diff --git a/.convoys/worker-closeout-docwriter.md b/.convoys/worker-closeout-docwriter.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6e85fa5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.convoys/worker-closeout-docwriter.md
@@ -0,0 +1,62 @@
+---
+name: worker-closeout-docwriter
+classification: server-only
+success_metric: Epic 7 closes — draft PR opens for code + doc_review→published for docs, operator notes work mid-build, doc-writer examples ship, live E2E checklist is runnable without Cursor
+skip:
+  - ia
+  - ux
+  - design
+  - a11y
+  - visual
+  - smoke
+status: in-progress
+created: 2026-08-25
+model_policy:
+  roles:
+    role-conductor: claude-planning
+    role-architect: claude-planning
+    role-implementer: qwen-coder
+    role-doc-writer: qwen-coder
+    role-reviewer: qwen-coder
+  escalate_to: claude-planning
+---
+
+# Worker closeout + doc writers — closing Epic 7 for second-brain v0.1
+
+## Why
+
+Second-brain v0.1 shipped harness-agnostic, Plans tree, Fleet. Epic 7 remains `in_progress` per `plans/Plan-automation-foundation/Epic-apps-worker-v1/Epic-apps-worker-v1.md:23` — tool loop + checkpoints are done, but **no draft PR** via forge adapter blocks Epic 8 dogfood, and **live E2E** `Task-worker-live-e2e-dogfood.md` needs operator proof. Doc writers were asked to be included — this convoy adds `role-doc-writer` for SOPs/book research pipelines (docs that use `doc_review→published` without worktree).
+
+See `docs/decisions/2026-08-25-second-brain-os-pivot.md`.
+
+## Scope
+
+1. **Draft PR via forge** `Task-worker-draft-pr.md` — push branch if needed, `createPullRequest(draft)` on GitHub/Forgejo from worktree, persist URL to convoy, skip for non-implementer roles, handle both `pr_review` and `doc_review` (doc tasks publish without PR but still log).
+2. **Operator notes mid-build** `Task-worker-operator-notes.md` — `convoy_operator_messages` table (workspace-scoped, `queued|direct`), tRPC `postOperatorNote`/`listOperatorNotes`, worker poll between tool rounds, Mission control chat thread for `in_progress` convoys.
+3. **Doc-writer examples** — `role-doc-writer` routed via harness (uses `doc-writer` harness `needsWorktree:false`), writes book/course research example under `docs/examples/research-pipeline.md` + `docs/templates/doc-sop.md`, updates `docs/worker.md` with doc harness section.
+4. **Live E2E dogfood** `Task-worker-live-e2e-dogfood.md` — operator checklist doc (not code), proves `Go → worker` without Cursor; done only when checklist true on real Redis/Coolify.
+
+## Roles invoked
+
+Conductor → Architect (3 briefs map to 3 tasks + doc example) → Implementer per brief (disjoint: draft PR, operator notes, doc-writer) → Doc-writer (parallel) → Reviewer.
+
+## Todos
+
+- [ ] Brief 1 draft PR
+- [ ] Brief 2 operator notes
+- [ ] Brief 3 doc-writer examples + routing
+- [ ] Brief 4 live E2E verification (ops doc, no code)
+
+## IA
+
+Skipped (`ia` in skip). No new entities beyond `convoy_operator_messages`; `harness_providers` already exists from v0.1.
+
+## UX
+
+Skipped (`ux` in skip). Reuses `Mission control detail panel` thread section + `Gate co-pilot` separation.
+
+## Architecture
+
+- State machine: `doc_review→published` already added `packages/shared/src/convoy-lifecycle/state-machine.ts:9` — reuse.
+- Worker: `apps/worker/src/handle-job.ts:40` already optional worktree — add PR call after success before teardown, branch naming `echodo/<convoy>-<brief8>`, marker `echodo-convoy: <uuid>` in body for Epic 8 webhook.
+- Operator notes: poll `convoy_operator_messages` where `delivered_at IS NULL` each `checkpointEveryNSteps`; inject `Queued note: ...` into system prompt tail or prepend `Direct message: ...`.
diff --git a/.convoys/worker-closeout-docwriter/brief-1-draft-pr-forge.md b/.convoys/worker-closeout-docwriter/brief-1-draft-pr-forge.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7f0aa3b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.convoys/worker-closeout-docwriter/brief-1-draft-pr-forge.md
@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+---
+brief: 1
+convoy: worker-closeout-docwriter
+role: role-implementer
+title: Worker draft PR via forge adapter (code + doc)
+status: ready
+priority: P0
+slice_dependencies: []
+recommended_model: qwen-coder
+model_tier: local
+---
+
+# Brief 1 — Draft PR `Task-worker-draft-pr.md`
+
+## Goal
+
+`apps/worker` after successful `role-implementer` session pushes worktree branch if needed, calls `createPullRequest(draft:true)` on GitHub/Forgejo (from `connected_repos` / `repo_links`), persists `prUrl`/`prNumber` to `convoy_events metadata` + `objects.content.prUrl`, marker `echodo-convoy: <convoyId>` in body for Epic 8 webhook.
+
+## Files
+
+- `apps/worker/src/git/pr.ts` NEW — `openDraftPR({monorepoRoot, worktreePath, branch, convoySlug, briefId, convoyId, workspaceId, forge})` → push `git push origin HEAD` (uses stored credentials / `GITHUB_TOKEN` env pattern) → `forge.createPullRequest({base: main, head: branch, title, body, draft:true})`. Body includes `Convoy: ${slug} Brief: ${briefId} echodo-convoy: ${convoyId}`.
+- `apps/worker/src/handle-job.ts:40` — after `session.run` success and before teardown, if `roleId==='role-implementer'` and `worktreePath` present, call `openDraftPR`; on doc harness `needsWorktree:false` skip push but still log `published` artifact.
+- `packages/database/src/schema/convoy_events.ts` — already has `metadata jsonb`, store `prUrl`.
+- `apps/web/server/lib/convoy/convoy-service.ts` — expose `prUrl` from latest `metadata.prUrl`.
+- `apps/web/components/mission-control/convoy-detail-panel.tsx` — show `PR` link when `metadata.prUrl`.
+
+## Acceptance
+
+- Implementer job on test repo `stwl-labs/ubiquitous-invention` (or any connected) produces draft PR URL; non-implementer `role-architect` job skips PR creation.
+- PR body contains marker consumable by Epic 8.
+- Detail panel shows link when present.
+- `pnpm lint && pnpm type-check && pnpm --filter @tasks/worker test` pass.
+
+## Prompt
+
+You are `role-implementer` brief 1. Read `plans/Plan-automation-foundation/Epic-apps-worker-v1/Task-worker-draft-pr.md`, `apps/web/server/lib/forge/adapters.ts`, `apps/worker/src/git/worktree.ts`, `docs/decisions/2026-08-25-second-brain-os-pivot.md`. Keep change small, follow existing `adapters.ts` interface.
+
+## Depends
+
+None.
diff --git a/.convoys/worker-closeout-docwriter/brief-2-operator-notes.md b/.convoys/worker-closeout-docwriter/brief-2-operator-notes.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..dc9cbc4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.convoys/worker-closeout-docwriter/brief-2-operator-notes.md
@@ -0,0 +1,41 @@
+---
+brief: 2
+convoy: worker-closeout-docwriter
+role: role-implementer
+title: Operator notes mid-build — queued + direct messages
+status: ready
+priority: P1
+slice_dependencies: []
+recommended_model: qwen-coder
+model_tier: local
+---
+
+# Brief 2 — Operator notes `Task-worker-operator-notes.md`
+
+## Goal
+
+Let operators send `queued` notes and `direct` messages to an active worker session without waiting for gate — Autensa benchmark row `operator-notes` `plans/Plan-automation-foundation/Plan-automation-foundation.md:229`.
+
+## Files
+
+- `packages/database/src/schema/convoy_operator_messages.ts` NEW — `id uuid PK, workspace_id fk, convoy_id fk objects.id, brief_id fk optional, agent_run_id fk optional, delivery enum queued|direct, body text, author_user_id fk users, delivered_at timestamptz nullable, created_at defaultNow`. Index `workspace_id, convoy_id, delivered_at`.
+- `packages/database/migrations/0016_*` — `pnpm db:generate`.
+- `apps/web/server/routers/convoys.ts` — add `postOperatorNote` (workspace member; `delivery:queued|direct`, `body 1..2000`, `convoyId, briefId?`) inserts row; `listOperatorNotes` for detail panel thread.
+- `apps/worker/src/db/operator-notes.ts` NEW — `pollOperatorNotes(db, workspaceId, convoyId, briefId?)` where `delivered_at IS NULL` ordered `created_at`.
+- `apps/worker/src/handle-job.ts:40` — between tool rounds poll queued notes, append `Queued note from ${author}: ${body}` to `toolHistory` summary; before next `generateText` prepend direct messages to system prompt tail. Mark `delivered_at=now()` after injection. Log `harnessAlias`.
+- `apps/web/app/(app)/[workspaceSlug]/mission-control/convoy-detail-panel.tsx` — thread tab when `status===in_progress` (textarea + Send → `postOperatorNote`, list `listOperatorNotes`), distinct from gate co-pilot.
+
+## Acceptance
+
+- Operator posts `Queued note: use existing auth middleware` → worker sees it on next tool round (logged in checkpoint summary).
+- `Direct message` arrives before next model call when run active (show in worker log `direct message injected`).
+- Workspace-scoped, auditable (author + delivered_at visible in detail panel).
+- `pnpm lint && pnpm type-check` pass.
+
+## Prompt
+
+You are `role-implementer` brief 2. Read `plans/Plan-automation-foundation/Epic-apps-worker-v1/Task-worker-operator-notes.md`, `packages/database/src/schema/convoy_events.ts`, `apps/web/server/routers/convoys.ts:173`, `docs/worker.md`. Keep polling fallback simple (no Redis pubsub).
+
+## Depends
+
+None — disjoint from brief 1.
diff --git a/.convoys/worker-closeout-docwriter/brief-3-doc-writer-examples.md b/.convoys/worker-closeout-docwriter/brief-3-doc-writer-examples.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..67050be
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.convoys/worker-closeout-docwriter/brief-3-doc-writer-examples.md
@@ -0,0 +1,44 @@
+---
+brief: 3
+convoy: worker-closeout-docwriter
+role: role-doc-writer
+title: Doc-writer examples + routing for second brain (book/course/research SOPs)
+status: ready
+priority: P1
+slice_dependencies: []
+recommended_model: qwen-coder
+model_tier: local
+---
+
+# Brief 3 — `role-doc-writer` for second brain (book / course / SOPs)
+
+## Goal
+
+Prove non-code second brain: `role-doc-writer` routed via harness `doc-writer` (`needsWorktree:false, allowedCommands:[]` `apps/worker/src/harness.ts:1`) writes publishable docs without `pnpm` or worktree, via `doc_review→published` `packages/shared/src/convoy-lifecycle/state-machine.ts:9`.
+
+## Files
+
+- `docs/examples/research-pipeline.md` NEW — one page: "Heavy research pipeline" example (source → claim → outline → publish), calls `doc_review→published` flow; used as doc harness e2e fixture.
+- `docs/templates/doc-sop.md` NEW — copy from `docs/templates/Task-*.md` but for SOPs: `kind: doc-sop, slug, title, status: draft→doc_review→published, body`.
+- `packages/shared/src/model-routing` / `harness` seeds — add doc role wiring note: `role-doc-writer → qwen-coder-mlx + doc-writer` suggested alias map `docs/adr-model-routing.md:234`.
+- `docs/worker.md` — extend doc harness section (already has optional worktree note from v0.1) with `role-doc-writer` example invocation.
+- `apps/web/server/routers/harnesses.ts:1` — ensure `harnessType: minimal` with `alias: doc-writer` preset is seedable (if not, document manual creation).
+
+## Acceptance
+
+- `role-doc-writer` job `docs/examples/research-pipeline.md` completes via `write_file` only (no `run_command`, no worktree under `/tmp/echodo-worker-worktrees`) and transitions `in_progress → doc_review` (`role-doc-writer` or automation), then `doc-approver` `doc_review→published` visible in Mission control.
+- SOP template renders in `docs/templates/` list.
+- `pnpm lint && pnpm type-check` pass.
+
+## Prompt
+
+You are `role-doc-writer` brief 3. Read `docs/decisions/2026-08-25-second-brain-os-pivot.md`, `docs/adr-model-routing.md:234`, `docs/convoy-lifecycle.md`, `packages/shared/src/convoy-lifecycle/schemas.ts:5`. Write docs that a future agent will read as context — keep them small, no narration comments.
+
+## Depends
+
+None — can run parallel with 1,2.
+
+## Links
+
+- `plans/Plan-automation-foundation/Plan-automation-foundation.md` v0.1 pivot
+- `apps/worker/src/harness.ts:1` `doc-writer` harness
diff --git a/apps/web/components/mission-control/convoy-detail-panel.tsx b/apps/web/components/mission-control/convoy-detail-panel.tsx
index 7df6453..b052d01 100644
--- a/apps/web/components/mission-control/convoy-detail-panel.tsx
+++ b/apps/web/components/mission-control/convoy-detail-panel.tsx
@@ -39,6 +39,8 @@ export function ConvoyDetailPanel({
 }) {
   const utils = api.useUtils();
   const [copilotText, setCopilotText] = React.useState<string | null>(null);
+  const [noteBody, setNoteBody] = React.useState("");
+  const [noteDelivery, setNoteDelivery] = React.useState<"queued" | "direct">("queued");
 
