Potential

Posted on Wed Dec 10th, 2025 @ 8:47pm by Captain Andre Hunt & Lieutenant JG Talariana sh'Joven

1,059 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Operation Shadow
Location: Vethrya

Captain Hunt walked along checking out the structure known as the reach. There were various L'Dira walking around. From what he could see this was a place dedicated to the wealthy of this world. Outside of the wealthy, this place was occupied with workers who catered to the wealthy. There was a time when such places like this existed on Earth. But that was far before he was born. But the history book speak of the one percent controlled most of what took place on the planet. Which led to society damn near collapsing due to their greed.

By passers simply stared at him while attempting not to actually stare. The L'Dira probably never laid eyes on a Human before. So naturally they were curious. Andre waved at a few, which resulted in a strange look. The children who happened to be here, simply mimicked the gesture and was quick reprimanded by their parents.

Lieutenant sh'Joven had been exploring the place herself when she spotted the Captain. The place was entire too warm for her likely. But she could see the appeal of the place. Too bad the rest of the planet didn't receive the same treatment. "Captain."

"So, what do you think of this place?" Hunt inquired of the armory officer.

The Andorian considered the question before answering. "I get the appeal of the place. But I would be more inclined to see how the things outside of these walls."

"My sentiments exactly," he responded. "How exactly are the other half living?"

Talariana raised a confused eyebrow. "Other half Sir?"

"A term used on Earth to describe the wealth gap. The rich had access to all the resources on my world at one point, while the poor had little to nothing. The poor struggled to eat, maintain their health and even to have adequate housing." Andre looked around at the people who were relaxing as if they didn't have a care in the world. "While the rich didn't deal with such issues. They went on vacations and helped to promote policies which often times help the poor in their current situations."

"We had something somewhat similar on Andoria," the shen admitted. "We realized that we needed each other far more."

"Our goal here is far from changing the culture here," Andre explained. "But I wonder if there is potential here to have the L'Dira look at things from a much grander scale."

"Are you suggesting they join the Federation?"

"They're clearly not close to being a part of the Federation. But a few trade agreements with various worlds can change things around and would also inspire them to make some well needed changes around here."

The armory officer nodded in agreement. Based on the piracy, she wasn't a fan of the L'Dira. But they all couldn't be bad. Humans have a way of wanting to solve everyone's problems. It could be annoying at times, but their need to do so did set the ground for the Federation.

A few minutes later, the two had exited the building and were making their way down the road. The area was busy with everyone going about their busy day. The Reach had a serious security presence posed around the entire building. Along the area there was law enforcement posted up on almost every corner. But the further the two walked out, the less law enforcement was available. This only went with their initial thoughts that the wealthy and their interest overshadowed the overall good of their society. That alone would likely disqualify this world for Federation membership. But that didn't mean they couldn't put this place in a position to improve things.

As they continued down the street, Andre couldn't help but think that Earth was much like this place, almost two hundred years ago. The wealthy was bringing down the rest of society and the impoverished suffered. Riots took place and the demand for a serious change. Things led to war, which eventually led to real change. Its funny that things always had to get worse before eventually getting better. Part of the journey was not to judge, but simply to help guide. The Vulcans, on many occasions, pushed for non-interference. Which the other founding members disagreed with. But there were current discussions among Starfleet Command and the Federation Council regarding getting involved with prewarp worlds. Which clearly didn't apply to this case in particular. But these discussions that had been taken place over the last two years.

Lieutenant sh'Joven looked over to the Hunt, who was clearly deep in thought. There was something to be said about this place. For whatever reason, she felt more comfortable out on the street than inside the Reach. The two of them were definitely drawing quite a bit of attention. Most people on this world, probably never saw anyone from another world. That honor was likely reserved for pirates, freight runners and high-ranking officials.

The silence came to an end as call came from the Meridian. It was Baxter on the line. Hunt wondered if this was a status check. "Go ahead Baxter."

"Captain, the Commander wanted me to fill you in that Orions have just arrived. He's made plans to have dinner with their Captain."

Looking to the Armory officer who clearly had a look of concern on her face. Andre couldn't help but to think that Andorians had a way of wanting to quickly deal potential threats. But it was definitely quick thinking on Carey's part distracting the Orions. Nothing good rarely took place when they arrived. There was always some deal or something nefarious taking place with them. "Thanks for the heads up. Tell Thomas to keep them distracted as much as possible."

"Aye Sir."

"Should I call back the away team to head back to the ship?" sh'Joven inquired.

"No need. The Commander has it handled up there. We need to get things situated down here. The Orions didn't just show up for exploration purposes. L'Dira pirates have nothing on Orions."

The Lieutenant thought carefully about what was being said. "You believe the Orions and L'Dira have some sort of deal going on."

"Are trying to make some kind of deal," Hunt replied. "Lets get back and se if we can speed up this process. "

=================
Captain Andre Hunt
Commanding Officer
USS Meridian

Ltjg. Talariana sh'Joven
Armory Officer
USS Meridian

 

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