Some contests offer cash prizes for winning short stories. Also, authors can sometimes get paid by companies or organizations that commission specific stories for marketing or educational purposes.
Authors themselves might pay for the production and publication of their science fiction short stories if they choose to self-publish and have the financial means to do so.
Publishers pay for short fiction. This includes traditional book publishers when they are putting out an anthology of short stories, as well as magazine publishers. Some literary journals also pay for short fiction.
It varies. Some online platforms dedicated to true stories might pay well to attract quality content. It depends on their business model and popularity. Also, some established publishing houses might offer decent compensation if the story has potential for a wide readership.
In many cases, the one who initiates or organizes the pirate feast is responsible for the payment. Sometimes, it might be a shared cost among the pirates. It all varies based on the story's details.