diff --git a/Makefile b/Makefile
index 379ab58..f34ee00 100644
--- a/Makefile
+++ b/Makefile
@@ -38,6 +38,10 @@ download_patches:
 build_stage1:
 	sudo /usr/bin/env -i bash -c ". ./project_config.sh && ${dir_make}/build_stage1.sh"
 
+# kicks off rex
+build_stage2:
+	sudo /usr/bin/env -i bash -c ". ./project_config.sh && ${dir_make}/build_stage2.sh"
+
 # example:
 # make dirs
 # make install_rex
diff --git a/make.project/build_stage2.sh b/make.project/build_stage2.sh
new file mode 100755
index 0000000..e1ff5d5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/make.project/build_stage2.sh
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env bash
+
+# closely aligns with LFS Ch 5, 6
+
+# fix an issue with open files limit on some hosts
+ulimit -l unlimited
+
+#ulimit -n 10240 
+ulimit -c unlimited
+
+echo "Bootstrapping from MAKE to REX..."
+
+# Executes rex from within the shell.
+
+${dir_localtools}/rex -v \
+	-c ${dir_rex}/x86_64/rex.config \
+	-p ${dir_rex}/x86_64/plans/stage2.plan
+
+retVal=$?
diff --git a/make.project/clean.sh b/make.project/clean.sh
index cee5d2a..57ad5ea 100755
--- a/make.project/clean.sh
+++ b/make.project/clean.sh
@@ -1,8 +1,9 @@
 # clean the slate
 echo
 echo "Deleting ${dir_stage}"
-rm -Rfv ${dir_stage}
+rm -Rf ${dir_stage}
 
 echo
 echo "Deleting ${dir_stage}"
-rm -Rfv ${dir_logs}
+rm -Rf ${dir_logs}
+echo
diff --git a/make.project/purge_artifacts.sh b/make.project/purge_artifacts.sh
index c3d7d7b..a457a0f 100755
--- a/make.project/purge_artifacts.sh
+++ b/make.project/purge_artifacts.sh
@@ -1,4 +1,9 @@
-rm -Rfv ${dir_artifacts}
-rm -Rfv ${dir_sysroot}
+echo
+echo "Recreating ${dir_artifacts}"
+rm -Rf ${dir_artifacts}
 mkdir -p ${dir_artifacts}
+
+echo
+echo "Recreating ${dir_sysroot}"
+rm -Rf ${dir_sysroot}
 mkdir -p ${dir_sysroot}
diff --git a/rex.project/x86_64/components/binutils.bash b/rex.project/x86_64/components/stage1/binutils.bash
similarity index 100%
rename from rex.project/x86_64/components/binutils.bash
rename to rex.project/x86_64/components/stage1/binutils.bash
diff --git a/rex.project/x86_64/components/check_dependencies.bash b/rex.project/x86_64/components/stage1/check_dependencies.bash
similarity index 100%
rename from rex.project/x86_64/components/check_dependencies.bash
rename to rex.project/x86_64/components/stage1/check_dependencies.bash
diff --git a/rex.project/x86_64/components/create_sysroot_dirs.bash b/rex.project/x86_64/components/stage1/create_sysroot_dirs.bash
similarity index 100%
rename from rex.project/x86_64/components/create_sysroot_dirs.bash
rename to rex.project/x86_64/components/stage1/create_sysroot_dirs.bash
diff --git a/rex.project/x86_64/components/gcc.bash b/rex.project/x86_64/components/stage1/gcc.bash
similarity index 99%
rename from rex.project/x86_64/components/gcc.bash
rename to rex.project/x86_64/components/stage1/gcc.bash
index b2f67bf..fab3866 100755
--- a/rex.project/x86_64/components/gcc.bash
+++ b/rex.project/x86_64/components/stage1/gcc.bash
@@ -236,7 +236,7 @@ mode_build_libstdcxx_pass1() {
 		--disable-multilib \
 		--disable-nls \
 		--disable-libstdcxx-pch \
-		--with-gxx-include-dir=/$(basename ${CROSSTOOLS_DIR})/${T_TRIPLET}/include/c++/10.2.0
+		--with-gxx-include-dir=/$(basename ${CROSSTOOLS_DIR})/${T_TRIPLET}/include/c++/12.2.0
 	assert_zero $?
 	
 	logprint "Compiling..."
@@ -291,6 +291,9 @@ mode_install_libstdcxx_pass1() {
 	make DESTDIR=${T_SYSROOT} install
 	assert_zero $?
 	
+	logprint "Cleaning up libtool archive files..."
+	rm -v ${T_SYSROOT}/usr/lib/lib{stdc++,stdc++fs,supc++}.la
+	
 	logprint "Install of libstdcxx complete."
