diff --git a/roboco/config.py b/roboco/config.py
index 103e12c9..f09be1b6 100644
--- a/roboco/config.py
+++ b/roboco/config.py
@@ -342,6 +342,20 @@ class Settings(BaseSettings):
             "override via ROBOCO_STALE_CLAIM_REAP_SECONDS"
         ),
     )
+    # Wave C8 (2026-05-12). Pre-gateway parity: PMs wrote a fresh
+    # journal:decision around each decision point, not once at task
+    # creation. The PM-decision tracing gate (delegate, unblock,
+    # escalate_up, escalate_to_ceo) treats decisions older than this
+    # window as missing, forcing a new note(scope='decision', ...) on
+    # each pass through the gate.
+    pm_decision_window_seconds: int = Field(
+        default=300,
+        ge=1,
+        description=(
+            "Recency window (seconds) for PM journal:decision to satisfy "
+            "gating verbs; override via ROBOCO_PM_DECISION_WINDOW_SECONDS"
+        ),
+    )
     spawn_cooldown_seconds: int = Field(
         default=60,
         ge=1,
diff --git a/roboco/services/gateway/choreographer/_impl.py b/roboco/services/gateway/choreographer/_impl.py
index 585f817f..e48cdb9e 100644
--- a/roboco/services/gateway/choreographer/_impl.py
+++ b/roboco/services/gateway/choreographer/_impl.py
@@ -1396,11 +1396,28 @@ class Choreographer:
         foundation table. Verbs requiring more (``complete``,
         ``submit_up``) use the verb-specific helpers below which thread
         the additional state (reflect, notes, subtasks) into GateContext.
+
+        Wave C8 (2026-05-12) — pre-gateway parity: the gate requires the
+        *most recent* journal:decision for (agent, task) to be no older
+        than ``settings.pm_decision_window_seconds``. Older decisions are
+        treated as missing so PMs write a fresh decision around each
+        decision point rather than once at task creation.
         """
+        from roboco.config import settings as _settings
         from roboco.foundation.policy import tracing as _tr
 
-        has_decision = await self.journal.has_decision_for_task(agent_id, task_id)
-        ctx = _tr.GateContext(journal_decision_present=has_decision)
+        # C8: recency-window only. Per-verb-group consumption tracking
+        # (one decision satisfies exactly one delegate/unblock/escalate
+        # call, then is consumed) is out of scope — Choreographer is
+        # per-request so multi-call state would need a persistent store.
+        latest = await self.journal.latest_decision_at(agent_id, task_id)
+        window_seconds = _settings.pm_decision_window_seconds
+        fresh = (
+            latest is not None
+            and (datetime.now(UTC) - latest).total_seconds() <= window_seconds
+        )
+
+        ctx = _tr.GateContext(journal_decision_present=fresh)
         result = _tr.check_requirements(
             task=t,
             requirements=list(_tr.requirements_for(verb)),
@@ -2078,9 +2095,7 @@ class Choreographer:
             await self._write_auto_pause_checkpoint(agent_id, t)
         return paused_ids
 
-    async def _write_auto_pause_checkpoint(
-        self, agent_id: UUID, task: Any
-    ) -> None:
+    async def _write_auto_pause_checkpoint(self, agent_id: UUID, task: Any) -> None:
         """Write a synthetic checkpoint for a task that was auto-paused on i_am_idle.
 
         Wave C7 (2026-05-12) — captures state-at-pause so the panel's
@@ -2094,9 +2109,7 @@ class Choreographer:
         """
         commit_refs = [c.sha for c in (task.commits or [])[-3:]]
         commit_count = len(task.commits or [])
-        state_summary = (
-            f"auto-paused on i_am_idle (commits: {commit_count})"
-        )
+        state_summary = f"auto-paused on i_am_idle (commits: {commit_count})"
         remaining_work = commit_refs if commit_refs else ["no commits yet"]
         try:
             await self.task.add_checkpoint(
diff --git a/roboco/services/journal.py b/roboco/services/journal.py
index 5088a3d2..7225330f 100644
--- a/roboco/services/journal.py
+++ b/roboco/services/journal.py
@@ -770,6 +770,29 @@ class JournalService(BaseService):
             agent_id, task_id, JournalEntryType.DECISION_LOG
         )
 
+    async def latest_decision_at(
+        self, agent_id: UUID, task_id: UUID
+    ) -> datetime | None:
+        """Return ``created_at`` of the most recent DECISION_LOG entry for
+        (agent, task), or ``None`` if no decision exists.
+
+        Backs the windowed-satisfaction variant of the PM-decision
+        tracing gate (Wave C8): the choreographer treats decisions older
+        than ``settings.pm_decision_window_seconds`` as missing so PMs
+        write a fresh decision around each decision point.
+        """
+        query = (
+            select(func.max(JournalEntryTable.created_at))
+            .join(JournalTable, JournalEntryTable.journal_id == JournalTable.id)
+            .where(
+                JournalTable.agent_id == agent_id,
+                JournalEntryTable.task_id == task_id,
+                JournalEntryTable.type == JournalEntryType.DECISION_LOG,
+            )
+        )
+        result = await self.session.execute(query)
+        return result.scalar()
+
     async def has_note_for_task(self, agent_id: UUID, task_id: UUID) -> bool:
         """True iff a GENERAL (scope='note') entry exists for (agent, task).
 
diff --git a/tests/foundation/test_lifecycle_consumer_parity.py b/tests/foundation/test_lifecycle_consumer_parity.py
index 2f91824a..3ce35905 100644
--- a/tests/foundation/test_lifecycle_consumer_parity.py
+++ b/tests/foundation/test_lifecycle_consumer_parity.py
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ test that makes drift between the spec and the verb body impossible.
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+from datetime import UTC, datetime
 from itertools import product
 from unittest.mock import AsyncMock, MagicMock
 from uuid import uuid4
@@ -41,6 +42,9 @@ def _make_deps(task_svc=None) -> ChoreographerDeps:
         "journal_highlights_for_task",
     ):
         getattr(repo, method).return_value = []
+    # C8: default-fresh journal:decision so PM-decision gate passes.
+    # Parity tests that exercise the gate boundary stub their own value.
+    base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     return ChoreographerDeps(**base)
 
 
@@ -521,6 +525,7 @@ async def test_i_am_done_matches_spec(
     journal_svc.has_reflect_for_task.return_value = True
     # JOURNAL_DURING_WORK_AT_LEAST_ONE: ≥1 decision/learning/struggle.
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     journal_svc.has_learning_for_task.return_value = False
     journal_svc.has_struggle_for_task.return_value = False
     work_svc = deps.work_session
@@ -869,6 +874,7 @@ async def test_complete_matches_spec(role: str, status: str) -> None:
     git_svc.pr_target.return_value = "master"
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     deps_kwargs = {
         "task": task_svc,
         "work_session": AsyncMock(),
@@ -966,6 +972,7 @@ async def test_escalate_up_matches_spec(role: str, status: str) -> None:
     # journal:decision is not on the spec — satisfy it so the verb-specific
     # preflight does not surface a non-spec tracing_gap on the allowed branch.
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     deps = _make_deps(task_svc=task_svc)
     deps = ChoreographerDeps(
         task=task_svc,
@@ -1063,6 +1070,7 @@ async def test_escalate_to_ceo_matches_spec(role: str, status: str) -> None:
     )
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     deps = _make_deps(task_svc=task_svc)
     deps = ChoreographerDeps(
         task=task_svc,
@@ -1164,6 +1172,7 @@ async def test_submit_up_matches_spec(role: str, status: str) -> None:
     git_svc.create_pr.return_value = {"pr_number": 12, "pr_url": "x"}
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     deps = _make_deps(task_svc=task_svc)
     deps = ChoreographerDeps(
         task=task_svc,
diff --git a/tests/integration/test_foundation_phase1_smoke.py b/tests/integration/test_foundation_phase1_smoke.py
index 43c6972c..046de551 100644
--- a/tests/integration/test_foundation_phase1_smoke.py
+++ b/tests/integration/test_foundation_phase1_smoke.py
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ assignee"]`` ever lands in the DB.
 from __future__ import annotations
 
 import subprocess
+from datetime import UTC, datetime
 from typing import Any
 from unittest.mock import AsyncMock, MagicMock
 from uuid import uuid4
@@ -54,6 +55,11 @@ def _make_deps(**overrides: Any) -> ChoreographerDeps:
         "journal_highlights_for_task",
     ):
         getattr(repo, method).return_value = []
+    # C8: default-fresh journal:decision so PM-decision gate passes for
+    # callers that don't override the journal mock.
+    _ldef = base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value
+    if type(_ldef).__name__ in ("MagicMock", "AsyncMock"):
+        base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     return ChoreographerDeps(**base)
 
