diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore
index e0c97ec..eb0b7e1 100644
--- a/.gitignore
+++ b/.gitignore
@@ -16,3 +16,8 @@ inputs/original-assets/
 *.map
 .worktrees/
 .superpowers/sdd/
+
+# Private source material and local visual-check artifacts are never published.
+/private-handoff/
+/.playwright-mcp/
+/baseline-infrastructure.png
diff --git a/playwright.content.config.ts b/playwright.content.config.ts
index 1a49a85..6c4a328 100644
--- a/playwright.content.config.ts
+++ b/playwright.content.config.ts
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ import { defineConfig, devices } from '@playwright/test';
 // These do not need the full suite's fault-injection client.
 export default defineConfig({
   testDir: './tests/browser',
-  testMatch: 'contact-refinements.spec.ts',
+  testMatch: ['contact-refinements.spec.ts', 'title-navigation.spec.ts', 'arrival-finale.spec.ts'],
   workers: 2,
   use: { serviceWorkers: 'block' },
   projects: [
diff --git a/scripts/verify-artifacts.mjs b/scripts/verify-artifacts.mjs
index d30dae9..37cd08f 100644
--- a/scripts/verify-artifacts.mjs
+++ b/scripts/verify-artifacts.mjs
@@ -218,7 +218,7 @@ const assertSemanticHtml = (html, inputs, contract) => {
         }
         continue;
       }
-      const headings = [...section.querySelectorAll(':scope > h2')]
+      const headings = [...section.querySelectorAll('h2')]
         .filter((node) => isVisibleSemanticNode(node, appRoot));
       if (label === undefined || headings.length !== 1 || headings[0].id !== `${section.id}-heading` ||
         headings[0].textContent !== label) {
diff --git a/src/App.vue b/src/App.vue
index 23f431e..6df9779 100644
--- a/src/App.vue
+++ b/src/App.vue
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ import './styles/world.css';
 import './styles/evolution.css';
 import './styles/chromatic.css';
 import './styles/refinements.css';
+import './styles/title-navigation.css';
 import './styles/print.css';
 
 defineProps<{ inputs: Readonly<ProductionInputs> }>();
diff --git a/src/components/AppShell.vue b/src/components/AppShell.vue
index 5d28b8b..bbe978f 100644
--- a/src/components/AppShell.vue
+++ b/src/components/AppShell.vue
@@ -219,6 +219,7 @@ onUnmounted(() => removePageListeners());
     <SiteNavigation
       :items="canonicalNavigation"
       :journey="journey"
+      :allow-motion="motion.policy.value.allowSceneRequest"
       :on-section-link-click="navigation.onSectionLinkClick"
     />
   </header>
@@ -226,7 +227,7 @@ onUnmounted(() => removePageListeners());
   <div class="reading-stage">
     <div class="reading-viewport">
       <main id="portfolio-content" class="portfolio-main" tabindex="-1">
-        <HeroJourney :identity="content.identity" @explore="navigation.onSectionLinkClick" @contact="navigation.onSectionLinkClick" />
+        <HeroJourney :identity="content.identity" :allow-motion="motion.policy.value.allowSceneRequest && pageLifecycle === 'active'" @explore="navigation.onSectionLinkClick" @contact="navigation.onSectionLinkClick" />
 
         <PortfolioSection id="profile" :layout="sectionLayouts.profile" :heading="sectionLabel('profile')">
           <p>{{ content.profile.introduction }}</p>
@@ -247,12 +248,20 @@ onUnmounted(() => removePageListeners());
         </PortfolioSection>
 
         <PortfolioSection id="selected-builds" :layout="sectionLayouts['selected-builds']" eyebrow="Selected work" :heading="sectionLabel('selected-builds')">
+          <template #lead>
+            <ProjectCaseStudy
+              v-if="content.projects.selected[0]"
+              :project="content.projects.selected[0]"
+              priority="primary"
+              :allow-automatic-video="motion.policy.value.allowAutomaticVideo"
+            />
+          </template>
           <div class="project-stage__projects">
             <ProjectCaseStudy
-              v-for="(project, index) in content.projects.selected"
+              v-for="(project, index) in content.projects.selected.slice(1)"
               :key="project.id"
               :project="project"
-              :priority="index < 2 ? 'primary' : 'supporting'"
+              :priority="index === 0 ? 'primary' : 'supporting'"
               :allow-automatic-video="motion.policy.value.allowAutomaticVideo"
             />
           </div>
@@ -281,6 +290,7 @@ onUnmounted(() => removePageListeners());
       </main>
     </div>
   </div>
+  <span class="content-focus-cue" aria-hidden="true">Portfolio content</span>
   <DriveControls
     :policy="displayedPolicy"
     :maximum-quality="controlsReady ? motion.maximumQuality.value : 'high'"
diff --git a/src/components/ContactDestination.vue b/src/components/ContactDestination.vue
index 2bce63e..80ae1f1 100644
--- a/src/components/ContactDestination.vue
+++ b/src/components/ContactDestination.vue
@@ -47,10 +47,11 @@ const copyAddress = async (): Promise<void> => {
 <template>
   <img v-if="avatar && avatarUrl" class="contact-avatar" :src="avatarUrl" alt="Illustrated avatar" :width="avatar.width!" :height="avatar.height!" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
   <div class="contact-destination">
-    <p class="contact-destination__copy">{{ contact.introduction }}</p>
+    <p class="contact-destination__copy">Thanks for making the trip. The road's open if you'd like to build something together.</p>
+    <p class="contact-destination__availability">{{ contact.introduction }}</p>
     <div class="contact-email" :data-enhanced="enhanced" :data-revealed="revealed" @keydown.esc="closeDisclosure">
       <div class="contact-email__action" @pointerenter="revealAddress" @focusin="revealAddress">
-        <a v-if="enhanced" class="contact-link" :href="address ? `mailto:${address}` : '#contact-email-details'" @pointerdown="revealAddress" @click="revealAddress">Email Me</a>
+        <a v-if="enhanced" class="contact-link" :href="address ? `mailto:${address}` : '#contact-email-details'" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" @pointerdown="revealAddress" @click="revealAddress">Email Me</a>
         <span v-if="enhanced" class="contact-email__preview" aria-hidden="true">{{ address }}</span>
       </div>
       <details id="contact-email-details" ref="details" class="contact-email__details" @toggle="handleToggle">
diff --git a/src/components/HeroJourney.vue b/src/components/HeroJourney.vue
index dfa8042..7ad3692 100644
--- a/src/components/HeroJourney.vue
+++ b/src/components/HeroJourney.vue
@@ -1,9 +1,11 @@
 <script setup lang="ts">
 import type { PortfolioContent } from '@/content/types';
+import NameParticles from './NameParticles.vue';
 
-defineProps<{
+withDefaults(defineProps<{
   identity: Readonly<PortfolioContent['identity']>;
-}>();
+  allowMotion?: boolean;
+}>(), { allowMotion: false });
 
