Phase 4: Polish and observability

Production readiness.

## Commands
- gt patrol status - Show patrol state for all agents
- gt patrol history - Recent patrol activity

## Observability
- Metrics collection
- Alert thresholds
- Dashboard (optional)

## Tuning
- Cooldown optimization
- Wake SLA verification
- Error threshold tuning

Depends: Phase 3


Test molecule

Test


gt polecat remove --all: bulk polecat teardown

Currently gt polecat remove only accepts one polecat at a time. Need bulk operations:

## Requested
- `gt polecat remove gastown --all` - remove all polecats from a rig
- `gt polecat remove gastown/A gastown/B ...` - remove multiple by name

## Context
After a swarm completes, tearing down 20 polecats one at a time is tedious.
Ephemeral workers should be easy to create and destroy in bulk.

## Related
- gt-c92: CLI: all command for batch polecat operations


Phase 1.3: mol-deacon-patrol definition

Define the Deacon patrol molecule in builtin_molecules.go.

## Steps
1. inbox-check - Handle callbacks from agents
2. health-scan - Ping Witnesses and Refineries
3. plugin-run - Execute registered plugins
4. orphan-check - Find abandoned work
5. session-gc - Clean dead sessions
6. context-check - Check own context limit
7. loop-or-exit - Burn and let daemon respawn, or exit if context high

## Implementation
- Add DeaconPatrolMolecule() to builtin_molecules.go
- Add to BuiltinMolecules() list
- Test with bd mol show mol-deacon-patrol


Mayor handoff mail template

Add MAYOR_HANDOFF mail template to templates.py.

## Template Function

def mayor_handoff(
    active_swarms: List[SwarmStatus],
    rig_status: Dict[str, RigStatus],
    pending_escalations: List[Escalation],
    in_flight_decisions: List[Decision],
    recent_actions: List[str],
    delegated_work: List[DelegatedItem],
    user_requests: List[str],
    next_steps: List[str],
    warnings: Optional[str] = None,
    session_duration: Optional[str] = None,
) -> Message:
    metadata = {
        'template': 'MAYOR_HANDOFF',
        'timestamp': datetime.utcnow().isoformat(),
        'session_duration': session_duration,
        'active_swarm_count': len(active_swarms),
        'pending_escalation_count': len(pending_escalations),
    }
    # ... format sections ...
    return Message.create(
        sender='mayor/',
        recipient='mayor/',
        subject='Session Handoff',
        body=body,
        priority='high',
    )

## Metadata Fields

- template: MAYOR_HANDOFF
- timestamp: ISO format
- session_duration: Human readable
- active_swarm_count: Number of active swarms
- pending_escalation_count: Number of escalations

## Mail Priority

Use priority='high' to ensure handoff is seen on startup.


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
```


/restart: Personal slash command for in-place agent restart

Create ~/.claude/commands/restart.md that restarts current Gas Town agent in place.

## Detection
- Read tmux session name: gt-mayor, gt-witness-*, gt-refinery-*, gt-polecat-*
- Fallback: check GT_ROLE env var

## Behavior by role
- mayor: gt mayor restart (sends Ctrl-C, loop respawns)
- witness: gt witness restart
- refinery: gt refinery restart
- polecat: gt polecat restart (or witness-mediated)

## Command format
Uses backticks for inline bash to detect context, then instructs Claude to run appropriate restart.


Daemon: configurable heartbeat interval

Heartbeat interval is hardcoded to 60s. Should be configurable via:
- town.json config
- Command line flag
- Environment variable

Default 60s is reasonable but some deployments may want faster/slower.


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"`.


Implement gt mq CLI commands

Add gt mq subcommands as sugar over bd:

- gt mq submit: Create MR for current branch
- gt mq list: Show open merge requests
- gt mq next: Show next MR ready to process
- gt mq process: Engineer processes the queue
- gt mq reorder <id> --after <x>: Change ordering via deps
- gt mq status <id>: Show MR details

All commands should work with the Beads data plane.


gt mq list: show queue with status/priority/age

Implement 'gt mq list' command to display the merge queue.

Output format:
ID          STATUS       PRIORITY  BRANCH                    WORKER  AGE
gt-mr-001   ready        P0        polecat/Nux/gt-xyz        Nux     5m
gt-mr-002   in_progress  P1        polecat/Toast/gt-abc      Toast   12m
gt-mr-003   blocked      P1        polecat/Capable/gt-def    Capable 8m
            (waiting on gt-mr-001)

Options:
- --ready: show only ready-to-merge (no blockers, not in progress)
- --status STATUS: filter by status
- --worker WORKER: filter by worker
- --epic EPIC: show MRs targeting integration/EPIC

Under the hood: bd list --type=merge-request with filters.

Reference: docs/merge-queue-design.md#gt-mq-list


Add merge-request type to Beads schema

Define the merge-request bead type with fields:
- branch: source branch (e.g., polecat/Nux/gt-xxx)
- target_branch: destination (main or integration/xxx)
- source_issue: the work being merged (gt-xxx)
- worker: who did the work
- rig: which rig
- merge_commit: (filled on close) SHA of merge commit
- close_reason: (filled on close) success/failure details

This may require beads schema changes or just convention.


gt mail send should tmux-notify recipient

## Problem

When mail is sent via gt mail send, the recipient session does not get a tmux notification. In Python Gas Town (PGT), mail delivery triggers a tmux display-message or similar notification so the agent knows mail arrived.

## Expected Behavior

When gt mail send <addr> is called:
1. Mail is delivered to recipient inbox
2. If recipient has an active tmux session, send notification
3. Notification should be visible (display-message or bell)

## Current Behavior

Mail is delivered but no notification. Agent has to poll inbox to discover new mail.

## Impact

- Agents miss time-sensitive messages
- Heartbeat pokes from daemon will not wake agents
- Coordination is slower (polling vs push)

## Implementation Notes

After successful mail delivery, check if recipient has active session:
- gt session list can identify active sessions
- tmux display-message or send-keys can notify
- Could inject a visible prompt like "[MAIL] New message from <sender>"

## Reference

Check PGT implementation for how it handles this.


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


Swarm learning: Witness needs automated context cycling

Furiosa hit 2% context during swarm work. Witness role needs automated detection of low context and should trigger session cycling before agents get stuck. Add to Witness responsibilities in prompts.md.


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


Merge Queue in Beads: Universal chit system for all work

**Design doc**: docs/merge-queue-design.md


Automatic spawn for ready work

Auto-spawn polecats for ready work:

When Witness has capacity (active_workers < max_workers):
1. Query bd ready for unblocked issues
2. Filter to rig-appropriate work (by prefix or epic)
3. For each ready issue up to capacity:
   - gt spawn --issue <id>
   - Track that we spawned for this issue

Configuration (in rig config.json):
- max_workers: 4 (default)
- spawn_delay: 5s between spawns
- auto_spawn: true/false

This enables 'fire and forget' swarming:
- Mayor creates epic with children
- Mayor tells Witness to work epic
- Witness spawns polecats automatically
- Witness cleans up as they complete


gt mq submit: creates task type instead of merge-request type

## Problem

`gt mq submit` creates an issue with `type: task` but should be `type: merge-request`.

## Evidence

```
$ bd show gt-n508
gt-n508: Merge: gt-70b3
Status: open
Priority: P1
Type: task      <-- WRONG, should be merge-request
...
Description:
type: merge-request   <-- Correct type is in description, not in actual type field
```

## Impact

`gt mq list` shows empty queue because it queries for `type: merge-request`

## Fix

`gt mq submit` should set `--type merge-request` when creating the bead.


SwarmManager: create, start, update, query operations

SwarmManager operations for creating and managing swarms.

## Interface

```go
type SwarmManager struct {
    rig    *Rig
    beads  *BeadsWrapper  // shells out to bd CLI
}

func NewSwarmManager(rig *Rig) *SwarmManager

// Lifecycle
func (m *SwarmManager) Create(epicID string, workers []string) (*Swarm, error)
func (m *SwarmManager) Start(swarmID string) error
func (m *SwarmManager) UpdateState(swarmID string, state SwarmState) error
func (m *SwarmManager) Cancel(swarmID string, reason string) error

// Queries (delegate to beads)
func (m *SwarmManager) GetSwarm(id string) (*Swarm, error)
func (m *SwarmManager) GetReadyTasks(swarmID string) ([]SwarmTask, error)
func (m *SwarmManager) GetActiveTasks(swarmID string) ([]SwarmTask, error)
func (m *SwarmManager) IsComplete(swarmID string) (bool, error)
```

## Implementation Notes

- `GetReadyTasks` wraps `bd ready --parent <epicID>`
- `IsComplete` checks if all child issues are closed
- State transitions update the epic's description or a tag field
- No separate manifest files - beads IS the source of truth


Town Doctor molecule for harness health checks

Create a Town Doctor molecule that any Gas Town agent can run to diagnose and repair harness issues.

## Concept

Instead of just `gt doctor` as a CLI command with hardcoded checks, create a **molecule** (checklist workflow) that:
- Any agent (Mayor, Witness, Polecat) can instantiate
- Walks the agent through diagnostic steps
- Agent uses judgment to fix issues found
- Works as a structured troubleshooting guide

## Why a Molecule?

1. **Agent-driven**: The agent running it becomes "the doctor" temporarily
2. **Extensible**: Add new checks by updating the molecule, not code
3. **Contextual**: Agent can reason about issues, not just run scripts
4. **Self-healing**: Agent can fix problems it finds, not just report them

## Proposed Checks (molecule steps)

1. Verify harness structure (mayor/, .beads/, CLAUDE.md exist)
2. Validate config files (town.json, rigs.json parse correctly)
3. Check beads health (bd doctor, redirect validity)
4. Verify git state (clean working tree, proper remotes)
5. Check rig integrity (each registered rig exists, has config.json)
6. Validate agent clones (mayor/rig/, refinery/rig/ exist and are valid)
7. Check for orphaned worktrees/branches
8. Verify daemon state (if running)

## Integration

- `gt doctor` could instantiate the molecule for the current agent
- Or agent can run `bd ready` and pick up doctor tasks when prioritized
- Results logged to beads for audit trail

## Related

- gt-cr9: Harness Design & Documentation (completed)
- Molecules design in architecture.md


Test

Body


Merge queue: per-rig queue management

Per-rig merge queue for coordinating polecat work.

## Concept

When polecats complete work, they submit to the merge queue. The Refinery processes the queue, merging work to main in order.

## Data Model

