Alone

Alicia POV I've been alone and adrift in space for 23 days now, at least I believe it's been that long. The days and nights all blur together when my only view is of an empty abyss with only tiny stars that are so far away they are hardly visible with just the n***d eye. My warp drive malfunctioned a little after my journey began and I can't be entirely sure if any of the rest of the ship has been damaged, considering all of my readings and the computer is telling me the ship is working within normal parameters. At least the fabricator still works so I have food, water, and any other necessity or tool or well anything really that I may need. Thank God for fabricators! I only wish I could figure out exactly what went wrong. I've been trying to figure out exactly where I am in the universe, I'm hoping I'll be able to recognize some star formation or planet but as of now I have yet to see anything familiar, and the stars I can see are too far away to make heads or tails of where I've ended up. I know the basics, at least enough to survive for a while but when a warp drive malfunctions it isn't a guarantee that it will spit you out somewhere you know. I've been traveling through space my whole life, it's a common thing in 2234, instead of a teenager getting a car when they turn 16, we're given our own space cruisers. I keep thinking back to the day my parents gave me mine. I was so ecstatic and grateful and I couldn't wait to fly off into the stars all on my own. Now, all I can think about is my family and wishing they were with me, especially my father, because he would know exactly what to do and how to fix it. So, I've somewhat explained my predicament and as you can see, I'm for lack of a better word...screwed. As far as I can tell, I'm in an unknown part of space and none of my S.O.S transmissions are being recieved. I'm trying my best to remain calm but after 23 days of star mapping and alot of screaming and crying I'm beginning to feel hopeless. There are no planetary bodies close to me so just traveling with my thrusters is not going to work...I'm going to have to go to warp but what are the chances it malfunctions again and I'm flung even further into the unknown? I stare out the window at all the far away stars and although it's breathtaking, it's also hauntingly empty. I'm left wondering if one of those far off stars could be home and exactly how far I could be from my planet, my life, and my loving family. I know I need to be strong and try to remember everything I've learned so that wherever I end up I know I'll survive. it's time to put my big girls pants on and try this again. As I look down at the warp drive button, I close my eyes, say a silent prayer and slowly push it. I'm hoping the next time I stop I'll be near civilization, well, a civilization that has achieved space travel and I'll be able to find my way home. I have to keep in mind that the chances of ending up anywhere familiar are slim, as are the chances of finding any technologically advanced society, at least advanced enough to have any kind of intergalactic space travel. I've been studying the skies and the stars my whole life, not just because it's required but because i also have a genuine interest in the mysteries of the universe. There is still so much we don't know and even more that has yet to be discovered. It is as terrifying as it is beautiful, which doesn't come close to a true explanation but it's all I have right now in my moments of panic. I am incredibly afraid but a part of me is also excited to explore and possibly discover something beyond explanation. Obviously I want to make it home but maybe my journey is leading me somewhere else I am meant to be...or I am just filling my mind and heart with false hope to keep me calm. Either way, I guess I will find out on the other side of this second warp attempt.