I have some corollary announcements, now.

My appointment as CNO left the CNW position vacant, and I am very pleased to announce that Lieutenant Commander Serpent has accepted the job.  Serpent's work as my XO in the Warfare Department, and as an operative in the Intelligence Department, has set a new standard for the Navy, both in terms of his excellent writing, and in terms of his proven track record as a leader.  I can't think of a better choice to lead the Warfare Department, and I'd like to be the first to officially welcome him to the position.  My only regret is that the record-breaking Counterpunch Campaign that marked my tenure as CNW will no doubt be beaten in the statistics very, very soon by whatever tale Serpent cooks up for his own tenure in the job. 

In addition, it is my sad duty to announce that Lieutenant Hades will be stepping down as CNT.  Real life concerns have increased for him lately, and he has decided to focus on his dual positions as a starfighter pilot in the Warfare Department and as an operative in the Intelligence Department, rather than trying to do all that while simultaneously running the Training Department.  I have to say I am very, very impressed by his maturity and selflessness in making that decision.  Jexxel Squadron has one heck of a Flight Leader. 

That of course means that the CNT position is now vacant.  Or, at least, it would be vacant if Lieutenant Commander DeepSix had not agreed to take on the job!  You all know that Deep's been training people in the Academy on and off forever, and I know that with all his experience he's going to take VENA to new heights of efficiency and effectiveness.  With new certification systems on the horizon, a recruitment drive in the works, and a proposal for a joint Academy with the VEA that will serve as a portal for new members, Deep will have plenty to keep him occupied in his new, NHC role.  Therefore he too has decided to re-focus his VEN career, and has stepped down as the Wing Commander of Blade Wing. 

Lastly, I'll just say that Serpent and I have agreed that the Wing Commander position will go unfilled by a player-character, for the time being.  But there's a Chapter currently in progress, so members of the Starfighter Corps have ample opportunity to prove to us that they have what it takes to lead the Wing.  Let's keep up our excellent work on this first story of the Chapter's arc, and see what we see, as far as the WC position. 

Thank you for your kind attention everyone, and congratulations again to new NHC members Serpent and DeepSix! 

Yay Serpent! Definitely well-deserved and looking forward to your leadership. Now I get to complain to you about everything

And I will miss Hades as CNT. That being said, congrats to Deep for taking that position. Just don't yell at any of the newbs too much and I think you'll be fine

And what's this? WC open?

Guess it's now Joamer versus Avalar... hmmm... >.>

Well congrats Serpent and DeepSix.

That's because mine is the best

Joking aside, congratulations everyone. I look forward to seeing you all aid more in the progression of our beloved Navy.

Continue making me proud!

*Holds up a Rikky for Wing Commander glove*

Congratulations to everyone, and thank you for all the kind words!

Life has indeed been crazy for quite a long time now, but I have a reprieve for the time being, at least. I'll be returning to active duty as an ordinary SCAP for now, and we'll see what Stormz and Trick cook up for me as we go forward.

I look forward to writing with you guys again, and I definitely look forward to this Chapter!

-Drac