 }
 
diff --git a/rex.project/x86_64/components/glibc.bash b/rex.project/x86_64/components/stage1/glibc.bash
similarity index 100%
rename from rex.project/x86_64/components/glibc.bash
rename to rex.project/x86_64/components/stage1/glibc.bash
diff --git a/rex.project/x86_64/components/linux.bash b/rex.project/x86_64/components/stage1/linux.bash
similarity index 100%
rename from rex.project/x86_64/components/linux.bash
rename to rex.project/x86_64/components/stage1/linux.bash
diff --git a/rex.project/x86_64/components/welcome.bash b/rex.project/x86_64/components/stage1/welcome.bash
similarity index 100%
rename from rex.project/x86_64/components/welcome.bash
rename to rex.project/x86_64/components/stage1/welcome.bash
diff --git a/rex.project/x86_64/components/stage2/m4.bash b/rex.project/x86_64/components/stage2/m4.bash
new file mode 100755
index 0000000..242e5ba
--- /dev/null
+++ b/rex.project/x86_64/components/stage2/m4.bash
@@ -0,0 +1,216 @@
+#!/bin/bash
+# desc:
+# stages, builds, installs
+
+# make variables persist in subprocesses for logging function
+set -a
+
+# ----------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Configuration:
+# ----------------------------------------------------------------------
+# the name of this application
+APPNAME="m4"
+
+# the version of this application
+VERSION="1.4.19"
+
+# ----------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Variables and functions sourced from Environment:
+# ----------------------------------------------------------------------
+# assert_zero()
+# Checks if $1 is 0.  If non-0 value, halts the execution of the script.
+#
+# LOGS_ROOT
+# The parent directory where logs from this project will go.
+#
+# TEMP_STAGE_DIR
+# The parent directory of where source archives are extracted to.
+
+# register mode selections
+ARGUMENT_LIST=(
+    "stage"
+    "build_temp"
+    "install_temp"
+    "all_temp"
+    "help"
+)
+
+# modes to associate with switches
+# assumes you want nothing done unless you ask for it.
+MODE_STAGE=false
+MODE_BUILD_TEMP=false
+MODE_INSTALL_TEMP=false
+MODE_ALL_TEMP=false
+MODE_HELP=false
+
+# the file to log to
+LOGFILE="${APPNAME}.log"
+
+# ISO 8601 variation
+TIMESTAMP="$(date +%Y-%m-%d_%H:%M:%S)"
+
+# the path where logs are written to
+# note: LOGS_ROOT is sourced from environment
+LOG_DIR="${LOGS_ROOT}/${APPNAME}-${TIMESTAMP}"
+
+# the path where the source will be located when complete
+# note: TEMP_STAGE_DIR is sourced from environment
+T_SOURCE_DIR="${TEMP_STAGE_DIR}/${APPNAME}"
+
+# read defined arguments
+opts=$(getopt \
+    --longoptions "$(printf "%s," "${ARGUMENT_LIST[@]}")" \
+    --name "$APPNAME" \
+    --options "" \
+    -- "$@"
+)
+
+# process supplied arguments into flags that enable execution modes
+eval set --$opts
+while [[ $# -gt 0 ]]; do
+    case "$1" in
+        --stage)
+            MODE_STAGE=true
+            shift 1
+            ;;
+        --build_temp)
+            MODE_BUILD_TEMP=true
+            shift 1
+            ;;
+        --install_temp)
+            MODE_INSTALL_TEMP=true
+            shift 1
+            ;;
+        --all_temp)
+            MODE_ALL_TEMP=true
+            shift 1
+            ;;
+        --help)
+            MODE_HELP=true
+            shift 1
+            ;;
+        *)
+            break
+            ;;
+    esac
+done
+
+# print to stdout, print to log
+logprint() {
+	mkdir -p "${LOG_DIR}"
+	echo "[$(date +%Y-%m-%d_%H:%M:%S)] [${APPNAME}] $1" \
+	| tee -a "${LOG_DIR}/${LOGFILE}"
+}
+
+# Tell the user we're alive...
+logprint "Initializing the ${APPNAME} utility..."
+
+# when the stage mode is enabled, this will execute
+mode_stage() {
+	logprint "Starting stage of ${APPNAME}..."
+
+	logprint "Removing any pre-existing staging for ${APPNAME}."
+	rm -Rf "${T_SOURCE_DIR}"*
+
+	logprint "Extracting ${APPNAME}-${VERSION} source archive to ${TEMP_STAGE_DIR}"
+	tar xf "${SOURCES_DIR}/${APPNAME}-${VERSION}.tar."* -C "${TEMP_STAGE_DIR}"
+	assert_zero $?
