anotherwhiner

Got Return To Castle Wolfenstein from my wife for Christmas in 2002. First video game I ever owned. It must have taken me two months to beat it as I crept around every corner so I wouldn’t get shot. Had absolutely no idea what I was doing. Like many here, I’ve been playing this game since it first came online in 2003. Originally Wolfenstein, Enemy Territory; now just Enemy Territory. Only ever joined one clan; Xodus. Still carry the “X” from it in my game name. I decided back then that I was not “a clan guy.” Have only ever played under the one game name, too; anotherwhiner. Never changed it. I don’t know how many servers I’ve played on in twenty years. A lot. Enough to know the good ones are few. When I finally found the ETS server many years ago, I remember frequently getting in-game private messages from Kate asking if all was good. I often told her I kept returning because it was the best-administered server I’d encountered. In the beginning, she asked if I’d join the clan. When I declined, she asked that I at least join the forum. I did, but she soon discovered I wasn’t into posting on it. I always liked that she didn’t keep bugging me to join but settled into being happy just seeing me playing on the server. It surprised me at first, but I came to like, too, that I couldn’t go two days without playing before I’d get an email from her asking if everything was okay. At first, thinking I was special enough for her to be reaching out to, I soon realized I was not unique. It was she who was the special one. She often asked if I thought the game was “going away.” I reassured her it would be here forever. Over the past two years, her playing time on the server diminished. She complained often of “back problems.” Said she couldn’t sit long and would have to go lie down. On the 11th of January, I emailed her because it was the first time I’d ever not seen “Kate” listed as present on the server. This time, it was me asking if everything was okay. She replied the next day, “Hi yes prolly my et crashed. I am at a private clinic at PARIS cuz healthies problems. Thanks to send me an email.” She included a link to the forum about her health problems, but I couldn’t access it because, apparently, it’s been years since I created the account, and my sign-in doesn’t work any longer. So, I thought she was finally getting her “back problems” fixed. Seven days later… she was gone. I didn’t know Marianne beyond the scant details above. I know she had a caring heart. …Caring enough to take to the streets in protest. …Caring enough to fret about the fate of this game we play. …Caring enough to check in on a too-long absent player. I can’t imagine the depth of the loss her family must feel. We’ve lost a mate. A mate in cyberspace who embraced everyone who loved this game, stuck around, and played by the rules. Prolly my et will crash one day too. Until then, I will think of KATE whenever …wherever I play. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I hope the server continues. Willing to help.