diff --git a/docs/contracts/thothctl-pi.md b/docs/contracts/thothctl-pi.md
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..8842842a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/contracts/thothctl-pi.md
@@ -0,0 +1,75 @@
+# `thothctl pi` lifecycle contract
+
+`thothctl` is the only component that drives Docker lifecycle operations. The `core` container
+does not mount a Docker socket and Pi is never updated in a running container.
+
+## Read-only operations
+
+```text
+thothctl --installation /absolute/path/thothii-installation.yaml pi status
+thothctl --installation /absolute/path/thothii-installation.yaml pi doctor
+thothctl --installation /absolute/path/thothii-installation.yaml pi test
+thothctl --installation /absolute/path/thothii-installation.yaml pi logs [--follow]
+```
+
+`status` executes the image-bundled `pi --version`. `doctor` requires the rendered `core` image,
+the external `THT_LLM_URL` contract, writable `/home/thoth/.pi`, the read-only Pi auth file, and
+private `/health`. `test` additionally reads private `/models` and `/settings`; this temporary
+composite smoke is replaced by the Pi Management API in Task 8. `logs` is core-only and uses the
+same credential redaction as every other `thothctl` diagnostic.
+
+`pi check` is an alias for `pi test` for operational scripts.
+
+## Updating Pi
+
+An update always specifies a pinned Pi version and an explicit confirmation:
+
+```text
+thothctl --installation /absolute/path/thothii-installation.yaml pi update \
+  --version 0.81.0 --source build --yes
+```
+
+`--source build` rebuilds only `core` using `PI_VERSION=<version>`. A pulled source must be a
+digest-pinned image; tags are rejected:
+
+```text
+thothctl --installation /absolute/path/thothii-installation.yaml pi update \
+  --version 0.81.0 --source pull \
+  --image registry.example.invalid/thothii-core@sha256:<64-lowercase-hex-digits> --yes
+```
+
+Before changing anything, the command validates the rendered Compose configuration, Pi auth/state
+preconditions, health, current version, active sessions, the current image ID, named-volume set,
+and a digest of the rendered non-secret configuration. It therefore keeps the exact installation
+Compose files and environment, including the external `THT_LLM_URL` endpoint, when it recreates
+only `core` with `--no-deps --force-recreate`. It never recreates `frontend` and never uses volume
+replacement flags.
+
+Open, unarchived sessions stop an update. After an operator has completed or otherwise drained
+their work, `--drain` makes the command re-check that the session list is empty before continuing.
+
+## Recovery and rollback
+
+Before a candidate is built or pulled, the command atomically writes:
+
+```text
+<projectDirectory>/.thothctl/update-state.json
+```
+
+The file is mode `0600` and records only the previous/candidate image references and IDs, named
+volume names, requested version/source, rendered-configuration digest, phase, and timestamp. It
+never contains credentials, endpoint values, secret paths, Compose output, or logs.
+
+After recreate, the command checks core health, the requested `pi --version`, the Pi/core smoke,
+unchanged configuration digest, and unchanged named-volume set. Any failure after recreation
+automatically retags and recreates the recorded previous image. A failed or interrupted operation
+leaves the same metadata for explicit operator recovery:
+
+```text
+thothctl --installation /absolute/path/thothii-installation.yaml pi rollback --yes
+```
+
+Both update and rollback require `--yes`; without it they exit `2` before invoking Docker. Invalid
+arguments, a pending recovery, and active sessions also exit `2`. Docker or verification failures
+exit nonzero with concise, redacted guidance. The original Docker child exit code is preserved for
+direct read-only/log command failures.
diff --git a/tools/thothctl/cmd/thothctl/main.go b/tools/thothctl/cmd/thothctl/main.go
index 9fda2422..cba2d972 100644
--- a/tools/thothctl/cmd/thothctl/main.go
+++ b/tools/thothctl/cmd/thothctl/main.go
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@ import (
 	"github.com/aritmolab/thothii/tools/thothctl/internal/compose"
 	"github.com/aritmolab/thothii/tools/thothctl/internal/config"
 	"github.com/aritmolab/thothii/tools/thothctl/internal/output"
+	"github.com/aritmolab/thothii/tools/thothctl/internal/pi"
 )
 
 const usage = `Usage: thothctl --installation <absolute-path>/thothii-installation.yaml <command>
@@ -26,6 +27,12 @@ Commands:
   start               Start the installation in the background.
   stop                Stop the installation.
   update --check-only Validate the current installation without changing containers.
+  pi status           Show the Pi version embedded in core.
+  pi doctor           Check Pi preconditions without changing the installation.
+  pi test             Run the temporary Pi/core smoke checks.
+  pi update           Rebuild or pull a pinned Pi image (requires --yes).
+  pi rollback --yes   Restore the image recorded by the latest Pi update.
+  pi logs [--follow]  Show sanitized core logs.
 `
 
 func main() {
@@ -92,12 +99,152 @@ func run(ctx context.Context, args []string, stdout, stderr io.Writer) int {
 			return commandUsageError(stderr, "doctor does not accept arguments")
 		}
 		return doctor(ctx, installation, runner, secretValues, stdout, stderr)
+	case "pi":
+		return piCommand(ctx, installation, runner, commandArgs, secretValues, stdout, stderr)
 	default:
 		return commandUsageError(stderr, fmt.Sprintf("unknown command %q", command))
 	}
 	return writeResult(result, err, secretValues, stdout, stderr)
 }
 
+// installationRunner transforms only Compose invocations into the installation's validated,
+// profile-specific argument list. Direct Docker image commands remain host-side and use arguments.
+type installationRunner struct {
+	installation config.Installation
+	runner       compose.Runner
+}
+
+func (r installationRunner) Run(ctx context.Context, args []string, stdin io.Reader) (compose.Result, error) {
+	if len(args) > 0 && args[0] == "compose" {
+		return r.runner.Run(ctx, r.installation.ComposeArgs(args[1:]...), stdin)
+	}
+	return r.runner.Run(ctx, args, stdin)
+}
+
+func piCommand(ctx context.Context, installation config.Installation, runner compose.Runner, args []string, secretValues []string, stdout, stderr io.Writer) int {
+	if len(args) == 0 {
+		return commandUsageError(stderr, "pi requires a subcommand")
+	}
+	controlled := installationRunner{installation: installation, runner: runner}
+	switch args[0] {
+	case "status":
+		if len(args) != 1 {
+			return commandUsageError(stderr, "pi status does not accept arguments")
+		}
+		version, err := pi.Status(ctx, controlled)
+		if err != nil {
+			return piFailure(stderr, err, secretValues)
+		}
+		fmt.Fprintf(stdout, "Pi version: %s\n", output.Sanitize(version, secretValues))
+		return 0
+	case "doctor":
+		if len(args) != 1 {
+			return commandUsageError(stderr, "pi doctor does not accept arguments")
+		}
+		if err := pi.Doctor(ctx, controlled); err != nil {
+			return piFailure(stderr, err, secretValues)
+		}
+		fmt.Fprintln(stdout, "Pi preflight checks passed.")