 const emit = defineEmits<{
   explore: [event: MouseEvent];
@@ -14,7 +16,7 @@ const emit = defineEmits<{
 <template>
   <section id="start" class="hero-journey" data-layout="hero" aria-labelledby="start-heading">
     <div class="hero-journey__content">
-      <h1 id="start-heading" tabindex="-1">{{ identity.name }}</h1>
+      <h1 id="start-heading" class="hero-name" tabindex="-1"><span class="hero-name__text">{{ identity.name }}</span><NameParticles :allow-motion="allowMotion" :name="identity.name" /></h1>
       <p class="hero-journey__role">{{ identity.role }}</p>
       <p class="hero-journey__value">{{ identity.valueProposition }}</p>
       <p class="hero-journey__availability">{{ identity.availability }}</p>
diff --git a/src/components/NameParticles.vue b/src/components/NameParticles.vue
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b889421
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/components/NameParticles.vue
@@ -0,0 +1,132 @@
+<script setup lang="ts">
+import { computed, onMounted, onUnmounted, ref, watch } from 'vue';
+
+const props = defineProps<{ allowMotion: boolean; name: string }>();
+const root = ref<HTMLElement | null>(null);
+const canvas = ref<HTMLCanvasElement | null>(null);
+const visible = ref(false);
+const pageVisible = ref(false);
+const active = computed(() => props.allowMotion && visible.value && pageVisible.value);
+let observer: IntersectionObserver | undefined;
+let resizeObserver: ResizeObserver | undefined;
+let context: CanvasRenderingContext2D | null = null;
+let frame: number | undefined;
+let width = 0;
+let height = 0;
+let lastPaint = 0;
+let elapsed = 0;
+
+// Option 22 from the standalone gallery. A bounded, low-resolution canvas
+// keeps independent particles out of Vue's reactive render path.
+let seed = 2054;
+const random = (): number => {
+  seed = (seed * 16807) % 2147483647;
+  return seed / 2147483647;
+};
+const sparks = Array.from({ length: 100 }, () => ({
+  x: random(), y: random(), duration: random(), phase: random(), size: random(), drift: random(),
+}));
+
+const paint = (): void => {
+  if (!context || width <= 0 || height <= 0) return;
+  const ctx = context;
+  ctx.clearRect(0, 0, width, height);
+  ctx.lineCap = 'round';
+  const fieldHeight = height - 16;
+  for (let layer = 0; layer < 2; layer++) {
+    ctx.globalAlpha = 0.7;
+    ctx.strokeStyle = layer ? '#ff87c8' : '#91e6ff';
+    ctx.lineWidth = 1.1;
+    ctx.beginPath();
+    for (let x = 0; x <= width; x += 2) {
+      const y = fieldHeight + 8 + Math.sin(x * 0.027 - elapsed * 2.5 + layer * 2) * 5 * Math.sin(x / width * Math.PI);
+      if (x === 0) ctx.moveTo(x, y);
+      else ctx.lineTo(x, y);
+    }
+    ctx.stroke();
+  }
+  sparks.forEach((spark, index) => {
+    const phase = (elapsed / (0.65 + spark.duration * 1.5) + spark.phase) % 1;
+    const life = Math.pow(Math.sin(phase * Math.PI), 1.5);
+    const x = spark.x * width + (phase - 0.5) * (12 + spark.size * 20);
+    const y = spark.y * fieldHeight + (phase - 0.5) * (spark.drift - 0.5) * 26;
+    ctx.beginPath();
+    if (index % 8 === 0) {
+      ctx.globalAlpha = life * 0.85;
+      ctx.strokeStyle = '#75aaff';
+      ctx.lineWidth = 0.9;
+      ctx.moveTo(x, y);
+      ctx.lineTo(x - 5 - spark.duration * 9, y);
+      ctx.stroke();
+    } else {
+      ctx.globalAlpha = life * (0.35 + spark.drift * 0.6);
+      ctx.fillStyle = '#f5f2ff';
+      ctx.arc(x, y, 0.5 + spark.size * 1.1, 0, Math.PI * 2);
+      ctx.fill();
+    }
+  });
+  ctx.globalAlpha = 1;
+};
+
+const measure = (): void => {
+  if (!root.value || !canvas.value || !context) return;
+  // Layout reads only on resize, never in the animation loop.
+  const box = root.value.getBoundingClientRect();
+  width = box.width + 24;
+  height = box.height + 32;
+  const ratio = Math.min(window.devicePixelRatio || 1, 1.5);
+  canvas.value.width = Math.round(width * ratio);
+  canvas.value.height = Math.round(height * ratio);
+  context.setTransform(ratio, 0, 0, ratio, 0, 0);
+  if (active.value) paint();
+};
+
+const tick = (now: number): void => {
+  if (!active.value) { frame = undefined; return; }
+  frame = requestAnimationFrame(tick);
+  if (now - lastPaint < 1000 / 30) return;
+  elapsed += Math.min((now - lastPaint) / 1000, 0.1);
+  lastPaint = now;
+  paint();
+};
+const stop = (): void => {
+  if (frame !== undefined) cancelAnimationFrame(frame);
+  frame = undefined;
+};
+watch(active, enabled => {
+  stop();
+  if (enabled) {
+    lastPaint = performance.now();
+    frame = requestAnimationFrame(tick);
+  }
+}, { flush: 'post' });
+
+const syncVisibility = (): void => { pageVisible.value = !document.hidden; };
+onMounted(() => {
+  context = canvas.value?.getContext('2d') ?? null;
+  measure();
+  syncVisibility();
+  document.addEventListener('visibilitychange', syncVisibility);
+  if (root.value && context && typeof IntersectionObserver === 'function') {
+    observer = new IntersectionObserver(entries => {
+      visible.value = entries.some(entry => entry.isIntersecting);
+    });
+    observer.observe(root.value);
+    resizeObserver = new ResizeObserver(measure);
+    resizeObserver.observe(root.value);
+  }
+});
+onUnmounted(() => {
+  stop();
+  observer?.disconnect();
+  resizeObserver?.disconnect();
+  document.removeEventListener('visibilitychange', syncVisibility);
+  context = null;
+});
+</script>
+
+<template>
+  <span ref="root" class="hero-name-particles" aria-hidden="true" :data-active="active" :data-name="name">
+    <canvas ref="canvas" />
+  </span>
+</template>
diff --git a/src/components/PortfolioSection.vue b/src/components/PortfolioSection.vue
index 9d7ba12..1f1b5c4 100644
--- a/src/components/PortfolioSection.vue
+++ b/src/components/PortfolioSection.vue
@@ -11,8 +11,15 @@ defineProps<{
 
 <template>
   <section :id="id" class="portfolio-section" :aria-labelledby="`${id}-heading`" :data-layout="layout">
-    <p v-if="eyebrow" class="section-eyebrow">{{ eyebrow }}</p>
-    <h2 :id="`${id}-heading`" tabindex="-1">{{ heading }}</h2>
+    <div v-if="$slots.lead" class="project-stage__lead">
+      <p v-if="eyebrow" class="section-eyebrow">{{ eyebrow }}</p>
+      <h2 :id="`${id}-heading`" tabindex="-1">{{ heading }}</h2>
+      <slot name="lead" />
+    </div>
+    <template v-else>
+      <p v-if="eyebrow" class="section-eyebrow">{{ eyebrow }}</p>
+      <h2 :id="`${id}-heading`" tabindex="-1">{{ heading }}</h2>
+    </template>
     <slot />
   </section>
 </template>
diff --git a/src/components/SceneCanvas.vue b/src/components/SceneCanvas.vue
index 971f05e..cd810f5 100644
--- a/src/components/SceneCanvas.vue
+++ b/src/components/SceneCanvas.vue
@@ -54,6 +54,7 @@ if (posterFailed.value) recordTestFaultEvent('poster-failure');
     :data-scene-generation="sceneGeneration"
     :data-static-fallback="!showCanvas"
     :data-poster-failed="posterFailed"
+    :data-arrived="journey.arrived"
   >
     <picture v-if="!posterFailed">
       <source media="(max-width: 767px)" :srcset="mobilePosterUrl">
diff --git a/src/components/SiteNavigation.vue b/src/components/SiteNavigation.vue
index 58c3844..7c9d928 100644
--- a/src/components/SiteNavigation.vue
+++ b/src/components/SiteNavigation.vue
@@ -1,11 +1,12 @@
 <script setup lang="ts">
-import { onBeforeUnmount, onMounted, ref } from "vue";
+import { onBeforeUnmount, onMounted, ref, watch } from "vue";
 import type { SectionId } from "@/content/types";
 import type { JourneySnapshot } from "@/journey/types";
 
 const props = defineProps<{
   items: ReadonlyArray<{ id: SectionId; label: string }>;
   journey: JourneySnapshot;
+  allowMotion?: boolean;
   onSectionLinkClick: (event: MouseEvent, requestSign?: boolean) => void;
 }>();
 
@@ -21,8 +22,22 @@ const navigationLabels: Readonly<Record<SectionId, string>> = {
 };
 
 const disclosure = ref<HTMLDetailsElement | null>(null);
+const enhanced = ref(false);
+const docked = ref(false);
+const restScale = ref(1);
 let compactQuery: MediaQueryList | null = null;
 
+// Reuse the journey's existing scroll sample; no second scroll/render loop.
+watch(() => props.journey.scrollY, y => {
+  if (y > 24) docked.value = true;
+  else if (y <= 6) docked.value = false;
+}, { immediate: true });
+
+const measureRestWidth = (): void => {
+  const width = document.documentElement.clientWidth;
+  if (width > 0) restScale.value = Math.min(1400, Math.max(0, width - 48)) / width;
+};
+
 const syncDisclosureToViewport = ({
   matches,
 }: Pick<MediaQueryList, "matches">): void => {
@@ -31,12 +46,16 @@ const syncDisclosureToViewport = ({
 };
 
 onMounted(() => {
+  measureRestWidth();
+  enhanced.value = true;
+  window.addEventListener('resize', measureRestWidth, { passive: true });
   compactQuery = window.matchMedia("(max-width: 767px)");
   syncDisclosureToViewport(compactQuery);
   compactQuery.addEventListener("change", syncDisclosureToViewport);
 });
 
 onBeforeUnmount(() => {
+  window.removeEventListener('resize', measureRestWidth);
   compactQuery?.removeEventListener("change", syncDisclosureToViewport);
   compactQuery = null;
 });
@@ -49,7 +68,7 @@ const navigate = (event: MouseEvent): void => {
 </script>
 
