# KAI Project Instructions

Before substantive work, read `AI-MEMORY.md` and `AI-PREFLIGHT.md`, then the
masthead and newest relevant CHANGELOG entries in `The KAI Codex.md`.
Search the Codex for the current topic; do not load the multi-MB archive whole.

Before an action or completion claim, apply the matching KAI-01 through KAI-11
scenario checks in `AI-PREFLIGHT.md`. Follow the owner's current request, not
an old handoff's task focus. Project rules do not override higher-priority
instructions or justify hiding factual conflicts with the manual.

Keep KAI/services running under the standing instruction. Any later authorized
engine stop requires a completed clean flush, not a kill. Preserve dirty user
changes and never expose secrets. Update the Codex changelog and working-memory
summary honestly after meaningful work; distinguish source changes from live
deployment and tests from demonstrated capability.

These entry instructions guide compatible assistants that load this file.
They do not install an automatic model/runtime enforcement hook.