cursor-route 0.1.5 → 0.1.6

package/README.md

@@ -80,7 +80,9 @@ mkdir -p .cursor/skills
 cp -R ~/.cursor-route-src/skills/route-orch .cursor/skills/
 ```
 
-Then say **`/route-orch`** or **spawn workers** in Cursor — the skill delegates to `cursor-route` (does not replace private Cemini `/route`).
+Then say **`/route-orch`** or **spawn workers** in Cursor — the skill delegates to `cursor-route` (does not replace a private in-house `/route` skill).
+
+Working notes for this repo (edit in place): [docs/briefs/WORKING.md](./docs/briefs/WORKING.md).
 
 ## Commands
 
@@ -102,11 +104,25 @@ Then say **`/route-orch`** or **spawn workers** in Cursor — the skill delegate
 | Lane | Worker | Intent |
 |------|--------|--------|
 | `easy` | `openrouter` | Wording / drafts on OpenRouter free models (non-secret prompts only — see Security) |
-| `mid` | `claude-ds` | Default implement on DeepSeek |
+| `mid` | `claude-ds` | Default implement on DeepSeek (**Flash** by default) |
 | `hard` | `grok` | Hard implement on Grok CLI |
 
 Always-approve is **on** by default. Opt out: `--ask` or `CURSOR_ROUTE_ASK=1`.
 
+### Mid models (Flash vs Pro)
+
+| Flag | Model id | When |
+|------|----------|------|
+| `--model flash` (default) | `deepseek-v4-flash` | Cheap mid execute |
+| `--model pro` | `deepseek-v4-pro` | Harder mid / Grok **usage** stand-in |
+
+```bash
+cursor-route start --lane mid "…"                    # Flash
+cursor-route start --lane mid --model pro "…"        # Pro
+```
+
+**Grok auth ≠ usage-out:** if `cursor-route health` shows `worker:grok` ✗, run `grok login` (or set `XAI_API_KEY`). That is auth. Quota / subscription usage exhausted is different — use `--lane mid --model pro` as the stand-in, not a missing login.
+
 ## DeepSeek setup (the cheap mid-lane — this is the point)
 
 `cursor-route` mid lane runs **DeepSeek**, not Anthropic. Claude Code is only the terminal harness; bills go to DeepSeek when `ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL` points at them.
@@ -118,17 +134,20 @@ npm i -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code
 
 export ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL=https://api.deepseek.com/anthropic
 export ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN=YOUR_DEEPSEEK_API_KEY   # from platform.deepseek.com
-export ANTHROPIC_MODEL=deepseek-v4-pro[1m]
+# Optional shell defaults (CLI --model overrides ANTHROPIC_MODEL for the job):
 export ANTHROPIC_DEFAULT_HAIKU_MODEL=deepseek-v4-flash
 export CLAUDE_CODE_SUBAGENT_MODEL=deepseek-v4-flash
 
 cursor-route health          # worker:claude-ds should be ✓
-cursor-route start --lane mid "…"
+cursor-route start --lane mid "…"                 # Flash (default)
+cursor-route start --lane mid --model pro "…"     # Pro when you need it
 ```
 
 Persist the same vars under `~/.claude/settings.json` → `"env": { … }` if you want them every shell.
 
-**Also accepted:** `claude-ds` or `deepseek-claude` on PATH (Cemini shims).
+**Also accepted:** `claude-ds` or `deepseek-claude` on PATH (Cemini shims). The adapter passes `-Model deepseek-v4-flash|deepseek-v4-pro`.
+
+**Reserved:** `--worker deepseek` is a slot for an official DeepSeek coding harness — not wired yet. Mid stays on `claude-ds`.
 
 **Not the default:** bare `claude` still talking to Anthropic. Health refuses that so a misconfigured install cannot silently burn frontier $ rates. Escape hatch only: `CURSOR_ROUTE_ALLOW_ANTHROPIC=1`.
 
@@ -173,7 +192,7 @@ cursor-route is a public MIT CLI and Cursor skill that runs parallel coding work
 It uses the familiar strategist and worker-pane shape, but it is not a Codex clone. cursor-route uses Cursor as the planner and DeepSeek plus Grok CLI as workers. Codex is not required.
 
 **Does mid lane use Anthropic Claude?**  
-No. The mid worker is DeepSeek. Claude Code is the harness, configured with `ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL=https://api.deepseek.com/anthropic` and a DeepSeek key in `ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN`.
+No. The mid worker is DeepSeek. Claude Code is the harness, configured with `ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL=https://api.deepseek.com/anthropic` and a DeepSeek key in `ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN`. Default model is Flash (`--model flash`); use `--model pro` for harder mid work or when Grok usage is exhausted (not the same as a missing `grok login`).
 
 **How do I install?**  
 Run `npm i -g cursor-route`, install tmux if needed, then run `cursor-route health`. The package is available at https://www.npmjs.com/package/cursor-route, and the source is at https://github.com/cemini23/cursor-route.

