diff --git a/internal/adapters/analyzer/fake.go b/internal/adapters/analyzer/fake.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..828b8e9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/internal/adapters/analyzer/fake.go
@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+package analyzer
+
+import "context"
+
+// NoopRunner is a deterministic no-op analyzer adapter.
+type NoopRunner struct{}
+
+// Run returns the requested output path with placeholder metadata.
+func (n *NoopRunner) Run(ctx context.Context, req AnalyzeRequest) (AnalyzeResult, error) {
+	if err := ctx.Err(); err != nil {
+		return AnalyzeResult{}, err
+	}
+	return AnalyzeResult{ArtifactPath: req.OutputPath, Metadata: map[string]any{"placeholder": true}}, nil
+}
+
+// FakeRunner captures analyze requests and returns deterministic responses.
+type FakeRunner struct {
+	Requests []AnalyzeRequest
+	Err      error
+	Result   AnalyzeResult
+}
+
+// Run records request and returns configured response.
+func (f *FakeRunner) Run(ctx context.Context, req AnalyzeRequest) (AnalyzeResult, error) {
+	if err := ctx.Err(); err != nil {
+		return AnalyzeResult{}, err
+	}
+	f.Requests = append(f.Requests, req)
+	if f.Err != nil {
+		return AnalyzeResult{}, f.Err
+	}
+	res := f.Result
+	if res.ArtifactPath == "" {
+		res.ArtifactPath = req.OutputPath
+	}
+	if res.Metadata == nil {
+		res.Metadata = map[string]any{"fake": true}
+	}
+	return res, nil
+}
diff --git a/internal/adapters/analyzer/fake_test.go b/internal/adapters/analyzer/fake_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..56b9e94
--- /dev/null
+++ b/internal/adapters/analyzer/fake_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,31 @@
+package analyzer
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+	"testing"
+)
+
+func TestFakeRunnerCapturesRequestAndReturnsPath(t *testing.T) {
+	fake := &FakeRunner{}
+	req := AnalyzeRequest{ArtifactType: "session-log", OutputPath: "artifacts/session-log.md"}
+
+	res, err := fake.Run(context.Background(), req)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Run() error = %v", err)
+	}
+	if len(fake.Requests) != 1 || fake.Requests[0].ArtifactType != "session-log" {
+		t.Fatalf("requests = %#v, want captured request", fake.Requests)
+	}
+	if res.ArtifactPath != req.OutputPath {
+		t.Fatalf("artifact path = %q, want %q", res.ArtifactPath, req.OutputPath)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestFakeRunnerError(t *testing.T) {
+	fake := &FakeRunner{Err: errors.New("boom")}
+	_, err := fake.Run(context.Background(), AnalyzeRequest{})
+	if err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("expected error, got nil")
+	}
+}
diff --git a/internal/adapters/analyzer/runner.go b/internal/adapters/analyzer/runner.go
index a8a1fc7..f5ac1c2 100644
--- a/internal/adapters/analyzer/runner.go
+++ b/internal/adapters/analyzer/runner.go
@@ -3,18 +3,24 @@ package analyzer
 
 import "context"
 
-// Runner is a placeholder adapter interface for session artifact generation.
+// Runner is the adapter boundary for analyzer invocations.
 type Runner interface {
-	Run(ctx context.Context, req AnalysisRequest) (AnalysisResult, error)
+	Run(ctx context.Context, req AnalyzeRequest) (AnalyzeResult, error)
 }
 
-// AnalysisRequest is a placeholder analyzer input.
-type AnalysisRequest struct {
+// AnalyzeRequest describes one analyzer artifact generation request.
+type AnalyzeRequest struct {
+	ArtifactType            string
 	ProcessedTranscriptPath string
-	OutputDir               string
+	ContextReferences       []string
+	OutputPath              string
+	GeneratedConfigPath     string
+	StdoutLogPath           string
+	StderrLogPath           string
 }
 
-// AnalysisResult is a placeholder analyzer output.
-type AnalysisResult struct {
-	ArtifactPaths []string
+// AnalyzeResult describes analyzer output.
+type AnalyzeResult struct {
+	ArtifactPath string
+	Metadata     map[string]any
 }
diff --git a/internal/adapters/audita/fake.go b/internal/adapters/audita/fake.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6324b43
--- /dev/null
+++ b/internal/adapters/audita/fake.go
@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+package audita
+
+import "context"
+
+// NoopRunner is a deterministic no-op audita adapter.
+type NoopRunner struct{}
+
+// Run returns requested output path with placeholder metadata.
+func (n *NoopRunner) Run(ctx context.Context, req PolishRequest) (PolishResult, error) {
+	if err := ctx.Err(); err != nil {
+		return PolishResult{}, err
+	}
+	return PolishResult{ProcessedTranscriptPath: req.OutputProcessedPath, Metadata: map[string]any{"placeholder": true}}, nil
+}
+
+// FakeRunner captures polish requests and returns deterministic responses.
+type FakeRunner struct {
+	Requests []PolishRequest
+	Err      error
+	Result   PolishResult
+}
+
+// Run records request and returns configured response.
+func (f *FakeRunner) Run(ctx context.Context, req PolishRequest) (PolishResult, error) {
+	if err := ctx.Err(); err != nil {
+		return PolishResult{}, err
+	}
+	f.Requests = append(f.Requests, req)
+	if f.Err != nil {
+		return PolishResult{}, f.Err
+	}
+	res := f.Result
+	if res.ProcessedTranscriptPath == "" {
+		res.ProcessedTranscriptPath = req.OutputProcessedPath
+	}
+	if res.Metadata == nil {
+		res.Metadata = map[string]any{"fake": true}
+	}
+	return res, nil
+}
diff --git a/internal/adapters/audita/fake_test.go b/internal/adapters/audita/fake_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6d67211
--- /dev/null
+++ b/internal/adapters/audita/fake_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,31 @@
+package audita
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+	"testing"
+)
+
+func TestFakeRunnerCapturesRequestAndReturnsPath(t *testing.T) {
+	fake := &FakeRunner{}
+	req := PolishRequest{GeneratedConfigPath: "config/audita.yml", OutputProcessedPath: "transcripts/processed.json"}
+
+	res, err := fake.Run(context.Background(), req)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Run() error = %v", err)
+	}
+	if len(fake.Requests) != 1 || fake.Requests[0].GeneratedConfigPath == "" {
+		t.Fatalf("requests = %#v, want captured request", fake.Requests)
+	}
+	if res.ProcessedTranscriptPath != req.OutputProcessedPath {
+		t.Fatalf("processed path = %q, want %q", res.ProcessedTranscriptPath, req.OutputProcessedPath)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestFakeRunnerError(t *testing.T) {
+	fake := &FakeRunner{Err: errors.New("boom")}
+	_, err := fake.Run(context.Background(), PolishRequest{})
+	if err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("expected error, got nil")
+	}
+}
diff --git a/internal/adapters/audita/runner.go b/internal/adapters/audita/runner.go
index e6e3f97..bd94533 100644
--- a/internal/adapters/audita/runner.go
+++ b/internal/adapters/audita/runner.go
@@ -3,18 +3,22 @@ package audita
 