   const detailQuery = api.convoys.get.useQuery(
     { workspace: workspaceSlug, convoyId: convoyId ?? "" },
@@ -56,6 +58,18 @@ export function ConvoyDetailPanel({
     onSuccess: (result) => setCopilotText(result.text),
   });
 
+  const operatorNotesQuery = api.convoys.listOperatorNotes.useQuery(
+    { workspace: workspaceSlug, convoyId: convoyId ?? "" },
+    { enabled: Boolean(workspaceSlug && convoyId) },
+  );
+
+  const postNoteMut = api.convoys.postOperatorNote.useMutation({
+    onSuccess: () => {
+      setNoteBody("");
+      void operatorNotesQuery.refetch();
+    },
+  });
+
   if (!convoyId) {
     return (
       <div className="flex h-full items-center justify-center p-6 text-sm text-muted-foreground">
@@ -106,6 +120,23 @@ export function ConvoyDetailPanel({
         </p>
       </div>
 
+      {detailQuery.data?.pr?.prUrl && (
+        <div className="mb-4 rounded-md border border-border bg-muted/30 p-3 text-sm">
+          <p className="mb-1 text-xs font-medium uppercase text-muted-foreground">PR</p>
+          <a
+            href={detailQuery.data.pr.prUrl}
+            target="_blank"
+            rel="noreferrer"
+            className="break-all text-primary underline"
+          >
+            {detailQuery.data.pr.prUrl}
+            {typeof detailQuery.data.pr.prNumber === "number" && detailQuery.data.pr.prNumber
+              ? ` (#${detailQuery.data.pr.prNumber})`
+              : ""}
+          </a>
+        </div>
+      )}
+
       {convoy.description && (
         <div className="mb-4 rounded-md border border-border bg-muted/30 p-3">
           <p className="mb-1 text-xs font-medium uppercase text-muted-foreground">Plan</p>
@@ -177,7 +208,7 @@ export function ConvoyDetailPanel({
       </div>
 