package/dist/adapters/claude-ds.js

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ import { execSync } from "node:child_process";
 import { readFileSync, existsSync } from "node:fs";
 import { homedir } from "node:os";
 import { join } from "node:path";
+import { DS_MODEL_IDS, config, resolveDsModelAlias, } from "../config.js";
 import { shellQuote } from "../util.js";
 /**
  * Mid-lane = DeepSeek (cheap). The Claude Code binary is only a harness —
@@ -104,24 +105,39 @@ function resolveClaudeDs() {
     }
     return null;
 }
+function pickModelAlias(requested) {
+    if (requested)
+        return requested;
+    // Env override for power users who already export ANTHROPIC_MODEL
+    const fromEnv = process.env.CURSOR_ROUTE_DS_MODEL || process.env.ANTHROPIC_MODEL;
+    if (fromEnv) {
+        try {
+            return resolveDsModelAlias(fromEnv);
+        }
+        catch {
+            /* fall through to default */
+        }
+    }
+    return config.defaultDsModel;
+}
 /**
  * Env that must reach stock `claude` for DeepSeek routing.
  * Passed via process/tmux env — never interpolated into the printed command.
  */
-function deepSeekWorkerEnv() {
+function deepSeekWorkerEnv(modelId) {
     const base = resolvedDeepSeekBaseUrl();
     if (!base)
         return undefined;
-    const env = { ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL: base };
+    const env = {
+        ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL: base,
+        ANTHROPIC_MODEL: modelId,
+    };
     const token = process.env.ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN ||
         process.env.ANTHROPIC_API_KEY ||
         process.env.DEEPSEEK_API_KEY ||
         "";
     if (token)
         env.ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN = token;
-    const model = process.env.ANTHROPIC_MODEL;
-    if (model)
-        env.ANTHROPIC_MODEL = model;
     return env;
 }
 export const claudeDsAdapter = {
@@ -144,24 +160,30 @@ export const claudeDsAdapter = {
             worker: "claude-ds",
             ok: true,
             binary: resolved.binary,
-            detail: `ok (${resolved.mode})`,
+            detail: `ok (${resolved.mode}; default model ${DS_MODEL_IDS[config.defaultDsModel]})`,
         };
     },
-    buildLaunch({ promptFile, cwd, alwaysApprove }) {
+    buildLaunch({ promptFile, cwd, alwaysApprove, model }) {
         const resolved = resolveClaudeDs();
         if (!resolved) {
             throw new Error("DeepSeek worker not available — run: cursor-route health");
         }
+        const alias = pickModelAlias(model);
+        const modelId = DS_MODEL_IDS[alias];
         const ask = process.env.CURSOR_ROUTE_ASK === "1" || process.env.CLAUDE_DS_ASK === "1";
         const skip = alwaysApprove && !ask;
         // Stock `claude` needs DeepSeek env injected into the worker process
         // (tmux panes may not inherit client env from a long-lived server).
-        const env = resolved.mode.startsWith("claude → DeepSeek") ? deepSeekWorkerEnv() : undefined;
-        if (resolved.mode.startsWith("claude-ds")) {
+        const env = resolved.mode.startsWith("claude → DeepSeek")
+            ? deepSeekWorkerEnv(modelId)
+            : undefined;
+        if (resolved.mode.startsWith("claude-ds") || resolved.mode.startsWith("deepseek-claude")) {
             const parts = [
                 shellQuote(resolved.binary),
                 "-PromptFile",
                 shellQuote(promptFile),
+                "-Model",
+                shellQuote(modelId),
             ];
             if (skip)
                 parts.push("--dangerously-skip-permissions");
@@ -176,6 +198,8 @@ export const claudeDsAdapter = {
             shellQuote(resolved.binary),
             "-p",
             `"$(cat ${shellQuote(promptFile)})"`,
+            "--model",
+            shellQuote(modelId),
         ];
         if (skip)
             parts.push("--dangerously-skip-permissions");

package/dist/adapters/deepseek.js

@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+/**
+ * Reserved slot for the official DeepSeek coding harness when it ships.
+ * Mid lane stays on claude-ds until then — do not route jobs here.
+ */
+export const deepseekAdapter = {
+    kind: "deepseek",
+    label: "Official DeepSeek harness (unreleased)",
+    health() {
+        return {
+            worker: "deepseek",
+            ok: false,
+            binary: null,
+            detail: "unreleased — mid lane uses claude-ds (DeepSeek behind Claude Code). See README.",
+        };
+    },
+    buildLaunch() {
+        throw new Error("Official DeepSeek harness is not available yet — use --lane mid / --worker claude-ds");
+    },
+};

package/dist/adapters/index.js

@@ -1,10 +1,12 @@
 import { grokAdapter } from "./grok.js";
 import { claudeDsAdapter } from "./claude-ds.js";
 import { openRouterAdapter } from "./openrouter.js";
+import { deepseekAdapter } from "./deepseek.js";
 const registry = {
     grok: grokAdapter,
     "claude-ds": claudeDsAdapter,
     openrouter: openRouterAdapter,
+    deepseek: deepseekAdapter,
 };
 export function getAdapter(worker) {
     const a = registry[worker];

package/dist/cli.js

@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
  */
 import { readFileSync, existsSync, realpathSync, statSync } from "node:fs";
 import { resolve, basename } from "node:path";
-import { config, WORKERS, LANES } from "./config.js";
+import { config, WORKERS, LANES, resolveDsModelAlias, } from "./config.js";
 import { runHealth, printHealth } from "./health.js";
 import { startJob, listJobs, readJob, killJob, cleanJobs, jobPaths, refreshStatus, } from "./jobs.js";
 import { capturePane, sendKeys, attachHint, listManagedSessions, sessionExists, } from "./tmux.js";
@@ -29,8 +29,9 @@ Usage:
   cursor-route clean [--days N]
 
