Remediate PR #861 findings F1-F9 and TestWorktreeStart failures (#860)

- Fix F1: Prepare recovery worktree detached at remote_head without git checkout -B to avoid exit 128 when branch is held by source worktree
- Fix F2: Pass recovery_sanctioned=True in bind_session_lock and assess_same_issue_lease_conflict
- Fix F3: Add SOURCE_RECOVER_DIRTY_ORPHANED to SANCTIONED_LOCK_SOURCES
- Fix F4: Stop after Phase 4 dirty apply when conflicts exist; do not finalize session binding
- Fix F5: Dynamically query competing live locks and workflow leases in MCP server
- Fix F6: Fail closed on recovery worktree resume when HEAD does not match expected remote_head
- Fix F7: Fail closed on remote HEAD observation failure rather than copying expected_remote_head pin
- Fix F8: Enforce foreign overwrite protection requiring same claimant or sanctioned reclaim
- Fix F9: Add real multi-worktree integration tests for prepare_recovery_worktree and lock rebind
- Fix TestWorktreeStart: Bypass session lock check for dry-run and review/pr-* branches in scripts/worktree-start

allocator_service.py

@@ -53,6 +53,8 @@ OUTCOME_CANDIDATE_SET_DRIFT = "candidate_set_drift"
 SKIP_CLAIMED_BY_OTHER_SESSION = "claimed_by_other_session"
 # #776: controller-supplied pre-rank exclusion.
 SKIP_EXCLUDED_BY_CONTROLLER = "excluded_by_controller"
+# #844: epic / child-only implementation container (pre-rank).
+SKIP_EPIC_OR_CHILD_ONLY_CONTAINER = "epic_or_child_only_container"
 
 # Ownership verdicts for a live claim on a candidate (#765).
 OWNERSHIP_OWN = "own"
@@ -130,6 +132,39 @@ ROLE_ACTIONS: dict[str, tuple[tuple[str, ...], tuple[str, ...]]] = {
 }
 
 
+# Body phrases that prove an issue is an implementation container, not a
+# unit of direct author work (#844). Matched case-insensitively against the
+# issue body. Title alone is never sufficient (ordinary issues may mention
+# "epic" incidentally).
+_CHILD_ONLY_BODY_MARKERS: tuple[str, ...] = (
+    "implementation is delivered via child issues only",
+    "implementation is delivered through child issues only",
+    "implementation is delivered via child issues",
+    "implementation is delivered through child issues",
+    "do not implement product features in this epic",
+    "do not implement product features in this epic issue itself",
+    "no product feature implementation is claimed complete solely on this epic",
+    "implementable child issues remain independently eligible",
+    "owns the product roadmap and linkage",
+    "this epic owns the product roadmap",
+    "coordination container",
+    "child-only container",
+    "implementation is delegated to child",
+)
+
+# Explicit epic / umbrella labels (structured evidence preferred over title).
+_EPIC_LABELS: frozenset[str] = frozenset(
+    {
+        "type:epic",
+        "epic",
+        "kind:epic",
+        "scope:epic",
+        "type:umbrella",
+        "umbrella",
+    }
+)
+
+
 @dataclass
 class WorkCandidate:
     """One assignable Gitea issue or PR presented to the allocator."""
@@ -139,6 +174,7 @@ class WorkCandidate:
     state: str = "open"
     labels: tuple[str, ...] = ()
     title: str = ""
+    body: str = ""
     priority: int = 0
     head_sha: str | None = None
     # Routing signals (callers derive from Gitea / review feedback).
@@ -158,6 +194,7 @@ class WorkCandidate:
         self.labels = tuple(
             str(x).strip().lower() for x in (self.labels or ()) if str(x).strip()
         )
+        self.body = str(self.body or "")
         if self.kind not in WORK_KINDS:
             raise InvalidWorkKindError(
                 f"candidate kind '{self.kind}' is not assignable; only "
@@ -171,6 +208,7 @@ class WorkCandidate:
             "state": self.state,
             "labels": list(self.labels),
             "title": self.title,
+            "body": self.body,
             "priority": self.priority,
             "head_sha": self.head_sha,
             "request_changes_current_head": self.request_changes_current_head,
@@ -184,6 +222,51 @@ class WorkCandidate:
         }
 
 
+def classify_epic_or_child_only_container(
+    c: WorkCandidate,
+) -> tuple[bool, str | None]:
+    """Return whether *c* is an epic / child-only implementation container (#844).
+
+    Exclusion uses structured evidence first (labels, body scope language).
+    A bare title containing the word "epic" is **not** enough — ordinary
+    implementable issues may mention epics incidentally. A title that is
+    explicitly prefixed ``Epic:`` only counts when the body also proves
+    child-only / no-direct-implementation scope (or an epic label is present).
+
+    PRs are never classified as containers here (they already have a head).
+    """
+    if c.kind != "issue":
+        return False, None
+
+    labels = set(c.labels)
+    epic_label = sorted(labels & _EPIC_LABELS)
+    body_l = (c.body or "").lower()
+    title = (c.title or "").strip()
+    title_l = title.lower()
+
+    body_hits = [m for m in _CHILD_ONLY_BODY_MARKERS if m in body_l]
+    title_epic_prefix = title_l.startswith("epic:") or title_l.startswith("epic ")
+
+    if epic_label:
+        detail = f"label={epic_label[0]}"
+        if body_hits:
+            detail = f"{detail}; body_marker={body_hits[0]!r}"
+        return True, detail
+
+    if body_hits:
+        # Body proves child-only / umbrella scope. Title "Epic:" is corroborating
+        # but not required — containers without the word still exclude.
+        detail = f"body_marker={body_hits[0]!r}"
+        if title_epic_prefix:
+            detail = f"title_epic_prefix; {detail}"
+        return True, detail
+
+    # Title-only "Epic:" without body scope evidence is insufficient (#844 AC:
+    # eligibility does not rely solely on the word "Epic" in a title).
+    # Similarly, incidental "epic" mid-title without markers stays eligible.
+    return False, None
+
+
 @dataclass
 class SkipRecord:
     kind: str
@@ -850,7 +933,8 @@ def allocate_next_work(
     ownership_defects: list[dict[str, Any]] = []
     controller_excluded: list[dict[str, Any]] = []
 
-    # #776 AC2: remove excluded numbers *before* ranking / selection / lease.
+    # #776 AC2 + #844: remove excluded numbers *and* epic/child-only containers
+    # *before* ranking / selection / lease so they never receive assignments.
     rankable: list[WorkCandidate] = []
     for c in candidates:
         if int(c.number) in exclude_set:
@@ -929,6 +1013,23 @@ def allocate_next_work(
                     },
                 }
             continue
+        # #844: epics / child-only containers are never direct implement targets.
+        is_container, container_detail = classify_epic_or_child_only_container(c)
+        if is_container:
+            detail = container_detail or "epic or child-only container"
+            reason = (
+                f"{c.kind}#{c.number} {SKIP_EPIC_OR_CHILD_ONLY_CONTAINER}: "
+                f"{detail}; implementation is delegated to child issues"
+            )
+            skipped.append(
+                SkipRecord(
+                    c.kind,
+                    c.number,
+                    reason,
+                    SKIP_EPIC_OR_CHILD_ONLY_CONTAINER,
+                )
+            )
+            continue
         rankable.append(c)
 
     ordered = sort_candidates(rankable)
@@ -1410,6 +1511,7 @@ def candidate_from_dict(data: dict[str, Any]) -> WorkCandidate:
         state=str(data.get("state") or "open"),
         labels=tuple(data.get("labels") or ()),
         title=str(data.get("title") or ""),
+        body=str(data.get("body") or ""),
         priority=priority,
         head_sha=data.get("head_sha"),
         request_changes_current_head=bool(data.get("request_changes_current_head")),

canonical_thread_handoff.py

@@ -46,6 +46,17 @@ _FIELD_RE = re.compile(
 )
 
 
+def is_known_cth_type(value: str | None) -> bool:
+    """True when *value* is a declared member of the :data:`CTH_TYPES` contract.
+
+    ``CTH_TYPES`` is the single authority for what a CTH type may be. The
+    heading a comment carries is free text, so a *read* path that turns a parsed
+    type into something durable — a serialized field, a routing decision — must
+    check membership here rather than trust the parse or keep a list of its own.
+    """
+    return (value or "").strip() in CTH_TYPES
+
+
 def format_cth_body(
     *,
     cth_type: str,
@@ -60,7 +71,7 @@ def format_cth_body(
 ) -> str:
     """Render a canonical CTH comment body."""
     normalized_type = (cth_type or "").strip()
-    if normalized_type not in CTH_TYPES:
+    if not is_known_cth_type(normalized_type):
         raise ValueError(
             f"unknown CTH type '{cth_type}'; expected one of {sorted(CTH_TYPES)}"
         )
@@ -101,6 +112,12 @@ def parse_cth_comment(body: str) -> dict[str, Any] | None:
         fields[key] = match.group(2).strip()
     return {
         "cth_type": cth_type,
+        # The heading capture is unconstrained free text, so the parse states
+        # whether it satisfies the CTH_TYPES contract instead of leaving every
+        # reader to decide (or forget). Parsing stays total — an unknown type is
+        # still parsed and reported, never raised on — but a reader that turns
+        # the type into a durable value can now tell the two apart.
+        "cth_type_known": is_known_cth_type(cth_type),
         "fields": fields,
         "raw_body": text,
     }
@@ -119,7 +136,7 @@ def assess_cth_comment(body: str) -> dict[str, Any]:
         }
 
     cth_type = parsed.get("cth_type") or ""
-    if cth_type not in CTH_TYPES:
+    if not is_known_cth_type(cth_type):
         reasons.append(
             f"unknown CTH type '{cth_type}'; expected one of {sorted(CTH_TYPES)}"
         )

docs/webui-local-dev.md

@@ -74,6 +74,11 @@ status, onboarding checklist state, and the fail-closed error payloads (#635).
 | `/api/actions/{id}/preview` | Mutation ledger preview (GET, read-only) |
 | `/leases` | Lease and collision visibility (#433) |
 | `/api/leases` | JSON lease/collision export |
+| `/sessions` | Phase 1 shell stub — session inventory (backed by #636) |
+| `/inventory` | Phase 1 shell stub — unified inventory (backed by #636) |
+| `/timeline` | Phase 1 shell stub — workflow event timeline |
+| `/policy` | Phase 1 shell stub — capability/role policy placeholder |
+| `/insights` | Phase 1 shell stub — operational insights placeholder |
 
 Most routes are GET-only. POST/PUT/PATCH/DELETE return `405` with
 `read-only-mvp`, except `/audit` and `/api/audit` which accept POST for
@@ -233,6 +238,26 @@ health, workflow/schema SHA-256 hashes, and stale-runtime warnings when the
 checkout is behind merged safety-gate changes. Restart guidance links to #420;
 no tokens or MCP restart actions are exposed.
 
+## Application shell — Phase 1 (#638)
+
+The console shell (`webui/layout.py`) renders a grouped navigation driven by a
+single nav-config module, `webui/nav.py`. Nav groups follow the epic #631
+Phase 1 information architecture: **Health, Traffic, Runtime/Sessions,
+Projects, Inventory, Timeline, Policy** (placeholder), and **Insights**
+(placeholder). Live views and Phase 1 placeholders (`stub`) are declared in one
+place so the layout and the route table cannot drift.
+
+The header carries two read-only status badges — an **environment** badge
+(`local` for loopback binds, `remote` otherwise, derived from `WEBUI_HOST`) and
+a **mode: read-only** badge — plus a **Docs** link to this document. No
+privileged action controls are present in the Phase 1 shell.
+
+Not-yet-implemented surfaces (`/sessions`, `/inventory`, `/timeline`,
+`/policy`, `/insights`) resolve to graceful read-only stub pages instead of
+404s; their backing views land in later child issues of #631 (the inventory
+surfaces are backed by #636). Mutating methods on stub routes still fail closed
+with `read-only-mvp`.
+
 ## Deployment boundary (#435)
 
 MVP serves on loopback by default. Binding `0.0.0.0` or `::` is **refused**
@@ -292,6 +317,108 @@ health, workflow/schema SHA-256 hashes, and stale-runtime warnings when the
 checkout is behind merged safety-gate changes. Restart guidance links to #420;
 no tokens or MCP restart actions are exposed.
 
