I own nothing of Star Trek or any other series that might pop up. This is an AU. Rating might change later.

To:

From:

Sent: 2258-402

Subject: New Assignment

Hey old man, if you haven't guessed it's me. From the continued lack of response to my last emails I'm guessing you're still pissed I joined Starfleet. Well give it up; I've been serving for three years! You can't ignore me forever! No matter how long you'll live! So there.

Captain Pike told me we're getting assigned to a new ship today. The USS Enterprise, the Fleet's new flagship. Have to admit after checking out the specs on this baby it's really cool. Sadly since I didn't technically graduate from the academy I can't take on position of Chief Engineer, but Pike introduced me to the man who will have that honor. Chief Engineer Olson. He's not half bad, a little on the flaky side but he seems competent.

But hey good news, I've been promoted to Lieutenant. I may not have the degrees from their illustrious academy, but my qualifications and the work I've done so far have impressed the higher ups. Pike said I'm the first 'civilian-consultant' to advance this fast in the ranks, but he didn't expect any less. I know you still hate the guy for talking me in to hopping on a starship and heading out into the great big unknown, but he's been really good to me, and I like it up here. I get all the technology I want to play with and I'm even allowed to tinker on my own projects. And the technology on Enterprise is state of the art! Even you would think it was cool.

Anyway I have to go. CE Olson and I are going to inspect the torpedoes and the ship's defense systems today. My specialty, as you well know. I'll write to you later. We're supposed to be shipped out in a week or so on our first mission. It's bound to be a great ceremony to send us off!

Take care of yourself. Don't get killed.

Love,

Lexi

Your ever-loving granddaughter.

Your flesh and blood.

Your only living family.

(Getting any hints yet? Stop being stubborn and talk to me!)

Pushing the send button Alexis Samantha Grimm, new Lieutenant of engineering under the command of one Captain Christopher Pike sighed heavily. It had been over three years since she last saw her grandfather, John Grimm. They had had a huge fight about the subject, but something in Lexi told her that she needed this. He had told her as she walked out that she shouldn't expect to hear from him anytime soon, as he fully stood against her decision and he would not bail her out when she got into trouble.

Three years later and he had kept his promise. It didn't stop her from emailing him and letting him know that she still cared, even if he likely never read the letters. She couldn't help it. The man was her last living family, and at some point it just became a habit, a rather cathartic habit much like a diary. Deep in her heart it gave her peace of mind to think that he did actually read the messages and cared on some level.

Shaking her head she exited her quarters, one of the few officers allowed on the ship at this time as they prepared the vessel for its first voyage. Perhaps several hours of working on the engine and correcting the mistakes most likely made by the ground crews would lift her spirits.