fix(sling): auto-apply mol-polecat-work (#288) and fix wisp orphan lifecycle bug (#842) (#859)

fix(sling): auto-apply mol-polecat-work (#288) and fix wisp orphan lifecycle bug (#842)

Fixes the formula-on-bead pattern to hook the base bead instead of the wisp:
- Auto-apply mol-polecat-work when slinging bare beads to polecats
- Hook BASE bead with attached_molecule pointing to wisp  
- gt done now closes attached molecule before closing hooked bead
- Convoys complete properly when work finishes

Fixes #288, #842, #858

internal/beads/handoff.go

@@ -158,12 +158,9 @@ func (b *Beads) AttachMolecule(pinnedBeadID, moleculeID string) (*Issue, error)
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("fetching pinned bead: %w", err)
 	}
 
-	// Allow pinned beads OR open polecat agent beads (polecats have a lifecycle, not permanent)
+	// Only allow pinned beads (permanent records like role definitions)
 	if issue.Status != StatusPinned {
-		_, role, _, ok := ParseAgentBeadID(pinnedBeadID)
-		if !(issue.Status == "open" && ok && role == "polecat") {
-			return nil, fmt.Errorf("issue %s is not pinned or open polecat (status: %s)", pinnedBeadID, issue.Status)
-		}
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("issue %s is not pinned (status: %s)", pinnedBeadID, issue.Status)
 	}
 
 	// Build attachment fields with current timestamp

internal/cmd/done.go

@@ -603,6 +603,19 @@ func updateAgentStateOnDone(cwd, townRoot, exitType, _ string) { // issueID unus
 		hookedBeadID := agentBead.HookBead
 		// Only close if the hooked bead exists and is still in "hooked" status
 		if hookedBead, err := bd.Show(hookedBeadID); err == nil && hookedBead.Status == beads.StatusHooked {
+			// BUG FIX: Close attached molecule (wisp) BEFORE closing hooked bead.
+			// When using formula-on-bead (gt sling formula --on bead), the base bead
+			// has attached_molecule pointing to the wisp. Without this fix, gt done
+			// only closed the hooked bead, leaving the wisp orphaned.
+			// Order matters: wisp closes -> unblocks base bead -> base bead closes.
+			attachment := beads.ParseAttachmentFields(hookedBead)
+			if attachment != nil && attachment.AttachedMolecule != "" {
+				if err := bd.Close(attachment.AttachedMolecule); err != nil {
+					// Non-fatal: warn but continue
+					fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Warning: couldn't close attached molecule %s: %v\n", attachment.AttachedMolecule, err)
+				}
+			}
+
 			if err := bd.Close(hookedBeadID); err != nil {
 				// Non-fatal: warn but continue
 				fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "Warning: couldn't close hooked bead %s: %v\n", hookedBeadID, err)

