Merge Branch

Integrate branch intent, not just patches. Prefer Git's merge machinery as a draft, then edit, refactor, audit, validate, and report the deliberate result.

Use clear branch terms throughout the task: the current HEAD branch is the destination branch, and <source> is the branch being integrated into it. If the user says "target branch" ambiguously, confirm whether they mean the source branch to merge or the destination branch to receive the work.

Choose One Mode

• Dry plan: When the user asks to analyze or plan without changing repository state, read and follow [modes/dry-plan.md](modes/dry-plan.md). A plan-only request finishes with the plan and any unresolved decisions.
• Audit: When the user asks to review a completed or in-progress merge result, read and follow [modes/audit.md](modes/audit.md). Do not start or redo a merge unless separately authorized.
• Integrate: When the user asks to perform a merge, transplant branch work, or resolve conflicts, read and follow [modes/integrate.md](modes/integrate.md).

If the request combines assessment and integration, complete the read-only mode first, then perform the already authorized integration. Ask only for consequential decisions or authority still missing from the request and inspected evidence.

Shared Guardrail

Do not move, force-update, or delete the source branch automatically. Convergence means the source tip is reachable from destination HEAD; aligning branch refs requires explicit approval.