+		return 0
+	case "test", "check":
+		if len(args) != 1 {
+			return commandUsageError(stderr, "pi test does not accept arguments")
+		}
+		if err := pi.Test(ctx, controlled); err != nil {
+			return piFailure(stderr, err, secretValues)
+		}
+		fmt.Fprintln(stdout, "Pi/core smoke checks passed.")
+		return 0
+	case "logs":
+		logArgs, err := logsArgs(args[1:])
+		if err != nil {
+			return commandUsageError(stderr, "pi logs accepts only --follow")
+		}
+		logArgs = append(logArgs, "core")
+		result, err := controlled.Run(ctx, append([]string{"compose"}, logArgs...), nil)
+		return writeResult(result, err, secretValues, stdout, stderr)
+	case "update":
+		request, err := parsePiUpdateArgs(args[1:], filepath.Join(installation.ProjectDirectory, ".thothctl", "update-state.json"))
+		if err != nil {
+			return commandUsageError(stderr, err.Error())
+		}
+		result, err := pi.Update(ctx, controlled, request)
+		if err != nil {
+			return piFailure(stderr, err, secretValues)
+		}
+		if result.Phase == pi.PhaseNoop {
+			fmt.Fprintf(stdout, "Pi already runs requested version %s; no container was recreated.\n", request.Version)
+			return 0
+		}
+		fmt.Fprintf(stdout, "Pi update verified. Recovery metadata: %s\n", result.StatePath)
+		return 0
+	case "rollback":
+		if len(args) != 2 || args[1] != "--yes" {
+			return commandUsageError(stderr, "pi rollback requires --yes")
+		}
+		result, err := pi.Rollback(ctx, controlled, filepath.Join(installation.ProjectDirectory, ".thothctl", "update-state.json"), true)
+		if err != nil {
+			return piFailure(stderr, err, secretValues)
+		}
+		fmt.Fprintf(stdout, "Pi rollback restored the recorded core image. Recovery metadata: %s\n", result.StatePath)
+		return 0
+	default:
+		return commandUsageError(stderr, fmt.Sprintf("unknown pi command %q", args[0]))
+	}
+}
+
+func parsePiUpdateArgs(args []string, statePath string) (pi.Request, error) {
+	request := pi.Request{StatePath: statePath, Source: pi.BuildSource}
+	for len(args) > 0 {
+		switch args[0] {
+		case "--version":
+			if len(args) < 2 || request.Version != "" {
+				return pi.Request{}, errors.New("pi update requires one --version <pinned-version>")
+			}
+			request.Version, args = args[1], args[2:]
+		case "--source":
+			if len(args) < 2 {
+				return pi.Request{}, errors.New("--source requires build or pull")
+			}
+			request.Source, args = pi.Source(args[1]), args[2:]
+		case "--image":
+			if len(args) < 2 || request.Image != "" {
+				return pi.Request{}, errors.New("--image requires one digest-pinned image reference")
+			}
+			request.Image, args = args[1], args[2:]
+		case "--yes":
+			if request.Confirm {
+				return pi.Request{}, errors.New("--yes may be supplied once")
+			}
+			request.Confirm, args = true, args[1:]
+		case "--drain":
+			if request.Drain {
+				return pi.Request{}, errors.New("--drain may be supplied once")
+			}
+			request.Drain, args = true, args[1:]
+		default:
+			return pi.Request{}, fmt.Errorf("unknown pi update option %q", args[0])
+		}
+	}
+	if request.Version == "" {
+		return pi.Request{}, errors.New("pi update requires --version <pinned-version>")
+	}
+	return request, nil
+}
+
+func piFailure(stderr io.Writer, err error, secretValues []string) int {
+	code := 1
+	if errors.Is(err, pi.ErrConfirmationRequired) || errors.Is(err, pi.ErrActiveSessions) || errors.Is(err, pi.ErrInterruptedUpdate) {
+		code = 2
+	}
+	var childExit interface{ ExitCode() int }
+	if errors.As(err, &childExit) && childExit.ExitCode() != 0 {
+		code = childExit.ExitCode()
+	}
+	fmt.Fprintf(stderr, "thothctl: %s\n", output.Sanitize(err.Error(), secretValues))
+	return code
+}
+
 func parseArgs(args []string) (string, string, []string, error) {
 	if len(args) < 3 || args[0] != "--installation" {
 		return "", "", nil, errors.New("--installation <absolute-path> is required before the command")
diff --git a/tools/thothctl/cmd/thothctl/main_test.go b/tools/thothctl/cmd/thothctl/main_test.go
index c3c3a2fb..64e26d16 100644
--- a/tools/thothctl/cmd/thothctl/main_test.go
+++ b/tools/thothctl/cmd/thothctl/main_test.go
@@ -347,6 +347,59 @@ func TestRunPreservesChildExitCodes(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
+func TestRunPiStatusUsesImageBundledPi(t *testing.T) {
+	fixture := newCLIFixture(t, "THT_LLM_URL=https://llm.example.invalid\n")
+	fixture.setEnvironment(t)
+
+	var stdout, stderr bytes.Buffer
+	exitCode := run(context.Background(), []string{"--installation", fixture.installationPath, "pi", "status"}, &stdout, &stderr)
+
+	if exitCode != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("run() exit code = %d, stderr = %s", exitCode, stderr.String())
+	}
+	if stdout.String() != "Pi version: 0.80.3\n" {
+		t.Errorf("stdout = %q, want image-bundled Pi version", stdout.String())
+	}
+	assertInvocationContains(t, fixture.invocations(t), "exec", "-T", "core", "pi", "--version")
+}
+
+func TestRunPiUpdateRequiresExplicitConfirmationWithoutInvokingDocker(t *testing.T) {
