COLUMBIAD
STARDATE 04.17.21
PRE-HISTORY YEARS
Captain Dounia entered the Armory. Here, crewmen rushed back and forth going about their duties with an almost military structure. They were like the Greek Ants transformed into Myrmidons. Leading them all was a stern African Woman with a scar across one cheek.
Captain Dounia approached her Master Gunner. “Makeba Impi, what is the status of the Photon Torpedoes?”
“Ready for use anytime, Captain,” Makeba answered while standing in a stiff posture. She was a muscular, well-built woman who was slender enough to be quick and agile during hand to hand combat. “Just give the word. They are powerful. Each one can hold its destructive force far further than our Phasers. And each warhead equals the destructive force of our Phasers at point blank range. It’s incredible! The Engineers at Terra Command have really outdone themselves.”
Captain Dounia nodded with approval. “And what of the tests they were running to Overload the Photons? Were they successful?”
Makeba frowned. “Negative, Captain. Each time Terra Command tried to Overload the Photons, they blew up in their face! The theory is sound, but they seem to be missing something, some vital component. Perhaps in the future, they will succeed. When they do, the Photon Torpedo will be a weapon to be feared throughout the galaxy!”
Captain Dounia said nothing for a moment. She was speaking with her Creator. “We don’t want to be feared, Makeba Impi. On the contrary, we want to be peace to the galaxy. But if we get pushed by aggressive bullies, I want to know for certain that we can defend ourselves.”
“Yes, ma’am!”
“How are our Phasers?”
“Up to Specs, Captain. The New Capacitor is going to be a big help. We can store enough energy in them to fire each Phaser once. That means we have free shots to fire upfront. But when the New Capacitor runs dry, we will have to recharge it. I’ve been performing accuracy tests with each Phaser to confirm its precision.”
“Well done, Makeba. Carry on with your tests. Our Phasers must be reliable at all times. How is the Wide Cannon?”
“Recently installed, ma’ma! Working like a dream. The Wide Cannon can rotate much further than the Phasers, giving it a 360 degree firing arc. The destructive output of the Wide Cannon is on par with one of our Phasers. I believe it is going to be a very useful weapon in combat, when used in conjunction with our Photons and Phasers.”
Captain Dounia went quiet once more. Again she spoke with her Creator, praying she wouldn’t have to use these destructive weapons. Makeba Impi, who was used to the silent pauses, waited patiently.
“Makeba. I want you to know that I am confident in your abilities. I hand picked you myself for this position out of several candidates. The defensive capabilities of the Columbiad are literally in your hands. Countless lives depend on you performing your duty when the time comes. If you need anything from me, anything at all, feel free to come to me anytime. I am always here for you, Makeba. Is that understood?”
“Yes, ma’am!”
“Together, we will Succeed.”
“Together, we will Succeed.”
“Was there anything else, Master Gunner?”
“Yes, Captain. I submitted a report to you on using Shuttlecraft in combat to supplement our Firepower. I would appreciate your thoughts on it.”
“And you shall it. Keep up the good work, Master Gunner. I want regular reports from you.”
“You will get them, Captain. You can count on me!”
Captain Dounia smiled.
“I KNOW I CAN, MAKEBA…I KNOW I CAN.”
