Let's Make a Deal Part 2
Posted on Sat Jan 31st, 2026 @ 5:25am by Captain Andre Hunt & Lieutenant JG Talariana sh'Joven & Vira Mihal
Edited on on Sun Feb 1st, 2026 @ 7:14am
2,491 words; about a 12 minute read
Mission:
Operation Shadow
Location: The Reach: Chambers
Diplomat Mihal your words moved my trusted Advisors and myself." Turning his attention to the Orion Captain, he frowned. "I apologize that you have traveled so far. To leave empty handed."
"Perhaps, he doesn't have to leave empty handed," Hunt spoke up. "If the Orions are willing to engage the L'Dira in legitimate trade that doesn't involve stolen goods or slavery practices. I could amend the trade with the Orions could be added to part two of the agreement."
Makeo was clearly surprised by the Starfleet Captain's words. "The Federation would allow L'Dira to have dealings with the Syndicate?"
Hunt moved in a bit closer to the Orion. "Legitimate deals that doesn't involve stolen goods or slavery practices. And I repeat once again. Transparency requirements for all interstellar commercial contracts. And coordination with Starfleet patrols to interdict Orion linked trafficking. My First Officer feels that you are a man of your word and simply want to do the things the right way out here. That might be true. but I have doubts that you could convince your government otherwise. But I leave the ball in your court."
The Orion couldn't help to smile a bit. His conversation with Commander Carey had produced a possible successful result. Going across his mind now was how to make this work in his favor. Legit business was a possibility, but how would he ensure that other Orion would ruin things. "To be honest. Your concerns about controlling other members of the Syndicate could be a problem, Captain. Here is what I would propose. My ship would be the sole Orion ship assigned to do business in this sector. And I give you and the Governor here my word, that my business will meet the legitimate standards in the agreement."
Governor Vorren waited in his chambers. The Orions had arrived on schedule but seemed to be in orbit with the Meridian for quite some time. And now Captain Hunt had requested to meet with the staff earlier than expected. This Federation was interfering and couldn't tell if this was a good or bad thing. A trade agreement with the Trill would typically be a good thing. But the Orions had other plans, which involved taking from the Trill and had nothing to do with trade. Vorren paced back in forth in the chambers area. After the meeting, he made it a point to speak with Tur alone. The pirate Captain had shared, just how the Starfleet vessel had defeated his ship and two others. It was probably best to move forward with the deal that the Trill wanted. But pissing off the Orion Syndicate would burn his world in the long run.
As the other officials entered the chamber, the Governor stopped his pacing. The L'Dira had always been a proud people. But they're desperation caused them to make one bad decision after the next. Federation, we're clearly more powerful with all the worlds that make up their organization. But they were peaceful from what he could tell. The Orions were going to be a threat to his people, if they didn't get their way. A foothold in this area is what they wanted and they would take it regardless.
The doors opened as Captain Hunt entered, accompanied by sh'Joven. Before arriving, he received a call regarding the decision from the Federation Council. The vote was close, but they agreed to create a trade agreement with the L'Dira along with giving them a conditional associate status. But it was all based on whether the L'Dira were willing to agree to the terms that would come along with the deal, he was about to put on the table.
Vira Mihal entered the room and inclined her head politely towards Captain Hunt and the Andorian at his side, then stepped forward with a diplomat’s measured calm, hands folded loosely at her waist. “Governor Vorren,” she said gently, voice carrying without force, “thank you for receiving us.”
Her eyes were steady, but not unkind—Trill eyes that had seen compromise, collapse, and renewal across multiple lifetimes. “I understand your people stand at a crossroads between pressures that would test any world. You are balancing survival, sovereignty, and the future your children will inherit. No choice in such a position is simple.”
She paused a beat, deliberately not filling the silence, giving him space to reply—or not. “When you are ready,” she continued, “I would like to hear your thoughts on moving forward."
"Let's get started," Vorren announced.
Just as the words left his mouth, the chambers opened, and in came the Orion Captain Erek Mekao, followed by one of his own security. He looked extremely annoyed as he stared down Captain Hunt, then quickly turned his attention to Vorren. "It appears that you started these talks without the Orion Syndicate at the table. And I would hate to have traveled so far not to achieve our goal."
