diff --git a/node-tools/cmd/node-tools/approvals.go b/node-tools/cmd/node-tools/approvals.go
index 48dfe63..99153d6 100644
--- a/node-tools/cmd/node-tools/approvals.go
+++ b/node-tools/cmd/node-tools/approvals.go
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 package main
 
 import (
+	"context"
 	"encoding/json"
 	"errors"
 	"fmt"
@@ -149,6 +150,15 @@ func warranted(conn *bus.Conn) func(asker, ask string, open func() (bool, error)
 	}
 }
 
+// hearOne waits on the runner's connection for the first event on the subjects whose body match takes (design 34
+// every-event §36: a marked wait's ask's decided).
+func hearOne(conn *bus.Conn) func(ctx context.Context, subjects []string, within time.Duration, match func(json.RawMessage) bool) (bool, error) {
+	return func(ctx context.Context, subjects []string, within time.Duration, match func(json.RawMessage) bool) (bool, error) {
+		_, ok, _, err := conn.HearFirst(ctx, subjects, within, match)
+		return ok, err
+	}
+}
+
 // gateTools is the gate as mesh_approvals reads it, with its state's fill read from the bucket (§13, §18).
 type gateTools struct {
 	*approval.Gate
diff --git a/node-tools/cmd/node-tools/main.go b/node-tools/cmd/node-tools/main.go
index 8a81f04..302afde 100644
--- a/node-tools/cmd/node-tools/main.go
+++ b/node-tools/cmd/node-tools/main.go
@@ -80,7 +80,9 @@ func main() {
 	gate := approval.New(approval.Deps{Node: conn.Node(), Runner: cred.Module, Catalog: source.ApprovalCatalog(definitionsOf(seatList)), Wait: source.WaitCatalog,
 		Findings: source.Findings(), Logf: log.Printf, State: approvalsState{conn: conn, module: cred.Module},
 		Publish: publishAsk(conn), Record: routerRecord(conn), Warranted: warranted(conn), Bounds: boundState{conn: conn, module: cred.Module},
-		Holder: approval.HoldersIn(func() (map[string][]byte, error) { return source.State(firstview.SeatHoldersRead) })})
+		Holder: approval.HoldersIn(func() (map[string][]byte, error) { return source.State(firstview.SeatHoldersRead) }),
+		// The runner's own build, the one a marked wait's act binds (design 34 every-event §35).
+		Build: os.Getenv(runtime.FingerprintWord), Hear: hearOne(conn)})
 	// A failed read or write of the state approvals is made again at the next membership change the runner hears (A-157).
 	conn.OnMembership(func(bus.Membership) { go gate.StateAgain() })
 	opts = append(opts, runtime.WithGate(gate))
diff --git a/node-tools/internal/approval/approval_test.go b/node-tools/internal/approval/approval_test.go
index 230cd1e..f1cf18f 100644
--- a/node-tools/internal/approval/approval_test.go
+++ b/node-tools/internal/approval/approval_test.go
@@ -3,7 +3,6 @@ package approval
 import (
 	"encoding/json"
 	"errors"
-	"sort"
 	"strings"
 	"sync"
 	"testing"
@@ -15,83 +14,14 @@ import (
 	stdio "git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go"
 	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/keys"
 	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/seatdef"
+
+	mt "github.com/novox/mesh-tools/node-tools/internal/meshtest"
 )
 
-// mem is the runner's state approvals as a fixture; fail makes every read and write fail, as a bus refusing them.
-type mem struct {
-	mu   sync.Mutex
-	vals map[string]json.RawMessage
-	revs map[string]uint64
-	n    uint64
-	fail error
-}
+// mem is the runner's state approvals as a fixture (meshtest.State).
+type mem = mt.State
 
-func newMem() *mem { return &mem{vals: map[string]json.RawMessage{}, revs: map[string]uint64{}} }
-
-func (m *mem) Get(k string) (*stdio.StateEntry, error) {
-	m.mu.Lock()
-	defer m.mu.Unlock()
-	if m.fail != nil {
-		return nil, m.fail
-	}
-	v, ok := m.vals[k]
-	if !ok {
-		return nil, nil
-	}
-	return &stdio.StateEntry{Key: k, Value: v, Revision: m.revs[k]}, nil
-}
-func (m *mem) Create(k string, v any) (uint64, error) {
-	m.mu.Lock()
-	defer m.mu.Unlock()
-	if m.fail != nil {
-		return 0, m.fail
-	}
-	if _, ok := m.vals[k]; ok {
-		return 0, stdio.ErrChanged
-	}
-	return m.put(k, v)
-}
-func (m *mem) Update(k string, v any, rev uint64) (uint64, error) {
-	m.mu.Lock()
-	defer m.mu.Unlock()
-	if m.fail != nil {
-		return 0, m.fail
-	}
-	if rev == 0 || m.revs[k] != rev {
-		return 0, stdio.ErrChanged
-	}
-	return m.put(k, v)
-}
-func (m *mem) Put(k string, v any) (uint64, error) {
-	m.mu.Lock()
-	defer m.mu.Unlock()
-	if m.fail != nil {
-		return 0, m.fail
-	}
-	return m.put(k, v)
-}
-func (m *mem) Keys() ([]string, error) {
-	m.mu.Lock()
-	defer m.mu.Unlock()
-	if m.fail != nil {
-		return nil, m.fail
-	}
-	var out []string
-	for k := range m.vals {
-		out = append(out, k)
-	}
-	sort.Strings(out)
-	return out, nil
-}
-func (m *mem) put(k string, v any) (uint64, error) {
-	raw, ok := v.(json.RawMessage)
-	if !ok {
-		raw, _ = json.Marshal(v)
-	}
-	m.n++
-	m.vals[k], m.revs[k] = raw, m.n
-	return m.n, nil
-}
+func newMem() *mem { return mt.NewState() }
 
