Greetings members of the Allegiance Battlegroup, many of you know that this NL was promised for Friday-however a few things came up that delayed it. When it comes to my timeliness though-just be glad it is in the same month. We have a very large amount of news to cover, so stick with it and feel free to take breaks from reading as needed.

I: Opening Statement
II: The News
III: Awards and Promotions

I: Opening Statement

First, a change of command-rather a series of changes. First, Sconn resigns ABG CO, then I resign RF CO, then I'm appointed ABG CO, and then Dave is made RF CO. Could you keep up? Well, I have seen a lot of raised eyebrows and wondering comments made after this and it is understandable considering the hour and rapidity through which everything took place. However I'm going to take the time to explain how these events came to be and hopefully set your minds at ease.

First, Sconn made sure his resignation would come as no surprise to me, his decision was not a sudden one. Ever since he became CO he has always told me that he was merely "keeping the seat warm." Despite numerous attempts to make Sconn realize that it was his time now, he stuck firm to that belief. It was perhaps my own misconceptions that led me to believe he was merely being hopeful, not until a few weeks ago did it become clear that he knew he was not ready to lead.

After the many disputes with Ben, Sconn came out as the number one pick by all of you to lead. In essence, he was a popular leader. Now that doesn't mean he's incapable, perhaps not quite ready for the burdens of this particular chair, but that certainly doesn't mean he can't lead at all.

Now the day all this came to pass I had opened my mail and read a personal email from Sconn, basically stating he was done. Being the kind of person he is, he had no intention of just getting up and walking off. Together we discussed a variety of options. Finally we agreed to have a small meeting, between Sconn, myself, Rahj, and Dave. This meeting went on for quite a while, and we all made some drastic decisions. I had seen with Ben, and later Sconn, that even good people can have a very difficult time in this chair. Ben may not have been the best person when it came to how he related to you all, but he did have determination and a variety of skills. Sconn on the other hand, still boasted the skills and determination, but was a much more easy going person and got along pretty well with this group. There's a big difference between giving the ideas for a decision, and actually making them though. That difficulty, toppled with some of the real life issues he faced, he felt uncomfortable more so than not being right.

So the person who leads this group should be able to get along with the people, have a strong dedication, be able to make decisions no matter the outcome, and have some experience in dealing with real life and RS pressures. Well, without sounding egotistical, I fit that bill pretty well. The ABG is unique in a lot of ways, and requires a unique leader. My parents always did tell me I was "special." (-:

So, the decision wasn't so much to replace Sconn, but to further his learning. I have led this group before, and believe me I missed that job much, but I know I can't hold on forever. Sconn will learn from me in how to act in the many situations that may occur in the life of a fleet CO, so that he may one day regain the reigns. After all, he couldn't take lessons from Ben now could he?

So after this meaning transpired and we made our decisions we had to take official courses of action. Which meant Sconn would resign, Rahj would say he's looking for a new CO, since we were on at the same time we talked and I happened to be the golden one, I resigned, then I was appointed ABG CO, Dave who was also still on talked to Rahj and became RF CO.

If anyone is still confused about how things went about or have any doubts floating in your heads, feel free to email me. But I hope this clears the air on the subject.

Now, there are those of you who may remember me from my last reign as CO of Allegiance. Many of you do not, and actually that makes me happy, I am quite glad to receive many new faces. But let's get one thing straight, for those of you who have been here for a while. I have my own style about a lot of things. First, I try to be as open and available as possible, and when I cannot be reached on IRC or AIM, just send an email, you'll get a reply within a week. And while I do try to have an easy going nature, I am also not an all giving person. I will not change anything on the account of one or two people, and alterations to the way we do things must be backed by the majority. I believe in second chances for most offenses, but never for abusing my officers. Allow of you are considered my officers whether you hold a command position or not until you step out and do something to someone else. Then you become banned from the ABG, and very easily from the RS. I have a lot of influence. Other than that, expect a lot of warnings.

I have babbled on for quite some time but I have one more thing to bring up. Factions. Anyone with some assessment abilities can tell they exist, especially here. Basically people form groups and go with the "I'll support you" idea, strength in numbers. Here's the deal, this idea is gone. You belong to one faction now, the fleet. You support each other, not team up against one another. If you can't handle this then you turn in your resignations right now and get the hell out! You don't always have to agree but you will always do your best to get along. We have a lot more interactions than any other fleet, so everyone must try to keep the atmosphere good or else they will spoil the mood for everyone.

