COLUMBIAD
STARDATE 04.10.21
PRE-HISTORY YEARS
Captain Adeena Dounia prostrated herself on the floor of her Quarters. She knelt on a finely decorated rug full of ancient symbols. On a wall, a bare altar held only a single burning incense candle.
After saying her Prayers, Captain Dounia stood up and stared out of her window at the stars outside. She pulled her red and yellow scarf around her head so that only her face was showing. Her Uniform was also red and yellow.
The Columbiad will be the First Starship to ever leave Terra Reserve. The World is depending on us. My Crew is depending on me. There is so much at stake. So many possibilities. So many opportunities. So much to be gained. And so much to be lost.
I only pray that I will bring Honor to my Family. That I will bring Honor to Terra Reserve. That I will bring Honor to my Crew. And that I will bring Honor to the Most High. Please grant me the Strength, Wisdom, Patience, and Compassion to make these things a Reality. Alone, I am Weak. But with You, Anything is Possible.
Captain Dounia let out a soft whistle. A huge, spotted Great Dane came and sat next to her. Its sharp, pointed ears were sticking straight up. She reached out and pet its head, which was as tall as her chest.
She sat in silence with her dog beside her for a long period of time. The two were bonded together, inseparable unless by choice.
Then, as Captain Dounia prepared to leave her Quarters for the Bridge, she gave Thanks for all she had in this Life. Afterward, she closed her eyes and said,
“PRAISE BE TO ALLAH.”
