diff --git a/RELEASENOTES.md b/RELEASENOTES.md
index effc01c..5e31f9c 100644
--- a/RELEASENOTES.md
+++ b/RELEASENOTES.md
@@ -5,11 +5,19 @@
 
 ### New Features
 
+- Issue 
+
+- Issue: #35
+  Creating Lane option for stages. 
+  Additionally to the primary stage lane, stages can now be created in different lanes.
+  These lanes can be used to create different stage progression flows and create different "side-stories".
+  #40
+
 ### Bug Fixes
 
 ## [0.13.0] 2026-08
 
-A good first release that finally has all major bugs fixed that were caused by the migration from both the underlying script transpiler and the migration to Gitea. <br>
+A good first release that finally has all major bugs fixed that were caused by the migration from both the underlying script transpiler and the migration to Gitea.
 
 ### Breaking Changes
 
diff --git a/config.lua b/config.lua
index f429a7f..14af0b5 100644
--- a/config.lua
+++ b/config.lua
@@ -4,6 +4,9 @@ SpearheadConfig = {
     ---DEBUG LOGGING
     debugEnabled = false, -- default false
 
+    --- DEBUG MENU
+    debugMenuEnabled = false, -- default false
+
     --- The time briefings should be displayed by default.
     --- Players can always "Clear Messages" through the F10 menu, so setting it to a high value can be 
     briefingMessageDuration = 60, --default 60
diff --git a/src/classes/capClasses/CapAirbase.lua b/src/classes/capClasses/CapAirbase.lua
index a906f28..80390a3 100644
--- a/src/classes/capClasses/CapAirbase.lua
+++ b/src/classes/capClasses/CapAirbase.lua
@@ -392,9 +392,12 @@ function CapBase:CheckAndScheduleIntercept()
             end
         end
     end
-
 end
-function CapBase:OnStageNumberChanged(number)
+
+function CapBase:OnStageNumberChanged(number, laneIdentifier)
+    -- only react on "main" lane changes, ignore other lanes for now
+    if laneIdentifier ~= nil then return end
+
     self.activeStage = number
 
     if self:IsBaseActiveWhenStageIsActive(number) == true then
diff --git a/src/classes/capClasses/airGroups/AirGroup.lua b/src/classes/capClasses/airGroups/AirGroup.lua
index ea5a5ce..83c1586 100644
--- a/src/classes/capClasses/airGroups/AirGroup.lua
+++ b/src/classes/capClasses/airGroups/AirGroup.lua
@@ -2,6 +2,9 @@ local SpearheadEvents = require("classes.spearhead_events")
 local RTBMission = require("classes.capClasses.taskings.RTB")
 local Util = require("classes.util.Util")
 local DcsUtil = require("classes.util.DcsUtil")
+local GlobalConfig = require("classes.configuration.GlobalConfig")
+local CustomDrawing = require("classes.stageClasses.drawings.CustomDrawing")
+local DrawingHelper = require("classes.stageClasses.drawings.helper.DrawingHelper")
 
 ---@class AirGroup : OnUnitLostListener
 ---@field protected _logger Logger
@@ -12,9 +15,12 @@ local DcsUtil = require("classes.util.DcsUtil")
 ---@field protected _config CapConfig
 ---@field protected _checkLivenessNumber number
 ---@field protected _spawnManager SpawnManager
+---@field protected _routeDrawing CustomDrawing?
 local AirGroup = {}
 AirGroup.__index = AirGroup
 
+local globalConfig = GlobalConfig.New()
+
 ---@param logger Logger
 ---@param groupName string
 ---@param groupType AirGroupType
@@ -28,6 +34,7 @@ function AirGroup:New(groupName, groupType, config, logger, spawnManager)
     self._config = config
     self._logger = logger
     self._spawnManager = spawnManager
+    self._routeDrawing = nil
 
     local group = Group.getByName(self._groupName)
     if group then
@@ -92,6 +99,27 @@ function AirGroup:SetMissionPrivate(mission)
     if group and mission then
         group:getController():setTask(mission)
         self._logger:debug("mission - Task set for group: " .. self._groupName)
+
+        if globalConfig:isDebugMenuEnabled() == true then
+            -- draw the mission route for debugging purposes
+            if self._routeDrawing then
+                self._routeDrawing:Remove()
+            end
+
+            local points = {}
+            if mission and mission.params and mission.params.route and mission.params.route.points then
+                for _, wp in pairs(mission.params.route.points) do
+                    if wp.x and wp.y then
+                        table.insert(points, { x = wp.x, y = wp.y })
+                    end
+                end
+            end
+
+            local colorString = DrawingHelper.ColorTableToColorString({ 1, 0, 0, 1 })
+            self._routeDrawing = CustomDrawing.FromPoints(points, colorString, 5, 2)
+            self._routeDrawing:Draw()
+        end
+
     end
 end
 
