I scratched your ship

Posted on Thu Aug 13th, 2026 @ 2:29am by Captain Taiga Aisaka & Lieutenant Commander Ryuuji Takasu & Commander Thomas Johnson

2,097 words; about a 10 minute read

Mission: Flight Of The Valkyries
Location: Starbase 43
Timeline: March 24th 2397

Opting to remain on the bridge for the trip to the starbase, even when arriving to the base, the first place he wanted to go was to see the Captain. Almost destroying her ship, wanting to destroy another to take out the station. It wasn't the best foot forward for his first command. Several crew members were talking about the Johnson maneuver... something in hindsite would probably be suited for a much smaller ship.

Walking up to door of the Captains temporary quarters, he rang the chime. With the pain meds, wearing off, and his jaw and eye swollen shut, the injuries taken from his being thrown against console. but he felt that it was the least he could deal with considering many lost their lives. They lost the Akagi, the Tokyo would be in for repairs for weeks if not months. He wanted the pain to linger, at least for a little while.

The door opened, it was dark inside the room. In the doorway stood Ryuuji. He blinked a few times at the sudden appearance of Commander Johnson. "Com... Thomas?" he asked simply giving him a brief smile.

"I hear baby was ok, congrats."

Ryuuji nodded. "Yeah, they're both ok." he said as he stepped over the threshold of the door. "At the moment both of them are a little... in the land of nod right now." he chuckled. He noticed the swollen face and the bruises. "How about, you go get that sorted out. I'll wake Taiga up." he suggested. "It'll make her feel better if you didn't come in sporting battle wounds..."

"We lost a lot of good people, doesnt feel right just getting things fixed like nothing happened."

Ryuuji nodded as he placed a hand on Thomas's shoulder. "Trust me Thomas. If I don't suggest it now. Taiga will, and with how much sleep she's been getting recently... She'll be more..." he paused as he pondered. "How to put it... Blunt; about it."

Pausing, thinking about a rebuttal he couldn't think of any. "Fine."

[20 Minutes Later]

Returning from medical bay, he mended what turned out to be a fractured orbital bone, a broken jaw, broken in such a way that doctors thought it was just swollen, covered by the laceration that he got from the mid cheek down under his chin, he fought to have stitches put in. A scar would remain, the battle would remain with him. His first battle as a commanding officer, which was thrust upon him. They won the battle, the scar would remain, so he wouldn't forget those who didn't return.

He looked at the Commander. "Better? I'm booked for tooth replacement surgery in six hours."

Ryuuji smiled as he opened the doors. "Well, she's awake now. I've fed her coffee. She's a excited to see you. She might not show it, but she's been worried sick about you guys."

"I think we all are to have you guys back, and meet the little one."

Taiga was sat up in the bed, still dressed in the light blue medical pyjamas. She turned her head to look over at Thomas. A sense of relief emanated from her as she confirmed that he was alive and well.

"Captain, its good to see you." Thomas replied as he approached.

"I can say the same." She said as she beckoned for him to come to her bedside.

"Truth be told when you were sent off, I expected the Armitage to take lead. Being in charge of the fleet. We lost a lot of people, lost a ship. Currently Tokyo is being looked at for salvageability. Chances are, we will get repaired. But, the saucer was almost turned into a square."

Taiga didn't respond, instead she moved forward a little too quickly and grabbed Thomas by the collar. She pulled him down into a tight hug, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. "God damn it Thomas. A ship is just a ship." she said as she tried to hold back tears. "I'm just relieved that you're all back here alive..." she broke free and pushed back from him. "You are all back here alive... right?"

"A ship is a ship I understand that. The casualties however are in the hundreds, spanning over the 6 ships."

Taiga let out a sigh. "I know." she said in a low tone. "And you've been beating yourself up about it haven't you?" she asked as she pointed to the scars on his face. "You feel responsible for those people who were lost, you can't hide it from me. Because..." she paused for a moment. "I've been in the exact same situation before. Many believe that commanding a starship is going to be easy, you get to 'boss everyone around' and you're the one they follow. But, they're far from the truth. This is the side of command that no one see's and usually we have to suffer and endure it in isolation..." A soft reassuring smile slowly spread across her face. She reached out and held his hand, her grip firm but not tight or enough to hurt. "But, you don't have to and neither do I now. Because we have each other."

"Ive had this talk with my brother, but it doesn't make things feel better, in war you have to make choices. If you cant handle the choices, the centre seat isn't for you."

"It affects everyone differently. Especially those going through the five stages right now..." Taiga said.

"Five stages?" Thomas inquired

"Yeah... the five stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and finally, acceptance." Taiga said softly, still holding his hand. "You're grieving, Thomas. Not just for yourself, but for those who can't anymore."

She offered him a gentle, understanding smile.

"And that's part of sitting in that chair. Command isn't just giving orders or making decisions. It's carrying the weight of every life placed in your hands." She gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. "You're a strong person and a damn fine commander. Why else would I have chosen you to stand at my side if I didn't believe in you?"

It was at the moment, that a shrill cry filled the room. Taiga looked to the opposite side of the bed where the bassinet sat. She glanced over to Ryuuji, who was already moving over to it. "Ryuuji..." she said softly.

