diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 5303ca3..9db9132 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -154,15 +154,31 @@ The Source knowledge graph is intentionally topic-scoped: every node on `/map` i
 
 ### Running a content top-up
 
-From `sites/source/scripts/`:
+From `scripts/`:
 
 ```bash
-# Each script is idempotent — rerunning creates no duplicates.
-# All four hit the public POST /api/pact/topics endpoint (no admin secret).
-python seed_defence_au.py
-python seed_defence_us.py
-python seed_critical_minerals.py
-python seed_topic_dependencies.py       # run LAST — depends on topic IDs from the first three
+# Each script is idempotent — rerunning creates no duplicates and registers
+# no agent for a topic that already exists. All four hit the public
+# POST /api/pact/topics and /dependencies endpoints (no admin secret).
+#
+# 1. Plan first (GET-only, nothing written, nothing registered):
+SEED_DRY_RUN=1 python seed_defence_au.py
+#
+# 2. Apply, one script at a time, checking "N/N topics in place" before the next.
+#    Every canonicalClaim is linted against the server's atomic-claim rule
+#    (<= 140 chars, one sentence, no bundled and/or, no hedges) BEFORE any
+#    agent is registered; a failing corpus exits 2 with nothing written.
+#    Registration is limited to 60 per hour per address and each registration
+#    costs two requests, so a 30-topic run spends the whole hour's budget:
+#    do not re-run inside the hour, and keep the keys for step 3.
+PACT_SEED_KEYS_FILE=/secure/path/seed-keys python seed_defence_au.py
+PACT_SEED_KEYS_FILE=/secure/path/seed-keys python seed_defence_us.py
+PACT_SEED_KEYS_FILE=/secure/path/seed-keys python seed_critical_minerals.py
+#
+# 3. Edges LAST — needs the topic IDs from the first three. With a keys file
+#    (or PACT_SEED_AGENT_KEY) it reuses a topic-script agent instead of
+#    registering a 31st; keep that file outside the repository and delete it after.
+PACT_SEED_KEYS_FILE=/secure/path/seed-keys python seed_topic_dependencies.py
 
 # Structured legislation ingest (requires ADMIN_SECRET / X-Admin-Key)
 python seed_sa_tas_legislation.py       # SA/TAS industrial, WHS, environment, resources
@@ -170,7 +186,7 @@ python seed_qld_liquor_legislation.py   # Liquor Act 1992 (Qld) + Liquor Regulat
 python seed_qld_lga_legislation.py      # Local Government Act 2009 (Qld) — council competence framework (#5117)
 ```
 
-Against a different env: `export BASE=https://source-dev.tailor.au` (default `https://source.tailor.au`).
+Against a different env: `export SOURCE_BASE=http://localhost:3000` (default `https://pact.tailor.au`).
 
 ### Council-instrument class (#5117)
 
diff --git a/scripts/_defence_seed_helpers.py b/scripts/_defence_seed_helpers.py
index 1c2f427..20f4620 100644
--- a/scripts/_defence_seed_helpers.py
+++ b/scripts/_defence_seed_helpers.py
@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@
 * Safe to re-run: second run creates zero new rows, only prints EXISTS messages.
 """
 import os
+import re
 import sys
 import time
 from typing import Optional
@@ -34,6 +35,32 @@
 # written. Prints CREATE / EXISTS per item so the run can be diffed against
 # the live graph before anything is applied (tailor-group#7, after #5581).
 DRY_RUN = os.environ.get("SEED_DRY_RUN", "").strip().lower() in ("1", "true", "yes")
+# Optional: append every minted agent key (one per line, file mode 0600) so a later
+# script — seed_topic_dependencies.py — can reuse one instead of registering again.
+# Registration is 60/hour per address and each registration costs two hits, so a full
+# 30-topic run leaves no budget for a 31st agent (tailor-group#7). Never commit this file.
+KEYS_FILE = os.environ.get("PACT_SEED_KEYS_FILE", "").strip()
+
+
+def persist_key(api_key: str) -> None:
+    """Append a freshly minted key to PACT_SEED_KEYS_FILE (no-op when unset)."""
+    if not KEYS_FILE:
+        return
+    fd = os.open(KEYS_FILE, os.O_WRONLY | os.O_CREAT | os.O_APPEND, 0o600)
+    with os.fdopen(fd, "a") as fh:
+        fh.write(api_key + "\n")
+
+
+def reusable_key() -> Optional[str]:
+    """PACT_SEED_AGENT_KEY, else the last key in PACT_SEED_KEYS_FILE, else None."""
+    direct = os.environ.get("PACT_SEED_AGENT_KEY", "").strip()
+    if direct:
+        return direct
+    if KEYS_FILE and os.path.isfile(KEYS_FILE):
+        lines = [ln.strip() for ln in open(KEYS_FILE, encoding="utf-8") if ln.strip()]
+        if lines:
+            return lines[-1]
+    return None
 
 
 def api(method: str, path: str, key: Optional[str] = None, data: Optional[dict] = None, silent_429: bool = False):
@@ -95,6 +122,7 @@ def register_agents(prefix: str, count: int) -> list[str]:
             time.sleep(wait)
         if code in (200, 201) and isinstance(data, dict) and "apiKey" in data:
             keys.append(data["apiKey"])
+            persist_key(data["apiKey"])
             print(f"  registered {name}")
         else:
             err = data.get("error", str(data)[:140]) if isinstance(data, dict) else str(data)[:140]
@@ -150,7 +178,16 @@ def create_topic(key: str, payload: dict, retry_on_civic: bool = True) -> tuple[
         return data.get("id"), "CREATED"
 