```go
type MergeRequest struct {
    ID        string    `json:"id"`
    Polecat   string    `json:"polecat"`
    Branch    string    `json:"branch"`
    Issue     string    `json:"issue,omitempty"`
    Status    MRStatus  `json:"status"`
    CreatedAt time.Time `json:"created_at"`
    UpdatedAt time.Time `json:"updated_at"`
}

type MRStatus string
const (
    MRPending   MRStatus = "pending"
    MRReviewing MRStatus = "reviewing"
    MRMerged    MRStatus = "merged"
    MRRejected  MRStatus = "rejected"
)
```

## Interface

```go
type MergeQueue struct {
    rig  *Rig
    path string  // <rig>/refinery/queue.jsonl
}

func NewMergeQueue(rig *Rig) *MergeQueue

// Queue operations
func (mq *MergeQueue) Submit(polecat, branch string, issue string) (*MergeRequest, error)
func (mq *MergeQueue) List() ([]*MergeRequest, error)
func (mq *MergeQueue) Next() (*MergeRequest, error)  // oldest pending
func (mq *MergeQueue) Get(id string) (*MergeRequest, error)

// Status updates
func (mq *MergeQueue) SetStatus(id string, status MRStatus) error
func (mq *MergeQueue) MarkMerged(id string) error
func (mq *MergeQueue) MarkRejected(id, reason string) error
```

## Queue Storage

JSONL file at `<rig>/refinery/queue.jsonl`. FIFO ordering.

## Git Coordination

Refinery processes queue:
1. Fetch polecat branch
2. Attempt merge to main
3. Run tests (if configured)
4. Push to origin
5. Update queue status

## Conflict Handling

If merge fails:
- Mark MR as rejected
- Notify polecat to rebase


Refinery background daemon mode

Refinery currently only works in foreground mode. Background daemon is stubbed.

## Current State
manager.go line 128-129:
```go
// Background mode: spawn a new process
// For MVP, we just mark as running - actual daemon implementation in gt-ov2
return nil
```

## Requirements

### 1. Background Process Spawning
```go
func (m *Manager) Start(foreground bool) error {
    if !foreground {
        // Spawn gt refinery start --foreground as subprocess
        cmd := exec.Command(os.Args[0], "refinery", "start", m.rig.Name, "--foreground")
        cmd.Start()  // Don't wait
        // Record PID
    }
}
```

### 2. PID File Management
- Write PID to .gastown/refinery.pid
- Check PID validity on status
- Clean up stale PID files

### 3. Log Output
- Redirect stdout/stderr to .gastown/refinery.log
- Log rotation (optional for MVP)

### 4. Graceful Shutdown
- Handle SIGTERM/SIGINT
- Complete current merge before exit
- Update state to stopped

### 5. Health Check
- Process existence check via kill -0
- Optional: heartbeat file with timestamp

## Files to Modify
- internal/refinery/manager.go: Start(), Status(), process spawning

## Acceptance Criteria
- [ ] gt refinery start <rig> spawns background process
- [ ] gt refinery status shows running with PID
- [ ] gt refinery stop sends SIGTERM and waits
- [ ] Logs written to .gastown/refinery.log
- [ ] Survives terminal close


Harness & Priming: Document architecture and update all role contexts


Engineer session restart protocol

Implement session restart flow for when the Engineer needs to split work:

1. Engineer creates subtask(s) in Beads assigned to self
2. Engineer sends handoff mail to self (🤝 HANDOFF)
3. Engineer sends restart request to Witness
4. Witness verifies:
   - Handoff mail exists in Engineer outbox/sent
   - Subtasks filed in Beads
5. Witness restarts the Refinery session (new Engineer context)

This enables "occasionally consistent, eventually convergent" work patterns.
The Refinery continues; the Engineer gets fresh context.


Mayor startup protocol prompting

Add startup protocol to Mayor CLAUDE.md template.

## On Session Start

1. Check for handoff:
   town inbox | grep "Session Handoff"

2. If handoff found:
   - Read it: town read <msg-id>
   - Process pending escalations (highest priority)
   - Check status of noted swarms
   - Verify rig health matches notes
   - Continue with documented next steps

3. If no handoff:
   town status     # Overall health
   town rigs       # Each rig
   bd ready        # Work items
   town inbox      # Any messages
   Build your own picture of current state.

4. After processing handoff:
   - Archive or delete the handoff message
   - You now own the current state

## Handoff Best Practices

- Be specific: 'Toast has merge conflict in auth/middleware.go' not 'Toast is stuck'
- Include context: Why decisions are pending, what you were thinking
- Prioritize next steps: What is most urgent
- Note time-sensitive items: Anything that might have changed since handoff


CLI: rig commands (list, show, add)

Rig management CLI commands.

## Commands

### gt rig list
List all registered rigs.
```
gt rig list [--json]
```
Output:
- Rig name
- Git URL
- Polecat count
- Witness/Refinery status

### gt rig show
Show details for a specific rig.
```
gt rig show <name> [--json]
```
Output:
- Full rig info
- Polecats with status
- Recent activity
- Beads summary (open issues)

### gt rig add
Add a new rig to the town.
```
gt rig add <name> <git-url>
gt rig add <name> --local <path>
```
Steps:
- Clone repo to town root (or link local)
- Register in rigs.json
- Create agent directories
- Configure git exclude

### gt rig remove
Remove a rig from the town.
```
gt rig remove <name> [--force]
```
- Warns if active polecats
- --force required if uncommitted changes

## Implementation

```go
var rigCmd = &cobra.Command{Use: "rig"}
rigCmd.AddCommand(rigListCmd, rigShowCmd, rigAddCmd, rigRemoveCmd)
```


Epic: Wisp Molecule Integration

## Vision

Integrate Beads wisp molecules into Gas Town. All orchestration work runs as wisp molecules - patrols, polecat workflows, batch operations. Only digests reach main beads.

## The Steam Engine Metaphor

```
Engine does work → generates steam
Steam wisps rise → execution trace
Steam condenses → digest (distillate)
Steam dissipates → cleaned up (burned)
```

## Architecture

```
Proto Molecules (templates)
    ↓ bd mol bond
Wisps (.beads-wisps/ or inline)
    ↓ bd mol squash + AI summary
Main Beads (digests only)
```

## Vocabulary

| Term | Meaning |
|------|---------|
| bond | Attach proto to work (creates wisps) |
| wisp | Temporary execution step (steam rising) |
| squash | Condense wisps into digest |
| burn | Destroy wisps without record |
| digest | Permanent condensed record (distillate) |

## Key Design Decisions

1. **Wisp location**: Per-rig or inline in main beads with wisp flag
2. **Summary generation**: Agent that did work generates summary (inversion of control)
3. **Squash timing**: Final step of molecule workflow, before signaling done
4. **Crash recovery**: Wisps persist, Witness detects stalls, new agent resumes
5. **Patrols**: Each cycle is fresh wisp molecule, squashed on completion

## Digest Contents

- Molecule type and instance ID
- Assignee, start/end times
- Source issue reference
- AI-generated summary
- Outcomes (issues closed, commits, branches)

## Integration Points

- gt rig init: Configure wisp storage
- gt spawn --molecule: Bond creates wisps
- gt prime: Show wisp molecule context
- Polecat CLAUDE.md: Summary + squash protocol
- gt doctor: Wisp health checks
- Deacon/Witness/Refinery: Patrol molecules

## Phases

Phase 1: Wisp setup infrastructure
Phase 2: Spawn integration
Phase 3: Completion flow (summary + squash)
Phase 4: Patrol integration
Phase 5: Documentation and polish


CLI: plugin commands (list, status)

Add gt plugins <rig> to list plugins and gt plugin status <name> to check plugin state. Simple directory scan of <rig>/plugins/.


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.


Document how to configure a Gas Town Harness

Create docs explaining what a harness is (private repo containing GT installation with rigs gitignored), why you'd want one, and how to set it up with beads redirects


gt done: Missing command referenced in polecat docs


Remove stale migration docs from gastown-py

The gastown-py repo has migration-related documentation that is now misinformation since we have made design decisions. Remove or clearly mark as obsolete: any docs about migration paths, old architecture assumptions, or superseded designs.


Design: Plugin architecture (agents-as-plugins)

Plugin system where plugins are just additional agents with identities, mailboxes, and beads access. See docs/architecture.md Plugins section. No special framework - just directory conventions and mail-based invocation.


Phase 2.2: gt prime shows ephemeral molecule context

Update gt prime to detect and display ephemeral molecule state.

## Detection

1. Check for active ephemeral molecule assigned to current identity
2. Parse molecule progress (current step, total steps)
3. Show in prime output

## Output

```
🔧 Polecat furiosa, checking in.

