To: Udina
Subject: References
Ambassador Udina,
As per your request, I have performed an examination on the credentials for one Commander Shepard. The suggestion that the record had been flawed was indeed accurate; there are several commendations that are not available to the general public, and some information that was listed as missing until I invoked your authority.
The most pertinent, however, is the permission request form sent in order to gain an early promotion for Commander Shepard. A portion of the interest is the response from the Admiralty. I have included the letters as an attachment. Please note that some names were withheld, even from this level of security.
J.L. Sampson
Vice-President of Internal Affairs,
Alliance Intelligence
To Whomever It May Concern,
Greetings,
We the undersigned request that the eighteen month waiting period for the rank of LTJG be waived for Ensign John Shepard.
Ensign Shepard has displayed exemplary behavior both on and off the training course, and had shown an aptitude for leadership. We understand that the waiting period is usually for the education of the officer in question, but feel that the record and history of Ensign Shepard is more than adequate to the challenge.
Ensign Shepard has passed Basic Training with top marks in all of his courses, including all of the requisite courses necessary to enter Officer Training School. This was in addition to the standard courses required for Basic Training.
Ensign Shepard has also passed the Advanced Final with top grades. His performance in the Final test was comparable to an N7 candidate, without any of the training. Several N7 graduates have agreed to serve as witnesses that the capabilities of Ensign Shepard are equal to an N3 trainee, despite his not having any of the training.
In short, Ensign Shepard has proven his capacity to learn, to lead and to adapt in difficult situations. This is the best possible reason for reducing the usual time requirement, as it would add the rank more appropriate to his skill level and natural abilities.
Respectfully,
Sergeant Petros,
Sergeant O'Mallery,
-Redacted-
Lieutenant Davis,
Dr. Gustavia
Corporal Tambers,
Captain Jacobsen,
-Redacted—
Lieutenant Commander Sean,
Dr. Kissimmee Laraby
Lieutenant Zapleta, eyewitness on Mindoir
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In regard to your request in order to eliminate the waiting period for Ensign Shepards' promotion, we do not feel that we are able to accommodate such a request. No matter how gifted an individual may be, there is always much more to be learned, and only experience can teach some things.
However, in light of the capabilities shown by Ensign Shepard on Mindoir, and especially because of his performance in the Advanced test, there may be a compromise. Instead of eliminating the requirement, we have agreed to reduce the waiting period to a six month probationary period. If Ensign Shepard still merits a higher position after the allotted time has passed, we will grant your request.
We thank all of you for your loyal service, and earnestly hope this compromise satisfies all concerned parties.
Steven Hacket
Senior Rear-Admiral
Alliance Navy
Now I don't know much about military ranks, so I did some research. Hope this works out all right. I wanted to put in a bridge between the basic training days and the N7 program, which is coming up next.
Also, please let me know how to improve my writing. I'm using the English language as I know how, and could use some storytelling experience.
Thanks!