 <template>
-  <nav class="site-navigation" aria-label="Portfolio sections">
+  <nav class="site-navigation" aria-label="Portfolio sections" :data-enhanced="enhanced" :data-docked="docked" :data-motion="allowMotion === true" :style="{ '--nav-rest-scale': restScale }">
     <details ref="disclosure" class="site-navigation__disclosure" open>
       <summary>Navigate</summary>
       <ul>
diff --git a/src/scene/world/arrival-meteors.ts b/src/scene/world/arrival-meteors.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..62495b9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/scene/world/arrival-meteors.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,91 @@
+import * as THREE from 'three';
+import type { SceneResourceBag } from '@/scene/resources';
+import { SUN_DISTANCE_Z } from './metrics';
+
+/** Three authored streaks, batched into six triangles. No simulation or textures. */
+export function createArrivalMeteors(resources: SceneResourceBag) {
+  const flights = [
+    { x: 160, y: 335, dx: -250, dy: -100, delay: 0.1, duration: 1.8, length: 116 },
+    { x: 280, y: 300, dx: -240, dy: -90, delay: 0.9, duration: 1.8, length: 95 },
+    { x: 100, y: 345, dx: -205, dy: -115, delay: 1.7, duration: 1.9, length: 130 },
+  ];
+  const positions: number[] = [];
+  const uvs: number[] = [];
+  const timing: number[] = [];
+  const travel: number[] = [];
+  const corners = [[0, 0], [1, 0], [0, 1], [1, 0], [1, 1], [0, 1]] as const;
+  for (const flight of flights) {
+    const distance = Math.hypot(flight.dx, flight.dy);
+    const dx = flight.dx / distance;
+    const dy = flight.dy / distance;
+    for (const [u, v] of corners) {
+      positions.push(
+        flight.x + (u - 1) * flight.length * dx - (v - 0.5) * 7 * dy,
+        flight.y + (u - 1) * flight.length * dy + (v - 0.5) * 7 * dx,
+        0,
+      );
+      uvs.push(u, v);
+      timing.push(flight.delay, flight.duration);
+      travel.push(flight.dx, flight.dy);
+    }
+  }
+  const geometry = resources.own('geometry', new THREE.BufferGeometry());
+  geometry.setAttribute('position', new THREE.Float32BufferAttribute(positions, 3));
+  geometry.setAttribute('uv', new THREE.Float32BufferAttribute(uvs, 2));
+  geometry.setAttribute('aFlight', new THREE.Float32BufferAttribute(timing, 2));
+  geometry.setAttribute('aTravel', new THREE.Float32BufferAttribute(travel, 2));
+  const material = resources.own('material', new THREE.ShaderMaterial({
+    uniforms: { uTime: { value: -1 } },
+    vertexShader: `
+      uniform float uTime;
+      attribute vec2 aFlight;
+      attribute vec2 aTravel;
+      varying vec2 vUv;
+      varying float vLife;
+      void main() {
+        float phase = (uTime - aFlight.x) / aFlight.y;
+        vLife = smoothstep(0.0, 0.18, phase) * (1.0 - smoothstep(0.72, 1.0, phase));
+        vUv = uv;
+        vec3 point = position + vec3(aTravel * clamp(phase, 0.0, 1.0), 0.0);
+        gl_Position = projectionMatrix * modelViewMatrix * vec4(point, 1.0);
+      }
+    `,
+    fragmentShader: `
+      varying vec2 vUv;
+      varying float vLife;
+      void main() {
+        float across = abs(vUv.y * 2.0 - 1.0);
+        float taper = pow(vUv.x, 1.4);
+        float core = (1.0 - smoothstep(0.06, 0.28, across)) * taper;
+        float glow = (1.0 - smoothstep(0.0, 1.0, across)) * taper;
+        float head = (1.0 - smoothstep(0.0, 1.0,
+          length(vec2((vUv.x - 0.965) * 30.0, across))));
+        float alpha = vLife * max(glow * 0.8, head);
+        if (alpha < 0.005) discard;
+        vec3 light = mix(vec3(0.22, 0.62, 1.0), vec3(1.0, 0.94, 0.8), max(core, head));
+        gl_FragColor = vec4(light * 1.8, alpha);
+        #include <colorspace_fragment>
+      }
+    `,
+    transparent: true,
+    blending: THREE.AdditiveBlending,
+    depthWrite: false,
+    depthTest: true,
+    toneMapped: false,
+  }));
+  const mesh = new THREE.Mesh(geometry, material);
+  mesh.name = 'arrival-meteors';
+  mesh.position.z = SUN_DISTANCE_Z + 8;
+  // Flight displacement lives in the shader; visibility is explicitly bounded.
+  mesh.frustumCulled = false;
+  mesh.visible = false;
+  let warmed = false;
+  return { mesh, update(age: number, active: boolean) {
+    // One invisible startup draw warms the exact live pipeline (including
+    // its post-processing color space), so arrival never compiles a variant.
+    const playing = active && age >= 0 && age < 4;
+    mesh.visible = playing || !warmed;
+    if (mesh.visible) material.uniforms.uTime.value = playing ? age : -1;
+    warmed = true;
+  } };
+}
diff --git a/src/scene/world/environment.ts b/src/scene/world/environment.ts
index ce2a85c..c4febf0 100644
--- a/src/scene/world/environment.ts
+++ b/src/scene/world/environment.ts
@@ -315,6 +315,7 @@ export async function createProceduralSceneGeneration(
         snapshot.routeProgress,
         elapsedSeconds,
         response.bloomEnergy,
+        snapshot.arrived,
       );
       car.update(
         visualSpeed,
diff --git a/src/scene/world/sign-stage.ts b/src/scene/world/sign-stage.ts
index 3188423..902a0de 100644
--- a/src/scene/world/sign-stage.ts
+++ b/src/scene/world/sign-stage.ts
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ export function createSignStage(resources: SceneResourceBag) {
   let imageObserver: IntersectionObserver | undefined;
   const headings = main
     ? Array.from(main.children).flatMap((panel) => {
-        const heading = panel.querySelector<HTMLElement>(':scope > h2');
+        const heading = panel.querySelector<HTMLElement>('h2');
         return panel instanceof HTMLElement && heading
           ? [{ panel, heading }]
           : [];
diff --git a/src/scene/world/sun.ts b/src/scene/world/sun.ts
index b3ff90d..669e387 100644
--- a/src/scene/world/sun.ts
+++ b/src/scene/world/sun.ts
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ import type { SceneResourceBag } from '@/scene/resources';
 import type { MutableChapterPalette } from '@/scene/world/palette';
 import { CHAPTER_PALETTES } from '@/scene/world/palette';
 import { SUN_DISTANCE_Z } from '@/scene/world/metrics';
+import { createArrivalMeteors } from './arrival-meteors';
 
 export interface SunWorld {
   group: WorldGroup;
@@ -11,6 +12,7 @@ export interface SunWorld {
     routeProgress: number,
     elapsedSeconds: number,
     driveEnergy?: number,
+    arrived?: boolean,
   ): void;
 }
 
@@ -24,6 +26,9 @@ export function createSun(resources: SceneResourceBag): SunWorld {
   group.name = 'sun-world';
   const night = CHAPTER_PALETTES['deep-night'];
   const sunColor = new THREE.Color(night.sun);
+  const arrivalColor = new THREE.Color(0xffead0);
+  let wasArrived = false;
+  let arrivalStartedAt = 0;
   const uniforms = {
     uColor: { value: sunColor },
     uHazeColor: { value: new THREE.Color(night.haze) },
@@ -32,6 +37,7 @@ export function createSun(resources: SceneResourceBag): SunWorld {
     uRouteProgress: { value: 0 },
     uTime: { value: 0 },
     uDriveEnergy: { value: 0 },
+    uArrival: { value: 0 },
   };
   const geometry = resources.own(
     'geometry',
@@ -57,6 +63,7 @@ export function createSun(resources: SceneResourceBag): SunWorld {
       uniform float uRouteProgress;
       uniform float uTime;
       uniform float uDriveEnergy;
+      uniform float uArrival;
       varying vec2 vSunUv;
 
       void main() {
@@ -73,9 +80,9 @@ export function createSun(resources: SceneResourceBag): SunWorld {
         float lip = exp(-abs(phase - gap - 0.025) * 90.0) * step(solar.y, 0.65);
         float convection = sin(solar.x * 19.0 + sin(solar.y * 23.0 + uTime * 0.055))
           * sin(solar.y * 31.0 - uTime * 0.032);
-        vec3 vermilion = vec3(0.85, 0.018, 0.28);
+        vec3 vermilion = mix(vec3(0.85, 0.018, 0.28), vec3(1.0, 0.24, 0.12), uArrival);
         vec3 coral = mix(uColor, vec3(1.0, 0.16, 0.13), 0.48);
-        vec3 crown = vec3(1.0, 0.63, 0.24);
+        vec3 crown = mix(vec3(1.0, 0.63, 0.24), vec3(1.0, 0.88, 0.64), uArrival);
         vec3 core = mix(vermilion, coral, smoothstep(0.0, 0.58, solar.y));
         core = mix(core, crown, smoothstep(0.47, 1.0, solar.y));
         float filament = pow(abs(sin(solar.x * 39.0 + solar.y * 25.0 + convection * 2.4)), 16.0);
@@ -107,6 +114,10 @@ export function createSun(resources: SceneResourceBag): SunWorld {
       uniforms: {
         uColor: { value: sunColor.clone() },
         uEnergy: { value: 0 },
+        uScale: { value: 1 },
+        uRingRadius: { value: 0.49 },
+        uRingOpacity: { value: 0 },
+        uArrival: { value: 0 },
       },
       vertexShader: `
       varying vec2 vUv;
@@ -118,12 +129,18 @@ export function createSun(resources: SceneResourceBag): SunWorld {
       fragmentShader: `
       uniform vec3 uColor;
       uniform float uEnergy;
+      uniform float uScale;
+      uniform float uRingRadius;
+      uniform float uRingOpacity;
+      uniform float uArrival;
       varying vec2 vUv;
       void main() {
-        float radius = distance(vUv, vec2(0.5));
+        float radius = distance(vUv, vec2(0.5)) * uScale;
         float ring = smoothstep(0.477, 0.488, radius)
           * (1.0 - smoothstep(0.491, 0.499, radius));
-        gl_FragColor = vec4(uColor * (0.72 + uEnergy * 0.07), ring * (0.22 + uEnergy * 0.025));
+        float echo = (1.0 - smoothstep(0.003, 0.009, abs(radius - uRingRadius))) * uRingOpacity;
+        gl_FragColor = vec4(uColor * (0.72 + uEnergy * 0.07 + uArrival * 0.55),
+          ring * (0.22 + uEnergy * 0.025 + uArrival * 0.2) + echo * 0.9);
         #include <tonemapping_fragment>
         #include <colorspace_fragment>
       }
@@ -181,27 +198,49 @@ export function createSun(resources: SceneResourceBag): SunWorld {
   bleed.position.set(0, 7, SUN_DISTANCE_Z - 2.2);
   bleed.scale.set(560, 118, 1);
   group.add(bleed);
+  const meteors = createArrivalMeteors(resources);
+  group.add(meteors.mesh);
 
