for ROSE12/6/2014 c2 
18cud-b-better
Oh god, that scum bag is still alive. I was hoping he would cease in Orchid, but I guess this means I'll get to see Azure mess him up though (something to be happy about). And I never thought that one was a traitor, I wish I knew the circumstances behind it. But now with a backing it looks like Azure is going to be taking some smart actions, let the battle of intelligence commence with the entire military as their enemies. I wonder what happened to RAIN back in orchid though care to spoil me?
18cud-b-betterOh god, that scum bag is still alive. I was hoping he would cease in Orchid, but I guess this means I'll get to see Azure mess him up though (something to be happy about). And I never thought that one was a traitor, I wish I knew the circumstances behind it. But now with a backing it looks like Azure is going to be taking some smart actions, let the battle of intelligence commence with the entire military as their enemies. I wonder what happened to RAIN back in orchid though care to spoil me?
12/6/2014 c1 cud-b-better
Well I've skipped to this rather than carried on with Orchid just to see what happens. A good opening chapter that seems to spoil a fair bit of orchid's ending, not that spoilers have ever bothered me before. This is a good opening and I feel you could come straight into this without any real prior knowledge which is good. I loved the final bit of that woman massacring those french revolutionists. Corruption still seems to be going strong in your little world. I hope Azure and Tsukiko hurry up and reunite, they were the lethal pair.
Anyway one minor typo I think I noticed:
back alley and leaps through [hit] - [it]
Well I've skipped to this rather than carried on with Orchid just to see what happens. A good opening chapter that seems to spoil a fair bit of orchid's ending, not that spoilers have ever bothered me before. This is a good opening and I feel you could come straight into this without any real prior knowledge which is good. I loved the final bit of that woman massacring those french revolutionists. Corruption still seems to be going strong in your little world. I hope Azure and Tsukiko hurry up and reunite, they were the lethal pair.
Anyway one minor typo I think I noticed:
back alley and leaps through [hit] - [it]
12/6/2014 c9 7Daniel Kozaki
The knocking and leaving the note sounds like Tsukiko. Or RAIN. Well, too bad Azure doesn't recognize the handwriting.
Terrier? I knew it, just the pet for a plush toy lover.
'"Remove your hands from Mister Snuggle Claws at once."' - YAAAAAAAAY!
'"In short, no living person has ever been more prepared to make war in Britain than I am."' - oh joy.
'"Mister Doggy Paws?"' - lol
'"Are you sure about opposing him, Azure?"' - yes, I'm surprised too, Tsukiko.
Holy, another Astra! '"Astra's contractors in the military will be very happy..."' - ah, military. Is this the beginning of another Astra arc? Let's see what element this one uses. Ice? To quote someone: '...they better find the source or they are going to painfully feel Deja Vu often.' Lol.
7Daniel KozakiThe knocking and leaving the note sounds like Tsukiko. Or RAIN. Well, too bad Azure doesn't recognize the handwriting.
Terrier? I knew it, just the pet for a plush toy lover.
'"Remove your hands from Mister Snuggle Claws at once."' - YAAAAAAAAY!
'"In short, no living person has ever been more prepared to make war in Britain than I am."' - oh joy.
'"Mister Doggy Paws?"' - lol
'"Are you sure about opposing him, Azure?"' - yes, I'm surprised too, Tsukiko.
Holy, another Astra! '"Astra's contractors in the military will be very happy..."' - ah, military. Is this the beginning of another Astra arc? Let's see what element this one uses. Ice? To quote someone: '...they better find the source or they are going to painfully feel Deja Vu often.' Lol.
12/6/2014 c8 Daniel Kozaki
Kidnapping, oh joy. Well, all is fair in love and war.
Quite a thin ice of a plan, though.
And... it works. Quicker than expected.
I understand you want to get this over quickly, Wong, but it does come at the price of sending a lot of the tension that defines your story off-screen. It feels a little bit... hasty.
On second thought... yeah, it works, when I come to think that you're making way to even bigger and more important things that are waiting to be put into action.
Did Azure just deflect a bullet with a sword? Lol. Still... yeah, ORCHID world.
'"I'll just have to go to the executor's office and destroy it, then!"' - lol, don't they use computerized storage nowadays?