     if code == 409 and isinstance(data, dict) and data.get("existingTopicId"):
-        return data["existingTopicId"], "EXISTS"
+        # The server 409s for an exact-title duplicate (no existingTitle) and
+        # for a fuzzy 75%-overlap near-duplicate (existingTitle = the OTHER
+        # topic's title). Only the former is "our topic already exists".
+        existing_title = data.get("existingTitle")
+        err = str(data.get("error", ""))
+        if existing_title is None and "exact title" in err:
+            return data["existingTopicId"], "EXISTS"
+        if isinstance(existing_title, str) and existing_title.strip().lower() == str(payload.get("title", "")).strip().lower():
+            return data["existingTopicId"], "EXISTS"
+        return None, f"FAIL: 409 near-duplicate of a different topic {data['existingTopicId']}: {existing_title!r}"
 
     if code == 403 and retry_on_civic and isinstance(data, dict) and data.get("votesNeeded"):
         # Agent has created other topics but not voted enough. Fulfil duty + retry once.
@@ -186,6 +223,68 @@ def find_topic_id_by_title(title: str) -> Optional[str]:
     return None
 
 
+# ── Client-side mirror of src/lib/claim.ts lintAtomicClaim (tailor-group#7) ──
+# The server rejects a canonicalClaim over 140 UTF-16 code units (JS .length),
+# with more than one sentence (ANY internal '.', '!' or '?' counts, so no
+# 'Rule 3.1', 's 5.6', 'e.g.', '252.225-7052' — section numbers belong in
+# sourceRef), with a top-level and/or joining two verb-bearing clauses, or with
+# a motte-and-bailey hedge. It lints AFTER sanitizeContent() strips control
+# characters and HTML tags, so the mirror cleans the same way first. The first live apply of these corpora lost all 30
+# topics to that rule after 30 agents had already been registered; lint here
+# so a dry-run fails on the claim, before any registration.
+CANONICAL_CLAIM_MAX = 140
+# re.A: the server's regexes are non-unicode JS, so \b and /i are ASCII-only there.
+_CLAUSE_CONJUNCTION = re.compile(r"\b(?:and|or)\b", re.I | re.A)
+_VERB_HINT = re.compile(
+    r"\b(?:is|are|was|were|has|have|had|does|do|did|can|cannot|must|shall|should|will|would|may|might|"
+    r"equals|contains|requires|prohibits|permits|applies|boils|melts|freezes|rises|falls|exceeds|measures|"
+    r"weighs|holds|states|provides|mandates|forbids|bans|allows|increased|decreased|causes|caused)\b", re.I | re.A)
+_HEDGES = [re.compile(p, re.I | re.A) for p in (
+    r"\barguably\b", r"\bsome (?:might|may|would) (?:say|argue|claim)\b", r"\bit could be (?:said|argued)\b",
+    r"\bin some sense\b", r"\bmore or less\b", r"\bbasically\b", r"\bsort of\b|\bkind of\b")]
+
+
+# ECMAScript WhiteSpace + LineTerminator, the set String.prototype.trim removes
+# (U+0085 is NOT in it; U+FEFF is).
+_JS_WS = "\t\n\x0b\x0c\r \xa0\u1680\u2000\u2001\u2002\u2003\u2004\u2005\u2006\u2007\u2008\u2009\u200a\u2028\u2029\u202f\u205f\u3000\ufeff"
+
+
+def _server_clean(claim: str) -> str:
+    """sanitizeContent() as src/lib/sanitize.ts does it, then JS String.prototype.trim."""
+    s = re.sub(r"[\x00-\x08\x0b\x0c\x0e-\x1f\x7f]", "", claim or "")
+    s = re.sub(r"<[^>]*>", "", s)
+    return s.strip(_JS_WS)
+
+
+def lint_atomic_claim(claim: str) -> Optional[str]:
+    """Return an error string mirroring the server's 422, or None if atomic."""
+    text = _server_clean(claim)
+    if not text:
+        return "canonicalClaim is required"
+    n = len(text.encode("utf-16-le")) // 2  # JS String.length counts UTF-16 code units
+    if n > CANONICAL_CLAIM_MAX:
+        return f"canonicalClaim must be at most {CANONICAL_CLAIM_MAX} characters (got {n})"
+    if len([s for s in re.split(r"[.!?]+", text) if s.strip()]) > 1:
+        return "canonicalClaim must be a single sentence"
+    m = _CLAUSE_CONJUNCTION.search(text)
+    if m and _VERB_HINT.search(text[: m.start()]) and _VERB_HINT.search(text[m.end():]):
+        return "canonicalClaim bundles multiple propositions (top-level conjunction joins two verb-bearing clauses)"
+    for p in _HEDGES:
+        if p.search(text):
+            return "canonicalClaim carries a motte-and-bailey hedge"
+    return None
+
+
+def lint_corpus(topics: list[dict]) -> list[str]:
+    """Lint every claim in a corpus; returns human-readable failures (empty = clean)."""
+    failures = []
+    for t in topics:
+        err = lint_atomic_claim(t.get("canonicalClaim") or t.get("content") or "")
+        if err:
+            failures.append(f"{t['title'][:70]} → {err}")
+    return failures
+
+
 def seed_topic_batch(prefix: str, topics: list[dict]) -> dict[str, Optional[str]]:
     """Register agents and create a batch of topics round-robin. Idempotent.
 