 
diff --git a/tests/integration/test_full_lifecycle_real_db.py b/tests/integration/test_full_lifecycle_real_db.py
index 661f7001..b3d4772c 100644
--- a/tests/integration/test_full_lifecycle_real_db.py
+++ b/tests/integration/test_full_lifecycle_real_db.py
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@ When extended to all roles, this test catches:
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+from datetime import UTC, datetime
 from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Any
 from unittest.mock import AsyncMock
 from uuid import UUID, uuid4
@@ -143,12 +144,17 @@ def _mock_evidence_repo() -> Any:
 
 
 def _mock_journal_with_reflect() -> Any:
-    """Journal stub that reports reflect/learning/decision entries present."""
+    """Journal stub that reports reflect/learning/decision entries present.
+
+    ``latest_decision_at`` is anchored to ``datetime.now(UTC)`` so the C8
+    recency window on the PM-decision gate accepts it.
+    """
     journal = AsyncMock()
     journal.has_reflect_for_task.return_value = True
     journal.has_learning_for_task.return_value = True
     journal.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
     journal.has_struggle_for_task.return_value = False
+    journal.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     return journal
 
 
diff --git a/tests/integration/test_lifecycle_real_db.py b/tests/integration/test_lifecycle_real_db.py
index 5eab4494..80e342f0 100644
--- a/tests/integration/test_lifecycle_real_db.py
+++ b/tests/integration/test_lifecycle_real_db.py
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@ TaskService are real — those are the layers Task 30 verifies.
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+from datetime import UTC, datetime
 from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Any
 from unittest.mock import AsyncMock
 from uuid import UUID, uuid4
@@ -149,12 +150,17 @@ def _mock_evidence_repo() -> Any:
 
 
 def _mock_journal_with_reflect() -> Any:
-    """Journal stub that reports reflect/learning/decision entries present."""
+    """Journal stub that reports reflect/learning/decision entries present.
+
+    ``latest_decision_at`` is anchored to ``datetime.now(UTC)`` so the C8
+    recency window on the PM-decision gate accepts it.
+    """
     journal = AsyncMock()
     journal.has_reflect_for_task.return_value = True
     journal.has_learning_for_task.return_value = True
     journal.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
     journal.has_struggle_for_task.return_value = False
+    journal.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     return journal
 
 
diff --git a/tests/integration/test_migration_013_drop_role.py b/tests/integration/test_migration_013_drop_role.py
index f25b3c07..9b75a4a9 100644
--- a/tests/integration/test_migration_013_drop_role.py
+++ b/tests/integration/test_migration_013_drop_role.py
@@ -39,10 +39,7 @@ async def test_role_enum_dropped_after_upgrade(db_session) -> None:  # type: ign
     # The conftest fixture should handle that — verify by reading the
     # existing tests' conftest.
     result = await db_session.execute(
-        text(
-            "SELECT typname FROM pg_type "
-            "WHERE typname IN ('role', 'agentrole')"
-        )
+        text("SELECT typname FROM pg_type WHERE typname IN ('role', 'agentrole')")
     )
     rows = {row[0] for row in result}
     assert "agentrole" in rows, "agentrole must remain (it's the live enum)"
diff --git a/tests/unit/api/routes/v2/test_i_will_plan_rich_required.py b/tests/unit/api/routes/v2/test_i_will_plan_rich_required.py
index 3959eb4a..138b864f 100644
--- a/tests/unit/api/routes/v2/test_i_will_plan_rich_required.py
+++ b/tests/unit/api/routes/v2/test_i_will_plan_rich_required.py
@@ -56,8 +56,7 @@ def test_i_will_plan_rejects_missing_approach() -> None:
     assert resp.status_code == _HTTP_UNPROCESSABLE, resp.text
     detail = resp.json()
     assert any(
-        "approach" in str(err.get("loc", []))
-        for err in detail.get("detail", [])
+        "approach" in str(err.get("loc", [])) for err in detail.get("detail", [])
     ), detail
 
 
@@ -106,9 +105,7 @@ def test_i_will_plan_schema_accepts_rich_plan() -> None:
             "Single-cell decomposition for the smoke test: be-pm handles "
             "git workflow validation end to end."
         ),
-        sub_tasks=[
-            {"title": "Backend slice", "description": "Branch + edit + PR"}
-        ],
+        sub_tasks=[{"title": "Backend slice", "description": "Branch + edit + PR"}],
         risks=[],
         open_questions=[],
     )
diff --git a/tests/unit/gateway/test_acceptance_criteria_status_writer.py b/tests/unit/gateway/test_acceptance_criteria_status_writer.py
index 83cc900c..44e62753 100644
--- a/tests/unit/gateway/test_acceptance_criteria_status_writer.py
+++ b/tests/unit/gateway/test_acceptance_criteria_status_writer.py
@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ mapping so the panel can render checkmarks.
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+from datetime import UTC, datetime
 from typing import Any
 from unittest.mock import AsyncMock, MagicMock
 from uuid import uuid4
@@ -45,6 +46,13 @@ def _make_deps(**overrides: Any) -> ChoreographerDeps:
         "journal_highlights_for_task",
     ):
         getattr(repo, method).return_value = []
+    # C8: default-fresh journal:decision so PM-decision gate passes.
+    # Tests that exercise the gate boundary stub their own value.
+    # The check matches MagicMock and AsyncMock (the two default sentinel
+    # types pytest's unittest.mock leaves on un-stubbed return_values).
+    _ldef = base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value
+    if type(_ldef).__name__ in ("MagicMock", "AsyncMock"):
+        base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     return ChoreographerDeps(**base)
 
 
@@ -108,6 +116,7 @@ async def test_i_am_done_writes_criteria_status_on_success() -> None:
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_reflect_for_task.return_value = True
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     journal_svc.has_learning_for_task.return_value = False
     journal_svc.has_struggle_for_task.return_value = False
 
@@ -184,6 +193,7 @@ async def test_i_am_done_with_no_criteria_does_not_write_status() -> None:
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_reflect_for_task.return_value = True
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     journal_svc.has_learning_for_task.return_value = False
     journal_svc.has_struggle_for_task.return_value = False
 
@@ -241,6 +251,7 @@ async def test_i_am_done_skips_write_when_all_criteria_already_addressed() -> No
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_reflect_for_task.return_value = True
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     journal_svc.has_learning_for_task.return_value = False
     journal_svc.has_struggle_for_task.return_value = False
 
@@ -283,6 +294,7 @@ async def test_i_am_done_gate_rejection_skips_criteria_write() -> None:
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_reflect_for_task.return_value = False
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = False
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = None
     journal_svc.has_learning_for_task.return_value = False
     journal_svc.has_struggle_for_task.return_value = False
 
@@ -337,6 +349,7 @@ async def test_i_am_done_uses_reflect_note_artifact_when_commit_sha_is_none() ->
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_reflect_for_task.return_value = True
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     journal_svc.has_learning_for_task.return_value = False
     journal_svc.has_struggle_for_task.return_value = False
 
diff --git a/tests/unit/gateway/test_audit_on_rejection.py b/tests/unit/gateway/test_audit_on_rejection.py
index 92791f82..0fe0be3d 100644
--- a/tests/unit/gateway/test_audit_on_rejection.py
+++ b/tests/unit/gateway/test_audit_on_rejection.py
@@ -19,6 +19,7 @@ not propagate or alter the envelope returned to the agent.
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+from datetime import UTC, datetime
 from typing import Any
 from unittest.mock import AsyncMock, MagicMock
 from uuid import uuid4
@@ -49,6 +50,13 @@ def _make_deps(**overrides: Any) -> ChoreographerDeps:
         "journal_highlights_for_task",
     ):
         getattr(repo, method).return_value = []
+    # C8: default-fresh journal:decision so PM-decision gate passes.
+    # Tests that exercise the gate boundary stub their own value.
+    # The check matches MagicMock and AsyncMock (the two default sentinel
+    # types pytest's unittest.mock leaves on un-stubbed return_values).
+    _ldef = base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value
+    if type(_ldef).__name__ in ("MagicMock", "AsyncMock"):
+        base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     return ChoreographerDeps(**base)
 
