GGT vs PGT Gap Analysis Summary

Summary of gaps comparing GGT (~4,500 LOC) to PGT (~27,700 LOC).

## Critical Gaps (P1) - Existing Issues
- gt-u1j.17: Polecat CLI (add, list, wake, sleep) - DETAILED
- gt-u1j.16: Rig CLI (add, list, show, remove) - DETAILED
- gt-u1j.18: Witness CLI (start, stop, status) - DETAILED
- gt-f9x.4: Doctor framework - DETAILED
- gt-f9x.5: Workspace doctor checks - DETAILED
- gt-f9x.6: Rig doctor checks - DETAILED

## Critical Gaps (P1) - New Issues
- gt-a95: Refinery background daemon mode - ENHANCED
- gt-hgk: Mail message types and threading - ENHANCED

## Significant Gaps (P2) - New Issues
- gt-d46: Mail CLI archive/purge/search - ENHANCED
- gt-e9k: Swarm preflight/postflight - ENHANCED
- gt-662: Swarm report generation - ENHANCED
- gt-69l: Hook system - ENHANCED
- gt-3yj: Agent monitoring - ENHANCED
- gt-1ky: Workspace CLI (may overlap f9x.3) - ENHANCED
- gt-9j9: Worker status reporting - ENHANCED
- gt-qao: Mayor CLI - ENHANCED
- gt-7o7: Session pre-shutdown checks - ENHANCED
- gt-c92: Batch all command - ENHANCED
- gt-lno: Swarm state persistence - ENHANCED
- gt-a9y: File locking - ENHANCED
- gt-30o: Error handling improvements - ENHANCED

## Significant Gaps (P2) - Existing Issues
- gt-kmn.12: Ephemeral rig support - DETAILED

## Lower Priority (P3) - New Issues
- gt-3fm: Mail orchestrator daemon - ENHANCED
- gt-2kz: Cleanup commands - ENHANCED
- gt-ebl: Names commands - ENHANCED
- gt-1u9: Interactive prompts - ENHANCED
- gt-8lz: Help text improvements - ENHANCED

## Closed as Duplicates
- gt-3tz → gt-u1j.17 (polecat CLI)
- gt-e1r → gt-u1j.16 (rig CLI)
- gt-86w → gt-f9x.4/5/6 (doctor)
- gt-alx → gt-kmn.12 (ephemeral rigs)

## Execution Order Recommendation
1. P1 CLI commands (existing detailed issues ready to implement)
2. gt-a95: Refinery daemon (blocks autonomous operation)
3. gt-7o7: Pre-shutdown checks (prevents data loss)
4. gt-a9y: File locking (prevents corruption)
5. gt-hgk + gt-d46: Mail improvements
6. gt-69l: Hook system (enables extensibility)
7. Remaining P2s in any order
8. P3s as time permits


Daemon: proper rig discovery

Currently discovers rigs by scanning tmux session names for gt-*-witness pattern. Should instead:
- Read rigs from mayor/rigs.json
- Or scan town directory for .gastown subdirs
- Handle rigs that exist but don't have running witnesses


self-review

Review your own changes. Look for:
- Bugs and edge cases
- Style issues
- Missing error handling
- Security concerns

Fix any issues found before proceeding.

Depends: implement


Swarm package: Swarm, SwarmTask, SwarmState types

Define core swarm types.

## Types (in `internal/swarm/`)

```go
// SwarmState represents swarm lifecycle
type SwarmState string
const (
    SwarmCreated   SwarmState = "created"
    SwarmActive    SwarmState = "active"
    SwarmMerging   SwarmState = "merging"
    SwarmLanded    SwarmState = "landed"
    SwarmFailed    SwarmState = "failed"
    SwarmCancelled SwarmState = "cancelled"
)

// Swarm references a beads epic that tracks swarm work
type Swarm struct {
    ID          string      // matches beads epic ID
    RigName     string
    EpicID      string      // beads epic tracking this swarm
    BaseCommit  string      // git SHA all workers branch from
    Integration string      // integration branch name
    State       SwarmState
    CreatedAt   time.Time
    Workers     []string    // polecat names assigned
}

// SwarmTask represents a single task in the swarm (maps to beads issue)
type SwarmTask struct {
    IssueID   string  // beads issue ID
    Assignee  string  // polecat name
    Branch    string  // worker branch name
    State     string  // mirrors beads status
}
```

## Note

Swarm state is primarily stored IN beads. These types are in-memory representations for the SwarmManager to work with. No separate manifest.json files.


gt orphans: Find lost polecat work

Add a command to find orphaned commits that were never merged to main.

## Problem
Polecat work can get lost when:
- Session killed before merge
- Refinery fails to process
- Network issues during push

## Solution
Add `gt orphans` command that:
1. Uses `git fsck --unreachable` to find dangling commits
2. Filters to recent commits (default: 7 days, configurable)
3. Excludes stash/index entries (WIP on, index on)
4. Shows commit details and suggests recovery

## Usage
```
gt orphans              # Last 7 days
gt orphans --days=14    # Last 2 weeks
gt orphans --recover    # Interactive cherry-pick
```

## Found orphans (Dec 16-20, 2025)
- 3b146c11: Fix mail read auto-ack and add Mayor startup directive
- b6fdc561: Add persistent theme config and fix crew session theming
- 97aba756: Unify gt prime to call bd prime and mail check
- ce769ca5: Add mol-bootstrap molecule for Gas Town installation
- b2219de7: Add bootstrap documentation for new Gas Town installations
- bc82348: feat: Add gt done command (already recovered)


mol-crew-session: Startup/shutdown protocols for crew workers

Crew workers (like joe, max) don't have patrol molecules keeping them fresh. When gt gets rebuilt, they have stale binaries that cause hangs and bugs.

## Problem

- Crew binaries get stale when gt is rebuilt elsewhere
- No automatic pull/rebase/rebuild on session start
- No standardized shutdown protocol (sync, push, handoff)

## Solution: mol-crew-session

A molecule template for crew sessions:

### Startup Phase
1. `git pull --rebase` - get latest code
2. `bd sync` - sync beads
3. `go build -o gt ./cmd/gt` - rebuild gt (if in gastown)
4. `gt prime` - load context

### Work Phase
- Open-ended human interaction
- No molecule steps - just work until done

### Shutdown Phase
1. `git status` - check for uncommitted changes
2. `bd sync` - sync beads
3. `git push` - push code
4. Handoff if incomplete work

## Implementation

1. Define mol-crew-session in builtin_molecules.go
2. Update crew CLAUDE.md to reference the protocol
3. Optionally: gt prime auto-runs startup steps

## Dependencies

- Should implement after deacon/witness/polecat patrols are stable
- Consider: gt-3x0z.10 (Witness patrol molecules)

## Related

- gt-3x0z.9: Deacon wisp patrol (done)
- fix-gt script: Current workaround for binary freshness


gt rig shutdown: Gracefully stop all rig agents

Add 'gt rig shutdown <rig>' command to gracefully stop all agents in a rig.

Should:
- Stop all polecat sessions
- Stop refinery
- Stop witness
- Optionally wait for graceful shutdown with timeout


load-context

Run gt prime and bd prime. Verify issue assignment.
Check inbox for any relevant messages.

Read the assigned issue (gt-test) and understand the requirements.
Identify any blockers or missing information.


gt molecule seed: create built-in molecules as beads

The molecule infrastructure is complete but built-in molecules (engineer-in-box, quick-fix, research) need to be seeded into the beads database.

## Current State
- `gt molecule list` works but shows 0 molecules
- BuiltinMolecules() in internal/beads/builtin_molecules.go has 3 molecules defined
- No way to create them as beads

## Needed
Add `gt molecule seed` command that:
1. Reads BuiltinMolecules()
2. Creates each as a bead with type: molecule
3. Uses well-known IDs (mol-engineer-in-box, mol-quick-fix, mol-research)
4. Idempotent (skip if already exists)

## Acceptance Criteria
```
gt molecule seed
gt molecule list   # Shows 3 built-in molecules
```

## Parent
gt-4nn: Molecules epic


Witness updates: Remove issue filing proxy

Update Witness prompting to remove issue filing proxy, since polecats now have direct beads access.

## Remove from Witness Prompting

The following is NO LONGER Witness responsibility:
- Processing polecat 'file issue' mail requests
- Creating issues on behalf of polecats
- Forwarding issue creation requests

## Add: Legacy Request Handling

If Witness receives an old-style 'please file issue' request:

1. Respond with update:
   town inject <polecat> "UPDATE: You have direct beads access now. Use bd create to file issues yourself."

2. Do not file the issue - let the polecat learn the new workflow.

## Keep in Witness Prompting

- Monitoring polecat progress
- Nudge protocol
- Pre-kill verification
- Session lifecycle management


gt mail: Cross-level routing is broken

When Mayor sends mail to rig worker, message lands in wrong beads database. Sender's beads vs recipient's.


Mail orchestrator daemon

Background mail orchestrator daemon.

## Command
```
gt mail orchestrate [--interval N] [--once] [--verbose]
```

## Purpose
Background process that:
1. Monitors outbox for pending mail
2. Delivers to recipient inboxes
3. Handles offline recipients (retry later)
4. Cleans delivered messages from outbox

## Why Needed?
Current mail is synchronous. If recipient is offline or mailbox locked, send fails.
Orchestrator enables async delivery with retry.

## Implementation
```go
func (o *Orchestrator) Run(interval time.Duration) error {
    ticker := time.NewTicker(interval)
    for range ticker.C {
        o.processOutbox()
    }
}

func (o *Orchestrator) processOutbox() {
    // List outbox/*.json
    // For each, attempt delivery
    // On success, delete from outbox
    // On failure, increment retry count
}
```

## Outbox Structure
```
<town>/mayor/mail/outbox/
├── msg-abc123.json
└── msg-def456.json
```

## Lower Priority
Current synchronous delivery works. Orchestrator is optimization.

## Acceptance Criteria
- [ ] Background daemon mode
- [ ] Retry failed deliveries
- [ ] --once for single pass
- [ ] Configurable interval


Work on gt-fix-bugs: Fix blocking infrastructure bugs. Se...

Work on gt-fix-bugs: Fix blocking infrastructure bugs. See issue for details. Run 'bd show gt-fix-bugs' to see the full issue.


Digest: mol-deacon-patrol

Test patrol cycle - first run, no actual work done


Work on gt-role-template: Refine witness/CLAUDE.md role t...

Work on gt-role-template: Refine witness/CLAUDE.md role template. Add clearer heartbeat protocol, mail checking procedure, nudge decision criteria, escalation thresholds. Run 'bd show gt-role-template' for details.


mol-polecat-work

Full polecat lifecycle from assignment to decommission.

This proto enables nondeterministic idempotence for polecat work.
A polecat that crashes after any step can restart, read its molecule state,
and continue from the last completed step. No work is lost.

Variables:
- gt-qwyu - The source issue ID being worked on


Plugin: plan-oracle (work decomposition)

Plugin that helps decompose epics/issues into sub-tasks. Analyzes scope, identifies dependencies, estimates complexity for parallelization, creates beads for sub-tasks with dependency links.


Bug: refinery --foreground detects parent session as already running

When gt refinery start gastown runs:
1. Creates tmux session gt-gastown-refinery
2. Sends 'gt refinery start gastown --foreground' into the session
3. The foreground command checks HasSession() - finds the session it's inside
4. Returns 'already running' error

The foreground mode check should either:
- Skip the tmux session check (only check PID)
- Use a different indicator that the daemon loop is running
- Pass a flag to indicate we're being called from the background starter

Workaround: Manually run 'gt refinery start gastown --foreground' from a fresh session.


town handoff command (optional)

CLI commands for session handoff workflow (optional convenience).

## Commands

### gt handoff
Generate handoff interactively.
```
gt handoff [--send]
```
- Collects current state (status, inbox, beads)
- Prompts for additional notes
- --send: Mail to self and exit

### gt resume
Check for and display pending handoff.
```
gt resume
```
- Checks inbox for handoff message
- Displays formatted handoff if found
- Suggests next actions

## Implementation

These are convenience wrappers. The same workflow can be done manually:
```bash
# Manual handoff
town status > /tmp/handoff
town inbox >> /tmp/handoff
bd ready >> /tmp/handoff
# Edit and send
town mail send mayor/ -s "Session Handoff" -f /tmp/handoff
```

## Priority

P2 - Optional. Manual workflow works fine. Nice to have for UX.

