diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore
index 74284cc..c124841 100644
--- a/.gitignore
+++ b/.gitignore
@@ -5,6 +5,9 @@ node_modules/
 out/
 dist/
 deploy/
+# vendored at postinstall
+build/shims/events-polyfill.cjs
+build/squid-imports.json
 *.AppImage
 *.dmg
 *.snap
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index ab3ffcf..ce4aa4d 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -59,7 +59,10 @@ $BARE bin.mjs host demo --port 25565    # print fj1. invite; local Squid
 $BARE bin.mjs join 'fj1.…' --port 25566 # guest tunnel
 
 # Minecraft Java → 127.0.0.1:<port shown>
+# Chat: type lines while host/join is running; /peers
+
 npm test
+npm run make:standalone   # single Bare executable → out/flying-jib-<host>/
 ```
 
 See [developer_docs/SETUP.md](./developer_docs/SETUP.md) and [living_docs/CURRENT_STATUS.md](./living_docs/CURRENT_STATUS.md).
diff --git a/app.js b/app.js
index bfbffff..d605624 100644
--- a/app.js
+++ b/app.js
@@ -11,14 +11,15 @@ const { ensureDir } = require('./lib/worlds')
 const { WorldTunnelHost, WorldTunnelClient } = require('./lib/world-tunnel')
 const { loadOrCreateTunnelKeys } = require('./lib/tunnel-keys')
 const { encodeInvite, decodeInvite, decodeKey } = require('./lib/invite')
+const { PeerSession } = require('./lib/peer-session')
 
 /**
  * Flying Jib Bare application shell.
  * - Optional pear-runtime worker for OTA (hello-pear-bare pattern)
- * - Squid + HyperDHT tunnels run in this process under Bare (ADR-0013)
+ * - Squid + HyperDHT tunnels + Protomux peer session in this process (ADR-0013)
  */
 module.exports = class App extends ReadyResource {
-  constructor({ dir, appPath, updates, version, upgrade, name }) {
+  constructor({ dir, appPath, updates, version, upgrade, name, displayName }) {
     super()
     this.dir = dir
     this.appPath = appPath
@@ -26,11 +27,13 @@ module.exports = class App extends ReadyResource {
     this.version = version
     this.upgrade = upgrade
     this.name = name
+    this.displayName = displayName || 'player'
     this.IPC = null
     this.pipe = null
     this.squid = null
     this.tunnelHost = null
     this.tunnelClient = null
+    this.peerSession = null
     this.activeWorld = null
     this._shuttingDown = false
   }
@@ -63,6 +66,20 @@ module.exports = class App extends ReadyResource {
   }
 
   async _close() {
+    await this._teardownSession()
+    const pipe = this.pipe
+    const IPC = this.IPC
+    this.pipe = null
+    this.IPC = null
+    pipe?.destroy()
+    IPC?.destroy()
+  }
+
+  async _teardownSession() {
+    if (this.peerSession) {
+      await this.peerSession.close().catch(() => {})
+      this.peerSession = null
+    }
     if (this.tunnelClient) {
       await this.tunnelClient.close().catch(() => {})
       this.tunnelClient = null
@@ -76,12 +93,6 @@ module.exports = class App extends ReadyResource {
       this.squid = null
     }
     this.activeWorld = null
-    const pipe = this.pipe
-    const IPC = this.IPC
-    this.pipe = null
-    this.IPC = null
-    pipe?.destroy()
-    IPC?.destroy()
   }
 
   _onWorkerMessage(data) {
@@ -106,6 +117,25 @@ module.exports = class App extends ReadyResource {
     if (this.pipe) this.pipe.write(message)
   }
 
+  async _startPeerSession(worldPublicKey) {
+    if (this.peerSession) {
+      await this.peerSession.close().catch(() => {})
+      this.peerSession = null
+    }
+    this.peerSession = new PeerSession({
+      worldPublicKey,
+      displayName: this.displayName
+    })
+    this.peerSession.on('chat', (m) => this.emit('chat', m))
+    this.peerSession.on('presence', (m) => this.emit('presence', m))
+    this.peerSession.on('peers', (list) => this.emit('peers', list))
+    this.peerSession.on('peer-join', (m) => this.emit('peer-join', m))
+    this.peerSession.on('peer-leave', (m) => this.emit('peer-leave', m))
+    this.peerSession.on('error', (err) => this.emit('error', err))
+    await this.peerSession.ready()
+    this.emit('message', `Peer session ready (id ${this.peerSession.peerId})`)
+  }
+
   listWorlds() {
     return listWorlds(this.dir)
   }
@@ -145,10 +175,11 @@ module.exports = class App extends ReadyResource {
   }
 
   /**
-   * Start Squid + HyperDHT host tunnel; return status + invite string.
-   * @param {{ world: string, port?: number, version?: string }} opts
+   * Start Squid + HyperDHT host tunnel + peer chat/presence.
+   * @param {{ world: string, port?: number, version?: string, displayName?: string }} opts
    */
   async hostWorld(opts) {
+    if (opts.displayName) this.displayName = opts.displayName
     const squidStatus = await this.startWorld(opts)
     const keys = loadOrCreateTunnelKeys(this.dir, this.activeWorld.id)
 
@@ -158,11 +189,13 @@ module.exports = class App extends ReadyResource {
       cap: keys.cap
     })
     this.tunnelHost.on('connection', () => {
-      this.emit('message', 'Remote peer connected via tunnel')
+      this.emit('message', 'Remote peer connected via MC tunnel')
     })
     this.tunnelHost.on('error', (err) => this.emit('error', err))
     await this.tunnelHost.ready()
 
+    await this._startPeerSession(keys.publicKey)
+
     const invite = encodeInvite({
       type: 'private-world',
       worldKey: keys.publicKeyZ32,
@@ -175,18 +208,20 @@ module.exports = class App extends ReadyResource {
     return {
       squid: squidStatus,
       tunnel: this.tunnelHost.status,
+      peers: this.peerSession ? this.peerSession.peerList : [],
       invite
     }
   }
 
   /**
-   * Join a private world via fj1. invite (client tunnel only; no local Squid).
-   * @param {{ invite: string, localPort?: number }} opts
+   * Join a private world via fj1. invite (tunnel + peer session).
+   * @param {{ invite: string, localPort?: number, displayName?: string }} opts
    */
   async joinWorld(opts) {
     if (this.tunnelClient) {
       throw new Error('Already joined a remote world; stop first')
     }
+    if (opts.displayName) this.displayName = opts.displayName
     const inv = decodeInvite(opts.invite)
     const publicKey = decodeKey(inv.worldKey)
     const cap = decodeKey(inv.cap)
@@ -199,40 +234,35 @@ module.exports = class App extends ReadyResource {
     this.tunnelClient.on('error', (err) => this.emit('error', err))
     await this.tunnelClient.ready()
 
+    await this._startPeerSession(publicKey)
+
     return {
       invite: inv,
-      tunnel: this.tunnelClient.status
+      tunnel: this.tunnelClient.status,
+      peers: this.peerSession ? this.peerSession.peerList : []
     }
   }
 
+  sendChat(text) {
+    if (!this.peerSession) throw new Error('No peer session (host or join first)')
+    this.peerSession.sendChat(text)
+  }
+
   async stopWorld() {
-    let stopped = false
-    if (this.tunnelClient) {
-      await this.tunnelClient.close().catch(() => {})
-      this.tunnelClient = null
-      stopped = true
-    }
-    if (this.tunnelHost) {
-      await this.tunnelHost.close().catch(() => {})
-      this.tunnelHost = null
-      stopped = true
-    }
-    if (this.squid) {
-      await this.squid.close().catch(() => {})
-      this.squid = null
-      stopped = true
-    }
-    this.activeWorld = null
-    return stopped
+    await this._teardownSession()
+    return true
   }
 
   getStatus() {
     return {
       storage: this.dir,
       world: this.activeWorld,
+      displayName: this.displayName,
       squid: this.squid ? this.squid.status : { running: false },
       tunnelHost: this.tunnelHost ? this.tunnelHost.status : null,
-      tunnelClient: this.tunnelClient ? this.tunnelClient.status : null
+      tunnelClient: this.tunnelClient ? this.tunnelClient.status : null,
+      peers: this.peerSession ? this.peerSession.peerList : [],
+      peerId: this.peerSession ? this.peerSession.peerId : null
     }
   }
 
diff --git a/bin.mjs b/bin.mjs
index f33dab0..8320502 100644
--- a/bin.mjs
+++ b/bin.mjs
@@ -14,13 +14,17 @@ import { createRequire } from 'module'
 import { command, flag, arg, summary, header, footer } from 'paparam'
 import path from 'path'
 import process from 'process'
-import { fileURLToPath } from 'url'
 import pkg from './package.json' with { type: 'json' }
 import App from './app.js'
 
-const require = createRequire(import.meta.url)
-const __filename = fileURLToPath(import.meta.url)
-const __dirname = path.dirname(__filename)
+// createRequire needs a file: URL in Node; under bare-pack standalone, import.meta.url
+// may be app.bundle — fall back to a dummy path for require() of CJS shims.
+let require
+try {
+  require = createRequire(import.meta.url)
+} catch {
+  require = createRequire('file:///flying-jib/bin.mjs')
+}
 
 const appName = pkg.productName || pkg.name
 const isBare = typeof Bare !== 'undefined'
@@ -48,17 +52,72 @@ function exit(code) {
   else process.exit(code)
 }
 
-function makeApp(storage, updates = false) {
+function makeApp(storage, updates = false, displayName) {
   return new App({
     dir: storage,
     appPath: isDev ? null : argv0,
     updates,
     version: pkg.version,
     upgrade: pkg.upgrade,
-    name: appName
+    name: appName,
+    displayName: displayName || 'player'
   })
 }
 
+/** Wire chat/presence logging + optional stdin chat lines for host/join */
+function attachPeerUi(app) {
+  app.on('chat', (m) => {
+    const tag = m.local ? 'you' : m.from
+    console.log(`[chat] <${tag}> ${m.text}`)
+  })
+  app.on('peer-join', (m) => {
+    console.log(`[peers] joined ${m.peerId.slice(0, 12)}…`)
+  })
+  app.on('peer-leave', (m) => {
+    console.log(`[peers] left ${m.peerId.slice(0, 12)}…`)
+  })
+  app.on('peers', (list) => {
+    if (list.length) {
+      console.log(`[peers] online: ${list.map((p) => p.name).join(', ')}`)
