
 	}
+	// Held for the module that cannot hold, which then holds nothing; the other still does (issue 1966).
+	held, holding := holdClaims([]mcat.Manifest{oldBroker(), newBroker()}, node, nil, nil)
+	if len(holding) != 1 || !strings.Contains(holding["new-broker"], "both claim") || len(held) != 1 || held[0].Module != "old-broker" {
+		t.Fatalf("the second claimant is not the one held: held=%v holding=%v", held, holding)
+	}
 }
 
 // With a holder on record, the other eligible assignment is silent: not refused, and not holding.
diff --git a/internal/compose/resolution/resolve.go b/internal/compose/resolution/resolve.go
index 7a36df8..89b6ffb 100644
--- a/internal/compose/resolution/resolve.go
+++ b/internal/compose/resolution/resolve.go
@@ -26,12 +26,17 @@ func (r *Refusal) Error() string {
 	return "these assignments cannot be applied:\n  - " + strings.Join(r.Problems, "\n  - ")
 }
 
-// Resolve works out everything a node runs, from what was assigned to it.
-//
-// The catalogue is every module the mesh knows about; assigned is what a person put on this node.
-// What comes back is the closure — assigned modules plus everything they require — or a refusal
-// naming every reason it could not be closed.
-func Resolve(catalogue map[string]mcat.Manifest, assigned []string, node mcat.Node, world mcat.World) (mcat.Resolution, error) {
+// ResolveHolding works out everything a node runs, from what was assigned to it. The catalogue is every module the mesh knows
+// about; assigned is what a person put on this node. What comes back is the closure -- assigned modules plus everything they
+// require -- or a refusal naming every reason it could not be closed. A claim problem costs the module that has it, not the
+// machine (issue 1966, ADR 0636 §3: a refused claim blocks that claimant only). The modules that cannot hold what they claim come back with why, each still in
+// the resolution's modules and none of them in its claims; the caller leaves them out of what it declares (LeftOut), so the
+// machine composes everything else. Every other refusal is Resolve's.
+func ResolveHolding(catalogue map[string]mcat.Manifest, assigned []string, node mcat.Node, world mcat.World) (mcat.Resolution, map[string]string, error) {
+	return resolve(catalogue, assigned, node, world)
+}
+
+func resolve(catalogue map[string]mcat.Manifest, assigned []string, node mcat.Node, world mcat.World) (mcat.Resolution, map[string]string, error) {
 	elsewhere := world.Held
 	var problems []string
 
@@ -593,8 +598,7 @@ func Resolve(catalogue map[string]mcat.Manifest, assigned []string, node mcat.No
 	}
 
 	problems = append(problems, checkCapabilities(resolution.Modules, node)...)
-	claims, claimProblems := checkClaims(resolution.Modules, node, elsewhere, world.Holdings)
-	problems = append(problems, claimProblems...)
+	claims, held := holdClaims(resolution.Modules, node, elsewhere, world.Holdings)
 	problems = append(problems, checkResources(resolution.Modules)...)
 	resolution.Claims = claims
 
@@ -615,10 +619,14 @@ func Resolve(catalogue map[string]mcat.Manifest, assigned []string, node mcat.No
 	}
 
 	if len(problems) > 0 {
+		// A pass refused anyway says every reason at once, a held module's among them.
+		for _, why := range held {
+			problems = append(problems, why)
+		}
 		sort.Strings(problems)
-		return mcat.Resolution{}, &Refusal{Problems: problems}
+		return mcat.Resolution{}, nil, &Refusal{Problems: problems}
 	}
-	return resolution, nil
+	return resolution, held, nil
 }
 
 // isModule reports whether a name is a module in its own right rather than only something
@@ -672,12 +680,29 @@ func checkCapabilities(modules []mcat.Manifest, node mcat.Node) []string {
 	return problems
 }
 
