Before the Gemini was abruptly pulled away for duty, it had been docked at Hecate Station to celebrate the new year. Ko had just retreated to her personal quarters after a long day of settling into her new assignment aboard the Gemini. She knew, deep down, that someone had shown her grace, a rare second chance, allowing her to stay in Starfleet after everything that had happened. She was lucky to still be wearing the uniform at all, let alone serving as a First Officer.

Now, the uniform was off. A warm shower had washed away the day’s tension. Dressed in soft cotton pajamas, Ko curled up on the couch, holding a PADD in her lap.

It was tradition for her to write a letter to her parents at the start of each new year, a reflection on the past and the lessons learned. But this year, so much had happened. Too much. Some of it was classified, forcing her to choose her words carefully.

She sighed and began typing.

“Dear Mom and Dad,

I hope this letter finds you well aboard the Artemis.”

The Artemis, the Federation cargo ship where she was born and raised, was still home to her parents.

“Another year has passed, and Starfleet has been through a rollercoaster of events in 2401. But after everything that has happened, and while the stars out here are beautiful, I can’t help but think of the celebrations we used to have on the cargo deck. I can almost hear Dad banging pots together to signal midnight, and smell Mom’s spicy tteokguk warming the whole room.”

A soft smile crossed her face as the memories flooded in. She paused, leaning back into the couch cushions, staring out the window at the buzzing activity around the station. Worker bees zipped between ships, while vessels departed in steady streams of light.

“The Tokyo assignment was, as expected, temporary, and I’ve been assigned to the USS Gemini as its First Officer.”

She hesitated, fingers hovering over the screen. Writing the truth, that she was on a tight leash, was out of the question. Instead, she settled for diplomacy.

“The Gemini crew is still coming together, but some senior officers hosted a small gathering in the lounge. Though it wasn’t home, it reminded me of how the Artemis crew always found ways to make the holidays special. I’ve tried to bring that same spirit to my team here, and I think they appreciate it. We may not have family with us, but Starfleet is about creating family wherever you go.”

She cringed. Too corny, but she let it stand.

“I’ll send more updates soon. I miss you both so much, as always. Tell the crew of the Artemis to watch out for Klingon ships. Starfleet has warned that they’ve been more aggressive in the Beta Quadrant lately. Tell Dad not to worry, his little girl is safe and doing what she loves. Happy New Year, and here’s to many more under the stars.

Always love,
Yoon-Jung Ko”

With those final few words, she shrugged and checked the letter for grammar before swiping up to send it to Artemis. Placing the PADD down, Ko could feel the memories of her fallen officers creeping back into her thoughts. She stood, shaking it off, and popped open a bottle of beer, a brand her parents used to drink aboard the Artemis.

Standing at the window, taking a sip, she raised the bottle in a toast. “Saehae bog manh-i bad-euseyo,” she said softly, her reflection barely visible against the stars. For a moment, the quiet hum of the ship and the vastness of space brought her peace.