Veythra

Posted on Sat Nov 1st, 2025 @ 1:21am by Captain Andre Hunt & Lieutenant JG Talariana sh'Joven & Chief Petty Officer Heath Stoudemire & Commander Thomas Carey & Lieutenant Commander Mattys Plaatjes & Atys Tur & Vira Mihal

2,238 words; about a 11 minute read

Mission: Operation Shadow
Location: L'Dira: Capital City of Veythra

After the capture of Captain Tur, the Meridian had spent the last four days traveling at warp five to L'Dira. It had been a peaceful journey with no altercations or distractions. Now the Starfleet vessel found itself in orbit of the world that in some way was similar to Earth. But even from orbit they could see visible damage to the surface. Likely the results of major mining throughout the planet. The doors to the turbolift opened as security entered the bridge with Tur among them. Even captured with no power whatsoever, the Captain still maintained a smug expression as if somehow he was going to make it through everything that had taken place. But he agreed to assist them when it coming to some kind of agreement.

Looking over to his first officer who sat at tactical, Andre took a deep breath. "Baxter contact the surface, let them know we have finally arrived," Hunt instructed. It took a few minutes, but view screen came to life with the face of an older L'Dira.

"I am Governor Vorren," the older male spoke. "Received word that a Starfleet vessel from your Federation. To be honest this my first time actually seeing a member of your Federation. Though I have heard rumors of a new formed Federation."

Standing from the center chair, Hunt approached the main viewer. "I am Captain Andre Hunt of the USS Meridian. The United Federation of Planets consists of many worlds who have joined together for mutual goals. I come from Earth, which is one of the founding members."

Vorren had a most curious expression on his face. It was at that time, he spotted Tur on the bridge of the alien ship. Only Tur would be stupid enough to get himself caught. In all honesty, he figured the arrogant Captain would rather die to evade being captured. "And how many worlds are currently in your Federation?"

"Governor currently The United Federation consists of eleven members. Perhaps after we get these negotiations out of the way and resolve these issues between your people and the Trill. We can discuss the Federation further."

"Yes, we should indeed," the Governor mumbled. "But your people are cleared to come down to the capital city of Veythra. From there you will be escorted to the Orvak's Reach where we can begin these talks and resolve these problems that our pirates have been given you."

When the viewer went to back to the world below, Andre looked back at Carey. "You have the bridge. Plaatjes, sh'Joven, Stoudemire and Viral with meet me in the shuttle bay."

Thomas only nodded and went to the centre seat.

======

Shuttle pod one cruised its way down to the surface of the planet. Vethrya was a massive city that could be seen from orbit. Many of the towering buildings came up to the clouds. From what they were told from the pirate Captain, most of their technology which was integrated in the buildings, vehicles and whatever else was depleted. In orbit L'Dira had no space ports or shipyards, but on the surface there was a massive shipyard which consisted of several ships in similar fashion to the pirate ships they encountered. This port was located on the outskirts of the city. A city that was located by a major ocean. In many ways this city kind of reminded, Andre of New York City on Earth.

Landing on the assigned pad, the away team stepped out to find themselves greeted by their assigned escort. It didn't take long for them to arrive to the large building known as Orvak's Reach. In front of the expressive building was an even more impressive statute of a L'Diran point towards the sky. This entire ground was clearly dedicated to this historical figure. Lieutenant sh'Joven looked up at the statute and nodded. "Quite impressive."

'They clearly don't make them this way anymore,' Plaatjes observed as he craned his neck up to look at the statue in front of them. He pointed out the moss-like growth on it,' it's old. And not been cleaned in a while. You notice those skyscrapers too? A lot of them looked dead, no lights or anything. They must be desperate.'

"Makes you wonder how things got so bad on this world," Hunt spoke. "Desperate people make decisions that they normally wouldn't under better conditions."

Vira Mahal adjusted the hem of her deep blue tunic as she stepped forward. The Trill ambassador had been silent during their descent, her keen eyes tracing the outline of the city as if reading a history written in steel and shadow. Now, standing before the weathered statue, she exhaled softly—a sound that might have been mistaken for awe, but was closer to melancholy.

“Civilizations rarely collapse overnight,” she said quietly, her voice carrying that lilting accent characteristic of the Symbiont-trained. “Decay begins in the small things first—maintenance deferred, trust eroded, cooperation abandoned in favor of self-interest. By the time anyone recognizes the pattern, it’s already taken root.”

She stepped closer to the base of the statue, brushing her fingertips across the moss-covered inscription. “Orvak,” she murmured, reading the name aloud. “A visionary, if I recall correctly. He united several L’Diran factions during their first planetary age. They worshipped progress then—believed it was their destiny to build a bridge between the stars.”

Straightening, she looked back toward Hunt and the others, the wind catching a stray lock of hair across her cheek. “It seems even visionaries can be forgotten when the lights go out.” Her expression softened slightly as she met Hunt’s eyes. “You’re right, though, Captain. Desperation changes people. But sometimes,” she added, glancing toward the city skyline—dark towers reaching into the clouds like the bones of a giant, “desperation also reveals what remains worth saving.”

Andre looked over to Vira and smiled. Regardless of everything her people had been enduring from the L'Dira, it was nice to see how the diplomat didn't hold a grudge. Hopefully the Governor of is world would be eager to settle things and possibly set things in motion to better this world.

The doors to the building opened as Governor Vorren exited with four security officers. Vorren stood about six foot five and was very slender. His muzzle was longer than most. Upon reaching the away team, he looked them all over with his green eyes
before stopping and starting down Captain Tur with a look that one could describe as disgust. The Governor quickly turned his attention towards the Starfleet Captain. "Captain Hunt welcome to L'Dira. If I had advance notice of your arrival, I would have made preparations to greet your people properly."