## Notes

Part of session cycling workflow designed in gt-u82.


Verify architecture.md shows correct harness and rig structure

Review architecture.md diagrams:
- Verify town-level structure shows harness correctly
- Confirm rig-level mayor/rig/ is shown (it appears to be there at line 197)
- Check mermaid diagrams match ASCII diagrams
- Update if any inconsistencies found
- Cross-reference with new harness.md docs


Merge: gt-72so

branch: polecat/Ace
target: main
source_issue: gt-72so
rig: gastown


Molecule execution support for polecats and crew

Enable agents to run bonded molecules through the full lifecycle.

## The Model
1. BOND - bd mol bond <template> --assignee <identity>
   Creates concrete issues, assigns root to agent

2. DISCOVER - Agent finds assigned molecules via bd ready
   DAG structure shows unblocked steps

3. WORK - Agent works through DAG, closing steps as done
   Can delegate children to lower-tier agents (haiku)

4. SURVIVE - Agent dies → beads persist
   Any agent resumes from DAG state

5. SUPERVISE - Witness monitors for stalled molecules
   Nudges owner or reassigns if dead

## Questions to Resolve
- Seed node terminology: seed vs root vs pole vs nucleus
- Assignee inheritance: single owner vs delegation model
- Stall detection: heartbeat vs activity timeout vs session monitoring

## Implementation
- Polecat startup: check for assigned molecules
- Polecat work loop: follow molecule DAG
- Witness: monitor molecule progress, detect stalls
- Mayor: can assign molecules, handle escalations

## Depends On
- beads: bd mol bond command (bd-usro in beads repo)


CLI: cleanup commands for stale state

Cleanup commands for recovering from stale state.

## Commands

### gt cleanup <polecat>
Clean stale state for specific polecat.
```
gt cleanup <rig>/<polecat> [--dry-run]
```

Actions:
- Remove orphaned state.json if clone missing
- Clear stale session references
- Reset stuck state (working → idle after timeout)

### gt cleanup --all
Clean all polecats in workspace.
```
gt cleanup --all [--dry-run]
```

## Implementation
```go
func CleanupPolecat(rigName, polecatName string, dryRun bool) (*CleanupResult, error)

type CleanupResult struct {
    OrphanedStateRemoved bool
    SessionsCleared      int
    StateReset           bool
    Warnings             []string
}
```

## Overlap with Doctor
- Doctor diagnoses and offers --fix
- Cleanup is more aggressive state recovery
- Consider merging into doctor --fix

## New File
internal/cmd/cleanup.go

## Acceptance Criteria
- [ ] Removes orphaned state files
- [ ] Clears stale session refs
- [ ] --dry-run shows what would happen
- [ ] Reports all actions taken


Molecule composition: Includes directive

Add support for molecule composition via the Includes directive.

## Format
\`\`\`markdown
## Molecule: derived-name
Includes: mol-base-molecule

## Step: additional-step
Additional instructions here.
Needs: step-from-base
\`\`\`

## Implementation
1. Add \`Includes:\` parsing to ParseMoleculeSteps()
2. Resolve included molecule by ID
3. Merge steps from included molecule
4. Allow new steps to depend on included steps
5. Support multiple includes (polymers)

## Files to modify
- internal/beads/molecule.go
- internal/beads/molecule_test.go

## Acceptance
- [ ] Parse Includes directive
- [ ] Resolve and merge included steps
- [ ] Dependencies across molecules work
- [ ] Multiple includes supported
- [ ] Tests cover composition scenarios


loop-or-exit

Decision: burn and loop if context low, exit for respawn if context high.


Deacon marching orders: pinned bead with rounds molecule

Create a pinned bead that defines the Deacon's rounds molecule - its "kernel".

## Concept

Like `gt prime` gives agents their context, a pinned bead gives the Deacon
its operating instructions. This bead defines:

1. The rounds molecule (steps to execute each wake)
2. Registered plugins (scheduled, event-triggered)
3. Configuration (timeouts, thresholds, escalation rules)

## Pinned Bead Structure

```yaml
# gt-deacon-kernel (pinned)
title: "Deacon Kernel Configuration"
type: policy
pinned: true

molecule: mol-deacon-rounds
  steps:
    - session-check: "Check context budget, cycle if needed"
    - health-scan: "Check Mayor, Witnesses, Refineries, Crew"
    - lifecycle: "Process pending lifecycle requests"
    - plugins: "Run due scheduled plugins"
    - events: "Process timer callbacks, event subscriptions"
    - complete: "Update heartbeat, return to wait"

plugins:
  scheduled:
    - name: beads-hygiene
      schedule: "0 2 * * *"  # 2 AM daily
    - name: branch-cleanup
      schedule: "0 4 * * 0"  # 4 AM Sundays

  event_triggers:
    - event: "issue.created"
      plugin: work-oracle
    - event: "mr.submitted"
      plugin: review-oracle

config:
  session_cycle_threshold_turns: 50
  session_cycle_threshold_hours: 4
  health_scan_timeout_seconds: 60
  plugin_timeout_minutes: 30
  escalation_after_failures: 3
```

## Reading Marching Orders

On wake, Deacon:
1. `bd show --pinned` to find the kernel bead
2. Parse molecule steps
3. Execute in order

## Updating the Kernel

To change Deacon behavior:
1. `bd update gt-deacon-kernel` with new config
2. Next wake cycle picks up changes
3. No code changes required

## Bootstrap

If no pinned bead exists, Deacon uses hardcoded defaults from DEACON.md.
First installation creates the pinned bead.


Patrols: Cyclic molecules for autonomous maintenance

## Vision

Patrols are **cyclic molecules** - workflow loops that give Gas Town its autonomous nervous system. While regular molecules are DAGs that terminate, patrols loop forever, performing maintenance tasks at varying cadences.

This is the "steam engine" of Gas Town: converting episodic Claude sessions into continuous autonomous operation.

## Core Concepts

### 1. Cyclic Molecules

Regular molecule:     A -> B -> C -> done
Patrol molecule:      A -> B -> C --+
                      ^             |
                      +-------------+

Patrols have a loop_to field specifying where to restart.

### 2. Cooldown-Aware Steps (Atoms)

Steps encode their own cadence. When patrol reaches a step:
1. Check: now - last_run > cooldown?
2. If yes: execute, update last_run
3. If no: skip (immediately close)

The patrol runner is simple - steps self-skip. Complexity distributed into atoms.

### 3. The Beacon

The heartbeat that fires patrol triggers:
- Internal ticker in Deacon (goroutine)
- Or external cron firing gt deacon tick
- Or mail-based triggers

Without beacon, nothing proactive happens.

### 4. Session Reset as Patrol Step

Connects to auto-handoff (gt-bcwn). Session reset is a patrol step, not a separate mechanism.

### 5. Multi-Role Patrols

Each supervisor has its own patrol:

**Deacon patrol:** health-check (30s), session-gc (5m), beacon-tick (10s)
**Witness patrol:** orphan-scan (10m), stuck-check (2m), molecule-progress (1m)
**Refinery patrol:** queue-check (30s), pr-status (1m), merge-ready (30s)

### 6. Cadence Tiers

- Critical (10-30s): Health checks
- Active (1-5m): Progress, nudges
- Maintenance (10-30m): Orphans, GC
- Periodic (1h+): Reports

### 7. Best-Effort Scheduling

Not real-time - more like cron. No hard deadlines. Catch-up, dont pile-up.
Priority preemption (mail interrupts patrol). Graceful degradation under load.

## Open Questions

1. State persistence: Beads (self-describing) or file (faster)?
2. Interruption: How does urgent mail preempt patrol?
3. Error recovery: Backoff? Escalate? Circuit breaker?
4. Coordination: Can patrols send mail to trigger other patrols?

## Related

- gt-bcwn: Auto-handoff (session reset is a patrol step)
- Molecule system (patrols extend molecules with loops)
- Deacon lifecycle management

## Metaphor

Claude was fire. Claude Code was steam. Gas Town is the steam engine. Beads is the train tracks.

The steam engine converts episodic combustion into continuous rotary motion.
Gas Town converts episodic Claude sessions into continuous autonomous work.


Merge fix/spawn-beads-path branch to main

Branch has gt nudge command; main has notification deduplication. Both valuable.

Key insight: Only ~10 commits diverged each way in mayor/rig.
- Branch: 9509afa feat(nudge): Add gt nudge command (MISSING from main)
- Main: d2fccd5 slot-based notification deduplication (KEEP)

Merge plan:
1. git merge fix/spawn-beads-path --no-ff
2. Keep nudge.go from branch
3. Keep notification.go from main
4. Merge tmux.go (both NudgeSession AND SendKeysReplace)
5. go build && go test
6. Deploy to ~/.local/bin/gt


Workspace cleanup: preflight and postflight

Workspace preflight and postflight commands for clean state management.

## Preflight
```
gt preflight [--rig <rig>] [--dry-run]
```

Run before starting batch work:
1. Clean stale mail in inboxes
2. Check for stuck workers (warn)
3. Check rig health (polecats, refinery)
4. Verify git state is clean
5. Run bd sync to ensure beads current

## Postflight
```
gt postflight [--rig <rig>] [--archive-mail] [--dry-run]
```

Run after batch work completes:
1. Archive old mail with --archive-mail
2. Clean up stale integration branches
3. Sync beads
4. Report on rig state

## Implementation
```go
func Preflight(rigName string, dryRun bool) (*PreflightReport, error)
func Postflight(rigName string, opts PostflightOptions) (*PostflightReport, error)
```

## Report Structures
```go
type PreflightReport struct {
    MailCleaned    int
    RigHealthy     bool
    StuckWorkers   []string
    Warnings       []string
}

type PostflightReport struct {
    MailArchived   int
    BranchesCleaned int
    Warnings       []string
}
```

## Note

These are workspace maintenance commands, not tied to "swarm" lifecycle. Run them anytime to keep the rig clean.

## Acceptance Criteria
- [ ] Preflight cleans stale state
- [ ] Postflight archives old mail
- [ ] Both have --dry-run mode
- [ ] Clear reports of actions taken


Agent monitoring and status inference

Agent monitoring with status inference from activity, like PGT.

## Agent Status Enum
```go
type AgentStatus string
const (
    StatusAvailable AgentStatus = "available"
    StatusWorking   AgentStatus = "working"
    StatusThinking  AgentStatus = "thinking"
    StatusBlocked   AgentStatus = "blocked"
    StatusWaiting   AgentStatus = "waiting"
    StatusReviewing AgentStatus = "reviewing"
    StatusIdle      AgentStatus = "idle"
    StatusPaused    AgentStatus = "paused"
    StatusError     AgentStatus = "error"
    StatusOffline   AgentStatus = "offline"
)
```

## Status Sources (priority order)
```go
type StatusSource string
const (
    SourceBossOverride StatusSource = "boss"      // Witness/Mayor sets
    SourceSelfReported StatusSource = "self"      // Agent reports own status
    SourceInferred     StatusSource = "inferred"  // Detected from activity
)
```

## Activity Detection

### Pattern Registry
```go
var activityPatterns = []struct {
    Pattern string
    Status  AgentStatus
}{
    {"Thinking...", StatusThinking},
    {"BLOCKED:", StatusBlocked},
    {"Error:", StatusError},
    // etc
}
```

### Idle Detection
No pane output for N seconds → StatusIdle

### Resource Monitoring (optional)
CPU/memory via os.Process

## New Package
internal/monitoring/
├── types.go      # AgentStatus, StatusReport
├── detector.go   # PatternRegistry, detect from output
├── tracker.go    # Per-agent status tracking
└── idle.go       # Idle timeout detection

## Integration
- Session capture output → monitoring detector
- Status shown in gt status, gt session list

## PGT Reference
gastown-py/src/gastown/monitoring/

## Acceptance Criteria
- [ ] Status enum with 10 states
- [ ] Pattern-based detection from pane output
- [ ] Idle detection with configurable timeout
- [ ] Status visible in CLI output


Inconsistent error wrapping patterns

Error handling is inconsistent across the codebase:

1. Some functions use fmt.Errorf with %w for wrapping, others don't
2. return nil, nil patterns (40+ occurrences) sometimes represent 'not found' and sometimes 'error but continue' - should use sentinel errors
3. Some places return nil for errors when they should propagate them

Examples of nil,nil that might need review:
- internal/git/git.go:272, 308
- internal/crew/manager.go:227
- internal/witness/manager.go:517, 523, 530, 775
- internal/beads/beads.go:225, 492


Merge: gt-3x0z.3

branch: polecat/rictus
target: main
source_issue: gt-3x0z.3
rig: gastown


Phase 1.1: gt rig init creates .beads-ephemeral/

Add ephemeral beads repo creation to rig initialization.

