diff --git a/.claude/rules/session-protocol.md b/.claude/rules/session-protocol.md
index 7c1242d..f12152f 100644
--- a/.claude/rules/session-protocol.md
+++ b/.claude/rules/session-protocol.md
@@ -5,6 +5,12 @@ State Hub: http://127.0.0.1:8000
 ### Session Protocol
 
 **Step 1 — Orient**
+
+Read the offline-safe brief first:
+```bash
+cat .custodian-brief.md
+```
+Then call the MCP tool for richer context (skip if unreachable):
 ```
 get_domain_summary("custodian")
 ```