 // world is a gate on a fixture mesh: the catalog half, the router's records as the router writes them (mesh-catalog's
 // messenger, asks.go), the asks published, the clock.
@@ -262,11 +192,11 @@ func theActAndItsAsk(t *testing.T) {
 		{strings.Repeat("x", 50), "n1", "Run " + strings.Repeat("x", 50) + "?"},
 		{strings.Repeat("y", 80), "n1", "Run " + strings.Repeat("y", 54) + "…?"},
 	} {
-		if got := headlineOf(tc.name, tc.node, true); got != tc.want || len([]rune(got)) > 60 {
+		if got := headlineOf("Run", tc.name, tc.node, true); got != tc.want || len([]rune(got)) > 60 {
 			t.Errorf("headline %q, want %q", got, tc.want)
 		}
 	}
-	if got := headlineOf("wipe", "n1", false); got != "Run wipe on n1? Part shown" {
+	if got := headlineOf("Run", "wipe", "n1", false); got != "Run wipe on n1? Part shown" {
 		t.Errorf("headline %q", got)
 	}
 }
@@ -314,9 +244,9 @@ func TestTheRefusalsAndAnswers(t *testing.T) {
 				t.Errorf("explanation %q", a.Explanation)
 			}
 			var k operatorchannelclient.Kept
-			_ = json.Unmarshal(w.state.vals["n1.ask."+a.ID], &k)
-			if k.Act["arg.dir"] != "scratch" || string(k.Arguments) != `{"dir":"scratch"}` || string(w.state.vals["n1.act."+d]) != `"`+a.ID+`"` {
-				t.Errorf("kept %+v, act key %s", k, w.state.vals["n1.act."+d])
+			_ = json.Unmarshal(w.state.Vals["n1.ask."+a.ID], &k)
+			if k.Act["arg.dir"] != "scratch" || string(k.Arguments) != `{"dir":"scratch"}` || string(w.state.Vals["n1.act."+d]) != `"`+a.ID+`"` {
+				t.Errorf("kept %+v, act key %s", k, w.state.Vals["n1.act."+d])
 			}
 		}},
 		{"§12: with no record within 5 seconds, Not run, asked; not yet taken by the router", func(t *testing.T, w *world) {
@@ -385,10 +315,10 @@ func TestTheRefusalsAndAnswers(t *testing.T) {
 			rec.Warrant.AskDigest = operatorchannelclient.Digest(a)
 			w.records["shell."+a.ID] = rec
 			var k operatorchannelclient.Kept
-			_ = json.Unmarshal(w.state.vals["n1.ask."+a.ID], &k)
+			_ = json.Unmarshal(w.state.Vals["n1.ask."+a.ID], &k)
 			k.Ask = a
 			raw, _ := json.Marshal(k)
-			w.state.vals["n1.ask."+a.ID] = raw
+			w.state.Vals["n1.ask."+a.ID] = raw
 			if _, err := w.do(call("wipe", `{"dir":"scratch"}`)); err == nil || w.runs != 0 || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "nothing is done") {
 				t.Fatalf("%v, runs %d", err, w.runs)
 			}
@@ -495,7 +425,7 @@ func TestTheRefusalsAndAnswers(t *testing.T) {
 				t.Fatalf("recorded %v, findings %v, bounds %v", w.recorded, w.findings.raised, w.bounds.keys)
 			}
 			var k operatorchannelclient.Kept
-			_ = json.Unmarshal(w.state.vals["n1.ask."+a.ID], &k)
+			_ = json.Unmarshal(w.state.Vals["n1.ask."+a.ID], &k)
 			if !k.Recorded || !k.Acted {
 				t.Fatalf("kept %+v", k)
 			}
@@ -517,7 +447,7 @@ func TestTheRefusalsAndAnswers(t *testing.T) {
 				t.Fatalf("%v", err)
 			}
 			w.g.d.Publish = pub
-			w.state.vals = map[string]json.RawMessage{}
+			w.state.Vals = map[string]json.RawMessage{}
 			_, _ = w.do(call("wipe", `{}`))
 			w.g.d.Record = func(string, string) (*stdio.StateEntry, error) { return nil, errors.New("timeout") }
 			if _, err := w.do(call("wipe", `{}`)); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "the router's record of its ask") || w.runs != 0 {
@@ -546,7 +476,7 @@ func TestTheRefusalsAndAnswers(t *testing.T) {
 		{"§19: the state failing refuses, raises approvals-unreadable after five minutes, and clears when read again", func(t *testing.T, w *world) {
 			stop, _ := w.g.WatchBounds()
 			defer stop()
-			w.state.fail = errors.New("the bus is unreachable")
+			w.state.Fail = errors.New("the bus is unreachable")
 			if _, err := w.do(call("wipe", `{}`)); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "cannot be read") {
 				t.Fatalf("%v", err)
 			}
@@ -557,7 +487,7 @@ func TestTheRefusalsAndAnswers(t *testing.T) {
 			if w.findings.raised[keys.EscapeName("n1.approvals")] != KindApprovalsUnreadable {
 				t.Fatalf("findings %v", w.findings.raised)
 			}
-			w.state.fail = nil
+			w.state.Fail = nil
 			w.g.StateAgain() // a membership change heard, no further call
 			if len(w.findings.raised) != 0 || len(w.bounds.keys) != 0 {
 				t.Fatalf("findings %v, bounds %v", w.findings.raised, w.bounds.keys)
diff --git a/node-tools/internal/approval/ask.go b/node-tools/internal/approval/ask.go
index 43e1bc9..60a27da 100644
--- a/node-tools/internal/approval/ask.go
+++ b/node-tools/internal/approval/ask.go
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ func (g *Gate) askFor(c Call, digest, id string) seat.Ask {
 	if c.Seat != "" {
 		name = c.Seat + "." + c.Name
 	}
-	headline := headlineOf(name, g.d.Node, whole)
+	headline := headlineOf("Run", name, g.d.Node, whole)
 	first, _, _ := strings.Cut(strings.TrimSpace(c.Description), "\n")
 	if first == "" {
 		first = name
@@ -92,22 +92,23 @@ func (g *Gate) askFor(c Call, digest, id string) seat.Ask {
 				Level: operatorchannelclient.Approve, Binds: digest}}}
 }
 
-// headlineOf is "Run <tool> on <node>?", "Run <tool>?" when that is longer than the router allows, and the names cut with
-// "…" when that too is longer; ending "Part shown" whenever an argument is not shown whole (§10, Q-HL).
-func headlineOf(name, node string, whole bool) string {
+// headlineOf is "<verb> <names> on <node>?", "<verb> <names>?" when that is longer than the router allows, and the names cut
+// with "…" when that too is longer; ending "Part shown" whenever an argument is not shown whole (§10, Q-HL). verb is "Run"
+// for a call and "Wait on" for a wait (design 34 every-event §35).
+func headlineOf(verb, name, node string, whole bool) string {
 	suffix := ""
 	if !whole {
 		suffix = " Part shown"
 	}
 	max := operatorchannelclient.HeadlineLength
 	fits := func(s string) bool { return len([]rune(s)) <= max }
-	if h := "Run " + name + " on " + node + "?" + suffix; fits(h) {
+	if h := verb + " " + name + " on " + node + "?" + suffix; fits(h) {
 		return h
 	}
-	if h := "Run " + name + "?" + suffix; fits(h) {
+	if h := verb + " " + name + "?" + suffix; fits(h) {
 		return h
 	}
-	room := max - len([]rune("Run …?"+suffix))
+	room := max - len([]rune(verb+" …?"+suffix))
 	r := []rune(name)
 	if room < 1 {
 		room = 1
@@ -115,7 +116,7 @@ func headlineOf(name, node string, whole bool) string {
 	if len(r) > room {
 		r = r[:room]
 	}
-	return "Run " + string(r) + "…?" + suffix
+	return verb + " " + string(r) + "…?" + suffix
 }
 