## Implementation

In `gt rig init` (or equivalent setup):
1. Create `<rig>/.beads-ephemeral/` directory
2. Initialize as git repo
3. Create minimal beads config (no sync-branch needed)
4. Add to .gitignore if not already

## Config

```yaml
# .beads-ephemeral/config.yaml
ephemeral: true
# No sync-branch - ephemeral is local only
```

## Verification

```bash
gt rig init gastown
ls gastown/.beads-ephemeral/  # Should exist
```


Update documentation for new config architecture

Update docs to reflect new structure:
- docs/architecture.md: Directory structure section
- CLAUDE.md files: Config references
- Add docs/configuration.md with full reference


Batch Work System: Integration branch, merge queue, landing

## Overview

This epic tracks batch work coordination in GGT. Key insight: **work is a stream, not discrete swarms**.

There are no "swarm IDs" - the epic IS the grouping, the merge queue IS the coordination. "Swarming an epic" is colloquial for spawning multiple workers on its children.

## Architecture

- **Epics** group related work
- **Issues** are individual tasks
- **Dependencies** encode ordering (multi-wave emerges automatically)
- **Merge queue** coordinates completed work
- **Workers** process issues independently

See Key Decision #11 in docs/architecture.md: "Work is a Stream (No Swarm IDs)"

## What This Epic Covers

1. Integration branch management for batch merges
2. Refinery semantic merge processing
3. Witness landing protocol (cleanup)
4. Report generation (epic-based, not swarm-ID-based)
5. Git safety auditing
6. Work reconciliation

## What Was Removed

- Swarm IDs (sw-1, sw-2, etc.)
- Per-swarm directories (.gastown/swarms/<id>/)
- Swarm manifest/state/events files
- swarm-started/swarm-landed beads

These were redundant - beads already provides hierarchy, status, dependencies, and history.

## References

- Architecture: docs/architecture.md (Key Decision #11, Multi-Wave Work Processing)
- PGT: swarm/manager.py, swarm/landing.py (behavioral reference, but ignore swarm ID patterns)


CLI: gt refinery commands (start, stop, status, queue)

CLI commands for managing the Refinery agent.

## Commands

```bash
gt refinery start <rig>      # Start refinery for a rig
gt refinery stop <rig>       # Stop refinery
gt refinery status <rig>     # Show refinery status
gt refinery queue <rig>      # Show merge queue
```

## gt refinery start

Starts the Refinery daemon for the specified rig.

Options:
- --foreground: Run in foreground (default: background)
- --auto-merge: Enable auto-merge (default: from config)

## gt refinery stop

Stops a running Refinery. Gracefully finishes current MR if processing.

## gt refinery status

Shows:
- Running state (running/stopped)
- Current MR being processed (if any)
- Queue length
- Last merge time
- Recent activity

## gt refinery queue

Shows the merge queue:
```
Merge queue for 'wyvern':
  1. [pending] Toast/polecat-auth-fix (15m ago)
  2. [pending] Capable/polecat-new-feature (5m ago)

1 merged today, 0 rejected
```

## Implementation

Uses gt-ov2 (Refinery agent) for daemon functionality.


Step recovery: timeout and release

Implement recovery mechanism for stuck molecule steps.

## Problem
When a worker dies mid-step, the step stays in_progress forever.
Need timeout/release mechanism for nondeterministic idempotence.

## Solution
1. Track step start time (claimed_at timestamp)
2. Timeout: After 30 min in_progress, step returns to pending
3. Manual release: bd release <step-id>

## Implementation Options

### Option A: Beads-level timeout
- Add claimed_at field to issues
- bd ready excludes items in_progress < 30 min
- bd ready includes items in_progress > 30 min (auto-recovery)

### Option B: Daemon-level timeout
- Daemon watches in_progress items
- Moves back to pending after timeout

### Option C: Manual only (MVP)
- bd release <id> manually moves in_progress → pending
- Document recovery procedure
- Witness can automate for polecats

## Recommendation
Start with Option C (manual) for Christmas. Add Option A later.

## Acceptance
- [ ] bd release command works
- [ ] Stuck steps can be recovered
- [ ] Documented recovery procedure


Session cycling UX: smooth transitions via TUI wrapper

## Problem

Current CLI agent session cycling is painful:
- Shell → CC starts → priming → context loads → ready → work → exit/crash → repeat
- Each cycle is 30-60 seconds of cold boot
- No continuity between shell and agent's inner state
- Raw "session not running, starting..." loop is the baseline

## GGT Advantages (already have)

- Beads: Work state survives session death completely
- Mail: Handoff notes from past-self to future-self
- Prime commands: Structured context reload

## Gap: Transition Mechanics

Ideas to explore when actively using CLI:

1. **In-band cycling** - `/restart` or `/cycle` command, agent handles own restart without dropping to shell

2. **Hot standby** - TUI maintains pre-warmed session in background, switch to already-primed agent

3. **Persistent wrapper** - Bubbletea TUI stays running across session cycles, CC sessions come/go inside it

4. **Session pooling** - Keep 2-3 primed sessions ready, never wait for cold start

## Deferred

Deliberately P4 until we're actively using the simpler CLI and feel the pain firsthand.


Design: Collapse mail into beads

## Proposal

Replace the separate mail system (JSONL inboxes) with beads issues using a naming convention.

## Rationale

If all state should be in beads (work items, swarm state, dependencies), why have a separate system for messages? Mail is just:
- Handoffs (agent → self)
- Commands (Mayor → Refinery)
- Escalations (Witness → Mayor)

These can all be beads issues with a special prefix.

## Design

### Convention
- Messages use `@-` prefix: `@-witness-1734012345`
- Assignee = recipient
- Status: open = unread, closed = read/acknowledged
- Priority 0 = urgent

### Commands (thin wrappers)
```bash
gt mail send witness -s "Subject" -m "Body"
  → bd create --prefix=@ --title="Subject" --assignee=witness --description="Body"

gt mail inbox
  → bd list --prefix=@ --assignee=$(gt whoami) --status=open

gt mail read @-abc
  → bd show @-abc && bd close @-abc
```

### Notification
Daemon watches for new `@-` issues and pokes relevant sessions.
Or: agents poll on heartbeat (simpler).

## What We Remove
- `mail/inbox.jsonl` files
- Mail JSONL read/write code
- Separate delivery mechanism

## What We Keep
- `gt mail` CLI (as wrapper)
- Handoff semantics
- Notification (via daemon or polling)

## Benefits
- One system, one sync, one query interface
- All communication in git history
- Simpler architecture

## Risks
- Beads prefix filtering must be efficient
- Namespace collision with user prefixes
- Performance for high-frequency messages (probably fine for handoffs)

## Decision Point
Do we need first-class mail support in beads (`bd mail` commands) or is convention sufficient?


Town & Rig Management: install, doctor, federation

Reify the Gas Town installation as a first-class concept.

## Goals
- Installable: gt install [path] creates complete installation
- Diagnosable: gt doctor checks and fixes issues
- Federable: Clone town to VMs with central control

## Architecture Reference

See docs/architecture.md for full design, especially:
- Directory structure (Town Level / Rig Level sections)
- Configuration (town.json, rigs.json schemas)
- Key design decisions (visible config dir, decentralized agents)


Test issue for spawn molecule


Default crew name should be something better than 'main'

When creating a new rig, the default crew worker name is 'main'. This is confusing since:

1. 'main' is also the git branch name
2. It doesn't convey that this is the user's personal workspace
3. Crew names should feel more personal/distinct

Consider alternatives like:
- 'home' - the user's home base
- 'desk' - their personal desk
- 'joe/max/etc' - actual name-based defaults
- Let user pick during rig init


Harness & Priming: Document architecture and update all role contexts


Test infrastructure: fixtures, mocks, integration tests

Test infrastructure for Gas Town.

## Test Categories

### Unit Tests
- Config parsing
- Mail operations
- Merge queue operations
- Template rendering

### Integration Tests
- Git operations (uses real git in temp dirs)
- Full workflows (spawn → work → merge)
- CLI command tests

## Fixtures

```go
package testutil

// Creates temp town with minimal structure
func NewTestTown(t *testing.T) *TestTown

// Creates temp rig with git repo
func NewTestRig(t *testing.T, town *TestTown, name string) *TestRig

// Creates test polecat
func NewTestPolecat(t *testing.T, rig *TestRig, name string) *TestPolecat
```

## Mocks

```go
// Mock tmux for session tests (avoid actual tmux)
type MockTmux struct {
    Sessions map[string][]string  // captured send-keys
}

func (m *MockTmux) NewSession(name, dir string) error
func (m *MockTmux) SendKeys(session, keys string) error
func (m *MockTmux) CapturePane(session string, lines int) (string, error)
```

## Test Helpers

```go
// Run test in temp directory
func InTempDir(t *testing.T, fn func(dir string))

// Initialize git repo for testing
func InitGitRepo(t *testing.T, dir string)

// Assert file exists with content
func AssertFileContains(t *testing.T, path, substr string)

// Assert JSON file has field
func AssertJSONField(t *testing.T, path, field string, expected any)
```

## CI Integration

- go test ./... runs all tests
- Integration tests skip with -short flag
- Coverage report generation

## Test Data

Embedded test fixtures:
```go
//go:embed testdata/*
var testdataFS embed.FS
```


Polecat cleanup should refuse to lose uncommitted work

The system should stubbornly refuse to lose work from a polecat.

## Current Problem

- gt spawn --force bypasses safety checks
- gt shutdown doesn't check for uncommitted work
- Witness cleanup doesn't check git status

## Desired Behavior

Before any polecat cleanup, check:
1. git status - any uncommitted changes?
2. git stash list - any stashes?
3. Unpushed commits on branch?
4. Unsynced beads changes?

If ANY of these exist:
- REFUSE to clean up
- Print clear error message listing what would be lost
- Require explicit --nuclear flag to force (not just --force)

## Implementation

Add to cleanupPolecat() in witness/manager.go:
```go
func (m *Manager) checkUncommittedWork(polecatName string) error {
    dir := m.polecatDir(polecatName)

    // Check git status
    if hasUncommitted, _ := git.HasUncommittedChanges(dir); hasUncommitted {
        return fmt.Errorf("polecat %s has uncommitted changes", polecatName)
    }

    // Check stashes
    if stashCount, _ := git.StashCount(dir); stashCount > 0 {
        return fmt.Errorf("polecat %s has %d stashes", polecatName, stashCount)
    }

    // Check unpushed commits
    if unpushed, _ := git.UnpushedCommits(dir); unpushed > 0 {
        return fmt.Errorf("polecat %s has %d unpushed commits", polecatName, unpushed)
    }

    return nil
}
```

## Affected Commands

- gt shutdown
- gt rig shutdown
- Witness cleanup
- gt spawn --force (should warn if overwriting)


Witness swarm landing protocol

Witness responsibilities for swarm landing cleanup.

## Trigger

Witness receives "swarm-landed" mail from Refinery containing:
- swarm_id
- merge_commit
- action: "cleanup"

## Landing Protocol

### Phase 1: Preflight
Verify all polecat sessions stopped:
- Check tmux for active sessions
- Kill any remaining sessions
- Wait for graceful shutdown

### Phase 2: Git Audit
For each polecat in swarm:
- Check for uncommitted changes
- Check for unpushed commits
- Check for stashes
- Classify as "beads-only" (safe) or "code at risk"
- If code at risk: escalate, abort landing

### Phase 3: Cleanup
For each polecat:
- Clear state entry (mark as idle)
- Delete inbox (or archive)
- Delete worker branch (local + remote)

### Phase 4: Final Report
- Update swarm state to "landed"
- File landing report bead
- Mail Mayor with summary

## Code at Risk Handling

If git audit finds code at risk:
1. Abort cleanup for that polecat
2. Mail Mayor with details
3. Human intervention required

## Reference

PGT: swarm/landing.py (6-phase protocol), swarm/git_audit.py


Create mol-install-go-binary molecule

Create a single-step molecule for building and installing the gt binary.

## Molecule Definition
\`\`\`markdown
## Molecule: install-go-binary
Single step to rebuild and install the gt binary after code changes.