@@ -198,7 +297,13 @@ def seed_topic_batch(prefix: str, topics: list[dict]) -> dict[str, Optional[str]
     # so N agents → N topics with zero voting required. The 5-minute voting age
     # gate (sites/source/src/lib/auth.ts) makes the "vote on your peers" path
     # impractical for a one-shot seed, so we just pay the registration cost.
-    n_agents = len(topics)
+
+    bad = lint_corpus(topics)
+    if bad:
+        print(f"\n=== {prefix}: {len(bad)} claim(s) fail the atomic-claim rule — nothing registered, nothing written ===")
+        for line in bad:
+            print("  ", line)
+        sys.exit(2)
 
     if DRY_RUN:
         print(f"\n=== DRY RUN — {prefix}: {len(topics)} topics, no writes ===")
@@ -215,16 +320,37 @@ def seed_topic_batch(prefix: str, topics: list[dict]) -> dict[str, Optional[str]
               f"{would_create} agent registrations would be needed")
         return plan
 
-    print(f"\n=== Registering {n_agents} agents for {prefix} ===")
-    keys = register_agents(prefix, n_agents)
-    print(f"  got {len(keys)} API keys")
-
-    print(f"\n=== Creating {len(topics)} topics ({prefix}) ===")
+    # Existence check BEFORE any registration: a re-run after a partial apply
+    # must not mint agents for topics that are already on the graph.
+    print(f"\n=== Checking {len(topics)} titles against {BASE} ({prefix}) ===")
     result: dict[str, Optional[str]] = {}
+    for t in topics:
+        result[t["title"]] = find_topic_id_by_title(t["title"])
+        time.sleep(0.2)
+    missing = [t for t in topics if not result[t["title"]]]
+    print(f"  {len(topics) - len(missing)} already present, {len(missing)} to create")
+    if not missing:
+        print(f"\n  {len(topics)}/{len(topics)} topics in place (all already existed) — nothing registered")
+        return result
+
+    print(f"\n=== Registering {len(missing)} agents for {prefix} ===")
+    keys = register_agents(prefix, len(missing))
+    print(f"  got {len(keys)} API keys")
+    if len(keys) < len(missing):
+        # One agent → one topic, strictly. A key's second topic is refused by
+        # civic duty and fresh agents cannot vote (5-minute age gate), so
+        # round-robin can only produce FAILs and orphan agents. Stop here,
+        # before any topic is written.
+        print(f"FATAL: {len(keys)} keys for {len(missing)} missing topics — refusing to round-robin. "
+              f"Wait for the register-ip window to reset and re-run (existing topics are skipped).")
+        sys.exit(3)
+
+    print(f"\n=== Creating {len(missing)} topics ({prefix}) ===")
     for idx, t in enumerate(topics):
-        # One agent → one topic. If we ever run short (e.g. registration
-        # failures), fall back to round-robin on whatever keys we got.
-        key = keys[idx] if idx < len(keys) else keys[idx % len(keys)]
+        if result[t["title"]]:
+            print(f"  [{idx + 1:>2}/{len(topics)}] OK  EXISTS   {t['title'][:80]}")
+            continue
+        key = keys[missing.index(t)]
         payload = {
             "title": t["title"],
             "content": t["content"],
diff --git a/scripts/pact_pow.py b/scripts/pact_pow.py
index 2f9821f..0d769cb 100644
--- a/scripts/pact_pow.py
+++ b/scripts/pact_pow.py
@@ -50,7 +50,17 @@ def register(base: str, payload: dict[str, Any], timeout: int = 30, attempts: in
     url = f"{base}/api/pact/register"
     body = dict(payload)
     for _ in range(attempts):
-        r = requests.post(url, json=body, timeout=timeout)
+        r = None
+        for net_attempt in range(4):
+            try:
+                r = requests.post(url, json=body, timeout=timeout)
+                break
+            except requests.RequestException as e:
+                if net_attempt == 3:
+                    print(f"  NETWORK ERR on POST /api/pact/register: {e}")
+                    return 0, {"error": f"network: {e}"}
+                time.sleep(5 * (net_attempt + 1))
+        assert r is not None
         try:
             data = r.json()
         except ValueError:
diff --git a/scripts/seed_critical_minerals.py b/scripts/seed_critical_minerals.py
index cd2fdca..ebcad4c 100644
--- a/scripts/seed_critical_minerals.py
+++ b/scripts/seed_critical_minerals.py
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 
 No admin secret required. Idempotent.
 """
-from _defence_seed_helpers import seed_topic_batch  # noqa: E402
+from _defence_seed_helpers import DRY_RUN, seed_topic_batch  # noqa: E402
 