diff --git a/src/classes/configuration/GlobalConfig.lua b/src/classes/configuration/GlobalConfig.lua
index c794984..d4c19d8 100644
--- a/src/classes/configuration/GlobalConfig.lua
+++ b/src/classes/configuration/GlobalConfig.lua
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ local briefingMessageTime = nil
 ---@class GlobalConfig
 ---@field private _briefingTime number 
 ---@field private _debugEnabled boolean
+---@field private _debugMenuEnabled boolean
 local GlobalConfig = {}
 GlobalConfig.__index = GlobalConfig;
 
@@ -27,6 +28,8 @@ function GlobalConfig.New()
             self._debugEnabled = false
         end
 
+        self._debugMenuEnabled = SpearheadConfig.debugMenuEnabled == true
+
     end
 
     return self
@@ -40,6 +43,10 @@ function GlobalConfig:isDebugEnabled()
     return self._debugEnabled or false
 end
 
+---@return boolean
+function GlobalConfig:isDebugMenuEnabled()
+    return self._debugMenuEnabled or false
+end
 
 return GlobalConfig
 
diff --git a/src/classes/fleetClasses/FleetGroup.lua b/src/classes/fleetClasses/FleetGroup.lua
index 2e703dc..48d7671 100644
--- a/src/classes/fleetClasses/FleetGroup.lua
+++ b/src/classes/fleetClasses/FleetGroup.lua
@@ -127,7 +127,9 @@ function FleetGroup:new(fleetGroupName, database, logger)
         end
     end
 
-    o.OnStageNumberChanged = function(self, number)
+    o.OnStageNumberChanged = function(self, number, laneIdentifier)
+        -- only react on "main" lane changes, ignore other lanes for now
+        if laneIdentifier ~= nil then return end
         local targetZone = self.targetZonePerStage[tostring(number)]
         if targetZone and targetZone ~= self.currentTargetZone then
             local points = self.pointsPerZone[targetZone]
diff --git a/src/classes/persistence/Persistence.lua b/src/classes/persistence/Persistence.lua
index 02e179e..7e3331d 100644
--- a/src/classes/persistence/Persistence.lua
+++ b/src/classes/persistence/Persistence.lua
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ do
     ---@field unitsStates table<string, UnitState>
     ---@field random_missions table<string, MissionState>
     ---@field deliveredKilos table<string, number>
-    ---@field activeStage integer|nil
+    ---@field activeStageInStageLane table<string, number>
 
     ---@class UnitState 
     ---@field isDead boolean
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ do
         unitsStates = {},
         random_missions = {},
         deliveredKilos = {},
-        activeStage = nil
+        activeStageInStageLane = {}
     }
 
     local logger = {}
@@ -230,9 +230,11 @@ do
     end
 
     ---Sets the stage in the persistence table
+    ---@param stageLane string?
     ---@param stageNumber number 
-    Persistence.SetActiveStage = function(stageNumber)
-        tables.activeStage = stageNumber
+    Persistence.SetActiveStage = function(stageLane, stageNumber)
+        stageLane = stageLane or "nil"
+        tables.activeStageInStageLane[stageLane] = stageNumber
         Persistence._updateRequired = true
     end
 
@@ -256,12 +258,11 @@ do
     end
 
     ---Get the active stage as in the persistance file
+    ---@param stageLane string?
     ---@return integer|nil
-    Persistence.GetActiveStage = function()
-        if tables.activeStage then
-            return tables.activeStage
-        end
-        return nil
+    Persistence.GetActiveStage = function(stageLane)
+        stageLane = stageLane or "nil"
+        return tables.activeStageInStageLane[stageLane]
     end
 
     ---comment
diff --git a/src/classes/spearhead_events.lua b/src/classes/spearhead_events.lua
index efc707b..6b05b14 100644
--- a/src/classes/spearhead_events.lua
+++ b/src/classes/spearhead_events.lua
@@ -45,13 +45,13 @@ do
         end
 