 import "context"
 
-// Runner is a placeholder adapter interface for audita invocation.
+// Runner is the adapter boundary for audita polish invocations.
 type Runner interface {
 	Run(ctx context.Context, req PolishRequest) (PolishResult, error)
 }
 
-// PolishRequest is a placeholder polish input.
+// PolishRequest describes an audita invocation.
 type PolishRequest struct {
+	GeneratedConfigPath  string
 	MergedTranscriptPath string
-	OutputPath           string
+	OutputProcessedPath  string
+	StdoutLogPath        string
+	StderrLogPath        string
 }
 
-// PolishResult is a placeholder polish output.
+// PolishResult describes a polish output.
 type PolishResult struct {
-	ProcessedPath string
+	ProcessedTranscriptPath string
+	Metadata                map[string]any
 }
diff --git a/internal/adapters/notify/fake.go b/internal/adapters/notify/fake.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3a76141
--- /dev/null
+++ b/internal/adapters/notify/fake.go
@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+package notify
+
+import "context"
+
+// NoopSender is a deterministic no-op notifier.
+type NoopSender struct{}
+
+// Send returns a placeholder successful result.
+func (n *NoopSender) Send(ctx context.Context, _ SendRequest) (SendResult, error) {
+	if err := ctx.Err(); err != nil {
+		return SendResult{}, err
+	}
+	return SendResult{ProviderMessageID: "noop", Metadata: map[string]any{"placeholder": true}}, nil
+}
+
+// FakeSender captures send requests and returns deterministic responses.
+type FakeSender struct {
+	Requests []SendRequest
+	Err      error
+	Result   SendResult
+}
+
+// Send records request and returns configured response.
+func (f *FakeSender) Send(ctx context.Context, req SendRequest) (SendResult, error) {
+	if err := ctx.Err(); err != nil {
+		return SendResult{}, err
+	}
+	f.Requests = append(f.Requests, req)
+	if f.Err != nil {
+		return SendResult{}, f.Err
+	}
+	res := f.Result
+	if res.ProviderMessageID == "" {
+		res.ProviderMessageID = "fake"
+	}
+	if res.Metadata == nil {
+		res.Metadata = map[string]any{"fake": true}
+	}
+	return res, nil
+}
diff --git a/internal/adapters/notify/fake_test.go b/internal/adapters/notify/fake_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..27bb208
--- /dev/null
+++ b/internal/adapters/notify/fake_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,31 @@
+package notify
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+	"testing"
+)
+
+func TestFakeSenderCapturesRequestAndReturnsResult(t *testing.T) {
+	fake := &FakeSender{}
+	req := SendRequest{Subject: "done", Body: "body"}
+
+	res, err := fake.Send(context.Background(), req)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Send() error = %v", err)
+	}
+	if len(fake.Requests) != 1 || fake.Requests[0].Subject != "done" {
+		t.Fatalf("requests = %#v, want captured request", fake.Requests)
+	}
+	if res.ProviderMessageID == "" {
+		t.Fatal("provider message id should be set")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestFakeSenderError(t *testing.T) {
+	fake := &FakeSender{Err: errors.New("boom")}
+	_, err := fake.Send(context.Background(), SendRequest{})
+	if err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("expected error, got nil")
+	}
+}
diff --git a/internal/adapters/notify/sender.go b/internal/adapters/notify/sender.go
index 89d28e2..44e9902 100644
--- a/internal/adapters/notify/sender.go
+++ b/internal/adapters/notify/sender.go
@@ -3,13 +3,20 @@ package notify
 
 import "context"
 
-// Sender is a placeholder adapter interface for notifications.
+// Sender is the adapter boundary for notifications.
 type Sender interface {
-	Send(ctx context.Context, msg Message) error
+	Send(ctx context.Context, req SendRequest) (SendResult, error)
 }
 