   return {
     group,
-    update(palette, routeProgress, elapsedSeconds, driveEnergy = 0) {
+    update(palette, routeProgress, elapsedSeconds, driveEnergy = 0, arrived = false) {
       const progress = clamp01(routeProgress);
       const energy = clamp01(driveEnergy);
-      sunColor.copy(palette.sun);
+      const time = Number.isFinite(elapsedSeconds) ? elapsedSeconds : 0;
+      if (arrived && !wasArrived) arrivalStartedAt = time;
+      wasArrived = arrived;
+      const arrivalAge = time - arrivalStartedAt;
+      const arrivalGlow = arrived ? clamp01(arrivalAge / 1.2) : 0;
+      const arrivalPhase = clamp01((arrivalAge - 0.5) / 3.3);
+      // Meteors and the broad halo swell remain a one-shot arrival finale.
+      const arrivalPulse = arrived && arrivalPhase > 0 && arrivalPhase < 1
+        ? Math.sin(Math.PI * arrivalPhase) ** 2
+        : 0;
+      // Only the rim repeats, using the existing visibility-aware scene clock.
+      const ringPhase = (Math.max(0, arrivalAge - 0.5) % 3) / 3;
+      const ringPulse = arrived ? Math.sin(Math.PI * ringPhase) ** 2 : 0;
+      meteors.update(arrivalAge, arrived);
+      sunColor.copy(palette.sun).lerp(arrivalColor, arrivalGlow * 0.55);
       uniforms.uHazeColor.value.copy(palette.haze);
-      haloMaterial.color.copy(palette.sun).lerp(palette.haze, 0.22);
+      haloMaterial.color.copy(palette.sun).lerp(palette.haze, 0.22)
+        .lerp(arrivalColor, arrivalGlow * 0.7);
       bleedMaterial.color.copy(palette.sun).lerp(palette.haze, 0.22);
-      limbMaterial.uniforms.uColor.value.copy(palette.sun);
+      limbMaterial.uniforms.uColor.value.copy(sunColor);
       uniforms.uWarmth.value = clamp01(palette.warmth);
       uniforms.uRouteProgress.value = progress;
-      uniforms.uTime.value = Number.isFinite(elapsedSeconds)
-        ? elapsedSeconds
-        : 0;
+      uniforms.uTime.value = time;
       uniforms.uDriveEnergy.value = energy;
+      uniforms.uArrival.value = arrivalGlow;
       limbMaterial.uniforms.uEnergy.value = energy;
-      haloMaterial.opacity = 0.095 + palette.warmth * 0.03 + energy * 0.015;
+      const ringScale = ringPulse > 0 ? 1.9 : 1;
+      limb.scale.setScalar(1.034 * ringScale);
+      limbMaterial.uniforms.uScale.value = ringScale;
+      limbMaterial.uniforms.uRingRadius.value = 0.49 + ringPhase * 0.36;
+      limbMaterial.uniforms.uRingOpacity.value = ringPulse;
+      limbMaterial.uniforms.uArrival.value = arrivalGlow;
+      haloMaterial.opacity = 0.095 + palette.warmth * 0.03 + energy * 0.015 + arrivalGlow * 0.08 + arrivalPulse * 0.1;
       bleedMaterial.opacity = 0.055 + palette.warmth * 0.03 + energy * 0.01;
-      halo.scale.set(480 + energy * 18, 360 + energy * 10, 1);
+      halo.scale.set(480 + energy * 18 + arrivalGlow * 40 + arrivalPulse * 76, 360 + energy * 10 + arrivalGlow * 30 + arrivalPulse * 56, 1);
       disc.position.y = 79 + palette.warmth * 14;
       limb.position.y = disc.position.y;
       halo.position.y = disc.position.y;
diff --git a/src/styles/base.css b/src/styles/base.css
index bdee376..808048b 100644
--- a/src/styles/base.css
+++ b/src/styles/base.css
@@ -52,7 +52,10 @@ summary:focus-visible,
 }
 
 .portfolio-main:focus-visible {
-  box-shadow: inset 0 0 0 3px var(--focus);
+  /* The localized cue lives outside the reading mask. Keep the main landmark
+     focusable for native skip links without outlining the entire document. */
+  outline: none;
+  box-shadow: none;
 }
 
 ::selection {
diff --git a/src/styles/chromatic.css b/src/styles/chromatic.css
index 5e99626..1643f02 100644
--- a/src/styles/chromatic.css
+++ b/src/styles/chromatic.css
@@ -151,7 +151,7 @@
       var(--panel-shadow),
       inset 0 1px color-mix(in srgb, var(--chapter-accent) 38%, transparent);
   }
-  .portfolio-section > h2 {
+  :is(.portfolio-section, .project-stage__lead) > h2 {
     color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--chapter-accent) 30%, var(--text));
   }
   .portfolio-section .section-eyebrow,
@@ -241,18 +241,20 @@
     color: #f6c7dc;
   }
 
-  .project-case-study:nth-child(3n + 1) {
+  .project-stage__lead,
+  .project-stage__projects > .project-case-study:nth-child(3n) {
     --chapter-accent: var(--coral);
     --chapter-glow: 196 76 125;
   }
-  .project-case-study:nth-child(3n + 2) {
+  .project-stage__projects > .project-case-study:nth-child(3n + 1) {
     --chapter-accent: var(--electric);
     --chapter-glow: 64 77 188;
   }
-  .project-case-study:nth-child(3n) {
+  .project-stage__projects > .project-case-study:nth-child(3n + 2) {
     --chapter-accent: var(--violet);
     --chapter-glow: 121 59 190;
   }
+  .project-stage__lead,
   .project-case-study,
   .project-case-study[data-project-priority="supporting"],
   .project-case-study[data-project-id][data-media-layout] {
diff --git a/src/styles/evolution.css b/src/styles/evolution.css
index 84276d0..38f7bc0 100644
--- a/src/styles/evolution.css
+++ b/src/styles/evolution.css
@@ -119,7 +119,7 @@ body {
   margin-block: clamp(140px, 23vh, 250px);
   border-color: var(--line);
 }
-.portfolio-section > h2 {
+:is(.portfolio-section, .project-stage__lead) > h2 {
   font-size: clamp(42px, 4.7vw, 72px);
   font-weight: 500;
   letter-spacing: -0.055em;
@@ -498,7 +498,7 @@ body {
     transform: translateY(-4px);
   }
   @supports (animation-timeline: view()) {
-    .portfolio-section > h2,
+    :is(.portfolio-section, .project-stage__lead) > h2,
     .project-case-study__header {
       animation: grand-tour-enter linear both;
       animation-timeline: view();
@@ -627,7 +627,7 @@ body {
     padding: 0;
     background: transparent;
   }
-  .portfolio-section > h2 {
+  :is(.portfolio-section, .project-stage__lead) > h2 {
     font-size: 44px;
     margin-block-end: 26px;
   }
@@ -764,7 +764,7 @@ body {
 }
 @media print {
   .hero-journey__content > *,
-  .portfolio-section > h2,
+  :is(.portfolio-section, .project-stage__lead) > h2,
   .project-case-study__header {
     animation: none !important;
   }
@@ -922,7 +922,7 @@ html[data-expressway='live'] .portfolio-section[data-layout='project-stage'] {
 .site-navigation a:hover {
   background: rgb(158 220 226 / 8%);
 }
-.portfolio-section > h2 {
+:is(.portfolio-section, .project-stage__lead) > h2 {
   text-wrap: balance;
 }
 .project-case-study {
@@ -970,7 +970,7 @@ html[data-expressway='live'] .portfolio-section[data-layout='project-stage'] {
    measure these headings. Reveal opacity alone, leaving their geometry stable. */
 @media (prefers-reduced-motion: no-preference) {
   @supports (animation-timeline: view()) {
-    .portfolio-section > h2 {
+    :is(.portfolio-section, .project-stage__lead) > h2 {
       animation-name: expressway-heading;
     }
   }
@@ -1002,7 +1002,7 @@ html[data-expressway='live'] .portfolio-section[data-layout='project-stage'] {
 }
 