Hacking traffic lights? And airport CCTVs? Oh mai, Arctus has been hiding these skills for quite a while, huh? Never seen that in ORCHID. And... he almost killed Nathaniel.
Like Malfoy, Nathaniel is weaker than what he lets on.
One threat down. I got a feeling that Fletcher will prove to be the bigger bastard of the two. His 'arrangements' with the Royal Police might still go on even with his boy-master down. Scratch that, he's definitely going to take revenge on Azure, especially with that hand gone.
Kidnapping, oh joy. Well, all is fair in love and war.
Quite a thin ice of a plan, though.
And... it works. Quicker than expected.
I understand you want to get this over quickly, Wong, but it does come at the price of sending a lot of the tension that defines your story off-screen. It feels a little bit... hasty.
On second thought... yeah, it works, when I come to think that you're making way to even bigger and more important things that are waiting to be put into action.
Did Azure just deflect a bullet with a sword? Lol. Still... yeah, ORCHID world.
'"I'll just have to go to the executor's office and destroy it, then!"' - lol, don't they use computerized storage nowadays?
Hacking traffic lights? And airport CCTVs? Oh mai, Arctus has been hiding these skills for quite a while, huh? Never seen that in ORCHID. And... he almost killed Nathaniel.
Like Malfoy, Nathaniel is weaker than what he lets on.
One threat down. I got a feeling that Fletcher will prove to be the bigger bastard of the two. His 'arrangements' with the Royal Police might still go on even with his boy-master down. Scratch that, he's definitely going to take revenge on Azure, especially with that hand gone.
12/6/2014 c7 Daniel Kozaki
Dat horse names...
Ah, finally, some screen time for the elusive Alice Maxwell. She'll prove important sooner in the future, I believe... I can't help but to think 'Wonderland' everytime the name Alice pops up. She's probably an idealist.
A different side to Nathaniel. Not too surprising, it's bound to show up sooner or later, but still a nice touch (inexperienced readers will be slightly jolted, though, trololol).
'Far in the distance stands the faint outlines of the buildings...' - [stand]
'As if in answer...' - well, too much of a coincidence, unless Arctus really hears Azure's soliloquy and decides to subtly troll him.
Uh huh, proceed, Arctus, show Azure even more moral dilemmas.
Dat horse names...
Ah, finally, some screen time for the elusive Alice Maxwell. She'll prove important sooner in the future, I believe... I can't help but to think 'Wonderland' everytime the name Alice pops up. She's probably an idealist.
A different side to Nathaniel. Not too surprising, it's bound to show up sooner or later, but still a nice touch (inexperienced readers will be slightly jolted, though, trololol).
'Far in the distance stands the faint outlines of the buildings...' - [stand]
'As if in answer...' - well, too much of a coincidence, unless Arctus really hears Azure's soliloquy and decides to subtly troll him.
Uh huh, proceed, Arctus, show Azure even more moral dilemmas.
12/6/2014 c6 Daniel Kozaki
Hm, I wonder how you'll fill in the info on differences between the ORCHID universe and RL, if ever your writing gets published into a real novel.
'...convincingreasons...' - typo, missing space.
Microphone. Classic. As I thought, with the police station at the beginning.
Hm, money makes the world go round...
Nothing too tense, kind of easy... One down, let's see how the others go...
Hm, I wonder how you'll fill in the info on differences between the ORCHID universe and RL, if ever your writing gets published into a real novel.
'...convincingreasons...' - typo, missing space.
Microphone. Classic. As I thought, with the police station at the beginning.
Hm, money makes the world go round...
Nothing too tense, kind of easy... One down, let's see how the others go...
12/6/2014 c5 Daniel Kozaki
Amazonia...
Hm, Hammond looks like a potential string puller.
Reunion scene.
Liggins deserved that, and more.
'"A simple blend, though exceedingly complex in fragrance. Quite typical of Chinese taste."' - I'll use the same words too on your writing, Wong. Well, sometimes.
'"...I simply desired to inspect the conditions of the camp "' - WHAT? Just like that? Okay... recalculating my theories... Still, going to all that length, even wandering into the Death Zone... Hm, he might make a sincere ally. But... knowing the author, I'm not surprised if he'll die sooner or later into the story. -w-
'"I will not attempt to persuade you to join my cause."' - Uh huh.
Wait... Xavier has a link to RAIN? How?
Raining...