📦 Molecule: mol-polecat-work (eph-abc123)
   Step 3/8: do-work
   Source: gt-rixa
   Started: 10 minutes ago

Run 'bd mol status' for full molecule state.
```


Deacon session cycling: first step of rounds

First step of every Deacon wake cycle: check if a fresh session is needed.

## Why First

Token costs are quadratic with session length. A Deacon running for hours
accumulates massive context. Better to cycle early and often.

## Implementation

At wake, before doing anything else:

1. Check context budget estimate (conversation turns, tool calls, etc.)
2. If budget is low (e.g., >50% consumed), request cycle:
   - Write handoff mail to self with current state
   - Request lifecycle: cycle via daemon
   - Daemon kills session, starts fresh
   - New session reads handoff mail, continues

## Decision Criteria

- Conversation turns > N (configurable, default 50?)
- Explicit "context feels heavy" signal from Claude
- Time since last cycle > M hours (configurable, default 4?)
- Forced cycle on certain events (e.g., major config change)

## State to Preserve in Handoff

- Current health status
- Pending lifecycle requests (in flight)
- Plugin state (last run times, outcomes)
- Any active timers

## Relation to Daemon

The Deacon requests its own cycle via the same lifecycle mechanism:
```
gt mail send deacon/ -s "LIFECYCLE: deacon/ requesting cycle" -m "..."
```

Daemon sees this, kills gt-deacon session, respawn loop restarts it.


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)


Mail system: JSONL inbox, delivery, tmux injection

Refactor mail system to wrap bd mail commands.

## Status

Current implementation uses JSONL files directly. Now that Beads mail is available (gt-r01 closed), refactor to use bd mail as the backend.

## Implementation

Replace internal/mail/* with thin wrappers around bd CLI:

```go
// Send wraps: bd mail send <to> -s <subject> -m <body>
func (r *Router) Send(msg *Message) error

// List wraps: bd mail inbox --json
func (m *Mailbox) List() ([]*Message, error)

// Get wraps: bd mail read <id> --json
func (m *Mailbox) Get(id string) (*Message, error)

// MarkRead wraps: bd mail ack <id>
func (m *Mailbox) MarkRead(id string) error
```

## Address Translation

GGT addresses → Beads recipients:
- `mayor/` → `mayor`
- `<rig>/refinery` → `<rig>-refinery`
- `<rig>/<polecat>` → `<rig>-<polecat>`

## Tmux Notification

Keep the tmux injection for --notify flag. After bd mail send, optionally inject notification into tmux session.

## Migration

No migration needed - bd mail creates messages as beads issues with type=message. Old JSONL inboxes can be ignored or cleaned up.

## Dependencies

- gt-r01: CLOSED (Beads mail available)
- gt-u1j.4: Tmux wrapper (for notifications)


CloudRun protocol types: WorkRequest, WorkEvent, WorkResult

## Overview

HTTP protocol types for Cloud Run work dispatch. **Types only** - server and client are separate tasks.

## Request Type

```go
type WorkRequest struct {
    IssueID string          `json:"issue_id"`
    Rig     RigConfig       `json:"rig"`
    Beads   BeadsConfig     `json:"beads"`
    Branch  string          `json:"worker_branch"`
    Context map[string]any  `json:"context,omitempty"`
}

type RigConfig struct {
    URL    string `json:"url"`
    Branch string `json:"branch"`
}

type BeadsConfig struct {
    URL    string `json:"url"`
    Branch string `json:"branch"`
}
```

## Response Types (streaming NDJSON)

```go
type WorkEvent struct {
    Type     string `json:"type"`  // status, log, progress, result, error
    Status   string `json:"status,omitempty"`
    Line     string `json:"line,omitempty"`
    Percent  int    `json:"percent,omitempty"`
    Branch   string `json:"branch,omitempty"`
    PRURL    string `json:"pr_url,omitempty"`
    Code     string `json:"code,omitempty"`
    Message  string `json:"message,omitempty"`
}

type WorkResult struct {
    Status  string `json:"status"`  // done, failed
    Branch  string `json:"branch"`
    PRURL   string `json:"pr_url,omitempty"`
    Error   string `json:"error,omitempty"`
}
```

## Files

- `internal/cloudrun/protocol.go` - All types above

## Notes

This is just types. Server (gt-9a2.7b) and client (gt-9a2.7c) are separate tasks.
Small, focused task - can complete quickly.


Polecat doesn't auto-start after spawn inject - requires manual nudge

## Problem

After `gt spawn --issue <id> --create`, the polecat session shows Claude Code started with the injected prompt, but Claude doesn't begin processing. The prompt just sits there until manually nudged.

## Evidence

```
$ gt spawn --issue gt-rixa --rig gastown --create
...
✓ Session started. Attach with: gt session at gastown/furiosa
  Polecat nudged to start working
  Witness notified to monitor startup
```

Session shows:
```
> You have a work assignment. Run 'gt mail inbox' to see it, then start
  working on issue gt-rixa.

  ⏵⏵ bypass permissions on (shift+tab to cycle)
```

But Claude doesn't respond. Manual nudge required:
```
$ gt nudge gt-gastown-furiosa "Please start working..."
```

After nudge, polecat immediately starts working correctly.

## Hypothesis

The spawn inject happens before Claude Code is fully initialized. The text arrives in the input buffer, but Claude hasn't started listening yet. By the time Claude starts, the input has already been 'consumed' as initial prompt text but not submitted.

## Resolution Plan

This will be solved by the **polecat molecule workflow** (mol-polecat-work), which provides structured lifecycle management. The molecule approach handles startup, work, and shutdown as discrete steps with proper state tracking.

**Blocked on**: beads/crew/dave completing ephemeral molecules (bd mol bond, ephemeral beads repo).

## Workaround

For now, use `gt nudge` if a polecat doesn't start within ~30 seconds of spawn.


Merge: gt-svi.1

type: merge-request
branch: polecat/Max
target: main
source_issue: gt-svi.1
rig: gastown


Work on ga-y6b: Implement Refinery as Claude agent. Conve...

Work on ga-y6b: Implement Refinery as Claude agent. Convert from shell to Claude agent that processes MRs in merge queue, runs tests, merges to integration branch. When done, submit MR (not PR) to integration branch for Refinery.


gt spawn: Not injecting work instructions to session

gt spawn starts session but doesn't inject the issue assignment.

Repro:
1. gt spawn gastown/Toast --issue gt-2ux
2. Session starts but polecat just sees Claude prompt
3. No issue context injected

Expected: Polecat should receive issue details automatically.
Actual: Polecat sits at blank prompt, needs manual injection.


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


Comprehensive help text and examples

Improve help text with examples and cross-references.

## Improvements

### 1. Examples Section
Add to Long description:
```go
var spawnCmd = &cobra.Command{
    Long: `Spawn a polecat with work assignment.

Examples:
  gt spawn gastown/Toast --issue gt-abc
  gt spawn gastown --issue gt-def          # auto-select polecat
  gt spawn gastown/Nux -m "Fix the tests"  # free-form task`,
}
```

### 2. Cross-References
Reference related commands:
```
See also:
  gt polecat list    List available polecats
  gt session attach  Attach to spawned session
```

### 3. Flag Descriptions
More detail on flags:
```go
cmd.Flags().StringVar(&issue, "issue", "",
    "Beads issue ID to assign. The polecat will work on this issue.")
```

### 4. Common Workflows
Add workflow docs to gt --help:
```
Common Workflows:
  Start a swarm:
    gt swarm preflight
    gt swarm create gastown --epic gt-abc --worker Toast --worker Nux --start
    gt refinery start gastown

  Check status:
    gt status
    gt swarm status <id>
```

## Files to Update
All internal/cmd/*.go files

## Acceptance Criteria
- [ ] All commands have Examples
- [ ] Related commands cross-referenced
- [ ] Flags have detailed descriptions
- [ ] Root help shows workflows


Fix role detection for nested rig structures

When gastown/ has its own mayor/ dir, workspace detection finds it as town root instead of ~/ai. This breaks polecat/refinery/witness detection when running from within a rig.


Keepalive signal from bd/gt commands

Every bd and gt command should touch a keepalive file to signal 'agent is alive/working'.

## Implementation

Touch `<workspace>/.gastown/keepalive.json`:
```json
{"last_command": "bd show gt-99m", "timestamp": "2025-12-18T13:45:00Z"}
```

## Usage by Daemon

- Fresh (< 2 min) → agent is working, skip heartbeat
- Stale (2-5 min) → might be thinking, gentle poke
- Very stale (> 5 min) → likely idle, safe to interrupt

## Benefits

- Zero cost (just file I/O)
- Works during long tool calls
- Doesn't require agent cooperation
- Foundation for smarter backoff strategies


gt refinery attach: Attach to refinery session

Add 'gt refinery attach [rig]' command to attach to refinery tmux session.

Mirrors 'gt mayor attach' pattern. If rig not specified, use current rig context.


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


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


Work on ga-lue: Implement Witness as Claude agent. Conver...

Work on ga-lue: Implement Witness as Claude agent. Convert from shell script to Claude agent that monitors polecats, nudges idle ones, handles escalations. When done, submit MR (not PR) to integration branch for Refinery.


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.


Merge: gt-qna4

branch: polecat/capable
target: main
source_issue: gt-qna4
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.


Swarms of One: Lightweight single-worker task dispatch

Design and implement a lightweight pattern for firing off single workers to handle tasks without full swarm overhead.

## Context

Currently we have:
- town spawn: Creates a polecat in a rig with issue assignment
- Swarms (sw-*): Full lifecycle tracking with manifest, state, events, reports
- Ephemeral rigs (rig-*): Temporary worker groups for swarms

What's missing: A simple way to say 'fire off a worker to do X' without swarm ceremony.

## Design Questions

1. Should this be a new command like 'gt fire' or an option on existing commands?
2. Should single tasks still get swarm IDs (sw-N) for consistency/queryability?
3. Should it default to creating new workers or support --reuse for idle polecats?
4. How does this relate to crew workers (gt-cik)?

## Possible Interface

gt fire --rig gastown --issue gt-xyz [--prompt '...']
gt fire gastown/QuickTask --issue gt-xyz

## Related

- gt-cik: Overseer Crew (user-managed persistent workspaces)
- gt-kmn: Swarm System epic


🤝 HANDOFF: Timing fixes applied

Fixed mayor attach timing bug. Completed: timing fix, gt-tulx, Emma beads-6v2. Remaining P1: gt-17zr, gt-kcee, gt-szsq. Run gt prime on startup.


Federation: Wasteland architecture for cross-town coordination

## Overview

Federation enables Gas Town to scale across machines via **Outposts** - remote compute environments that can run workers.

**Design doc**: docs/federation-design.md

## Outpost Types

| Type | Description | Cost Model |
|------|-------------|------------|
| Local | Current model (tmux panes) | Free |
| SSH/VM | Full Gas Town clone on VM | Always-on |
| CloudRun | Container workers on GCP | Pay-per-use |

## Key Concepts

### Outpost Abstraction
```go
type Outpost interface {
    Name() string
    Type() OutpostType  // local, ssh, cloudrun
    MaxWorkers() int
    Spawn(issue string, config WorkerConfig) (Worker, error)
    Workers() []Worker
    Ping() error
}
```

### Cloud Run Workers
- Persistent HTTP/2 connections solve zero-to-one cold start
- Pay only when working (~$0.017 per 5-min session)
- Scale 0→N automatically
- Git clone via persistent volumes

### SSH/VM Outposts
- Full Gas Town clone on remote machine
- SSH for commands, git for sync
- Good for long-running autonomous work

## Design Principles

1. **Outpost abstraction** - support multiple backends
2. **Local-first** - remote is for overflow/burst
3. **Git as source of truth** - code and beads sync everywhere
4. **HTTP for Cloud Run** - dont force mail onto containers
5. **Graceful degradation** - works with any subset of outposts

## Related

- gt-f9x.7-10: Connection interface (lower-level abstraction)
- docs/federation-design.md: Full architectural analysis


Preflight molecule: verify baseline health before work

Before assigning work, verify baseline (main branch) is healthy.

**From VC**: Self-healing state machine (HEALTHY → SELF_HEALING → ESCALATED). ~200 lines.

**Gas Town implementation**: Preflight molecule or refinery feature:
```yaml
preflight:
  gates: [test, lint, build]
  on_failure: create-fix-issue
```

Run at session start. If baseline broken, file a P0 fix issue and work on that first.

**Value**: Self-healing baseline. Agents don't start from broken state.

**VC lesson**: Prevents cascading failures. Agent shouldn't start work on broken code.


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 spawn: pasted work assignment needs manual Enter to start

## Problem

After `gt spawn` pastes the work assignment into Claude, the session waits for Enter.

## Current Behavior

1. `gt spawn gastown/Rictus --issue gt-xxx`
2. Session starts, work is pasted
3. Claude shows 'Pasted text #1 +53 lines' but doesn't start
4. Must manually send Enter or attach and press Enter

## Expected

The spawn should send Enter after pasting to kick off the work.

## Related

Same debounce issue as tmux notifications (gt-vnp9).


Work on ga-rd4: Add gt polecat status command. Show detai...

Work on ga-rd4: Add gt polecat status command. Show detailed polecat status including current issue, session state, last activity time. When done, submit MR (not PR) to integration branch for Refinery.


Witness commands: gt witness start/stop/status needed

## Summary

No `gt witness` command exists. The witness should:
- Monitor polecats for stuck/idle state
- Nudge polecats that seem blocked
- Report status to mayor
- Handle polecat lifecycle

## Expected Commands