 Start options:
-  --worker <grok|claude-ds|openrouter>  Worker adapter (default: grok)
+  --worker <grok|claude-ds|openrouter>  Worker adapter (default: grok; deepseek = reserved slot)
   --lane <easy|mid|hard>                Lane → worker (easy=openrouter, mid=claude-ds, hard=grok)
+  --model <flash|pro>                   Mid DeepSeek model (default: flash). Ignored by grok/openrouter
   --dir <path>                          Working directory (default: cwd)
   --ask                                 Disable always-approve for this job
   --dry-run                             Print launch command; do not start
@@ -43,6 +44,7 @@ Env:
   CURSOR_ROUTE_MAX_JOBS              Max active jobs (default: 50)
   CURSOR_ROUTE_RELAXED=1             health OK without tmux/workers (CI / infra smoke)
   CURSOR_ROUTE_ALLOW_ANTHROPIC=1     Allow mid-lane on Anthropic Claude (expensive; not default)
+  CURSOR_ROUTE_DS_MODEL              Default mid model flash|pro (overridden by --model)
   CURSOR_ROUTE_GROK_BIN              Override the grok binary path (tests / power users)
   CURSOR_ROUTE_CLAUDE_DS_BIN         Override the claude-ds binary path (tests / power users)
   OPENROUTER_API_KEY                 OpenRouter key (required for --worker openrouter / --lane easy)
@@ -139,6 +141,13 @@ function asLane(v) {
         return v;
     throw new Error(`Invalid --lane ${v}; expected ${LANES.join("|")}`);
 }
+function asDsModel(v) {
+    if (v === undefined || v === true)
+        return undefined;
+    if (typeof v !== "string")
+        throw new Error(`Invalid --model; expected flash|pro`);
+    return resolveDsModelAlias(v);
+}
 function refuseSecrets(text, context) {
     if (looksLikeSecretMaterial(text)) {
         console.error(`Refusing ${context}: looks like secret key material. Remove tokens/keys and retry.`);
@@ -196,8 +205,17 @@ async function main() {
     if (cmd === "start") {
         requireStringFlag(f, "worker");
         requireStringFlag(f, "lane");
+        requireStringFlag(f, "model");
         const promptFile = requireStringFlag(f, "prompt-file");
         const dirFlag = requireStringFlag(f, "dir");
+        let model;
+        try {
+            model = asDsModel(f.model);
+        }
+        catch (e) {
+            console.error(e.message);
+            process.exit(2);
+        }
         let prompt = "";
         if (promptFile) {
             const p = resolve(promptFile);
@@ -234,6 +252,7 @@ async function main() {
             prompt,
             worker: asWorker(f.worker),
             lane: asLane(f.lane),
+            model,
             cwd,
             alwaysApprove: !f.ask,
             dryRun: Boolean(f.dryRun),
@@ -252,10 +271,13 @@ async function main() {
         else if (result.dryRun) {
             console.log(`dry-run job ${result.job.id}`);
             console.log(`worker: ${result.job.worker}`);
+            if (result.job.model)
+                console.log(`model:  ${result.job.model}`);
             console.log(`command: ${redactSecrets(result.command || "")}`);
         }
         else {
-            console.log(`started ${result.job.id} (${result.job.worker})`);
+            const modelNote = result.job.model ? `/${result.job.model}` : "";
+            console.log(`started ${result.job.id} (${result.job.worker}${modelNote})`);
             console.log(`session: ${result.job.tmuxSession}`);
             if (String(result.job.tmuxSession).startsWith("headless-")) {
                 console.log(`mode:    headless (--no-tmux); use capture/status (no attach/send)`);

package/dist/config.js

@@ -1,8 +1,24 @@
 import { homedir } from "node:os";
 import { join } from "node:path";
 import { defaultJobsDir } from "./runtime.js";
-export const WORKERS = ["grok", "claude-ds", "openrouter"];
+export const WORKERS = ["grok", "claude-ds", "openrouter", "deepseek"];
 export const LANES = ["easy", "mid", "hard"];
+export const DS_MODELS = ["flash", "pro"];
+export const DS_MODEL_IDS = {
+    flash: "deepseek-v4-flash",
+    pro: "deepseek-v4-pro",
+};
+/** Resolve --model flash|pro (or full deepseek-v4-* id) to a CLI alias. Default: flash. */
+export function resolveDsModelAlias(raw) {
+    if (!raw || !raw.trim())
+        return "flash";
+    const v = raw.trim().toLowerCase();
+    if (v === "flash" || v === "deepseek-v4-flash")
+        return "flash";
+    if (v === "pro" || v === "deepseek-v4-pro" || v === "deepseek-v4-pro[1m]")
+        return "pro";
+    throw new Error(`Invalid --model ${raw}; expected flash|pro`);
+}
 /** OpenRouter model for the easy lane (env CURSOR_ROUTE_OPENROUTER_MODEL). */
 export function openRouterModel() {
     return process.env.CURSOR_ROUTE_OPENROUTER_MODEL || "openrouter/free";
@@ -27,7 +43,7 @@ function maxConcurrentJobsFromEnv() {
  */
 export const config = {
     product: "cursor-route",
-    version: "0.1.5",
+    version: "0.1.6",
     get jobsDir() {
         return defaultJobsDir();
     },
@@ -39,6 +55,8 @@ export const config = {
         mid: "claude-ds",
         hard: "grok",
     },
+    /** Default mid DeepSeek model (Flash = cheap execute). Override: --model pro */
+    defaultDsModel: "flash",
     jobsListLimit: 20,
     /** Max simultaneously active (running|pending) jobs. Override: CURSOR_ROUTE_MAX_JOBS. */
     get maxConcurrentJobs() {