       {(detailQuery.data?.briefs.length ?? 0) > 0 && (
-        <div>
+        <div className="mb-4">
           <p className="mb-2 text-xs font-medium uppercase text-muted-foreground">Briefs</p>
           <ul className="space-y-1 text-sm">
             {detailQuery.data?.briefs.map((brief) => (
@@ -189,6 +220,79 @@ export function ConvoyDetailPanel({
           </ul>
         </div>
       )}
+
+      {status === "in_progress" && convoyId && (
+        <div className="rounded-md border border-border p-3">
+          <p className="mb-2 text-xs font-medium uppercase text-muted-foreground">
+            Operator notes — in progress thread
+          </p>
+          <p className="mb-2 text-[11px] text-muted-foreground">
+            Distinct from gate co-pilot. Queued notes inject at next tool round; direct messages prepend before next model call.
+          </p>
+          <div className="mb-3 space-y-2 max-h-64 overflow-y-auto">
+            {(operatorNotesQuery.data ?? []).length === 0 ? (
+              <p className="text-xs text-muted-foreground">No operator messages yet.</p>
+            ) : (
+              (operatorNotesQuery.data ?? []).map((note) => (
+                <div key={note.id} className="rounded border border-border bg-muted/20 p-2 text-xs">
+                  <div className="mb-1 flex items-center gap-2">
+                    <span
+                      className={
+                        note.delivery === "direct"
+                          ? "rounded bg-primary/10 px-1.5 py-0.5 font-medium text-primary"
+                          : "rounded bg-muted px-1.5 py-0.5 font-medium"
+                      }
+                    >
+                      {note.delivery}
+                    </span>
+                    <span className="text-muted-foreground">{new Date(note.createdAt).toLocaleString()}</span>
+                    {note.deliveredAt && (
+                      <span className="text-green-600">delivered {new Date(note.deliveredAt).toLocaleString()}</span>
+                    )}
+                  </div>
+                  <p className="whitespace-pre-wrap text-sm">{note.body}</p>
+                  <p className="mt-1 text-[10px] text-muted-foreground">author {note.authorUserId.slice(0, 8)}</p>
+                </div>
+              ))
+            )}
+          </div>
+          <div className="space-y-2">
+            <textarea
+              className="min-h-[72px] w-full rounded-md border border-input bg-background px-3 py-2 text-sm"
+              placeholder="Queued note: use existing auth middleware"
+              value={noteBody}
+              onChange={(e) => setNoteBody(e.target.value)}
+              maxLength={2000}
+            />
+            <div className="flex items-center justify-between gap-2">
+              <select
+                className="rounded-md border border-input bg-background px-2 py-1 text-xs"
+                value={noteDelivery}
+                onChange={(e) => setNoteDelivery(e.target.value as "queued" | "direct")}
+              >
+                <option value="queued">Queued note</option>
+                <option value="direct">Direct message</option>
+              </select>
+              <Button
+                type="button"
+                size="sm"
+                disabled={postNoteMut.isPending || !noteBody.trim()}
+                onClick={() =>
+                  postNoteMut.mutate({
+                    workspace: workspaceSlug,
+                    convoyId,
+                    delivery: noteDelivery,
+                    body: noteBody.trim(),
+                  })
+                }
+              >
+                {postNoteMut.isPending ? <Loader2 className="size-4 animate-spin" /> : "Send"}
+              </Button>
+            </div>
+            {postNoteMut.error && <p className="text-xs text-destructive">{postNoteMut.error.message}</p>}
+          </div>
+        </div>
+      )}
     </div>
   );
 }
diff --git a/apps/web/server/lib/convoy/convoy-service.ts b/apps/web/server/lib/convoy/convoy-service.ts
index f63f288..c8fb257 100644
--- a/apps/web/server/lib/convoy/convoy-service.ts
+++ b/apps/web/server/lib/convoy/convoy-service.ts
@@ -197,6 +197,42 @@ export async function getRecentConvoyEvents(
     .limit(limit);
 }
 
+export async function getConvoyPrUrl(
+  db: Db,
+  workspaceId: string,
+  convoyId: string,
+): Promise<{ prUrl: string | null; prNumber: number | null }> {
+  const events = await db
+    .select({ metadata: convoyEvents.metadata })
+    .from(convoyEvents)
+    .where(and(eq(convoyEvents.convoyId, convoyId), eq(convoyEvents.workspaceId, workspaceId)))
+    .orderBy(desc(convoyEvents.occurredAt))
+    .limit(30);
+
+  for (const row of events) {
+    const meta = row.metadata as Record<string, unknown> | null;
+    if (meta && typeof meta.prUrl === "string" && meta.prUrl) {
+      const prNumber = typeof meta.prNumber === "number" ? meta.prNumber : null;
+      return { prUrl: meta.prUrl, prNumber };
+    }
+  }
+
+  const convoy = await loadConvoyProject(db, workspaceId, convoyId);
+  if (convoy?.content && typeof convoy.content === "object" && convoy.content !== null) {
+    const content = convoy.content as Record<string, unknown>;
+    if (typeof content.prUrl === "string" && content.prUrl) {
+      const prNumber = typeof content.prNumber === "number" ? content.prNumber : null;
+      return { prUrl: content.prUrl, prNumber };
+    }
+    const parsed = convoyObjectContentSchema.safeParse(convoy.content);
+    if (parsed.success && parsed.data.prUrl) {
+      return { prUrl: parsed.data.prUrl, prNumber: parsed.data.prNumber ?? null };
+    }
+  }
+
+  return { prUrl: null, prNumber: null };
+}
+
 /** Checkpoint count + last time for mission-control detail (workspace-scoped). */
 export async function getConvoyCheckpointSummary(
   db: Db,
diff --git a/apps/web/server/lib/forge/adapters.ts b/apps/web/server/lib/forge/adapters.ts
index 0cb8659..4ce36ec 100644
--- a/apps/web/server/lib/forge/adapters.ts
+++ b/apps/web/server/lib/forge/adapters.ts
@@ -7,9 +7,26 @@ export type ForgeAdapterContext = {
   token?: string;
 };
 
+export type CreatePullRequestInput = {
+  base: string;
+  head: string;
+  title: string;
+  body: string;
+  draft: boolean;
+};
+
+export type CreatePullRequestResult = {
+  url: string;
+  number: number;
+};
+
 export interface ForgeAdapter {
   readonly forgeType: ForgeType;
   fetchRepoMetadata(ctx: ForgeAdapterContext): Promise<RepoMetadata>;
+  createPullRequest(
+    ctx: ForgeAdapterContext,
+    input: CreatePullRequestInput,
+  ): Promise<CreatePullRequestResult>;
 }
 
 async function readJsonResponse(response: Response): Promise<unknown> {
@@ -31,6 +48,112 @@ function authHeaders(token: string | undefined): HeadersInit {
   return { Authorization: `Bearer ${token}` };
 }
 
+async function createGithubPullRequest(
+  ctx: ForgeAdapterContext,
+  input: CreatePullRequestInput,
+): Promise<CreatePullRequestResult> {
+  const url = `${ctx.apiBaseUrl.replace(/\/$/, "")}/repos/${ctx.owner}/${ctx.repo}/pulls`;
+  const response = await fetch(url, {
+    method: "POST",
+    headers: {
+      Accept: "application/vnd.github+json",
+      "Content-Type": "application/json",
+      ...authHeaders(ctx.token),
+    },
+    body: JSON.stringify({
+      title: input.title,
+      body: input.body,
+      head: input.head,
+      base: input.base,
+      draft: input.draft,
+    }),
+  });
+  const body = await readJsonResponse(response);
+  if (!response.ok) {
+    const message =
+      typeof body === "object" &&
+      body !== null &&
+      "message" in body &&
+      typeof (body as { message: unknown }).message === "string"
+        ? (body as { message: string }).message
+        : `GitHub API error (${response.status})`;
+    throw new Error(message);
+  }
+  const htmlUrl =
+    typeof body === "object" &&
+    body !== null &&
+    "html_url" in body &&
+    typeof (body as { html_url: unknown }).html_url === "string"
+      ? (body as { html_url: string }).html_url
+      : typeof body === "object" &&
+          body !== null &&
+          "url" in body &&
+          typeof (body as { url: unknown }).url === "string"
+        ? (body as { url: string }).url
+        : `${ctx.apiBaseUrl.replace(/\/$/, "")}/${ctx.owner}/${ctx.repo}/pulls/unknown`;
+  const number =
+    typeof body === "object" &&
+    body !== null &&
+    "number" in body &&
+    typeof (body as { number: unknown }).number === "number"
+      ? (body as { number: number }).number
+      : 0;
+  return { url: htmlUrl, number };
+}
+
+async function createForgejoPullRequest(
+  ctx: ForgeAdapterContext,
+  input: CreatePullRequestInput,
+): Promise<CreatePullRequestResult> {
+  const url = `${ctx.apiBaseUrl.replace(/\/$/, "")}/repos/${ctx.owner}/${ctx.repo}/pulls`;
+  const response = await fetch(url, {
+    method: "POST",
+    headers: {
+      Accept: "application/json",
+      "Content-Type": "application/json",
+      ...authHeaders(ctx.token),
+    },
+    body: JSON.stringify({
+      title: input.title,
+      body: input.body,
+      head: input.head,
+      base: input.base,
+      draft: input.draft,
+    }),
+  });
+  const body = await readJsonResponse(response);
+  if (!response.ok) {
+    const message =
+      typeof body === "object" &&
+      body !== null &&
+      "message" in body &&
+      typeof (body as { message: unknown }).message === "string"
+        ? (body as { message: string }).message
+        : `Forge API error (${response.status})`;
+    throw new Error(message);
+  }
+  const htmlUrl =
+    typeof body === "object" &&
+    body !== null &&
+    "html_url" in body &&
+    typeof (body as { html_url: unknown }).html_url === "string"
+      ? (body as { html_url: string }).html_url
+      : typeof body === "object" &&
+          body !== null &&
+          "url" in body &&
+          typeof (body as { url: unknown }).url === "string"
+        ? (body as { url: string }).url
+        : `${ctx.apiBaseUrl.replace(/\/api\/v1$/, "")}/${ctx.owner}/${ctx.repo}/pulls/${typeof body === "object" && body !== null && "number" in body ? String((body as { number: unknown }).number) : "unknown"}`;
+  const number =
+    typeof body === "object" &&
+    body !== null &&
+    "number" in body &&
+    typeof (body as { number: unknown }).number === "number"
+      ? (body as { number: number }).number
+      : 0;
+  return { url: htmlUrl, number };
+}
+
 export const githubForgeAdapter: ForgeAdapter = {
   forgeType: "github",
   async fetchRepoMetadata(ctx) {
@@ -80,6 +203,9 @@ export const githubForgeAdapter: ForgeAdapter = {
       description,
     };
   },
+  async createPullRequest(ctx, input) {
+    return createGithubPullRequest(ctx, input);
+  },
 };
 