 
 TOPICS: list[dict] = [
@@ -28,11 +28,7 @@
         "jurisdiction": "AU",
         "authority": "Australian Government (Department of Industry, Science and Resources)",
         "sourceRef": "Australia's Critical Minerals Strategy 2023-2030 (June 2023); Australian Critical Minerals List 2023",
-        "canonicalClaim": (
-            "Australia's Critical Minerals Strategy 2023-2030 names 31 critical minerals "
-            "(including antimony, rare earths, lithium and graphite) and allocates AUD 4bn via "
-            "Export Finance Australia's Critical Minerals Facility to unlock downstream processing."
-        ),
+        "canonicalClaim": "Australia's Critical Minerals Strategy 2023-2030 is accompanied by a Critical Minerals List naming 31 critical minerals",
     },
     {
         "title": "US Critical Minerals List identifies 50 minerals essential to US economy and national security",
@@ -48,11 +44,7 @@
         "jurisdiction": "US",
         "authority": "US Geological Survey (Department of the Interior)",
         "sourceRef": "Energy Act of 2020, 30 USC 1606; US Critical Minerals List (2022)",
-        "canonicalClaim": (
-            "The US Critical Minerals List (USGS, under 30 USC 1606) identifies 50 non-fuel minerals "
-            "essential to US economic and national security with disruption-vulnerable supply "
-            "chains, updated at least every three years."
-        ),
+        "canonicalClaim": "The USGS Critical Minerals List identifies 50 non-fuel minerals essential to US economic and national security",
     },
     {
         "title": "China controls approximately 80 percent of global antimony production and refining",
@@ -69,11 +61,7 @@
         "jurisdiction": "INTERNATIONAL",
         "authority": "US Geological Survey (Mineral Commodity Summaries); China Ministry of Commerce",
         "sourceRef": "USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries: Antimony (2023, 2024); MOFCOM Announcement No. 33 of 2024 (antimony export licensing)",
-        "canonicalClaim": (
-            "China supplies roughly 80 percent of global antimony (mine production and refining) "
-            "per USGS data, and in August 2024 announced export licensing on antimony and its "
-            "compounds effective 15 September 2024."
-        ),
+        "canonicalClaim": "USGS reports recent Chinese antimony mine production near 40,000 tonnes of a global total near 83,000 tonnes",
     },
     {
         "title": "China controls approximately 70 percent of global rare-earth mining and over 85 percent of refining",
@@ -89,11 +77,7 @@
         "jurisdiction": "INTERNATIONAL",
         "authority": "US Geological Survey; International Energy Agency (Critical Minerals Outlook)",
         "sourceRef": "USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries: Rare Earths (2024); IEA Critical Minerals Outlook 2024",
-        "canonicalClaim": (
-            "China accounts for approximately 70 percent of global rare-earth mine production and "
-            "over 85 percent of separation / refining capacity per USGS and IEA data, with "
-            "accelerating export controls on rare-earth processing technology since 2023."
-        ),
+        "canonicalClaim": "China accounts for about 70 percent of global rare-earth mine production per USGS data",
     },
     {
         "title": "AUKUS Critical Minerals Cooperation coordinates trilateral supply-chain investment",
@@ -109,12 +93,7 @@
         "jurisdiction": "INTERNATIONAL",
         "authority": "AUKUS partner governments (AU, UK, US)",
         "sourceRef": "Australia-US Climate, Critical Minerals and Clean Energy Transformation Compact (May 2023); AUKUS Joint Leaders Statement (2023)",
-        "canonicalClaim": (
-            "AUKUS partners have formally designated Australia as a domestic source for DPA Title "
-            "III purposes via the May 2023 Australia-US Climate, Critical Minerals and Clean Energy "
-            "Transformation Compact, coordinating trilateral critical-minerals supply-chain "
-            "investment."
-        ),
+        "canonicalClaim": "The 2023 Australia-US Climate, Critical Minerals and Clean Energy Compact designates Australia a domestic source under DPA Title III",
     },
     {
         "title": "Quad Critical Minerals Partnership coordinates diversification across AU, IN, JP and US",
@@ -130,12 +109,7 @@
         "jurisdiction": "INTERNATIONAL",
         "authority": "Quad partner governments (Australia, India, Japan, United States)",
         "sourceRef": "Quad Joint Leaders Statements 2021-2024; Quad Critical and Emerging Technology Working Group",
-        "canonicalClaim": (
-            "The Quad Critical and Emerging Technology Working Group coordinates critical-minerals "
-            "supply-chain diversification between Australia, India, Japan and the United States, "
-            "spanning reserve mapping, trade-restriction information sharing, ESG standards and "
-            "export-credit alignment."
-        ),
+        "canonicalClaim": "The Quad Critical and Emerging Technology Working Group coordinates critical-minerals supply-chain diversification among its members",
     },
     {
         "title": "EU Critical Raw Materials Act sets 2030 domestic benchmarks for extraction, processing and recycling",
@@ -151,12 +125,7 @@
         "jurisdiction": "EU",
         "authority": "European Parliament and Council",
         "sourceRef": "Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 (Critical Raw Materials Act)",
-        "canonicalClaim": (
-            "The EU Critical Raw Materials Act (Regulation 2024/1252) sets binding 2030 benchmarks "
-            "for EU extraction (10%), processing (40%), recycling (25%) and single-country sourcing "
-            "(<=65%) of strategic raw materials, with faster permitting for designated Strategic "
-            "Projects."
-        ),
+        "canonicalClaim": "The EU Critical Raw Materials Act (Regulation 2024/1252) sets binding 2030 benchmarks for extraction, processing and recycling",
     },
     {
         "title": "Japan JOGMEC maintains strategic metals stockpiles and co-invests in overseas supply",
@@ -172,11 +141,7 @@
         "jurisdiction": "JP",
         "authority": "Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (under METI)",
         "sourceRef": "Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security Act (Act No. 94 of 2002); METI Stockpile Policy",
-        "canonicalClaim": (
-            "Japan's JOGMEC operates a 60-day rare-metals strategic stockpile under METI policy "
-            "and takes equity positions in overseas critical-minerals projects (including "
-            "Australian rare-earth separation) to secure off-take."
-        ),
+        "canonicalClaim": "Japan's JOGMEC operates a 60-day strategic stockpile of rare metals under METI policy",
     },
 ]
 
