My dear friends,

It pains me that I must seek to relinquish command. I am sorry, but real life is far too busy and demands too much of me to allow me to be a commanding officer and lead this ship. The Chernov has been my home for over five years. I’ve made friends here. I’ve grown as a writer and in my real life work and engagements through your interactions and your patience with me. I love my character Kastarak who I’ve nurtured and explored these years. And I love all the characters I’ve interacted with in these years. I am grateful for all storylines and amazing things that have happened.

I am sorry to let you down. But this ship has had in recent time two commanding officers unceremoniously removed. I will stay on until a stable captain can take over. I’ve spoken to the President who will take charge of the recruitment.

I will stay in the club, and will try figure out a way for me to save Kastarak and for me to stay on on this ship one way or another.

Richard