 export const forgejoForgeAdapter: ForgeAdapter = {
@@ -131,6 +257,9 @@ export const forgejoForgeAdapter: ForgeAdapter = {
       description,
     };
   },
+  async createPullRequest(ctx, input) {
+    return createForgejoPullRequest(ctx, input);
+  },
 };
 
 const ADAPTERS: Record<ForgeType, ForgeAdapter> = {
diff --git a/apps/web/server/routers/convoys.ts b/apps/web/server/routers/convoys.ts
index e005c44..ac8f63e 100644
--- a/apps/web/server/routers/convoys.ts
+++ b/apps/web/server/routers/convoys.ts
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 import { createLanguageModelFromResolved } from "@tasks/ai";
 import {
+  convoyOperatorMessages,
   modelProviders,
   objects,
   roleModelRoutes,
@@ -23,13 +24,14 @@ import {
 } from "@tasks/shared/model-routing";
 import { TRPCError } from "@trpc/server";
 import { generateText } from "ai";
-import { asc, eq, inArray } from "drizzle-orm";
+import { and, asc, eq, inArray } from "drizzle-orm";
 import { z } from "zod";
 
 import {
   findConvoyBySlug,
   getConvoyBriefs,
   getConvoyCheckpointSummary,
+  getConvoyPrUrl,
   getRecentConvoyEvents,
   insertConvoyEvent,
   listConvoyProjects,
@@ -159,6 +161,7 @@ export const convoysRouter = router({
         ctx.workspace.id,
         convoy.id,
       );
+      const pr = await getConvoyPrUrl(ctx.db, ctx.workspace.id, convoy.id);
 
       return {
         convoy: {
@@ -177,6 +180,7 @@ export const convoysRouter = router({
             ? checkpoints.lastOccurredAt.toISOString()
             : null,
         },
+        pr,
       };
     }),
 
@@ -378,6 +382,86 @@ export const convoysRouter = router({
       };
     }),
 
+  postOperatorNote: workspaceProcedure
+    .input(
+      z.object({
+        workspace: z.string().min(1),
+        convoyId: z.string().uuid(),
+        briefId: z.string().uuid().nullable().optional(),
+        delivery: z.enum(["queued", "direct"]),
+        body: z.string().min(1).max(2_000),
+      }),
+    )
+    .mutation(async ({ ctx, input }) => {
+      const convoy = await loadConvoyProject(ctx.db, ctx.workspace.id, input.convoyId);
+      if (!convoy) {
+        throw new TRPCError({ code: "NOT_FOUND", message: "Convoy not found." });
+      }
+
+      const authorUserId = ctx.session.user.id;
+
+      const [row] = await ctx.db
+        .insert(convoyOperatorMessages)
+        .values({
+          workspaceId: ctx.workspace.id,
+          convoyId: input.convoyId,
+          briefId: input.briefId ?? null,
+          delivery: input.delivery,
+          body: input.body,
+          authorUserId,
+        })
+        .returning();
+
+      if (!row) {
+        throw new TRPCError({
+          code: "INTERNAL_SERVER_ERROR",
+          message: "Failed to create operator note.",
+        });
+      }
+
+      return row;
+    }),
+
+  listOperatorNotes: workspaceProcedure
+    .input(
+      z.object({
+        workspace: z.string().min(1),
+        convoyId: z.string().uuid(),
+        briefId: z.string().uuid().nullable().optional(),
+      }),
+    )
+    .query(async ({ ctx, input }) => {
+      const convoy = await loadConvoyProject(ctx.db, ctx.workspace.id, input.convoyId);
+      if (!convoy) {
+        throw new TRPCError({ code: "NOT_FOUND", message: "Convoy not found." });
+      }
+
+      const rows = await ctx.db
+        .select()
+        .from(convoyOperatorMessages)
+        .where(
+          and(
+            eq(convoyOperatorMessages.workspaceId, ctx.workspace.id),
+            eq(convoyOperatorMessages.convoyId, input.convoyId),
+          ),
+        )
+        .orderBy(asc(convoyOperatorMessages.createdAt));
+
+      void input.briefId;
+
+      return rows.map((r) => ({
+        id: r.id,
+        workspaceId: r.workspaceId,
+        convoyId: r.convoyId,
+        briefId: r.briefId,
+        delivery: r.delivery,
+        body: r.body,
+        authorUserId: r.authorUserId,
+        deliveredAt: r.deliveredAt ? r.deliveredAt.toISOString() : null,
+        createdAt: r.createdAt.toISOString(),
+      }));
+    }),
+
   fleet: protectedProcedure.query(async ({ ctx }) => {
     const userId = ctx.session.user.id;
 
diff --git a/apps/web/server/routers/harnesses.ts b/apps/web/server/routers/harnesses.ts
index d50c03a..e15ecb4 100644
--- a/apps/web/server/routers/harnesses.ts
+++ b/apps/web/server/routers/harnesses.ts
@@ -3,10 +3,20 @@ import { TRPCError } from "@trpc/server";
 import { z } from "zod";
 import { harnessProviders, roleHarnessRoutes } from "@tasks/database/schema";
 import { harnessTypeSchema } from "@tasks/shared/worker";
+import type { HarnessType } from "@tasks/shared/worker";
 import { rateLimit } from "@/server/lib/rate-limit";
 import { router, workspaceProcedure } from "@/server/trpc";
 import type { WorkspaceProcedureContext } from "@/server/trpc";
 
+export const HARNESS_PRESETS: ReadonlyArray<{
+  alias: string;
+  displayName: string;
+  harnessType: HarnessType;
+}> = [
+  { alias: "doc-writer", displayName: "Doc writer", harnessType: "minimal" },
+  { alias: "minimal", displayName: "Minimal", harnessType: "minimal" },
+] as const;
+
 type HarnessRow = typeof harnessProviders.$inferSelect;
 type RouteRow = typeof roleHarnessRoutes.$inferSelect;
 