internal/cmd/molecule_lifecycle_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,476 @@
+package cmd
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+)
+
+// TestSlingFormulaOnBeadHooksBaseBead verifies that when using
+// "gt sling <formula> --on <bead>", the BASE bead is hooked (not the wisp).
+//
+// Current bug: The code hooks the wisp (compound root) instead of the base bead.
+// This causes lifecycle issues:
+// - Base bead stays open after wisp completes
+// - gt done closes wisp, not the actual work item
+// - Orphaned base beads accumulate
+//
+// Expected behavior: Hook the base bead, store attached_molecule pointing to wisp.
+// gt hook/gt prime can follow attached_molecule to find the workflow steps.
+func TestSlingFormulaOnBeadHooksBaseBead(t *testing.T) {
+	townRoot := t.TempDir()
+
+	// Minimal workspace marker
+	if err := os.MkdirAll(filepath.Join(townRoot, "mayor", "rig"), 0755); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("mkdir mayor/rig: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Create routes
+	if err := os.MkdirAll(filepath.Join(townRoot, ".beads"), 0755); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("mkdir .beads: %v", err)
+	}
+	rigDir := filepath.Join(townRoot, "gastown", "mayor", "rig")
+	if err := os.MkdirAll(rigDir, 0755); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("mkdir rigDir: %v", err)
+	}
+	routes := strings.Join([]string{
+		`{"prefix":"gt-","path":"gastown/mayor/rig"}`,
+		`{"prefix":"hq-","path":"."}`,
+		"",
+	}, "\n")
+	if err := os.WriteFile(filepath.Join(townRoot, ".beads", "routes.jsonl"), []byte(routes), 0644); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("write routes.jsonl: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Stub bd to track which bead gets hooked
+	binDir := filepath.Join(townRoot, "bin")
+	if err := os.MkdirAll(binDir, 0755); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("mkdir binDir: %v", err)
+	}
+	logPath := filepath.Join(townRoot, "bd.log")
+	bdScript := `#!/bin/sh
+set -e
+echo "$*" >> "${BD_LOG}"
+if [ "$1" = "--no-daemon" ]; then
+  shift
+fi
+if [ "$1" = "--allow-stale" ]; then
+  shift
+fi
+cmd="$1"
+shift || true
+case "$cmd" in
+  show)
+    # Return the base bead info
+    echo '[{"id":"gt-abc123","title":"Bug to fix","status":"open","assignee":"","description":""}]'
+    ;;
+  formula)
+    echo '{"name":"mol-polecat-work"}'
+    ;;
+  cook)
+    exit 0
+    ;;
+  mol)
+    sub="$1"
+    shift || true
+    case "$sub" in
+      wisp)
+        echo '{"new_epic_id":"gt-wisp-xyz"}'
+        ;;
+      bond)
+        echo '{"root_id":"gt-wisp-xyz"}'
+        ;;
+    esac
+    ;;
+  update)
+    # Just succeed
+    exit 0
+    ;;
+esac
+exit 0
+`
+	bdPath := filepath.Join(binDir, "bd")
+	if err := os.WriteFile(bdPath, []byte(bdScript), 0755); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("write bd stub: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	t.Setenv("BD_LOG", logPath)
+	t.Setenv("PATH", binDir+string(os.PathListSeparator)+os.Getenv("PATH"))
+	t.Setenv(EnvGTRole, "mayor")
+	t.Setenv("GT_POLECAT", "")
+	t.Setenv("GT_CREW", "")
+	t.Setenv("TMUX_PANE", "")
+	t.Setenv("GT_TEST_NO_NUDGE", "1")
+
+	cwd, err := os.Getwd()
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("getwd: %v", err)
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { _ = os.Chdir(cwd) })
+	if err := os.Chdir(filepath.Join(townRoot, "mayor", "rig")); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("chdir: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Save and restore global flag state
+	prevOn := slingOnTarget
+	prevVars := slingVars
+	prevDryRun := slingDryRun
+	prevNoConvoy := slingNoConvoy
+	t.Cleanup(func() {
+		slingOnTarget = prevOn
+		slingVars = prevVars
+		slingDryRun = prevDryRun
+		slingNoConvoy = prevNoConvoy
+	})
+
+	slingDryRun = false
+	slingNoConvoy = true
+	slingVars = nil
+	slingOnTarget = "gt-abc123" // The base bead
+
+	if err := runSling(nil, []string{"mol-polecat-work"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("runSling: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	logBytes, err := os.ReadFile(logPath)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("read bd log: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Find the update command that sets status=hooked
+	// Expected: should hook gt-abc123 (base bead)
+	// Current bug: hooks gt-wisp-xyz (wisp)
+	logLines := strings.Split(string(logBytes), "\n")
+	var hookedBeadID string
+	for _, line := range logLines {
+		if strings.Contains(line, "update") && strings.Contains(line, "--status=hooked") {
+			// Extract the bead ID being hooked
+			// Format: "update <beadID> --status=hooked ..."
+			parts := strings.Fields(line)
+			for i, part := range parts {
+				if part == "update" && i+1 < len(parts) {
+					hookedBeadID = parts[i+1]
+					break
+				}
+			}
+			break
+		}
+	}
+
+	if hookedBeadID == "" {
+		t.Fatalf("no hooked bead found in log:\n%s", string(logBytes))
+	}
+
+	// The BASE bead (gt-abc123) should be hooked, not the wisp (gt-wisp-xyz)
+	if hookedBeadID != "gt-abc123" {
+		t.Errorf("wrong bead hooked: got %q, want %q (base bead)\n"+
+			"Current behavior hooks the wisp instead of the base bead.\n"+
+			"This causes orphaned base beads when gt done closes only the wisp.\n"+
+			"Log:\n%s", hookedBeadID, "gt-abc123", string(logBytes))
+	}
+}
+
+// TestSlingFormulaOnBeadSetsAttachedMoleculeInBaseBead verifies that when using
+// "gt sling <formula> --on <bead>", the attached_molecule field is set in the
+// BASE bead's description (pointing to the wisp), not in the wisp itself.
+//
+// Current bug: attached_molecule is stored as a self-reference in the wisp.
+// This is semantically meaningless (wisp points to itself) and breaks
+// compound resolution from the base bead.
+//
+// Expected behavior: Store attached_molecule in the base bead pointing to wisp.
+// This enables:
+// - Compound resolution: base bead -> attached_molecule -> wisp
+// - gt hook/gt prime: read base bead, follow attached_molecule to show wisp steps
+func TestSlingFormulaOnBeadSetsAttachedMoleculeInBaseBead(t *testing.T) {
+	townRoot := t.TempDir()
+
+	// Minimal workspace marker
+	if err := os.MkdirAll(filepath.Join(townRoot, "mayor", "rig"), 0755); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("mkdir mayor/rig: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Create routes
+	if err := os.MkdirAll(filepath.Join(townRoot, ".beads"), 0755); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("mkdir .beads: %v", err)
+	}
+	rigDir := filepath.Join(townRoot, "gastown", "mayor", "rig")
+	if err := os.MkdirAll(rigDir, 0755); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("mkdir rigDir: %v", err)
+	}
+	routes := strings.Join([]string{
+		`{"prefix":"gt-","path":"gastown/mayor/rig"}`,
+		`{"prefix":"hq-","path":"."}`,
+		"",
+	}, "\n")
+	if err := os.WriteFile(filepath.Join(townRoot, ".beads", "routes.jsonl"), []byte(routes), 0644); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("write routes.jsonl: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Stub bd to track which bead gets attached_molecule set
+	binDir := filepath.Join(townRoot, "bin")
+	if err := os.MkdirAll(binDir, 0755); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("mkdir binDir: %v", err)
+	}
+	logPath := filepath.Join(townRoot, "bd.log")
+	bdScript := `#!/bin/sh
+set -e
+echo "$*" >> "${BD_LOG}"
+if [ "$1" = "--no-daemon" ]; then
+  shift
+fi
+if [ "$1" = "--allow-stale" ]; then
+  shift
+fi
+cmd="$1"
+shift || true
+case "$cmd" in
+  show)
+    # Return bead info without attached_molecule initially
+    echo '[{"id":"gt-abc123","title":"Bug to fix","status":"open","assignee":"","description":""}]'
+    ;;
+  formula)
+    echo '{"name":"mol-polecat-work"}'
+    ;;
+  cook)