 
diff --git a/tests/unit/gateway/test_auto_pause_checkpoint.py b/tests/unit/gateway/test_auto_pause_checkpoint.py
index ea1dc726..566ac405 100644
--- a/tests/unit/gateway/test_auto_pause_checkpoint.py
+++ b/tests/unit/gateway/test_auto_pause_checkpoint.py
@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ checkpoint summarizing state at pause-time so the panel reflects reality.
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+from datetime import UTC, datetime
 from typing import Any
 from unittest.mock import AsyncMock, MagicMock
 from uuid import uuid4
@@ -38,6 +39,13 @@ def _make_deps(**overrides: Any) -> ChoreographerDeps:
         "journal_highlights_for_task",
     ):
         getattr(repo, method).return_value = []
+    # C8: default-fresh journal:decision so PM-decision gate passes.
+    # Tests that exercise the gate boundary stub their own value.
+    # The check matches MagicMock and AsyncMock (the two default sentinel
+    # types pytest's unittest.mock leaves on un-stubbed return_values).
+    _ldef = base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value
+    if type(_ldef).__name__ in ("MagicMock", "AsyncMock"):
+        base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     return ChoreographerDeps(**base)
 
 
diff --git a/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_auditor.py b/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_auditor.py
index fe6f2863..24549566 100644
--- a/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_auditor.py
+++ b/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_auditor.py
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ Covers: auditor_triage (read-only anomaly surfacing).
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+from datetime import UTC, datetime
 from typing import Any
 from unittest.mock import AsyncMock, MagicMock
 from uuid import uuid4
@@ -35,6 +36,13 @@ def _make_deps(**overrides: Any) -> ChoreographerDeps:
         "journal_highlights_for_task",
     ):
         getattr(repo, method).return_value = []
+    # C8: default-fresh journal:decision so PM-decision gate passes.
+    # Tests that exercise the gate boundary stub their own value.
+    # The check matches MagicMock and AsyncMock (the two default sentinel
+    # types pytest's unittest.mock leaves on un-stubbed return_values).
+    _ldef = base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value
+    if type(_ldef).__name__ in ("MagicMock", "AsyncMock"):
+        base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     return ChoreographerDeps(**base)
 
 
diff --git a/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_board.py b/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_board.py
index deed5ce7..7ed8385d 100644
--- a/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_board.py
+++ b/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_board.py
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ state gate (awaiting_pm_review only), and journal:decision tracing gate.
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+from datetime import UTC, datetime
 from typing import Any
 from unittest.mock import AsyncMock, MagicMock
 from uuid import uuid4
@@ -49,6 +50,13 @@ def _make_deps(**overrides: Any) -> ChoreographerDeps:
         "journal_highlights_for_task",
     ):
         getattr(repo, method).return_value = []
+    # C8: default-fresh journal:decision so PM-decision gate passes.
+    # Tests that exercise the gate boundary stub their own value.
+    # The check matches MagicMock and AsyncMock (the two default sentinel
+    # types pytest's unittest.mock leaves on un-stubbed return_values).
+    _ldef = base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value
+    if type(_ldef).__name__ in ("MagicMock", "AsyncMock"):
+        base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     return ChoreographerDeps(**base)
 
 
@@ -68,6 +76,7 @@ async def test_board_escalate_to_ceo_succeeds_for_product_owner() -> None:
     task_svc.escalate_to_ceo.return_value = after
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, journal=journal_svc)
     c = Choreographer(deps)
 
@@ -97,6 +106,7 @@ async def test_board_escalate_to_ceo_succeeds_for_head_marketing() -> None:
     task_svc.escalate_to_ceo.return_value = after
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, journal=journal_svc)
     c = Choreographer(deps)
 
@@ -156,6 +166,7 @@ async def test_board_escalate_to_ceo_requires_journal_decision() -> None:
     task_svc.agent_for.return_value = MagicMock(role="product_owner")
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = False
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = None
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, journal=journal_svc)
     c = Choreographer(deps)
 
@@ -197,6 +208,7 @@ async def test_board_escalate_to_ceo_succeeds_for_main_pm() -> None:
     task_svc.escalate_to_ceo.return_value = after
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, journal=journal_svc)
     c = Choreographer(deps)
 
diff --git a/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_claim_guards.py b/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_claim_guards.py
index aa2cb7bb..7ed283d6 100644
--- a/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_claim_guards.py
+++ b/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_claim_guards.py
@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ roboco/mcp/tasks/handlers/claim.py:121-180 for the sibling sequence check.
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+from datetime import UTC, datetime
 from typing import Any
 from unittest.mock import AsyncMock, MagicMock
 from uuid import uuid4
@@ -56,6 +57,13 @@ def _make_deps(**overrides: Any) -> ChoreographerDeps:
         "journal_highlights_for_task",
     ):
         getattr(repo, method).return_value = []
+    # C8: default-fresh journal:decision so PM-decision gate passes.
+    # Tests that exercise the gate boundary stub their own value.
+    # The check matches MagicMock and AsyncMock (the two default sentinel
+    # types pytest's unittest.mock leaves on un-stubbed return_values).
+    _ldef = base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value
+    if type(_ldef).__name__ in ("MagicMock", "AsyncMock"):
+        base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     return ChoreographerDeps(**base)
 
 
diff --git a/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_completion_guards.py b/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_completion_guards.py
index 32f37021..72c7789a 100644
--- a/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_completion_guards.py
+++ b/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_completion_guards.py
@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ These tests verify:
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+from datetime import UTC, datetime
 from typing import Any
 from unittest.mock import AsyncMock, MagicMock
 from uuid import uuid4
@@ -55,6 +56,13 @@ def _make_deps(**overrides: Any) -> ChoreographerDeps:
         "journal_highlights_for_task",
     ):
         getattr(repo, method).return_value = []
+    # C8: default-fresh journal:decision so PM-decision gate passes.
+    # Tests that exercise the gate boundary stub their own value.
+    # The check matches MagicMock and AsyncMock (the two default sentinel
+    # types pytest's unittest.mock leaves on un-stubbed return_values).
+    _ldef = base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value
+    if type(_ldef).__name__ in ("MagicMock", "AsyncMock"):
+        base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     return ChoreographerDeps(**base)
 
 
@@ -83,6 +91,7 @@ async def test_cell_pm_complete_blocks_when_subtask_pending() -> None:
     task_svc.get_subtasks.return_value = [sub]
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     journal_svc.has_reflect_for_task.return_value = True
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, journal=journal_svc)
     c = Choreographer(deps)
@@ -118,6 +127,7 @@ async def test_cell_pm_complete_allows_when_all_terminal() -> None:
     task_svc.cell_pm_complete.return_value = after
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     journal_svc.has_reflect_for_task.return_value = True
     git_svc = AsyncMock()
     git_svc.pr_merge.return_value = {"merge_commit_sha": "abc"}
@@ -155,6 +165,7 @@ async def test_main_pm_complete_blocks_when_subtask_pending() -> None:
     task_svc.get_subtasks.return_value = [sub]
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     journal_svc.has_reflect_for_task.return_value = True
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, journal=journal_svc)
     c = Choreographer(deps)
@@ -193,6 +204,7 @@ async def test_submit_up_blocks_when_subtask_pending() -> None:
     task_svc.get_subtasks.return_value = [sub]
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, journal=journal_svc)
     c = Choreographer(deps)
 
diff --git a/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_delegate_guards.py b/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_delegate_guards.py
index dcc11348..6e6629e8 100644
--- a/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_delegate_guards.py
+++ b/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_delegate_guards.py
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ and start a parent task. That implicit gate is restored explicitly here:
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+from datetime import UTC, datetime
 from typing import Any
 from unittest.mock import AsyncMock, MagicMock
 from uuid import uuid4
@@ -44,6 +45,13 @@ def _make_deps(**overrides: Any) -> ChoreographerDeps:
         "journal_highlights_for_task",
     ):
         getattr(repo, method).return_value = []
+    # C8: default-fresh journal:decision so PM-decision gate passes.
+    # Tests that exercise the gate boundary stub their own value.
+    # The check matches MagicMock and AsyncMock (the two default sentinel
+    # types pytest's unittest.mock leaves on un-stubbed return_values).
+    _ldef = base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value
+    if type(_ldef).__name__ in ("MagicMock", "AsyncMock"):
+        base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     return ChoreographerDeps(**base)
 
 
diff --git a/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_dev.py b/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_dev.py
index a7c372d4..a1c2822b 100644
--- a/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_dev.py
+++ b/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_dev.py
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+from datetime import UTC, datetime
 from unittest.mock import AsyncMock, MagicMock
 from uuid import uuid4
 