diff --git a/apps/worker/src/db/operator-notes.ts b/apps/worker/src/db/operator-notes.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0476987
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/worker/src/db/operator-notes.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,68 @@
+import { and, asc, eq, isNull } from "drizzle-orm";
+
+import type { db as dbInstance } from "@tasks/database";
+import { convoyOperatorMessages } from "@tasks/database/schema";
+
+type Db = typeof dbInstance;
+
+export type OperatorMessageRow = typeof convoyOperatorMessages.$inferSelect;
+
+/**
+ * Poll undelivered operator messages for a convoy.
+ * Keep polling fallback simple — no Redis pubsub, just a DB query.
+ */
+export async function pollOperatorNotes(
+  db: Db,
+  workspaceId: string,
+  convoyId: string,
+  briefId?: string | null,
+): Promise<OperatorMessageRow[]> {
+  const conditions = [
+    eq(convoyOperatorMessages.workspaceId, workspaceId),
+    eq(convoyOperatorMessages.convoyId, convoyId),
+    isNull(convoyOperatorMessages.deliveredAt),
+  ];
+
+  // Optional brief scoping — include global convoy notes plus brief-specific ones
+  // When briefId is provided we return rows where brief_id is null OR matches the brief.
+  // Keeping the simple fallback: just filter by workspace+convoy when briefId not set.
+  // When briefId is set we still return all for convoy so direct messages are not missed.
+  void briefId;
+
+  const rows = await db
+    .select()
+    .from(convoyOperatorMessages)
+    .where(and(...conditions))
+    .orderBy(asc(convoyOperatorMessages.createdAt));
+
+  return rows;
+}
+
+export async function markOperatorNotesDelivered(
+  db: Db,
+  ids: string[],
+): Promise<void> {
+  if (ids.length === 0) return;
+  for (const id of ids) {
+    await db
+      .update(convoyOperatorMessages)
+      .set({ deliveredAt: new Date() })
+      .where(eq(convoyOperatorMessages.id, id));
+  }
+}
+
+/** Convenience: poll and mark delivered in one step */
+export async function consumeOperatorNotes(
+  db: Db,
+  workspaceId: string,
+  convoyId: string,
+  briefId?: string | null,
+): Promise<OperatorMessageRow[]> {
+  const rows = await pollOperatorNotes(db, workspaceId, convoyId, briefId);
+  if (rows.length === 0) return rows;
+  await markOperatorNotesDelivered(
+    db,
+    rows.map((r) => r.id),
+  );
+  return rows;
+}
diff --git a/apps/worker/src/git/pr.ts b/apps/worker/src/git/pr.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..73c4aec
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/worker/src/git/pr.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,72 @@
+import { execFile } from "node:child_process";
+import { promisify } from "node:util";
+
+const execFileAsync = promisify(execFile);
+
+export type ForgeCreatePullRequestInput = {
+  base: string;
+  head: string;
+  title: string;
+  body: string;
+  draft: boolean;
+};
+
+export type ForgeCreatePullRequestResult = {
+  url: string;
+  number: number;
+};
+
+export type ForgeForPr = {
+  createPullRequest: (
+    input: ForgeCreatePullRequestInput,
+  ) => Promise<ForgeCreatePullRequestResult>;
+};
+
+export type OpenDraftPRInput = {
+  monorepoRoot: string;
+  worktreePath: string;
+  branch: string;
+  convoySlug: string;
+  briefId?: string | null;
+  convoyId: string;
+  workspaceId: string;
+  forge: ForgeForPr;
+  baseBranch?: string;
+};
+
+function buildPrTitle(convoySlug: string, briefId?: string | null): string {
+  if (briefId) return `${convoySlug} — brief ${briefId.slice(0, 8)}`;
+  return convoySlug;
+}
+
+function buildPrBody(
+  convoySlug: string,
+  briefId: string | null | undefined,
+  convoyId: string,
+): string {
+  return `Convoy: ${convoySlug} Brief: ${briefId ?? "n/a"} echodo-convoy: ${convoyId}`;
+}
+
+/**
+ * Push the worktree branch and open a draft PR via the forge adapter.
+ * - Pushes `git push origin HEAD` from worktreePath (uses stored credentials / GITHUB_TOKEN env)
+ * - Calls forge.createPullRequest with draft:true and marker `echodo-convoy: <convoyId>`
+ */
+export async function openDraftPR(input: OpenDraftPRInput): Promise<ForgeCreatePullRequestResult> {
+  const cwd = input.worktreePath || input.monorepoRoot;
+  const base = input.baseBranch ?? "main";
+  const title = buildPrTitle(input.convoySlug, input.briefId);
+  const body = buildPrBody(input.convoySlug, input.briefId, input.convoyId);
+
+  await execFileAsync("git", ["push", "origin", "HEAD"], { cwd });
+
+  const result = await input.forge.createPullRequest({
+    base,
+    head: input.branch,
+    title,
+    body,
+    draft: true,
+  });
+
+  return result;
+}
diff --git a/apps/worker/src/handle-job.ts b/apps/worker/src/handle-job.ts
index e515a71..10d7a0b 100644
--- a/apps/worker/src/handle-job.ts
+++ b/apps/worker/src/handle-job.ts
@@ -28,6 +28,7 @@ import {
   removeWorktree,
   reuseWorktreeIfPresent,
 } from "./git/worktree.js";
+import { openDraftPR } from "./git/pr.js";
 import { resolveHarnessForJob, getHarnessExecutor } from "./harness.js";
 import { resolveHarnessForRoleDb } from "./db/harness.js";
 import { resolveRepoRoot } from "./lib/repo-root.js";
@@ -36,6 +37,12 @@ import {
   createMinimalSession,
   resolveRolePromptPath,
 } from "./session/minimal-session.js";
+import { connectedRepos, convoyEvents, objects } from "@tasks/database/schema";
+import {
+  markOperatorNotesDelivered,
+  pollOperatorNotes,
+} from "./db/operator-notes.js";
+import { eq } from "drizzle-orm";
 
 type Db = typeof dbInstance;
 
@@ -207,6 +214,22 @@ export async function handleOrchestratorJob(
     };
 
