And Inflation Moves On..

[MrDrankum 0]

An Open Letter: A Farewell

An Ambassador Drankum Profitable Production

Copyright © 2011, Drankum, LLC.

 

Dear humons (and those that continue to remain in denial),

 

It is difficult to accept that this creature known as Aegis is halfway towards celebrating the start of its 16th year of existence. When you consider that this game has been running longer than some players in our forum have been alive, it truly is amazing. This place has been home to some of the most profitable wallets during that time. While some were present only for a little while, others moved in to the point that they knew of nothing else on a Friday night. The contribution of all players, former and present, to this game is a credit to everyone involved. Each gave a little bit of themselves to help build what is, very much, an enjoyable excursion each week.

 

The fact it has lasted longer than any incarnation of Star Trek also speaks volumes…but then again we have better sponsors!

 

For me personally, it has been a very profitable and somewhat scary adventure. I have had the duty and privilege of calling this place home for over 13 ½ years. It is a fact that really gives me pause, especially when I consider how much Aegis has personally meant to me. There is a famous, but true, humon expression: “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.”

 

And this time, I am not talking about the economy.

 

I never imagined, dreamed or desired to ever elevate myself to anything other than who I was. Drankum, the arrogant old Ferengi you love to hate, the one who should be buying a beach on a pleasure planet and getting a massage, but for some reason hasn’t done it. My role was one of bringing the lighter side around and sometimes giving a swift kick to help a plot along. Yet fortunes had another path in mind, and almost two years ago to the day I found myself the leader of this creature known as Aegis.

 

Having personally known every single humon, Vulcen, Klingen and more to act as CO since Aegis began, there was one thing I knew for sure: I had very big shoes to fill. My hope was to simply do what I could to get close to helping Aegis grow and thrive for years to come. I did my best to be a steward of this game’s amazing legacy.

 

Throughout almost all of this, my partner has been the amazing Chirakis. She has been my left hand, right hand, accountant and lawyer all rolled into one. I cannot overstate how much value she has between those two ears of hers; despite the fact her lobes are a little small. Chirakis’ dedication and commitment to Aegis itself, the players and the growth of this game goes far beyond what many know. She truly does embody the best of the best. I know with her involvement, this game will go far.

 

Yet, people come, markets fall and inflation moves on.

 

As some of you know, I was personally set to give over my final bribe as a regular player on Aegis over two and a half years ago. A great plan had been made, things were in motion and a date was set. There was even a log during the entire departure from Cardassia that hinted at it. Alas, obviously that did not happen. The reasons behind the decision were personal and honest ones. As some of my recent logs have said, I find myself a relic of a time that has moved on. My greatest strength always remained the solving of problems and helping the host to nudge an off course plot back in the right direction. Due to the amazingly talented skills of those aboard, Aegis is no longer in need of that type of leader. It has a new stage ahead, one where fresh ideas and imagination are needed to carry it into the next chapter. This old worn out relic has given it all, and has nothing left.

 

And so, after 13 ½ years of plundering some of the best humons and people I know, the time has come for me to take that final walk to Risa.

 

I will be leaving Sky Harbor Aegis at the end of the game on Friday, the 4th of February.

 

Unlike some in the past, this will not simply be another change of role for me, but as one former CO would say…this will be my last hurrah.

 

I have seen so much while being a part of the Aegis family. I have made some amazing friends and consider myself lucky to have been able to meet some of the people who have called this place home. I am blessed in having been given the opportunity to be involved with where it is today and to even lead it. I still take pride in the fact some former players have rediscovered the game…by looking for my name. I don’t know if there is a higher compliment one could ever receive. It is humbling to think I have been here consistently since July 1997. So many things have changed, yet so many wonderful things have remained the same. And yet, as with so many greats that have graced the halls here, my time has finally come.

 

While this will be a farewell, my hope is that it will not be goodbye. Some of you still owe me money after all. My intention is to hopefully pop back in every once in awhile, similar to some of the special guests that visit as the economy allows. My name should still remain on the mailing list, so if you have a pressing financial problem, you are more than welcome to solicit me for advice. I might even give you a discount.

 

Yet, the first Friday of February will mark the last time I am a regular player here. Given how much I love what I do, given how long I have had these ears on, this fact truly scares me. Yet, I know it is the right decision and one that will only lead to greater success for this amazing game I care so much about.

 

Despite what I may have said in the past, there is no magic ball to say what the future holds for Aegis. I know it has a rich and amazing history, filled with wonderful stories which would put writers on television to shame. However, I do know one thing for sure: Aegis is made up of some of the most amazingly talented people I know. It always has been in, I am sure it always will be. I know the future will be bright and that this Friday night excursion will carry on for many years to come.

 

I am excited to think about where it will go next. I am excited to think about those that will lead it there.

 

Until then I remain profitably, humbly and sincerely yours;