Escape Velocity Nova

You're a new pilot in a universe where life is cheap, but so is the cost of a Shuttle. Overcome Pirate attacks as you build up your wealth and skill in order to be recruited by a representative of a major faction. Become the pebble that starts an avalanche and unbalance the stalemate between three space-faring empires: the democratic but corrupt Federation, the brutal yet skilled Aurorans and the utopic alas xenophobic Polaris.