     // WorkerAdapter dispatch — minimal adapter delegates to createMinimalSession; remote adapters would POST to AG-UI.
+    const operatorNotesProvider = {
+      harnessAlias: harness.alias,
+      poll: async () => {
+        const rows = await pollOperatorNotes(db, job.workspaceId, job.convoyId, job.briefId ?? null);
+        return rows.map((r) => ({
+          id: r.id,
+          delivery: r.delivery as "queued" | "direct",
+          body: r.body,
+          authorUserId: r.authorUserId,
+        }));
+      },
+      markDelivered: async (ids: string[]) => {
+        await markOperatorNotesDelivered(db, ids);
+      },
+    };
+
     const session = createMinimalSession(sessionContext, {
       resolvedModel: modelResult.model,
       resolvedAlias: modelResult.resolvedAlias,
@@ -220,6 +243,7 @@ export async function handleOrchestratorJob(
       resumeToolHistory,
       resumeFilesTouched,
       allowedCommands: harness.allowedCommands,
+      operatorNotes: operatorNotesProvider,
       onCheckpoint:
         runId && !dryRun
           ? async ({ checkpointSeq, toolHistory, filesTouched }) => {
@@ -236,7 +260,7 @@ export async function handleOrchestratorJob(
                 worktreePath,
               });
               wroteCheckpoint = true;
-              console.info(`[worker] checkpoint seq=${checkpointSeq} run=${runId}`);
+              console.info(`[worker] checkpoint seq=${checkpointSeq} run=${runId} harness=${harness.alias}`);
             }
           : undefined,
     });
@@ -253,6 +277,159 @@ export async function handleOrchestratorJob(
       summary = error instanceof Error ? error.message : String(error);
       console.error(`[worker] job=${job.id} session failed:`, error);
     }
+
+    // Draft PR via forge adapter after successful implementer session, before teardown
+    if (outcome === "succeeded" && !dryRun) {
+      if (job.roleId !== "role-implementer") {
+        console.info(`[worker] skip PR creation for non-implementer role=${job.roleId}`);
+      } else if (!needsWorktree) {
+        console.info(
+          `[worker] harness=${harness.alias} needsWorktree=false skipping push, logging published artifact`,
+        );
+        try {
+          await (db as unknown as { insert: (t: typeof convoyEvents) => { values: (v: unknown) => Promise<unknown> } })
+              .insert(convoyEvents)
+              .values({
+                workspaceId: job.workspaceId,
+                convoyId: job.convoyId,
+                briefId: job.briefId ?? null,
+                role: job.roleId,
+                actor: job.roleId,
+                eventType: "role_complete",
+                outcome: "published",
+                metadata: {
+                  published: true,
+                  skipPush: true,
+                  convoySlug: ctx.convoySlug,
+                  briefId: job.briefId ?? null,
+                },
+              } as never);
+        } catch (error) {
+          console.warn("[worker] published artifact log failed:", error);
+        }
+      } else if (worktreePath && worktreeBranch) {
+        try {
+          const rows = await (db as unknown as {
+            select: () => { from: (t: unknown) => { where: (c: unknown) => { limit: (n: number) => Promise<unknown[]>; orderBy?: unknown } } };
+          }).select().from(connectedRepos).where(eq(connectedRepos.workspaceId, job.workspaceId)).limit(1) as unknown as typeof connectedRepos.$inferSelect[];
+
+          let repoRow: typeof connectedRepos.$inferSelect | null = null;
+          if (Array.isArray(rows) && rows.length > 0) repoRow = rows[0] as typeof connectedRepos.$inferSelect;
+          if (!repoRow) {
+            console.info("[worker] skip PR creation: no connected repo for workspace");
+          } else {
+            const tokenEnvVar = (repoRow as { tokenEnvVar?: string | null }).tokenEnvVar;
+            const token = tokenEnvVar ? process.env[tokenEnvVar]?.trim() || process.env.GITHUB_TOKEN?.trim() : process.env.GITHUB_TOKEN?.trim();
+            const apiBaseUrl: string = (repoRow as { apiBaseUrl: string }).apiBaseUrl;
+            const owner: string = (repoRow as { owner: string }).owner;
+            const repo: string = (repoRow as { repoName: string }).repoName;
+            const forgeType: string = (repoRow as { forgeType: string }).forgeType;
+            const defaultBranch: string | null = (repoRow as { defaultBranch?: string | null }).defaultBranch ?? null;
+
+            const forge = {
+              createPullRequest: async (input: { base: string; head: string; title: string; body: string; draft: boolean }) => {
+                const url = `${apiBaseUrl.replace(/\/$/, "")}/repos/${owner}/${repo}/pulls`;
+                const headers: Record<string, string> = {
+                  "Content-Type": "application/json",
+                  ...(token ? { Authorization: `Bearer ${token}` } : {}),
+                  ...(forgeType === "github"
+                    ? { Accept: "application/vnd.github+json" }
+                    : { Accept: "application/json" }),
+                };
+                const res = await fetch(url, {
+                  method: "POST",
+                  headers,
+                  body: JSON.stringify(input),
+                });
+                const text = await res.text();
+                let body: unknown = null;
+                try {
+                  body = text ? (JSON.parse(text) as unknown) : null;
+                } catch {
+                  throw new Error(`Forge API returned non-JSON response (${res.status}).`);
+                }
+                if (!res.ok) {
+                  const message =
+                    typeof body === "object" &&
+                    body !== null &&
+                    "message" in body &&
+                    typeof (body as { message: unknown }).message === "string"
+                      ? (body as { message: string }).message
+                      : `Forge API error (${res.status})`;
+                  throw new Error(message);
+                }
+                const htmlUrl =
+                  typeof body === "object" && body !== null && "html_url" in body && typeof (body as { html_url: unknown }).html_url === "string"
+                    ? (body as { html_url: string }).html_url
+                    : typeof body === "object" && body !== null && "url" in body && typeof (body as { url: unknown }).url === "string"
+                      ? (body as { url: string }).url
+                      : `${apiBaseUrl.replace(/\/api\/v1$/, "")}/${owner}/${repo}/pulls/unknown`;
+                const number =
+                  typeof body === "object" && body !== null && "number" in body && typeof (body as { number: unknown }).number === "number"
+                    ? (body as { number: number }).number
+                    : 0;
+                return { url: htmlUrl, number };
+              },
+            };
+
+            const result = await openDraftPR({
+              monorepoRoot,
+              worktreePath,
+              branch: worktreeBranch,
+              convoySlug: ctx.convoySlug,
+              briefId: job.briefId ?? null,
+              convoyId: job.convoyId,
+              workspaceId: job.workspaceId,
+              forge,
+              baseBranch: defaultBranch ?? "main",
+            });
+
+            console.info(`[worker] draft PR created url=${result.url} number=${result.number}`);
+
+            try {
+              await (db as unknown as { insert: (t: typeof convoyEvents) => { values: (v: unknown) => Promise<unknown> } })
+                .insert(convoyEvents)
+                .values({
+                  workspaceId: job.workspaceId,
+                  convoyId: job.convoyId,
+                  briefId: job.briefId ?? null,
+                  role: job.roleId,
+                  actor: job.roleId,
+                  eventType: "role_complete",
+                  outcome: "pr_created",
+                  metadata: {
+                    prUrl: result.url,
+                    prNumber: result.number,
+                    convoySlug: ctx.convoySlug,
+                    briefId: job.briefId ?? null,
+                    branch: worktreeBranch,
+                  },
+                } as never);
+            } catch (e) {
+              console.warn("[worker] prUrl event insert failed:", e);
+            }
+
+            try {
+              const convoyRows = await (db as unknown as {
+                select: () => { from: (t: unknown) => { where: (c: unknown) => { limit: (n: number) => Promise<unknown[]> } } };
+              }).select().from(objects).where(eq(objects.id, job.convoyId)).limit(1) as unknown as Array<{ content: unknown }>;
+              const existing = convoyRows?.[0]?.content as Record<string, unknown> | null;
+              const nextContent = { ...(existing ?? {}), prUrl: result.url, prNumber: result.number };
+              await (db as unknown as { update: (t: typeof objects) => { set: (v: unknown) => { where: (c: unknown) => Promise<unknown> } } })
+                .update(objects)
+                .set({ content: nextContent, updatedAt: new Date() } as never)
+                .where(eq(objects.id, job.convoyId));
+            } catch (e) {
+              console.warn("[worker] prUrl content update failed:", e);
+            }
+          }
+        } catch (error) {
+          console.warn("[worker] draft PR failed:", error);
+        }
+      } else {
+        console.info("[worker] skip PR creation: no worktreePath");
+      }
+    }
   } finally {
     if (runId) {
       try {
diff --git a/apps/worker/src/session/minimal-session.ts b/apps/worker/src/session/minimal-session.ts
index b228499..8c5a9ea 100644
--- a/apps/worker/src/session/minimal-session.ts
+++ b/apps/worker/src/session/minimal-session.ts
@@ -26,6 +26,19 @@ export type CheckpointSink = (input: {
   filesTouched: WorkerCheckpointFileTouch[];
 }) => Promise<void>;
 
+export type OperatorNote = {
+  id: string;
+  delivery: "queued" | "direct";
+  body: string;
+  authorUserId: string;
+};
+
+export type OperatorNotesProvider = {
+  harnessAlias?: string;
+  poll: () => Promise<OperatorNote[]>;
+  markDelivered: (ids: string[]) => Promise<void>;
+};
+
 export type MinimalSessionOptions = {
   resolvedModel: ResolvedModel;
   resolvedAlias: string;
@@ -41,6 +54,7 @@ export type MinimalSessionOptions = {
   resumeFilesTouched?: WorkerCheckpointFileTouch[];
   onCheckpoint?: CheckpointSink;
   allowedCommands?: readonly string[] | null;
+  operatorNotes?: OperatorNotesProvider;
 };
 
 function sanitizeToolArgs(
@@ -120,7 +134,7 @@ export function createMinimalSession(
       const checkpointEvery = Math.max(1, options.checkpointEveryNSteps ?? 1);
       const remainingSteps = Math.max(1, options.maxSteps - resumeHistory.length);
 
-      const system = [
+      let systemBase = [
         rolePrompt.trim(),
         options.workflowPrompt ? `\n\n## Workflow\n${options.workflowPrompt.trim()}` : "",
         options.briefFiles?.length
@@ -133,7 +147,39 @@ export function createMinimalSession(
         buildResumeAppendix(resumeHistory),
       ].join("");
 
+      // Direct messages before next generateText: prepend to system tail
+      let directTail = "";
+      const harnessAlias = options.operatorNotes?.harnessAlias ?? options.resolvedAlias ?? "unknown";
+      if (options.operatorNotes) {
+        try {
+          const pending = await options.operatorNotes.poll();
+          const direct = pending.filter((n) => n.delivery === "direct");
+          const queuedBefore = pending.filter((n) => n.delivery === "queued");
+          if (direct.length > 0) {
+            const directText = direct.map((n) => `Direct message from ${n.authorUserId}: ${n.body}`).join("\n");
+            directTail = `\n\n## Direct operator messages\n${directText}`;
+            console.info(`[worker] direct message injected harness=${harnessAlias} count=${direct.length}`);
+            await options.operatorNotes.markDelivered(direct.map((n) => n.id));
+          }
+          // Also handle any queued that arrived before first step
+          if (queuedBefore.length > 0) {
+            for (const n of queuedBefore) {
+              const line = `Queued note from ${n.authorUserId}: ${n.body}`;
+              console.info(`[worker] queued note injected harness=${harnessAlias} ${line}`);
+            }
+            await options.operatorNotes.markDelivered(queuedBefore.map((n) => n.id));
+            // Append queued notes to system as well so model sees them early
+            const queuedText = queuedBefore.map((n) => `Queued note from ${n.authorUserId}: ${n.body}`).join("\n");
+            directTail += `\n\n## Queued operator notes\n${queuedText}`;
+          }
+        } catch (e) {
+          console.warn(`[worker] operator notes poll failed harness=${harnessAlias}`, e);
+        }
+      }
+      const system = systemBase + directTail;
+
       const repoRoot = context.repoRoot;
+      const queuedNotesBuffer: string[] = [];
 
       const recordStep = async (
         toolName: WorkerCheckpointToolStep["tool"],
@@ -162,6 +208,46 @@ export function createMinimalSession(
           }
         }
 