         ---@class OnStageNumberChangeCompleteListener
-        ---@field OnStageNumberChangeComplete fun(self:OnStageNumberChangeCompleteListener, number:integer)
+        ---@field OnStageNumberChangeComplete fun(self:OnStageNumberChangeCompleteListener, number:integer, laneIdentifier:string?)
         
         local OnStageNumberChangeCompleteListeners = {}
         ---@param listener OnStageNumberChangeCompleteListener
         SpearheadEvents.AddStageNumberChangeCompleteListener = function(listener)
             if type(listener) ~= "table" or type(listener.OnStageNumberChangeComplete) ~= "function" then
-                warn("Event handler not of type table/object with function OnStageNumberChangeComplete(self, number)")
+                warn("Event handler not of type table/object with function OnStageNumberChangeComplete(self, number, laneIdentifier)")
                 return
             end
             table.insert(OnStageNumberChangeCompleteListeners, listener)
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ do
         ---@param laneIdentifier string?
         SpearheadEvents.PublishStageNumberChanged = function(newStageNumber, laneIdentifier)
             pcall(function ()
-                Persistence.SetActiveStage(newStageNumber)
+                Persistence.SetActiveStage(laneIdentifier, newStageNumber)
             end)
 
             for _, callable in pairs(OnStageNumberChangedListeners) do
@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@ do
 
             for _, callable in pairs(OnStageNumberChangeCompleteListeners) do
                 local succ, err = pcall(function()
-                    callable:OnStageNumberChangeComplete(newStageNumber)
+                    callable:OnStageNumberChangeComplete(newStageNumber, laneIdentifier)
                 end)
                 if err then
                     logError(err)
diff --git a/src/classes/stageClasses/GlobalStageManager.lua b/src/classes/stageClasses/GlobalStageManager.lua
index 744c5cb..b93c768 100644
--- a/src/classes/stageClasses/GlobalStageManager.lua
+++ b/src/classes/stageClasses/GlobalStageManager.lua
@@ -3,13 +3,14 @@ local Util = require("classes.util.Util")
 local DcsUtil = require("classes.util.DcsUtil")
 local Logger = require("classes.util.Logger")
 local MissionEditorWarnings = require("classes.util.MissionEditorWarnings")
-
+local PersistenceConfig = require("classes.configuration.PersistenceConfig")
 local ExtraStage = require("classes.stageClasses.Stages.ExtraStage")
 local PrimaryStage = require("classes.stageClasses.Stages.PrimaryStage")
 local WaitingStage = require("classes.stageClasses.Stages.WaitingStage")
 local MissionCommandsHelper = require("classes.stageClasses.helpers.MissionCommandsHelper")
 local StageRepository = require("classes.stageClasses.StageRepository")
 local StageLane = require("classes.stageClasses.StageLane")
+local Persistence = require("classes.persistence.Persistence")
 
 local currentStage = -99
 
@@ -33,7 +34,7 @@ local singletonInstance = nil
 ---@param logLevel LogLevel
 ---@param spawnManager SpawnManager
 ---@return GlobalStageManager
-function GlobalStageManager.NewAndStart(database, stageConfig, logLevel, spawnManager)
+function GlobalStageManager.new(database, stageConfig, logLevel, spawnManager)
 
     if singletonInstance ~= nil then
         return singletonInstance
@@ -47,7 +48,7 @@ function GlobalStageManager.NewAndStart(database, stageConfig, logLevel, spawnMa
     self.database = database
     self.stageConfig = stageConfig
     self._missionCommandsHelper = MissionCommandsHelper.getOrCreate()
-    self._stageRepository = StageRepository.new()
+    self._stageRepository = StageRepository.getInstance()
 
     self.logger = logger
     if stageConfig.isAutoStages ~= true then
@@ -92,6 +93,38 @@ function GlobalStageManager.NewAndStart(database, stageConfig, logLevel, spawnMa
     return self
 end
 
