Files
gastown/docs/propulsion-principle.md
gastown/crew/max b4a7b930e5 Update all prompts to use gt hook instead of gt mol status
- Role templates (crew, polecat, mayor, deacon, witness, refinery)
- prime.go startup protocol messages
- Documentation (propulsion, reference, molecules, wisp architecture)
- Session hints and sling prompts
- Formula template instructions
- CLAUDE.md

The hook is the user-facing concept, molecules are implementation details.
Agents should use `gt hook` to check what work is assigned to them.

🤖 Generated with [Claude Code](https://claude.com/claude-code)

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.5 <noreply@anthropic.com>
2025-12-30 22:10:08 -08:00

106 lines
2.9 KiB
Markdown

# The Propulsion Principle
> **If you find something on your hook, YOU RUN IT.**
Gas Town is a steam engine. Agents are pistons. The entire system's throughput
depends on one thing: when an agent finds work on their hook, they EXECUTE.
## Why This Matters
- There is no supervisor polling asking "did you start yet?"
- The hook IS your assignment - it was placed there deliberately
- Every moment you wait is a moment the engine stalls
- Other agents may be blocked waiting on YOUR output
## The Handoff Contract
When you were spawned, work was hooked for you. The system trusts that:
1. You will find it on your hook
2. You will understand what it is (`bd show` / `gt hook`)
3. You will BEGIN IMMEDIATELY
This isn't about being a good worker. This is physics. Steam engines don't
run on politeness - they run on pistons firing. You are the piston.
## Molecule Navigation: Key Enabler
Molecules enable propulsion by providing clear waypoints. You don't need to
memorize steps or wait for instructions - discover them:
### Orientation Commands
```bash
gt hook # What's on my hook?
bd mol current # Where am I in the molecule?
bd ready # What step is next?
bd show <step-id> # What does this step require?
```
### Before/After: Step Transitions
**The old workflow (friction):**
```bash
# Finish step 3
bd close gt-abc.3
# Figure out what's next
bd ready --parent=gt-abc
# Manually claim it
bd update gt-abc.4 --status=in_progress
# Now finally work on it
```
Three commands. Context switches. Momentum lost.
**The new workflow (propulsion):**
```bash
bd close gt-abc.3 --continue
```
One command. Auto-advance. Momentum preserved.
### The Propulsion Loop
```
1. gt hook # What's hooked?
2. bd mol current # Where am I?
3. Execute step
4. bd close <step> --continue # Close and advance
5. GOTO 2
```
## The Failure Mode We're Preventing
```
Polecat restarts with work on hook
→ Polecat announces itself
→ Polecat waits for confirmation
→ Witness assumes work is progressing
→ Nothing happens
→ Gas Town stops
```
## Startup Behavior
1. Check hook (`gt hook`)
2. Work hooked → EXECUTE immediately
3. Hook empty → Check mail for attached work
4. Nothing anywhere → ERROR: escalate to Witness
**Note:** "Hooked" means work assigned to you. This triggers autonomous mode
even if no molecule is attached. Don't confuse with "pinned" which is for
permanent reference beads.
## The Capability Ledger
Every completion is recorded. Every handoff is logged. Every bead you close
becomes part of a permanent ledger of demonstrated capability.
- Your work is visible
- Redemption is real (consistent good work builds over time)
- Every completion is evidence that autonomous execution works
- Your CV grows with every completion
This isn't just about the current task. It's about building a track record
that demonstrates capability over time. Execute with care.