@@ -392,6 +393,7 @@ async def test_i_am_done_blocks_when_acceptance_criteria_unaddressed() -> None:
     # rejection here is the unaddressed AC2 criterion, not the new
     # mid-flight cadence gate.
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     journal_svc.has_learning_for_task.return_value = False
     journal_svc.has_struggle_for_task.return_value = False
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, journal=journal_svc)
@@ -445,6 +447,7 @@ async def test_i_am_done_reflect_note_addresses_acceptance_criteria() -> None:
     # Satisfy JOURNAL_DURING_WORK_AT_LEAST_ONE so the test's narrow assertion
     # (criteria-gap cleared) isn't masked by an unrelated tracing failure.
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     journal_svc.has_learning_for_task.return_value = False
     journal_svc.has_struggle_for_task.return_value = False
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, journal=journal_svc)
@@ -495,6 +498,7 @@ async def test_i_am_done_blocks_when_journal_reflect_missing() -> None:
     # Satisfy JOURNAL_DURING_WORK_AT_LEAST_ONE so journal:reflect is the
     # load-bearing gap surfaced to the assertion.
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     journal_svc.has_learning_for_task.return_value = False
     journal_svc.has_struggle_for_task.return_value = False
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, journal=journal_svc)
diff --git a/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_doc.py b/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_doc.py
index 25d55df9..92159075 100644
--- a/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_doc.py
+++ b/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_doc.py
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+from datetime import UTC, datetime
 from typing import Any
 from unittest.mock import AsyncMock, MagicMock
 from uuid import uuid4
@@ -32,6 +33,13 @@ def _make_deps(**overrides: Any) -> ChoreographerDeps:
         "journal_highlights_for_task",
     ):
         getattr(repo, method).return_value = []
+    # C8: default-fresh journal:decision so PM-decision gate passes.
+    # Tests that exercise the gate boundary stub their own value.
+    # The check matches MagicMock and AsyncMock (the two default sentinel
+    # types pytest's unittest.mock leaves on un-stubbed return_values).
+    _ldef = base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value
+    if type(_ldef).__name__ in ("MagicMock", "AsyncMock"):
+        base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     return ChoreographerDeps(**base)
 
 
diff --git a/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_idle_guards.py b/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_idle_guards.py
index c096e1d3..c7f02f7e 100644
--- a/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_idle_guards.py
+++ b/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_idle_guards.py
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ dispatcher would respawn them. The gateway makes this explicit:
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+from datetime import UTC, datetime
 from typing import Any
 from unittest.mock import AsyncMock, MagicMock
 from uuid import uuid4
@@ -41,6 +42,13 @@ def _make_deps(**overrides: Any) -> ChoreographerDeps:
         "journal_highlights_for_task",
     ):
         getattr(repo, method).return_value = []
+    # C8: default-fresh journal:decision so PM-decision gate passes.
+    # Tests that exercise the gate boundary stub their own value.
+    # The check matches MagicMock and AsyncMock (the two default sentinel
+    # types pytest's unittest.mock leaves on un-stubbed return_values).
+    _ldef = base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value
+    if type(_ldef).__name__ in ("MagicMock", "AsyncMock"):
+        base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     return ChoreographerDeps(**base)
 
 
diff --git a/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_impl_branches.py b/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_impl_branches.py
index 32e98e56..1a87bfa1 100644
--- a/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_impl_branches.py
+++ b/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_impl_branches.py
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ states (claim failures, start failures, missing parents, etc.).
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+from datetime import UTC, datetime
 from typing import Any
 from unittest.mock import AsyncMock, MagicMock
 from uuid import uuid4
@@ -94,6 +95,13 @@ def _make_deps(**overrides: Any) -> ChoreographerDeps:
         "journal_highlights_for_task",
     ):
         getattr(repo, method).return_value = []
+    # C8: default-fresh journal:decision so PM-decision gate passes.
+    # Tests that exercise the gate boundary stub their own value.
+    # The check matches MagicMock and AsyncMock (the two default sentinel
+    # types pytest's unittest.mock leaves on un-stubbed return_values).
+    _ldef = base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value
+    if type(_ldef).__name__ in ("MagicMock", "AsyncMock"):
+        base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     return ChoreographerDeps(**base)
 
 
@@ -588,6 +596,7 @@ async def test_submit_up_submit_pm_review_fails() -> None:
     task_svc.submit_pm_review.return_value = None  # service returns None
     journal = AsyncMock()
     journal.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     git = AsyncMock()
     git.create_pr = AsyncMock()
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, journal=journal, git=git)
@@ -645,6 +654,7 @@ async def test_submit_up_no_branch_rejected() -> None:
     task_svc.all_subtasks_terminal.return_value = True
     journal = AsyncMock()
     journal.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, journal=journal)
     c = Choreographer(deps)
     env = await c.submit_up(pm_id, task_id, notes="x" * 30)
@@ -913,6 +923,7 @@ async def test_main_pm_complete_missing_journal_decision() -> None:
     task_svc.get.return_value = task
     journal = AsyncMock()
     journal.has_decision_for_task.return_value = False
+    journal.latest_decision_at.return_value = None
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, journal=journal)
     c = Choreographer(deps)
     env = await c.main_pm_complete(main_pm_id, task_id, notes="x" * 30)
diff --git a/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_pm.py b/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_pm.py
index 2c27f977..da996675 100644
--- a/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_pm.py
+++ b/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_pm.py
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ Covers: triage, triage_all, unblock, complete, escalate_up.
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+from datetime import UTC, datetime
 from typing import Any
 from unittest.mock import AsyncMock, MagicMock
 from uuid import uuid4
@@ -35,6 +36,13 @@ def _make_deps(**overrides: Any) -> ChoreographerDeps:
         "journal_highlights_for_task",
     ):
         getattr(repo, method).return_value = []
+    # C8: default-fresh journal:decision so PM-decision gate passes.
+    # Tests that exercise the gate boundary stub their own value.
+    # The check matches MagicMock and AsyncMock (the two default sentinel
+    # types pytest's unittest.mock leaves on un-stubbed return_values).
+    _ldef = base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value
+    if type(_ldef).__name__ in ("MagicMock", "AsyncMock"):
+        base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     return ChoreographerDeps(**base)
 
 
@@ -142,6 +150,7 @@ async def test_unblock_restores_pre_block_state() -> None:
     task_svc.unblock_with_restore.return_value = after
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, journal=journal_svc)
     c = Choreographer(deps)
 
@@ -168,6 +177,7 @@ async def test_unblock_default_restores() -> None:
     task_svc.unblock_with_restore.return_value = after
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, journal=journal_svc)
     c = Choreographer(deps)
 
@@ -185,6 +195,7 @@ async def test_unblock_blocks_without_journal_decision() -> None:
     task_svc.get.return_value = t
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = False
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = None
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, journal=journal_svc)
     c = Choreographer(deps)
 
@@ -226,6 +237,7 @@ async def test_unblock_restore_false_returns_legacy_message() -> None:
     task_svc.unblock_with_restore.return_value = after
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, journal=journal_svc)
     c = Choreographer(deps)
 
@@ -257,6 +269,7 @@ async def test_cell_pm_complete_merges_then_completes() -> None:
     git_svc.pr_merge.return_value = {"merged": True, "merge_commit_sha": "merge-abc"}
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     journal_svc.has_reflect_for_task.return_value = True
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, git=git_svc, journal=journal_svc)
     c = Choreographer(deps)
@@ -284,6 +297,7 @@ async def test_cell_pm_complete_blocks_if_subtasks_unfinished() -> None:
     task_svc.all_subtasks_terminal.return_value = False
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     journal_svc.has_reflect_for_task.return_value = True
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, journal=journal_svc)
     c = Choreographer(deps)
@@ -311,6 +325,7 @@ async def test_cell_pm_complete_requires_journal_decision() -> None:
     task_svc.all_subtasks_terminal.return_value = True
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = False
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = None
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, journal=journal_svc)
     c = Choreographer(deps)
 
@@ -337,6 +352,7 @@ async def test_cell_pm_complete_no_pr_returns_invalid_state() -> None:
     task_svc.all_subtasks_terminal.return_value = True
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     journal_svc.has_reflect_for_task.return_value = True
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, journal=journal_svc)
     c = Choreographer(deps)
@@ -384,6 +400,7 @@ async def test_main_pm_complete_opens_master_pr_and_escalates() -> None:
     git_svc.create_pr.return_value = {"pr_number": 99, "pr_url": "https://x/y/pull/99"}
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     journal_svc.has_reflect_for_task.return_value = True
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, git=git_svc, journal=journal_svc)
     c = Choreographer(deps)
@@ -423,6 +440,7 @@ async def test_main_pm_complete_skips_pr_creation_if_already_master_targeted() -
     git_svc.pr_target.return_value = "master"
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     journal_svc.has_reflect_for_task.return_value = True
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, git=git_svc, journal=journal_svc)
     c = Choreographer(deps)
@@ -471,6 +489,7 @@ async def test_main_pm_complete_blocks_unfinished_subtasks() -> None:
     task_svc.all_subtasks_terminal.return_value = False
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, journal=journal_svc)
     c = Choreographer(deps)
 
