diff --git a/.claude-plugin/marketplace.json b/.claude-plugin/marketplace.json
index 1541386..cca6445 100644
--- a/.claude-plugin/marketplace.json
+++ b/.claude-plugin/marketplace.json
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@
     {
       "name": "co-dialectic",
       "source": "./plugins/co-dialectic",
-      "description": "Co-Dialectic v4.2.0 \u2014 LLM prompt optimizer + auto-verify by stakes (Safe/Private/Shared/Significant/Live) + auto-handoff on closure + honesty selector + agent-swarm + hygiene cycle + cross-family cascade-then-jury review + hallucination detector + research-first mode + fish-swarm orchestration.",
+      "description": "Co-Dialectic v4.9.0 \u2014 LLM prompt optimizer + auto-verify by stakes (Safe/Private/Shared/Significant/Live) + auto-handoff on closure + honesty selector + agent-swarm + hygiene cycle + cross-family cascade-then-jury review + hallucination detector + research-first mode + fish-swarm orchestration.",
       "version": "4.9.0",
       "category": "productivity"
     },
diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore
index f45652f..9d76a7f 100644
--- a/.gitignore
+++ b/.gitignore
@@ -16,6 +16,8 @@ handoff.md
 __pycache__/
 *.pyc
 docs/*.pdf
+logs/
+.claude/worktrees/
 
 # AI tool configs — generated by IDE/AI tools, workspace-private
 .aider.instructions.md
@@ -25,6 +27,7 @@ docs/*.pdf
 .windsurfrules
 .cursorrules
 .cursorignore
+/AGENTS.md
 
 # Demo production artifacts — private dev assets, live in career workspace
 plugins/co-dialectic/demo/frames/
diff --git a/CLAUDE-ISSUES.md b/CLAUDE-ISSUES.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a67a45e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/CLAUDE-ISSUES.md
@@ -0,0 +1,37 @@
+# Issues Log — 2026-05-11
+
+**Branch:** `add-cursor-codex-support`
+**Canonical version:** `4.9.0`
+**Test suite:** 57/57 PASS, 0 FAIL, 1 WARN (missing agent-marketplace dir — cosmetic)
+
+---
+
+## Version Inconsistencies (6) — ALL FIXED
+
+| # | File | Was | Now | Status |
+|---|------|-----|-----|--------|
+| 1 | `SKILL-lite.md` line 4 | `3.0.0-lite` | `4.9.0-lite` | FIXED |
+| 2 | `SKILL-lite.md` line 23 | `v3.0.0-lite active` | `v4.9.0-lite active` | FIXED |
+| 3 | `SKILL.md` line 30 | `v4.7.0 active` | `v4.9.0 active` | FIXED |
+| 4 | `plugin.json` desc | `v4.8.0` | `v4.9.0` | FIXED |
+| 5 | `marketplace.json` desc | `v4.2.0` | `v4.9.0` | FIXED |
+| 6 | `install.ps1` line 15 | `$Version = "3.0.0"` | `$Version = "4.9.0"` | FIXED |
+
+---
+
+## Codex Compatibility (`logs/codex-compat-test.log`)
+
+- Install, byte-identical template match, idempotency, CLI visibility: **ALL PASSED**
+- Codex CLI (`codex-cli 0.130.0-alpha.5`) read `AGENTS.md` and listed all `codi` commands
+- No issues found
+
+## Cursor Compatibility (`logs/cursor-compat-test.log`)
+
+- Local install (`--target cursor`): **PASSED** — `.cursor/rules/co-dialectic.mdc` byte-identical to adapter
+- `CO_DIALECTIC_REPO` file:// and plain path variants: **PASSED**
+- Raw `main` URL for `.mdc`: **404** — expected pre-merge; resolves when branch merges to `main`
+- No code fix needed
+
+## Cleanup — DONE
+
+- Removed stale temp artifacts: `logs/cursor_chk.YUub8O`, `logs/.plugin-test-tmp/`, `.cursor_test_nested/`
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index b47f863..3eeca08 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -54,6 +54,18 @@ After installing, open a new session and say: **help me set up co-dialectic**
 - **macOS/Linux:** `curl -fsSL https://thewhyman.gateway.scarf.sh/install.sh | bash`
 - **Windows:** `Invoke-RestMethod -Uri https://thewhyman.gateway.scarf.sh/install.ps1 | Invoke-Expression`
 
+Target a specific local AI runtime:
+```bash
+# Cursor: writes .cursor/rules/co-dialectic.mdc
+curl -fsSL https://thewhyman.gateway.scarf.sh/install.sh | bash -s -- --target cursor
+
+# Codex: appends an idempotent Co-Dialectic block to AGENTS.md
+curl -fsSL https://thewhyman.gateway.scarf.sh/install.sh | bash -s -- --target codex
+
+# Both Cursor and Codex
+curl -fsSL https://thewhyman.gateway.scarf.sh/install.sh | bash -s -- --target all
+```
+
 **Claude.ai / ChatGPT web / Gemini web — paste into your AI chat:**
 
 > I want to install Co-Dialectic to improve my AI conversations. Please read the install instructions at https://github.com/Exponential-OS/prompt-engineering-in-action and help me set it up. If you cannot access URLs, let me know and I'll paste the SKILL.md file contents directly.
@@ -407,4 +419,3 @@ Day 10:  Both anticipate each other → Communication sharpens
 **Generative principles accelerate the flywheel.** Every lesson codified as a broad principle (not a narrow keyword fix) covers infinite future situations. The broader the lesson, the faster the flywheel spins.
 
 </details>
-
diff --git a/install.ps1 b/install.ps1
index adc91e1..3b0d11e 100644
--- a/install.ps1
+++ b/install.ps1
@@ -3,12 +3,16 @@
 Co-Dialectic Manager for Windows.
 #>
 param(
-    [switch]$BgCheck
+    [switch]$BgCheck,
+    [ValidateSet("auto", "cursor", "codex", "all")]
+    [string]$Target = "auto",
+    [switch]$Lite,
+    [switch]$Full
 )
 
 $ErrorActionPreference = "Stop"
-$RepoUrl = "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Exponential-OS/prompt-engineering-in-action/main"
-$Version = "3.0.0"
+$RepoUrl = if ($env:CO_DIALECTIC_REPO) { $env:CO_DIALECTIC_REPO } else { "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Exponential-OS/prompt-engineering-in-action/main" }
+$Version = "4.9.0"
 $ConfigDir = Join-Path $env:USERPROFILE ".co-dialectic"
 
