diff --git a/.efrocachemap b/.efrocachemap
index 4008800b..03af762d 100644
--- a/.efrocachemap
+++ b/.efrocachemap
@@ -421,19 +421,19 @@
   "build/assets/ba_data/audio/zoeOw.ogg": "74befe45a8417e95b6a2233c51992a26",
   "build/assets/ba_data/audio/zoePickup01.ogg": "48ab8cddfcde36a750856f3f81dd20c8",
   "build/assets/ba_data/audio/zoeScream01.ogg": "2b468aedfa8741090247f04eb9e6df55",
-  "build/assets/ba_data/data/langdata.json": "fae88cbb2a5b9c24096f2e43452114a2",
+  "build/assets/ba_data/data/langdata.json": "6ae92385835c7f270dc35d7b4be3deef",
   "build/assets/ba_data/data/languages/arabic.json": "0db32e21b6d5337ccca478381744aa88",
   "build/assets/ba_data/data/languages/belarussian.json": "a112dfca3e188387516788bd8229c5b0",
-  "build/assets/ba_data/data/languages/chinese.json": "ff9a595726f0aff42a39be576d0ff037",
-  "build/assets/ba_data/data/languages/chinesetraditional.json": "f858da49be0a5374157c627857751078",
+  "build/assets/ba_data/data/languages/chinese.json": "93f3ca9f90d86dc7c8d0923f5f11ef46",
+  "build/assets/ba_data/data/languages/chinesetraditional.json": "319565f8a15667488f48dbce59278e39",
   "build/assets/ba_data/data/languages/croatian.json": "766532c67af5bd0144c2d63cab0516fa",
   "build/assets/ba_data/data/languages/czech.json": "c9d518a324870066b987b8f412881dd3",
   "build/assets/ba_data/data/languages/danish.json": "3fd69080783d5c9dcc0af737f02b6f1e",
-  "build/assets/ba_data/data/languages/dutch.json": "22b44a33bf81142ba2befad14eb5746e",
+  "build/assets/ba_data/data/languages/dutch.json": "5cbf1a68a9d93dee00dbc27f834d878a",
   "build/assets/ba_data/data/languages/english.json": "2434e127b6788e3128d3523fcb1b8994",
   "build/assets/ba_data/data/languages/esperanto.json": "0e397cfa5f3fb8cef5f4a64f21cda880",
   "build/assets/ba_data/data/languages/filipino.json": "e750fb1a95e4c5611115f9ece9ecab53",
-  "build/assets/ba_data/data/languages/french.json": "163362f7b33866ef069cae62d0387551",
+  "build/assets/ba_data/data/languages/french.json": "8bc35eb4b20a0b30c3348bcc9a3844a6",
   "build/assets/ba_data/data/languages/german.json": "450fa41ae264f29a5d1af22143d0d0ad",
   "build/assets/ba_data/data/languages/gibberish.json": "e24d391c9fd12f9afa92f7ff65a06d23",
   "build/assets/ba_data/data/languages/greek.json": "287c0ec437b38772284ef9d3e4fb2fc3",
@@ -450,13 +450,13 @@
   "build/assets/ba_data/data/languages/russian.json": "9d0b40586301a82e532c4a250d5f6d58",
   "build/assets/ba_data/data/languages/serbian.json": "d7452dd72ac0e51680cb39b5ebaa1c69",
   "build/assets/ba_data/data/languages/slovak.json": "27962d53dc3f7dd4e877cd40faafeeef",
-  "build/assets/ba_data/data/languages/spanish.json": "42f857c40dbd4b637e3866849489f7d1",
+  "build/assets/ba_data/data/languages/spanish.json": "8d43556cb55cdfa4408fd19a4646b824",
   "build/assets/ba_data/data/languages/swedish.json": "5142a96597d17d8344be96a603da64ac",
   "build/assets/ba_data/data/languages/tamil.json": "b4de1a2851afe4869c82e9acd94cd89c",
   "build/assets/ba_data/data/languages/thai.json": "77755219bbf5fb7eea0d6b226684f403",
-  "build/assets/ba_data/data/languages/turkish.json": "ab149ebbd57cf4daa3cf8f310d91519a",
+  "build/assets/ba_data/data/languages/turkish.json": "72fac3a6fd13ebb74fb4d68b9323e7d4",
   "build/assets/ba_data/data/languages/ukrainian.json": "e5c861187c4c6db37d1a033f4ef3dd5a",
-  "build/assets/ba_data/data/languages/venetian.json": "a559a5608d2e0b4708f7a4dee42ff354",
+  "build/assets/ba_data/data/languages/venetian.json": "8e9714d98a85e428ce3543fc49188a46",
   "build/assets/ba_data/data/languages/vietnamese.json": "921cd1e50f60fe3e101f246e172750ba",
   "build/assets/ba_data/data/maps/big_g.json": "1dd301d490643088a435ce75df971054",
   "build/assets/ba_data/data/maps/bridgit.json": "6aea74805f4880cc11237c5734a24422",
@@ -4060,26 +4060,26 @@
   "build/assets/windows/Win32/ucrtbased.dll": "2def5335207d41b21b9823f6805997f1",
   "build/assets/windows/Win32/vc_redist.x86.exe": "b08a55e2e77623fe657bea24f223a3ae",
   "build/assets/windows/Win32/vcruntime140d.dll": "865b2af4d1e26a1a8073c89acb06e599",
-  "build/prefab/full/linux_arm64_gui/debug/ballisticakit": "5f7e668a6a904ba8c0fe391654a8211b",
-  "build/prefab/full/linux_arm64_gui/release/ballisticakit": "77cd63dbc1760a3d1bb55753794701b0",
-  "build/prefab/full/linux_arm64_server/debug/dist/ballisticakit_headless": "9f674a5b767f798b350ef30d84968d44",
-  "build/prefab/full/linux_arm64_server/release/dist/ballisticakit_headless": "84546f0452561d3f6519d296a9e9b2ca",
-  "build/prefab/full/linux_x86_64_gui/debug/ballisticakit": "3122dbce63fb248c9ebe66d545be8480",
-  "build/prefab/full/linux_x86_64_gui/release/ballisticakit": "4004c01a3ea1a7b62544f08f14e76f9e",
-  "build/prefab/full/linux_x86_64_server/debug/dist/ballisticakit_headless": "cd9b5b9ae925cef7417d2b86fd0f0489",
-  "build/prefab/full/linux_x86_64_server/release/dist/ballisticakit_headless": "35c2b307e5d228b105315b8d022d31d2",
-  "build/prefab/full/mac_arm64_gui/debug/ballisticakit": "90993c873a2d1ca7b593992e52b1865a",
-  "build/prefab/full/mac_arm64_gui/release/ballisticakit": "46119cb9ff99629ca16471f51032bac7",
-  "build/prefab/full/mac_arm64_server/debug/dist/ballisticakit_headless": "8cac6eff8eb4f9e453a669b6f239b8a5",
-  "build/prefab/full/mac_arm64_server/release/dist/ballisticakit_headless": "3e20c91bf8948354a0e167faa5c184e9",
-  "build/prefab/full/mac_x86_64_gui/debug/ballisticakit": "52ff216e1b0394a07bf178b8eea8c269",
-  "build/prefab/full/mac_x86_64_gui/release/ballisticakit": "32d85cc58ade8e7a63dfb604ef175553",
-  "build/prefab/full/mac_x86_64_server/debug/dist/ballisticakit_headless": "fdf3da5251bc0d3b8f4e5a5b2e0d4b94",
-  "build/prefab/full/mac_x86_64_server/release/dist/ballisticakit_headless": "c03afc18b7aa72ab065381be985f48ae",
-  "build/prefab/full/windows_x86_gui/debug/BallisticaKit.exe": "67a58d483ac028f9fc59112b59463a99",
-  "build/prefab/full/windows_x86_gui/release/BallisticaKit.exe": "0800d71a41320664bacba49822e8b442",
-  "build/prefab/full/windows_x86_server/debug/dist/BallisticaKitHeadless.exe": "9019d9b48cefa45a7a16bae6bd696896",
-  "build/prefab/full/windows_x86_server/release/dist/BallisticaKitHeadless.exe": "90eca6cc81b0a2c39fd1d41d0d029f04",
+  "build/prefab/full/linux_arm64_gui/debug/ballisticakit": "6d1c198240f58211b14534263de11034",
+  "build/prefab/full/linux_arm64_gui/release/ballisticakit": "0e29ddb400da245f7425e2779278b936",
+  "build/prefab/full/linux_arm64_server/debug/dist/ballisticakit_headless": "887c68a7be4c8d25c6eae21feb2fd39a",
+  "build/prefab/full/linux_arm64_server/release/dist/ballisticakit_headless": "99a237557104d145f061b674e158539f",
+  "build/prefab/full/linux_x86_64_gui/debug/ballisticakit": "c813eb17692868fc54741e962d8ecca6",
+  "build/prefab/full/linux_x86_64_gui/release/ballisticakit": "67b39d7c54a801c2b65bd8beb55771a2",
+  "build/prefab/full/linux_x86_64_server/debug/dist/ballisticakit_headless": "20af8a239c97cbb8fe876c06d57c3f1f",
+  "build/prefab/full/linux_x86_64_server/release/dist/ballisticakit_headless": "60d09bd4c59e27f2f3c8b6331b650ee1",
+  "build/prefab/full/mac_arm64_gui/debug/ballisticakit": "84733128a50a14b046306419419862d4",
+  "build/prefab/full/mac_arm64_gui/release/ballisticakit": "b81062addf907d312a9409660733205c",
+  "build/prefab/full/mac_arm64_server/debug/dist/ballisticakit_headless": "2770d31f91042c005cb0fc5cb368112c",
+  "build/prefab/full/mac_arm64_server/release/dist/ballisticakit_headless": "316e8424de85400d5b84c84395689776",
+  "build/prefab/full/mac_x86_64_gui/debug/ballisticakit": "15bd20491afa0d90e3cea147d04e25a6",
+  "build/prefab/full/mac_x86_64_gui/release/ballisticakit": "4697883ea3e8f9e8d215c9a82396c8a4",
+  "build/prefab/full/mac_x86_64_server/debug/dist/ballisticakit_headless": "cd24a57ef4815f02f3c4f054fc9ae878",
+  "build/prefab/full/mac_x86_64_server/release/dist/ballisticakit_headless": "13b8e37ea683de88bce49e06a6cba24d",
+  "build/prefab/full/windows_x86_gui/debug/BallisticaKit.exe": "50218a71f166a51c6bccec5f8a946835",
+  "build/prefab/full/windows_x86_gui/release/BallisticaKit.exe": "e20e058060ef6acc1e1f4cbccd69a7ce",
+  "build/prefab/full/windows_x86_server/debug/dist/BallisticaKitHeadless.exe": "13a90cb0c4a15daa64c8d883afd895e9",
+  "build/prefab/full/windows_x86_server/release/dist/BallisticaKitHeadless.exe": "6af4eddfe3ed8a825a5ebd7702536fd7",
   "build/prefab/lib/linux_arm64_gui/debug/libballisticaplus.a": "db535f0ca1e01af825f75f204fbc8928",
   "build/prefab/lib/linux_arm64_gui/release/libballisticaplus.a": "97d51afca996ae15b61fd9f409a00459",
   "build/prefab/lib/linux_arm64_server/debug/libballisticaplus.a": "db535f0ca1e01af825f75f204fbc8928",
@@ -4096,21 +4096,21 @@
   "build/prefab/lib/mac_x86_64_gui/release/libballisticaplus.a": "452623f0495dd4375e5b5d9b80d643d5",
   "build/prefab/lib/mac_x86_64_server/debug/libballisticaplus.a": "ca49b32ed573feea11613d62cd89840c",
   "build/prefab/lib/mac_x86_64_server/release/libballisticaplus.a": "452623f0495dd4375e5b5d9b80d643d5",
-  "build/prefab/lib/windows/Debug_Win32/BallisticaKitGenericPlus.lib": "ff81e6eeea861f59e71db628bc64918b",
-  "build/prefab/lib/windows/Debug_Win32/BallisticaKitGenericPlus.pdb": "ba89e5949d1cdf2b857089feb901285c",
-  "build/prefab/lib/windows/Debug_Win32/BallisticaKitHeadlessPlus.lib": "5e063f8acc0e0e9f35f82480d7dbf143",
-  "build/prefab/lib/windows/Debug_Win32/BallisticaKitHeadlessPlus.pdb": "1f0d14fcc16dd0d4896d91c75e32be25",
-  "build/prefab/lib/windows/Release_Win32/BallisticaKitGenericPlus.lib": "251d3dd0bc9a6418eb1cb5176bb5509c",
-  "build/prefab/lib/windows/Release_Win32/BallisticaKitGenericPlus.pdb": "96c003edb87b3f506d1b15af461487c3",
-  "build/prefab/lib/windows/Release_Win32/BallisticaKitHeadlessPlus.lib": "274ebd634f05b23653719ef973119cf5",
-  "build/prefab/lib/windows/Release_Win32/BallisticaKitHeadlessPlus.pdb": "796edace73f874ebf46054b2a1ff0ba1",
+  "build/prefab/lib/windows/Debug_Win32/BallisticaKitGenericPlus.lib": "3b19ca383e1a88bd8a0599181da738ba",
+  "build/prefab/lib/windows/Debug_Win32/BallisticaKitGenericPlus.pdb": "2b9ee84d34b41dd7d92df7c7dece5ecc",
+  "build/prefab/lib/windows/Debug_Win32/BallisticaKitHeadlessPlus.lib": "78fc011efdd0d3c5ad91ba5cc7e25b36",
+  "build/prefab/lib/windows/Debug_Win32/BallisticaKitHeadlessPlus.pdb": "1c60cf6ee1b3b7f1c4ca10f18ad55c0b",
+  "build/prefab/lib/windows/Release_Win32/BallisticaKitGenericPlus.lib": "a9d3d2dd577409f19129a2a14f03a871",
+  "build/prefab/lib/windows/Release_Win32/BallisticaKitGenericPlus.pdb": "c8cda906610d28b03a5d0abac69f752e",
+  "build/prefab/lib/windows/Release_Win32/BallisticaKitHeadlessPlus.lib": "951e19df7d1f5d9befd0b1fe5e4f6390",
+  "build/prefab/lib/windows/Release_Win32/BallisticaKitHeadlessPlus.pdb": "b75ac3bc471e3b6121d27a83b07573da",
   "src/assets/ba_data/python/babase/_mgen/__init__.py": "f885fed7f2ed98ff2ba271f9dbe3391c",
   "src/assets/ba_data/python/babase/_mgen/enums.py": "28323912b56ec07701eda3d41a6a4101",
   "src/ballistica/base/mgen/pyembed/binding_base.inc": "72bfed2cce8ff19741989dec28302f3f",
   "src/ballistica/base/mgen/pyembed/binding_base_app.inc": "97efb93f4bfd8e8b09f2db24398e29fc",
   "src/ballistica/classic/mgen/pyembed/binding_classic.inc": "3ceb412513963f0818ab39c58bf292e3",
   "src/ballistica/core/mgen/pyembed/binding_core.inc": "9d0a3c9636138e35284923e0c8311c69",
-  "src/ballistica/core/mgen/pyembed/env.inc": "8be46e5818f360d10b7b0224a9e91d07",
+  "src/ballistica/core/mgen/pyembed/env.inc": "f015d726b44d2922112fc14d9f146d8b",
   "src/ballistica/core/mgen/python_modules_monolithic.h": "fb967ed1c7db0c77d8deb4f00a7103c5",
   "src/ballistica/scene_v1/mgen/pyembed/binding_scene_v1.inc": "c25b263f2a31fb5ebe057db07d144879",
   "src/ballistica/template_fs/mgen/pyembed/binding_template_fs.inc": "44a45492db057bf7f7158c3b0fa11f0f",
diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index d84b9b62..7d709c47 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-### 1.7.33 (build 21743, api 8, 2023-12-21)
+### 1.7.33 (build 21747, api 8, 2024-01-03)
 