+    }
+  })
+
+  // Type lines to chat (host/join sessions)
+  if (process.stdin && process.stdin.isTTY && typeof process.stdin.on === 'function') {
+    try {
+      process.stdin.setEncoding('utf8')
+      process.stdin.resume()
+      let buf = ''
+      process.stdin.on('data', (chunk) => {
+        buf += chunk
+        let i
+        while ((i = buf.indexOf('\n')) >= 0) {
+          const line = buf.slice(0, i).replace(/\r$/, '').trim()
+          buf = buf.slice(i + 1)
+          if (!line) continue
+          if (line === '/peers') {
+            const st = app.getStatus()
+            console.log(
+              '[peers]',
+              st.peers.length
+                ? st.peers.map((p) => `${p.name}(${p.id.slice(0, 8)})`).join(', ')
+                : '(none)'
+            )
+            continue
+          }
+          try {
+            app.sendChat(line)
+          } catch (err) {
+            console.error('[chat]', err.message)
+          }
+        }
+      })
+    } catch {
+      // non-interactive
+    }
+  }
+}
+
 /** Attach signal handlers once; re-entrant safe via app.exit */
 function attachShutdown(app) {
   let stopping = false
@@ -182,25 +241,29 @@ const hostCmd = command(
   arg('<name>', 'world name / id'),
   flag('--port|-p [port]', 'local Minecraft port (default 25565)'),
   flag('--version [ver]', 'override Minecraft version'),
+  flag('--name|-n [display]', 'chat display name'),
   async (cmd) => {
     const storage = resolveStorage(root.flags.storage)
-    const app = makeApp(storage, false)
+    const app = makeApp(storage, false, cmd.flags.name)
     app.on('message', (m) => console.log(m))
     app.on('error', (err) => console.error('[error]', err))
     attachShutdown(app)
+    attachPeerUi(app)
 
     await app.ready()
     try {
       const result = await app.hostWorld({
         world: cmd.args.name,
         port: cmd.flags.port ? Number(cmd.flags.port) : 25565,
-        version: cmd.flags.version
+        version: cmd.flags.version,
+        displayName: cmd.flags.name
       })
       console.log('')
       console.log(`${appName} hosting private world (P2P)`)
       console.log(`  world:  ${cmd.args.name}`)
       console.log(`  local:  ${result.squid.host}:${result.squid.port}`)
       console.log(`  tunnel: HyperDHT host`)
+      console.log(`  chat:   type lines + Enter; /peers for list`)
       console.log('')
       console.log('Invite (treat as secret — fj1. capability):')
       console.log(result.invite)
@@ -226,18 +289,21 @@ const joinCmd = command(
   summary('Join a private world from an fj1. invite'),
   arg('<invite>', 'fj1. invite string'),
   flag('--port|-p [port]', 'local bind port (default: ephemeral)'),
+  flag('--name|-n [display]', 'chat display name'),
   async (cmd) => {
     const storage = resolveStorage(root.flags.storage)
-    const app = makeApp(storage, false)
+    const app = makeApp(storage, false, cmd.flags.name)
     app.on('message', (m) => console.log(m))
     app.on('error', (err) => console.error('[error]', err))
     attachShutdown(app)
+    attachPeerUi(app)
 
     await app.ready()
     try {
       const result = await app.joinWorld({
         invite: cmd.args.invite,
-        localPort: cmd.flags.port ? Number(cmd.flags.port) : 0
+        localPort: cmd.flags.port ? Number(cmd.flags.port) : 0,
+        displayName: cmd.flags.name
       })
       const port = result.tunnel.localPort
       console.log('')
@@ -245,6 +311,7 @@ const joinCmd = command(
       console.log(`  name:    ${result.invite.name || '(unnamed)'}`)
       console.log(`  version: ${result.invite.mcVersion || 'unknown'}`)
       console.log(`  local:   127.0.0.1:${port}`)
+      console.log(`  chat:    type lines + Enter; /peers for list`)
       console.log('')
       console.log('Connect Java Edition to:')
       console.log(`  127.0.0.1:${port}`)
@@ -297,6 +364,3 @@ if (root.flags.version) {
   console.log(`${appName} v${pkg.version}`)
   exit(0)
 }
-
-void __dirname
-void __filename
diff --git a/build/shims/node-events.cjs b/build/shims/node-events.cjs
index a3006e9..2792995 100644
--- a/build/shims/node-events.cjs
+++ b/build/shims/node-events.cjs
@@ -1,12 +1,7 @@
 'use strict'
 
 /**
- * Flying Squid / readable-stream use `EventEmitter.call(this)` (util.inherits).
- * bare-events is an ES class (throws without `new`).
- *
- * Load the classic npm `events` package by absolute path so we do not recurse
- * through package.json / bare-node-runtime "events" import maps.
+ * Callable EventEmitter for Flying Squid / readable-stream (util.inherits).
+ * Vendored polyfill is inlined so bare-pack standalone does not need nested requires.
  */
-const path = require('path')
-const eventsJs = path.join(__dirname, '..', '..', 'node_modules', 'events', 'events.js')
-module.exports = require(eventsJs)
+module.exports = require('./events-polyfill.cjs')
diff --git a/build/stubs/auto-better-sqlite3.cjs b/build/stubs/auto-better-sqlite3.cjs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..67a0205
--- /dev/null
+++ b/build/stubs/auto-better-sqlite3.cjs
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+'use strict'; module.exports = {}
diff --git a/build/stubs/auto-bufferutil.cjs b/build/stubs/auto-bufferutil.cjs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..67a0205
--- /dev/null
+++ b/build/stubs/auto-bufferutil.cjs
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+'use strict'; module.exports = {}
diff --git a/build/stubs/auto-canvas.cjs b/build/stubs/auto-canvas.cjs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..67a0205
--- /dev/null
+++ b/build/stubs/auto-canvas.cjs
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+'use strict'; module.exports = {}
diff --git a/build/stubs/auto-encoding.cjs b/build/stubs/auto-encoding.cjs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..67a0205
--- /dev/null
+++ b/build/stubs/auto-encoding.cjs
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+'use strict'; module.exports = {}
diff --git a/build/stubs/auto-sqlite3.cjs b/build/stubs/auto-sqlite3.cjs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..67a0205
--- /dev/null
+++ b/build/stubs/auto-sqlite3.cjs
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+'use strict'; module.exports = {}
diff --git a/build/stubs/auto-utf-8-validate.cjs b/build/stubs/auto-utf-8-validate.cjs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..67a0205
--- /dev/null
+++ b/build/stubs/auto-utf-8-validate.cjs
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+'use strict'; module.exports = {}
diff --git a/build/stubs/empty.cjs b/build/stubs/empty.cjs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f177540
--- /dev/null
+++ b/build/stubs/empty.cjs
@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+'use strict'
+module.exports = {}
diff --git a/build/stubs/supports-color.cjs b/build/stubs/supports-color.cjs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..35191e6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/build/stubs/supports-color.cjs
@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+'use strict'
+module.exports = false
diff --git a/developer_docs/BUILD_AND_RELEASE.md b/developer_docs/BUILD_AND_RELEASE.md
index 34498d7..9095d60 100644
--- a/developer_docs/BUILD_AND_RELEASE.md
+++ b/developer_docs/BUILD_AND_RELEASE.md
@@ -54,9 +54,20 @@ Optional packaged forms (`.AppImage`, `.pkg`, `.msix`) via bare-build package mo
 
 ## Flying Squid in the bundle
 
-- Include Prismarine graph with **`bare-node-runtime`** + project **`build/squid-imports.json`** (generated postinstall)
-- **Note:** plain `bare-build` currently fails resolving flying-squid’s browser-only `esbuild-import-glob(...)` specifier. Prefer peardock-style **`bare-pack` with imports** then embed into bare-runtime (see peardock `scripts/bare-standalone.cjs`). Stub at `build/stubs/esbuild-import-glob.cjs` is prepared for that path.
-- Natives: only target host prebuilds (prune multi-arch bloat)
+Use the peardock-style packer (not plain `bare-build` CLI):
+
+```sh
+npm run make:standalone              # current host
+npm run make:standalone:all          # all 64-bit hosts
+# → out/flying-jib-<host>/flying-jib[.exe]
+```
+
+Script: `scripts/bare-standalone.cjs`  
+- `bare-pack` + `build/squid-imports.json` + stubs  
+- Postinstall patches: static Squid plugins, log.js, engines, events polyfill  
+
+Verified: standalone binary starts Squid on `127.0.0.1` with empty PATH (no system Node).  
+Size today ~500MB — optimize later (prune natives / strip).
 
 
 ## Pear deployment layers
diff --git a/developer_docs/PROTOCOL.md b/developer_docs/PROTOCOL.md
index 90a85ab..cbb5851 100644
--- a/developer_docs/PROTOCOL.md
+++ b/developer_docs/PROTOCOL.md
@@ -99,12 +99,14 @@ Stream framing: Hyperswarm/HyperDHT secretstream (already message-oriented for P
 
 | Protocol name | Phase | Purpose |
 |---------------|-------|---------|
-| `flying-jib/presence` | 3 | Peer id, display name, world/region, heartbeat |
-| `flying-jib/chat` | 3 | Side-channel chat messages |
-| `flying-jib/control` | 2–3 | Session hello, errors, version negotiate |
+| `flying-jib/presence` | 3 | Peer id, display name, heartbeat (**implemented**) |
+| `flying-jib/chat` | 3 | Side-channel chat messages (**implemented**) |
+| `flying-jib/control` | 3 | Control messages (channel open; payload TBD) |
 | `flying-jib/migrate` | 4 | Border handoff state |
 | `flying-jib/registry` | 4 | Optional live region gossip (Autobase is source of truth) |
 
+**Topic:** `hash(worldPublicKey || 'flying-jib/control/v1')` via Hyperswarm (separate from MC TCP tunnel).
+
 ### Presence message (logical)
 