The Governor swallowed before speaking. "Due to recent developments. My people feel that it would be in our best interests to explore further options. Especially considering that the Trill and the Federation have shown up with an offer." Turning his attention to Vira, he continued. "I would like to take you up on that offer for a protected route, that would be monitored and patrolled by both Trill Defense vessels and our commerce security forces. For Acelon, and other essential exports. But I do request leniency for those pirate crew members who didn't kill. They were simply following the orders of their Captain's. If anyone should be prosecuted, it should be them."
Vira did not bother to hide her surprise at the sudden turn of events. She turned her head turned slightly toward the Orion captain, then back to Vorren, giving her a moment to consider her next words...and sometimes, as a diplomat, there are no 'pretty words' to describe a moment... “Governor Vorren,” she said quietly, “the Orion Syndicate are not partners. They are parasites.” A most interesting term for a 'joined' Trill to use, certainly.
“You asked for legitimacy. Aligning with the Syndicate will not give it to you. It will mark L’Dira as a client world of pirates, traffickers, and slavers. Once that stain is set, it is… difficult to remove. Other powers will treat you accordingly.”
Mekao looked over at the Trill diplomat. "Parasites is an interesting choice of words and not very diplomatic of you. The Syndicate wishes to engage in trade with the L'Dira, much like yourselves. Yes, there would be some trafficking in the slave trade but there would be so many other benefits to what we could bring this region."
Vira smiled faintly, appearing utterly unruffled. “I understand the confusion, Captain. To those accustomed to domination, all relationships may look parasitic.”
"I'll try to make it a point of not being on the side of being dominated," Mekao responded with a smile of his own. "Clearly it leads to being bitter and not looking at the bigger picture."
“The larger picture is precisely what concerns us, Captain,” Vira Mihal answered evenly. She recognized that the fulcrum in the room was not the Orion and turned her attention away from Mekao entirely, returning it to Vorren.
“L’Dira is being offered two futures. One trades short-term security for permanent leverage held by others. The other requires patience, accountability… and partners who will still be present once the immediate danger has passed.”
The Advisors mumbled to themselves. Ignoring piracy for their needs had been a stretch, but the idea of slavery was an extremely tough pill to swallow. Vorren held up his hand to quiet the handful of people who stood behind him. "My people have engaged in many things that we regret. But enslaving another person is not one of those things, we wouldn't want to be involved in. Even if they aren't L'Dira."
"I appreciate you thinking that way,' Hunt spoke up. "Enslaving others for your personal gain is something that the people of Earth realized was wrong a long time ago."
"Word of the Meridian's arrival is spreading throughout our world," the Governor admitted. "My people naturally are unsettled. But there has been an unexpected bit of hope and wonder. Something that we haven't experienced in decades. Curiously I wish to see where this leads to."
“Hope often arrives quietly, Governor,” Vira replied as she inclined her head, a gesture of respect rather than triumph.
“If your people are beginning to look upward instead of inward, that alone is worth protecting. The Federation and the Trill do not promise miracles—but we do promise continuity, transparency, and the freedom to choose your own course without fear of reprisal.” A pause, then gently: “That is how trust begins. And how futures are changed.”
"Diplomat Mihal," Vorren addressed. "That trade agreement with Trill would be something us L'Diran's would be for exploring. And Captain Hunt, I want you to know that the medical attention that you have offered my people is noticed and appreciated. As long as the work with our grid system."
Andre nodded with a smile. "The Federation and Starfleet are glad to be of assistance. Also, before this meeting the Federation Council voted and agreed to extend provisional associate status to your world."
The news of this led to more conversation from the Advisors. Vorren was clearly shocked and a tad bit confused on what this associate status actually meant. Mekao was clearly upset as he stepped forward and began shouting. The L'Diran guards stepped in between him and the government official.
Holding up a hand once more, the Governor calmed the Advisors. "I recommend your silence as well Captain Mekao."
Doing his best to calm down, the Orion held his hands up in surrender as he stepped back from the guards. "My apologizes for my outburst. But I have the feeling that this associate deal of the Federations is not in the best interest of trade between the Syndicate or L'Dira."