 # -----------------------------------------
@@ -58,6 +62,116 @@ function Ask-Choice {
     return $Choice
 }
 
+function Get-RepoFileContent {
+    param([string]$SourceUrl)
+
+    if (Test-Path $SourceUrl) {
+        return Get-Content $SourceUrl -Raw
+    }
+
+    if ($SourceUrl.StartsWith("$RepoUrl/")) {
+        $LocalPath = $SourceUrl.Substring($RepoUrl.Length + 1) -replace '/', [IO.Path]::DirectorySeparatorChar
+        if (Test-Path $LocalPath) {
+            return Get-Content $LocalPath -Raw
+        }
+        if ($PSScriptRoot) {
+            $ScriptRelativePath = Join-Path $PSScriptRoot $LocalPath
+            if (Test-Path $ScriptRelativePath) {
+                return Get-Content $ScriptRelativePath -Raw
+            }
+        }
+
+        if ($LocalPath -eq ("plugins/co-dialectic/adapters/cursor/co-dialectic.mdc" -replace '/', [IO.Path]::DirectorySeparatorChar)) {
+            return Get-CursorAdapterContent
+        }
+        if ($LocalPath -eq ("plugins/co-dialectic/adapters/codex/AGENTS.md" -replace '/', [IO.Path]::DirectorySeparatorChar)) {
+            return Get-CodexAdapterContent
+        }
+    }
+
+    return Invoke-RestMethod -Uri $SourceUrl
+}
+
+function Get-CursorAdapterContent {
+    return @'
+---
+description: Co-Dialectic prompt sharpening and verification rules for Cursor
+alwaysApply: true
+---
+
+### BEGIN CO-DIALECTIC ###
+# Co-Dialectic for Cursor
+
+Co-Dialectic is always active in this workspace. Keep the behavior compact and code-focused.
+
+## Runtime Defaults
+- Default to Cruise mode: answer directly unless the user's prompt is ambiguous enough that a wrong implementation is likely.
+- Keep status metadata quiet by default. Do not prepend persona/score lines unless the user asks for `codi status`.
+- Prefer short, actionable prompt sharpening over teaching. If the user's ask is unclear, rewrite the ask in one sentence, state the assumption, and proceed when the assumption is low-risk.
+- Use Drive mode only when the next step would change architecture, delete data, publish externally, or spend money.
+
+## Cursor Coding Behavior
+- Read the relevant files before editing.
+- Preserve user changes. Do not revert unrelated edits.
+- Keep patches scoped to the requested behavior.
+- Prefer existing project patterns and libraries over new abstractions.
+- Run focused validation when available, and report what did or did not run.
+- For reviews, lead with defects and file/line references before summaries.
+
+## Verification By Stakes
+- Routine local edits: run syntax/type/unit checks that are already present.
+- Shared or user-facing changes: also inspect edge cases, error states, and docs/install paths.
+- Significant claims, security, legal, financial, medical, or release guidance: verify against primary/current sources before presenting as fact.
+
+## Commands
+- `codi status`: summarize active mode, assumptions, and any verification gaps.
+- `codi drive`: ask before applying sharpened prompts or taking broad actions.
+- `codi cruise`: proceed with reasonable assumptions and concise notes.
+- `codi quiet`: suppress status surfaces unless something needs attention.
+- `codi review`: switch to code-review posture, prioritizing bugs and regressions.
+- `codi handoff`: produce a concise continuation note with files touched, decisions, tests, and next steps.
+
+### END CO-DIALECTIC ###
+'@
+}
+
+function Get-CodexAdapterContent {
+    return @'
+### BEGIN CO-DIALECTIC ###
+# Co-Dialectic for Codex
+
+Use Co-Dialectic as a lightweight engineering discipline layer, not as a chat persona system.
+
+## Defaults
+- Stay concise and implementation-oriented.
+- Read code before changing it.
+- Make scoped edits that follow the repository's existing patterns.
+- Preserve user changes and ignore unrelated dirty worktree files.
+- Prefer `rg`/`rg --files` for search.
+- Use patch-style edits for manual file changes.
+- Run focused tests or checks when available, and say exactly what ran.
+
+## Prompt Sharpening
+- If the user's request is clear, do the work.
+- If the request is ambiguous but low-risk, state the assumption and proceed.
+- If the ambiguity could cause destructive, externally visible, or expensive work, ask one direct question.
+- When helpful, internally rewrite vague requests into concrete acceptance criteria before implementation.
+
+## Verification By Stakes
+- Routine code edits: local tests, type checks, or lint checks where practical.
+- Installer, release, security, or public-facing changes: validate idempotency, failure paths, and documentation.
+- Current facts or high-stakes guidance: verify with primary/current sources before treating them as true.
+
+## Commands
+- `codi status`: report assumptions, touched files, validation, and remaining risk.
+- `codi review`: use code-review posture; findings first, then brief summary.
+- `codi handoff`: write a continuation summary with branch, files changed, tests, and next steps.
+- `codi quiet`: minimize Co-Dialectic surface text.
+
+### END CO-DIALECTIC ###
+'@
+}
+
 # -----------------------------------------
 # MAIN MENU
 # -----------------------------------------
@@ -65,7 +179,11 @@ Write-Host "What would you like to do?"
 Write-Host " [1] Install or Update"
 Write-Host " [2] Uninstall completely"
 Write-Host " [3] Exit"
-$MenuChoice = Ask-Choice "Select [1, 2, or 3]" "1"
+if ($Target -eq "auto") {
+    $MenuChoice = Ask-Choice "Select [1, 2, or 3]" "1"
+} else {
+    $MenuChoice = "1"
+}
 
 if ($MenuChoice -eq "3") { exit 0 }
 
@@ -95,6 +213,20 @@ if ($MenuChoice -eq "2") {
             }
         }
     }
+    $CursorRule = ".cursor\rules\co-dialectic.mdc"
+    if (Test-Path $CursorRule) {
+        Remove-Item -Force $CursorRule
+        Write-Host "   Removed $CursorRule"
+    }
+    if (Test-Path "AGENTS.md") {
+        $HasBlock = Select-String -Path "AGENTS.md" -Pattern "### BEGIN CO-DIALECTIC ###" -Quiet
+        if ($HasBlock) {
+            $Content = Get-Content "AGENTS.md" -Raw
+            $Content = $Content -replace '(?s)### BEGIN CO-DIALECTIC ###.*?### END CO-DIALECTIC ###\s*', ''
+            Set-Content -Path "AGENTS.md" -Value $Content -Encoding UTF8
+            Write-Host "   Removed from AGENTS.md"
+        }
+    }
     
     # Remove Folders
     $Dirs = @(
@@ -119,7 +251,13 @@ if ($MenuChoice -eq "2") {
 Write-Host "Which version do you want to install?"
 Write-Host " [1] Standard (Best for Pro/Paid AI users)"
 Write-Host " [2] Lite (Best for Free/Fast AI limits)"
-$VersionChoice = Ask-Choice "Select [1/2]" "1"
+if ($Lite -or (($Target -ne "auto") -and (-not $Full))) {
+    $VersionChoice = "2"
+} elseif ($Full) {
+    $VersionChoice = "1"
+} else {
+    $VersionChoice = Ask-Choice "Select [1/2]" "1"
+}
 
 $SelectedVerStr = "full"
 if ($VersionChoice -eq "2") {
@@ -131,15 +269,21 @@ if ($VersionChoice -eq "2") {
     Write-Host "⬇️  Downloading Standard version..." -ForegroundColor Yellow
 }
 