"I apologize for just dropping in on you Governor Vorren," Hunt spoke up. But the matter as you can see is quite urgent. Let me introduce you to the following. Vira Mihal a diplomat from Trill who has joined us to help address the issues that Trill has with your pirates. Also my Chief Engineer, Lt. Commander Maatys Plaajes and armory officer Lieutenant Talariana sh'Joven. And I can clearly see that you're familiar with Captain Tur here."

"I'm somewhat familiar with Tur and the trouble he and others like him have been causing to a certain extent" Vorren brought up. "Your presence has caused quite a bit of commotion on my world. We don't get too many visitors. Let's take this inside and discuss this properly."

Captain Hunt simply nodded as they were led into the building. It didn't take long until they were led into a conference room. In the room were eight others who were dressed quite well. Waving the security team to remain outside, Vorren closed the doors behind them. "Captain Hunt these are my advisors. They are all well versed in the many aspects of running this government."

Taking a seat around the table, Andre indicated for his people to do the same. sh'Joven stood in the back with the restrained Tur. "To get straight to the point Governor. Five days ago, we assisted the Trillius Prime in capturing three pirate ships that had been recking havoc in the region. Primarily stealing Acelon and various other items and resources to bring back here. Captain Tur here has admitted already that your government has sanctioned and agreed to the actions of these pirates."

Once again the Governor fixated his green eyes on Tur. If looks could kill, the pirates would have been burned alive on the spot. Vorren thought about how he could possibly talk his way out of this one. A lifetime of politics didn't prepare him for this situation. "Captain, the people in this room don't condone the actions of piracy. But anything that takes place outside our borders is outside of my control. And I will admit that we do pay for the resources they bring back."

"That sounds as if you very much condone their actions," Hunt countered.

Vorren held up a hand. "If not us, then someone else would buy it from them. In case you haven't figured it out yet. My people are in serious need of Acelon and whatever else they can supply."

The Captain looked over to Vira. "That's why we're here to help rectify that issue. I will our diplomate take it from here with her offer."

Vira inclined her head slightly in acknowledgment, stepping forward with a diplomat’s grace born of both confidence and necessity. The Trill’s spots caught the light as she set her padd down on the conference table, her expression open yet precise—a careful balance between empathy and authority.

“Governor Vorren,” she began, her tone calm but carrying across the chamber, “the Captain is correct. We understand that desperation can drive even principled worlds to make difficult choices. You are not the first system to find itself at the mercy of its own scarcity.”

She folded her hands in front of her, eyes never leaving the Governor’s. “But you are, perhaps, the first to have the opportunity to turn that desperation into a model for cooperation.”

Vira tapped the padd, and a soft holographic projection sprang to life between them—schematics of trade routes, cargo convoys, and star systems highlighted in green and gold.

“The Trill government, under Federation authorization, is prepared to establish a joint trade corridor between L’Dira and our sector holdings. This would be a protected route, monitored and patrolled by both Trill Defense vessels and your own commerce security forces. Every shipment of Acelon, and other essential exports, would be certified and guaranteed lawful.”

The Governor considered the Trill's request for a binding trade corridor agreement which would be patrolled jointly, with the L'Dira's commitment to shut down pirate havens. In all honesty, he wanted a little more from this agreement. "I would like to counter your offer for lucrative mineral trade of Acelon to my people. And the Trill can request trade resources and goods in exchange, also leniency for those pirate crews currently incarcerated."

After Vira extended the offer and hearing Vorren counter, the Captain spoke. "To show that were serious about resolving your issue. My Chief Engineer can look at look at your grid system. Perhaps the Federation can offer you the chance to come up with additional resources."

"I will permit your Chief Engineer to take a look at our system under the watch of my people," Vorren agreed. "This will give me the chance to discuss your request with my advisors. But until then, enjoy the hospitality of my world Captain. Orvak's Reach is more that just a meeting place. This is place where the wealthiest stay while on vacation or even business get conducted here. I have arranged for your people to stay here overnight. We can reconvene first thing in the morning."

"We'll take you up on that offer Governor." Hunt turned his attention to Plaatjes. "Get back to the shuttle and take Heath with you to check out their system. See if there's something we can do."

Looking to the captain, Plaatjes nodded, 'we can take a look, no problem. If the L'Dira are happy, we'll get a report with some recommendations put together. If we're permitted to take some scientific scans, we could see if there are a few natural energy sources we can tap into to ease the burden.'

Hunt looked to the Governor for approval. "What do you think Governor?"

"I will permit it. But again, you will be escorted." Pointing to one of the advisors in the room. "You go with them and ensure that he goes where he is needed."

'That seems fair,' Plaatjes inclined his head at the advisor. 'I look forward to getting to know you better,' he said sincerely as the L'Diran approached him. 'We'll be spending quite some time together, I think.'

The advisor who found himself suddenly voluntold, stepped forward. He was the short, round and didn't seem too confident about the task he was just assigned. "It appears that way."

"Let's get to it everyone," the Hunt addressed his people.

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

Commander Thomas Carey
Executive/Chief Armory Officer
USS Meridian

Lt. Commander Maatys Plaatjes
Chief Engineer
USS Meridian

Ltjg. Talariana sh'Joven
Armory Officer
USS Meridian

Chief Petty Officer Heath Stoudemire
Shuttlebay Manager
USS Meridian

Vira Mihal apb Major T'Ria
Trill Diplomat

Atys Tur
L'Diran Pirate

 

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