 // firstCall is a marked call whose act has no ask open: refused at once when its arguments may not be asked (§9), else
@@ -140,7 +141,15 @@ func (g *Gate) firstCall(c Call) (any, error) {
 // the first answer (§12), always an error, never a result.
 func (g *Gate) raise(c Call, act operatorchannelclient.Act, digest, markedSince string) error {
 	id := newID()
-	a := g.askFor(c, digest, id)
+	if err := g.keepAsk(c, act, digest, g.askFor(c, digest, id)); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	return g.firstAnswer(c, id, digest, markedSince)
+}
+
+// keepAsk raises an ask and keeps it in the runner's state with the act and the whole arguments, its act's key naming it
+// (§10, §13); refused, as an error, when it cannot be.
+func (g *Gate) keepAsk(c Call, act operatorchannelclient.Act, digest string, a seat.Ask) error {
 	cl := g.client(c.Module)
 	if size := keptSize(a, act, c.Args); size > MostKeptValue {
 		return g.refused(c, digest, fmt.Sprintf("its ask would keep %d bytes, more than the %d a value of the state %s holds", size, MostKeptValue, StateName))
@@ -148,15 +157,15 @@ func (g *Gate) raise(c Call, act operatorchannelclient.Act, digest, markedSince
 	if err := cl.Ask(a); err != nil {
 		return g.refused(c, digest, "the ask could not be raised: "+err.Error())
 	}
-	if err := g.keepCall(id, act, c.Args); err != nil {
+	if err := g.keepCall(a.ID, act, c.Args); err != nil {
 		g.stateFailed(err)
 		return g.refused(c, digest, "the ask was raised and its call could not be kept: "+err.Error())
 	}
-	if _, err := g.d.State.Put(g.actKey(digest), id); err != nil {
+	if _, err := g.d.State.Put(g.actKey(digest), a.ID); err != nil {
 		g.stateFailed(err)
 		return g.refused(c, digest, "the ask was raised and its act could not be kept: "+err.Error())
 	}
-	return g.firstAnswer(c, id, digest, markedSince)
+	return nil
 }
 
 // keptSize is the bytes the kept ask would take.
diff --git a/node-tools/internal/approval/gate.go b/node-tools/internal/approval/gate.go
index 787014a..315db22 100644
--- a/node-tools/internal/approval/gate.go
+++ b/node-tools/internal/approval/gate.go
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ package approval
 
 import (
 	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
 	"fmt"
 	"sort"
 	"strings"
@@ -55,6 +56,12 @@ type Deps struct {
 	Bounds Bounds
 	// Holder says whether a module holds a seat, from the assigner's view of the seats' holders the runner follows (§19).
 	Holder func(seat string) (bool, error)
+	// Build is the tool runner's own fingerprint, read from its MESH_FINGERPRINT at its start: the build a marked wait's
+	// act binds; empty while unknown, when every marked wait is refused (design 34 every-event §35).
+	Build string
+	// Hear waits within the bound for the first event on the subjects whose body match takes, or the caller's going: a
+	// marked wait's ask's `decided` (every-event §36); false when none came.
+	Hear func(ctx context.Context, subjects []string, within time.Duration, match func(json.RawMessage) bool) (bool, error)
 	// Go runs what goes on beside the call (a run's recording); nil is a goroutine.
 	Go func(func())
 }
diff --git a/node-tools/internal/approval/marks.go b/node-tools/internal/approval/marks.go
index a61d59a..824ef6e 100644
--- a/node-tools/internal/approval/marks.go
+++ b/node-tools/internal/approval/marks.go
@@ -29,6 +29,9 @@ type Catalog interface {
 	Newest(module string) (catalogseat.CatalogEntry, bool)
 	// Definitions are the seat definitions the catalog half carries, by seat.
 	Definitions() map[string]seatdef.Definition
+	// Entries are the newest entry of every module in every followed branch's half, a marked wait's marks (lead answer
+	// A-168).
+	Entries() []catalogseat.CatalogEntry
 }
 
 // Marks is what one module's calls are gated by: its marked tools and seat verbs, and the subjects of its marked events and
@@ -89,61 +92,67 @@ func Derive(c Catalog, module, fingerprint string) Marks {
 		entries = append(entries, e)
 	}
 	for _, e := range entries {
-		source := "entry " + e.Module + " " + orNone(e.Fp)
-		var said marked
-		if raw, err := json.Marshal(e.Manifest); err == nil {
-			_ = json.Unmarshal(raw, &said)
-		}
-		serves := map[string]bool{}
-		for _, sv := range e.Serves {
-			serves[sv] = true
-			seat, verb, _ := strings.Cut(sv, ".")
-			for _, v := range defs[seat].Verbs {
-				if v.Name == verb && v.NeedsApproval {
-					m.Verbs[sv] = "seat " + seat
-				}
+		m.add(e, defs)
+	}
+	return m
+}
+
+// add takes one entry's marks into m: its `needs-approval` (a tool, a verb it serves or an event it declares), the seat
+// definitions' marks of every verb it serves, and every stream it declares with a `grant`, each with its source.
+func (m *Marks) add(e catalogseat.CatalogEntry, defs map[string]seatdef.Definition) {
+	source := "entry " + e.Module + " " + orNone(e.Fp)
+	var said marked
+	if raw, err := json.Marshal(e.Manifest); err == nil {
+		_ = json.Unmarshal(raw, &said)
+	}
+	serves := map[string]bool{}
+	for _, sv := range e.Serves {
+		serves[sv] = true
+		seat, verb, _ := strings.Cut(sv, ".")
+		for _, v := range defs[seat].Verbs {
+			if v.Name == verb && v.NeedsApproval {
+				m.Verbs[sv] = "seat " + seat
 			}
 		}
-		events := map[string]bool{}
-		for _, ev := range said.Emits {
+	}
+	events := map[string]bool{}
+	for _, ev := range said.Emits {
+		events[ev] = true
+	}
+	for _, s := range said.Streams {
+		for _, ev := range s.Events {
 			events[ev] = true
 		}
-		for _, s := range said.Streams {
-			for _, ev := range s.Events {
-				events[ev] = true
+	}
+	for _, name := range said.NeedsApproval {
+		switch {
+		case serves[name]:
+			if _, bySeat := m.Verbs[name]; !bySeat {
+				m.Verbs[name] = source
+			}
+		case events[name]:
+			for _, s := range eventSubjects(e.Module, name) {
+				m.Subjects[s] = source
 			}
+		default:
+			m.Tools[name] = source
+		}
+	}
+	for _, s := range said.Streams {
+		if len(s.Grant) == 0 || string(s.Grant) == "null" {
+			continue
 		}
-		for _, name := range said.NeedsApproval {
-			switch {
-			case serves[name]:
-				if _, bySeat := m.Verbs[name]; !bySeat {
-					m.Verbs[name] = source
-				}
-			case events[name]:
-				for _, s := range eventSubjects(e.Module, name) {
-					m.Subjects[s] = source
-				}
-			default:
-				m.Tools[name] = source
-			}
+		wire := make([]string, 0, len(s.Events))
+		for _, ev := range s.Events {
+			wire = append(wire, buscompose.WirePattern(ev))
 		}
-		for _, s := range said.Streams {
-			if len(s.Grant) == 0 || string(s.Grant) == "null" {
-				continue
-			}
-			wire := make([]string, 0, len(s.Events))
-			for _, ev := range s.Events {
-				wire = append(wire, buscompose.WirePattern(ev))
-			}
-			for _, sub := range (buscompose.ModuleStream{Module: e.Module, Events: wire}).Subjects() {
-				m.Subjects[sub] = source
-				if !strings.HasSuffix(sub, ">") {
-					m.Subjects[sub+".>"] = source
-				}
+		for _, sub := range (buscompose.ModuleStream{Module: e.Module, Events: wire}).Subjects() {
+			m.Subjects[sub] = source
+			if !strings.HasSuffix(sub, ">") {
+				m.Subjects[sub+".>"] = source
 			}
 		}
 	}
-	return m
 }
 