-try {
-    $SkillContent = Invoke-RestMethod -Uri $SkillUrl
-} catch {
-    Write-Host "Failed to download SKILL.md" -ForegroundColor Red
-    exit 1
-}
+if ($Target -eq "auto") {
+    try {
+        $SkillContent = Get-RepoFileContent $SkillUrl
+    } catch {
+        Write-Host "Failed to download SKILL.md" -ForegroundColor Red
+        exit 1
+    }
 
-$TrackOptIn = Ask-User "📊 Share anonymous install metrics to help the project (OS/Tool choices)? [Y/n]" "y"
-$BgUpdates = Ask-User "🔄 Enable weekly background checks for updates via Scheduled Tasks? [Y/n]" "y"
+    $TrackOptIn = Ask-User "📊 Share anonymous install metrics to help the project (OS/Tool choices)? [Y/n]" "y"
+    $BgUpdates = Ask-User "🔄 Enable weekly background checks for updates via Scheduled Tasks? [Y/n]" "y"
+} else {
+    $SkillContent = ""
+    $TrackOptIn = $false
+    $BgUpdates = $false
+}
 
 $Installed = $false
 $InstalledTools = @()
@@ -208,10 +352,104 @@ function Append-Or-Replace {
     }
 }
 
+function Install-OwnedFile {
+    param(
+        [string]$SourceUrl,
+        [string]$TargetFile,
+        [string]$PromptMsg,
+        [string]$DefaultAns,
+        [string]$ToolName,
+        [bool]$Force = $false
+    )
+
+    if ((-not $Force) -and (-not (Ask-User $PromptMsg $DefaultAns))) { return }
+
+    try {
+        $Content = Get-RepoFileContent $SourceUrl
+    } catch {
+        Write-Host "   ❌ Failed to download $SourceUrl" -ForegroundColor Red
+        return
+    }
+
+    $Parent = Split-Path $TargetFile
+    if (($Parent -ne "") -and (-not (Test-Path $Parent))) {
+        New-Item -ItemType Directory -Force -Path $Parent | Out-Null
+    }
+    $Content | Set-Content -Path $TargetFile -Encoding UTF8 -NoNewline
+    Write-Host "   ✅ Installed $TargetFile" -ForegroundColor Green
+    $script:Installed = $true
+    $script:InstalledTools += $ToolName
+}
+
+function Append-Or-ReplaceRemote {
+    param(
+        [string]$SourceUrl,
+        [string]$TargetFile,
+        [string]$PromptMsg,
+        [string]$DefaultAns,
+        [string]$ToolName,
+        [bool]$Force = $false
+    )
+
+    if ((-not $Force) -and (-not (Ask-User $PromptMsg $DefaultAns))) { return }
+
+    try {
+        $RemoteContent = Get-RepoFileContent $SourceUrl
+    } catch {
+        Write-Host "   ❌ Failed to download $SourceUrl" -ForegroundColor Red
+        return
+    }
+
+    if (-not (Test-Path $TargetFile)) {
+        $RemoteContent | Set-Content -Path $TargetFile -Encoding UTF8 -NoNewline
+        Write-Host "   ✅ Added to $TargetFile" -ForegroundColor Green
+    } else {
+        $Content = Get-Content $TargetFile -Raw
+        if ($Content -match "### BEGIN CO-DIALECTIC ###") {
+        $Content = $Content -replace '(?s)### BEGIN CO-DIALECTIC ###.*?### END CO-DIALECTIC ###\s*', ''
+        Set-Content -Path $TargetFile -Value ($Content.TrimEnd() + "`n`n" + $RemoteContent) -Encoding UTF8
+        Write-Host "   ✅ Updated $TargetFile" -ForegroundColor Green
+        } else {
+        Add-Content -Path $TargetFile -Value "`n$RemoteContent" -Encoding UTF8
+        Write-Host "   ✅ Added to $TargetFile" -ForegroundColor Green
+        }
+    }
+
+    $script:Installed = $true
+    $script:InstalledTools += $ToolName
+}
+
+function Target-Selected {
+    param([string]$Name)
+    if ($Target -eq "all") { return $true }
+    return $Target -eq $Name
+}
+
 Write-Host ""
 Write-Host "Scanning for AI environments..."
 Write-Host ""
 
+if ($Target -ne "auto") {
+    if (Target-Selected "cursor") {
+        Install-OwnedFile `
+            "$RepoUrl/plugins/co-dialectic/adapters/cursor/co-dialectic.mdc" `
+            ".cursor\rules\co-dialectic.mdc" `
+            "✅ Install Cursor project rules to .cursor/rules/co-dialectic.mdc? [Y/n]" `
+            "y" `
+            "cursor_mdc" `
+            $true
+    }
+    if (Target-Selected "codex") {
+        Append-Or-ReplaceRemote `
+            "$RepoUrl/plugins/co-dialectic/adapters/codex/AGENTS.md" `
+            "AGENTS.md" `
+            "✅ Add Codex instructions to AGENTS.md? [Y/n]" `
+            "y" `
+            "codex_agents" `
+            $true
+    }
+} else {
+
 # 1. Antigravity Support (dedicated skill file, full overwrite)
 $AntigravityPath = Join-Path $env:USERPROFILE ".gemini\antigravity\skills"
 if (Test-Path $AntigravityPath) {
@@ -232,7 +470,22 @@ if (Test-Path $ClaudePath) {
 
 # 3. Cursor Support
 if ((Test-Path ".cursor") -or (Test-Path ".cursorrules")) {
-    Append-Or-Replace ".cursorrules" "✅ Detected Cursor project. Add to .cursorrules? [Y/n]" "y" "cursor"
+    Install-OwnedFile `
+        "$RepoUrl/plugins/co-dialectic/adapters/cursor/co-dialectic.mdc" `
+        ".cursor\rules\co-dialectic.mdc" `
+        "✅ Detected Cursor project. Install modern Cursor rule to .cursor/rules/co-dialectic.mdc? [Y/n]" `
+        "y" `
+        "cursor_mdc"
+    Write-Host ""
+}
+
+if ((Test-Path "AGENTS.md") -or (Get-Command codex -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue)) {
+    Append-Or-ReplaceRemote `
+        "$RepoUrl/plugins/co-dialectic/adapters/codex/AGENTS.md" `
+        "AGENTS.md" `
+        "✅ Detected Codex. Add workspace instructions to AGENTS.md? [Y/n]" `
+        "y" `
+        "codex_agents"
     Write-Host ""
 }
 
@@ -250,6 +503,8 @@ if (Ask-User "📋 Copy instructions to clipboard for web/desktop apps? [y/N]" "
     Write-Host ""
 }
 
