From:		Matt_vTrek
Date:		07 May 1996 12:52
To:		U.S.S. Lafayette
Subject:		RE: Briefing Room

<Captain Mortimer, Briefing Room>

Mortimer turned to McRae.
"Unfortunately, we have limited information on the inhabitants of Slater's. So far, no Federation research team has performed an extensive study of their culture. However, previous contacts have all gone well, so I don't believe that we will offend them or break any of their laws by just behaving normally. 
Of course, this will also be a good opportunity for us to attempt to gather some more information on their culture, during our mission."

"Mr. Lectron, if Intelligence suspects anything, they haven't told us. Then again, knowing them they probably wouldn't bother informing us anyway. There has been an increase in activity by the Romulans in the general area, though, and we will attempt to monitor this covertly during the mission."

He lookedround the room for further questions.

{assuming there are none}

"Very well. Dismissed!"

Rising to his feet, the Captain left for his quarters.

=======================================================================
<Starbase 336, Starfleet Intelligence Outpost Alpha-Nine>

The bulky form of Lieutenant Allirog came running into the office, datapad in hand.
"Commander Tnega, sir. I have news from the Lafayette."

Seated behind the desk was an oriental man, probably in his forties. He looked up from the larger of his two desktop terminals, and turned to his assistant, wishing he'd learn to use the door buzzer, but knowing the task would probably be too much for him. Still, at least he followed orders well.
"The test subject?"

"Yes, sir. There have been... er.... complications"

"What sort of complications, Allirog?"

"um... she's.... er.... dying, sir. Some sort of allergic reaction to the drug."

Tnega sighed.
"Keep me informed. And find another test subject."

As Allirog left the room, there was a bleep from the smaller secondary terminal.
"Yes, Commodore"

The shadowy figure that appeared on the screen spoke.
"It seems that our vessel has been sent to assist with the medical emergency on Slater's planet"

"Slater's? The home of those shape-shifters?"

"The very ones. As you know, our scientists have been researching shape-shifting abilities for years, but have never manged to grasp even the simplest concepts. Imagine what we could do with a live specimen.... Contact Mortimer. Offer him the usual deal....."

"Immediately, sir."

The terminal screen faded back to black. Tnega turned back to the main terminal, and started composing a subspace message.

=======================================================================
<Captain Mortimer, Personal Quarters>

"You have a priority one communication in your private mailbox"

Mortimer thought about the computer's statement for a couple of seconds, as priority one was reserved for Starfleet official commuications, and couldn't be used on personal messages. Then his face dropped, as he realised who must have sent it.

"On screen."

The message was text only, and there was no sender's ID. He started to read it, then turned pale.

"Computer. Screen off."

Deciding he needed to take his mind of whatever he had just read, he left for the bridge.