+
+	# conditionally rename if it needs it
+	stat "${T_SOURCE_DIR}-"* && mv "${T_SOURCE_DIR}-"* "${T_SOURCE_DIR}"
+
+	logprint "Staging operation complete."
+}
+
+# when the build_pass1 mode is enabled, this will execute
+mode_build_temp() {
+	
+	# patch, configure and build
+	logprint "Starting build of ${APPNAME}..."
+	
+	logprint "Entering build dir."	
+	pushd "${T_SOURCE_DIR}"
+	assert_zero $?
+	
+	# patches
+	#logprint "Applying patches..."
+	#patch -p1 < "${PATCHES_DIR}/m4-1.4.18_to_glibc-2.28_compat.patch"
+	#assert_zero $?
+
+	#patch -p1 < "${PATCHES_DIR}/m4-1.4.18_to_glibc-2.28_compat2.patch"
+	#assert_zero $?
+			
+	logprint "Configuring ${APPNAME}..."
+	./configure \
+		--prefix=/usr \
+		--host=${T_TRIPLET} \
+		--build=$(build-aux/config.guess)
+	assert_zero $?
+	
+	logprint "Compiling..."
+	make
+	assert_zero $?
+
+	logprint "Build operation complete."
+}
+
+mode_install_temp() {
+	logprint "Starting install of ${APPNAME}..."
+	pushd "${T_SOURCE_DIR}"
+	assert_zero $?
+	
+	logprint "Installing..."
+	make DESTDIR=${T_SYSROOT} install
+	assert_zero $?
+		
+	logprint "Install operation complete."
+}
+
+
+mode_help() {
+	echo "${APPNAME} [ --stage ] [ --build_temp ] [ --install_temp ] [ --all_temp ] [ --help ]"
+	exit 0
+}
+
+if [ "$MODE_ALL_TEMP" = "true" ]; then
+	MODE_STAGE=true
+	MODE_BUILD_TEMP=true
+	MODE_INSTALL_TEMP=true
+fi
+
+# if no options were selected, then show help and exit
+if \
+	[ "$MODE_HELP" != "true" ] && \
+	[ "$MODE_STAGE" != "true" ] && \
+	[ "$MODE_BUILD_TEMP" != "true" ] && \
+	[ "$MODE_INSTALL_TEMP" != "true" ]
+then
+	logprint "No option selected during execution."
+	mode_help
+fi
+
+# if help was supplied at all, show help and exit
+if [ "$MODE_HELP" = "true" ]; then
+	logprint "Help option selected.  Printing options and exiting."
+	mode_help
+fi
+
+if [ "$MODE_STAGE" = "true" ]; then
+	logprint "Staging option selected."
+	mode_stage
+	assert_zero $?
+fi
+
+if [ "$MODE_BUILD_TEMP" = "true" ]; then
+	logprint "Build of ${APPNAME} selected."
+	mode_build_temp
+	assert_zero $?
+fi
+
+if [ "$MODE_INSTALL_TEMP" = "true" ]; then
+	logprint "Install of ${APPNAME} selected."
+	mode_install_temp
+	assert_zero $?
+fi
+
+logprint "Execution of ${APPNAME} completed."
diff --git a/rex.project/x86_64/components/stage2/ncurses.bash b/rex.project/x86_64/components/stage2/ncurses.bash
new file mode 100755
index 0000000..4edc566
--- /dev/null
+++ b/rex.project/x86_64/components/stage2/ncurses.bash
@@ -0,0 +1,260 @@
+#!/bin/bash
+# desc:
+# stages, builds, installs
+
+# make variables persist in subprocesses for logging function
+set -a
+
+# ----------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Configuration:
+# ----------------------------------------------------------------------
+# the name of this application
+APPNAME="ncurses"
+
+# the version of this application
+VERSION="6.4"
+
+# ----------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Variables and functions sourced from Environment:
+# ----------------------------------------------------------------------
+# assert_zero()
+# Checks if $1 is 0.  If non-0 value, halts the execution of the script.
+#
+# LOGS_ROOT
+# The parent directory where logs from this project will go.
+#
+# TEMP_STAGE_DIR
+# The parent directory of where source archives are extracted to.
+
+# register mode selections
+ARGUMENT_LIST=(
+    "stage"
+    "build_temp"
+    "install_temp"
+    "all_temp"
+    "help"
+)
+
+# modes to associate with switches
+# assumes you want nothing done unless you ask for it.