 @media (max-width: 360px) {
-  .portfolio-section > h2 {
+  :is(.portfolio-section, .project-stage__lead) > h2 {
     font-size: 32px;
   }
 }
@@ -1024,7 +1024,7 @@ html[data-expressway='live'] .portfolio-section[data-layout='project-stage'] {
   html[data-expressway='live'] .portfolio-section[data-layout='project-stage'] {
     padding: 0;
   }
-  .portfolio-section > h2 {
+  :is(.portfolio-section, .project-stage__lead) > h2 {
     font-size: 38px;
   }
   .experience-record {
diff --git a/src/styles/refinements.css b/src/styles/refinements.css
index 3856371..3c142ec 100644
--- a/src/styles/refinements.css
+++ b/src/styles/refinements.css
@@ -1,3 +1,18 @@
+/* The section introduction belongs to the first build's reading surface. */
+.project-stage__lead {
+  padding: clamp(28px, 4vw, 64px);
+  margin-block-end: clamp(90px, 14vh, 160px);
+  border: 1px solid color-mix(in srgb, var(--chapter-accent) 30%, transparent);
+  border-radius: 16px;
+}
+.project-stage__lead > .project-case-study[data-project-id][data-media-layout] {
+  padding: 0;
+  border: 0;
+  border-radius: 0;
+  background: transparent;
+  box-shadow: none;
+}
+
 /* Contact follows the same compact reading card as the rest of the journey. */
 #contact {
   position: relative;
@@ -20,6 +35,13 @@
   max-inline-size: 34ch;
   text-wrap: pretty;
 }
+.contact-destination__availability {
+  margin: 0 0 8px;
+  font-size: 0.92rem;
+  line-height: 1.5;
+  color: var(--text-muted);
+  text-wrap: pretty;
+}
 .contact-email {
   display: grid;
   grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr) auto;
@@ -173,6 +195,10 @@
   }
 }
 @media (max-width: 767px) {
+  .project-stage__lead {
+    padding: 28px 22px;
+    border-radius: 14px;
+  }
   #contact > h2 {
     padding-inline-end: 76px;
   }
@@ -205,6 +231,13 @@
   }
 }
 @media print {
+  .project-stage__lead {
+    padding: 0;
+    margin-block-end: 1.25rem;
+    border: 0;
+    background: transparent;
+    box-shadow: none;
+  }
   .contact-avatar {
     inset-block-start: 0;
     inset-inline-end: 0;
diff --git a/src/styles/title-navigation.css b/src/styles/title-navigation.css
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..308d4af
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/styles/title-navigation.css
@@ -0,0 +1,145 @@
+/* The name remains ordinary, crawlable text; only this small decoration moves. */
+.hero-name {
+  position: relative;
+  isolation: isolate;
+  inline-size: min-content;
+  overflow-wrap: normal;
+  /* Reserve the waves' full travel plus breathing room before the role. This
+     stays in place when motion pauses, so the content does not jump. */
+  margin-block-end: 16px;
+}
+.hero-name__text {
+  position: relative;
+  z-index: 1;
+}
+.hero-name-particles {
+  position: absolute;
+  inset: 0;
+  z-index: 2;
+  pointer-events: none;
+  opacity: 0;
+}
+.hero-name-particles[data-active='true'] {
+  opacity: 1;
+}
+.hero-name-particles canvas {
+  position: absolute;
+  inset: -8px auto auto -12px;
+  inline-size: calc(100% + 24px);
+  block-size: calc(100% + 32px);
+  max-inline-size: none;
+}
+.hero-name-particles::after {
+  content: attr(data-name);
+  position: absolute;
+  inset: 0;
+  background: linear-gradient(110deg, transparent 30%, #fff8e8 46%, white 49%, transparent 62%);
+  background-size: 260% 100%;
+  background-clip: text;
+  -webkit-text-fill-color: transparent;
+  animation: name-sheen 3.2s ease-in-out infinite;
+  animation-play-state: paused;
+}
+.hero-name-particles[data-active='true']::after {
+  animation-play-state: running;
+}
+@keyframes name-sheen {
+  0%, 12% { background-position: 150% 0; opacity: 0; }
+  25%, 75% { opacity: 0.95; }
+  88%, 100% { background-position: -70% 0; opacity: 0; }
+}
+
+/* A scaled background expands independently of the links, keeping glyphs sharp
+   and avoiding per-frame document layout during the docking transition. */
+.site-navigation {
+  border: 0;
+  background: none;
+  box-shadow: none;
+  isolation: isolate;
+}
+.site-navigation::before {
+  content: '';
+  position: absolute;
+  inset: 0;
+  z-index: -1;
+  pointer-events: none;
+  border: 1px solid rgb(198 122 209 / 34%);
+  border-radius: inherit;
+  background: linear-gradient(110deg, rgb(39 19 52 / 97%), rgb(22 22 48 / 97%));
+  box-shadow: 0 8px 32px rgb(13 2 28 / 24%), inset 0 1px rgb(255 159 216 / 7%);
+}
+.site-navigation a {
+  border-block-end-color: transparent;
+  border-radius: 6px;
+}
+.site-navigation a[aria-current='page'],
+.site-navigation a:hover {
+  border-block-end-color: transparent;
+}
+@media (min-width: 768px) {
+  .site-navigation ul {
+    grid-auto-rows: 44px;
+    padding: 4px;
+    gap: 4px;
+  }
+  .site-navigation a {
+    block-size: 44px;
+  }
+  .site-navigation[data-enhanced='true'] {
+    inset: 0 0 auto;
+    transform: translateY(14px);
+    transition: transform 300ms cubic-bezier(0.22, 1, 0.36, 1);
+  }
+  .site-navigation[data-enhanced='true']::before {
+    transform: scaleX(var(--nav-rest-scale));
+    transition: transform 300ms cubic-bezier(0.22, 1, 0.36, 1);
+  }
+  .site-navigation[data-enhanced='true'] .site-navigation__disclosure {
+    inline-size: min(1400px, calc(100% - 48px));
+    max-inline-size: none;
+  }
+  .site-navigation[data-enhanced='true'][data-docked='true'] {
+    transform: translateY(0);
+  }
+  .site-navigation[data-enhanced='true'][data-docked='true']::before {
+    transform: scaleX(1);
+  }
+  .site-navigation[data-motion='false'],
+  .site-navigation[data-motion='false']::before {
+    transition: none;
+  }
+}
+
+/* This cue is a sibling of the masked viewport, not a pseudo-element inside it.
+   Native main focus and skip-link behavior also work without JavaScript. */
+.content-focus-cue {
+  display: none;
+  position: fixed;
+  z-index: var(--z-hud);
+  inset-block-start: calc(var(--site-navigation-block-size) + 4px);
+  inset-inline-start: max(24px, calc((100vw - 1400px) / 2));
+  max-inline-size: calc(100vw - 48px);
+  padding: 6px 12px;
+  border: 2px solid var(--focus);
+  border-radius: 6px;
+  background: var(--surface-strong);
+  color: var(--focus);
+  font: 560 0.8rem/1.5 var(--sans);
+  pointer-events: none;
+}
+.reading-stage:has(.portfolio-main:focus-visible) + .content-focus-cue {
+  display: block;
+}
+@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
+  .hero-name-particles { display: none; }
+  .site-navigation, .site-navigation::before { transition: none; }
+}
+@media (forced-colors: active) {
+  .hero-name-particles { display: none; }
+  .site-navigation::before { background: Canvas; border-color: ButtonText; }
+  .site-navigation a[aria-current='page'] { outline: 1px solid Highlight; outline-offset: -4px; }
+  .content-focus-cue { background: Canvas; border-color: Highlight; color: CanvasText; }
+}
+@media print {
+  .hero-name-particles, .content-focus-cue { display: none !important; }
+}
diff --git a/src/styles/world.css b/src/styles/world.css
index 1175e6f..af1d87d 100644
--- a/src/styles/world.css
+++ b/src/styles/world.css
@@ -25,6 +25,11 @@
   block-size: 100%;
 }
 
+/* A still destination grade when motion is disabled; no animation or WebGL. */
+.journey-world[data-static-fallback='true'][data-arrived='true'] .journey-poster {
+  filter: sepia(0.35) saturate(0.85);
+}
+
 .journey-poster {
   object-fit: cover;
   background:
@@ -528,7 +533,7 @@
 
 /* The stationary reading edge supplies the live reveal. View timelines use
    layout positions, which no longer follow the translated content here. */
-.reading-stage[data-reading-stage='live'] .portfolio-section > h2,
+.reading-stage[data-reading-stage='live'] :is(.portfolio-section, .project-stage__lead) > h2,
 .reading-stage[data-reading-stage='live'] .project-case-study__header {
   animation: none;
 }
diff --git a/tests/browser/arrival-finale.spec.ts b/tests/browser/arrival-finale.spec.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9a3c69f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/browser/arrival-finale.spec.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,76 @@
+import { expect, test } from '../helpers/serve-dist';
+
+test('arrival draws six meteor triangles, uses warmed shaders, then stops drawing the meteors', async ({ page, distUrl }, testInfo) => {
+  test.setTimeout(45_000);
+  if (testInfo.project.name === 'desktop-chromium') await page.setViewportSize({ width: 1440, height: 900 });
+  await page.addInitScript((quality: string) => {
+    localStorage.setItem('portfolio.motion.maximum-quality', quality);
+    const probe = { draws: 0, maxVertices: 0, programs: 0, frames: 0, time: -1, ring: 0 };
+    (window as any).__arrivalProbe = probe;
+    const proto = WebGL2RenderingContext.prototype;
+    const meteorPrograms = new WeakSet<WebGLProgram>();
+    const locations = new WeakMap<WebGLUniformLocation, { program: WebGLProgram; name: string }>();
+    let activeProgram: WebGLProgram | null = null;
+    const meteorShaders = new WeakSet<WebGLShader>();
+    const source = proto.shaderSource;
+    proto.shaderSource = function (shader, text) {
+      if (text.includes('attribute vec2 aFlight;')) meteorShaders.add(shader);
+      return source.call(this, shader, text);
+    };
+    const attach = proto.attachShader;
+    proto.attachShader = function (program, shader) {
+      if (meteorShaders.has(shader) && !meteorPrograms.has(program)) {
+        meteorPrograms.add(program);
+        probe.programs++;
+      }
+      return attach.call(this, program, shader);
+    };
+    const getUniform = proto.getUniformLocation;
+    proto.getUniformLocation = function (program, name) {
+      const location = getUniform.call(this, program, name);
+      if (location) locations.set(location, { program, name });
+      return location;
+    };
+    const uniform = proto.uniform1f;
+    proto.uniform1f = function (location, value) {
+      const entry = location && locations.get(location);
+      if (entry?.name === 'uTime' && meteorPrograms.has(entry.program)) probe.time = value;
+      if (entry?.name === 'uRingOpacity') probe.ring = value;
+      return uniform.call(this, location, value);
+    };
+    const useProgram = proto.useProgram;
+    proto.useProgram = function (program) { activeProgram = program; return useProgram.call(this, program); };
+    const draw = proto.drawArrays;
+    proto.drawArrays = function (mode, first, count) {
+      if (activeProgram && meteorPrograms.has(activeProgram)) {
+        probe.draws++;
+        probe.maxVertices = Math.max(probe.maxVertices, count);
+      }
+      return draw.call(this, mode, first, count);
+    };
+    const clear = proto.clear;
+    proto.clear = function (mask) { probe.frames++; return clear.call(this, mask); };
+  }, process.env.ARRIVAL_TEST_QUALITY === 'high' ? 'high' : 'low');
+  await page.goto(distUrl);
+  await expect(page.locator('html')).toHaveAttribute('data-expressway', 'live');
+  const read = () => page.evaluate(() => ({ ...(window as any).__arrivalProbe }));
+  const baseline = await read();
+  expect(baseline.draws).toBe(1); // Transparent startup warm-up only.
+  expect(baseline.programs).toBe(1);
+  await page.locator('.hero-journey__action--primary').click();
+  await expect(page.locator('.journey-world')).toHaveAttribute('data-arrived', 'true');
+  await expect.poll(async () => (await read()).draws, { timeout: 12_000 }).toBeGreaterThan(baseline.draws);
+  await expect.poll(async () => (await read()).ring).toBeGreaterThan(0);
+  await expect.poll(async () => (await read()).time).toBeGreaterThan(1.2);
+  await page.screenshot({ path: testInfo.outputPath('arrival-active.png') });
+  await expect.poll(async () => (await read()).time, { timeout: 15_000 }).toBeGreaterThan(3.8);
+  const ending = await read();
+  await expect.poll(async () => (await read()).frames).toBeGreaterThan(ending.frames + 30);
+  const settled = await read();
+  expect(settled.maxVertices).toBe(18);
+  expect(settled.programs).toBe(baseline.programs);
+  await expect.poll(async () => (await read()).ring).toBeGreaterThan(0);
+  await expect.poll(async () => (await read()).frames).toBeGreaterThan(settled.frames + 30);
+  expect((await read()).draws).toBe(settled.draws);
+  await page.screenshot({ path: testInfo.outputPath('arrival-settled.png') });
+});
diff --git a/tests/browser/contact-refinements.spec.ts b/tests/browser/contact-refinements.spec.ts
index 7b86e68..4158d03 100644
--- a/tests/browser/contact-refinements.spec.ts
+++ b/tests/browser/contact-refinements.spec.ts
@@ -1,6 +1,40 @@
 import AxeBuilder from '@axe-core/playwright';
 import { expect, test } from '../helpers/serve-dist';
 