 ```json
diff --git a/lib/peer-session.js b/lib/peer-session.js
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fbe7ffc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/lib/peer-session.js
@@ -0,0 +1,238 @@
+'use strict'
+
+/**
+ * Side-channel peer session for a private world (Phase 3).
+ * Hyperswarm topic derived from world public key; Protomux channels:
+ *   flying-jib/presence
+ *   flying-jib/chat
+ *   flying-jib/control
+ *
+ * Separate from the MC TCP tunnel (ADR-0006 data plane).
+ */
+
+const ReadyResource = require('ready-resource')
+const Hyperswarm = require('hyperswarm')
+const Protomux = require('protomux')
+const c = require('compact-encoding')
+const b4a = require('b4a')
+const crypto = require('hypercore-crypto')
+
+const PROTO_PRESENCE = 'flying-jib/presence'
+const PROTO_CHAT = 'flying-jib/chat'
+const PROTO_CONTROL = 'flying-jib/control'
+
+const presenceEncoding = c.json
+const chatEncoding = c.json
+const controlEncoding = c.json
+
+/**
+ * 32-byte topic for private-world control plane.
+ * @param {Buffer} worldPublicKey
+ */
+function controlTopic(worldPublicKey) {
+  return crypto.hash(b4a.concat([b4a.from(worldPublicKey), b4a.from('flying-jib/control/v1')]))
+}
+
+class PeerSession extends ReadyResource {
+  /**
+   * @param {object} opts
+   * @param {Buffer} opts.worldPublicKey
+   * @param {string} [opts.displayName]
+   * @param {Buffer} [opts.keyPairSeed] optional stable Noise key seed
+   */
+  constructor(opts) {
+    super()
+    if (!opts || !opts.worldPublicKey) throw new Error('PeerSession requires worldPublicKey')
+    this.worldPublicKey = b4a.from(opts.worldPublicKey)
+    this.displayName = opts.displayName || 'player'
+    this.keyPairSeed = opts.keyPairSeed || null
+    this.swarm = null
+    this.topic = controlTopic(this.worldPublicKey)
+    this.peers = new Map() // remotePublicKey hex -> { name, lastSeen, mux }
+    this._heartbeat = null
+    this._peerId = null
+  }
+
+  get peerId() {
+    return this._peerId
+  }
+
+  get peerList() {
+    const list = []
+    for (const [id, p] of this.peers) {
+      list.push({ id, name: p.name, lastSeen: p.lastSeen })
+    }
+    return list
+  }
+
+  async _open() {
+    const keyPair = this.keyPairSeed
+      ? require('hyperdht').keyPair(this.keyPairSeed)
+      : require('hyperdht').keyPair()
+    this._peerId = b4a.toString(keyPair.publicKey, 'hex').slice(0, 16)
+
+    this.swarm = new Hyperswarm({ keyPair })
+    this.swarm.on('connection', (conn, info) => this._onConnection(conn, info))
+
+    this.swarm.join(this.topic, { server: true, client: true })
+    await this.swarm.flush()
+
+    this._heartbeat = setInterval(() => this._broadcastPresence(), 5000)
+    if (this._heartbeat.unref) this._heartbeat.unref()
+    this._broadcastPresence()
+  }
+
+  _onConnection(conn, info) {
+    const remoteId = b4a.toString(conn.remotePublicKey, 'hex')
+    const mux = new Protomux(conn)
+
+    const presence = mux.createChannel({
+      protocol: PROTO_PRESENCE,
+      onopen: () => {},
+      onclose: () => {}
+    })
+    const chat = mux.createChannel({
+      protocol: PROTO_CHAT,
+      onopen: () => {},
+      onclose: () => {}
+    })
+    const control = mux.createChannel({
+      protocol: PROTO_CONTROL,
+      onopen: () => {},
+      onclose: () => {}
+    })
+
+    const entry = {
+      name: remoteId.slice(0, 8),
+      lastSeen: Date.now(),
+      mux,
+      _sendPresence: null,
+      _sendChat: null
+    }
+    this.peers.set(remoteId, entry)
+
+    const presenceMsg = presence.addMessage({
+      encoding: presenceEncoding,
+      onmessage: (m) => {
+        const p = this.peers.get(remoteId) || entry
+        p.name = m.name || p.name
+        p.lastSeen = Date.now()
+        this.peers.set(remoteId, p)
+        this.emit('presence', { peerId: remoteId, ...m })
+        this.emit('peers', this.peerList)
+      }
+    })
+
+    const chatMsg = chat.addMessage({
+      encoding: chatEncoding,
+      onmessage: (m) => {
+        this.emit('chat', {
+          from: m.from || remoteId.slice(0, 8),
+          peerId: remoteId,
+          text: String(m.text || ''),
+          ts: m.ts || Date.now()
+        })
+      }
+    })
+
+    control.addMessage({
+      encoding: controlEncoding,
+      onmessage: (m) => {
+        this.emit('control', { peerId: remoteId, ...m })
+      }
+    })
+
+    presence.open()
+    chat.open()
+    control.open()
+
+    entry._sendPresence = (payload) => {
+      try {
+        presenceMsg.send(payload)
+      } catch {
+        /* ignore */
+      }
+    }
+    entry._sendChat = (payload) => {
+      try {
+        chatMsg.send(payload)
+      } catch {
+        /* ignore */
+      }
+    }
+
+    // Introduce ourselves
+    entry._sendPresence({
+      peerId: this._peerId,
+      name: this.displayName,
+      ts: Date.now()
+    })
+
+    conn.on('close', () => {
+      this.peers.delete(remoteId)
+      this.emit('peer-leave', { peerId: remoteId })
+      this.emit('peers', this.peerList)
+    })
+    conn.on('error', () => {
+      /* closed via close */
+    })
+
+    this.emit('peer-join', { peerId: remoteId })
+  }
+
+  _broadcastPresence() {
+    const payload = {
+      peerId: this._peerId,
+      name: this.displayName,
+      ts: Date.now()
+    }
+    for (const p of this.peers.values()) {
+      if (p._sendPresence) p._sendPresence(payload)
+    }
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * @param {string} text
+   */
+  sendChat(text) {
+    const payload = {
+      from: this.displayName,
+      text: String(text).slice(0, 2000),
+      ts: Date.now()
+    }
+    for (const p of this.peers.values()) {
+      if (p._sendChat) p._sendChat(payload)
+    }
+    // Echo locally so UI/CLI sees own messages consistently
+    this.emit('chat', { ...payload, peerId: this._peerId, local: true })
+  }
+
+  setDisplayName(name) {
+    this.displayName = String(name || 'player').slice(0, 32)
+    this._broadcastPresence()
+  }
+
+  async _close() {
+    if (this._heartbeat) {
+      clearInterval(this._heartbeat)
+      this._heartbeat = null
+    }
+    if (this.swarm) {
+      try {
+        await this.swarm.destroy()
+      } catch {
+        /* ignore */
+      }
+      this.swarm = null
+    }
+    this.peers.clear()
+  }
+}
+
+module.exports = {
+  PeerSession,
+  controlTopic,
+  PROTO_PRESENCE,
+  PROTO_CHAT,
+  PROTO_CONTROL
+}
diff --git a/living_docs/CHANGELOG.md b/living_docs/CHANGELOG.md
index fe1b55f..6de63be 100644
--- a/living_docs/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/living_docs/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -11,6 +11,12 @@ and this project aims to follow [Semantic Versioning](https://semver.org/).
 