+    exit 0
+    ;;
+  mol)
+    sub="$1"
+    shift || true
+    case "$sub" in
+      wisp)
+        echo '{"new_epic_id":"gt-wisp-xyz"}'
+        ;;
+      bond)
+        echo '{"root_id":"gt-wisp-xyz"}'
+        ;;
+    esac
+    ;;
+  update)
+    # Just succeed
+    exit 0
+    ;;
+esac
+exit 0
+`
+	bdPath := filepath.Join(binDir, "bd")
+	if err := os.WriteFile(bdPath, []byte(bdScript), 0755); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("write bd stub: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	t.Setenv("BD_LOG", logPath)
+	t.Setenv("PATH", binDir+string(os.PathListSeparator)+os.Getenv("PATH"))
+	t.Setenv(EnvGTRole, "mayor")
+	t.Setenv("GT_POLECAT", "")
+	t.Setenv("GT_CREW", "")
+	t.Setenv("TMUX_PANE", "")
+	t.Setenv("GT_TEST_NO_NUDGE", "1")
+
+	cwd, err := os.Getwd()
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("getwd: %v", err)
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { _ = os.Chdir(cwd) })
+	if err := os.Chdir(filepath.Join(townRoot, "mayor", "rig")); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("chdir: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Save and restore global flag state
+	prevOn := slingOnTarget
+	prevVars := slingVars
+	prevDryRun := slingDryRun
+	prevNoConvoy := slingNoConvoy
+	t.Cleanup(func() {
+		slingOnTarget = prevOn
+		slingVars = prevVars
+		slingDryRun = prevDryRun
+		slingNoConvoy = prevNoConvoy
+	})
+
+	slingDryRun = false
+	slingNoConvoy = true
+	slingVars = nil
+	slingOnTarget = "gt-abc123" // The base bead
+
+	if err := runSling(nil, []string{"mol-polecat-work"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("runSling: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	logBytes, err := os.ReadFile(logPath)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("read bd log: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Find update commands that set attached_molecule
+	// Expected: "update gt-abc123 --description=...attached_molecule: gt-wisp-xyz..."
+	// Current bug: "update gt-wisp-xyz --description=...attached_molecule: gt-wisp-xyz..."
+	logLines := strings.Split(string(logBytes), "\n")
+	var attachedMoleculeTarget string
+	for _, line := range logLines {
+		if strings.Contains(line, "update") && strings.Contains(line, "attached_molecule") {
+			// Extract the bead ID being updated
+			parts := strings.Fields(line)
+			for i, part := range parts {
+				if part == "update" && i+1 < len(parts) {
+					attachedMoleculeTarget = parts[i+1]
+					break
+				}
+			}
+			break
+		}
+	}
+
+	if attachedMoleculeTarget == "" {
+		t.Fatalf("no attached_molecule update found in log:\n%s", string(logBytes))
+	}
+
+	// attached_molecule should be set on the BASE bead, not the wisp
+	if attachedMoleculeTarget != "gt-abc123" {
+		t.Errorf("attached_molecule set on wrong bead: got %q, want %q (base bead)\n"+
+			"Current behavior stores attached_molecule in the wisp as a self-reference.\n"+
+			"This breaks compound resolution (base bead has no pointer to wisp).\n"+
+			"Log:\n%s", attachedMoleculeTarget, "gt-abc123", string(logBytes))
+	}
+}
+
+// TestDoneClosesAttachedMolecule verifies that gt done closes both the hooked
+// bead AND its attached molecule (wisp).
+//
+// Current bug: gt done only closes the hooked bead. If base bead is hooked
+// with attached_molecule pointing to wisp, the wisp becomes orphaned.
+//
+// Expected behavior: gt done should:
+// 1. Check for attached_molecule in hooked bead
+// 2. Close the attached molecule (wisp) first
+// 3. Close the hooked bead (base bead)
+//
+// This ensures no orphaned wisps remain after work completes.
+func TestDoneClosesAttachedMolecule(t *testing.T) {
+	townRoot := t.TempDir()
+
+	// Create rig structure - use simple rig name that matches routes lookup
+	rigPath := filepath.Join(townRoot, "gastown")
+	if err := os.MkdirAll(rigPath, 0755); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("mkdir rig: %v", err)
+	}
+	if err := os.MkdirAll(filepath.Join(townRoot, ".beads"), 0755); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("mkdir .beads: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Create routes - path first part must match GT_RIG for prefix lookup
+	routes := strings.Join([]string{
+		`{"prefix":"gt-","path":"gastown"}`,
+		"",
+	}, "\n")
+	if err := os.WriteFile(filepath.Join(townRoot, ".beads", "routes.jsonl"), []byte(routes), 0644); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("write routes.jsonl: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Stub bd to track close calls
+	binDir := filepath.Join(townRoot, "bin")
+	if err := os.MkdirAll(binDir, 0755); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("mkdir binDir: %v", err)
+	}
+	closesPath := filepath.Join(townRoot, "closes.log")
+
+	// The stub simulates:
+	// - Agent bead gt-agent-nux with hook_bead = gt-abc123 (base bead)
+	// - Base bead gt-abc123 with attached_molecule: gt-wisp-xyz, status=hooked
+	// - Wisp gt-wisp-xyz (the attached molecule)
+	bdScript := fmt.Sprintf(`#!/bin/sh
+echo "$*" >> "%s/bd.log"
+# Strip --no-daemon and --allow-stale
+while [ "$1" = "--no-daemon" ] || [ "$1" = "--allow-stale" ]; do
+  shift
+done
+cmd="$1"
+shift || true
+case "$cmd" in
+  show)
+    beadID="$1"
+    case "$beadID" in
+      gt-gastown-polecat-nux)
+        echo '[{"id":"gt-gastown-polecat-nux","title":"Polecat nux","status":"open","hook_bead":"gt-abc123","agent_state":"working"}]'
+        ;;
+      gt-abc123)
+        echo '[{"id":"gt-abc123","title":"Bug to fix","status":"hooked","description":"attached_molecule: gt-wisp-xyz"}]'
+        ;;
+      gt-wisp-xyz)
+        echo '[{"id":"gt-wisp-xyz","title":"mol-polecat-work","status":"open","ephemeral":true}]'
+        ;;
+      *)
+        echo '[]'
+        ;;
+    esac
+    ;;
+  close)
+    echo "$1" >> "%s"
+    ;;
+  agent|update|slot)
+    exit 0
+    ;;
+esac
+exit 0
+`, townRoot, closesPath)
+
+	bdPath := filepath.Join(binDir, "bd")
+	if err := os.WriteFile(bdPath, []byte(bdScript), 0755); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("write bd stub: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	t.Setenv("PATH", binDir+string(os.PathListSeparator)+os.Getenv("PATH"))
+	t.Setenv("GT_ROLE", "polecat")
+	t.Setenv("GT_RIG", "gastown")
+	t.Setenv("GT_POLECAT", "nux")
+	t.Setenv("GT_CREW", "")
+	t.Setenv("TMUX_PANE", "")
+
+	cwd, err := os.Getwd()
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("getwd: %v", err)
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { _ = os.Chdir(cwd) })
+	if err := os.Chdir(rigPath); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("chdir: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Call the unexported function directly (same package)
+	// updateAgentStateOnDone(cwd, townRoot, exitType, issueID)
+	updateAgentStateOnDone(rigPath, townRoot, ExitCompleted, "")
+
+	// Read the close log to see what got closed
+	closesBytes, err := os.ReadFile(closesPath)
+	if err != nil {
+		// No closes happened at all - that's a failure
+		t.Fatalf("no beads were closed (closes.log doesn't exist)")
+	}
+	closes := string(closesBytes)
+	closeLines := strings.Split(strings.TrimSpace(closes), "\n")
+
+	// Check that attached molecule gt-wisp-xyz was closed
+	foundWisp := false
+	foundBase := false
+	for _, line := range closeLines {
+		if strings.Contains(line, "gt-wisp-xyz") {
+			foundWisp = true
+		}
+		if strings.Contains(line, "gt-abc123") {
+			foundBase = true
+		}
+	}
+
+	if !foundWisp {
+		t.Errorf("attached molecule gt-wisp-xyz was NOT closed\n"+
+			"gt done should close the attached_molecule before closing the hooked bead.\n"+
+			"This leaves orphaned wisps after work completes.\n"+
+			"Beads closed: %v", closeLines)
+	}
+
+	if !foundBase {
+		t.Errorf("hooked bead gt-abc123 was NOT closed\n"+
+			"Beads closed: %v", closeLines)
+	}
+}