II: The News

First, we have several changes to command staff areas. First, I become CO, "hello." Los resigns and Sconn moves to the XO spot-from which he will carry all of my authority unless I chose to override his decision. And Apoc returns to the SO position. This decision is based on a theory Dave and I came up with that was proven correct, I don't see any need to go into details so I won't. Basically Apoc exploded over some events concerning the then XO, and let it out. Now that the problem is gone, and because of my second chance nature, Poc will fill this role again.

Davin has moved up to take over Scourge Wing. Davin has characteristics that remind me of...well me-OK more like Sconn. He is a capable leader with a straight attitude, and long devotion to this thing we call RPG.

Also we have a few openings. Flagship crew is currently in need of a CO, send applications to myself, Sconn, and Davin if interested. Scarlet is without an XO, those interested should email Kerensky, I'm sure he wouldn't mind some assistance.

Also we have two openings in the Jedi realm, the Jedi Praxeum (wing) and Sunrider were both left vacant with the departure of Los. Now, several of you have already applied or made a comment about wanting to do it, and quite frankly you're all capable and good picks. So I have a task for you. Send me an application with the usual jig, skills, experience, former command, and so on. However, I also want at least a three paragraph essay on Jedi lore. The more you know the better you'll be able to lead this group, and your essays will be judged by me-king of Jedi lore. (-:

Squad leaders, use the calendar from the roster database to get your sim times posted!

We now have an NPC database. Basically, it's ripped from the character database but it allows for people, specifically GMs to note the difference. Apoc has already moved our current NPC, and hopefully changed all the ownership back to the right people. If he hasn't, he will now (won't you Poccie?). This database will be linked through the library and will soon have all the regular baddies like stormtroopers and TIE pilots as well. I believe Sconn is taking care of getting the WEG bad guys on there.

The library is also basically up thanks to work and bitching by Sconn. Any problems experienced should be reported to us.

Squad leaders, our FC is most displeased with our lack of web page progress on the squadron end. Wing leaders too. Get on it or get someone on it. I don't want to see any more incomplete projects or missing links due to a lack of web pages. The FC has joined this fleet, and he is not as forgiving as I am.

III: Awards and Promotions

Oddly enough the HC is currently yapping about this, to a degree. Most of it is mindless babble to which I refuse to participate-however I did show the following as a list what I do when promotion cycles come around. I show it to you now so you never have to ask "Can I get a promotion?" Or "Why didn't I get promoted." And as you can see these questions kill your chances anyway.

1) During the last seven days of a month and the first three of a next everyone who is under my command goes into a promotion cycle. Not simple because this is the relative time according to the bylaws, but because this is when NLs are written. For most areas anyway.
2) I look at each and every person within my group, whether I was a squad CO or a fleet CO.
3) Now I look at the current rank. If it is a level one rank (Lieutenant Junior Grade to Captain) then I base my decision on activity and time. Generally, I will not promote a single person through these ranks in anything less than one years time, or about 3 months each.
4) If the rank is a level 2 rank (Major through Colonel, or Lieutenant Commander through Colonel should things change) once again activity and time, but also that the activity is beneficial on a wing wide level-including squad leaders, mission builders, Internet officers, or those rare amazing people who try to do it all and then some. Generally I will not promote a person at a level two rank more than twice a year, or about six months.
5) If the rank is a level 3 rank (Brigadier General through General) I look for consistent activity, performance beneficial on a fleetwide level, low or no complaints against-especially complaints that may reach the MoJ or higher, and never deviates from the ideals of HIER. Generally the time in each of these ranks should be nine months to a year.
6) If after that I find the person is eligible for a promotion I ask myself a question "Has this person asked for a promotion?" If yes, I automatically disqualify them from that month's review (I hate being asked for promotions, it's the 2nd highest charge on the "Piss Kyle Off" chart). If no, the person is promoted.

And while you have all just been through your review (I did it just now) there isn't anyone who has stood out quite enough and also fits into my evil time requirement. Thus I have no awards or promotions this go around.

Keep up the communication, many of you bombarded me with ideas my first day back in the lawn chair (The original AW hotseat). This is good and I encourage it, but put these into emails or else I'll forget! Now enjoy the rest of your mailbox spam.

General Kyle Tobarn
Allegiance Battlegroup CO

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"Goatboy"