 ### 1.7.32 (build 21741, api 8, 2023-12-20)
 - Fixed a screen message that no one will ever see (Thanks vishal332008?...)
diff --git a/src/assets/ba_data/python/baenv.py b/src/assets/ba_data/python/baenv.py
index c45c1c54..fb07e230 100644
--- a/src/assets/ba_data/python/baenv.py
+++ b/src/assets/ba_data/python/baenv.py
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ if TYPE_CHECKING:
 
 # Build number and version of the ballistica binary we expect to be
 # using.
-TARGET_BALLISTICA_BUILD = 21743
+TARGET_BALLISTICA_BUILD = 21747
 TARGET_BALLISTICA_VERSION = '1.7.33'
 
 
@@ -350,9 +350,15 @@ def _setup_paths(
         # platforms where there is no write access to said built-in
         # stuff.
         check_dir = Path(user_python_dir, 'sys', TARGET_BALLISTICA_VERSION)
-        if check_dir.is_dir():
-            app_python_dir = str(check_dir)
-            is_user_app_python_dir = True
+        try:
+            if check_dir.is_dir():
+                app_python_dir = str(check_dir)
+                is_user_app_python_dir = True
+        except PermissionError:
+            logging.warning(
+                "PermissionError checking user-app-python-dir path '%s'.",
+                check_dir,
+            )
 
         # Ok, now apply these to sys.path.
 
diff --git a/src/ballistica/base/assets/assets.cc b/src/ballistica/base/assets/assets.cc
index 1fe097d1..f95ebcb6 100644
--- a/src/ballistica/base/assets/assets.cc
+++ b/src/ballistica/base/assets/assets.cc
@@ -1610,10 +1610,6 @@ auto Assets::SysTexture(SysTextureID id) -> TextureAsset* {
   assert(asset_loads_allowed_ && sys_assets_loaded_);
   assert(g_base->InLogicThread());
   assert(static_cast<size_t>(id) < system_textures_.size());
-  // TEMP - tracking down some crashes in the wild.
-  if (!sys_assets_loaded_) {
-    FatalError("SysTexture called before sys assets loaded.");
-  }
   return system_textures_[static_cast<int>(id)].Get();
 }
 