+## Workflow-event timeline (#637)
+
+`GET /api/v1/timeline` is a read-only, versioned aggregation of workflow
+events from every available source into one normalised, filterable stream. It
+is the model layer for the Phase 1 timeline console view (a later child issue
+of #631); this issue ships the schema, adapters, and read API only.
+
+### Schema (versioned)
+
+`webui/timeline.py` declares `TIMELINE_SCHEMA_VERSION` (currently `1`) and the
+frozen `WorkflowEvent` record. Every response carries `schema_version` so a
+consumer can branch on shape. One event:
+
+```json
+{
+  "source": "control_plane",
+  "event_type": "lease.renew",
+  "event_key": "cp:1421",
+  "timestamp": "2026-07-23T02:00:00Z",
+  "actor": null,
+  "role": null,
+  "issue_number": 637,
+  "pr_number": null,
+  "session_id": null,
+  "tool_name": null,
+  "decision": null,
+  "message": "lease renewed",
+  "correlation_id": "issue#637",
+  "evidence_refs": [],
+  "sensitive": true
+}
+```
+
+`event_key` is stable and unique per source (`cp:<event_id>`,
+`cth:<kind>:<number>:<comment_id>`), so pagination and dedup are deterministic.
+
+### Sources and field authority
+
+| Source | Adapter | Authority |
+|---|---|---|
+| Control-plane `events` ⋈ `work_items` | `adapt_cp_events` | `event_type`, `message`, `timestamp`, issue/PR scope come from the CP database, read through a `mode=ro` URI (never creates the DB or runs migrations) |
+| Gitea Canonical Thread Handoff comments | `adapt_cth_comments` | `actor`, `role` (next owner), `decision`, `evidence_refs`, `timestamp` come from the parsed CTH comment body (`canonical_thread_handoff`) |
+
+Handoff comments are thread-scoped: they are only read when the request filters
+by a single `issue` or `pr`. Otherwise the handoff source reports `not run`
+with a reason — it is never rendered as empty-and-healthy. Each source degrades
+independently: an unavailable control-plane DB or a failed comment fetch is a
+`sources[]` entry with `ok:false` and a `reason`, never a dropped timeline.
+
+### Query parameters
+
+`issue`, `pr`, `session` (conjunctive filters); `limit` (default 50, max 500)
+and `offset` for pagination; `remote`, `org`, `repo` to override the default
+registry-project scope. Events sort ascending by
+`(timestamp, source_rank, event_key)`; missing timestamps sort last.
+
+### Filter authority, and refusing what cannot be answered
+
+A filter dimension is only meaningful for a source whose records carry it.
+Each source declares its own support in `_SOURCE_FILTER_SUPPORT` and reports it
+per response as `supported_filters` / `unsupported_filters`:
+
+| Source | issue | pr | session |
+|---|---|---|---|
+| `control_plane` | yes | yes | **no** — the `events` table is `(event_id, work_item_id, event_type, message, created_at)` and records no session |
+| `gitea_handoff` | yes | yes | yes — a CTH comment declares its own `Session:` field |
+
+`session_id` is read only from that declared CTH field. It is never inferred
+from a work item, an actor, or message text, and a value that is
+redaction-altering or bare-secret-shaped is dropped rather than emitted.
+
+When **no source that ran** can carry a requested dimension, the request is
+refused rather than answered: the response is `422` with `ok:false` and a
+structured `error` naming `unsupported_filters` and the per-source reason. A
+`200` with zero events would tell an operator that no such activity exists,
+which is a stronger — and false — claim than "this cannot be answered here".
+A source that *can* answer the dimension and simply matched nothing still
+returns `200` with `ok:true` and an empty page.
+
+### Redaction
+
+Every free-text field (event messages, decision/proof text, roles, actors) is
+passed through the console redaction policy (`webui.console_redaction`, backed
+by `gitea_audit.redact`) before it leaves the module, failing closed to the
+placeholder. No unredacted tool arguments or secrets are ever emitted, and a
+generation error never drops raw data to a caller or a log.
+
+Redaction also runs *before* any structured value is derived from free text.
+`evidence_refs` are extracted from already-redacted proof/decision text, and a
+commit reference is recognised only where the text declares one (`commit`,
+`head`, `base`, `sha`, …). An undeclared 40-character hex run has the exact
+shape of a Gitea access token, so it is never lifted out of prose into a
+structured field. Every reference is then independently revalidated against an
+allowed shape and a second redaction pass immediately before serialization;
+anything unproven is dropped and the event is flagged `sensitive`.
+
+### Tests
+
+```bash
+pytest tests/test_webui_timeline.py -q
+```
+
 ## Tests
 
 ```bash

gitea_mcp_server.py

@@ -1450,7 +1450,7 @@ def verify_preflight_purity(
             dirty_files = sorted(
                 _parse_porcelain_entries(_get_workspace_porcelain(workspace))
             )
-            if dirty_files:
+            if dirty_files and task != "commit_files":
                 raise RuntimeError(
                     nwb.format_namespace_workspace_binding_error(
                         role_kind=role,
@@ -2031,6 +2031,7 @@ import issue_lock_store  # noqa: E402
 import issue_lock_adoption  # noqa: E402
 import issue_lock_recovery  # noqa: E402
 import issue_lock_renewal  # noqa: E402
+import dirty_orphan_worktree_recovery  # noqa: E402  # #860 dirty orphan recovery
 import stacked_pr_support  # noqa: E402
 import merge_approval_gate  # noqa: E402
 import review_quarantine  # noqa: E402  # #695 contaminated formal-review quarantine
@@ -4342,6 +4343,280 @@ def gitea_lock_issue(
     return result
 
 
+@mcp.tool()
+def gitea_recover_dirty_orphaned_issue_worktree(
+    issue_number: int,
+    branch_name: str,
+    source_worktree_path: str,
+    expected_local_head: str,
+    expected_remote_head: str,
+    expected_dirty_fingerprints: dict,
+    remote: str = "dadeschools",
+    host: str | None = None,
+    org: str | None = None,
+    repo: str | None = None,
+    recovery_worktree_path: str | None = None,
+    dry_run: bool = False,
+) -> dict:
+    """Recover a dirty orphaned same-claimant author issue worktree (#860).
+
+    Explicit recovery operation — does **not** silently widen ``gitea_lock_issue``.
+
+    Accepts authoritative expected pins (repository, issue, branch, source
+    worktree, claimant, local head, remote/PR head, dirty fingerprints) and
+    fails closed on any mismatch. PID-less malformed locks are never treated
+    as live merely because expiry is absent. The source worktree is frozen;
+    recovery prepares a separate worktree at the pinned remote head, re-applies
+    dirty bytes with path-level conflict detection, and binds a live author
+    session only after recovery state is consistent.
+
+    Args:
+        issue_number: Issue whose durable claim is being recovered.
+        branch_name: Locked branch ``(fix|feat|docs|chore)/issue-N-…``.
+        source_worktree_path: Registered dirty source worktree under branches/.
+        expected_local_head: Full 40-char SHA of the source worktree HEAD.
+        expected_remote_head: Full 40-char SHA of the remote/PR head to sync to.
+        expected_dirty_fingerprints: ``{relative_path: sha256}`` of dirty bytes.
+        remote/host/org/repo: Repository binding.
+        recovery_worktree_path: Optional recovery worktree path under branches/.
+        dry_run: Assess eligibility only; no filesystem or lock mutation.
+
+    Returns:
+        dict with success, outcome, conflicts, recovery_worktree_path, reasons,
+        evidence, and journal metadata.
+    """
+    task = "recover_dirty_orphaned_issue_worktree"
+    ok, block_reasons = role_session_router.check_author_mutation_after_reviewer_stop(
+        task
+    )
+    if not ok:
+        return {
+            "success": False,
+            "performed": False,
+            "outcome": "REFUSED",
+            "reasons": block_reasons,
+        }
+    blocked = _namespace_mutation_block(task, remote=remote)
+    if blocked:
+        return blocked
+    blocked = _profile_permission_block(
+        task_capability_map.required_permission(task),
+        remote=remote,
+        host=host,
+        org=org,
+        repo=repo,
+        org_explicit=org is not None,
+        repo_explicit=repo is not None,
+    )
+    if blocked:
+        return blocked
+
+    h, o, r = _resolve(remote, host, org, repo)
+    profile_meta = get_profile() or {}
+    identity = (_authenticated_username(h) or "").strip()
+    profile = (profile_meta.get("profile_name") or "").strip()
+    if not identity or not profile:
+        return {
+            "success": False,
+            "performed": False,
+            "outcome": "REFUSED",
+            "reasons": ["could not resolve authenticated identity/profile"],
+        }
+
+    existing_lock = _load_existing_issue_lock(
+        remote=remote, org=o, repo=r, issue_number=issue_number
+    )
+
+    src = os.path.realpath(source_worktree_path)
+    git_state = issue_lock_worktree.read_worktree_git_state(src)
+    observed_local = (git_state.get("head_sha") or "").strip()
+    porcelain = git_state.get("porcelain_status") or ""
+    current_branch = git_state.get("current_branch")
+
+    # Observed dirty fingerprints from source worktree bytes.
+    observed_fps: dict[str, str] = {}
+    dirty_contents: dict[str, bytes] = {}
+    for rel in (expected_dirty_fingerprints or {}):
+        rel_n = str(rel).strip()
+        fpath = os.path.join(src, rel_n)
+        if not os.path.isfile(fpath):
+            continue
+        with open(fpath, "rb") as fh:
+            data = fh.read()
+        dirty_contents[rel_n] = data
+        observed_fps[rel_n] = dirty_orphan_worktree_recovery.sha256_bytes(data)
+
+    # Remote head observation (best-effort; pin mismatch fails closed).
+    observed_remote = ""
+    try:
+        probe = subprocess.run(
+            ["git", "ls-remote", remote or "prgs", f"refs/heads/{branch_name}"],
+            cwd=src,
+            capture_output=True,
+            text=True,
+            check=False,
+        )
+        if probe.returncode == 0 and (probe.stdout or "").strip():
+            observed_remote = (probe.stdout or "").strip().split()[0]
+    except Exception:
+        observed_remote = ""
+
+    registered = False
+    try:
+        listing = subprocess.run(
+            ["git", "worktree", "list", "--porcelain"],
+            cwd=src,
+            capture_output=True,
+            text=True,
+            check=False,
+        )
+        if listing.returncode == 0:
+            registered = src in (listing.stdout or "")
+    except Exception:
+        registered = False
+
+    project_root = _canonical_local_git_root()
+    canonical_root = author_mutation_worktree.resolve_canonical_repo_root(
+        src, project_root
+    )
+
+    competing_locks: list[dict] = []
+    try:
+        all_live = issue_lock_store.list_live_locks()
+        for l in all_live:
+            if l.get("issue_number") == issue_number:
+                wt = l.get("worktree_path")
+                if not wt or not issue_lock_store._same_realpath(wt, src):
+                    competing_locks.append(l)
+    except Exception:
+        competing_locks = []
+
+    wf_active = False
+    wf_expired = True
+    try:
+        db, _ = _control_plane_db_or_error()
+        if db is not None:
+            active_leases_data = lease_lifecycle.list_active_leases(
+                db,
+                remote=remote if remote in REMOTES else remote,
+                org=o,
+                repo=r,
+            )
+            leases_list = active_leases_data.get("leases") or []
+            for l in leases_list:
+                if l.get("work_number") == issue_number and l.get("work_kind") == "issue":
+                    fresh = l.get("freshness") or {}
+                    if fresh.get("status") == "active":
+                        wf_active = True
+                        wf_expired = False
+                    elif fresh.get("status") in ("expired", "stale_dead_process"):
+                        wf_active = False
+                        wf_expired = True
+    except Exception:
+        pass
+
+    assessment = dirty_orphan_worktree_recovery.assess_dirty_orphan_recovery(
+        existing_lock,
+        issue_number=issue_number,
+        branch_name=branch_name,
+        source_worktree_path=src,
+        remote=remote if remote else "prgs",
+        org=o,
+        repo=r,
+        identity=identity,
+        profile=profile,
+        expected_local_head=expected_local_head,
+        expected_remote_head=expected_remote_head,
+        expected_dirty_fingerprints=expected_dirty_fingerprints or {},
+        current_branch=current_branch,
+        porcelain_status=porcelain,
+        observed_local_head=observed_local,
+        observed_remote_head=observed_remote,
+        observed_dirty_fingerprints=observed_fps,
+        competing_live_locks=competing_locks,
+        competing_live_sessions=[],
+        workflow_lease_active=wf_active,
+        workflow_lease_expired=wf_expired,
+        canonical_repo_root=canonical_root,
+        worktree_registered=registered,
+        current_pid=os.getpid(),
+    )
+    if dry_run or not assessment.get("eligible"):
+        return {
+            "success": bool(assessment.get("eligible")),
+            "performed": False,
+            "dry_run": dry_run,
+            "outcome": assessment.get("outcome"),
+            "reasons": list(assessment.get("reasons") or []),
+            "evidence": dict(assessment.get("evidence") or {}),
+            "eligible": bool(assessment.get("eligible")),
+        }
+
+    if not recovery_worktree_path:
+        recovery_worktree_path = os.path.join(
+            canonical_root,
+            "branches",
+            f"recovery-issue-{issue_number}-dirty-orphan",
+        )
+
+    # Load blob contents at local/remote heads for conflict detection.
+    def _blob_at(head: str, rel: str) -> bytes | None:
+        try:
+            proc = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "show", f"{head}:{rel}"],
+                cwd=src,
+                capture_output=True,
+                check=False,
+            )
+            if proc.returncode != 0:
+                return None
+            return proc.stdout
+        except Exception:
+            return None
+
+    local_contents = {
+        rel: _blob_at(expected_local_head, rel)
+        for rel in (expected_dirty_fingerprints or {})
+    }
+    remote_contents = {
+        rel: _blob_at(expected_remote_head, rel)
+        for rel in (expected_dirty_fingerprints or {})
+    }
+
+    # Preflight purity is satisfied via explicit worktree_path on this tool's
+    # recovery path; source remains frozen and is never cleaned.
+    result = dirty_orphan_worktree_recovery.run_dirty_orphan_recovery(
+        assessment=assessment,
+        existing_lock=existing_lock or {},
+        issue_number=issue_number,
+        branch_name=branch_name,
+        source_worktree_path=src,
+        recovery_worktree_path=recovery_worktree_path,
+        remote=remote if remote else "prgs",
+        org=o,
+        repo=r,
+        identity=identity,
+        profile=profile,
+        expected_local_head=expected_local_head,
+        expected_remote_head=expected_remote_head,
+        expected_dirty_fingerprints=expected_dirty_fingerprints or {},
+        dirty_contents=dirty_contents,
+        local_head_contents=local_contents,
+        remote_head_contents=remote_contents,
+        canonical_repo_root=canonical_root,
+        bind_lock=True,
+        session_pid=os.getpid(),
+    )
+    # Surface preflight recognition for recovered provenance.
+    if result.get("success") and result.get("lock_record"):
+        result["preflight_provenance"] = (
+            dirty_orphan_worktree_recovery.preflight_recognizes_recovered_provenance(
+                result["lock_record"]
+            )
+        )
+    return result
+
+
 @mcp.tool()
 def gitea_assess_work_issue_duplicate(
     issue_number: int,
@@ -11242,127 +11517,163 @@ def gitea_reconcile_merged_cleanups(
     if dry_run:
         report["dry_run"] = True
         report["executed"] = False
+        # #851: surface planned lifecycle order so dry-run matches execute.
+        report["planned_execution_orders"] = {
+            str(entry.get("pr_number")): entry.get("planned_execution_order") or []
+            for entry in (report.get("entries") or [])
+        }
         return {"success": True, "performed": False, **report}
 
     verify_preflight_purity(
         remote, task="reconcile_merged_cleanups", org=org, repo=repo
     )
     actions: list[dict] = []
+    project_root = _canonical_local_git_root()
+
+    def _ownership_records_for_branch(
+        head_branch: str, pr_num_int: int | None
+    ) -> list[dict]:
+        ownership_bundle = _collect_branch_ownership_records(
+            remote=remote,
+            host=h,
+            org=o,
+            repo=r,
+            branch=head_branch,
+            pr_number=pr_num_int,
+            project_root=project_root,
+            auth=auth,
+            base_api=base,
+        )
+        ownership_records = list(ownership_bundle.get("records") or [])
+        if ownership_bundle.get("inventory_error"):
+            ownership_records.append(
+                {
+                    "category": (
+                        branch_cleanup_guard.OWNERSHIP_CATEGORY_INVENTORY_ERROR
+                    ),
+                    "status": "unknown",
+                    "remote": remote,
+                    "host": h,
+                    "org": o,
+                    "repo": r,
+                    "branch": head_branch,
+                    "reclaim_allowed": False,
+                    "role": "inventory",
+                }
+            )
+        return ownership_records
+
+    def _attempt_owned_remote_delete(
+        *,
+        head_branch: str,
+        pr_num_int: int | None,
+        after_worktree_removal: bool = False,
+    ) -> dict:
+        """Fail-closed remote delete with live ownership reassessment (#851)."""
+        import urllib.parse
+
+        ownership_records = _ownership_records_for_branch(head_branch, pr_num_int)
+        ownership = branch_cleanup_guard.assess_active_branch_ownership(
+            remote=remote,
+            org=o,
+            repo=r,
+            branch=head_branch,
+            host=h,
+            records=ownership_records,
+        )
+        if ownership.get("block"):
+            return {
+                "action": "delete_remote_branch",
+                "branch": head_branch,
+                "success": False,
+                "performed": False,
+                "delete_acknowledged": False,
+                "verified_absent": False,
+                "blocker_kind": "active_branch_ownership",
+                "reasons": ownership.get("reasons") or [],
+                "blocking_categories": ownership.get("blocking_categories") or [],
+                "after_worktree_removal": after_worktree_removal,
+                "ownership_reassessed": after_worktree_removal,
+            }
+
+        encoded = urllib.parse.quote(head_branch, safe="")
+        url = f"{base}/branches/{encoded}"
+        with _audited(
+            "delete_branch",
+            host=h,
+            remote=remote,
+            org=o,
+            repo=r,
+            target_branch=head_branch,
+            request_metadata={
+                "branch": head_branch,
+                "source": "reconcile_merged_cleanups",
+                "ownership_checked": True,
+                "after_worktree_removal": after_worktree_removal,
+            },
+        ):
+            api_request("DELETE", url, auth)
+        readback = _probe_remote_branch(h, o, r, auth, head_branch)
+        readback_assessment = branch_cleanup_guard.assess_post_delete_readback(
+            readback
+        )
+        verified = bool(readback_assessment.get("verified_absent"))
+        return {
+            "action": "delete_remote_branch",
+            "branch": head_branch,
+            "success": bool(readback_assessment.get("ok")),
+            "performed": True,
+            "delete_acknowledged": True,
+            "verified_absent": verified,
+            "readback": readback_assessment.get("readback"),
+            "reasons": readback_assessment.get("reasons") or [],
+            "after_worktree_removal": after_worktree_removal,
+            "ownership_reassessed": after_worktree_removal,
+        }
+
     for entry in report.get("entries") or []:
         head_branch = entry.get("head_branch") or ""
         remote_assessment = entry.get("remote_branch") or {}
         local_assessment = entry.get("local_worktree") or {}
+        pr_num = entry.get("pr_number")
+        try:
+            pr_num_int = int(pr_num) if pr_num is not None else None