+	fixture := newCLIFixture(t, "THT_LLM_URL=https://llm.example.invalid\n")
+	fixture.setEnvironment(t)
+
+	var stdout, stderr bytes.Buffer
+	exitCode := run(context.Background(), []string{"--installation", fixture.installationPath, "pi", "update", "--version", "0.81.0"}, &stdout, &stderr)
+
+	if exitCode != 2 {
+		t.Errorf("run() exit code = %d, want 2", exitCode)
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(stderr.String(), "requires --yes") {
+		t.Errorf("stderr = %q, want explicit confirmation guidance", stderr.String())
+	}
+	assertDockerNotInvoked(t, fixture)
+}
+
+func TestRunPiStatusPreservesDockerExitCodeAndRedactsDiagnostics(t *testing.T) {
+	fixture := newCLIFixture(t, "PI_TOKEN_FILE=%s\n")
+	secretPath := filepath.Join(fixture.root, "pi-secret")
+	if err := os.WriteFile(secretPath, []byte("pi-status-secret"), 0o600); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	fixture.setEnvironment(t, secretPath)
+	t.Setenv("THOTHCTL_FAKE_FAIL_ON", "version")
+	t.Setenv("THOTHCTL_FAKE_FAILURE", "pi-status-secret")
+
+	var stdout, stderr bytes.Buffer
+	exitCode := run(context.Background(), []string{"--installation", fixture.installationPath, "pi", "status"}, &stdout, &stderr)
+
+	if exitCode != 41 {
+		t.Errorf("run() exit code = %d, want 41", exitCode)
+	}
+	if strings.Contains(stdout.String()+stderr.String(), "pi-status-secret") {
+		t.Errorf("Pi status exposed a secret: stdout=%q stderr=%q", stdout.String(), stderr.String())
+	}
+}
+
 type cliFixture struct {
 	root             string
 	installationPath string
@@ -392,8 +445,9 @@ func newCLIFixture(t *testing.T, envTemplate string) cliFixture {
 printf '%s\n' "$@" >> "$THOTHCTL_FAKE_ARGS"
 printf '%s\n' -- >> "$THOTHCTL_FAKE_ARGS"
 case " $* " in
-  *" config --format json "*) printf '%s\n' '{"volumes":{"settings":{}}}' ;;
+  *" config --format json "*) printf '%s\n' '{"volumes":{"settings":{}},"services":{"core":{"image":"thothii-core:local","environment":{"THT_LLM_URL":"https://llm.example.invalid"}}}}' ;;
   *" ps --format json "*) printf '%s\n' '[{"Service":"core","State":"running","Health":"healthy"},{"Service":"frontend","State":"running","Health":"healthy"}]' ;;
+  *" pi --version "*) printf '%s\n' '0.80.3' ;;
   *" logs "*) printf '%s\n' "$THOTHCTL_FAKE_LOG" ;;
 esac
 if [ "${THOTHCTL_FAKE_FAIL_ON:-}" = "version" ]; then
@@ -458,3 +512,18 @@ func assertDockerNotInvoked(t *testing.T, fixture cliFixture) {
 		t.Errorf("Docker was invoked: stat error = %v", err)
 	}
 }
+
+func assertInvocationContains(t *testing.T, invocations [][]string, want ...string) {
+	t.Helper()
+	for _, invocation := range invocations {
+		for start := range invocation {
+			if len(invocation)-start < len(want) {
+				continue
+			}
+			if strings.Join(invocation[start:start+len(want)], "\x00") == strings.Join(want, "\x00") {
+				return
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	t.Fatalf("invocations = %#v, want %#v", invocations, want)
+}
diff --git a/tools/thothctl/internal/pi/commands.go b/tools/thothctl/internal/pi/commands.go
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..b98a5667
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tools/thothctl/internal/pi/commands.go
@@ -0,0 +1,120 @@
+package pi
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"crypto/sha256"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"io"
+	"strings"
+
+	"github.com/aritmolab/thothii/tools/thothctl/internal/compose"
+)
+
+// Runner is the narrow, shell-free command boundary shared with thothctl.
+type Runner interface {
+	Run(context.Context, []string, io.Reader) (compose.Result, error)
+}
+
+// Status reports the image-bundled Pi version without using a host Pi executable.
+func Status(ctx context.Context, runner Runner) (string, error) {
+	result, err := runCompose(ctx, runner, "exec", "-T", "core", "pi", "--version")
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", commandError("Pi version check", result, err)
+	}
+	version := strings.TrimSpace(result.Stdout)
+	if version == "" {
+		return "", errors.New("Pi version check returned no version")
+	}
+	return version, nil
+}
+
+// Doctor verifies the installation-side invariants Pi needs before an update.
+func Doctor(ctx context.Context, runner Runner) error {
+	if _, err := renderedCore(ctx, runner); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	if _, err := Status(ctx, runner); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	for _, check := range [][]string{
+		{"exec", "-T", "core", "sh", "-ceu", "test -w /home/thoth/.pi"},
+		{"exec", "-T", "core", "sh", "-ceu", "test -r /home/thoth/.pi/agent/auth.json"},
+		{"exec", "-T", "core", "curl", "-fsS", "http://127.0.0.1:8787/health"},
+	} {
+		result, err := runCompose(ctx, runner, check...)
+		if err != nil {
+			return commandError("Pi preflight check", result, err)
+		}
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+// Test performs the pre-Task-8 composite smoke through core's private loopback endpoint.
