An unwitting sacrifice. A spark to ignite the galaxy. Ten years before Commander Grant and his SR-X experimental fighter left the ground, the U.S.C. Defiance became the flashpoint for humanity’s First Contact War. While unprepared for the devastating assault from an alien race that was by all previous accounts peaceful, the crew will need to band together if any are to have any hope of survival. Forging within them a steadfast determination, they must go beyond their capabilities and stand united not as mere technicians, but as soldiers of humanity. With the only hope of a rescue light-years away, will they hold on long enough to warn the fleet of the war that is to come? A short story and introduction to the Mission:SRX universe. 11,100 words.