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Tahuna's Tokyo

Posted on Tue Sep 30th, 2025 @ 1:19pm by Captain Taiga Aisaka & Commander Jennifer Daxer & Lieutenant Commander Talia Johnson

1,402 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Preserving The Past
Location: Tokyo Mess Hall
Timeline: January 25, 2397- immediately after "Tahuna".

[Tokyo Mess Hall]

Walking into the mess hall hand in hand with Tahuna, Talia wasn’t surprised to see a few heads turn to look as they entered. “This is our mess hall, where the crew come to eat if they don’t want to eat in their rooms. Why don’t we find a table and then I’ll get you some food.”

It was all very different to Tahuna. "There is no central fire?" She asked.

“Ohh no not at all.” Talia smiled. “It must seem very odd and strange to you. Let’s sit down and you can tell me all about your world, and your people while we enjoy some food.”

Tahuna gripped her hand as Ensign Terrak walked past. The Tellarite officer said no words as be passed them in the door. He simply nodded at the Counsellor. "A spirit animal? In the same clothes you wear?" She asked.

“Ohh…” Talia grinned. “I should have explained, the crew aboard our sky ship are from many different lands. We all work together, there’s nothing to fear I promise you.” She wondered if Jennifer was going to join them.

Jen quietly followed behind the two, mostly unnoticed, until she entered into the mess hall behind them. As she followed them in, many eyes turned from the the pair to her before going back to what they had been doing.

"I myself am different, but I see these people as friends." Jen spoke up as she moved to walk beside them. She pushed her hair behind her ears, more fully revealing both her ocular implant, and the Vulcan points atop her ears. "I grew up with people just like the people who live here."

Talia stepped over to an empty table near the window so Tahuna could see the view. “A lot of us grew up this way, used to being amongst other species besides our own.”

It was obvious that Tahuna at first seemed confused. The concept of other species apart from Humans was new to her and very alien. "So everyone on this sky-boat are from the stars..." she said. "I wish to learn more as we eat." The smell of the different foods assaulted her senses, to her they were all strange yet appetising. Her stomach growled again clearly audible to both Talia and Jen.

“Let’s get you a nice fruit salad to start with, and you can see what else you’d like to eat after that.” Talia smiled as she waved over a server and requested some food for herself and Tahuna. “What would you like?” She looked at Jennifer.

"I will also have a fruit salad." Jen replied simply.

Talia looked at Tahuna. “To answer your question, everyone here is from the stars. All worlds like yours throughout this great universe. My home-world is called Betazed.”

Tahuna caught a glimpse of the planet below out of the mess hall view ports. She broke free and rushed over, placing both hands against the glass. "This wall is here, yet not here. Yet I see below... Is that my world?"

Talia followed offering a smile and a nod of her head. “It most certainly is. I love to come here to look at the view.” As their food arrived Talia sat down on the window seat. “Here’s your food, see what you’d like. I can always order something else if you don’t like it.”

The young girl turned and looked at the food that had arrived. It seemed like something she would usually eat home. A fresh bowl full of what seemed like salad and several different fruit. Slowly she approached the table and looked at how others were sitting in the chairs. She copied and sat down.

Tahuna then reached out and pulled the bowl towards her. She didn't hesitate as she began to use her hands to pick up parts of the fruit salad and put them into her mouth, each one quicker than the last. She didn't seem phased by the taste at all, it was evident that this child was very hungry.

“Whoa, slow down” Talia offered a cautionary warning. “You don’t need to rush your food like that, there’s plenty of food here for you. You can have as much as you like, just don’t wolf it down so fast. I don’t want you to choke, or end up feeling ill.”

Tahuna stopped and looked at Talia. "So, you are not going to take this away from me?" she asked.

“Why would I do that?” Talia smiled. “We have plenty of food to eat here, we don’t need to fight over it. I guess you have to fight to keep your food huh?”

"Food is often scarse. I am usually one to recieve last. My parents no longer walk amongst us." Tahuna replied. "Such meals are not given to those who cannot earn it."

Talia’s heart sank at the thought of Tahuna returning under such circumstances. “Don’t you have anyone who looks after you?”

"A few of the elder mothers often attend to my needs. However, it is less recent than not." Tahuna replied as she continued to eat as fast as she could.

Talia nodded. “I’m sorry, I wish there was something more I could do for you. Right now though slow down and enjoy your food, there’s plenty more just for you. No one will take it from you I promise.”

Tahuna nodded once again. It took a little while, but the young girl sat there and finished up the salad in silence. She didn't ask any more questions, only looked around observing everything around her, watching everyone and examinining every little detail. Finally the bowl in front of her was empty. She couldn't help it, she let out a short yawn which she tried to hide, and of course, failed.

Through most of the time she had been escorting the two around, Jen had been quiet. She often found her encounters with children to be awkward, but she couldn't help feel obligated to ensure that Tahuna was safe, and cared for while she was aboard. After all, she had been the reason Tahuna almost died.

"Perhaps we should continue... exploring." Daxer offered, giving Talia a glance before looking back at Tahuna. "Unless you'd rather get some rest first."

"I need not to rest." Tahuna said sperking up slightly. "I wish to see more of this sky boat."

“There’s plenty of time for that” Talia smiled. “Right now you need rest if you’re to fully recover.” She looked at Jen then back at Tahuna. “Would you like to stay with Jennifer, or would you like to stay with me and my husband? We both have room for you to spend the night, the choice is yours if Jennifer doesn’t mind?”

"I do not mind." Jen replied without hesitation. Having Tahuna in her quarters would allow her to ensure the child's wellbeing through the night. "There is more than enough room."

"I am... unsure as to where to rest." Tahuna said simply. She reached out and gripped Talia's hand tightly. "I feel safe with you both."

“We’ll have a think about it, and let us know where you’d like to be.” Talia smiled warmly her mothering instincts kicking in towards Tahuna. “If you want to stay with Jennifer I won’t be far away.”

"I can rest with you," Tahuna said to Talia. She looked over at Jen. "And I can rest with her tomorrow." She added with a small cute smile.

Talia grinned. “Sounds like a plan to me, that’s if you’re happy with that Jennifer?”

"It absolutely sounds like a plan." Jen replied without hesitation. "While you're resting with Talia, I will also be nearby."

A long yawn escaped Tahuna's mouth. She looked up at the ceiling. "The great light cannot be seen from your sky boat. I do not know what time of the day it is." she yawned.

“In space it’s always dark, but for you it’s time to get some rest” Talia smiled. “Come on, let’s go to my quarters.”

Tahuna nodded, gently she took Talia's hand and allowed her to lead her.

Posting by:

Commander Jennifer Daxer
Chief Security/Tactical Officer

Lieutenant Commander Talia Johnson
Chief Counselor

Tahuna
Amerind Child

 

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