internal/cmd/prime.go

@@ -501,6 +501,23 @@ func checkSlungWork(ctx RoleContext) bool {
 	}
 	fmt.Println()
 
+	// Check for attached molecule and show execution prompt
+	// This was missing for hooked beads (only worked for pinned beads).
+	// With formula-on-bead, the base bead is hooked with attached_molecule pointing to wisp.
+	attachment := beads.ParseAttachmentFields(hookedBead)
+	if attachment != nil && attachment.AttachedMolecule != "" {
+		fmt.Printf("%s\n\n", style.Bold.Render("## 🎯 ATTACHED MOLECULE"))
+		fmt.Printf("Molecule: %s\n", attachment.AttachedMolecule)
+		if attachment.AttachedArgs != "" {
+			fmt.Printf("\n%s\n", style.Bold.Render("📋 ARGS (use these to guide execution):"))
+			fmt.Printf("  %s\n", attachment.AttachedArgs)
+		}
+		fmt.Println()
+
+		// Show current step from molecule
+		showMoleculeExecutionPrompt(ctx.WorkDir, attachment.AttachedMolecule)
+	}
+
 	return true
 }
 

internal/cmd/sling.go

@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
 package cmd
 
 import (
-	"encoding/json"
 	"fmt"
 	"os"
 	"os/exec"
@@ -83,12 +82,13 @@ Batch Slinging:
 }
 
 var (
-	slingSubject  string
-	slingMessage  string
-	slingDryRun   bool
-	slingOnTarget string   // --on flag: target bead when slinging a formula
-	slingVars     []string // --var flag: formula variables (key=value)
-	slingArgs     string   // --args flag: natural language instructions for executor
+	slingSubject     string
+	slingMessage     string
+	slingDryRun      bool
+	slingOnTarget    string   // --on flag: target bead when slinging a formula
+	slingVars        []string // --var flag: formula variables (key=value)
+	slingArgs        string   // --args flag: natural language instructions for executor
+	slingHookRawBead bool     // --hook-raw-bead: hook raw bead without default formula (expert mode)
 
 	// Flags migrated for polecat spawning (used by sling for work assignment)
 	slingCreate   bool   // --create: create polecat if it doesn't exist
@@ -112,6 +112,7 @@ func init() {
 	slingCmd.Flags().StringVar(&slingAccount, "account", "", "Claude Code account handle to use")
 	slingCmd.Flags().StringVar(&slingAgent, "agent", "", "Override agent/runtime for this sling (e.g., claude, gemini, codex, or custom alias)")
 	slingCmd.Flags().BoolVar(&slingNoConvoy, "no-convoy", false, "Skip auto-convoy creation for single-issue sling")
+	slingCmd.Flags().BoolVar(&slingHookRawBead, "hook-raw-bead", false, "Hook raw bead without default formula (expert mode)")
 
 	rootCmd.AddCommand(slingCmd)
 }
@@ -398,6 +399,14 @@ func runSling(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
 		}
 	}
 
+	// Issue #288: Auto-apply mol-polecat-work when slinging bare bead to polecat.
+	// This ensures polecats get structured work guidance through formula-on-bead.
+	// Use --hook-raw-bead to bypass for expert/debugging scenarios.
+	if formulaName == "" && !slingHookRawBead && strings.Contains(targetAgent, "/polecats/") {
+		formulaName = "mol-polecat-work"
+		fmt.Printf("  Auto-applying %s for polecat work...\n", formulaName)
+	}
+
 	if slingDryRun {
 		if formulaName != "" {
 			fmt.Printf("Would instantiate formula %s:\n", formulaName)
@@ -425,71 +434,30 @@ func runSling(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
 	if formulaName != "" {
 		fmt.Printf("  Instantiating formula %s...\n", formulaName)
 
-		// Route bd mutations (wisp/bond) to the correct beads context for the target bead.
-		// Some bd mol commands don't support prefix routing, so we must run them from the
-		// rig directory that owns the bead's database.
-		formulaWorkDir := beads.ResolveHookDir(townRoot, beadID, hookWorkDir)
-
-		// Step 1: Cook the formula (ensures proto exists)
-		// Cook runs from rig directory to access the correct formula database
-		cookCmd := exec.Command("bd", "--no-daemon", "cook", formulaName)
-		cookCmd.Dir = formulaWorkDir
-		cookCmd.Stderr = os.Stderr
-		if err := cookCmd.Run(); err != nil {
-			return fmt.Errorf("cooking formula %s: %w", formulaName, err)
-		}
-
-		// Step 2: Create wisp with feature and issue variables from bead
-		// Run from rig directory so wisp is created in correct database
-		featureVar := fmt.Sprintf("feature=%s", info.Title)
-		issueVar := fmt.Sprintf("issue=%s", beadID)
-		wispArgs := []string{"--no-daemon", "mol", "wisp", formulaName, "--var", featureVar, "--var", issueVar, "--json"}
-		wispCmd := exec.Command("bd", wispArgs...)
-		wispCmd.Dir = formulaWorkDir
-		wispCmd.Env = append(os.Environ(), "GT_ROOT="+townRoot)
-		wispCmd.Stderr = os.Stderr
-		wispOut, err := wispCmd.Output()
+		result, err := InstantiateFormulaOnBead(formulaName, beadID, info.Title, hookWorkDir, townRoot, false)
 		if err != nil {
-			return fmt.Errorf("creating wisp for formula %s: %w", formulaName, err)
-		}
-
-		// Parse wisp output to get the root ID
-		wispRootID, err := parseWispIDFromJSON(wispOut)
-		if err != nil {
-			return fmt.Errorf("parsing wisp output: %w", err)
-		}
-		fmt.Printf("%s Formula wisp created: %s\n", style.Bold.Render("✓"), wispRootID)
-
-		// Step 3: Bond wisp to original bead (creates compound)
-		// Use --no-daemon for mol bond (requires direct database access)
-		bondArgs := []string{"--no-daemon", "mol", "bond", wispRootID, beadID, "--json"}
-		bondCmd := exec.Command("bd", bondArgs...)
-		bondCmd.Dir = formulaWorkDir
-		bondCmd.Stderr = os.Stderr
-		bondOut, err := bondCmd.Output()
-		if err != nil {
-			return fmt.Errorf("bonding formula to bead: %w", err)
-		}
-
-		// Parse bond output - the wisp root becomes the compound root
-		// After bonding, we hook the wisp root (which now contains the original bead)
-		var bondResult struct {
-			RootID string `json:"root_id"`
-		}
-		if err := json.Unmarshal(bondOut, &bondResult); err != nil {
-			// Fallback: use wisp root as the compound root
-			fmt.Printf("%s Could not parse bond output, using wisp root\n", style.Dim.Render("Warning:"))
-		} else if bondResult.RootID != "" {
-			wispRootID = bondResult.RootID
+			return fmt.Errorf("instantiating formula %s: %w", formulaName, err)
 		}
 
+		fmt.Printf("%s Formula wisp created: %s\n", style.Bold.Render("✓"), result.WispRootID)
 		fmt.Printf("%s Formula bonded to %s\n", style.Bold.Render("✓"), beadID)
 
-		// Record attached molecule after other description updates to avoid overwrite.
-		attachedMoleculeID = wispRootID
+		// Record attached molecule - will be stored in BASE bead (not wisp).
+		// The base bead is hooked, and its attached_molecule points to the wisp.
+		// This enables:
+		// - gt hook/gt prime: read base bead, follow attached_molecule to show wisp steps
+		// - gt done: close attached_molecule (wisp) first, then close base bead
+		// - Compound resolution: base bead -> attached_molecule -> wisp
+		attachedMoleculeID = result.WispRootID
 