 // eventSubjects are a marked event's subjects on the bus (design 34 every-event §33): said on the module's events and on its
diff --git a/node-tools/internal/approval/marks_test.go b/node-tools/internal/approval/marks_test.go
index 85053f6..39573cf 100644
--- a/node-tools/internal/approval/marks_test.go
+++ b/node-tools/internal/approval/marks_test.go
@@ -32,6 +32,13 @@ func (c *fakeCatalog) Newest(m string) (catalogseat.CatalogEntry, bool) {
 	return e, ok
 }
 func (c *fakeCatalog) Definitions() map[string]seatdef.Definition { return c.defs }
+func (c *fakeCatalog) Entries() []catalogseat.CatalogEntry {
+	var out []catalogseat.CatalogEntry
+	for _, e := range c.newest {
+		out = append(out, e)
+	}
+	return out
+}
 
 func entry(fp string, serves []string, manifest map[string]any) catalogseat.CatalogEntry {
 	return catalogseat.CatalogEntry{Module: "shell", Fp: fp, Serves: serves, Manifest: manifest}
diff --git a/node-tools/internal/approval/wait.go b/node-tools/internal/approval/wait.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7fa963c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/node-tools/internal/approval/wait.go
@@ -0,0 +1,296 @@
+package approval
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"fmt"
+	"strings"
+	"time"
+
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-contracts/operator-and-conversation/go/clients/operatorchannelclient"
+	seat "git.novox.be/novox/mesh-contracts/operator-and-conversation/go/seats/operatorchannel"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/buscompose"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/outward"
+)
+
+// Wait is one mesh_wait call as the gate judges it (design 34 every-event §34 to §36): the event names given, the subjects
+// they became (after `from`), the filter and the timeout.
+type Wait struct {
+	Names    []string
+	From     string
+	Subjects []string
+	Filter   map[string]any
+	Timeout  time.Duration
+}
+
+// Waited is a wait through the gate (every-event §34 to §36). An unmarked wait is heard at once by hear, given how long it
+// may wait. A marked one is heard only on the operator's warrant for that one wait, its timeout running from then; with
+// none it subscribes to nothing, its ask raised once under the runner's own module's name, and is answered as an error at
+// its timeout, when its caller goes, or as soon as the router's record says the ask was chosen, never in a hot loop. c is
+// the call as the console makes it: its address, its tool's name, its caller and its arguments as given.
+func (g *Gate) Waited(ctx context.Context, c Call, w Wait, hear func(within time.Duration) (any, error)) (any, error) {
+	deadline := g.d.Now().Add(w.Timeout)
+	// A wait from a seat is never marked, and a seat's event never is (§32, §34).
+	if w.From == "seat" || !outsideSeats(w.Subjects) {
+		return hear(w.Timeout)
+	}
+	if g.d.Catalog == nil {
+		return nil, g.holdRefused(ctx, deadline, "this wait is refused: the tool runner reads no catalog half, so the marks are not read")
+	}
+	if err := g.d.Catalog.Ready(); err != nil {
+		// Before the marks are read nothing is asked: the wait waits for the first view within its own timeout and is
+		// then judged, and is refused at its timeout when it does not come (§34).
+		if g.d.Wait != nil {
+			err = g.waitCatalog(ctx, w.Timeout)
+		}
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, g.holdRefused(ctx, deadline, fmt.Sprintf("this wait is refused at its timeout: the marks are not yet read (%v); "+
+				"mesh_first_views says what the tool runner waits for", err))
+		}
+	}
+	if !overlapsAny(w.Subjects, g.waitMarks()) {
+		return hear(deadline.Sub(g.d.Now()))
+	}
+	c.Module, c.Seat, c.Fingerprint = g.d.Runner, "", g.d.Build
+	if c.Fingerprint == "" {
+		return nil, g.holdRefused(ctx, deadline, "this wait needs the operator's approval, and the tool runner's own fingerprint is "+
+			"unknown (its MESH_FINGERPRINT was not set at its start), so no warrant can bind its build")
+	}
+	if b, ok := g.d.State.(Binding); g.d.State == nil || ok && !b.Bound() {
+		return nil, g.holdRefused(ctx, deadline, g.refused(c, "", "the tool runner's membership binds no state "+StateName+" to keep its asks in").Error())
+	}
+	if why := refusedUnasked(c.Args); why != "" {
+		return nil, g.holdRefused(ctx, deadline, g.refused(c, "", why).Error())
+	}
+	if why := g.held(); why != "" {
+		return nil, g.holdRefused(ctx, deadline, g.refused(c, "", why).Error())
+	}
+	act, err := ActOf(c, g.d.Node)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, g.holdRefused(ctx, deadline, g.refused(c, "", err.Error()).Error())
+	}
+	digest, err := operatorchannelclient.ActDigest(act)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, g.holdRefused(ctx, deadline, g.refused(c, "", err.Error()).Error())
+	}
+	named, err := g.d.State.Get(g.actKey(digest))
+	if err != nil {
+		g.stateFailed(err)
+		return nil, g.holdRefused(ctx, deadline, g.refused(c, digest, "its state "+StateName+" cannot be read: "+err.Error()).Error())
+	}
+	g.stateRead()
+	anew := func() (any, error) {
+		id := newID()
+		if err := g.keepAsk(c, act, digest, g.askForWait(c, w, digest, id)); err != nil {
+			return nil, g.holdRefused(ctx, deadline, err.Error())
+		}
+		return nil, g.holdAsk(ctx, deadline, c.Module, id, digest, true)
+	}
+	if named == nil {
+		return anew()
+	}
+	var id string
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(named.Value, &id); err != nil || id == "" {
+		return nil, g.holdRefused(ctx, deadline, g.refused(c, digest, fmt.Sprintf("its act's key in %s names no ask", StateName)).Error())
+	}
+	rec, err := g.record(c.Module, id)
+	switch {
+	case err != nil:
+		return nil, g.holdRefused(ctx, deadline, g.refused(c, digest, "the router's record of its ask "+id+" cannot be read: "+err.Error()).Error())
+	case rec == nil, rec.State == "open", rec.State == "held-back":
+		return nil, g.holdAsk(ctx, deadline, c.Module, id, digest, false)
+	case rec.State == "refused":
+		return nil, g.holdRefused(ctx, deadline, g.refused(c, digest, "the router refused its ask "+id+": "+orNone(rec.Answer)).Error())
+	case rec.State != "chosen":
+		return anew() // expired, cancelled, replaced: asked again (§15, §17)
+	}
+	wt := rec.Warrant
+	if wt == nil {
+		return nil, g.holdRefused(ctx, deadline, g.refused(c, digest, "the router's record of its ask "+id+" is chosen and carries no warrant").Error())
+	}
+	at, _ := operatorchannelclient.Time(wt.At)
+	if wt.Option == OptionDecline {
+		if g.d.Now().Before(at.Add(DeclinedFor)) {
+			return nil, g.holdRefused(ctx, deadline, declinedWords(id, at))
+		}
+		return anew()
+	}
+	if g.d.Now().After(at.Add(RunWithin)) {
+		return anew()
+	}
+	var answer any
+	var ran error
+	h, err := g.client(c.Module).Take(*wt, func(o seat.Option, _ seat.Warrant) error {
+		if err := operatorchannelclient.Performs(o, act); err != nil {
+			ran = err
+			return err
+		}
+		// On the warrant it subscribes, and the wait's timeout runs from then (§35).
+		answer, ran = hear(w.Timeout)
+		return nil
+	})
+	switch {
+	case h == operatorchannelclient.Done:
+		return anew() // already run: one warrant is one wait (§35)
+	case h == operatorchannelclient.Refused:
+		return nil, g.holdRefused(ctx, deadline, g.refused(c, digest, "its warrant does not hold: "+errText(err)).Error())
+	case h == "" && err != nil:
+		g.stateFailed(err)
+		return nil, g.holdRefused(ctx, deadline, g.refused(c, digest, "its state "+StateName+" cannot be written: "+err.Error()).Error())
+	case err != nil:
+		return nil, g.holdRefused(ctx, deadline, g.refused(c, digest, err.Error()).Error())
+	}
+	return g.ran(c, id, rec, answer, ran)
+}
+
+// outsideSeats says a subject is not a seat's: only such a subject can be marked (§32, §34).
+func outsideSeats(subjects []string) bool {
+	for _, s := range subjects {
+		if !strings.HasPrefix(s, "mesh.seat.") {
+			return true
+		}
+	}
+	return false
+}
+
+// waitMarks are the marked subjects of every module the catalog half lists (§33): the newest entry of every followed
+// branch, and the served entry of each module this runner serves (lead answer A-168), so a mark is never lost.
+func (g *Gate) waitMarks() map[string]string {
+	m := Marks{Tools: map[string]string{}, Verbs: map[string]string{}, Subjects: map[string]string{}}
+	defs := g.d.Catalog.Definitions()
+	for _, e := range g.d.Catalog.Entries() {
+		m.add(e, defs)
+	}
+	g.mu.Lock()
+	served := make(map[string]string, len(g.served))
+	for module, fp := range g.served {
+		served[module] = fp
+	}
+	g.mu.Unlock()
+	for _, fp := range served {
+		if e, ok, _ := g.d.Catalog.Served(fp); ok {
+			m.add(e, defs)
+		}
+	}
+	return m.Subjects
+}
+
+// overlapsAny says a subject a wait subscribes overlaps a marked subject (§34).
+func overlapsAny(subjects []string, marked map[string]string) bool {
+	for _, s := range subjects {
+		for mk := range marked {
+			if buscompose.Overlaps(s, mk) {
+				return true
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return false
+}
+
+// waitCatalog waits for the catalog half's first view within the bound, or until the caller goes.
+func (g *Gate) waitCatalog(ctx context.Context, within time.Duration) error {
+	done := make(chan error, 1)
+	go func() { done <- g.d.Wait(within) }()
+	select {
+	case err := <-done:
+		return err
+	case <-ctx.Done():
+		return ctx.Err()
+	}
+}
+
+// pause waits until the deadline or the caller's going.
+func (g *Gate) pause(ctx context.Context, deadline time.Time) {
+	if left := deadline.Sub(g.d.Now()); left > 0 {
+		select {
+		case <-g.d.After(left):
+		case <-ctx.Done():
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// holdRefused is a refused marked wait, said at its timeout or when its caller goes, never at once, so a watcher's loop
+// is never a hot one (§36).
+func (g *Gate) holdRefused(ctx context.Context, deadline time.Time, words string) error {
+	g.pause(ctx, deadline)
+	if !strings.HasPrefix(words, "Not run") {
+		words = "Not run: " + words
+	}
+	return fmt.Errorf("%s", words)
+}
+
+// holdAsk holds a marked wait whose ask is open, subscribing to nothing but its ask's `decided` (§36): it answers, as an
+// error, at its timeout, when its caller goes, or once the router's record says the ask was chosen, the event only waking it.
+func (g *Gate) holdAsk(ctx context.Context, deadline time.Time, module, id, digest string, first bool) error {
+	for {
+		left := deadline.Sub(g.d.Now())
+		heard := false
+		if left > 0 && ctx.Err() == nil {
+			var err error
+			if g.d.Hear != nil {
+				heard, err = g.d.Hear(ctx, []string{seat.SubjectDecided(module)}, left, func(body json.RawMessage) bool {
+					var w seat.Warrant
+					return json.Unmarshal(body, &w) == nil && w.Ask == id
+				})
+			}
+			if g.d.Hear == nil || err != nil {
+				g.pause(ctx, deadline)
+			}
+		}
+		rec, _ := g.record(module, id)
+		if heard && (rec == nil || rec.State != "chosen") {
+			continue // the event only wakes it: the record says nothing chosen yet
+		}
+		return g.waitWords(rec, id, digest, first)
+	}
+}
+
+// waitWords are §12's and §17's words for a marked wait not run, "this wait" for "the call" (§36).
+func (g *Gate) waitWords(rec *seat.AsksByAskerIDValue, id, digest string, first bool) error {
+	switch {
+	case rec == nil:
+		return fmt.Errorf("Not run, asked; not yet taken by the router (ask %s, fingerprint %s); make this wait again later", id, Fingerprint(digest))
+	case rec.State == "chosen" && rec.Warrant != nil && rec.Warrant.Option == OptionDecline:
+		at, _ := operatorchannelclient.Time(rec.Warrant.At)
+		return fmt.Errorf("%s", declinedWords(id, at))
+	case rec.State == "chosen", first:
+		return fmt.Errorf("Not run: this wait needs the operator's approval. Asked on %s at %s (ask %s, fingerprint %s); make this wait "+
+			"again within 30 minutes of the approval; the ask expires at %s", orNone(strings.Join(rec.OfferedOn, ", ")), rec.Opened,
+			id, Fingerprint(digest), rec.Expires)
+	case rec.State == "open", rec.State == "held-back":
+		return fmt.Errorf("Not run: still waiting for the operator's answer to ask %s (fingerprint %s); it expires at %s",
+			id, Fingerprint(digest), rec.Expires)
+	}
+	return fmt.Errorf("Not run: the ask %s ended %s; make this wait again to ask anew", id, rec.State)
+}
+
+func declinedWords(id string, at time.Time) string {
+	return fmt.Sprintf("Not run: the operator declined ask %s; this wait is not asked again until %s", id,
+		operatorchannelclient.FormatTime(at.Add(DeclinedFor)))
+}
+
+// askForWait is a marked wait's ask (§35): "Wait on <names> on <node>?", shortened as §10 says, and an explanation naming
+// every event name one per line, the filter, and the bound as the timeout in minutes, then the act's fingerprint.
+func (g *Gate) askForWait(c Call, w Wait, digest, id string) seat.Ask {
+	a := g.askFor(c, digest, id)
+	filter, whole := "none", true
+	if len(w.Filter) > 0 {
+		raw, _ := json.Marshal(w.Filter)
+		filter = string(raw)
+		if r, ok := outward.Check(filter); !ok {
+			filter, whole = shapeOf(r), false
+		}
+	}
+	a.Headline = headlineOf("Wait on", strings.Join(w.Names, ", "), g.d.Node, whole)
+	lines := append([]string{"Wait on " + g.d.Node + ", called through the mesh's tools, which cannot tell who called, for:"}, w.Names...)
+	lines = append(lines, "Filter: "+filter, fmt.Sprintf("Timeout: %s minutes", minutes(w.Timeout)), "Fingerprint "+Fingerprint(digest))
+	a.Explanation = strings.Join(lines, "\n")
+	a.Options[0].Does = "the same wait, made again within 30 minutes, subscribes once, its timeout running from then"
+	a.Options[1].Does = "nothing is heard; the same wait is not asked again for 10 minutes"
+	return a
+}
+
+// minutes is a timeout in minutes, as few digits as say it.
+func minutes(d time.Duration) string {
+	return strings.TrimSuffix(strings.TrimRight(fmt.Sprintf("%.2f", d.Minutes()), "0"), ".")
+}
diff --git a/node-tools/internal/console/wait.go b/node-tools/internal/console/wait.go
index a93a16d..541e620 100644
--- a/node-tools/internal/console/wait.go
+++ b/node-tools/internal/console/wait.go
@@ -20,6 +20,8 @@ import (
 	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-delivery/contracts/go/clients/meshcatalogclient"
 	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/buscompose"
 	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/catalogue"
+
+	"github.com/novox/mesh-tools/node-tools/internal/approval"
 )
 
