diff --git a/agent/auxiliary_client.py b/agent/auxiliary_client.py
index d008361b5a5..3142e4894ab 100644
--- a/agent/auxiliary_client.py
+++ b/agent/auxiliary_client.py
@@ -39,6 +39,7 @@ custom OpenAI-compatible endpoint without touching the main model settings.
 import json
 import logging
 import os
+import threading
 from pathlib import Path
 from types import SimpleNamespace
 from typing import Any, Dict, List, Optional, Tuple
@@ -1171,6 +1172,7 @@ def auxiliary_max_tokens_param(value: int) -> dict:
 
 # Client cache: (provider, async_mode, base_url, api_key) -> (client, default_model)
 _client_cache: Dict[tuple, tuple] = {}
+_client_cache_lock = threading.Lock()
 
 
 def _get_cached_client(
@@ -1182,9 +1184,11 @@ def _get_cached_client(
 ) -> Tuple[Optional[Any], Optional[str]]:
     """Get or create a cached client for the given provider."""
     cache_key = (provider, async_mode, base_url or "", api_key or "")
-    if cache_key in _client_cache:
-        cached_client, cached_default = _client_cache[cache_key]
-        return cached_client, model or cached_default
+    with _client_cache_lock:
+        if cache_key in _client_cache:
+            cached_client, cached_default = _client_cache[cache_key]
+            return cached_client, model or cached_default
+    # Build outside the lock
     client, default_model = resolve_provider_client(
         provider,
         model,
@@ -1193,7 +1197,11 @@ def _get_cached_client(
         explicit_api_key=api_key,
     )
     if client is not None:
-        _client_cache[cache_key] = (client, default_model)
+        with _client_cache_lock:
+            if cache_key not in _client_cache:
+                _client_cache[cache_key] = (client, default_model)
+            else:
+                client, default_model = _client_cache[cache_key]
     return client, model or default_model
 
 
diff --git a/agent/model_metadata.py b/agent/model_metadata.py
index ae7abb5621d..2f9ea666ca3 100644
--- a/agent/model_metadata.py
+++ b/agent/model_metadata.py
@@ -116,6 +116,14 @@ DEFAULT_CONTEXT_LENGTHS = {
     "kimi-k2": 262144,
     "qwen3-coder": 32768,
     "big-pickle": 128000,
+    # Alibaba Cloud / DashScope Qwen models
+    "qwen3.5-plus": 131072,
+    "qwen3-max": 131072,
+    "qwen3-coder-plus": 131072,
+    "qwen3-coder-next": 131072,
+    "qwen-plus-latest": 131072,
+    "qwen3.5-flash": 131072,
+    "qwen-vl-max": 32768,
 }
 
 
diff --git a/cli.py b/cli.py
index fb44790832b..2b0c4ad82c7 100755
--- a/cli.py
+++ b/cli.py
@@ -214,6 +214,7 @@ def load_cli_config() -> Dict[str, Any]:
             "streaming": False,
             "show_cost": False,
             "skin": "default",
+            "theme_mode": "auto",
         },
         "clarify": {
             "timeout": 120,  # Seconds to wait for a clarify answer before auto-proceeding
@@ -3651,8 +3652,17 @@ class HermesCLI:
                             self.console.print(f"[bold red]Quick command error: {e}[/]")
                     else:
                         self.console.print(f"[bold red]Quick command '{base_cmd}' has no command defined[/]")
+                elif qcmd.get("type") == "alias":
+                    target = qcmd.get("target", "").strip()
+                    if target:
+                        target = target if target.startswith("/") else f"/{target}"
+                        user_args = cmd_original[len(base_cmd):].strip()
+                        aliased_command = f"{target} {user_args}".strip()
+                        return self.process_command(aliased_command)
+                    else:
+                        self.console.print(f"[bold red]Quick command '{base_cmd}' has no target defined[/]")
                 else:
-                    self.console.print(f"[bold red]Quick command '{base_cmd}' has unsupported type (only 'exec' is supported)[/]")
+                    self.console.print(f"[bold red]Quick command '{base_cmd}' has unsupported type (supported: 'exec', 'alias')[/]")
             # Check for skill slash commands (/gif-search, /axolotl, etc.)
             elif base_cmd in _skill_commands:
                 user_instruction = cmd_original[len(base_cmd):].strip()
diff --git a/gateway/platforms/telegram.py b/gateway/platforms/telegram.py
index b4ef75f8ec8..978c800f36f 100644
--- a/gateway/platforms/telegram.py
+++ b/gateway/platforms/telegram.py
@@ -118,6 +118,11 @@ class TelegramAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         self._pending_photo_batch_tasks: Dict[str, asyncio.Task] = {}
         self._media_group_events: Dict[str, MessageEvent] = {}
         self._media_group_tasks: Dict[str, asyncio.Task] = {}
+        # Buffer rapid text messages so Telegram client-side splits of long
+        # messages are aggregated into a single MessageEvent.
+        self._text_batch_delay_seconds = float(os.getenv("HERMES_TELEGRAM_TEXT_BATCH_DELAY_SECONDS", "0.6"))
+        self._pending_text_batches: Dict[str, MessageEvent] = {}
+        self._pending_text_batch_tasks: Dict[str, asyncio.Task] = {}
         self._token_lock_identity: Optional[str] = None
         self._polling_error_task: Optional[asyncio.Task] = None
 
@@ -795,12 +800,17 @@ class TelegramAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         return text
     
     async def _handle_text_message(self, update: Update, context: ContextTypes.DEFAULT_TYPE) -> None:
-        """Handle incoming text messages."""
+        """Handle incoming text messages.
+
+        Telegram clients split long messages into multiple updates.  Buffer
+        rapid successive text messages from the same user/chat and aggregate
+        them into a single MessageEvent before dispatching.
+        """
         if not update.message or not update.message.text:
             return
-        
+
         event = self._build_message_event(update.message, MessageType.TEXT)
-        await self.handle_message(event)
+        self._enqueue_text_event(event)
     
     async def _handle_command(self, update: Update, context: ContextTypes.DEFAULT_TYPE) -> None:
         """Handle incoming command messages."""
@@ -845,6 +855,68 @@ class TelegramAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         event.text = "\n".join(parts)
         await self.handle_message(event)
 
+    # ------------------------------------------------------------------
+    # Text message aggregation (handles Telegram client-side splits)
+    # ------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+    def _text_batch_key(self, event: MessageEvent) -> str:
+        """Session-scoped key for text message batching."""
+        from gateway.session import build_session_key
+        return build_session_key(
+            event.source,
+            group_sessions_per_user=self.config.extra.get("group_sessions_per_user", True),
+        )
+
+    def _enqueue_text_event(self, event: MessageEvent) -> None:
+        """Buffer a text event and reset the flush timer.
+
+        When Telegram splits a long user message into multiple updates,
+        they arrive within a few hundred milliseconds.  This method
+        concatenates them and waits for a short quiet period before
+        dispatching the combined message.
+        """
+        key = self._text_batch_key(event)
+        existing = self._pending_text_batches.get(key)
+        if existing is None:
+            self._pending_text_batches[key] = event
+        else:
+            # Append text from the follow-up chunk
+            if event.text:
+                existing.text = f"{existing.text}\n{event.text}" if existing.text else event.text
+            # Merge any media that might be attached
+            if event.media_urls:
+                existing.media_urls.extend(event.media_urls)
+                existing.media_types.extend(event.media_types)
+
+        # Cancel any pending flush and restart the timer
+        prior_task = self._pending_text_batch_tasks.get(key)
+        if prior_task and not prior_task.done():
+            prior_task.cancel()
+        self._pending_text_batch_tasks[key] = asyncio.create_task(
+            self._flush_text_batch(key)
+        )
+
+    async def _flush_text_batch(self, key: str) -> None:
+        """Wait for the quiet period then dispatch the aggregated text."""
+        current_task = asyncio.current_task()
+        try:
+            await asyncio.sleep(self._text_batch_delay_seconds)
+            event = self._pending_text_batches.pop(key, None)
+            if not event:
+                return
+            logger.info(
+                "[Telegram] Flushing text batch %s (%d chars)",
+                key, len(event.text or ""),
+            )
+            await self.handle_message(event)
+        finally:
+            if self._pending_text_batch_tasks.get(key) is current_task:
+                self._pending_text_batch_tasks.pop(key, None)
+
+    # ------------------------------------------------------------------
+    # Photo batching
+    # ------------------------------------------------------------------
+
     def _photo_batch_key(self, event: MessageEvent, msg: Message) -> str:
         """Return a batching key for Telegram photos/albums."""
         from gateway.session import build_session_key
diff --git a/gateway/run.py b/gateway/run.py
index f1e1be68ac7..7856e6a03b0 100644
--- a/gateway/run.py
+++ b/gateway/run.py
@@ -1421,8 +1421,19 @@ class GatewayRunner:
                             return f"Quick command error: {e}"
                     else:
                         return f"Quick command '/{command}' has no command defined."
+                elif qcmd.get("type") == "alias":
+                    target = qcmd.get("target", "").strip()
+                    if target:
+                        target = target if target.startswith("/") else f"/{target}"
+                        target_command = target.lstrip("/")
+                        user_args = event.get_command_args().strip()
+                        event.text = f"{target} {user_args}".strip()
+                        command = target_command
+                        # Fall through to normal command dispatch below
+                    else:
+                        return f"Quick command '/{command}' has no target defined."
                 else:
-                    return f"Quick command '/{command}' has unsupported type (only 'exec' is supported)."
+                    return f"Quick command '/{command}' has unsupported type (supported: 'exec', 'alias')."
 
         # Skill slash commands: /skill-name loads the skill and sends to agent
         if command:
diff --git a/hermes_cli/auth.py b/hermes_cli/auth.py
index d30dc5b34ad..54573acf180 100644
--- a/hermes_cli/auth.py
+++ b/hermes_cli/auth.py
@@ -139,6 +139,14 @@ PROVIDER_REGISTRY: Dict[str, ProviderConfig] = {
         inference_base_url="https://api.anthropic.com",
         api_key_env_vars=("ANTHROPIC_API_KEY", "ANTHROPIC_TOKEN", "CLAUDE_CODE_OAUTH_TOKEN"),
     ),
+    "alibaba": ProviderConfig(
+        id="alibaba",
+        name="Alibaba Cloud (DashScope)",
+        auth_type="api_key",
+        inference_base_url="https://dashscope-intl.aliyuncs.com/apps/anthropic",
+        api_key_env_vars=("DASHSCOPE_API_KEY",),
+        base_url_env_var="DASHSCOPE_BASE_URL",
+    ),
     "minimax-cn": ProviderConfig(
         id="minimax-cn",
         name="MiniMax (China)",
diff --git a/hermes_cli/colors.py b/hermes_cli/colors.py
index d30f99c62d1..415db159116 100644
--- a/hermes_cli/colors.py
+++ b/hermes_cli/colors.py
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 """Shared ANSI color utilities for Hermes CLI modules."""
 