Vermillion Exception, a reference to Booms? /shot
Anyway, as pleasant as his words are, just hearing Xavier speak feels like slowing the story pace. Not sure why.
I don't like Liggins.
Yep, pulling off a plan from the grave, reminded me of Dumbledore, sorry. Still, he'd probably had enough time before his death to tie off loose ends, given Astra's little... clumsy blunder at forgetting the bullets.
Excalibur, old friend, get.
'"Goodbye."' - Agh, why are you so good with foreshadowing? Well, as opposed to another reviewer, I am quite interested in the developments, while the peace lasts. We all know you're going to pull off a crazy whammy scene when the time comes.
Amazonia...
Hm, Hammond looks like a potential string puller.
Reunion scene.
Liggins deserved that, and more.
'"A simple blend, though exceedingly complex in fragrance. Quite typical of Chinese taste."' - I'll use the same words too on your writing, Wong. Well, sometimes.
'"...I simply desired to inspect the conditions of the camp "' - WHAT? Just like that? Okay... recalculating my theories... Still, going to all that length, even wandering into the Death Zone... Hm, he might make a sincere ally. But... knowing the author, I'm not surprised if he'll die sooner or later into the story. -w-
'"I will not attempt to persuade you to join my cause."' - Uh huh.
Wait... Xavier has a link to RAIN? How?
Raining...
Vermillion Exception, a reference to Booms? /shot
Anyway, as pleasant as his words are, just hearing Xavier speak feels like slowing the story pace. Not sure why.
I don't like Liggins.
Yep, pulling off a plan from the grave, reminded me of Dumbledore, sorry. Still, he'd probably had enough time before his death to tie off loose ends, given Astra's little... clumsy blunder at forgetting the bullets.
Excalibur, old friend, get.
'"Goodbye."' - Agh, why are you so good with foreshadowing? Well, as opposed to another reviewer, I am quite interested in the developments, while the peace lasts. We all know you're going to pull off a crazy whammy scene when the time comes.
12/6/2014 c4 Daniel Kozaki
'"...that the Germans are trying to get the France Revolutionary Movement to stage a coup."' - key foreshadowing detected! Well, a Wong twist or two is bound to come, though. France as the playing field? Somehow suits the title flower.
McNaldon... well, anime/manga always have their own version of McD... And I share the driver's surprise. You're in Paris, you!
B. E. B. C. Network...
'"I may drive around in circles should you wish to prolong this conversation."' - never change, Samuel, never change.
'"Orchid Exchange…"' - that name has strong foreshadowing elements...
Yep, the prince is out of the bag. The reunion should be interesting. Will Azure be manipulated to be the Rose prince's knight, or keep his loyalty to the Orchid princess? The first is much less likely, unless Xavier decides to play Machiavelli. And one can't help but to think whether Xavier and Tsukiko will have a cordial, or strained relationship (knowing Tsukiko, it should be the latter). And knowing you, Wong, probably it would end with one of them dying, or taken out of the picture (like Ophelia?).
Still, invisible strings? Could that be referring to someone controlling Xavier?
'"...that the Germans are trying to get the France Revolutionary Movement to stage a coup."' - key foreshadowing detected! Well, a Wong twist or two is bound to come, though. France as the playing field? Somehow suits the title flower.
McNaldon... well, anime/manga always have their own version of McD... And I share the driver's surprise. You're in Paris, you!
B. E. B. C. Network...
'"I may drive around in circles should you wish to prolong this conversation."' - never change, Samuel, never change.
'"Orchid Exchange…"' - that name has strong foreshadowing elements...
Yep, the prince is out of the bag. The reunion should be interesting. Will Azure be manipulated to be the Rose prince's knight, or keep his loyalty to the Orchid princess? The first is much less likely, unless Xavier decides to play Machiavelli. And one can't help but to think whether Xavier and Tsukiko will have a cordial, or strained relationship (knowing Tsukiko, it should be the latter). And knowing you, Wong, probably it would end with one of them dying, or taken out of the picture (like Ophelia?).
Still, invisible strings? Could that be referring to someone controlling Xavier?
12/5/2014 c4 9cmaej
Wong, you troll. You made it seem like that Arctus was going to be the betrayer this whole time, especially when he witnessed Azure's affiliation with R.A.I.N. But you said, "Gotcha! It's Ryan!" You made Azure's closest 'friend' and roommate the asshole, instead. Now it seems like Arctus is the new BBF. *takes notes for the yaoi butcherfic*
Still don't know what to make of this Cold Flower s-knight tool.
