Dinner with an Orion

Posted on Mon Dec 29th, 2025 @ 6:20am by Commander Thomas Carey & Captain Andre Hunt & Chief Petty Officer Antwon Burton

2,003 words; about a 10 minute read

Mission: Operation Shadow
Location: Captain's Mess

Chief Petty Officer Antwon Burton had been hard at work in the kitchen since hearing about the dinner invite. In all honesty, he never planned on encountering the Orions anytime soon. The Federation and the Syndicate were far from being on good terms. And in previous years, there was more shooting at each other than speaking. So, the fact that this meal was taking place was a miracle within itself, and with that came pressure. Entering the Captain's mess, he looked over the dinner table, which had just been finished getting set up. Looking at the placement of everything on the table, Antwon gave the nod of approval. Standing along the wall, he waited for the meal to be brought where he would personally serve the Commander their guest.

Walking into the messhall, he adjusted his dress uniform, special occasions called for it, and this one here. He had no idea what to think. "Care to join me in greeting the VIP."

Burton couldn't help but to laugh. "An Orion as a VIP. I have definitely heard it all now."

"Hey, its the first time an attempt has been made in I dont know, to try diplomacy." Thomas replied as he headed to the door.

Antwon followed the Commander's lead as they headed towards the docking area. Already posted were two armory staff. The doors open as the Orion Captain entered. Standing at 6'2" and weighing around two hundred and thirty pounds, he looked around at the four men who were there to greet him. At that moment, Makao, regretted not bringing along one of his own people. From his research on these Starfleet people, they were typically honest and kept their word. Reports also stated that they were arrogant and constantly pushed their morals on others. But for the most part, he figured he would be safe. "Commander Carey this is quite the ship you have here."

Looking at the two armoury officers, "Your dismissed." He replied as he extended a hand. "Thank you, perhaps next time you can give a tour of yours." He turned, "If you wish, after the meal, I can give you a tour of the Meridian, as a gesture of good faith."

Makao accepted the gesture, shaking the Commander's hand. "I might just take you up on that offer." Looking over, he noticed that Antwon was still there, even after the two security officers had been dismissed. "Is this your personal guard Commander?"

Chef almost laughed at the accusation but snickered. "Far from a personal guard Sir. I'm the one who has prepared ya'll meal for the evening. "

"My apologies," the Orion spoke. "There is still quite a bit that I don't know about the Federation. I have met Captains in other organizations who have had personal guards and some who didn't. This United Federation of Planets is a mystery to my people."

"We hope that instances such as this may bring us to a more understanding of each other." He walked out and down the hall. "Though we may prefer to give a hand of friendship, a mutual understanding, such as with the klingons, can often be attained in battle."

Thinking about those words, Makeo appeared to be a little reluctant. "Our people have been battling long before your worlds decided to form this Federation. The more worlds you recruit is bad for our way of life."

"That can often lead to losses on both sides. "Perhaps being so new to the galaxy we try to see the good in those around you. However, perhaps it needs a new set of eyes, to help everyone to stop the battling. Wouldn't united galaxy be good for everyone. No more senseless battling over things such as ore, technology, worlds." He came to the dining room. "We also have an assortment of alcohol if you wish to sample, and as a token, a crate of the finest alcohol Earth has to offer."

"Not sure if a united galaxy would be good for our business." The Captain looked over the assortment of bottles being offered. Grabbing a bottle with clear liquid, he popped open the top and took a sniff. "This Gin stuff smells to my liking. But back to what I was saying. Your Federation has made it their ambition to interfere in our trade based on your values. So how would unification work for Orions?"

"Negotiations, often leads to both sides giving something, in order to make something better. A trade can often lead to friendship, although it does not mean one has to join something else for it to happen. There are plenty of worlds that do not want to join the federation, yet still trades with us. And vice versa." He nodded to the chef to get a crate of gin sent over to the Orion ship. "You say you fear unification, there are different ways to unite than joining us. Plus wouldn't it be easier for your people, your family. Yourself even to want to trade, rather than to steal, with chances of retaliation, and possibly loss of life."

Makeo stared at Thomas briefly as he considered his words. There was too much bad blood regarding how his people felt about the Federation, which pretty much declared war on their way of doing business. But it would be nice to conduct business without having to watch over your shoulder. "Do you have something to pour this gin into?"

"Usually I just drink from the bottle, but we do have cups." He walked over to the cupboard bringing out two glasses. Placing them both on the table. Taking the bottle he poured the two glasses. Handing him the drink.