+import os
 import sys
 
 
@@ -20,3 +21,123 @@ def color(text: str, *codes) -> str:
     if not sys.stdout.isatty():
         return text
     return "".join(codes) + text + Colors.RESET
+
+
+# =============================================================================
+# Terminal background detection (light vs dark)
+# =============================================================================
+
+
+def _detect_via_colorfgbg() -> str:
+    """Check the COLORFGBG environment variable.
+
+    Some terminals (rxvt, xterm, iTerm2) set COLORFGBG to ``<fg>;<bg>``
+    where bg >= 8 usually means a dark background.
+    Returns "light", "dark", or "unknown".
+    """
+    val = os.environ.get("COLORFGBG", "")
+    if not val:
+        return "unknown"
+    parts = val.split(";")
+    try:
+        bg = int(parts[-1])
+    except (ValueError, IndexError):
+        return "unknown"
+    # Standard terminal colors 0-6 are dark, 7+ are light.
+    # bg < 7 → dark background; bg >= 7 → light background.
+    if bg >= 7:
+        return "light"
+    return "dark"
+
+
+def _detect_via_macos_appearance() -> str:
+    """Check macOS AppleInterfaceStyle via ``defaults read``.
+
+    Returns "light", "dark", or "unknown".
+    """
+    if sys.platform != "darwin":
+        return "unknown"
+    try:
+        import subprocess
+        result = subprocess.run(
+            ["defaults", "read", "-g", "AppleInterfaceStyle"],
+            capture_output=True, text=True, timeout=2,
+        )
+        if result.returncode == 0 and "dark" in result.stdout.lower():
+            return "dark"
+        # If the key doesn't exist, macOS is in light mode.
+        return "light"
+    except Exception:
+        return "unknown"
+
+
+def _detect_via_osc11() -> str:
+    """Query the terminal background colour via the OSC 11 escape sequence.
+
+    Writes ``\\e]11;?\\a`` and reads the response to determine luminance.
+    Only works when stdin/stdout are connected to a real TTY (not piped).
+    Returns "light", "dark", or "unknown".
+    """
+    if sys.platform == "win32":
+        return "unknown"
+    if not (sys.stdin.isatty() and sys.stdout.isatty()):
+        return "unknown"
+    try:
+        import select
+        import termios
+        import tty
+
+        fd = sys.stdin.fileno()
+        old_attrs = termios.tcgetattr(fd)
+        try:
+            tty.setraw(fd)
+            # Send OSC 11 query
+            sys.stdout.write("\x1b]11;?\x07")
+            sys.stdout.flush()
+            # Wait briefly for response
+            if not select.select([fd], [], [], 0.1)[0]:
+                return "unknown"
+            response = b""
+            while select.select([fd], [], [], 0.05)[0]:
+                response += os.read(fd, 128)
+        finally:
+            termios.tcsetattr(fd, termios.TCSADRAIN, old_attrs)
+
+        # Parse response: \x1b]11;rgb:RRRR/GGGG/BBBB\x07  (or \x1b\\)
+        text = response.decode("latin-1", errors="replace")
+        if "rgb:" not in text:
+            return "unknown"
+        rgb_part = text.split("rgb:")[-1].split("\x07")[0].split("\x1b")[0]
+        channels = rgb_part.split("/")
+        if len(channels) < 3:
+            return "unknown"
+        # Each channel is 2 or 4 hex digits; normalise to 0-255
+        vals = []
+        for ch in channels[:3]:
+            ch = ch.strip()
+            if len(ch) <= 2:
+                vals.append(int(ch, 16))
+            else:
+                vals.append(int(ch[:2], 16))  # take high byte
+        # Perceived luminance (ITU-R BT.601)
+        luminance = 0.299 * vals[0] + 0.587 * vals[1] + 0.114 * vals[2]
+        return "light" if luminance > 128 else "dark"
+    except Exception:
+        return "unknown"
+
+
+def detect_terminal_background() -> str:
+    """Detect whether the terminal has a light or dark background.
+
+    Tries three strategies in order:
+    1. COLORFGBG environment variable
+    2. macOS appearance setting
+    3. OSC 11 escape sequence query
+
+    Returns "light", "dark", or "unknown" if detection fails.
+    """
+    for detector in (_detect_via_colorfgbg, _detect_via_macos_appearance, _detect_via_osc11):
+        result = detector()
+        if result != "unknown":
+            return result
+    return "unknown"
diff --git a/hermes_cli/config.py b/hermes_cli/config.py
index 85054350fc3..62d8a19a773 100644
--- a/hermes_cli/config.py
+++ b/hermes_cli/config.py
@@ -233,6 +233,7 @@ DEFAULT_CONFIG = {
         "streaming": False,
         "show_cost": False,       # Show $ cost in the status bar (off by default)
         "skin": "default",
+        "theme_mode": "auto",
     },
 
     # Privacy settings
@@ -492,6 +493,21 @@ OPTIONAL_ENV_VARS = {
         "password": False,
         "category": "provider",
     },
+    "DASHSCOPE_API_KEY": {
+        "description": "Alibaba Cloud DashScope API key for Qwen models",
+        "prompt": "DashScope API Key",
+        "url": "https://modelstudio.console.alibabacloud.com/",
+        "password": True,
+        "category": "provider",
+    },
+    "DASHSCOPE_BASE_URL": {
+        "description": "Custom DashScope base URL (default: international endpoint)",
+        "prompt": "DashScope Base URL",
+        "url": "",
+        "password": False,
+        "category": "provider",
+        "advanced": True,
+    },
     "OPENCODE_ZEN_API_KEY": {
         "description": "OpenCode Zen API key (pay-as-you-go access to curated models)",
         "prompt": "OpenCode Zen API key",
diff --git a/hermes_cli/models.py b/hermes_cli/models.py
index 5701641e089..25c9eea54df 100644
--- a/hermes_cli/models.py
+++ b/hermes_cli/models.py
@@ -146,6 +146,15 @@ _PROVIDER_MODELS: dict[str, list[str]] = {
         "google/gemini-3-pro-preview",
         "google/gemini-3-flash-preview",
     ],
+    "alibaba": [
+        "qwen3.5-plus",
+        "qwen3-max",
+        "qwen3-coder-plus",
+        "qwen3-coder-next",
+        "qwen-plus-latest",
+        "qwen3.5-flash",
+        "qwen-vl-max",
+    ],
 }
 
 _PROVIDER_LABELS = {
@@ -162,6 +171,7 @@ _PROVIDER_LABELS = {
     "opencode-go": "OpenCode Go",
     "ai-gateway": "AI Gateway",
     "kilocode": "Kilo Code",
+    "alibaba": "Alibaba Cloud (DashScope)",
     "custom": "Custom endpoint",
 }
 
@@ -187,6 +197,10 @@ _PROVIDER_ALIASES = {
     "kilo": "kilocode",
     "kilo-code": "kilocode",
     "kilo-gateway": "kilocode",
+    "dashscope": "alibaba",
+    "aliyun": "alibaba",
+    "qwen": "alibaba",
+    "alibaba-cloud": "alibaba",
 }
 
 
@@ -220,7 +234,7 @@ def list_available_providers() -> list[dict[str, str]]:
     # Canonical providers in display order
     _PROVIDER_ORDER = [
         "openrouter", "nous", "openai-codex",
-        "zai", "kimi-coding", "minimax", "minimax-cn", "kilocode", "anthropic",
+        "zai", "kimi-coding", "minimax", "minimax-cn", "kilocode", "anthropic", "alibaba",
         "opencode-zen", "opencode-go",
         "ai-gateway", "deepseek", "custom",
     ]
diff --git a/hermes_cli/runtime_provider.py b/hermes_cli/runtime_provider.py
index 148e30bfbc3..34ae43be8f7 100644
--- a/hermes_cli/runtime_provider.py
+++ b/hermes_cli/runtime_provider.py
@@ -285,6 +285,19 @@ def resolve_runtime_provider(
             "requested_provider": requested_provider,
         }
 
+    # Alibaba Cloud / DashScope (Anthropic-compatible endpoint)
+    if provider == "alibaba":
+        creds = resolve_api_key_provider_credentials(provider)
+        base_url = creds.get("base_url", "").rstrip("/") or "https://dashscope-intl.aliyuncs.com/apps/anthropic"
+        return {
+            "provider": "alibaba",
+            "api_mode": "anthropic_messages",
+            "base_url": base_url,
+            "api_key": creds.get("api_key", ""),
+            "source": creds.get("source", "env"),
+            "requested_provider": requested_provider,
+        }
+
     # API-key providers (z.ai/GLM, Kimi, MiniMax, MiniMax-CN)
     pconfig = PROVIDER_REGISTRY.get(provider)
     if pconfig and pconfig.auth_type == "api_key":
diff --git a/hermes_cli/skin_engine.py b/hermes_cli/skin_engine.py
index 980ed8b1fbc..7ef0ad4c7e4 100644
--- a/hermes_cli/skin_engine.py
+++ b/hermes_cli/skin_engine.py
@@ -114,6 +114,7 @@ class SkinConfig:
     name: str
     description: str = ""
     colors: Dict[str, str] = field(default_factory=dict)
+    colors_light: Dict[str, str] = field(default_factory=dict)
     spinner: Dict[str, Any] = field(default_factory=dict)
     branding: Dict[str, str] = field(default_factory=dict)
     tool_prefix: str = "┊"
@@ -122,7 +123,12 @@ class SkinConfig:
     banner_hero: str = ""    # Rich-markup hero art (replaces HERMES_CADUCEUS)
 
     def get_color(self, key: str, fallback: str = "") -> str:
-        """Get a color value with fallback."""
+        """Get a color value with fallback.
+
+        In light theme mode, returns the light override if available.
+        """
+        if get_theme_mode() == "light" and key in self.colors_light:
+            return self.colors_light[key]
         return self.colors.get(key, fallback)
 
