the-agency-starter: Command for Claude Code

Create a REQUEST quickly

The user typed: /agency-request $ARGUMENTS

Purpose: Create a new REQUEST file quickly without breaking the user's flow.

Behavior

1. If $ARGUMENTS is empty, show usage:

   Usage: /agency-request <summary>
   
   Example: /agency-request Add dark mode support to the dashboard
   

   Then stop - do not prompt for input.

2. If $ARGUMENTS is provided, use it as the request summary

3. Determine the principal (use ./tools/config get principal or default to "jordan")

4. Get the next request number

5. Create the REQUEST file from template

6. Confirm creation with next steps

Implementation

1. Get principal:

   ./tools/config get principal 2>/dev/null || echo "jordan"
   

2. Count existing requests to find next number:

   ls claude/principals/{principal}/requests/REQUEST-*.md 2>/dev/null | wc -l
   

   Add 1 and zero-pad to 4 digits.

3. Generate slug from summary (lowercase, spaces to hyphens, max 50 chars)

4. Create file using template at claude/templates/REQUEST.md

5. Replace template placeholders:

   • {{PRINCIPAL}} → principal name
   • {{NUMBER}} → zero-padded number (e.g., 0042)
   • {{SUMMARY}} → the summary from $ARGUMENTS
   • {{REQUESTED_BY}} → principal name
   • {{AGENT}} → "captain" (default)
   • {{WORKSTREAM}} → "housekeeping" (default)
   • {{DATE}} → today's date
   • {{SUMMARY_DESCRIPTION}} → the full summary

Request File Location

claude/principals/{principal}/requests/REQUEST-{principal}-{XXXX}-{slug}.md

Output Format

After creating the request:

REQUEST created: REQUEST-{principal}-{XXXX}
Location: claude/principals/{principal}/requests/REQUEST-{principal}-{XXXX}-{slug}.md

Next steps:
1. Fill in the Details section
2. Add Acceptance Criteria
3. Assign to an agent (default: captain)

Notes

• Keep it fast - create the file, confirm, done
• User can fill in details later
• Default to housekeeping workstream and captain agent