@@ -1621,21 +1617,17 @@ auto Assets::SysCubeMapTexture(SysCubeMapTextureID id) -> TextureAsset* {
   assert(asset_loads_allowed_ && sys_assets_loaded_);
   assert(g_base->InLogicThread());
   assert(static_cast<size_t>(id) < system_cube_map_textures_.size());
-  // TEMP - tracking down some crashes in the wild.
-  if (!sys_assets_loaded_) {
-    FatalError("SysCubeMapTexture called before sys assets loaded.");
-  }
   return system_cube_map_textures_[static_cast<int>(id)].Get();
 }
 
+auto Assets::IsValidSysSound(SysSoundID id) -> bool {
+  return static_cast<size_t>(id) < system_sounds_.size();
+}
+
 auto Assets::SysSound(SysSoundID id) -> SoundAsset* {
   assert(asset_loads_allowed_ && sys_assets_loaded_);
   assert(g_base->InLogicThread());
-  assert(static_cast<size_t>(id) < system_sounds_.size());
-  // TEMP - tracking down some crashes in the wild.
-  if (!sys_assets_loaded_) {
-    FatalError("SysSound called before sys assets loaded.");
-  }
+  assert(IsValidSysSound(id));
   return system_sounds_[static_cast<int>(id)].Get();
 }
 
@@ -1643,11 +1635,6 @@ auto Assets::SysMesh(SysMeshID id) -> MeshAsset* {
   assert(asset_loads_allowed_ && sys_assets_loaded_);
   assert(g_base->InLogicThread());
   assert(static_cast<size_t>(id) < system_meshes_.size());
-
-  // TEMP - tracking down some crashes in the wild.
-  if (!sys_assets_loaded_) {
-    FatalError("SysMesh called before sys assets loaded.");
-  }
   return system_meshes_[static_cast<int>(id)].Get();
 }
 
diff --git a/src/ballistica/base/assets/assets.h b/src/ballistica/base/assets/assets.h
index 8fa05722..aa396371 100644
--- a/src/ballistica/base/assets/assets.h
+++ b/src/ballistica/base/assets/assets.h
@@ -76,6 +76,7 @@ class Assets {
   // available.
   auto SysTexture(SysTextureID id) -> TextureAsset*;
   auto SysCubeMapTexture(SysCubeMapTextureID id) -> TextureAsset*;
+  auto IsValidSysSound(SysSoundID id) -> bool;
   auto SysSound(SysSoundID id) -> SoundAsset*;
   auto SysMesh(SysMeshID id) -> MeshAsset*;
 
diff --git a/src/ballistica/base/audio/audio.cc b/src/ballistica/base/audio/audio.cc
index 6e039ead..f37f4632 100644
--- a/src/ballistica/base/audio/audio.cc
+++ b/src/ballistica/base/audio/audio.cc
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 
 #include "ballistica/base/audio/audio.h"
 
+#include "ballistica/base/assets/assets.h"
 #include "ballistica/base/assets/sound_asset.h"
 #include "ballistica/base/audio/audio_server.h"
 #include "ballistica/base/audio/audio_source.h"
@@ -159,6 +160,32 @@ auto Audio::ShouldPlay(SoundAsset* sound) -> bool {
   return (time - sound->last_play_time() > 50);
 }
 
+auto Audio::SafePlaySysSound(SysSoundID sound_id) -> std::optional<uint32_t> {
+  // Save some time on headless.
+  if (g_core->HeadlessMode()) {
+    return {};
+  }
+  if (!g_base->InLogicThread()) {
+    Log(LogLevel::kError,
+        "Audio::SafePlaySysSound called from non-logic thread. id="
+            + std::to_string(static_cast<int>(sound_id)));
+    return {};
+  }
+  if (!g_base->assets->sys_assets_loaded()) {
+    Log(LogLevel::kWarning,
+        "Audio::SafePlaySysSound called before sys assets loaded. id="
+            + std::to_string(static_cast<int>(sound_id)));
+    return {};
+  }
+  if (!g_base->assets->IsValidSysSound(sound_id)) {
+    Log(LogLevel::kWarning,
+        "Audio::SafePlaySysSound called with invalid sound_id. id="
+            + std::to_string(static_cast<int>(sound_id)));
+    return {};
+  }
+  return PlaySound(g_base->assets->SysSound(sound_id));
+}
+
 auto Audio::PlaySound(SoundAsset* sound, float volume)
     -> std::optional<uint32_t> {
   assert(g_core);
diff --git a/src/ballistica/base/audio/audio.h b/src/ballistica/base/audio/audio.h
index af0d646d..bf42ce04 100644
--- a/src/ballistica/base/audio/audio.h
+++ b/src/ballistica/base/audio/audio.h
@@ -61,6 +61,10 @@ class Audio {
   auto PlaySoundAtPosition(SoundAsset* sound, float volume, float x, float y,
                            float z) -> std::optional<uint32_t>;
 
+  /// Load and play a sys sound if possible. Gracefully fail if not
+  /// (possibly logging warnings or errors).
+  auto SafePlaySysSound(SysSoundID sound_id) -> std::optional<uint32_t>;
+
   /// Call this if you want to prevent repeated plays of the same sound. It'll
   /// tell you if the sound has been played recently.  The one-shot sound-play
   /// functions use this under the hood. (PlaySound, PlaySoundAtPosition).
diff --git a/src/ballistica/base/graphics/component/render_component.h b/src/ballistica/base/graphics/component/render_component.h
index c7fdaaa0..b0cc1b5e 100644
--- a/src/ballistica/base/graphics/component/render_component.h
+++ b/src/ballistica/base/graphics/component/render_component.h
@@ -240,7 +240,7 @@ class RenderComponent {
   }
 
  protected:
-  enum class State { kConfiguring, kDrawing, kSubmitted };
+  enum class State : uint8_t { kConfiguring, kDrawing, kSubmitted };
   void EnsureConfiguring() {
     if (state_ != State::kConfiguring) {
 #if BA_DEBUG_BUILD
@@ -331,8 +331,8 @@ class RenderComponent {
   // stream.
   virtual void WriteConfig() = 0;
 
-  RenderCommandBuffer* cmd_buffer_{};
   State state_{State::kConfiguring};
+  RenderCommandBuffer* cmd_buffer_{};
   RenderPass* pass_;
 
  public:
diff --git a/src/ballistica/base/graphics/gl/mesh/mesh_asset_data_gl.h b/src/ballistica/base/graphics/gl/mesh/mesh_asset_data_gl.h
index 50624eac..edc34e1a 100644
--- a/src/ballistica/base/graphics/gl/mesh/mesh_asset_data_gl.h
+++ b/src/ballistica/base/graphics/gl/mesh/mesh_asset_data_gl.h
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ class RendererGL::MeshAssetDataGL : public MeshAssetRendererData {
   enum BufferType { kVertices, kIndices, kBufferCount };
 
   MeshAssetDataGL(const MeshAsset& model, RendererGL* renderer)
-      : renderer_(renderer), fake_vao_(nullptr) {
+      : renderer_(renderer) {
 #if BA_DEBUG_BUILD
     name_ = model.GetName();
 #endif
@@ -150,7 +150,7 @@ class RendererGL::MeshAssetDataGL : public MeshAssetRendererData {
   GLuint index_type_{};
   GLuint vao_{};
   GLuint vbos_[kBufferCount]{};
-  FakeVertexArrayObject* fake_vao_{};
+  // FakeVertexArrayObject* fake_vao_{};
 };
 
 }  // namespace ballistica::base
diff --git a/src/ballistica/base/graphics/gl/mesh/mesh_data_gl.h b/src/ballistica/base/graphics/gl/mesh/mesh_data_gl.h
index b27129e0..e902ef97 100644
--- a/src/ballistica/base/graphics/gl/mesh/mesh_data_gl.h
+++ b/src/ballistica/base/graphics/gl/mesh/mesh_data_gl.h
@@ -202,7 +202,6 @@ class RendererGL::MeshDataGL : public MeshRendererData {
   RendererGL* renderer_{};
   uint32_t elem_count_{};
   GLuint index_type_{GL_UNSIGNED_SHORT};
-  FakeVertexArrayObject* fake_vao_{};
 };
 
 }  // namespace ballistica::base
diff --git a/src/ballistica/base/graphics/gl/renderer_gl.cc b/src/ballistica/base/graphics/gl/renderer_gl.cc
index c5cd9bd1..26f84d7c 100644
--- a/src/ballistica/base/graphics/gl/renderer_gl.cc
+++ b/src/ballistica/base/graphics/gl/renderer_gl.cc
@@ -2339,12 +2339,11 @@ void RendererGL::SetDrawAtEqualDepth(bool enable) {
   }
 }
 
-// FIXME FIXME FIXME FIXME
-// turning off GL_DEPTH_TEST also disables
-// depth writing which we may not want.
-// It sounds like the proper thing
-// to do in that case is leave GL_DEPTH_TEST on
-// and set glDepthFunc(GL_ALWAYS)
+// FIXME FIXME FIXME FIXME:
+//
+// Turning off GL_DEPTH_TEST also disables depth writing which we may not
+// want. It sounds like the proper thing to do in that case is leave
+// GL_DEPTH_TEST on and set glDepthFunc(GL_ALWAYS).
 