"I admit that it would be nice not having to deal with the repercussions of some of our least ideal ways of handling business," the Captain spoke as he took a small sip of the drink. Clearly enjoying the taste, he smiled and consumed more of it. "But there are way too many of many who make way too much in the slavery trade in the business. But there was a time in our history where we were very much legit."

"You know Earth used to have a slave trade, I am descendants to a well known slave trader. But in when it became outlawed, it was followed by uprising, people didn't like it. It didn't stop overnight. But it slowly became accepted." He took a drink, straight was not for him, so he replicated some soda to mix it with. "What some even did, was the 'owners' offered compensation for them to stay. They worked for them, and in turn, they found giving compensation as workers rather than slaves, it gave an incentive to... do better work." He sat down, "I am not saying overnight not saying this year. But small steps can make a big difference."

Watching Commander Carey mix the soda with the Gin made him smile a bit. Humans clearly didn't have the stomach for such a fine drink on its own. "Sounds like your own history might not be too different from our own."

The door opened as Burton entered with the meals on a cart. Placing the plates on the table, he lifted the lids covering both. "Gentleman, I present to you with ribeye steak, mashed potatoes, green beans baked with parmesan and shallot, and dinner rolls."

"I hope you aren't vegetarian." thomas replied as he sat down. "Ribeye steak, my personal favourite also its not the replicated stuff we have usually but a meal set for special occasions. Such as this."

"Vegetarian is insulting to an Orion such as myself," he joked. Picking up the knife and fork, he began cutting the meat and took a bite. The Captain mumbled some things under his breath as chewed the meat. "I'm very impressed. Mister Burton, I am glad that you turned out to be the Chef and not his personal security after all."

"I appreciate the compliment," Antwon replied with a satisfied smile. "If there's nothing else, I will leave you two to enjoy the meal."

"I am sorry Captain, what were you saying." Thomas replied as he took a bite of his food. He turned to the chef, "Thank you for the meal."

Chef nodded and exited the room.

"Nothing, Commander. When food is this delicious. We Orions have a way of almost speaking to the meal itself. So tell me. How many Orions have you encountered in a peaceful setting?"

"You would be the first, unfortunately, when we meet its usually under more... tense meetings, with... punches thrown. When I say punches, I mean ship to ship battles. The fact that you have decided otherwise, tells me hope there are chances of non violent encounters in the future."

"I came to L'Dira for the sole purpose of trade. Fighting was the last thing, I expected. Hopefully, when I arrive on the surface in a few hours, I can have a conversation similar to this with your Captain. But I must say that you're representing your Captain well."

"That means a lot coming from you Captain, I will admit, we are debriefed about your people. Almost all of it is not well received. I sincerely hope this can be the first of many well received." Thomas replied as he leaned forward. "I do not intend to sour this meeting, as your company is enjoyable. But as a starfleet officer, I know you are here the same as us, however I think we are here for opposite sides of the government. Perhaps we can discuss something that could be beneficial to all sides."

Mekeo leaned forward. "What did you have in mind?"

"Come to the negotiating table, and help with negotiations. If all goes well, you may just end up with a legit business partner with these people. You seem to have a need for what they have, perhaps they would be more than happy if you offer something in return. Compensation, or a service." He paused as he leaned forward. "Which might offer avenues your people haven't had access to before."

"My people do have plans for legitimate business," he replied. "Though your Federation wouldn't necessarily agree with some of things that the Syndicate plans on doing out here. But in the spirit of honesty, I figure I would put it out there. But I will show up at the negotiating table with your people and the L'Dira on the surface."

"We hear those things all the time, we just get out into space and we try to change everyone to meet our needs and wants. That is not necessarily true, but it may look like that by an outside observer. We know in negotiations, or sometimes compromises, we give as we take. Sometimes, we give more than we take, or vice versa. But its always a two way deal." Thomas replied as he finished his meal. "Care for a tour..."

Looking at the time and realizing how much time had passed, Makeo shook his head. "Perhaps another time Commander, I need to return to my ship and prepare. But you have given me much to think about. Have you ever considered working for the Syndicate? Those words of yours could get you far in my line of work."

"I will take that as a compliment Captain, if I ever decide to change my vocation, I will know where to look." Thomas replied. As he gestured to the door. "Once you get back to your ship, I will contact my captain, and brief him on the situation. It sounds like we can both come to a conclusion we can both be unhappy about. At the very least."

Following Carey to the door, he smiled. "You should take it as a compliment. I typically don't hand out such a compliment lightly to an outsider. But I look forward to speaking with your Captain soon."

"Well then its an honour." Thomas replied honestly. "I will contact you with a time and place."

 

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