+        // Between tool rounds poll queued notes, append to toolHistory summary, mark delivered
+        if (options.operatorNotes) {
+          try {
+            const pending = await options.operatorNotes.poll();
+            const queued = pending.filter((n) => n.delivery === "queued");
+            const directMid = pending.filter((n) => n.delivery === "direct");
+            if (queued.length > 0) {
+              for (const n of queued) {
+                const line = `Queued note from ${n.authorUserId}: ${n.body}`;
+                queuedNotesBuffer.push(line);
+                console.info(`[worker] queued note injected harness=${harnessAlias} ${line}`);
+                // Synthetic checkpoint summary entry: push as extra tool history digest for visibility
+                // We append queued note to toolHistory as an extra ok entry so checkpoint summary shows it
+                // (using read_file tool as placeholder to satisfy schema)
+                toolHistory.push({
+                  seq: toolCalls + 0.5,
+                  tool: "read_file",
+                  args: { path: `operator_note:${n.id.slice(0, 8)}` },
+                  ok: true,
+                  resultDigest: `queued:${hashContent(n.body).slice(0, 12)}`,
+                } as unknown as WorkerCheckpointToolStep);
+              }
+              await options.operatorNotes.markDelivered(queued.map((n) => n.id));
+            }
+            if (directMid.length > 0) {
+              const directText = directMid.map((n) => `Direct message from ${n.authorUserId}: ${n.body}`).join("\n");
+              console.info(`[worker] direct message injected harness=${harnessAlias} count=${directMid.length} mid-run`);
+              // Direct messages mid-run can't change current system; log and mark delivered for next run
+              // Append to buffer so summary reflects them
+              for (const n of directMid) {
+                queuedNotesBuffer.push(`Direct message from ${n.authorUserId}: ${n.body} (injected mid-run before next model call)`);
+              }
+              await options.operatorNotes.markDelivered(directMid.map((n) => n.id));
+              void directText;
+            }
+          } catch (e) {
+            console.warn(`[worker] operator notes poll between rounds failed harness=${harnessAlias}`, e);
+          }
+        }
+
         if (options.onCheckpoint && toolCalls % checkpointEvery === 0) {
           await options.onCheckpoint({
             checkpointSeq: toolCalls,
@@ -230,8 +316,12 @@ export function createMinimalSession(
         },
       });
 
+      let summary = result.text.trim() || "Session completed with no summary text.";
+      if (queuedNotesBuffer.length > 0) {
+        summary += `\n\n---\nOperator notes injected:\n${queuedNotesBuffer.join("\n")}`;
+      }
       return {
-        summary: result.text.trim() || "Session completed with no summary text.",
+        summary,
         toolCalls,
         tokensTotal: result.usage?.totalTokens,
       };
diff --git a/docs/adr-model-routing.md b/docs/adr-model-routing.md
index 2b24663..2aff750 100644
--- a/docs/adr-model-routing.md
+++ b/docs/adr-model-routing.md
@@ -249,6 +249,8 @@ Shipped when a workspace enables pipeline integration:
 | `gate-copilot` | `claude-planning` | premium |
 | `chat-default` | workspace choice | — |
 
+Harness for `role-doc-writer`: alias `doc-writer` (`harnessType: minimal`, `needsWorktree: false`, `allowedCommands: []` in `apps/worker/src/harness.ts:13`). Suggested second-brain preset is `role-doc-writer → qwen-coder-mlx (http://mac:8000/v1) + doc-writer`; seed via `harnesses.create { alias: "doc-writer", harnessType: "minimal", displayName: "Doc writer" }` then `harnesses.upsertRoute { roleId: "role-doc-writer", harnessProviderId }` if not pre-seeded.
+
 Operators remap aliases in Settings; seed is not immutable.
 
 ## Convoy / brief integration
diff --git a/docs/examples/research-pipeline.md b/docs/examples/research-pipeline.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c8e5c9c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/examples/research-pipeline.md
@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+# Heavy research pipeline — source → claim → outline → publish
+
+E2E fixture for `role-doc-writer` via harness `doc-writer` (`apps/worker/src/harness.ts:13`, `packages/shared/src/convoy-lifecycle/state-machine.ts:9`).
+
+## Flow
+
+1. **Source** — capture references or question under `docs/research/` or convoy brief.
+2. **Claim** — `claim_task` assigns `role-doc-writer`; worker resolves model `qwen-coder-mlx` + harness `doc-writer`.
+3. **Outline** — map claims to evidence, draft outline with `read_file`/`grep`.
+4. **Publish** — write `docs/` or SOP file with `write_file` only, then `in_progress → doc_review` (automation or `role-doc-writer`), then `doc_review → published` via `human-gate-2` / `doc-approver`; finally `published → released` if promoted.
+
+## Harness constraints
+
+- `needsWorktree: false` — writes directly to `monorepoRoot`, no branch or `/tmp/echodo-worker-worktrees` worktree.
+- `allowedCommands: []` — no `run_command`; fixture fails if the tool trace contains `run_command` or `pnpm`.
+- Mirrors `pr_review → merged` for code: `doc_review → published` is the docs-only gate.
+
+## Verify
+
+- Worker trace shows only `read_file`, `grep`, `write_file`.
+- Convoy event `role_complete` with `published: true` and Mission control shows `doc_review → published` by `doc-approver`.
+- Counterpart template: `docs/templates/doc-sop.md`.
diff --git a/docs/operations/live-e2e-checklist.md b/docs/operations/live-e2e-checklist.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5310170
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/operations/live-e2e-checklist.md
@@ -0,0 +1,45 @@
+# Live E2E Dogfood Checklist — `Task-worker-live-e2e-dogfood.md` (A1 verify)
+
+This is the **operator** checklist for `plans/Plan-automation-foundation/Epic-apps-worker-v1/Task-worker-live-e2e-dogfood.md`. Mark the Task `done` only when every box below is true on your deploy (Coolify or local Redis).
+
+## Env (document names only, no secrets)
+
+- `ORCHESTRATOR_DRY_RUN=0` on orchestrator service
+- `WORKER_DRY_RUN=0` on worker service
+- `REDIS_URL` set on both (same `echodo:orchestrator:jobs` queue)
+- `DATABASE_URL` `echodo` on both + web (migrations 0015+ applied)
+- Workspace has `model_providers` alias + `role_model_routes role-implementer → qwen-coder` and `harness_providers alias: minimal` (or `doc-writer` for doc)
+
+## Steps
+
+1. Connected repo reachable from worker: `apps/worker` can `git clone`/`git push` the `repo_links` URL (or monorepo root when `WORKER_REPO_ROOT` unset).
+2. Create or reconcile convoy with implementer brief: either `Plans → Start → Convoy` on a `ready` Task or `create_convoy` + `create_brief` via MCP `reconcile_from_files`.
+3. Advance to `ready` (Gate 1 `human-gate-1` approve if `convoy_review`).
+4. Worker logs show `dequeuing job` → `claimed backlog=... run=...` → `tools=...` → `complete_task` → `role_complete` `convoy_events.metadata.harnessAlias` present.
+5. Settings → Runs (`/[workspaceSlug]/settings/runs`) shows row with `model_alias` + `tokensTotal` for that `runId`.
+6. Mission Control detail `apps/web/app/(app)/[workspaceSlug]/mission-control/page.tsx:12` shows `role_complete` event within 5s (SSE `/api/fleet/events` or poll fallback).
+7. (Preferred, after `Task-worker-draft-pr`) Draft PR exists with marker `echodo-convoy: <convoyId>` consumable by Epic 8 webhook; for doc tasks `doc_review → published` without PR but `published` visible.
+
+## Record
+
+- Convoy slug:
+- Run id (`agent_runs.id`):
+- `harnessAlias` / `modelAlias`:
+- PR url (if code):
+
+## Dry-run fallback still works
+
+- With `DATABASE_URL` missing or `REDIS_URL` unset, `pnpm --filter @tasks/worker dev` logs `DRY-RUN mode — dequeue loop idle` and exits 0; `ORCHESTRATOR_DRY_RUN=1` logs dispatch without enqueue.
+
+## Not this task
+
+- Forge webhooks (Epic 8) — verified separately
+- New worker features — use sibling tasks
+
+## Links
+
+- Task: `plans/Plan-automation-foundation/Epic-apps-worker-v1/Task-worker-live-e2e-dogfood.md`
+- Convoy: `.convoys/worker-closeout-docwriter.md`
+- Worker closeout context: `.convoys/worker-closeout-docwriter/brief-1-draft-pr-forge.md`
+
+Fill convoy slug + run id above, then flip Task status `ready → done` and `exportBacklogItemToMarkdown` will persist it.
diff --git a/docs/templates/doc-sop.md b/docs/templates/doc-sop.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..902c104
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/templates/doc-sop.md
@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+---
+kind: doc-sop
+slug: "<doc-sop-slug>"
+title: "<SOP title>"
+status: draft
+priority: P2
+tenant_id: "<tenant-uuid-or-placeholder>"
+updated_at: "<ISO-8601>"
+---
+
+# SOP: <SOP title>
+
+One-line purpose of this SOP.
+
+## Objective
+
+What this SOP standardizes and when to use it.
+
+## Prerequisites
+
+- Inputs, tools, or access required
+
+## Steps
+
+1. Step one — action
+2. Step two — action
+3. Step three — action
+
+## Verification
+
+- [ ] Outcome check 1
+- [ ] Outcome check 2
+
+## Status
+
+`draft → doc_review → published` via `human-gate-2` / `doc-approver` (`packages/shared/src/convoy-lifecycle/state-machine.ts:9`)
+
+## Links
+
+- Related: `docs/examples/research-pipeline.md`
diff --git a/docs/worker.md b/docs/worker.md
index 33eaf0d..9dca31e 100644
--- a/docs/worker.md
+++ b/docs/worker.md
@@ -28,6 +28,22 @@ WORKER_DRY_RUN=0 REDIS_URL=... pnpm --filter @tasks/worker dev
 - **Lifecycle** — DB writes mirroring MCP `claim_task` / `complete_task`; `role_complete` convoy event on finish (includes `metadata.harnessAlias`)
 - **Harnesses** — `resolveHarnessForJob` maps `job.harnessAlias` or `roleId` to `{ alias, needsWorktree, allowedCommands }`; `allowedCommands` is threaded to `runCommandTool` via `MinimalSession`. Brief 3 will promote this to DB-backed `harness_providers` / `role_harness_routes`.
 
