Friends,

Always, the Spartan Vanguard has been associated with the Phoenix, a sacred bird of sublime beauty that would live for a thousand glorious years. At the end of its span on Earth, it would take its final rest upon a nest of cinnamon twigs where both nest and bird would be consumed by purifying flame, leaving a perfect egg from which the next Phoenix would rise. The Vanguard has, again, reached this point in its history. For now, the phoenix must burn so that its blaze may be brighter when the day comes for it to soar again.

To all of those who have taken this journey with us, we would like to thank you sincerely. You have been friends and comrades, and many of you have distinguished yourselves as great Spartans. You will be remembered as such in the annals of history. Many of you, I'm sure, have found what it means to be a Spartan - have defined that title for yourselves. You will never lose that, or forget what it means. You will always be Spartans. Of that you can be sure.

For those of who still will continue to hold the Vanguard close, be watchful, for we will return when the time is right. At that time, all Spartans will be welcome to return. Until then, the Vanguard must diminish and take its rest in the quiet embrace of history.

Until the Vanguard rises again, we wish you all the very best. Remember what it is to be a Spartan, and you will find success in all that you do.

Most Sincerely,
The Admiralty