diff --git a/FABRIC-2.md b/FABRIC-2.md
index a97eeb8..fc8f034 100644
--- a/FABRIC-2.md
+++ b/FABRIC-2.md
@@ -189,7 +189,11 @@ and recorded.
   `src/starkernel/kernel_main.c:913`, printed as the `trust=0x...` field of the M5
   heartbeat boot-milestone diagnostic line, alongside tick count and variance. Not dead
   code — closed as investigated/not-a-bug.
-- [ ] `m5_time_trust`/`m5_variance` are declared and never used.
+- [x] **`m5_time_trust`/`m5_variance` are declared and never used.** Confirmed 2026-08-13:
+  repo-wide grep for both names turns up only their own declarations
+  (`include/vm.h:315-316`) — no reader, no writer, anywhere. Genuinely dead struct fields.
+  **Ruling:** flag and leave as-is, same precedent as the other Section C dead-code items —
+  not removed without explicit instruction.
 - [ ] `src/*.c.bak` files (`vm.c.bak`, `doe_metrics.c.bak`, `inference_engine.c.bak`) remain
   tracked in git at `src/` top level. Repo hygiene debt, not intentional (also noted in
   `.claude/CLAUDE.md`).