Chapter 17 · Prompt Alpha

Flight 05 Prompt Sequence

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Help me troubleshoot this problem without changing anything first.

Before investigating, ask me for the mission facts in one follow-up message. Instruct me to reply using plain-text lines beginning `EXPECTED_BEHAVIOR=`, `ACTUAL_BEHAVIOR=`, `ENVIRONMENT=`, `FAILURE_TIME_AND_ZONE=`, `LAST_KNOWN_WORKING_STATE=`, `RECENT_CHANGES=`, and `AUTHORIZED_SYSTEMS=`. Tell me to write `unknown` rather than guess. Restate your interpretation and wait for my confirmation.

Inventory the application version, Git branch and commit, working-tree state, running processes, listening ports, relevant configuration names without secret values, dependency state, service health, and available logs. Capture the exact error and a minimal reproduction when safe.

Separate observed facts, user reports, assumptions, and missing evidence. Do not edit files, restart processes, clear caches, reinstall dependencies, change cloud resources, or delete anything. End with a concise baseline and the next safest diagnostic action.