```bash
gt witness start gastown   # Start witness for rig
gt witness stop gastown    # Stop witness
gt witness status          # Show witness status
```

## Current State

- Witness directory exists: /Users/stevey/gt/gastown/witness/
- Has state.json but no active process
- gt status shows 'Witnesses: 0'

## Context

Full polecat flow needs witness monitoring for production use.


Fetch and conflict check: git operations for MR

Implement git operations for MR processing.

Steps:
1. git fetch origin <mr.branch>
2. git checkout <mr.target> (main or integration/xxx)
3. git merge --no-commit --no-ff <mr.branch> (test merge)
4. Check for conflicts
5. If conflicts: abort and return Failure(conflict, files)
6. If clean: abort (actual merge in next step)

Helper functions:
- FetchBranch(branch string) error
- CheckConflicts(source, target string) ([]string, error)

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


Git safety audit module

Port git_audit.py safety checks to Go.

## Purpose

Before destroying polecat clones, verify no code is at risk.

## Checks

1. Uncommitted changes (staged and unstaged)
2. Unpushed commits
3. Git stashes
4. Local-only branches (not tracking remote)

## Beads-Only Classification

Some files are safe to discard:
- .beads/*
- .claude/settings.json

Changes only affecting these = "beads-only" = safe to destroy.

## Interface

```go
type GitAuditResult struct {
    Polecat              string
    Path                 string
    UncommittedFiles     []string
    UncommittedIsBeadsOnly bool
    UnpushedCommits      int
    Stashes              []StashInfo
    StashesAreBeadsOnly  bool
    LocalBranches        []string
    Error                error
}

func (r *GitAuditResult) HasCodeAtRisk() bool

func AuditPolecat(name string, path string) *GitAuditResult
func AuditPolecats(polecats []PolecatInfo) []*GitAuditResult
```

## Reference

PGT: swarm/git_audit.py


HTTP work server: gt worker serve command

## Overview

HTTP server that runs inside Cloud Run containers, accepting work requests.

## Command

```bash
gt worker serve --port 8080
```

## Implementation

```go
type WorkServer struct {
    port    int
    handler *WorkHandler
}

func (s *WorkServer) ServeHTTP(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
    switch r.URL.Path {
    case "/work":
        s.handleWork(w, r)
    case "/health":
        s.handleHealth(w, r)
    default:
        http.NotFound(w, r)
    }
}

func (s *WorkServer) handleWork(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
    // 1. Parse WorkRequest
    // 2. Clone/pull repo
    // 3. Start Claude on issue
    // 4. Stream WorkEvents as NDJSON
    // 5. Return WorkResult
}
```

## Streaming Response

```go
func (s *WorkServer) streamEvents(w http.ResponseWriter, events <-chan WorkEvent) {
    flusher, _ := w.(http.Flusher)
    encoder := json.NewEncoder(w)
    for event := range events {
        encoder.Encode(event)
        flusher.Flush()
    }
}
```

## Files

- `internal/cloudrun/server.go`
- `cmd/gt/worker_serve.go` - Cobra command

## Dependencies

Depends on: gt-9a2.7 (protocol types)


MR: gt-test (main)

branch: main
target: main
source_issue: gt-test


Spawn --molecule integration

Implement gt spawn --molecule flag for molecule-based polecat workflows.

Usage: gt spawn --issue gt-xyz --molecule mol-gastown-polecat

Behavior:
1. Validate molecule exists and is well-formed
2. Create molecule instance (child beads) under the issue
3. Find first ready step(s) in the instance
4. Spawn polecat with first ready step as initial work

Implementation:
1. Add --molecule flag to spawn command
2. Call molecule.Instantiate()
3. Query ready steps from instance
4. Pass first ready step to polecat context

Files: internal/cmd/spawn.go

Acceptance:
- --molecule flag works
- Creates proper molecule instance
- Polecat starts on first ready step
- End-to-end test with actual polecat


Merge: gt-3x1.3

branch: polecat/Doof
target: main
source_issue: gt-3x1.3
rig: gastown


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


gt crew at: auto-prime when exec'ing Claude in-session

When running 'gt crew at <name>' from inside the target session, we exec Claude directly. But this means we can't send 'gt prime' afterward since we ARE the process.

Possible solutions:
1. Claude startup hook that runs gt prime
2. Pass prompt as argument to claude CLI
3. Wrapper script approach

Related: crew resume prompt also can't be sent in this path.


Haiku-based smart stuck detection

Use Haiku to analyze tmux state when signals are ambiguous.

## When to Invoke

Only as escalation tier:
1. Keepalive is stale (> 2 min)
2. Tmux shows claude is running (not idle shell)
3. Heuristics can't determine state

## Prompt

Capture last 50 lines of tmux pane, ask Haiku:
'Is this Claude agent: WORKING | STUCK | IDLE | WAITING_FOR_HUMAN?'

## Cost

~$0.001 per check. At 1 check/min worst case = $0.06/hour.
In practice, most checks avoided by keepalive signal.

## Configuration

```toml
[daemon]
smart_detection = true
smart_model = "haiku"
smart_threshold = "2m"  # only check if stale > 2min
```


gt mail send: --priority flag should work like bd mail send

UX inconsistency: gt mail send passes flags that bd mail send doesn't support.

## Root Cause

router.go line 42 passes `--priority` to bd:
```go
args = append(args, "--priority", fmt.Sprintf("%d", beadsPriority))
```

But `bd mail send` only has `--urgent` (boolean), not `--priority`.

## Fix Options

1. Add `--priority` flag to `bd mail send` (preferred - more expressive)
2. Change router to only use `--urgent` when priority=0

## Also Affected

- `--type` flag (line 46) - bd mail send doesn't have this
- `--thread-id` flag (line 51) - bd mail send doesn't have this
- `--reply-to` flag (line 56) - bd mail send doesn't have this

The router assumes bd mail send has features it doesn't have.


Deacon keepalive: quiet daemon during rounds

Replace tmux-poke interrupts with a keepalive file the daemon respects.

## Problem

Current daemon pokes Deacon via tmux SendKeys every ~5 minutes if heartbeat
is stale. This can INTERRUPT the Deacon mid-work, especially during long
plugin execution or health remediation.

## Solution

Deacon writes a keepalive file at start of rounds:
```json
{
  "timestamp": "2025-12-20T15:30:00Z",
  "expected_duration_minutes": 10,
  "action": "executing mol-deacon-rounds"
}
```

Daemon reads this and backs off:
- If keepalive is fresh AND within expected_duration: skip poke
- If keepalive is stale OR past expected_duration: poke (fallback)

## Files

- `{townRoot}/deacon/keepalive.json` - Written by Deacon
- Daemon already reads `{townRoot}/deacon/heartbeat.json` - similar pattern

## Deacon Behavior

1. Start of rounds: write keepalive with expected duration
2. End of rounds: write heartbeat (existing), clear/update keepalive
3. If rounds take longer than expected: Deacon gets one poke, squelches it

## Daemon Changes

Modify `pokeDeacon()` in daemon.go:
1. Check keepalive.json freshness and expected_duration
2. If within bounds: skip poke, log "Deacon active"
3. If past bounds: poke as fallback

## Worst Case

Deacon crashes mid-rounds without clearing keepalive:
- Daemon waits until expected_duration expires
- Then pokes, triggering respawn loop
- Max delay: expected_duration (configurable, default 10-15 min)

## Configuration

In pinned kernel bead:
```yaml
config:
  rounds_expected_duration_minutes: 10
```


Merge: gt-5af.6

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


CLI: doctor diagnostics and auto-repair

GGT completely lacks the doctor command which is critical for debugging.

Required Commands:
- gt doctor [<rig>] - Run diagnostic checks
- gt doctor --fix - Auto-repair common issues

Checks to Implement:
Workspace Level: Config validity, Mayor mailbox, Rig registry
Rig Level: Git state, clone health, witness/refinery presence, beads sync
Swarm Level: Stuck detection, zombie sessions, heartbeat health

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


Update architecture.md: Engineer role and Beads merge queue

Update docs/architecture.md with recent design decisions:

1. Agent table: Change "Refinery" role to "Engineer"
   - Refinery = place/module/directory
   - Engineer = role (agent that works in the Refinery)

2. Merge Queue section: Document Beads-native model
   - MRs are beads issues with --type=merge-request
   - gt mq commands (submit, list, next, process, reorder)
   - Ordering via depends-on links

3. CLI section: Add gt mq commands

4. Key Design Decisions: Add decisions for:
   - #15: Merge Queue in Beads
   - #16: Engineer role (distinct from Refinery place)
   - #17: Session restart protocol for Engineer


Merge: gt-5af.2

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


Enhanced polecat decommission prompting

Add decommission checklist to polecat AGENTS.md.template. Make crystal clear: verify ALL before signaling done.

## Checklist for AGENTS.md.template