+}
+
 if (-not $Installed) {
     Write-Host "ℹ️  No installation selected. Downloading SKILL.md to current directory..."
     if (-not (Test-Path "plugins\co-dialectic\skills\co-dialectic")) { New-Item -ItemType Directory -Force -Path "plugins\co-dialectic\skills\co-dialectic" | Out-Null }
diff --git a/install.sh b/install.sh
index 3df7c3d..b98729f 100755
--- a/install.sh
+++ b/install.sh
@@ -4,9 +4,12 @@
 
 set -e
 
-REPO="https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Exponential-OS/prompt-engineering-in-action/main"
+REPO="${CO_DIALECTIC_REPO:-https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Exponential-OS/prompt-engineering-in-action/main}"
 VERSION="4.9.0"
 CONFIG_DIR="$HOME/.co-dialectic"
+SCRIPT_DIR="$(cd "$(dirname "${BASH_SOURCE[0]:-$0}")" 2>/dev/null && pwd || pwd)"
+TARGET_ARG="auto"
+VERSION_ARG=""
 
 # Co-Dialectic plugin skill inventory (v4.3.0). Shared by install + uninstall.
 # Append a new skill name here when a new skill is added to the plugin.
@@ -22,13 +25,48 @@ PLUGIN_SKILLS=(
     "waky-waky"
 )
 
+fetch_repo_file() {
+    local source_url="$1"
+    local target_file="$2"
+    local local_path="${source_url#"$REPO/"}"
+
+    if [ -f "$source_url" ]; then
+        cp "$source_url" "$target_file"
+    elif [ "$local_path" != "$source_url" ] && [ -f "$local_path" ]; then
+        cp "$local_path" "$target_file"
+    elif [ "$local_path" != "$source_url" ] && [ -f "$SCRIPT_DIR/$local_path" ]; then
+        cp "$SCRIPT_DIR/$local_path" "$target_file"
+    else
+        if curl -fsSL "$source_url" -o "$target_file" 2>/dev/null; then
+            return 0
+        fi
+        case "$local_path" in
+            plugins/co-dialectic/adapters/cursor/co-dialectic.mdc)
+                write_cursor_adapter "$target_file"
+                ;;
+            plugins/co-dialectic/adapters/codex/AGENTS.md)
+                write_codex_adapter "$target_file"
+                ;;
+            *)
+                return 1
+                ;;
+        esac
+    fi
+}
+
 # -----------------------------------------
 # BACKGROUND CHECKER
 # -----------------------------------------
 if [ "$1" = "--bg-check" ]; then
     mkdir -p "$CONFIG_DIR"
     # Read YAML-frontmatter `version: "X.Y.Z"` first (v3+), fall back to legacy `**Version:**`.
-    SKILL_REMOTE=$(curl -fsSL "$REPO/plugins/co-dialectic/skills/co-dialectic/SKILL.md")
+    TMP_BG_SKILL=$(mktemp)
+    if fetch_repo_file "$REPO/plugins/co-dialectic/skills/co-dialectic/SKILL.md" "$TMP_BG_SKILL"; then
+        SKILL_REMOTE=$(cat "$TMP_BG_SKILL")
+    else
+        SKILL_REMOTE=""
+    fi
+    rm -f "$TMP_BG_SKILL"
     REMOTE_VERSION=$(echo "$SKILL_REMOTE" | awk -F'"' '/^[[:space:]]*version:[[:space:]]*"/{print $2; exit}')
     if [ -z "$REMOTE_VERSION" ]; then
         REMOTE_VERSION=$(echo "$SKILL_REMOTE" | grep "\*\*Version:\*\*" | head -n 1 | awk '{print $2}')
@@ -46,6 +84,119 @@ if [ "$1" = "--bg-check" ]; then
     exit 0
 fi
 
+while [ "$#" -gt 0 ]; do
+    case "$1" in
+        --target)
+            shift
+            TARGET_ARG="${1:-auto}"
+            ;;
+        --target=*)
+            TARGET_ARG="${1#--target=}"
+            ;;
+        --lite)
+            VERSION_ARG="lite"
+            ;;
+        --full)
+            VERSION_ARG="full"
+            ;;
+        --help|-h)
+            echo "Usage: install.sh [--target auto|cursor|codex|all] [--lite|--full]"
+            exit 0
+            ;;
+    esac
+    shift
+done
+
+case "$TARGET_ARG" in
+    auto|cursor|codex|all) ;;
+    *)
+        echo "❌ Unknown --target '$TARGET_ARG'. Use cursor, codex, all, or auto."
+        exit 1
+        ;;
+esac
+
+write_cursor_adapter() {
+    local target_file="$1"
+    cat > "$target_file" <<'EOF'
+---
+description: Co-Dialectic prompt sharpening and verification rules for Cursor
+alwaysApply: true
+---
+
+### BEGIN CO-DIALECTIC ###
+# Co-Dialectic for Cursor
+
+Co-Dialectic is always active in this workspace. Keep the behavior compact and code-focused.
+
+## Runtime Defaults
+- Default to Cruise mode: answer directly unless the user's prompt is ambiguous enough that a wrong implementation is likely.
+- Keep status metadata quiet by default. Do not prepend persona/score lines unless the user asks for `codi status`.
+- Prefer short, actionable prompt sharpening over teaching. If the user's ask is unclear, rewrite the ask in one sentence, state the assumption, and proceed when the assumption is low-risk.
+- Use Drive mode only when the next step would change architecture, delete data, publish externally, or spend money.
+
+## Cursor Coding Behavior
+- Read the relevant files before editing.
+- Preserve user changes. Do not revert unrelated edits.
+- Keep patches scoped to the requested behavior.
+- Prefer existing project patterns and libraries over new abstractions.
+- Run focused validation when available, and report what did or did not run.
+- For reviews, lead with defects and file/line references before summaries.
+
+## Verification By Stakes
+- Routine local edits: run syntax/type/unit checks that are already present.
+- Shared or user-facing changes: also inspect edge cases, error states, and docs/install paths.
+- Significant claims, security, legal, financial, medical, or release guidance: verify against primary/current sources before presenting as fact.
+
+## Commands
+- `codi status`: summarize active mode, assumptions, and any verification gaps.
+- `codi drive`: ask before applying sharpened prompts or taking broad actions.
+- `codi cruise`: proceed with reasonable assumptions and concise notes.
+- `codi quiet`: suppress status surfaces unless something needs attention.
+- `codi review`: switch to code-review posture, prioritizing bugs and regressions.
+- `codi handoff`: produce a concise continuation note with files touched, decisions, tests, and next steps.
+
+### END CO-DIALECTIC ###
+EOF
+}
+
+write_codex_adapter() {
+    local target_file="$1"
+    cat > "$target_file" <<'EOF'
+### BEGIN CO-DIALECTIC ###
+# Co-Dialectic for Codex
+
+Use Co-Dialectic as a lightweight engineering discipline layer, not as a chat persona system.
+
+## Defaults
+- Stay concise and implementation-oriented.
+- Read code before changing it.
+- Make scoped edits that follow the repository's existing patterns.
+- Preserve user changes and ignore unrelated dirty worktree files.
+- Prefer `rg`/`rg --files` for search.
+- Use patch-style edits for manual file changes.
+- Run focused tests or checks when available, and say exactly what ran.
+
+## Prompt Sharpening
+- If the user's request is clear, do the work.
+- If the request is ambiguous but low-risk, state the assumption and proceed.
+- If the ambiguity could cause destructive, externally visible, or expensive work, ask one direct question.
+- When helpful, internally rewrite vague requests into concrete acceptance criteria before implementation.
+
+## Verification By Stakes
+- Routine code edits: local tests, type checks, or lint checks where practical.
+- Installer, release, security, or public-facing changes: validate idempotency, failure paths, and documentation.
+- Current facts or high-stakes guidance: verify with primary/current sources before treating them as true.
+
+## Commands
+- `codi status`: report assumptions, touched files, validation, and remaining risk.
+- `codi review`: use code-review posture; findings first, then brief summary.
+- `codi handoff`: write a continuation summary with branch, files changed, tests, and next steps.
+- `codi quiet`: minimize Co-Dialectic surface text.
+
+### END CO-DIALECTIC ###
+EOF
+}
+
 # -----------------------------------------
 # UI HELPERS
 # -----------------------------------------
@@ -56,7 +207,15 @@ ask_user() {
     local prompt="$1"
     local default="$2"
     local reply
-    if [ -t 0 ]; then read -r -p "$prompt " reply; elif [ -c /dev/tty ]; then read -r -p "$prompt " reply </dev/tty; else echo -n "$prompt "; reply="$default"; echo "$reply (auto-selected)"; fi
+    if [ -t 0 ]; then
+        read -r -p "$prompt " reply
+    elif [ -c /dev/tty ] && { read -r -p "$prompt " reply </dev/tty; } 2>/dev/null; then
+        :
+    else
+        echo -n "$prompt "
+        reply="$default"
+        echo "$reply (auto-selected)"
+    fi
     if [[ -z "$reply" ]]; then reply="$default"; fi
     case "$reply" in [Yy]* ) return 0 ;; * ) return 1 ;; esac
 }
@@ -65,7 +224,15 @@ ask_choice() {
     local prompt="$1"
     local default="$2"
     local reply
-    if [ -t 0 ]; then read -r -p "$prompt " reply; elif [ -c /dev/tty ]; then read -r -p "$prompt " reply </dev/tty; else echo -n "$prompt "; reply="$default"; echo "$reply (auto-selected)"; fi
+    if [ -t 0 ]; then
+        read -r -p "$prompt " reply
+    elif [ -c /dev/tty ] && { read -r -p "$prompt " reply </dev/tty; } 2>/dev/null; then
+        :
+    else
+        echo -n "$prompt "
+        reply="$default"
+        echo "$reply (auto-selected)"
+    fi
     if [[ -z "$reply" ]]; then reply="$default"; fi
     echo "$reply"
 }
@@ -77,7 +244,11 @@ echo "What would you like to do?"
 echo " [1] Install or Update"
 echo " [2] Uninstall completely"
 echo " [3] Exit"
-MENU_CHOICE=$(ask_choice "Select [1, 2, or 3]:" "1")
+if [ "$TARGET_ARG" = "auto" ]; then
+    MENU_CHOICE=$(ask_choice "Select [1, 2, or 3]:" "1")
+else
+    MENU_CHOICE="1"
+fi
 
