Should I or shouldn't I?

Posted on Tue Aug 18th, 2026 @ 3:34pm by Captain Taiga Aisaka & Commander Thomas Johnson

1,211 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Kintsugi
Location: Ready Room
Timeline: March 28th 2397

Captains Log.

I've returned to the Tokyo with Ryuuji and Riko. However, the ship has suffered a hufe amount of damage. Therefore, Starfleet Command has made the decision to fully refit the Tokyo. Until then the crew are packing their belongings for temporary reassignment or shoreleave.

End log.

The offer was still new, a command of his own, a forth pip on his collar, the offer was one of the surprises that came that day, his first, his sister contacted him, it was a brief, the Myogi was heading to the rescue of Breen... Quite the mission they had. But this was something, he was not sure about. It wouldn't just uproot him, but that of Talia, and if she would be enticed, Nezuko should she want. After all, they did give him the option to choose his senior staff.

Walking up to the door, Thomas rang the chime, and waited. She was not quite yet on duty, but it was something that he felt the need to ask. Not quite for permission, or asking if he was ready. Just maybe reassurance that he was on the right path.

The ready room of the Tokyo was still a mess from the battle. "Come in" Taiga called.


"Sorry about the mess. I'd offer you something to drink, but..." she thumbed to the replicator that had clearly been blown out at some point leaving it a mess of wires, and burnt debris in the wall.

"I said the same exact thing when I had a meeting with Lt Commander Yuvek when I promoted him." Thomas replied as he took a seat, remembering that the chair behind the desk, was no longer his. He got out, and walked to the front of it.

Taiga leant forward and picked up a frame which had fallen to the floor. Inside her Starfleet Academy graduation qualification. The glass was smashed and covered in dirt. She wiped it with the cuff of her sleeve and then proceeded to slot it into a box on her desk.

"So, what can I do for you Thomas?" she asked softly.

"Well, i thought I would come to you since, basically you being my mentor on my up to Command." Thomas started. "I have been offered a command of my own ship, i've been informed that they are already planning on renaming the current Armitage class ship thats currently being built, the Akagi-A, and seeing as I am familiar with the class, I have command experience. Someone apparently put a word in there for me."

Taiga leant against the desk. "Is that what you want?" She asked simply.

"Honestly, its what I have been after since I started..." He replied, "But my actions last mission... I was ready to throw the Armitage into the station, to try and destroy the station, it was disabled, one nacelle, and we were already talking retreat."

Taiga hopped up onto her desk, taking the weight off of her feet. "You're second guessing your decisions." she stated to him. "By now, you should have realised that as the commanding officer of a ship, you'll do that a lot. Often days, weeks, months or even years after you've made them."

She leant forward slightly. "Its one of many burdens we will share should you want to go through with this command. Its only natural." she told him softly, a firm understanding tone deep in her voice. "So, tell me about this Command."

"Ive been informed the next Armitage class is already going to be christened the Akagi-A, I get to choose the senior staff, the survivors of the original akagi, will have the options to serve on her. Unfortunately the entire senior staff, and a lot of crew were killed so there will be many to choose from."

He paused as he walked over to the replicator and opened the console, sure enough some blown fuses, however, it didn't look as bad as it seemed. Couple of wires rerouted... he guessed the lighting that was mainly for decor wasn't a priority, and took some of the parts from that, and fixed the replicator at least temporarily, until engineering could fix it properly. after ordering himself a cappuccino, and her a milky coffee he sat back down.

"Second guessing, is what you might call it. Ive been told to prepare for it. That it could make one a better commanding officer. However, given the total time to build and depart the ship yard is nine months, the frame isn't even built yet. But they want the answer within four months. I've yet to talk to Talia or Nezuko... it would mean to upend at least Talia, and her posting here, Nezuko... well its complicated, being in a throuple... especially with an amphean... but it works for us, and I wouldn't happen any other way." He finally took a drink.

"I see," Taiga said as she took the coffee from Thomas. "Well, the big question is. Do you want to do it? Is it something you want to go ahead with?"

"I do... if I didn't I wouldn't be here."

Taiga gave him a brief smile. "Look," she said to him softly. "You're a fine commander. I know you can't be my exec all your life. But this is a decision you need to make, however. Don't make it lightly. This will be a huge change in your career should you go for it. It will affect everything about you and your family. You need to consider everything before you take that step." She paused. "But, if its something you want to do, then I'll support you, regardless of the decision you make."

Taking a small box out of his pocket. "I think they already suspect what I am going to do." He opened it, and placed it on her desk... "said all I need to do is put it on my collar and its official."

Taiga took the box and opened it, she looked down at the single pip set inside it. "If you want this Thomas. It might be easier if I put it on you." She said simply. She shut the lid of the box. "How about this. I'll hold onto this, you go talk to Talia and Nezuko. Then come back and see if you want this to happen."

"That would be great Captain?" He replied as he downed the cappuccino. "Bad move that stuff is hot." He paused before turning. "Just a question, someone put the recommendation out there... was it you?"

A small smile spread across Taiga's face. "I suppose, thats for me to know, and you to find out isn't it..." she told him in response.

Saying nothing, but showing gratitude, he left the room, now it was off to tell the two waiting at him.

Back in the ready room, Taiga looked around at the room. It was still a mess, she continued to pick up her possessions and place them into the box. She couldn't help but smile to herself, at least she knew now that Thomas's future was going to be a bright one. He just needed to work on his self-confidence.

Posting by:

Captain Taiga Aisaka
Commanding Officer
USS Tokyo

Commander Thomas Johnson
Executive Officer
USS Tokyo

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