+MODE_STAGE=false
+MODE_BUILD_TEMP=false
+MODE_INSTALL_TEMP=false
+MODE_ALL_TEMP=false
+MODE_HELP=false
+
+# the file to log to
+LOGFILE="${APPNAME}.log"
+
+# ISO 8601 variation
+TIMESTAMP="$(date +%Y-%m-%d_%H:%M:%S)"
+
+# the path where logs are written to
+# note: LOGS_ROOT is sourced from environment
+LOG_DIR="${LOGS_ROOT}/${APPNAME}-${TIMESTAMP}"
+
+# the path where the source will be located when complete
+# note: TEMP_STAGE_DIR is sourced from environment
+T_SOURCE_DIR="${TEMP_STAGE_DIR}/${APPNAME}"
+
+# read defined arguments
+opts=$(getopt \
+    --longoptions "$(printf "%s," "${ARGUMENT_LIST[@]}")" \
+    --name "$APPNAME" \
+    --options "" \
+    -- "$@"
+)
+
+# process supplied arguments into flags that enable execution modes
+eval set --$opts
+while [[ $# -gt 0 ]]; do
+    case "$1" in
+        --stage)
+            MODE_STAGE=true
+            shift 1
+            ;;
+        --build_temp)
+            MODE_BUILD_TEMP=true
+            shift 1
+            ;;
+        --install_temp)
+            MODE_INSTALL_TEMP=true
+            shift 1
+            ;;
+        --all_temp)
+            MODE_ALL_TEMP=true
+            shift 1
+            ;;
+        --help)
+            MODE_HELP=true
+            shift 1
+            ;;
+        *)
+            break
+            ;;
+    esac
+done
+
+# print to stdout, print to log
+logprint() {
+	mkdir -p "${LOG_DIR}"
+	echo "[$(date +%Y-%m-%d_%H:%M:%S)] [${APPNAME}] $1" \
+	| tee -a "${LOG_DIR}/${LOGFILE}"
+}
+
+# Tell the user we're alive...
+logprint "Initializing the ${APPNAME} utility..."
+
+# when the stage mode is enabled, this will execute
+mode_stage() {
+	logprint "Starting stage of ${APPNAME}..."
+
+	logprint "Removing any pre-existing staging for ${APPNAME}."
+	rm -Rf "${T_SOURCE_DIR}"*
+
+	logprint "Extracting ${APPNAME}-${VERSION} source archive to ${TEMP_STAGE_DIR}"
+	tar xf "${SOURCES_DIR}/${APPNAME}-${VERSION}.tar."* -C "${TEMP_STAGE_DIR}"
+	assert_zero $?
+
+	# conditionally rename if it needs it
+	stat "${T_SOURCE_DIR}-"* && mv "${T_SOURCE_DIR}-"* "${T_SOURCE_DIR}"
+
+	logprint "Staging operation complete."
+}
+
+# when the build_pass1 mode is enabled, this will execute
+mode_build_temp() {
+	
+	# patch, configure and build
+	logprint "Starting build of ${APPNAME}..."
+	
+	logprint "Entering stage dir."	
+	pushd "${T_SOURCE_DIR}"
+	assert_zero $?
+	
+	# patches
+	logprint "Applying patches..."
+	patch -p1 < "${PATCHES_DIR}/ncurses-6.4_ensure-gawk-over-mawk.patch"
+	assert_zero $?
+
+	logprint "Entering temporary build subdirectory..."
+	mkdir -p build
+	pushd build
+	assert_zero $?
+	
+	logprint "Building the tic progam..."
+	../configure
+	assert_zero $?
+	
+	logprint "Building includes..."
+	make -C include
+	assert_zero $?
+	
+	logprint "Building tic"
+	make -C progs tic
+	assert_zero $?
+	
+	logprint "Exiting temp build subdir"
+	popd
+	assert_zero $?
+				
+	logprint "Configuring ${APPNAME}..."
+	./configure \
+		--prefix=/usr \
+		--host=${T_TRIPLET} \
+		--build=$(./config.guess) \
+		--mandir=/usr/share/man \
+		--with-manpage-format=normal \
+		--with-shared \
+		--without-normal \
+		--with-cxx-shared \
+		--without-debug \
+		--without-ada \
+		--disable-stripping \
+		--enable-widec
+	assert_zero $?
+	
+	logprint "Compiling..."
+	make
+	assert_zero $?
+	
+	logprint "Build operation complete."
+}
+
+mode_install_temp() {
+	logprint "Starting install of ${APPNAME}..."
+	pushd "${T_SOURCE_DIR}"
+	assert_zero $?
+	
+	logprint "Installing..."
+	make DESTDIR=${T_SYSROOT} TIC_PATH=$(pwd)/build/progs/tic install
+	assert_zero $?
+	
+	logprint "HACK: INPUT(-lncursesw)"
+	echo "INPUT(-lncursesw)" > ${T_SYSROOT}/usr/lib/libncurses.so
+	assert_zero $?
+
+	# from SURRO
+	#logprint "Cleaning up installation..."
+	#logprint "Moving ncursesw shared objects from /usr/lib to /lib in T_SYSROOT."