 void RendererGL::SetDepthTesting(bool enable) {
   if (enable != depth_testing_enabled_) {
diff --git a/src/ballistica/base/graphics/gl/renderer_gl.h b/src/ballistica/base/graphics/gl/renderer_gl.h
index 16917d81..7793a70e 100644
--- a/src/ballistica/base/graphics/gl/renderer_gl.h
+++ b/src/ballistica/base/graphics/gl/renderer_gl.h
@@ -39,7 +39,6 @@ namespace ballistica::base {
 constexpr int kMaxGLTexUnitsUsed = 5;
 
 class RendererGL : public Renderer {
-  class FakeVertexArrayObject;
   class TextureDataGL;
   class MeshAssetDataGL;
   class MeshDataGL;
diff --git a/src/ballistica/base/graphics/mesh/mesh.h b/src/ballistica/base/graphics/mesh/mesh.h
index c556032f..963fa37e 100644
--- a/src/ballistica/base/graphics/mesh/mesh.h
+++ b/src/ballistica/base/graphics/mesh/mesh.h
@@ -9,7 +9,8 @@
 
 namespace ballistica::base {
 
-// A dynamically defined mesh (unlike a mesh asset which is completely static).
+/// A dynamically defined mesh (unlike a mesh asset which is completely
+/// static).
 class Mesh : public Object {
  public:
   auto type() const -> MeshDataType { return type_; }
@@ -17,7 +18,7 @@ class Mesh : public Object {
     return mesh_data_client_handle_;
   }
 
-  // Return whether it is safe to attempt drawing with present data.
+  /// Return whether it is safe to attempt drawing with present data.
   virtual auto IsValid() const -> bool = 0;
   auto last_frame_def_num() const -> int64_t { return last_frame_def_num_; }
   void set_last_frame_def_num(int64_t f) { last_frame_def_num_ = f; }
@@ -31,14 +32,14 @@ class Mesh : public Object {
   }
 
  private:
-  int64_t last_frame_def_num_{};
   MeshDataType type_{};
-
-  // Renderer data for this mesh. We keep this as a shared pointer
-  // so that frame_defs or other things using this mesh can keep it alive
-  // even if we go away.
-  Object::Ref<MeshDataClientHandle> mesh_data_client_handle_;
   bool valid_{};
+  int64_t last_frame_def_num_{};
+
+  /// Renderer data for this mesh. We keep this as a shared pointer so that
+  /// frame_defs or other things using this mesh can keep it alive even if
+  /// we go away.
+  Object::Ref<MeshDataClientHandle> mesh_data_client_handle_;
 };
 
 }  // namespace ballistica::base
diff --git a/src/ballistica/base/graphics/mesh/mesh_data.h b/src/ballistica/base/graphics/mesh/mesh_data.h
index 9520465b..83667c4c 100644
--- a/src/ballistica/base/graphics/mesh/mesh_data.h
+++ b/src/ballistica/base/graphics/mesh/mesh_data.h
@@ -9,8 +9,8 @@
 
 namespace ballistica::base {
 
-// The portion of a mesh that is owned by the graphics thread.
-// This contains the renderer-specific data (GL buffers, etc)
+/// The portion of a mesh that is owned by the graphics server. This
+/// contains the renderer-specific data (GL buffers, etc).
 class MeshData {
  public:
   MeshData(MeshDataType type, MeshDrawType draw_type)
diff --git a/src/ballistica/base/graphics/renderer/render_pass.h b/src/ballistica/base/graphics/renderer/render_pass.h
index 90abb2b7..4a45176f 100644
--- a/src/ballistica/base/graphics/renderer/render_pass.h
+++ b/src/ballistica/base/graphics/renderer/render_pass.h
@@ -15,8 +15,8 @@ namespace ballistica::base {
 // shadow pass, a window, etc.
 class RenderPass {
  public:
-  enum class ReflectionSubPass { kRegular, kMirrored };
-  enum class Type {
+  enum class ReflectionSubPass : uint8_t { kRegular, kMirrored };
+  enum class Type : uint8_t {
     // A pass whose results are projected onto the scene for lighting and
     // shadow effects. Values lighter than kShadowNeutral will show up as
     // light and darker than neutral will show up as shadowing. This version
@@ -152,40 +152,43 @@ class RenderPass {
  private:
   void SetFrustum(float near_val, float far_val);
 
+  bool cam_use_fov_tangents_{};
+  bool floor_reflection_{};
+  Type type_{};
+
+  float cam_near_clip_{};
+  float cam_far_clip_{};
+  float cam_fov_x_{};
+  float cam_fov_y_{};
+  float physical_width_{};
+  float physical_height_{};
+  float virtual_width_{};
+  float virtual_height_{};
+
+  // We can now alternately supply left, right, top, bottom frustum tangents.
+  float cam_fov_l_tan_{1.0f};
+  float cam_fov_r_tan_{1.0f};
+  float cam_fov_t_tan_{1.0f};
+  float cam_fov_b_tan_{1.0f};
+
+  Vector3f cam_pos_{0.0f, 0.0f, 0.0f};
+  Vector3f cam_target_{0.0f, 0.0f, 0.0f};
+  Vector3f cam_up_{0.0f, 0.0f, 0.0f};
+
+  Matrix44f tex_project_matrix_{kMatrix44fIdentity};
+  Matrix44f projection_matrix_{kMatrix44fIdentity};
+  Matrix44f model_view_matrix_{kMatrix44fIdentity};
+  Matrix44f model_view_projection_matrix_{kMatrix44fIdentity};
+  FrameDef* frame_def_{};
+
+  std::vector<Vector3f> cam_area_of_interest_points_;
+
   // Our pass holds sets of draw-commands bucketed by section and
   // component-type.
   std::unique_ptr<RenderCommandBuffer>
       commands_[static_cast<int>(ShadingType::kCount)];
   std::unique_ptr<RenderCommandBuffer> commands_flat_;
   std::unique_ptr<RenderCommandBuffer> commands_flat_transparent_;
-  Vector3f cam_pos_{0.0f, 0.0f, 0.0f};
-  Vector3f cam_target_{0.0f, 0.0f, 0.0f};
-  Vector3f cam_up_{0.0f, 0.0f, 0.0f};
-  float cam_near_clip_{};
-  float cam_far_clip_{};
-  float cam_fov_x_{};
-  float cam_fov_y_{};
-
-  // We can now alternately supply left, right, top, bottom frustum tangents.
-  bool cam_use_fov_tangents_{};
-  float cam_fov_l_tan_{1.0f};
-  float cam_fov_r_tan_{1.0f};
-  float cam_fov_t_tan_{1.0f};
-  float cam_fov_b_tan_{1.0f};
-  std::vector<Vector3f> cam_area_of_interest_points_;
-  Type type_{};
-
-  // For lights/shadows.
-  Matrix44f tex_project_matrix_{kMatrix44fIdentity};
-  Matrix44f projection_matrix_{kMatrix44fIdentity};
-  Matrix44f model_view_matrix_{kMatrix44fIdentity};
-  Matrix44f model_view_projection_matrix_{kMatrix44fIdentity};
-  bool floor_reflection_{};
-  FrameDef* frame_def_{};
-  float physical_width_{};
-  float physical_height_{};
-  float virtual_width_{};
-  float virtual_height_{};
 };
 
 }  // namespace ballistica::base
diff --git a/src/ballistica/base/graphics/renderer/render_target.cc b/src/ballistica/base/graphics/renderer/render_target.cc
index b1e5b786..d6382f51 100644
--- a/src/ballistica/base/graphics/renderer/render_target.cc
+++ b/src/ballistica/base/graphics/renderer/render_target.cc
@@ -39,6 +39,7 @@ auto RenderTarget::GetScissorX(float x) const -> float {
     }
   }
 }
+
 auto RenderTarget::GetScissorY(float y) const -> float {
   assert(g_core);
   if (g_core->vr_mode()) {
@@ -60,6 +61,7 @@ auto RenderTarget::GetScissorY(float y) const -> float {
     }
   }
 }
+
 auto RenderTarget::GetScissorScaleX() const -> float {
   assert(g_core);
   if (g_core->vr_mode()) {
diff --git a/src/ballistica/base/graphics/renderer/render_target.h b/src/ballistica/base/graphics/renderer/render_target.h
index 8ccc0a8d..7c28ce29 100644
--- a/src/ballistica/base/graphics/renderer/render_target.h
+++ b/src/ballistica/base/graphics/renderer/render_target.h
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ class RenderTarget : public Object {
   auto GetThreadOwnership() const -> ThreadOwnership override {
     return ThreadOwnership::kGraphicsContext;
   }
-  enum class Type { kScreen, kFramebuffer };
+  enum class Type : uint8_t { kScreen, kFramebuffer };
   explicit RenderTarget(Type type);
   ~RenderTarget() override;
 
@@ -36,10 +36,10 @@ class RenderTarget : public Object {
   auto GetScissorY(float y) const -> float;
 
  protected:
-  float physical_width_{};
-  float physical_height_{};
   bool depth_{};
   Type type_{};
+  float physical_width_{};
+  float physical_height_{};
 };
 