Oh, so the prince was thought to be dead? I guess that explains his absence from ORCHID. But it seems like Azure knows him on a personal level. I wonder what their history is. I guess I'll find out soon.
9cmaejWong, you troll. You made it seem like that Arctus was going to be the betrayer this whole time, especially when he witnessed Azure's affiliation with R.A.I.N. But you said, "Gotcha! It's Ryan!" You made Azure's closest 'friend' and roommate the asshole, instead. Now it seems like Arctus is the new BBF. *takes notes for the yaoi butcherfic*
Still don't know what to make of this Cold Flower s-knight tool.
Oh, so the prince was thought to be dead? I guess that explains his absence from ORCHID. But it seems like Azure knows him on a personal level. I wonder what their history is. I guess I'll find out soon.
12/5/2014 c3 cmaej
Ugh... I want to rage so bad...
Well, at least his dad is in prison. And at least Nathaniel has his dad's arm so far up is ass, he's nothing more than a puppet.
King George has a nephew? I thought Tsukiko was the only blood relative! Where the hell did he come from? I must have missed him in ORCHID. I'm sure he's only interested in Azure because of his ties to Tsukiko. Now I really fear for her safety; I don't trust that prince.
And Liggins... screw him. I don't care what Azure said to him in his outburst. Azure's childhood friend just died, he can say whatever the hell he wants. Liggins knew the military were being warmongering assholes in the Cheltenham siege, but he would rather be their tool rather than stand by his friend. It's not like Azure is still a felon. He should have apologized as soon as he learned that Azure was just defending himself, and question the stupid military! *flips table*
Ugh... I want to rage so bad...
Well, at least his dad is in prison. And at least Nathaniel has his dad's arm so far up is ass, he's nothing more than a puppet.
King George has a nephew? I thought Tsukiko was the only blood relative! Where the hell did he come from? I must have missed him in ORCHID. I'm sure he's only interested in Azure because of his ties to Tsukiko. Now I really fear for her safety; I don't trust that prince.
And Liggins... screw him. I don't care what Azure said to him in his outburst. Azure's childhood friend just died, he can say whatever the hell he wants. Liggins knew the military were being warmongering assholes in the Cheltenham siege, but he would rather be their tool rather than stand by his friend. It's not like Azure is still a felon. He should have apologized as soon as he learned that Azure was just defending himself, and question the stupid military! *flips table*
12/5/2014 c2 cmaej
Back when I was reading ORCHID, I thought that Mimi and Arctus got murda'd by the military. I remembered that they were asked to leave Azure for "questioning", and I was like, "aw, shit". They were going to kill witnesses to the Cheltenham siege, so I thought the military was afraid that Mimi's and Arctus's political ties will be a threat. I'm glad to see that they are okay. DAMN YOU, RYAN!
"...another company bought a controlling share of Valhalla to keep it afloat."
As soon as he said that, I knew it was Maxwell! Ugh! You kill a guy and take his company from his son? Fucking sleazebags! *flips table*
Wait a second... wasn't Samuel tied up and butt-raped the last time I read about him? Well, maybe not the butt rape part but... Geez, it's been a while.
"Azure pauses momentarily to swallow a lump in his throat. 'Very well.'"
I think I'm beginning to understand your complaints about the telling in my writing from the above excerpt. I would have lulz'd it by adding that "At the mention of his father" or something similarly retarded, even though the lump in Azure's throat is quite obvious to the reader. orz
Well, moving on. You shall find your story yaoi-dusted by week's end. *w*
Back when I was reading ORCHID, I thought that Mimi and Arctus got murda'd by the military. I remembered that they were asked to leave Azure for "questioning", and I was like, "aw, shit". They were going to kill witnesses to the Cheltenham siege, so I thought the military was afraid that Mimi's and Arctus's political ties will be a threat. I'm glad to see that they are okay. DAMN YOU, RYAN!
"...another company bought a controlling share of Valhalla to keep it afloat."
As soon as he said that, I knew it was Maxwell! Ugh! You kill a guy and take his company from his son? Fucking sleazebags! *flips table*
Wait a second... wasn't Samuel tied up and butt-raped the last time I read about him? Well, maybe not the butt rape part but... Geez, it's been a while.