 ### Added
 
+- Phase 3 peer communication (CLI):
+  - Hyperswarm/Protomux presence + chat for private worlds
+  - Stdin chat on `host`/`join`; `/peers` command
+- Standalone packaging:
+  - `npm run make:standalone` → single Bare executable (no system Node)
+  - Flying Squid postinstall patches for static plugin load
 - Phase 2 private world sharing (core):
   - CLI: `host` (share), `join` (client tunnel)
   - HyperDHT world tunnel with capability header
diff --git a/living_docs/CURRENT_STATUS.md b/living_docs/CURRENT_STATUS.md
index 3f2f21b..515c179 100644
--- a/living_docs/CURRENT_STATUS.md
+++ b/living_docs/CURRENT_STATUS.md
@@ -1,14 +1,14 @@
 # Flying Jib — Current Status
 
 **Snapshot date:** 2026-07-30  
-**Phase:** 1 largely done · **Phase 2 core working** (host/join tunnel)  
+**Phase:** 1–3 core working · standalone binary ships Squid without system Node  
 **Product:** Flying Jib — Bare/Pear P2P Minecraft mesh
 
 ---
 
 ## One-line summary
 
-**Bare CLI hosts Flying Squid on loopback and can share private worlds via HyperDHT + `fj1.` invites.** Guests join with a local tunnel port; Java Edition always uses localhost.
+**Single Bare executable** runs Flying Squid on loopback, shares worlds via HyperDHT + `fj1.` invites, and side-channel chat/presence over Hyperswarm/Protomux — **no system Node.js**.
 
 ---
 
@@ -16,13 +16,12 @@
 
 | Area | Status |
 |------|--------|
-| Bare app CLI (`create` / `list` / `start` / `host` / `join` / `status`) | Working |
-| Flying Squid on Bare + Node (dev) | Loopback listen verified |
-| `fj-bind-guard` | OK |
-| Unit tests (bind-guard, worlds, invite, tunnel) | **10/10 pass** |
-| HyperDHT world tunnel host↔client | Integration test + CLI smoke |
-| `fj1.` invite mint/parse | Working |
-| Graceful shutdown (SIGINT re-entrancy guard) | Improved |
+| CLI (`create` / `list` / `start` / `host` / `join` / `status`) | Working |
+| Flying Squid on Bare + standalone binary | Loopback listen verified **without Node on PATH** |
+| HyperDHT world tunnel + `fj1.` invites | Working |
+| Peer chat + presence (Protomux) | Working (tests + CLI stdin chat) |
+| `npm run make:standalone` | Produces `out/flying-jib-<host>/flying-jib` (~500MB) |
+| Unit/integration tests | **12/12 pass** |
 
 ---
 
@@ -30,32 +29,34 @@
 
 | Area | Status |
 |------|--------|
-| `bare-build --standalone` release artifact | In progress / unproven |
-| Presence / chat Protomux channels | Phase 3 |
+| Binary size optimization | ~500MB — prune later |
 | Mesh enrollment / borders | Phase 4 |
 | GUI | Not started |
 | Production Pear OTA key | Placeholder |
-| Full Java multiplayer playtest on two machines | Manual |
+| Two-machine Java playtest | Manual |
 
 ---
 
-## How to try (two terminals)
+## How to try
 
 ```sh
+# Dev
 BARE=./node_modules/bare-runtime/bin/bare
-$BARE bin.mjs --storage /tmp/fj-host create demo
-$BARE bin.mjs --storage /tmp/fj-host host demo --port 25565
-# copy fj1.… invite
+$BARE bin.mjs host demo --port 25565 --name Alice
+$BARE bin.mjs join 'fj1.…' --port 25566 --name Bob
+# type chat lines; /peers
 
-$BARE bin.mjs --storage /tmp/fj-guest join 'fj1.…' --port 25566
-# Java → 127.0.0.1:25565 (host) or :25566 (guest)
+# Standalone (no Node)
+npm run make:standalone
+./out/flying-jib-darwin-arm64/flying-jib create demo
+./out/flying-jib-darwin-arm64/flying-jib start demo --port 25565
 ```
 
 ---
 
 ## Next actions
 
-1. Manual Java Edition multiplayer through tunnel  
-2. Finish bare-build standalone CI path  
-3. Phase 3: presence + chat over Protomux  
-4. Hardening: tunnel connection limits UX, invite rotate  
+1. Two-machine Java Edition playtest  
+2. Shrink standalone binary / CI matrix for all hosts  
+3. Phase 4 mesh registry + border migration  
+
diff --git a/living_docs/PROGRESS.md b/living_docs/PROGRESS.md
index 27c7026..c9d85cc 100644
--- a/living_docs/PROGRESS.md
+++ b/living_docs/PROGRESS.md
@@ -5,6 +5,29 @@
 
 ---
 
+## 2026-07-30 — Phase 3 chat/presence + standalone binary
+
+### Wins
+
+- `lib/peer-session.js` — Hyperswarm + Protomux (`flying-jib/presence|chat|control`)
+- CLI host/join: stdin chat, `/peers`, `--name` display name
+- Peer chat integration test
+- **`scripts/bare-standalone.cjs`** peardock-style pack; **standalone binary runs Squid on 127.0.0.1 with PATH without Node**
+- Postinstall patches: static Squid plugins, log.js bare-pack fixes, events polyfill vendor
+
+### Notes
+
+- Standalone ~500MB; size optimization later
+- Dev path `bare-runtime/bin/bare bin.mjs` remains preferred for iteration
+
+### Next
+
+- Multi-host make:standalone:all in CI
+- Phase 4 mesh
+- Java multiplayer playtest
+
+---
+
 ## 2026-07-30 — Phase 2 core: HyperDHT tunnel + fj1. invites
 
