The Worst Duty

Posted on Wed Apr 9th, 2025 @ 7:26pm by Captain Taiga Aisaka & Lieutenant Talia Johnson

985 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Andromeda
Location: Johnson Quarters

It was well known that every Starship Captain had several duties they had to perform and complete. It came with the uniform, with the rank and with the job. That included the worst duty of them all, the one which every starship captain hated and dreaded. The duty of speaking or writing to the loved ones of someone lost under their command.

Taiga had been avoiding it since the Tokyo had been pulled into the Dyson Sphere in the Andromeda Galaxy. However now that she had ordered the senior crew to rest, now was the right time to get such formalities out of the way. Therefore she found herself standing in front of the doors to the Executive Officer and Chief Counsellor.

She took a deep breath as she reached out and rang the chime.

Talia was already sensing the arrival outside her door, her heart was already aching at the loss of her connection with Thomas, now she suspected Taiga was here to make it official. Answering the door she offered the best smile she could muster. “Hello Captain, please come in and make yourself at home.”

Taiga stepped in and instantly felt uneasy. She looked around at their quarters, and she could see some similarities in their quarters to her own, not in design or layout; but in memories and items that made it their home. The moses basket ready for the baby, the photographs in frames, trinkets from their home worlds on the walls. Everything reminded Taiga that this was the home of a soon to be young family.

"Talia..." she said a few tears coming to her eyes. Usually she wouldn't get this emotional, but Thomas had become a friend. Plus, her emotions were 'all over the place' due to her pregnancy. "I'm so sorry..." she sniffled.

“I know” Talia nodded. “Tom is gone…” she paused. “I don't…feel him anymore. Our bond is broken.”

Taiga stood there looking down at the floor. "Its always hard to lose someone. Especially when you had so much to look forward to." She said. "I gather you know already why I am here this late?"

Talia nodded. “You came to do the official thing in telling me that my husband is either dead, or listed m.i.a. I understand the formalities.” Talia was doing her best to maintain her demeanour but it was getting harder by the moment.

Slowly Taiga nodded. "It is the worst duty and responsibility of any Starship Captain." She explained as she bowed her head after confirming. "I am here to discuss what... happens next..."

Talia gave Taiga an annoyed glance before calming herself down. “I guess that would depend on what Thomas is classed as. Do you consider him missing… or dead?” She wiped away a few tears as they ran down her cheeks.

A moment of silence fell upon the room. "Well..." Taiga paused, not sure how to approach the question. "What would you like me to class him as?" she asked simply and softly.

Talia paused before giving Taiga a more calm glance. “Could we list him as missing? Just until we’re totally certain?” Would that be okay?” She paused. “I just…need time.”

Taiga nodded. "I can declare him missing in action..." she explained. "You do know that it never gives closure though..." she added. She took a single step towards Talia. "You may be ships counsellor, but you shouldn't have to go through this alone."

“I know” Talia nodded. “I’m not sure whether or not it’s become public knowledge but we’ve been…seeing Nezuko. She’s become a part of us, if that makes sense? I won't be alone.” She offered Taiga a brief smile.

"Actually, I did know." Taiga nodded. "You'd be surprised what we talk about in those command chairs." She added with a small smile. "He is a very important member of the Tokyo family..." she paused for a brief moment. "Once I list him as missing, I'm going to have to contact his family about it... He's never mentioned his parents?"

“It’s a…touchy subject I think, we haven't spoken much about them either.” Talia sighed. “Can’t we…hold off for now? It’s all so much to cope with right now.”

Taiga nodded. "I can hold off for now... if you like. Plus, it's not like I can communicate with Starfleet at this time either." She told her. "If we get back, I'll order a thorough search of the system."

Talia nodded. “Thank you Captain, I appreciate that.” She offered the best smile she could muster. “With your permission I’d like to remain on duty, if I sit around doing nothing I’ll go stir crazy.”

"Permission granted. But if you need some time off, don't hesitate to take it." Taiga stated. She shuffled forward towards Talia. "Why not join Ryuuji and me tomorrow morning for breakfast. I'll be assigning Nezuko to an away team tomorrow, so she's welcome too."

Talia nodded. “Thank you Captain, I’d appreciate that.” She offered a brief smile. “I promise if I need it I’ll take the time.”

Taiga gave her a small smile. "We're in this together. This crew is a family, we've been through far too much together." She said trying to offer additional comfort. "I'll leave you to your evening, 07:30 tomorrow... "

Talia nodded. “I’ll be on time Captain, and thank you.”

Knowing that was as much as she could do, she gave the counsellor a reassuring smile. With a polite bow she turned away silently and left the room. She herself knew deep down that missing was more hopeful than lost, but it hurt more over time. As the doors behind her shit, she glanced back. 'I hope we do find him Talia... I really do...'.

Posting By

Captain Taiga Aisaka
Commanding Officer

Lieutenant Talia Johnson
Chief Counsellor

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