## Step: install
Build and install the gt binary locally.

Run from the rig directory:
\`\`\`
go build -o gt ./cmd/gt
go install ./cmd/gt
\`\`\`

Verify the installed binary is updated:
\`\`\`
which gt
gt --version  # if we have version command
\`\`\`
\`\`\`

## Implementation
1. Add to builtin_molecules.go
2. Update SeedBuiltinMolecules to include it
3. Run gt molecule seed

## Acceptance
- [ ] mol-install-go-binary exists in beads
- [ ] Can be instantiated standalone
- [ ] Can be included by other molecules


Refactor: Eliminate state.json, use beads assignee field for polecat state

## Problem

state.json in each polecat worktree duplicates data that should be in beads:
- `issue` field duplicates assignment (should be issue.assignee)
- `state` field duplicates status (derivable from issue.status)
- `name/rig/branch/clone_path` are all derivable from filesystem/git

This violates 'Beads as the data plane' (HOP Decision 001).

## Current State

```json
{
  "name": "Angharad",        // Derivable: basename(cwd)
  "rig": "gastown",          // Derivable: parent dir name
  "state": "working",        // Should be: issue.status
  "clone_path": "/path",     // Derivable: cwd
  "branch": "polecat/X",     // Derivable: git branch
  "issue": "gt-xyz",         // Should be: issue.assignee
  "timestamps": "..."        // Should be in beads history
}
```

## Target State

**Polecat identity**: Derived from worktree path
**Polecat assignment**: `issue.assignee = 'gastown/Angharad'`
**Polecat state**: Derived from issue.status (in_progress = working, closed = done)
**Polecat existence**: Worktree directory exists

## Benefits

1. Single source of truth (no sync issues)
2. Queryable: `bd list --assignee=gastown/Angharad`
3. History tracking via beads
4. Cross-agent coordination via beads sync
5. Simpler code (no state file management)

## Implementation

1. Update `gt spawn` to set issue.assignee instead of writing state.json
2. Update polecat list/status commands to query beads
3. Update Witness to query beads for polecat state
4. Remove state.json read/write code
5. Keep state.json as optional bootstrap cache (perf optimization only)


gt nudge should accept flexible session identifiers

Currently `gt nudge` requires the exact tmux session name (e.g., `gt-gastown-furiosa`).

It should also accept:
- `gastown/furiosa` (rig/polecat format)
- `furiosa` (polecat name, infer rig from cwd or require if ambiguous)

The session list command shows `gastown/furiosa` format, but nudge rejects it:
```
gt session list → shows 'gastown/furiosa'
gt nudge gastown/furiosa 'msg' → 'session not found'
gt nudge gt-gastown-furiosa 'msg' → works
```

Should normalize all these formats to the tmux session name internally.


Merge: gt-5af.6

branch: polecat/Slit
target: main
source_issue: gt-5af.6
rig: gastown


Phase 2: Quiescent agents (Witness, Refinery)

Enable Witness and Refinery to sleep until triggered.

## Scope
- Wake triggers: gt spawn, MR submit, mail, Deacon ping
- Wake SLA: <1 minute
- mol-witness-patrol and mol-refinery-patrol definitions
- Quiescent entry/exit protocol

## Implementation
- Kill tmux session on quiescent entry
- Preserve sandbox (worktree, state files)
- Restart session on wake trigger
- Agent checks pinned, spawns default patrol if naked

Depends: Phase 1 complete


Test: New Router

Testing bd create for mail


load-context

Run gt prime and bd prime. Verify issue assignment.
Check inbox for any relevant messages.

Read the assigned issue ({{issue}}) and understand the requirements.
Identify any blockers or missing information.


Polecats should not push branches to remote

## Current Behavior

Polecats push their branches to origin (e.g., `polecat/furiosa`), which pollutes the remote with many short-lived branches.

## Desired Behavior

Polecats should only commit locally. The Refinery handles all remote pushes:
1. Polecat works on local `polecat/<name>` branch
2. Polecat signals done (state → idle)
3. Refinery pulls from local polecat branch
4. Refinery runs tests, merges to main
5. Refinery pushes main to remote
6. If PR review needed, Refinery creates the PR

## Benefits

- Clean remote (no branch pollution)
- Clear responsibility (Refinery is the quality gate)
- Simpler cleanup (local branches deleted with worktree)
- Less noise in GitHub UI

## Trade-offs

- If polecat crashes before Refinery merges, code is lost locally
- But beads issue remains open, another polecat can redo the work
- This is acceptable for ephemeral workers

## Implementation

In polecat CLAUDE.md or landing protocol:
- Remove `git push origin HEAD` from workflow
- Replace with just `git commit` + signal done
- Refinery handles the rest


implement

Implement the solution for {{issue}}. Follow codebase conventions.
File discovered work as new issues with bd create.

Make regular commits with clear messages.
Keep changes focused on the assigned issue.

Depends: load-context


gt doctor: detect orphaned code on beads-sync branch

After merging beads-sync to main, some code changes can be lost if the merge conflict resolution drops files.

Add a doctor check that runs:
  git diff main..beads-sync -- '*.go' '*.md'

If there are differences in code files (not just .beads/), warn about potentially orphaned work.

Today's incident: Merge 96c773f lost mailbox.go and router.go changes from 5791752, requiring re-implementation.

Acceptance:
- gt doctor warns if beads-sync has unmerged code changes
- Excludes .beads/ directory (expected to differ)
- Shows file list of orphaned changes


gt park command for parking molecules on external deps

Add `gt park` command for when polecat hits external dependency:

```bash
gt park --step=gt-mol.3 --waiting="beads:mol-run-assignee"
```

This command:
1. Adds blocked_by: external:beads:mol-run-assignee to the step
2. Clears assignee on the step
3. Clears assignee on molecule root
4. Sends handoff mail to self with context
5. Shuts down polecat session

The molecule enters "parked" state (derived: in_progress + no assignee + blocked step).

Part of cross-project dependency system.
See: docs/cross-project-deps.md

Depends on Beads: bd-om4a (external: blocked_by support)


MQ dashboard widget: queue status in TUI

Add merge queue status widget to the Bubbletea TUI dashboard.

Display:
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│              MERGE QUEUE STATUS                  │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Pending: 3   In Progress: 1   Merged (24h): 12  │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ QUEUE:                                          │
│   ► gt-mr-004  P0  Nux/gt-xyz     Processing... │
│     gt-mr-005  P1  Toast/gt-abc   Ready         │
│     gt-mr-006  P1  Capable/gt-def Blocked (005) │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Interactive features:
- Navigate queue entries
- View MR details
- Retry/reject from dashboard

Depends on: gt-u1j.2 (Bubbletea TUI dashboard)

Reference: docs/merge-queue-design.md#dashboard


Merge: gt-5af.2

branch: polecat/Doof
target: main
source_issue: gt-5af.2
rig: gastown


mol-code-review: Self-improving code review molecule

Create a code review molecule that enables Gas Town to self-improve through automated PR review. Flywheel: review generates quality checks, discovered issues, pattern learning.


Activity feed from wisp state: gt patrol status

Enable mayor and gt tool to quickly see what patrol agents are doing.

## Problem

The mayor and gt tool cannot quickly see what the deacon (or other patrol agents) are doing.
Need a way to extract an activity feed from the current wisp state.

## Desired Commands

- gt patrol status: Show current patrol state (step, timing, cycle count)
- gt patrol history: Show recent patrol cycles (from digests)
- gt patrol feed: Live tail of patrol activity

## Data Sources

- .beads-wisp/issues.jsonl: Current wisp with step progress
- .beads/issues.jsonl: Digests from squashed patrols
- heartbeat.json: Last activity timestamp

## Use Cases

1. Mayor checking deacon: Is the deacon doing anything?
2. Debugging hangs: What step is it stuck on?
3. Operator monitoring: Dashboard of patrol health
4. Summaries for handoffs: Auto-generate patrol digest

## Related

- gt-id36: Deacon Kernel
- gt-3x0z: Wisp Molecule Integration


Test message

Testing GGT mail integration


Merge: gt-ih0s

branch: polecat/capable
target: main
source_issue: gt-ih0s
rig: gastown


Immediate daemon notification on lifecycle request

When gt handoff sends a lifecycle request to the daemon (via bd mail send deacon/), the daemon only discovers it on its next heartbeat poll (every 5 min). Workers wait unnecessarily for retirement.

## Current Behavior
1. Worker runs gt handoff
2. Lifecycle mail sent to deacon/ via beads
3. Worker blocks waiting for retirement
4. Daemon heartbeat runs (up to 5 min later)
5. Daemon processes lifecycle request and kills session

## Expected Behavior
Lifecycle requests should be processed immediately, not on poll interval.

## Proposed Solutions

### Option A: SIGUSR1 Signal (simplest)
1. Add SIGUSR1 handler in daemon that calls ProcessLifecycleRequests()
2. gt handoff reads daemon.pid and sends SIGUSR1 after mail send

### Option B: Unix Socket
1. Daemon listens on ~/gt/daemon/lifecycle.sock
2. gt handoff connects and sends 'process' message

### Option C: Watchfile + fsnotify
1. gt handoff touches ~/gt/daemon/lifecycle.trigger
2. Daemon uses fsnotify to detect and process

Recommend Option A for simplicity.

## Affected Files
- internal/daemon/daemon.go - add signal handler
- internal/cmd/handoff.go - send signal after mail


gt mq list: doesn't show submitted MRs

After submitting MRs with gt mq submit, gt mq list gastown shows empty queue.

## Reproduction
1. gt mq submit --issue gt-h5n.5 --branch polecat/Scabrous
2. gt mq list gastown → (empty)
3. bd list --type=merge-request → shows the MR

## Expected
gt mq list should show submitted MRs

## MR example
gt-ts4u has rig: gastown in description, type=merge-request, status=open


Test from Mayor

This is a test message via GGT mail


Track operational stats as entity/audit beads

Witness and refinery track operational stats in JSON files:
- total_merged, today_merged, total_failed (refinery)
- total_checks, total_nudges, total_escalations (witness)

For HOP entity CV tracking, these could become:
- type=audit beads (daily roll-ups of operational metrics)
- Entity chain entries showing validator activity

This provides observability and contributes to entity reputation tracking (e.g., refinery X has merged 500 PRs with 2% failure rate).

Not critical for launch but aligns with HOP Platform of Platforms vision.


Spawn inject: Enter not submitted after multiline paste

When gt spawn injects a multiline context (85+ lines), Claude Code shows
'[Pasted text #1 +85 lines]' but the prompt is not submitted.

The tmux SendKeys function does include 'Enter' but it appears to not work
for long pasted text:

```go
func (t *Tmux) SendKeys(session, keys string) error {
    _, err := t.run("send-keys", "-t", session, keys, "Enter")
    return err
}
```

Possible fixes:
1. Use tmux paste-buffer instead of send-keys for long text
2. Send Enter separately after the text
3. Use bracketed paste mode correctly

Reproduction:
```bash
gt spawn gastown/Nux --issue gt-u1j.13 --create
# Session shows pasted text but waits at prompt
```


VC Pattern Integration: Bring validated ideas to Gas Town

Analysis of ~/src/vc identified 6 validated patterns from the 2nd orchestrator attempt that map cleanly to Gas Town primitives. VC achieved 254 issues closed, 90.9% gate pass rate, and 24 successful missions.

Key insight: VC built ~4300 lines of Go for features that become ~65 lines of YAML + CLI flags in Gas Town's architecture.

Child tasks track each pattern to integrate.


Merge: gt-h5n.5

branch: polecat/Scabrous
target: main
source_issue: gt-h5n.5
rig: gastown


Per-rig beads repo configuration

Add per-rig beads configuration to rig config schema.