 }  // namespace ballistica::base
diff --git a/src/ballistica/base/graphics/renderer/renderer.h b/src/ballistica/base/graphics/renderer/renderer.h
index 0ab47c42..3bc6ccc2 100644
--- a/src/ballistica/base/graphics/renderer/renderer.h
+++ b/src/ballistica/base/graphics/renderer/renderer.h
@@ -193,6 +193,7 @@ class Renderer {
   virtual void RenderFrameDefEnd() = 0;
   virtual void CardboardDisableScissor() = 0;
   virtual void CardboardEnableScissor() = 0;
+
 #if BA_VR_BUILD
   void VRTransformToRightHand();
   void VRTransformToLeftHand();
@@ -207,30 +208,24 @@ class Renderer {
   void DrawWorldToCameraBuffer(FrameDef* frame_def);
   void UpdatePixelScaleAndBackingBuffer(FrameDef* frame_def);
   void UpdateCameraRenderTargets(FrameDef* frame_def);
-  // #if BA_OSTYPE_MACOS && BA_SDL_BUILD && !BA_SDL2_BUILD
-  //   void HandleFunkyMacGammaIssue(FrameDef* frame_def);
-  // #endif
   void LoadMedia(FrameDef* frame_def);
   void UpdateDOFParams(FrameDef* frame_def);
+
 #if BA_VR_BUILD
   void VRPreprocess(FrameDef* frame_def);
   void VRUpdateForEyeRender(FrameDef* frame_def);
   void VRDrawOverlayFlatPass(FrameDef* frame_def);
+#endif  // BA_VR_BUILD
+
+#if BA_VR_BUILD
+
+  bool vr_use_fov_tangents_{};
+
   // Raw values from vr system.
   VRHandsState vr_raw_hands_state_{};
-  float vr_raw_head_tx_{};
-  float vr_raw_head_ty_{};
-  float vr_raw_head_tz_{};
-  float vr_raw_head_yaw_{};
-  float vr_raw_head_pitch_{};
-  float vr_raw_head_roll_{};
-  // Final game-space transforms.
-  Matrix44f vr_base_transform_{kMatrix44fIdentity};
-  Matrix44f vr_transform_right_hand_{kMatrix44fIdentity};
-  Matrix44f vr_transform_left_hand_{kMatrix44fIdentity};
-  Matrix44f vr_transform_head_{kMatrix44fIdentity};
-  // Values for current eye render.
-  bool vr_use_fov_tangents_{};
+  int vr_eye_{};
+  int vr_viewport_x_{};
+  int vr_viewport_y_{};
   float vr_fov_l_tan_{1.0f};
   float vr_fov_r_tan_{1.0f};
   float vr_fov_b_tan_{1.0f};
@@ -240,37 +235,59 @@ class Renderer {
   float vr_eye_x_{};
   float vr_eye_y_{};
   float vr_eye_z_{};
-  int vr_eye_{};
   float vr_eye_yaw_{};
   float vr_eye_pitch_{};
   float vr_eye_roll_{};
-  int vr_viewport_x_{};
-  int vr_viewport_y_{};
+  float vr_raw_head_tx_{};
+  float vr_raw_head_ty_{};
+  float vr_raw_head_tz_{};
+  float vr_raw_head_yaw_{};
+  float vr_raw_head_pitch_{};
+  float vr_raw_head_roll_{};
+  Matrix44f vr_base_transform_{kMatrix44fIdentity};
+  Matrix44f vr_transform_right_hand_{kMatrix44fIdentity};
+  Matrix44f vr_transform_left_hand_{kMatrix44fIdentity};
+  Matrix44f vr_transform_head_{kMatrix44fIdentity};
 #endif  // BA_VR_BUILD
 
+  // The *actual* current quality (set based on the currently-rendering
+  // frame_def)
+  GraphicsQuality last_render_quality_{GraphicsQuality::kLow};
+  bool debug_draw_mode_{};
   bool screen_size_dirty_{};
   bool msaa_enabled_dirty_{};
-  millisecs_t dof_update_time_{};
   bool dof_delay_{true};
+  bool drawing_reflection_{};
+  bool shadow_ortho_{};
+
+  int last_commands_buffer_size_{};
+  int last_f_vals_buffer_size_{};
+  int last_i_vals_buffer_size_{};
+  int last_meshes_buffer_size_{};
+  int last_textures_buffer_size_{};
+  int frames_rendered_count_{};
+  int blur_res_count_{};
+  int shadow_res_{-1};
+
   float dof_near_smoothed_{};
   float dof_far_smoothed_{};
-  bool drawing_reflection_{};
-  int blur_res_count_{};
   float light_pitch_{};
   float light_heading_{};
   float light_tz_{-22.0f};
-  Vector3f shadow_offset_{0.0f, 0.0f, 0.0f};
   float shadow_scale_x_{1.0f};
   float shadow_scale_z_{1.0f};
-  bool shadow_ortho_{};
+  float screen_gamma_{1.0f};
+  float pixel_scale_requested_{1.0f};
+  float pixel_scale_{1.0f};
+
+  millisecs_t last_screen_gamma_update_time_{};
+  millisecs_t dof_update_time_{};
+
+  Vector3f shadow_offset_{0.0f, 0.0f, 0.0f};
   Vector3f tint_{1.0f, 1.0f, 1.0f};
   Vector3f ambient_color_{1.0f, 1.0f, 1.0f};
   Vector3f vignette_outer_{0.0f, 0.0f, 0.0f};
   Vector3f vignette_inner_{1.0f, 1.0f, 1.0f};
-  int shadow_res_{-1};
-  float screen_gamma_{1.0f};
-  float pixel_scale_requested_{1.0f};
-  float pixel_scale_{1.0f};
   Object::Ref<RenderTarget> screen_render_target_;
   Object::Ref<RenderTarget> backing_render_target_;
   Object::Ref<RenderTarget> camera_render_target_;
@@ -278,18 +295,6 @@ class Renderer {
   Object::Ref<RenderTarget> light_render_target_;
   Object::Ref<RenderTarget> light_shadow_render_target_;
   Object::Ref<RenderTarget> vr_overlay_flat_render_target_;
-  millisecs_t last_screen_gamma_update_time_{};
-  int last_commands_buffer_size_{};
-  int last_f_vals_buffer_size_{};
-  int last_i_vals_buffer_size_{};
-  int last_meshes_buffer_size_{};
-  int last_textures_buffer_size_{};
-  bool debug_draw_mode_{};
-  int frames_rendered_count_{};
-
-  // The *actual* current quality (set based on the
-  // currently-rendering frame_def)
-  GraphicsQuality last_render_quality_{GraphicsQuality::kLow};
 };
 
 }  // namespace ballistica::base
diff --git a/src/ballistica/base/input/input.cc b/src/ballistica/base/input/input.cc
index 939e1c59..7718bc90 100644
--- a/src/ballistica/base/input/input.cc
+++ b/src/ballistica/base/input/input.cc
@@ -187,7 +187,7 @@ void Input::AnnounceConnects_() {
       ScreenMessage(s);
     }
     if (g_base->assets->sys_assets_loaded()) {
-      g_base->audio->PlaySound(g_base->assets->SysSound(SysSoundID::kGunCock));
+      g_base->audio->SafePlaySysSound(SysSoundID::kGunCock);
     }
   }
   newly_connected_controllers_.clear();
@@ -210,7 +210,7 @@ void Input::AnnounceDisconnects_() {
     ScreenMessage(s);
   }
   if (g_base->assets->sys_assets_loaded()) {
-    g_base->audio->PlaySound(g_base->assets->SysSound(SysSoundID::kCorkPop));
+    g_base->audio->SafePlaySysSound(SysSoundID::kCorkPop);
   }
 
   newly_disconnected_controllers_.clear();
diff --git a/src/ballistica/base/input/support/remote_app_server.cc b/src/ballistica/base/input/support/remote_app_server.cc
index 268cb848..265c38ae 100644
--- a/src/ballistica/base/input/support/remote_app_server.cc
+++ b/src/ballistica/base/input/support/remote_app_server.cc
@@ -166,10 +166,8 @@ void RemoteAppServer::HandleData(int socket, uint8_t* buffer, size_t amt,
             g_base->graphics->screenmessages->AddScreenMessage(
                 s, Vector3f(1, 1, 1));
           });
-          g_base->logic->event_loop()->PushCall([] {
-            g_base->audio->PlaySound(
-                g_base->assets->SysSound(SysSoundID::kCorkPop));
-          });
+          g_base->logic->event_loop()->PushCall(
+              [] { g_base->audio->SafePlaySysSound(SysSoundID::kCorkPop); });
           g_base->input->PushRemoveInputDeviceCall(client->joystick_, false);
           client->joystick_ = nullptr;
           client->in_use = false;
@@ -377,8 +375,7 @@ auto RemoteAppServer::GetClient(int request_id, struct sockaddr* addr,
         });
         g_base->logic->event_loop()->PushCall([] {
           if (g_base->assets->asset_loads_allowed()) {
-            g_base->audio->PlaySound(
-                g_base->assets->SysSound(SysSoundID::kGunCock));
+            g_base->audio->SafePlaySysSound(SysSoundID::kGunCock);
           }
         });
       }
@@ -429,8 +426,7 @@ auto RemoteAppServer::GetClient(int request_id, struct sockaddr* addr,
 
