Launch Party (Part 1)

Posted on Sat Aug 17th, 2024 @ 3:51pm by Captain Taiga Aisaka & Lieutenant Commander Ryuuji Takasu & Commander Thomas Johnson & Commander Chisato Nishikigi & Major Chiyo Shimada & Lieutenant Jasad Yuvek & Lieutenant Sarah Graesyn & Lieutenant Talia Johnson & Lieutenant JG Nezuko & Lieutenant Tatsuo Shimada

1,357 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Starship Graveyard
Location: Mess Hall

Captain's Log.

It's been eight weeks since we formed an alliance with the other survivors. Our total time on the planet has been nearly eighteen weeks, just over four months. By now Starfleet has either sent out a search ship, or has declared us missing. However I remain optimistic.

The boosters have been completed by our engineering teams. Lieutenant Rea was seriously injured and is still on medical leave, therefore Lieutenant Graesyn has replaced her as Chief Engineer. Under the Lieutenants supervision we are finally ready to attempt our escape from the planet.

However there is a risk that we won't be able to break orbit. There is a high chance that the Tokyo will either crash back down or break up in the atmosphere. However I have faith in my ship and my crew. I believe that we will be able to escape.

Centuries ago people would gather to celebrate the launch of impressive ships, everything from majestic ocean liners to state of the art warships. Each ship was launched in ceremony and with cheers of good luck and blessing. Even though the Tokyo is not a new ship, we are essentially launching back to space. Therefore a gathering has been arranged for tonight in the main mess hall. It also gives all of the crew's a chance to socialise before we attempt the launch tomorrow.

If anything does go wrong tomorrow and anyone finds these logs. I want everyone to know that the crew of the Tokyo and our new found friends acted and performed their duties with valor and honour.

End log.

[USS Tokyo Mess Hall]

The Mess Hall was already busy when Taiga and Ryuuji arrived. The mixture of the Starfleet and other alien crews was a surprise to Taiga. She hadn't expected to see that many of then here, it was nice to see a mixture of people attending the 'Launch Party' as it had become to be known. Taiga herself had decided to stay in her uniform, to her this was an official ships function so she still needed to look the part.

She held Ryuuji's hand as they entered. She was starting to feel a little tired, mainly from being twenty one weeks pregnant but also from the long hours ensuring that the Tokyo was ready to attempt its launch back to space in the morning.

"Captain!"

Out of the corner of her eye, Taiga spotted Commander Nishikigi making her way over to greet her. Much to the Captain's evident relief, Chisato had also opted to remain in uniform- guess it wasn't so much a concern exclusive to her, after all?

"So... I guess this is it?" she remarked, her face glistening with excitement. "2 months of hard work, and now we'll get the chance to see if all our effort pays off?"

Taiga smiled. "I have everything crossed for tomorrow," she replied. "Although there is a good chance of escape. So I'm staying optimistic."

"Well, in light of Lieutenant Rea's... absence, I've continued running some tests with Lieutenant Graesyn, and while we're getting some fairly impressive numbers, we still can't account for the planet's gravity. And our data collectors haven't turned up anything on the facility, so... it looks as if we may be winging this after all. And you should know, Captain, that I hate having to be a Debbie Downer."

"Risk is part of wearing the uniform remember," Taiga replied.

It was at that moment that Colonel Kortak approached a large flagon of blood wine in his hand. He slapped Chisato hard on the back. "Don't worry Commander! If we don't succeed, attempting escape from this Grethor will be an honourable death! Along with friends!" He bellowed as he turned a toothy grin towards Taiga.

"Ow..." Chisato grumbled, tenderly rubbing her back.

"I wasn't expecting to see you here Colonel," Taiga replied.

Kortak laughed, it boomed out over the chatter. "Klingons always share a drink or feast before a great battle! And this will count as a battle! The battle to get us off this planet! It shall be glorious and celebrated in song!"

Taiga couldn't help but smirk a little. "Don't go writing any operas about us yet." She said. "We still have a lot of work to do before we attempt to launch tomorrow."

Kortak once again laughed. "Captain Aisaka, you amuse me! If you can get us off this planet with your advanced Starship, the Klingon Empore will owe you a great debt!" With that said he turned and disappeared into the crowd.

'Captain, If I may have a word?"

Chiyo had spotted Taiga arriving, but hadn't been able to break away from Tatsuo's conversation with his Vulcan militia buddies as they recalled their war with the Saviors for Chiyo. At last, Chiyo had finally managed to drag Tatsuo away (though not before he made a promise to the Vulcans that they would continue the conversation later) to speak with the Captain.

While Tatsuo remained in his outdated uniform so as to be easily recognized by his crew and Oning allies, Chiyo on the other hand had taken a different approach, and was wearing a black cocktail dress.

"Sure," Taiga said turning to the Major. "What's on your mind?"

"I know it's been a long time since I first brought forward the idea to you, but I wanted to reaffirm what we discussed then." She said, turning to Tatsuo. "When we get out of here, we plan to be together... Forever."

"And we wanted to make sure our officiant was still up to the task." Tatsuo said.

"I did make you that promise didn't I..." Taiga replied. "If we get out of here tomorrow, consider it done. If anything, it gives us something else to work for. Another reason to succeed."

"Indeed." Chiyo nodded. "I already have a dress picked out that I think he's going to go wild for!"

"A wedding!" Chisato practically squealed with excitement. "Oh, can I be the Maid of Honor? Can I can I can I can I can I can I-?"

"Is your name Alice, Commander?" Chiyo asked. "Did I bear and raise you for the last fourteen years?"

Chisato pouted.

"Didn't think so." Chiyo said.

It was at this moment that Sub Commander Sylok broke from a gathering of his crew and made his way over.

"Captain Aisaka." He nodded in a rather stately manner. "Pardon my intrusion. If this is an inconvenient time, then we may talk later."

"As they say in the Temporal Mechanics department, there's no time like the present," Taiga replied with a smile.

"It has come to my attention that I have not been forthright about our past and our history concerning the group known as The Saviors." Sylok explained. "And my crew are in agreement that an explanation is warranted. Perhaps you may better understand ours and our allies' position?"

Taiga's eyes narrowed slightly. "Will this impact what we're going to attempt tomorrow?" she asked simply.

"It should not." Sylok responded. "My allies have confirmed that our calculations we made at the conclusion of the war were in fact inaccurate, and the Saviors have not risen to become a credible threat since we defeated them."

"We'll discuss this all properly once we're off this planet. Right now, we need everyone to stay on focus. You of all people should know that if you allow your mind to wander in situations like this, it could mean disaster to all." Taiga stated.

"Of course." Sylok nodded. "Well, since there is nothing further to add, enjoy the rest of the evening. If you shall require me. You'll know where to find me."

And with a simple turn, Sylok made his way back towards the gathering of his crew.

Thomas had maintained silence, going over everything... a habit of his, going completely silence, when he was focused on something. However, Syloks interaction had concerned him. "Captain, mind if I inquire whats on Syloks mind. I am sure he wouldn't have brought it up, if it was nothing."

To be continued...

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