-// Message is a placeholder notification payload.
-type Message struct {
-	Subject string
-	Body    string
+// SendRequest describes one notification request.
+type SendRequest struct {
+	Subject  string
+	Body     string
+	Metadata map[string]string
+}
+
+// SendResult describes notification send outcome metadata.
+type SendResult struct {
+	ProviderMessageID string
+	Metadata          map[string]any
 }
diff --git a/internal/adapters/seriatim/fake.go b/internal/adapters/seriatim/fake.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9b611a2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/internal/adapters/seriatim/fake.go
@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+package seriatim
+
+import "context"
+
+// NoopRunner is a deterministic no-op seriatim adapter.
+type NoopRunner struct{}
+
+// Run returns the requested output path with placeholder metadata.
+func (n *NoopRunner) Run(ctx context.Context, req MergeRequest) (MergeResult, error) {
+	if err := ctx.Err(); err != nil {
+		return MergeResult{}, err
+	}
+	return MergeResult{MergedTranscriptPath: req.OutputMergedTranscriptPath, Metadata: map[string]any{"placeholder": true}}, nil
+}
+
+// FakeRunner captures merge requests and returns deterministic responses.
+type FakeRunner struct {
+	Requests []MergeRequest
+	Err      error
+	Result   MergeResult
+}
+
+// Run records request and returns configured response.
+func (f *FakeRunner) Run(ctx context.Context, req MergeRequest) (MergeResult, error) {
+	if err := ctx.Err(); err != nil {
+		return MergeResult{}, err
+	}
+	f.Requests = append(f.Requests, req)
+	if f.Err != nil {
+		return MergeResult{}, f.Err
+	}
+	res := f.Result
+	if res.MergedTranscriptPath == "" {
+		res.MergedTranscriptPath = req.OutputMergedTranscriptPath
+	}
+	if res.Metadata == nil {
+		res.Metadata = map[string]any{"fake": true}
+	}
+	return res, nil
+}
diff --git a/internal/adapters/seriatim/fake_test.go b/internal/adapters/seriatim/fake_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..77a2f29
--- /dev/null
+++ b/internal/adapters/seriatim/fake_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,31 @@
+package seriatim
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+	"testing"
+)
+
+func TestFakeRunnerCapturesRequestAndReturnsPath(t *testing.T) {
+	fake := &FakeRunner{}
+	req := MergeRequest{GeneratedConfigPath: "config/seriatim.yml", OutputMergedTranscriptPath: "transcripts/merged.json"}
+
+	res, err := fake.Run(context.Background(), req)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Run() error = %v", err)
+	}
+	if len(fake.Requests) != 1 || fake.Requests[0].GeneratedConfigPath == "" {
+		t.Fatalf("requests = %#v, want captured request", fake.Requests)
+	}
+	if res.MergedTranscriptPath != req.OutputMergedTranscriptPath {
+		t.Fatalf("merged path = %q, want %q", res.MergedTranscriptPath, req.OutputMergedTranscriptPath)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestFakeRunnerError(t *testing.T) {
+	fake := &FakeRunner{Err: errors.New("boom")}
+	_, err := fake.Run(context.Background(), MergeRequest{})
+	if err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("expected error, got nil")
+	}
+}
diff --git a/internal/adapters/seriatim/runner.go b/internal/adapters/seriatim/runner.go
index 92883a5..1115b16 100644
--- a/internal/adapters/seriatim/runner.go
+++ b/internal/adapters/seriatim/runner.go
@@ -3,18 +3,22 @@ package seriatim
 
 import "context"
 
-// Runner is a placeholder adapter interface for seriatim invocation.
+// Runner is the adapter boundary for seriatim merge invocations.
 type Runner interface {
 	Run(ctx context.Context, req MergeRequest) (MergeResult, error)
 }
 
-// MergeRequest is a placeholder merge input.
+// MergeRequest describes a seriatim merge invocation.
 type MergeRequest struct {
-	TranscriptPaths []string
-	OutputPath      string
+	GeneratedConfigPath        string
+	InputTranscriptPaths       []string
+	OutputMergedTranscriptPath string
+	StdoutLogPath              string
+	StderrLogPath              string
 }
 
-// MergeResult is a placeholder merge output.
+// MergeResult describes a merge output.
 type MergeResult struct {
-	MergedPath string
+	MergedTranscriptPath string
+	Metadata             map[string]any
 }
diff --git a/internal/adapters/storage/archive.go b/internal/adapters/storage/archive.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e466fa5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/internal/adapters/storage/archive.go
@@ -0,0 +1,29 @@
+// Package storage declares archive/storage backend adapter boundaries.
+package storage
+
+import "context"
+
+// Backend is the adapter boundary for archive/storage operations.
+type Backend interface {
+	Archive(ctx context.Context, req ArchiveRequest) (ArchiveResult, error)
+}
+
+// ArchiveItem describes one item to archive.
+type ArchiveItem struct {
+	Kind      string
+	LocalPath string
+	RemoteKey string
+}
+
+// ArchiveRequest describes one archive operation.
+type ArchiveRequest struct {
+	SessionID    string
+	ManifestPath string
+	Items        []ArchiveItem
+}
+
+// ArchiveResult describes archive operation output.
+type ArchiveResult struct {
+	Archived []ArchiveItem
+	Metadata map[string]any
+}
diff --git a/internal/adapters/storage/fake.go b/internal/adapters/storage/fake.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..be11724
--- /dev/null
+++ b/internal/adapters/storage/fake.go
@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+package storage
+
+import "context"
+
+// NoopBackend is a deterministic no-op archive/storage adapter.
+type NoopBackend struct{}
+
+// Archive returns the requested items as archived with placeholder metadata.
+func (n *NoopBackend) Archive(ctx context.Context, req ArchiveRequest) (ArchiveResult, error) {
+	if err := ctx.Err(); err != nil {
+		return ArchiveResult{}, err
+	}
+	return ArchiveResult{Archived: append([]ArchiveItem(nil), req.Items...), Metadata: map[string]any{"placeholder": true}}, nil
+}
+
+// FakeBackend captures archive requests and returns deterministic responses.
+type FakeBackend struct {
+	Requests []ArchiveRequest
+	Err      error
+	Result   ArchiveResult
+}
+
+// Archive records request and returns configured response.
+func (f *FakeBackend) Archive(ctx context.Context, req ArchiveRequest) (ArchiveResult, error) {
+	if err := ctx.Err(); err != nil {
+		return ArchiveResult{}, err
+	}
+	f.Requests = append(f.Requests, req)
+	if f.Err != nil {
+		return ArchiveResult{}, f.Err
+	}
+	res := f.Result
+	if res.Archived == nil {
+		res.Archived = append([]ArchiveItem(nil), req.Items...)
+	}
+	if res.Metadata == nil {
+		res.Metadata = map[string]any{"fake": true}
+	}
+	return res, nil
+}
diff --git a/internal/adapters/storage/fake_test.go b/internal/adapters/storage/fake_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..eee58df
--- /dev/null
+++ b/internal/adapters/storage/fake_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,31 @@
+package storage
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+	"testing"
+)
+
+func TestFakeBackendCapturesRequestAndReturnsItems(t *testing.T) {
+	fake := &FakeBackend{}
+	req := ArchiveRequest{SessionID: "s1", Items: []ArchiveItem{{Kind: "artifact", LocalPath: "artifacts/log.md"}}}
+
+	res, err := fake.Archive(context.Background(), req)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Archive() error = %v", err)
+	}
+	if len(fake.Requests) != 1 || fake.Requests[0].SessionID != "s1" {
+		t.Fatalf("requests = %#v, want captured request", fake.Requests)
+	}
+	if len(res.Archived) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("archived len = %d, want 1", len(res.Archived))
+	}
+}
+
+func TestFakeBackendError(t *testing.T) {
+	fake := &FakeBackend{Err: errors.New("boom")}
+	_, err := fake.Archive(context.Background(), ArchiveRequest{})
+	if err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("expected error, got nil")
+	}
+}
diff --git a/internal/adapters/whisperx/client.go b/internal/adapters/whisperx/client.go
index 8916911..c835314 100644
--- a/internal/adapters/whisperx/client.go
+++ b/internal/adapters/whisperx/client.go
@@ -3,18 +3,20 @@ package whisperx
 
