Finding Redemption

A pilot sits alone.  He ponders the chain of events leading to his current situation.  His ship is surrounded by his fleet, but an uneasy feeling is growing inside him.  His fleet, under the boot of his organization, is preparing to destroy another defenseless freighter in violation of Empire law.  And for what purpose?  The lies are so many he is drowning in them. 

All of the Empire stand against him.  His only friends, the ones who are with him in his fleet, scurry about like dingos over a lost baby deer that calls out helplessly for it's mother.  Friends who relish in lies, deception, greed, and an empty feeling of power over the defenseless.  Of what quality are such friends?  Is he ready to give away his integrity and honor -- perhaps his very soul -- for the brief membership in a pack of wild dogs that will only lead to inevitable betrayal and abandonment?  It is their nature.

He just wanted a friend.  He just wanted to be a part of something.  Now a cold dark leash tightens around his neck.  The devil is at his door with welcoming arms. 

What if there was a way out?  Could he reclaim his soul?  Could he reclaim his honor?  Could he find redemption?  A voice whispers out from the cosmic dark:  "I believe in you.  You still have a choice."  So long, grasped by darkness, suddenly the pilot dares to hope. 

The fleet moves in for the kill.  One ship turns back.  One pilot, who spares his own soul.  He knows the road to redemption will be long and challenging, but real friendship awaits him at the end.  Real friends look forward to welcoming him one day, in time, when that trust has been earned.  One brave soul who turned his back on the devil and found hope waiting on the other side.  A tear runs down his cheek.  The fleet is gone in a flash of hatred.  His ship sits alone.  But he no longer need be.  The pilot is surrounded by hope for a brighter future.  He sets his course for redemption.  A long road.  But worth the trip.

The hands of darkness will never cease trying to pull him back.  But the pilot need only remember The Great Dictator's Speech, and the hands of darkness will never again be able to grasp him.  It's powerful words echo in his head.  "Soldiers! Don’t fight for slavery! Fight for liberty!"