+func Test(ctx context.Context, runner Runner) error {
+	if _, err := Status(ctx, runner); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	for _, path := range []string{"health", "models", "settings"} {
+		result, err := runCompose(ctx, runner, "exec", "-T", "core", "curl", "-fsS", "http://127.0.0.1:8787/"+path)
+		if err != nil {
+			return commandError("Pi smoke check", result, err)
+		}
+		var payload any
+		if err := json.Unmarshal([]byte(result.Stdout), &payload); err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("Pi smoke check returned invalid %s response", path)
+		}
+		if _, ok := payload.(map[string]any); !ok {
+			return fmt.Errorf("Pi smoke check returned invalid %s response", path)
+		}
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+func renderedCore(ctx context.Context, runner Runner) (Image, error) {
+	result, err := runCompose(ctx, runner, "config", "--format", "json")
+	if err != nil {
+		return Image{}, commandError("Compose configuration check", result, err)
+	}
+	var document struct {
+		Services map[string]struct {
+			Image       string         `json:"image"`
+			Environment map[string]any `json:"environment"`
+		} `json:"services"`
+	}
+	if err := json.Unmarshal([]byte(result.Stdout), &document); err != nil {
+		return Image{}, errors.New("Compose returned invalid rendered configuration")
+	}
+	core, exists := document.Services["core"]
+	if !exists || core.Image == "" {
+		return Image{}, errors.New("rendered Compose configuration has no core image")
+	}
+	endpoint, exists := core.Environment["THT_LLM_URL"].(string)
+	if !exists || strings.TrimSpace(endpoint) == "" {
+		return Image{}, errors.New("THT_LLM_URL must be configured before Pi lifecycle operations")
+	}
+	digest := sha256.Sum256([]byte(result.Stdout))
+	return Image{Reference: core.Image, ConfigurationSHA: fmt.Sprintf("%x", digest[:])}, nil
+}
+
+func runCompose(ctx context.Context, runner Runner, args ...string) (compose.Result, error) {
+	return runner.Run(ctx, append([]string{"compose"}, args...), nil)
+}
+
+func commandError(label string, result compose.Result, err error) error {
+	if result.ExitCode != 0 {
+		return commandFailure{message: fmt.Sprintf("%s failed (exit %d)", label, result.ExitCode), exitCode: result.ExitCode}
+	}
+	return commandFailure{message: fmt.Sprintf("%s failed", label)}
+}
+
+type commandFailure struct {
+	message  string
+	exitCode int
+}
+
+func (e commandFailure) Error() string { return e.message }
+
+// ExitCode exposes a Docker child exit code without exposing its output.
+func (e commandFailure) ExitCode() int { return e.exitCode }
diff --git a/tools/thothctl/internal/pi/commands_test.go b/tools/thothctl/internal/pi/commands_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..98890185
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tools/thothctl/internal/pi/commands_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,30 @@
+package pi
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+)
+
+func TestDoctorRequiresExternalEndpointAuthPiStateAndHealth(t *testing.T) {
+	fake := newFakeRunner()
+	if err := Doctor(context.Background(), fake); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Doctor() error = %v", err)
+	}
+	for _, command := range []string{"pi --version", "test -w /home/thoth/.pi", "test -r /home/thoth/.pi/agent/auth.json", "/health"} {
+		assertCalled(t, fake.calls, command)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestTestUsesOnlySanitizedPiAndCoreProbes(t *testing.T) {
+	fake := newFakeRunner()
+	if err := Test(context.Background(), fake); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Test() error = %v", err)
+	}
+	for _, command := range []string{"pi --version", "/health", "/models", "/settings"} {
+		assertCalled(t, fake.calls, command)
+	}
+	if got := strings.Join(fake.calls, "\n"); strings.Contains(got, "secret") {
+		t.Fatalf("probe commands expose secret: %s", got)
+	}
+}
diff --git a/tools/thothctl/internal/pi/state.go b/tools/thothctl/internal/pi/state.go
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..d09abc22
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tools/thothctl/internal/pi/state.go
@@ -0,0 +1,106 @@
+// Package pi implements host-side lifecycle operations for the Pi bundled in core.
+package pi
+
+import (
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"time"
+)
+
+const stateFileVersion = 1
+
+// Phase describes the durable point reached by a Pi update.
+type Phase string
+
+const (
+	PhasePreflight  Phase = "preflight"
+	PhaseBuilding   Phase = "building"
+	PhaseRecreated  Phase = "recreated"
+	PhaseVerified   Phase = "verified"
+	PhaseRolledBack Phase = "rolled_back"
+	PhaseFailed     Phase = "failed"
+	PhaseNoop       Phase = "noop"
+)
+
+// Image is the non-secret recovery identity of a core image and its mounted volume names.
+type Image struct {
+	ID               string   `json:"id"`
+	Reference        string   `json:"reference"`
+	Volumes          []string `json:"volumes"`
+	ConfigurationSHA string   `json:"configuration_sha256,omitempty"`
+}
+
+// Target records the immutable input selected by the operator. Source is either build or a
+// digest-pinned image reference; it intentionally never contains credentials.
+type Target struct {
+	Version string `json:"version"`
+	Source  string `json:"source"`
+}
+
+// State is recovery metadata stored below the installation project. It never stores environment
+// values, secret paths, credentials, or command output.
+type State struct {
+	Version   int       `json:"version"`
+	Phase     Phase     `json:"phase"`
+	UpdatedAt time.Time `json:"updated_at"`
+	Target    Target    `json:"target,omitempty"`
+	Previous  Image     `json:"previous"`
+	Candidate Image     `json:"candidate,omitempty"`
+	Error     string    `json:"error,omitempty"`
+}
+
+func readState(path string) (State, error) {
+	contents, err := os.ReadFile(path)
+	if err != nil {
+		return State{}, err
+	}
+	var state State
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(contents, &state); err != nil {
+		return State{}, errors.New("update recovery state is invalid")
+	}
+	if state.Version != stateFileVersion || state.Previous.ID == "" || state.Previous.Reference == "" {
+		return State{}, errors.New("update recovery state is incomplete")
+	}
+	return state, nil
+}
+
+func writeState(path string, state State) error {
+	if state.Previous.ID == "" || state.Previous.Reference == "" {
+		return errors.New("refusing to write incomplete update recovery state")
+	}
+	state.Version = stateFileVersion
+	state.UpdatedAt = time.Now().UTC()
+	contents, err := json.MarshalIndent(state, "", "  ")
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("encode update recovery state: %w", err)
+	}
+	contents = append(contents, '\n')
+	directory := filepath.Dir(path)
+	if err := os.MkdirAll(directory, 0o700); err != nil {
+		return errors.New("could not create update recovery directory")
+	}
+	temporary, err := os.CreateTemp(directory, ".update-state-*.tmp")
+	if err != nil {
+		return errors.New("could not write update recovery state")
+	}
+	temporaryName := temporary.Name()
+	defer os.Remove(temporaryName)
+	if err := temporary.Chmod(0o600); err != nil {
+		temporary.Close()
+		return errors.New("could not protect update recovery state")
+	}
+	if _, err := temporary.Write(contents); err != nil {
+		temporary.Close()
+		return errors.New("could not write update recovery state")
+	}
+	if err := temporary.Close(); err != nil {
+		return errors.New("could not write update recovery state")
+	}
+	if err := os.Rename(temporaryName, path); err != nil {
+		return errors.New("could not finalize update recovery state")
+	}
+	return nil
+}
diff --git a/tools/thothctl/internal/pi/update.go b/tools/thothctl/internal/pi/update.go
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..3300fca8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tools/thothctl/internal/pi/update.go
@@ -0,0 +1,318 @@
+package pi
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"os"
+	"regexp"
+	"sort"
+	"strings"
+)
+
+var (
+	ErrConfirmationRequired = errors.New("update requires --yes after reviewing the planned Pi version")
+	ErrActiveSessions       = errors.New("active sessions must be drained before updating Pi; use --drain only after they are complete")
+	ErrInterruptedUpdate    = errors.New("a previous Pi update is incomplete; run pi rollback --yes before starting another update")
+	versionPattern          = regexp.MustCompile(`^[0-9]+(?:\.[0-9]+){1,3}(?:[-+][0-9A-Za-z.-]+)?$`)
+	digestPattern           = regexp.MustCompile(`^[A-Za-z0-9][A-Za-z0-9._/:@-]*@sha256:[a-f0-9]{64}$`)
+)
+
+// Source chooses whether the candidate is built from this checkout or pulled from an immutable image.