 if [ "$MENU_CHOICE" = "3" ]; then
     echo "Exiting."
@@ -106,6 +277,16 @@ if [ "$MENU_CHOICE" = "2" ]; then
             echo "   Removed from $TARGET"
         fi
     done
+    if [ -f ".cursor/rules/co-dialectic.mdc" ]; then
+        rm -f ".cursor/rules/co-dialectic.mdc"
+        echo "   Removed .cursor/rules/co-dialectic.mdc"
+    fi
+    if [ -f "AGENTS.md" ] && grep -q "### BEGIN CO-DIALECTIC ###" "AGENTS.md"; then
+        awk '/### BEGIN CO-DIALECTIC ###/{flag=1} !flag {print} /### END CO-DIALECTIC ###/{flag=0}' "AGENTS.md" > "AGENTS.md.tmp"
+        cat "AGENTS.md.tmp" > "AGENTS.md"
+        rm "AGENTS.md.tmp"
+        echo "   Removed from AGENTS.md"
+    fi
     
     # 2b. Remove fish gate hook from ~/.claude/settings.json
     unwire_agent_hook
@@ -137,7 +318,15 @@ echo ""
 echo "Which version do you want to install?"
 echo " [1] Standard (Best for Pro/Paid AI users)"
 echo " [2] Lite (Best for Free/Fast AI limits)"
-VERSION_CHOICE=$(ask_choice "Select [1/2]:" "1")
+if [ "$VERSION_ARG" = "lite" ]; then
+    VERSION_CHOICE="2"
+elif [ "$VERSION_ARG" = "full" ]; then
+    VERSION_CHOICE="1"
+elif [ "$TARGET_ARG" != "auto" ]; then
+    VERSION_CHOICE="2"
+else
+    VERSION_CHOICE=$(ask_choice "Select [1/2]:" "1")
+fi
 
 if [ "$VERSION_CHOICE" = "2" ]; then
     SKILL_URL="$REPO/plugins/co-dialectic/skills/co-dialectic/SKILL-lite.md"
@@ -150,7 +339,21 @@ else
 fi
 
 TMP_SKILL=$(mktemp)
-curl -fsSL "$SKILL_URL" -o "$TMP_SKILL"
+fetch_repo_file "$SKILL_URL" "$TMP_SKILL"
+
+INSTALLED=false
+INSTALLED_TOOLS=""
+TRACK_OPT_IN=false
+BG_UPDATES=false
+
+if [ "$TARGET_ARG" = "auto" ]; then
+    if ask_user "📊 Share anonymous install metrics to help the project (OS/Tool choices)? [Y/n]" "y"; then
+        TRACK_OPT_IN=true
+    fi
+    if ask_user "🔄 Enable weekly background checks for updates? [Y/n]" "y"; then
+        BG_UPDATES=true
+    fi
+fi
 
 # -----------------------------------------
 # Plugin skill install helpers
@@ -168,7 +371,7 @@ fetch_skill_extras() {
     case "$skill_name" in
         judge-panel)
             mkdir -p "$skill_dir/scripts"
-            if curl -fsSL "$REPO/plugins/co-dialectic/skills/judge-panel/scripts/judge_panel.py" -o "$skill_dir/scripts/judge_panel.py"; then
+            if fetch_repo_file "$REPO/plugins/co-dialectic/skills/judge-panel/scripts/judge_panel.py" "$skill_dir/scripts/judge_panel.py"; then
                 chmod +x "$skill_dir/scripts/judge_panel.py" 2>/dev/null || true
                 echo "      └─ scripts/judge_panel.py (cascade harness)"
             else
@@ -190,8 +393,8 @@ install_fish_gate() {
     local failed=0
     mkdir -p "$FISH_INSTALL_DIR/hooks"
 