     def get_spinner_list(self, key: str) -> List[str]:
@@ -168,6 +174,21 @@ _BUILTIN_SKINS: Dict[str, Dict[str, Any]] = {
             "session_label": "#DAA520",
             "session_border": "#8B8682",
         },
+        "colors_light": {
+            "banner_border": "#7A5A00",
+            "banner_title": "#6B4C00",
+            "banner_accent": "#7A5500",
+            "banner_dim": "#8B7355",
+            "banner_text": "#3D2B00",
+            "prompt": "#3D2B00",
+            "ui_accent": "#7A5500",
+            "ui_label": "#01579B",
+            "ui_ok": "#1B5E20",
+            "input_rule": "#7A5A00",
+            "response_border": "#6B4C00",
+            "session_label": "#5C4300",
+            "session_border": "#8B7355",
+        },
         "spinner": {
             # Empty = use hardcoded defaults in display.py
         },
@@ -201,6 +222,21 @@ _BUILTIN_SKINS: Dict[str, Dict[str, Any]] = {
             "session_label": "#C7A96B",
             "session_border": "#6E584B",
         },
+        "colors_light": {
+            "banner_border": "#6B1010",
+            "banner_title": "#5C4300",
+            "banner_accent": "#8B1A1A",
+            "banner_dim": "#5C4030",
+            "banner_text": "#3A1800",
+            "prompt": "#3A1800",
+            "ui_accent": "#8B1A1A",
+            "ui_label": "#5C4300",
+            "ui_ok": "#1B5E20",
+            "input_rule": "#6B1010",
+            "response_border": "#7A1515",
+            "session_label": "#5C4300",
+            "session_border": "#5C4A3A",
+        },
         "spinner": {
             "waiting_faces": ["(⚔)", "(⛨)", "(▲)", "(<>)", "(/)"],
             "thinking_faces": ["(⚔)", "(⛨)", "(▲)", "(⌁)", "(<>)"],
@@ -265,6 +301,22 @@ _BUILTIN_SKINS: Dict[str, Dict[str, Any]] = {
             "session_label": "#888888",
             "session_border": "#555555",
         },
+        "colors_light": {
+            "banner_border": "#333333",
+            "banner_title": "#222222",
+            "banner_accent": "#333333",
+            "banner_dim": "#555555",
+            "banner_text": "#333333",
+            "prompt": "#222222",
+            "ui_accent": "#333333",
+            "ui_label": "#444444",
+            "ui_ok": "#444444",
+            "ui_error": "#333333",
+            "input_rule": "#333333",
+            "response_border": "#444444",
+            "session_label": "#444444",
+            "session_border": "#666666",
+        },
         "spinner": {},
         "branding": {
             "agent_name": "Hermes Agent",
@@ -296,6 +348,21 @@ _BUILTIN_SKINS: Dict[str, Dict[str, Any]] = {
             "session_label": "#7eb8f6",
             "session_border": "#4b5563",
         },
+        "colors_light": {
+            "banner_border": "#1A3A7A",
+            "banner_title": "#1A3570",
+            "banner_accent": "#1E4090",
+            "banner_dim": "#3B4555",
+            "banner_text": "#1A2A50",
+            "prompt": "#1A2A50",
+            "ui_accent": "#1A3570",
+            "ui_label": "#1E3A80",
+            "ui_ok": "#1B5E20",
+            "input_rule": "#1A3A7A",
+            "response_border": "#2A4FA0",
+            "session_label": "#1A3570",
+            "session_border": "#5A6070",
+        },
         "spinner": {},
         "branding": {
             "agent_name": "Hermes Agent",
@@ -327,6 +394,21 @@ _BUILTIN_SKINS: Dict[str, Dict[str, Any]] = {
             "session_label": "#A9DFFF",
             "session_border": "#496884",
         },
+        "colors_light": {
+            "banner_border": "#0D3060",
+            "banner_title": "#0D3060",
+            "banner_accent": "#154080",
+            "banner_dim": "#2A4565",
+            "banner_text": "#0A2850",
+            "prompt": "#0A2850",
+            "ui_accent": "#0D3060",
+            "ui_label": "#0D3060",
+            "ui_ok": "#1B5E20",
+            "input_rule": "#0D3060",
+            "response_border": "#1A5090",
+            "session_label": "#0D3060",
+            "session_border": "#3A5575",
+        },
         "spinner": {
             "waiting_faces": ["(≈)", "(Ψ)", "(∿)", "(◌)", "(◠)"],
             "thinking_faces": ["(Ψ)", "(∿)", "(≈)", "(⌁)", "(◌)"],
@@ -391,6 +473,23 @@ _BUILTIN_SKINS: Dict[str, Dict[str, Any]] = {
             "session_label": "#919191",
             "session_border": "#656565",
         },
+        "colors_light": {
+            "banner_border": "#666666",
+            "banner_title": "#222222",
+            "banner_accent": "#333333",
+            "banner_dim": "#555555",
+            "banner_text": "#333333",
+            "prompt": "#222222",
+            "ui_accent": "#333333",
+            "ui_label": "#444444",
+            "ui_ok": "#444444",
+            "ui_error": "#333333",
+            "ui_warn": "#444444",
+            "input_rule": "#666666",
+            "response_border": "#555555",
+            "session_label": "#444444",
+            "session_border": "#777777",
+        },
         "spinner": {
             "waiting_faces": ["(◉)", "(◌)", "(◬)", "(⬤)", "(::)"],
             "thinking_faces": ["(◉)", "(◬)", "(◌)", "(○)", "(●)"],
@@ -456,6 +555,21 @@ _BUILTIN_SKINS: Dict[str, Dict[str, Any]] = {
             "session_label": "#FFD39A",
             "session_border": "#6C4724",
         },
+        "colors_light": {
+            "banner_border": "#7A3511",
+            "banner_title": "#5C2D00",
+            "banner_accent": "#8B4000",
+            "banner_dim": "#5A3A1A",
+            "banner_text": "#3A1E00",
+            "prompt": "#3A1E00",
+            "ui_accent": "#8B4000",
+            "ui_label": "#5C2D00",
+            "ui_ok": "#1B5E20",
+            "input_rule": "#7A3511",
+            "response_border": "#8B4513",
+            "session_label": "#5C2D00",
+            "session_border": "#6B5540",
+        },
         "spinner": {
             "waiting_faces": ["(✦)", "(▲)", "(◇)", "(<>)", "(🔥)"],
             "thinking_faces": ["(✦)", "(▲)", "(◇)", "(⌁)", "(🔥)"],
@@ -509,6 +623,8 @@ _BUILTIN_SKINS: Dict[str, Dict[str, Any]] = {
 
 _active_skin: Optional[SkinConfig] = None
 _active_skin_name: str = "default"
+_theme_mode: str = "auto"
+_resolved_theme_mode: Optional[str] = None
 
 
 def _skins_dir() -> Path:
@@ -536,6 +652,8 @@ def _build_skin_config(data: Dict[str, Any]) -> SkinConfig:
     default = _BUILTIN_SKINS["default"]
     colors = dict(default.get("colors", {}))
     colors.update(data.get("colors", {}))
+    colors_light = dict(default.get("colors_light", {}))
+    colors_light.update(data.get("colors_light", {}))
     spinner = dict(default.get("spinner", {}))
     spinner.update(data.get("spinner", {}))
     branding = dict(default.get("branding", {}))
@@ -545,6 +663,7 @@ def _build_skin_config(data: Dict[str, Any]) -> SkinConfig:
         name=data.get("name", "unknown"),
         description=data.get("description", ""),
         colors=colors,
+        colors_light=colors_light,
         spinner=spinner,
         branding=branding,
         tool_prefix=data.get("tool_prefix", default.get("tool_prefix", "┊")),
@@ -625,6 +744,39 @@ def get_active_skin_name() -> str:
     return _active_skin_name
 
 
+def get_theme_mode() -> str:
+    """Return the resolved theme mode: "light" or "dark".
+
+    When ``_theme_mode`` is ``"auto"``, detection is attempted once and cached.
+    If detection returns ``"unknown"``, defaults to ``"dark"``.
+    """
+    global _resolved_theme_mode
+    if _theme_mode in ("light", "dark"):
+        return _theme_mode
+    # Auto mode — detect and cache
+    if _resolved_theme_mode is None:
+        try:
+            from hermes_cli.colors import detect_terminal_background
+            detected = detect_terminal_background()
+        except Exception:
+            detected = "unknown"
+        _resolved_theme_mode = detected if detected in ("light", "dark") else "dark"
+    return _resolved_theme_mode
+
+
+def set_theme_mode(mode: str) -> None:
+    """Set the theme mode to "light", "dark", or "auto"."""
+    global _theme_mode, _resolved_theme_mode
+    _theme_mode = mode
+    # Reset cached detection so it re-runs on next get_theme_mode() if auto
+    _resolved_theme_mode = None
+
+
+def get_theme_mode_setting() -> str:
+    """Return the raw theme mode setting (may be "auto", "light", or "dark")."""
+    return _theme_mode
+
+
 def init_skin_from_config(config: dict) -> None:
     """Initialize the active skin from CLI config at startup.
 
@@ -637,6 +789,13 @@ def init_skin_from_config(config: dict) -> None:
     else:
         set_active_skin("default")
 
+    # Theme mode
+    theme_mode = display.get("theme_mode", "auto")
+    if isinstance(theme_mode, str) and theme_mode.strip():
+        set_theme_mode(theme_mode.strip())
+    else:
+        set_theme_mode("auto")
+
 
 # =============================================================================
 # Convenience helpers for CLI modules
@@ -690,6 +849,14 @@ def get_prompt_toolkit_style_overrides() -> Dict[str, str]:
     warn = skin.get_color("ui_warn", "#FF8C00")
     error = skin.get_color("ui_error", "#FF6B6B")
 
+    # Use lighter background colours for completion menus in light mode
+    if get_theme_mode() == "light":
+        menu_bg = "bg:#e8e8e8"
+        menu_sel_bg = "bg:#d0d0d0"
+    else:
+        menu_bg = "bg:#1a1a2e"
+        menu_sel_bg = "bg:#333355"
+
     return {
         "input-area": prompt,
         "placeholder": f"{dim} italic",
@@ -698,11 +865,11 @@ def get_prompt_toolkit_style_overrides() -> Dict[str, str]:
         "hint": f"{dim} italic",
         "input-rule": input_rule,
         "image-badge": f"{label} bold",
-        "completion-menu": f"bg:#1a1a2e {text}",
-        "completion-menu.completion": f"bg:#1a1a2e {text}",
-        "completion-menu.completion.current": f"bg:#333355 {title}",
-        "completion-menu.meta.completion": f"bg:#1a1a2e {dim}",
-        "completion-menu.meta.completion.current": f"bg:#333355 {label}",
+        "completion-menu": f"{menu_bg} {text}",
+        "completion-menu.completion": f"{menu_bg} {text}",
+        "completion-menu.completion.current": f"{menu_sel_bg} {title}",
+        "completion-menu.meta.completion": f"{menu_bg} {dim}",
+        "completion-menu.meta.completion.current": f"{menu_sel_bg} {label}",
         "clarify-border": input_rule,
         "clarify-title": f"{title} bold",
         "clarify-question": f"{text} bold",
diff --git a/hermes_state.py b/hermes_state.py
index 3f47150673a..d0237a5bbeb 100644
--- a/hermes_state.py
+++ b/hermes_state.py
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@ import json
 import os
 import re
 import sqlite3
+import threading
 import time
 from pathlib import Path
 from typing import Dict, Any, List, Optional
@@ -104,6 +105,7 @@ class SessionDB:
         self.db_path = db_path or DEFAULT_DB_PATH
         self.db_path.parent.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
 