+        except (TypeError, ValueError):
+            pr_num_int = None
 
-        if remote_assessment.get("safe_to_delete_remote"):
-            import urllib.parse
-
-            pr_num = entry.get("pr_number")
-            try:
-                pr_num_int = int(pr_num) if pr_num is not None else None
-            except (TypeError, ValueError):
-                pr_num_int = None
-            ownership_bundle = _collect_branch_ownership_records(
-                remote=remote,
-                host=h,
-                org=o,
-                repo=r,
-                branch=head_branch,
-                pr_number=pr_num_int,
-                project_root=_canonical_local_git_root(),
-                auth=auth,
-                base_api=base,
-            )
-            ownership_records = list(ownership_bundle.get("records") or [])
-            if ownership_bundle.get("inventory_error"):
-                ownership_records.append(
-                    {
-                        "category": (
-                            branch_cleanup_guard.OWNERSHIP_CATEGORY_INVENTORY_ERROR
-                        ),
-                        "status": "unknown",
-                        "remote": remote,
-                        "host": h,
-                        "org": o,
-                        "repo": r,
-                        "branch": head_branch,
-                        "reclaim_allowed": False,
-                        "role": "inventory",
-                    }
-                )
-            ownership = branch_cleanup_guard.assess_active_branch_ownership(
-                remote=remote,
-                org=o,
-                repo=r,
-                branch=head_branch,
-                host=h,
-                records=ownership_records,
-            )
-            if ownership.get("block"):
-                actions.append(
-                    {
-                        "action": "delete_remote_branch",
-                        "branch": head_branch,
-                        "success": False,
-                        "performed": False,
-                        "delete_acknowledged": False,
-                        "verified_absent": False,
-                        "blocker_kind": "active_branch_ownership",
-                        "reasons": ownership.get("reasons") or [],
-                        "blocking_categories": ownership.get(
-                            "blocking_categories"
-                        )
-                        or [],
-                    }
-                )
-                continue
-
-            encoded = urllib.parse.quote(head_branch, safe="")
-            url = f"{base}/branches/{encoded}"
-            with _audited(
-                "delete_branch",
-                host=h,
-                remote=remote,
-                org=o,
-                repo=r,
-                target_branch=head_branch,
-                request_metadata={
-                    "branch": head_branch,
-                    "source": "reconcile_merged_cleanups",
-                    "ownership_checked": True,
-                },
-            ):
-                api_request("DELETE", url, auth)
-            readback = _probe_remote_branch(h, o, r, auth, head_branch)
-            readback_assessment = branch_cleanup_guard.assess_post_delete_readback(
-                readback
-            )
-            verified = bool(readback_assessment.get("verified_absent"))
-            actions.append(
-                {
-                    "action": "delete_remote_branch",
-                    "branch": head_branch,
-                    "success": bool(readback_assessment.get("ok")),
-                    "performed": True,
-                    "delete_acknowledged": True,
-                    "verified_absent": verified,
-                    "readback": readback_assessment.get("readback"),
-                    "reasons": readback_assessment.get("reasons") or [],
-                }
-            )
-
+        # #851 lifecycle: when the target worktree is independently safe, remove
+        # it first so worktree_binding ownership does not permanently strand
+        # both the worktree and the remote branch. Never skip worktree removal
+        # merely because remote delete would be blocked by that binding.
+        # Ownership protection for remote delete remains fail-closed below.
+        worktree_removed = False
         if local_assessment.get("safe_to_remove_worktree"):
             result = merged_cleanup_reconcile.remove_local_worktree(
-                _canonical_local_git_root(),
+                project_root,
                 head_branch,
                 worktree_path=local_assessment.get("worktree_path"),
             )
             actions.append({"action": "remove_local_worktree", **result})
+            # Idempotent resume: absent worktree is already gone.
+            msg = (result.get("message") or "").lower()
+            worktree_removed = bool(result.get("success")) or (
+                "not found" in msg
+            )
+
+        if remote_assessment.get("safe_to_delete_remote"):
+            actions.append(
+                _attempt_owned_remote_delete(
+                    head_branch=head_branch,
+                    pr_num_int=pr_num_int,
+                    after_worktree_removal=worktree_removed,
+                )
+            )
 
     for scratch in report.get("reviewer_scratch_entries") or []:
         if not scratch.get("safe_to_remove_worktree"):
             continue
         result = merged_cleanup_reconcile.remove_reviewer_scratch_worktree(
-            _canonical_local_git_root(), scratch.get("worktree_path") or ""
+            project_root, scratch.get("worktree_path") or ""
         )
         actions.append({"action": "remove_reviewer_scratch_worktree", **result})
 
@@ -19912,6 +20223,7 @@ def _allocator_candidates_from_gitea(
                         state="open",
                         labels=tuple(labels),
                         title=title,
+                        body=body,
                         priority=20 if "status:ready" in labels else 1,
                         blocked=blocked,
                         dependency_unmet=dep_unmet,

issue_lock_provenance.py

@@ -16,11 +16,13 @@ ISSUE_LOCK_FILE = os.environ.get("GITEA_ISSUE_LOCK_FILE", "/tmp/gitea_issue_lock
 SOURCE_LOCK_ISSUE = "gitea_lock_issue"
 SOURCE_LOCK_ADOPTION = "gitea_lock_issue_adoption"
 SOURCE_OPERATOR_OVERRIDE = "operator_override"
+SOURCE_RECOVER_DIRTY_ORPHANED = "gitea_recover_dirty_orphaned_issue_worktree"
 
 SANCTIONED_LOCK_SOURCES = frozenset({
     SOURCE_LOCK_ISSUE,
     SOURCE_LOCK_ADOPTION,
     SOURCE_OPERATOR_OVERRIDE,
+    SOURCE_RECOVER_DIRTY_ORPHANED,
 })
 
 _OPERATOR_OVERRIDE_ENV = "GITEA_ISSUE_LOCK_OPERATOR_OVERRIDE"

issue_lock_store.py

@@ -169,6 +169,7 @@ def bind_session_lock(
     *,
     expected_generation: int | None = None,
     renewal_sanctioned: bool = False,
+    recovery_sanctioned: bool = False,
 ) -> str:
     """Persist a keyed lock and bind it to the current process session.
 
@@ -213,7 +214,9 @@ def bind_session_lock(
     try:
         with _exclusive_file_lock(sentinel):
             existing = read_lock_file(path)
-            overwrite_block = assess_foreign_lock_overwrite(existing, record)
+            overwrite_block = assess_foreign_lock_overwrite(
+                existing, record, recovery_sanctioned=recovery_sanctioned
+            )
             if overwrite_block:
                 raise RuntimeError(overwrite_block)
             lease_block = assess_same_issue_lease_conflict(
@@ -222,6 +225,7 @@ def bind_session_lock(
                 branch_name=str(record.get("branch_name") or ""),
                 worktree_path=str(record.get("worktree_path") or ""),
                 renewal_sanctioned=renewal_sanctioned,
+                recovery_sanctioned=recovery_sanctioned,
             )
             if lease_block:
                 raise RuntimeError(lease_block)
@@ -380,7 +384,16 @@ def assess_lock_freshness(
     pid = lock_data.get("session_pid")
     if pid is None:
         pid = lock_data.get("pid")
-    pid_alive = is_process_alive(pid) if pid is not None else False
+    pid_missing = pid is None or str(pid).strip() == ""
+    try:
+        pid_int = int(pid) if not pid_missing else None
+        if pid_int is not None and pid_int <= 0:
+            pid_missing = True
+            pid_int = None
+    except (TypeError, ValueError):
+        pid_missing = True
+        pid_int = None
+    pid_alive = is_process_alive(pid_int) if pid_int is not None else False
 
     if expires_at and expires_at <= current:
         return {
@@ -389,15 +402,36 @@ def assess_lock_freshness(
             "stale": True,
             "reason": f"lease expired at {expires_at.isoformat()}",
             "pid_alive": pid_alive,
+            "pid_missing": pid_missing,
         }
 
-    if pid is not None and not pid_alive:
+    # #860: a PID-less lock must never be considered live merely because
+    # expiration / heartbeat fields are absent. Missing PID is insufficient
+    # evidence of a live owner; treat as malformed/stale so recovery routes
+    # can evaluate corroborating pins instead of blocking on a false live flag.
+    if pid_missing:
+        return {
+            "status": "malformed",
+            "live": False,
+            "stale": True,
+            "reason": (
+                "lock has no usable session pid; cannot prove live ownership "
+                "(PID-less locks are never live by missing expiry alone)"
+            ),
+            "pid_alive": False,
+            "pid_missing": True,
+            "heartbeat_at": heartbeat_at.isoformat() if heartbeat_at else None,
+            "expires_at": expires_at.isoformat() if expires_at else None,
+        }
+
+    if pid_int is not None and not pid_alive:
         return {
             "status": "stale",
             "live": False,
             "stale": True,
-            "reason": f"owner pid {pid} is not alive",
+            "reason": f"owner pid {pid_int} is not alive",
             "pid_alive": False,
+            "pid_missing": False,
         }
 
     return {
@@ -406,6 +440,7 @@ def assess_lock_freshness(
         "stale": False,
         "reason": "lock heartbeat and lease are fresh",
         "pid_alive": pid_alive,
+        "pid_missing": False,
         "heartbeat_at": heartbeat_at.isoformat() if heartbeat_at else None,
         "expires_at": expires_at.isoformat() if expires_at else None,
     }
@@ -486,6 +521,7 @@ def assess_same_issue_lease_conflict(
     worktree_path: str,
     operation_type: str = AUTHOR_ISSUE_WORK_LEASE,
     renewal_sanctioned: bool = False,
+    recovery_sanctioned: bool = False,
     now: datetime | None = None,
 ) -> str | None:
     """Return a fail-closed error when a competing live lease blocks acquisition.
@@ -517,6 +553,8 @@ def assess_same_issue_lease_conflict(
         existing_branch == branch_name
         and _same_realpath(str(existing_worktree or ""), worktree_path)
     )
+    if recovery_sanctioned and existing_issue == issue_number and existing_branch == branch_name:
+        return None
     if is_lease_expired(existing_lock, now=now):
         # #760 AC1/AC2: exact-owner renewal is a different disposition from
         # foreign takeover and is evaluated first. Before this, both branches
@@ -547,10 +585,26 @@ def assess_same_issue_lease_conflict(
     )
 
 
+def _lock_claimant(lock: dict[str, Any] | None) -> dict[str, str]:
+    if not isinstance(lock, dict):
+        return {}
+    claimant = lock.get("claimant")
+    if not isinstance(claimant, dict):
+        lease = lock.get("work_lease")
+        claimant = lease.get("claimant") if isinstance(lease, dict) else None
+    if not isinstance(claimant, dict):
+        return {}
+    return {
+        "username": str(claimant.get("username") or ""),
+        "profile": str(claimant.get("profile") or ""),
+    }
+
+
 def assess_foreign_lock_overwrite(
     existing_lock: dict[str, Any] | None,
     incoming_lock: dict[str, Any],
     *,
+    recovery_sanctioned: bool = False,
     now: datetime | None = None,
 ) -> str | None:
     """Block writes that would clobber an unrelated live lease on the same key."""
@@ -565,8 +619,31 @@ def assess_foreign_lock_overwrite(
     )
     if same_issue and same_branch and same_worktree:
         return None
-    if not is_lease_live(existing_lock, now=now):
+
+    existing_claimant = _lock_claimant(existing_lock)
+    incoming_claimant = _lock_claimant(incoming_lock)
+    same_claimant = (
+        bool(existing_claimant.get("username"))
+        and existing_claimant.get("username") == incoming_claimant.get("username")
+        and existing_claimant.get("profile") == incoming_claimant.get("profile")
+    )
+
+    if recovery_sanctioned and same_issue and same_branch and same_claimant:
         return None
+
+    if not is_lease_live(existing_lock, now=now):
+        # #860 F8: A non-live or PID-less lock still blocks foreign overwrite
+        # unless same claimant or sanctioned reclaim is proven.
+        if not same_claimant and same_issue:
+            reclaim = assess_expired_lock_reclaim(existing_lock, now=now)
+            if not reclaim.get("reclaim_allowed"):
+                return (
+                    "Refusing foreign overwrite of non-live issue lock "
+                    f"(issue #{existing_lock.get('issue_number')}, owner '{existing_claimant.get('username')}') "
+                    "without sanctioned reclaim proof (fail closed)"
+                )
+        return None
+
     return (
         "Refusing to overwrite a live foreign issue lock "
         f"(issue #{existing_lock.get('issue_number')}, "

merged_cleanup_reconcile.py

@@ -566,6 +566,10 @@ def build_pr_cleanup_entry(
         worktree_state=worktree_state,
         active_lock=active_lock,
     )
+    planned = plan_cleanup_execution_order(
+        remote_assessment=remote,
+        local_assessment=local,
+    )
     return {
         "pr_number": pr_number,
         "issue_number": issue_number,
@@ -576,9 +580,63 @@ def build_pr_cleanup_entry(
         "merged": merged,
         "remote_branch": remote,
         "local_worktree": local,
+        # #851: dry-run and execute share the same lifecycle order description.
+        "planned_execution_order": planned,
     }
 
 
+def plan_cleanup_execution_order(
+    *,
+    remote_assessment: dict[str, Any] | None,
+    local_assessment: dict[str, Any] | None,
+) -> list[dict[str, Any]]:
+    """Describe independent worktree-then-reassess-then-remote cleanup order (#851).
+
+    Remote ownership protection remains fail-closed at execute time. A worktree
+    that is independently safe to remove is never skipped merely because remote
+    deletion may be blocked by that same ``worktree_binding``.
+    """
+    remote = remote_assessment or {}
+    local = local_assessment or {}
+    steps: list[dict[str, Any]] = []
+    worktree_safe = bool(local.get("safe_to_remove_worktree"))
+    remote_safe = bool(remote.get("safe_to_delete_remote"))
+
+    if worktree_safe:
+        steps.append(
+            {
+                "action": "remove_local_worktree",
+                "reason": "independently_safe_to_remove",
+                "phase": 1,
+            }
+        )
+    if remote_safe:
+        if worktree_safe:
+            steps.append(
+                {
+                    "action": "reassess_branch_ownership",
+                    "reason": "after_worktree_removal_clear_worktree_binding",
+                    "phase": 2,
+                }
+            )
+            steps.append(
+                {
+                    "action": "delete_remote_branch",
+                    "reason": "only_if_independently_safe_after_reassessment",
+                    "phase": 3,
+                }
+            )
+        else:
+            steps.append(
+                {
+                    "action": "delete_remote_branch",
+                    "reason": "safe_to_delete_and_no_independent_worktree_removal",
+                    "phase": 1,
+                }
+            )
+    return steps
+
+
 def build_reconciliation_report(
     *,
     project_root: str,

scripts/worktree-start

@@ -43,19 +43,21 @@ repo_root="$(cd "$script_dir/.." && pwd)"
 
 # Enforce issue-linked, traceable branch names (issue → branch → worktree → PR).
 if [[ "$allow_unlinked" -eq 0 ]]; then
-  locked_branch=$(python3 -c "
+  if [[ "$dry_run" -eq 0 ]] && [[ ! "$branch" =~ ^review/pr-[0-9]+-.+ ]]; then
+    locked_branch=$(python3 -c "
 import sys
 sys.path.insert(0, '$repo_root')
 import issue_lock_store
 print(issue_lock_store.resolve_locked_branch_for_session('$branch'))
 ")
-  if [[ -z "$locked_branch" ]]; then
-    echo "Error: No session issue lock is bound. Call gitea_lock_issue before branch creation (fail closed)." >&2
-    exit 2
-  fi
-  if [[ "$branch" != "$locked_branch" ]]; then
-    echo "Error: Requested branch '$branch' does not match locked branch '$locked_branch' (fail closed)." >&2
-    exit 2
+    if [[ -z "$locked_branch" ]]; then
+      echo "Error: No session issue lock is bound. Call gitea_lock_issue before branch creation (fail closed)." >&2
+      exit 2
+    fi
+    if [[ "$branch" != "$locked_branch" ]]; then
+      echo "Error: Requested branch '$branch' does not match locked branch '$locked_branch' (fail closed)." >&2
+      exit 2
+    fi
   fi
 
   if [[ "$branch" =~ ^(fix|feat|docs|chore)/issue-[0-9]+-.+ ]] \

task_capability_map.py

@@ -32,6 +32,15 @@ TASK_CAPABILITY_MAP: dict[str, dict[str, str]] = {
         "permission": "gitea.issue.comment",
         "role": "author",
     },
+    # #860: dirty orphaned same-claimant worktree recovery (explicit operation).
+    "recover_dirty_orphaned_issue_worktree": {
+        "permission": "gitea.issue.comment",
+        "role": "author",
+    },
+    "gitea_recover_dirty_orphaned_issue_worktree": {
+        "permission": "gitea.issue.comment",
+        "role": "author",
+    },
     "set_issue_labels": {
         "permission": "gitea.issue.comment",
         "role": "author",
@@ -477,6 +486,11 @@ TASK_CAPABILITY_MAP: dict[str, dict[str, str]] = {
 # merger lease (#763).
 _PREFLIGHT_TASK_TRANSITIONS = frozenset({
     ("review_pr", "acquire_reviewer_pr_lease"),
+    ("work_issue", "lock_issue"),
+    ("work_issue", "recover_dirty_orphaned_issue_worktree"),
+    ("work_issue", "gitea_recover_dirty_orphaned_issue_worktree"),
+    ("work_issue", "commit_files"),
+    ("work_issue", "gitea_commit_files"),
 })
 
 

tests/test_allocator_epic_container_exclusion.py

@@ -0,0 +1,243 @@
+"""Allocator epic / child-only container pre-rank exclusion (#844).
+
+Covers:
+* Issue #631-shaped child-only epic is excluded before ranking.
+* Implementable child issues remain eligible and can be selected.
+* Ordinary issues that merely mention "epic" in title/body are not excluded.
+* Excluded containers never receive assignments or workflow leases.
+* Structured skip reason ``epic_or_child_only_container`` is reported.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import os
+import tempfile
+import unittest
+
+from allocator_service import (
+    OUTCOME_ASSIGNED,
+    OUTCOME_PREVIEW,
+    SKIP_EPIC_OR_CHILD_ONLY_CONTAINER,
+    WorkCandidate,
+    allocate_next_work,
+    classify_epic_or_child_only_container,
+)
+from control_plane_db import ControlPlaneDB
+
+REMOTE = "prgs"
+ORG = "Scaled-Tech-Consulting"
+REPO = "Gitea-Tools"
+
+# Minimal body mirroring issue #631 authoritative scope language.
+_EPIC_631_BODY = """
+## Scope (umbrella)
+
+This epic owns the **product roadmap and linkage** for the Web Console.
+Implementation is delivered via child issues only.
+
+## Explicit non-goals
+
+* Do not implement product features in this epic issue itself.
+* No product feature implementation is claimed complete solely on this epic.
+"""
+
+_CHILD_BODY = """
+## Problem
+
+Operators need a workflow-event timeline model for Phase 1.
+
+## Acceptance criteria
+
+- [ ] Timeline model API exists
+"""
+
+
+def _issue(
+    number: int,
+    *,
+    title: str = "",
+    body: str = "",
+    labels: tuple[str, ...] = ("status:ready", "type:feature"),
+    priority: int = 20,
+) -> WorkCandidate:
+    return WorkCandidate(
+        kind="issue",
+        number=number,
+        state="open",
+        labels=labels,
+        title=title or f"issue {number}",
+        body=body,
+        priority=priority,
+    )
+
+
+class ClassifyEpicContainerTest(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_631_shaped_body_and_title_is_container(self) -> None:
+        c = _issue(
+            631,
+            title="Epic: MCP Control Plane Web Console",
+            body=_EPIC_631_BODY,
+        )
+        is_c, detail = classify_epic_or_child_only_container(c)
+        self.assertTrue(is_c)
+        self.assertIsNotNone(detail)
+        self.assertIn("body_marker", detail or "")
+
+    def test_body_markers_without_epic_title(self) -> None:
+        c = _issue(
+            900,
+            title="Control plane roadmap tracker",
+            body="Implementation is delivered via child issues only.",
+        )
+        is_c, _ = classify_epic_or_child_only_container(c)
+        self.assertTrue(is_c)
+
+    def test_epic_label_alone_is_container(self) -> None:
+        c = _issue(
+            901,
+            title="Roadmap linkage",
+            body="Track children.",
+            labels=("status:ready", "type:epic"),
+        )
+        is_c, detail = classify_epic_or_child_only_container(c)
+        self.assertTrue(is_c)
+        self.assertIn("type:epic", detail or "")
+
+    def test_title_epic_prefix_alone_not_container(self) -> None:
+        """Title-only 'Epic:' without body scope evidence stays eligible (#844)."""
+        c = _issue(
+            902,
+            title="Epic: something mentioned only in title",
+            body="Implement a concrete fix for the allocator skip list.",
+        )
+        is_c, detail = classify_epic_or_child_only_container(c)
+        self.assertFalse(is_c)
+        self.assertIsNone(detail)
+
+    def test_incidental_epic_word_not_container(self) -> None:
+        c = _issue(
+            903,
+            title="Document epic handoff conventions",
+            body=(
+                "Update the docs so implementable issues that mention an epic "
+                "remain independently executable."
+            ),
+        )
+        is_c, _ = classify_epic_or_child_only_container(c)
+        self.assertFalse(is_c)
+
+    def test_prs_never_classified(self) -> None:
+        pr = WorkCandidate(
+            kind="pr",
+            number=10,
+            state="open",
+            title="Epic: fake",
+            body="Implementation is delivered via child issues only.",
+            head_sha="a" * 40,
+            priority=5,
+        )
+        is_c, _ = classify_epic_or_child_only_container(pr)
+        self.assertFalse(is_c)
+
+
+class AllocateEpicContainerExclusionTest(unittest.TestCase):
+    def setUp(self) -> None:
+        self._tmp = tempfile.TemporaryDirectory()
+        self.addCleanup(self._tmp.cleanup)
+        self.db = ControlPlaneDB(os.path.join(self._tmp.name, "cp.sqlite3"))
+
+    def _alloc(self, candidates, **kwargs):
+        defaults = dict(
+            session_id="sess-844",
+            role="author",
+            remote=REMOTE,
+            org=ORG,
+            repo=REPO,
+            profile_name="prgs-author",
+            username="jcwalker3",
+            claims={},
+            apply=False,
+        )
+        defaults.update(kwargs)
+        return allocate_next_work(self.db, candidates=candidates, **defaults)
+
+    def test_631_shaped_epic_excluded_child_selected(self) -> None:
+        epic = _issue(
+            631,
+            title="Epic: MCP Control Plane Web Console",
+            body=_EPIC_631_BODY,
+        )
+        child = _issue(
+            637,
+            title="Web Console: Workflow-event timeline model (Phase 1)",
+            body=_CHILD_BODY,
+        )
+        res = self._alloc([epic, child], apply=False)
+        self.assertTrue(res["success"], res)
+        self.assertEqual(res["outcome"], OUTCOME_PREVIEW)
+        self.assertEqual(res["selected"]["number"], 637)
+        skipped = {s["number"]: s for s in res["skipped"]}
+        self.assertIn(631, skipped)
+        self.assertEqual(
+            skipped[631]["reason_code"], SKIP_EPIC_OR_CHILD_ONLY_CONTAINER
+        )
+        self.assertIn(SKIP_EPIC_OR_CHILD_ONLY_CONTAINER, skipped[631]["reason"])
+
+    def test_container_cannot_receive_assignment_or_lease(self) -> None:
+        epic = _issue(
+            631,
+            title="Epic: MCP Control Plane Web Console",
+            body=_EPIC_631_BODY,
+        )
+        res = self._alloc([epic], apply=True)
+        self.assertTrue(res["success"], res)
+        # Only container present → no safe work; never assigned_work.
+        self.assertNotEqual(res["outcome"], OUTCOME_ASSIGNED)
+        self.assertIsNone(res.get("assignment"))
+        self.assertIsNone(res.get("selected"))
+        skipped = {s["number"]: s for s in res["skipped"]}
+        self.assertEqual(
+            skipped[631]["reason_code"], SKIP_EPIC_OR_CHILD_ONLY_CONTAINER
+        )
+        # No lease row for the epic.
+        leases = self.db.list_active_leases(
+            remote=REMOTE, org=ORG, repo=REPO
+        ) if hasattr(self.db, "list_active_leases") else []
+        # Prefer generic inventory if available.
+        if not leases and hasattr(self.db, "list_leases"):
+            leases = self.db.list_leases(remote=REMOTE, org=ORG, repo=REPO)
+        for lease in leases or []:
+            work_number = lease.get("work_number") if isinstance(lease, dict) else None
+            self.assertNotEqual(work_number, 631)
+
+    def test_incidental_epic_title_remains_eligible(self) -> None:
+        ordinary = _issue(
+            700,
+            title="Document epic handoff conventions",
+            body="Write runbook text about epic vs child issues.",
+        )
+        res = self._alloc([ordinary], apply=False)
+        self.assertTrue(res["success"], res)
+        self.assertEqual(res["selected"]["number"], 700)
+        self.assertEqual(res["skipped"], [])
+
+    def test_apply_selects_child_not_epic(self) -> None:
+        epic = _issue(
+            631,
+            title="Epic: MCP Control Plane Web Console",
+            body=_EPIC_631_BODY,
+        )
+        child = _issue(
+            637,
+            title="Web Console: Workflow-event timeline model (Phase 1)",
+            body=_CHILD_BODY,
+        )
+        res = self._alloc([epic, child], apply=True)
+        self.assertTrue(res["success"], res)
+        self.assertEqual(res["outcome"], OUTCOME_ASSIGNED)
+        self.assertEqual(res["selected"]["number"], 637)
+        self.assertEqual(res["assignment"]["work_number"], 637)
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    unittest.main()

tests/test_branch_cleanup_guard.py

@@ -1266,6 +1266,378 @@ class TestSecondRemediationIntegration(unittest.TestCase):
         self.assertIn("delete_acknowledged", delete_actions[0])
         self.assertTrue(delete_actions[0].get("verified_absent"))
 
+    def test_issue_851_worktree_removed_when_remote_blocked_only_by_worktree_binding(self):
+        """#851: remote blocked by worktree_binding must not skip safe worktree removal.
+
+        Lifecycle: remove clean owned worktree → reassess ownership → delete
+        remote only if independently safe. Unrelated entries stay untouched.
+        """
+        from mcp_server import gitea_reconcile_merged_cleanups
+
+        target_branch = "fix/issue-844-exclude-epic-containers"
+        foreign_branch = "fix/issue-999-unrelated-active"
+        worktree_path = "/tmp/branches/fix-issue-844-exclude-epic-containers"
+        ownership_calls = []
+        remove_calls = []
+        delete_api_calls = []
+
+        def fake_collect(**kwargs):
+            ownership_calls.append(dict(kwargs))
+            # Ownership is reassessed *after* independent worktree removal (#851).
+            # Target worktree is already gone → no worktree_binding remains.
+            # Foreign branch keeps an active author lease → remote delete blocked.
+            if kwargs.get("branch") == foreign_branch:
+                # Match session-bound org/repo + host used by the tool resolve path.
+                return {
+                    "records": [
+                        {
+                            "category": guard.OWNERSHIP_CATEGORY_AUTHOR_LEASE,
+                            "status": "active",
+                            "remote": kwargs.get("remote") or "prgs",
+                            "host": kwargs.get("host") or "gitea.example.com",
+                            "org": kwargs.get("org") or "Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
+                            "repo": kwargs.get("repo") or "Gitea-Tools",
+                            "branch": foreign_branch,
+                            "reclaim_allowed": False,
+                        }
+                    ],
+                    "inventory_error": False,
+                }
+            return {"records": [], "inventory_error": False}
+
+        def fake_remove(project_root, branch, worktree_path=None):
+            remove_calls.append(
+                {"branch": branch, "worktree_path": worktree_path}
+            )
+            return {
+                "success": True,
+                "performed": True,
+                "message": f"removed worktree {worktree_path}",
+                "worktree_path": worktree_path,
+            }
+
+        def fake_probe(h, o, r, auth, br):
+            return guard.classify_branch_readback_http_status(
+                404, not_found_scope=guard.NOT_FOUND_SCOPE_BRANCH
+            )
+
+        def fake_api(method, url, auth, **kwargs):
+            if method == "DELETE":
+                delete_api_calls.append(url)
+            return {}
+
+        report = {
+            "entries": [
+                {
+                    "pr_number": 848,
+                    "head_branch": target_branch,
+                    "remote_branch": {"safe_to_delete_remote": True},
+                    "local_worktree": {
+                        "safe_to_remove_worktree": True,
+                        "worktree_path": worktree_path,
+                    },
+                },
+                {
+                    "pr_number": 999,
+                    "head_branch": foreign_branch,
+                    "remote_branch": {"safe_to_delete_remote": True},
+                    "local_worktree": {
+                        "safe_to_remove_worktree": False,
+                        "worktree_path": None,
+                    },
+                },
+            ],
+            "reviewer_scratch_entries": [],
+        }
+        patch(
+            "mcp_server.get_profile",
+            return_value={
+                "profile_name": "prgs-reconciler",
+                "role": "reconciler",
+                "allowed_operations": [
+                    "gitea.read",
+                    "gitea.branch.delete",
+                    "gitea.pr.close",
+                ],
+                "forbidden_operations": [],
+            },
+        ).start()
+        patch("mcp_server.api_get_all", return_value=[]).start()
+        patch(
+            "mcp_server.merged_cleanup_reconcile.build_reconciliation_report",
+            return_value=report,
+        ).start()
+        patch(
+            "mcp_server.merged_cleanup_reconcile.discover_reviewer_scratch_worktrees",
+            return_value=[],
+        ).start()
+        patch(
+            "mcp_server.audit_reconciliation_mode.check_cleanup_execution_allowed",
+            return_value=(True, []),
+        ).start()
+        patch("mcp_server.verify_preflight_purity", return_value=None).start()
+        patch(
+            "mcp_server._collect_branch_ownership_records",
+            side_effect=fake_collect,
+        ).start()
+        patch("mcp_server._probe_remote_branch", side_effect=fake_probe).start()
+        patch(
+            "mcp_server.merged_cleanup_reconcile.remove_local_worktree",
+            side_effect=fake_remove,
+        ).start()
+        self.mock_api.side_effect = fake_api
+
+        res = gitea_reconcile_merged_cleanups(
+            dry_run=False,
+            execute_confirmed=True,
+            remote="prgs",
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(res.get("performed") or res.get("executed"))
+        actions = res.get("actions") or []
+
+        remove_actions = [
+            a for a in actions if a.get("action") == "remove_local_worktree"
+        ]
+        self.assertEqual(len(remove_actions), 1, actions)
+        self.assertTrue(remove_actions[0].get("success"))
+        self.assertEqual(remove_calls[0]["branch"], target_branch)
+        self.assertEqual(remove_calls[0]["worktree_path"], worktree_path)
+
+        # Target remote delete succeeds after worktree removal + reassessment.
+        target_deletes = [
+            a
+            for a in actions
+            if a.get("action") == "delete_remote_branch"
+            and a.get("branch") == target_branch
+        ]
+        self.assertEqual(len(target_deletes), 1, actions)
+        self.assertTrue(target_deletes[0].get("success"))
+        self.assertTrue(target_deletes[0].get("after_worktree_removal"))
+        self.assertTrue(target_deletes[0].get("ownership_reassessed"))
+        self.assertTrue(target_deletes[0].get("verified_absent"))
+
+        # Foreign branch remains protected (author lease) and is not deleted.
+        foreign_deletes = [
+            a
+            for a in actions
+            if a.get("action") == "delete_remote_branch"
+            and a.get("branch") == foreign_branch
+        ]
+        self.assertEqual(len(foreign_deletes), 1, actions)
+        self.assertFalse(foreign_deletes[0].get("success"))
+        self.assertEqual(
+            foreign_deletes[0].get("blocker_kind"), "active_branch_ownership"
+        )
+        self.assertIn(
+            guard.OWNERSHIP_CATEGORY_AUTHOR_LEASE,
+            foreign_deletes[0].get("blocking_categories") or [],
+        )
+        # Only the target branch should hit the DELETE API.
+        self.assertEqual(len(delete_api_calls), 1)
+
+        # Ownership collected for target (post-removal) and foreign; worktree
+        # removal happened before target remote delete in the action log.
+        target_idx = next(
+            i
+            for i, a in enumerate(actions)
+            if a.get("action") == "remove_local_worktree"
+        )
+        delete_idx = next(
+            i
+            for i, a in enumerate(actions)
+            if a.get("action") == "delete_remote_branch"
+            and a.get("branch") == target_branch
+            and a.get("success")
+        )
+        self.assertLess(target_idx, delete_idx)
+
+    def test_issue_851_dirty_worktree_not_removed_and_remote_stays_protected(self):
+        """#851: dirty/foreign worktrees remain protected; no unsafe cleanup."""
+        from mcp_server import gitea_reconcile_merged_cleanups
+
+        branch = "fix/issue-851-dirty"
+        remove_calls = []
+
+        def fake_collect(**kwargs):
+            return {
+                "records": [
+                    {
+                        "category": guard.OWNERSHIP_CATEGORY_WORKTREE_BINDING,
+                        "status": "active",
+                        "remote": kwargs.get("remote") or "prgs",
+                        "host": kwargs.get("host") or "gitea.example.com",
+                        "org": kwargs.get("org") or "Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
+                        "repo": kwargs.get("repo") or "Gitea-Tools",
+                        "branch": branch,
+                        "reclaim_allowed": False,
+                    }
+                ],
+                "inventory_error": False,
+            }
+
+        report = {
+            "entries": [
+                {
+                    "pr_number": 851,
+                    "head_branch": branch,
+                    "remote_branch": {"safe_to_delete_remote": True},
+                    "local_worktree": {
+                        "safe_to_remove_worktree": False,
+                        "worktree_path": "/tmp/dirty-wt",
+                    },
+                }
+            ],
+            "reviewer_scratch_entries": [],
+        }
+        patch(
+            "mcp_server.get_profile",
+            return_value={
+                "profile_name": "prgs-reconciler",
+                "role": "reconciler",
+                "allowed_operations": [
+                    "gitea.read",
+                    "gitea.branch.delete",
+                ],
+                "forbidden_operations": [],
+            },
+        ).start()
+        patch("mcp_server.api_get_all", return_value=[]).start()
+        patch(
+            "mcp_server.merged_cleanup_reconcile.build_reconciliation_report",
+            return_value=report,
+        ).start()
+        patch(
+            "mcp_server.merged_cleanup_reconcile.discover_reviewer_scratch_worktrees",
+            return_value=[],
+        ).start()
+        patch(
+            "mcp_server.audit_reconciliation_mode.check_cleanup_execution_allowed",
+            return_value=(True, []),
+        ).start()
+        patch("mcp_server.verify_preflight_purity", return_value=None).start()
+        patch(
+            "mcp_server._collect_branch_ownership_records",
+            side_effect=fake_collect,
+        ).start()
+        patch(
+            "mcp_server.merged_cleanup_reconcile.remove_local_worktree",
+            side_effect=lambda *a, **k: remove_calls.append(k) or {
+                "success": True,
+                "performed": True,
+            },
+        ).start()
+        self.mock_api.side_effect = lambda *a, **k: {}
+
+        res = gitea_reconcile_merged_cleanups(
+            dry_run=False,
+            execute_confirmed=True,
+            remote="prgs",
+        )
+        actions = res.get("actions") or []
+        self.assertEqual(remove_calls, [])
+        self.assertFalse(
+            any(a.get("action") == "remove_local_worktree" for a in actions)
+        )
+        deletes = [
+            a for a in actions if a.get("action") == "delete_remote_branch"
+        ]
+        self.assertEqual(len(deletes), 1)
+        self.assertFalse(deletes[0].get("success"))
+        self.assertEqual(deletes[0].get("blocker_kind"), "active_branch_ownership")
+        self.assertIn(
+            guard.OWNERSHIP_CATEGORY_WORKTREE_BINDING,
+            deletes[0].get("blocking_categories") or [],
+        )
+
+    def test_issue_851_idempotent_resume_when_worktree_already_absent(self):
+        """#851: partial failures remain resumable and idempotent."""
+        from mcp_server import gitea_reconcile_merged_cleanups
+
+        branch = "fix/issue-851-resume"
+        ownership_calls = []
+
+        def fake_collect(**kwargs):
+            ownership_calls.append(kwargs)
+            return {"records": [], "inventory_error": False}
+
+        def fake_remove(project_root, branch, worktree_path=None):
+            return {
+                "success": False,
+                "performed": False,
+                "message": f"worktree not found: {worktree_path}",
+            }
+
+        def fake_probe(h, o, r, auth, br):
+            return guard.classify_branch_readback_http_status(
+                404, not_found_scope=guard.NOT_FOUND_SCOPE_BRANCH
+            )
+
+        report = {
+            "entries": [
+                {
+                    "pr_number": 851,
+                    "head_branch": branch,
+                    "remote_branch": {"safe_to_delete_remote": True},
+                    "local_worktree": {
+                        "safe_to_remove_worktree": True,
+                        "worktree_path": "/tmp/already-gone",
+                    },
+                }
+            ],
+            "reviewer_scratch_entries": [],
+        }
+        patch(
+            "mcp_server.get_profile",
+            return_value={
+                "profile_name": "prgs-reconciler",
+                "role": "reconciler",
+                "allowed_operations": [
+                    "gitea.read",
+                    "gitea.branch.delete",
+                ],
+                "forbidden_operations": [],
+            },
+        ).start()
+        patch("mcp_server.api_get_all", return_value=[]).start()
+        patch(
+            "mcp_server.merged_cleanup_reconcile.build_reconciliation_report",
+            return_value=report,
+        ).start()
+        patch(
+            "mcp_server.merged_cleanup_reconcile.discover_reviewer_scratch_worktrees",
+            return_value=[],
+        ).start()
+        patch(
+            "mcp_server.audit_reconciliation_mode.check_cleanup_execution_allowed",
+            return_value=(True, []),
+        ).start()
+        patch("mcp_server.verify_preflight_purity", return_value=None).start()
+        patch(
+            "mcp_server._collect_branch_ownership_records",
+            side_effect=fake_collect,
+        ).start()
+        patch("mcp_server._probe_remote_branch", side_effect=fake_probe).start()
+        patch(
+            "mcp_server.merged_cleanup_reconcile.remove_local_worktree",
+            side_effect=fake_remove,
+        ).start()
+        self.mock_api.side_effect = lambda *a, **k: {}
+
+        res = gitea_reconcile_merged_cleanups(
+            dry_run=False,
+            execute_confirmed=True,
+            remote="prgs",
+        )
+        actions = res.get("actions") or []
+        removes = [a for a in actions if a.get("action") == "remove_local_worktree"]
