A tribute to ET: A nation mourns...

Day 703, 18:18 • Published in Australia Australia • by Ranger Bob

I would like to take this opportunity to write a tribute to a great guy.

Probably one of the best people I know on eRepublik has decided to quit, and rejoin the ranks of the real world. And, while I'd be bloody crazy to begrudge him this, I don't think his passing should go without acknowledging the great contribution he made to our country.

I first met Ezekiel Thomas on IRC - and other than occasional hello in passing, we didn't really talk to each other. Zeke was a (newly joined) dropbear, and I had little at the time directly to do with the military - though I knew a lot of the DBs through my time as a AMC 'Redback'.

I suppose my first 'real' encounter was around June, when I took on the role of Minister of Defence - perhaps a controversial choice by Tim09 - as no one really knew if I would take to the role. And, plenty of dropbears (including Zeke) were more than happy to tell me this. However, he perservered with me, and I think I did ok with their help.

Then, Zeke really showed his true mettle. He was one of THE driving forces behind Operation Bight Back (RW battle for South Australia) - staying up till past 5 on a cold Sunday night/Monday morning with Srg91 and I, sourcing the near 100 Q5 weapons we needed to ensure that you would get another region back. For those who don't know, there were people actively encouraging eIndonesian people to fight green, and with an hour to go, things did not look hopeful. However, with his help (and admittedly many others who dedicated their time!) we persevered, and dealt the near 25,000k damage needed to ensure SA came home. SEE HERE FOR THE RESULT.

I asked ET to take on MoD when I was elected CP in August - unfortunately his computer died around this time, and rather than look at all the good things he was doing, and had done, he suffered some scorn at the hands of people who thought they could do better. But, weapons were being donated, the forces were still being supported, and nevertheless - he continued to work as best he could to improve our military might and structure. Unfortunately though, the experience left him a bit jaded (ME TOO) and we both subsequently decided to walk away from politics (and it helped I had a holiday to make the break from eRep).

ET was one of the most committed and active people I know in this game - also having spent time as a Senator, and a PP for one of our Top Five parties the ANP. And, cozzlam will need a new leader to fill the shoes of a great prophet!

But - most of all, he was a great friend.

He will be sorely missed by me, as well as many eAussies who remember how he fought so hard for what we currently have in eAus today.

And, I for one will continue to hope he changes his mind.

Take care, mate.

ranger.