Council Politics
Posted on Sat Feb 14th, 2026 @ 2:31am by Commodore Maurice Bell & Captain Andre Hunt
Edited on on Sat Feb 14th, 2026 @ 2:32am
1,266 words; about a 6 minute read
Mission:
Operation Shadow
Location: Ready Room
After the agreement had been signed off at the Reach, Captain Hunt had returned back to the Meridian with Stoudemore and sh'Joven. The Diplomat from Trill had opted to stay on L'Dira to help move the trade process along as smooth as possible. The other away team was still on the surface assisting with the Grid. Whether he would return back planetside was still up in the air. But at this time, he needed to speak with Starfleet Command regarding the agreement. Sitting at his desk, Andre waited for the communication to come through.
The viewer came to life as Commodore Bell appeared on his screen. "Andre, I'm assuming that you have good news. Otherwise, you wouldn't be smiling."
Hunt chuckled. "You know me well. I accomplished the task at hand and then some."
"Checking out your report now," Maurice replied. Looking down, he scanned through the report and looked back up. The look on his face was not a pleasant one. "Adding the Orions to this was not the plan."
"Last minute adjustments needed to be made."
Rubbing his hand through his hair, the Commodore was clearly frustration. "But that isn't your place to make that decision."
Raising an eyebrow, Hunt raised an eyebrow. "If not my place, then whose place. None of those people on the Federation Council are out here to make these spur of the moment decisions. Everything the Council wanted in the trade agreement is there. The only change was that the Orions were included. And if they fail to abide by those terms, then the same consequences are applied. No harm, no foul."
"I see your point," Bell acknowledged. "But the Federation doesn't wish to work with the Orion Syndicate. In all honest, we both know they want to shut them down completely."
"I am very well of that fact," the Captain retorted. "But the other alternative was to wait for the Syndicate to show up with more ships and carry on business as usual. This Captain appears to be determined to handle things differently."
"And you trust this Captain?"
"In all honesty other than my history with the Orions, he hasn't given me a reason not to trust him. I'm out here to build bridges Maurice. Playing politics is something that I don't have the luxury for out here."
"Hold on now," Bell spoke up. "What you call playing politics is us dealing with a difficult situation. The vote to make a deal with L'Dira was way too close for comfort. And there were too many concerns."
"What do you mean by that? Hunt inquired.
The Commodore went silent as he steepled his hands together. "Eight to six, Andre. And those who lost weren't happy with the results. The more worlds added to the Federation, it becomes more difficult to please everyone. So, when the Federation Council does manage to agree to a plan. Its best to carry out those orders accordingly without deviating."
Thinking about those words, Andre tried to calm down a bit. "It was never my intention to deviate. There was an opportunity to avoid conflict and took the opportunity to make it happen. I've battled the Orion Syndicate and am well aware of how devious and untrustworthy they can be. But I saw a window to possibly change with this one Captain."
"I understand completely. Its not a bad deal you put together. But its going to bring up questions and demands for answers."
"I'm prepared for it," the Captain replied. "So, who was for the deal?"
Taking the time to think about the question, Maurice smiled briefly. "Earth of course. Followed by Alpha Centuari, Mars, United Rigel Colonies, Benzar, Bolarius IX, Alpha III and Orodanga."
"Leaving the heavy hitters on the other side. Can see how that might be a difficult on things among the council." Thinking about the vote, Andre honestly wasn't too surprised. Vulcan would drag things out and wait years on some study that honestly would hold no real merit. Andor was suspicious of anyone, until eventually proven trustworthy. Denobula surprised him to be honest. But they were closer to the Trill than most. That there probably gave them serious reservations about the L'Dira. Vega IX and Arken II, probably followed the other figuring siding with them might pay off in their favor one day.
"The more worlds included, the more difficult things get. 'Everyone has an opinion, a vote and their own agenda. Each world wants to know how this will ultimately affect them. And I get that you're out here making tough decisions. But good or bad, those decisions have to be carried by people back home. Its not just about United Earth anymore."
Thinking about those words carefully, the Captain calmed down a bit. "You're right. The decisions I make do affect a lot people back home and other worlds. I try to take that into consideration, but it isn't easy. Many times, there simply is no blueprint."
"But on another note, you did a good job here," Bell brought up. "Time will tell regarding this Orion Captain. But stability between Trill and L'Dira was the primary goal, which you have achieved. Regarding the Council, I'll smooth over any complaints they may have."
"Knew I could depend on you to have my back," Andre joked as he pointed a single finger towards the screen.
"One day that's likely to cost me my job," he responded with a joke of his own.
"On a serious, how are things with the ever growing Federation expansion?"
Maurice chuckled a bit. "You make it seem like such a bad thing. Things are going well for the most part. Sentinel Station should be operational in a few weeks. And there has already been some interest with scientist and those interested in conducting trade in that region. The place is going to be a beacon of change."
"Seriously a beacon of change," Hunt replied with a laugh. "You sound like a Federation brochure. Has a CO been selected."
"Andre, I simply believe in what we're doing out here. But no word on a CO, but I here there are some promising candidates. Are you interested?"
"Oh no. I'm just aware of some people who expressed an interest before we left spacedock. That was a while ago. Perhaps the Meridian will make a stop, if we're ever back in that area again."
"Its not that far from Risa."
Both men went silent as they stared as each other briefly, which was followed by laughter. Risa would always be an inside joke, regarding the last trip they took there together. Friends since attending the Academy together all those years ago. Never had a chance to serve together but always managed to keep up with each other.
"On another note, we should be wrapping things up here with this Grid situation. Nothing that our engineering, medical and science staff can't handle. And believe Vira Mihal is going to remain here to ensure things go smoothly."
"Excellent," the Commodore said with a sense of pride in his voice. "Oh, and before I forget. Congratulate newly promoted Ensign Emily Douglasdale for me. Starfleet has approved the long-distance Academy work."
"Thank you, I'll let her know when she gets back to the ship," Hunt replied with a proud smile of his own. "It's been a long time coming."
"As for that request of yours, Andre. Starfleet Command is still going over that. But they should be coming to a decision soon."
"Thank you."
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Captain Andre Hunt
Commanding Officer
USS Meridian
Commodore Maurice Bell
Director of Fleet Logistical Operations
Starfleet Headquarters
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