+function GlobalStageManager:Start()
+    self.logger:info("Starting GlobalStageManager")
+
+    local startingStage = self.stageConfig.startingStage or 1
+    local persistenceConfig = PersistenceConfig.new()
+    if persistenceConfig:isEnabled() == true then
+        self.logger:info("Persistence is enabled, loading stage state from persistence")
+
+        local stageLanes = self._stageRepository:getAllStageLanes()
+        for _, stageLane in pairs(stageLanes) do
+
+            local stageLaneIdentifier = stageLane:GetStageLaneIdentifier()
+            local persistedStage = Persistence.GetActiveStage(stageLaneIdentifier)
+            if persistedStage then
+                self.logger:info("Loaded persisted stage " .. persistedStage .. " for lane " .. (stageLaneIdentifier or "default"))
+                stageLane:SetActiveStageIndex(persistedStage)
+                Events.PublishStageNumberChanged(persistedStage, stageLaneIdentifier)
+            else
+                stageLane:SetActiveStageIndex(startingStage)
+                Events.PublishStageNumberChanged(startingStage, stageLaneIdentifier)
+            end
+        end
+    else
+        self.logger:info("Persistence is disabled, starting at stage " .. startingStage)
+        local stageLanes = self._stageRepository:getAllStageLanes()
+        for _, stageLane in pairs(stageLanes) do
+            stageLane:SetActiveStageIndex(startingStage)
+            Events.PublishStageNumberChanged(startingStage, stageLane:GetStageLaneIdentifier())
+        end
+    end
+end
+
 ---@class StageNameParseResult
 ---@field isValid boolean
 ---@field orderNumber integer
@@ -204,10 +237,9 @@ function GlobalStageManager:OnStageComplete(stage)
         -- COMPLETION IN THE DEFAULT LANE 
 
         -- 1. Check if any lane is at status "BetweenChapters" and the next chapter start is "next stage index"
-
         local allLanes = self._stageRepository:getAllStageLanes()
         for _, lane in ipairs(allLanes) do
-            if lane:GetStageLaneIdentifier() ~= StageLane.DefaultLaneKey and lane:GetStageLaneState() == "InChapter" then
+            if lane:GetStageLaneIdentifier() ~= StageLane.DefaultLaneKey and lane:GetStageLaneState() == "BetweenChapters" then
                 local nextChapterStart = lane:GetNextChapterStart()
                 if nextChapterStart == nextStageIndex then
                     self.logger:debug("Lane " .. (lane:GetStageLaneIdentifier() or "default") .. " is at chapter start for next stage index " .. nextStageIndex)
@@ -275,14 +307,19 @@ function GlobalStageManager:IsStageComplete(stageNumber, stageLaneIdentifier)
 end
 
 ---@public
-function GlobalStageManager:OnStageNumberChanged(stageNumber)
+function GlobalStageManager:OnStageNumberChanged(stageNumber, stageLaneIdentifier)
+
+    -- only react on "main" lane changes, ignore other lanes for now
+    if stageLaneIdentifier ~= nil then return end
+
     self.logger:debug("Stage number changed to: " .. tostring(stageNumber))
-    currentStage = stageNumber
-    
     self:UpdateDrawings(stageNumber)
 end
 
-function GlobalStageManager:OnStageNumberChangeComplete(stageNumber)
+function GlobalStageManager:OnStageNumberChangeComplete(stageNumber, stageLaneIdentifier)
+    -- only react on "main" lane changes, ignore other lanes for now
+    if stageLaneIdentifier ~= nil then return end
+
     self.logger:debug("Stage number change complete to: " .. tostring(stageNumber))
     
     local groups = {}
diff --git a/src/classes/stageClasses/StageRepository.lua b/src/classes/stageClasses/StageRepository.lua
index 05ac679..31f8840 100644
--- a/src/classes/stageClasses/StageRepository.lua
+++ b/src/classes/stageClasses/StageRepository.lua
@@ -5,14 +5,27 @@ local StageLane = require("classes.stageClasses.StageLane")
 local StageRepository = {}
 StageRepository.__index = StageRepository
 
+local instance = nil
+
+---@private
 ---@return StageRepository
 function StageRepository.new()
     local self = setmetatable({}, StageRepository)
     self.StageLanes = {}
     self.StageLanes[tostring(StageLane.DefaultLaneKey)] = StageLane.New(StageLane.DefaultLaneKey)
+    instance = self
     return self
 end
 
+---@return StageRepository
+StageRepository.getInstance = function()
+    if instance == nil then
+        instance = StageRepository.new()
+    end
+
+    return instance
+end
+
 
 ---@param laneName string? `nil` for default lane
 ---@return StageLane? 
diff --git a/src/classes/stageClasses/Stages/BaseStage/Stage.lua b/src/classes/stageClasses/Stages/BaseStage/Stage.lua
index 2eda558..d3f41e2 100644
--- a/src/classes/stageClasses/Stages/BaseStage/Stage.lua
+++ b/src/classes/stageClasses/Stages/BaseStage/Stage.lua
@@ -329,6 +329,23 @@ function Stage:GetStageIndex()
     return self.stageNumber
 end
 