@@ -502,6 +521,7 @@ async def test_complete_dispatches_cell_pm() -> None:
     git_svc.pr_merge.return_value = {"merged": True, "merge_commit_sha": "x"}
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     journal_svc.has_reflect_for_task.return_value = True
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, git=git_svc, journal=journal_svc)
     c = Choreographer(deps)
@@ -536,6 +556,7 @@ async def test_complete_dispatches_main_pm() -> None:
     git_svc.create_pr.return_value = {"pr_number": 99, "pr_url": "x"}
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     journal_svc.has_reflect_for_task.return_value = True
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, git=git_svc, journal=journal_svc)
     c = Choreographer(deps)
@@ -577,6 +598,7 @@ async def test_escalate_up_routes_by_escalation_target() -> None:
     task_svc.escalate.return_value = after
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, journal=journal_svc)
     c = Choreographer(deps)
 
@@ -604,6 +626,7 @@ async def test_escalate_up_returns_invalid_state_when_target_lookup_fails() -> N
     task_svc.escalate.return_value = None  # target slug not found in DB
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, journal=journal_svc)
     c = Choreographer(deps)
 
@@ -628,6 +651,7 @@ async def test_escalate_up_blocks_without_journal_decision() -> None:
     )
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = False
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = None
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, journal=journal_svc)
     c = Choreographer(deps)
 
@@ -657,6 +681,7 @@ async def test_escalate_up_no_target_returns_invalid_state() -> None:
     )
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, journal=journal_svc)
     c = Choreographer(deps)
 
diff --git a/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_pm_extras.py b/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_pm_extras.py
index 628bfe72..27a06a79 100644
--- a/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_pm_extras.py
+++ b/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_pm_extras.py
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ auto-pause behavior of i_am_idle for PMs.
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+from datetime import UTC, datetime
 from typing import Any
 from unittest.mock import AsyncMock, MagicMock
 from uuid import UUID, uuid4
@@ -54,6 +55,13 @@ def _make_deps(**overrides: Any) -> ChoreographerDeps:
         "journal_highlights_for_task",
     ):
         getattr(repo, method).return_value = []
+    # C8: default-fresh journal:decision so PM-decision gate passes.
+    # Tests that exercise the gate boundary stub their own value.
+    # The check matches MagicMock and AsyncMock (the two default sentinel
+    # types pytest's unittest.mock leaves on un-stubbed return_values).
+    _ldef = base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value
+    if type(_ldef).__name__ in ("MagicMock", "AsyncMock"):
+        base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     return ChoreographerDeps(**base)
 
 
@@ -170,6 +178,7 @@ async def test_i_will_plan_blocks_when_journal_decision_at_claim_missing() -> No
     task_svc.start.return_value = started
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = False
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = None
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, journal=journal_svc)
     c = Choreographer(deps)
 
@@ -395,12 +404,9 @@ async def test_i_will_plan_idempotent_when_already_in_progress_for_caller() -> N
         plan="re-entry plan",
         rich_plan={
             "approach": (
-                "Idempotent re-entry: task already in progress, "
-                "refresh heartbeat."
+                "Idempotent re-entry: task already in progress, refresh heartbeat."
             ),
-            "sub_tasks": [
-                {"title": "Re-entry subtask", "description": "Resume work"}
-            ],
+            "sub_tasks": [{"title": "Re-entry subtask", "description": "Resume work"}],
         },
     )
 
@@ -459,8 +465,7 @@ async def test_i_will_plan_recovery_when_already_claimed_for_caller() -> None:
         plan="re-entry plan",
         rich_plan={
             "approach": (
-                "Recovery re-entry: task claimed but not started; "
-                "run set_plan + start."
+                "Recovery re-entry: task claimed but not started; run set_plan + start."
             ),
             "sub_tasks": [
                 {"title": "Recovery subtask", "description": "Resume from claimed"}
@@ -804,6 +809,7 @@ async def test_submit_up_opens_pr_and_reassigns_to_main_pm() -> None:
     git_svc.create_pr.return_value = {"pr_number": 12, "pr_url": "x"}
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, git=git_svc, journal=journal_svc)
     c = Choreographer(deps)
 
@@ -833,6 +839,7 @@ async def test_submit_up_blocks_when_subtasks_not_terminal() -> None:
     task_svc.all_subtasks_terminal.return_value = False
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, journal=journal_svc)
     c = Choreographer(deps)
 
@@ -874,6 +881,7 @@ async def test_submit_up_blocks_without_journal_decision() -> None:
     task_svc.agent_for.return_value = MagicMock(role="cell_pm", team="backend")
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = False
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = None
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, journal=journal_svc)
     c = Choreographer(deps)
 
diff --git a/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_qa.py b/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_qa.py
index 13b6cbdc..685d7d54 100644
--- a/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_qa.py
+++ b/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_qa.py
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+from datetime import UTC, datetime
 from typing import Any
 from unittest.mock import AsyncMock, MagicMock
 from uuid import uuid4
@@ -32,6 +33,13 @@ def _make_deps(**overrides: Any) -> ChoreographerDeps:
         "journal_highlights_for_task",
     ):
         getattr(repo, method).return_value = []
+    # C8: default-fresh journal:decision so PM-decision gate passes.
+    # Tests that exercise the gate boundary stub their own value.
+    # The check matches MagicMock and AsyncMock (the two default sentinel
+    # types pytest's unittest.mock leaves on un-stubbed return_values).
+    _ldef = base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value
+    if type(_ldef).__name__ in ("MagicMock", "AsyncMock"):
+        base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     return ChoreographerDeps(**base)
 
 
diff --git a/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_reassignment.py b/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_reassignment.py
index eca119dc..5849ea42 100644
--- a/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_reassignment.py
+++ b/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_reassignment.py
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ stage as part of every transition.
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+from datetime import UTC, datetime
 from typing import Any
 from unittest.mock import AsyncMock, MagicMock
 from uuid import uuid4
@@ -54,6 +55,13 @@ def _make_deps(**overrides: Any) -> ChoreographerDeps:
         "journal_highlights_for_task",
     ):
         getattr(repo, method).return_value = []
+    # C8: default-fresh journal:decision so PM-decision gate passes.
+    # Tests that exercise the gate boundary stub their own value.
+    # The check matches MagicMock and AsyncMock (the two default sentinel
+    # types pytest's unittest.mock leaves on un-stubbed return_values).
+    _ldef = base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value
+    if type(_ldef).__name__ in ("MagicMock", "AsyncMock"):
+        base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     return ChoreographerDeps(**base)
 
 
@@ -117,6 +125,7 @@ async def test_i_am_done_reassigns_task_to_qa_agent() -> None:
     # JOURNAL_DURING_WORK_AT_LEAST_ONE: at least one decision/learning/struggle
     # must exist between claim and submit.
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     journal_svc.has_learning_for_task.return_value = False
     journal_svc.has_struggle_for_task.return_value = False
 
@@ -179,6 +188,7 @@ async def test_i_am_done_skips_reassign_when_no_qa_agent() -> None:
     journal_svc.has_reflect_for_task.return_value = True
     # JOURNAL_DURING_WORK_AT_LEAST_ONE.
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     journal_svc.has_learning_for_task.return_value = False
     journal_svc.has_struggle_for_task.return_value = False
 
@@ -360,6 +370,7 @@ async def test_main_pm_complete_clears_assignment_for_ceo() -> None:
     git_svc.pr_target.return_value = "master"
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, git=git_svc, journal=journal_svc)
     c = Choreographer(deps)
 
@@ -391,6 +402,7 @@ async def test_board_escalate_to_ceo_clears_assignment() -> None:
     task_svc.escalate_to_ceo.return_value = after
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, journal=journal_svc)
     c = Choreographer(deps)
 
@@ -439,6 +451,7 @@ async def test_cell_pm_complete_reassigns_parent_when_all_subtasks_done() -> Non
     git_svc.pr_merge.return_value = {"merged": True, "merge_commit_sha": "abc"}
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, git=git_svc, journal=journal_svc)
     c = Choreographer(deps)
 
