Because I just can't leave anything alone, and because science fiction has taught me that a spacefaring organization just isn't complete without a shiny metallic version of their logo. It's like a galactic hood ornament, or something.

Ugh, the metallic gradient fills just don't cut it at large scale like this. Not too crazy about the bronze pieces either, but then again bronze isn't exactly a very lustrous metal to begin with, so... well, yeah. :P