-    if curl -fsSL "$REPO/plugins/co-dialectic/fish/HOW.py" \
-            -o "$FISH_INSTALL_DIR/HOW.py" 2>/dev/null; then
+    if fetch_repo_file "$REPO/plugins/co-dialectic/fish/HOW.py" \
+            "$FISH_INSTALL_DIR/HOW.py"; then
         chmod +x "$FISH_INSTALL_DIR/HOW.py"
         echo "   ✅ fish/HOW.py (pre-task gate engine)"
     else
@@ -199,8 +402,8 @@ install_fish_gate() {
         failed=$((failed + 1))
     fi
 
-    if curl -fsSL "$REPO/plugins/co-dialectic/fish/hooks/claude-code.py" \
-            -o "$FISH_INSTALL_DIR/hooks/claude-code.py" 2>/dev/null; then
+    if fetch_repo_file "$REPO/plugins/co-dialectic/fish/hooks/claude-code.py" \
+            "$FISH_INSTALL_DIR/hooks/claude-code.py"; then
         chmod +x "$FISH_INSTALL_DIR/hooks/claude-code.py"
         echo "   ✅ fish/hooks/claude-code.py (Claude Code PreToolUse adapter)"
     else
@@ -315,7 +518,7 @@ download_skills_direct() {
         else
             skill_src="$REPO/plugins/co-dialectic/skills/$skill/SKILL.md"
         fi
-        if curl -fsSL "$skill_src" -o "$skill_dir/SKILL.md"; then
+        if fetch_repo_file "$skill_src" "$skill_dir/SKILL.md"; then
             echo "   ✅ $skill_dir/SKILL.md"
             fetch_skill_extras "$skill" "$skill_dir"
         else
@@ -364,7 +567,7 @@ install_plugin() {
         else
             skill_src="$REPO/plugins/co-dialectic/skills/$skill/SKILL.md"
         fi
-        if curl -fsSL "$skill_src" -o "$skill_dir/SKILL.md"; then
+        if fetch_repo_file "$skill_src" "$skill_dir/SKILL.md"; then
             echo "   ✅ $skill_dir/SKILL.md"
             fetch_skill_extras "$skill" "$skill_dir"
         else
@@ -421,10 +624,110 @@ append_or_replace() {
     fi
 }
 
+install_owned_file() {
+    local source_url="$1"
+    local target_file="$2"
+    local prompt_msg="$3"
+    local default_ans="$4"
+    local tool_name="$5"
+    local force="${6:-false}"
+    local tmp_file
+
+    if [ "$force" != "true" ] && ! ask_user "$prompt_msg" "$default_ans"; then
+        return
+    fi
+
+    mkdir -p "$(dirname "$target_file")"
+    tmp_file=$(mktemp)
+    if fetch_repo_file "$source_url" "$tmp_file"; then
+        cat "$tmp_file" > "$target_file"
+        rm -f "$tmp_file"
+        echo "   ✅ Installed $target_file"
+        INSTALLED=true
+        INSTALLED_TOOLS="$INSTALLED_TOOLS,$tool_name"
+    else
+        rm -f "$tmp_file"
+        echo "   ❌ failed to fetch $source_url"
+    fi
+}
+
+append_or_replace_remote() {
+    local source_url="$1"
+    local target_file="$2"
+    local prompt_msg="$3"
+    local default_ans="$4"
+    local tool_name="$5"
+    local force="${6:-false}"
+    local tmp_file
+
+    if [ "$force" != "true" ] && ! ask_user "$prompt_msg" "$default_ans"; then
+        return
+    fi
+
+    tmp_file=$(mktemp)
+    if ! fetch_repo_file "$source_url" "$tmp_file"; then
+        rm -f "$tmp_file"
+        echo "   ❌ failed to fetch $source_url"
+        return
+    fi
+
+    if [ ! -f "$target_file" ]; then
+        cat "$tmp_file" > "$target_file"
+        echo "   ✅ Added to $target_file"
+    elif grep -q "### BEGIN CO-DIALECTIC ###" "$target_file" 2>/dev/null; then
+        awk '/### BEGIN CO-DIALECTIC ###/{flag=1} !flag {print} /### END CO-DIALECTIC ###/{flag=0}' "$target_file" > "${target_file}.tmp"
+        cat "$tmp_file" >> "${target_file}.tmp"
+        cat "${target_file}.tmp" > "$target_file"
+        rm "${target_file}.tmp"
+        echo "   ✅ Updated $target_file"
+    else
+        echo "" >> "$target_file"
+        cat "$tmp_file" >> "$target_file"
+        echo "   ✅ Added to $target_file"
+    fi
+    rm -f "$tmp_file"
+    INSTALLED=true
+    INSTALLED_TOOLS="$INSTALLED_TOOLS,$tool_name"
+}
+
+target_selected() {
+    local target="$1"
+    [ "$TARGET_ARG" = "all" ] && return 0
+    case ",$TARGET_ARG," in
+        *",$target,"*) return 0 ;;
+        *) return 1 ;;
+    esac
+}
+
 echo ""
 echo "Scanning for AI environments..."
 echo ""
 
+if [ "$TARGET_ARG" != "auto" ]; then
+    if target_selected "cursor"; then
+        install_owned_file \
+            "$REPO/plugins/co-dialectic/adapters/cursor/co-dialectic.mdc" \
+            ".cursor/rules/co-dialectic.mdc" \
+            "✅ Install Cursor project rules to .cursor/rules/co-dialectic.mdc? [Y/n]" \
+            "y" \
+            "cursor_mdc" \
+            "true"
+    fi
+    if target_selected "codex"; then
+        append_or_replace_remote \
+            "$REPO/plugins/co-dialectic/adapters/codex/AGENTS.md" \
+            "AGENTS.md" \
+            "✅ Add Codex instructions to AGENTS.md? [Y/n]" \
+            "y" \
+            "codex_agents" \
+            "true"
+    fi
+    if [ "$INSTALLED" = false ]; then
+        echo "❌ No installation completed for --target '$TARGET_ARG'. See fetch errors above."
+        exit 1
+    fi
+else
+
 # Directory-based plugin installs (Antigravity, Claude Code) — all 6 skills.
 # For Claude Code users the recommended path is `/plugin install co-dialectic@xos`
 # via the marketplace; this installer path is the fallback for users not going
@@ -446,8 +749,8 @@ if [ -d "$HOME/.claude" ]; then
                 # the plugin itself (naming collision). Install the main skill
                 # directly so `codi on` resolves correctly.
                 mkdir -p "$HOME/.claude/skills/co-dialectic"
-                if curl -fsSL "$REPO/plugins/co-dialectic/skills/co-dialectic/SKILL.md" \
-                        -o "$HOME/.claude/skills/co-dialectic/SKILL.md" 2>/dev/null; then
+                if fetch_repo_file "$REPO/plugins/co-dialectic/skills/co-dialectic/SKILL.md" \
+                        "$HOME/.claude/skills/co-dialectic/SKILL.md"; then
                     echo "   ✅ co-dialectic skill registered at ~/.claude/skills/"
                 else
                     echo "   ⚠️  Could not fetch main skill file — run installer again to retry"
@@ -486,7 +789,22 @@ if [ -d "$HOME/.claude" ]; then
 fi
 