-		// Update beadID to hook the compound root instead of bare bead
-		beadID = wispRootID
+		// NOTE: We intentionally keep beadID as the ORIGINAL base bead, not the wisp.
+		// The base bead is hooked so that:
+		// 1. gt done closes both the base bead AND the attached molecule (wisp)
+		// 2. The base bead's attached_molecule field points to the wisp for compound resolution
+		// Previously, this line incorrectly set beadID = wispRootID, causing:
+		// - Wisp hooked instead of base bead
+		// - attached_molecule stored as self-reference in wisp (meaningless)
+		// - Base bead left orphaned after gt done
 	}
 
 	// Hook the bead using bd update.
@@ -515,17 +483,6 @@ func runSling(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
 		updateAgentHookBead(targetAgent, beadID, hookWorkDir, townBeadsDir)
 	}
 
-	// Auto-attach mol-polecat-work to polecat agent beads
-	// This ensures polecats have the standard work molecule attached for guidance.
-	// Only do this for bare beads (no --on formula), since formula-on-bead
-	// mode already attaches the formula as a molecule.
-	if formulaName == "" && strings.Contains(targetAgent, "/polecats/") {
-		if err := attachPolecatWorkMolecule(targetAgent, hookWorkDir, townRoot); err != nil {
-			// Warn but don't fail - polecat will still work without molecule
-			fmt.Printf("%s Could not attach work molecule: %v\n", style.Dim.Render("Warning:"), err)
-		}
-	}
-
 	// Store dispatcher in bead description (enables completion notification to dispatcher)
 	if err := storeDispatcherInBead(beadID, actor); err != nil {
 		// Warn but don't fail - polecat will still complete work
@@ -542,8 +499,11 @@ func runSling(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
 		}
 	}
 
-	// Record the attached molecule in the wisp's description.
-	// This is required for gt hook to recognize the molecule attachment.
+	// Record the attached molecule in the BASE bead's description.
+	// This field points to the wisp (compound root) and enables:
+	// - gt hook/gt prime: follow attached_molecule to show molecule steps
+	// - gt done: close attached_molecule (wisp) before closing hooked bead
+	// - Compound resolution: base bead -> attached_molecule -> wisp
 	if attachedMoleculeID != "" {
 		if err := storeAttachedMoleculeInBead(beadID, attachedMoleculeID); err != nil {
 			// Warn but don't fail - polecat can still work through steps