Gently, Ryuuji picked up a tiny bundle of soft cream blankets in his arms. He ensured that the little precious package inside was safe and secure before passing it to Taiga. As if made of glass, Taiga took the blankets in her arms and pulled it close to her chest.

"Thomas." She said as she looked down at the bundle of blankets. She gently rearranged some of the blankets so the baby's face could be seen. "I want you to meet Riko. Our daughter. And, my biggest reason for continuing to fight this war. To ensure she and everyone else in this galaxy; has a future."

There nestled in the blankets was a face that showed similarities to Taiga herself, but smaller, more delicate and more fragile. She had a lock of curly dark brown hair. She was content and happily snoozing in Taiga's arms, lullabied by Taiga's heartbeat.

Thomas smiled, "Those are the things that matters, I was tempted to remove Tal off ship beofre last mission." He paused, "Congratulations Captain. I think the heralds should be twice as scared of you then they were before."

Taiga chuckled. She slowly held out Riko. "Here. Take her for a moment. Say hello to her properly," she said softly.

Gently taking the infant he brought her into the cradle position. "Its hard to believe, we would fight off an entire galaxy just for these little bundles." He paused. "Makes you wonder. On the other side, are they saying the same thing to their little ones."

"If they even have them." Taiga stated. At that moment, Riko's eyes fluttered and she slowly opened them. Her bright hazel eyes, the exact sane to Taiga's stared up at Thomas. It was almost like she was studying him, taking in all of his features.

"Riko. Meet your Uncle Thomas. You'll soon get to meet Aunt Talia and Nezuko." Taiga said softly. "These will be the people who will help us keep you safe." She explained. Across the room, Ryuuji smiled fondly at the interaction and sat forward in his chair as if anticipating something. "And..." Taiga continued. "If anything happens to daddy or me. Uncle Thomas here will be the one to look after you with Aunt Talia and Nezuko..." she looked Thomas at Thomas directly, a fond and endearing look on his face. "If he accepts that of course?"

"It would be an honor Captain." He was taken aback visibly. "I am sure Tal and Nezuko would agree as well."

Riko made a soft content sound as she snuggled down in Thomas's arms. "It seems you have her approval." Ryuuji said from across the room.

Taiga let out a soft quiet laugh. "Well, she knows both of you remember. She listened to every word you both said when she was in my belly." Taiga gave Thomas a smile. "So, now you're feeling better. I heard you came up with a way of getting everyone a little time off lately?" Sge asked sarcastically with a smirk. "I bet Lt Addams isn't your biggest fan right now huh?"

"After what happened figured a break was good for everyone so I disabled everyone's access codes to the ship for a week." Thomas replied. "You are the only one who I gave authorization to over ride it."

Taiga raised an eyebrow."I believe you originally said something about the Tokyo being damaged. Not locking out the access codes... That was a joke right?" She asked.

"Just making sure you are still as sharp as you were." Thomas replied. "I've already done the whole locking everyone out, didn't turn out too well. For a lot of people." Remembering the time he thought locking them in their quarters, would save the crew, only for them to be trapped with no where to go. "Structural integrity is down, its missing 15 percent of its left side." He paused. "We got lucky, however it was due to the loss of a ship. The Akagi's chief engineer sacrificed herself, steered what remained of the ship, into the starbase itself. I was ready to sacrifice the Armitage when it was disabled by a beam weapon. It seemed like it was the only way. We couldn't take another loss. Captain Nakamura was talking about retreat."

"How about..." Taiga said, clear fatigue in her voice. "We leave that for the official report. I'm not exactly in a uniform right now." She added. Once again Riko made her prescence known, from the bundle of blankets still nestled in Thomas's arms a shrill cry emerged, as well as a rather putent smell. Taiga looked over at Ryuuji. "Ryu. Cleanup on aisle Riko..."

Ryuuji nodded and moved over to Thomas. "Here, I'll go change her." He said reaching out to take Riko from Thomas.

Handing her back over, he watched as they left the room. "On the way back, I promoted Lt Yuvek to Lt Commander, I doubt any of us would have made it back."

Taiga waggled a finger at him. "No no." She said simply. "This is not the time for making reports Thomas. Like I said. I'm not in uniform." she gave him a small smile. "I know you want to off load everything, but now isn't the right time. Wait until I'm back on duty. I'm a mother and friend first. Captain second." she explained.

"Thats fine, when ever you are ready, i'll hand the ship back over to you."

Taiga reached out and took his hand gently. "Thomas. Go back to Talia and Nezuko. As much as I appreciate you visiting, they need you too." she told him with a smile. "Don't worry about us, we're in very good hands here."

"I suppose they do." Thomas agreed, "There is something I want to set up on the Tokyo. I will have it set up by the end of the week."

Taiga nodded in response. "I'm sure that it'll be a good addition. Now go, scoot. Be with your family. There's time for duty, and there's time for family. Now is not the time for duty." She told him releasing his hand.

Posting by:

Captain Taiga Aisaka
Commanding Officer
USS Tokyo

Commander Thomas Johnson
Executive Officer
USS Tokyo

Lieutenant Commander Ryuuji Takasu
Chief Stategic Operations Officer
USS Tokyo

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