The dynamic nature of the universe also lends itself to very non-linear game play. You can be a merchant and acquire great amounts of wealth and then use that wealth to fight the Dominators by funding things like new defense fleets and military bases. You can be a pirate or a mercenary and hone your combat skills until you're capable of taking on the Dominators yourself. You can mix these strategies to your own liking or you can switch back and forth as you wish. From beginning to end, you'll have the freedom to play and win the game pretty much as you choose to.