 if [ -d ".cursor" ] || [ -f ".cursorrules" ]; then
-    append_or_replace ".cursorrules" "✅ Detected Cursor project. Add to .cursorrules? [Y/n]" "y" "cursor"
+    install_owned_file \
+        "$REPO/plugins/co-dialectic/adapters/cursor/co-dialectic.mdc" \
+        ".cursor/rules/co-dialectic.mdc" \
+        "✅ Detected Cursor project. Install modern Cursor rule to .cursor/rules/co-dialectic.mdc? [Y/n]" \
+        "y" \
+        "cursor_mdc"
+    echo ""
+fi
+
+if [ -f "AGENTS.md" ] || command -v codex > /dev/null 2>&1; then
+    append_or_replace_remote \
+        "$REPO/plugins/co-dialectic/adapters/codex/AGENTS.md" \
+        "AGENTS.md" \
+        "✅ Detected Codex. Add workspace instructions to AGENTS.md? [Y/n]" \
+        "y" \
+        "codex_agents"
     echo ""
 fi
 
@@ -505,6 +823,8 @@ if ask_user "📋 Copy to clipboard for web apps (claude.ai, ChatGPT)? [y/N]" "n
     INSTALLED_TOOLS="$INSTALLED_TOOLS,clipboard"
 fi
 
+fi
+
 if [ "$INSTALLED" = false ]; then
     echo "ℹ️  No installation selected. Downloading to ./plugins/co-dialectic/skills/co-dialectic/SKILL.md"
     mkdir -p plugins/co-dialectic/skills/co-dialectic
@@ -515,6 +835,7 @@ fi
 # Apply Background Checks
 if [ "$BG_UPDATES" = true ] && [[ "$OSTYPE" == "darwin"* ]]; then
     PLIST_FILE="$HOME/Library/LaunchAgents/com.codialectic.updater.plist"
+    mkdir -p "$(dirname "$PLIST_FILE")"
     cat << 'EOF' > "$PLIST_FILE"
 <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
 <!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
@@ -536,8 +857,11 @@ if [ "$BG_UPDATES" = true ] && [[ "$OSTYPE" == "darwin"* ]]; then
 </plist>
 EOF
     launchctl unload "$PLIST_FILE" 2>/dev/null || true
-    launchctl load "$PLIST_FILE"
-    echo "⏰ Native background updater installed (checks weekly via launchd)."
+    if launchctl load "$PLIST_FILE" 2>/dev/null; then
+        echo "⏰ Native background updater installed (checks weekly via launchd)."
+    else
+        echo "⚠️  Could not load macOS background updater. Run the installer from a normal user terminal to enable weekly checks."
+    fi
 fi
 
 # Save Config
diff --git a/plugins/co-dialectic/.claude-plugin/plugin.json b/plugins/co-dialectic/.claude-plugin/plugin.json
index b37cb65..9ae7ee8 100644
--- a/plugins/co-dialectic/.claude-plugin/plugin.json
+++ b/plugins/co-dialectic/.claude-plugin/plugin.json
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 {
   "name": "co-dialectic",
-  "description": "Co-Dialectic v4.8.0 — LLM prompt optimizer + auto-verify by stakes + semantic T3 classification + background agent lifecycle manager (dedup/timeout/capacity/registration/session-sweep) + worktree-isolation foreground gate + runtime-agnostic executor types + fish-swarm MUST-spawn dispatch mandate + Protocol 0 post-compaction re-init + plugin user-content gate. Cross-family cascade-then-jury review, judge-panel, hallucination detector, fish-swarm orchestration, session handoff. Works with any LLM runtime.",
+  "description": "Co-Dialectic v4.9.0 — LLM prompt optimizer + auto-verify by stakes + semantic T3 classification + background agent lifecycle manager (dedup/timeout/capacity/registration/session-sweep) + worktree-isolation foreground gate + runtime-agnostic executor types + fish-swarm MUST-spawn dispatch mandate + Protocol 0 post-compaction re-init + plugin user-content gate. Cross-family cascade-then-jury review, judge-panel, hallucination detector, fish-swarm orchestration, session handoff. Works with any LLM runtime.",
   "version": "4.9.0",
   "author": {
     "name": "Anand Vallamsetla"
diff --git a/plugins/co-dialectic/README.md b/plugins/co-dialectic/README.md
index bde02bf..d6cfc81 100644
--- a/plugins/co-dialectic/README.md
+++ b/plugins/co-dialectic/README.md
@@ -91,6 +91,24 @@ If you're on a **company-managed machine** where your employer controls Claude C
 
 This works for: Claude.ai, the API, IDE extensions, enterprise Claude Code where `/plugin` is blocked, or anyone who prefers it.
 
+### Cursor and Codex adapters
+
+For modern Cursor projects, install the compact rule adapter:
+
+```bash
+curl -fsSL https://thewhyman.gateway.scarf.sh/install.sh | bash -s -- --target cursor
+```
+
+This writes `.cursor/rules/co-dialectic.mdc`.
+
+For Codex workspaces, install the lightweight engineering adapter:
+
+```bash
+curl -fsSL https://thewhyman.gateway.scarf.sh/install.sh | bash -s -- --target codex
+```
+
+This appends an idempotent Co-Dialectic block to `AGENTS.md`.
+
 **Grab the skill file:**
 
