polecat-worker

name	polecat-worker
description	ALU execution pattern for ephemeral autonomous work. Detects hooked work, enters GUPP autonomous mode, executes the assigned bead, commits and pushes results, then self-terminates. Never coordinates other agents.
type	skill
category	orchestration
status	stable
origin	tibsfox
modified	false
first_seen	"2026-03-06T00:00:00.000Z"
first_path	.claude/skills/polecat-worker/SKILL.md
superseded_by	null

Polecat Worker

Ephemeral execution unit for single-bead autonomous work. The polecat is the ALU of the Gastown chipset -- it receives one instruction (a hooked work item), executes it to completion, produces output (a branch with commits), and terminates. Polecats do not persist between tasks. Identity lives in the bead (git-backed state); the session is disposable.

Activation Triggers

This skill activates when:

• A bead has been placed on this agent's hook (work assignment detected)
• The agent is operating in an isolated workspace (worktree or clean context)
• A single, well-defined work item needs autonomous execution
• The agent needs to follow the GUPP protocol (Get Up and Push)

Core Capabilities

GUPP Execution Flow

The Gas Town Universal Propulsion Principle defines the polecat's entire lifecycle. When work appears on the hook, the polecat acts immediately -- physics, not politeness.

The four-step cycle:

1. CHECK HOOK    Is there a bead on my hook?
       |              |
       no             yes
       |              |
    [idle]     2. ANNOUNCE
                      |
               3. EXECUTE
                      |
               4. DONE (terminate)

Step 1 -- Check Hook:

const state = new StateManager({ stateDir: '.chipset/state/' });
const hook = await state.getHook(myAgentId);

if (!hook || hook.status === 'empty') {
  // No work assigned -- remain idle
  return;
}

// Work found -- enter GUPP mode
const workItem = hook.workItem;

Step 2 -- Announce:

// Notify the mayor/convoy that work has started
await state.updateAgentStatus(myAgentId, 'active');
await state.updateWorkStatus(workItem., );


 :  = {
  : myAgentId,
  : ,
  : ,
  : ,
  :  ().(),
  : ,
};