internal/cmd/sling_288_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,378 @@
+package cmd
+
+import (
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+)
+
+// TestInstantiateFormulaOnBead verifies the helper function works correctly.
+// This tests the formula-on-bead pattern used by issue #288.
+func TestInstantiateFormulaOnBead(t *testing.T) {
+	townRoot := t.TempDir()
+
+	// Minimal workspace marker
+	if err := os.MkdirAll(filepath.Join(townRoot, "mayor", "rig"), 0755); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("mkdir mayor/rig: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Create routes.jsonl
+	if err := os.MkdirAll(filepath.Join(townRoot, ".beads"), 0755); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("mkdir .beads: %v", err)
+	}
+	rigDir := filepath.Join(townRoot, "gastown", "mayor", "rig")
+	if err := os.MkdirAll(rigDir, 0755); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("mkdir rigDir: %v", err)
+	}
+	routes := strings.Join([]string{
+		`{"prefix":"gt-","path":"gastown/mayor/rig"}`,
+		`{"prefix":"hq-","path":"."}`,
+		"",
+	}, "\n")
+	if err := os.WriteFile(filepath.Join(townRoot, ".beads", "routes.jsonl"), []byte(routes), 0644); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("write routes.jsonl: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Create stub bd that logs all commands
+	binDir := filepath.Join(townRoot, "bin")
+	if err := os.MkdirAll(binDir, 0755); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("mkdir binDir: %v", err)
+	}
+	logPath := filepath.Join(townRoot, "bd.log")
+	bdScript := `#!/bin/sh
+set -e
+echo "CMD:$*" >> "${BD_LOG}"
+if [ "$1" = "--no-daemon" ]; then
+  shift
+fi
+cmd="$1"
+shift || true
+case "$cmd" in
+  show)
+    echo '[{"title":"Fix bug ABC","status":"open","assignee":"","description":""}]'
+    ;;
+  formula)
+    echo '{"name":"mol-polecat-work"}'
+    ;;
+  cook)
+    ;;
+  mol)
+    sub="$1"
+    shift || true
+    case "$sub" in
+      wisp)
+        echo '{"new_epic_id":"gt-wisp-288"}'
+        ;;
+      bond)
+        echo '{"root_id":"gt-wisp-288"}'
+        ;;
+    esac
+    ;;
+  update)
+    ;;
+esac
+exit 0
+`
+	bdPath := filepath.Join(binDir, "bd")
+	if err := os.WriteFile(bdPath, []byte(bdScript), 0755); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("write bd stub: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	t.Setenv("BD_LOG", logPath)
+	t.Setenv("PATH", binDir+string(os.PathListSeparator)+os.Getenv("PATH"))
+
+	cwd, err := os.Getwd()
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("getwd: %v", err)
+	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { _ = os.Chdir(cwd) })
+	if err := os.Chdir(filepath.Join(townRoot, "mayor", "rig")); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("chdir: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Test the helper function directly
+	result, err := InstantiateFormulaOnBead("mol-polecat-work", "gt-abc123", "Test Bug Fix", "", townRoot, false)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("InstantiateFormulaOnBead failed: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	if result.WispRootID == "" {
+		t.Error("WispRootID should not be empty")
+	}
+	if result.BeadToHook == "" {
+		t.Error("BeadToHook should not be empty")
+	}
+
+	// Verify commands were logged
+	logBytes, err := os.ReadFile(logPath)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("read log: %v", err)
+	}
+	logContent := string(logBytes)
+
+	if !strings.Contains(logContent, "cook mol-polecat-work") {
+		t.Errorf("cook command not found in log:\n%s", logContent)
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(logContent, "mol wisp mol-polecat-work") {
+		t.Errorf("mol wisp command not found in log:\n%s", logContent)
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(logContent, "mol bond") {
+		t.Errorf("mol bond command not found in log:\n%s", logContent)
+	}
+}
+
+// TestInstantiateFormulaOnBeadSkipCook verifies the skipCook optimization.
+func TestInstantiateFormulaOnBeadSkipCook(t *testing.T) {
+	townRoot := t.TempDir()
+
+	// Minimal workspace marker
+	if err := os.MkdirAll(filepath.Join(townRoot, "mayor", "rig"), 0755); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("mkdir mayor/rig: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Create routes.jsonl
+	if err := os.MkdirAll(filepath.Join(townRoot, ".beads"), 0755); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("mkdir .beads: %v", err)
+	}
+	routes := `{"prefix":"gt-","path":"."}`
+	if err := os.WriteFile(filepath.Join(townRoot, ".beads", "routes.jsonl"), []byte(routes), 0644); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("write routes.jsonl: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Create stub bd
+	binDir := filepath.Join(townRoot, "bin")
+	if err := os.MkdirAll(binDir, 0755); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("mkdir binDir: %v", err)
+	}
+	logPath := filepath.Join(townRoot, "bd.log")
+	bdScript := `#!/bin/sh
+echo "CMD:$*" >> "${BD_LOG}"
+if [ "$1" = "--no-daemon" ]; then shift; fi
+cmd="$1"; shift || true
+case "$cmd" in
+  mol)
+    sub="$1"; shift || true
+    case "$sub" in
+      wisp) echo '{"new_epic_id":"gt-wisp-skip"}';;
+      bond) echo '{"root_id":"gt-wisp-skip"}';;
+    esac;;
+esac
+exit 0
+`
+	if err := os.WriteFile(filepath.Join(binDir, "bd"), []byte(bdScript), 0755); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("write bd stub: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	t.Setenv("BD_LOG", logPath)
+	t.Setenv("PATH", binDir+string(os.PathListSeparator)+os.Getenv("PATH"))
+
+	cwd, _ := os.Getwd()
+	t.Cleanup(func() { _ = os.Chdir(cwd) })
+	_ = os.Chdir(townRoot)
+
+	// Test with skipCook=true
+	_, err := InstantiateFormulaOnBead("mol-polecat-work", "gt-test", "Test", "", townRoot, true)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("InstantiateFormulaOnBead failed: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	logBytes, _ := os.ReadFile(logPath)
+	logContent := string(logBytes)
+
+	// Verify cook was NOT called when skipCook=true
+	if strings.Contains(logContent, "cook") {
+		t.Errorf("cook should be skipped when skipCook=true, but was called:\n%s", logContent)
+	}
+
+	// Verify wisp and bond were still called
+	if !strings.Contains(logContent, "mol wisp") {
+		t.Errorf("mol wisp should still be called")
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(logContent, "mol bond") {
+		t.Errorf("mol bond should still be called")
+	}
+}
+
+// TestCookFormula verifies the CookFormula helper.
+func TestCookFormula(t *testing.T) {
+	townRoot := t.TempDir()
+
+	binDir := filepath.Join(townRoot, "bin")
+	if err := os.MkdirAll(binDir, 0755); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("mkdir binDir: %v", err)
+	}
+	logPath := filepath.Join(townRoot, "bd.log")
+	bdScript := `#!/bin/sh
+echo "CMD:$*" >> "${BD_LOG}"
+exit 0
+`
+	if err := os.WriteFile(filepath.Join(binDir, "bd"), []byte(bdScript), 0755); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("write bd stub: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	t.Setenv("BD_LOG", logPath)
+	t.Setenv("PATH", binDir+string(os.PathListSeparator)+os.Getenv("PATH"))
+
+	err := CookFormula("mol-polecat-work", townRoot)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("CookFormula failed: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	logBytes, _ := os.ReadFile(logPath)
+	if !strings.Contains(string(logBytes), "cook mol-polecat-work") {
+		t.Errorf("cook command not found in log")
+	}
+}
+
+// TestSlingHookRawBeadFlag verifies --hook-raw-bead flag exists.
+func TestSlingHookRawBeadFlag(t *testing.T) {
+	// Verify the flag variable exists and works
+	prevValue := slingHookRawBead
+	t.Cleanup(func() { slingHookRawBead = prevValue })
+
+	slingHookRawBead = true
+	if !slingHookRawBead {
+		t.Error("slingHookRawBead flag should be true")
+	}
+
+	slingHookRawBead = false
+	if slingHookRawBead {
+		t.Error("slingHookRawBead flag should be false")
+	}
+}
+
+// TestAutoApplyLogic verifies the auto-apply detection logic.
+// When formulaName is empty and target contains "/polecats/", mol-polecat-work should be applied.
+func TestAutoApplyLogic(t *testing.T) {
+	tests := []struct {
+		name           string
+		formulaName    string
+		hookRawBead    bool
+		targetAgent    string
+		wantAutoApply  bool
+	}{
+		{
+			name:          "bare bead to polecat - should auto-apply",
+			formulaName:   "",
+			hookRawBead:   false,
+			targetAgent:   "gastown/polecats/Toast",
+			wantAutoApply: true,
+		},
+		{
+			name:          "bare bead with --hook-raw-bead - should not auto-apply",
+			formulaName:   "",
+			hookRawBead:   true,
+			targetAgent:   "gastown/polecats/Toast",
+			wantAutoApply: false,
+		},
+		{
+			name:          "formula already specified - should not auto-apply",
+			formulaName:   "mol-review",
+			hookRawBead:   false,
+			targetAgent:   "gastown/polecats/Toast",
+			wantAutoApply: false,
+		},
+		{
+			name:          "non-polecat target - should not auto-apply",
+			formulaName:   "",
+			hookRawBead:   false,
+			targetAgent:   "gastown/witness",
+			wantAutoApply: false,
+		},
+		{
+			name:          "mayor target - should not auto-apply",
+			formulaName:   "",
+			hookRawBead:   false,
+			targetAgent:   "mayor",
+			wantAutoApply: false,
+		},
+	}
+
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			// This mirrors the logic in sling.go
+			shouldAutoApply := tt.formulaName == "" && !tt.hookRawBead && strings.Contains(tt.targetAgent, "/polecats/")
+
+			if shouldAutoApply != tt.wantAutoApply {
+				t.Errorf("auto-apply logic: got %v, want %v", shouldAutoApply, tt.wantAutoApply)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+// TestFormulaOnBeadPassesVariables verifies that feature and issue variables are passed.
+func TestFormulaOnBeadPassesVariables(t *testing.T) {
+	townRoot := t.TempDir()
+
+	// Minimal workspace
+	if err := os.MkdirAll(filepath.Join(townRoot, "mayor", "rig"), 0755); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("mkdir: %v", err)
+	}
+	if err := os.MkdirAll(filepath.Join(townRoot, ".beads"), 0755); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("mkdir .beads: %v", err)
+	}
+	if err := os.WriteFile(filepath.Join(townRoot, ".beads", "routes.jsonl"), []byte(`{"prefix":"gt-","path":"."}`), 0644); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("write routes: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	binDir := filepath.Join(townRoot, "bin")
+	if err := os.MkdirAll(binDir, 0755); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("mkdir binDir: %v", err)
+	}
+	logPath := filepath.Join(townRoot, "bd.log")
+	bdScript := `#!/bin/sh
+echo "CMD:$*" >> "${BD_LOG}"
+if [ "$1" = "--no-daemon" ]; then shift; fi
+cmd="$1"; shift || true
+case "$cmd" in
+  cook) exit 0;;
+  mol)
+    sub="$1"; shift || true
+    case "$sub" in
+      wisp) echo '{"new_epic_id":"gt-wisp-var"}';;
+      bond) echo '{"root_id":"gt-wisp-var"}';;
+    esac;;
+esac
+exit 0
+`
+	if err := os.WriteFile(filepath.Join(binDir, "bd"), []byte(bdScript), 0755); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("write bd: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	t.Setenv("BD_LOG", logPath)
+	t.Setenv("PATH", binDir+string(os.PathListSeparator)+os.Getenv("PATH"))
+
+	cwd, _ := os.Getwd()
+	t.Cleanup(func() { _ = os.Chdir(cwd) })
+	_ = os.Chdir(townRoot)
+
+	_, err := InstantiateFormulaOnBead("mol-polecat-work", "gt-abc123", "My Cool Feature", "", townRoot, false)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("InstantiateFormulaOnBead: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	logBytes, _ := os.ReadFile(logPath)
+	logContent := string(logBytes)
+
+	// Find mol wisp line
+	var wispLine string
+	for _, line := range strings.Split(logContent, "\n") {
+		if strings.Contains(line, "mol wisp") {
+			wispLine = line
+			break
+		}
+	}
+
+	if wispLine == "" {
+		t.Fatalf("mol wisp command not found:\n%s", logContent)
+	}
+
+	if !strings.Contains(wispLine, "feature=My Cool Feature") {
+		t.Errorf("mol wisp missing feature variable:\n%s", wispLine)
+	}
+
+	if !strings.Contains(wispLine, "issue=gt-abc123") {
+		t.Errorf("mol wisp missing issue variable:\n%s", wispLine)
+	}
+}