+type Source string
+
+const (
+	BuildSource Source = "build"
+	PullSource  Source = "pull"
+)
+
+// Request contains only non-secret operator inputs.
+type Request struct {
+	StatePath string
+	Version   string
+	Source    Source
+	Image     string
+	Confirm   bool
+	Drain     bool
+}
+
+// Result summarizes the completed, failed, or recovered transaction without command output.
+type Result struct {
+	Phase     Phase
+	StatePath string
+}
+
+// Update performs a recoverable core-only Pi update using the default Compose command layout.
+func Update(ctx context.Context, runner Runner, request Request) (Result, error) {
+	if request.StatePath == "" {
+		return Result{}, errors.New("update state path is required")
+	}
+	if !request.Confirm {
+		return Result{StatePath: request.StatePath}, ErrConfirmationRequired
+	}
+	if !versionPattern.MatchString(request.Version) {
+		return Result{StatePath: request.StatePath}, errors.New("Pi version must be an explicit pinned version")
+	}
+	if request.Source == "" {
+		request.Source = BuildSource
+	}
+	if request.Source != BuildSource && request.Source != PullSource {
+		return Result{StatePath: request.StatePath}, errors.New("Pi update source must be build or pull")
+	}
+	if request.Source == PullSource && !digestPattern.MatchString(request.Image) {
+		return Result{StatePath: request.StatePath}, errors.New("pulled Pi image must use an immutable sha256 digest")
+	}
+	if old, err := readState(request.StatePath); err == nil && old.Phase != PhaseVerified && old.Phase != PhaseRolledBack && old.Phase != PhaseNoop {
+		return Result{StatePath: request.StatePath}, ErrInterruptedUpdate
+	} else if err != nil && !errors.Is(err, os.ErrNotExist) {
+		return Result{StatePath: request.StatePath}, err
+	}
+
+	running, err := activeSessions(ctx, runner)
+	if err != nil {
+		return Result{StatePath: request.StatePath}, err
+	}
+	if running {
+		if !request.Drain {
+			return Result{StatePath: request.StatePath}, ErrActiveSessions
+		}
+		running, err = activeSessions(ctx, runner)
+		if err != nil {
+			return Result{StatePath: request.StatePath}, err
+		}
+		if running {
+			return Result{StatePath: request.StatePath}, ErrActiveSessions
+		}
+	}
+	if err := Doctor(ctx, runner); err != nil {
+		return Result{StatePath: request.StatePath}, err
+	}
+
+	currentVersion, err := Status(ctx, runner)
+	if err != nil {
+		return Result{StatePath: request.StatePath}, err
+	}
+	if currentVersion == request.Version {
+		return Result{Phase: PhaseNoop, StatePath: request.StatePath}, nil
+	}
+	configured, err := renderedCore(ctx, runner)
+	if err != nil {
+		return Result{StatePath: request.StatePath}, err
+	}
+	previous, err := runningImage(ctx, runner, configured.Reference)
+	if err != nil {
+		return Result{StatePath: request.StatePath}, err
+	}
+	previous.ConfigurationSHA = configured.ConfigurationSHA
+	state := State{Phase: PhasePreflight, Target: Target{Version: request.Version, Source: sourceValue(request)}, Previous: previous}
+	if err := writeState(request.StatePath, state); err != nil {
+		return Result{StatePath: request.StatePath}, err
+	}
+
+	state.Phase = PhaseBuilding
+	if err := writeState(request.StatePath, state); err != nil {
+		return Result{StatePath: request.StatePath}, err
+	}
+	if err := prepareCandidate(ctx, runner, request, previous.Reference); err != nil {
+		state.Phase, state.Error = PhaseFailed, "candidate image preparation failed"
+		_ = writeState(request.StatePath, state)
+		return Result{Phase: PhaseFailed, StatePath: request.StatePath}, err
+	}
+	if err := recreateCore(ctx, runner); err != nil {
+		state.Phase, state.Error = PhaseFailed, "core recreation failed"
+		_ = writeState(request.StatePath, state)
+		return Result{Phase: PhaseFailed, StatePath: request.StatePath}, err
+	}
+	state.Phase = PhaseRecreated
+	state.Candidate, _ = runningImage(ctx, runner, previous.Reference)
+	if err := writeState(request.StatePath, state); err != nil {
+		return Result{Phase: PhaseRecreated, StatePath: request.StatePath}, err
+	}
+	if err := verifyCandidate(ctx, runner, request.Version, previous.Volumes, previous.ConfigurationSHA); err != nil {
+		return rollbackAfterFailure(ctx, runner, request.StatePath, state, err)
+	}
+	state.Phase, state.Error = PhaseVerified, ""
+	if err := writeState(request.StatePath, state); err != nil {
+		return Result{Phase: PhaseVerified, StatePath: request.StatePath}, err
+	}
+	return Result{Phase: PhaseVerified, StatePath: request.StatePath}, nil
+}
+
+// Rollback restores the image recorded in durable update state. It is safe for interrupted runs.
