The war has dragged on for decades, those that started it are all dead and still people fight and die in the vacuum of space. Now years after your capture a chance at freedom has come. Either through success or defeat you will have your freedom.
The Inquisition hires all sorts of folks, some are motivated to serve without pay, and others, well they like to get paid. You group is all the first type, except the new guy... and he has a little side work for you all.
The World is taken over by Aliens and the Super heroes are all dead or in hiding, so who is going to save the world, but the Villains! Prizes supplied!