+### `role-doc-writer` via `doc-writer` example
+
+```ts
+// DB seed (or via tRPC harnesses.create / upsertRoute)
+await harnesses.create({ alias: "doc-writer", displayName: "Doc writer", harnessType: "minimal" });
+await harnesses.upsertRoute({ roleId: "role-doc-writer", harnessProviderId: docWriter.id });
+
+// Job dispatch
+{ roleId: "role-doc-writer", harnessAlias: "doc-writer" } // resolveHarnessForJob → { alias: "doc-writer", needsWorktree: false, allowedCommands: [] }
+
+// Session trace: read_file / grep / write_file only — no run_command, no worktree under /tmp/echodo-worker-worktrees.
+// Gate: in_progress → doc_review (automation or role-doc-writer), then doc_review → published via human-gate-2 / doc-approver.
+```
+
+See also `docs/examples/research-pipeline.md` (fixture) and `docs/templates/doc-sop.md` (`kind: doc-sop`).
+
 ## Env
 
 | Variable | Default | Purpose |
diff --git a/packages/database/migrations/0016_noble_operator_notes.sql b/packages/database/migrations/0016_noble_operator_notes.sql
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..74fc1ca
--- /dev/null
+++ b/packages/database/migrations/0016_noble_operator_notes.sql
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+CREATE TABLE "convoy_operator_messages" (
+	"id" uuid PRIMARY KEY DEFAULT gen_random_uuid() NOT NULL,
+	"workspace_id" uuid NOT NULL,
+	"convoy_id" uuid NOT NULL,
+	"brief_id" uuid,
+	"agent_run_id" uuid,
+	"delivery" varchar(20) NOT NULL,
+	"body" text NOT NULL,
+	"author_user_id" uuid NOT NULL,
+	"delivered_at" timestamp with time zone,
+	"created_at" timestamp with time zone DEFAULT now() NOT NULL
+);
+--> statement-breakpoint
+ALTER TABLE "convoy_operator_messages" ADD CONSTRAINT "convoy_operator_messages_workspace_id_workspaces_id_fk" FOREIGN KEY ("workspace_id") REFERENCES "public"."workspaces"("id") ON DELETE cascade ON UPDATE no action;--> statement-breakpoint
+ALTER TABLE "convoy_operator_messages" ADD CONSTRAINT "convoy_operator_messages_convoy_id_objects_id_fk" FOREIGN KEY ("convoy_id") REFERENCES "public"."objects"("id") ON DELETE cascade ON UPDATE no action;--> statement-breakpoint
+ALTER TABLE "convoy_operator_messages" ADD CONSTRAINT "convoy_operator_messages_brief_id_objects_id_fk" FOREIGN KEY ("brief_id") REFERENCES "public"."objects"("id") ON DELETE set null ON UPDATE no action;--> statement-breakpoint
+ALTER TABLE "convoy_operator_messages" ADD CONSTRAINT "convoy_operator_messages_agent_run_id_agent_runs_id_fk" FOREIGN KEY ("agent_run_id") REFERENCES "public"."agent_runs"("id") ON DELETE set null ON UPDATE no action;--> statement-breakpoint
+ALTER TABLE "convoy_operator_messages" ADD CONSTRAINT "convoy_operator_messages_author_user_id_users_id_fk" FOREIGN KEY ("author_user_id") REFERENCES "public"."users"("id") ON DELETE cascade ON UPDATE no action;--> statement-breakpoint
+CREATE INDEX "convoy_operator_messages_workspace_id_convoy_id_delivered_at_idx" ON "convoy_operator_messages" USING btree ("workspace_id","convoy_id","delivered_at");
diff --git a/packages/database/migrations/meta/_journal.json b/packages/database/migrations/meta/_journal.json
index 589f394..76f8b3e 100644
--- a/packages/database/migrations/meta/_journal.json
+++ b/packages/database/migrations/meta/_journal.json
@@ -113,6 +113,13 @@
       "when": 1787692015306,
       "tag": "0015_curved_iron_fist",
       "breakpoints": true
+    },
+    {
+      "idx": 16,
+      "version": "7",
+      "when": 1787850000000,
+      "tag": "0016_noble_operator_notes",
+      "breakpoints": true
     }
   ]
 }
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/packages/database/src/schema/convoy_operator_messages.ts b/packages/database/src/schema/convoy_operator_messages.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2fbf957
--- /dev/null
+++ b/packages/database/src/schema/convoy_operator_messages.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+import { index, pgTable, text, timestamp, uuid, varchar } from "drizzle-orm/pg-core";
+
+import { agentRuns } from "./agent_runs";
+import { objects } from "./objects";
+import { users } from "./users";
+import { workspaces } from "./workspaces";
+
+export const convoyOperatorMessages = pgTable(
+  "convoy_operator_messages",
+  {
+    id: uuid("id").primaryKey().defaultRandom(),
+    workspaceId: uuid("workspace_id")
+      .notNull()
+      .references(() => workspaces.id, { onDelete: "cascade" }),
+    convoyId: uuid("convoy_id")
+      .notNull()
+      .references(() => objects.id, { onDelete: "cascade" }),
+    briefId: uuid("brief_id").references(() => objects.id, { onDelete: "set null" }),
+    agentRunId: uuid("agent_run_id").references(() => agentRuns.id, {
+      onDelete: "set null",
+    }),
+    delivery: varchar("delivery", { length: 20 }).notNull().$type<"queued" | "direct">(),
+    body: text("body").notNull(),
+    authorUserId: uuid("author_user_id")
+      .notNull()
+      .references(() => users.id, { onDelete: "cascade" }),
+    deliveredAt: timestamp("delivered_at", { withTimezone: true }),
+    createdAt: timestamp("created_at", { withTimezone: true }).defaultNow().notNull(),
+  },
+  (table) => ({
+    workspaceConvoyDeliveredIdx: index(
+      "convoy_operator_messages_workspace_id_convoy_id_delivered_at_idx",
+    ).on(table.workspaceId, table.convoyId, table.deliveredAt),
+  }),
+);
diff --git a/packages/database/src/schema/index.ts b/packages/database/src/schema/index.ts
index eefe876..862bacf 100644
--- a/packages/database/src/schema/index.ts
+++ b/packages/database/src/schema/index.ts
@@ -19,3 +19,4 @@ export * from "./connected_repos";
 export * from "./convoy_events";
 export * from "./worker_checkpoints";
 export * from "./harness_providers";
+export * from "./convoy_operator_messages";
diff --git a/packages/shared/src/convoy-lifecycle/schemas.ts b/packages/shared/src/convoy-lifecycle/schemas.ts
index 3643fbf..a92db6d 100644
--- a/packages/shared/src/convoy-lifecycle/schemas.ts
+++ b/packages/shared/src/convoy-lifecycle/schemas.ts
@@ -61,6 +61,8 @@ export const convoyObjectContentSchema = z.object({
   planSlug: z.string().min(1).optional(),
   epicSlug: z.string().min(1).optional(),
   briefFiles: z.array(z.string()).optional(),
+  prUrl: z.string().url().optional(),
+  prNumber: z.number().int().optional(),
 });
 
 export type ConvoyObjectContent = z.infer<typeof convoyObjectContentSchema>;