@@ -184,7 +149,11 @@
 def main() -> None:
     result = seed_topic_batch("seed-crit-min", TOPICS)
     ok = sum(1 for v in result.values() if v)
-    print(f"\n=== seed_critical_minerals.py complete: {ok}/{len(TOPICS)} topics in place ===")
+    if DRY_RUN:
+        print(f"\n=== seed_critical_minerals.py dry run: {ok}/{len(TOPICS)} already present, "
+              f"{len(TOPICS) - ok} to create — nothing written ===")
+    else:
+        print(f"\n=== seed_critical_minerals.py complete: {ok}/{len(TOPICS)} topics in place ===")
 
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":
diff --git a/scripts/seed_defence_au.py b/scripts/seed_defence_au.py
index 56d80a4..750c543 100644
--- a/scripts/seed_defence_au.py
+++ b/scripts/seed_defence_au.py
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@
     python seed_defence_au.py                         # targets https://source.tailor.au
     SOURCE_BASE=http://localhost:3001 python seed_defence_au.py   # dev
 """
-from _defence_seed_helpers import seed_topic_batch  # noqa: E402
+from _defence_seed_helpers import DRY_RUN, seed_topic_batch  # noqa: E402
 
 
 TOPICS: list[dict] = [
@@ -31,11 +31,7 @@
         "jurisdiction": "AU",
         "authority": "Commonwealth Parliament of Australia",
         "sourceRef": "Defence Trade Controls Act 2012 (Cth), Act No. 153 of 2012",
-        "canonicalClaim": (
-            "The Defence Trade Controls Act 2012 (Cth) requires a permit for the supply, brokering "
-            "or publication of DSGL-listed defence and dual-use technology out of Australia, with "
-            "criminal penalties up to 10 years imprisonment."
-        ),
+        "canonicalClaim": "The Defence Trade Controls Act 2012 (Cth) requires a permit for the supply of DSGL-listed technology out of Australia",
     },
     {
         "title": "Defence and Strategic Goods List (DSGL) enumerates export-controlled goods and technology",
@@ -51,10 +47,7 @@
         "jurisdiction": "AU",
         "authority": "Department of Defence (Defence Export Controls)",
         "sourceRef": "Defence and Strategic Goods List (current edition), made under the Customs Act 1901 (Cth) and DTCA 2012",
-        "canonicalClaim": (
-            "The DSGL defines the goods and technology whose export from Australia requires a permit "
-            "under the DTCA 2012 and Customs Act 1901 prohibited-exports regime."
-        ),
+        "canonicalClaim": "The Defence and Strategic Goods List enumerates the goods and technology whose export from Australia requires a permit",
     },
     {
         "title": "Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) is required for access to classified Defence contracts",
@@ -69,10 +62,7 @@
         "jurisdiction": "AU",
         "authority": "Department of Defence (Defence Industry Security Office)",
         "sourceRef": "Defence Industry Security Program — DISP Member Handbook (current edition)",
-        "canonicalClaim": (
-            "DISP membership is the Australian Government's minimum security-accreditation baseline "
-            "for industry access to classified Defence information, assets and contracts."
-        ),
+        "canonicalClaim": "DISP membership is the minimum security accreditation for industry access to classified Defence information and contracts",
     },
     {
         "title": "FIRB critical-technologies list triggers mandatory foreign-investment notification",
@@ -88,11 +78,7 @@
         "jurisdiction": "AU",
         "authority": "Foreign Investment Review Board (Treasury)",
         "sourceRef": "Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 (Cth) s 55B; List of Critical Technologies in the National Interest (2023)",
-        "canonicalClaim": (
-            "Acquisitions of Australian businesses operating in listed critical-technology sectors "
-            "(including critical minerals) trigger mandatory FIRB notification under FATA s 55B, "
-            "irrespective of monetary threshold."
-        ),
+        "canonicalClaim": "Acquiring an Australian business in a listed critical-technology sector requires FIRB notification under FATA s 55B regardless of value",
     },
     {
         "title": "ASX Listing Rule 3.1 requires immediate disclosure of price-sensitive information",
@@ -108,11 +94,7 @@
         "jurisdiction": "AU",
         "authority": "ASX Limited (with statutory backing via Corporations Act s 674)",
         "sourceRef": "ASX Listing Rules Chapter 3, Rule 3.1 (continuous disclosure); Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) s 674",
-        "canonicalClaim": (
-            "ASX Listing Rule 3.1 requires immediate disclosure to the market of information a "
-            "reasonable person would expect to materially affect the price or value of an entity's "
-            "securities, backed by Corporations Act s 674."
-        ),
+        "canonicalClaim": "ASX Listing Rules require immediate disclosure of information a reasonable person would expect to materially affect a security's price",
     },
     {
         "title": "JORC Code 2012 governs public reporting of mineral exploration results, resources and reserves",
@@ -128,11 +110,7 @@
         "jurisdiction": "AU",
         "authority": "Joint Ore Reserves Committee (AusIMM, AIG, MCA)",
         "sourceRef": "JORC Code 2012 (Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves)",