```markdown
## Decommission Checklist

**CRITICAL**: Before signaling done, you MUST complete this checklist.
The Witness will verify each item and bounce you back if dirty.

### Pre-Done Verification

```bash
# 1. Git status - must be clean
git status
# Expected: "nothing to commit, working tree clean"

# 2. Stash list - must be empty
git stash list
# Expected: (empty output)

# 3. Beads sync - must be up to date
bd sync --status
# Expected: "Up to date" or "Nothing to sync"

# 4. Branch merged - your work must be on main
git log main --oneline -1
git log HEAD --oneline -1
# Expected: Same commit
```

### If Any Check Fails

- **Uncommitted changes**: Commit them or discard if unnecessary
- **Stashes**: Pop and commit, or drop if obsolete
- **Beads out of sync**: Run `bd sync`
- **Branch not merged**: Complete the merge workflow

### Signaling Done

Only after ALL checks pass:

```bash
bd close <issue-id>
bd sync
town mail send <rig>/witness -s "Work Complete" -m "Issue <id> done."
```
```

## Implementation

Add to AGENTS.md.template in the polecat prompting section.


Pinned beads should appear first in mail inbox

Currently bd mail inbox sorts by priority then date, but pinned beads (handoff context) should always appear at the top.

**Current behavior:**
- Pinned beads mixed in with regular mail based on priority/date

**Expected behavior:**
- Pinned beads always first in inbox (before priority sorting)
- This enables handoff beads to be the default first item an agent sees

**Implementation:**
1. In mail.go runMailInbox(), after filtering, sort pinned beads to top
2. Within pinned and non-pinned groups, maintain priority/date sort

**Related:**
- gt-r8ej: Implement pinned beads for handoff state
- gt-8h4: Pinned Beads epic

**Acceptance criteria:**
- bd mail inbox shows pinned beads first
- Pinned beads still sorted by priority/date among themselves
- Non-pinned mail sorted normally after pinned section


Phase 4.2: Witness/Refinery patrol molecules

Extend ephemeral patrol pattern to Witness and Refinery.

## Witness Patrol Cycle

mol-witness-patrol-cycle:
1. scan-polecats: Check each polecat status
2. detect-stalls: Find stuck/idle polecats
3. nudge-or-escalate: Take action on stalls
4. log-status: Record cycle results
→ Squash with summary

## Refinery Patrol Cycle

mol-refinery-patrol-cycle:
1. scan-queue: Check merge queue
2. process-ready: Merge ready MRs
3. handle-failures: Deal with conflicts/failures
4. log-status: Record cycle results
→ Squash with summary

## Quiescent Mode

When no work: just log 'no activity' summary.
Witness and Refinery can sleep between cycles until triggered.


Prompt templates: role contexts, nudge messages

Prompt templates for role contexts and messages.

## Template Types

### Role CLAUDE.md Templates

For gt prime and CLAUDE.md generation:
- Mayor template
- Witness template
- Refinery template
- Polecat template

### Message Templates

For notifications and nudges:
- Spawn assignment
- Witness nudge
- Escalation to Mayor
- Session handoff

## Implementation

```go
//go:embed templates/*.md.tmpl
var templateFS embed.FS

type Templates struct {
    fs embed.FS
}

func NewTemplates() *Templates
func (t *Templates) RenderRole(role string, data RoleData) (string, error)
func (t *Templates) RenderMessage(name string, data any) (string, error)
```

## Template Data

```go
type RoleData struct {
    Role      string
    RigName   string
    TownRoot  string
    Polecats  []string
    Commands  []CommandHelp
}

type SpawnData struct {
    Issue       string
    Title       string
    Priority    int
    Description string
}

type NudgeData struct {
    Polecat    string
    Reason     string
    NudgeCount int
    MaxNudges  int
}
```

## Template Location

Embedded in binary via go:embed:
```
internal/templates/
├── roles/
│   ├── mayor.md.tmpl
│   ├── witness.md.tmpl
│   ├── refinery.md.tmpl
│   └── polecat.md.tmpl
└── messages/
    ├── spawn.md.tmpl
    ├── nudge.md.tmpl
    └── escalation.md.tmpl
```

## Usage

gt prime uses role templates.
gt spawn uses spawn template.
Witness uses nudge/escalation templates.


Session pre-shutdown checks

Session stop should verify clean state before killing, like PGT.

## Pre-Shutdown Checks

### 1. Git Working Tree Clean
```go
func checkGitClean(clonePath string) error {
    // git status --porcelain
    // Fail if any output
}
```

### 2. All Commits Pushed
```go
func checkCommitsPushed(clonePath string) error {
    // git log origin/HEAD..HEAD
    // Fail if any unpushed commits
}
```

### 3. Assigned Issues Handled
```go
func checkIssuesHandled(polecat *Polecat) error {
    // If polecat.Issue != "", check if closed or reassigned
}
```

### 4. Beads Synced
```go
func checkBeadsSynced(clonePath string) error {
    // bd sync --status in clone directory
}
```

## Behavior on Failure
1. First attempt: Nudge worker to fix
2. Retry up to 3 times with delay
3. After retries: Escalate to Witness/Mayor

## Integration
Modify internal/session/manager.go Stop():
```go
func (m *Manager) Stop(polecat string, force bool) error {
    if !force {
        if err := m.runPreShutdownChecks(polecat); err != nil {
            return fmt.Errorf("pre-shutdown checks failed: %w", err)
        }
    }
    // existing stop logic
}
```

## Flags
- --force: Skip checks
- --grace-period N: Time to wait for fixes

## Dependencies
- Ties into gt-69l (hook system) - can be hook-based
- Ties into gt-f8v (Witness pre-kill verification)

## Acceptance Criteria
- [ ] Stop fails if uncommitted changes (without --force)
- [ ] Stop fails if unpushed commits
- [ ] Clear error messages with fix instructions
- [ ] --force bypasses all checks


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


Mail CLI: archive, purge, search, mark

GGT mail CLI needs more commands for mail management.

## Commands to Add

### gt mail check
Check for new mail without full inbox display.
```
gt mail check [--quiet] [--inject]
```
- --quiet: Only output if new mail (for scripts)
- --inject: Send notification to running session

### gt mail mark
Change read status.
```
gt mail mark <id> --read
gt mail mark <id> --unread
```

### gt mail delete
Remove message from inbox.
```
gt mail delete <id> [--force]
```
- Confirm unless --force

### gt mail archive
Move old/read messages to archive.
```
gt mail archive [--older-than DAYS] [--all-read] [--dry-run]
```
- Creates inbox.jsonl.archive or separate archive.jsonl

### gt mail purge
Permanently delete archived messages.
```
gt mail purge [--older-than DAYS] [--dry-run] [--force]
```

### gt mail search
Find messages by content.
```
gt mail search <query> [--from SENDER] [--subject] [--body]
```

### gt mail reply
Reply to a message.
```
gt mail reply <id> -m BODY
```
- Auto-sets reply_to and thread_id
- Auto-addresses to original sender

## Files to Modify
- internal/cmd/mail.go: Add commands
- internal/mail/mailbox.go: Add Archive(), Search(), Delete()

## Acceptance Criteria
- [ ] All commands implemented
- [ ] Archive stores in separate file
- [ ] Search supports regex patterns
- [ ] Delete confirms by default


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.


Polecat name pooling: Bounded reusable names

Polecats reuse names from a bounded pool (50) with overflow to sequence numbers.

## Naming Scheme
- Pool: polecat-01 through polecat-50 (prefer low numbers)
- Overflow: <rigname>-<sequenceNumber> (e.g., beads-51, gastown-52)

## Design
- Witness tracks which pool names are in use
- On spawn: pick first available from pool
- If pool exhausted: use rigname-N format
- On completion: pool name returns, sequence numbers don't

## Why?
- User experience: tmux sessions survive polecat restarts
- Users stay attached, see new polecat start (like mayor respawn loop)
- Bounded resource usage for common case
- Scales beyond 50 when needed

## Implementation
- Witness maintains name allocation in beads or local state
- Tmux session runs respawn loop (like mayor)
- Name released on graceful exit or when witness detects dead session


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


Merge: gt-3x1.4

branch: polecat/Nux
target: main
source_issue: gt-3x1.4
rig: gastown


Implement handoffs using pinned beads

Replace the current mail-based handoff system with pinned beads.

## Current Problem

Handoff messages get closed before the successor can read them because:
1. `gt mail read` auto-acks (closes) messages
2. `bd mail inbox` only shows open messages
3. Successor sees empty inbox

## Solution

Use pinned beads for handoffs:
- One pinned bead per role: `mayor-handoff`, `<rig>-refinery-handoff`, etc.
- Predecessor updates the content before cycling
- Successor reads on startup via `gt prime`
- Never closes - always available

## Implementation

### 1. Create handoff beads on first cycle
- `bd create --title='Mayor Handoff' --type=task --status=pinned --assignee=mayor`
- Store ID in role config or use well-known naming convention

### 2. Update gt handoff command
- Instead of `bd mail send`, update the pinned handoff bead
- `bd update <handoff-id> --description='...handoff content...'`

### 3. Update gt prime
- Read the role's handoff bead
- Display content to successor

### 4. Compression/reset
- `gt rig reset` clears handoff content
- Or manual: `bd update <handoff-id> --description=''`

## Dependencies

Requires beads-6v2 (StatusPinned) to be implemented first.


bd create --dedup: semantic deduplication before issue creation

Before creating issue, check for semantic duplicates using AI similarity.

**From VC**: internal/deduplication/ - AI-powered batch comparison. ~300 lines.
VC had issue pollution problem: 438 issues with ~350+ spam because no early dedup.

**Gas Town implementation**: CLI flag on bd create:
```bash
bd create --dedup --title="Fix auth bug" --description="..."
```

Checks recent issues (7-day window) with AI similarity. If confidence >0.85, warns or blocks.

**Value**: Prevents pollution from parallel workers discovering same issues.

**VC lesson**: 115 issues filed in single day (Nov 2) because supervisor over-discovered without dedup. Rate limiting + dedup are essential.


Extended addressing: Parse [machine:]rig/polecat

Extended addressing for cross-machine operations.

## Address Format

