diff --git a/nestapi.go b/nestapi.go
index 7638639..b0a2fca 100644
--- a/nestapi.go
+++ b/nestapi.go
@@ -146,9 +146,14 @@ func (s *Server) postNestMessage(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
 	}
 
 	// Claim arbitration (#5, Epic C): first claim wins unless the referent is a
-	// conspiracy, which expects multiple claims.
+	// conspiracy, which expects multiple claims. Directed assignment holds:
+	// while the asked crow has not answered, only it may claim.
 	if kind == "claim" && body.RefersTo != "" {
 		if origin, found := s.msgs.ByMsgID(body.RefersTo); found && origin.Mode != "conspiracy" {
+			if slices.Contains(nest.Crows, origin.To) && origin.To != body.Author && !s.msgs.Answered(origin.NestID, origin.MsgID(), origin.To) {
+				httpError(w, http.StatusConflict, origin.To+" was asked to take this; it answers or declines first.")
+				return
+			}
 			if owner, claimed := s.msgs.FirstClaim(origin.NestID, origin.MsgID()); claimed {
 				httpError(w, http.StatusConflict, origin.MsgID()+" is claimed by "+owner+"; review it instead of redoing it.")
 				return
@@ -188,6 +193,8 @@ func (s *Server) postNestMessage(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
 			go s.respondElder(nest, record)
 		case slices.Contains(nest.Crows, record.To):
 			go s.respondToRequest(nest, record)
+		default:
+			go s.respondOpenRequest(nest, record)
 		}
 	}
 
@@ -257,15 +264,39 @@ func (s *Server) inviteCount(nest Nest, requested int) int {
 	return cap
 }
 
-// respondConspiracy invites N crows; each answers from its own persona lens so
-// distinct strengths produce distinct readings.
+// respondConspiracy invites N eligible crows; each answers from its own
+// persona lens so distinct strengths produce distinct readings. Strangers are
+// skipped: unprompted speech is earned (trust ladder, section 10).
 func (s *Server) respondConspiracy(nest Nest, req Message, invited int) {
-	crows := s.p.Flock.pick(nest, invited)
-	for _, crow := range crows {
+	n := 0
+	for _, crow := range nest.Crows {
+		if n >= invited {
+			break
+		}
+		if !s.maySpeakUnprompted(crow) {
+			continue
+		}
+		n++
 		go s.respondOne(nest, req, crow, true)
 	}
 }
 
+// respondOpenRequest surfaces an unaddressed request to one regular-and-up
+// crow as a claim opportunity (section 5: a regular may claim open requests).
+func (s *Server) respondOpenRequest(nest Nest, req Message) {
+	for _, crow := range nest.Crows {
+		if s.maySpeakUnprompted(crow) {
+			go s.respondOne(nest, req, crow, false)
+			return
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// maySpeakUnprompted is the trust gate for open (unaddressed) work.
+func (s *Server) maySpeakUnprompted(crow string) bool {
+	return s.p.Ledger.Level(crow, "other") > Stranger
+}
+
 // conspiracyLine is the lens directive added to every invited crow's prompt.
 const conspiracyLine = "You are one lens among several on this request; answer from your own strength, not the flock's consensus."
 
diff --git a/nestlog.go b/nestlog.go
index e0201e8..976d165 100644
--- a/nestlog.go
+++ b/nestlog.go
@@ -119,6 +119,18 @@ func (s *MessageStore) ByMsgID(msgID string) (Message, bool) {
 	return Message{}, false
 }
 
+// Answered reports whether crow has claimed, delivered or declined the referent.
+func (s *MessageStore) Answered(nestID, referentID, crow string) bool {
+	s.mu.Lock()
+	defer s.mu.Unlock()
+	for _, m := range s.log[nestID] {
+		if m.Author == crow && m.RefersTo == referentID && responsiveKind[m.Kind] {
+			return true
+		}
+	}
+	return false
+}
+
 // FirstClaim returns the author of the first claim against a message, and
 // whether any claim exists.
 func (s *MessageStore) FirstClaim(nestID, referentID string) (string, bool) {