 // WaitDefault is how long a wait lasts when no timeout is given, and WaitLongest the most it may last
@@ -107,9 +109,42 @@ func (s *Surface) waitAnswer(ctx context.Context, args map[string]any) map[strin
 		}
 	}
 
+	listen := func(within time.Duration) (any, error) {
+		return s.hear(ctx, names, subjects, undeclared, known.source, unchecked, filter, within)
+	}
+	// A wait whose subjects overlap a marked event's runs only on the operator's warrant for that one wait (design 34
+	// every-event §34 to §36), judged by the runner's approval gate.
+	var answer any
+	if g, ok := s.Approvals.(waitGate); ok {
+		given := map[string]any{}
+		for _, k := range []string{"subjects", "from", "filter", "timeout"} {
+			if v, has := args[k]; has {
+				given[k] = v
+			}
+		}
+		raw, _ := json.Marshal(given)
+		answer, err = g.Waited(ctx, approval.Call{Address: verbWait, Name: verbWait, Caller: s.who, Args: raw},
+			approval.Wait{Names: names, From: from, Subjects: subjects, Filter: filter, Timeout: timeout}, listen)
+	} else {
+		answer, err = listen(timeout)
+	}
+	if err != nil {
+		return failure(err.Error())
+	}
+	return answerText(answer)
+}
+
+// waitGate is the runner's approval gate as mesh_wait goes through it (design 34 every-event §34 to §36).
+type waitGate interface {
+	Waited(ctx context.Context, c approval.Call, w approval.Wait, hear func(within time.Duration) (any, error)) (any, error)
+}
+
+// hear subscribes the wait's subjects for within and answers the first matching event, or that it timed out.
+func (s *Surface) hear(ctx context.Context, names, subjects, undeclared []string, source, unchecked string, filter map[string]any,
+	timeout time.Duration) (map[string]any, error) {
 	heard, ok, refused, err := s.conn.HearFirst(ctx, subjects, timeout, func(body json.RawMessage) bool { return bodyMatches(body, filter) })
 	if err != nil {
-		return failure("mesh_wait could not wait: " + err.Error())
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("mesh_wait could not wait: %w", err)
 	}
 	var answer map[string]any
 	if !ok {
@@ -117,7 +152,7 @@ func (s *Surface) waitAnswer(ctx context.Context, args map[string]any) map[strin
 			"read": "nothing matching was heard; read the state once from the verb that owns it, then wait again"}
 		if len(undeclared) > 0 {
 			answer["undeclared"] = fmt.Sprintf("no declaration names %s: no seat definition and no module's entry in %s "+
-				"declares that event", strings.Join(undeclared, ", "), known.source)
+				"declares that event", strings.Join(undeclared, ", "), source)
 		}
 	} else {
 		name, from, _ := buscompose.EventName(heard.Subject)
@@ -139,7 +174,7 @@ func (s *Surface) waitAnswer(ctx context.Context, args map[string]any) map[strin
 	if len(refused) > 0 {
 		answer["refused"] = refused
 	}
-	return answerText(answer)
+	return answer, nil
 }
 
 // halfReader is a Source that also holds the catalog half of each followed branch (firstview.Views.Halves): mesh_wait
diff --git a/node-tools/internal/console/wait_test.go b/node-tools/internal/console/wait_test.go
index 54e2aaf..1eb7263 100644
--- a/node-tools/internal/console/wait_test.go
+++ b/node-tools/internal/console/wait_test.go
@@ -10,11 +10,16 @@ import (
 	"reflect"
 	"sort"
 	"strings"
+	"sync"
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-contracts/operator-and-conversation/go/clients/operatorchannelclient"
+	opseat "git.novox.be/novox/mesh-contracts/operator-and-conversation/go/seats/operatorchannel"
 	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-delivery/contracts/go/clients/meshcatalogclient"
 	catalogseat "git.novox.be/novox/mesh-delivery/contracts/go/seats/meshcatalog"
+	stdio "git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go"
+	"git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go/seatdef"
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats-server/v2/server"
 	"github.com/nats-io/nats.go"
 
@@ -197,7 +202,7 @@ func TestMeshWaitsTimeoutIsBounded(t *testing.T) {
 // a wildcard, of one token, more than 16 names, none, or a from of another word is refused at once naming the rule; a
 // wait whose every subscription the bus refuses answers after its timeout, in words naming no wait grant.
 func TestMeshWaitRefusesLoudlyAndNeverLoops(t *testing.T) {
-	s, _ := waitingRuntime(t)
+	s, mesh := waitingRuntime(t)
 	var seventeen []any
 	for i := 0; i < 17; i++ {
 		seventeen = append(seventeen, fmt.Sprintf("mesh-knowledge.reviewed%d", i))
@@ -274,8 +279,232 @@ func TestMeshWaitRefusesLoudlyAndNeverLoops(t *testing.T) {
 		!strings.Contains(text, "novox/hq ADR 0670 §1") || strings.Contains(text, "wait grant") || strings.Contains(text, "0367 §2") {
 		t.Errorf("a wait the bus refused whole: %s", text)
 	}
+	// Design 34 every-event §37: a wait whose subjects overlap a marked event's, or a stream's with a `grant`, runs only on the
+	// operator's warrant for that one wait; with none it subscribes nothing, asks once and answers at its timeout or the choice.
+	markedWaits(t, s, mesh)
 }
 