+test('builds heading shares the first project surface and contact keeps a clear copy hierarchy', async ({ page, distUrl }) => {
+  await page.emulateMedia({ reducedMotion: 'reduce' });
+  await page.goto(distUrl);
+  const joined = await page.locator('#selected-builds-heading').evaluate(heading => {
+    const surface = heading.closest('.project-stage__lead');
+    return Boolean(surface?.querySelector('.project-case-study') &&
+      getComputedStyle(surface).backgroundColor !== 'rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)');
+  });
+  expect(joined).toBe(true);
+  const hierarchy = await page.locator('#contact').evaluate(section => {
+    const lead = section.querySelector('.contact-destination__copy');
+    const availability = section.querySelector('.contact-destination__availability');
+    return Boolean(lead && availability &&
+      parseFloat(getComputedStyle(lead).fontSize) > parseFloat(getComputedStyle(availability).fontSize));
+  });
+  expect(hierarchy).toBe(true);
+});
+
+test('the live reading mask measures the inset builds heading', async ({ page, distUrl }) => {
+  await page.goto(distUrl);
+  await expect(page.locator('html')).toHaveAttribute('data-expressway', 'live');
+  const geometry = await page.locator('#selected-builds').evaluate(section => ({
+    offset: parseFloat((section as HTMLElement).style.getPropertyValue('--chapter-heading-offset')) || 0,
+    actual: section.querySelector('h2')!.getBoundingClientRect().top - section.getBoundingClientRect().top,
+  }));
+  expect(geometry.offset).toBeGreaterThan(20);
+  expect(geometry.offset).toBeCloseTo(geometry.actual, 1);
+  const disclosure = page.locator('.site-navigation summary');
+  if (await disclosure.isVisible()) await disclosure.click();
+  await page.locator('.site-navigation a[href="#selected-builds"]').click();
+  await expect.poll(() => page.locator('#selected-builds-heading').evaluate(heading =>
+    Number(getComputedStyle(heading).opacity))).toBe(1);
+});
+
 test('start navigation, contact identity, and toolkit icons use the approved content', async ({ page, distUrl }) => {
   await page.emulateMedia({ reducedMotion: 'reduce' });
   const response = await page.goto(distUrl);
@@ -11,6 +45,10 @@ test('start navigation, contact identity, and toolkit icons use the approved con
   await page.locator('.hero-journey__action--primary').click();
   await expect(page).toHaveURL(/#contact$/);
   await expect(page.locator('#contact')).toBeInViewport();
+  await expect(page.locator('.journey-world')).toHaveAttribute('data-arrived', 'true');
+  await expect(page.locator('.journey-world')).toHaveAttribute('data-static-fallback', 'true');
+  await expect(page.locator('.journey-canvas')).toHaveCount(0);
+  expect(await page.locator('.journey-poster').evaluate(poster => getComputedStyle(poster).filter)).not.toBe('none');
   await expect(page.locator('.contact-avatar')).toBeVisible();
   await expect(page.locator('.contact-social-link')).toHaveText(['LinkedIn', 'GitHub', 'GitLab']);
   const missing = await page.locator('[data-testid="toolkit-technology"]').evaluateAll(items => items.filter(item => !item.querySelector('svg')).map(item => item.textContent));
diff --git a/tests/browser/keyboard.spec.ts b/tests/browser/keyboard.spec.ts
index 3802419..6b2865c 100644
--- a/tests/browser/keyboard.spec.ts
+++ b/tests/browser/keyboard.spec.ts
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-import { expect, expectInsetFocusIndicator, test } from "../helpers/serve-dist";
+import { expect, expectContentFocusCue, test } from "../helpers/serve-dist";
 
 const navHrefs = [
   "#start",
@@ -130,7 +130,7 @@ test("activating the skip link focuses the visible unobscured portfolio content"
     "tabindex",
     "-1",
   );
-  await expectInsetFocusIndicator(page, "#portfolio-content");
+  await expectContentFocusCue(page);
 });
 
 test("explicit section activation scrolls to and focuses its heading", async ({
diff --git a/tests/browser/no-javascript.spec.ts b/tests/browser/no-javascript.spec.ts
index 565094f..3274a55 100644
--- a/tests/browser/no-javascript.spec.ts
+++ b/tests/browser/no-javascript.spec.ts
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 import type { PortfolioContent } from "@/content/types";
-import { expect, expectInsetFocusIndicator, test } from "../helpers/serve-dist";
+import { expect, expectContentFocusCue, test } from "../helpers/serve-dist";
 
 test.use({ javaScriptEnabled: false });
 
@@ -401,7 +401,7 @@ test("keeps every raw SSR reading-path segment visible without JavaScript", asyn
       .locator("main > section")
       .evaluateAll((sections) => sections.map((section) => section.id)),
   ).toEqual(sectionIds);
-  expect(await page.locator("main > section > h2").allTextContents()).toEqual(
+  expect(await page.locator("main > section h2").allTextContents()).toEqual(
     sectionHeadings,
   );
 
@@ -518,7 +518,7 @@ test("activating the skip link focuses visible portfolio content without JavaScr
     "tabindex",
     "-1",
   );
-  await expectInsetFocusIndicator(page, "#portfolio-content");
+  await expectContentFocusCue(page);
 });
 