package/dist/jobs.js

@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@ import { mkdirSync, writeFileSync, readFileSync, readdirSync, existsSync, unlink
 import { join, resolve } from "node:path";
 import { fileURLToPath } from "node:url";
 import { dirname } from "node:path";
-import { config, sessionName } from "./config.js";
+import { config, sessionName, } from "./config.js";
 import { getAdapter } from "./adapters/index.js";
 import { spawn } from "node:child_process";
 import { spawnSync } from "node:child_process";
@@ -217,12 +217,14 @@ export function startJob(opts) {
     const id = newJobId();
     const paths = jobPaths(id);
     writeSecure(paths.prompt, opts.prompt);
+    const model = worker === "claude-ds" ? opts.model ?? config.defaultDsModel : undefined;
     let plan;
     try {
         plan = adapter.buildLaunch({
             promptFile: paths.prompt,
             cwd,
             alwaysApprove,
+            model,
         });
     }
     catch (e) {
@@ -240,6 +242,7 @@ export function startJob(opts) {
         status: "pending",
         worker,
         lane: opts.lane,
+        model,
         prompt: opts.prompt,
         cwd,
         alwaysApprove: plan.alwaysApprove,

package/docs/briefs/WORKING.md

@@ -0,0 +1,55 @@
+---
+title: cursor-route workspace — working brief (edit in place)
+repo: ~/Projects/cursor-route
+npm: cursor-route@0.1.6
+created: 2026-08-12
+updated: 2026-08-12
+---
+
+# cursor-route — living brief
+
+**Edit this file.** It is the working notes for this public repo (CLI + `route-orch` skill + adapters). Not the private Cemini `/route` skill (`agent-toolkit` / federation).
+
+When a chunk is accepted: apply it to `src/`, `README.md`, and/or `skills/route-orch/SKILL.md` (keep `.cursor/skills/route-orch/SKILL.md` in sync). Then tick **Open** and add an **Edit log** line.
+
+## What this repo is
+
+Cursor Agent plans. Workers run in tmux via `cursor-route`:
+
+| Lane | Worker | Intent |
+|------|--------|--------|
+| `easy` | OpenRouter free | Wording / drafts — non-secret prompts only |
+| `mid` | claude-ds (DeepSeek behind Claude Code) | Default implement (**Flash**) |
+| `hard` | Grok CLI | Hard implement |
+
+Always-approve on (`--ask` / `CURSOR_ROUTE_ASK=1` to opt out). Jobs live in `~/.local/share/cursor-route/jobs`, not in this clone.
+
+## Open (edit / check off)
+
+- [x] **Flash vs Pro on the CLI** — public default **Flash**; `--model pro` → `deepseek-v4-pro`
+  - [x] pass `claude-ds -Model deepseek-v4-flash|deepseek-v4-pro` from the adapter
+  - [x] add `--model flash|pro` on `start`
+  - [x] document Grok **auth** ≠ usage-out (`grok login`) vs quota → Pro stand-in
+- [x] **Skill `route-orch`** — Flash/Pro table in `skills/` + `.cursor/skills/`
+- [x] **Official DeepSeek Harness** — `deepseek` adapter slot present; mid stays on claude-ds
+- [ ] **Hero GIF** — still outstanding (`docs/DEMO_GIF.md`)
+- [x] **Do not** paste private `ROUTE_KIT`, SIP, prod paths, or hang-watchdog env into this public repo
+
+## Repo map
+
+| Path | Role |
+|------|------|
+| `src/cli.ts` | `health` / `start` / `jobs` / `capture` / `send` / `kill` |
+| `src/adapters/claude-ds.ts` | Mid worker; DeepSeek URL required; `--model` → `-Model` |
+| `src/adapters/deepseek.ts` | Reserved unreleased harness slot |
+| `src/adapters/grok.ts` | Hard worker |
+| `src/adapters/openrouter.ts` | Easy worker |
+| `skills/route-orch/SKILL.md` | Cursor skill — spawn CLI, do not implement in-session |
+| `SECURITY.md` | Secret refuse gate |
+
+## Edit log
+
+| Date | Change |
+|------|--------|
+| 2026-08-12 | Brief created in this repo. Flash/Pro CLI + skill still open. |
+| 2026-08-12 | Shipped Flash default + `--model pro`, deepseek slot, skill table → 0.1.6. |

package/docs/demo-notes.md

@@ -4,10 +4,10 @@ Simulated capture output for README / tweet assets — replace with a real GIF o
 
 ```
 $ cursor-route --version
-0.1.5
+0.1.6
 
 $ cursor-route health
-cursor-route v0.1.5
+cursor-route v0.1.6
 health: OK
   ✓ tmux
   ✓ runtime          bun ok
@@ -15,19 +15,21 @@ health: OK
   ✓ worker:grok
   ✓ worker:claude-ds
   ✓ worker:openrouter
+  ✗ worker:deepseek  unreleased — mid lane uses claude-ds
   ✓ jobs_dir         ~/.local/share/cursor-route/jobs
 
 $ cursor-route start --lane mid "Add a failing test then make it pass"
-started a1b2c3d4 (claude-ds)
+started a1b2c3d4 (claude-ds/flash)
 session: cursor-route-a1b2c3d4
 attach:  tmux attach -t cursor-route-a1b2c3d4
 
 $ cursor-route jobs --json
-[{ "id": "a1b2c3d4", "status": "running", "worker": "claude-ds", ... }]
+[{ "id": "a1b2c3d4", "status": "running", "worker": "claude-ds", "model": "flash", ... }]
 ```
 
 Verified locally (2026-08-10): headless `claude-ds` smoke returned `CURSOR_ROUTE_SMOKE_OK`.
 Grok smoke hit 402 (Build usage balance exhausted) — auth/PATH wiring works; top up Grok Build for live demos.
+Use `--model pro` when Grok **usage** is out (not the same as a missing `grok login`).
 