@@ -477,6 +490,7 @@ async def test_cell_pm_complete_skips_parent_reassign_when_subtasks_pending() ->
     git_svc.pr_merge.return_value = {"merged": True, "merge_commit_sha": "abc"}
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, git=git_svc, journal=journal_svc)
     c = Choreographer(deps)
 
@@ -507,6 +521,7 @@ async def test_cell_pm_complete_skips_parent_walk_up_for_root_task() -> None:
     git_svc.pr_merge.return_value = {"merged": True, "merge_commit_sha": "abc"}
     journal_svc = AsyncMock()
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, git=git_svc, journal=journal_svc)
     c = Choreographer(deps)
 
diff --git a/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_submit_qa_gates.py b/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_submit_qa_gates.py
index 846949b3..b803e3f7 100644
--- a/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_submit_qa_gates.py
+++ b/tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_submit_qa_gates.py
@@ -20,6 +20,7 @@ catch-up behavior for the explicit-opt-in case.
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+from datetime import UTC, datetime
 from typing import Any
 from unittest.mock import AsyncMock, MagicMock
 from uuid import uuid4
@@ -61,6 +62,13 @@ def _make_deps(**overrides: Any) -> ChoreographerDeps:
         "journal_highlights_for_task",
     ):
         getattr(repo, method).return_value = []
+    # C8: default-fresh journal:decision so PM-decision gate passes.
+    # Tests that exercise the gate boundary stub their own value.
+    # The check matches MagicMock and AsyncMock (the two default sentinel
+    # types pytest's unittest.mock leaves on un-stubbed return_values).
+    _ldef = base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value
+    if type(_ldef).__name__ in ("MagicMock", "AsyncMock"):
+        base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     return ChoreographerDeps(**base)
 
 
@@ -127,6 +135,7 @@ async def test_i_am_done_auto_runs_submit_verification_when_in_progress() -> Non
     journal_svc.has_reflect_for_task.return_value = True
     # JOURNAL_DURING_WORK_AT_LEAST_ONE: ≥1 decision/learning/struggle.
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     journal_svc.has_learning_for_task.return_value = False
     journal_svc.has_struggle_for_task.return_value = False
     work_svc = AsyncMock()
@@ -163,6 +172,7 @@ async def test_i_am_done_blocks_when_no_commits() -> None:
     journal_svc.has_reflect_for_task.return_value = True
     # JOURNAL_DURING_WORK_AT_LEAST_ONE: ≥1 decision/learning/struggle.
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     journal_svc.has_learning_for_task.return_value = False
     journal_svc.has_struggle_for_task.return_value = False
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, journal=journal_svc)
@@ -201,6 +211,7 @@ async def test_i_am_done_blocks_when_no_pr() -> None:
     journal_svc.has_reflect_for_task.return_value = True
     # JOURNAL_DURING_WORK_AT_LEAST_ONE: ≥1 decision/learning/struggle.
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     journal_svc.has_learning_for_task.return_value = False
     journal_svc.has_struggle_for_task.return_value = False
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, journal=journal_svc)
@@ -240,6 +251,7 @@ async def test_i_am_done_blocks_when_no_progress() -> None:
     journal_svc.has_reflect_for_task.return_value = True
     # JOURNAL_DURING_WORK_AT_LEAST_ONE: ≥1 decision/learning/struggle.
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     journal_svc.has_learning_for_task.return_value = False
     journal_svc.has_struggle_for_task.return_value = False
     deps = _make_deps(task=task_svc, journal=journal_svc)
@@ -284,6 +296,7 @@ async def test_i_am_done_proceeds_when_all_gates_pass() -> None:
     journal_svc.has_reflect_for_task.return_value = True
     # JOURNAL_DURING_WORK_AT_LEAST_ONE: ≥1 decision/learning/struggle.
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     journal_svc.has_learning_for_task.return_value = False
     journal_svc.has_struggle_for_task.return_value = False
     work_svc = AsyncMock()
diff --git a/tests/unit/gateway/test_claim_arg_order.py b/tests/unit/gateway/test_claim_arg_order.py
index 4c68e308..d0167d48 100644
--- a/tests/unit/gateway/test_claim_arg_order.py
+++ b/tests/unit/gateway/test_claim_arg_order.py
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ forwards into the service.
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+from datetime import UTC, datetime
 from typing import Any
 from unittest.mock import AsyncMock, MagicMock
 from uuid import uuid4
@@ -59,6 +60,13 @@ def _make_deps(**overrides: Any) -> ChoreographerDeps:
         "journal_highlights_for_task",
     ):
         getattr(repo, method).return_value = []
+    # C8: default-fresh journal:decision so PM-decision gate passes.
+    # Tests that exercise the gate boundary stub their own value.
+    # The check matches MagicMock and AsyncMock (the two default sentinel
+    # types pytest's unittest.mock leaves on un-stubbed return_values).
+    _ldef = base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value
+    if type(_ldef).__name__ in ("MagicMock", "AsyncMock"):
+        base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     return ChoreographerDeps(**base)
 
 
diff --git a/tests/unit/gateway/test_delegate_incomplete_input.py b/tests/unit/gateway/test_delegate_incomplete_input.py
index 2a13b81b..ca1de292 100644
--- a/tests/unit/gateway/test_delegate_incomplete_input.py
+++ b/tests/unit/gateway/test_delegate_incomplete_input.py
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ field-by-field guide (the spec §5.2.1 interrogation pattern).
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+from datetime import UTC, datetime
 from typing import Any
 from unittest.mock import AsyncMock, MagicMock
 from uuid import uuid4
@@ -44,6 +45,13 @@ def _make_deps(**overrides: Any) -> ChoreographerDeps:
         "journal_highlights_for_task",
     ):
         getattr(repo, method).return_value = []
+    # C8: default-fresh journal:decision so PM-decision gate passes.
+    # Tests that exercise the gate boundary stub their own value.
+    # The check matches MagicMock and AsyncMock (the two default sentinel
+    # types pytest's unittest.mock leaves on un-stubbed return_values).
+    _ldef = base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value
+    if type(_ldef).__name__ in ("MagicMock", "AsyncMock"):
+        base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     return ChoreographerDeps(**base)
 
 
diff --git a/tests/unit/gateway/test_give_me_work_pre_assigned.py b/tests/unit/gateway/test_give_me_work_pre_assigned.py
index 6217a124..ffed8e45 100644
--- a/tests/unit/gateway/test_give_me_work_pre_assigned.py
+++ b/tests/unit/gateway/test_give_me_work_pre_assigned.py
@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@ Pre-assigned pending tasks must be returned FIRST by pm_give_me_work
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+from datetime import UTC, datetime
 from typing import Any
 from unittest.mock import AsyncMock, MagicMock
 from uuid import uuid4
@@ -43,6 +44,13 @@ def _make_deps(**overrides: Any) -> ChoreographerDeps:
         "journal_highlights_for_task",
     ):
         getattr(repo, method).return_value = []
+    # C8: default-fresh journal:decision so PM-decision gate passes.
+    # Tests that exercise the gate boundary stub their own value.
+    # The check matches MagicMock and AsyncMock (the two default sentinel
+    # types pytest's unittest.mock leaves on un-stubbed return_values).
+    _ldef = base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value
+    if type(_ldef).__name__ in ("MagicMock", "AsyncMock"):
+        base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     return ChoreographerDeps(**base)
 
 
diff --git a/tests/unit/gateway/test_heartbeat_on_rejection.py b/tests/unit/gateway/test_heartbeat_on_rejection.py
index 28c151a5..2e11f99d 100644
--- a/tests/unit/gateway/test_heartbeat_on_rejection.py
+++ b/tests/unit/gateway/test_heartbeat_on_rejection.py
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ Constraints (from spec):
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+from datetime import UTC, datetime
 from typing import Any
 from unittest.mock import AsyncMock, MagicMock
 from uuid import uuid4
@@ -55,6 +56,13 @@ def _make_deps(**overrides: Any) -> ChoreographerDeps:
             __aexit__=AsyncMock(return_value=False),
         )
     )
+    # C8: default-fresh journal:decision so PM-decision gate passes.
+    # Tests that exercise the gate boundary stub their own value.
+    # The check matches MagicMock and AsyncMock (the two default sentinel
+    # types pytest's unittest.mock leaves on un-stubbed return_values).
+    _ldef = base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value
+    if type(_ldef).__name__ in ("MagicMock", "AsyncMock"):
+        base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     return ChoreographerDeps(**base)
 
 
diff --git a/tests/unit/gateway/test_heartbeat_wired.py b/tests/unit/gateway/test_heartbeat_wired.py
index db4d1831..12c2ed89 100644
--- a/tests/unit/gateway/test_heartbeat_wired.py
+++ b/tests/unit/gateway/test_heartbeat_wired.py
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+from datetime import UTC, datetime
 from unittest.mock import AsyncMock, MagicMock
 from uuid import uuid4
 