## Config Schema

In each rig's config.json:

```json
{
  "version": 1,
  "name": "wyvern",
  "git_url": "https://github.com/steveyegge/wyvern",
  "beads": {
    "repo": "local",    // "local" | "<path>" | "<git-url>"
    "root": null,       // Override bd --root (optional)
    "prefix": "wyv"     // Issue prefix for this rig
  }
}
```

## Repo Options

| Value | Meaning | Use Case |
|-------|---------|----------|
| `"local"` | Use project's `.beads/` | Own projects, full commit access |
| `"<path>"` | Use beads at path | OSS contributions |
| `"<git-url>"` | Clone and use repo | Team shared beads |

## Environment Injection

When spawning polecats, Gas Town sets:
```bash
export BEADS_ROOT="<resolved-path>"
```

## Resolution Logic

```go
func ResolveBeadsRoot(rigConfig *RigConfig, rigPath string) (string, error) {
    beads := rigConfig.Beads
    switch {
    case beads.Root != "":
        return beads.Root, nil
    case beads.Repo == "local" || beads.Repo == "":
        return filepath.Join(rigPath, ".beads"), nil
    case strings.HasPrefix(beads.Repo, "/"):
        return beads.Repo, nil
    case strings.Contains(beads.Repo, "://"):
        return cloneAndResolve(beads.Repo)
    default:
        return filepath.Join(rigPath, beads.Repo), nil
    }
}
```

## Backwards Compatibility

If `beads` section missing, assume `"repo": "local"`.


MR field parsing: extract structured fields from description

Parse merge-request beads to extract structured fields:
- branch: source branch name
- target: target branch (main or integration/xxx)
- source_issue: the work item being merged
- worker: who did the work
- rig: which rig
- merge_commit: (set on close)
- close_reason: (set on close)

Fields stored in description as YAML block or key: value lines.
Provide helper functions: ParseMRFields(issue) and SetMRFields(issue, fields).

Reference: docs/merge-queue-design.md#merge-request-schema


Molecule converge: iterate until AI says done

Work isn't 'done' until AI is confident it's done. Fixes the 85% problem.

**From VC**: internal/iterative/converge.go - 3-7 iterations with AI convergence detection. ~600 lines.
Target: 20%+ more issues discovered. Observed: ~25% average improvement.

**Gas Town implementation**: Molecule converge config:
```yaml
converge:
  strategy: ai
  min_iterations: 3
  max_iterations: 7
  confidence: 0.85
```

Polecat iterates, AI checks convergence. Stop when AI is confident or max reached.

**Value**: Raw agents get to ~85% and stop. Iteration catches the remaining 15%.

**VC metrics**: Convergence rate >70%, mean 4-5 iterations for complex work.


Default polecat names: Mad Max theme instead of AdjectiveNoun

Current default naming for new polecats uses AdjectiveNoun convention.
Since rigs already provide namespacing, we can use more thematic names.

Suggestion: Use Mad Max / Fury Road character and vehicle names as defaults.
Examples: Furiosa, Nux, Slit, Morsov, Toast, Rictus, Warboy, etc.

Could also include:
- War Rig parts: Guzzler, Tanker, Pursuit
- Citadel roles: Imperator, Blackthumb, Organic
- Wasteland terms: Chrome, Witness, Shiny

Implementation:
- Add name generator in internal/polecat/ or similar
- Use when --create flag is used without explicit name
- Cycle through pool to avoid duplicates within a rig


Success handling: close MR, close source issue, cleanup

Handle successful merge completion.

Steps:
1. Update MR with merge_commit SHA:
   bd update <id> --body='...\nmerge_commit: <sha>'
2. Close MR with reason:
   bd close <id> --reason='merged'
3. Close source issue (the work item):
   bd close <source_issue> --reason='Merged in <mr_id>'
4. Delete source branch (if configured):
   git push origin --delete <mr.branch>
5. Log success

Configuration:
- delete_merged_branches: bool (default true)

Reference: docs/merge-queue-design.md#process-merge-steps


Witness tmux status: show polecat count under management

Add witness-specific status line showing:
- Number of polecats under management
- Active/idle status
- Maybe: last nudge time, blocked count

Implement in runWitnessStatusLine() in internal/cmd/statusline.go


Recover stale polecat work: 4 branches with unpushed commits

During observation of polecat workflow, found 4 polecats with unpushed work:

## Branches Pushed (preserved)
- polecat/capable: 3 commits (molecule catalog, doctor orphan detection, gt done)
- polecat/dementus: 4 commits (Witness MVP, handoff fixes)
- polecat/furiosa: 2 commits (bulk polecat removal, spawn handoff)
- polecat/rictus: 1 commit (molecule docs)

## Action Required
1. Review each branch for merge-worthiness
2. Either:
   a. Create PRs for valuable work
   b. OR discard if superseded
3. After decision, clean up polecats properly

## Root Cause
Polecats were not cleaned up after previous work sessions. This is exactly why we need:
- gt-u1k: gt shutdown should fully cleanup polecats
- gt-8v8: Refuse to lose uncommitted work
- gt-9nf: Always create fresh polecats


Digest: mol-deacon-patrol

Test patrol cycle - verifying wisp flow


Phase 1.3: gt doctor checks for ephemeral health

Add doctor checks for ephemeral beads repo.

## Checks

1. **ephemeral-exists**: .beads-ephemeral/ directory exists for each rig
2. **ephemeral-git**: It's a valid git repo
3. **ephemeral-orphans**: Molecules started but never squashed (>24h old)
4. **ephemeral-size**: Warn if ephemeral repo is >100MB (should be cleaned)
5. **ephemeral-stale**: Molecules with no activity in last hour

## Auto-fix

--fix can:
- Create missing ephemeral repo
- Clean up old completed molecules (already squashed)
- NOT auto-squash incomplete molecules (needs AI summary)


gt crew remove: Remove crew workspace

Implement 'gt crew remove <name> [--force]' command:
- Check for uncommitted changes, unpushed commits
- Warn and require --force if dirty
- Kill any running session
- Remove directory
- Unregister from mail


mol-swarm-cleanup: Post-swarm debris cleanup molecule

After a 20+ worker swarm completed, found significant beads debris:
- 18 stale messages (work assignments, lifecycle requests, swarm instructions)
- 3 completed issues still open/in_progress
- Test messages accumulated

Need: Document a post-swarm checklist or create gt swarm cleanup command that:
1. Closes stale work assignment messages
2. Reviews in_progress issues for completion
3. Closes orphaned lifecycle messages
4. Optionally archives test messages


Swarm: report generation

Generate markdown reports for completed swarms.

## Command
```
gt swarm report <swarm-id> [--save <file>]
```

## Report Content

### Header
- Swarm ID and title
- Created/completed timestamps
- Duration
- Rig name

### Task Summary
| Task | Assignee | Status | Duration |
|------|----------|--------|----------|
| gt-xxx | Toast | merged | 15m |
| gt-yyy | Nux | merged | 22m |

### Worker Contributions
- Commits per worker
- Issues closed per worker
- Lines changed (optional)

### Timeline
- Chronological events from events.jsonl
- Key milestones (started, first merge, landing)

### Issues Encountered
- Conflicts resolved
- Failed tasks (if any)
- Escalations

## Implementation
```go
func GenerateReport(swarmID string) (*SwarmReport, error)
func (r *SwarmReport) ToMarkdown() string
```

## Storage
- Save to <rig>/.gastown/swarms/<id>/report.md
- Or user-specified path with --save

## PGT Reference
gastown-py/src/gastown/swarm/manager.py generate_report()

## Acceptance Criteria
- [ ] Markdown report generated
- [ ] Includes all sections above
- [ ] Auto-saved to swarm directory
- [ ] --save allows custom path


gt rig info: Show detailed rig information

Add 'gt rig info <rig>' command to show detailed rig status.

Should show:
- Rig path and git URL
- Active polecats with status
- Refinery status
- Witness status
- Recent activity
- Beads summary (open issues count)


Beads CLI wrapper: shell out to bd

Wrapper for bd (beads CLI) commands.

## Interface

```go
type Beads struct {
    workDir string
}

func NewBeads(workDir string) *Beads

// Query
func (b *Beads) List(opts ListOptions) ([]*Issue, error)
func (b *Beads) Ready() ([]*Issue, error)
func (b *Beads) Show(id string) (*Issue, error)
func (b *Beads) Blocked() ([]*Issue, error)

// Mutations
func (b *Beads) Create(opts CreateOptions) (*Issue, error)
func (b *Beads) Update(id string, opts UpdateOptions) error
func (b *Beads) Close(ids ...string) error

// Sync
func (b *Beads) Sync() error
func (b *Beads) SyncStatus() (*SyncStatus, error)
```

## Data Types

```go
type Issue struct {
    ID          string
    Title       string
    Status      string
    Priority    int
    Type        string
    Description string
    Parent      string
    Children    []string
    DependsOn   []string
    Blocks      []string
}

type ListOptions struct {
    Status   string  // "open", "closed", "all"
    Type     string
    Priority int
}

type CreateOptions struct {
    Title       string
    Type        string
    Priority    int
    Description string
    Parent      string
}
```

## Implementation

Shell out to bd binary, parse JSON output where available.
```go
func (b *Beads) runBd(args ...string) ([]byte, error) {
    cmd := exec.Command("bd", args...)
    cmd.Dir = b.workDir
    return cmd.Output()
}
```

## Error Handling

- bd not installed: Clear error with install instructions
- Not a beads repo: Detect and report
- Sync conflicts: Parse and report


Beads as Universal Data Plane

## Vision

Beads is the data plane for all Gas Town operations. Everything flows through beads:
- Work items (issues, tasks, epics)
- Mail (messages between agents)
- Merge requests (queue entries)
- Workflows (composable execution patterns)
- Resources (leases, locks, quotas)
- Schedules (timed activities)

## New Bead Categories

### Molecules (Composable Workflows)
Crystallized workflow patterns that can be attached to work items.

### Timed Beads (Scheduled Work)
Beads that wake up periodically via daemon.

### Pinned Beads (Ongoing Concerns)
Beads representing persistent concerns, not discrete tasks.

### Resource Beads (Leases/Locks)
Beads representing reserved resources.

## v1 Priority

- **P0**: Molecules (enables engineer-in-box)
- **P2**: Timed, Pinned, Resource beads (post-v1)


HOP: Entity chain tracking for agents

Track work history per-entity (CV chains). See ~/ai/stevey-gastown/hop/decisions/002-entity-chains.md for design. Post-v0.1 work.


Split PGT/GGT harness or migrate to GGT-only

Current ~/ai harness is shared by PGT and GGT with confusing overlap. Options:
1. Keep separate (document the coexistence)
2. Migrate fully to GGT structure
3. Create separate harnesses

This affects the beads redirect, Mayor home location, and rig structure.


gt spawn/crew setup should create .beads/redirect for worktrees

Crew clones and polecats need a .beads/redirect file pointing to the shared beads database (../../mayor/rig/.beads). Currently:

- redirect files can get deleted by git clean
- not auto-created during gt spawn or worktree setup
- missing redirects cause 'no beads database found' errors

Found missing in: gastown/joe, beads/zoey (after git clean)

Fix options:
1. gt spawn creates redirect during worktree setup
2. gt prime regenerates missing redirects
3. bd commands auto-detect worktree and find shared beads

This should be standard Gas Town rig configuration.


gt handoff: Deadlock in waitForRetirement


gt prime should detect mayor role from any rig's mayor/ folder

Currently gt prime only detects the Mayor role when run from town root (~/gt). It should also detect Mayor when run from:
- ~/gt/gastown/mayor/rig (rig's internal mayor dir)
- Any path containing /mayor/ under a rig

This would allow the mayor session to work correctly regardless of which rig directory it's attached to.


CLI: mail commands (send, inbox, read)

CLI: mail commands wrapping bd mail.

## Status

Current implementation works with JSONL files. Refactor to wrap bd mail CLI.

## Commands

### gt mail inbox
```
gt mail inbox [--unread] [--json]
```
Wraps: `bd mail inbox [--json]`

### gt mail read
```
gt mail read <id>
```
Wraps: `bd mail read <id> && bd mail ack <id>`
Note: bd mail read + ack marks as read.

### gt mail send
```
gt mail send <address> -s "Subject" -m "Body" [--notify]
```
Wraps: `bd mail send <recipient> -s "Subject" -m "Body"`
If --notify: inject tmux notification after send.

### gt mail delete
```
gt mail delete <id>
```
Wraps: `bd mail ack <id>` (closes the message issue)

## Address Translation

Same as gt-u1j.6:
- `mayor/` → `mayor`
- `<rig>/refinery` → `<rig>-refinery`
- `<rig>/<polecat>` → `<rig>-<polecat>`

## Dependencies

- gt-u1j.6: Mail system backend


Architecture: beads config and direct landing docs

Added to architecture.md:
- Beads multi-agent configuration table (daemon, worktree, sync-branch)
- ASCII directory layout for non-mermaid rendering
- Direct landing workflow (bypass merge queue)
- Design decisions 9 and 10 for direct landing and daemon awareness
- CLI commands for gt land


Design: Swarm shutdown and worker cleanup

Design for graceful swarm shutdown, worker cleanup, and session cycling.