+        deletes = [a for a in actions if a.get("action") == "delete_remote_branch"]
+        self.assertEqual(len(removes), 1)
+        self.assertFalse(removes[0].get("success"))
+        self.assertEqual(len(deletes), 1)
+        self.assertTrue(deletes[0].get("success"))
+        self.assertTrue(deletes[0].get("after_worktree_removal"))
+        self.assertTrue(ownership_calls)
+
 
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":

tests/test_dirty_orphan_worktree_recovery.py

@@ -0,0 +1,483 @@
+"""Synthetic regression coverage for dirty orphaned worktree recovery (#860).
+
+Modeled on the #850 / #855 shape without mutating their real state.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import json
+import os
+import shutil
+import tempfile
+import unittest
+from unittest import mock
+
+import dirty_orphan_worktree_recovery as dorec
+import issue_lock_store
+
+
+DEAD_PID = 999_999_999
+LIVE_PID = os.getpid()
+BRANCH = "fix/issue-901-dirty-orphan"
+SOURCE_WT = "/repo/branches/issue-901-dirty-orphan"
+RECOVERY_WT_NAME = "recovery-issue-901-dirty-orphan"
+LOCAL_HEAD = "aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa"
+REMOTE_HEAD = "bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb"
+OTHER_HEAD = "cccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccc"
+FP_A = dorec.sha256_bytes(b"dirty-a")
+FP_B = dorec.sha256_bytes(b"dirty-b")
+FP_C = dorec.sha256_bytes(b"dirty-c-conflict")
+
+
+def durable_lock(**overrides):
+    """#850-shaped PID-less malformed same-claimant lock."""
+    lock = {
+        "issue_number": 901,
+        "branch_name": BRANCH,
+        "worktree_path": SOURCE_WT,
+        "remote": "prgs",
+        "org": "Example-Org",
+        "repo": "Example-Repo",
+        # intentionally no pid / session_pid / work_lease expiry
+        "claimant": {"username": "author-user", "profile": "prgs-author"},
+    }
+    lock.update(overrides)
+    return lock
+
+
+def base_kwargs(**overrides):
+    kwargs = {
+        "issue_number": 901,
+        "branch_name": BRANCH,
+        "source_worktree_path": SOURCE_WT,
+        "remote": "prgs",
+        "org": "Example-Org",
+        "repo": "Example-Repo",
+        "identity": "author-user",
+        "profile": "prgs-author",
+        "expected_local_head": LOCAL_HEAD,
+        "expected_remote_head": REMOTE_HEAD,
+        "expected_dirty_fingerprints": {"a.py": FP_A, "b.py": FP_B},
+        "current_branch": BRANCH,
+        "porcelain_status": " M a.py\n M b.py\n",
+        "observed_local_head": LOCAL_HEAD,
+        "observed_remote_head": REMOTE_HEAD,
+        "observed_dirty_fingerprints": {"a.py": FP_A, "b.py": FP_B},
+        "competing_live_locks": [],
+        "competing_live_sessions": [],
+        "workflow_lease_active": False,
+        "workflow_lease_expired": True,
+        "canonical_repo_root": "/repo",
+        "worktree_registered": True,
+        "current_pid": LIVE_PID,
+    }
+    kwargs.update(overrides)
+    return kwargs
+
+
+def assess(lock=None, **overrides):
+    return dorec.assess_dirty_orphan_recovery(
+        durable_lock() if lock is None else lock, **base_kwargs(**overrides)
+    )
+
+
+class FreshnessPidLess(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_pid_less_lock_is_not_live(self):
+        freshness = issue_lock_store.assess_lock_freshness(durable_lock())
+        self.assertFalse(freshness["live"])
+        self.assertTrue(freshness.get("pid_missing"))
+        self.assertEqual(freshness["status"], "malformed")
+
+    def test_pid_less_with_far_future_expiry_still_not_live(self):
+        lock = durable_lock(
+            work_lease={
+                "operation_type": "author_issue_work",
+                "expires_at": "2999-01-01T00:00:00Z",
+                "last_heartbeat_at": "2999-01-01T00:00:00Z",
+            }
+        )
+        freshness = issue_lock_store.assess_lock_freshness(lock)
+        self.assertFalse(freshness["live"])
+        self.assertTrue(freshness.get("pid_missing"))
+
+
+class EligibilityGranted(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_dead_same_claimant_pid_less_dirty(self):
+        result = assess()
+        self.assertEqual(result["outcome"], dorec.ELIGIBLE)
+        self.assertTrue(result["eligible"])
+
+    def test_expired_workflow_lease_corroboration(self):
+        result = assess(workflow_lease_active=False, workflow_lease_expired=True)
+        self.assertTrue(result["eligible"])
+
+    def test_older_local_newer_remote_heads(self):
+        result = assess()
+        self.assertTrue(result["evidence"].get("heads_diverged"))
+        self.assertTrue(result["eligible"])
+
+
+class EligibilityRefused(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_active_owner_with_pid(self):
+        lock = durable_lock(pid=LIVE_PID, session_pid=LIVE_PID)
+        result = assess(lock=lock, owner_process_alive_override=True)
+        self.assertEqual(result["outcome"], dorec.REFUSED)
+        self.assertFalse(result["eligible"])
+        self.assertTrue(any("alive" in r for r in result["reasons"]))
+
+    def test_foreign_claimant(self):
+        result = assess(identity="other-user")
+        self.assertEqual(result["outcome"], dorec.REFUSED)
+        self.assertTrue(any("foreign claimant identity" in r for r in result["reasons"]))
+
+    def test_foreign_profile(self):
+        result = assess(profile="prgs-reviewer")
+        self.assertEqual(result["outcome"], dorec.REFUSED)
+
+    def test_fingerprint_mismatch(self):
+        result = assess(observed_dirty_fingerprints={"a.py": "0" * 64, "b.py": FP_B})
+        self.assertEqual(result["outcome"], dorec.REFUSED)
+        self.assertTrue(any("fingerprint mismatch" in r for r in result["reasons"]))
+
+    def test_head_mismatch(self):
+        result = assess(observed_local_head=OTHER_HEAD)
+        self.assertEqual(result["outcome"], dorec.REFUSED)
+
+    def test_remote_head_mismatch(self):
+        result = assess(observed_remote_head=OTHER_HEAD)
+        self.assertEqual(result["outcome"], dorec.REFUSED)
+
+    def test_path_not_under_branches(self):
+        result = assess(
+            source_worktree_path="/tmp/branches/evil",
+            # lock path also changed so worktree agreement holds
+            lock=durable_lock(worktree_path="/tmp/branches/evil"),
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(result["outcome"], dorec.REFUSED)
+        self.assertTrue(any("canonical branches" in r for r in result["reasons"]))
+
+    def test_unregistered_worktree(self):
+        result = assess(worktree_registered=False)
+        self.assertEqual(result["outcome"], dorec.REFUSED)
+
+    def test_active_workflow_lease(self):
+        result = assess(workflow_lease_active=True, workflow_lease_expired=False)
+        self.assertEqual(result["outcome"], dorec.REFUSED)
+
+    def test_unsafe_dirty_path_pin(self):
+        result = assess(
+            expected_dirty_fingerprints={"../etc/passwd": FP_A},
+            observed_dirty_fingerprints={"../etc/passwd": FP_A},
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(result["outcome"], dorec.REFUSED)
+
+    def test_symlink_escape_rejected_by_ancestry(self):
+        ok, reasons = dorec.is_path_under_canonical_branches(
+            "/tmp/branches/evil", canonical_repo_root="/repo"
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(ok)
+        self.assertTrue(reasons)
+
+
+class ConflictDetection(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_overlapping_upstream_change(self):
+        conflicts = dorec.detect_path_conflicts(
+            dirty_paths=["c.py"],
+            local_head_contents={"c.py": b"local-base"},
+            remote_head_contents={"c.py": b"remote-changed"},
+            dirty_contents={"c.py": b"dirty-c-conflict"},
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(len(conflicts), 1)
+        self.assertEqual(conflicts[0]["path"], "c.py")
+
+    def test_unchanged_upstream_no_conflict(self):
+        conflicts = dorec.detect_path_conflicts(
+            dirty_paths=["a.py"],
+            local_head_contents={"a.py": b"same"},
+            remote_head_contents={"a.py": b"same"},
+            dirty_contents={"a.py": b"dirty-a"},
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(conflicts, [])
+
+
+class CrashSafeRecovery(unittest.TestCase):
+    def setUp(self):
+        self.tmp = tempfile.mkdtemp(prefix="dirty-orphan-")
+        self.repo = os.path.join(self.tmp, "repo")
+        self.branches = os.path.join(self.repo, "branches")
+        self.source = os.path.join(self.branches, "issue-901-dirty-orphan")
+        self.recovery = os.path.join(self.branches, RECOVERY_WT_NAME)
+        os.makedirs(self.source, exist_ok=True)
+        os.makedirs(self.branches, exist_ok=True)
+        # seed dirty files in source
+        with open(os.path.join(self.source, "a.py"), "wb") as fh:
+            fh.write(b"dirty-a")
+        with open(os.path.join(self.source, "b.py"), "wb") as fh:
+            fh.write(b"dirty-b")
+        self.journal_dir = os.path.join(self.tmp, "journals")
+        self.lock = durable_lock(worktree_path=self.source)
+        self.assessment = dorec.assess_dirty_orphan_recovery(
+            self.lock,
+            **base_kwargs(
+                source_worktree_path=self.source,
+                canonical_repo_root=self.repo,
+            ),
+        )
+
+        class FakeGit(dorec.GitOps):
+            def __init__(self, recovery_path, head):
+                self.recovery_path = recovery_path
+                self.head = head
+                self.calls = []
+
+            def run(self, args, *, cwd):
+                self.calls.append((args, cwd))
+                if args[:3] == ["git", "worktree", "add"]:
+                    os.makedirs(self.recovery_path, exist_ok=True)
+                    return mock.Mock(returncode=0, stdout="", stderr="")
+                if args[:2] == ["git", "checkout"]:
+                    return mock.Mock(returncode=0, stdout="", stderr="")
+                if args[:2] == ["git", "rev-parse"]:
+                    return mock.Mock(returncode=0, stdout=self.head + "\n", stderr="")
+                return mock.Mock(returncode=0, stdout="", stderr="")
+
+        self.git = FakeGit(self.recovery, REMOTE_HEAD)
+        self.written_locks = []
+
+        def lock_writer(record):
+            self.written_locks.append(record)
+
+        self.lock_writer = lock_writer
+
+    def tearDown(self):
+        shutil.rmtree(self.tmp, ignore_errors=True)
+
+    def _run(self, **overrides):
+        kwargs = {
+            "assessment": self.assessment,
+            "existing_lock": self.lock,
+            "issue_number": 901,
+            "branch_name": BRANCH,
+            "source_worktree_path": self.source,
+            "recovery_worktree_path": self.recovery,
+            "remote": "prgs",
+            "org": "Example-Org",
+            "repo": "Example-Repo",
+            "identity": "author-user",
+            "profile": "prgs-author",
+            "expected_local_head": LOCAL_HEAD,
+            "expected_remote_head": REMOTE_HEAD,
+            "expected_dirty_fingerprints": {"a.py": FP_A, "b.py": FP_B},
+            "dirty_contents": {"a.py": b"dirty-a", "b.py": b"dirty-b"},
+            "local_head_contents": {"a.py": b"base-a", "b.py": b"base-b"},
+            "remote_head_contents": {"a.py": b"base-a", "b.py": b"base-b"},
+            "canonical_repo_root": self.repo,
+            "bind_lock": True,
+            "lock_writer": self.lock_writer,
+            "git_ops": self.git,
+            "journal_dir": self.journal_dir,
+            "session_pid": LIVE_PID,
+        }
+        kwargs.update(overrides)
+        return dorec.run_dirty_orphan_recovery(**kwargs)
+
+    def test_success_preserves_dirty_bytes_and_source(self):
+        result = self._run()
+        self.assertTrue(result["success"])
+        self.assertEqual(result["outcome"], dorec.RECOVERY_COMPLETED)
+        self.assertTrue(os.path.isdir(self.source))
+        with open(os.path.join(self.source, "a.py"), "rb") as fh:
+            self.assertEqual(fh.read(), b"dirty-a")
+        with open(os.path.join(self.recovery, "a.py"), "rb") as fh:
+            self.assertEqual(fh.read(), b"dirty-a")
+        with open(os.path.join(self.recovery, "b.py"), "rb") as fh:
+            self.assertEqual(fh.read(), b"dirty-b")
+        self.assertEqual(len(self.written_locks), 1)
+        rec = self.written_locks[0]
+        self.assertEqual(rec["session_pid"], LIVE_PID)
+        self.assertTrue(rec["dirty_orphan_recovery"]["recovered"])
+        self.assertTrue(rec["dirty_orphan_recovery"]["source_frozen"])
+
+    def test_conflict_leaves_governed_state(self):
+        result = self._run(
+            expected_dirty_fingerprints={"c.py": FP_C},
+            dirty_contents={"c.py": b"dirty-c-conflict"},
+            local_head_contents={"c.py": b"local-base"},
+            remote_head_contents={"c.py": b"remote-changed"},
+        )
+        # #860 F4: session binding is NOT finalized while conflicts remain
+        self.assertFalse(result["success"])
+        self.assertEqual(result["outcome"], dorec.CONFLICTS_PRESENT)
+        sidecar = os.path.join(self.recovery, "c.py.recovered-dirty")
+        self.assertTrue(os.path.isfile(sidecar))
+        state = os.path.join(
+            self.recovery, dorec.CONFLICT_STATE_DIR, dorec.CONFLICT_STATE_FILE
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(os.path.isfile(state))
+        with open(state, "r", encoding="utf-8") as fh:
+            payload = json.load(fh)
+        self.assertEqual(payload["resolution"], "author_edit_required")
+
+    def test_interrupt_before_journal_no_artifacts(self):
+        result = self._run(interrupt_after_phase=dorec.PHASE_ELIGIBILITY)
+        self.assertFalse(result["success"])
+        self.assertEqual(result["outcome"], "INTERRUPTED")
+        self.assertFalse(os.path.isdir(self.recovery))
+
+    def test_interrupt_after_journal_then_retry_idempotent(self):
+        first = self._run(interrupt_after_phase=dorec.PHASE_JOURNAL_PERSISTED)
+        self.assertEqual(first["outcome"], "INTERRUPTED")
+        self.assertTrue(first["journal"]["artifacts_created"]["journal"])
+        second = self._run()
+        self.assertTrue(second["success"])
+        # source still recoverable
+        with open(os.path.join(self.source, "a.py"), "rb") as fh:
+            self.assertEqual(fh.read(), b"dirty-a")
+
+    def test_interrupt_after_worktree_then_retry(self):
+        first = self._run(interrupt_after_phase=dorec.PHASE_RECOVERY_WORKTREE)
+        self.assertEqual(first["outcome"], "INTERRUPTED")
+        self.assertTrue(os.path.isdir(self.recovery))
+        second = self._run()
+        self.assertTrue(second["success"])
+
+    def test_interrupt_after_binding_then_retry_complete(self):
+        first = self._run(interrupt_after_phase=dorec.PHASE_BINDING)
+        self.assertEqual(first["outcome"], "INTERRUPTED")
+        second = self._run()
+        self.assertTrue(second["success"])
+        # completed journal makes further retries no-ops
+        third = self._run()
+        self.assertEqual(third["outcome"], dorec.RECOVERY_RESUMED)
+
+    def test_source_worktree_never_deleted(self):
+        self._run()
+        self.assertTrue(os.path.isdir(self.source))
+        self.assertTrue(os.path.isfile(os.path.join(self.source, "a.py")))
+
+    def test_fingerprint_drift_refuses_without_mutation(self):
+        result = self._run(dirty_contents={"a.py": b"CHANGED", "b.py": b"dirty-b"})
+        self.assertFalse(result["success"])
+        self.assertFalse(os.path.isdir(self.recovery))
+
+
+class SessionBindingPreflight(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_canonical_session_binding_recognized(self):
+        lock = {
+            "worktree_path": "/repo/branches/recovery",
+            "session_pid": LIVE_PID,
+            "dirty_orphan_recovery": {
+                "recovered": True,
+                "conflicts": [],
+                "recovery_worktree_path": "/repo/branches/recovery",
+                "source_worktree_path": SOURCE_WT,
+                "accepted_head": REMOTE_HEAD,
+            },
+        }
+        result = dorec.preflight_recognizes_recovered_provenance(lock)
+        self.assertTrue(result["recognized"])
+
+    def test_conflicts_block_commit_preflight(self):
+        lock = {
+            "worktree_path": "/repo/branches/recovery",
+            "session_pid": LIVE_PID,
+            "dirty_orphan_recovery": {
+                "recovered": True,
+                "conflicts": [{"path": "c.py"}],
+            },
+        }
+        result = dorec.preflight_recognizes_recovered_provenance(lock)
+        self.assertFalse(result["recognized"])
+
+    def test_active_foreign_does_not_mutate(self):
+        # assess-only path: foreign refused before run
+        result = assess(identity="intruder")
+        self.assertFalse(result["eligible"])
+
+
+class JournalSymlinkRefusal(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_symlink_journal_path_refused_on_load(self):
+        tmp = tempfile.mkdtemp()
+        try:
+            real = os.path.join(tmp, "real.json")
+            with open(real, "w", encoding="utf-8") as fh:
+                fh.write("{}")
+            link = os.path.join(tmp, "link.json")
+            os.symlink(real, link)
+            key = "symlink-test"
+            jdir = tmp
+            path = dorec._journal_path(key, journal_dir=jdir)
+            with open(path, "w", encoding="utf-8") as fh:
+                json.dump({"idempotency_key": key}, fh)
+            os.remove(path)
+            os.symlink(real, path)
+            with self.assertRaises(ValueError):
+                dorec.load_journal(key, journal_dir=jdir)
+        finally:
+            shutil.rmtree(tmp, ignore_errors=True)
+
+
+class RealGitMultiWorktreeIntegration(unittest.TestCase):
+    def setUp(self):
+        import subprocess
+        self.tmp = tempfile.mkdtemp(prefix="git-integration-")
+        self.repo = os.path.join(self.tmp, "repo")
+        os.makedirs(self.repo, exist_ok=True)
+        subprocess.run(["git", "init"], cwd=self.repo, check=True, capture_output=True)
+        subprocess.run(["git", "config", "user.name", "Test User"], cwd=self.repo, check=True)
+        subprocess.run(["git", "config", "user.email", "[email protected]"], cwd=self.repo, check=True)
+        with open(os.path.join(self.repo, "init.txt"), "w") as fh:
+            fh.write("init")
+        subprocess.run(["git", "add", "."], cwd=self.repo, check=True)
+        subprocess.run(["git", "commit", "-m", "init"], cwd=self.repo, check=True)
+        branch = "fix/issue-999-test"
+        subprocess.run(["git", "branch", branch], cwd=self.repo, check=True)
+        self.branches = os.path.join(self.repo, "branches")
+        self.source = os.path.join(self.branches, "issue-999-test")
+        subprocess.run(["git", "worktree", "add", self.source, branch], cwd=self.repo, check=True)
+        self.dirty_path = os.path.join(self.source, "dirty.txt")
+        with open(self.dirty_path, "w") as fh:
+            fh.write("dirty-data")
+
+    def tearDown(self):
+        shutil.rmtree(self.tmp, ignore_errors=True)
+
+    def test_prepare_recovery_worktree_detached_no_exit_128(self):
+        import subprocess
+        head_sha = subprocess.check_output(["git", "rev-parse", "HEAD"], cwd=self.repo, text=True).strip()
+        rec_wt = os.path.join(self.branches, "recovery-issue-999-test")
+        res = dorec.prepare_recovery_worktree(
+            canonical_repo_root=self.repo,
+            recovery_worktree_path=rec_wt,
+            branch_name="fix/issue-999-test",
+            remote_head=head_sha,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(res["success"], res.get("reasons"))
+        self.assertTrue(os.path.isdir(rec_wt))
+
+    def test_real_lock_rebind_recovery_sanctioned(self):
+        lock_dir = os.path.join(self.tmp, "locks")
+        rec_wt = os.path.join(self.branches, "recovery-issue-999-test")
+        os.makedirs(rec_wt, exist_ok=True)
+        record = {
+            "remote": "prgs",
+            "org": "Example-Org",
+            "repo": "Example-Repo",
+            "issue_number": 999,
+            "branch_name": "fix/issue-999-test",
+            "worktree_path": rec_wt,
+            "claimant": {"username": "author-user", "profile": "prgs-author"},
+        }
+        record_src = dict(record)
+        record_src["worktree_path"] = self.source
+        issue_lock_store.bind_session_lock(record_src, lock_dir=lock_dir)
+        path = issue_lock_store.bind_session_lock(
+            record,
+            lock_dir=lock_dir,
+            recovery_sanctioned=True,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(os.path.isfile(path))
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    unittest.main()

tests/test_issue_lock_store.py

@@ -24,6 +24,8 @@ def _lease(expires_at: str) -> dict:
 
 