 Current commands: `health`, `start`, `jobs`, `status`, `capture`, `send`, `attach`, `kill`, `sessions`, `clean`.
 Headless demos (no tmux) use `--no-tmux` and `capture`/`status` instead of `attach`/`send`.

package/llms.txt

@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ cursor-route is a public MIT CLI and Cursor skill that runs parallel coding work
 It uses the familiar strategist and worker-pane shape, but it is not a Codex clone. cursor-route uses Cursor as the planner and DeepSeek plus Grok CLI as workers. Codex is not required.
 
 ### Does mid lane use Anthropic Claude?
-No. The mid worker is DeepSeek. Claude Code is the harness, configured with `ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL=https://api.deepseek.com/anthropic` and a DeepSeek key in `ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN`.
+No. The mid worker is DeepSeek. Claude Code is the harness, configured with `ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL=https://api.deepseek.com/anthropic` and a DeepSeek key in `ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN`. Default model is Flash (`--model flash`); use `--model pro` for harder mid work or when Grok usage is exhausted (not the same as a missing `grok login`).
 
 ### How do I install?
 Run `npm i -g cursor-route`, install tmux if needed, then run `cursor-route health`. The package is available at https://www.npmjs.com/package/cursor-route, and the source is at https://github.com/cemini23/cursor-route.

package/package.json

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 {
   "name": "cursor-route",
-  "version": "0.1.5",
+  "version": "0.1.6",
   "description": "Cursor stays the brain. Grok CLI + DeepSeek (claude-ds) + OpenRouter easy lane are the parallel army \u2014 lane-aware /route orchestration in tmux.",
   "type": "module",
   "license": "MIT",
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@
     "skills",
     "docs/DEMO_GIF.md",
     "docs/demo-notes.md",
+    "docs/briefs/WORKING.md",
     "docs/fixtures",
     "LICENSE",
     "SECURITY.md",

package/skills/route-orch/SKILL.md

@@ -30,6 +30,22 @@ You are the **orchestrator**. Do **not** implement bulk code in this Cursor sess
 
 Free OpenRouter models may log prompts — keep secrets off the easy lane (the CLI refuse gate still applies).
 
+## claude-ds models
+
+One harness. Do not install a second coding loop.
+
+| Flag / role | Model | When |
+|-------------|-------|------|
+| default mid (`--model flash`) | `deepseek-v4-flash` | `--lane mid` cheap execute |
+| Grok stand-in (`--model pro`) | `deepseek-v4-pro` | Grok CLI **usage/quota** out (not a missing `grok login`) |
+
+```bash
+cursor-route start --lane mid --dir "$PWD" "…"
+cursor-route start --lane mid --model pro --dir "$PWD" "…"
+```
+
+If `worker:grok` is ✗ on health, that is usually **auth** (`grok login` / `XAI_API_KEY`) — not the Pro stand-in case.
+
 ## Workflow
 
 1. Run `cursor-route health` (or `CURSOR_ROUTE_RELAXED=1` for headless). If the **target worker** is unhealthy, fix before spawning.

package/src/adapters/claude-ds.ts

@@ -3,6 +3,12 @@ import { readFileSync, existsSync } from "node:fs";
 import { homedir } from "node:os";
 import { join } from "node:path";
 import type { Adapter, WorkerHealth } from "./types.ts";
+import {
+  DS_MODEL_IDS,
+  type DsModelAlias,
+  config,
+  resolveDsModelAlias,
+} from "../config.ts";
 import { shellQuote } from "../util.ts";
 
 /**
@@ -114,22 +120,37 @@ function resolveClaudeDs(): { binary: string; mode: string } | null {
   return null;
 }
 
+function pickModelAlias(requested?: DsModelAlias): DsModelAlias {
+  if (requested) return requested;
+  // Env override for power users who already export ANTHROPIC_MODEL
+  const fromEnv = process.env.CURSOR_ROUTE_DS_MODEL || process.env.ANTHROPIC_MODEL;
+  if (fromEnv) {
+    try {
+      return resolveDsModelAlias(fromEnv);
+    } catch {
+      /* fall through to default */
+    }
+  }
+  return config.defaultDsModel;
+}
+
 /**
  * Env that must reach stock `claude` for DeepSeek routing.
  * Passed via process/tmux env — never interpolated into the printed command.
  */
-function deepSeekWorkerEnv(): Record<string, string> | undefined {
+function deepSeekWorkerEnv(modelId: string): Record<string, string> | undefined {
   const base = resolvedDeepSeekBaseUrl();
   if (!base) return undefined;
-  const env: Record<string, string> = { ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL: base };
+  const env: Record<string, string> = {
+    ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL: base,
+    ANTHROPIC_MODEL: modelId,
+  };
   const token =
     process.env.ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN ||
     process.env.ANTHROPIC_API_KEY ||
     process.env.DEEPSEEK_API_KEY ||
     "";
   if (token) env.ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN = token;
-  const model = process.env.ANTHROPIC_MODEL;
-  if (model) env.ANTHROPIC_MODEL = model;
   return env;
 }
 
@@ -153,27 +174,33 @@ export const claudeDsAdapter: Adapter = {
       worker: "claude-ds",
       ok: true,
       binary: resolved.binary,
-      detail: `ok (${resolved.mode})`,
+      detail: `ok (${resolved.mode}; default model ${DS_MODEL_IDS[config.defaultDsModel]})`,
     };
   },
-  buildLaunch({ promptFile, cwd, alwaysApprove }) {
+  buildLaunch({ promptFile, cwd, alwaysApprove, model }) {
     const resolved = resolveClaudeDs();
     if (!resolved) {
       throw new Error("DeepSeek worker not available — run: cursor-route health");
     }
 