 test("retains native section navigation when scripts are disabled", async ({
diff --git a/tests/browser/title-navigation.spec.ts b/tests/browser/title-navigation.spec.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..27d5a1a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/browser/title-navigation.spec.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,143 @@
+import { expect, test } from '../helpers/serve-dist';
+
+test('desktop navigation docks without stretching labels or shifting the document', async ({ page, distUrl }, testInfo) => {
+  test.skip(testInfo.project.name !== 'desktop-chromium');
+  await page.setViewportSize({ width: 1920, height: 1080 });
+  await page.emulateMedia({ reducedMotion: 'reduce' });
+  await page.goto(distUrl, { waitUntil: 'networkidle' });
+  await page.evaluate(() => document.fonts.ready);
+  const nav = page.locator('.site-navigation');
+  await expect(nav).toHaveAttribute('data-enhanced', 'true');
+  const surfaceScale = () => nav.evaluate(el => new DOMMatrixReadOnly(getComputedStyle(el, '::before').transform).a);
+  expect(await surfaceScale()).toBeLessThan(1);
+  const label = nav.locator('a').first();
+  const initialFont = await label.evaluate(el => getComputedStyle(el).fontSize);
+  // Measure the content beside this fixed header, not unrelated lazy media
+  // farther down the page that can settle independently of navigation.
+  const heroGeometry = () => page.locator('#start').evaluate(el => ({
+    top: el.getBoundingClientRect().top + scrollY,
+    height: el.getBoundingClientRect().height,
+  }));
+  const initialHero = await heroGeometry();
+  await page.evaluate(() => scrollTo(0, 100));
+  await expect.poll(async () => (await nav.boundingBox())!.y).toBeLessThan(1);
+  await expect.poll(async () => (await nav.boundingBox())!.width).toBe(1920);
+  await expect.poll(surfaceScale).toBe(1);
+  expect(await label.evaluate(el => getComputedStyle(el).fontSize)).toBe(initialFont);
+  expect(await heroGeometry()).toEqual(initialHero);
+  await page.evaluate(() => scrollTo(0, 0));
+  await expect.poll(async () => (await nav.boundingBox())!.y).toBeGreaterThan(10);
+});
+
+test('selected navigation has rounded inset highlights', async ({ page, distUrl }) => {
+  await page.goto(distUrl);
+  const disclosure = page.locator('.site-navigation summary');
+  if (await disclosure.isVisible()) await disclosure.click();
+  const selected = page.locator('.site-navigation a[aria-current="page"]');
+  expect(await selected.evaluate(el => parseFloat(getComputedStyle(el).borderTopLeftRadius))).toBeGreaterThanOrEqual(5);
+  await selected.focus();
+  await page.keyboard.press('Shift');
+  expect(await selected.evaluate(el => getComputedStyle(el).outlineStyle)).not.toBe('none');
+});
+
+test('skip link uses a localized visible cue and Tab continues into content', async ({ page, distUrl }) => {
+  await page.emulateMedia({ reducedMotion: 'reduce' });
+  await page.goto(distUrl);
+  await page.keyboard.press('Tab');
+  await expect(page.locator('.skip-link')).toBeFocused();
+  await page.keyboard.press('Enter');
+  const main = page.locator('#portfolio-content');
+  await expect(main).toBeFocused();
+  expect(await main.evaluate(el => getComputedStyle(el).boxShadow)).toBe('none');
+  expect(await main.evaluate(el => getComputedStyle(el).outlineStyle)).toBe('none');
+  await expect(page.locator('.content-focus-cue')).toBeVisible();
+  const cue = await page.locator('.content-focus-cue').boundingBox();
+  expect(cue!.width).toBeLessThan(240);
+  expect(cue!.height).toBeLessThan(60);
+  await page.keyboard.press('Tab');
+  await expect(page.locator('.hero-journey__action--primary')).toBeFocused();
+  expect(await page.locator('.hero-journey__action--primary').evaluate(el => getComputedStyle(el).outlineStyle)).not.toBe('none');
+  await expect(page.locator('.content-focus-cue')).not.toBeVisible();
+});
+
+test('Shift cannot draw a page-wide focus frame in the live reading stage', async ({ page, distUrl }) => {
+  await page.goto(distUrl);
+  await page.locator('main').evaluate(el => (el as HTMLElement).focus({ preventScroll: true }));
+  await page.keyboard.press('Shift');
+  expect(await page.locator('main').evaluate(el => ({ outline: getComputedStyle(el).outlineStyle, shadow: getComputedStyle(el).boxShadow }))).toEqual({ outline: 'none', shadow: 'none' });
+  await page.locator('.hero-journey__action--primary').focus();
+  await page.keyboard.press('Shift');
+  expect(await page.locator('.hero-journey__action--primary').evaluate(el => getComputedStyle(el).outlineStyle)).not.toBe('none');
+});
+
+test('name decoration pauses offscreen and leaves one readable heading', async ({ page, distUrl }) => {
+  await page.goto(distUrl);
+  await expect(page.getByRole('heading', { level: 1 })).toHaveText('Luca Pîslaru');
+  await page.evaluate(() => document.fonts.ready);
+  const title = await page.locator('.hero-name').evaluate(el => ({
+    height: el.getBoundingClientRect().height,
+    lineHeight: parseFloat(getComputedStyle(el).lineHeight),
+  }));
+  expect(title.height).toBeLessThanOrEqual(title.lineHeight * 2.1);
+  const particles = page.locator('.hero-name-particles');
+  await expect(particles).toHaveAttribute('aria-hidden', 'true');
+  await expect(particles).toHaveAttribute('data-active', 'true');
+  const canvas = particles.locator('canvas');
+  await expect(canvas).toHaveCount(1);
+  const nameBox = await particles.boundingBox();
+  const effectBox = await canvas.boundingBox();
+  expect(effectBox!.x).toBeCloseTo(nameBox!.x - 12, 0);
+  expect(effectBox!.width).toBeCloseTo(nameBox!.width + 24, 0);
+  const roleBox = await page.locator('.hero-journey__role').boundingBox();
+  // The complete drawing area (including every wave crest) clears the role.
+  expect(roleBox!.y - (effectBox!.y + effectBox!.height)).toBeGreaterThanOrEqual(4);
+  await expect.poll(() => canvas.evaluate(el => {
+    const context = (el as HTMLCanvasElement).getContext('2d')!;
+    const { width, height } = el as HTMLCanvasElement;
+    // Sparks occupy the name area, while the waves sit below it.
+    return [
+      context.getImageData(0, 0, width, Math.floor(height * 0.75)).data.some(value => value > 0),
+      context.getImageData(0, Math.floor(height * 0.92), width, Math.max(1, Math.floor(height * 0.08))).data.some(value => value > 0),
+    ];
+  })).toEqual([true, true]);
+  expect(await particles.evaluate(el => getComputedStyle(el, '::after').animationName)).toBe('name-sheen');
+  expect(await particles.evaluate(el => getComputedStyle(el, '::after').animationPlayState)).toBe('running');
+  const firstFrame = await canvas.evaluate(el => (el as HTMLCanvasElement).toDataURL());
+  await expect.poll(() => canvas.evaluate(el => (el as HTMLCanvasElement).toDataURL())).not.toBe(firstFrame);
+  await page.locator('#contact').scrollIntoViewIfNeeded();
+  await expect(particles).toHaveAttribute('data-active', 'false');
+  expect(await particles.evaluate(el => getComputedStyle(el, '::after').animationPlayState)).toBe('paused');
+  const stoppedFrame = await canvas.evaluate(el => (el as HTMLCanvasElement).toDataURL());
+  await page.waitForTimeout(150);
+  expect(await canvas.evaluate(el => (el as HTMLCanvasElement).toDataURL())).toBe(stoppedFrame);
+});
+
+test('wave animation clears the role text across desktop, short screens, and narrow phones', async ({ page, distUrl }, testInfo) => {
+  test.skip(testInfo.project.name !== 'desktop-chromium');
+  await page.goto(distUrl);
+  for (const [width, height] of [[1920, 1080], [1024, 768], [820, 600], [768, 520], [393, 851], [320, 640]]) {
+    await page.setViewportSize({ width: width!, height: height! });
+    await page.evaluate(() => document.fonts.ready);
+    await expect.poll(async () => {
+      const effect = await page.locator('.hero-name-particles canvas').boundingBox();
+      const role = await page.locator('.hero-journey__role').boundingBox();
+      return role!.y - (effect!.y + effect!.height);
+    }, { message: `Wave clearance at ${width} × ${height}` }).toBeGreaterThanOrEqual(4);
+    expect(await page.evaluate(() => document.documentElement.scrollWidth <= innerWidth)).toBe(true);
+  }
+});
+
+test('reduced motion and no-JavaScript retain the name and native skip link', async ({ browser, page, distUrl }) => {
+  await page.emulateMedia({ reducedMotion: 'reduce' });
+  await page.goto(distUrl);
+  await expect(page.locator('.hero-name-particles')).toHaveAttribute('data-active', 'false');
+  const context = await browser.newContext({ javaScriptEnabled: false });
+  const native = await context.newPage();
+  await native.goto(distUrl);
+  await expect(native.getByRole('heading', { level: 1 })).toHaveText('Luca Pîslaru');
+  await native.keyboard.press('Tab');
+  await native.keyboard.press('Enter');
+  await expect(native.locator('main')).toBeFocused();
+  await expect(native.locator('.content-focus-cue')).toBeVisible();
+  await context.close();
+});
diff --git a/tests/helpers/serve-dist.ts b/tests/helpers/serve-dist.ts
index cbc26cd..a390762 100644
--- a/tests/helpers/serve-dist.ts
+++ b/tests/helpers/serve-dist.ts
@@ -120,6 +120,19 @@ export async function expectInsetFocusIndicator(
     });
 }
 
+export async function expectContentFocusCue(page: Page): Promise<void> {
+  await expect(page.locator('#portfolio-content')).toBeFocused();
+  const cue = page.locator('.content-focus-cue');
+  await expect(cue).toBeVisible();
+  expect(await page.locator('#portfolio-content').evaluate(element => ({
+    outline: getComputedStyle(element).outlineStyle,
+    shadow: getComputedStyle(element).boxShadow,
+  }))).toEqual({ outline: 'none', shadow: 'none' });
+  const box = await cue.boundingBox();
+  expect(box!.width).toBeLessThan(240);
+  expect(box!.height).toBeLessThan(60);
+}
+
 export async function revealNavigationLinks(page: Page): Promise<void> {
   const summary = page.locator(".site-navigation summary");
   if (!(await summary.isVisible())) return;
diff --git a/tests/integration/verify-artifacts.test.ts b/tests/integration/verify-artifacts.test.ts
index b8890b7..2bc4df8 100644
--- a/tests/integration/verify-artifacts.test.ts
+++ b/tests/integration/verify-artifacts.test.ts
@@ -417,7 +417,7 @@ describe('artifact verification', () => {
     {
       name: 'identity rendered only inside a template',
       mutate: (html: string) => html.replace(
-        /(<h1[^>]*>Luca Pîslaru<\/h1><p class="hero-journey__role">System Administrator &amp; Full-Stack Developer<\/p>)/u,
+        /(<h1\b[^>]*>[\s\S]*?<\/h1><p class="hero-journey__role">System Administrator &amp; Full-Stack Developer<\/p>)/u,
         '<template>$1</template>',
       ),
     },
@@ -456,7 +456,9 @@ describe('artifact verification', () => {
     },
   ])('rejects $name as non-visible semantic evidence', async ({ mutate }) => {
     const { directory, html, inputs, contract } = await writeValidArtifacts();
-    await writeFile(join(directory, 'index.html'), mutate(html, inputs));
+    const mutated = mutate(html, inputs);
+    expect(mutated).not.toBe(html);
+    await writeFile(join(directory, 'index.html'), mutated);
 