+	#mv -v ${T_SYSROOT}/usr/lib/libncursesw.so.6* ${T_SYSROOT}/lib
+	#assert_zero $?
+	
+	# from SURRO
+	#logprint "Cleaning up symlinks broken by previous."
+	#ln -sfv ../../lib/$(readlink ${T_SYSROOT}/usr/lib/libncursesw.so) ${T_SYSROOT}/usr/lib/libncursesw.so
+	#assert_zero $?
+	
+	
+	
+	logprint "Install operation complete."
+}
+
+
+mode_help() {
+	echo "${APPNAME} [ --stage ] [ --build_temp ] [ --install_temp ] [ --all_temp ] [ --help ]"
+	exit 0
+}
+
+if [ "$MODE_ALL_TEMP" = "true" ]; then
+	MODE_STAGE=true
+	MODE_BUILD_TEMP=true
+	MODE_INSTALL_TEMP=true
+fi
+
+# if no options were selected, then show help and exit
+if \
+	[ "$MODE_HELP" != "true" ] && \
+	[ "$MODE_STAGE" != "true" ] && \
+	[ "$MODE_BUILD_TEMP" != "true" ] && \
+	[ "$MODE_INSTALL_TEMP" != "true" ]
+then
+	logprint "No option selected during execution."
+	mode_help
+fi
+
+# if help was supplied at all, show help and exit
+if [ "$MODE_HELP" = "true" ]; then
+	logprint "Help option selected.  Printing options and exiting."
+	mode_help
+fi
+
+if [ "$MODE_STAGE" = "true" ]; then
+	logprint "Staging option selected."
+	mode_stage
+	assert_zero $?
+fi
+
+if [ "$MODE_BUILD_TEMP" = "true" ]; then
+	logprint "Build of ${APPNAME} selected."
+	mode_build_temp
+	assert_zero $?
+fi
+
+if [ "$MODE_INSTALL_TEMP" = "true" ]; then
+	logprint "Install of ${APPNAME} selected."
+	mode_install_temp
+	assert_zero $?
+fi
+
+logprint "Execution of ${APPNAME} completed."
diff --git a/rex.project/x86_64/components/stage2/welcome.bash b/rex.project/x86_64/components/stage2/welcome.bash
new file mode 100755
index 0000000..f79b6cf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/rex.project/x86_64/components/stage2/welcome.bash
@@ -0,0 +1,48 @@
+HORSE=$(cat <<'EOH'
+⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢀⠀⠀⣄⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
+⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠘⣦⡀⠘⣆⠈⠛⠻⣗⠶⣶⣤⣄⡀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
+⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠈⣿⠀⠈⠳⠄⠀⠈⠙⠶⣍⡻⢿⣷⣦⣀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
+⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣰⣿⣧⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠈⠻⣮⡹⣿⣿⣷⣦⣄⣀⠀⠀⢀⣸⠃⠀⣆⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
+⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢠⣿⡿⠋⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠈⠻⣮⢿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠟⠀⢰⣿⣦⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
+⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢀⣾⣿⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣷⠀⢷⠀⠀⠀⠙⢷⣿⣿⣿⣿⣟⣋⣀⣤⣴⣿⣿⣿⣧⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
+⠀⠀⠀⠀⢀⣼⢿⣿⡀⠀⠀⢀⣀⣴⣾⡟⠀⠈⣇⠀⠀⠀⠈⢻⡙⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡄⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
+⠀⠀⠀⠀⣼⡏⠸⣿⣿⣶⣾⣿⡿⠟⠋⠀⠀⠀⢹⡆⠀⠀⠀⠀⠹⡽⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡿⠛⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
+⠀⠀⠀⣰⣿⠀⠀⠀⣀⡿⠛⠉⠀⠀⢿⠀⠀⠀⠘⣿⡄⠀⠀⠀⠀⠑⢹⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠇⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
+⠀⠀⠀⣿⣿⣷⣶⣾⠏⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠘⣇⠀⠀⠀⢻⡇⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠹⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡿⠃⠀⣠⡇⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
+⠀⠀⠀⠈⠙⠿⠿⠋⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣿⠀⠀⠀⢸⣷⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢀⠀⠹⣿⣿⣿⣿⣷⣶⣿⠟⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
+⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢀⣿⠀⠀⠀⢸⣿⠀⠀⠀⠀⢀⡞⠀⠀⠈⠛⠻⠿⠿⠯⠥⠤⢄⣀⣀⢀⣀⡀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
+⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣸⣿⠀⠀⠀⢸⡇⠀⠀⠀⢀⡼⠃⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣄⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠈⠙⠂⠙⠳⢤⣄⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
+⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢀⣿⠇⠀⠀⠀⡾⠁⠀⠀⣠⡿⠃⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠸⣇⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠙⢿⣦⡀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
+⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣼⣿⠀⠀⠀⡸⠃⠀⢀⣴⠟⠁⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣿⡆⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠙⣷⣶⣶⣦⣤⣀⡀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
+⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢰⣿⠇⠀⠀⠀⠃⢀⣴⠟⠁⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢠⣿⠃⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠘⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣶⣤⡀⠀⠀
+⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢠⣿⠏⠀⠀⠀⠀⣰⡟⠁⠀⠀⠀     ⠀⠀⠀⣼⡏⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢸⣧⠙⠻⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣦⡀
+⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣼⡏⠀⠀⢀⡖⢰⠏⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣰⡟⠁⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢠⠟⠀⠀⠀⢸⣿⠀⠀⠈⢿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡿
+⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢿⡇⠀⠀⣼⠁⠼⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣴⠟⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢀⡴⠋⠀⠀⠀⠀⣼⡇⠀⠀⣠⣾⣿⣿⣿⣿⠟⠀
+⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⡄⠘⣇⠀⠀⢻⡄⢠⡄⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢀⣤⡴⠃⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢀⣴⠟⠁⠀⠀⠀⢀⣼⠏⠀⣠⣾⣿⣿⡿⣿⡿⠁⠀⠀
+⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢀⣾⠁⠀⠘⠂⠀⠀⢳⠀⢳⡀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢀⡼⠁⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣀⣤⣾⣿⠃⠀⠀⠀⠀⣠⣾⠃⣠⣾⣿⣿⠿⠋⢰⡟⠀⠀⠀⠀
+⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢠⣿⠃⠀⠀⠀⢀⣀⡴⠞⠙⠲⣷⡄⠀⠀⠀⠀⢠⡾⠁⠀⠀⠀⢀⣀⣠⣤⣶⠿⠟⠋⠀⡾⠀⠀⠀⢀⣴⠟⠁⢠⡟⢱⡿⠃⠀⠀⠸⣇⡀⠀⠀⠀
+⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢀⡴⠟⠁⠀⣀⡤⠖⠋⠁⠀⠀⠀⠀⣸⠇⠀⠀⠀⣤⠟⠑⠋⠉⣿⠋⠉⠉⠉⠁⣠⠞⠀⠀⠀⡇⠀⠀⢠⡿⠋⠀⠀⠈⠁⡿⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠁⠀⠀⠀
+⠀⠀⠀⢀⣾⣏⣤⣶⡾⠛⠉⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢀⡼⠃⠀⠀⣠⠞⠁⠀⠀⠀⠀⣿⠀⠀⠀⢀⡼⠃⠀⠀⠀⢸⠇⠀⣰⠟⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠐⠃⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
+⠀⠀⢀⣿⣿⡿⠛⠁⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢀⣴⠏⠀⠀⣠⠞⠁⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣿⠀⠀⢀⡾⠃⠀⠀⠀⢀⡞⠀⣼⠃⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
+⠀⠀⣼⣿⡟⠁⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢠⣾⣿⣶⣶⠟⠁⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣿⠀⠀⣾⠇⠀⠀⠀⢀⣾⣣⣾⠇⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
+⠀⢠⣿⣿⠁⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢻⣿⣿⣿⠁⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢀⣿⠀⢠⡟⠀⠀⠀⢀⣾⣿⣿⡏⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
+⢀⣿⣿⡇⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢻⣿⣿⡄⢀⣀⡀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢸⡇⠀⣾⠇⠀⠀⣰⣿⣿⣿⠏⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
+⢸⣿⣿⡇⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣦⡀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣾⠀⣰⠟⠀⢀⣼⣿⣿⠛⠁⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
+⢸⣿⣿⡀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠘⠿⠿⠿⠿⠿⠿⠃⠀⠀⠀⢸⣿⣶⠏⢀⣴⣿⣿⠏⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
+⢸⣿⣿⣿⡆⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢠⣾⣿⠃⢠⣿⣿⡿⠃⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
+⢿⣿⣿⣿⠇⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢠⣿⣿⢃⣴⣿⡿⠋⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
+⠈⠛⠛⠋⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢠⣿⣿⣧⣾⣿⣿⡇⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
+⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢀⣴⣿⣿⡟⢸⣿⣿⣿⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
+⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢀⣴⣿⣿⣿⠁⠀⠀⠈⠉⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
+⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠘⠿⠿⠿⠛⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
+EOH
+)
+
+echo
+echo
+echo -e "\e[31m$HORSE\e[0m"
+echo
+echo "Welcome to Pyrois, the build system for Dark Horse Linux."
