diff --git a/asks/proof_test.go b/asks/proof_test.go
index d4b8ba1..c90260d 100644
--- a/asks/proof_test.go
+++ b/asks/proof_test.go
@@ -232,11 +232,16 @@ func TestTheOperatorsAnswerEndToEnd(t *testing.T) {
 			By: &asks.Person{Who: asks.Operator, Kind: "telegram", Identity: "42", Verified: "user id verified"}})
 		decided := asks.DecidedSubject("lab-asker")
 		// The control: what is granted is not refused, so a refusal below is the bus's word and not the lab's.
-		for _, try := range []struct{ user, subject string }{
-			{machine + ".lab-asker", "mesh.seat.operator-channel.accept.cancel.lab-asker"},
-			{machine + ".telegram", asks.IntakeSubject(asks.StandingWhat, "telegram")},
+		// The channel's control is a true standing, now: a false one would hold the router's messages.
+		standing, _ := json.Marshal(asks.Standing{Ready: true, EditsSilently: true, At: time.Now().UTC()})
+		for _, try := range []struct {
+			user, subject string
+			body          []byte
+		}{
+			{machine + ".lab-asker", "mesh.seat.operator-channel.accept.cancel.lab-asker", []byte(`{"id":"none"}`)},
+			{machine + ".telegram", asks.IntakeSubject(asks.StandingWhat, "telegram"), standing},
 		} {
-			if l.refusedToPublish(try.user, try.subject, []byte(`{"id":"none","ready":true}`)) {
+			if l.refusedToPublish(try.user, try.subject, try.body) {
 				t.Fatalf("the control failed: %s was refused %s, which the controller grants it", try.user, try.subject)
 			}
 		}