diff --git a/src/conductor_tech_lead.py b/src/conductor_tech_lead.py
index ddd3b366..1ae3d802 100644
--- a/src/conductor_tech_lead.py
+++ b/src/conductor_tech_lead.py
@@ -65,10 +65,16 @@ def generate_tickets(track_brief: str, module_skeletons: str) -> list[dict[str,
   for _ in range(3):
    try:
    # 3. Call Tier 2 Model
-    response = ai_client.send(
-     md_content   = "", 
+    result = ai_client.send_result(
+     md_content   = "",
      user_message = user_message
     )
+    if not result.ok:
+     _err = result.errors[0] if result.errors else None
+     _msg = _err.ui_message() if _err else "unknown error"
+     print(f"[conductor_tech_lead] send_result failed: {_msg}")
+     return None
+    response = result.data
     # 4. Parse JSON Output
     # Extract JSON array from markdown code blocks if present
     json_match = response.strip()