To: Lieutenant Quicksilver
From: Commander Stargazer
Date: 16 March, 2862
Re: New Field Officer

Lieutenant:

It is with real regret that I read your message, but I understand your reasons and will of course respect your decision.

The selection of a new Field Officer is a delicate matter, and I will rely on your input and opinion as we study candidates. I think it a necessity that we should rule out the idea of advancing any of the current team. They are good people all, but the change of position would ruin the balance which currently serves us so well. And I expect as well that several of your comrades in arms will be taking retirement soon, and those that aren't, I still view as children, despite the fact that the clearly aren't.

I leave it in your capable hands to create a list of qualifications for our future candidates. I would request that any candidate we consider have experience leading troops in the field. I think we both know too well that this is no place for a junior officer to get his or her feet wet.

I will remember our years of service together fondly, and I wish you great happiness in the future.

Cmdr. Stargazer