The Command Dilemma

Posted on Thu Aug 13th, 2026 @ 2:29am by Rear Admiral Rimuru Tempest & Commander Thomas Johnson

1,387 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Flight Of The Valkyries
Location: XO's office
Timeline: March 24th 2397

Thomas sat at his desk, going over applications for positions to be filled by those lost during the last mission. He kept telling himself, that it was the duty. They knew what they signed up for. He looked over at the stack of pads over on the couch to the side... he had ordered one, having the Captains ready roon even for the short time, it gave him a time to lay and relax... not that he did much, with the kids, even Tahuna was loud. But it was a change.

The console on his desk began beep loudly indicating an incoming transmission.

Thomas was going over yet even more reports of crew requesting transfers some citing the irresponsible behavior of the xo, when given command decided to use the vehicle as a drag racer, and drifted one of the largest starships starfleet had, others cited wanting to be farther from enemy lines as they had kids. He couldn't disagree, he had even started to question himself. Although the large diamond couldn't have been foresaw. Hearing the computer chirp. He turned it on expecting one of his crew.

"Johnson here, speak to me."

"Please enter authorisation code." Came the response from the computer. The screen showed the symbol of The United Federation of Planets. It also showed that the incoming transmission was a priority secure channel.

Raising an eyebrow, he immediately stood straighter, made sure his hair was set. "Thomas Alpha nine two zero tango."

"Authorization recognized."

The image of Rear Admiral Rimuru Tempest appeared on the screen. "Commander Johnson." He opened with. "How are you doing?"

"At the moment going through some transfer list requests... but doing fine." He wasn't going to delve into the reasons. Everyone had the right to request a transfer. "What can I help you with sir. I believe Captain Aisaka is taking calls."

"I'm not here to talk to Captain Aisaka. I'm here to talk to you." Tempest said softly. "I've read through the reports from the mission you led. How do you think it went?"

Thomas sighed, "With the end result, we got what we needed, a win. Though it costed us a ship and a lot of personnel. It ended better that what I think we actually went in there for. Overall it was a success. "

"Yes. The loss of the Akagi was what I want to talk to you about." Tempest said. He tapped on his console and an image of a drydock appeared on the screen. Inside the drydock was a new Armitage class currently under construction. It was still a long way off being completed.

"This is the USS Kyoto. At least ot would have been. However, Starfleet Command has authorised it to be renamed the Akagi in honour of the Akagi's sacrifice." He explained. "She's nine months from her estimated launch date. But, she needs a captain."

He looked directly at Thomas. "After reviewing potential candidates, you are at the top of a rather long list." He explained. "We need capable commanders and you have experience with the class of ship. You knkw its capabilities and you have experience with the enemy. Therefore, she's yours should you want her."

"My own Command?" He replied, it wasn't a question, really. It was what he wanted for so long. Not exactly how he had pictured it. The ship they lost during battle, he would take up their name sake. "Big shoes to fill sir." He paused. "Nine months... how long before you need an answer."

Tempest could hear the hesitation in Thomas's voice. "You won't be needed until a couple of weeks before the lauch. It'll be upto you to select your senior staff." He explained. "I'll need an answer two weeks before."

"Thank you Admiral." He stood straighter. "I will keep you updated on the progress on the ship, and the crew selection processes. I already have a few that I have in mind."

"I will say one thing Commander. I understand you have the responsibility of a family. A newblrn child along with a young Amerind girl you adopted." He told him. "As much as Starfleer needs capable commanders, we also recognise how this change can impact your families dynamic."

"I appreciate your understanding Admiral." Thomas nodded. "However, its something that Ive been working for. You will have my answer sooner than that."

Tempest nodded. "I understand Commander. Now, whilst I am here. What is the current status of the Tokyo?"

"Currently I am going over the current inspection and recommendations that include several new phaser arrays, torpedoe tubes, and additional tri-cobalt torpedoes. I would also like to introduce the Iconians to the transphasic torpedoes that are currently restricted. We need a few to see if they will be effective."

"Transphasic torpedoes..." Tempest said. "Thats a big request. As you know they were brought back by the USS Voyager, and they are incredibly hard to produce." Tempest seemed to ponder for a few moments, yes they couldn't replicate the components and each one had to be built and programmed individually. "I can't promise the torpedoes, but I can try to pull some strings. The corps of engineers estimate at least eight to ten weeks to get the Tokyo spaceworthy again..."

"We need something, a win like this... against something they created in the middle of a debris field... this isnt going to go unnoticed. I suspect retaliation. Lots of it. We need to be ready for it."

Tempest nodded. He seemed to study the conmander for a moment. Even through a sub space call he could sense that the Commander was eager for victory. He sat back, placing his hands on the table before him. "I agree Commander. You did well out there. I believe that we will be ready for them. You may not have stopped them, but you have delayed them. If anything thats more important at this stage."

"My time with the Iconians, before our transport back to the milky way galaxy, they seemed to be... concerned. They didn't care that they were beaten back at every turn as of this moment. Something scared them about the borg. Has anything been found that would indicate why, as of yet? Also very interested in chronotons and its uses. I know there are a field of scientists going through the data, I have my operations chief going through it on my personal computer as well... but it can only go so fast."

"I see," Tempest replied. "Well, they must have a reason for being so interested in chronitons and The Borg. However, if they are focusing their efforrs on the collective, you won't get any complaints from me." He leant forward a little more. "Send a copy of your data to Command. We'll also have some of our people work on the analysis. The quicker we find out what their goal is, the quicker we can save lives."

Tapping a few buttons, "Sending it over now... Unfortunately, there is no clear organization. There are libraries upon libraries of species from the past. Going to be a treasure trove for some archaeologists."

Tempest chuckled. "I imagine so." He looked over to his left at another screen which was out of shot. "I'll have our analysts go through this with a fine toothed comb. Fkr the time being, Starfleet Command will issue you new orders soon. So, standby for now and enjoy a few days off. You've earnt it."

"Few days?" He asked confused.

"Yes. Even though the Tokyo is undergoing repairs, your entire crew have been temporarily assigned to Starbase 43." The Admiral replied. "Until your new orders come through, consider you all assigned to shoreleave."

"Understood." He replied as he noticed a notification, of something waiting for him in the replicator. Walking over he noticed a small box. The forth pip, bringing it over to the desk he sat back down. "Anything else sir."

Tempest shook his head. "Not at the moment no." He said. "Just get back to me when you have an answer regarding the Akagi. Until then, enjoy some time with your family." He gave Thomas a small smile, and then the channel cut off leaving the symbol of The United Federation of Planets on the screen.

Posting by:

Rear Admiral Rimuru Tempest
Starfleet Command

Commander Thomas Johnson
Executive Officer
USS Tokyo

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