Gift and a Favor

Posted on Thu Apr 16th, 2026 @ 5:31am by Captain Andre Hunt & Commander Thomas Carey

1,012 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Operation Shadow
Location: USS Meridian: Conference Room

Captain Makeo had requested to speak with Commander Thomas Carey alone before returning back the Orion homeworld. The last five days since signing the trade agreement was different than any other experience throughout his command. Initially he intended on completing his task by any means necessary. But things went in a completely different direction, which felt odd, yet it felt was a good feeling. One that seemed to fulfill a greater purpose. When he gave his word before, the Orion meant it. But now he was more determined to see this work out.

Upon arriving to the Meridian, he had been escorted to the conference room, where he waited for the arrival of the First Officer. According to the conversations with Captain Hunt, Carey had made the Orion involvement in the deal possible. With him, he carried a bag that had been checked by the security upon arriving onboard.

Thomas had made the decision to remain onboard the ship during negotiations, and during the signings, big galas was never his forte. Upon hearing the request for a meet with Captain Makeo, he was surpised, pleasantly, that things did indeed go in their favour.

It didn't take long before Thomas walked into the conference room, nodding to the security officers to leave them alone, he walked over to the food synthesizer and ordered two drinks.

Turning, he placed a glass in front of the Captain, and placed one in front of himself as he sat down, and gestured for him to do the same.

"Commander Carey, thank you for meeting with me." Noting the gesture, the Orion sat down, pacing a bag that he carried in on the table. "I personally wanted to thank you for convincing your Captain to allow my people to get involved in these negotiations. He solely credited you for the decision and definitely values your opinion."

"I appreciate it, however the credit is more to you." Thomas replied as he leaned forward. "I have learned that anyone that shows up on an unknown ship without their own security, as you did during our first meet. Deserves the chance to prove himself."

"Probably more arrogance on my part that anything," Mekao laughed quite loud. "This gift is for you." He slid the package across the table.

"Well, it probably was that too... but i would like to think that it was at least a mall part an act of good faith. That small act can go a long way, especially in my book. Not everyone in the federation deem the Orions a lost cause." He paused, "What I mean, it has been said that the orions are... unable to be bargained with. A lost cause trying to get something that will not gain anything. I hope im explaining myself properly."

"I have you seen the treaty for yourself?"

"I have seen the updated treaty, with you being the only orion ship, by your words. Even with the federation rules and inspections. you and your crew are set to make a killing in profit. Welcome to the legal system Captain. Where even the rule abiders can become wealthy."

"Many of my people believe that Federation expansion is the destruction to our very way of life," the Captain admitted. "But there are those of us who aren't satisfied with the way things are in the Syndicate."

"Change does not happen over night. My people would call you a pioneer of sorts. Trying something new for the betterment of your people."

"Let me part on you with a favor consisting of some advice. The Orion Syndicate fears what the Federation means. An end to our way of life and the unknown to what the Federation will become in another twenty years frightens Orions."

"It frightens a lot of people i know that." Thomas replied. "Change is not an easy thing to come by, whether its individual or as a whole. Sticking with that they know promises safety, it does not mean there is no danger on the other side, but it doesn't mean its all bad." He paused. "To be honest, there are people within the human race, which think as your people. Fear, since the Xindi attack they have stepped up the attacks trying to stop the expansion."

"Orions don't trust, because everyone has an angle. And are typically doing what's best for themselves. But you do have me viewing things in a more positive light. Perhaps, more dealings between our people will improve relations."

"Well, one is better than none Captain. And I will drink to that."

Holding up his drink, Mekao swallowed the contents. "Now about those bottles. It's inevitable that with al this running around you Starfleet folk are doing out here. Your bound to run into the Klingons. As I am certain you know, they don't talk outside of talking about killing. But if you insist on wanting to get them talking. You're going to need that Bloodwine. Offering that and that will bring the bastards to the table."

"I will remember that." He put the blood wine aside, as a just in case.

"The Orion Rum is for when you have something really to celebrate," Mekao added. "But I am curious Commander. Have your family always been explorers?"

"I am the first. My family... is unfortunatelly one of those pro-human xenophobes. After the Xindi attack, it caused a lot of people to be wary of others."

"I'm actually a third generation in this field. But the first to accomplish my own command. Made the mother proud, my father was killed running freight. Fairly certain he would have been proud as well. What does your family think about your serving in Starfleet?"

"They don't like it. Afraid i will die from alien illnesses."

Mekao burst out laughing. "Commander, I have officially just heard it all. But I wish you the best in all of your endeavors and I look forward to crossing paths with you in the future."

=================
Commander Thomas Carey
Executive/Chief Armory Officer
USS Meridian

Captain Erek Mekao (apb Hunt)
Commanding Officer
Orion Freighter Feliso

 

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