```
[machine:]rig/polecat
```

Examples:
- `wyvern/Toast` - Local machine, wyvern rig, Toast polecat
- `gcp-vm-1:wyvern/Toast` - Remote machine
- `wyvern/` - Broadcast to rig
- `gcp-vm-1:wyvern/` - Broadcast to remote rig

## Parser

```go
type Address struct {
    Machine  string  // empty = local
    Rig      string
    Polecat  string  // empty = broadcast
}

func ParseAddress(s string) (*Address, error)
func (a *Address) String() string
func (a *Address) IsLocal() bool
func (a *Address) IsBroadcast() bool
```

## Validation

```go
func (a *Address) Validate(registry *MachineRegistry) error
```
- Machine must exist in registry (if specified)
- Rig must exist on machine
- Polecat must exist (if specified)

## Usage

All CLI commands that take addresses use ParseAddress:
```go
// gt mail send gcp-vm-1:wyvern/Toast -s "Hello"
addr, _ := ParseAddress("gcp-vm-1:wyvern/Toast")
conn, _ := registry.Connection(addr.Machine)
// Use conn for operations
```

## Backward Compatibility

Existing `rig/polecat` addresses work unchanged (Machine defaults to local).


Outpost configuration: YAML config and OutpostManager

## Overview

Configuration file for outposts and manager to load/track them.

## Config File

`~/ai/config/outposts.yaml`:

```yaml
outposts:
  - name: local
    type: local
    max_workers: 4

  - name: gce-burst
    type: ssh
    host: 10.0.0.5
    user: steve
    ssh_key: ~/.ssh/gce_worker
    town_path: /home/steve/ai
    max_workers: 8

  - name: cloudrun-burst
    type: cloudrun
    project: my-gcp-project
    region: us-central1
    service: gastown-worker
    max_workers: 20
    cost_cap_hourly: 5.00

policy:
  default_preference: [local, gce-burst, cloudrun-burst]
  overrides:
    - condition: "priority >= P3"
      prefer: cloudrun-burst
```

## OutpostManager

```go
type OutpostManager struct {
    outposts map[string]Outpost
    policy   AssignmentPolicy
}

func NewOutpostManager(configPath string) (*OutpostManager, error)
func (m *OutpostManager) Get(name string) (Outpost, bool)
func (m *OutpostManager) List() []Outpost
func (m *OutpostManager) SelectOutpost(issue Issue) Outpost
```

## Files

- `internal/outpost/manager.go`
- `internal/outpost/config.go` (extend)
- `internal/outpost/policy.go`

Depends on: gt-9a2.1 (interfaces)


gt mq status: detailed MR view

Implement 'gt mq status <id>' command for detailed MR view.

Display:
- All MR fields (branch, target, source_issue, worker, rig)
- Current status with timestamps
- Dependencies (what it's waiting on)
- Blockers (what's waiting on it)
- Processing history (attempts, failures)

Under the hood: bd show <id> with MR-specific formatting.

Reference: docs/merge-queue-design.md#command-details


Merge: gt-5af.2

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


Port Gas Town to Go

Complete rewrite of Gas Town in Go for improved performance and single-binary distribution.

## Goals
- Single installable binary (gt)
- All Python functionality ported
- Federation support built-in
- Improved performance

## Phases
1. Core infrastructure (config, workspace, git wrapper)
2. Rig & polecat management
3. Session & tmux operations
4. Mail system
5. CLI commands
6. TUI (optional)


Ephemeral polecats: spawn fresh, delete on completion

## Design Decision

Switch from pooled/idle polecats to ephemeral model:
- Spawn creates fresh worktree from main
- Polecat requests shutdown when done (bottom-up)
- Witness verifies handoff, kills session, deletes worktree
- No 'idle' state - polecats exist only while working

## Rationale

1. **Git worktrees are fast** - pooling optimization is obsolete
2. **Pooling creates maintenance burden:**
   - Git stashes accumulate
   - Untracked artifacts pile up
   - Branches drift from main
   - Beads DB gets stale
3. **PGT sync problems** came from persistent branches
4. **Support infrastructure exists** - Witness, Refinery, Mayor handle continuity
5. **Simpler mental model** - polecat exists = work in progress

## Lifecycle

```
Spawn:
  gt spawn --issue <id>
  → Creates fresh worktree: git worktree add polecats/<name> -b polecat/<name>
  → Initializes beads in worktree
  → Starts session, assigns work

Working:
  Polecat does task
  → Pushes to polecat/<name> branch
  → Submits to merge queue when ready

Completion (POLECAT-INITIATED):
  Polecat runs: gt handoff
  → Verifies git state clean
  → Sends mail to Witness: "Ready for shutdown"
  → Marks itself done, waits for termination

Cleanup (WITNESS-OWNED):
  Witness receives shutdown request
  → Verifies PR merged or in queue
  → Verifies no uncommitted changes
  → Kills session: gt session stop <rig>/<polecat>
  → Deletes worktree: git worktree remove polecats/<name>
  → Deletes branch: git branch -d polecat/<name>
  → Optionally: Notifies Mayor of completion
```

## Key Insight: Bottom-Up Shutdown

**Old model (wrong)**: Top-down batch shutdown - "cancel the swarm"
**New model (right)**: Bottom-up individual shutdown - polecat requests, Witness executes

This enables streaming:
- Workers come and go continuously
- No "swarm end" to trigger cleanup
- Each worker manages its own lifecycle
- Witness is the lifecycle authority

## Implementation

1. Add `gt handoff` command for polecats to request shutdown
2. Modify gt spawn to always create fresh worktree
3. Run bd init in new worktree (beads needs initialization)
4. Add shutdown request handler to Witness
5. Witness verifies handoff, then cleans up:
   - Kill session
   - Remove worktree
   - Delete branch
6. Remove 'idle' state from polecat state machine
7. Simplify gt polecat list (only shows active)

## Impact on Other Tasks

- gt-17r (Zombie cleanup): Becomes trivial - orphan worktrees
- gt-4my (Worker health): Simpler - no idle/stuck ambiguity
- gt-f9x.5/f9x.6 (Doctor): Fewer states to validate
- gt-eu9 (Witness handoff): Witness receives polecat shutdown requests


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


CloudRun worker container: Dockerfile and entrypoint

## Overview

Docker container image for Cloud Run workers.

## Dockerfile

```dockerfile
FROM golang:1.21-alpine AS builder
WORKDIR /app
COPY . .
RUN go build -o gt ./cmd/gt

FROM ubuntu:22.04

# Install Claude Code
RUN apt-get update && apt-get install -y     curl git nodejs npm     && npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code     && apt-get clean