+echo
+echo "Stage 2, Temporary Toolchains"
+echo
diff --git a/rex.project/x86_64/environments/stage2.env.bash b/rex.project/x86_64/environments/stage2.env.bash
new file mode 100755
index 0000000..77aaaee
--- /dev/null
+++ b/rex.project/x86_64/environments/stage2.env.bash
@@ -0,0 +1,71 @@
+set -a
+
+source ./project_config.sh
+
+TERM=xterm-256color
+COLORTERM=truecolor
+LC_ALL=C
+
+function echofail() {
+	echo
+	echo "FAILED: $1"
+	echo
+	exit 1
+}
+
+# keeps talking about T_SYSROOT as $LFS
+# wants $LFS path to be a mount
+# needs to be set for any user including root
+
+#2.6
+# sourced from project_config
+T_SYSROOT=${dir_sysroot}
+LFS=${T_SYSROOT}
+
+# 4.3 we skip user and group creation, it's expected to be done before
+# you start if you want a different user than you're running as
+# == after that, configure the rex unit for dir creation to use that user
+
+if [ "$(id -u)" -ne 0 ]; then 
+	echo "Not running as root." 
+fi
+
+# 4.4
+
+# The set +h command turns off bash's hash function, which affects caching of paths for executables
+set +h
+
+# ensures newly created files and directories are only writable by their owner, but are readable and executable by anyone
+umask 022
+
+# sets a comptabile machine name description for use when building crosstools that isn't going to be what the host system is using
+# $LFS_TGT is what LFS uses for this
+T_TRIPLET=x86_64-dhl-linux-gnu
+
+
+# prevents some configure scripts from looking in the wrong place for config.site 
+CONFIG_SITE=${T_SYSROOT}/usr/share/config.site
+
+# 4.5
+MAKEFLAGS="-j$(nproc)"
+
+# where the cross-compiler gets installed ($LFS/tools)
+CROSSTOOLS_DIR=${T_SYSROOT}/xtools
+TEMP_STAGE_DIR=${T_SYSROOT}/source_stage
+# from project_config
+SOURCES_DIR=${dir_sources}
+PATCHES_DIR=${dir_patches}
+LOGS_ROOT=${dir_logs}
+
+# fail the unit in the event of a non-zero value passed
+# used primarily to check exit codes on previous commands
+# also a great convenient place to add in a "press any key to continue"
+assert_zero() {
+	if [[ "$1" -eq 0 ]]; then 
+		return
+	else
+		exit $1
+	fi
+}
+
+PATH=${CROSSTOOLS_DIR}/bin:/usr/local/bin:/usr/bin:/bin:/usr/local/sbin:/usr/sbin
diff --git a/rex.project/x86_64/plans/stage1.plan b/rex.project/x86_64/plans/stage1.plan
index 349ebc4..1c714db 100644
--- a/rex.project/x86_64/plans/stage1.plan
+++ b/rex.project/x86_64/plans/stage1.plan
@@ -27,14 +27,19 @@
 			"comment":		"LFS 11.3-systemd-rc1 Ch. 5.3"
 		},
 		{
-			"name":			"linux api headers",
+			"name":			"linux api headers pass 1",
 			"dependencies":	[ null ],
-			"comment":		"LFS 11.3-systemd-rc1 Ch. 5.4.1"
+			"comment":		"LFS 11.3-systemd-rc1 Ch. 5.4"
 		},
 		{
-			"name":			"glibc",
+			"name":			"glibc pass 1",
 			"dependencies":	[ null ],
 			"comment":		"LFS 11.3-systemd-rc1 Ch. 5.5"
+		},
+		{
+			"name":			"libstdc++ pass 1",
+			"dependencies":	[ null ],
+			"comment":		"LFS 11.3-systemd-rc1 Ch. 5.6"
 		}
 	]
 }
diff --git a/rex.project/x86_64/plans/stage2.plan b/rex.project/x86_64/plans/stage2.plan
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4d47d56
--- /dev/null
+++ b/rex.project/x86_64/plans/stage2.plan
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+{
+	"plan":
+	[
+		{
+			"name":			"welcome", 
+			"dependencies": [ null ],
+			"comment":		"greet the user"
+		},
+		{
+			"name":			"m4 pass 1", 
+			"dependencies": [ null ],
+			"comment":		"LFS 11.3-systemd-rc1 Ch. 6.2 (temp tools)"
+		},
+		{
+			"name":			"ncurses pass 1", 
+			"dependencies": [ null ],
+			"comment":		"LFS 11.3-systemd-rc1 Ch. 6.2 (temp tools)"
+		}
+	]
+}
diff --git a/rex.project/x86_64/units/stage1.units b/rex.project/x86_64/units/stage1.units
index 303927d..ceb652d 100644
--- a/rex.project/x86_64/units/stage1.units
+++ b/rex.project/x86_64/units/stage1.units
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
   "units": [
     {
         "name":         			"welcome",
-        "target":       			"components/welcome.bash",
+        "target":       			"components/stage1/welcome.bash",
 		"is_shell_command":			true,
 		"shell_definition":			"bash",
 		"force_pty":				true,
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
     },
     {
         "name":         			"check dependencies",
-        "target":       			"components/check_dependencies.bash",
+        "target":       			"components/stage1/check_dependencies.bash",
 		"is_shell_command":			true,
 		"shell_definition":			"bash",
 		"force_pty":				true,
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