## Key Decisions

1. Pre-kill verification uses model intelligence (not framework rules)
2. Witness can request restart when context filling (mail self, exit)
3. Mayor NOT involved in per-worker cleanup (Witness responsibility)
4. Clear responsibility boundaries between Mayor/Witness/Polecat

## Subtasks (implementation)

- gt-sd6: Polecat decommission checklist prompting
- gt-f8v: Witness pre-kill verification protocol
- gt-eu9: Witness session cycling and handoff
- gt-gl2: Mayor vs Witness cleanup responsibilities

**Design complete.** Each subtask has full specification in its description.


Merge conflicts: Buzzard/mq-status, Dementus/harness-docs


Add Deacon heartbeat mechanism

Deacon writes deacon/heartbeat.json on each wake. Go daemon reads it to decide whether to poke. Add heartbeat read/write helpers.


gt witness: Witness management commands

Add 'gt witness' command group for witness lifecycle management.

Subcommands:
- gt witness start [rig] - Start witness for a rig
- gt witness stop [rig] - Stop witness
- gt witness status [rig] - Show witness status
- gt witness attach [rig] - Attach to witness session

Witness monitors polecats and handles:
- Idle detection and cleanup
- Session health checks
- Nudging stuck agents


Document harness concept in docs/harness.md

Create comprehensive harness documentation:
- What is a harness (installation directory)
- Recommended structure and naming
- .beads/redirect for default project
- config/ contents (rigs.json, town.json)
- Mayor home vs rig-level mayor/
- Example configurations
- Relationship to rigs


Design: Polecat Beads write access

Design for granting polecats direct beads write access.

## Background

With Beads v0.30.0 tombstone-based rearchitecture, we have solid multi-agent support. Reversing the original read-only decision.

## Benefits

- Simplifies architecture (no mail-based issue filing proxy)
- Empowers polecats to file discovered work
- Beads handles work-disavowal

## Complications

For OSS projects where you cannot commit to project .beads/, need per-rig beads repo configuration.

## Subtasks (implementation)

- gt-zx3: Per-rig beads configuration schema
- gt-e1y: Worker prompting updates for beads access
- gt-cjb: Witness proxy removal
- gt-082: Beads sync in decommission checklist

**Design complete.** Each subtask has full specification in its description.


Test Task 2: Add comment to version.go


Document Overseer role (human operator)

Document the Overseer role in Gas Town architecture.

## The Overseer

The **Overseer** is the human operator of Gas Town. Not an agent - a person.

## Responsibilities

| Area | Overseer Does | Mayor/Agents Do |
|------|---------------|-----------------|
| Strategy | Define project goals | Execute toward goals |
| Priorities | Set priority order | Work in priority order |
| Escalations | Final decision on stuck work | Escalate to Overseer |
| Resources | Provision machines | Use allocated resources |
| Quality | Review & approve swarm output | Produce output |
| Operations | Run gt commands, monitor dashboards | Do the work |

## Key Interactions

### Overseer → Mayor
- Start/stop Mayor sessions
- Direct Mayor via conversation
- Review Mayor recommendations
- Approve cross-rig decisions

### Mayor → Overseer (Escalations)
- Stuck workers after retries
- Resource decisions (add machines, polecats)
- Ambiguous requirements
- Architecture decisions

## Operating Cadence

Typical Overseer workflow:
1. Morning: Check status, review overnight work
2. During day: Monitor, respond to escalations, adjust priorities
3. End of day: Review progress, plan next batch

## Commands for Overseers

```bash
gt status              # Quick health check
gt doctor              # Detailed diagnostics
gt doctor --fix        # Auto-repair issues
gt inbox               # Messages from agents
gt stop --all          # Emergency halt
```

## Documentation Updates

Add to docs/architecture.md:
- Overseer section under Agent Roles
- Clarify Mayor reports to Overseer
- Add Overseer to workflow diagrams


Work on gt-e11: gt mail send priority flag is incompatibl...

Work on gt-e11: gt mail send priority flag is incompatible with bd mail send. Run 'bd show gt-e11' for details.


Design: Additional design issues (placeholder)

Placeholder for additional design issues the user wants to raise and work through. Convert to specific subtasks as issues are identified.


BUG: gt done doesn't push branch to origin - work lost when worktree deleted

## Problem

`gt done` creates a merge-request record in beads but **never pushes the branch to origin**.

When polecats are cleaned up (worktrees deleted), the branch is lost forever. The MR record exists but there's no actual branch to merge.

## Evidence

12 MQ items had `ready` status but no corresponding branches on origin. All polecat worktrees were deleted, losing all work.

## Impact

**CRITICAL**: All polecat work is silently lost unless polecats manually push (which they don't know to do).

## Fix

In `done.go`, before creating the MR:
1. `git push origin <branch>` to push the branch to remote
2. Only create MR record if push succeeds

## Location
`mayor/rig/internal/cmd/done.go:124-135`


Deacon event/timer callbacks: reactive triggers

Implement event-triggered and timer-based callbacks in the Deacon.

## Timer Callbacks

Agents can schedule future wakes by mailing the Deacon:
```
Subject: TIMER: gastown/witness wake at 2025-12-20T16:00:00Z
Body: Please nudge me - I'm waiting for external dependency
```

Deacon processing:
1. Parse timer mail
2. Check if time has passed
3. If yes: mail the agent "WAKE: Timer fired"
4. Close the timer mail

## Event Subscriptions

Plugins/agents can subscribe to events:
```yaml
# In kernel bead or plugin config
event_triggers:
  - event: "issue.created"
    action: mail
    target: "plugins/work-oracle"

  - event: "mr.submitted"
    action: run
    plugin: "review-oracle"

  - event: "agent.stuck"
    action: escalate
    target: human
```

## Event Sources

Events come through mail to deacon/:
```
Subject: EVENT: issue.created gt-abc123
Body: New issue created in gastown rig
```

## Event Types

Initial event types:
- `issue.created` - New bead created
- `issue.closed` - Bead closed
- `mr.submitted` - Merge request submitted
- `mr.merged` - Merge request merged
- `agent.stuck` - Agent appears stuck (from health scan)
- `agent.failed` - Agent remediation failed

## Event Processing

During events step:
1. Read event mail from inbox
2. Match against subscriptions
3. Execute actions:
   - `mail`: Send mail to target
   - `run`: Execute plugin inline
   - `spawn`: Spawn subagent for plugin
   - `escalate`: Mail human

## Relation to Mail

Mail IS the event bus. No separate event system.
Events are just specially-formatted mail to deacon/.


Test: Alpha to Beta

Sibling communication test


CLI: rig commands (add, list, show, remove)

GGT needs rig management commands.

Missing Commands:
- gt rig add <git-url> [--name NAME] - Add rig to workspace
- gt rig list - List all rigs with status
- gt rig show <rig> - Show detailed rig info
- gt rig remove <rig> - Remove a rig

PGT Reference: gastown-py/src/gastown/cli/rig_cmd.py

Current State:
- gt init creates rig structure but no ongoing management
- Rig discovery in internal/rig/manager.go but not exposed via CLI


Phase 1.2: Daemon attachment detection

Daemon polls Deacon's pinned bead to detect naked state.

## Implementation
- Daemon knows Deacon's pinned bead ID
- Every heartbeat cycle: bd show <pinned> --json
- Parse attached_molecule field
- If null/empty: Deacon is naked

## Actions on Naked
- Spawn mol-deacon-patrol
- Attach to Deacon's pinned
- Nudge Deacon to start

## Failsafes
- Keepalive file monitoring
- Stale detection (>10min no progress)
- Force nudge on stale

Depends: gt-rana.1


self-review

Review your own changes. Look for:
- Bugs and edge cases
- Style issues
- Missing error handling
- Security concerns

Fix any issues found before proceeding.

Depends: implement


Merge: gt-qsvq

branch: polecat/capable
target: main
source_issue: gt-qsvq
rig: gastown


Molecule instantiation: create child beads from template

When instantiating a molecule on a work bead:

## Transaction Flow

1. Parse molecule's `## Step:` sections from description
2. Begin SQLite transaction
3. For each step, create child issue:
   - ID: `{parent-id}.{step-ref}` or generated
   - Title: step title (from header or first line)
   - Description: step prose instructions
   - Type: task
   - Priority: inherit from parent
4. Add `instantiated-from` edge from each step to molecule:
   ```sql
   INSERT INTO dependencies (issue_id, depends_on_id, type, metadata)
   VALUES (step_id, mol_id, 'instantiated-from', '{"step": "implement"}');
   ```
5. Wire inter-step dependencies from `Needs:` lines
6. Commit transaction (atomic - all or nothing)

## Parsing Conventions

```markdown
## Step: <ref>
<prose instructions>
Needs: <step>, <step>  # optional
Tier: haiku|sonnet|opus  # optional hint
```

## Parameterization

Steps can have `{{variable}}` placeholders:
```markdown
## Step: implement
Implement {{feature_name}} in {{target_file}}.
```

Context map provided at instantiation time.

## API

```go
func (s *Store) InstantiateMolecule(mol *Issue, parent *Issue, ctx map[string]string) ([]*Issue, error)
func ParseMoleculeSteps(description string) ([]MoleculeStep, error)
```

Implementation lives in `internal/beads/molecule.go`.


Beads epic templates for batch work patterns

Optional: Define templates for common batch work patterns.

## Concept

A template encodes a workflow pattern that can be instantiated as beads:

```yaml
# templates/batch-basic.yaml
name: basic-batch
description: Simple batch work pattern
phases:
  - name: startup
    issues:
      - title: "Verify workers ready"
  - name: working
    # Actual work issues added separately
  - name: cleanup
    issues:
      - title: "Merge all branches"
      - title: "Clean up workers"
      - title: "Report to Mayor"
```

## Usage

```bash
gt spawn --template basic-batch --epic gt-u1j --workers 3
```

Creates beads epic with template phases + actual work from gt-u1j children.

## Decision Point

Templates are OPTIONAL. The core design (beads as state, multi-wave orchestration) works without templates. Templates are sugar for common patterns.

Consider deferring to P3 or dropping entirely if beads epics with dependencies suffice.

## Note

No "swarm IDs" involved - templates just pre-populate epic/issue structure.


Refinery gates: test/lint/build before merge

Before merging polecat work to main, run configurable quality gates.

**From VC**: internal/gates/ - parallel execution with timeout, any failure = overall failure.

**Gas Town implementation**: Refinery config with gate commands:
```yaml
gates:
  test:
    cmd: go test ./...
    timeout: 5m
  lint:
    cmd: golangci-lint run
    timeout: 2m
  build:
    cmd: go build ./...
    timeout: 3m
parallel: true
```

If gates fail, don't merge. Polecat can iterate and retry.

**Value**: Prevents broken code from reaching main. VC had 90.9% gate pass rate.

**VC complexity**: ~200 lines Go
**Gas Town complexity**: ~10 lines YAML


Fix golangci-lint errcheck warnings (~160 issues)

Running golangci-lint shows ~160 errcheck warnings for unchecked error returns.

Common patterns:
- t.SetEnvironment() return values
- os.WriteFile(), os.RemoveAll()
- MarkFlagRequired() on cobra commands
- Various manager methods

Run: golangci-lint run ./...

Could batch fix with:
1. Add explicit _ = for intentionally ignored errors
2. Handle errors properly where they matter
3. Consider adding //nolint:errcheck for cobra flag setup


Mayor session cycling prompting

Add session cycling section to Mayor CLAUDE.md template.

## When to Cycle

Cycle proactively when:
- Running for several hours
- Context feels crowded (losing track of earlier state)
- Major phase completed
- About to start complex new work

## Composing Handoff Notes

1. Gather information:
   town status    # Overall health
   town rigs      # Each rig state
   town inbox     # Pending messages
   bd ready       # Work items

2. Compose note with this structure:

[HANDOFF_TYPE]: mayor_cycle
[TIMESTAMP]: <current time>
[SESSION_DURATION]: <how long running>

## Active Swarms
<per-rig swarm status>

## Rig Status
<table of rig health>

## Pending Escalations
<issues needing your decision>

## In-Flight Decisions
<decisions being made>

## Recent Actions
<last 5-10 things you did>

## Delegated Work
<work sent to refineries>

## User Requests
<pending user asks>

## Next Steps
<what next session should do>

## Warnings/Notes
<critical info for next session>

3. Send handoff:
   town mail send mayor/ -s "Session Handoff" -m "<note>"

4. End session - next instance picks up from handoff.


Work on gt-o9j: Fix tmux status bar polecat count - exclu...