+        self._lock = threading.Lock()
         self._conn = sqlite3.connect(
             str(self.db_path),
             check_same_thread=False,
@@ -173,9 +175,10 @@ class SessionDB:
 
     def close(self):
         """Close the database connection."""
-        if self._conn:
-            self._conn.close()
-            self._conn = None
+        with self._lock:
+            if self._conn:
+                self._conn.close()
+                self._conn = None
 
     # =========================================================================
     # Session lifecycle
@@ -192,61 +195,66 @@ class SessionDB:
         parent_session_id: str = None,
     ) -> str:
         """Create a new session record. Returns the session_id."""
-        self._conn.execute(
-            """INSERT INTO sessions (id, source, user_id, model, model_config,
-               system_prompt, parent_session_id, started_at)
-               VALUES (?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?)""",
-            (
-                session_id,
-                source,
-                user_id,
-                model,
-                json.dumps(model_config) if model_config else None,
-                system_prompt,
-                parent_session_id,
-                time.time(),
-            ),
-        )
-        self._conn.commit()
+        with self._lock:
+            self._conn.execute(
+                """INSERT INTO sessions (id, source, user_id, model, model_config,
+                   system_prompt, parent_session_id, started_at)
+                   VALUES (?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?)""",
+                (
+                    session_id,
+                    source,
+                    user_id,
+                    model,
+                    json.dumps(model_config) if model_config else None,
+                    system_prompt,
+                    parent_session_id,
+                    time.time(),
+                ),
+            )
+            self._conn.commit()
         return session_id
 
     def end_session(self, session_id: str, end_reason: str) -> None:
         """Mark a session as ended."""
-        self._conn.execute(
-            "UPDATE sessions SET ended_at = ?, end_reason = ? WHERE id = ?",
-            (time.time(), end_reason, session_id),
-        )
-        self._conn.commit()
+        with self._lock:
+            self._conn.execute(
+                "UPDATE sessions SET ended_at = ?, end_reason = ? WHERE id = ?",
+                (time.time(), end_reason, session_id),
+            )
+            self._conn.commit()
 
     def update_system_prompt(self, session_id: str, system_prompt: str) -> None:
         """Store the full assembled system prompt snapshot."""
-        self._conn.execute(
-            "UPDATE sessions SET system_prompt = ? WHERE id = ?",
-            (system_prompt, session_id),
-        )
-        self._conn.commit()
+        with self._lock:
+            self._conn.execute(
+                "UPDATE sessions SET system_prompt = ? WHERE id = ?",
+                (system_prompt, session_id),
+            )
+            self._conn.commit()
 
     def update_token_counts(
         self, session_id: str, input_tokens: int = 0, output_tokens: int = 0,
         model: str = None,
     ) -> None:
         """Increment token counters and backfill model if not already set."""
-        self._conn.execute(
-            """UPDATE sessions SET
-               input_tokens = input_tokens + ?,
-               output_tokens = output_tokens + ?,
-               model = COALESCE(model, ?)
-               WHERE id = ?""",
-            (input_tokens, output_tokens, model, session_id),
-        )
-        self._conn.commit()
+        with self._lock:
+            self._conn.execute(
+                """UPDATE sessions SET
+                   input_tokens = input_tokens + ?,
+                   output_tokens = output_tokens + ?,
+                   model = COALESCE(model, ?)
+                   WHERE id = ?""",
+                (input_tokens, output_tokens, model, session_id),
+            )
+            self._conn.commit()
 
     def get_session(self, session_id: str) -> Optional[Dict[str, Any]]:
         """Get a session by ID."""
-        cursor = self._conn.execute(
-            "SELECT * FROM sessions WHERE id = ?", (session_id,)
-        )
-        row = cursor.fetchone()
+        with self._lock:
+            cursor = self._conn.execute(
+                "SELECT * FROM sessions WHERE id = ?", (session_id,)
+            )
+            row = cursor.fetchone()
         return dict(row) if row else None
 
     def resolve_session_id(self, session_id_or_prefix: str) -> Optional[str]:
@@ -331,38 +339,42 @@ class SessionDB:
         Empty/whitespace-only strings are normalized to None (clearing the title).
         """
         title = self.sanitize_title(title)
-        if title:
-            # Check uniqueness (allow the same session to keep its own title)
+        with self._lock:
+            if title:
+                # Check uniqueness (allow the same session to keep its own title)
+                cursor = self._conn.execute(
+                    "SELECT id FROM sessions WHERE title = ? AND id != ?",
+                    (title, session_id),
+                )
+                conflict = cursor.fetchone()
+                if conflict:
+                    raise ValueError(
+                        f"Title '{title}' is already in use by session {conflict['id']}"
+                    )
             cursor = self._conn.execute(
-                "SELECT id FROM sessions WHERE title = ? AND id != ?",
+                "UPDATE sessions SET title = ? WHERE id = ?",
                 (title, session_id),
             )
-            conflict = cursor.fetchone()
-            if conflict:
-                raise ValueError(
-                    f"Title '{title}' is already in use by session {conflict['id']}"
-                )
-        cursor = self._conn.execute(
-            "UPDATE sessions SET title = ? WHERE id = ?",
-            (title, session_id),
-        )
-        self._conn.commit()
-        return cursor.rowcount > 0
+            self._conn.commit()
+            rowcount = cursor.rowcount
+        return rowcount > 0
 
     def get_session_title(self, session_id: str) -> Optional[str]:
         """Get the title for a session, or None."""
-        cursor = self._conn.execute(
-            "SELECT title FROM sessions WHERE id = ?", (session_id,)
-        )
-        row = cursor.fetchone()
+        with self._lock:
+            cursor = self._conn.execute(
+                "SELECT title FROM sessions WHERE id = ?", (session_id,)
+            )
+            row = cursor.fetchone()
         return row["title"] if row else None
 
     def get_session_by_title(self, title: str) -> Optional[Dict[str, Any]]:
         """Look up a session by exact title. Returns session dict or None."""
-        cursor = self._conn.execute(
-            "SELECT * FROM sessions WHERE title = ?", (title,)
-        )
-        row = cursor.fetchone()
+        with self._lock:
+            cursor = self._conn.execute(
+                "SELECT * FROM sessions WHERE title = ?", (title,)
+            )
+            row = cursor.fetchone()
         return dict(row) if row else None
 
     def resolve_session_by_title(self, title: str) -> Optional[str]:
@@ -379,12 +391,13 @@ class SessionDB:
         # Also search for numbered variants: "title #2", "title #3", etc.
         # Escape SQL LIKE wildcards (%, _) in the title to prevent false matches
         escaped = title.replace("\\", "\\\\").replace("%", "\\%").replace("_", "\\_")
-        cursor = self._conn.execute(
-            "SELECT id, title, started_at FROM sessions "
-            "WHERE title LIKE ? ESCAPE '\\' ORDER BY started_at DESC",
-            (f"{escaped} #%",),
-        )
-        numbered = cursor.fetchall()
+        with self._lock:
+            cursor = self._conn.execute(
+                "SELECT id, title, started_at FROM sessions "
+                "WHERE title LIKE ? ESCAPE '\\' ORDER BY started_at DESC",
+                (f"{escaped} #%",),
+            )
+            numbered = cursor.fetchall()
 
         if numbered:
             # Return the most recent numbered variant
@@ -409,11 +422,12 @@ class SessionDB:
         # Find all existing numbered variants
         # Escape SQL LIKE wildcards (%, _) in the base to prevent false matches
         escaped = base.replace("\\", "\\\\").replace("%", "\\%").replace("_", "\\_")
-        cursor = self._conn.execute(
-            "SELECT title FROM sessions WHERE title = ? OR title LIKE ? ESCAPE '\\'",
-            (base, f"{escaped} #%"),
-        )
-        existing = [row["title"] for row in cursor.fetchall()]
+        with self._lock:
+            cursor = self._conn.execute(
+                "SELECT title FROM sessions WHERE title = ? OR title LIKE ? ESCAPE '\\'",
+                (base, f"{escaped} #%"),
+            )
+            existing = [row["title"] for row in cursor.fetchall()]
 
         if not existing:
             return base  # No conflict, use the base name as-is
@@ -461,9 +475,11 @@ class SessionDB:
             LIMIT ? OFFSET ?
         """
         params = (source, limit, offset) if source else (limit, offset)
-        cursor = self._conn.execute(query, params)
+        with self._lock:
+            cursor = self._conn.execute(query, params)
+            rows = cursor.fetchall()
         sessions = []
-        for row in cursor.fetchall():
+        for row in rows:
             s = dict(row)
             # Build the preview from the raw substring
             raw = s.pop("_preview_raw", "").strip()
@@ -497,52 +513,54 @@ class SessionDB:
         Also increments the session's message_count (and tool_call_count
         if role is 'tool' or tool_calls is present).
         """
-        cursor = self._conn.execute(
-            """INSERT INTO messages (session_id, role, content, tool_call_id,
-               tool_calls, tool_name, timestamp, token_count, finish_reason)
-               VALUES (?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?)""",
-            (
-                session_id,
-                role,
-                content,
-                tool_call_id,
-                json.dumps(tool_calls) if tool_calls else None,
-                tool_name,
-                time.time(),
-                token_count,
-                finish_reason,
-            ),
-        )
-        msg_id = cursor.lastrowid
-
-        # Update counters
-        # Count actual tool calls from the tool_calls list (not from tool responses).
-        # A single assistant message can contain multiple parallel tool calls.
-        num_tool_calls = 0
-        if tool_calls is not None:
-            num_tool_calls = len(tool_calls) if isinstance(tool_calls, list) else 1
-        if num_tool_calls > 0:
-            self._conn.execute(
-                """UPDATE sessions SET message_count = message_count + 1,
-                   tool_call_count = tool_call_count + ? WHERE id = ?""",
-                (num_tool_calls, session_id),
-            )
-        else:
-            self._conn.execute(
-                "UPDATE sessions SET message_count = message_count + 1 WHERE id = ?",
-                (session_id,),
+        with self._lock:
+            cursor = self._conn.execute(
+                """INSERT INTO messages (session_id, role, content, tool_call_id,
+                   tool_calls, tool_name, timestamp, token_count, finish_reason)
+                   VALUES (?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?)""",
+                (
+                    session_id,
+                    role,
+                    content,
+                    tool_call_id,
+                    json.dumps(tool_calls) if tool_calls else None,
+                    tool_name,
+                    time.time(),
+                    token_count,
+                    finish_reason,
+                ),
             )
+            msg_id = cursor.lastrowid
 