       g_base->logic->event_loop()->PushCall([] {
         if (g_base->assets->asset_loads_allowed()) {
-          g_base->audio->PlaySound(
-              g_base->assets->SysSound(SysSoundID::kGunCock));
+          g_base->audio->SafePlaySysSound(SysSoundID::kGunCock);
         }
       });
 
diff --git a/src/ballistica/base/networking/network_reader.cc b/src/ballistica/base/networking/network_reader.cc
index 0c44e9e1..40f64c25 100644
--- a/src/ballistica/base/networking/network_reader.cc
+++ b/src/ballistica/base/networking/network_reader.cc
@@ -218,7 +218,8 @@ auto NetworkReader::RunThread_() -> int {
           sd = sd6_;
           can_read = can_read_6;
         } else {
-          FatalError("Should not get here.");
+          FatalError("Should not get here; s_index=" + std::to_string(s_index)
+                     + ".");
           sd = -1;
           can_read = false;
         }
diff --git a/src/ballistica/base/ui/dev_console.cc b/src/ballistica/base/ui/dev_console.cc
index 7360a9a0..abf1da1d 100644
--- a/src/ballistica/base/ui/dev_console.cc
+++ b/src/ballistica/base/ui/dev_console.cc
@@ -1110,7 +1110,7 @@ void DevConsole::ToggleState() {
       state_ = State_::kInactive;
       break;
   }
-  g_base->audio->PlaySound(g_base->assets->SysSound(SysSoundID::kBlip));
+  g_base->audio->SafePlaySysSound(SysSoundID::kBlip);
   transition_start_ = g_base->logic->display_time();
 }
 
@@ -1445,8 +1445,7 @@ auto DevConsole::PasteFromClipboard() -> bool {
         if (g_base->ClipboardHasText()) {
           auto text = g_base->ClipboardGetText();
           if (strstr(text.c_str(), "\n") || strstr(text.c_str(), "\r")) {
-            g_base->audio->PlaySound(
-                g_base->assets->SysSound(SysSoundID::kErrorBeep));
+            g_base->audio->SafePlaySysSound(SysSoundID::kErrorBeep);
             ScreenMessage("Can only paste single lines of text.",
                           Vector3f(1.0f, 0.0f, 0.0f));
           } else {
diff --git a/src/ballistica/base/ui/ui.cc b/src/ballistica/base/ui/ui.cc
index eef389b3..aa20edb6 100644
--- a/src/ballistica/base/ui/ui.cc
+++ b/src/ballistica/base/ui/ui.cc
@@ -427,8 +427,7 @@ auto UI::GetWidgetForInput(InputDevice* input_device) -> ui_v1::Widget* {
     // they're not the chosen one.
     if (time - last_widget_input_reject_err_sound_time_ > 5000) {
       last_widget_input_reject_err_sound_time_ = time;
-      g_base->audio->PlaySound(
-          g_base->assets->SysSound(SysSoundID::kErrorBeep));
+      g_base->audio->SafePlaySysSound(SysSoundID::kErrorBeep);
       print_menu_owner = true;
     }
     ret_val = nullptr;  // Rejected!
diff --git a/src/ballistica/core/core.cc b/src/ballistica/core/core.cc
index f7bdc1ca..5cf8fb3f 100644
--- a/src/ballistica/core/core.cc
+++ b/src/ballistica/core/core.cc
@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@
 #include "ballistica/core/platform/core_platform.h"
 #include "ballistica/core/python/core_python.h"
 #include "ballistica/shared/foundation/event_loop.h"
+#include "ballistica/shared/foundation/types.h"
 
 namespace ballistica::core {
 
@@ -75,7 +76,8 @@ void CoreFeatureSet::DoImport(const CoreConfig& config) {
   // didn't exist before. Can at least add an offset to give an accurate
   // time though.
   auto seconds_since_actual_start =
-      static_cast<double>(CorePlatform::GetCurrentMillisecs() - start_millisecs)
+      static_cast<seconds_t>(CorePlatform::GetCurrentMillisecs()
+                             - start_millisecs)
       / 1000.0;
   g_core->LifecycleLog("core import begin", -seconds_since_actual_start);
   g_core->LifecycleLog("core import end");
@@ -320,9 +322,9 @@ auto CoreFeatureSet::GetAppTimeMicrosecs() -> microsecs_t {
   return app_time_microsecs_;
 }
 
-auto CoreFeatureSet::GetAppTimeSeconds() -> double {
+auto CoreFeatureSet::GetAppTimeSeconds() -> seconds_t {
   UpdateAppTime();
-  return static_cast<double>(app_time_microsecs_) / 1000000;
+  return static_cast<seconds_t>(app_time_microsecs_) / 1000000;
 }
 
 void CoreFeatureSet::UpdateAppTime() {
diff --git a/src/ballistica/core/core.h b/src/ballistica/core/core.h
index d31d0e8d..7f42dc96 100644
--- a/src/ballistica/core/core.h
+++ b/src/ballistica/core/core.h
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ class CoreFeatureSet {
   /// App-time is basically the total time that the engine has been actively
   /// running. (The 'App' here is a slight misnomer). It will stop
   /// progressing while the app is suspended and will never go backwards.
-  auto GetAppTimeSeconds() -> double;
+  auto GetAppTimeSeconds() -> seconds_t;
 
   /// Are we in the 'main' thread? The thread that first inited Core is
   /// considered the 'main' thread; on most platforms it is the one where
diff --git a/src/ballistica/core/python/core_python.cc b/src/ballistica/core/python/core_python.cc
index 3c981e77..cc20c970 100644
--- a/src/ballistica/core/python/core_python.cc
+++ b/src/ballistica/core/python/core_python.cc
@@ -244,10 +244,12 @@ void CorePython::MonolithicModeBaEnvConfigure() {
   auto default_py_dir = std::string("ba_data") + BA_DIRSLASH + "python";
   auto data_dir_mono_default =
       g_core->platform->GetDataDirectoryMonolithicDefault();
+
   // Keep path clean if data-dir val is ".".
   if (data_dir_mono_default != ".") {
     default_py_dir = data_dir_mono_default + BA_DIRSLASH + default_py_dir;
   }
+
   auto args = PythonRef::Stolen(Py_BuildValue("(s)", default_py_dir.c_str()));
   objs().Get(ObjID::kPrependSysPathCall).Call(args);
 
@@ -259,8 +261,9 @@ void CorePython::MonolithicModeBaEnvConfigure() {
       g_core->platform->GetDataDirectoryMonolithicDefault();
   std::optional<std::string> user_python_dir =
       g_core->platform->GetUserPythonDirectoryMonolithicDefault();
+
+  // clang-format off
   auto kwargs =
-      // clang-format off
     PythonRef::Stolen(Py_BuildValue(
       "{"
       "sO"  // config_dir
@@ -277,14 +280,15 @@ void CorePython::MonolithicModeBaEnvConfigure() {
       "contains_python_dist",
         g_buildconfig.contains_python_dist() ? Py_True : Py_False));
   // clang-format on
+
   auto result = objs()
                     .Get(ObjID::kBaEnvConfigureCall)
                     .Call(objs().Get(ObjID::kEmptyTuple), kwargs);
   if (!result.Exists()) {
-    FatalError(
-        "Environment setup failed.\n"
-        "This usually means you are running the app from the wrong location.\n"
-        "See log for details.");
+    FatalError("Environment setup failed (no error info available).");
+  }
+  if (result.ValueIsString()) {
+    FatalError("Environment setup failed:\n" + result.ValueAsString());
   }
   g_core->LifecycleLog("baenv.configure() end");
 }
diff --git a/src/ballistica/scene_v1/connection/connection_to_client.cc b/src/ballistica/scene_v1/connection/connection_to_client.cc
index 896185b6..367e8e16 100644
--- a/src/ballistica/scene_v1/connection/connection_to_client.cc
+++ b/src/ballistica/scene_v1/connection/connection_to_client.cc
@@ -82,8 +82,9 @@ ConnectionToClient::~ConnectionToClient() {
     std::string s = g_base->assets->GetResourceString("playerLeftPartyText");
     Utils::StringReplaceOne(&s, "${NAME}", peer_spec().GetDisplayString());
     ScreenMessage(s, {1, 0.5f, 0.0f});
-    g_base->audio->PlaySound(
-        g_base->assets->SysSound(base::SysSoundID::kCorkPop));
+    if (g_base->assets->sys_assets_loaded()) {
+      g_base->audio->SafePlaySysSound(base::SysSoundID::kCorkPop);
+    }
   }
 }
 
@@ -234,8 +235,9 @@ void ConnectionToClient::HandleGamePacket(const std::vector<uint8_t>& data) {
           Utils::StringReplaceOne(&s, "${NAME}",
                                   peer_spec().GetDisplayString());
           ScreenMessage(s, {0.5f, 1, 0.5f});
-          g_base->audio->PlaySound(
-              g_base->assets->SysSound(base::SysSoundID::kGunCock));
+          if (g_base->assets->sys_assets_loaded()) {
+            g_base->audio->SafePlaySysSound(base::SysSoundID::kGunCock);
+          }
         }
 