 ### Wins
diff --git a/living_docs/ROADMAP.md b/living_docs/ROADMAP.md
index 136f408..786728c 100644
--- a/living_docs/ROADMAP.md
+++ b/living_docs/ROADMAP.md
@@ -120,7 +120,7 @@
 
 | Field | Value |
 |-------|-------|
-| **Status** | Not Started |
+| **Status** | In Progress (CLI core done) |
 | **Owner** | TBD |
 | **Target** | TBD |
 | **ADRs** | 0003 (channels) |
@@ -133,9 +133,11 @@
 
 ### Acceptance
 
-- [ ] Live peer list for private world session
-- [ ] Side-channel chat works when peers are connected
-- [ ] Reconnect / heartbeat documented and implemented
+- [x] Live peer list for private world session (`/peers`, presence events)
+- [x] Side-channel chat works when peers are connected (stdin on host/join)
+- [x] Heartbeat presence every 5s
+- [ ] GUI peer list
+- [ ] Bridge to in-game Squid chat (optional)
 
 ### Documentation required to complete
 
diff --git a/package-lock.json b/package-lock.json
index 7d410e1..aae9afa 100644
--- a/package-lock.json
+++ b/package-lock.json
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@
       "hasInstallScript": true,
       "license": "Apache-2.0",
       "dependencies": {
+        "autobase": "^7.28.1",
         "b4a": "^1.6.7",
         "bare-assert": "^1.1.0",
         "bare-buffer": "^3.3.1",
@@ -36,16 +37,19 @@
         "bare-url": "^2.1.0",
         "bare-utils": "^1.0.0",
         "bare-zlib": "^1.3.0",
+        "compact-encoding": "^3.3.0",
         "corestore": "^7.9.2",
         "events": "^3.3.0",
         "flying-squid": "^1.12.0",
         "framed-stream": "^1.0.1",
         "graceful-goodbye": "^1.3.3",
+        "hyperbee": "^2.27.3",
         "hypercore-crypto": "^3.4.2",
         "hyperdht": "^6.20.0",
         "hyperswarm": "^4.17.0",
         "paparam": "^1.10.1",
         "pear-runtime": "^1.2.0",
+        "protomux": "^3.11.0",
         "ready-resource": "^1.2.0",
         "which-runtime": "^1.4.0",
         "z32": "^1.1.0"
@@ -55,6 +59,9 @@
       },
       "devDependencies": {
         "bare-build": "^1.0.2",
+        "bare-bundle-id": "^1.0.0",
+        "bare-module-traverse": "^1.0.0",
+        "bare-pack": "^2.2.1",
         "bare-runtime": "1.29.4",
         "brittle": "^3.19.0",
         "prettier": "^3.6.2",
@@ -248,6 +255,36 @@
       "integrity": "sha512-6i37w/+EhlWlGUJff3T/Q8u1RGmP5wgbiwYnOnbOqvtrPxT63/sYFyP9RcpxtxGymtfA075IvmOnL7ycNOWl3w==",
       "license": "MIT"
     },
+    "node_modules/autobase": {
+      "version": "7.28.1",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/autobase/-/autobase-7.28.1.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-I8SHcJE/ru5Nun6NpqwRjenB8aK01b9z1qNeyx4XuG+BxeFUpXk0ZT2u3/nG+GZnObUTFMCKOo2fbAv7ipcaLw==",
+      "license": "Apache-2.0",
+      "dependencies": {
+        "b4a": "^1.6.1",
+        "bare-events": "^2.2.0",
+        "compact-encoding": "^3.0.0",
+        "core-coupler": "^2.0.0",
+        "debounceify": "^1.0.0",
+        "encryption-encoding": "^1.0.3",
+        "hyperbee": "^2.22.0",
+        "hypercore": "^11.27.12",
+        "hypercore-crypto": "^3.4.0",
+        "hypercore-id-encoding": "^1.2.0",
+        "hyperschema": "^1.12.1",
+        "index-encoder": "^3.3.2",
+        "nanoassert": "^2.0.0",
+        "protomux-wakeup": "^2.0.0",
+        "ready-resource": "^1.0.0",
+        "resolve-reject-promise": "^1.1.0",
+        "safety-catch": "^1.0.2",
+        "scope-lock": "^1.2.4",
+        "signal-promise": "^1.0.3",
+        "sodium-universal": "^5.0.1",
+        "sub-encoder": "^2.1.1",
+        "tiny-buffer-map": "^1.1.1"
+      }
+    },
     "node_modules/b4a": {
       "version": "1.8.1",
       "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/b4a/-/b4a-1.8.1.tgz",
@@ -614,6 +651,31 @@
         "require-asset": "^1.0.2"
       }
     },
+    "node_modules/bare-build/node_modules/bare-module-traverse": {
+      "version": "2.4.4",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/bare-module-traverse/-/bare-module-traverse-2.4.4.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-zK4bDxqeD15Tvu/C5B1Mi/epl9PavjIhU3SVh5RhDb4Hpet6applPVX8Q9rinu7nT80yzgSSlBn0exzJaNXv0A==",
+      "dev": true,
+      "license": "Apache-2.0",
+      "dependencies": {
+        "bare-addon-resolve": "^1.5.0",
+        "bare-mime": "^1.0.0",
+        "bare-module-lexer": "^1.6.0",
+        "bare-module-resolve": "^1.7.0"
+      },
+      "peerDependencies": {
+        "bare-buffer": "*",
+        "bare-url": "*"
+      },
+      "peerDependenciesMeta": {
+        "bare-buffer": {
+          "optional": true
+        },
+        "bare-url": {
+          "optional": true
+        }
+      }
+    },
     "node_modules/bare-bundle": {
       "version": "1.10.0",
       "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/bare-bundle/-/bare-bundle-1.10.0.tgz",
@@ -1108,14 +1170,14 @@
       }
     },
     "node_modules/bare-module-traverse": {
-      "version": "2.4.4",
-      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/bare-module-traverse/-/bare-module-traverse-2.4.4.tgz",
-      "integrity": "sha512-zK4bDxqeD15Tvu/C5B1Mi/epl9PavjIhU3SVh5RhDb4Hpet6applPVX8Q9rinu7nT80yzgSSlBn0exzJaNXv0A==",
+      "version": "1.8.3",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/bare-module-traverse/-/bare-module-traverse-1.8.3.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-Iykt1899FOo0lpejEwAUK50fYIzQ18uiJFqybgZvIIqnZSV0/0GhJp+3w3Vx5hTVeTIROF8UmTUB5jHNs65PAg==",
+      "dev": true,
       "license": "Apache-2.0",
       "dependencies": {
         "bare-addon-resolve": "^1.5.0",
-        "bare-mime": "^1.0.0",
-        "bare-module-lexer": "^1.6.0",
+        "bare-module-lexer": "^1.4.0",
         "bare-module-resolve": "^1.7.0"
       },
       "peerDependencies": {
@@ -1297,6 +1359,31 @@
         }
       }
     },
+    "node_modules/bare-pack/node_modules/bare-module-traverse": {
+      "version": "2.4.4",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/bare-module-traverse/-/bare-module-traverse-2.4.4.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-zK4bDxqeD15Tvu/C5B1Mi/epl9PavjIhU3SVh5RhDb4Hpet6applPVX8Q9rinu7nT80yzgSSlBn0exzJaNXv0A==",
+      "dev": true,
+      "license": "Apache-2.0",
+      "dependencies": {
+        "bare-addon-resolve": "^1.5.0",
+        "bare-mime": "^1.0.0",
+        "bare-module-lexer": "^1.6.0",
+        "bare-module-resolve": "^1.7.0"
+      },
+      "peerDependencies": {
+        "bare-buffer": "*",
+        "bare-url": "*"
+      },
+      "peerDependenciesMeta": {
+        "bare-buffer": {
+          "optional": true
+        },
+        "bare-url": {
+          "optional": true
+        }
+      }
+    },
     "node_modules/bare-path": {
       "version": "3.1.1",
       "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/bare-path/-/bare-path-3.1.1.tgz",
@@ -1956,6 +2043,30 @@
         "bare-url": "^2.4.2"
       }
     },
+    "node_modules/bare-thread/node_modules/bare-module-traverse": {
+      "version": "2.4.4",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/bare-module-traverse/-/bare-module-traverse-2.4.4.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-zK4bDxqeD15Tvu/C5B1Mi/epl9PavjIhU3SVh5RhDb4Hpet6applPVX8Q9rinu7nT80yzgSSlBn0exzJaNXv0A==",
+      "license": "Apache-2.0",