-        "canonicalClaim": (
-            "JORC Code 2012 mandates Competent Person sign-off and Inferred/Indicated/Measured "
-            "classification for public resource statements by ASX-listed mining companies, via ASX "
-            "Listing Rule 5.6."
-        ),
+        "canonicalClaim": "JORC Code 2012 mandates Competent Person sign-off for public mineral resource statements by ASX-listed companies",
     },
     {
         "title": "Customs Act 1901 (Cth) prohibited-exports regime criminalises unauthorised export of DSGL goods",
@@ -147,11 +125,7 @@
         "jurisdiction": "AU",
         "authority": "Commonwealth Parliament of Australia; Australian Border Force",
         "sourceRef": "Customs Act 1901 (Cth) s 112; Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958",
-        "canonicalClaim": (
-            "The Customs Act 1901 s 112 and Prohibited Exports Regulations 1958 criminalise "
-            "unauthorised export of DSGL-listed goods from Australia with penalties up to 10 years "
-            "imprisonment."
-        ),
+        "canonicalClaim": "Customs Act 1901 (Cth) s 112 criminalises the unauthorised export of DSGL-listed goods from Australia",
     },
     {
         "title": "AUKUS Pillar 2 establishes trilateral advanced-capability technology transfer between AU, UK and US",
@@ -167,11 +141,7 @@
         "jurisdiction": "AU",
         "authority": "Department of Defence; trilateral AUKUS working arrangements",
         "sourceRef": "AUKUS Pillar 2 Joint Leaders Statement (2021); Defence Trade Controls Amendment Act 2024 (Cth); 22 CFR 126.7 AUKUS exemption",
-        "canonicalClaim": (
-            "AUKUS Pillar 2 is the trilateral framework for advanced-capability technology transfer "
-            "between Australia, the UK and the US, operationalised via reciprocal national export-"
-            "control exemptions."
-        ),
+        "canonicalClaim": "AUKUS Pillar 2 is the trilateral framework for advanced-capability technology transfer between Australia, the UK and the US",
     },
     {
         "title": "Safeguards Act 1987 (Cth) implements Australia's nuclear non-proliferation obligations",
@@ -186,10 +156,7 @@
         "jurisdiction": "AU",
         "authority": "Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office (DFAT)",
         "sourceRef": "Nuclear Non-Proliferation (Safeguards) Act 1987 (Cth), Act No. 8 of 1987",
-        "canonicalClaim": (
-            "The Safeguards Act 1987 (Cth) implements Australia's NPT and IAEA obligations and "
-            "controls possession, transport and communication of nuclear material and technology."
-        ),
+        "canonicalClaim": "The Safeguards Act 1987 (Cth) implements Australia's obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty",
     },
     {
         "title": "Weapons of Mass Destruction (Prevention of Proliferation) Act 1995 (Cth) prohibits WMD programme support",
@@ -204,11 +171,7 @@
         "jurisdiction": "AU",
         "authority": "Commonwealth Parliament of Australia; Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade",
         "sourceRef": "Weapons of Mass Destruction (Prevention of Proliferation) Act 1995 (Cth), Act No. 72 of 1995",
-        "canonicalClaim": (
-            "The WMD Act 1995 (Cth) applies a catch-all prohibition on supplying goods, services or "
-            "technology where the supplier knows or ought to suspect the end-use involves a WMD "
-            "programme, beyond the listed-goods DSGL regime."
-        ),
+        "canonicalClaim": "The WMD (Prevention of Proliferation) Act 1995 (Cth) prohibits supplying goods or services suspected to serve a WMD programme",
     },
     {
         "title": "Autonomous Sanctions Act 2011 (Cth) authorises Australian targeted financial and trade sanctions",
@@ -224,10 +187,7 @@
         "jurisdiction": "AU",
         "authority": "Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Australian Sanctions Office)",
         "sourceRef": "Autonomous Sanctions Act 2011 (Cth); Autonomous Sanctions Regulations 2011; 2021 Magnitsky amendments",
-        "canonicalClaim": (
-            "The Autonomous Sanctions Act 2011 (Cth) authorises Australia's targeted financial, "
-            "travel and sectoral sanctions, extended in 2021 to thematic Magnitsky-style designations."
-        ),
+        "canonicalClaim": "The Autonomous Sanctions Act 2011 (Cth) authorises Australia's targeted financial, travel and sectoral sanctions",
     },
     {
         "title": "National Security Legislation Amendment (Espionage and Foreign Interference) Act 2018 criminalises foreign interference",
@@ -242,11 +202,7 @@
         "jurisdiction": "AU",
         "authority": "Commonwealth Parliament of Australia",
         "sourceRef": "National Security Legislation Amendment (Espionage and Foreign Interference) Act 2018 (Cth); Criminal Code 1995 (Cth) Division 92",
-        "canonicalClaim": (
-            "The NSLA EFI Act 2018 inserted modern espionage, foreign-interference and sabotage "
-            "offences into the Commonwealth Criminal Code and complements the Foreign Influence "
-            "Transparency Scheme."
-        ),
+        "canonicalClaim": "The NSLA (Espionage and Foreign Interference) Act 2018 (Cth) inserted foreign-interference offences into the Criminal Code 1995",
     },
 ]
 