+// markedWaits are §37's rows, against a gate on the test bus, the router's records written there as the router writes them.
+func markedWaits(t *testing.T, s *Surface, mesh *mt.Mesh) {
+	gw := newGatedWaits(t, s, mesh, "src2:runner")
+	g := gw.surface
+	took := func(args map[string]any) (string, bool, time.Duration) {
+		start := time.Now()
+		text, isErr := callWait(g, args)
+		return text, isErr, time.Since(start)
+	}
+	// A fixture module's marked event, no warrant: nothing of it subscribed (only its ask's decided), asked once, §12's
+	// words at its timeout; the same wait again asks nothing new.
+	before := g.conn.Subscriptions()
+	go func() {
+		listening(t, g, before, 1)
+		mesh.Emit(t, "mesh.mod.mail.event.message", map[string]any{"n": 1})
+	}()
+	text, isErr, d := took(map[string]any{"subjects": []any{"mail.message"}, "timeout": 1})
+	if !isErr || !strings.Contains(text, "this wait needs the operator's approval. Asked on telegram") || gw.asks() != 1 ||
+		d < time.Second || strings.Contains(text, "heard") {
+		t.Errorf("a marked event's wait, no warrant: %s after %s, %d asks", text, d, gw.asks())
+	}
+	if text, isErr, _ = took(map[string]any{"subjects": []any{"mail.message"}, "timeout": 1}); !isErr ||
+		!strings.Contains(text, "still waiting") || gw.asks() != 1 {
+		t.Errorf("the same marked wait again: %s, %d asks", text, gw.asks())
+	}
+	// A stream with a `grant` is marked whole; a name with the node after a marked event's name is marked.
+	for i, name := range []string{"mail.inbox", "mail.message.desk"} {
+		if text, isErr, _ := took(map[string]any{"subjects": []any{name}, "timeout": 1}); !isErr || !strings.Contains(text, "Not run") || gw.asks() != 2+i {
+			t.Errorf("%s: %s, %d asks", name, text, gw.asks())
+		}
+	}
+	// The same names from a seat ask nothing.
+	if text, isErr, _ := took(map[string]any{"subjects": []any{"mail.message"}, "from": "seat", "timeout": 1}); isErr ||
+		!strings.Contains(text, `"timed-out": true`) || gw.asks() != 3 {
+		t.Errorf("from a seat: %s, %d asks", text, gw.asks())
+	}
+	// The most timeout a wait takes, its ask chosen while it waits: answered at the choice; the same call made then
+	// subscribes and hears the event published after it, answered with its approval; a warrant for other names, another
+	// filter or another timeout is refused, asked anew.
+	long := map[string]any{"subjects": []any{"mail.message"}, "filter": map[string]any{"n": 2}, "timeout": 600}
+	done := make(chan string, 1)
+	go func() { text, _, d := took(long); done <- fmt.Sprintf("%s after %s", text, d) }()
+	mt.Until(t, func() error {
+		if gw.asks() < 4 {
+			return os.ErrNotExist
+		}
+		return nil
+	})
+	gw.approve(t)
+	select {
+	case got := <-done:
+		if !strings.Contains(got, "make this wait again within 30 minutes") {
+			t.Errorf("a long wait chosen while it waits: %s", got)
+		}
+	case <-time.After(10 * time.Second):
+		t.Fatal("a long marked wait was not answered at the choice")
+	}
+	before = g.conn.Subscriptions()
+	go func() {
+		listening(t, g, before, 6)
+		mesh.Emit(t, "mesh.mod.mail.event.message", map[string]any{"n": 2})
+	}()
+	if text, isErr, _ := took(long); isErr || !strings.Contains(text, `"approval": "run on the operator's approval`) ||
+		!strings.Contains(text, `"subject": "mail.message"`) {
+		t.Errorf("the same wait on its warrant: %s", text)
+	}
+	for _, other := range []map[string]any{
+		{"subjects": []any{"mail.message", "mail.inbox"}, "filter": map[string]any{"n": 2}, "timeout": 1},
+		{"subjects": []any{"mail.message"}, "filter": map[string]any{"n": 3}, "timeout": 1},
+		{"subjects": []any{"mail.message"}, "filter": map[string]any{"n": 2}, "timeout": 2},
+	} {
+		asked := gw.asks()
+		if text, isErr, _ := took(other); !isErr || !strings.Contains(text, "Not run") || gw.asks() != asked+1 {
+			t.Errorf("another wait than the warrant's %v: %s", other, text)
+		}
+	}
+	// Before the catalog half is read nothing is asked: judged when its first view comes within the timeout, refused at
+	// the timeout when it does not.
+	gw.cat.mu.Lock()
+	gw.cat.ready = errors.New("no first view yet")
+	gw.cat.mu.Unlock()
+	asked := gw.asks()
+	if text, isErr, d := took(map[string]any{"subjects": []any{"mail.message"}, "timeout": 1}); !isErr ||
+		!strings.Contains(text, "the marks are not yet read") || gw.asks() != asked || d < time.Second {
+		t.Errorf("before the catalog half is read: %s after %s", text, d)
+	}
+	gw.cat.came = make(chan chan struct{})
+	go func() { close(<-gw.cat.came) }()
+	if text, isErr, _ := took(map[string]any{"subjects": []any{"mail.message"}, "filter": map[string]any{"n": 9}, "timeout": 1}); !isErr ||
+		!strings.Contains(text, "this wait needs the operator's approval") || gw.asks() != asked+1 {
+		t.Errorf("the catalog half read within the timeout: %s", text)
+	}
+	// While the runner's own fingerprint is unknown a marked wait is refused, saying so.
+	unknown := newGatedWaits(t, s, mesh, "")
+	if text, isErr := callWait(unknown.surface, map[string]any{"subjects": []any{"mail.message"}, "timeout": 1}); !isErr ||
+		!strings.Contains(text, "own fingerprint is unknown") || unknown.asks() != 0 {
+		t.Errorf("the runner's fingerprint unknown: %s", text)
+	}
+}
+
+// gatedWaits is the surface with the runner's approval gate: the fixture module mail marks its event message and declares
+// the stream inbox with a grant; the router takes each ask as it is published, its records on the test bus.
+type gatedWaits struct {
+	surface *Surface
+	cat     *waitCatalog
+	records nats.KeyValue
+	mu      sync.Mutex
+	asked   []opseat.Ask
+	say     *bus.Conn
+}
+
+func newGatedWaits(t *testing.T, s *Surface, mesh *mt.Mesh, build string) *gatedWaits {
+	gw := &gatedWaits{cat: &waitCatalog{entries: []catalogseat.CatalogEntry{{Module: "mail", Fp: "src2:mail", Manifest: map[string]any{
+		"emits": []any{"message"}, "needs-approval": []any{"message"},
+		"streams": []any{map[string]any{"name": "inbox", "events": []any{"inbox.*"}, "grant": map[string]any{"subscribe": []any{"x"}}}}}}}},
+		records: mesh.Bucket(t, "operator-channel-asks"), say: connect(t, "messenger", "")}
+	gate := approval.New(approval.Deps{Node: "desk", Runner: "node-tools", Build: build, Catalog: gw.cat, Wait: gw.cat.wait,
+		State: mt.NewState(), Holder: func(string) (bool, error) { return true, nil },
+		Hear: func(ctx context.Context, subjects []string, within time.Duration, match func(json.RawMessage) bool) (bool, error) {
+			_, ok, _, err := s.conn.HearFirst(ctx, subjects, within, match)
+			return ok, err
+		},
+		Publish: func(module, subject string, body any, id string) error {
+			a, ok := body.(opseat.Ask)
+			if subject != opseat.AcceptSubjectAsk(module) || !ok {
+				return nil
+			}
+			gw.mu.Lock()
+			gw.asked = append(gw.asked, a)
+			gw.mu.Unlock()
+			gw.write(t, opseat.AsksByAskerIDValue{Asker: module, Key: module + "." + a.ID, State: "open", Headline: a.Headline,
+				Expires: a.Expires, Opened: operatorchannelclient.FormatTime(time.Now()), OfferedOn: []string{"telegram"}})
+			return nil
+		},
+		Record: func(module, id string) (*stdio.StateEntry, error) {
+			e, err := gw.records.Get(module + "." + id)
+			if errors.Is(err, nats.ErrKeyNotFound) {
+				return nil, nil
+			} else if err != nil {
+				return nil, err
+			}
+			return &stdio.StateEntry{Key: e.Key(), Value: e.Value(), Revision: e.Revision()}, nil
+		}})
+	gw.surface = NewSurface(s.conn, busSource{s.conn}, "desk.node-tools")
+	gw.surface.Approvals = gateApprovals{gate}
+	return gw
+}
+
+func (gw *gatedWaits) write(t *testing.T, rec opseat.AsksByAskerIDValue) {
+	raw, _ := json.Marshal(rec)
+	if _, err := gw.records.Put(rec.Key, raw); err != nil {
+		t.Error(err)
+	}
+}
+
+func (gw *gatedWaits) asks() int {
+	gw.mu.Lock()
+	defer gw.mu.Unlock()
+	return len(gw.asked)
+}
+
+// approve writes the router's record of the newest ask as a person's Approve, and says its decided.
+func (gw *gatedWaits) approve(t *testing.T) {
+	gw.mu.Lock()
+	a := gw.asked[len(gw.asked)-1]
+	gw.mu.Unlock()
+	gw.write(t, opseat.AsksByAskerIDValue{Asker: "node-tools", Key: "node-tools." + a.ID, State: "chosen", Expires: a.Expires,
+		OfferedOn: []string{"telegram"}, Warrant: &opseat.Warrant{Ask: a.ID, Asker: "node-tools", Outcome: operatorchannelclient.OutcomeChosen,
+			Option: approval.OptionApprove, Level: operatorchannelclient.Approve, At: operatorchannelclient.FormatTime(time.Now()),
+			AskDigest: operatorchannelclient.Digest(a), Channel: "telegram",
+			By: &opseat.Person{Who: operatorchannelclient.Operator, Kind: "telegram", Identity: "42", Verified: "user id verified"}}})
+	if err := gw.say.Say(opseat.SubjectDecided("node-tools"), []byte(`{"ask":"`+a.ID+`"}`)); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+}
+
+// gateApprovals is the gate as the surface holds it: mesh_approvals' reads unused here, mesh_wait's gate.
+type gateApprovals struct{ *approval.Gate }
+
+func (gateApprovals) Fill() (uint64, int64, error) { return 0, 0, nil }
+
+// waitCatalog is a catalog half as a fixture: its entries, read or not; with came set, its first view comes once a wait
+// waits for it (waiting is told on it, then it closes).
+type waitCatalog struct {
+	entries []catalogseat.CatalogEntry
+	mu      sync.Mutex
+	ready   error
+	came    chan chan struct{}
+}
+
+func (c *waitCatalog) Ready() error {
+	c.mu.Lock()
+	defer c.mu.Unlock()
+	return c.ready
+}
+func (c *waitCatalog) wait(within time.Duration) error {
+	if c.Ready() == nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+	if c.came != nil {
+		view := make(chan struct{})
+		c.came <- view
+		<-view
+		c.mu.Lock()
+		c.ready = nil
+		c.mu.Unlock()
+		return nil
+	}
+	<-time.After(within) // the bound of the runner's own wait for the first view
+	return c.Ready()
+}
+func (c *waitCatalog) Revision() string { return "7" }
+func (c *waitCatalog) Served(string) (catalogseat.CatalogEntry, bool, string) {
+	return catalogseat.CatalogEntry{}, false, "not-found"
+}
+func (c *waitCatalog) Newest(string) (catalogseat.CatalogEntry, bool) {
+	return catalogseat.CatalogEntry{}, false
+}
+func (c *waitCatalog) Definitions() map[string]seatdef.Definition { return nil }
+func (c *waitCatalog) Entries() []catalogseat.CatalogEntry        { return c.entries }
+
 // The mesh MCP server announces seven tools (ADR 0367 v13): ADR 0195's five, mesh_runtimes and mesh_wait, its timeout bounded.
 func TestMeshWaitIsAnnouncedAmongSeven(t *testing.T) {
 	var names []string
diff --git a/node-tools/internal/firstview/approval.go b/node-tools/internal/firstview/approval.go
index 45e1b6c..f230589 100644
--- a/node-tools/internal/firstview/approval.go
+++ b/node-tools/internal/firstview/approval.go
@@ -78,6 +78,20 @@ func (c approvalCatalog) Definitions() map[string]seatdef.Definition {
 	return c.defs()
 }
 
