It has been an honour and a privilege to server as the diplomat of Mount Augusta these past six months, a city I first visited as a newfriend in July 2012.

Back then I helped defend the city from the first HCF invasion, I argued with Shadedjon about the hideous trading company building, I attended the theatre. More recently we have had debacles with MIR, arguments with crimeo, and the Olympics. Though the people have changed, in other ways the Mount Augusta of then and now are not so different.

Mayor citylion is a campaigner and a showman, and it is thus within character to fire me dramatically with stories of diplomatic obstruction and the like. However, the reality is more simply that - with seven years of experience - I am less optimistic than him about some of his projects. The diplomat and the rest of cabinet serve the mayor to fulfil their vision, and of course he deserves to have a diplomat who believes in his vision.

That said, I cannot apologise for voicing my opinions and defending core values of Augusta. This city has thrived on discourse, on difference, and on the reconciliation of a multitude of ideas. To grovel for my job back would be a disservice to the people and the city.

I concede that I have become out of touch with much of the present active populace. The activity group has shifted significantly over the last month or so and maybe it is time that is reflected in the selection of a new diplomat. I would have preferred Mayor citylion ask me to step aside than be suddenly ejected, but that is his prerogative and I have clearly overstayed my welcome.

And now for some thanks:

Squareblob: We have gone from distrust and disbelief to friendship over the last six months. It was a pleasure serving you during your term and it has been a greater pleasure becoming your friend. I hope we continue to have our creative and often humorous discussions.

AllenY: I am confident in my conviction that you are the greatest success story in MtA history of newfriend rags to mayoral riches. Though we didn’t get everything done you wanted during your term, I feel you’ve really set the standard for mayoralship in modern MtA and you will forever be a hero of minarchy and legal rigour in my eyes.

DCHERO: The Augustan batman, thank you for your support and friendship. Modern MtA owes its existence to you in a large way. Enjoy your well-deserved time away from civ, you will be back someday.

Azkedar: Perhaps the finest legal scholar and judge MtA has ever had, thank you for your support and council.

Citylion: I owe this job to you and your campaign skills in the first place. Thank you for your support and for believing in me when few others would. I am sad to be leaving under the circumstances, but times change, and the city moves on.

Ladezkik and isit2004: Both great former diplomats, thank you for your support and counsel over the many months.

R3Y, scramble, jecowa, waffles4breakfast, kingcold, SandFalls, specificlanguage, Henry, OrangeWizard, Jason, MrLamma, Troozi, Muffinpimp, and the rest of the government members past and present: It was great working with you guys. Thank you for your support, your guidance, and your company.

I sincerely wish everyone the best for whatever the future holds. For democracy, for freedom, for minarchy, for Mount Augusta.