3238: Originally named Thomas Shilling. Born to a wealthy Imperial merchant family originating in the Cemiess system

3254: Imperial Naval Academy graduate (Top 10%). Awarded degrees in Strategic Analysis and Thermodynamics

3256: Pilot training graduate – fleet fighter track selected

3256-3285: Unexciting non-fleet command naval fighter pilot career. Performance reports included comments like “exceptional piloting skills”, “very little ambition”, “inquisitive, intelligent officer”, ”follows most orders without question”

3285-3287: Records sealed by order of [redacted].

3287: Court marshalled for the loss of the Imperial Anaconda “Night's Sky” during a mission in the [redacted] system. Sentenced to 5 years in prison and dishonourably discharged from the Imperial Navy.

3288: Early release granted after plea bargain to testify against Duke Oliver Trudeau, a minor lord from the Gebel system involved in illegal trade of agricultural goods to nearby Federation systems.

3288-3295: Attempts to reinvigorate the family business fail due to conflicting political interests and a lack of natural business acumen.

3295: Application to Pilot’s Federation accepted.

3295: Approached by Federal Agents regarding the whereabouts of the “Night's Sky.” Agrees to work with the Federation on the caveat that no records will be kept of the involvement. Promoted to Ensign in Federal Navy.

3295-3300: After the failure to find the lost Imperial ship with its advanced low signature power supply, five years of uneventful military service in the Federation.

3300: Recorded death of Frances Shilling. Cause of death listed as asphyxiation coupled with massive pulmonary embolism.