     },
     {
         "name":         			"creating T_SYSROOT dirs",
-        "target":       			"components/create_sysroot_dirs.bash",
+        "target":       			"components/stage1/create_sysroot_dirs.bash",
 		"is_shell_command":			true,
 		"shell_definition":			"bash",
 		"force_pty":				true,
@@ -56,7 +56,7 @@
     },
     {
         "name":         			"binutils pass 1",
-        "target":       			"components/binutils.bash --pass1",
+        "target":       			"components/stage1/binutils.bash --pass1",
 		"is_shell_command":			true,
 		"shell_definition":			"bash",
 		"force_pty":				true,
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@
     },
     {
         "name":         			"gcc pass 1",
-        "target":       			"components/gcc.bash --gcc_pass1",
+        "target":       			"components/stage1/gcc.bash --gcc_pass1",
 		"is_shell_command":			true,
 		"shell_definition":			"bash",
 		"force_pty":				true,
@@ -91,8 +91,8 @@
         "environment":  			"environments/stage1.env.bash"
     },
     {
-        "name":         			"linux api headers",
-        "target":       			"components/linux.bash --pass1",
+        "name":         			"linux api headers pass 1",
+        "target":       			"components/stage1/linux.bash --pass1",
 		"is_shell_command":			true,
 		"shell_definition":			"bash",
 		"force_pty":				true,
@@ -109,8 +109,26 @@
         "environment":  			"environments/stage1.env.bash"
     },
     {
-        "name":         			"glibc",
-        "target":       			"components/glibc.bash --pass1",
+        "name":         			"glibc pass 1",
+        "target":       			"components/stage1/glibc.bash --pass1",
+		"is_shell_command":			true,
+		"shell_definition":			"bash",
+		"force_pty":				true,
+		"set_working_directory":	false,
+		"working_directory":		"",
+        "rectify":      			false,
+        "rectifier":    			"",
+        "active":       			true,
+        "required":     			true,
+		"set_user_context": 		true,
+        "user":         			"phanes",
+        "group":        			"phanes",
+		"supply_environment":		true,
+        "environment":  			"environments/stage1.env.bash"
+    },
+    {
+        "name":         			"libstdc++ pass 1",
+        "target":       			"components/stage1/gcc.bash --libstdcxx_pass1",
 		"is_shell_command":			true,
 		"shell_definition":			"bash",
 		"force_pty":				true,
diff --git a/rex.project/x86_64/units/stage2.units b/rex.project/x86_64/units/stage2.units
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..273fad0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/rex.project/x86_64/units/stage2.units
@@ -0,0 +1,58 @@
+{
+  "units": [
+    {
+        "name":         			"welcome",
+        "target":       			"components/stage2/welcome.bash",
+		"is_shell_command":			true,
+		"shell_definition":			"bash",
+		"force_pty":				true,
+		"set_working_directory":	false,
+		"working_directory":		"",
+        "rectify":      			false,
+        "rectifier":    			"",
+        "active":       			true,
+        "required":     			true,
+		"set_user_context": 		true,
+        "user":         			"phanes",
+        "group":        			"phanes",
+		"supply_environment":		true,
+        "environment":  			"environments/stage2.env.bash"
+    },
+    {
+        "name":         			"m4 pass 1",
+        "target":       			"components/stage2/m4.bash --all_temp",
+		"is_shell_command":			true,
+		"shell_definition":			"bash",
+		"force_pty":				true,
+		"set_working_directory":	false,
+		"working_directory":		"",
+        "rectify":      			false,
+        "rectifier":    			"",
+        "active":       			true,
+        "required":     			true,
+		"set_user_context": 		true,
+        "user":         			"phanes",
+        "group":        			"phanes",
+		"supply_environment":		true,
+        "environment":  			"environments/stage2.env.bash"
+    },
+    {
+        "name":         			"ncurses pass 1",
+        "target":       			"components/stage2/ncurses.bash --all_temp",
+		"is_shell_command":			true,
+		"shell_definition":			"bash",
+		"force_pty":				true,
+		"set_working_directory":	false,
+		"working_directory":		"",
+        "rectify":      			false,
+        "rectifier":    			"",
+        "active":       			true,
+        "required":     			true,
+		"set_user_context": 		true,
+        "user":         			"phanes",
+        "group":        			"phanes",
+		"supply_environment":		true,
+        "environment":  			"environments/stage2.env.bash"
+    }
+ ]
+}