This is somewhat related to the
Effect Persistence
thread.
Does Tarkin's ability allow him to give a token to a friendly ship that is not yet on the board? RAW would seem to indicate yes.
"At the start of each Ship Phase, you may choose 1 command. Each friendly ship gains a command token matching that command."
It says nothing about the ships needing to be in the play area. But then, nothing in the rules does.
Edited by Admiral Terghon