“So it’s all about the choice.” I said hesitantly. During the time I had been on board the Glimpse of Shadow, I could only recall the captain polling the officers a handful of times on major issues such as specific amendments to shipboard law. I had certainly never witnessed matter important enough to merit a shipwide poll.

Harrigan gazed at the bridge viewscreens showing the expanse of space in front of us, tapping absent-mindedly at the command chair. The weight of command appeared to lie heavy on him, the responsibilities creasing his forehead. There was more to the poll than the choice, I knew, or perhaps there was more to the choice.

I stretched and lay back in my chair, watching the stars pass by and waiting as the first of the votes arrived.