So... I had dinner with an Orion

Posted on Fri Jan 30th, 2026 @ 6:19am by Captain Andre Hunt & Commander Thomas Carey
Edited on on Mon Feb 2nd, 2026 @ 3:27am

1,093 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Operation Shadow
Location: Ready Room
Timeline: Current

Thomas watched as the Orion left the ship, to say it went well, was an understatement, to be complimented by said captain. Was probably the equivalent to be called honourable by a klingon.

He walked into the Captains office a few minutes later. Establishing a link to his own Captain to update him on the situation.

Andre had just finished his conversation with the Commodore when a call came in from the Meridian. Answering, what appeared was the face his first officer. "Thomas, is everything alright up there?"

"Not sure, I just had dinner with an Orion Captain onboard the Meridian. Apparently they have business with the people here. I doubt with the same people. They want to be part of the negotiations with the planet here, possibly, come up with a solution we are all happy with." Thomas replied as he looked over. "If this is any indication, we may have found, an Orion who can dare I say it. Help with the negotiations."

"He is probably here to meet with Governor Vorren," the Captain brought up. "When we first showed up, the Governor seemed to be thrown off. But I assumed it was a fact that we dragged in one of his pirates. The only people who have access to anything off-world with the range to reach the Orions would be government officials, pirates or anyone involved in our-of-system transport. And pirates work under the table with the government." Going silent briefly, he thought about his next move. "Tell me about this Orion Captain?"

"Honestly, this could go down as one of the best encounters starfleet has had with them." Thomas replied. "He was called here just as we were to conduct business. Given we were nose to nose at each other." He leaned back. He did come without any security or any weapons. Given the circumstances, I believe he can be a valuable asset if we include him with the discussions." He paused before continuing, "The orion are questioning our intentions. Trying to make our mark in the galaxy so soon after space travel. I doubt they are the only ones."

"The Federation has been bad for their business. I actually just spoke with Commodore Bell about granting L'Dira under a status to possibly keep the Orions from gaining much influence out here. But you feel this particular Orion should be included and allowed to conduct business.

"They can probably do more here than we can, if we can come up with a deal that is beneficial for everyone. If we can get the Orions to do legit business. It can help them. It is something that I have discussed with him during out dinner. Hes willing to discuss, lets allow that."

Hunt thought about what Thomas was proposing. Experience with the Orion Syndicate has constantly shown that they were far from wanting to practice legit business. "Say that he is willing to do legit business. Do you believe that the Syndicate as a whole will simply agree?"

"It may be better than the alternative." Thomas replied, "He is willing to negotiate, he agrees that we dont like what they do. But they don't like what we do. Something in common. Now we need to build on that."

"But could that be added to these discussions? If the Federation Council grants associate status to L'Dira. Then you know, they will want L'Dira to agree to avoid trade with the Orions. I wonder if those talks should actually be saved between the Federation and Syndicate. Since we have this long standing issue."

"At this point, the federation does not have the resources to fulfil such a tall order, and with the Orion already closer to them than we are." He paused. "Perhaps we discuss how we can help them, even if that means coming up with a way to have the orions provide what we can't."

Hunt considered those words carefully. "So, you're suggesting that we defy the council and come up with something mutually beneficial to the Orions? "

"It will avoid the people suffering due to piracy, IF they agree. We have to think about whats beneficial for the people. And who can help them out the most at this current time. I am not fond of it myself. But the Orion Captain seems to be willing to talk. Its the least we can do."

"The current plan ends "L'Dira piracy against the Trill and they benefit being an associate to the Federation," Andre spoke. What he was saying was mostly him go over everything for his own processing. "The only ones screwed in this agreement are the Orions who would come all this way for nothing. Syndicate will likely retaliate. So, finding a way to include them might be a good idea, if this Captain wants to play ball. Now, I'm just curious how the Trill might take this. We literally just rescued and returned the Trill scientist back from the Syndicate. Will this cause an issue between the Federation and Trill?"

"The best outcome would be to include the orions, in order for Trill not to feel the effects. Compromises. Where everyone gets something, yet not everyone is not completely happy. Considering how the Captain spoke, I at least at this moment, will vouch for his sincerity, at least as much one could for an orion. Might I request a meeting between the three of us before a meeting with the People of Trill."

"We're actually meeting back with the Governor and his Advisors in forty-five minutes," the Captain mentioned. "The Trill have already felt the effects of the Syndicate." Once again Andre went silent as he thought about all the variables and possible consequences. Being a Starfleet Captain, so far out, often put them in the position to make decisions that would have ripple effect. The Commander was right compromises would have to be made. On all the parties involved. "You're seriously willing to vouch for this Captain Mekao?"

"Just that hes willing to negotiate. He came over to the ship without bodyguards, and by himself. That in itself is I believe enough to show at least the willingness to listen."

"Interesting. He's either bold and arrogant, or he might mean well. Well, a vouch from you is good enough for me. Federation Council won't be too happy with adjustments to the deal with the L'Dira. This should be an interesting session when I blow things up. Metaphorically of course."

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

Commander Thomas Carey
Executive Officer/Chief Armory Officer
USS Meridian

 

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