+func Rollback(ctx context.Context, runner Runner, statePath string, confirm bool) (Result, error) {
+	if !confirm {
+		return Result{StatePath: statePath}, ErrConfirmationRequired
+	}
+	state, err := readState(statePath)
+	if err != nil {
+		return Result{StatePath: statePath}, err
+	}
+	if err := restore(ctx, runner, state.Previous); err != nil {
+		state.Phase, state.Error = PhaseFailed, "rollback failed"
+		_ = writeState(statePath, state)
+		return Result{Phase: PhaseFailed, StatePath: statePath}, err
+	}
+	state.Phase, state.Error = PhaseRolledBack, ""
+	if err := writeState(statePath, state); err != nil {
+		return Result{Phase: PhaseRolledBack, StatePath: statePath}, err
+	}
+	return Result{Phase: PhaseRolledBack, StatePath: statePath}, nil
+}
+
+func rollbackAfterFailure(ctx context.Context, runner Runner, statePath string, state State, cause error) (Result, error) {
+	if restoreErr := restore(ctx, runner, state.Previous); restoreErr != nil {
+		state.Phase, state.Error = PhaseFailed, "candidate verification and automatic rollback failed"
+		_ = writeState(statePath, state)
+		return Result{Phase: PhaseFailed, StatePath: statePath}, fmt.Errorf("candidate verification failed; automatic rollback also failed")
+	}
+	state.Phase, state.Error = PhaseRolledBack, ""
+	_ = writeState(statePath, state)
+	return Result{Phase: PhaseRolledBack, StatePath: statePath}, fmt.Errorf("candidate verification failed; previous core image was restored")
+}
+
+func sourceValue(request Request) string {
+	if request.Source == PullSource {
+		return request.Image
+	}
+	return string(BuildSource)
+}
+
+func activeSessions(ctx context.Context, runner Runner) (bool, error) {
+	result, err := runCompose(ctx, runner, "exec", "-T", "core", "tht", "session", "list", "--json")
+	if err != nil {
+		return false, commandError("active-session check", result, err)
+	}
+	var sessions []struct {
+		Status   string `json:"status"`
+		Archived bool   `json:"archived"`
+	}
+	if err := json.Unmarshal([]byte(result.Stdout), &sessions); err != nil {
+		return false, errors.New("active-session check returned invalid session data")
+	}
+	for _, session := range sessions {
+		if !session.Archived && session.Status == "open" {
+			return true, nil
+		}
+	}
+	return false, nil
+}
+
+func runningImage(ctx context.Context, runner Runner, reference string) (Image, error) {
+	container, err := runCompose(ctx, runner, "ps", "-q", "core")
+	if err != nil || strings.TrimSpace(container.Stdout) == "" {
+		return Image{}, commandError("running core image check", container, err)
+	}
+	id := strings.TrimSpace(container.Stdout)
+	image, err := runner.Run(ctx, []string{"inspect", "--format", "{{.Image}}", id}, nil)
+	if err != nil || strings.TrimSpace(image.Stdout) == "" {
+		return Image{}, commandError("running core image check", image, err)
+	}
+	mounts, err := runner.Run(ctx, []string{"inspect", "--format", "{{range .Mounts}}{{if eq .Type \"volume\"}}{{.Name}}{{\"\\n\"}}{{end}}{{end}}", id}, nil)
+	if err != nil {
+		return Image{}, commandError("core volume check", mounts, err)
+	}
+	volumes := nonEmptyLines(mounts.Stdout)
+	if len(volumes) == 0 {
+		return Image{}, errors.New("core has no named volumes to preserve")
+	}
+	return Image{ID: strings.TrimSpace(image.Stdout), Reference: reference, Volumes: volumes}, nil
+}
+
+func prepareCandidate(ctx context.Context, runner Runner, request Request, reference string) error {
+	if request.Source == BuildSource {
+		result, err := runCompose(ctx, runner, "build", "--pull", "--build-arg", "PI_VERSION="+request.Version, "core")
+		if err != nil {
+			return commandError("Pi image build", result, err)
+		}
+		return nil
+	}
+	pull, err := runner.Run(ctx, []string{"pull", request.Image}, nil)
+	if err != nil {
+		return commandError("Pi image pull", pull, err)
+	}
+	tag, err := runner.Run(ctx, []string{"image", "tag", request.Image, reference}, nil)
+	if err != nil {
+		return commandError("Pi image tag", tag, err)
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+func recreateCore(ctx context.Context, runner Runner) error {
+	result, err := runCompose(ctx, runner, "up", "--detach", "--no-deps", "--force-recreate", "core")
+	if err != nil {
+		return commandError("core recreation", result, err)
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+func verifyCandidate(ctx context.Context, runner Runner, wanted string, previousVolumes []string, configurationSHA string) error {
+	health, err := runCompose(ctx, runner, "exec", "-T", "core", "curl", "-fsS", "http://127.0.0.1:8787/health")
+	if err != nil {
+		return commandError("core health check", health, err)
+	}
+	version, err := Status(ctx, runner)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	if version != wanted {
+		return errors.New("candidate Pi version does not match requested pinned version")
+	}
+	if err := Test(ctx, runner); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	configured, err := renderedCore(ctx, runner)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	if configured.ConfigurationSHA != configurationSHA {
+		return errors.New("external endpoint configuration changed during Pi update")
+	}
+	after, err := runningImage(ctx, runner, configured.Reference)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	if !sameStrings(previousVolumes, after.Volumes) {
+		return errors.New("core volume set changed during Pi update")
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+func restore(ctx context.Context, runner Runner, previous Image) error {
+	tag, err := runner.Run(ctx, []string{"image", "tag", previous.ID, previous.Reference}, nil)
+	if err != nil {
+		return commandError("rollback image restore", tag, err)
+	}
+	if err := recreateCore(ctx, runner); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	configured, err := renderedCore(ctx, runner)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	after, err := runningImage(ctx, runner, configured.Reference)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	if !sameStrings(previous.Volumes, after.Volumes) {
+		return errors.New("core volume set changed during rollback")
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+func nonEmptyLines(text string) []string {
+	var values []string
+	for _, value := range strings.Split(text, "\n") {
+		if value = strings.TrimSpace(value); value != "" {
+			values = append(values, value)
+		}
+	}
+	sort.Strings(values)
+	return values
+}
+func sameStrings(left, right []string) bool {
+	left, right = append([]string(nil), left...), append([]string(nil), right...)