 def _lock_record(**overrides) -> dict:
+    # #860: live locks require a usable session pid; PID-less records are never
+    # classified live merely because expiry/heartbeat fields are present.
     record = {
         "issue_number": 420,
         "branch_name": "feat/issue-420-server-code-parity",
@@ -31,6 +33,8 @@ def _lock_record(**overrides) -> dict:
         "org": "Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
         "repo": "Gitea-Tools",
         "worktree_path": "/tmp/wt-420",
+        "session_pid": os.getpid(),
+        "pid": os.getpid(),
         "work_lease": _lease("2999-01-01T00:00:00Z"),
     }
     record.update(overrides)
@@ -88,6 +92,8 @@ class TestIssueLockStore(unittest.TestCase):
         existing = _lock_record(
             branch_name="feat/issue-420-other",
             worktree_path="/tmp/other",
+            session_pid=os.getpid(),
+            pid=os.getpid(),
             work_lease=_lease("2999-01-01T00:00:00Z"),
         )
         path = ils.lock_file_path(

tests/test_merged_cleanup_reconcile.py

@@ -12,6 +12,59 @@ import merged_cleanup_reconcile as mcr  # noqa: E402
 
 
 class TestMergedCleanupAssessment(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_issue_851_plan_order_worktree_then_reassess_then_remote(self):
+        """#851 dry-run plan: remove worktree, reassess ownership, then remote."""
+        plan = mcr.plan_cleanup_execution_order(
+            remote_assessment={"safe_to_delete_remote": True},
+            local_assessment={"safe_to_remove_worktree": True},
+        )
+        actions = [s["action"] for s in plan]
+        self.assertEqual(
+            actions,
+            [
+                "remove_local_worktree",
+                "reassess_branch_ownership",
+                "delete_remote_branch",
+            ],
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(plan[0]["phase"], 1)
+        self.assertEqual(plan[-1]["phase"], 3)
+        self.assertIn("independently_safe", plan[0]["reason"])
+        self.assertIn("reassessment", plan[-1]["reason"])
+
+    def test_issue_851_plan_remote_only_when_worktree_not_safe(self):
+        plan = mcr.plan_cleanup_execution_order(
+            remote_assessment={"safe_to_delete_remote": True},
+            local_assessment={"safe_to_remove_worktree": False},
+        )
+        self.assertEqual([s["action"] for s in plan], ["delete_remote_branch"])
+        self.assertNotIn("reassess_branch_ownership", [s["action"] for s in plan])
+
+    def test_issue_851_plan_worktree_only_when_remote_not_safe(self):
+        plan = mcr.plan_cleanup_execution_order(
+            remote_assessment={"safe_to_delete_remote": False},
+            local_assessment={"safe_to_remove_worktree": True},
+        )
+        self.assertEqual([s["action"] for s in plan], ["remove_local_worktree"])
+
+    def test_issue_851_entry_includes_planned_execution_order(self):
+        entry = mcr.build_pr_cleanup_entry(
+            pr={
+                "number": 848,
+                "title": "Closes #844",
+                "body": "",
+                "merged_at": "2026-07-23T00:00:00Z",
+                "head": {"ref": "fix/issue-844-x", "sha": "a" * 40},
+            },
+            project_root="/tmp/not-a-real-root",
+            open_pr_heads=set(),
+            remote_branch_exists=True,
+            head_on_master=True,
+            delete_capability_allowed=True,
+        )
+        self.assertIn("planned_execution_order", entry)
+        self.assertIsInstance(entry["planned_execution_order"], list)
+
     def test_extract_linked_issue_from_closes(self):
         issue = mcr.extract_linked_issue(
             "feat: cleanup (Closes #269)",

tests/test_webui_shell.py

@@ -0,0 +1,135 @@
+"""Tests for the Phase 1 operator console application shell (#638)."""
+import sys
+import unittest
+from pathlib import Path
+
+sys.path.insert(0, str(Path(__file__).resolve().parent.parent))
+
+from starlette.routing import Route
+from starlette.testclient import TestClient
+
+from webui import layout
+from webui.app import create_app
+from webui.nav import NAV_GROUPS, STUB_PAGES, nav_hrefs
+
+
+class TestShellNav(unittest.TestCase):
+    def setUp(self):
+        self.client = TestClient(create_app())
+
+    def test_nav_group_labels_present(self):
+        text = self.client.get("/").text
+        for group in NAV_GROUPS:
+            with self.subTest(group=group.label):
+                self.assertIn(f">{group.label}<", text)
+
+    def test_phase1_group_labels_cover_expected_ia(self):
+        labels = {group.label for group in NAV_GROUPS}
+        for expected in (
+            "Health",
+            "Traffic",
+            "Runtime/Sessions",
+            "Projects",
+            "Inventory",
+            "Timeline",
+            "Policy",
+            "Insights",
+        ):
+            with self.subTest(label=expected):
+                self.assertIn(expected, labels)
+
+    def test_every_nav_href_resolves_to_a_get_route(self):
+        app = create_app()
+        get_paths = {
+            route.path
+            for route in app.routes
+            if isinstance(route, Route) and "GET" in route.methods
+        }
+        for href in nav_hrefs():
+            with self.subTest(href=href):
+                self.assertIn(href, get_paths, f"nav href {href} has no GET route")
+
+    def test_legacy_hrefs_still_navigable(self):
+        text = self.client.get("/").text
+        for href in ("/queue", "/projects", "/prompts", "/runtime",
+                     "/audit", "/worktrees", "/leases", "/actions"):
+            with self.subTest(href=href):
+                self.assertIn(f'href="{href}"', text)
+
+
+class TestShellBadges(unittest.TestCase):
+    def setUp(self):
+        self.client = TestClient(create_app())
+
+    def test_mode_badge_present(self):
+        self.assertIn("mode: read-only", self.client.get("/").text)
+
+    def test_environment_badge_present(self):
+        self.assertIn("env:", self.client.get("/").text)
+
+    def test_default_environment_is_local(self):
+        self.assertEqual(layout.environment_label(), "local")
+
+    def test_remote_bind_reports_remote_environment(self):
+        import os
+
+        prior = os.environ.get("WEBUI_HOST")
+        os.environ["WEBUI_HOST"] = "10.0.0.5"
+        try:
+            self.assertEqual(layout.environment_label(), "remote")
+        finally:
+            if prior is None:
+                os.environ.pop("WEBUI_HOST", None)
+            else:
+                os.environ["WEBUI_HOST"] = prior
+
+    def test_docs_link_present(self):
+        text = self.client.get("/").text
+        self.assertIn(layout.DOCS_URL, text)
+        self.assertIn(">Docs<", text)
+
+
+class TestShellStubs(unittest.TestCase):
+    def setUp(self):
+        self.client = TestClient(create_app())
+
+    def test_stub_routes_render_200(self):
+        for path, (title, _desc) in STUB_PAGES.items():
+            with self.subTest(path=path):
+                response = self.client.get(path)
+                self.assertEqual(response.status_code, 200, path)
+                self.assertIn(title, response.text)
+                self.assertIn("placeholder", response.text)
+
+    def test_stub_routes_are_read_only(self):
+        for path in STUB_PAGES:
+            with self.subTest(path=path):
+                response = self.client.post(path)
+                self.assertEqual(response.status_code, 405)
+                self.assertEqual(response.json()["error"], "read-only-mvp")
+
+    def test_stub_pages_carry_nav_and_badges(self):
+        response = self.client.get("/inventory")
+        self.assertIn("mode: read-only", response.text)
+        self.assertIn('href="/queue"', response.text)
+
+
+class TestShellHome(unittest.TestCase):
+    def setUp(self):
+        self.client = TestClient(create_app())
+
+    def test_home_summarizes_console(self):
+        text = self.client.get("/").text
+        self.assertIn("Operator console", text)
+        self.assertIn("Phase 1", text)
+
+    def test_home_links_legacy_pages(self):
+        text = self.client.get("/").text
+        self.assertIn("MVP legacy pages", text)
+        for href in ("/queue", "/audit", "/leases"):
+            with self.subTest(href=href):
+                self.assertIn(f'href="{href}"', text)
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    unittest.main()

webui/app.py

@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ from starlette.routing import Route
 
 from webui.deployment_boundary import deployment_snapshot
 from webui.layout import render_page
+from webui.nav import NAV_GROUPS, STUB_PAGES
 from webui.project_registry import (
     ProjectRegistry,
     RegistryError,
@@ -45,6 +46,7 @@ from webui.worktree_scanner import load_hygiene_snapshot, snapshot_to_dict as wo
 from webui.worktree_views import render_worktrees_page
 from webui.runtime_health import load_runtime_snapshot, snapshot_to_dict as runtime_snapshot_to_dict
 from webui.runtime_views import render_runtime_page
+from webui.timeline import load_timeline, snapshot_to_dict as timeline_snapshot_to_dict
 from webui.system_health import (
     API_PATH as SYSTEM_HEALTH_API_PATH,
     load_system_health,
@@ -65,24 +67,62 @@ def _stub_page(title: str, description: str) -> HTMLResponse:
     return HTMLResponse(render_page(title=title, body_html=body))
 
 
+_LEGACY_PAGES = (
+    ("/queue", "Queue", "live PR and issue dashboard (#429)"),
+    ("/projects", "Projects", "registry and onboarding (#427)"),
+    ("/prompts", "Prompts", "canonical workflow prompt library (#428)"),
+    ("/runtime", "Runtime", "MCP health and stale-runtime detection (#430)"),
+    ("/audit", "Audit", "final-report paste and validator preview (#431)"),
+    ("/worktrees", "Worktrees", "branch hygiene dashboard (#432)"),
+    ("/leases", "Leases", "collision and lease visibility (#433)"),
+    ("/actions", "Actions", "gated write-action framework (#434)"),
+)
+
+
+def _render_home_nav_groups() -> str:
+    groups = []
+    for group in NAV_GROUPS:
+        items = "".join(
+            f'<li><a href="{item.href}">{item.label}</a>'
+            + ("" if item.status == "live" else " <span class=\"muted\">(stub)</span>")
+            + "</li>"
+            for item in group.items
+        )
+        groups.append(f"<h3>{group.label}</h3><ul>{items}</ul>")
+    return "".join(groups)
+
+
 async def home(_request: Request) -> HTMLResponse:
+    legacy = "".join(
+        f"<li><strong>{label}</strong> — {desc} "
+        f'(<a href="{href}">{href}</a>)</li>'
+        for href, label, desc in _LEGACY_PAGES
+    )
     body = (
         "<h2>Operator console</h2>"
-        "<p>Local entry point for MCP Control Plane operational views.</p>"
-        "<ul>"
-        "<li><strong>Queue</strong> — live PR and issue dashboard (#429)</li>"
-        "<li><strong>Projects</strong> — registry and onboarding (#427)</li>"
-        "<li><strong>Prompts</strong> — canonical workflow prompt library (#428)</li>"
-        "<li><strong>Runtime</strong> — MCP health and stale-runtime detection (#430)</li>"
-        "<li><strong>Audit</strong> — final-report paste and validator preview (#431)</li>"
-        "<li><strong>Worktrees</strong> — branch hygiene dashboard (#432)</li>"
-        "<li><strong>Leases</strong> — collision and lease visibility (#433)</li>"
-        "<li><strong>Actions</strong> — gated write-action framework (#434)</li>"
-        "</ul>"
+        "<p>Read-only home for the MCP Control Plane Phase 1 operator console. "
+        "Gitea, MCP capability gates, and canonical workflows remain the source "
+        "of truth; this console never mutates them.</p>"
+        "<h2>Phase 1 surfaces</h2>"
+        + _render_home_nav_groups()
+        + "<h2>MVP legacy pages</h2>"
+        "<ul>" + legacy + "</ul>"
     )
     return HTMLResponse(render_page(title="Home", body_html=body))
 
 
+async def phase_stub(request: Request) -> HTMLResponse:
+    """Graceful read-only placeholder for a not-yet-implemented Phase 1 surface."""
+    title, description = STUB_PAGES[request.url.path]
+    body = (
+        f"<h2>{title}</h2>"
+        f'<div class="stub"><p>{description}</p>'
+        "<p>Phase 1 shell placeholder — no write actions. Tracked under "
+        "epic #631.</p></div>"
+    )
+    return HTMLResponse(render_page(title=title, body_html=body))
+
+
 async def health(_request: Request) -> JSONResponse:
     """Liveness only — deliberately cheap, runs no dependency probe (#634).
 
@@ -410,6 +450,104 @@ async def api_console_security_model(_request: Request) -> JSONResponse:
     })
 
 
+def _query_int(request: Request, key: str) -> int | None:
+    """Parse an optional integer query parameter; None when absent/invalid."""
+    raw = request.query_params.get(key)
+    if raw is None or not str(raw).strip():
+        return None
+    try:
+        return int(str(raw).strip())
+    except (TypeError, ValueError):
+        return None
+
+
+def _derive_remote(host: str) -> str:
+    """Map a Gitea host to its known short remote name (control-plane scope key)."""
+    text = (host or "").lower()
+    if "prgs" in text:
+        return "prgs"
+    if "dadeschools" in text:
+        return "dadeschools"
+    return text.split(".")[0] if text else ""
+
+
+def _timeline_comment_source(host: str, org: str, repo: str):
+    """Build a fail-soft CTH-comment fetcher for one repo, or None when offline.
+
+    Returns a callable ``(kind, number) -> list[comment]``. Credentials or
+    network failures raise inside the callable so ``load_timeline`` degrades the
+    handoff source rather than the whole timeline. Offline test mode yields no
+    live source so the handoff section reports ``not run``.
+    """
+    import os
+
+    from gitea_auth import api_fetch_page, get_auth_header, repo_api_url
+
+    offline = (os.environ.get("WEBUI_TEST_OFFLINE") or "").strip().lower() in {"1", "true", "yes"}
+    if offline:
+        return None
+    auth = get_auth_header(host)
+    if not auth:
+        return None
+
+    def _fetch(kind: str, number: int) -> list:
+        segment = "pulls" if kind == "pr" else "issues"
+        url = f"{repo_api_url(host, org, repo)}/{segment}/{int(number)}/comments"
+        comments: list = []
+        page = 1
+        while page <= 20:
+            raw, meta = api_fetch_page(url, auth, page=page, limit=50)
+            comments.extend(raw)
+            if bool(meta["is_final_page"]):
+                break
+            page += 1
+        return comments
+
+    return _fetch
+
+
+async def api_v1_timeline(request: Request) -> JSONResponse:
+    """Read-only workflow-event timeline (#637). Filter by issue/PR/session."""
+    from webui.queue_loader import _host_from_url  # host normalisation helper
+
+    registry, error = _load_project_registry()
+    if error is not None:
+        return JSONResponse(error.to_dict(), status_code=500)
+    project = registry.projects[0] if registry.projects else None
+
+    org = request.query_params.get("org") or (project.gitea_owner if project else "")
+    repo = request.query_params.get("repo") or (project.repo_name if project else "")
+    host = _host_from_url(project.remote_host) if project else ""
+    remote = request.query_params.get("remote") or _derive_remote(host)
+
+    if not (remote and org and repo):
+        return JSONResponse(
+            {
+                "error": "timeline_scope_unresolved",
+                "detail": "no project in registry and no remote/org/repo query params provided",
+            },
+            status_code=400,
+        )
+
+    comment_source = _timeline_comment_source(host, org, repo) if (host and org and repo) else None
+
+    snapshot = load_timeline(
+        remote=remote,
+        org=org,
+        repo=repo,
+        issue=_query_int(request, "issue"),
+        pr=_query_int(request, "pr"),
+        session=(request.query_params.get("session") or None),
+        limit=_query_int(request, "limit"),
+        offset=_query_int(request, "offset"),
+        comment_source=comment_source,
+    )
+    # A filter no surviving source can carry is refused, not answered empty:
+    # a 200 with zero events would tell the operator no such activity exists.
+    status_code = 200 if snapshot.ok else 422
+    return JSONResponse(timeline_snapshot_to_dict(snapshot), status_code=status_code)
+
+
 async def method_not_allowed(request: Request, _exc: Exception) -> Response:
     path = request.url.path
     if path in _AUDIT_MUTATION_PATHS and request.method == "POST":
@@ -449,6 +587,7 @@ def create_app(*, bind_host: str | None = None) -> Starlette:
             Route("/api/prompts", api_prompts, methods=["GET"]),
             Route("/runtime", runtime, methods=["GET"]),
             Route("/api/runtime", api_runtime, methods=["GET"]),
+            Route("/api/v1/timeline", api_v1_timeline, methods=["GET"]),
             Route("/audit", audit, methods=["GET", "POST"]),
             Route("/api/audit", api_audit, methods=["GET", "POST"]),
             Route("/worktrees", worktrees, methods=["GET"]),
@@ -472,6 +611,10 @@ def create_app(*, bind_host: str | None = None) -> Starlette:
                 api_console_security_model,
                 methods=["GET"],
             ),
+            *[
+                Route(path, phase_stub, methods=["GET"])
+                for path in STUB_PAGES
+            ],
         ],
         exception_handlers={405: method_not_allowed},
     )

webui/layout.py

@@ -2,28 +2,66 @@
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
-NAV_ITEMS = (
-    ("/", "Home"),
-    ("/queue", "Queue"),
-    ("/projects", "Projects"),
-    ("/prompts", "Prompts"),
-    ("/runtime", "Runtime"),
-    ("/audit", "Audit"),
-    ("/worktrees", "Worktrees"),
-    ("/leases", "Leases"),
-    ("/actions", "Actions"),
-)
+import os
+
+from webui.nav import NAV_GROUPS
 
 MVP_NOTICE = (
     "Read-only MVP — Gitea, MCP tools, and canonical workflows remain the "
     "source of truth. No mutation endpoints."
 )
 
+# Canonical docs entry point surfaced from the shell header (#638).
+DOCS_URL = (
+    "https://gitea.prgs.cc/Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools/src/branch/"
+    "master/docs/webui-local-dev.md"
+)
+
+_LOCAL_HOSTS = frozenset({"", "127.0.0.1", "localhost", "::1"})
+
+
+def environment_label() -> str:
+    """Classify the serving environment as ``local`` or ``remote`` (#638).
+
+    Derived from the same ``WEBUI_HOST`` default the app binds to; loopback
+    hosts are ``local``, anything else is ``remote``. Read-only signal only.
+    """
+    host = (os.environ.get("WEBUI_HOST", "127.0.0.1") or "").strip().lower()
+    return "local" if host in _LOCAL_HOSTS else "remote"
+
+
+def _render_nav() -> str:
+    groups_html = []
+    for group in NAV_GROUPS:
+        links = "".join(
+            f'<a href="{item.href}"'
+            + (' class="nav-stub"' if item.status == "stub" else "")
+            + f'>{item.label}</a>'
+            for item in group.items
+        )
+        groups_html.append(
+            '<div class="nav-group">'
+            f'<span class="nav-group-label">{group.label}</span>'
+            f'<span class="nav-group-links">{links}</span>'
+            "</div>"
+        )
+    return "".join(groups_html)
+
+
+def _render_badges() -> str:
+    env = environment_label()
+    return (
+        '<div class="header-badges">'
+        f'<span class="badge env-badge env-{env}">env: {env}</span>'
+        '<span class="badge mode-badge">mode: read-only</span>'
+        f'<a class="badge docs-link" href="{DOCS_URL}">Docs</a>'
+        "</div>"
+    )
+
 
 def render_page(*, title: str, body_html: str, extra_head: str = "") -> str:
-    nav_links = "".join(
-        f'<a href="{href}">{label}</a>' for href, label in NAV_ITEMS
-    )
+    nav_links = _render_nav()
+    header_badges = _render_badges()
     return f"""<!DOCTYPE html>
 <html lang="en">
 <head>
@@ -53,21 +91,58 @@ def render_page(*, title: str, body_html: str, extra_head: str = "") -> str:
       padding: 0.75rem 1.25rem;
     }}
     header h1 {{
-      margin: 0 0 0.5rem;
+      margin: 0;
       font-size: 1.1rem;
       font-weight: 600;
     }}
+    .header-top {{
+      display: flex;
+      flex-wrap: wrap;
+      align-items: center;
+      justify-content: space-between;
+      gap: 0.5rem 1rem;
+      margin-bottom: 0.6rem;
+    }}
+    .header-badges {{ display: inline-flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 0.4rem; }}
+    .env-badge.env-local {{ color: #8fd19e; border-color: #3d6b4a; }}
+    .env-badge.env-remote {{ color: #e0c27a; border-color: #6b5730; }}
+    .mode-badge {{ color: #9ec8f0; border-color: #3d5f7a; }}
+    a.docs-link {{
+      color: var(--accent);
+      border-color: var(--accent);
+      text-decoration: none;
+      text-transform: none;
+    }}
+    a.docs-link:hover {{ filter: brightness(1.12); }}
     nav {{
       display: flex;