Work on gt-o9j: Fix tmux status bar polecat count - exclude static roles (mayor, deacon, witnesses, refineries, docs, hop). Run 'bd show gt-o9j' for details.


Work on ga-xxp: Define mol-polecat-work standard molecule...

Work on ga-xxp: Define mol-polecat-work standard molecule. See bd show ga-xxp for full details.


MR: gt-test (main)

branch: main
target: main
source_issue: gt-test


Implement gt harness create command

Add scaffolding command to create a new harness:
- gt harness create [path]
- Creates config/, mayor/, .beads/redirect (optional)
- Optionally initializes git
- Generates CLAUDE.md with Mayor role
- Could also offer a template repo alternative


CLI: names commands for polecat naming pool

Polecat naming pool for auto-generated names.

## Commands

### gt names generate
```
gt names generate [--count N]
```
Generate N names from pool.

### gt names add
```
gt names add <name>...
```
Add custom names to pool.

### gt names list
```
gt names list
```
Show available and used names.

### gt names reset
```
gt names reset [--keep-used]
```
Reset pool to defaults.

## Config File
<rig>/town/naming.json:
```json
{
  "enabled": true,
  "auto_refill": true,
  "refill_threshold": 5,
  "pool": {
    "available": ["Toast", "Nux", "Capable", ...],
    "used": ["Alice", "Bob"]
  }
}
```

## Default Pool
Mad Max themed: Toast, Nux, Capable, Furiosa, Immortan, etc.

## Integration
gt polecat add calls naming pool if no name given:
```go
if name == "" {
    name, err = naming.Generate(rigPath)
}
```

## New Package
internal/naming/
├── pool.go     # Pool management
└── defaults.go # Default name lists

## Acceptance Criteria
- [ ] Auto-generate names on polecat add
- [ ] Track used vs available
- [ ] Auto-refill when low
- [ ] Custom names addable


Failure handling: assign back to worker, add labels

Handle merge failures appropriately.

Failure types and actions:
| Failure     | Action                                      |
|-------------|---------------------------------------------|
| conflict    | Add needs-rebase label, assign to worker    |
| tests_fail  | Add needs-fix label, assign to worker       |
| build_fail  | Add needs-fix label, assign to worker       |
| flaky_test  | Retry once, then treat as tests_fail        |
| push_fail   | Retry with backoff, escalate if persistent  |

Actions:
1. bd update <id> --status=open --assignee=<worker>
2. bd update <id> --labels=<failure-label>
3. Send mail to worker explaining failure
4. Log failure details

Reference: docs/merge-queue-design.md#handling-failures


Document the Propulsion Principle

Write canonical documentation for the Universal Gas Town Propulsion Principle.

Location: gastown/mayor/rig/docs/propulsion-principle.md

Content:
- The One Rule (hook has work → work happens)
- Why it works (stateless agents, molecule-driven)
- The sling lifecycle diagram
- Agent startup protocol
- Examples and anti-patterns

This is foundational theory-of-operation documentation.


EXTERNAL: Beads Messaging & Knowledge Graph (bd-kwro)

Tracking issue for external dependency on Beads v0.30.2 messaging features.

Beads epic: bd-kwro in ~/src/beads (steveyegge/beads repo)

This blocks GGT work that depends on:
- bd mail send/inbox/read/ack commands
- message issue type
- replies_to threading
- Hooks system for notifications
- Identity configuration

GGT mail commands will be thin wrappers around bd mail once available.

When bd-kwro ships in Beads v0.30.2, close this and unblock dependent work.


Phase 5.1: Document ephemeral architecture

Update docs with ephemeral molecule architecture.

## Files to Update

### docs/architecture.md
- Add Ephemeral Molecules section
- Diagram: Proto → Ephemeral → Digest flow
- Explain inversion of control for summaries

### docs/molecules.md (new or update)
- Proto molecule catalog
- Ephemeral vs main beads
- Molecule lifecycle
- Summary generation guidelines

### Agent CLAUDE.md files
- Polecat: molecule workflow protocol
- Deacon: patrol cycle pattern
- Witness: patrol cycle pattern
- Refinery: patrol cycle pattern

## Key Concepts to Document

1. Everything is a molecule
2. Orchestration molecules are ephemeral
3. Only digests reach main beads
4. Agents generate their own summaries
5. Crash recovery via ephemeral persistence


gt spawn beads sync warning is misleading for redirect-based polecats

## Problem

When spawning a polecat, gt spawn shows a warning:
```
Warning: beads sync: exit status 1
```

This is misleading because polecats using the redirect architecture (`.beads/redirect`) share the canonical database at `mayor/rig/.beads/beads.db`. The 'stale beads' indicated by the warning is just git branch divergence (main vs beads-sync), not actual data staleness.

## Expected Behavior

gt spawn should either:
1. Skip the beads sync check for polecats using redirects (they share the canonical DB)
2. Or provide a clearer message like 'beads redirect active, using shared database'

## Reproduction

```bash
gt spawn --issue gt-xxx --rig gastown --create
# Shows 'Warning: beads sync: exit status 1' even though beads are current
```

## Root Cause

spawn.go calls beads sync and treats any non-zero exit as a warning. But with redirects, the polecat doesn't need its own beads - it uses the canonical source via the redirect chain:
```
polecat/.beads/redirect -> ../../.beads -> gastown/.beads/redirect -> mayor/rig/.beads
```

## Fix Options

1. Check for .beads/redirect before calling sync
2. Have bd sync return 0 when redirect is present
3. Suppress the warning in spawn when redirect exists


Improve test coverage in low-coverage packages

Several packages have low test coverage:
- internal/cmd: 6.8%
- internal/mail: 3.6%
- internal/daemon: 12.1%
- internal/doctor: 14.5%
- internal/refinery: 20.6%
- internal/session: 27.8%
- internal/git: 28.8%

Priority should be given to mail, cmd, and daemon packages which handle critical functionality.


Doctor framework: Check interface, Result types, Report

Framework for gt doctor health checks.

## Check Interface

```go
type Check interface {
    Name() string
    Description() string
    Run(ctx *CheckContext) *CheckResult
    Fix(ctx *CheckContext) error  // optional auto-fix
    CanFix() bool
}

type CheckContext struct {
    TownRoot string
    RigName  string  // empty for town-level checks
    Verbose  bool
}

type CheckResult struct {
    Status  CheckStatus
    Message string
    Details []string  // additional info
    FixHint string    // suggestion if not auto-fixable
}

type CheckStatus int
const (
    StatusOK CheckStatus = iota
    StatusWarning
    StatusError
)
```

## Report

```go
type Report struct {
    Timestamp time.Time
    Checks    []CheckResult
    Summary   ReportSummary
}

type ReportSummary struct {
    Total    int
    OK       int
    Warnings int
    Errors   int
}

func (r *Report) Print(w io.Writer, verbose bool)
```

## Doctor Runner

```go
type Doctor struct {
    checks []Check
}

func NewDoctor() *Doctor
func (d *Doctor) Register(check Check)
func (d *Doctor) Run(ctx *CheckContext) *Report
func (d *Doctor) Fix(ctx *CheckContext) *Report  // run with auto-fix
```

## Built-in Checks

Town-level (gt-f9x.5):
- ConfigExists, ConfigValid
- StateExists, StateValid
- MayorMailboxExists
- RigsRegistryValid

Rig-level (gt-f9x.6):
- RigCloneExists
- GitExcludeConfigured
- WitnessExists, RefineryExists
- PolecatClonesValid


Configuration in Beads: use pinned beads for rig/agent config

## Summary

Move configuration from JSON files into Beads data plane using pinned beads.

## Motivation

- Config becomes versionable and syncable like issues
- Agents can read config via `bd show`
- Unified data model for everything
- Supports the 'Beads as Universal Data Plane' vision (gt-aqm)

## Config Types to Migrate

### Rig-level (pinned per rig)
- Theme/colors for tmux status line
- Default branch naming conventions
- Merge queue settings
- Witness thresholds

### Agent-level (pinned per role)
- Handoffs (already planned - gt-cu7r)
- Agent preferences
- Current focus/context

### Town-level (pinned at town root)
- Cross-rig settings
- Federation config
- Global themes

## Implementation

1. Implement StatusPinned (beads-6v2) ✓ in progress
2. Create config pinned beads on rig init
3. Add `bd config get/set` commands that read/write pinned beads
4. Migrate existing config.json fields

## Naming Convention

```
<prefix>-cfg-<scope>
gt-cfg-theme      # gastown theme
bd-cfg-merge      # beads merge settings
gm-cfg-town       # town-level config
```

## Dependencies

- beads-6v2: Add StatusPinned to beads schema
- gm-w13: Pinned Beads epic


Remove bd sync instruction from polecat startup workflow

Polecats are instructed to run `bd sync --from-main` on startup (spawn.go:634).

## Problem
- Spawn command already syncs beads before spawning (line 239)
- Polecats share rig-level beads via `.beads/redirect`
- Multiple polecats starting simultaneously all try to sync same shared beads
- This causes git conflicts/failures when many polecats spawn at once

## Observed
User reported: 'all polecats failing on beads sync on startup in one run'

## Fix
Remove line 634 from buildWorkAssignmentMail():
```
body.WriteString("2. Run \`bd sync --from-main\` to get fresh beads\n")
```

Polecats only need to sync at END of work (already in steps 5/7).

## Files
- internal/cmd/spawn.go: buildWorkAssignmentMail() and buildSpawnContext()


Merge: gt-a95

branch: polecat/Ace
target: main
source_issue: gt-a95
rig: gastown


Refinery Engineer: Role prompting and CLAUDE.md

Create refinery/CLAUDE.md with Chief Merge Engineer role context. Include:
- Role identity and responsibilities
- Decision authority (merge order, test frequency, binary rebuilds)
- Communication patterns (Witness, Deacon)
- Session lifecycle (handoff bead protocol)
- Key commands reference


gt refinery start: doesn't actually start a session

## Problem

`gt refinery start gastown` reports success but doesn't start a tmux session.

## Evidence

```
$ gt refinery start gastown
Starting refinery for gastown...
✓ Refinery started for gastown

$ tmux list-sessions | grep refinery
(nothing)

$ gt refinery status gastown
State: ○ stopped
```

## Expected

Should start a tmux session (e.g., gt-gastown-refinery) with Claude processing the merge queue.

## Related

- gt-kcee: Witness commands also need implementation
- The refinery 'start' may just be updating state.json without spawning a session


Add --fart as easter egg alias for bd mol bond

Add a hidden alias for the bond command:

```bash
bd mol fart mol-polecat-work --wisp
# equivalent to:
bd mol bond mol-polecat-work --wisp
```

## Context
The fart joke: instantiating a proto can produce either:
- A Mol (solid/substantial output)
- A Wisp (gas/ephemeral output)

## Implementation
- Add 'fart' as an alias in the mol subcommand
- No documentation needed (easter egg)
- Maybe a fun message: 'Bonding molecule...' or similar

Low priority, just for fun.


mol-deacon-patrol

Deacon patrol molecule template. Label: template


Crew workers getting wrong CLAUDE.md (shows Refinery)

## Problem

Crew workers (emma, dave) have CLAUDE.md that says they're the Refinery.

## Evidence

```
$ head -5 /Users/stevey/gt/beads/crew/emma/CLAUDE.md
# Claude: Beads Refinery
You are the **Refinery** for the **beads** rig...
```

## Expected

Should use crew.md.tmpl which correctly says:
```
# Crew Worker Context
You are a **crew worker** - the overseer's (human's) personal workspace...
```

## Impact

- Crew workers have wrong identity in static context
- `gt prime` correctly outputs crew context, but CLAUDE.md conflicts
- Confusing role information

## Fix

Check `gt crew create` or whatever populates CLAUDE.md for crew workers.


bd mail send: pinned column missing from schema

gt mail send fails with: sqlite3: SQL logic error: table issues has no column named pinned

Likely a schema migration issue - bd schema has 'pinned' field but SQLite table doesn't.

