Constantine’s senior officers sat around the circular table with him. They all had the distinct features of his homeworld—tan olive skin, dark eyes, dark hair. His own nearly black eyes looked at each face in turn. No one spoke.

The Captain stood up and walked around his men. He stopped at the highest ranking and put his hands on his shoulders. “Gentlemen,” he began in his willful voice, “today will be another of our raids aimed at dislodging the Empire’s hold on these dark waters. I have called on you for similar engagements far too many times in the past month.

“We are noticed. Each assault is bringing about more struggle. The pilots the Imperials are sending at us are better with each battle. I cannot say that this time will not be our last. What I can tell you is that I would rather die free and fighting for liberty than in the shadow of the Darkness.

“Light is what we fight for, gentlemen. We fight to illuminate the Darkness and rid us of Shadow. There is only one way to dislodge the evils of the Empire. That mode is democracy. Sometimes, my officers, the tree of liberty must be renewed with the blood of patriots.

“Still, I want only those of you that wish this path to continue. That is why I again bring this to vote. All in favor of attacking speak now.”

Every voice in the dimly lit room resounded in unison.

“To your stations then!” Constantine grinned and nodded. “We have a jump to make.”