# Install gt
COPY --from=builder /app/gt /usr/local/bin/gt

# Worker entrypoint
COPY deploy/cloudrun/entrypoint.sh /entrypoint.sh
RUN chmod +x /entrypoint.sh

EXPOSE 8080
ENTRYPOINT ["/entrypoint.sh"]
```

## Entrypoint

```bash
#!/bin/bash
git config --global user.name "$GIT_USER"
git config --global user.email "$GIT_EMAIL"
exec gt worker serve --port 8080
```

## Files

- `deploy/cloudrun/Dockerfile`
- `deploy/cloudrun/entrypoint.sh`
- `deploy/cloudrun/README.md`

## Dependencies

Depends on: gt-9a2.11 (HTTP server - gt worker serve)


gt daemon: Background service management

## Summary

ONE daemon for all Gas Town - a simple Go process (not a Claude agent) that:
1. Pokes agents periodically (heartbeat)
2. Processes lifecycle requests
3. Restarts sessions when agents request cycling

## Architecture

Daemon (gt daemon)
- Pokes Mayor: "HEARTBEAT: check your rigs"
- Pokes each Witness: "HEARTBEAT: check your workers"
- Has inbox at daemon/ for lifecycle requests
- Restarts sessions on cycle requests

## NOT the daemon's job:
- Making decisions (Witnesses do that)
- Running Claude (it's a Go process)
- Processing work (polecats do that)
- Direct polecat management (Witnesses do that)

The daemon is a **dumb scheduler** - poke things, execute lifecycle requests. All intelligence is in agents.

## Commands

- gt daemon start: Start daemon (background)
- gt daemon stop: Stop daemon
- gt daemon status: Show daemon status
- gt daemon logs: View daemon logs

## Daemon Loop

Every heartbeat interval:
1. Poke Mayor
2. For each rig: Poke Witness
3. Process lifecycle requests from daemon/ inbox
4. Check for dead sessions, restart if cycle requested

## Lifecycle Request Handling

Daemon checks its inbox (daemon/) for lifecycle requests:
- From Mayor: cycle/restart Mayor session
- From Witnesses: cycle/restart Witness session

On request:
1. Verify agent state shows requesting_cycle
2. Kill session
3. Start new session
4. Clear requesting_cycle flag

## Poke Protocol

Poke = tmux inject "HEARTBEAT: do your job"
- Agent ignores if already working
- Agent wakes up if idle
- Idempotent - multiple pokes are fine

## Lifecycle Hierarchy

- Daemon manages: Mayor, all Witnesses
- Witness manages: Polecats, Refinery (per rig)
- Crew: self-managed (human workspace)

## Related Issues

- gt-kmn.11: Daemon heartbeat details
- gt-gby: gt handoff command (unified lifecycle)
- gt-u1j.9: Fold witness daemon into this


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


Update docs to reflect molecule-first paradigm

Gas Town is fundamentally a molecule execution engine. Documentation should reflect this more clearly.

## Issues Found

### 1. gt spawn examples show molecule as optional
README.md line 116: `gt spawn --issue <id> # Start polecat on issue`
Should emphasize: polecats execute molecules, not just issues.

### 2. Architecture.md spawn examples inconsistent
Line 344 shows molecule: `gt spawn --issue gt-xyz --molecule mol-engineer-in-box`
Line 1434 shows without: `gt spawn --issue <id>`

### 3. Config vs molecule distinction not clear
outposts.yaml shows static policy - should note when molecules apply.

### 4. Operational molecules section is good but buried
Lines 430-566 cover operational molecules well. Should be more prominent.

## Updates Needed
- [ ] README: Update spawn examples to show molecule usage
- [ ] architecture.md: Ensure all spawn examples include molecules
- [ ] architecture.md: Add section on "when config vs molecule"
- [ ] architecture.md: Move operational molecules higher in document
- [ ] Add principle: "If it requires cognition, it's a molecule"
- [ ] federation-design.md: Note that policy can escalate to mol-outpost-assign

## Key Message
Gas Town doesn't spawn workers on issues. It spawns workers on molecules.
The issue is just the seed data for the molecule execution.


bd ready --blockers: prioritize issues that block other work

bd ready should prioritize issues that are blocking other work.

**From VC**: Blocker-first prioritization in GetReadyWork(). ~100 lines.
Algorithm: baseline-failure first, then discovered:blocker, then by priority.

**Gas Town implementation**: CLI flag or default behavior:
```bash
bd ready --blockers-first  # Or make this default
```

Checks dependency graph. Issues with many dependents surface first.

**Value**: Unblocks parallelism faster. Critical path gets cleared.

**VC lesson**: Without blocker priority, work can starve on discovered issues.


Update config location: .gastown/ → config/

Move rig configuration from hidden .gastown/ to visible config/:
- config/rig.json: Rig configuration
- config/engineer.json: Engineer settings (test command, etc.)
- config/witness.json: Witness settings (heartbeat interval, etc.)

Hidden directories are poorly discovered by AI agents.


Deacon Kernel: event processing molecule architecture

Extend the Deacon from "health orchestrator" to "event processing kernel" that runs a
molecule (rounds) each wake cycle, like an OS kernel scheduler.

## Core Insight

The Deacon already has:
- Wake cycle (daemon poke, timer, lifecycle request)
- Mail as event queue
- Health scanning
- Lifecycle processing

But it is REACTIVE. This epic makes it PROACTIVE with a structured molecule:

```
Deacon Wake
├── Step 0: Session Check (should I cycle myself?)
├── Step 1: Health Scan (Mayor, Witnesses, Crew, Refineries)
├── Step 2: Lifecycle Processing (cycle/restart/shutdown requests)
├── Step 3: Plugin Execution (scheduled, event-triggered, human-requested)
├── Step 4: Event Callbacks (timers, subscriptions)
└── Step 5: Heartbeat + Wait
```

## Key Design Decisions

1. **Session cycling first** - Token costs are quadratic with session length.
   Deacon should aggressively cycle to fresh sessions. First step of every
   wake is "do I need a new session?" based on context budget.

2. **Pinned bead with marching orders** - A pinned bead (like gt prime for
   agents) defines the Deacon's rounds molecule. This is the Deacon's
   "kernel" - its operating loop.

3. **Keepalive file for daemon quieting** - Instead of daemon tmux-poking
   the Deacon (which interrupts work), Deacon writes a keepalive file.
   Daemon reads it and backs off. Worst case: Deacon forgets, gets one
   extra heartbeat it squelches.

4. **Molecule-based rounds** - The wake cycle becomes a molecule with steps.
   Each step can have plugins (inline attention). Steps can be added/modified
   by updating the pinned bead.

## Architecture

```
Go Daemon (minimal, dumb)
├── Reads {townRoot}/deacon/keepalive.json
├── If fresh: do nothing
├── If stale: poke Deacon (fallback)
└── Process lifecycle requests (still daemon's job)

Deacon (Claude agent, smart)
├── Wakes: poke, timer, mail event
├── Writes keepalive (quiets daemon for duration of rounds)
├── Runs rounds molecule:
│   ├── session-check: cycle if context budget low
│   ├── health-scan: check agents, remediate
│   ├── lifecycle: process requests
│   ├── plugins: run scheduled/triggered plugins
│   ├── events: process timer/event callbacks
│   └── complete: update heartbeat, wait
└── Reads marching orders from pinned bead
```

## Relation to Existing Work

- Extends gt-5af (Deacon infrastructure) - CLOSED
- Relates to gt-axz (Plugin architecture) - P3
- Fits into phase3-deacon of gt-ngpz (Christmas Plan)
- Enables gt-976 (Crew lifecycle) as part of health-scan step


Direct landing integration: gt land uses MR or bypasses

Integrate direct landing with merge queue.

'gt land --direct' should:
1. Check if MR exists for the polecat's work
2. If MR exists: process it directly (skip queue)
3. If no MR: create temporary MR, process, close

Options:
- --direct: bypass queue (existing)
- --via-queue: ensure goes through queue (new)
- --force: skip safety checks (existing)

This ensures direct landing still creates proper records.

Reference: docs/merge-queue-design.md#direct-landing-bypass-queue


Witness role template + CLAUDE.md

Create the Witness agent's role context:

1. internal/templates/roles/witness.md.tmpl
   - Witness responsibilities (polecat lifecycle)
   - Core loop description
   - Commands available (gt polecats, bd ready, etc)
   - Escalation protocol

2. Generate CLAUDE.md for witness/ directories
   - Context about the rig
   - Mail address: <rig>/witness
   - Startup protocol (gt prime, check inbox)

The Witness is the per-rig 'pit boss' - NOT a global coordinator. It manages polecats for ONE rig only.


SSHOutpost: Full Gas Town clone on remote VM

## Overview

Implement SSHOutpost for running workers on remote VMs via SSH.

## Model

Remote VM has a full Gas Town clone. SSHOutpost:
- Connects via SSH
- Spawns tmux sessions on remote
- Uses remote git clone for code/beads
- Syncs via git push/pull

## Implementation

```go
type SSHOutpost struct {
    name       string
    host       string
    user       string
    keyPath    string
    townPath   string  // e.g., /home/steve/ai
    maxWorkers int
    conn       *ssh.Client
}

func NewSSHOutpost(config OutpostConfig) (*SSHOutpost, error)

func (o *SSHOutpost) Spawn(issue string, cfg WorkerConfig) (Worker, error) {
    // SSH: create tmux session on remote
    // SSH: start claude in session
    // Return SSHWorker
}

func (o *SSHOutpost) Ping() error {
    // Test SSH connectivity
}
```

## SSHWorker

```go
type SSHWorker struct {
    outpost *SSHOutpost
    id      string
    session string
    issue   string
}

func (w *SSHWorker) Attach() error {
    // SSH + tmux attach (opens terminal)
}

func (w *SSHWorker) Logs() (io.Reader, error) {
    // SSH: tmux capture-pane
}
```

## Prerequisites on Remote VM

1. Gas Town clone at townPath
2. Claude Code installed
3. Git credentials configured
4. SSH key access

## Integration with gt-f9x.7-8

This builds on the Connection interface from gt-f9x.7/8. SSHOutpost uses SSHConnection internally for remote operations.

Depends on: gt-9a2.1 (interfaces), gt-f9x.7 (Connection interface)


Document merge queue architecture

Update docs/architecture.md with:

- Merge Queue section explaining Beads-native approach
- Engineer role (renamed from Refinery)
- Session restart protocol
- gt mq command reference
- Federation considerations for queue

Also update any references to .gastown/ → config/.


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


Polecat beads not synced with rig beads

When gt spawn assigns an issue to a polecat, the polecat cannot find the issue because:

1. Rig beads at /gt/gastown/.beads contains gt-th7
2. Polecat beads at /gt/gastown/polecats/dementus/.beads does NOT have gt-th7
3. bd sync in polecat dir pulls from beads-sync branch which doesn't have the new issue
4. Rig bd sync uses 'main' branch, causing a branch mismatch

The polecat gets a work assignment for an issue it literally cannot see.

## Root Cause

- Rig beads and polecat beads are separate git-tracked copies
- No mechanism to propagate newly created issues from rig to polecats before assignment
- Sync branch configuration mismatch between rig and polecats

## Fix Options

1. gt spawn should sync rig beads before assigning work
2. gt spawn should sync polecat beads after assignment
3. Use shared beads (symlink or same DB) instead of copies
4. Push new issues immediately on create

Note: This sync mismatch is resolved by gt-9nf (fresh polecats). Rather than fixing sync between stale clones, we'll always create fresh worktrees. This issue documents the root cause for posterity.


Merge: gt-8v8

branch: polecat/nux
target: main
source_issue: gt-8v8
rig: gastown


Integration branch management for swarms

Manage integration branches for swarm merging strategy.

## Branch Naming

- Integration branch: `integration/<swarm-id>` (e.g., integration/sw-1)
- Worker branches: `<swarm-id>/<polecat>` (e.g., sw-1/Toast)

## Operations