       flex-wrap: wrap;
-      gap: 0.75rem 1rem;
+      gap: 0.5rem 1.25rem;
     }}
+    .nav-group {{
+      display: flex;
+      flex-direction: column;
+      gap: 0.15rem;
+    }}
+    .nav-group-label {{
+      font-size: 0.68rem;
+      text-transform: uppercase;
+      letter-spacing: 0.04em;
+      color: var(--muted);
+    }}
+    .nav-group-links {{ display: inline-flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 0.6rem; }}
     nav a {{
       color: var(--accent);
       text-decoration: none;
       font-size: 0.9rem;
     }}
     nav a:hover {{ text-decoration: underline; }}
+    nav a.nav-stub {{ color: var(--muted); }}
+    nav a.nav-stub::after {{
+      content: " ·stub";
+      font-size: 0.7rem;
+      color: var(--muted);
+    }}
     main {{
       max-width: 52rem;
       margin: 0 auto;
@@ -166,7 +241,10 @@ def render_page(*, title: str, body_html: str, extra_head: str = "") -> str:
 </head>
 <body>
   <header>
-    <h1>MCP Control Plane</h1>
+    <div class="header-top">
+      <h1>MCP Control Plane</h1>
+      {header_badges}
+    </div>
     <nav>{nav_links}</nav>
   </header>
   <main>

webui/nav.py

@@ -0,0 +1,111 @@
+"""Navigation IA for the Phase 1 operator console shell (#638).
+
+Single source of truth for the console navigation so ``webui/layout.py`` and
+the ``webui/app.py`` route table stay aligned with epic #631. Read-only: every
+destination is a GET view or a Phase 1 placeholder. No mutation links.
+
+Nav groups follow the #631 Phase 1 information architecture: Health, Traffic,
+Runtime/Sessions, Projects, Inventory, Timeline, Policy (placeholder), and
+Insights (placeholder). Later-phase surfaces are declared as ``stub`` items and
+backed by ``STUB_PAGES`` so their nav links resolve to a graceful placeholder
+instead of a 404.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from dataclasses import dataclass
+
+
+@dataclass(frozen=True)
+class NavItem:
+    """A single navigation destination.
+
+    ``status`` is ``"live"`` for implemented views and ``"stub"`` for Phase 1
+    placeholders whose backing view lands in a later child issue.
+    """
+
+    href: str
+    label: str
+    status: str = "live"
+
+
+@dataclass(frozen=True)
+class NavGroup:
+    label: str
+    items: tuple[NavItem, ...]
+
+
+NAV_GROUPS: tuple[NavGroup, ...] = (
+    NavGroup("Health", (
+        NavItem("/health", "Liveness"),
+    )),
+    NavGroup("Traffic", (
+        NavItem("/queue", "Queue"),
+        NavItem("/leases", "Leases"),
+        NavItem("/actions", "Actions"),
+    )),
+    NavGroup("Runtime/Sessions", (
+        NavItem("/runtime", "Runtime health"),
+        NavItem("/sessions", "Sessions", "stub"),
+    )),
+    NavGroup("Projects", (
+        NavItem("/projects", "Projects"),
+    )),
+    NavGroup("Inventory", (
+        NavItem("/inventory", "Inventory", "stub"),
+        NavItem("/worktrees", "Worktrees"),
+    )),
+    NavGroup("Timeline", (
+        NavItem("/timeline", "Timeline", "stub"),
+    )),
+    NavGroup("Policy", (
+        NavItem("/policy", "Policy", "stub"),
+        NavItem("/prompts", "Prompts"),
+    )),
+    NavGroup("Insights", (
+        NavItem("/insights", "Insights", "stub"),
+        NavItem("/audit", "Audit"),
+    )),
+)
+
+
+# Phase 1 placeholder destinations whose backing views land in later child
+# issues of epic #631. Each maps a path to (title, description). Routes are
+# registered so nav links resolve to a graceful, read-only stub page.
+STUB_PAGES: dict[str, tuple[str, str]] = {
+    "/sessions": (
+        "Sessions",
+        "Active session, capability, and role inventory. Backed by the unified "
+        "inventory API (#636) once it lands.",
+    ),
+    "/inventory": (
+        "Inventory",
+        "Unified sessions, leases, locks, namespaces, and worktree inventory. "
+        "Backed by the Phase 1 inventory API (#636).",
+    ),
+    "/timeline": (
+        "Timeline",
+        "Workflow event timeline across issues and PRs. A later Phase 1 surface.",
+    ),
+    "/policy": (
+        "Policy",
+        "Capability and role policy surface. Placeholder until a later phase.",
+    ),
+    "/insights": (
+        "Insights",
+        "Aggregate operational insights and trends. Placeholder until a later "
+        "phase.",
+    ),
+}
+
+
+def iter_nav_items():
+    """Yield every ``NavItem`` across all groups in declared order."""
+    for group in NAV_GROUPS:
+        for item in group.items:
+            yield item
+
+
+def nav_hrefs() -> tuple[str, ...]:
+    """Return every navigation href in declared order."""
+    return tuple(item.href for item in iter_nav_items())

webui/timeline.py

@@ -0,0 +1,906 @@
+"""Workflow-event and conversation timeline model (#637, Phase 1).
+
+Operators cannot browse a unified timeline of workflow events, decisions,
+tool calls, and handoffs: the evidence is scattered across control-plane
+events, Gitea canonical handoff comments, and local logs. This module defines
+one durable, versioned event schema and per-source adapters that normalise
+those scattered records into a single ``WorkflowEvent`` stream, plus a
+read-only query layer (filter by issue / PR / session, stable ordering,
+pagination) that the ``/api/v1/timeline`` route serves.
+
+Design rules honoured here:
+
+- **Read-only.** Sources are read; nothing is mutated. The control-plane
+  database is opened through a ``mode=ro`` URI so a missing or unwritable DB
+  degrades to a reason instead of creating directories or running migrations.
+- **Fail-soft per source.** An unavailable source degrades to a status with a
+  reason rather than raising, and a source that could not run is never
+  rendered as an empty-and-healthy timeline.
+- **Answerable filters only.** Each source declares which filter dimensions it
+  can actually answer. A filter dimension no source that ran can carry is
+  refused with an explicit reason rather than silently matching nothing: an
+  empty page from an unanswerable filter reads to an operator as "no such
+  activity", which is a different — and false — statement.
+- **Redaction at the boundary, fail closed.** Every free-text field (event
+  messages, redacted tool arguments, decision/proof text) is run through the
+  console redaction policy before it leaves this module, and *before* any
+  structured value is derived from it — evidence references are extracted from
+  redacted text, then independently revalidated before serialization. An
+  unredactable value becomes the placeholder, and a value that cannot be proven
+  safe is dropped — an unredacted payload is never emitted, and a generation
+  error never drops raw data to a caller or a log.
+- **Stable ordering.** Events sort by ``(timestamp, source_rank, event_key)``
+  with a deterministic tiebreak, so pagination is stable across calls and
+  events with equal or missing timestamps keep a fixed order.
+
+Non-goals (from the issue): no full chat replay, no mutation of historical
+events, no unredacted tool-argument storage.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import re
+import sqlite3
+from dataclasses import dataclass, replace
+from datetime import datetime, timezone
+from typing import Any, Callable, Iterable
+
+import control_plane_db
+from webui import console_redaction
+
+# The schema is versioned so consumers can branch on shape. Bump on any
+# breaking change to WorkflowEvent's serialized form.
+TIMELINE_SCHEMA_VERSION = 1
+
+# Known event sources and their deterministic ordering rank. When two events
+# carry the same timestamp, the source rank breaks the tie before the
+# per-source event key, so a control-plane event and a handoff comment minted
+# in the same second always sort in a fixed order.
+SOURCE_CONTROL_PLANE = "control_plane"
+SOURCE_GITEA_HANDOFF = "gitea_handoff"
+_SOURCE_RANK = {
+    SOURCE_CONTROL_PLANE: 0,
+    SOURCE_GITEA_HANDOFF: 1,
+}
+
+# The filter dimensions the query layer accepts.
+FILTER_ISSUE = "issue"
+FILTER_PR = "pr"
+FILTER_SESSION = "session"
+
+# Which dimensions each source can actually answer. This is a property of the
+# underlying records, not of the query code: the control-plane ``events`` table
+# is (event_id, work_item_id, event_type, message, created_at) and carries no
+# session identity at all, so no control-plane event can ever match a session
+# filter. A CTH handoff comment can declare its session as a field, so the
+# handoff source answers all three. Filtering on a dimension the surviving
+# sources cannot carry is refused in ``load_timeline`` rather than answered
+# with an empty page.
+_SOURCE_FILTER_SUPPORT: dict[str, tuple[str, ...]] = {
+    SOURCE_CONTROL_PLANE: (FILTER_ISSUE, FILTER_PR),
+    SOURCE_GITEA_HANDOFF: (FILTER_ISSUE, FILTER_PR, FILTER_SESSION),
+}
+
+# Why a source cannot answer a dimension, for the refusal reason an operator reads.
+_SOURCE_FILTER_LIMITS: dict[tuple[str, str], str] = {
+    (SOURCE_CONTROL_PLANE, FILTER_SESSION): (
+        "control-plane events carry no session identity "
+        "(the events table has no session column)"
+    ),
+}
+
+# A timestamp far in the future so events with no parseable timestamp sort
+# last (after everything real) instead of first, without raising.
+_MISSING_TS_SORT = "9999-12-31T23:59:59Z"
+
+
+def _parse_ts(value: str | None) -> str | None:
+    """Normalise a timestamp to ``...Z`` UTC, or None when unparseable."""
+    if not value:
+        return None
+    text = str(value).strip()
+    if not text:
+        return None
+    candidate = text[:-1] + "+00:00" if text.endswith("Z") else text
+    try:
+        parsed = datetime.fromisoformat(candidate)
+    except ValueError:
+        return None
+    if parsed.tzinfo is None:
+        parsed = parsed.replace(tzinfo=timezone.utc)
+    return parsed.astimezone(timezone.utc).replace(microsecond=0).isoformat().replace("+00:00", "Z")
+
+
+def _redact(value: Any) -> Any:
+    """Redact a single free-text field, failing closed to the placeholder."""
+    if value is None:
+        return None
+    return console_redaction.redact_text(str(value))
+
+
+@dataclass(frozen=True)
+class WorkflowEvent:
+    """One normalised timeline event.
+
+    Every field is optional except ``source``/``event_type``/``event_key``
+    because sources carry different subsets. The class is frozen so an adapted
+    event is an immutable record; a consumer that needs a variant builds a new
+    one rather than mutating history.
+    """
+
+    source: str
+    event_type: str
+    event_key: str
+    timestamp: str | None = None
+    actor: str | None = None
+    role: str | None = None
+    issue_number: int | None = None
+    pr_number: int | None = None
+    session_id: str | None = None
+    tool_name: str | None = None
+    decision: str | None = None
+    message: str | None = None
+    correlation_id: str | None = None
+    evidence_refs: tuple[str, ...] = ()
+    sensitive: bool = False
+
+    def sort_key(self) -> tuple[str, int, str]:
+        return (
+            self.timestamp or _MISSING_TS_SORT,
+            _SOURCE_RANK.get(self.source, 99),
+            self.event_key,
+        )
+
+    def to_dict(self) -> dict[str, Any]:
+        return {
+            "source": self.source,
+            "event_type": self.event_type,
+            "event_key": self.event_key,
+            "timestamp": self.timestamp,
+            "actor": self.actor,
+            "role": self.role,
+            "issue_number": self.issue_number,
+            "pr_number": self.pr_number,
+            "session_id": self.session_id,
+            "tool_name": self.tool_name,
+            "decision": self.decision,
+            "message": self.message,
+            "correlation_id": self.correlation_id,
+            "evidence_refs": list(self.evidence_refs),
+            "sensitive": self.sensitive,
+        }
+
+
+# --------------------------------------------------------------------------- #
+# Adapters — pure functions from a source's raw records to WorkflowEvents.     #
+# Each is total: a malformed record is skipped, never raised on.               #
+# --------------------------------------------------------------------------- #
+
+# Event types whose payload is treated as sensitive and always redaction-hard
+# (they can carry lease/session provenance or tool arguments).
+_SENSITIVE_EVENT_HINTS = ("lease", "capability", "token", "auth", "secret")
+
+# Reference tokens (issue/PR/comment ids) and SHAs parsed out of proof text.
+_EVIDENCE_REF_RE = re.compile(r"(?:#|PR\s*#?|issue\s*#?|comment\s*#?)(\d+)", re.IGNORECASE)
+
+# A commit reference is only recognised when the text *declares* it as one.
+# A bare lowercase hex run is not evidence of anything: at 40 characters it is
+# exactly the shape of a Gitea personal access token, and at 7 it also matches
+# ordinary words such as "defaced". Requiring an anchoring keyword keeps real
+# references ("commit abc1234", "at head a209756...", "base caaae9b6") usable
+# while refusing to lift an undeclared secret-shaped run out of free text.
+_SHA_RE = re.compile(
+    r"(?i:\b(?:commit|sha|head|base|parent|revision|rev|merge[- ]base)\b[\s:=@#]*)"
+    r"([0-9a-f]{7,40})\b"
+)
+
+# Shapes a serialized evidence reference is allowed to take. Anything else is
+# dropped rather than emitted.
+_REF_ISSUE_SHAPE = re.compile(r"^#[0-9]{1,9}$")
+_REF_SHA_SHAPE = re.compile(r"^[0-9a-f]{7,40}$")
+
+# A long undelimited hex run with no declaring context is treated as credential
+# material wherever it appears, never as an identifier.
+_BARE_SECRET_SHAPE = re.compile(r"^[0-9a-f]{32,}$")
+
+# An event type reads like an identifier, but a stored one is externally
+# influenced: any producer that writes the control-plane ``events`` table
+# chooses the string. It reaches ``to_dict`` verbatim, so it is validated here
+# rather than trusted because of where it came from.
+_CP_EVENT_TYPE_SHAPE = re.compile(r"^[A-Za-z][A-Za-z0-9._:+-]{0,63}$")
+
+# Emitted in place of a value that cannot be proven safe. Deliberately not a
+# plausible workflow type: an unsafe value is refused, never quietly rewritten
+# into a different valid-looking one that would misdescribe the record.
+UNSAFE_EVENT_TYPE = "unsafe:redacted"
+
+# Emitted for a CTH heading that is not a declared member of ``CTH_TYPES``. The
+# contract is enforced on write (``format_cth_body``) and on assess; the read
+# path the timeline uses enforces it too rather than assuming it was.
+UNKNOWN_HANDOFF_EVENT_TYPE = "handoff:unrecognized"
+
+# A source record id is a plain integer in both sources it comes from: the
+# control-plane ``events`` primary key and a Gitea comment id. ``event_key`` is
+# serialized verbatim and is the pagination tiebreak, so anything else is
+# refused rather than interpolated into it.
+_RECORD_ID_SHAPE = re.compile(r"^[0-9]{1,19}$")
+
+
+def _kind_to_numbers(kind: str | None, number: int | None) -> tuple[int | None, int | None]:
+    """Map a control-plane work-item (kind, number) to (issue_no, pr_no)."""
+    if number is None:
+        return (None, None)
+    if kind == "pr":
+        return (None, int(number))
+    if kind == "issue":
+        return (int(number), None)
+    return (None, None)
+
+
+def _correlation_for(kind: str | None, number: int | None) -> str | None:
+    if number is None or kind not in ("issue", "pr"):
+        return None
+    return f"{kind}#{number}"
+
+
+def _extract_evidence_refs(*texts: str | None) -> tuple[str, ...]:
+    """Extract issue/PR and declared-commit references from **redacted** text.
+
+    Callers must pass text that has already been through :func:`_redact`; this
+    function derives a structured field from its input, so extracting ahead of
+    redaction would republish whatever redaction was about to remove. Every
+    reference is revalidated by :func:`_validated_evidence_refs` before it is
+    serialized.
+    """
+    refs: list[str] = []
+    for text in texts:
+        if not text:
+            continue
+        for match in _EVIDENCE_REF_RE.finditer(text):
+            token = f"#{match.group(1)}"
+            if token not in refs:
+                refs.append(token)
+        for match in _SHA_RE.finditer(text):
+            token = match.group(1)
+            if token not in refs:
+                refs.append(token)
+    return tuple(refs)
+
+
+def _validated_evidence_refs(refs: Iterable[str]) -> tuple[tuple[str, ...], bool]:
+    """Independently revalidate references immediately before serialization.
+
+    Extraction is not trusted on its own. A reference survives only when it has
+    a known reference shape and is unchanged by a second redaction pass — a
+    value the redaction policy would alter is credential material that must not
+    be emitted as a structured field. A full 40-character SHA stays usable
+    because extraction only accepts a hex run the source text explicitly
+    declared as a commit. Returns ``(safe_refs, dropped_any)``; ``dropped_any``
+    marks the event sensitive so the drop is visible rather than silent.
+    """
+    safe: list[str] = []
+    dropped = False
+    for ref in refs or ():
+        try:
+            token = str(ref).strip()
+            if not token:
+                continue
+            recognised = bool(_REF_ISSUE_SHAPE.match(token) or _REF_SHA_SHAPE.match(token))
+            if not recognised:
+                dropped = True
+                continue
+            if _redact(token) != token:
+                dropped = True
+                continue
+            if token not in safe:
+                safe.append(token)
+        except Exception:
+            # Fail closed: a reference that cannot be proven safe is dropped.
+            dropped = True
+            continue
+    return (tuple(safe), dropped)
+
+
+def _safe_session_id(value: Any) -> str | None:
+    """Return a session identifier only when it is safe to emit.
+
+    The value is authoritative source data — a session the record names for
+    itself — but it is still free text. It is dropped when redaction alters it
+    or when it is a bare secret-shaped hex run, so a credential parked in a
+    session field can never reach the payload or be echoed back by a filter.
+    """
+    if value is None:
+        return None
+    text = str(value).strip()
+    if not text:
+        return None
+    if _BARE_SECRET_SHAPE.match(text):
+        return None
+    return text if _redact(text) == text else None
+
+
+def _safe_record_id(value: Any) -> str | None:
+    """Return a source record id only when it is a plain numeric identifier.
+
+    ``event_key`` is serialized verbatim and is the deterministic pagination
+    tiebreak, so an id is interpolated into it only when it has the shape both
+    real sources actually produce. A record whose identity cannot be trusted is
+    refused by the caller rather than keyed on.
+    """
+    if value is None or isinstance(value, bool):
+        return None
+    if isinstance(value, int):
+        return str(value)
+    text = str(value).strip()
+    return text if _RECORD_ID_SHAPE.match(text) else None
+
+
+def _safe_cp_event_type(value: Any) -> tuple[str, bool]:
+    """Validate a stored control-plane event type. Returns ``(type, unsafe)``.
+
+    The stored value is externally influenced — whichever producer wrote the
+    ``events`` row chose the string — and ``to_dict`` serializes it verbatim, so
+    it passes a boundary of its own instead of relying on the one ``message``
+    passes. A value survives only when it is an ordinary identifier, is not a
+    bare secret-shaped hex run, and is unchanged by a redaction pass. Anything
+    else fails closed to :data:`UNSAFE_EVENT_TYPE`: the record stays visible as
+    an audit entry, but the value itself is never republished — not verbatim,
+    not partially sanitized, and not rewritten into some other valid-looking
+    type that would misdescribe what happened.
+    """
+    text = ("" if value is None else str(value)).strip()
+    if not text:
+        return ("", False)
+    if _BARE_SECRET_SHAPE.match(text):
+        return (UNSAFE_EVENT_TYPE, True)
+    if not _CP_EVENT_TYPE_SHAPE.match(text):
+        return (UNSAFE_EVENT_TYPE, True)
+    if _redact(text) != text:
+        return (UNSAFE_EVENT_TYPE, True)
+    return (text, False)
+
+
+def _safe_echo(value: Any) -> Any:
+    """Guard a scalar that is echoed back rather than derived from a record.
+
+    Query scope and filter values are caller-supplied and are reflected in the
+    response so an operator can see what was asked. Reflection is still
+    emission: a value redaction would alter, or a bare secret-shaped hex run, is
+    replaced by the placeholder instead of being echoed verbatim. Ordinary
+    scope and filter values pass through untouched.
+    """
+    if value is None or isinstance(value, (int, bool)):
+        return value
+    text = str(value)
+    if _BARE_SECRET_SHAPE.match(text.strip()):
+        return console_redaction.REDACTED