         // Also mark the time for flashing the 'someone just joined your
diff --git a/src/ballistica/scene_v1/connection/connection_to_host.cc b/src/ballistica/scene_v1/connection/connection_to_host.cc
index 93503988..e1093e14 100644
--- a/src/ballistica/scene_v1/connection/connection_to_host.cc
+++ b/src/ballistica/scene_v1/connection/connection_to_host.cc
@@ -45,8 +45,7 @@ ConnectionToHost::~ConnectionToHost() {
         Utils::StringReplaceOne(&s, "${NAME}", peer_spec().GetDisplayString());
       }
       ScreenMessage(s, {1, 0.5f, 0.0f});
-      g_base->audio->PlaySound(
-          g_base->assets->SysSound(base::SysSoundID::kCorkPop));
+      g_base->audio->SafePlaySysSound(base::SysSoundID::kCorkPop);
     } else {
       ScreenMessage(g_base->assets->GetResourceString("connectionRejectedText"),
                     {1, 0, 0});
@@ -413,8 +412,7 @@ void ConnectionToHost::HandleMessagePacket(const std::vector<uint8_t>& buffer) {
         Utils::StringReplaceOne(
             &s, "${NAME}", PlayerSpec(str_buffer.data()).GetDisplayString());
         ScreenMessage(s, {0.5f, 1.0f, 0.5f});
-        g_base->audio->PlaySound(
-            g_base->assets->SysSound(base::SysSoundID::kGunCock));
+        g_base->audio->SafePlaySysSound(base::SysSoundID::kGunCock);
       }
       break;
     }
@@ -430,8 +428,7 @@ void ConnectionToHost::HandleMessagePacket(const std::vector<uint8_t>& buffer) {
         Utils::StringReplaceOne(
             &s, "${NAME}", PlayerSpec(&(str_buffer[0])).GetDisplayString());
         ScreenMessage(s, {1, 0.5f, 0.0f});
-        g_base->audio->PlaySound(
-            g_base->assets->SysSound(base::SysSoundID::kCorkPop));
+        g_base->audio->SafePlaySysSound(base::SysSoundID::kCorkPop);
       }
       break;
     }
@@ -571,8 +568,7 @@ void ConnectionToHost::HandleMessagePacket(const std::vector<uint8_t>& buffer) {
       Utils::StringReplaceOne(&s, "${NAME}", peer_spec().GetDisplayString());
     }
     ScreenMessage(s, {0.5f, 1, 0.5f});
-    g_base->audio->PlaySound(
-        g_base->assets->SysSound(base::SysSoundID::kGunCock));
+    g_base->audio->SafePlaySysSound(base::SysSoundID::kGunCock);
 
     printed_connect_message_ = true;
   }
diff --git a/src/ballistica/scene_v1/node/prop_node.cc b/src/ballistica/scene_v1/node/prop_node.cc
index ed94268a..5153a1e7 100644
--- a/src/ballistica/scene_v1/node/prop_node.cc
+++ b/src/ballistica/scene_v1/node/prop_node.cc
@@ -100,7 +100,7 @@ void PropNode::SetIsAreaOfInterest(bool val) {
 void PropNode::Draw(base::FrameDef* frame_def) {
 #if !BA_HEADLESS_BUILD
 
-  // need our texture, mesh, and body to be present to draw..
+  // We need a texture, mesh, and body to be present to draw.
   if ((!mesh_.Exists()) || (!color_texture_.Exists()) || (!body_.Exists())) {
     return;
   }
diff --git a/src/ballistica/scene_v1/support/scene_v1_app_mode.cc b/src/ballistica/scene_v1/support/scene_v1_app_mode.cc
index 72cfdbd2..d61238bc 100644
--- a/src/ballistica/scene_v1/support/scene_v1_app_mode.cc
+++ b/src/ballistica/scene_v1/support/scene_v1_app_mode.cc
@@ -1160,8 +1160,7 @@ void SceneV1AppMode::LocalDisplayChatMessage(
         g_scene_v1->python->HandleLocalChatMessage(final_message);
       }
       if (!chat_muted_) {
-        g_base->audio->PlaySound(
-            g_base->assets->SysSound(base::SysSoundID::kTap));
+        g_base->audio->SafePlaySysSound(base::SysSoundID::kTap);
       }
     }
   }
diff --git a/src/ballistica/shared/ballistica.cc b/src/ballistica/shared/ballistica.cc
index c0da047b..ffd8e494 100644
--- a/src/ballistica/shared/ballistica.cc
+++ b/src/ballistica/shared/ballistica.cc
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ auto main(int argc, char** argv) -> int {
 namespace ballistica {
 
 // These are set automatically via script; don't modify them here.
-const int kEngineBuildNumber = 21743;
+const int kEngineBuildNumber = 21747;
 const char* kEngineVersion = "1.7.33";
 const int kEngineApiVersion = 8;
 
diff --git a/src/ballistica/shared/foundation/fatal_error.cc b/src/ballistica/shared/foundation/fatal_error.cc
index 3fb5c7ea..5eca6f17 100644
--- a/src/ballistica/shared/foundation/fatal_error.cc
+++ b/src/ballistica/shared/foundation/fatal_error.cc
@@ -11,8 +11,9 @@
 
 namespace ballistica {
 
-// Note: implicitly using core's internal globals here, so our behavior is
-// undefined if core has not been imported by *someone*.
+// Note: implicitly using core's internal globals here, but we should try to
+// behave reasonably if they're not inited since fatal errors can happen any
+// time.
 using core::g_base_soft;
 using core::g_core;
 
@@ -121,8 +122,8 @@ void FatalError::ReportFatalError(const std::string& message,
   std::string prefix = "FATAL-ERROR-LOG:";
   std::string suffix;
 
-  // If we have no core state yet, include this message explicitly
-  // since it won't be part of the standard log.
+  // If we have no core state yet, include this message explicitly since it
+  // won't be part of the standard log.
   if (g_core == nullptr) {
     suffix = logmsg;
   }
@@ -147,7 +148,7 @@ void FatalError::ReportFatalError(const std::string& message,
 }
 
 void FatalError::DoBlockingFatalErrorDialog(const std::string& message) {
-  // We should not get here without this intact.
+  // Should not be possible to get here without this intact.
   assert(g_core);
   // If we're in the main thread; just fire off the dialog directly.
   // Otherwise tell the main thread to do it and wait around until it's
diff --git a/src/ballistica/shared/python/python_ref.cc b/src/ballistica/shared/python/python_ref.cc
index 51f0d88c..eb74d121 100644
--- a/src/ballistica/shared/python/python_ref.cc
+++ b/src/ballistica/shared/python/python_ref.cc
@@ -157,6 +157,12 @@ auto PythonRef::ValueIsNone() const -> bool {
   return obj_ == Py_None;
 }
 
+auto PythonRef::ValueIsString() const -> bool {
+  assert(Python::HaveGIL());
+  ThrowIfUnset();
+  return Python::IsPyString(obj_);
+}
+
 auto PythonRef::ValueAsLString() const -> std::string {
   assert(Python::HaveGIL());
   ThrowIfUnset();
diff --git a/src/ballistica/shared/python/python_ref.h b/src/ballistica/shared/python/python_ref.h
index b2455d26..9a7ae3b4 100644
--- a/src/ballistica/shared/python/python_ref.h
+++ b/src/ballistica/shared/python/python_ref.h
@@ -171,6 +171,7 @@ class PythonRef {
   /// Throws an exception for other types.
   auto ValueAsLString() const -> std::string;
 
+  auto ValueIsString() const -> bool;
   auto ValueAsString() const -> std::string;
   auto ValueAsStringSequence() const -> std::list<std::string>;
   auto ValueAsOptionalString() const -> std::optional<std::string>;
diff --git a/src/ballistica/ui_v1/python/ui_v1_python.cc b/src/ballistica/ui_v1/python/ui_v1_python.cc
index bc914d47..7abd295b 100644
--- a/src/ballistica/ui_v1/python/ui_v1_python.cc
+++ b/src/ballistica/ui_v1/python/ui_v1_python.cc
@@ -107,7 +107,7 @@ void UIV1Python::InvokeStringEditor(PyObject* string_edit_adapter_instance) {
   BA_PRECONDITION(string_edit_adapter_instance);
 
   base::ScopedSetContext ssc(nullptr);
-  g_base->audio->PlaySound(g_base->assets->SysSound(base::SysSoundID::kSwish));
+  g_base->audio->SafePlaySysSound(base::SysSoundID::kSwish);
 
   PythonRef args(Py_BuildValue("(O)", string_edit_adapter_instance),
                  PythonRef::kSteal);
@@ -139,7 +139,7 @@ void UIV1Python::InvokeQuitWindow(QuitType quit_type) {
     }
   }
 