@@ -254,7 +210,11 @@
 def main() -> None:
     result = seed_topic_batch("seed-au-def", TOPICS)
     ok = sum(1 for v in result.values() if v)
-    print(f"\n=== seed_defence_au.py complete: {ok}/{len(TOPICS)} topics in place ===")
+    if DRY_RUN:
+        print(f"\n=== seed_defence_au.py dry run: {ok}/{len(TOPICS)} already present, "
+              f"{len(TOPICS) - ok} to create — nothing written ===")
+    else:
+        print(f"\n=== seed_defence_au.py complete: {ok}/{len(TOPICS)} topics in place ===")
 
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":
diff --git a/scripts/seed_defence_us.py b/scripts/seed_defence_us.py
index 26ef32c..e397736 100644
--- a/scripts/seed_defence_us.py
+++ b/scripts/seed_defence_us.py
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 
 No admin secret required. Idempotent.
 """
-from _defence_seed_helpers import seed_topic_batch  # noqa: E402
+from _defence_seed_helpers import DRY_RUN, seed_topic_batch  # noqa: E402
 
 
 TOPICS: list[dict] = [
@@ -29,11 +29,7 @@
         "jurisdiction": "US",
         "authority": "US Department of State (Directorate of Defense Trade Controls)",
         "sourceRef": "International Traffic in Arms Regulations, 22 CFR 120-130; Arms Export Control Act, 22 USC 2778",
-        "canonicalClaim": (
-            "ITAR (22 CFR 120-130) controls the export, re-export and brokering of US Munitions "
-            "List articles, services, and technical data — including deemed exports to foreign "
-            "persons inside the US — with criminal penalties up to 20 years imprisonment."
-        ),
+        "canonicalClaim": "ITAR (22 CFR 120-130) controls the export of US Munitions List defence articles, services and technical data",
     },
     {
         "title": "EAR (15 CFR 730-774) governs the export of US dual-use and commercial technology",
@@ -49,11 +45,7 @@
         "jurisdiction": "US",
         "authority": "US Department of Commerce (Bureau of Industry and Security)",
         "sourceRef": "Export Administration Regulations, 15 CFR 730-774; Export Control Reform Act of 2018, 50 USC 4801",
-        "canonicalClaim": (
-            "EAR (15 CFR 730-774) controls US commercial and dual-use exports via ECCN classification "
-            "on the Commerce Control List, with licence determinations driven by destination, "
-            "end-user and end-use analysis administered by BIS."
-        ),
+        "canonicalClaim": "EAR (15 CFR 730-774) controls US dual-use exports through ECCN classification on the Commerce Control List",
     },
     {
         "title": "NEPA (42 USC 4321+) requires environmental impact assessment for major federal actions",
@@ -70,11 +62,7 @@
         "jurisdiction": "US",
         "authority": "US Council on Environmental Quality; federal action agencies",
         "sourceRef": "National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 42 USC 4321 et seq; 40 CFR Parts 1500-1508",
-        "canonicalClaim": (
-            "NEPA (42 USC 4321+) requires federal agencies to prepare an Environmental Impact "
-            "Statement for major federal actions significantly affecting the human environment, "
-            "implemented via 40 CFR 1500-1508."
-        ),
+        "canonicalClaim": "NEPA (42 USC 4321 et seq) requires an Environmental Impact Statement for major federal actions significantly affecting the human environment",
     },
     {
         "title": "BLM 43 CFR 3809 governs surface management of hardrock mining on federal land",
@@ -90,10 +78,7 @@
         "jurisdiction": "US",
         "authority": "US Bureau of Land Management (Department of the Interior)",
         "sourceRef": "43 CFR Part 3809, Subparts 3809.1-3809.605 (Surface Management)",
-        "canonicalClaim": (
-            "BLM 43 CFR 3809 regulates hardrock mining on federal land via the Notice / Plan-of-"
-            "Operations regime, triggering NEPA review, reclamation bonding and Tribal consultation."
-        ),
+        "canonicalClaim": "BLM 43 CFR 3809 requires an approved Plan of Operations for commercial hardrock mining on federal land",
     },
     {
         "title": "DFARS 252.225-7052 restricts DoD acquisition of non-domestic specialty metals including antimony",
@@ -110,11 +95,7 @@
         "jurisdiction": "US",
         "authority": "US Department of Defense (Defense Acquisition Regulations System)",
         "sourceRef": "DFARS 252.225-7052; DFARS 252.225-7008; 10 USC 4863 (specialty metals)",
-        "canonicalClaim": (
-            "DFARS 252.225-7052 and the underlying specialty-metals statute (10 USC 4863) restrict "
-            "DoD acquisition of end items containing non-domestic specialty metals including "
-            "antimony, tungsten, samarium-cobalt and NdFeB magnets."
-        ),
+        "canonicalClaim": "The DFARS specialty-metals clause bars DoD end items containing specialty metals not melted or produced in the US or a qualifying country",
     },
     {
         "title": "California SMARA requires state permitting and reclamation for surface-mining operations",
@@ -129,11 +110,7 @@
         "jurisdiction": "US-CA",
         "authority": "California Department of Conservation (Division of Mine Reclamation); State Mining and Geology Board",
         "sourceRef": "Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975, California Public Resources Code §§ 2710-2796",
-        "canonicalClaim": (
-            "California SMARA (PRC §§ 2710-2796) requires surface-mining operators in California to "
-            "obtain a local lead-agency permit, approved Reclamation Plan and financial assurance, "
-            "overseen by the State Geologist and State Mining and Geology Board."
-        ),
+        "canonicalClaim": "California SMARA requires an approved reclamation plan and financial assurance for surface-mining operations",
     },
     {
         "title": "Defense Production Act Title III funds domestic industrial-base expansion for critical materials",
@@ -149,11 +126,7 @@
         "jurisdiction": "US",
         "authority": "Executive Office of the President; Department of Defense (Office of the Under Secretary for Acquisition and Sustainment)",
         "sourceRef": "Defense Production Act of 1950, Title III, 50 USC 4531-4533",
-        "canonicalClaim": (
-            "DPA Title III (50 USC 4531-4533) authorises the President to fund expansion of US "
-            "domestic industrial capacity for defence-essential materials through purchase "
-            "commitments, guarantees and plant-expansion grants."
-        ),
+        "canonicalClaim": "DPA Title III (50 USC 4531-4533) authorises federal funding to expand domestic industrial capacity for defence-essential materials",
     },
     {
         "title": "CFIUS reviews foreign investment in US critical-technology and critical-minerals businesses",
@@ -169,12 +142,7 @@
         "jurisdiction": "US",
         "authority": "US Department of the Treasury (chair of CFIUS); interagency committee",
         "sourceRef": "Section 721 of the Defense Production Act, 50 USC 4565; Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act 2018",
-        "canonicalClaim": (
-            "CFIUS, reformed by FIRRMA 2018, reviews foreign acquisitions of US businesses in "
-            "critical technology, critical infrastructure, sensitive personal data and covered "
-            "real-estate near national-security sites, with mandatory declarations for specified "
-            "transactions."
-        ),
+        "canonicalClaim": "CFIUS reviews foreign acquisitions of US businesses in critical technology, critical infrastructure or sensitive personal data",
     },
     {
         "title": "Inflation Reduction Act ties clean-energy tax credits to critical-minerals sourcing requirements",
@@ -191,12 +159,7 @@
         "jurisdiction": "US",
         "authority": "US Congress; Internal Revenue Service (Treasury)",
         "sourceRef": "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, Pub L 117-169; Internal Revenue Code §§ 30D, 45X, 45, 45Y",
-        "canonicalClaim": (
-            "The Inflation Reduction Act conditions the IRC § 30D clean-vehicle credit on "
-            "critical-minerals content sourced from the US or a US free-trade-agreement partner "
-            "(explicitly including Australia) and excludes content sourced from Foreign Entities "
-            "of Concern."
-        ),
+        "canonicalClaim": "The IRA conditions the IRC s 30D clean-vehicle credit on critical minerals sourced from the US or a free-trade-agreement partner",
     },
     {
         "title": "Buy American Act 1933 requires federal agencies to prefer domestic end products in procurement",
@@ -211,11 +174,7 @@
         "jurisdiction": "US",
         "authority": "US Congress; federal contracting agencies",
         "sourceRef": "Buy American Act, 41 USC 8301-8305; FAR Part 25; 2022 Executive Order 14005 domestic-content amendments",
-        "canonicalClaim": (
-            "The Buy American Act 1933 (41 USC 8301-8305) requires federal agencies to prefer "
-            "domestic end products in procurement, with the domestic-content threshold rising to "
-            "75% by 2029 under the 2022 amendments."
-        ),
+        "canonicalClaim": "The Buy American Act 1933 (41 USC 8301-8305) requires federal agencies to prefer domestic end products in procurement",
     },
 ]
 
