Visitation Rights

[Sosarin Demar]

There have been a few questionable occurrences or rumors concerning hostile visitation rights, so I feel that this topic should be touched on for everyone's benefit.

The following is the protocol for allowing hostiles to visit:

>> Hostile entrances are hostile entrances through and through. A lack of uniform or claims of being unarmed does not change their status, unless the individuals in question are cleared under very specific criteria:

• The individual must be disarmed (they may be uniformed) in all manners.

• The individual must be cleared with the standing OIC (W-1 and above in ranking equivalency). NCOs may NOT clear hostiles for visitation rights.

• If criteria are met, the individual must be accompanied at all times by Ordo personnel. They may not be given tours or access to restricted areas without explicit permission by the Office of the Imperator.

• Members of opposing factions do not qualify for "Civilian" status.

In the past, we used to shoot everyone. But then we had awesome people who would visit, like Trinity Heckroth (who was AN admiralty at the time), so this protocol was developed to accomodate said-awesome people.

It's not specific on what reasons a hostile can be cleared to visit, however I interpret the spirit of the rule as encompassing two types of people.

>>Really, really, really good friends who are in a hostile group, or

>>Diplomats

I think it's inappropriate for a hostile to be granted visitation rights if they're some random joe, because we don't know who they are or whether or not their intentions are pure. We used to have the "shoot everyone" rule in order to prevent potential drama/random shooting from hostile visits. Also, they take up resources and time as they have to be babysat.

In addition, when it comes to hostiles marked as "random" on mercury, it can be unclear as to why they were marked as hostile. It could be because they attacked Titan, or because they caused drama, or both. People like that shouldn't be granted visitation rights if the possibility of exploiting the privilege is there, unless someone really knows them or some poop.

In addition to that, some more things to note:

>>First, no one should assume that the present OIC has said "yes" for someone to visit, even if they have visited before without a hitch.

>>Second, hostiles are hostiles through and through. They should be shot even if they are unarmed unless the OIC says otherwise. If the OIC says nothing, shoot anyway. Shoot before asking questions. Follow the protocol.

>>Third, NCOIC's are NOT allowed to give permission to hostiles for visitation.

>>Fourth. Again, we are not here to babysit random hostiles. It's too much effort as they could arm themselves at anytime and turn on those around them "for the lolz," or cause drama. Odds are they were marked as random hostiles because they shot someone OR caused drama. DUH, DERP DERP!

>>Fifth, one should also put faith into Mercury. If someone is marked as a "random hostile", it was done manually and it was done for good reason. The only time Mercury might be off is when someone leaves a military group, in which case you should check to be sure and ask for proof where needed (IE, a screenshot of someone's groups).

>>Finally, if someone marks someone as a hostile on mercury -- file a report somewhere be it combat or otherwise. I think that can help clear a lot of confusion.

We should stick by what we say we'll do. When we aren't consistent in what we do, we look less professional than we strive to be. Where hostility is concerned, it is black and white -- especially with random hostiles. We don't mess around -- you shoot us or cause drama and you'll get shot in kind. Very rarely is there a grey area in this matter. If there's a grey area, then a W-1 or above OIC handles it, and they should be careful not to override other people's decisions unless there is good reason and proof to do so.

Edit: Heather has reported MBC members who attempt to visit without tag, uniform, and hid their groups. Be wary!