diff --git a/.custodian-brief.md b/.custodian-brief.md
index 6d02643..2253cfa 100644
--- a/.custodian-brief.md
+++ b/.custodian-brief.md
@@ -2,12 +2,22 @@
 # Custodian Brief — zone-engine
 
 **Domain:** infotech  
-**Last synced:** 2026-08-22 13:39 UTC  
+**Last synced:** 2026-08-23 09:31 UTC  
 **State Hub:** http://127.0.0.1:8000 *(adjust if running on a remote machine)*
 
 ## Active Workstreams
 
-*(none — repo may need first-session setup)*
+### Harden the reference contract and make retirement decidable
+Progress: 0/7 done  |  workplan_id: `c349aa5c-d7fd-5c48-83aa-422cc42b9c67`
+
+**Open tasks:**
+- · Tasks  `d15053e8`
+- · Settle canon lifecycle and eliminate the duplicate-authority shape  `2bbf0936`
+- · Bring membership resolution up to the canonical workload-reference boundary  `f2477679`
+- · Remove implicit stance authority and require profile provenance  `91242013`
+- · Make membership revision and change observability truthful  `9773cdc3`
+- · Add executable exception-lifecycle conformance fixtures  `233c926f`
+- · Replay adoption against the hardened reference contract  `aef75984`
 
 ---
 ## MCP Orientation (when available)