u.s.s. Lancelot NCC-74410

diplomatic/JAG dEPARTMENT

MISSION ONE

"The Lancelot has been ordered to conduct "scientific exploration" of the Crossroads. The Crossroads are a notorious and vast wasteland of space separating the Gorn Confederation, the Romulan Star Empire, Lyran Democratic Republic, and the edge of know space in the Alpha quadrant. To make things even more interesting in this area, several of the larger Orion Pirate cartels operate from the crossroads raiding frequently into the neighboring races. Finally, the Borg made use of this corridor of space to invade the Alpha quadrant, it was here that the Romulans fought there own version of Wolf 359 to much the same conclusion. 

Despite it's name little is known about this area by the Federation. Most of what we do know comes from second hand intelligence and free traders stories. No "official" permanent settlements are listed for this area of space to further shroud the area in mystery. All that is known for sure is that this area of space represents a unsecured border for the Federation and that is were the Lancelot comes in.

Our official orders state the we be conducting scientific exploration of the area, including mapping and charting of this waste land. Unofficially the Lancelot will be working with the Gorn intelligence service, as well as Starfleet Intelligence, to monitor the Romulan Empire. Starfleet intelligence is afraid that the Romulans Empire might use this time of peace to renew hostilities with the Gorn. The basis for this belief is comes from the large amount of social unrest on the Romulan home worlds. The Vulcan unification movement has grown in strength and has recently even attempted to gain a seat on the Romulan senate. 

Historically, the Romulans have quelled social unrest by focusing the anger of the people on an external enemy. The belief is that if the people are to busy fighting for the survival of the empire, they won't have time for new social movements. A crude belief, but due to the violent and emotional nature of the Romulans it has been effective for nearly 2000 years! The Lancelot is to avoid all direct involvement in hostilities if at all possible, but I've been given clearance to 'use my judgment'."

Should you have any questions or comments please e-mail the Chief Diplomatic/JAG Officer at the Diplomatic/JAG Department aboard the U.S.S. Lancelot.