Welcome to Section 31 Delta. Within Star Trek, Section 31 exists outside Starfleet Intelligence's influence and deals with threats to Earth's and, later, the Federation's security. Its operating authority stems from a provision of the Starfleet charter—Article 14, Section 31, from which its name is derived—that makes allowances for "bending the rules" during times of extraordinary threats. Delta Squad was formed inside of Section 31 to recon areas of high interest to Starfleet with veteran members of the Section.