+func (c approvalCatalog) Entries() []catalogseat.CatalogEntry {
+	halves, err := c.v.Halves()
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+	var out []catalogseat.CatalogEntry
+	for _, half := range halves {
+		for _, e := range half.Entries {
+			out = append(out, e)
+		}
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
 type notFollowed struct{}
 
 func (notFollowed) Error() string { return "the catalog half is not followed by this runner" }
diff --git a/node-tools/internal/meshtest/state.go b/node-tools/internal/meshtest/state.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..87c9e4d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/node-tools/internal/meshtest/state.go
@@ -0,0 +1,87 @@
+package meshtest
+
+import (
+	"encoding/json"
+	"sort"
+	"sync"
+
+	stdio "git.novox.be/novox/mesh-sdk/go"
+)
+
+// State is a module's state as a fixture, the shape a gate's Store takes: Fail makes every read and write fail, as a bus
+// refusing them; Vals are its values by key.
+type State struct {
+	mu   sync.Mutex
+	Vals map[string]json.RawMessage
+	revs map[string]uint64
+	n    uint64
+	Fail error
+}
+
+// NewState is an empty State.
+func NewState() *State { return &State{Vals: map[string]json.RawMessage{}, revs: map[string]uint64{}} }
+
+func (m *State) Get(k string) (*stdio.StateEntry, error) {
+	m.mu.Lock()
+	defer m.mu.Unlock()
+	if m.Fail != nil {
+		return nil, m.Fail
+	}
+	v, ok := m.Vals[k]
+	if !ok {
+		return nil, nil
+	}
+	return &stdio.StateEntry{Key: k, Value: v, Revision: m.revs[k]}, nil
+}
+func (m *State) Create(k string, v any) (uint64, error) {
+	m.mu.Lock()
+	defer m.mu.Unlock()
+	if m.Fail != nil {
+		return 0, m.Fail
+	}
+	if _, ok := m.Vals[k]; ok {
+		return 0, stdio.ErrChanged
+	}
+	return m.put(k, v)
+}
+func (m *State) Update(k string, v any, rev uint64) (uint64, error) {
+	m.mu.Lock()
+	defer m.mu.Unlock()
+	if m.Fail != nil {
+		return 0, m.Fail
+	}
+	if rev == 0 || m.revs[k] != rev {
+		return 0, stdio.ErrChanged
+	}
+	return m.put(k, v)
+}
+func (m *State) Put(k string, v any) (uint64, error) {
+	m.mu.Lock()
+	defer m.mu.Unlock()
+	if m.Fail != nil {
+		return 0, m.Fail
+	}
+	return m.put(k, v)
+}
+func (m *State) Keys() ([]string, error) {
+	m.mu.Lock()
+	defer m.mu.Unlock()
+	if m.Fail != nil {
+		return nil, m.Fail
+	}
+	var out []string
+	for k := range m.Vals {
+		out = append(out, k)
+	}
+	sort.Strings(out)
+	return out, nil
+}
+func (m *State) put(k string, v any) (uint64, error) {
+	raw, ok := v.(json.RawMessage)
+	if !ok {
+		raw, _ = json.Marshal(v)
+	}
+	m.n++
+	m.Vals[k], m.revs[k] = raw, m.n
+	return m.n, nil
+}