```go
// Create integration branch at swarm start
func (m *SwarmManager) CreateIntegrationBranch(swarmID string) error
// - Creates from BaseCommit
// - Pushes to origin

// Merge worker branch to integration
func (r *Refinery) MergeToIntegration(swarmID, workerBranch string) error
// - Fetches worker branch
// - Merges to integration/<swarm-id>
// - Handles conflicts (semantic merge)

// Land integration to main
func (r *Refinery) LandToMain(swarmID string) error
// - Merges integration/<swarm-id> to main
// - Pushes to origin
// - Triggers cleanup

// Cleanup branches after landing
func (m *SwarmManager) CleanupBranches(swarmID string) error
// - Deletes integration/<swarm-id> (local + remote)
// - Deletes all <swarm-id>/<polecat> branches
```

## All Workers Same Base

When swarm starts:
1. Record current main HEAD as BaseCommit
2. All polecats branch from BaseCommit
3. Integration branch also starts at BaseCommit

This ensures clean merges within the swarm.

## Reference

PGT: ephemeral.py (create_integration_branch, merge_integration_to_main)


Test Task 1: Add comment to gt.go


Work on ga-yp3: Polecat inbox system for reliable work as...

Work on ga-yp3: Polecat inbox system for reliable work assignment. This is P1 priority. See bd show ga-yp3 for full design spec.


Add agent abstraction layer to support non-Claude agents

Currently Gas Town hardcodes 'claude --dangerously-skip-permissions' throughout the codebase for spawning agents. We should add an abstraction layer to support other AI agents (e.g., Gemini CLI, OpenAI agents, local models).

Locations that spawn Claude:
- internal/cmd/mayor.go:131
- internal/cmd/deacon.go:150
- internal/cmd/witness.go:280
- internal/cmd/crew.go (multiple locations)
- internal/cmd/up.go:190, 229
- internal/session/manager.go:146
- internal/refinery/manager.go:207

Suggested approach:
1. Create an agent package with an interface
2. Add configuration for agent type in town/rig config
3. Replace hardcoded claude commands with agent.Spawn() calls
4. Support agents: claude, gemini, openai, local (ollama, etc.)


Phase 2.3: Polecat CLAUDE.md molecule workflow protocol

Update polecat prompting for molecule-based work.

## CLAUDE.md Updates

Add section on molecule workflow:

```markdown
## Molecule Workflow

When assigned a molecule (check gt prime output):

1. Follow molecule steps in order
2. Mark steps complete: bd mol step complete <step-id>
3. Before signaling done:
   a. Generate summary of work performed
   b. Run: bd squash <molecule-root> --summary "<your summary>"
4. Then signal done as normal

### Summary Guidelines

Your summary should include:
- What was the task?
- What did you do?
- What was the outcome?
- Any issues or follow-ups?

Keep it to 2-4 sentences. This becomes the permanent record.
```


Remove gt mail dependency on bd mail commands

Replaced bd mail send/inbox/read/ack with bd create/list/show/close. Messages are now stored as beads issues with type=message.


Merge: gt-rixa

branch: polecat/furiosa
target: main
source_issue: gt-rixa
rig: gastown


Auto-handoff: self-cycling with guaranteed work pickup

## Summary

A mechanism for agents to self-cycle: send handoff mail, request Deacon to kill the process, and automatically restart to pick up the work.

## Use Case

User says: `auto-handoff: gt-bug3`

The agent:
1. Sends handoff mail documenting current state
2. Requests Deacon to terminate the session
3. Deacon restarts the agent in background
4. New session picks up the handoff and continues working

When the user returns to terminal, the old session is gone but work continues in background. User can reattach.

## Key Requirements

- **Guaranteed pickup**: Something in the hook and/or handoff must ensure the new session picks up the work (not just a passive "check inbox")
- **Background execution**: Work continues without user presence
- **Reattachability**: User can reconnect to see progress

## Design Questions

1. Can molecules help coordinate this? (e.g., molecule binds the handoff + auto-restart)
2. What hook handles the pickup guarantee?
3. How does Deacon know to restart vs just kill?
4. How does user reattach to a background agent?

## Related

- Molecules system
- Deacon lifecycle management
- Handoff hooks


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


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


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)


gt nudge should accept partial/fuzzy session names

Currently gt nudge requires the exact tmux session name (e.g., gt-gastown-crew-max). Should be more forgiving:

1. Accept partial matches when unambiguous (e.g., 'max' → gt-gastown-crew-max)
2. Accept shorthand like 'gastown/max' or 'crew/max'
3. Show helpful error with suggestions when ambiguous

Examples that should work:
- gt nudge max '...' → matches gt-gastown-crew-max
- gt nudge gastown/max '...' → matches gt-gastown-crew-max
- gt nudge beads-dave '...' → matches gt-beads-crew-dave


Recreate beads rigs with fresh clones

## Problem

Beads rigs have schema mismatches (missing thread_id column, etc.) from development iteration.

## Tasks

1. Shut down any active polecats
2. Delete existing beads rigs: mayor/rig, refinery/rig, witness/rig, crew/*
3. Re-clone from beads repo
4. Run bd init in each new clone

## Rigs to recreate

- /Users/stevey/gt/beads/mayor/rig
- /Users/stevey/gt/beads/refinery/rig
- /Users/stevey/gt/beads/crew/* (if any)

## Source

Clone from beads repo (need to confirm remote URL)


Work on ga-lzh: Add gt witness attach command. Allow atta...

Work on ga-lzh: Add gt witness attach command. Allow attaching to witness session for a rig, similar to gt mayor attach. When done, submit MR (not PR) to integration branch for Refinery.


Work reconciliation module

Port reconcile.py work verification to Go.

## Purpose

Verify assigned issues are completed before landing.

## Interface

```go
type ReconcileResult struct {
    CompletedIssues  []IssueInfo
    IncompleteIssues []IssueInfo
    AllComplete      bool
    PolecatsChecked  []string
    Errors           []string
}

func ReconcileWork(rig string, polecats []string) *ReconcileResult
func GetAssignedIssues(assignee string) []IssueInfo
func UnassignIssue(issueID string, resetStatus bool) error
```

## Logic

1. Get list of polecats in swarm
2. For each polecat, query beads for assigned issues
3. Categorize as completed (closed) or incomplete (open/in_progress)
4. Return summary for landing decision

## Handling Incomplete Work

If issues incomplete:
- Abort landing (default)
- Or force landing (leaves work unfinished)
- Unassign incomplete issues for future work

## Reference

PGT: swarm/reconcile.py


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.


test with labels


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


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


Outpost assignment policy: Smart work routing

## Overview

Policy engine for deciding which outpost gets which work.

## Policy Configuration

```yaml
policy:
  # Default order of preference
  default_preference: [local, gce-burst, cloudrun-burst]

  # Rules applied in order
  rules:
    # Background work → Cloud Run (cheap)
    - condition: "priority >= P3"
      prefer: cloudrun-burst

    # Long tasks → VM (persistent)
    - condition: "estimated_duration > 30m"
      prefer: gce-burst

    # Specific epic → specific outpost
    - condition: "epic == gt-abc"
      prefer: local
```

## Implementation

```go
type AssignmentPolicy struct {
    DefaultPreference []string
    Rules             []PolicyRule
}

type PolicyRule struct {
    Condition string   // Simple expression
    Prefer    string   // Outpost name
    Require   string   // Must use this outpost
}

func (p *AssignmentPolicy) SelectOutpost(
    issue Issue,
    outposts map[string]Outpost,
) Outpost {
    // Check rules in order
    for _, rule := range p.Rules {
        if rule.Matches(issue) {
            if op, ok := outposts[rule.Prefer]; ok {
                if op.ActiveWorkers() < op.MaxWorkers() {
                    return op
                }
            }
        }
    }

    // Fall back to default preference
    for _, name := range p.DefaultPreference {
        if op, ok := outposts[name]; ok {
            if op.ActiveWorkers() < op.MaxWorkers() {
                return op
            }
        }
    }

    return nil  // All outposts at capacity
}
```

## Condition Language

Simple expressions, not a full DSL:

```
priority >= P3
priority == P0
estimated_duration > 30m
epic == gt-abc
type == bug
label contains "urgent"
```

## Files

- `internal/outpost/policy.go`
- `internal/outpost/condition.go`

Depends on: gt-9a2.3 (config)


Merge: gt-3x0z.1

branch: polecat/furiosa
target: main
source_issue: gt-3x0z.1
rig: gastown


Phase 4.1: mol-deacon-patrol uses ephemeral

Deacon patrol cycles run as ephemeral molecules.

## Current Deacon Loop

```
while running:
    check_heartbeat()
    check_mail()
    sleep(interval)
```

## Molecule-Based Loop

```
while running:
    mol = bd mol bond mol-deacon-patrol-cycle --ephemeral
    execute_cycle(mol):
        check_heartbeat()
        check_mail()
        log_status()
    summary = generate_cycle_summary()
    bd squash mol --summary summary
    sleep(interval)
```

## Benefits

- Each cycle is tracked
- Digests show daemon health over time
- Can query: 'show me patrol cycles from last hour'
- Crash mid-cycle → ephemeral shows where we were