-        self._conn.commit()
+            # Update counters
+            # Count actual tool calls from the tool_calls list (not from tool responses).
+            # A single assistant message can contain multiple parallel tool calls.
+            num_tool_calls = 0
+            if tool_calls is not None:
+                num_tool_calls = len(tool_calls) if isinstance(tool_calls, list) else 1
+            if num_tool_calls > 0:
+                self._conn.execute(
+                    """UPDATE sessions SET message_count = message_count + 1,
+                       tool_call_count = tool_call_count + ? WHERE id = ?""",
+                    (num_tool_calls, session_id),
+                )
+            else:
+                self._conn.execute(
+                    "UPDATE sessions SET message_count = message_count + 1 WHERE id = ?",
+                    (session_id,),
+                )
+
+            self._conn.commit()
         return msg_id
 
     def get_messages(self, session_id: str) -> List[Dict[str, Any]]:
         """Load all messages for a session, ordered by timestamp."""
-        cursor = self._conn.execute(
-            "SELECT * FROM messages WHERE session_id = ? ORDER BY timestamp, id",
-            (session_id,),
-        )
-        rows = cursor.fetchall()
+        with self._lock:
+            cursor = self._conn.execute(
+                "SELECT * FROM messages WHERE session_id = ? ORDER BY timestamp, id",
+                (session_id,),
+            )
+            rows = cursor.fetchall()
         result = []
         for row in rows:
             msg = dict(row)
@@ -559,13 +577,15 @@ class SessionDB:
         Load messages in the OpenAI conversation format (role + content dicts).
         Used by the gateway to restore conversation history.
         """
-        cursor = self._conn.execute(
-            "SELECT role, content, tool_call_id, tool_calls, tool_name "
-            "FROM messages WHERE session_id = ? ORDER BY timestamp, id",
-            (session_id,),
-        )
+        with self._lock:
+            cursor = self._conn.execute(
+                "SELECT role, content, tool_call_id, tool_calls, tool_name "
+                "FROM messages WHERE session_id = ? ORDER BY timestamp, id",
+                (session_id,),
+            )
+            rows = cursor.fetchall()
         messages = []
-        for row in cursor.fetchall():
+        for row in rows:
             msg = {"role": row["role"], "content": row["content"]}
             if row["tool_call_id"]:
                 msg["tool_call_id"] = row["tool_call_id"]
@@ -675,31 +695,33 @@ class SessionDB:
             LIMIT ? OFFSET ?
         """
 
-        try:
-            cursor = self._conn.execute(sql, params)
-        except sqlite3.OperationalError:
-            # FTS5 query syntax error despite sanitization — return empty
-            return []
-        matches = [dict(row) for row in cursor.fetchall()]
-
-        # Add surrounding context (1 message before + after each match)
-        for match in matches:
+        with self._lock:
             try:
-                ctx_cursor = self._conn.execute(
-                    """SELECT role, content FROM messages
-                       WHERE session_id = ? AND id >= ? - 1 AND id <= ? + 1
-                       ORDER BY id""",
-                    (match["session_id"], match["id"], match["id"]),
-                )
-                context_msgs = [
-                    {"role": r["role"], "content": (r["content"] or "")[:200]}
-                    for r in ctx_cursor.fetchall()
-                ]
-                match["context"] = context_msgs
-            except Exception:
-                match["context"] = []
+                cursor = self._conn.execute(sql, params)
+            except sqlite3.OperationalError:
+                # FTS5 query syntax error despite sanitization — return empty
+                return []
+            matches = [dict(row) for row in cursor.fetchall()]
 
-            # Remove full content from result (snippet is enough, saves tokens)
+            # Add surrounding context (1 message before + after each match)
+            for match in matches:
+                try:
+                    ctx_cursor = self._conn.execute(
+                        """SELECT role, content FROM messages
+                           WHERE session_id = ? AND id >= ? - 1 AND id <= ? + 1
+                           ORDER BY id""",
+                        (match["session_id"], match["id"], match["id"]),
+                    )
+                    context_msgs = [
+                        {"role": r["role"], "content": (r["content"] or "")[:200]}
+                        for r in ctx_cursor.fetchall()
+                    ]
+                    match["context"] = context_msgs
+                except Exception:
+                    match["context"] = []
+
+        # Remove full content from result (snippet is enough, saves tokens)
+        for match in matches:
             match.pop("content", None)
 
         return matches
diff --git a/honcho_integration/client.py b/honcho_integration/client.py
index ccc2f6f25aa..759576adaf7 100644
--- a/honcho_integration/client.py
+++ b/honcho_integration/client.py
@@ -69,6 +69,8 @@ class HonchoClientConfig:
     workspace_id: str = "hermes"
     api_key: str | None = None
     environment: str = "production"
+    # Optional base URL for self-hosted Honcho (overrides environment mapping)
+    base_url: str | None = None
     # Identity
     peer_name: str | None = None
     ai_peer: str = "hermes"
@@ -361,13 +363,34 @@ def get_honcho_client(config: HonchoClientConfig | None = None) -> Honcho:
             "Install it with: pip install honcho-ai"
         )
 
-    logger.info("Initializing Honcho client (host: %s, workspace: %s)", config.host, config.workspace_id)
+    # Allow config.yaml honcho.base_url to override the SDK's environment
+    # mapping, enabling remote self-hosted Honcho deployments without
+    # requiring the server to live on localhost.
+    resolved_base_url = config.base_url
+    if not resolved_base_url:
+        try:
+            from hermes_cli.config import load_config
+            hermes_cfg = load_config()
+            honcho_cfg = hermes_cfg.get("honcho", {})
+            if isinstance(honcho_cfg, dict):
+                resolved_base_url = honcho_cfg.get("base_url", "").strip() or None
+        except Exception:
+            pass
 
-    _honcho_client = Honcho(
-        workspace_id=config.workspace_id,
-        api_key=config.api_key,
-        environment=config.environment,
-    )
+    if resolved_base_url:
+        logger.info("Initializing Honcho client (base_url: %s, workspace: %s)", resolved_base_url, config.workspace_id)
+    else:
+        logger.info("Initializing Honcho client (host: %s, workspace: %s)", config.host, config.workspace_id)
+
+    kwargs: dict = {
+        "workspace_id": config.workspace_id,
+        "api_key": config.api_key,
+        "environment": config.environment,
+    }
+    if resolved_base_url:
+        kwargs["base_url"] = resolved_base_url
+
+    _honcho_client = Honcho(**kwargs)
 
     return _honcho_client
 
diff --git a/optional-skills/security/sherlock/SKILL.md b/optional-skills/security/sherlock/SKILL.md
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..7250246aa3a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/optional-skills/security/sherlock/SKILL.md
@@ -0,0 +1,192 @@
+---
+name: sherlock
+description: OSINT username search across 400+ social networks. Hunt down social media accounts by username.
+version: 1.0.0
+author: unmodeled-tyler
+license: MIT
+metadata:
+  hermes:
+    tags: [osint, security, username, social-media, reconnaissance]
+    category: security
+prerequisites:
+  commands: [sherlock]
+---
+
+# Sherlock OSINT Username Search
+
+Hunt down social media accounts by username across 400+ social networks using the [Sherlock Project](https://github.com/sherlock-project/sherlock).
+
+## When to Use
+
+- User asks to find accounts associated with a username
+- User wants to check username availability across platforms
+- User is conducting OSINT or reconnaissance research
+- User asks "where is this username registered?" or similar
+
+## Requirements
+
+- Sherlock CLI installed: `pipx install sherlock-project` or `pip install sherlock-project`
+- Alternatively: Docker available (`docker run -it --rm sherlock/sherlock`)
+- Network access to query social platforms
+
+## Procedure
+
+### 1. Check if Sherlock is Installed
+
+**Before doing anything else**, verify sherlock is available:
+
+```bash
+sherlock --version
+```
+
+If the command fails:
+- Offer to install: `pipx install sherlock-project` (recommended) or `pip install sherlock-project`
+- **Do NOT** try multiple installation methods — pick one and proceed
+- If installation fails, inform the user and stop
+
+### 2. Extract Username
+
+**Extract the username directly from the user's message if clearly stated.**
+
+Examples where you should **NOT** use clarify:
+- "Find accounts for nasa" → username is `nasa`
+- "Search for johndoe123" → username is `johndoe123`
+- "Check if alice exists on social media" → username is `alice`
+- "Look up user bob on social networks" → username is `bob`
+
+**Only use clarify if:**
+- Multiple potential usernames mentioned ("search for alice or bob")
+- Ambiguous phrasing ("search for my username" without specifying)
+- No username mentioned at all ("do an OSINT search")
+
+When extracting, take the **exact** username as stated — preserve case, numbers, underscores, etc.
+
+### 3. Build Command
+
+**Default command** (use this unless user specifically requests otherwise):
+```bash
+sherlock --print-found --no-color "<username>" --timeout 90
+```
+
+**Optional flags** (only add if user explicitly requests):
+- `--nsfw` — Include NSFW sites (only if user asks)
+- `--tor` — Route through Tor (only if user asks for anonymity)
+
+**Do NOT ask about options via clarify** — just run the default search. Users can request specific options if needed.
+
+### 4. Execute Search
+
+Run via the `terminal` tool. The command typically takes 30-120 seconds depending on network conditions and site count.
+
+**Example terminal call:**
+```json
+{
+  "command": "sherlock --print-found --no-color \"target_username\"",
+  "timeout": 180
+}
+```
+
+### 5. Parse and Present Results
+
+Sherlock outputs found accounts in a simple format. Parse the output and present:
+
+1. **Summary line:** "Found X accounts for username 'Y'"
+2. **Categorized links:** Group by platform type if helpful (social, professional, forums, etc.)
+3. **Output file location:** Sherlock saves results to `<username>.txt` by default
+
+**Example output parsing:**
+```
+[+] Instagram: https://instagram.com/username
+[+] Twitter: https://twitter.com/username
+[+] GitHub: https://github.com/username
+```
+
+Present findings as clickable links when possible.
+
+## Pitfalls
+
+### No Results Found
+If Sherlock finds no accounts, this is often correct — the username may not be registered on checked platforms. Suggest:
+- Checking spelling/variation
+- Trying similar usernames with `?` wildcard: `sherlock "user?name"`
+- The user may have privacy settings or deleted accounts
+
+### Timeout Issues
+Some sites are slow or block automated requests. Use `--timeout 120` to increase wait time, or `--site` to limit scope.
+
+### Tor Configuration
+`--tor` requires Tor daemon running. If user wants anonymity but Tor isn't available, suggest:
+- Installing Tor service
+- Using `--proxy` with an alternative proxy
+
+### False Positives
+Some sites always return "found" due to their response structure. Cross-reference unexpected results with manual checks.
+
+### Rate Limiting
+Aggressive searches may trigger rate limits. For bulk username searches, add delays between calls or use `--local` with cached data.
+
+## Installation
+
+### pipx (recommended)
+```bash
+pipx install sherlock-project
+```
+
+### pip
+```bash
+pip install sherlock-project
+```
+
+### Docker
+```bash
+docker pull sherlock/sherlock
+docker run -it --rm sherlock/sherlock <username>
+```
+
+### Linux packages
+Available on Debian 13+, Ubuntu 22.10+, Homebrew, Kali, BlackArch.
+
+## Ethical Use
+
+This tool is for legitimate OSINT and research purposes only. Remind users:
+- Only search usernames they own or have permission to investigate
+- Respect platform terms of service
+- Do not use for harassment, stalking, or illegal activities
+- Consider privacy implications before sharing results
+
+## Verification
+
+After running sherlock, verify:
+1. Output lists found sites with URLs
+2. `<username>.txt` file created (default output) if using file output
+3. If `--print-found` used, output should only contain `[+]` lines for matches
+
+## Example Interaction
+
+**User:** "Can you check if the username 'johndoe123' exists on social media?"
+
+**Agent procedure:**
+1. Check `sherlock --version` (verify installed)
+2. Username provided — proceed directly
+3. Run: `sherlock --print-found --no-color "johndoe123" --timeout 90`
+4. Parse output and present links
+
+**Response format:**
+> Found 12 accounts for username 'johndoe123':
+>
+> • https://twitter.com/johndoe123
+> • https://github.com/johndoe123
+> • https://instagram.com/johndoe123
+> • [... additional links]
+>
+> Results saved to: johndoe123.txt
+
+---
+
+**User:** "Search for username 'alice' including NSFW sites"
+
+**Agent procedure:**
+1. Check sherlock installed
+2. Username + NSFW flag both provided
+3. Run: `sherlock --print-found --no-color --nsfw "alice" --timeout 90`
+4. Present results
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/run_agent.py b/run_agent.py
index 2c8fad0b89f..e8bf35c4794 100644
--- a/run_agent.py
+++ b/run_agent.py
@@ -407,6 +407,7 @@ class AIAgent:
         # Subagent delegation state
         self._delegate_depth = 0        # 0 = top-level agent, incremented for children
         self._active_children = []      # Running child AIAgents (for interrupt propagation)
+        self._active_children_lock = threading.Lock()
         