@@ -223,7 +182,11 @@
 def main() -> None:
     result = seed_topic_batch("seed-us-def", TOPICS)
     ok = sum(1 for v in result.values() if v)
-    print(f"\n=== seed_defence_us.py complete: {ok}/{len(TOPICS)} topics in place ===")
+    if DRY_RUN:
+        print(f"\n=== seed_defence_us.py dry run: {ok}/{len(TOPICS)} already present, "
+              f"{len(TOPICS) - ok} to create — nothing written ===")
+    else:
+        print(f"\n=== seed_defence_us.py complete: {ok}/{len(TOPICS)} topics in place ===")
 
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":
diff --git a/scripts/seed_topic_dependencies.py b/scripts/seed_topic_dependencies.py
index fa5a13e..ea890d6 100644
--- a/scripts/seed_topic_dependencies.py
+++ b/scripts/seed_topic_dependencies.py
@@ -19,6 +19,7 @@
     api,
     find_topic_id_by_title,
     register_agents,
+    reusable_key,
 )
 
 
@@ -274,14 +275,22 @@ def main() -> None:
         )
         return
 
-    keys = register_agents("seed-deps", 1)
-    agent_key = keys[0]
-
     edges, missing = resolve_edges()
     if not edges:
         print("\nFATAL: no edges resolved. Did the three topic seed scripts run first?")
         sys.exit(1)
 
+    # Reuse a topic-script key when one is available (PACT_SEED_AGENT_KEY or the last
+    # line of PACT_SEED_KEYS_FILE): edge writes need any registered agent, and the
+    # per-address registration budget is spent by the 30 topic agents. Otherwise
+    # register only once there is something to write.
+    agent_key = reusable_key()
+    if agent_key:
+        print("  reusing a topic-script agent key for the edge writes (no registration)")
+    else:
+        keys = register_agents("seed-deps", 1)
+        agent_key = keys[0]
+
     print(f"\n=== Creating {len(edges)} dependency edges ===")
     created = 0
     existed = 0