@@ -126,6 +127,7 @@ async def test_i_am_done_calls_heartbeat() -> None:
     journal_svc.has_reflect_for_task.return_value = True
     # JOURNAL_DURING_WORK_AT_LEAST_ONE: ≥1 decision/learning/struggle entry.
     journal_svc.has_decision_for_task.return_value = True
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     journal_svc.has_learning_for_task.return_value = False
     journal_svc.has_struggle_for_task.return_value = False
     evidence_repo = AsyncMock()
diff --git a/tests/unit/gateway/test_i_will_plan_sub_tasks_gate.py b/tests/unit/gateway/test_i_will_plan_sub_tasks_gate.py
index 977adc83..e7f5b68c 100644
--- a/tests/unit/gateway/test_i_will_plan_sub_tasks_gate.py
+++ b/tests/unit/gateway/test_i_will_plan_sub_tasks_gate.py
@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ fixtures, orchestrator-internal) cannot bypass it.
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+from datetime import UTC, datetime
 from typing import Any
 from unittest.mock import AsyncMock, MagicMock
 from uuid import uuid4
@@ -57,6 +58,13 @@ def _make_deps(**overrides: Any) -> ChoreographerDeps:
         "journal_highlights_for_task",
     ):
         getattr(repo, method).return_value = []
+    # C8: default-fresh journal:decision so PM-decision gate passes.
+    # Tests that exercise the gate boundary stub their own value.
+    # The check matches MagicMock and AsyncMock (the two default sentinel
+    # types pytest's unittest.mock leaves on un-stubbed return_values).
+    _ldef = base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value
+    if type(_ldef).__name__ in ("MagicMock", "AsyncMock"):
+        base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     return ChoreographerDeps(**base)
 
 
diff --git a/tests/unit/gateway/test_p2_7_attempt_id.py b/tests/unit/gateway/test_p2_7_attempt_id.py
index 6736965d..70bca4b9 100644
--- a/tests/unit/gateway/test_p2_7_attempt_id.py
+++ b/tests/unit/gateway/test_p2_7_attempt_id.py
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ a correlation_id from a single inbound request.
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+from datetime import UTC, datetime
 from typing import Any
 from unittest.mock import AsyncMock
 from uuid import UUID, uuid4
@@ -37,6 +38,13 @@ def _make_deps(**overrides: Any) -> ChoreographerDeps:
         "journal_highlights_for_task",
     ):
         getattr(repo, method).return_value = []
+    # C8: default-fresh journal:decision so PM-decision gate passes.
+    # Tests that exercise the gate boundary stub their own value.
+    # The check matches MagicMock and AsyncMock (the two default sentinel
+    # types pytest's unittest.mock leaves on un-stubbed return_values).
+    _ldef = base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value
+    if type(_ldef).__name__ in ("MagicMock", "AsyncMock"):
+        base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     return ChoreographerDeps(**base)
 
 
diff --git a/tests/unit/gateway/test_pm_decision_window.py b/tests/unit/gateway/test_pm_decision_window.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..7afe8d0d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/unit/gateway/test_pm_decision_window.py
@@ -0,0 +1,228 @@
+"""Tests for the windowed satisfaction of the PM-decision tracing gate (C8).
+
+The pre-gateway expectation is that PMs write a *fresh* journal:decision
+around each decision point — not once at task creation and then forever.
+``_check_pm_decision_required`` enforces this by treating only decisions
+whose ``created_at`` is within ``settings.pm_decision_window_seconds`` of
+``utc_now`` as satisfying the gate; stale or absent decisions fall through
+to the standard tracing_gap envelope (with ``journal:decision`` in the
+missing list).
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from datetime import UTC, datetime, timedelta
+from types import SimpleNamespace
+from typing import Any
+from unittest.mock import AsyncMock, MagicMock
+from uuid import uuid4
+
+import pytest
+from roboco.config import settings as _roboco_settings
+from roboco.services.gateway.choreographer import (
+    Choreographer,
+    ChoreographerDeps,
+)
+from roboco.services.gateway.choreographer import _impl as _choreo_impl
+
+
+def _freeze_clock(monkeypatch: pytest.MonkeyPatch, at: datetime) -> None:
+    """Pin ``roboco.services.gateway.choreographer._impl.datetime.now()``.
+
+    Used to make boundary assertions (decision age == window) precise —
+    without freezing the clock, microsecond drift between the test's
+    ``datetime.now(UTC)`` and the call inside ``_check_pm_decision_required``
+    pushes the age slightly past the window and flakes the test.
+
+    The stand-in accepts the same ``tz`` positional that the production
+    call site passes (``datetime.now(UTC)``) and returns the fixed
+    instant regardless — that's the whole point of freezing.
+    """
+
+    def _frozen_now(tz: Any) -> datetime:
+        _ = tz  # accepted for signature parity with datetime.now(tz)
+        return at
+
+    monkeypatch.setattr(_choreo_impl, "datetime", SimpleNamespace(now=_frozen_now))
+
+
+def _make_deps(**overrides: Any) -> ChoreographerDeps:
+    """Mirror tests/unit/gateway/test_choreographer_pm_extras.py::_make_deps.
+
+    Async-mocks every service the Choreographer depends on. The session
+    context-manager is stubbed because VerbRunner uses
+    ``task.session.begin_nested()`` — not exercised here, but kept for
+    parity with the rest of the suite.
+    """
+    base = {
+        "task": AsyncMock(),
+        "work_session": AsyncMock(),
+        "git": AsyncMock(),
+        "a2a": AsyncMock(),
+        "journal": AsyncMock(),
+        "audit": AsyncMock(),
+        "evidence_repo": AsyncMock(),
+    }
+    base.update(overrides)
+    task = base["task"]
+    task.session = MagicMock()
+    task.session.begin_nested = MagicMock(
+        return_value=MagicMock(
+            __aenter__=AsyncMock(return_value=None),
+            __aexit__=AsyncMock(return_value=False),
+        )
+    )
+    repo = base["evidence_repo"]
+    for method in (
+        "list_unread_a2a",
+        "list_unread_mentions",
+        "list_pending_notifications",
+        "task_metadata_gaps",
+        "recent_team_activity",
+        "blockers_in_lane",
+        "journal_highlights_for_task",
+    ):
+        getattr(repo, method).return_value = []
+    return ChoreographerDeps(**base)
+
+
+def _make_task(task_id: Any) -> Any:
+    """A task stub that the tracing gate accepts as-is.
+
+    `_check_pm_decision_required` only consults the (agent, task) journal
+    lookup — the task object itself is opaque to that check.
+    """
+    return MagicMock(id=task_id, status="in_progress")
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# 1. No decision → tracing_gap with `journal:decision` in missing.
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+@pytest.mark.asyncio
+async def test_no_decision_emits_tracing_gap() -> None:
+    agent_id = uuid4()
+    task_id = uuid4()
+    journal_svc = AsyncMock()
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = None
+    deps = _make_deps(journal=journal_svc)
+    c = Choreographer(deps)
+
+    env = await c._check_pm_decision_required(
+        "delegate", agent_id, task_id, _make_task(task_id)
+    )
+
+    assert env is not None
+    body = env.as_dict()
+    assert body["error"] == "tracing_gap"
+    assert "journal:decision" in body["missing"]
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.assert_awaited_once_with(agent_id, task_id)
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# 2. Recent decision (within window) → gate returns None (pass-through).
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+@pytest.mark.asyncio
+async def test_recent_decision_within_window_passes() -> None:
+    agent_id = uuid4()
+    task_id = uuid4()
+    journal_svc = AsyncMock()
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC) - timedelta(
+        seconds=60
+    )
+    deps = _make_deps(journal=journal_svc)
+    c = Choreographer(deps)
+
+    env = await c._check_pm_decision_required(
+        "delegate", agent_id, task_id, _make_task(task_id)
+    )
+
+    assert env is None
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# 3. Stale decision (outside window) → tracing_gap.
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+@pytest.mark.asyncio
+async def test_stale_decision_outside_window_emits_tracing_gap() -> None:
+    agent_id = uuid4()
+    task_id = uuid4()
+    journal_svc = AsyncMock()
+    # Default window is 300s; 301s old must fall outside.
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC) - timedelta(
+        seconds=_roboco_settings.pm_decision_window_seconds + 1
+    )
+    deps = _make_deps(journal=journal_svc)
+    c = Choreographer(deps)
+
+    env = await c._check_pm_decision_required(
+        "delegate", agent_id, task_id, _make_task(task_id)
+    )
+
+    assert env is not None
+    body = env.as_dict()
+    assert body["error"] == "tracing_gap"
+    assert "journal:decision" in body["missing"]
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# 4. Decision at exactly the window boundary → passes (inclusive ``<=``).
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+@pytest.mark.asyncio
+async def test_decision_at_exact_window_boundary_passes(
+    monkeypatch: pytest.MonkeyPatch,
+) -> None:
+    agent_id = uuid4()
+    task_id = uuid4()
+    now = datetime(2026, 5, 12, 12, 0, 0, tzinfo=UTC)
+    _freeze_clock(monkeypatch, now)
+    journal_svc = AsyncMock()
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = now - timedelta(
+        seconds=_roboco_settings.pm_decision_window_seconds
+    )
+    deps = _make_deps(journal=journal_svc)
+    c = Choreographer(deps)
+
+    env = await c._check_pm_decision_required(
+        "delegate", agent_id, task_id, _make_task(task_id)
+    )
+
+    assert env is None
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# 5. Override the window via settings; decision at 90s must fail when
+#    window is shrunk to 60s.
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+@pytest.mark.asyncio
+async def test_window_respects_settings_override(
+    monkeypatch: pytest.MonkeyPatch,
+) -> None:
+    agent_id = uuid4()
+    task_id = uuid4()
+    journal_svc = AsyncMock()
+    journal_svc.latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC) - timedelta(
+        seconds=90
+    )
+    deps = _make_deps(journal=journal_svc)
+    c = Choreographer(deps)
+
+    monkeypatch.setattr(_roboco_settings, "pm_decision_window_seconds", 60)
+
+    env = await c._check_pm_decision_required(
+        "delegate", agent_id, task_id, _make_task(task_id)
+    )
+
+    assert env is not None
+    body = env.as_dict()
+    assert body["error"] == "tracing_gap"
+    assert "journal:decision" in body["missing"]
diff --git a/tests/unit/gateway/test_resume.py b/tests/unit/gateway/test_resume.py
index 1d86c779..c9bc162d 100644
--- a/tests/unit/gateway/test_resume.py
+++ b/tests/unit/gateway/test_resume.py
@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ that gap. These tests pin the four behaviors:
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+from datetime import UTC, datetime
 from typing import Any
 from unittest.mock import AsyncMock, MagicMock
 from uuid import uuid4
@@ -44,6 +45,13 @@ def _make_deps(**overrides: Any) -> ChoreographerDeps:
         "blockers_in_lane",
     ):
         getattr(repo, method).return_value = []
+    # C8: default-fresh journal:decision so PM-decision gate passes.
+    # Tests that exercise the gate boundary stub their own value.
+    # The check matches MagicMock and AsyncMock (the two default sentinel
+    # types pytest's unittest.mock leaves on un-stubbed return_values).
+    _ldef = base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value
+    if type(_ldef).__name__ in ("MagicMock", "AsyncMock"):
+        base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     return ChoreographerDeps(**base)
 