"Azure pauses momentarily to swallow a lump in his throat. 'Very well.'"
I think I'm beginning to understand your complaints about the telling in my writing from the above excerpt. I would have lulz'd it by adding that "At the mention of his father" or something similarly retarded, even though the lump in Azure's throat is quite obvious to the reader. orz
Well, moving on. You shall find your story yaoi-dusted by week's end. *w*
12/4/2014 c9 6Darth Zannacross
Eh, even if Nathan was acting out for his sister, he still kind of was a self absorbed cruel jackass so, I don't think much sympathy is needed. Ah, and a reunion at last. Tsukiko knows how to keep it cool, though it seems like her quest for information would be a lot easier if she just used Google for a lot of that research.
Also, meanwhile, I see the cloning machine spat out another Astra, they better find the source or they are going to painfully feel Deja Vu often.
Well, from one rival to the next, we will see how this rematch goes.
6Darth ZannacrossEh, even if Nathan was acting out for his sister, he still kind of was a self absorbed cruel jackass so, I don't think much sympathy is needed. Ah, and a reunion at last. Tsukiko knows how to keep it cool, though it seems like her quest for information would be a lot easier if she just used Google for a lot of that research.
Also, meanwhile, I see the cloning machine spat out another Astra, they better find the source or they are going to painfully feel Deja Vu often.
Well, from one rival to the next, we will see how this rematch goes.
12/4/2014 c3 7Daniel Kozaki
How curious... A much longer chapter than usual.
Lovely title, btw.
Photo booth with a girl... hm...
Well, won't bringing Azure into persuading Nathaniel to sell Valhalla makes it even more impossible? Even letting Malfoy know that Azure exists behind the deal would turn it impossible.
"...the Dunbarton family always has been treated with a certain level of contempt by the older families in Britain." - hm, probably we'll see some future confrontation with these families...
Alice... hm...
Mr. Maxwell in prison... hm... that's one strong-willed enemy Azure is going against... The Maxwells seem to have 'evil' written all over their faces. And this Fletcher...
Screwy logic, taking over the company of the man you murdered makes you a hero. Well, anything goes when politics and the corporate world gets mixed.
'Nathaniel follows with his eyes as the sparks erupt and then dissipate into the air.' - follows what with his eyes?
Dazzling green eyes... My first thoughts were of Xavier.
Mimi's marriage... yet another conflict in the horizon, I guess... Fun.
Hello, Liggins.
Ah, yep, my guess was right. Didn't know he was a tea junkie though. Do I get presents? Anyway, it's obvious that he'll be prioritized over Tsukiko for the throne, given the latter's Japanese lineage, and recent happenings.
7Daniel KozakiHow curious... A much longer chapter than usual.
Lovely title, btw.
Photo booth with a girl... hm...
Well, won't bringing Azure into persuading Nathaniel to sell Valhalla makes it even more impossible? Even letting Malfoy know that Azure exists behind the deal would turn it impossible.
"...the Dunbarton family always has been treated with a certain level of contempt by the older families in Britain." - hm, probably we'll see some future confrontation with these families...
Alice... hm...
Mr. Maxwell in prison... hm... that's one strong-willed enemy Azure is going against... The Maxwells seem to have 'evil' written all over their faces. And this Fletcher...
Screwy logic, taking over the company of the man you murdered makes you a hero. Well, anything goes when politics and the corporate world gets mixed.
'Nathaniel follows with his eyes as the sparks erupt and then dissipate into the air.' - follows what with his eyes?
Dazzling green eyes... My first thoughts were of Xavier.
Mimi's marriage... yet another conflict in the horizon, I guess... Fun.
Hello, Liggins.
Ah, yep, my guess was right. Didn't know he was a tea junkie though. Do I get presents? Anyway, it's obvious that he'll be prioritized over Tsukiko for the throne, given the latter's Japanese lineage, and recent happenings.
12/4/2014 c2 Daniel Kozaki
Hm, I'm guessing (ever since going halfway through ORCHID) that the headmaster is in the same network with Azure's father. I wonder if it is some kind of organization, or just an informal relationship.
A deal with the military... hm.
Photos... Capulet...
Ah, finally, the FTS reunion... although... yep, as I thought, no Eddie Murphy Ryan.