         # Store OpenRouter provider preferences
         self.providers_allowed = providers_allowed
@@ -1526,7 +1527,9 @@ class AIAgent:
         # Signal all tools to abort any in-flight operations immediately
         _set_interrupt(True)
         # Propagate interrupt to any running child agents (subagent delegation)
-        for child in self._active_children:
+        with self._active_children_lock:
+            children_copy = list(self._active_children)
+        for child in children_copy:
             try:
                 child.interrupt(message)
             except Exception as e:
diff --git a/tests/gateway/test_telegram_text_batching.py b/tests/gateway/test_telegram_text_batching.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..14c3f0dd67e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/gateway/test_telegram_text_batching.py
@@ -0,0 +1,121 @@
+"""Tests for Telegram text message aggregation.
+
+When a user sends a long message, Telegram clients split it into multiple
+updates.  The TelegramAdapter should buffer rapid successive text messages
+from the same session and aggregate them before dispatching.
+"""
+
+import asyncio
+from unittest.mock import AsyncMock, MagicMock, patch
+
+import pytest
+
+from gateway.config import Platform, PlatformConfig
+from gateway.platforms.base import MessageEvent, MessageType, SessionSource
+
+
+def _make_adapter():
+    """Create a minimal TelegramAdapter for testing text batching."""
+    from gateway.platforms.telegram import TelegramAdapter
+
+    config = PlatformConfig(enabled=True, token="test-token")
+    adapter = object.__new__(TelegramAdapter)
+    adapter._platform = Platform.TELEGRAM
+    adapter.config = config
+    adapter._pending_text_batches = {}
+    adapter._pending_text_batch_tasks = {}
+    adapter._text_batch_delay_seconds = 0.1  # fast for tests
+    adapter._active_sessions = {}
+    adapter._pending_messages = {}
+    adapter._message_handler = AsyncMock()
+    adapter.handle_message = AsyncMock()
+    return adapter
+
+
+def _make_event(text: str, chat_id: str = "12345") -> MessageEvent:
+    return MessageEvent(
+        text=text,
+        message_type=MessageType.TEXT,
+        source=SessionSource(platform=Platform.TELEGRAM, chat_id=chat_id, chat_type="dm"),
+    )
+
+
+class TestTextBatching:
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_single_message_dispatched_after_delay(self):
+        adapter = _make_adapter()
+        event = _make_event("hello world")
+
+        adapter._enqueue_text_event(event)
+
+        # Not dispatched yet
+        adapter.handle_message.assert_not_called()
+
+        # Wait for flush
+        await asyncio.sleep(0.2)
+
+        adapter.handle_message.assert_called_once()
+        dispatched = adapter.handle_message.call_args[0][0]
+        assert dispatched.text == "hello world"
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_split_messages_aggregated(self):
+        """Two rapid messages from the same chat should be merged."""
+        adapter = _make_adapter()
+
+        adapter._enqueue_text_event(_make_event("This is part one of a long"))
+        await asyncio.sleep(0.02)  # small gap, within batch window
+        adapter._enqueue_text_event(_make_event("message that was split by Telegram."))
+
+        # Not dispatched yet (timer restarted)
+        adapter.handle_message.assert_not_called()
+
+        # Wait for flush
+        await asyncio.sleep(0.2)
+
+        adapter.handle_message.assert_called_once()
+        dispatched = adapter.handle_message.call_args[0][0]
+        assert "part one" in dispatched.text
+        assert "split by Telegram" in dispatched.text
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_three_way_split_aggregated(self):
+        """Three rapid messages should all merge."""
+        adapter = _make_adapter()
+
+        adapter._enqueue_text_event(_make_event("chunk 1"))
+        await asyncio.sleep(0.02)
+        adapter._enqueue_text_event(_make_event("chunk 2"))
+        await asyncio.sleep(0.02)
+        adapter._enqueue_text_event(_make_event("chunk 3"))
+
+        await asyncio.sleep(0.2)
+
+        adapter.handle_message.assert_called_once()
+        text = adapter.handle_message.call_args[0][0].text
+        assert "chunk 1" in text
+        assert "chunk 2" in text
+        assert "chunk 3" in text
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_different_chats_not_merged(self):
+        """Messages from different chats should be separate batches."""
+        adapter = _make_adapter()
+
+        adapter._enqueue_text_event(_make_event("from user A", chat_id="111"))
+        adapter._enqueue_text_event(_make_event("from user B", chat_id="222"))
+
+        await asyncio.sleep(0.2)
+
+        assert adapter.handle_message.call_count == 2
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_batch_cleans_up_after_flush(self):
+        """After flushing, internal state should be clean."""
+        adapter = _make_adapter()
+
+        adapter._enqueue_text_event(_make_event("test"))
+        await asyncio.sleep(0.2)
+
+        assert len(adapter._pending_text_batches) == 0
+        assert len(adapter._pending_text_batch_tasks) == 0
diff --git a/tests/hermes_cli/test_skin_engine.py b/tests/hermes_cli/test_skin_engine.py
index 6a5a032f1c6..7732007df20 100644
--- a/tests/hermes_cli/test_skin_engine.py
+++ b/tests/hermes_cli/test_skin_engine.py
@@ -13,9 +13,13 @@ def reset_skin_state():
     from hermes_cli import skin_engine
     skin_engine._active_skin = None
     skin_engine._active_skin_name = "default"
+    skin_engine._theme_mode = "auto"
+    skin_engine._resolved_theme_mode = None
     yield
     skin_engine._active_skin = None
     skin_engine._active_skin_name = "default"
+    skin_engine._theme_mode = "auto"
+    skin_engine._resolved_theme_mode = None
 
