From:		Liz_vTrek
Date:		19 April 1996 21:15
To:		U.S.S. Lafayette
Subject:		Mission Orders: Slater's Planet

Star Fleet Task Force 26
Beta Squadron
Subspace Communication
Stardate: 9604.19

TO:			Commanding Officer, U.S.S. Lafayette NCC-81622
			Starbase 336
CC: 			Admiral Dale Harriman
`	FROM:		Commodore Elizabeth Jordison, Commanding Officer, Beta                                                                                                    
			Squadron, Task Force 26.
			U.S.S. Stratford NCC-66619
DATE:		Stardate 9604.19
SUBJECT:	Mission Orders

Captain Mortimer,

I have received reports that the U.S.S. Lafayette has completed repairs, boarded all newly assigned personnel, and has loaded all medical supplies and equipment needed for this mission.  You are hereby orders to proceed immediately with all due speed to Slater's Planet in the Triangle area of the Beta Quadrant.  En route, please review newly updated information in your LCARS database regarding Slater's Planet.  

The inhabitants of Slater's Planet have requested assistance from the United Federation of Planets for an extreme global medical emergency.  A growing number of the inhabitants, a race of shape-shifters unrelated to the Founders, have been stricken with a condition which renders them unable to morph from their natural state.  This disease is spreading rapidly at the rate of 10,000 individuals a day, and is a threat to both their social order and their ability to maintain their current technological standing.  SI reports indicate that there has been an increase in Romulan activities within the sector which may or may not be related.
Please note the following mission objectives below:

1> 	Transport medical supplies and equipment to Slater's Planet and assist the inhabitants in discovering the cause of the disease or condition.  Effect a cure, if possible. 
2> 	Covertly investigate Romulan activity in the area and ascertain if it is a threat to the inhabitants of the planet.  Report all significant findings to StarFleet Headquarters. Under no circumstances are the Romulans to be confronted without overwhelming evidence of threat to the inhabitants.
3> 	In the event of an overt threat to the Planet or its inhabitants, use whatever means necessary to protect them as required by the Protection Clause of the UFP Protectorship Charter, bearing in mind that this sector is not UFP territory and that Slater's Planet has not officially joined the UFP.
4> 	Avoid all physical contact between Starfleet personnel and pre-adolescent inhabitants of Slater's Planet, if possible.

I realize that the Lafayette is ill-prepared for this mission, and that I've given you a difficult assignment for your first voyage as Captain.  However, the Lafayette is the only vessel in the area which is relatively free of current assignments and quick enough to arrive in due time.  It is also, due to its small size, less of a perceived threat to the Romulans.  Keep me informed of your progress with frequent reports.  I may join you at the planet within a few weeks.

As you have performed your duties in the past with superior results, I am more than confident that you and your crew will reach your mission objectives with aplomb.

Elizabeth Jordison
Commodore Elizabeth Jordison
Commander, Beta Squadron, Task Force 26
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