 
diff --git a/tests/unit/gateway/test_unclaim.py b/tests/unit/gateway/test_unclaim.py
index 9eb19b5f..93b15af9 100644
--- a/tests/unit/gateway/test_unclaim.py
+++ b/tests/unit/gateway/test_unclaim.py
@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ exists. These tests pin the four behaviors:
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+from datetime import UTC, datetime
 from typing import Any
 from unittest.mock import AsyncMock, MagicMock
 from uuid import uuid4
@@ -42,6 +43,13 @@ def _make_deps(**overrides: Any) -> ChoreographerDeps:
         "blockers_in_lane",
     ):
         getattr(repo, method).return_value = []
+    # C8: default-fresh journal:decision so PM-decision gate passes.
+    # Tests that exercise the gate boundary stub their own value.
+    # The check matches MagicMock and AsyncMock (the two default sentinel
+    # types pytest's unittest.mock leaves on un-stubbed return_values).
+    _ldef = base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value
+    if type(_ldef).__name__ in ("MagicMock", "AsyncMock"):
+        base["journal"].latest_decision_at.return_value = datetime.now(UTC)
     return ChoreographerDeps(**base)
 
 
diff --git a/tests/unit/mcp_servers/test_circuit_incomplete_input.py b/tests/unit/mcp_servers/test_circuit_incomplete_input.py
index cb75e6bf..79aad961 100644
--- a/tests/unit/mcp_servers/test_circuit_incomplete_input.py
+++ b/tests/unit/mcp_servers/test_circuit_incomplete_input.py
@@ -36,9 +36,7 @@ _MINIMAL_MANIFEST = {
 
 
 @pytest.fixture()
-def flow_module(
-    monkeypatch: pytest.MonkeyPatch, tmp_path: Path
-) -> types.ModuleType:
+def flow_module(monkeypatch: pytest.MonkeyPatch, tmp_path: Path) -> types.ModuleType:
     """Import flow_server with minimal env vars needed for constant inspection."""
     manifest_path = tmp_path / "tool-manifest.json"
     manifest_path.write_text(json.dumps(_MINIMAL_MANIFEST))
diff --git a/tests/unit/services/test_journal.py b/tests/unit/services/test_journal.py
index d8cb41e1..180e02c6 100644
--- a/tests/unit/services/test_journal.py
+++ b/tests/unit/services/test_journal.py
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+from datetime import UTC, datetime
 from unittest.mock import AsyncMock, MagicMock
 from uuid import uuid4
 
@@ -20,6 +21,21 @@ def _service_with_count(count: int) -> JournalService:
     return JournalService(session)
 
 
+def _service_with_scalar(value: object) -> JournalService:
+    """Build a JournalService whose scalar query returns `value`.
+
+    Mirrors `_service_with_count` but lets the test inject any value
+    (including a `datetime` or `None`) for the single-column query path
+    used by `latest_decision_at`.
+    """
+    result = MagicMock()
+    result.scalar.return_value = value
+    session = MagicMock()
+    session.execute = AsyncMock(return_value=result)
+    session.flush = AsyncMock()
+    return JournalService(session)
+
+
 @pytest.mark.asyncio
 async def test_has_decision_for_task_true_when_count_positive() -> None:
     svc = _service_with_count(1)
@@ -97,3 +113,49 @@ async def test_write_struggle_handles_empty_content_gracefully() -> None:
     args, _kwargs = add_struggle_mock.call_args
     params = args[1]
     assert params.title == "Struggle"
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# latest_decision_at — windowed-satisfaction support for the PM-decision gate
+# (C8). Returns the `created_at` of the newest DECISION_LOG entry for an
+# (agent, task) pair, or None if no decision exists.
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+@pytest.mark.asyncio
+async def test_latest_decision_at_returns_none_when_no_decision() -> None:
+    """No DECISION_LOG entries → scalar query returns None → method returns None."""
+    svc = _service_with_scalar(None)
+    assert await svc.latest_decision_at(uuid4(), uuid4()) is None
+
+
+@pytest.mark.asyncio
+async def test_latest_decision_at_returns_timestamp_of_single_decision() -> None:
+    """One DECISION_LOG entry → returns its `created_at`."""
+    expected = datetime(2026, 5, 12, 10, 0, 0, tzinfo=UTC)
+    svc = _service_with_scalar(expected)
+    out = await svc.latest_decision_at(uuid4(), uuid4())
+    assert out == expected
+
+
+@pytest.mark.asyncio
+async def test_latest_decision_at_returns_most_recent_when_multiple_decisions() -> None:
+    """SQL `max(created_at)` returns the newest; method passes it through.
+
+    The DB does the max() reduction in the query — the mock returns
+    whatever the scalar would; we assert the method respects that value.
+    """
+    newest = datetime(2026, 5, 12, 12, 30, 0, tzinfo=UTC)
+    svc = _service_with_scalar(newest)
+    out = await svc.latest_decision_at(uuid4(), uuid4())
+    assert out == newest
+
+
+@pytest.mark.asyncio
+async def test_latest_decision_at_filters_by_agent_id() -> None:
+    """The query filters by (agent_id, task_id) — a decision by another
+    agent on the same task must NOT count. The mock returns None to
+    represent the post-filter empty set."""
+    svc = _service_with_scalar(None)
+    out = await svc.latest_decision_at(uuid4(), uuid4())
+    assert out is None