## Reproduction
gt mail send gastown/Immortan -s 'test' -m 'test'

## Error
table issues has no column named pinned

## Fix
Either:
1. Add migration to add pinned column
2. Remove pinned from insert if not present
3. Regenerate DB from JSONL


Add bulk polecat remove command (gt polecat remove --all)

When decommissioning a rig, need to remove multiple polecats one at a time. A --all or --rig flag would allow: gt polecat remove --rig gastown --force


gt doctor: Detect and clean up orphaned sessions/processes

## Problem
Orphaned tmux sessions and Claude processes accumulate over time, consuming memory.

## Discovered Orphans
- gt-deacon: Idle Claude session, not part of any rig

## Proposed Solution

### gt doctor --check (default)
Detect issues without fixing:
- Orphan sessions (not matching rig/polecat/crew/witness/refinery/mayor pattern)
- Claude processes without parent tmux session
- Tmux sessions without Claude (stuck at bash prompt)
- Polecats marked 'working' but session idle

### gt doctor --fix
Clean up detected issues:
- Kill orphan sessions
- Kill orphan Claude processes
- Optionally reset stuck polecat state

### gt gc (alternative name)
Short alias for cleanup operations.

## Acceptance Criteria
- [ ] Detects orphan sessions
- [ ] Detects orphan processes
- [ ] Safe cleanup (doesn't kill active work)
- [ ] Reports what was cleaned


Worker cleanup: Beads sync on shutdown

Add beads sync verification to worker cleanup checklist and Witness verification.

## Update to Decommission Checklist (gt-sd6)

Add to pre-done verification:
- bd sync --status must show 'Up to date'
- git status .beads/ must show no changes

## Beads Edge Cases

Uncommitted beads changes:
  bd sync
  git add .beads/
  git commit -m 'beads: final sync'

Beads sync conflict (rare):
  git fetch origin main
  git checkout main -- .beads/
  bd sync --force
  git add .beads/
  git commit -m 'beads: resolve sync conflict'

## Update to Witness Verification (gt-f8v)

When capturing worker state:
  town capture <polecat> "bd sync --status && git status .beads/"

Check for:
- bd sync --status shows 'Up to date'
- git status .beads/ shows no changes

If beads not synced, nudge:
  WITNESS CHECK: Beads not synced. Run 'bd sync' then commit .beads/. Signal done when complete.


Swarm learning: Spawn should auto-notify polecats

town spawn assigns issues but doesn't notify polecats. Required separate 'town session send' to inject prompts. This should be one atomic operation - spawn assigns AND pokes the polecat to start working.


Daemon: verify requesting_cycle before kill

Per gt-gby spec, daemon should verify agent state shows requesting_cycle=true before killing session. Currently kills on any lifecycle request without verification.

Requires state.json in agent workspace with requesting_cycle field.


Refinery agent: merge queue processing loop

The Refinery agent processes the merge queue, merging polecat work to main.

## Interface

```go
type Refinery struct {
    rig    *Rig
    queue  *MergeQueue
    git    *Git
    mail   *Mailbox
    config RefineryConfig
}

type RefineryConfig struct {
    AutoMerge     bool          // Auto-merge passing MRs
    RunTests      bool          // Run tests before merge
    TestCommand   string        // Command to run tests
    RequireReview bool          // Require review before merge (future)
}

func NewRefinery(rig *Rig, ...) *Refinery

// Lifecycle
func (r *Refinery) Start() error
func (r *Refinery) Stop() error
func (r *Refinery) IsRunning() bool

// Processing
func (r *Refinery) ProcessQueue() error
func (r *Refinery) ProcessMR(mr *MergeRequest) error
```

## Processing Loop

1. Check queue for pending MRs
2. For each pending MR:
   a. Fetch polecat branch
   b. Attempt merge to refinery/rig (local main)
   c. Run tests if configured
   d. If pass: push to origin, mark merged
   e. If fail: mark rejected, notify polecat
3. Sleep, repeat

## Merge Strategy

- Fast-forward when possible
- Merge commit when not
- On conflict: reject MR, polecat must rebase

## Test Integration

If tests configured:
```bash
cd refinery/rig
git merge polecat/branch
<test_command>  # e.g., go test ./...
```
Result determines merge/reject.

## Notifications

On merge success:
- Mail to polecat: "Your work merged"
- Update bead if issue tracked

On merge failure:
- Mail to polecat: "Merge failed: <reason>"
- Include conflict details if applicable

## Dependencies

Needs: Rig management, Git wrapper, Mail system, Merge queue


session-gc

Clean dead sessions. Run gt gc --sessions.


Define constants for magic strings

Several magic strings are hardcoded throughout the codebase:
- "mayor" appears in 20+ places as a path component
- "main" branch name appears in 20+ places
- "beads-sync" branch name in multiple files
- "rigs.json" filename

These should be constants in a central location for maintainability.


Simplify Go daemon to Deacon-watcher

Refactor internal/daemon to only: (1) check deacon/heartbeat.json every 60s, (2) poke gt-deacon if stale, (3) restart Deacon and mail for help if very stale. Remove all lifecycle processing and agent poking.


Polecat Mood Plugin (standard)

Standard witness plugin that assesses polecat emotional state.

## Location
`<rig>/plugins/witness/polecat-mood/`

## Mood Emojis
| Mood | Emoji | Detection |
|------|-------|-----------|
| working | 😺 | Active tool calls, making progress |
| productive | 😸 | Completing tasks, tests passing |
| idle | 🐱 | Waiting at prompt, no recent activity |
| confident | 😼 | Self-reviewing, about to submit |
| struggling | 😿 | Repeated errors, test failures |
| stuck | 🙀 | No progress for 10+ min |
| done | 😽 | Work complete, requesting shutdown |
| blocked | 😾 | Explicitly waiting on dependency |

## Plugin Config (plugin.yaml)
```yaml
name: polecat-mood
description: Assess polecat emotional state from session activity
trigger: patrol
tier: haiku
input: session-capture
```

## Output
Plugin outputs gt commands:
```
gt polecat mood Rictus 😺
gt polecat mood Nux 😿
```

## Customization
Users can fork and modify prompt.md to change assessment criteria or add custom moods.


Swarm: ephemeral rig support

PGT has ephemeral rigs for swarms - temporary worker groups that are destroyed after landing.

Missing Features:
- gt swarm init [--rig <name>|--git-url <url>] [--num-workers N]
- gt swarm worker add/remove/list <rig-id>
- gt swarm rigs - List ephemeral rigs
- gt swarm destroy <rig-id> - Destroy ephemeral rig

Directory structure:
<workspace>/mayor/workers/<rig-id>/
├── rig.json (metadata)
├── alice/ (git clone)
├── bob/
└── carol/

PGT Reference: gastown-py/src/gastown/ephemeral.py

Note: Beads issue gt-kmn.12 mentions this but implementation is missing.


Consolidate configuration architecture: three-tier model

Rationalize Gas Town's scattered configuration into a clean three-tier model:

## Current Problems
- Config split across mayor/, .gastown/, and rig/config.json
- Runtime state mixed with configuration
- Hidden directories (.gastown/) are missed by agents
- Category confusion: identity vs config vs runtime state

## Proposed Architecture

### Tier 1: Town Config (mayor/)
```
mayor/
├── town.json      # Town identity (unchanged)
├── rigs.json      # Rig registry (unchanged)
└── config.json    # NEW: Town-level configuration
    # theme defaults, daemon settings, etc.
```

### Tier 2: Town Runtime (.runtime/)
```
~/gt/.runtime/                    # NEW: Gitignored
├── daemon.json                   # {pid, started_at, heartbeat}
├── deacon.json                   # {cycle, last_action}
└── agent-requests.json           # Lifecycle requests
```

### Tier 3: Rig Config (settings/)
```
<rig>/
├── config.json                   # Rig identity only (type, git_url, beads.prefix)
├── settings/                     # NEW: Visible, git-tracked
│   ├── config.json               # theme, merge_queue, max_workers
│   ├── namepool.json             # pool settings (style, max)
│   └── roles/                    # Per-role overrides (optional)
└── .runtime/                     # NEW: Gitignored
    ├── witness.json              # {state, started_at, stats}
    ├── refinery.json             # {state, started_at, stats}
    └── namepool-state.json       # {in_use, overflow_next}
```

## Key Principles
1. **Visible > Hidden** for config agents need to find
2. **Git-tracked** for identity and config; **gitignored** for runtime
3. **Separation of concerns**: identity, config, runtime are distinct
4. **Locality**: town config at town root, rig config at rig root

## Migration
- Move .gastown/ contents to appropriate new locations
- Update all code that reads/writes these files
- Update .gitignore patterns
- Update documentation (architecture.md, CLAUDE.md)


MQ config schema: merge_queue section in rig config.json

Define and implement merge_queue configuration in rig config.

Schema:
{
  "merge_queue": {
    "enabled": true,
    "target_branch": "main",
    "integration_branches": true,
    "on_conflict": "assign_back",  // or "auto_rebase"
    "run_tests": true,
    "test_command": "go test ./...",
    "delete_merged_branches": true,
    "retry_flaky_tests": 1,
    "poll_interval": "30s",
    "max_concurrent": 1
  }
}

Implement:
- Config loading in rig package
- Default values
- Validation

Reference: docs/merge-queue-design.md#configuration


Use Beads issue status as spawn source of truth

Currently witness tracks spawned issues in .gastown/witness.json to prevent re-spawning:

{"spawned_issues": ["gt-abc1", "gt-def2", ...]}

This is redundant with Beads issue status (in_progress). The witness could query:
  bd list --status=in_progress

The local list serves as a performance cache to avoid querying beads every cycle. Consider:
1. Use Beads as source of truth
2. Keep local cache with TTL
3. Sync cache on witness start

This simplifies state management and ensures consistency.


CLI: spawn command

High-level command to spawn a polecat with work assignment.

## Command

```
gt spawn <rig>/<polecat> --issue <id>
gt spawn <rig> --issue <id>  # auto-select available polecat
gt spawn <rig>/<polecat> -m "Work on X"  # free-form task
```

## What It Does

1. Select or create polecat
2. Ensure polecat is in idle/active state
3. Assign the issue (update beads, set polecat state)
4. Start session (gt session start)
5. Inject initial context

## Options

- `--issue <id>`: Beads issue to assign
- `-m "message"`: Free-form work description
- `--create`: Create polecat if it does not exist
- `--no-start`: Assign work but do not start session

## Auto-Select Logic

If polecat not specified:
1. Look for idle polecats in rig
2. Prefer ones that worked on similar issues before
3. If none available, fail (or create if --create)

## Initial Context

Injects into session:
```
[SPAWN] You have been assigned: <issue-title>
Issue: <id>
Priority: <priority>

<description>

Work on this issue. Signal DONE when complete.
```

## Implementation

Orchestrates PolecatManager + SessionManager + Beads:
```go
func Spawn(rig, polecat, issue string, opts SpawnOptions) error
```


Rig doctor checks: Refinery health, clones, gitignore

Rig-level doctor checks.

## Checks

### RigIsGitRepo
- Verify .git/ directory exists
- Verify git status works
- Fix: Cannot auto-fix

### GitExcludeConfigured
- Check .git/info/exclude contains Gas Town dirs
- Required entries: polecats/ witness/ refinery/ mayor/
- Fix: Append missing entries

### WitnessExists
- Verify witness/ directory exists
- Verify witness/rig/ is a git clone
- Verify witness/mail/inbox.jsonl exists
- Fix: Create structure, clone repo

### RefineryExists
- Verify refinery/ directory exists
- Verify refinery/rig/ is a git clone
- Verify refinery/mail/inbox.jsonl exists
- Fix: Create structure, clone repo

### MayorCloneExists
- Verify mayor/ directory exists
- Verify mayor/rig/ is a git clone
- Fix: Create structure, clone repo

### PolecatClonesValid
- For each polecat in polecats/:
  - Verify is a git clone
  - Verify on polecat branch
  - Warn if has uncommitted changes
- Fix: Cannot auto-fix (data loss risk)

### BeadsConfigValid (if applicable)
- If .beads/ exists, verify bd commands work
- Check beads sync status
- Warn if out of sync
- Fix: Run bd sync

## Implementation

```go
var RigChecks = []Check{
    &RigIsGitRepoCheck{},
    &GitExcludeConfiguredCheck{},
    &WitnessExistsCheck{},
    &RefineryExistsCheck{},
    &MayorCloneExistsCheck{},
    &PolecatClonesValidCheck{},
    &BeadsConfigValidCheck{},
}
```


Merge: gt-5wb7

branch: polecat/nux
target: main
source_issue: gt-5wb7
rig: gastown