+    const alias = pickModelAlias(model);
+    const modelId = DS_MODEL_IDS[alias];
+
     const ask = process.env.CURSOR_ROUTE_ASK === "1" || process.env.CLAUDE_DS_ASK === "1";
     const skip = alwaysApprove && !ask;
     // Stock `claude` needs DeepSeek env injected into the worker process
     // (tmux panes may not inherit client env from a long-lived server).
-    const env =
-      resolved.mode.startsWith("claude → DeepSeek") ? deepSeekWorkerEnv() : undefined;
+    const env = resolved.mode.startsWith("claude → DeepSeek")
+      ? deepSeekWorkerEnv(modelId)
+      : undefined;
 
-    if (resolved.mode.startsWith("claude-ds")) {
+    if (resolved.mode.startsWith("claude-ds") || resolved.mode.startsWith("deepseek-claude")) {
       const parts = [
         shellQuote(resolved.binary),
         "-PromptFile",
         shellQuote(promptFile),
+        "-Model",
+        shellQuote(modelId),
       ];
       if (skip) parts.push("--dangerously-skip-permissions");
       return {
@@ -188,6 +215,8 @@ export const claudeDsAdapter: Adapter = {
       shellQuote(resolved.binary),
       "-p",
       `"$(cat ${shellQuote(promptFile)})"`,
+      "--model",
+      shellQuote(modelId),
     ];
     if (skip) parts.push("--dangerously-skip-permissions");
     return {

package/src/adapters/deepseek.ts

@@ -0,0 +1,24 @@
+import type { Adapter, WorkerHealth } from "./types.ts";
+
+/**
+ * Reserved slot for the official DeepSeek coding harness when it ships.
+ * Mid lane stays on claude-ds until then — do not route jobs here.
+ */
+export const deepseekAdapter: Adapter = {
+  kind: "deepseek",
+  label: "Official DeepSeek harness (unreleased)",
+  health(): WorkerHealth {
+    return {
+      worker: "deepseek",
+      ok: false,
+      binary: null,
+      detail:
+        "unreleased — mid lane uses claude-ds (DeepSeek behind Claude Code). See README.",
+    };
+  },
+  buildLaunch() {
+    throw new Error(
+      "Official DeepSeek harness is not available yet — use --lane mid / --worker claude-ds",
+    );
+  },
+};

package/src/adapters/index.ts

@@ -3,11 +3,13 @@ import type { Adapter } from "./types.ts";
 import { grokAdapter } from "./grok.ts";
 import { claudeDsAdapter } from "./claude-ds.ts";
 import { openRouterAdapter } from "./openrouter.ts";
+import { deepseekAdapter } from "./deepseek.ts";
 
 const registry: Record<WorkerKind, Adapter> = {
   grok: grokAdapter,
   "claude-ds": claudeDsAdapter,
   openrouter: openRouterAdapter,
+  deepseek: deepseekAdapter,
 };
 
 export function getAdapter(worker: WorkerKind): Adapter {

package/src/adapters/types.ts

@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-import type { WorkerKind } from "../config.ts";
+import type { WorkerKind, DsModelAlias } from "../config.ts";
 
 export interface WorkerHealth {
   worker: WorkerKind;
@@ -24,5 +24,7 @@ export interface Adapter {
     promptFile: string;
     cwd: string;
     alwaysApprove: boolean;
+    /** Mid-lane DeepSeek flash|pro (ignored by other workers). */
+    model?: DsModelAlias;
   }): LaunchPlan;
 }

package/src/cli.test.ts

@@ -1,10 +1,11 @@
 import { describe, expect, test } from "bun:test";
 import { resolveWorker } from "./jobs.ts";
-import { config } from "./config.ts";
+import { config, resolveDsModelAlias } from "./config.ts";
 import { shellQuote, newJobId } from "./util.ts";
 import { runHealth } from "./health.ts";
 import { looksLikeSecretMaterial, redactSecrets } from "./secrets.ts";
-import { isDeepSeekRouted, isDeepSeekBaseUrl } from "./adapters/claude-ds.ts";
+import { isDeepSeekRouted, isDeepSeekBaseUrl, claudeDsAdapter } from "./adapters/claude-ds.ts";
+import { deepseekAdapter } from "./adapters/deepseek.ts";
 
 describe("resolveWorker", () => {
   test("lane easy → openrouter", () => {
@@ -29,6 +30,72 @@ describe("resolveWorker", () => {
   });
 });
 