 import "context"
 
-// Client is a placeholder adapter interface for WhisperX interactions.
+// Client is the adapter boundary for WhisperX transcription jobs.
 type Client interface {
-	Transcribe(ctx context.Context, req TranscriptionRequest) (TranscriptionResult, error)
+	Transcribe(ctx context.Context, req TranscribeRequest) (TranscribeResult, error)
 }
 
-// TranscriptionRequest is a placeholder transcription input.
-type TranscriptionRequest struct {
-	Speaker   string
-	AudioPath string
+// TranscribeRequest describes one speaker audio transcription request.
+type TranscribeRequest struct {
+	SpeakerID               string
+	AudioPath               string
+	OutputRawTranscriptPath string
 }
 
-// TranscriptionResult is a placeholder transcription output.
-type TranscriptionResult struct {
-	TranscriptPath string
+// TranscribeResult describes the transcript output and adapter metadata.
+type TranscribeResult struct {
+	OutputRawTranscriptPath string
+	Metadata                map[string]any
 }
diff --git a/internal/adapters/whisperx/fake.go b/internal/adapters/whisperx/fake.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..885b9f9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/internal/adapters/whisperx/fake.go
@@ -0,0 +1,45 @@
+package whisperx
+
+import "context"
+
+// NoopClient is a deterministic no-op WhisperX adapter.
+type NoopClient struct{}
+
+// Transcribe returns the requested output path with placeholder metadata.
+func (n *NoopClient) Transcribe(ctx context.Context, req TranscribeRequest) (TranscribeResult, error) {
+	if err := ctx.Err(); err != nil {
+		return TranscribeResult{}, err
+	}
+	return TranscribeResult{
+		OutputRawTranscriptPath: req.OutputRawTranscriptPath,
+		Metadata: map[string]any{
+			"placeholder": true,
+		},
+	}, nil
+}
+
+// FakeClient captures requests and returns deterministic responses for tests.
+type FakeClient struct {
+	Requests []TranscribeRequest
+	Err      error
+	Result   TranscribeResult
+}
+
+// Transcribe records the request and returns either configured error or result.
+func (f *FakeClient) Transcribe(ctx context.Context, req TranscribeRequest) (TranscribeResult, error) {
+	if err := ctx.Err(); err != nil {
+		return TranscribeResult{}, err
+	}
+	f.Requests = append(f.Requests, req)
+	if f.Err != nil {
+		return TranscribeResult{}, f.Err
+	}
+	res := f.Result
+	if res.OutputRawTranscriptPath == "" {
+		res.OutputRawTranscriptPath = req.OutputRawTranscriptPath
+	}
+	if res.Metadata == nil {
+		res.Metadata = map[string]any{"fake": true}
+	}
+	return res, nil
+}
diff --git a/internal/adapters/whisperx/fake_test.go b/internal/adapters/whisperx/fake_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e7feb05
--- /dev/null
+++ b/internal/adapters/whisperx/fake_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,31 @@
+package whisperx
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+	"testing"
+)
+
+func TestFakeClientCapturesRequestAndReturnsPath(t *testing.T) {
+	fake := &FakeClient{}
+	req := TranscribeRequest{SpeakerID: "alice", AudioPath: "audio/alice.flac", OutputRawTranscriptPath: "transcripts/raw/alice.json"}
+
+	res, err := fake.Transcribe(context.Background(), req)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Transcribe() error = %v", err)
+	}
+	if len(fake.Requests) != 1 || fake.Requests[0].SpeakerID != "alice" {
+		t.Fatalf("requests = %#v, want one alice request", fake.Requests)
+	}
+	if res.OutputRawTranscriptPath != req.OutputRawTranscriptPath {
+		t.Fatalf("output path = %q, want %q", res.OutputRawTranscriptPath, req.OutputRawTranscriptPath)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestFakeClientError(t *testing.T) {
+	fake := &FakeClient{Err: errors.New("boom")}
+	_, err := fake.Transcribe(context.Background(), TranscribeRequest{})
+	if err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("expected error, got nil")
+	}
+}
diff --git a/internal/app/app.go b/internal/app/app.go
index 281a871..b71ee9e 100644
--- a/internal/app/app.go
+++ b/internal/app/app.go
@@ -7,9 +7,11 @@ import (
 	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/adapters/audita"
 	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/adapters/notify"
 	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/adapters/seriatim"
+	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/adapters/storage"
 	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/adapters/whisperx"
 	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/artifacts"
 	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/config"
+	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/manifest"
 	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/stage"
 )
 
@@ -17,12 +19,14 @@ import (
 type Env struct {
 	Config        *config.Config
 	ArtifactStore artifacts.Store
+	ManifestStore manifest.Store
 	Logger        *slog.Logger
 