 
 class TestSkinConfig:
@@ -312,3 +316,65 @@ class TestCliBrandingHelpers:
         assert overrides["clarify-title"] == f"{skin.get_color('banner_title')} bold"
         assert overrides["sudo-prompt"] == f"{skin.get_color('ui_error')} bold"
         assert overrides["approval-title"] == f"{skin.get_color('ui_warn')} bold"
+
+
+class TestThemeMode:
+    def test_get_theme_mode_defaults_to_dark_on_unknown(self):
+        from hermes_cli.skin_engine import get_theme_mode, set_theme_mode
+
+        set_theme_mode("auto")
+        # In a test env, detection returns "unknown" → defaults to "dark"
+        with patch("hermes_cli.colors.detect_terminal_background", return_value="unknown"):
+            from hermes_cli import skin_engine
+            skin_engine._resolved_theme_mode = None  # force re-detection
+            assert get_theme_mode() == "dark"
+
+    def test_set_theme_mode_light(self):
+        from hermes_cli.skin_engine import get_theme_mode, set_theme_mode
+
+        set_theme_mode("light")
+        assert get_theme_mode() == "light"
+
+    def test_set_theme_mode_dark(self):
+        from hermes_cli.skin_engine import get_theme_mode, set_theme_mode
+
+        set_theme_mode("dark")
+        assert get_theme_mode() == "dark"
+
+    def test_get_color_respects_light_mode(self):
+        from hermes_cli.skin_engine import SkinConfig, set_theme_mode
+
+        skin = SkinConfig(
+            name="test",
+            colors={"banner_title": "#FFD700", "prompt": "#FFF8DC"},
+            colors_light={"banner_title": "#6B4C00"},
+        )
+        set_theme_mode("light")
+        assert skin.get_color("banner_title") == "#6B4C00"
+        # Key not in colors_light falls back to colors
+        assert skin.get_color("prompt") == "#FFF8DC"
+
+    def test_get_color_falls_back_in_dark_mode(self):
+        from hermes_cli.skin_engine import SkinConfig, set_theme_mode
+
+        skin = SkinConfig(
+            name="test",
+            colors={"banner_title": "#FFD700", "prompt": "#FFF8DC"},
+            colors_light={"banner_title": "#6B4C00"},
+        )
+        set_theme_mode("dark")
+        assert skin.get_color("banner_title") == "#FFD700"
+        assert skin.get_color("prompt") == "#FFF8DC"
+
+    def test_init_skin_from_config_reads_theme_mode(self):
+        from hermes_cli.skin_engine import init_skin_from_config, get_theme_mode_setting
+
+        init_skin_from_config({"display": {"skin": "default", "theme_mode": "light"}})
+        assert get_theme_mode_setting() == "light"
+
+    def test_builtin_skins_have_colors_light(self):
+        from hermes_cli.skin_engine import _BUILTIN_SKINS, _build_skin_config
+
+        for name, data in _BUILTIN_SKINS.items():
+            skin = _build_skin_config(data)
+            assert len(skin.colors_light) > 0, f"Skin '{name}' has empty colors_light"
diff --git a/tests/run_interrupt_test.py b/tests/run_interrupt_test.py
index 845060ffa08..a539c6ca9b8 100644
--- a/tests/run_interrupt_test.py
+++ b/tests/run_interrupt_test.py
@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@ def main() -> int:
     parent._interrupt_requested = False
     parent._interrupt_message = None
     parent._active_children = []
+    parent._active_children_lock = threading.Lock()
     parent.quiet_mode = True
     parent.model = "test/model"
     parent.base_url = "http://localhost:1"
diff --git a/tests/test_cli_interrupt_subagent.py b/tests/test_cli_interrupt_subagent.py
index b91a7b65457..f4322ea6b96 100644
--- a/tests/test_cli_interrupt_subagent.py
+++ b/tests/test_cli_interrupt_subagent.py
@@ -43,6 +43,7 @@ class TestCLISubagentInterrupt(unittest.TestCase):
         parent._interrupt_requested = False
         parent._interrupt_message = None
         parent._active_children = []
+        parent._active_children_lock = threading.Lock()
         parent.quiet_mode = True
         parent.model = "test/model"
         parent.base_url = "http://localhost:1"
@@ -112,21 +113,21 @@ class TestCLISubagentInterrupt(unittest.TestCase):
                     mock_instance._interrupt_requested = False
                     mock_instance._interrupt_message = None
                     mock_instance._active_children = []
+                    mock_instance._active_children_lock = threading.Lock()
                     mock_instance.quiet_mode = True
                     mock_instance.run_conversation = mock_child_run_conversation
                     mock_instance.interrupt = lambda msg=None: setattr(mock_instance, '_interrupt_requested', True) or setattr(mock_instance, '_interrupt_message', msg)
                     mock_instance.tools = []
                     MockAgent.return_value = mock_instance
-                    
+
+                    # Register child manually (normally done by _build_child_agent)
+                    parent._active_children.append(mock_instance)
+
                     result = _run_single_child(
                         task_index=0,
                         goal="Do something slow",
-                        context=None,
-                        toolsets=["terminal"],
-                        model=None,
-                        max_iterations=50,
+                        child=mock_instance,
                         parent_agent=parent,
-                        task_count=1,
                     )
                     delegate_result[0] = result
             except Exception as e:
diff --git a/tests/test_interactive_interrupt.py b/tests/test_interactive_interrupt.py
index c01404e1ce8..8c0d328c248 100644
--- a/tests/test_interactive_interrupt.py
+++ b/tests/test_interactive_interrupt.py
@@ -57,6 +57,7 @@ def main() -> int:
     parent._interrupt_requested = False
     parent._interrupt_message = None
     parent._active_children = []
+    parent._active_children_lock = threading.Lock()
     parent.quiet_mode = True
     parent.model = "test/model"
     parent.base_url = "http://localhost:1"
diff --git a/tests/test_interrupt_propagation.py b/tests/test_interrupt_propagation.py
index ff1cafdc84f..7f8cb01c35b 100644
--- a/tests/test_interrupt_propagation.py
+++ b/tests/test_interrupt_propagation.py
@@ -30,12 +30,14 @@ class TestInterruptPropagationToChild(unittest.TestCase):
         parent._interrupt_requested = False
         parent._interrupt_message = None
         parent._active_children = []
+        parent._active_children_lock = threading.Lock()
         parent.quiet_mode = True
 
         child = AIAgent.__new__(AIAgent)
         child._interrupt_requested = False
         child._interrupt_message = None
         child._active_children = []
+        child._active_children_lock = threading.Lock()
         child.quiet_mode = True
 
         parent._active_children.append(child)
@@ -60,6 +62,7 @@ class TestInterruptPropagationToChild(unittest.TestCase):
         child._interrupt_message = "msg"
         child.quiet_mode = True
         child._active_children = []
+        child._active_children_lock = threading.Lock()
 
         # Global is set
         set_interrupt(True)
@@ -78,6 +81,7 @@ class TestInterruptPropagationToChild(unittest.TestCase):
         child._interrupt_requested = False
         child._interrupt_message = None
         child._active_children = []
+        child._active_children_lock = threading.Lock()
         child.quiet_mode = True
         child.api_mode = "chat_completions"
         child.log_prefix = ""
@@ -119,12 +123,14 @@ class TestInterruptPropagationToChild(unittest.TestCase):
         parent._interrupt_requested = False
         parent._interrupt_message = None
         parent._active_children = []
+        parent._active_children_lock = threading.Lock()
         parent.quiet_mode = True
 
         child = AIAgent.__new__(AIAgent)
         child._interrupt_requested = False
         child._interrupt_message = None
         child._active_children = []
+        child._active_children_lock = threading.Lock()
         child.quiet_mode = True
 
         # Register child (simulating what _run_single_child does)
diff --git a/tests/test_quick_commands.py b/tests/test_quick_commands.py
index 9708b1fb319..7a89d4ca28a 100644
--- a/tests/test_quick_commands.py
+++ b/tests/test_quick_commands.py
@@ -47,6 +47,28 @@ class TestCLIQuickCommands:
         args = cli.console.print.call_args[0][0]
         assert "no output" in args.lower()
 
+    def test_alias_command_routes_to_target(self):
+        """Alias quick commands rewrite to the target command."""
+        cli = self._make_cli({"shortcut": {"type": "alias", "target": "/help"}})
+        with patch.object(cli, "process_command", wraps=cli.process_command) as spy:
+            cli.process_command("/shortcut")
+            # Should recursively call process_command with /help
+            spy.assert_any_call("/help")
+
+    def test_alias_command_passes_args(self):
+        """Alias quick commands forward user arguments to the target."""
+        cli = self._make_cli({"sc": {"type": "alias", "target": "/context"}})
+        with patch.object(cli, "process_command", wraps=cli.process_command) as spy:
+            cli.process_command("/sc some args")
+            spy.assert_any_call("/context some args")
+
+    def test_alias_no_target_shows_error(self):
+        cli = self._make_cli({"broken": {"type": "alias", "target": ""}})
+        cli.process_command("/broken")
+        cli.console.print.assert_called_once()
+        args = cli.console.print.call_args[0][0]
+        assert "no target defined" in args.lower()
+
     def test_unsupported_type_shows_error(self):
         cli = self._make_cli({"bad": {"type": "prompt", "command": "echo hi"}})
         cli.process_command("/bad")
diff --git a/tests/test_real_interrupt_subagent.py b/tests/test_real_interrupt_subagent.py
index f1a16753a9a..e0e681cdf40 100644
--- a/tests/test_real_interrupt_subagent.py
+++ b/tests/test_real_interrupt_subagent.py
@@ -55,6 +55,7 @@ class TestRealSubagentInterrupt(unittest.TestCase):
         parent._interrupt_requested = False
         parent._interrupt_message = None
         parent._active_children = []
+        parent._active_children_lock = threading.Lock()
         parent.quiet_mode = True
         parent.model = "test/model"
         parent.base_url = "http://localhost:1"
@@ -103,19 +104,28 @@ class TestRealSubagentInterrupt(unittest.TestCase):
                             return original_run(self_agent, *args, **kwargs)
 
                         with patch.object(AIAgent, 'run_conversation', patched_run):
+                            # Build a real child agent (AIAgent is NOT patched here,
+                            # only run_conversation and _build_system_prompt are)
+                            child = AIAgent(
+                                base_url="http://localhost:1",
+                                api_key="test-key",
+                                model="test/model",
+                                provider="test",
+                                api_mode="chat_completions",
+                                max_iterations=5,
+                                enabled_toolsets=["terminal"],
+                                quiet_mode=True,
+                                skip_context_files=True,
+                                skip_memory=True,
+                                platform="cli",
+                            )
+                            child._delegate_depth = 1
+                            parent._active_children.append(child)
                             result = _run_single_child(
                                 task_index=0,
                                 goal="Test task",
-                                context=None,
-                                toolsets=["terminal"],
-                                model="test/model",
-                                max_iterations=5,
+                                child=child,
                                 parent_agent=parent,
-                                task_count=1,
-                                override_provider="test",
-                                override_base_url="http://localhost:1",
-                                override_api_key="test",
-                                override_api_mode="chat_completions",
                             )
                             result_holder[0] = result
             except Exception as e:
diff --git a/tests/tools/test_delegate.py b/tests/tools/test_delegate.py
index a29560b2c74..476a2401b62 100644
--- a/tests/tools/test_delegate.py
+++ b/tests/tools/test_delegate.py
@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ Run with:  python -m pytest tests/test_delegate.py -v
 import json
 import os
 import sys
+import threading
 import unittest
 from unittest.mock import MagicMock, patch
 
@@ -44,6 +45,7 @@ def _make_mock_parent(depth=0):
     parent._session_db = None
     parent._delegate_depth = depth
     parent._active_children = []
+    parent._active_children_lock = threading.Lock()
     return parent
 
 
@@ -722,7 +724,12 @@ class TestDelegationProviderIntegration(unittest.TestCase):
         }
         parent = _make_mock_parent(depth=0)
 
-        with patch("tools.delegate_tool._run_single_child") as mock_run:
+        # Patch _build_child_agent since credentials are now passed there
+        # (agents are built in the main thread before being handed to workers)
+        with patch("tools.delegate_tool._build_child_agent") as mock_build, \
+             patch("tools.delegate_tool._run_single_child") as mock_run:
+            mock_child = MagicMock()
+            mock_build.return_value = mock_child
             mock_run.return_value = {
                 "task_index": 0, "status": "completed",
                 "summary": "Done", "api_calls": 1, "duration_seconds": 1.0
@@ -731,7 +738,8 @@ class TestDelegationProviderIntegration(unittest.TestCase):
             tasks = [{"goal": "Task A"}, {"goal": "Task B"}]
             delegate_task(tasks=tasks, parent_agent=parent)
 
-            for call in mock_run.call_args_list:
+            self.assertEqual(mock_build.call_count, 2)
+            for call in mock_build.call_args_list:
                 self.assertEqual(call.kwargs.get("model"), "meta-llama/llama-4-scout")
                 self.assertEqual(call.kwargs.get("override_provider"), "openrouter")
                 self.assertEqual(call.kwargs.get("override_base_url"), "https://openrouter.ai/api/v1")
diff --git a/tools/delegate_tool.py b/tools/delegate_tool.py
index 1ac75ea8867..2ef505dab33 100644
--- a/tools/delegate_tool.py
+++ b/tools/delegate_tool.py
@@ -16,13 +16,10 @@ The parent's context only sees the delegation call and the summary result,
 never the child's intermediate tool calls or reasoning.
 """
 
-import contextlib
-import io
 import json
 import logging
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 import os
-import sys
 import time
 from concurrent.futures import ThreadPoolExecutor, as_completed
 from typing import Any, Dict, List, Optional
@@ -150,7 +147,7 @@ def _build_child_progress_callback(task_index: int, parent_agent, task_count: in
     return _callback
 
 
-def _run_single_child(
+def _build_child_agent(
     task_index: int,
     goal: str,
     context: Optional[str],
@@ -158,16 +155,15 @@ def _run_single_child(
     model: Optional[str],
     max_iterations: int,
     parent_agent,
-    task_count: int = 1,
     # Credential overrides from delegation config (provider:model resolution)
     override_provider: Optional[str] = None,
     override_base_url: Optional[str] = None,
     override_api_key: Optional[str] = None,
     override_api_mode: Optional[str] = None,
-) -> Dict[str, Any]:
+):
     """
-    Spawn and run a single child agent. Called from within a thread.
-    Returns a structured result dict.
+    Build a child AIAgent on the main thread (thread-safe construction).
+    Returns the constructed child agent without running it.
 