+describe("resolveDsModelAlias", () => {
+  test("defaults to flash", () => {
+    expect(resolveDsModelAlias()).toBe("flash");
+    expect(resolveDsModelAlias("")).toBe("flash");
+  });
+  test("accepts aliases and full ids", () => {
+    expect(resolveDsModelAlias("flash")).toBe("flash");
+    expect(resolveDsModelAlias("pro")).toBe("pro");
+    expect(resolveDsModelAlias("deepseek-v4-flash")).toBe("flash");
+    expect(resolveDsModelAlias("deepseek-v4-pro")).toBe("pro");
+    expect(resolveDsModelAlias("deepseek-v4-pro[1m]")).toBe("pro");
+  });
+  test("rejects unknown", () => {
+    expect(() => resolveDsModelAlias("opus")).toThrow(/flash\|pro/);
+  });
+});
+
+describe("claude-ds -Model", () => {
+  test("shim path passes -Model deepseek-v4-flash by default", () => {
+    const prev = process.env.CURSOR_ROUTE_CLAUDE_DS_BIN;
+    process.env.CURSOR_ROUTE_CLAUDE_DS_BIN = "/tmp/fake-claude-ds";
+    try {
+      const plan = claudeDsAdapter.buildLaunch({
+        promptFile: "/tmp/p.prompt",
+        cwd: "/tmp",
+        alwaysApprove: true,
+      });
+      expect(plan.command).toContain("-Model");
+      expect(plan.command).toContain("deepseek-v4-flash");
+    } finally {
+      if (prev === undefined) delete process.env.CURSOR_ROUTE_CLAUDE_DS_BIN;
+      else process.env.CURSOR_ROUTE_CLAUDE_DS_BIN = prev;
+    }
+  });
+  test("pro alias maps to deepseek-v4-pro", () => {
+    const prev = process.env.CURSOR_ROUTE_CLAUDE_DS_BIN;
+    process.env.CURSOR_ROUTE_CLAUDE_DS_BIN = "/tmp/fake-claude-ds";
+    try {
+      const plan = claudeDsAdapter.buildLaunch({
+        promptFile: "/tmp/p.prompt",
+        cwd: "/tmp",
+        alwaysApprove: true,
+        model: "pro",
+      });
+      expect(plan.command).toContain("deepseek-v4-pro");
+      expect(plan.command).not.toContain("deepseek-v4-flash");
+    } finally {
+      if (prev === undefined) delete process.env.CURSOR_ROUTE_CLAUDE_DS_BIN;
+      else process.env.CURSOR_ROUTE_CLAUDE_DS_BIN = prev;
+    }
+  });
+});
+
+describe("deepseek adapter slot", () => {
+  test("health is not ok and buildLaunch throws", () => {
+    expect(deepseekAdapter.health().ok).toBe(false);
+    expect(() =>
+      deepseekAdapter.buildLaunch({
+        promptFile: "/tmp/p",
+        cwd: "/tmp",
+        alwaysApprove: true,
+      }),
+    ).toThrow(/not available/);
+  });
+});
+
 describe("util", () => {
   test("shellQuote", () => {
     expect(shellQuote("a b")).toBe("'a b'");

package/src/cli.ts

@@ -4,7 +4,15 @@
  */
 import { readFileSync, existsSync, realpathSync, statSync } from "node:fs";
 import { resolve, basename } from "node:path";
-import { config, WORKERS, LANES, type WorkerKind, type Lane } from "./config.ts";
+import {
+  config,
+  WORKERS,
+  LANES,
+  resolveDsModelAlias,
+  type WorkerKind,
+  type Lane,
+  type DsModelAlias,
+} from "./config.ts";
 import { runHealth, printHealth } from "./health.ts";
 import {
   startJob,
@@ -44,8 +52,9 @@ Usage:
   cursor-route clean [--days N]
 
 Start options:
-  --worker <grok|claude-ds|openrouter>  Worker adapter (default: grok)
+  --worker <grok|claude-ds|openrouter>  Worker adapter (default: grok; deepseek = reserved slot)
   --lane <easy|mid|hard>                Lane → worker (easy=openrouter, mid=claude-ds, hard=grok)
+  --model <flash|pro>                   Mid DeepSeek model (default: flash). Ignored by grok/openrouter
   --dir <path>                          Working directory (default: cwd)
   --ask                                 Disable always-approve for this job
   --dry-run                             Print launch command; do not start
@@ -58,6 +67,7 @@ Env:
   CURSOR_ROUTE_MAX_JOBS              Max active jobs (default: 50)
   CURSOR_ROUTE_RELAXED=1             health OK without tmux/workers (CI / infra smoke)
   CURSOR_ROUTE_ALLOW_ANTHROPIC=1     Allow mid-lane on Anthropic Claude (expensive; not default)
+  CURSOR_ROUTE_DS_MODEL              Default mid model flash|pro (overridden by --model)
   CURSOR_ROUTE_GROK_BIN              Override the grok binary path (tests / power users)
   CURSOR_ROUTE_CLAUDE_DS_BIN         Override the claude-ds binary path (tests / power users)
   OPENROUTER_API_KEY                 OpenRouter key (required for --worker openrouter / --lane easy)
@@ -152,6 +162,12 @@ function asLane(v: unknown): Lane | undefined {
   throw new Error(`Invalid --lane ${v}; expected ${LANES.join("|")}`);
 }
 
+function asDsModel(v: unknown): DsModelAlias | undefined {
+  if (v === undefined || v === true) return undefined;
+  if (typeof v !== "string") throw new Error(`Invalid --model; expected flash|pro`);
+  return resolveDsModelAlias(v);
+}
+
 function refuseSecrets(text: string, context: string): void {
   if (looksLikeSecretMaterial(text)) {
     console.error(
@@ -216,8 +232,16 @@ async function main() {
   if (cmd === "start") {
     requireStringFlag(f, "worker");
     requireStringFlag(f, "lane");
+    requireStringFlag(f, "model");
     const promptFile = requireStringFlag(f, "prompt-file");
     const dirFlag = requireStringFlag(f, "dir");
+    let model: DsModelAlias | undefined;
+    try {
+      model = asDsModel(f.model);
+    } catch (e) {
+      console.error((e as Error).message);
+      process.exit(2);
+    }
 