+      "dependencies": {
+        "bare-addon-resolve": "^1.5.0",
+        "bare-mime": "^1.0.0",
+        "bare-module-lexer": "^1.6.0",
+        "bare-module-resolve": "^1.7.0"
+      },
+      "peerDependencies": {
+        "bare-buffer": "*",
+        "bare-url": "*"
+      },
+      "peerDependenciesMeta": {
+        "bare-buffer": {
+          "optional": true
+        },
+        "bare-url": {
+          "optional": true
+        }
+      }
+    },
     "node_modules/bare-timers": {
       "version": "1.5.2",
       "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/bare-timers/-/bare-timers-1.5.2.tgz",
@@ -2462,6 +2573,15 @@
       "dev": true,
       "license": "MIT"
     },
+    "node_modules/core-coupler": {
+      "version": "2.0.0",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/core-coupler/-/core-coupler-2.0.0.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-FJuEvsdCMwx0Wu+gFQ49rGCi8LCXh8kizHsCQwkdgPZFEFiF0z2HDvyIs+fPt5wMIfU2UVFDuN+dtpfbIxJE6g==",
+      "license": "Apache-2.0",
+      "dependencies": {
+        "safety-catch": "^1.0.2"
+      }
+    },
     "node_modules/corestore": {
       "version": "7.12.0",
       "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/corestore/-/corestore-7.12.0.tgz",
@@ -2580,6 +2700,15 @@
       "integrity": "sha512-MSjYzcWNOA0ewAHpz0MxpYFvwg6yjy1NG3xteoqz644VCo/RPgnr1/GGt+ic3iJTzQ8Eu3TdM14SawnVUmGE6A==",
       "license": "MIT"
     },
+    "node_modules/encryption-encoding": {
+      "version": "1.0.3",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/encryption-encoding/-/encryption-encoding-1.0.3.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-+SlKCeULnNnwBF2rGrJlSLYjwITwfjO8PLSHzue4yt+2DsVJUU8GakRkH4+mTaa3FzpxVjpTy1kKR2gYGctNWg==",
+      "license": "Apache-2.0",
+      "dependencies": {
+        "hyperschema": "^1.19.0"
+      }
+    },
     "node_modules/endian-toggle": {
       "version": "0.0.0",
       "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/endian-toggle/-/endian-toggle-0.0.0.tgz",
@@ -3804,6 +3933,18 @@
         "unslab": "^1.3.0"
       }
     },
+    "node_modules/protomux-wakeup": {
+      "version": "2.9.0",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/protomux-wakeup/-/protomux-wakeup-2.9.0.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-K93WhS9qIRL8WAQPU2V3PxdpQ1oRlQCFyCyIYInoq/iRkcuO1BegRERWo7SS1Tcme14VKGWOr/IivjjYnHan3Q==",
+      "license": "Apache-2.0",
+      "dependencies": {
+        "b4a": "^1.6.7",
+        "hypercore-crypto": "^3.5.0",
+        "hyperschema": "^1.10.4",
+        "protomux": "^3.10.1"
+      }
+    },
     "node_modules/punycode": {
       "version": "2.3.1",
       "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/punycode/-/punycode-2.3.1.tgz",
@@ -4356,6 +4497,15 @@
       "integrity": "sha512-IaM+/bh71URhhzlH1qNKNylamK4nxaby2q0qxolWL4Typ3+sIcZHxLe/Mj35b7GOHat/RKpp2vbRepjV6sD+Rw==",
       "license": "MIT"
     },
+    "node_modules/tiny-buffer-map": {
+      "version": "1.1.1",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/tiny-buffer-map/-/tiny-buffer-map-1.1.1.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-C1eDw6ks9CmkDbWVCPHobuixPTkxGa7IDERlaVk98dv4tOUdz42o3haHBr0uhNxbj0gczBTVIyS2uQsu+1vc2Q==",
+      "license": "MIT",
+      "dependencies": {
+        "b4a": "^1.6.0"
+      }
+    },
     "node_modules/tmatch": {
       "version": "5.0.0",
       "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/tmatch/-/tmatch-5.0.0.tgz",
diff --git a/package.json b/package.json
index df3cbcc..8dd07e6 100644
--- a/package.json
+++ b/package.json
@@ -8,13 +8,15 @@
   "bin": "bin.mjs",
   "upgrade": "pear://<YOUR_KEY_HERE>",
   "scripts": {
-    "postinstall": "node scripts/patch-engines-for-bare.js && node scripts/generate-squid-imports.js",
+    "postinstall": "node scripts/patch-engines-for-bare.js && node scripts/patch-flying-squid-plugins.js && node scripts/patch-flying-squid-log.js && node scripts/generate-squid-imports.js",
     "start": "node_modules/bare-runtime/bin/bare bin.mjs",
     "start:node": "node bin.mjs",
     "test": "brittle-node test/*.test.js",
     "test:bare": "brittle-bare test/*.test.js",
     "docs:check": "node -e \"const fs=require('fs');const paths=['living_docs/ROADMAP.md','living_docs/CURRENT_STATUS.md','agent/RULES.md','agent/SECURITY.md','developer_docs/ARCHITECTURE.md','user_docs/README.md','lib/squid-manager.js','bin.mjs'];for (const p of paths){if(!fs.existsSync(p)){console.error('missing',p);process.exit(1)}};console.log('docs+app scaffold ok')\"",
     "make": "node scripts/make.js",
+    "make:standalone": "node scripts/bare-standalone.cjs",
+    "make:standalone:all": "node scripts/bare-standalone.cjs --host all",
     "make:darwin-arm64": "bare-build --name flying-jib --standalone --host darwin-arm64 --out ./out/darwin-arm64 bin.mjs",
     "make:darwin-x64": "bare-build --name flying-jib --standalone --host darwin-x64 --out ./out/darwin-x64 bin.mjs",
     "make:linux-arm64": "bare-build --name flying-jib --standalone --host linux-arm64 --out ./out/linux-arm64 bin.mjs",
@@ -142,6 +144,8 @@
     }
   },
   "dependencies": {
+    "autobase": "^7.28.1",
+    "b4a": "^1.6.7",
     "bare-assert": "^1.1.0",
     "bare-buffer": "^3.3.1",
     "bare-console": "^6.0.1",
@@ -167,23 +171,28 @@
     "bare-url": "^2.1.0",
     "bare-utils": "^1.0.0",
     "bare-zlib": "^1.3.0",
+    "compact-encoding": "^3.3.0",
     "corestore": "^7.9.2",
     "events": "^3.3.0",
-    "b4a": "^1.6.7",
     "flying-squid": "^1.12.0",
     "framed-stream": "^1.0.1",
     "graceful-goodbye": "^1.3.3",
+    "hyperbee": "^2.27.3",
     "hypercore-crypto": "^3.4.2",
     "hyperdht": "^6.20.0",
     "hyperswarm": "^4.17.0",
     "paparam": "^1.10.1",
     "pear-runtime": "^1.2.0",
+    "protomux": "^3.11.0",
     "ready-resource": "^1.2.0",
     "which-runtime": "^1.4.0",
     "z32": "^1.1.0"
   },
   "devDependencies": {
     "bare-build": "^1.0.2",
+    "bare-bundle-id": "^1.0.0",
+    "bare-module-traverse": "^1.0.0",
+    "bare-pack": "^2.2.1",
     "bare-runtime": "1.29.4",
     "brittle": "^3.19.0",
     "prettier": "^3.6.2",
diff --git a/scripts/bare-standalone.cjs b/scripts/bare-standalone.cjs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..582efa1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/bare-standalone.cjs
@@ -0,0 +1,267 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env node
+/**
+ * Pack Flying Jib as a Bare standalone executable (peardock pattern).
+ *
+ * bare-build CLI does not accept --imports; this script uses bare-pack with
+ * build/squid-imports.json + package.json imports, then embeds into bare-runtime.
+ *
+ * Usage:
+ *   node scripts/bare-standalone.cjs
+ *   node scripts/bare-standalone.cjs --host darwin-arm64
+ *   node scripts/bare-standalone.cjs --host all
+ */
+'use strict'
+
+const path = require('path')
+const fs = require('fs')
+const { pathToFileURL } = require('url')
+const pack = require('bare-pack')
+const { readModule, listPrefix } = require('bare-pack/fs')
+const traverse = require('bare-module-traverse')
+const id = require('bare-bundle-id')
+
+const root = path.resolve(__dirname, '..')
+const pkg = require(path.join(root, 'package.json'))