 	WhisperX whisperx.Client
 	Seriatim seriatim.Runner
 	Audita   audita.Runner
 	Analyzer analyzer.Runner
+	Storage  storage.Backend
 	Notifier notify.Sender
 }
 
@@ -34,11 +38,13 @@ func toStageEnv(env *Env) *stage.Env {
 	return &stage.Env{
 		Config:        env.Config,
 		ArtifactStore: env.ArtifactStore,
+		ManifestStore: env.ManifestStore,
 		Logger:        env.Logger,
 		WhisperX:      env.WhisperX,
 		Seriatim:      env.Seriatim,
 		Audita:        env.Audita,
 		Analyzer:      env.Analyzer,
+		Storage:       env.Storage,
 		Notifier:      env.Notifier,
 	}
 }
diff --git a/internal/app/runner.go b/internal/app/runner.go
index 3615030..11526af 100644
--- a/internal/app/runner.go
+++ b/internal/app/runner.go
@@ -7,6 +7,12 @@ import (
 	"os"
 	"path/filepath"
 
+	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/adapters/analyzer"
+	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/adapters/audita"
+	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/adapters/notify"
+	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/adapters/seriatim"
+	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/adapters/storage"
+	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/adapters/whisperx"
 	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/artifacts"
 	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/config"
 	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/logging"
@@ -16,6 +22,7 @@ import (
 
 type RunOptions struct {
 	Force bool
+	Env   *Env
 }
 
 type RunSummary struct {
@@ -25,36 +32,64 @@ type RunSummary struct {
 }
 
 func executeStages(ctx context.Context, cfg *config.Config, stages []stage.Stage, opts RunOptions) (*RunSummary, error) {
-	store := artifacts.NewLocalStore(cfg.Pipeline.Workspace.Root)
-	paths, err := store.EnsureLayout(cfg.Session.SessionID)
+	env := opts.Env
+	if env == nil {
+		env = &Env{}
+	}
+	if env.Config == nil {
+		env.Config = cfg
+	}
+	if env.ArtifactStore == nil {
+		env.ArtifactStore = artifacts.NewLocalStore(cfg.Pipeline.Workspace.Root)
+	}
+	if env.ManifestStore == nil {
+		env.ManifestStore = &manifest.LocalStore{}
+	}
+	if env.Logger == nil {
+		env.Logger = logging.NewLogger(os.Stderr, slog.LevelInfo)
+	}
+	if env.WhisperX == nil {
+		env.WhisperX = &whisperx.NoopClient{}
+	}
+	if env.Seriatim == nil {
+		env.Seriatim = &seriatim.NoopRunner{}
+	}
+	if env.Audita == nil {
+		env.Audita = &audita.NoopRunner{}
+	}
+	if env.Analyzer == nil {
+		env.Analyzer = &analyzer.NoopRunner{}
+	}
+	if env.Storage == nil {
+		env.Storage = &storage.NoopBackend{}
+	}
+	if env.Notifier == nil {
+		env.Notifier = &notify.NoopSender{}
+	}
+
+	artifactStore := env.ArtifactStore
+	paths, err := artifactStore.EnsureLayout(cfg.Session.SessionID)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("prepare workdir: %w", err)
 	}
 
-	lock, err := store.AcquireSessionLock(cfg.Session.SessionID)
+	lock, err := artifactStore.AcquireSessionLock(cfg.Session.SessionID)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("acquire session lock: %w", err)
 	}
 	defer func() {
-		_ = store.ReleaseSessionLock(lock)
+		_ = artifactStore.ReleaseSessionLock(lock)
 	}()
 
-	manifestStore := &manifest.LocalStore{}
 	manifestPath := paths.ManifestPath
-
-	m, err := loadOrCreateManifest(ctx, manifestStore, manifestPath, cfg.Session.SessionID)
+	m, err := loadOrCreateManifest(ctx, env.ManifestStore, manifestPath, cfg.Session.SessionID)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
 
-	env := &Env{
-		Config:        cfg,
-		ArtifactStore: store,
-		Logger:        logging.NewLogger(os.Stderr, slog.LevelInfo),
-	}
 	stageEnv := toStageEnv(env)
 
-	_ = opts // TODO: use --force behavior in future skip/stale logic.
+	_ = opts.Force // TODO: use --force behavior in future skip/stale logic.
 
 	runNames := make([]string, 0, len(stages))
 	for _, s := range stages {
@@ -62,14 +97,14 @@ func executeStages(ctx context.Context, cfg *config.Config, stages []stage.Stage
 
 		now := nowUTC()
 		m.MarkStageRunning(s.Name(), now)
-		if err := manifestStore.Save(ctx, manifestPath, m); err != nil {
+		if err := env.ManifestStore.Save(ctx, manifestPath, m); err != nil {
 			return nil, fmt.Errorf("save manifest before stage %q: %w", s.Name(), err)
 		}
 
 		result, err := s.Run(ctx, stageEnv, m)
 		if err != nil {
 			m.MarkStageFailed(s.Name(), nowUTC(), err.Error())
-			if saveErr := manifestStore.Save(ctx, manifestPath, m); saveErr != nil {
+			if saveErr := env.ManifestStore.Save(ctx, manifestPath, m); saveErr != nil {
 				return nil, fmt.Errorf("stage %q failed (%v) and manifest save failed (%v)", s.Name(), err, saveErr)
 			}
 			return nil, fmt.Errorf("stage %q failed: %w", s.Name(), err)
@@ -79,7 +114,7 @@ func executeStages(ctx context.Context, cfg *config.Config, stages []stage.Stage
 		m.MarkStageSucceeded(s.Name(), nowUTC(), outputs)
 		applyStageResultToManifest(m, s.Name(), result)
 
-		if err := manifestStore.Save(ctx, manifestPath, m); err != nil {
+		if err := env.ManifestStore.Save(ctx, manifestPath, m); err != nil {
 			return nil, fmt.Errorf("save manifest after stage %q: %w", s.Name(), err)
 		}
 	}
@@ -91,7 +126,7 @@ func executeStages(ctx context.Context, cfg *config.Config, stages []stage.Stage
 	}, nil
 }
 