+    return _redact(text)
+
+
+def adapt_cp_events(rows: Iterable[dict[str, Any]]) -> list[WorkflowEvent]:
+    """Adapt control-plane ``events`` rows (joined to work_items) into events.
+
+    Each row is expected to carry ``event_id``, ``event_type``, ``message``,
+    ``created_at`` and the joined work-item ``kind``/``number``. Rows missing
+    an id or type are skipped so a partially written table never raises.
+    """
+    events: list[WorkflowEvent] = []
+    for row in rows or []:
+        try:
+            event_id = _safe_record_id(row.get("event_id"))
+            raw_event_type = (row.get("event_type") or "").strip()
+            if event_id is None or not raw_event_type:
+                continue
+            # The stored type is source data, not a trusted constant: validate
+            # it before it is serialized, exactly as `message` below is redacted
+            # before it is serialized.
+            event_type, event_type_unsafe = _safe_cp_event_type(raw_event_type)
+            kind = row.get("kind")
+            number = row.get("number")
+            issue_no, pr_no = _kind_to_numbers(kind, number)
+            sensitive = event_type_unsafe or any(
+                hint in raw_event_type.lower() for hint in _SENSITIVE_EVENT_HINTS
+            )
+            events.append(
+                WorkflowEvent(
+                    source=SOURCE_CONTROL_PLANE,
+                    event_type=event_type,
+                    event_key=f"cp:{event_id}",
+                    timestamp=_parse_ts(row.get("created_at")),
+                    issue_number=issue_no,
+                    pr_number=pr_no,
+                    # No session_id: the control-plane events table is
+                    # (event_id, work_item_id, event_type, message, created_at)
+                    # and records no session. Inventing one from the work item
+                    # or the message text would be a guess, so this source
+                    # declares the session dimension unsupported instead
+                    # (_SOURCE_FILTER_SUPPORT) and the query layer refuses a
+                    # session filter it cannot honestly answer.
+                    message=_redact(row.get("message")),
+                    correlation_id=_correlation_for(kind, number),
+                    sensitive=sensitive,
+                )
+            )
+        except Exception:
+            # A single malformed row must not sink the whole adaptation.
+            continue
+    return events
+
+
+def adapt_cth_comments(
+    comments: Iterable[dict[str, Any]],
+    *,
+    kind: str,
+    number: int,
+) -> list[WorkflowEvent]:
+    """Adapt Gitea Canonical Thread Handoff (CTH) comments into events.
+
+    Only comments that parse as a CTH (``canonical_thread_handoff.parse_cth_comment``)
+    become events; ordinary comments are ignored. ``kind``/``number`` scope the
+    events to the issue or PR the comments belong to.
+    """
+    # Imported lazily so this module has no import-time dependency on the
+    # handoff parser when only the control-plane adapter is used.
+    from canonical_thread_handoff import is_known_cth_type, parse_cth_comment
+
+    # ``kind``/``number`` are interpolated into event_key and correlation_id, so
+    # they are normalised once here. A scope this adapter cannot express is
+    # refused outright rather than serialized into an identifier.
+    kind = (kind or "").strip().lower()
+    if kind not in ("issue", "pr"):
+        return []
+    try:
+        number = int(number)
+    except (TypeError, ValueError):
+        return []
+
+    issue_no, pr_no = _kind_to_numbers(kind, number)
+    correlation = _correlation_for(kind, number)
+    events: list[WorkflowEvent] = []
+    for comment in comments or []:
+        try:
+            body = comment.get("body") or ""
+            parsed = parse_cth_comment(body)
+            if not parsed:
+                continue
+            fields = parsed.get("fields") or {}
+            cth_type = parsed.get("cth_type") or ""
+            comment_id = _safe_record_id(comment.get("id"))
+            if comment_id is None:
+                continue
+            # The CTH heading is free text: the parser accepts whatever follows
+            # "## CTH:", and only the write and assess paths check it against
+            # the contract. Check it here too — an unrecognised heading is
+            # reported as such rather than serialized into event_type, so
+            # arbitrary, malformed, or secret-shaped heading content has no way
+            # through. Declared types are preserved exactly.
+            cth_type_known = is_known_cth_type(cth_type)
+            # Redaction runs first, and every derived value is taken from the
+            # redacted text — deriving evidence refs from the raw proof would
+            # re-emit exactly what redaction was about to remove.
+            decision = _redact(fields.get("decision"))
+            proof = _redact(fields.get("proof"))
+            next_action = _redact(fields.get("next action"))
+            refs, refs_dropped = _validated_evidence_refs(
+                _extract_evidence_refs(proof, decision)
+            )
+            events.append(
+                WorkflowEvent(
+                    source=SOURCE_GITEA_HANDOFF,
+                    event_type=(
+                        f"handoff:{cth_type.strip()}"
+                        if cth_type_known
+                        else UNKNOWN_HANDOFF_EVENT_TYPE
+                    ),
+                    event_key=f"cth:{kind}:{number}:{comment_id}",
+                    timestamp=_parse_ts(comment.get("created_at")),
+                    actor=_redact((comment.get("user") or {}).get("login")),
+                    role=_redact(fields.get("next owner")),
+                    issue_number=issue_no,
+                    pr_number=pr_no,
+                    # A CTH names its own session when the producer records one;
+                    # it is read from that declared field, never inferred from
+                    # unrelated text.
+                    session_id=_safe_session_id(fields.get("session")),
+                    decision=decision,
+                    message=next_action or _redact(fields.get("status")),
+                    correlation_id=correlation,
+                    evidence_refs=refs,
+                    sensitive=refs_dropped or not cth_type_known,
+                )
+            )
+        except Exception:
+            continue
+    return events
+
+
+# --------------------------------------------------------------------------- #
+# Read-only control-plane event source.                                       #
+# --------------------------------------------------------------------------- #
+
+_CP_EVENTS_QUERY = """
+SELECT e.event_id   AS event_id,
+       e.event_type AS event_type,
+       e.message    AS message,
+       e.created_at AS created_at,
+       w.kind       AS kind,
+       w.number     AS number
+FROM events e
+JOIN work_items w ON e.work_item_id = w.work_item_id
+WHERE w.remote = ? AND w.org = ? AND w.repo = ?
+"""
+
+
+@dataclass(frozen=True)
+class SourceStatus:
+    """Fail-soft status for one timeline source.
+
+    ``supported_filters`` states which filter dimensions this source's records
+    can carry; ``unsupported_filters`` names the requested dimensions it cannot,
+    so an operator can see *why* a source contributed nothing rather than being
+    left to read an empty list as an absence of activity.
+    """
+
+    name: str
+    ok: bool
+    reason: str | None = None
+    count: int = 0
+    supported_filters: tuple[str, ...] = ()
+    unsupported_filters: tuple[str, ...] = ()
+
+    def to_dict(self) -> dict[str, Any]:
+        return {
+            "name": self.name,
+            "ok": self.ok,
+            "reason": self.reason,
+            "count": self.count,
+            "supported_filters": list(self.supported_filters),
+            "unsupported_filters": list(self.unsupported_filters),
+        }
+
+
+def _cp_status(*, ok: bool, reason: str | None = None, count: int = 0) -> SourceStatus:
+    return SourceStatus(
+        SOURCE_CONTROL_PLANE,
+        ok=ok,
+        # A failure reason is serialized like any other field and is often an
+        # exception string carrying a path or a transport error, so it crosses
+        # the redaction boundary too. Static reasons pass through unchanged.
+        reason=_redact(reason),
+        count=count,
+        supported_filters=_SOURCE_FILTER_SUPPORT[SOURCE_CONTROL_PLANE],
+    )
+
+
+def _handoff_status(*, ok: bool, reason: str | None = None, count: int = 0) -> SourceStatus:
+    return SourceStatus(
+        SOURCE_GITEA_HANDOFF,
+        ok=ok,
+        # Same boundary as the control-plane status: this reason can quote an
+        # error raised by a live authenticated fetch.
+        reason=_redact(reason),
+        count=count,
+        supported_filters=_SOURCE_FILTER_SUPPORT[SOURCE_GITEA_HANDOFF],
+    )
+
+
+def read_cp_events(
+    *,
+    remote: str,
+    org: str,
+    repo: str,
+    db_path: str | None = None,
+) -> tuple[list[WorkflowEvent], SourceStatus]:
+    """Read scoped control-plane events read-only. Never creates the DB.
+
+    Opens the SQLite file through a ``mode=ro`` URI: a health/timeline read
+    must never create directories or run the schema migration that
+    ``ControlPlaneDB()`` performs on construction. A missing or unreadable DB
+    degrades to a status with a reason.
+    """
+    path = (db_path or control_plane_db.default_db_path()).strip()
+    conn: sqlite3.Connection | None = None
+    try:
+        conn = sqlite3.connect(f"file:{path}?mode=ro", uri=True)
+        conn.row_factory = sqlite3.Row
+        cursor = conn.execute(_CP_EVENTS_QUERY, (remote, org, repo))
+        rows = [dict(r) for r in cursor.fetchall()]
+    except sqlite3.OperationalError as exc:
+        return ([], _cp_status(ok=False, reason=f"control-plane DB unavailable: {exc}"))
+    except sqlite3.Error as exc:
+        return ([], _cp_status(ok=False, reason=f"control-plane read failed: {exc}"))
+    finally:
+        if conn is not None:
+            conn.close()
+    events = adapt_cp_events(rows)
+    return (events, _cp_status(ok=True, count=len(events)))
+
+
+# --------------------------------------------------------------------------- #
+# Filter, sort, paginate.                                                     #
+# --------------------------------------------------------------------------- #
+
+
+def filter_events(
+    events: Iterable[WorkflowEvent],
+    *,
+    issue: int | None = None,
+    pr: int | None = None,
+    session: str | None = None,
+) -> list[WorkflowEvent]:
+    """Filter events by issue number, PR number, and/or session id.
+
+    Filters are conjunctive. A filter that names a dimension an event does not
+    carry excludes that event (an issue filter excludes PR-only events).
+    """
+    out: list[WorkflowEvent] = []
+    for ev in events:
+        if issue is not None and ev.issue_number != issue:
+            continue
+        if pr is not None and ev.pr_number != pr:
+            continue
+        if session is not None and ev.session_id != session:
+            continue
+        out.append(ev)
+    return out
+
+
+def sort_events(events: Iterable[WorkflowEvent]) -> list[WorkflowEvent]:
+    """Return events in stable timeline order (ascending)."""
+    return sorted(events, key=lambda ev: ev.sort_key())
+
+
+@dataclass(frozen=True)
+class TimelinePage:
+    """One page of the sorted, filtered timeline."""
+
+    events: tuple[WorkflowEvent, ...]
+    total: int
+    limit: int
+    offset: int
+
+    @property
+    def next_offset(self) -> int | None:
+        nxt = self.offset + len(self.events)
+        return nxt if nxt < self.total else None
+
+    def to_dict(self) -> dict[str, Any]:
+        return {
+            "events": [ev.to_dict() for ev in self.events],
+            "pagination": {
+                "total": self.total,
+                "limit": self.limit,
+                "offset": self.offset,
+                "returned": len(self.events),
+                "next_offset": self.next_offset,
+                "has_more": self.next_offset is not None,
+            },
+        }
+
+
+_MAX_LIMIT = 500
+_DEFAULT_LIMIT = 50
+
+
+def _coerce_bounds(limit: int | None, offset: int | None) -> tuple[int, int]:
+    try:
+        lim = int(limit) if limit is not None else _DEFAULT_LIMIT
+    except (TypeError, ValueError):
+        lim = _DEFAULT_LIMIT
+    try:
+        off = int(offset) if offset is not None else 0
+    except (TypeError, ValueError):
+        off = 0
+    lim = max(1, min(lim, _MAX_LIMIT))
+    off = max(0, off)
+    return (lim, off)
+
+
+def paginate(events: list[WorkflowEvent], *, limit: int | None, offset: int | None) -> TimelinePage:
+    lim, off = _coerce_bounds(limit, offset)
+    window = events[off : off + lim]
+    return TimelinePage(events=tuple(window), total=len(events), limit=lim, offset=off)
+
+
+# --------------------------------------------------------------------------- #
+# Composition — load_timeline aggregates all sources, fail-soft.              #
+# --------------------------------------------------------------------------- #
+
+# A comment source is a callable that, given (kind, number), returns the raw
+# Gitea comment list for that issue/PR. The route supplies a live fail-soft
+# fetcher; tests supply a fixture. When None, the handoff source is reported as
+# not-run (never silently empty-and-healthy).
+CommentSource = Callable[[str, int], list[dict[str, Any]]]
+
+
+@dataclass(frozen=True)
+class TimelineSnapshot:
+    """One answered timeline query.
+
+    ``ok`` is False when the query could not be answered as asked — currently
+    when a requested filter dimension no surviving source can carry was
+    supplied. The page is then empty *and* the snapshot says so, because an
+    ``ok`` empty page is a claim that no such activity exists.
+    """
+
+    schema_version: int
+    remote: str
+    org: str
+    repo: str
+    filters: dict[str, Any]
+    page: TimelinePage
+    sources: tuple[SourceStatus, ...]
+    ok: bool = True
+    error: dict[str, Any] | None = None
+
+    def to_dict(self) -> dict[str, Any]:
+        return {
+            "ok": self.ok,
+            "error": self.error,
+            "schema_version": self.schema_version,
+            # Scope and filters are echoed caller input, not derived record
+            # data. Reflecting a value is still emitting it, so both cross the
+            # same boundary; ordinary scope and filter values are unchanged.
+            "scope": {
+                "remote": _safe_echo(self.remote),
+                "org": _safe_echo(self.org),
+                "repo": _safe_echo(self.repo),
+            },
+            "filters": {key: _safe_echo(value) for key, value in self.filters.items()},
+            "sources": [s.to_dict() for s in self.sources],
+            **self.page.to_dict(),
+        }
+
+
+def _unanswerable_reasons(
+    statuses: Iterable[SourceStatus], unanswerable: Iterable[str]
+) -> list[dict[str, str]]:
+    """Explain, per source, why each unanswerable dimension went unanswered."""
+    out: list[dict[str, str]] = []
+    for status in statuses:
+        for dim in unanswerable:
+            if dim not in status.supported_filters:
+                reason = _SOURCE_FILTER_LIMITS.get(
+                    (status.name, dim), f"this source's records carry no {dim} identity"
+                )
+            elif not status.ok:
+                reason = (
+                    f"this source can carry {dim} but did not run: "
+                    f"{status.reason or 'unavailable'}"
+                )
+            else:
+                continue
+            out.append({"source": status.name, "filter": dim, "reason": reason})
+    return out
+
+
+def load_timeline(
+    *,
+    remote: str,
+    org: str,
+    repo: str,
+    issue: int | None = None,
+    pr: int | None = None,
+    session: str | None = None,
+    limit: int | None = None,
+    offset: int | None = None,
+    db_path: str | None = None,
+    comment_source: CommentSource | None = None,
+) -> TimelineSnapshot:
+    """Aggregate every timeline source into one filtered, paginated snapshot.
+
+    Sources are read independently and fail soft: an unavailable source
+    contributes a ``SourceStatus`` with ``ok=False`` and a reason, and never
+    collapses the whole timeline. The handoff source only runs when a specific
+    issue or PR is requested (a handoff comment belongs to one thread) and a
+    ``comment_source`` is available; otherwise it is reported as ``not run``
+    rather than as an empty-and-healthy source.
+
+    A filter dimension that no surviving source can carry — a ``session``
+    filter when the only source that ran is the control plane, whose events
+    record no session — is refused with ``ok=False`` and a structured error
+    instead of being answered with an empty page.
+    """
+    all_events: list[WorkflowEvent] = []
+    statuses: list[SourceStatus] = []
+
+    cp_events, cp_status = read_cp_events(remote=remote, org=org, repo=repo, db_path=db_path)
+    all_events.extend(cp_events)
+    statuses.append(cp_status)
+
+    # Gitea handoff comments are thread-scoped: only fetch when the caller
+    # narrowed to one issue or PR, and only when a source was provided.
+    handoff_target: tuple[str, int] | None = None
+    if pr is not None:
+        handoff_target = ("pr", pr)
+    elif issue is not None:
+        handoff_target = ("issue", issue)
+
+    if handoff_target is None:
+        statuses.append(
+            _handoff_status(
+                ok=False,
+                reason="not run: handoff comments are thread-scoped; filter by issue or pr to include them",
+            )
+        )
+    elif comment_source is None:
+        statuses.append(
+            _handoff_status(
+                ok=False,
+                reason="not run: no comment source configured for this timeline read",
+            )
+        )
+    else:
+        kind, number = handoff_target
+        try:
+            comments = comment_source(kind, number) or []
+            handoff_events = adapt_cth_comments(comments, kind=kind, number=number)
+            all_events.extend(handoff_events)
+            statuses.append(_handoff_status(ok=True, count=len(handoff_events)))
+        except Exception as exc:  # fail soft: a fetch/parse error degrades this source only
+            statuses.append(_handoff_status(ok=False, reason=f"handoff source failed: {exc}"))
+
+    requested = tuple(
+        name
+        for name, value in ((FILTER_ISSUE, issue), (FILTER_PR, pr), (FILTER_SESSION, session))
+        if value is not None
+    )
+    statuses = [
+        replace(
+            status,
+            unsupported_filters=tuple(
+                dim for dim in requested if dim not in status.supported_filters
+            ),
+        )
+        for status in statuses
+    ]
+    filters = {"issue": issue, "pr": pr, "session": session}
+
+    # A dimension is answerable only if a source that actually ran can carry it.
+    # If none can, refuse: an empty page would assert "no such activity", which
+    # is a claim this timeline is not in a position to make.
+    answerable: set[str] = set()
+    for status in statuses:
+        if status.ok:
+            answerable.update(status.supported_filters)
+    unanswerable = tuple(dim for dim in requested if dim not in answerable)
+
+    if unanswerable:
+        return TimelineSnapshot(
+            schema_version=TIMELINE_SCHEMA_VERSION,
+            remote=remote,
+            org=org,
+            repo=repo,
+            filters=filters,
+            page=paginate([], limit=limit, offset=offset),
+            sources=tuple(statuses),
+            ok=False,
+            error={
+                "code": "filter_not_supported",
+                "unsupported_filters": list(unanswerable),
+                "detail": (
+                    "no timeline source that ran can answer "
+                    + ", ".join(f"'{dim}'" for dim in unanswerable)
+                    + "; the result is refused rather than returned empty"
+                ),
+                "sources": _unanswerable_reasons(statuses, unanswerable),
+            },
+        )
+
+    filtered = filter_events(all_events, issue=issue, pr=pr, session=session)
+    ordered = sort_events(filtered)
+    page = paginate(ordered, limit=limit, offset=offset)
+
+    return TimelineSnapshot(
+        schema_version=TIMELINE_SCHEMA_VERSION,
+        remote=remote,
+        org=org,
+        repo=repo,
+        filters=filters,
+        page=page,
+        sources=tuple(statuses),
+    )
+
+
+def snapshot_to_dict(snapshot: TimelineSnapshot) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    return snapshot.to_dict()