Time alone, A Time To Write, No Regrets

Posted on Fri Nov 28th, 2025 @ 5:04pm by Ensign Lilith Magnum

Mission: Royal Mail
Location: Magnum's quarters
1461 words - 2.9 OF Standard Post Measure

Dear Mom and Dad,

I know it is silly for me to write you a letter you most likely will never see, but should the fates allow it and you do receive this I wanted to tell you how much I love and appreciate all that you have done for me.

Father, I know you were not happy with me joining Starfleet. I also know you are upset with Rear Admiral Melendez, and I hope you two remain friends. He merely encouraged me to think about my career in Starfleet and whether I wanted to stay Earth bound or become an explorer. I chose the latter. I distinctly remember that day...

~Lilith was catching her breath after her run.She finished her run at the Ka'ena Point UESPA Station, where she was currently posted. Sweat was plastering her Tank top and shorts to her body, and one could observe the quiver in her legs. As she stood there bent over trying to get her breathing and body under control, a shadow crossed over her.

Assuming it was Tirzah she said, “Well not so bad this time, though the last bit uphill today about killed me.”

“I bet it did, so tell me why torture yourself?” asked a deep male voice.

Lilith quickly raised her head, in the distance she could see Tirzah, but in front of her stood a fit middle-aged man, dressed in the standard Starfleet Uniform of a Rear Admiral. Lilith snapped to the position of attention immediately. “I am trying to improve my run time sir.” She replied in a crisp voice. Lilith wished her Starfleet tank top, and shorts were not so plastered to her body.

Rear Admiral Melendez smiled. “Stand at ease Miss Magnum, your father is correct about you, driven in those things you take an interest in.” He glanced over at Tirzah and then asked Lilith, “Follow me please, I want to discuss something with you?” He began a slow walk toward one of the old radomes, or ‘golf balls’, as they were known locally.

Lilith knew an order when she heard one and waved Tirzah off. She then turned and quickly moved to catch up with the admiral. “Sir may I inquire as to why you wish to speak with me?”

Admiral Melendez smiled. “I want to offer you a chance of a lifetime. I was speaking with your parents the other night, and they mentioned you had joined Starfleet and that you were stationed here at the Ka'ena Point UESPA Station doing research for Starfleet. I looked at your record, impressive scientific knowledge, and I felt it was a waste of talent stationing you here. You belong on a starship, exploring the universe for us. Your knowledge could help us better understand the mysteries we encounter in space, especially since the Vulcans are rather stingy with theirs. So, I want you to consider a science posting on one of the NX class ships. The choice of course will be yours; do you wish to remain Earth bound or travel the stars and explore the universe. If you wish to choose the former, no harm or foul to your career. If you choose the latter, then I see an extremely bright future for you.”

Lilith was flabbergasted. She was being offered her dream job, but she knew her parents didn’t want her to go into space, especially her father. “Sir, may I inquire did you happen to mention any of this to my parents?”

Chuckling, he replied, “No, I have not. I know exactly what your father and mother would say.” With that, he stopped and handed her a card. “You have 24 hours to decide what you want, this time tomorrow I expect you to call and tell me your decision.” He then turned and left her standing there, card in hand, wondering about what she should do.~

As you of course know, I took the position, and despite all that has happened I would do it again. In the short time I have been on the NC-05 Atlantis I have seen such wonders. Of course, I never even thought I would be in Starfleet as a scientist. I mean I was 27 years old when Commodore Elara Karden met and recruited me on my graduation from Florida Tech. I can recall it clearly as if it was yesterday...

~”Congratulations Miss Magnum on your successful completion of both a PH.D. in Applied Mathematics and a Master of Science in Space Science.” Stated Commodore Karden, she was dressed in her dress uniform and had come specifically to recruit Lilith Magnum. True, she was older than most recruits to Starfleet, but she was a savant in science. She had reviewed the young 27-year-olds academic record; it was impressive.

She had attended the prestigious ‘Iolani School in her formative years and was placed in advanced course studies in science. Upon her graduation she was accepted into University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa; where she received two bachelor's degrees. She also received two Master of Science degrees. She was then accepted to attend University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she obtained a Ph.D. It seemed that Miss Magnum was a school junkie as she was accepted to attend Florida Tech. She graduated with her second Ph.D. As well as a Master of Science.

Commodore Karden wasn’t worried, Miss Magnum was more than fit physically for the rigors of Starfleet, she was an avid triathlete, was on the water polo team, the kayaking team, and swim and diving team. No, Lilith was more than physically fit. Now it was time to give her some direction in life, apply her savant talents in science to practical use.

Lilith smiled, “Thank you.” She replied. “Do we know each other? "She inquired, confused as to why this lady in uniform was congratulating her.

“No, but I hope I am hoping to convince you to join Starfleet. I have reviewed your record, and I must say you are more than qualified.”

Lilith laughed out loud, her join Starfleet, she was too old to meet the entrance requirements. “No disrespect Ma’am, but I am too old to meet the age requirements for Starfleet.”

Commodore Karden smiled, “Well first allow me to introduce myself, Commodore Karden. I oversee the recruitment of qualified scientists for Starfleet. You are Doctor Lilith Hiwalani Magnum, daughter of Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Magnum, and Doctor Lanakila Magnum. Though like your mother, neither like being called doctor. You hold two Ph.D.’s, three master's degrees, and two bachelor's degrees; all in various science fields. You attended the prestigious ‘Iolani School for Primary Education. You are an avid kayaker, and swimmer, and diver. Did I miss anything?”

Lilith smiled; “Touché commodore. It appears you have done your research on me, but you forget one thing, I am 27 years old, way over the entrance requirements for Starfleet.”

Commodore Karden again smiled, “Tell me honestly if you could, would you join Starfleet?”

Lilith stopped and thought about it. The idea of being in Starfleet, at the cutting edge of scientific discovery, was appealing. Truth be told she had no idea of what she wanted to do. One of her friends had always called her the ultimate science nerd, and that her addiction was going to school and collecting degrees. Without thinking much more on it she replied, “It would be an interesting and challenging opportunity, so I would join if I could.”

Commodore Karden smiled widely, “Well consider yourself a cadet in Starfleet. There are some procedural things that need to be done. As for your age, I have the authority to waive it if I deem it necessary, and I do.”

Lilith also smiled widely, “Well then let’s get the procedural things out of the way. Oh, and Commodore, I’ll let you break the news to my parents.”

Commodore Karden laughed, “Throw me to the wolves, will you?”

Lilith smiled back, “Like Starfleet is going to be a cake walk?”

Both women laughed.~

In a way, it is good that I took the offer to both join Starfleet and to become a science officer aboard an NC-Class starship. I was one of the scientists working on the project Pioneer Pathway. As you already know, as it was not a classified project, Pioneer Pathway, we were mapping all the known Pulsar stars as well as all the Andorian and Vulcan subspace beacons to better improve astrogation. Well, I am now working diligently to reorient the system to where we are currently. I am almost done, and I hope it will help us get home faster.

Well, I must go now;

With Love Always,

Lilith