     When override_* params are set (from delegation config), the child uses
     those credentials instead of inheriting from the parent.  This enables
@@ -176,8 +172,6 @@ def _run_single_child(
     """
     from run_agent import AIAgent
 
-    child_start = time.monotonic()
-
     # When no explicit toolsets given, inherit from parent's enabled toolsets
     # so disabled tools (e.g. web) don't leak to subagents.
     if toolsets:
@@ -188,65 +182,84 @@ def _run_single_child(
         child_toolsets = _strip_blocked_tools(DEFAULT_TOOLSETS)
 
     child_prompt = _build_child_system_prompt(goal, context)
+    # Extract parent's API key so subagents inherit auth (e.g. Nous Portal).
+    parent_api_key = getattr(parent_agent, "api_key", None)
+    if (not parent_api_key) and hasattr(parent_agent, "_client_kwargs"):
+        parent_api_key = parent_agent._client_kwargs.get("api_key")
 
-    try:
-        # Extract parent's API key so subagents inherit auth (e.g. Nous Portal).
-        parent_api_key = getattr(parent_agent, "api_key", None)
-        if (not parent_api_key) and hasattr(parent_agent, "_client_kwargs"):
-            parent_api_key = parent_agent._client_kwargs.get("api_key")
+    # Build progress callback to relay tool calls to parent display
+    child_progress_cb = _build_child_progress_callback(task_index, parent_agent)
 
-        # Build progress callback to relay tool calls to parent display
-        child_progress_cb = _build_child_progress_callback(task_index, parent_agent, task_count)
+    # Share the parent's iteration budget so subagent tool calls
+    # count toward the session-wide limit.
+    shared_budget = getattr(parent_agent, "iteration_budget", None)
 
-        # Share the parent's iteration budget so subagent tool calls
-        # count toward the session-wide limit.
-        shared_budget = getattr(parent_agent, "iteration_budget", None)
+    # Resolve effective credentials: config override > parent inherit
+    effective_model = model or parent_agent.model
+    effective_provider = override_provider or getattr(parent_agent, "provider", None)
+    effective_base_url = override_base_url or parent_agent.base_url
+    effective_api_key = override_api_key or parent_api_key
+    effective_api_mode = override_api_mode or getattr(parent_agent, "api_mode", None)
 
-        # Resolve effective credentials: config override > parent inherit
-        effective_model = model or parent_agent.model
-        effective_provider = override_provider or getattr(parent_agent, "provider", None)
-        effective_base_url = override_base_url or parent_agent.base_url
-        effective_api_key = override_api_key or parent_api_key
-        effective_api_mode = override_api_mode or getattr(parent_agent, "api_mode", None)
+    child = AIAgent(
+        base_url=effective_base_url,
+        api_key=effective_api_key,
+        model=effective_model,
+        provider=effective_provider,
+        api_mode=effective_api_mode,
+        max_iterations=max_iterations,
+        max_tokens=getattr(parent_agent, "max_tokens", None),
+        reasoning_config=getattr(parent_agent, "reasoning_config", None),
+        prefill_messages=getattr(parent_agent, "prefill_messages", None),
+        enabled_toolsets=child_toolsets,
+        quiet_mode=True,
+        ephemeral_system_prompt=child_prompt,
+        log_prefix=f"[subagent-{task_index}]",
+        platform=parent_agent.platform,
+        skip_context_files=True,
+        skip_memory=True,
+        clarify_callback=None,
+        session_db=getattr(parent_agent, '_session_db', None),
+        providers_allowed=parent_agent.providers_allowed,
+        providers_ignored=parent_agent.providers_ignored,
+        providers_order=parent_agent.providers_order,
+        provider_sort=parent_agent.provider_sort,
+        tool_progress_callback=child_progress_cb,
+        iteration_budget=shared_budget,
+    )
 
-        child = AIAgent(
-            base_url=effective_base_url,
-            api_key=effective_api_key,
-            model=effective_model,
-            provider=effective_provider,
-            api_mode=effective_api_mode,
-            max_iterations=max_iterations,
-            max_tokens=getattr(parent_agent, "max_tokens", None),
-            reasoning_config=getattr(parent_agent, "reasoning_config", None),
-            prefill_messages=getattr(parent_agent, "prefill_messages", None),
-            enabled_toolsets=child_toolsets,
-            quiet_mode=True,
-            ephemeral_system_prompt=child_prompt,
-            log_prefix=f"[subagent-{task_index}]",
-            platform=parent_agent.platform,
-            skip_context_files=True,
-            skip_memory=True,
-            clarify_callback=None,
-            session_db=getattr(parent_agent, '_session_db', None),
-            providers_allowed=parent_agent.providers_allowed,
-            providers_ignored=parent_agent.providers_ignored,
-            providers_order=parent_agent.providers_order,
-            provider_sort=parent_agent.provider_sort,
-            tool_progress_callback=child_progress_cb,
-            iteration_budget=shared_budget,
-        )
+    # Set delegation depth so children can't spawn grandchildren
+    child._delegate_depth = getattr(parent_agent, '_delegate_depth', 0) + 1
 
-        # Set delegation depth so children can't spawn grandchildren
-        child._delegate_depth = getattr(parent_agent, '_delegate_depth', 0) + 1
-
-        # Register child for interrupt propagation
-        if hasattr(parent_agent, '_active_children'):
+    # Register child for interrupt propagation
+    if hasattr(parent_agent, '_active_children'):
+        lock = getattr(parent_agent, '_active_children_lock', None)
+        if lock:
+            with lock:
+                parent_agent._active_children.append(child)
+        else:
             parent_agent._active_children.append(child)
 
-        # Run with stdout/stderr suppressed to prevent interleaved output
-        devnull = io.StringIO()
-        with contextlib.redirect_stdout(devnull), contextlib.redirect_stderr(devnull):
-            result = child.run_conversation(user_message=goal)
+    return child
+
+def _run_single_child(
+    task_index: int,
+    goal: str,
+    child=None,
+    parent_agent=None,
+    **_kwargs,
+) -> Dict[str, Any]:
+    """
+    Run a pre-built child agent. Called from within a thread.
+    Returns a structured result dict.
+    """
+    child_start = time.monotonic()
+
+    # Get the progress callback from the child agent
+    child_progress_cb = getattr(child, 'tool_progress_callback', None)
+
+    try:
+        result = child.run_conversation(user_message=goal)
 
         # Flush any remaining batched progress to gateway
         if child_progress_cb and hasattr(child_progress_cb, '_flush'):
@@ -355,11 +368,15 @@ def _run_single_child(
         # Unregister child from interrupt propagation
         if hasattr(parent_agent, '_active_children'):
             try:
-                parent_agent._active_children.remove(child)
+                lock = getattr(parent_agent, '_active_children_lock', None)
+                if lock:
+                    with lock:
+                        parent_agent._active_children.remove(child)
+                else:
+                    parent_agent._active_children.remove(child)
             except (ValueError, UnboundLocalError) as e:
                 logger.debug("Could not remove child from active_children: %s", e)
 
-
 def delegate_task(
     goal: Optional[str] = None,
     context: Optional[str] = None,
@@ -428,51 +445,38 @@ def delegate_task(
     # Track goal labels for progress display (truncated for readability)
     task_labels = [t["goal"][:40] for t in task_list]
 
-    if n_tasks == 1:
-        # Single task -- run directly (no thread pool overhead)
-        t = task_list[0]
-        result = _run_single_child(
-            task_index=0,
-            goal=t["goal"],
-            context=t.get("context"),
-            toolsets=t.get("toolsets") or toolsets,
-            model=creds["model"],
-            max_iterations=effective_max_iter,
-            parent_agent=parent_agent,
-            task_count=1,
-            override_provider=creds["provider"],
-            override_base_url=creds["base_url"],
+    # Build all child agents on the main thread (thread-safe construction)
+    children = []
+    for i, t in enumerate(task_list):
+        child = _build_child_agent(
+            task_index=i, goal=t["goal"], context=t.get("context"),
+            toolsets=t.get("toolsets") or toolsets, model=creds["model"],
+            max_iterations=effective_max_iter, parent_agent=parent_agent,
+            override_provider=creds["provider"], override_base_url=creds["base_url"],
             override_api_key=creds["api_key"],
             override_api_mode=creds["api_mode"],
         )
+        children.append((i, t, child))
+
+    if n_tasks == 1:
+        # Single task -- run directly (no thread pool overhead)
+        _i, _t, child = children[0]
+        result = _run_single_child(0, _t["goal"], child, parent_agent)
         results.append(result)
     else:
         # Batch -- run in parallel with per-task progress lines
         completed_count = 0
         spinner_ref = getattr(parent_agent, '_delegate_spinner', None)
 
-        # Save stdout/stderr before the executor — redirect_stdout in child
-        # threads races on sys.stdout and can leave it as devnull permanently.
-        _saved_stdout = sys.stdout
-        _saved_stderr = sys.stderr
-
         with ThreadPoolExecutor(max_workers=MAX_CONCURRENT_CHILDREN) as executor:
             futures = {}
-            for i, t in enumerate(task_list):
+            for i, t, child in children:
                 future = executor.submit(
                     _run_single_child,
                     task_index=i,
                     goal=t["goal"],
-                    context=t.get("context"),
-                    toolsets=t.get("toolsets") or toolsets,
-                    model=creds["model"],
-                    max_iterations=effective_max_iter,
+                    child=child,
                     parent_agent=parent_agent,
-                    task_count=n_tasks,
-                    override_provider=creds["provider"],
-                    override_base_url=creds["base_url"],
-                    override_api_key=creds["api_key"],
-                    override_api_mode=creds["api_mode"],
                 )
                 futures[future] = i
 
@@ -515,10 +519,6 @@ def delegate_task(
                     except Exception as e:
                         logger.debug("Spinner update_text failed: %s", e)
 
-        # Restore stdout/stderr in case redirect_stdout race left them as devnull
-        sys.stdout = _saved_stdout
-        sys.stderr = _saved_stderr
-
         # Sort by task_index so results match input order
         results.sort(key=lambda r: r["task_index"])