internal/cmd/sling_batch.go

@@ -23,14 +23,21 @@ func runBatchSling(beadIDs []string, rigName string, townBeadsDir string) error
 
 	if slingDryRun {
 		fmt.Printf("%s Batch slinging %d beads to rig '%s':\n", style.Bold.Render("🎯"), len(beadIDs), rigName)
+		fmt.Printf("  Would cook mol-polecat-work formula once\n")
 		for _, beadID := range beadIDs {
-			fmt.Printf("  Would spawn polecat for: %s\n", beadID)
+			fmt.Printf("  Would spawn polecat and apply mol-polecat-work to: %s\n", beadID)
 		}
 		return nil
 	}
 
 	fmt.Printf("%s Batch slinging %d beads to rig '%s'...\n", style.Bold.Render("🎯"), len(beadIDs), rigName)
 
+	// Issue #288: Auto-apply mol-polecat-work for batch sling
+	// Cook once before the loop for efficiency
+	townRoot := filepath.Dir(townBeadsDir)
+	formulaName := "mol-polecat-work"
+	formulaCooked := false
+
 	// Track results for summary
 	type slingResult struct {
 		beadID  string
@@ -91,10 +98,34 @@ func runBatchSling(beadIDs []string, rigName string, townBeadsDir string) error
 			}
 		}
 
-		// Hook the bead. See: https://github.com/steveyegge/gastown/issues/148
-		townRoot := filepath.Dir(townBeadsDir)
-		hookCmd := exec.Command("bd", "--no-daemon", "update", beadID, "--status=hooked", "--assignee="+targetAgent)
-		hookCmd.Dir = beads.ResolveHookDir(townRoot, beadID, hookWorkDir)
+		// Issue #288: Apply mol-polecat-work via formula-on-bead pattern
+		// Cook once (lazy), then instantiate for each bead
+		if !formulaCooked {
+			workDir := beads.ResolveHookDir(townRoot, beadID, hookWorkDir)
+			if err := CookFormula(formulaName, workDir); err != nil {
+				fmt.Printf("  %s Could not cook formula %s: %v\n", style.Dim.Render("Warning:"), formulaName, err)
+				// Fall back to raw hook if formula cook fails
+			} else {
+				formulaCooked = true
+			}
+		}
+
+		beadToHook := beadID
+		attachedMoleculeID := ""
+		if formulaCooked {
+			result, err := InstantiateFormulaOnBead(formulaName, beadID, info.Title, hookWorkDir, townRoot, true)
+			if err != nil {
+				fmt.Printf("  %s Could not apply formula: %v (hooking raw bead)\n", style.Dim.Render("Warning:"), err)
+			} else {
+				fmt.Printf("  %s Formula %s applied\n", style.Bold.Render("✓"), formulaName)
+				beadToHook = result.BeadToHook
+				attachedMoleculeID = result.WispRootID
+			}
+		}
+
+		// Hook the bead (or wisp compound if formula was applied)
+		hookCmd := exec.Command("bd", "--no-daemon", "update", beadToHook, "--status=hooked", "--assignee="+targetAgent)
+		hookCmd.Dir = beads.ResolveHookDir(townRoot, beadToHook, hookWorkDir)
 		hookCmd.Stderr = os.Stderr
 		if err := hookCmd.Run(); err != nil {
 			results = append(results, slingResult{beadID: beadID, polecat: spawnInfo.PolecatName, success: false, errMsg: "hook failed"})
@@ -106,14 +137,16 @@ func runBatchSling(beadIDs []string, rigName string, townBeadsDir string) error
 
 		// Log sling event
 		actor := detectActor()
-		_ = events.LogFeed(events.TypeSling, actor, events.SlingPayload(beadID, targetAgent))
+		_ = events.LogFeed(events.TypeSling, actor, events.SlingPayload(beadToHook, targetAgent))
 
 		// Update agent bead state
-		updateAgentHookBead(targetAgent, beadID, hookWorkDir, townBeadsDir)
+		updateAgentHookBead(targetAgent, beadToHook, hookWorkDir, townBeadsDir)
 
-		// Auto-attach mol-polecat-work molecule to polecat agent bead
-		if err := attachPolecatWorkMolecule(targetAgent, hookWorkDir, townRoot); err != nil {
-			fmt.Printf("  %s Could not attach work molecule: %v\n", style.Dim.Render("Warning:"), err)
+		// Store attached molecule in the hooked bead
+		if attachedMoleculeID != "" {
+			if err := storeAttachedMoleculeInBead(beadToHook, attachedMoleculeID); err != nil {
+				fmt.Printf("  %s Could not store attached_molecule: %v\n", style.Dim.Render("Warning:"), err)
+			}
 		}
 
 		// Store args if provided

internal/cmd/sling_helpers.go

@@ -9,9 +9,7 @@ import (
 	"time"
 