     let prompt = "";
     if (promptFile) {
@@ -255,6 +279,7 @@ async function main() {
       prompt,
       worker: asWorker(f.worker),
       lane: asLane(f.lane),
+      model,
       cwd,
       alwaysApprove: !f.ask,
       dryRun: Boolean(f.dryRun),
@@ -280,9 +305,11 @@ async function main() {
     } else if (result.dryRun) {
       console.log(`dry-run job ${result.job.id}`);
       console.log(`worker: ${result.job.worker}`);
+      if (result.job.model) console.log(`model:  ${result.job.model}`);
       console.log(`command: ${redactSecrets(result.command || "")}`);
     } else {
-      console.log(`started ${result.job.id} (${result.job.worker})`);
+      const modelNote = result.job.model ? `/${result.job.model}` : "";
+      console.log(`started ${result.job.id} (${result.job.worker}${modelNote})`);
       console.log(`session: ${result.job.tmuxSession}`);
       if (String(result.job.tmuxSession).startsWith("headless-")) {
         console.log(`mode:    headless (--no-tmux); use capture/status (no attach/send)`);

package/src/config.ts

@@ -2,11 +2,30 @@ import { homedir } from "node:os";
 import { join } from "node:path";
 import { defaultJobsDir } from "./runtime.ts";
 
-export type WorkerKind = "grok" | "claude-ds" | "openrouter";
+/** Workers with a live adapter. `deepseek` is a reserved slot (unreleased harness). */
+export type WorkerKind = "grok" | "claude-ds" | "openrouter" | "deepseek";
 export type Lane = "easy" | "mid" | "hard";
 
-export const WORKERS: WorkerKind[] = ["grok", "claude-ds", "openrouter"];
+/** Public CLI aliases for mid-lane DeepSeek models. */
+export type DsModelAlias = "flash" | "pro";
+
+export const WORKERS: WorkerKind[] = ["grok", "claude-ds", "openrouter", "deepseek"];
 export const LANES: Lane[] = ["easy", "mid", "hard"];
+export const DS_MODELS: DsModelAlias[] = ["flash", "pro"];
+
+export const DS_MODEL_IDS: Record<DsModelAlias, string> = {
+  flash: "deepseek-v4-flash",
+  pro: "deepseek-v4-pro",
+};
+
+/** Resolve --model flash|pro (or full deepseek-v4-* id) to a CLI alias. Default: flash. */
+export function resolveDsModelAlias(raw?: string | null): DsModelAlias {
+  if (!raw || !raw.trim()) return "flash";
+  const v = raw.trim().toLowerCase();
+  if (v === "flash" || v === "deepseek-v4-flash") return "flash";
+  if (v === "pro" || v === "deepseek-v4-pro" || v === "deepseek-v4-pro[1m]") return "pro";
+  throw new Error(`Invalid --model ${raw}; expected flash|pro`);
+}
 
 /** OpenRouter model for the easy lane (env CURSOR_ROUTE_OPENROUTER_MODEL). */
 export function openRouterModel(): string {
@@ -34,7 +53,7 @@ function maxConcurrentJobsFromEnv(): number {
  */
 export const config = {
   product: "cursor-route",
-  version: "0.1.5",
+  version: "0.1.6",
   get jobsDir(): string {
     return defaultJobsDir();
   },
@@ -46,6 +65,8 @@ export const config = {
     mid: "claude-ds" as WorkerKind,
     hard: "grok" as WorkerKind,
   },
+  /** Default mid DeepSeek model (Flash = cheap execute). Override: --model pro */
+  defaultDsModel: "flash" as DsModelAlias,
   jobsListLimit: 20,
   /** Max simultaneously active (running|pending) jobs. Override: CURSOR_ROUTE_MAX_JOBS. */
   get maxConcurrentJobs(): number {

package/src/jobs.ts

@@ -12,7 +12,13 @@ import {
 import { join, resolve } from "node:path";
 import { fileURLToPath } from "node:url";
 import { dirname } from "node:path";
-import { config, sessionName, type Lane, type WorkerKind } from "./config.ts";
+import {
+  config,
+  sessionName,
+  type Lane,
+  type WorkerKind,
+  type DsModelAlias,
+} from "./config.ts";
 import { getAdapter } from "./adapters/index.ts";
 import { spawn } from "node:child_process";
 import { spawnSync } from "node:child_process";
@@ -29,6 +35,8 @@ export interface Job {
   status: JobStatus;
   worker: WorkerKind;
   lane?: Lane;
+  /** Mid-lane DeepSeek model alias (flash|pro). Only set for claude-ds. */
+  model?: DsModelAlias;
   prompt: string;
   cwd: string;
   alwaysApprove: boolean;
@@ -221,6 +229,8 @@ export interface StartOptions {
   prompt: string;
   worker?: WorkerKind;
   lane?: Lane;
+  /** Mid-lane DeepSeek: flash (default) | pro. Ignored by grok/openrouter. */
+  model?: DsModelAlias;
   cwd?: string;
   alwaysApprove?: boolean;
   dryRun?: boolean;
@@ -268,12 +278,16 @@ export function startJob(opts: StartOptions): {
   const paths = jobPaths(id);
   writeSecure(paths.prompt, opts.prompt);
 
+  const model =
+    worker === "claude-ds" ? opts.model ?? config.defaultDsModel : undefined;
+
   let plan;
   try {
     plan = adapter.buildLaunch({
       promptFile: paths.prompt,
       cwd,
       alwaysApprove,
+      model,
     });
   } catch (e) {
     try {
@@ -290,6 +304,7 @@ export function startJob(opts: StartOptions): {
     status: "pending",
     worker,
     lane: opts.lane,
+    model,
     prompt: opts.prompt,
     cwd,
     alwaysApprove: plan.alwaysApprove,