 The core skill is a single Markdown file:
diff --git a/plugins/co-dialectic/adapters/codex/AGENTS.md b/plugins/co-dialectic/adapters/codex/AGENTS.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7c726fe
--- /dev/null
+++ b/plugins/co-dialectic/adapters/codex/AGENTS.md
@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
+### BEGIN CO-DIALECTIC ###
+# Co-Dialectic for Codex
+
+Use Co-Dialectic as a lightweight engineering discipline layer, not as a chat persona system.
+
+## Defaults
+- Stay concise and implementation-oriented.
+- Read code before changing it.
+- Make scoped edits that follow the repository's existing patterns.
+- Preserve user changes and ignore unrelated dirty worktree files.
+- Prefer `rg`/`rg --files` for search.
+- Use patch-style edits for manual file changes.
+- Run focused tests or checks when available, and say exactly what ran.
+
+## Prompt Sharpening
+- If the user's request is clear, do the work.
+- If the request is ambiguous but low-risk, state the assumption and proceed.
+- If the ambiguity could cause destructive, externally visible, or expensive work, ask one direct question.
+- When helpful, internally rewrite vague requests into concrete acceptance criteria before implementation.
+
+## Verification By Stakes
+- Routine code edits: local tests, type checks, or lint checks where practical.
+- Installer, release, security, or public-facing changes: validate idempotency, failure paths, and documentation.
+- Current facts or high-stakes guidance: verify with primary/current sources before treating them as true.
+
+## Commands
+- `codi status`: report assumptions, touched files, validation, and remaining risk.
+- `codi review`: use code-review posture; findings first, then brief summary.
+- `codi handoff`: write a continuation summary with branch, files changed, tests, and next steps.
+- `codi quiet`: minimize Co-Dialectic surface text.
+
+### END CO-DIALECTIC ###
diff --git a/plugins/co-dialectic/adapters/cursor/co-dialectic.mdc b/plugins/co-dialectic/adapters/cursor/co-dialectic.mdc
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..04ccb72
--- /dev/null
+++ b/plugins/co-dialectic/adapters/cursor/co-dialectic.mdc
@@ -0,0 +1,38 @@
+---
+description: Co-Dialectic prompt sharpening and verification rules for Cursor
+alwaysApply: true
+---
+
+### BEGIN CO-DIALECTIC ###
+# Co-Dialectic for Cursor
+
+Co-Dialectic is always active in this workspace. Keep the behavior compact and code-focused.
+
+## Runtime Defaults
+- Default to Cruise mode: answer directly unless the user's prompt is ambiguous enough that a wrong implementation is likely.
+- Keep status metadata quiet by default. Do not prepend persona/score lines unless the user asks for `codi status`.
+- Prefer short, actionable prompt sharpening over teaching. If the user's ask is unclear, rewrite the ask in one sentence, state the assumption, and proceed when the assumption is low-risk.
+- Use Drive mode only when the next step would change architecture, delete data, publish externally, or spend money.
+
+## Cursor Coding Behavior
+- Read the relevant files before editing.
+- Preserve user changes. Do not revert unrelated edits.
+- Keep patches scoped to the requested behavior.
+- Prefer existing project patterns and libraries over new abstractions.
+- Run focused validation when available, and report what did or did not run.
+- For reviews, lead with defects and file/line references before summaries.
+
+## Verification By Stakes
+- Routine local edits: run syntax/type/unit checks that are already present.
+- Shared or user-facing changes: also inspect edge cases, error states, and docs/install paths.
+- Significant claims, security, legal, financial, medical, or release guidance: verify against primary/current sources before presenting as fact.
+
+## Commands
+- `codi status`: summarize active mode, assumptions, and any verification gaps.
+- `codi drive`: ask before applying sharpened prompts or taking broad actions.
+- `codi cruise`: proceed with reasonable assumptions and concise notes.
+- `codi quiet`: suppress status surfaces unless something needs attention.
+- `codi review`: switch to code-review posture, prioritizing bugs and regressions.
+- `codi handoff`: produce a concise continuation note with files touched, decisions, tests, and next steps.
+
+### END CO-DIALECTIC ###
diff --git a/plugins/co-dialectic/skills/co-dialectic/SKILL-lite.md b/plugins/co-dialectic/skills/co-dialectic/SKILL-lite.md
index 43f4473..452f20e 100644
--- a/plugins/co-dialectic/skills/co-dialectic/SKILL-lite.md
+++ b/plugins/co-dialectic/skills/co-dialectic/SKILL-lite.md
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 ### BEGIN CO-DIALECTIC ###
 # Co-Dialectic (Lite Version)
 
-**Version:** 3.0.0-lite
+**Version:** 4.9.0-lite
 **Repository:** https://github.com/Exponential-OS/prompt-engineering-in-action
 **Install (Claude Code/Cowork):** `/plugin marketplace add Exponential-OS/prompt-engineering-in-action` then `/plugin install co-dialectic@xos`
 **Author:** Anand Vallamsetla ([@thewhyman](https://github.com/thewhyman))
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ When first activated in a new chat, orient the user with a clean, scannable welc
 
 - **First reply only:**
 
-> **Co-Dialectic v3.0.0-lite active.**
+> **Co-Dialectic v4.9.0-lite active.**
 > You sharpen the AI. The AI sharpens you. Both get better every day.
 >
 > Every response starts with a status line like this:
diff --git a/plugins/co-dialectic/skills/co-dialectic/SKILL.md b/plugins/co-dialectic/skills/co-dialectic/SKILL.md
index 7d7a56c..d8c8b02 100644
--- a/plugins/co-dialectic/skills/co-dialectic/SKILL.md
+++ b/plugins/co-dialectic/skills/co-dialectic/SKILL.md
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ When first activated in a new chat, orient the user with a clean, scannable welc
 
 - **First reply only (also fires on post-compaction re-init):**
 
-> **Co-Dialectic v4.7.0 active.**
+> **Co-Dialectic v4.9.0 active.**
 > Sharper prompts. Grounded answers. Smarter cost routing — all automatic.
 >
 > **What's running on every message:**
diff --git a/test-plugin.sh b/test-plugin.sh
index da7b752..76c0992 100755
--- a/test-plugin.sh
+++ b/test-plugin.sh
@@ -122,6 +122,32 @@ for path in $(grep -o '\$REPO/[^ "]*' install.sh | sed 's/\$REPO\///' | grep -v
     [ -f "$path" ] && pass "$path" || fail "$path missing locally"
 done
 
+# Regression: Cursor target must still install when the adapter asset is absent
+# from the configured REPO, matching the "raw main .mdc returns 404" failure mode.
+TMP_CURSOR_FALLBACK=$(mktemp -d)
+REPO_ROOT_FOR_FALLBACK=$(pwd)
+mkdir -p \
+    "$TMP_CURSOR_FALLBACK/fake-repo/plugins/co-dialectic/skills/co-dialectic" \
+    "$TMP_CURSOR_FALLBACK/project/.cursor" \
+    "$TMP_CURSOR_FALLBACK/home"
+cp plugins/co-dialectic/skills/co-dialectic/SKILL-lite.md \
+    "$TMP_CURSOR_FALLBACK/fake-repo/plugins/co-dialectic/skills/co-dialectic/SKILL-lite.md"
+if (cd "$TMP_CURSOR_FALLBACK/project" && \
+    HOME="$TMP_CURSOR_FALLBACK/home" \
+    CO_DIALECTIC_REPO="$TMP_CURSOR_FALLBACK/fake-repo" \
+    bash "$REPO_ROOT_FOR_FALLBACK/install.sh" --target cursor) \
+    > "$TMP_CURSOR_FALLBACK/install.log" 2>&1; then
+    if cmp -s "$TMP_CURSOR_FALLBACK/project/.cursor/rules/co-dialectic.mdc" \
+              plugins/co-dialectic/adapters/cursor/co-dialectic.mdc; then
+        pass "Cursor fallback installs .mdc when adapter asset is missing from REPO"
+    else
+        fail "Cursor fallback .mdc differs from adapter template"
+    fi
+else
+    fail "Cursor fallback install failed (see $TMP_CURSOR_FALLBACK/install.log)"
+fi
+rm -rf "$TMP_CURSOR_FALLBACK"
+
 # -----------------------------------------------
 # 9. README relative links
 # -----------------------------------------------