However reluctant she may have been, Shane always put the safety and well being of her squadron first, even if that meant being less than completely honest with them sometimes.
She even earned herself a broze star by saving them from a chig patrol while parachuting into a drop zone.

Captain Vansen's parents were also Marines, who were killed by an Silicate patrol during the AI War. This event not only left her with two younger sisters to care for, but also a very deep hatred of the Silicates, and a fear of the dark. She manages to overcome both of these obstacles, somewhat, during her time with the Wild Cards.
If at first Hawkes saw her as an object of desire, during the series he, and perhaps the others too, came to look upon her more a mother figure.

As the actress behind Shane Vansen, Kristen Cloke had a tough job. She had to play a woman who obviously cares a great deal about her people, but who wants to maintain a tough, no nonsense front at the same time. IMHO Ms. Cloke did this superbly.

One of a group of actors who have become known as 'The Wong Alumni' Kristen Cloke has also done guest slots on two other shows for Morgan and Wong; "The X-Files" in the wonderfully moving episode "The Field Where I Died", and as a semi-regular on "Millenium" playing Lara Means, a woman who has an angel which warns her of evil.
She also appeared in the Wong's movie "Final Destination" as a teacher who suffered an unpleasant fate.
If you would like to find out more about Kristen Cloke, her past roles, and her current work go to The Official Kristen Cloke Web Site