+
+const ALL_HOSTS = [
+  'darwin-arm64',
+  'darwin-x64',
+  'linux-arm64',
+  'linux-x64',
+  'win32-arm64',
+  'win32-x64'
+]
+
+function parseArgs(argv) {
+  const out = { hosts: [], outRoot: path.join(root, 'out') }
+  for (let i = 0; i < argv.length; i++) {
+    const a = argv[i]
+    if (a === '--host') {
+      const h = argv[++i]
+      if (h === 'all') out.hosts.push(...ALL_HOSTS)
+      else out.hosts.push(h)
+    } else if (a === '--out') out.outRoot = path.resolve(argv[++i])
+    else if (a === '--help' || a === '-h') out.help = true
+  }
+  if (!out.hosts.length) out.hosts.push(`${process.platform}-${process.arch}`)
+  return out
+}
+
+function fileURL(rel) {
+  return pathToFileURL(path.join(root, rel)).href
+}
+
+function buildImportsMap() {
+  // Prefer generated squid-imports (bnr + shims)
+  const squidImportsPath = path.join(root, 'build', 'squid-imports.json')
+  let map = {}
+  if (fs.existsSync(squidImportsPath)) {
+    map = JSON.parse(fs.readFileSync(squidImportsPath, 'utf8'))
+  } else {
+    try {
+      map = { ...require('bare-node-runtime/imports') }
+    } catch {
+      map = {}
+    }
+  }
+
+  // Merge package.json imports (relative bare paths need absolutizing)
+  const pkgImports = pkg.imports || {}
+  for (const [spec, target] of Object.entries(pkgImports)) {
+    if (typeof target === 'string') {
+      map[spec] = target
+      continue
+    }
+    if (target && typeof target === 'object') {
+      map[spec] = { ...target }
+    }
+  }
+
+  for (const [spec, target] of Object.entries(map)) {
+    if (!target || typeof target !== 'object') continue
+    if (typeof target.bare === 'string' && target.bare.startsWith('./')) {
+      map[spec] = {
+        ...target,
+        bare: fileURL(target.bare.replace(/^\.\//, ''))
+      }
+    }
+  }
+
+  // Explicit stubs for optional / browser-only / missing optional deps
+  const stubs = {
+    'esbuild-import-glob(path:.,skipFiles:index.js,external.js)':
+      'build/stubs/esbuild-import-glob.cjs',
+    'supports-color': 'build/stubs/supports-color.cjs',
+    'cpu-features': 'build/stubs/supports-color.cjs',
+    'encoding': 'build/stubs/auto-encoding.cjs',
+    'bufferutil': 'build/stubs/auto-bufferutil.cjs',
+    'utf-8-validate': 'build/stubs/auto-utf-8-validate.cjs',
+    'canvas': 'build/stubs/auto-canvas.cjs',
+    'sqlite3': 'build/stubs/auto-sqlite3.cjs',
+    'better-sqlite3': 'build/stubs/auto-better-sqlite3.cjs'
+  }
+  for (const [spec, rel] of Object.entries(stubs)) {
+    map[spec] = { bare: fileURL(rel), default: fileURL(rel) }
+  }
+
+  return map
+}
+
+function platformForHost(host) {
+  const bareBuildRoot = path.dirname(require.resolve('bare-build/package'))
+  const load = (name) => require(path.join(bareBuildRoot, 'lib', 'platform', name))
+  if (host.startsWith('darwin') || host.startsWith('ios')) return load('apple')
+  if (host.startsWith('linux')) return load('linux')
+  if (host.startsWith('win32')) return load('windows')
+  if (host.startsWith('android')) return load('android')
+  throw new Error(`Unknown host '${host}'`)
+}
+
+function walkFind(dir, pred) {
+  const stack = [dir]
+  while (stack.length) {
+    const d = stack.pop()
+    let entries
+    try {
+      entries = fs.readdirSync(d, { withFileTypes: true })
+    } catch {
+      continue
+    }
+    for (const ent of entries) {
+      const p = path.join(d, ent.name)
+      if (ent.isDirectory()) stack.push(p)
+      else if (pred(p)) return p
+    }
+  }
+  return null
+}
+
+async function buildOne(host, outRoot) {
+  const name = pkg.productName ? 'flying-jib' : pkg.name
+  const outDir = path.join(outRoot, `${name}-${host}`)
+  fs.rmSync(outDir, { recursive: true, force: true })
+  fs.mkdirSync(outDir, { recursive: true })
+
+  // Ensure postinstall artifacts
+  require('child_process').execSync('node scripts/generate-squid-imports.js', {
+    cwd: root,
+    stdio: 'inherit'
+  })
+  require('child_process').execSync('node scripts/patch-engines-for-bare.js', {
+    cwd: root,
+    stdio: 'inherit'
+  })
+
+  const entryPath = path.join(root, 'bin.mjs')
+  const imports = buildImportsMap()
+  console.log(`[bare-standalone] packing ${name} for ${host}…`)
+
+  let entry = await pack(
+    pathToFileURL(entryPath),
+    {
+      hosts: [host],
+      linked: false,
+      resolve: traverse.resolve.bare,
+      imports
+    },
+    readModule,
+    listPrefix
+  )
+
+  const baseURL = pathToFileURL(root + path.sep)
+  entry = entry.unmount(baseURL)
+  entry.id = id(entry).toString('hex')
+
+  const platform = platformForHost(host)
+  const opts = {
+    name,
+    version: pkg.version || '0.0.0',
+    description: pkg.description || 'Flying Jib',
+    author: pkg.author || '',
+    identifier: 'dev.flyingjib.app',
+    hosts: [host],
+    out: outDir,
+    standalone: true,
+    package: false,
+    base: root
+  }
+
+  console.log(`[bare-standalone] embedding bare-runtime for ${host}…`)
+  for await (const resource of platform(root, entry, null, opts)) {
+    if (resource && resource.path) {
+      console.log(`[bare-standalone] resource ${resource.path}`)
+    }
+  }
+
+  const binName = host.startsWith('win32') ? `${name}.exe` : name
+  let binary = path.join(outDir, binName)
+  if (!fs.existsSync(binary)) {
+    const found = walkFind(outDir, (f) => {
+      const base = path.basename(f)
+      return base === name || base === `${name}.exe` || base === 'flying-jib'
+    })
+    if (found) binary = found
+  }
+
+  if (fs.existsSync(binary)) {
+    try {
+      fs.chmodSync(binary, 0o755)
+    } catch {
+      /* win */
+    }
+    const flat = path.join(outDir, path.basename(binary))
+    if (path.resolve(binary) !== path.resolve(flat)) {
+      fs.copyFileSync(binary, flat)
+      binary = flat
+    }
+    console.log(`[bare-standalone] wrote ${binary}`)
+  } else {
+    console.warn(`[bare-standalone] WARN: binary not found under ${outDir}`)
+    try {
+      console.warn(
+        '  contents:',
+        fs.readdirSync(outDir, { recursive: true }).slice(0, 40).join(', ')
+      )
+    } catch {
+      /* ignore */
+    }
+  }
+
+  fs.writeFileSync(
+    path.join(outDir, 'build-info.json'),
+    JSON.stringify(
+      {
+        host,
+        name,
+        version: pkg.version,
+        builtAt: new Date().toISOString(),
+        entry: 'bin.mjs',
+        bundleId: entry.id
+      },
+      null,
+      2
+    ) + '\n'
+  )
+
+  return outDir
+}
+
+async function main() {
+  const opts = parseArgs(process.argv.slice(2))
+  if (opts.help) {
+    console.log(`Usage: node scripts/bare-standalone.cjs [--host <host>|all] [--out dir]
+Hosts: ${ALL_HOSTS.join(', ')}`)
+    process.exit(0)
+  }
+
+  const results = []
+  for (const host of opts.hosts) {
+    results.push(await buildOne(host, opts.outRoot))
+  }
+  console.log('[bare-standalone] done:', results.join(', '))
+}
+
+main().catch((err) => {
+  console.error(err)
+  process.exit(1)
+})
diff --git a/scripts/generate-squid-imports.js b/scripts/generate-squid-imports.js
index f999684..98d9460 100644
--- a/scripts/generate-squid-imports.js
+++ b/scripts/generate-squid-imports.js
@@ -12,6 +12,15 @@ const { pathToFileURL } = require('url')
 