-// checkClaims refuses two modules holding one singular thing.
-//
-// Within this node's own set, and against what is already held elsewhere for the wider scopes. A
-// claim at mesh scope is the same idea as the mesh's one hub, said once instead of hard-coded.
-func checkClaims(modules []mcat.Manifest, node mcat.Node, elsewhere []mcat.Held, holdings []mcat.Held) ([]mcat.Held, []string) {
-	var problems []string
+// holdClaims refuses two modules holding one singular thing, within this node's own set and against what is held elsewhere for
+// the wider scopes: the claims that hold, and for each module that cannot hold what it claims, why (every reason, joined).
+func holdClaims(modules []mcat.Manifest, node mcat.Node, elsewhere []mcat.Held, holdings []mcat.Held) ([]mcat.Held, map[string]string) {
+	held, problems := claimsOf(modules, node, elsewhere, holdings)
+	var out map[string]string
+	for _, p := range problems {
+		if out == nil {
+			out = map[string]string{}
+		}
+		if prior, ok := out[p.module]; ok {
+			out[p.module] = prior + "; " + p.why
+		} else {
+			out[p.module] = p.why
+		}
+	}
+	return held, out
+}
+
+// claimProblem is a refusal of one module's claim.
+type claimProblem struct{ module, why string }
+
+func claimsOf(modules []mcat.Manifest, node mcat.Node, elsewhere []mcat.Held, holdings []mcat.Held) ([]mcat.Held, []claimProblem) {
+	var problems []claimProblem
 	var held []mcat.Held
 
 	// onRecord is every recorded holder of a seat, if a handover ever named one: one for most seats,
@@ -717,9 +742,9 @@ func checkClaims(modules []mcat.Manifest, node mcat.Node, elsewhere []mcat.Held,
 				// disagrees with the mesh's definition of the role, and it is refused, named, rather
 				// than letting two machines answer for what the mesh has one of.
 				if s, known := mcat.SeatNamed(c.Name); known && !s.Replicated && len(recs) > 1 {
-					problems = append(problems, fmt.Sprintf(
+					problems = append(problems, claimProblem{m.Module, fmt.Sprintf(
 						"%q is on record as held by %d assignments, and it is held once per %s — "+
-							"`seat %s --to <node>/<module>` records one", c.Name, len(recs), scope, c.Name))
+							"`seat %s --to <node>/<module>` records one", c.Name, len(recs), scope, c.Name)})
 					continue
 				}
 				if !recordedHere(c.Name, scope, m.Module) {
@@ -734,9 +759,9 @@ func checkClaims(modules []mcat.Manifest, node mcat.Node, elsewhere []mcat.Held,
 			// one seat, compared by the seat they resolve to and not by how each spelled it.
 			seat := heldKey(c.Name, c.Kind)
 			if other, taken := byScope[scope][seat]; taken {
-				problems = append(problems, fmt.Sprintf(
+				problems = append(problems, claimProblem{m.Module, fmt.Sprintf(
 					"%s and %s both claim %q, and only one thing may hold it per %s",
-					other, m.Module, seat, scope))
+					other, m.Module, seat, scope)})
 				continue
 			}
 			byScope[scope][seat] = m.Module
@@ -762,20 +787,34 @@ func checkClaims(modules []mcat.Manifest, node mcat.Node, elsewhere []mcat.Held,
 				// Both claim and nobody is on record, or this refusal could not have happened.
 				// The remedy is the handover that records the holder (novox/hq ADR 0131,
 				// 04-ISSUES/170), so it is named here rather than left to be found.
-				problems = append(problems, fmt.Sprintf(
+				problems = append(problems, claimProblem{h.Module, fmt.Sprintf(
 					"%s on %s claims %q, which %s on %s already holds — one per mesh. Nothing is "+
 						"on record for it; `seat %s --to %s/%s` records the holder, and the other "+
 						"assignment then stands beside it, eligible and silent",
-					h.Module, node.Name, h.Claim, e.Module, e.Node, h.Claim, e.Node, e.Module))
+					h.Module, node.Name, h.Claim, e.Module, e.Node, h.Claim, e.Node, e.Module)})
 			case mcat.ScopeSite:
 				if node.Site != "" && node.Site == e.Site {
-					problems = append(problems, fmt.Sprintf(
+					problems = append(problems, claimProblem{h.Module, fmt.Sprintf(
 						"%s on %s claims %q, which %s on %s already holds at %s — one per site",
-						h.Module, node.Name, h.Claim, e.Module, e.Node, node.Site))
+						h.Module, node.Name, h.Claim, e.Module, e.Node, node.Site)})
 				}
 			}
 		}
 	}
+	// A module refused here holds nothing of what it claims: its claims are not this node's holdings.
+	refused := map[string]bool{}
+	for _, p := range problems {
+		refused[p.module] = true
+	}
+	if len(refused) > 0 {
+		kept := held[:0]
+		for _, h := range held {
+			if !refused[h.Module] {
+				kept = append(kept, h)
+			}
+		}
+		held = kept
+	}
 	return held, problems
 }
 
