Thanks for the question!
The my feelings on the matter are mixed, idealism vs. practicality and the reality of our online environs. The idea of a member of the executive, say a cabinet member or deputy, serving in the judiciary bothers some. I see their point, and to some extent I agree with it. The fear is that a Delegate will "pack the courts" to push forth their own agenda, thus maginalising the Senate.
However, the reality of the situation, at least in my opinion, is that there are only so many qualified individuals to go around. Choosing justices is difficult for this reason. If, say, you've got 6 people in mind for cabinet roles, and need or want to install 2 justices, you've got to find 8 people who meet the following requirements.
1) Trustworthy
2) Active on the forum (and hopefully, IRC as well)
3) Familiar with the laws of Taijitu (this requirement more important in the case of justices, for say, an MoC, that's really not all that crucial)
4) Either are experienced in the roles you have them in mind for, or, have shown themselves to be a "quick study". Also, not everyone is suited for every job. I'd never appoint an MoC who didn't post much in the General area. In an MoD, I look for a rigid steadfastness and if not experience, then at least a very sound understanding of NS military strategy. A lot of thought goes into it.
Due to this, a Delegate may find themselves with an available talent pool. I've ran into this problem myself before (though, in my last term in delegate, I was immensely fortunate in this respect, and had the most kick ass cabinet possible in this game!)
So, in theory, I think a delegate should *try* to have at one justice who is not a member of the executive branch. Though, the people should not be alarmed if it does not always play out that way, and know that other, non malevolent forces were probably at work.
With regard to FA, I do actualy have a plan. We need to reach out. I've said that before, and we've done that before, but this time I feel we have a more urgent sense of purpose.In september, the domain and hosting for NS as a whole comes up for renewal, and it's future is by no means certain. I want Taijitu to take the forefront in going to other regions, large and small, defender and raider, and forumlating ways to make sure NS does not die.
There is currently a "conference" underway, with representatives from many regions participating. The problem with it is that it's so broad in it's scope, that nothing is coming of it save for an exersize in semantics. It's long on ideas, and short on consensus.
What I would assemble would be much different, focusing exclusively on the issue mentioned above, contacting Max Barry, and doing all we can as players to resolve any issues he may have with the game continuing. We can save the more abstract concerns about game mechanics and what not for later.
This would in some ways be an OOC outing, of course, due to it's nature, but the in game FA aspect cannot be over looked. In approaching these regions, talking to them, and building a coalition, we will forge very real relationships with our would be partners, using our common ground to reach new understandings about each other.
I know that this is only January, and September may as well be a universe away for many. But if we're going to do something, best to do it sooner, then later. It could very well take that long to make sure everything will pan out in an acceptable manner.