Mimi's reverie... of course it's with her father being the Head Regent before the coup d'etat and all...
Politics...
Hm, Japan and British Empire... I see. Will Tsukiko's existence promise a union between these two giants, the East and the West?
I still haven't forgotten that little snippet you'd shown in ORCHID, of the German side... It seems very likely that we'll see a real battle with the Germans in ROSE.
'As your father's former co-conspirators...' - well, lookie what I'd guessed. Although, my suspicion is strong from the calm acceptance his father showed at the moment of his death, which probably means that he have friends he trusted to continue his legacy.
'"...Once we have both, then we'll be able to challenge the military."' - Well, let's see if Azure will pull a Lelouch.
Yay, Nathaniel! Can't wait to see Azure give him a fair surprise!
Nice...
Hm, I'm guessing (ever since going halfway through ORCHID) that the headmaster is in the same network with Azure's father. I wonder if it is some kind of organization, or just an informal relationship.
A deal with the military... hm.
Photos... Capulet...
Ah, finally, the FTS reunion... although... yep, as I thought, no Eddie Murphy Ryan.
Mimi's reverie... of course it's with her father being the Head Regent before the coup d'etat and all...
Politics...
Hm, Japan and British Empire... I see. Will Tsukiko's existence promise a union between these two giants, the East and the West?
I still haven't forgotten that little snippet you'd shown in ORCHID, of the German side... It seems very likely that we'll see a real battle with the Germans in ROSE.
'As your father's former co-conspirators...' - well, lookie what I'd guessed. Although, my suspicion is strong from the calm acceptance his father showed at the moment of his death, which probably means that he have friends he trusted to continue his legacy.
'"...Once we have both, then we'll be able to challenge the military."' - Well, let's see if Azure will pull a Lelouch.
Yay, Nathaniel! Can't wait to see Azure give him a fair surprise!
Nice...
12/2/2014 c1 Daniel Kozaki
Finally, ehe.
Mister Snuggle Claws, how nostalgic. Plush-toy-loving Orchid Empress Tsukiko.
Treason... I see. Looks like coup-d'etats get power intoxicated real quick. Ah, she took Julia away, probably that's one of the reasons. Ah, isn't that sword she's holding will give her away? You didn't mention that it was hidden. 'Her long black hair is tucked neatly inside the hood of her parka, which hangs low over her eyes, concealing her face.' - the comma after parka makes this sentence feel a little bit disjointed.
Surviving assassins... all in a day's work in the life of Ms Amherst. Still, it can't take long before the elite forces will be sent against her, I believe?
And... we see Azure back from the Scandinavian Interlude. I would've thought he'd been a fugitive right now.
What? o.o Roland? Lol.
Isn't La Marseillaise that controversial anthem? Jk. Moving on then.
Golden-Haired Terror... Bedroom jokes are death flags, you know...
Bye Roland-san! It's nice knowing you.
Well... it's not as explosive or dramatic as the beginning to ORCHID, Yes-san, but for those having read the first book, it's a refreshing start. New characters are added into the game, a new status quo, a bigger playing field, as I expected... it looks promising. :)
Finally, ehe.
Mister Snuggle Claws, how nostalgic. Plush-toy-loving Orchid Empress Tsukiko.
Treason... I see. Looks like coup-d'etats get power intoxicated real quick. Ah, she took Julia away, probably that's one of the reasons. Ah, isn't that sword she's holding will give her away? You didn't mention that it was hidden. 'Her long black hair is tucked neatly inside the hood of her parka, which hangs low over her eyes, concealing her face.' - the comma after parka makes this sentence feel a little bit disjointed.
Surviving assassins... all in a day's work in the life of Ms Amherst. Still, it can't take long before the elite forces will be sent against her, I believe?
And... we see Azure back from the Scandinavian Interlude. I would've thought he'd been a fugitive right now.
What? o.o Roland? Lol.
Isn't La Marseillaise that controversial anthem? Jk. Moving on then.
Golden-Haired Terror... Bedroom jokes are death flags, you know...
Bye Roland-san! It's nice knowing you.
Well... it's not as explosive or dramatic as the beginning to ORCHID, Yes-san, but for those having read the first book, it's a refreshing start. New characters are added into the game, a new status quo, a bigger playing field, as I expected... it looks promising. :)