     await expect(verifyArtifactDirectory(directory, inputs, contract)).rejects.toThrow(/visible semantic|visible h1|visible navigation|visible section|connected/i);
   });
diff --git a/tests/unit/AppShell.test.ts b/tests/unit/AppShell.test.ts
index a317f56..108cd5d 100644
--- a/tests/unit/AppShell.test.ts
+++ b/tests/unit/AppShell.test.ts
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ describe('semantic portfolio document', () => {
       'start', 'profile', 'experience', 'infrastructure', 'selected-builds', 'additional-work', 'toolkit', 'contact',
     ]);
     expect([...document.querySelectorAll('main > section')].every((section) => section.hasAttribute('aria-labelledby'))).toBe(true);
-    expect([...document.querySelectorAll('main > section > h2')].map((heading) => heading.textContent)).toEqual([
+    expect([...document.querySelectorAll('main > section h2')].map((heading) => heading.textContent)).toEqual([
       'Profile', 'Experience', 'Infrastructure', 'Selected builds', 'Additional work', 'Toolkit', 'Contact',
     ]);
     expect([...document.querySelectorAll('main > section')].map((section) => section.getAttribute('data-layout'))).toEqual([
@@ -132,7 +132,7 @@ describe('semantic portfolio document', () => {
 
     const document = await renderedDocumentFor(reorderedInputs);
 
-    expect([...document.querySelectorAll('main > section > h2')].map((heading) => heading.textContent)).toEqual([
+    expect([...document.querySelectorAll('main > section h2')].map((heading) => heading.textContent)).toEqual([
       'Profile', 'Experience', 'Infrastructure', 'Selected builds', 'Additional work', 'Toolkit', 'Contact',
     ]);
     expect([...document.querySelectorAll('nav a')].map((link) => [link.getAttribute('href'), link.textContent])).toEqual([
diff --git a/tests/unit/contact-interaction.test.ts b/tests/unit/contact-interaction.test.ts
index e4ef3b5..3221d3f 100644
--- a/tests/unit/contact-interaction.test.ts
+++ b/tests/unit/contact-interaction.test.ts
@@ -17,6 +17,8 @@ describe('contact disclosure', () => {
     await wrapper.get('.contact-email__action').trigger('focusin');
     expect(wrapper.get('a.contact-link').attributes('href')).toBe('mailto:luca.pislaru@gmail.com');
     expect(wrapper.get('a.contact-link').text()).toBe('Email Me');
+    expect(wrapper.get('a.contact-link').attributes('target')).toBe('_blank');
+    expect(wrapper.get('a.contact-link').attributes('rel')).toBe('noopener noreferrer');
     wrapper.unmount();
   });
 
diff --git a/tests/unit/sun-arrival.test.ts b/tests/unit/sun-arrival.test.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3a04334
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/unit/sun-arrival.test.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,126 @@
+import { describe, expect, it } from 'vitest';
+import { SceneResourceBag } from '@/scene/resources';
+import { createSun } from '@/scene/world/sun';
+import { createMutableChapterPalette } from '@/scene/world/palette';
+
+interface Halo {
+  scale: { x: number };
+  material: { opacity: number; color: { getHex(): number } };
+}
+
+describe('destination sun', () => {
+  it('keeps a distinct destination glow after the one-shot finale, without allocating on updates', () => {
+    const resources = new SceneResourceBag();
+    const sun = createSun(resources);
+    const palette = createMutableChapterPalette();
+    const halo = sun.group.getObjectByName('horizon-halo') as Halo;
+    sun.update(palette, 1, 10, 0, false);
+    const initial = { width: halo.scale.x, opacity: halo.material.opacity, color: halo.material.color.getHex() };
+    const allocation = resources.snapshot();
+    sun.update(palette, 1, 10, 0, true);
+    sun.update(palette, 1, 11, 0, true);
+    expect(halo.scale.x).toBeGreaterThan(initial.width);
+    expect(halo.material.opacity).toBeGreaterThan(initial.opacity);
+    expect(halo.material.color.getHex()).not.toBe(initial.color);
+    sun.update(palette, 1, 15, 0, true);
+    const settled = { width: halo.scale.x, opacity: halo.material.opacity, color: halo.material.color.getHex() };
+    expect(settled.color).not.toBe(initial.color);
+    expect(settled.opacity).toBeGreaterThan(initial.opacity);
+    for (const time of [20, 100]) {
+      sun.update(palette, 1, time, 0, true);
+      expect(halo.scale.x).toBe(settled.width);
+      expect(halo.material.opacity).toBe(settled.opacity);
+      expect(halo.material.color.getHex()).toBe(settled.color);
+    }
+    sun.update(palette, 0.8, 101, 0, false);
+    sun.update(palette, 1, 102, 0, true);
+    sun.update(palette, 1, 103, 0, true);
+    expect(halo.scale.x).toBeGreaterThan(initial.width);
+    expect(resources.snapshot()).toEqual(allocation);
+    resources.dispose();
+  });
+
+  it('draws three batched meteor trails only during arrival and re-arms after leaving', () => {
+    const resources = new SceneResourceBag();
+    const sun = createSun(resources);
+    const palette = createMutableChapterPalette();
+    const meteors = sun.group.getObjectByName('arrival-meteors') as {
+      visible: boolean;
+      geometry: { getAttribute(name: string): { count: number; array: Float32Array } };
+      material: { uniforms: { uTime: { value: number } } };
+    } | undefined;
+    expect(meteors).toBeDefined();
+    sun.update(palette, 1, 0, 0, false);
+    expect(meteors!.visible).toBe(true);
+    expect(meteors!.material.uniforms.uTime.value).toBe(-1);
+    sun.update(palette, 1, 0.1, 0, false);
+    expect(meteors!.visible).toBe(false);
+    const allocation = resources.snapshot();
+    const positions = meteors!.geometry.getAttribute('position');
+    expect(positions.count).toBeLessThanOrEqual(18);
+    sun.update(palette, 1, 1, 0, true);
+    sun.update(palette, 1, 2, 0, true);
+    expect(meteors!.visible).toBe(true);
+    expect(meteors!.material.uniforms.uTime.value).toBe(1);
+    sun.update(palette, 1, 5.1, 0, true);
+    expect(meteors!.visible).toBe(false);
+    sun.update(palette, 1, 50, 0, true);
+    expect(meteors!.visible).toBe(false);
+    sun.update(palette, 0.8, 51, 0, false);
+    sun.update(palette, 1, 52, 0, true);
+    sun.update(palette, 1, 53, 0, true);
+    expect(meteors!.visible).toBe(true);
+    sun.update(palette, 0.8, 53.1, 0, false);
+    expect(meteors!.visible).toBe(false);
+    expect(meteors!.geometry.getAttribute('position').array).toBe(positions.array);
+    expect(resources.snapshot()).toEqual(allocation);
+    resources.dispose();
+    expect(resources.snapshot().owned.geometry).toBe(0);
+    expect(resources.snapshot().owned.material).toBe(0);
+  });
+
+  it('reuses the sun rim for an expanding ring that repeats every three seconds only at the destination', () => {
+    const resources = new SceneResourceBag();
+    const sun = createSun(resources);
+    const palette = createMutableChapterPalette();
+    const limb = sun.group.getObjectByName('sun-limb-glow') as {
+      material: { uniforms: Record<string, { value: number }> };
+    };
+    const uniforms = limb.material.uniforms;
+    expect(uniforms.uRingRadius).toBeDefined();
+    sun.update(palette, 1, 0, 0, true);
+    sun.update(palette, 1, 1, 0, true);
+    const firstRadius = uniforms.uRingRadius!.value;
+    const firstOpacity = uniforms.uRingOpacity!.value;
+    expect(uniforms.uRingOpacity!.value).toBeGreaterThan(0);
+    sun.update(palette, 1, 2, 0, true);
+    expect(uniforms.uRingRadius!.value).toBeGreaterThan(firstRadius);
+    sun.update(palette, 1, 3.5, 0, true);
+    expect(uniforms.uRingOpacity!.value).toBe(0);
+    for (const time of [4, 7, 40]) {
+      sun.update(palette, 1, time, 0, true);
+      expect(uniforms.uRingRadius!.value).toBeCloseTo(firstRadius);
+      expect(uniforms.uRingOpacity!.value).toBeCloseTo(firstOpacity);
+    }
+    sun.update(palette, 0.8, 40.1, 0, false);
+    expect(uniforms.uRingOpacity!.value).toBe(0);
+    resources.dispose();
+  });
+
+  it('does not pulse from route progress alone and cancels when leaving Contact', () => {
+    const resources = new SceneResourceBag();
+    const sun = createSun(resources);
+    const palette = createMutableChapterPalette();
+    const halo = sun.group.getObjectByName('horizon-halo') as Halo;
+    sun.update(palette, 1, 0);
+    const width = halo.scale.x;
+    sun.update(palette, 1, 1);
+    expect(halo.scale.x).toBe(width);
+    sun.update(palette, 1, 2, 0, true);
+    sun.update(palette, 1, 3, 0, true);
+    expect(halo.scale.x).toBeGreaterThan(width);
+    sun.update(palette, 1, 3.1, 0, false);
+    expect(halo.scale.x).toBe(width);
+    resources.dispose();
+  });
+});