-func loadOrCreateManifest(ctx context.Context, store *manifest.LocalStore, path, sessionID string) (*manifest.Manifest, error) {
+func loadOrCreateManifest(ctx context.Context, store manifest.Store, path, sessionID string) (*manifest.Manifest, error) {
 	exists, err := fileExists(path)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("check manifest existence %q: %w", path, err)
diff --git a/internal/app/runner_test.go b/internal/app/runner_test.go
index c923ffa..28b0025 100644
--- a/internal/app/runner_test.go
+++ b/internal/app/runner_test.go
@@ -9,6 +9,13 @@ import (
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
+	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/adapters/analyzer"
+	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/adapters/audita"
+	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/adapters/notify"
+	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/adapters/seriatim"
+	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/adapters/storage"
+	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/adapters/whisperx"
+	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/artifacts"
 	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/config"
 	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/manifest"
 	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/stage"
@@ -98,24 +105,6 @@ func TestExecuteStagesFailureUpdatesManifest(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
-func testConfig(t *testing.T) *config.Config {
-	t.Helper()
-
-	workspace := t.TempDir()
-	return &config.Config{
-		Pipeline: &config.PipelineConfig{Workspace: config.WorkspaceConfig{Root: workspace}},
-		Session: &config.SessionConfig{
-			SessionID: "2026-05-03",
-			Inputs: config.SessionInputsConfig{
-				AudioDir:        "./audio",
-				SpeakersFile:    "./speakers.yml",
-				AutocorrectFile: "./autocorrect.yml",
-				GlossaryFile:    "./glossary.yml",
-			},
-		},
-	}
-}
-
 func TestExecuteStagesLoadsExistingManifest(t *testing.T) {
 	cfg := testConfig(t)
 	manifestPath := manifestPathFor(cfg)
@@ -146,3 +135,67 @@ func TestExecuteStagesLoadsExistingManifest(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("transcribe should be succeeded after run")
 	}
 }
+
+func TestAdapterBackedStageFailureMarksManifestFailed(t *testing.T) {
+	cases := []struct {
+		name string
+		env  *Env
+	}{
+		{name: "transcribe", env: &Env{WhisperX: &whisperx.FakeClient{Err: errors.New("transcribe fail")}}},
+		{name: "merge", env: &Env{Seriatim: &seriatim.FakeRunner{Err: errors.New("merge fail")}}},
+		{name: "polish", env: &Env{Audita: &audita.FakeRunner{Err: errors.New("polish fail")}}},
+		{name: "analyze", env: &Env{Analyzer: &analyzer.FakeRunner{Err: errors.New("analyze fail")}}},
+		{name: "archive", env: &Env{Storage: &storage.FakeBackend{Err: errors.New("archive fail")}}},
+		{name: "notify", env: &Env{Notifier: &notify.FakeSender{Err: errors.New("notify fail")}}},
+	}
+
+	for _, tc := range cases {
+		t.Run(tc.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			cfg := testConfig(t)
+			selected, err := stage.Select(tc.name)
+			if err != nil {
+				t.Fatalf("Select() error = %v", err)
+			}
+
+			artifactStore := artifacts.NewLocalStore(cfg.Pipeline.Workspace.Root)
+			tc.env.Config = cfg
+			tc.env.ArtifactStore = artifactStore
+			tc.env.ManifestStore = &manifest.LocalStore{}
+
+			_, runErr := executeStages(context.Background(), cfg, []stage.Stage{selected}, RunOptions{Env: tc.env})
+			if runErr == nil {
+				t.Fatal("expected error, got nil")
+			}
+
+			m, loadErr := tc.env.ManifestStore.Load(context.Background(), manifestPathFor(cfg))
+			if loadErr != nil {
+				t.Fatalf("load manifest error = %v", loadErr)
+			}
+			sr := m.Stages[tc.name]
+			if sr == nil {
+				t.Fatalf("missing stage record %q", tc.name)
+			}
+			if sr.Status != manifest.StatusFailed {
+				t.Fatalf("status = %q, want %q", sr.Status, manifest.StatusFailed)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+func testConfig(t *testing.T) *config.Config {
+	t.Helper()
+
+	workspace := t.TempDir()
+	return &config.Config{
+		Pipeline: &config.PipelineConfig{Workspace: config.WorkspaceConfig{Root: workspace}},
+		Session: &config.SessionConfig{
+			SessionID: "2026-05-03",
+			Inputs: config.SessionInputsConfig{
+				AudioDir:        "./audio",
+				SpeakersFile:    "./speakers.yml",
+				AutocorrectFile: "./autocorrect.yml",
+				GlossaryFile:    "./glossary.yml",
+			},
+		},
+	}
+}
diff --git a/internal/stage/placeholders.go b/internal/stage/placeholders.go
index 1aa9e74..d07ee77 100644
--- a/internal/stage/placeholders.go
+++ b/internal/stage/placeholders.go
@@ -3,7 +3,14 @@ package stage
 import (
 	"context"
 	"fmt"
+	"path/filepath"
 
+	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/adapters/analyzer"
+	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/adapters/audita"
+	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/adapters/notify"
+	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/adapters/seriatim"
+	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/adapters/storage"
+	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/adapters/whisperx"
 	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/artifacts"
 	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/manifest"
 )
@@ -23,14 +30,134 @@ func (s placeholderStage) Declares() IODecl {
 	}
 }
 