+---@return string
+function Stage:GetStageName()
+    return self.stageName
+end
+
+function Stage:GetMissions()
+    local missions = {}
+    for _, mission in pairs(self._db.missions) do
+        table.insert(missions, mission)
+    end
+
+    for _, sam in pairs(self._db.sams) do
+        table.insert(missions, sam)
+    end
+    return missions
+end
+
 ---comment
 function Stage:CheckAndUpdateSelf()
     self._logger:debug("Checking on Stage: " .. self.zoneName)
@@ -389,7 +406,7 @@ function Stage:IsMissionComplete(missionName)
     return mission:getState() == "COMPLETED"
 end
 
----private use only
+-- private usage only
 function Stage:NotifyComplete()
 
     self._logger:info("Stage complete: " .. (self.stageName or self.stageNumber or "unknown"))
@@ -514,7 +531,12 @@ end
 ---comment
 ---@param self Stage
 ---@param number integer
-function Stage:OnStageNumberChanged(number)
+---@param stageLaneIdentifier string?
+function Stage:OnStageNumberChanged(number, stageLaneIdentifier)
+
+    if stageLaneIdentifier ~= self._stageLaneIdentifier then
+        return
+    end
 
     if self._activeStage == number then --only activate once for a stage
         return
diff --git a/src/classes/stageClasses/Stages/ExtraStage.lua b/src/classes/stageClasses/Stages/ExtraStage.lua
index c43ffa8..b4cd633 100644
--- a/src/classes/stageClasses/Stages/ExtraStage.lua
+++ b/src/classes/stageClasses/Stages/ExtraStage.lua
@@ -36,7 +36,12 @@ end
 ---comment
 ---@param self ExtraStage
 ---@param number integer
-function ExtraStage:OnStageNumberChanged(number)
+---@param stageLaneIdentifier string?
+function ExtraStage:OnStageNumberChanged(number, stageLaneIdentifier)
+
+    if stageLaneIdentifier ~= self._stageLaneIdentifier then
+        return
+    end
 
     if self._activeStage == number then --only activate once for a stage
         return
diff --git a/src/classes/stageClasses/drawings/CustomDrawing.lua b/src/classes/stageClasses/drawings/CustomDrawing.lua
index 55fc646..71ba0a6 100644
--- a/src/classes/stageClasses/drawings/CustomDrawing.lua
+++ b/src/classes/stageClasses/drawings/CustomDrawing.lua
@@ -33,6 +33,36 @@ function CustomDrawing.New(drawingObject)
     return self
 end
 
+---@param points Array<Vec2>
+---@param colorString string
+---@param lineStyle LineType
+---@param lineThickness number
+---@return CustomDrawing?
+function CustomDrawing.FromPoints(points, colorString, lineStyle, lineThickness)
+    if points == nil or #points < 3 then
+        drawingLogger:warn("CustomDrawing.FromPoints called with nil or less than 3 points")
+        return nil
+    end
+
+    ---@type FreeLine
+    local drawingObject = {
+        mapX = 0,
+        mapY = 0,
+        points = points,
+        lineMode = "free",
+        name = "custom_drawing_" .. tostring(math.random(1000000)),
+        primitiveType = "Polygon",
+        polygonMode = "free",
+        visible = true,
+        style = DrawingHelper.ToLineStyleString(lineStyle),
+        colorString = colorString,
+        thickness = lineThickness,
+        closed = false
+    }
+
+    return CustomDrawing.New(drawingObject)
+end
+
 ---@param zone SpearheadTriggerZone
 ---@param colorString string
 ---@param fillColorString string
diff --git a/src/classes/stageClasses/drawings/helper/DrawingHelper.lua b/src/classes/stageClasses/drawings/helper/DrawingHelper.lua
index 8432890..a3b7472 100644
--- a/src/classes/stageClasses/drawings/helper/DrawingHelper.lua
+++ b/src/classes/stageClasses/drawings/helper/DrawingHelper.lua
@@ -266,7 +266,7 @@ function DrawingHelper.ColorToColorTable(hexStr)
     return { r, g , b , a }
 end
 
