Future Ambitions

Posted on Mon Jun 30th, 2025 @ 2:33pm by Captain Taiga Aisaka & Lieutenant Commander Talia Johnson

1,331 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Preserving The Past
Location: Ready Room

After seeing Nezuko, there was another conversation that Taiga needed to have. She pulled up the records on her computer console and then again rapped her comm badge. "Counsellor Johnson, report to my ready room." She stated simply.

In her office Talia was just finishing off her appointment schedule when Taiga’s voice came over the comms. “Ackowledged Captain.” Setting out it didn’t take her long to reach the ready room, pressing the chime she waited for an answer.

The doors opened and Taiga beckoned her in. "Come on in Talia." She said with a smile. "Take a seat, no need to be formal at the moment."

Talia smiled warmly. “Thank you Taiga, I don’t know about you but I’m really starting to feel the effects of being so far along now” she responded as she greatfully took a seat.

"I know that feeling." Taiga said giving her a slight smirk. "Don't tell Ryuuji, but I have these." She reached under her desk and pulled out a covered tray. Placing them down on the desks surface she pulled off the lid to reveal it was full of small segments or chocolate orange pieces. "Help yourself. I can't get enough of them. She said picking one up and popping it into her mouth.

“Ohh don’t get me started on sweet treats!” Talia grinned as she picked up a segment and popped one in her mouth. “Thank you. Actually I’ve been meaning to talk to you about my short command experience on the bridge, to be honest I barely had a clue what I was doing.”

"From what I've heard you managed it pretty well." Taiga replied as she picked up another segment. "Tell me, how did it feel Talia?"

“Scary!” Talia paused. “We were in a hopeless position, but thanks to the crew both on the bridge and off, we managed to work our way around the problems. I was just…” she paused. “I wasn’t willing to lose Tom again!”

"Commanding a starship can be scary." Taiga said in response. "But I could see you fought through that fear. You have drive and from what I've heard, you had a good grasp on making sure people did what they had to. It takes guts to sit in that chair having no experience."

Talia smiled. “Thank you, I just did what I’ve seen you do day in and day out. The bridge crew know their jobs, I had faith they would help me through my first command experience.”

"So, if you had the chance to do it more regularly... Would you?" Taiga asked. "In better circumstances that is."

"I...guess so" Talia nodded. "I have no plans to be a Captain anytime soon, but the experience would be good. I have a lot to learn."

"I was hoping that you'd say that..." Taiga smirked. "I'm going to recommend that you recieve the proper command training. Of course your primary duty will be as ships counselor. However, with the Iconians returning, we need good mentally stable people right now. Your job is most likely going to be the hardest on this ship." Taiga told her. "This may be a war that Starfleet can't win. It's going to have an affect on everyone. But, putting that aside, there's one last problem..."

"In order to recieve command training, or be eligible for it you need to the rank of Lieutenant Commander." Taiga told her. "As it stands now, you're not that." She paused for a brief moment. "Sorry to add more weight for you to carry on top of your baby but you should provably add this to your collar."

She slid a small box covered in velvet across the desk. Inside sat a shiny new silver and black half-pip.

"What!?" Talia's mouth dropped open as she picked up the box and opened it. "Lieutenant Commander..." She smiled the biggest smile yet. "Thank you so much Taiga!" She proudly removed the pip and attached it to her new uniform.

"Congratulations. Lieutenant Commander." Taiga said to her softly. "You'll receive command assignments from Starfleet Academy shortly. I've made it a point to push your name forward." She added. "As for the practical assignments, we'll start you off nice and easy. One Beta shift a week in command of the bridge. Once your baby is born and you return to duty, we'll look into you commanding a night shift. You also have special considerations due to your position on the Tokyo and your current pregnancy." Taiga informed her. She held out the tray again. "Want another?"

Talia’s smile said it all as she took another chocolate orange segment. “I honestly didn’t expect this!” She was practically glowing. “I can’t wait to tell Tom!”

Taiga couldn't help but smile. "Don’t get me wrong, some of these tasks are challenging. But, I will be the one to help you as your assigned mentor." She told her.

Talia nodded. “In that case I’m honoured, I can’t think of anyone I’d like more than you to be my mentor. I’ll endeavour to be a good student!” She grinned.

"I'm sure." Taiga said. "Also, whilst I'm here. How's the crews morale?" She asked. "With the Iconians returning and Starfleet preparing for what could be a war to end all wars, I imagine morale is not doing great..."

Talia shook her head. “It’s taking its toll but after losing both you and Tom, then getting you both back it gave the crew a much needed boost. Speaking of war, what’s going to happen to all our families onboard? The crew are worried that they’ll be separated from each other, and I can’t help but worry either.”

Taiga pondered for a moment. "Starfleet have given us Captain's two options. Ideally they want all civilians to be removed from active starships for their own protection. However understand that in some cases this isn't possible, so are leaving the decision to be handled on a ship to ship basis." Taiga explained. "I'm not going to risk the lives of anyone's children or family. So all civilians will be evacuated from the Tokyo. When it comes to these however..." she rubbed her own belly to indicate their unborn children. "They'll have to stay on board, because their parents are here. As far as I'm aware they have no where else that they can go."

Talia nodded giving a relieved smile. “That’s what I was most worried about, I know it’s a risk but I don’t want to be parted from my baby once he's born. I’ve no doubt you feel the same.”

"Indeed." Taiga said. "I'm going to be honest, your job is going to become difficult. Very difficult. The predictions I've seen from Starfleet..." she paused. "Aren't good. The Iconians are so far advanced, so heavily armed that if all out war breaks out. Starfleet isn't going to be able to win. Not without some sort of miracle. I think most people will have worked that out by now too..." she sat back in her chair rubbing her bump. "There's going to be long queues at your door. I can't guarantee the safety of their lives. Buy you can guarantee the safety of their souls."

Talia nodded. “I’ll do my best, but if things are going to be as bad as you say…” she paused not bothering to finish.

Taiga nodded. "Good. Now, go let your husband know about your promotion. I'm sure he'll enjoy celebrating it with you and Nezuko." Taiga said with a wink indicating that she knew more than she was letting on.

Talia couldn’t help but blush at that, but it wasn’t a surprise that Taiga knew about Nezuko. “I will, and thank you again.” With that she turned and headed on her way.

Posting by:

Captain Taiga Aisaka
Commanding Officer

Lieutenant Commander Talia Johnson
Chief Counsellor

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