She flipped the card across the table to the junior officer, polishing off her drink and signalling for another in the process. See for yourself. And to be frank, I'm anything but interested in our friend here.  I only have eyes for men. Not that there's been all that many in the last few years.  It's amazing what getting your stars does to your personal life.<br/><br/>Nodding to the waiter who brought her drink, she took a long drag.  Nonetheless, as I'm being a real bitch, I feel it important to note that Sean here is more than competent.  Top Academy marks, excellent training record, and multiple direct commendations on skill and ability. One of the finer graduates of the Academy, if ever I've seen one.  For what it's worth Sean, you were the first and only recruit selected for this force, despite your... peculiarities. I went through sixteen-hundred graduate reports before selecting your name for my final list, over the possibility of recruiting a number of decorated veterans.  A veteran cannot be taught, they cannot learn new methods of acting and reacting.  They fight and serve in the same ways that have already made them effective.  I chose you, Sub-Lieutenant, because you have shown the aptitude to adapt and become the capable pilot humanity needs. I suggest you wear that with some form of pride.<br/><br/>She took another drink, giving the Sub-Lieutenant a nod. That applies to you two as well.  I agreed to the Lieutenant's request to join you all tonight to explain myself before I assume formal command at the commencement ceremony. I'm not an easy officer to get along with, I feel that's important to say now. I've brought this team together to act in the defense of humanity and it's allies. She nodded to her XO at that remark. In confidence, we are fighting a losing war. Territories are crumbling left and right. We've just managed to lose a huge chunk of Europe, and there are pings across the seaboard of possible Migou forward elements.  Borrowed time is an understatement. Around you are a room full of pilots blissfully unaware of how bad things really are. I sign daily dispatch orders for any number of pilots, and it's a rare day I get to sign the same number of pilot check-ins. She paused for a moment, her hand on the table going white in an attempt to keep the emotion out of her voice. We're losing. In small chunks at a time, but there it is. Our races need this.  They need us. If you want out of all this, I understand. But if you are, truly, committed. Then I can only promise to command as best I can.