+	sort.Strings(left)
+	sort.Strings(right)
+	return strings.Join(left, "\x00") == strings.Join(right, "\x00")
+}
diff --git a/tools/thothctl/internal/pi/update_test.go b/tools/thothctl/internal/pi/update_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..5ed917bd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tools/thothctl/internal/pi/update_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,256 @@
+package pi
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+	"io"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/aritmolab/thothii/tools/thothctl/internal/compose"
+)
+
+func TestUpdateBuildsPinnedVersionRecreatesOnlyCoreAndPersistsRecoveryState(t *testing.T) {
+	fake := newFakeRunner()
+	dir := t.TempDir()
+	result, err := Update(context.Background(), fake, Request{
+		StatePath: filepath.Join(dir, ".thothctl", "update-state.json"),
+		Version:   "0.81.0",
+		Source:    BuildSource,
+		Confirm:   true,
+	})
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Update() error = %v", err)
+	}
+	if result.Phase != PhaseVerified {
+		t.Fatalf("phase = %q, want %q", result.Phase, PhaseVerified)
+	}
+	assertCalled(t, fake.calls, "compose build --pull --build-arg PI_VERSION=0.81.0 core")
+	assertCalled(t, fake.calls, "compose up --detach --no-deps --force-recreate core")
+	assertNotCalled(t, fake.calls, "frontend")
+	if got := string(readStateBytes(t, result.StatePath)); strings.Contains(got, "secret") || !strings.Contains(got, `"phase": "verified"`) {
+		t.Fatalf("state = %q, want credential-free verified metadata", got)
+	}
+	if got := string(readStateBytes(t, result.StatePath)); strings.Contains(got, "llm.example.invalid") {
+		t.Fatalf("state = %q, want an endpoint-free configuration digest", got)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestUpdatePullsOnlyDigestPinnedSource(t *testing.T) {
+	fake := newFakeRunner()
+	digest := "registry.example.invalid/thothii-core@sha256:aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa"
+	_, err := Update(context.Background(), fake, Request{StatePath: filepath.Join(t.TempDir(), "state.json"), Version: "0.81.0", Source: PullSource, Image: digest, Confirm: true})
+	if err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("Update() error = nil, want Pi version verification failure from unchanged fake image")
+	}
+	assertCalled(t, fake.calls, "pull "+digest)
+	assertCalled(t, fake.calls, "image tag "+digest+" thothii-core:local")
+
+	fake = newFakeRunner()
+	_, err = Update(context.Background(), fake, Request{StatePath: filepath.Join(t.TempDir(), "state.json"), Version: "0.81.0", Source: PullSource, Image: "registry.example.invalid/thothii-core:latest", Confirm: true})
+	if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "immutable sha256 digest") {
+		t.Fatalf("Update() error = %v, want digest-pinning rejection", err)
+	}
+	assertNotCalled(t, fake.calls, "compose")
+}
+
+func TestUpdateIsNoOpWhenDesiredVersionAlreadyRuns(t *testing.T) {
+	fake := newFakeRunner()
+	fake.version = "0.80.3"
+	result, err := Update(context.Background(), fake, Request{StatePath: filepath.Join(t.TempDir(), "state.json"), Version: "0.80.3", Source: BuildSource, Confirm: true})
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Update() error = %v", err)
+	}
+	if result.Phase != PhaseNoop {
+		t.Fatalf("phase = %q, want %q", result.Phase, PhaseNoop)
+	}
+	assertNotCalled(t, fake.calls, "compose build")
+}
+
+func TestUpdateRollsBackAfterPostRecreateFailures(t *testing.T) {
+	for _, failure := range []string{"health", "version", "smoke"} {
+		t.Run(failure, func(t *testing.T) {
+			fake := newFakeRunner()
+			fake.fail = failure
+			statePath := filepath.Join(t.TempDir(), "state.json")
+			result, err := Update(context.Background(), fake, Request{StatePath: statePath, Version: "0.81.0", Source: BuildSource, Confirm: true})
+			if err == nil {
+				t.Fatal("Update() error = nil, want verification failure")
+			}
+			if result.Phase != PhaseRolledBack {
+				t.Fatalf("phase = %q, want %q", result.Phase, PhaseRolledBack)
+			}
+			assertCalled(t, fake.calls, "image tag sha256:old thothii-core:local")
+			assertCalled(t, fake.calls, "compose up --detach --no-deps --force-recreate core")
+			if strings.Join(fake.volumes, ",") != "settings,pi-state,sessions,workspace-registry" {
+				t.Fatalf("volumes changed: %v", fake.volumes)
+			}
+			if got := string(readStateBytes(t, statePath)); !strings.Contains(got, `"phase": "rolled_back"`) {
+				t.Fatalf("state = %q, want rollback metadata", got)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+func TestUpdateDoesNotRecreateWhenPreflightOrBuildFails(t *testing.T) {
+	for _, failure := range []string{"preflight", "build"} {
+		t.Run(failure, func(t *testing.T) {
+			fake := newFakeRunner()
+			fake.fail = failure
+			result, err := Update(context.Background(), fake, Request{StatePath: filepath.Join(t.TempDir(), "state.json"), Version: "0.81.0", Source: BuildSource, Confirm: true})
+			if err == nil {
+				t.Fatal("Update() error = nil, want failure")
+			}
+			if result.Phase == PhaseRolledBack {
+				t.Fatalf("pre-recreate failure unexpectedly rolled back: %+v", result)
+			}
+			assertNotCalled(t, fake.calls, "force-recreate")
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+func TestUpdateRequiresConfirmationAndDrainsActiveSessions(t *testing.T) {
+	fake := newFakeRunner()
+	_, err := Update(context.Background(), fake, Request{StatePath: filepath.Join(t.TempDir(), "state.json"), Version: "0.81.0", Source: BuildSource})
+	if !errors.Is(err, ErrConfirmationRequired) {
+		t.Fatalf("Update() error = %v, want confirmation error", err)
+	}
+	assertNotCalled(t, fake.calls, "compose")
+
+	fake = newFakeRunner()
+	fake.activeSessions = true