-func (s placeholderStage) Run(_ context.Context, _ *Env, _ *manifest.Manifest) (*StageResult, error) {
-	return &StageResult{
+func (s placeholderStage) Run(ctx context.Context, env *Env, m *manifest.Manifest) (*StageResult, error) {
+	result := &StageResult{
 		Metadata: map[string]any{
 			"placeholder": true,
 			"stage":       s.name,
 			"message":     placeholderMessage,
 		},
-	}, nil
+	}
+
+	if env == nil || env.Config == nil || env.ArtifactStore == nil {
+		return result, nil
+	}
+
+	sessionID := m.SessionID
+	if sessionID == "" && env.Config.Session != nil {
+		sessionID = env.Config.Session.SessionID
+	}
+	if sessionID == "" {
+		return result, nil
+	}
+
+	paths := env.ArtifactStore.SessionPaths(sessionID)
+
+	switch s.name {
+	case "transcribe":
+		if env.WhisperX != nil {
+			req := whisperx.TranscribeRequest{
+				SpeakerID:               "placeholder-speaker",
+				AudioPath:               filepath.Join(paths.AudioDir, "placeholder-speaker.flac"),
+				OutputRawTranscriptPath: filepath.Join(paths.TranscriptsRawDir, "placeholder-speaker.json"),
+			}
+			resp, err := env.WhisperX.Transcribe(ctx, req)
+			if err != nil {
+				return nil, fmt.Errorf("placeholder transcribe adapter call failed: %w", err)
+			}
+			result.Outputs = append(result.Outputs, artifacts.Ref{
+				Kind:         "transcript_raw",
+				Category:     "transcripts",
+				SessionID:    sessionID,
+				AbsolutePath: resp.OutputRawTranscriptPath,
+			})
+		}
+	case "merge":
+		if env.Seriatim != nil {
+			req := seriatim.MergeRequest{
+				GeneratedConfigPath:        filepath.Join(paths.ConfigDir, "seriatim.generated.yml"),
+				InputTranscriptPaths:       []string{filepath.Join(paths.TranscriptsNormalizedDir, "placeholder-speaker.json")},
+				OutputMergedTranscriptPath: filepath.Join(paths.TranscriptsDir, "merged.json"),
+				StdoutLogPath:              filepath.Join(paths.LogsDir, "seriatim.stdout.log"),
+				StderrLogPath:              filepath.Join(paths.LogsDir, "seriatim.stderr.log"),
+			}
+			resp, err := env.Seriatim.Run(ctx, req)
+			if err != nil {
+				return nil, fmt.Errorf("placeholder merge adapter call failed: %w", err)
+			}
+			result.Outputs = append(result.Outputs, artifacts.Ref{Kind: "transcript_merged", Category: "transcripts", SessionID: sessionID, AbsolutePath: resp.MergedTranscriptPath})
+			result.Logs = append(result.Logs, req.StdoutLogPath, req.StderrLogPath)
+			result.GeneratedConfigs = append(result.GeneratedConfigs, req.GeneratedConfigPath)
+		}
+	case "polish":
+		if env.Audita != nil {
+			req := audita.PolishRequest{
+				GeneratedConfigPath:  filepath.Join(paths.ConfigDir, "audita.generated.yml"),
+				MergedTranscriptPath: filepath.Join(paths.TranscriptsDir, "merged.json"),
+				OutputProcessedPath:  filepath.Join(paths.TranscriptsDir, "processed.json"),
+				StdoutLogPath:        filepath.Join(paths.LogsDir, "audita.stdout.log"),
+				StderrLogPath:        filepath.Join(paths.LogsDir, "audita.stderr.log"),
+			}
+			resp, err := env.Audita.Run(ctx, req)
+			if err != nil {
+				return nil, fmt.Errorf("placeholder polish adapter call failed: %w", err)
+			}
+			result.Outputs = append(result.Outputs, artifacts.Ref{Kind: "transcript_processed", Category: "transcripts", SessionID: sessionID, AbsolutePath: resp.ProcessedTranscriptPath})
+			result.Logs = append(result.Logs, req.StdoutLogPath, req.StderrLogPath)
+			result.GeneratedConfigs = append(result.GeneratedConfigs, req.GeneratedConfigPath)
+		}
+	case "analyze":
+		if env.Analyzer != nil {
+			req := analyzer.AnalyzeRequest{
+				ArtifactType:            "session-log",
+				ProcessedTranscriptPath: filepath.Join(paths.TranscriptsDir, "processed.json"),
+				ContextReferences:       []string{"previous-session"},
+				OutputPath:              filepath.Join(paths.ArtifactsDir, "session-log.md"),
+				GeneratedConfigPath:     filepath.Join(paths.ConfigDir, "analyzer.session-log.generated.yml"),
+				StdoutLogPath:           filepath.Join(paths.LogsDir, "analyzer.session-log.stdout.log"),
+				StderrLogPath:           filepath.Join(paths.LogsDir, "analyzer.session-log.stderr.log"),
+			}
+			resp, err := env.Analyzer.Run(ctx, req)
+			if err != nil {
+				return nil, fmt.Errorf("placeholder analyze adapter call failed: %w", err)
+			}
+			result.Outputs = append(result.Outputs, artifacts.Ref{Kind: "artifact", Category: "artifacts", SessionID: sessionID, AbsolutePath: resp.ArtifactPath})
+			result.Logs = append(result.Logs, req.StdoutLogPath, req.StderrLogPath)
+			result.GeneratedConfigs = append(result.GeneratedConfigs, req.GeneratedConfigPath)
+		}
+	case "archive":
+		if env.Storage != nil {
+			req := storage.ArchiveRequest{
+				SessionID:    sessionID,
+				ManifestPath: paths.ManifestPath,
+				Items: []storage.ArchiveItem{{
+					Kind:      "artifact",
+					LocalPath: filepath.Join(paths.ArtifactsDir, "session-log.md"),
+					RemoteKey: "sessions/" + sessionID + "/artifacts/session-log.md",
+				}},
+			}
+			_, err := env.Storage.Archive(ctx, req)
+			if err != nil {
+				return nil, fmt.Errorf("placeholder archive adapter call failed: %w", err)
+			}
+		}
+	case "notify":
+		if env.Notifier != nil {
+			req := notify.SendRequest{
+				Subject: "narratio placeholder run complete",
+				Body:    "placeholder stage execution finished",
+				Metadata: map[string]string{
+					"session_id": sessionID,
+				},
+			}
+			_, err := env.Notifier.Send(ctx, req)
+			if err != nil {
+				return nil, fmt.Errorf("placeholder notify adapter call failed: %w", err)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+
+	return result, nil
 }
 
