Unwanted Guest

Posted on Mon Dec 1st, 2025 @ 3:43am by Warrant Officer Emily Douglasdale & Commander Thomas Carey & Warrant Officer Steve Baxter

697 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: Operation Shadow
Location: L'Dira Space

Dropping out of warp at the edge of L'Dira space was an Orion pirate ship making its way to the homeworld with the intent of conducting business. The Orion Captain had been extended an invite by one of the L'Dira pirates that his crew had encountered about three weeks ago to meet with the leadership of his government to discuss acquiring certain resources. Through the brief conversation, these pirates were pillaging on behalf of their people. From what Captain Mekao could assess was that these L'Dira pirates were small time in comparison to the Orions. And if there's the opportunity for more buyers, then Mekao would determine the need and provide it. For a substantial fee of course.

On the bridge of the Meridian, the Emily Douglasdale maintained the ship in orbit while the away team was down on the surface. It had been about three hours, since they left the ship and there were no issues that had come up as of it. Steven Baxter had been monitoring communications when he suddenly raised an eyebrow towards something that sounded familiar. Tapping on the controls for confirmation, he turned his attention to the First Officer. "Commander Carey. We have an Orion Pirate ship that has just entered the system."

"Very well, lets see what they want. Yellow alert, open communications." Thomas replied as he sat up.

"Communication open," Baxter spoke.

"This is Commander Thomas Carey, first officer of the USS Meridian may i ask who do I have the pleasure of speaking with currently."

Mekao sighed at the sound of the voice that came over the comm. A Federation officer. The Federation was a fairly new organization, but for years have found a way to get into Orion business. Could this be a trap, setup by the L'Dira and Starfleet to take his ship and goods? After a few more seconds, he decided that a conversation couldn't hurt. "This is Captain Erek Mekao of the Orion transport Feliso. I had no idea that Starfleet was in business with the L'Dira."

"We have answered a call for assistance, we have been approached for aiding in what we hope to be a diplomatic solution with some... groups within the L'Dira people. I am sure you will agree that a firefight between any of our peoples will do nothing but cause chaos. Can I ask you what your business with the L'Dira is Captain."

"Commander I'm here simply to conduct business and not getting into an unnecessary firefight," the Captain assured. "A few weeks ago, I came in contact with a L'Dira Captain who extended an invitation.

Emily sat the help and simply looked over her shoulder back at Commander Carey and whispered. "When Orions show up its never good."

Thomas nodded in agreement, it wasnt the first time he had dealt with the orions. "Perhaps we can all meet and discuss what we have been invited for."

Thinking about the offer, Mekao nodded. "I can agree to us meeting. When do you suggest we make this happen?"

"Let me make the necessary arrangements, and we can meet over here on the Meridian, should my Commanding Officer approve. I will have chef make a variety of foods for you to sample if you wish. Consider this a diplomatic encounter between our two people?" He offered, he gestured to the officer manning the Tactical station, to stand down yellow alert.

"The best I can spare ten hours, Commander, then I have to make my appointment on the planet. Quite curious to what your Chef is going to prepare." With those words, the viewer went dark.

The bridge remained silent as everyone awaited orders on how to proceed. Baxter was the only one who spoke up. "Do you need me to get you in contact with the Captain Sir?"

"Apprise him of the situation, quietly, they probably monitoring our coms." Thomas replied as he stood. "I've got to get ready for dinner."

"Aye sir."

"Better give Chef the heads up as well," Emily joked. "Guess who's coming to dinner."

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

WO1 Emily Douglasdale
Helm Officer
USS Meridian

WO1 Steve Baxter
Communications Officer
USS Meridian

 

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