+	_, err = Update(context.Background(), fake, Request{StatePath: filepath.Join(t.TempDir(), "state.json"), Version: "0.81.0", Source: BuildSource, Confirm: true})
+	if !errors.Is(err, ErrActiveSessions) {
+		t.Fatalf("Update() error = %v, want active-sessions error", err)
+	}
+
+	fake = newFakeRunner()
+	fake.activeSessions = true
+	_, err = Update(context.Background(), fake, Request{StatePath: filepath.Join(t.TempDir(), "state.json"), Version: "0.81.0", Source: BuildSource, Confirm: true, Drain: true})
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Update() with drain error = %v", err)
+	}
+	assertCalled(t, fake.calls, "compose exec -T core tht session list --json")
+}
+
+func TestRollbackRestoresInterruptedOrPreviouslyRecordedState(t *testing.T) {
+	fake := newFakeRunner()
+	statePath := filepath.Join(t.TempDir(), "state.json")
+	writeStateForTest(t, statePath, State{Version: 1, Phase: PhaseRecreated, Previous: Image{ID: "sha256:old", Reference: "thothii-core:local", Volumes: []string{"settings", "pi-state", "sessions", "workspace-registry"}}})
+	result, err := Rollback(context.Background(), fake, statePath, true)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Rollback() error = %v", err)
+	}
+	if result.Phase != PhaseRolledBack {
+		t.Fatalf("phase = %q, want %q", result.Phase, PhaseRolledBack)
+	}
+	assertCalled(t, fake.calls, "image tag sha256:old thothii-core:local")
+	assertCalled(t, fake.calls, "compose up --detach --no-deps --force-recreate core")
+}
+
+func TestUpdateRefusesToOverwriteInterruptedRecoveryState(t *testing.T) {
+	fake := newFakeRunner()
+	statePath := filepath.Join(t.TempDir(), "state.json")
+	writeStateForTest(t, statePath, State{Phase: PhaseRecreated, Previous: Image{ID: "sha256:old", Reference: "thothii-core:local", Volumes: []string{"settings"}}})
+	_, err := Update(context.Background(), fake, Request{StatePath: statePath, Version: "0.81.0", Source: BuildSource, Confirm: true})
+	if !errors.Is(err, ErrInterruptedUpdate) {
+		t.Fatalf("Update() error = %v, want interrupted update error", err)
+	}
+	assertNotCalled(t, fake.calls, "compose")
+}
+
+type fakeRunner struct {
+	calls          []string
+	fail           string
+	version        string
+	activeSessions bool
+	built          bool
+	volumes        []string
+}
+
+func newFakeRunner() *fakeRunner {
+	return &fakeRunner{version: "0.80.3", volumes: []string{"settings", "pi-state", "sessions", "workspace-registry"}}
+}
+
+func (f *fakeRunner) Run(_ context.Context, args []string, _ io.Reader) (compose.Result, error) {
+	call := strings.Join(args, " ")
+	f.calls = append(f.calls, call)
+	if f.fail == "preflight" && strings.Contains(call, "config --format json") {
+		return compose.Result{ExitCode: 1}, errors.New("provider token=secret")
+	}
+	if f.fail == "build" && strings.Contains(call, "compose build") {
+		return compose.Result{ExitCode: 1}, errors.New("build token=secret")
+	}
+	if f.fail == "health" && f.built && strings.Contains(call, "curl -fsS http://127.0.0.1:8787/health") {
+		return compose.Result{ExitCode: 1}, errors.New("health token=secret")
+	}
+	if f.fail == "version" && f.built && strings.Contains(call, "pi --version") && strings.Contains(call, "exec") {
+		return compose.Result{ExitCode: 1}, errors.New("version token=secret")
+	}
+	if f.fail == "smoke" && strings.Contains(call, "curl -fsS http://127.0.0.1:8787/models") {
+		return compose.Result{ExitCode: 1}, errors.New("smoke token=secret")
+	}
+	switch {
+	case strings.Contains(call, "config --format json"):
+		return compose.Result{Stdout: `{"services":{"core":{"image":"thothii-core:local","environment":{"THT_LLM_URL":"https://llm.example.invalid"}}}}`}, nil
+	case strings.Contains(call, "ps -q core"):
+		return compose.Result{Stdout: "core-container\n"}, nil
+	case strings.Contains(call, "inspect --format {{.Image}}"):
+		return compose.Result{Stdout: "sha256:old\n"}, nil
+	case strings.Contains(call, "inspect --format {{range .Mounts}}"):
+		return compose.Result{Stdout: strings.Join(f.volumes, "\n") + "\n"}, nil
+	case strings.Contains(call, "tht session list --json"):
+		if f.activeSessions {
+			f.activeSessions = false
+			return compose.Result{Stdout: `[{"status":"open","archived":false}]`}, nil
+		}
+		return compose.Result{Stdout: "[]"}, nil
+	case strings.Contains(call, "compose build"):
+		f.built = true
+		f.version = "0.81.0"
+		return compose.Result{}, nil
+	case strings.Contains(call, "pi --version"):
+		return compose.Result{Stdout: f.version + "\n"}, nil
+	case strings.Contains(call, "/models"):
+		return compose.Result{Stdout: `{"models":[{"id":"model","provider":"provider"}]}`}, nil
+	case strings.Contains(call, "/settings"):
+		return compose.Result{Stdout: `{"provider":"provider","model":"model","thinking":"medium"}`}, nil
+	case strings.Contains(call, "/health"):
+		return compose.Result{Stdout: `{"status":"ok"}`}, nil
+	}
+	return compose.Result{}, nil
+}
+
+func assertCalled(t *testing.T, calls []string, want string) {
+	t.Helper()
+	for _, call := range calls {
+		if strings.Contains(call, want) {
+			return
+		}
+	}
+	t.Fatalf("calls %v did not include %q", calls, want)
+}
+func assertNotCalled(t *testing.T, calls []string, prohibited string) {
+	t.Helper()
+	for _, call := range calls {
+		if strings.Contains(call, prohibited) {
+			t.Fatalf("calls %v unexpectedly included %q", calls, prohibited)
+		}
+	}
+}
+func readStateBytes(t *testing.T, path string) []byte {
+	t.Helper()
+	contents, err := os.ReadFile(path)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	return contents
+}
+func writeStateForTest(t *testing.T, path string, state State) {
+	t.Helper()
+	if err := writeState(path, state); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+}