The Best Cuts by Mark Daley is a gripping Star Trek fan fiction adventure that follows Lieutenant Rem, a Baatixian security officer, and Chief Aaron Copeland, a seasoned pilot, as they are thrust into an unexpected first contact scenario. After a harrowing crash landing on a mysterious planet, Rem and Aaron must navigate not only survival in an alien environment but also the complexities of encountering a technologically advanced species with deeply unfamiliar—and disturbing—cultural practices.

As the two Starfleet officers are welcomed with open arms, they discover that trust and friendship can mask profound differences. Their hosts, the Kuth-Maga, are eager to join the Federation, but a shocking revelation at a ceremonial feast forces Rem and Aaron to confront the darkest taboos of sentient society. With diplomacy, survival, and Federation values on the line, the story explores themes of cultural clash, ethical boundaries, and the challenge of forging understanding across the stars.

Perfect for fans of Star Trek and speculative fiction, The Best Cuts is a thought-provoking tale of first contact, trust, and the price of progress.