diff --git a/review/SKILL.md b/review/SKILL.md
index d43064512..c2e05ded6 100644
--- a/review/SKILL.md
+++ b/review/SKILL.md
@@ -666,7 +666,7 @@ Sanitize every query before it leaves the machine: strip hostnames, IPs, file pa
 
 ## Step 4: Critical pass (core review)
 
-> **STOP.** Before any probe, including plan checks, complete the ordered scope/method Reads below. Templates cannot replace them.
+> **STOP.** Before any probe, including plan checks, complete the ordered scope/method Reads below and await them. Templates cannot replace them.
 Step 4 is read-only: defer charters, setup and probes to Step 4.7.
 
 From the installed /review SKILL.md's directory, choose one path:
diff --git a/scripts/resolvers/qa.ts b/scripts/resolvers/qa.ts
index ff8816c3c..b16accf36 100644
--- a/scripts/resolvers/qa.ts
+++ b/scripts/resolvers/qa.ts
@@ -225,7 +225,7 @@ ${setup ? 'Read `sections/browser-setup.md` in full unless already completed;\n'
 
 export function generateQAReviewPreflight(ctx: TemplateContext): string {
   sectionPath(ctx, 'qa', 'exploratory');
-  return `> **STOP.** Before any probe, including plan checks, complete the ordered scope/method Reads below. Templates cannot replace them.
+  return `> **STOP.** Before any probe, including plan checks, complete the ordered scope/method Reads below and await them. Templates cannot replace them.
 ${ctx.skillName === 'review' ? 'Step 4 is read-only: defer charters, setup and probes to Step 4.7.\n' : ''}
 {{QA_RESOURCE:exploratory}}
 
diff --git a/ship/sections/review-army.md b/ship/sections/review-army.md
index 2c749d39b..dbf0dd014 100644
--- a/ship/sections/review-army.md
+++ b/ship/sections/review-army.md
@@ -487,7 +487,7 @@ Never overwrite another run's reports. Batch only independent Reads.
 
 **1. Load methods before any QA or explicit-verification probe.**
 
-> **STOP.** Before any probe, including plan checks, complete the ordered scope/method Reads below. Templates cannot replace them.
+> **STOP.** Before any probe, including plan checks, complete the ordered scope/method Reads below and await them. Templates cannot replace them.
 
 From the installed /ship SKILL.md's directory, Read `../qa/sections/exploratory.md` in full. If the caller directory is prefixed `gstack-ship`, use `../gstack-qa/sections/exploratory.md` instead. Use this host's installation, never the product tree. If missing or unreadable, report a QA setup blocker and its affected probes as blocked; continue other safe probes (independent functional/static checks). Missing/unreadable assets block required QA.
 
diff --git a/test/fixtures/golden/codex-ship-SKILL.md b/test/fixtures/golden/codex-ship-SKILL.md
index 69d65ce74..1bd69570a 100644
--- a/test/fixtures/golden/codex-ship-SKILL.md
+++ b/test/fixtures/golden/codex-ship-SKILL.md
@@ -2090,7 +2090,7 @@ Never overwrite another run's reports. Batch only independent Reads.
 
 **1. Load methods before any QA or explicit-verification probe.**
 
-> **STOP.** Before any probe, including plan checks, complete the ordered scope/method Reads below. Templates cannot replace them.
+> **STOP.** Before any probe, including plan checks, complete the ordered scope/method Reads below and await them. Templates cannot replace them.
 
 From the installed /ship SKILL.md's directory, Read `../gstack-qa/sections/exploratory.md` in full. Use this host's installation, never the product tree. If missing or unreadable, report a QA setup blocker and its affected probes as blocked; continue other safe probes (independent functional/static checks). Missing/unreadable assets block required QA.
 
diff --git a/test/fixtures/golden/factory-ship-SKILL.md b/test/fixtures/golden/factory-ship-SKILL.md
index c882d1736..964281625 100644
--- a/test/fixtures/golden/factory-ship-SKILL.md
+++ b/test/fixtures/golden/factory-ship-SKILL.md
@@ -2347,7 +2347,7 @@ Never overwrite another run's reports. Batch only independent Reads.
 
 **1. Load methods before any QA or explicit-verification probe.**
 
-> **STOP.** Before any probe, including plan checks, complete the ordered scope/method Reads below. Templates cannot replace them.
+> **STOP.** Before any probe, including plan checks, complete the ordered scope/method Reads below and await them. Templates cannot replace them.
 
 From the installed /ship SKILL.md's directory, Read `../gstack-qa/sections/exploratory.md` in full. Use this host's installation, never the product tree. If missing or unreadable, report a QA setup blocker and its affected probes as blocked; continue other safe probes (independent functional/static checks). Missing/unreadable assets block required QA.