After they are officially hired, the Tak'aal fills the PC's in on the mission.
"Before I tell any of you this, you must understand that the information I am about to give you is strictly proprietary. You may not discuss this with anyone without explicit permission from me.(The CDC does not know that the government of Truane's Star has broken the code and will be listening in on their transmissions!)"Several months ago, one of our survey ships discovered a new star in the Xagyg dust nebula. This system was found to have one habitable planet, which appears to be lush and fertile - ideal for possible colonization. Unfortunately, the ship was not outfitted for ground exploration, so it returned to Truane.
"We've outfitted another survey ship for a return expedition, based out of Pale. It is expected that the mission last about four to five weeks. We've got some of our best people signed on, but due to a minor but sudden outbreak of Laco flu, some slots have opened up. They're all yours. You may take 50 kg of gear each.
"Here are dossiers on your crewmates. Your captain and expedition leader is Victor Wilson. He's one of our best. Report to the civil spaceport tomorrow by 1230. Wilson will meet you there and you can catch the 1300 shuttle up to Yolen Station, where the survey ship is docked. Your ship is CDCS Discovery. She's a fine ship, I've spend some time aboard her myself. Here's her spec sheet. You will be in encrypted subspace contact with a CDC ship in the Truane system at all times.
"Good luck."
Give the players the dossiers and ship spec sheet.