 const root = path.resolve(__dirname, '..')
 const bnr = require('bare-node-runtime/imports')
+
+// Keep events polyfill vendored for bare-pack (no nested node_modules require)
+const eventsSrc = path.join(root, 'node_modules', 'events', 'events.js')
+const eventsPoly = path.join(root, 'build', 'shims', 'events-polyfill.cjs')
+if (fs.existsSync(eventsSrc)) {
+  fs.mkdirSync(path.dirname(eventsPoly), { recursive: true })
+  fs.copyFileSync(eventsSrc, eventsPoly)
+}
+
 const eventsShim = pathToFileURL(path.join(root, 'build/shims/node-events.cjs')).href
 const readlineShim = pathToFileURL(path.join(root, 'build/shims/node-readline.cjs')).href
 
diff --git a/scripts/patch-flying-squid-log.js b/scripts/patch-flying-squid-log.js
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cf06105
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/patch-flying-squid-log.js
@@ -0,0 +1,67 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env node
+'use strict'
+
+/**
+ * Neutralize flying-squid log plugin dynamic import('exit-hook') which bare-pack
+ * does not follow, and soft-fail readline TTY helpers on Bare.
+ */
+
+const fs = require('fs')
+const path = require('path')
+
+const logPath = path.join(
+  __dirname,
+  '..',
+  'node_modules',
+  'flying-squid',
+  'src',
+  'lib',
+  'plugins',
+  'log.js'
+)
+
+if (!fs.existsSync(logPath)) {
+  console.warn('[patch-flying-squid-log] skip (not installed)')
+  process.exit(0)
+}
+
+let src = fs.readFileSync(logPath, 'utf8')
+if (src.includes('FLYING_JIB_PATCH: exit-hook removed')) {
+  console.log('[patch-flying-squid-log] already patched')
+  process.exit(0)
+}
+
+// Replace whole isInNode block's exit-hook import
+src = src.replace(
+  /if \(isInNode\) \{[\s\S]*?readline = require\('readline'\)/,
+  `if (isInNode) {
+  /* FLYING_JIB_PATCH: exit-hook removed for bare-pack */
+  readline = require('readline')`
+)
+
+// Soften createInterface / prompt
+if (!src.includes('FLYING_JIB_PATCH: readline soft')) {
+  src = src.replace(
+    /rl = readline\.createInterface\(\{[\s\S]*?\}\)\s*\n\s*rl\.setPrompt\('> '\)\s*\n\s*rl\.prompt\(true\)/,
+    `try { /* FLYING_JIB_PATCH: readline soft */
+    rl = readline.createInterface({
+      input: process.stdin,
+      output: process.stdout
+    })
+    if (rl && typeof rl.setPrompt === 'function') {
+      rl.setPrompt('> ')
+      rl.prompt(true)
+    }
+  } catch {
+    rl = undefined
+  }`
+  )
+}
+
+src = src.replace(
+  'readline?.cursorTo(process.stdout, 0)',
+  '(readline && typeof readline.cursorTo === "function" ? readline.cursorTo(process.stdout, 0) : undefined)'
+)
+
+fs.writeFileSync(logPath, src)
+console.log('[patch-flying-squid-log] patched')
diff --git a/scripts/patch-flying-squid-plugins.js b/scripts/patch-flying-squid-plugins.js
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d622721
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/patch-flying-squid-plugins.js
@@ -0,0 +1,45 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env node
+'use strict'
+
+/**
+ * Replace flying-squid dynamic requireindex plugin loading with static requires
+ * so bare-pack can include the full plugin graph in standalone binaries.
+ */
+
+const fs = require('fs')
+const path = require('path')
+
+const root = path.resolve(__dirname, '..')
+const pluginsDir = path.join(root, 'node_modules', 'flying-squid', 'src', 'lib', 'plugins')
+const indexPath = path.join(pluginsDir, 'index.js')
+
+if (!fs.existsSync(indexPath)) {
+  console.warn('[patch-flying-squid-plugins] flying-squid not installed; skip')
+  process.exit(0)
+}
+
+const files = fs
+  .readdirSync(pluginsDir)
+  .filter((f) => f.endsWith('.js') && f !== 'index.js')
+  .sort()
+
+const requires = files
+  .map((f) => {
+    const key = './' + f
+    return `    require(${JSON.stringify(key)})`
+  })
+  .join(',\n')
+
+const out = `module.exports.builtinPlugins = null
+
+// Flying Jib postinstall: static plugin list for bare-pack (no readdir at runtime).
+module.exports.initPlugins = () => {
+  if (module.exports.builtinPlugins) return
+  module.exports.builtinPlugins = [
+${requires}
+  ]
+}
+`
+
+fs.writeFileSync(indexPath, out)
+console.log(`[patch-flying-squid-plugins] wrote static list (${files.length} plugins)`)
diff --git a/test/peer-session.test.js b/test/peer-session.test.js
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..95b89e6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/peer-session.test.js
@@ -0,0 +1,53 @@
+'use strict'
+
+const test = require('brittle')
+const crypto = require('hypercore-crypto')
+const { PeerSession, controlTopic } = require('../lib/peer-session')
+
+test('controlTopic is stable 32 bytes', (t) => {
+  const k = crypto.randomBytes(32)
+  const a = controlTopic(k)
+  const b = controlTopic(k)
+  t.is(a.byteLength, 32)
+  t.alike(a, b)
+})
+
+test('two PeerSessions exchange chat', { timeout: 45000 }, async (t) => {
+  const worldKey = crypto.randomBytes(32)
+
+  const a = new PeerSession({
+    worldPublicKey: worldKey,
+    displayName: 'Alice',
+    keyPairSeed: crypto.randomBytes(32)
+  })
+  const b = new PeerSession({
+    worldPublicKey: worldKey,
+    displayName: 'Bob',
+    keyPairSeed: crypto.randomBytes(32)
+  })
+
+  await a.ready()
+  await b.ready()
+
+  const got = new Promise((resolve, reject) => {
+    const timer = setTimeout(() => reject(new Error('chat timeout')), 30000)
+    b.on('chat', (msg) => {
+      if (msg.local) return
+      if (msg.text === 'hello-from-alice') {
+        clearTimeout(timer)
+        resolve(msg)
+      }
+    })
+  })
+
+  // Wait for swarm to link
+  await new Promise((r) => setTimeout(r, 3000))
+  a.sendChat('hello-from-alice')
+
+  const msg = await got
+  t.is(msg.from, 'Alice')
+  t.is(msg.text, 'hello-from-alice')
+
+  await a.close()
+  await b.close()
+})
diff --git a/user_docs/FAQ.md b/user_docs/FAQ.md
index 2c59305..f9159d0 100644
--- a/user_docs/FAQ.md
+++ b/user_docs/FAQ.md
@@ -30,7 +30,11 @@ Not in the current design. Flying Squid targets **Java Edition** protocol.
 
 ## Is chat end-to-end encrypted?
 
-Peer links use Noise encryption (Hyperswarm/HyperDHT). Side-channel chat rides those links. In-game Minecraft chat is whatever Squid implements on the host world.
+Peer links use Noise encryption (Hyperswarm/HyperDHT). Side-channel chat (CLI: type while hosting/joined) rides a separate Hyperswarm topic for that world. In-game Minecraft chat is local to the host Squid instance.
+
+## Do I need Node.js for the released app?
+
+**No.** Use the standalone binary from `make:standalone`, or install via Pear when published.
 
 ## Will this work on school/work Wi‑Fi?