----@param rgba table
+---@param rgba table { r, g, b, a }
 ---@return string 
 function DrawingHelper.ColorTableToColorString(rgba)
     if rgba == nil or #rgba < 4 or rgba[1] == nil or rgba[2] == nil or rgba[3] == nil or rgba[4] == nil then
diff --git a/src/classes/stageClasses/missions/baseMissions/Mission.lua b/src/classes/stageClasses/missions/baseMissions/Mission.lua
index 54b1afc..f5272b7 100644
--- a/src/classes/stageClasses/missions/baseMissions/Mission.lua
+++ b/src/classes/stageClasses/missions/baseMissions/Mission.lua
@@ -126,6 +126,11 @@ function Mission:NotifyMissionComplete()
 
 end
 
+function Mission:ForceMissionComplete()
+    self._state = "COMPLETED"
+    self:NotifyMissionComplete()
+end
+
 function Mission:MarkMissionAreaToGroup(groupId) end
 
 ---endregion
diff --git a/src/main.lua b/src/main.lua
index b775078..56e3f69 100644
--- a/src/main.lua
+++ b/src/main.lua
@@ -5,9 +5,11 @@ local DcsUtil               = require("classes.util.DcsUtil")
 local Database              = require("classes.spearhead_db")
 local SpearheadEvents       = require("classes.spearhead_events")
 local MissionCommandsHelper = require("classes.stageClasses.helpers.MissionCommandsHelper")
+local GlobalConfig          = require("classes.configuration.GlobalConfig")
 local CapConfig             = require("classes.configuration.CapConfig")
 local StageConfig           = require("classes.configuration.StageConfig")
 local Persistence           = require("classes.persistence.Persistence")
+local PersistenceConfig     = require("classes.configuration.PersistenceConfig")
 local SpawnManager          = require("classes.helpers.SpawnManager")
 local DetectionManager      = require("classes.capClasses.detection.DetectionManager")
 local GlobalCapManager         = require("classes.capClasses.GlobalCapManager")
@@ -33,19 +35,11 @@ MissionCommandsHelper.getOrCreate() -- initiate
 local capConfig = CapConfig:new();
 local stageConfig = StageConfig:getInstance();
 
-local startingStage = stageConfig.startingStage or 1
-if SpearheadConfig and SpearheadConfig.Persistence and SpearheadConfig.Persistence.enabled == true then
-    standardLogger:info("Persistence enabled")
+local persistenceConfig = PersistenceConfig.new()
+
+if persistenceConfig and persistenceConfig:isEnabled() == true then
     local persistenceLogger = Logger.new("Persistence", defaultLogLevel)
     Persistence.Init(persistenceLogger)
-
-    local persistanceStage = Persistence.GetActiveStage()
-    if persistanceStage then
-        standardLogger:info("Persistance activated and using persistant active stage: " .. persistanceStage)
-        startingStage = persistanceStage
-    end
-else
-    standardLogger:info("Persistence disabled")
 end
 
 local spawnLogger = Logger.new("SpawnManager", defaultLogLevel)
@@ -54,16 +48,9 @@ local detectionLogger = Logger.new("DetectionManager", defaultLogLevel)
 local detectionManager = DetectionManager.New(detectionLogger)
 
 GlobalCapManager.start(databaseManager, capConfig, detectionManager, stageConfig, defaultLogLevel, spawnManager)
-local globalStageManager = GlobalStageManager.NewAndStart(databaseManager, stageConfig, defaultLogLevel, spawnManager)
+local globalStageManager = GlobalStageManager.new(databaseManager, stageConfig, defaultLogLevel, spawnManager)
 GlobalFleetManager.start(databaseManager)
 
-local SetStageDelayed = function(number, time)
-    SpearheadEvents.PublishStageNumberChanged(number)
-    return nil
-end
-
-timer.scheduleFunction(SetStageDelayed, startingStage, timer.getTime() + 3)
-
 env.info(startTime .. "ms / " .. timer.getTime() * 1000 .. "ms")
 local duration = (timer.getTime() * 1000) - startTime
 standardLogger:info("Spearhead Initialisation duration: " .. tostring(duration) .. "ms")
@@ -72,3 +59,17 @@ local missionEditorWarningsLogger = Logger.new("MissionEditorWarnings", defaultL
 MissionEditorWarnings.WriteAll(missionEditorWarningsLogger)
 globalStageManager:PrintMermaidStage()
 
+local startDelayed = function()
+    globalStageManager:Start()
+    return nil
+end
+
+timer.scheduleFunction(startDelayed, nil, timer.getTime() + 5) -- delay start by 5 seconds so every deleted item it first removed entirely
+
+local globalConfig = GlobalConfig.New()
+if globalConfig and globalConfig:isDebugMenuEnabled() == true then
+    local DebugMenu = require("classes.debug.DebugMenu")
+    local debugMenu = DebugMenu.new()
+    debugMenu:RegisterMenus()
+end
+