diff --git a/internal/compose/resolution/strict_test.go b/internal/compose/resolution/strict_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6c5680e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/internal/compose/resolution/strict_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+package resolution
+
+import (
+	"sort"
+
+	mcat "git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
+)
+
+// Resolve is ResolveHolding for a test that wants a claim problem as a refusal of the whole set, as before issue 1966.
+func Resolve(catalogue map[string]mcat.Manifest, assigned []string, node mcat.Node, world mcat.World) (mcat.Resolution, error) {
+	got, held, err := ResolveHolding(catalogue, assigned, node, world)
+	if err != nil {
+		return mcat.Resolution{}, err
+	}
+	if len(held) > 0 {
+		var problems []string
+		for _, why := range held {
+			problems = append(problems, why)
+		}
+		sort.Strings(problems)
+		return mcat.Resolution{}, &Refusal{Problems: problems}
+	}
+	return got, nil
+}
+
+// checkClaims is holdClaims with the problems as a list.
+func checkClaims(modules []mcat.Manifest, node mcat.Node, elsewhere []mcat.Held, holdings []mcat.Held) ([]mcat.Held, []string) {
+	held, why := holdClaims(modules, node, elsewhere, holdings)
+	var problems []string
+	for _, w := range why {
+		problems = append(problems, w)
+	}
+	sort.Strings(problems)
+	return held, problems
+}
diff --git a/internal/compose/resolve.go b/internal/compose/resolve.go
index 117e907..fcd2fc9 100644
--- a/internal/compose/resolve.go
+++ b/internal/compose/resolve.go
@@ -22,6 +22,10 @@ type Resolved struct {
 	// NotGiven are the words of each credential only a person gives that nobody has: the consumer still resolves without it
 	// (novox/hq ADR 0337 clause 4).
 	NotGiven []string
+	// Held are the modules this machine leaves out of its declaration and runs as they run, and why: one whose claim cannot be
+	// held (two claim a seat held once) or whose credential was refused (issue 1966, ADR 0636 §3). The rest of the machine
+	// composes; the declaration says each as left out (Declared.LeftOut), so a condition names it.
+	Held map[string]string
 }
 
 // Resolve works out everything a node should run, from what was assigned to it (the controller's planFor, plan.go): the
@@ -77,7 +81,7 @@ func (r Resolved) copied() Resolved {
 
 // planForNow is planFor worked out.
 func (c *composer) planForNow(nodeName string) (Resolved, error) {
-	resolved, err := c.resolution(nodeName)
+	resolved, held, err := c.resolutionHolding(nodeName)
 	if err != nil {
 		return Resolved{}, err
 	}
@@ -87,6 +91,7 @@ func (c *composer) planForNow(nodeName string) (Resolved, error) {
 	}
 	shelf := c.shelfFor(node)
 	var out Resolved
+	out.Held = held
 
 	// The credential for each thing this node takes from elsewhere.
 	for i, n := range resolved.Needs {
@@ -129,8 +134,13 @@ func (c *composer) planForNow(nodeName string) (Resolved, error) {
 		case cred.State == CredentialRefused:
 			// 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 moment.
-			return Resolved{}, fmt.Errorf("%s on %s needs %s from %s and no credential could be made for it: %s",
+			// Of that module only: it is held, the rest of the machine composes (issue 1966).
+			if out.Held == nil {
+				out.Held = map[string]string{}
+			}
+			out.Held[n.For] = fmt.Sprintf("%s on %s needs %s from %s and no credential could be made for it: %s",
 				n.For, nodeName, n.Name, n.From, cred.Why)
+			continue
 		case cred.State == CredentialNotGiven, outside && !(held && cred.State == CredentialHeld):
 			// Not given, and the rest of the consumer runs (ADR 0337 clause 4): no credential file, so the module can tell
 			// it was not given; nothing the mesh made stands in for it.
@@ -249,18 +259,19 @@ func movedProvider(m catalogue.Manifest) bool {
 	return m.Moved || slices.ContainsFunc(m.Claims, func(c catalogue.Claim) bool { return c.Name == "mesh-vault" })
 }
 
-// resolution works out what one node should run, from what was assigned to it: the controller's planFor up to and
-// including the resolution (plan.go planFor), and no further. A failure to compose the node's own modules is wrapped as
-// notResolvable; every other failure is returned as it is.
-func (c *composer) resolution(nodeName string) (catalogue.Resolution, error) {
+// resolutionHolding works out what one node should run, from what was assigned to it: the controller's planFor up to and
+// including the resolution (plan.go planFor), and no further. A module whose claim cannot be held is returned beside the
+// resolution, with why, and not refused with the machine (issue 1966). A failure to compose the node's own modules is
+// wrapped as notResolvable; every other failure is returned as it is.
+func (c *composer) resolutionHolding(nodeName string) (catalogue.Resolution, map[string]string, error) {
 	node, err := c.in.node(nodeName)
 	if err != nil {
-		return catalogue.Resolution{}, err
+		return catalogue.Resolution{}, nil, err
 	}
 	shelf := c.shelfFor(node)
 	world, _, left, err := c.theRestOfTheMesh(nodeName)
 	if err != nil {
-		return catalogue.Resolution{}, err
+		return catalogue.Resolution{}, nil, err
 	}
 	world.Pinned = node.Pins
 	// Where each of its consumers of a provision that keeps data was last sent (novox/hq ADR 0232).
@@ -268,14 +279,14 @@ func (c *composer) resolution(nodeName string) (catalogue.Resolution, error) {
 
 	onNetwork, err := c.whereEveryoneIs()
 	if err != nil {
-		return catalogue.Resolution{}, err
+		return catalogue.Resolution{}, nil, err
 	}
 
 	// What this mesh can answer with a record rather than a machine, and which record each of this node's modules was
 	// put on.
 	world.Licences, world.Using = c.licencesFor(nodeName)
 
-	resolved, err := resolution.Resolve(shelf, node.Assigned,
+	resolved, held, err := resolution.ResolveHolding(shelf, node.Assigned,
 		catalogue.Node{Name: nodeName, Site: node.Place.Site, Capabilities: node.Capabilities,
 			At: onNetwork[nodeName], PublicDomain: node.PublicDomain,
 			Account: node.Account, AccountHome: node.AccountHome,
@@ -295,9 +306,9 @@ func (c *composer) resolution(nodeName string) (catalogue.Resolution, error) {
 				err, strings.Join(c.unhostable, "; "))
 		}
 		// The node's own set does not compose: the only failure a mesh-wide gatherer may pass over.
-		return catalogue.Resolution{}, notResolvable{err}
+		return catalogue.Resolution{}, nil, notResolvable{err}
 	}
-	return resolved, nil
+	return resolved, held, nil
 }
 
 // shelfFor is the catalogue as one node composes its own set: the Input's, with each recorded or core module the node keeps at the
diff --git a/internal/compose/resolve_test.go b/internal/compose/resolve_test.go
index d361b8c..09369de 100644
--- a/internal/compose/resolve_test.go
+++ b/internal/compose/resolve_test.go
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ package compose
 
 import (
 	"errors"
+	"slices"
 	"strings"
 	"testing"
 
@@ -223,21 +224,38 @@ func TestACredentialOnlyAPersonGivesIsNotMadeAndTheConsumerStillResolves(t *test
 	}
 }
 
-// 1362/AC3: a credential the send would refuse, a given value sealed to a key a machine no longer has, refuses the resolution with
-// today's words, and is not a node whose set does not compose.
-func TestACredentialTheSendWouldRefuseRefusesTheResolutionInTheSendsWords(t *testing.T) {
+// 1362/AC3, issue 1966: a fault of one module's own, a credential the send would refuse (a given value sealed to a key a machine no
+// longer has) or a second claimant of a seat held once, costs that module and not the machine: it is held with the send's words, its
+// declaration says it left out, and every other module of the machine composes. Not a node whose set does not compose.
+func TestAModuleWhoseCredentialOrClaimFailsIsHeldAndTheMachineComposes(t *testing.T) {
 	why := "files's \"s3-bucket\" credential from anchor was accepted from a person, and a sealing key at one end has changed since. " +
 		"The mesh cannot re-seal a value it does not hold: accept it again with `secret accept laptop files s3-bucket --provider anchor`"
-	in := theObjectsMesh(t, objects())
-	in.Credentials = []Credential{{Provision: "s3-bucket", Consumer: "laptop", ConsumerModule: "files", Provider: "anchor",
-		State: CredentialRefused, Why: why}}
-	_, err := Resolve(in, "laptop")
-	want := "files on laptop needs s3-bucket from anchor and no credential could be made for it: " + why
-	if err == nil || err.Error() != want {
-		t.Fatalf("got %v, want %q", err, want)
-	}
-	if IsUnresolvable(err) {
-		t.Error("a refused credential is a node whose set does not compose")
+	for _, c := range []struct{ name, module, said string }{
+		{"a refused credential", "files", "files on laptop needs s3-bucket from anchor and no credential could be made for it: " + why},
+		{"a second claimant", "holder-two", "holder-one and holder-two both claim"},
+	} {
+		t.Run(c.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			withSeat(t)
+			in := theObjectsMesh(t, objects())
+			in.Credentials = []Credential{{Provision: "s3-bucket", Consumer: "laptop", ConsumerModule: "files", Provider: "anchor",
+				State: CredentialRefused, Why: why}}
+			if c.module == "holder-two" {
+				in = aMesh(t)
+				for _, name := range []string{"holder-one", "holder-two"} {
+					in.Catalogue[name] = aBrokerClaiming(name)
+				}
+				laptop := nodeOf(t, &in, "laptop")
+				laptop.Assigned = append(laptop.Assigned, "holder-one", "holder-two")
+			}
+			got, err := Resolve(in, "laptop")
+			if err != nil || IsUnresolvable(err) || len(got.Held) != 1 || !strings.Contains(got.Held[c.module], c.said) || len(got.Plan.Modules) == 0 {
+				t.Fatalf("held %v, %v; want %s held with %q", got.Held, err, c.module, c.said)
+			}
+			d, _, err := Compose(in, "laptop")
+			if err != nil || !slices.Contains(d.LeftOut, c.module) || !strings.Contains(d.LeftOutWhy[c.module], c.said) || len(d.Resources) == 0 {
+				t.Errorf("declared: left out %v, %d resources, %v", d.LeftOut, len(d.Resources), err)
+			}
+		})
 	}
 }
 
@@ -277,13 +295,19 @@ func TestARecordAnsweredNeedGetsItsKeyAndTheManagerItsPublicKey(t *testing.T) {
 // 1362/AC5: a node whose own set does not compose returns an error callers can tell from an unreadable Input.
 func TestANodeWhoseOwnSetDoesNotComposeIsToldApartFromAnUnreadableInput(t *testing.T) {
 	in := aMesh(t)
-	in.Catalogue["rival-one"] = catalogue.Manifest{Module: "rival-one", Version: "1", Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: "the-seat", Scope: catalogue.ScopeNode}}}
-	in.Catalogue["rival-two"] = catalogue.Manifest{Module: "rival-two", Version: "1", Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: "the-seat", Scope: catalogue.ScopeNode}}}
+	in.Catalogue["rival-one"] = catalogue.Manifest{Module: "rival-one", Version: "1", Requires: []string{"nothing-gives-this"}}
 	laptop := nodeOf(t, &in, "laptop")
-	laptop.Assigned = append(laptop.Assigned, "rival-one", "rival-two")
+	laptop.Assigned = append(laptop.Assigned, "rival-one")
 	if _, err := Resolve(in, "laptop"); err == nil || !IsUnresolvable(err) {
 		t.Fatalf("a set that does not compose: %v", err)
 	}
+	// 1298/AC3: and its declaration is an error and nothing else.
+	if d, problems, err := Compose(in, "laptop"); err == nil || !IsUnresolvable(err) || d.Resources != nil || problems != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("a set that does not compose: %v %v %v", d.Resources, problems, err)
+	}
+	if _, _, err := Compose(in, "nowhere"); err == nil || IsUnresolvable(err) {
+		t.Fatalf("a node the Input does not have: %v", err)
+	}
 	if _, err := Resolve(in, "nowhere"); err == nil || IsUnresolvable(err) || !errors.Is(err, ErrNoSuchNode) {
 		t.Fatalf("a node the mesh does not have: %v", err)
 	}
diff --git a/internal/compose/rest.go b/internal/compose/rest.go
index 7a073a5..f97ef72 100644
--- a/internal/compose/rest.go
+++ b/internal/compose/rest.go
@@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ func (c *composer) theRestOfTheMeshNow(exclude string) (catalogue.World, Passes,
 	var firstHeld []catalogue.Held
 	c.unhostable = nil
 	for _, o := range others {
-		got, err := resolution.Resolve(shelf, o.assigned, o.node, catalogue.World{Unchecked: true, Holdings: holdings})
+		got, _, err := resolution.ResolveHolding(shelf, o.assigned, o.node, catalogue.World{Unchecked: true, Holdings: holdings})
 		if err != nil {
 			// Said, not skipped: a machine dropped here offers nothing and holds nothing.
 			left = append(left, LeftOut{Node: o.node.Name, Err: err})
@@ -162,7 +162,7 @@ func (c *composer) theRestOfTheMeshNow(exclude string) (catalogue.World, Passes,
 		// Each machine is resolved with its own pins, as its plan is.
 		theirs := world
 		theirs.Pinned = o.pins
-		got, err := resolution.Resolve(shelf, o.assigned, o.node, theirs)
+		got, _, err := resolution.ResolveHolding(shelf, o.assigned, o.node, theirs)
 		if err != nil {
 			// Said only for the whole-mesh view: with one machine excluded, the view is partial by design.
 			if exclude == "" {
diff --git a/internal/compose/rest_test.go b/internal/compose/rest_test.go
index 63e6d94..8cb1e61 100644
--- a/internal/compose/rest_test.go
+++ b/internal/compose/rest_test.go
@@ -89,8 +89,8 @@ func TestTheRestOfTheMeshOffersEveryOtherNodesProvisionsAndNoneOfTheExcluded(t *
 // 1361/AC2: a node whose assigned set does not resolve is left out and named with today's reason, and the others still offer.
 func TestANodeWhoseSetDoesNotResolveIsLeftOutAndTheOthersStillOffer(t *testing.T) {
 	in := threeNodes(t)
-	rivalOne := catalogue.Manifest{Module: "rival-one", Version: "1", Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: "the-seat", Scope: catalogue.ScopeNode}}}
-	rivalTwo := catalogue.Manifest{Module: "rival-two", Version: "1", Claims: []catalogue.Claim{{Name: "the-seat", Scope: catalogue.ScopeNode}}}
+	rivalOne := catalogue.Manifest{Module: "rival-one", Version: "1", Resources: []map[string]any{{"id": "r", "type": "directory", "path": "/var/lib/the-same", "mode": "0700"}}}
+	rivalTwo := catalogue.Manifest{Module: "rival-two", Version: "1", Resources: []map[string]any{{"id": "r", "type": "directory", "path": "/var/lib/the-same", "mode": "0700"}}}
 	in.Catalogue["rival-one"], in.Catalogue["rival-two"] = rivalOne, rivalTwo
 	ace := nodeOf(t, &in, "ace")
 	ace.Assigned = append(ace.Assigned, "rival-one", "rival-two")
@@ -208,9 +208,10 @@ func TestAHolderOnRecordSettlesTheSeatInTheRestOfTheMesh(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("%v %v %+v", err, left, passes)
 	}
 	in.Holdings = nil
-	_, _, left, err = TheRestOfTheMesh(in, "ace")
-	if err != nil || len(left) == 0 {
-		t.Fatalf("two claimants with nothing on record were not refused: %v %v", err, left)
+	// Nothing on record: the second claimant is held, not the node left out, and holds nothing in the view (issue 1966).
+	w, _, left, err := TheRestOfTheMesh(in, "ace")
+	if err != nil || len(left) != 0 || len(w.Held) != 1 || w.Held[0].Module != "old-broker" {
+		t.Fatalf("two claimants with nothing on record: %v %v %+v", err, left, w.Held)
 	}
 }