"Captain Hunt what is required of this associate status?" Vorren inquired.
Looking at Mekao, then turning his attention to the Governor and Advisors who all had eyes on him. The Orion wasn't going to like what he had to say. But relations were already strained between the Federation and the Syndicate. This deal wasn't going to help. "There are conditions to the approval of this deal Governor. One, subject to Federation customs inspections of L'Dira trade traffic. Two, transparency requirements for all interstellar commercial contracts. Three, coordination with Starfleet patrols to interdict Orion linked trafficking and the last would be a formal review period of no less than one standard year."
"Orion linked trafficking huh," the Orion mumbled under his breath. "Federation is determined to put us out of business."
Vira did not acknowledge the mutter. She did not feel the need to. Instead, she folded her hands loosely and addressed the Governor and his Advisors as if drawing a conversation gently—but firmly—to its natural end.
“Governor Vorren, every world eventually faces a moment like this,” she said, voice calm, resonant, and unhurried. “Not the easy choice between good and evil—those are rare—but a choice between what is easy now versus sustainability later.” Vira let her gaze move across those in attendance before continuing. “I have seen civilizations accept protection that slowly became ownership. I have seen trade that arrived with smiles and left with ledgers written in fear. And I have seen worlds smaller than yours choose patience, insist on transparency, and discover that dignity is a surprisingly strong currency.”
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"Diplomat Mihal your words moved my trusted Advisors and myself." Turning his attention to the Orion Captain, he frowned. "I apologize that you have traveled so far. To leave empty handed."
"Perhaps, he doesn't have to leave empty handed," Hunt spoke up. "If the Orions are willing to engage the L'Dira in legitimate trade that doesn't involve stolen goods or slavery practices. I could amend the trade with the Orions could be added to part two of the agreement."
Makeo was clearly surprised by the Starfleet Captain's words. "The Federation would allow L'Dira to have dealings with the Syndicate?"
Hunt moved in a bit closer to the Orion. "Legitimate deals that doesn't involve stolen goods or slavery practices. And I repeat once again. Transparency requirements for all interstellar commercial contracts. And coordination with Starfleet patrols to interdict Orion linked trafficking. My First Officer feels that you are a man of your word and simply want to do the things the right way out here. That might be true. but I have doubts that you could convince your government otherwise. But I leave the ball in your court."
The Orion couldn't help to smile a bit. His conversation with Commander Carey had produced a possible successful result. Going across his mind now was how to make this work in his favor. Legit business was a possibility, but how would he ensure that other Orion would ruin things. "To be honest. Your concerns about controlling other members of the Syndicate could be a problem, Captain. Here is what I would propose. My ship would be the sole Orion ship assigned to do business in this sector. And I give you and the Governor here my word, that my business will meet the legitimate standards in the agreement."
Vira said nothing at first; she simply gave a gentle tilt of her head. “That is not a small concession for an Orion syndicate captain to make.”
She then smiled warmly, and almost companionably continued. “If you are sincere, Captain, history could remember you as the man who proved that even entrenched systems can bend without breaking. If you are not…” She gave a soft shrug with lifetimes of experience in the gesture, “then the safeguards already outlined will do their work.”
Mekao looked to Vira and nodded. "Hopefully history will reflect that I am a man of my word. As long as I am assigned to this sector. The agreement will be honored. If I should be removed, then the safeguard will rectify all issues."
The group of L'Diran politicians turned to each and carried on in conversations. Vorren turned his attention to the group and then back at his guest. "L'Dira is an agreement to the Federation, Trill and the Orion Syndicate."
Captain Hunt looked to Vira and Mekao, smiling at both. There was something to be said about what had just taken place in the place referred to as the Reach. The political aspect was coming to an end. Only thing left for the Meridian crew now was to get their Grid functioning properly and help out the sick. "Now let's sign off and make it official."
=================
Captain Andre Hunt
Commanding Officer
USS Meridian
Ltjg. Talariana sh'Joven
Asst. Chief Armory Officer
USS Meridian
Vira Mihal apb Major T'Ria
Trill Diplomat
Captain Mekao
Orion Commanding Officer
Govenor Vorren
L'Diran Leader
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