 	"github.com/steveyegge/gastown/internal/beads"
-	"github.com/steveyegge/gastown/internal/config"
 	"github.com/steveyegge/gastown/internal/constants"
-	"github.com/steveyegge/gastown/internal/style"
 	"github.com/steveyegge/gastown/internal/tmux"
 	"github.com/steveyegge/gastown/internal/workspace"
 )
@@ -461,57 +459,86 @@ func isPolecatTarget(target string) bool {
 	return len(parts) >= 3 && parts[1] == "polecats"
 }
 
-// attachPolecatWorkMolecule attaches the mol-polecat-work molecule to a polecat's agent bead.
-// This ensures all polecats have the standard work molecule attached for guidance.
-// The molecule is attached by storing it in the agent bead's description using attachment fields.
-//
-// Per issue #288: gt sling should auto-attach mol-polecat-work when slinging to polecats.
-func attachPolecatWorkMolecule(targetAgent, hookWorkDir, townRoot string) error {
-	// Parse the polecat name from targetAgent (format: "rig/polecats/name")
-	parts := strings.Split(targetAgent, "/")
-	if len(parts) != 3 || parts[1] != "polecats" {
-		return fmt.Errorf("invalid polecat agent format: %s", targetAgent)
-	}
-	rigName := parts[0]
-	polecatName := parts[2]
-
-	// Get the polecat's agent bead ID
-	// Format: "<prefix>-<rig>-polecat-<name>" (e.g., "gt-gastown-polecat-Toast")
-	prefix := config.GetRigPrefix(townRoot, rigName)
-	agentBeadID := beads.PolecatBeadIDWithPrefix(prefix, rigName, polecatName)
-
-	// Resolve the rig directory for running bd commands.
-	// Use ResolveHookDir to ensure we run bd from the correct rig directory
-	// (not from the polecat's worktree, which doesn't have a .beads directory).
-	// This fixes issue #197: polecat fails to hook when slinging with molecule.
-	rigDir := beads.ResolveHookDir(townRoot, prefix+"-"+polecatName, hookWorkDir)
-
-	b := beads.New(rigDir)
-
-	// Check if molecule is already attached (avoid duplicate attach)
-	attachment, err := b.GetAttachment(agentBeadID)
-	if err == nil && attachment != nil && attachment.AttachedMolecule != "" {
-		// Already has a molecule attached - skip
-		return nil
-	}
-
-	// Cook the mol-polecat-work formula to ensure the proto exists
-	// This is safe to run multiple times - cooking is idempotent
-	cookCmd := exec.Command("bd", "--no-daemon", "cook", "mol-polecat-work")
-	cookCmd.Dir = rigDir
-	cookCmd.Stderr = os.Stderr
-	if err := cookCmd.Run(); err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("cooking mol-polecat-work formula: %w", err)
-	}
-
-	// Attach the molecule to the polecat's agent bead
-	// The molecule ID is the formula name "mol-polecat-work"
-	moleculeID := "mol-polecat-work"
-	_, err = b.AttachMolecule(agentBeadID, moleculeID)
-	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("attaching molecule %s to %s: %w", moleculeID, agentBeadID, err)
-	}
-
-	fmt.Printf("%s Attached %s to %s\n", style.Bold.Render("✓"), moleculeID, agentBeadID)
-	return nil
+// FormulaOnBeadResult contains the result of instantiating a formula on a bead.
+type FormulaOnBeadResult struct {
+	WispRootID string // The wisp root ID (compound root after bonding)
+	BeadToHook string // The bead ID to hook (BASE bead, not wisp - lifecycle fix)
+}
+
+// InstantiateFormulaOnBead creates a wisp from a formula, bonds it to a bead.
+// This is the formula-on-bead pattern used by issue #288 for auto-applying mol-polecat-work.
+//
+// Parameters:
+//   - formulaName: the formula to instantiate (e.g., "mol-polecat-work")
+//   - beadID: the base bead to bond the wisp to
+//   - title: the bead title (used for --var feature=<title>)
+//   - hookWorkDir: working directory for bd commands (polecat's worktree)
+//   - townRoot: the town root directory
+//   - skipCook: if true, skip cooking (for batch mode optimization where cook happens once)
+//
+// Returns the wisp root ID which should be hooked.
+func InstantiateFormulaOnBead(formulaName, beadID, title, hookWorkDir, townRoot string, skipCook bool) (*FormulaOnBeadResult, error) {
+	// Route bd mutations (wisp/bond) to the correct beads context for the target bead.
+	formulaWorkDir := beads.ResolveHookDir(townRoot, beadID, hookWorkDir)
+
+	// Step 1: Cook the formula (ensures proto exists)
+	if !skipCook {
+		cookCmd := exec.Command("bd", "--no-daemon", "cook", formulaName)
+		cookCmd.Dir = formulaWorkDir
+		cookCmd.Stderr = os.Stderr
+		if err := cookCmd.Run(); err != nil {
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("cooking formula %s: %w", formulaName, err)
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Step 2: Create wisp with feature and issue variables from bead
+	featureVar := fmt.Sprintf("feature=%s", title)
+	issueVar := fmt.Sprintf("issue=%s", beadID)
+	wispArgs := []string{"--no-daemon", "mol", "wisp", formulaName, "--var", featureVar, "--var", issueVar, "--json"}
+	wispCmd := exec.Command("bd", wispArgs...)
+	wispCmd.Dir = formulaWorkDir
+	wispCmd.Env = append(os.Environ(), "GT_ROOT="+townRoot)
+	wispCmd.Stderr = os.Stderr
+	wispOut, err := wispCmd.Output()
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("creating wisp for formula %s: %w", formulaName, err)
+	}
+
+	// Parse wisp output to get the root ID
+	wispRootID, err := parseWispIDFromJSON(wispOut)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("parsing wisp output: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	// Step 3: Bond wisp to original bead (creates compound)
+	bondArgs := []string{"--no-daemon", "mol", "bond", wispRootID, beadID, "--json"}
+	bondCmd := exec.Command("bd", bondArgs...)
+	bondCmd.Dir = formulaWorkDir
+	bondCmd.Stderr = os.Stderr
+	bondOut, err := bondCmd.Output()
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("bonding formula to bead: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	// Parse bond output - the wisp root becomes the compound root
+	var bondResult struct {
+		RootID string `json:"root_id"`
+	}
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(bondOut, &bondResult); err == nil && bondResult.RootID != "" {
+		wispRootID = bondResult.RootID
+	}
+
+	return &FormulaOnBeadResult{
+		WispRootID: wispRootID,
+		BeadToHook: beadID, // Hook the BASE bead (lifecycle fix: wisp is attached_molecule)
+	}, nil
+}
+
+// CookFormula cooks a formula to ensure its proto exists.
+// This is useful for batch mode where we cook once before processing multiple beads.
+func CookFormula(formulaName, workDir string) error {
+	cookCmd := exec.Command("bd", "--no-daemon", "cook", formulaName)
+	cookCmd.Dir = workDir
+	cookCmd.Stderr = os.Stderr
+	return cookCmd.Run()
 }