 // All returns the canonical ordered stage list for full pipeline execution.
diff --git a/internal/stage/placeholders_test.go b/internal/stage/placeholders_test.go
index 317cfea..3fa50c8 100644
--- a/internal/stage/placeholders_test.go
+++ b/internal/stage/placeholders_test.go
@@ -2,9 +2,19 @@ package stage
 
 import (
 	"context"
+	"errors"
+	"strings"
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
+	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/adapters/analyzer"
+	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/adapters/audita"
+	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/adapters/notify"
+	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/adapters/seriatim"
+	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/adapters/storage"
+	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/adapters/whisperx"
+	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/artifacts"
+	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/config"
 	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/manifest"
 )
 
@@ -14,9 +24,34 @@ func TestPlaceholderStagesReturnSuccessMetadata(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatal("expected non-empty stage list")
 	}
 
+	root := t.TempDir()
+	store := artifacts.NewLocalStore(root)
+	_, err := store.EnsureLayout("2026-05-03")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("EnsureLayout() error = %v", err)
+	}
+
+	wf := &whisperx.FakeClient{}
+	sf := &seriatim.FakeRunner{}
+	af := &audita.FakeRunner{}
+	anz := &analyzer.FakeRunner{}
+	st := &storage.FakeBackend{}
+	nf := &notify.FakeSender{}
+
+	env := &Env{
+		Config:        &config.Config{Session: &config.SessionConfig{SessionID: "2026-05-03"}},
+		ArtifactStore: store,
+		WhisperX:      wf,
+		Seriatim:      sf,
+		Audita:        af,
+		Analyzer:      anz,
+		Storage:       st,
+		Notifier:      nf,
+	}
+
 	m := manifest.New("2026-05-03", time.Now().UTC())
 	for _, s := range stages {
-		result, err := s.Run(context.Background(), nil, m)
+		result, err := s.Run(context.Background(), env, m)
 		if err != nil {
 			t.Fatalf("stage %q returned unexpected error: %v", s.Name(), err)
 		}
@@ -27,4 +62,65 @@ func TestPlaceholderStagesReturnSuccessMetadata(t *testing.T) {
 			t.Fatalf("stage %q missing placeholder metadata", s.Name())
 		}
 	}
+
+	if len(wf.Requests) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("whisperx calls = %d, want 1", len(wf.Requests))
+	}
+	if len(sf.Requests) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("seriatim calls = %d, want 1", len(sf.Requests))
+	}
+	if len(af.Requests) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("audita calls = %d, want 1", len(af.Requests))
+	}
+	if len(anz.Requests) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("analyzer calls = %d, want 1", len(anz.Requests))
+	}
+	if len(st.Requests) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("storage calls = %d, want 1", len(st.Requests))
+	}
+	if len(nf.Requests) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("notify calls = %d, want 1", len(nf.Requests))
+	}
+}
+
+func TestPlaceholderAdapterErrorPropagation(t *testing.T) {
+	cases := []struct {
+		stageName string
+		env       *Env
+		wantErr   string
+	}{
+		{stageName: "transcribe", env: &Env{WhisperX: &whisperx.FakeClient{Err: errors.New("werr")}}, wantErr: "transcribe"},
+		{stageName: "merge", env: &Env{Seriatim: &seriatim.FakeRunner{Err: errors.New("serr")}}, wantErr: "merge"},
+		{stageName: "polish", env: &Env{Audita: &audita.FakeRunner{Err: errors.New("aerr")}}, wantErr: "polish"},
+		{stageName: "analyze", env: &Env{Analyzer: &analyzer.FakeRunner{Err: errors.New("anerr")}}, wantErr: "analyze"},
+		{stageName: "archive", env: &Env{Storage: &storage.FakeBackend{Err: errors.New("sterr")}}, wantErr: "archive"},
+		{stageName: "notify", env: &Env{Notifier: &notify.FakeSender{Err: errors.New("nerr")}}, wantErr: "notify"},
+	}
+
+	root := t.TempDir()
+	store := artifacts.NewLocalStore(root)
+	_, err := store.EnsureLayout("2026-05-03")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("EnsureLayout() error = %v", err)
+	}
+
+	for _, tc := range cases {
+		t.Run(tc.stageName, func(t *testing.T) {
+			s, selErr := Select(tc.stageName)
+			if selErr != nil {
+				t.Fatalf("Select() error = %v", selErr)
+			}
+
+			tc.env.Config = &config.Config{Session: &config.SessionConfig{SessionID: "2026-05-03"}}
+			tc.env.ArtifactStore = store
+
+			_, runErr := s.Run(context.Background(), tc.env, manifest.New("2026-05-03", time.Now().UTC()))
+			if runErr == nil {
+				t.Fatal("expected error, got nil")
+			}
+			if !strings.Contains(runErr.Error(), tc.wantErr) {
+				t.Fatalf("error = %q, want to contain %q", runErr.Error(), tc.wantErr)
+			}
+		})
+	}
 }
diff --git a/internal/stage/stage.go b/internal/stage/stage.go
index 10bf585..7a6bbc0 100644
--- a/internal/stage/stage.go
+++ b/internal/stage/stage.go
@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ import (
 	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/adapters/audita"
 	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/adapters/notify"
 	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/adapters/seriatim"
+	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/adapters/storage"
 	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/adapters/whisperx"
 	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/artifacts"
 	"gitea.maximumdirect.net/eric/narratio/internal/config"
@@ -18,12 +19,14 @@ import (
 type Env struct {
 	Config        *config.Config
 	ArtifactStore artifacts.Store
+	ManifestStore manifest.Store
 	Logger        *slog.Logger
 
 	WhisperX whisperx.Client
 	Seriatim seriatim.Runner
 	Audita   audita.Runner
 	Analyzer analyzer.Runner
+	Storage  storage.Backend
 	Notifier notify.Sender
 }