-  g_base->audio->PlaySound(g_base->assets->SysSound(base::SysSoundID::kSwish));
+  g_base->audio->SafePlaySysSound(base::SysSoundID::kSwish);
   auto py_enum = g_base->python->PyQuitType(quit_type);
   auto args = PythonRef::Stolen(Py_BuildValue("(O)", py_enum.Get()));
   objs().Get(UIV1Python::ObjID::kQuitWindowCall).Call(args);
diff --git a/src/ballistica/ui_v1/widget/button_widget.cc b/src/ballistica/ui_v1/widget/button_widget.cc
index e992098c..9b84d87c 100644
--- a/src/ballistica/ui_v1/widget/button_widget.cc
+++ b/src/ballistica/ui_v1/widget/button_widget.cc
@@ -557,14 +557,11 @@ void ButtonWidget::DoActivate(bool is_repeat) {
   if (sound_enabled_) {
     int r = rand() % 3;  // NOLINT
     if (r == 0) {
-      g_base->audio->PlaySound(
-          g_base->assets->SysSound(base::SysSoundID::kSwish));
+      g_base->audio->SafePlaySysSound(base::SysSoundID::kSwish);
     } else if (r == 1) {
-      g_base->audio->PlaySound(
-          g_base->assets->SysSound(base::SysSoundID::kSwish2));
+      g_base->audio->SafePlaySysSound(base::SysSoundID::kSwish2);
     } else {
-      g_base->audio->PlaySound(
-          g_base->assets->SysSound(base::SysSoundID::kSwish3));
+      g_base->audio->SafePlaySysSound(base::SysSoundID::kSwish3);
     }
   }
   if (auto* call = on_activate_call_.Get()) {
diff --git a/src/ballistica/ui_v1/widget/check_box_widget.cc b/src/ballistica/ui_v1/widget/check_box_widget.cc
index 2159d048..c77a0ef8 100644
--- a/src/ballistica/ui_v1/widget/check_box_widget.cc
+++ b/src/ballistica/ui_v1/widget/check_box_widget.cc
@@ -237,7 +237,7 @@ void CheckBoxWidget::SetValue(bool value) {
 }
 
 void CheckBoxWidget::Activate() {
-  g_base->audio->PlaySound(g_base->assets->SysSound(base::SysSoundID::kSwish3));
+  g_base->audio->SafePlaySysSound(base::SysSoundID::kSwish3);
   checked_ = !checked_;
   check_dirty_ = true;
   last_change_time_ = g_core->GetAppTimeMillisecs();
diff --git a/src/ballistica/ui_v1/widget/container_widget.cc b/src/ballistica/ui_v1/widget/container_widget.cc
index 8d315738..37495e0a 100644
--- a/src/ballistica/ui_v1/widget/container_widget.cc
+++ b/src/ballistica/ui_v1/widget/container_widget.cc
@@ -607,8 +607,7 @@ auto ContainerWidget::HandleMessage(const base::WidgetMessage& m) -> bool {
 
               // First click just selects.
               if (click_count == 1) {
-                g_base->audio->PlaySound(
-                    g_base->assets->SysSound(base::SysSoundID::kTap));
+                g_base->audio->SafePlaySysSound(base::SysSoundID::kTap);
               }
             } else {
               // Special case: If we've got a child text widget that's
@@ -1637,8 +1636,7 @@ void ContainerWidget::SelectDownWidget() {
         // Avoid tap sounds and whatnot if we're just re-selecting ourself.
         if (w != selected_widget_) {
           w->GlobalSelect();
-          g_base->audio->PlaySound(
-              g_base->assets->SysSound(base::SysSoundID::kTap));
+          g_base->audio->SafePlaySysSound(base::SysSoundID::kTap);
         }
       }
     } else {
@@ -1702,8 +1700,7 @@ void ContainerWidget::SelectUpWidget() {
         // Avoid tap sounds and whatnot if we're just re-selecting ourself.
         if (w != selected_widget_) {
           w->GlobalSelect();
-          g_base->audio->PlaySound(
-              g_base->assets->SysSound(base::SysSoundID::kTap));
+          g_base->audio->SafePlaySysSound(base::SysSoundID::kTap);
         }
       }
     } else {
@@ -1755,8 +1752,7 @@ void ContainerWidget::SelectLeftWidget() {
         // Avoid tap sounds and whatnot if we're just re-selecting ourself.
         if (w != selected_widget_) {
           w->GlobalSelect();
-          g_base->audio->PlaySound(
-              g_base->assets->SysSound(base::SysSoundID::kTap));
+          g_base->audio->SafePlaySysSound(base::SysSoundID::kTap);
         }
       }
     } else {
@@ -1808,8 +1804,7 @@ void ContainerWidget::SelectRightWidget() {
         // Avoid tap sounds and whatnot if we're just re-selecting ourself.
         if (w != selected_widget_) {
           w->GlobalSelect();
-          g_base->audio->PlaySound(
-              g_base->assets->SysSound(base::SysSoundID::kTap));
+          g_base->audio->SafePlaySysSound(base::SysSoundID::kTap);
         }
       }
     } else {
@@ -1891,8 +1886,7 @@ void ContainerWidget::SelectNextWidget() {
     }
     if ((**i).IsSelectable() && (**i).IsSelectableViaKeys()) {
       SelectWidget(&(**i), SelectionCause::NEXT_SELECTED);
-      g_base->audio->PlaySound(
-          g_base->assets->SysSound(base::SysSoundID::kTap));
+      g_base->audio->SafePlaySysSound(base::SysSoundID::kTap);
       return;
     }
     i++;
@@ -1907,8 +1901,7 @@ void ContainerWidget::PrintExitListInstructions(
     if ((t - old_last_prev_next_time > 250)
         && (t - last_list_exit_instructions_print_time_ > 5000)) {
       last_list_exit_instructions_print_time_ = t;
-      g_base->audio->PlaySound(
-          g_base->assets->SysSound(base::SysSoundID::kErrorBeep));
+      g_base->audio->SafePlaySysSound(base::SysSoundID::kErrorBeep);
       std::string s = g_base->assets->GetResourceString("arrowsToExitListText");
       {
         // Left arrow.
@@ -1981,8 +1974,7 @@ void ContainerWidget::SelectPrevWidget() {
 
     if ((**i).IsSelectable() && (**i).IsSelectableViaKeys()) {
       SelectWidget(&(**i), SelectionCause::PREV_SELECTED);
-      g_base->audio->PlaySound(
-          g_base->assets->SysSound(base::SysSoundID::kTap));
+      g_base->audio->SafePlaySysSound(base::SysSoundID::kTap);
       return;
     }
     i++;
diff --git a/src/ballistica/ui_v1/widget/text_widget.cc b/src/ballistica/ui_v1/widget/text_widget.cc
index cd291550..b9f422f0 100644
--- a/src/ballistica/ui_v1/widget/text_widget.cc
+++ b/src/ballistica/ui_v1/widget/text_widget.cc
@@ -711,8 +711,7 @@ auto TextWidget::HandleMessage(const base::WidgetMessage& m) -> bool {
       case SDLK_KP_ENTER:
         if (g_buildconfig.ostype_ios_tvos() || g_buildconfig.ostype_android()) {
           // On mobile, return currently just deselects us.
-          g_base->audio->PlaySound(
-              g_base->assets->SysSound(base::SysSoundID::kSwish));
+          g_base->audio->SafePlaySysSound(base::SysSoundID::kSwish);
           parent_widget()->SelectWidget(nullptr);
           return true;
         } else {
@@ -847,8 +846,7 @@ auto TextWidget::HandleMessage(const base::WidgetMessage& m) -> bool {
           pressed_activate_ =
               (click_count == 2 || click_activate_) && !editable_;
           if (click_count == 1) {
-            g_base->audio->PlaySound(
-                g_base->assets->SysSound(base::SysSoundID::kTap));
+            g_base->audio->SafePlaySysSound(base::SysSoundID::kTap);
           }
         }
         return true;
@@ -871,8 +869,7 @@ auto TextWidget::HandleMessage(const base::WidgetMessage& m) -> bool {
         carat_position_ = 0;
         text_group_dirty_ = true;
         clear_pressed_ = false;
-        g_base->audio->PlaySound(
-            g_base->assets->SysSound(base::SysSoundID::kTap));
+        g_base->audio->SafePlaySysSound(base::SysSoundID::kTap);
         return true;
       }
       clear_pressed_ = false;
diff --git a/src/meta/bacoremeta/pyembed/env.py b/src/meta/bacoremeta/pyembed/env.py
index fde574a8..22912f88 100644
--- a/src/meta/bacoremeta/pyembed/env.py
+++ b/src/meta/bacoremeta/pyembed/env.py
@@ -23,16 +23,27 @@ def import_baenv_and_run_configure(
     data_dir: str | None,
     user_python_dir: str | None,
     contains_python_dist: bool,
-) -> None:
-    """Import baenv and run its configure method."""
-    import baenv
+) -> None | str:
+    """Import baenv and run its configure method.
 
-    baenv.configure(
-        config_dir=config_dir,
-        data_dir=data_dir,
-        user_python_dir=user_python_dir,
-        contains_python_dist=contains_python_dist,
-    )
+    On success, returns None. On Failure, attempts to return an error
+    traceback as a string (logging may not yet be functional at this point
+    so we need to be direct).
+    """
+    try:
+        import baenv
+
+        baenv.configure(
+            config_dir=config_dir,
+            data_dir=data_dir,
+            user_python_dir=user_python_dir,
+            contains_python_dist=contains_python_dist,
+        )
+        return None
+    except Exception:
+        import traceback
+
+        return traceback.format_exc()
 
 
 def get_env_config() -> baenv.EnvConfig: