"I understand how it might seem strange," Nivryn began, her voice modulated with a touch of formality. "But the truth is, I inherited this ship from my family. It's been passed down through generations, and we've kept it in pristine condition as a symbol of our history and heritage."

Sisko arched an eyebrow, clearly not fully convinced. "Two hundred years, and nobody in your family saw fit to upgrade its systems? Even for a sentimental relic, that's stretching credibility." He leaned against Odo's desk, a sturdy, no-nonsense piece of furniture that reflected its owner's nature. PADDs and reports were neatly organized, and a few pieces of Bajoran art adorned one corner.

"My ancestor was one of the original inventors," she continued. Garak had coached her on Starfleet's penchant for preserving the cultures of other species. She hoped he was right about their hesitancy to encroach on traditions. "He built it himself, and the Imperial Guard gifted it to him as an honor when it was decommissioned."

Garak had briefly entertained the idea of claiming a time travel incident, after she'd explained how she'd acquired the ship, but ultimately concluded it was too much of a risk. N'ivryn was fine with that–she could barely wrap her mind around his explanation of time travel, let alone memorize the nuances.

"We've maintained it in its original state to honor our heritage, using only the traditional techniques of the time."

Odo, his arms crossed and his expression unreadable, interjected, "Most Andorians have a sense of tradition, true, but they also see value in modern technology. Even the most sentimental vessel would receive some contemporary upgrades."

N'ivryn met his unyielding gaze, trying to infuse her words with sincerity. "I understand the skepticism, but this is more than just a ship to us. It's a living link to our past. A connection to the spirit of our ancestors."

Sisko's expression softened slightly, but his eyes remained probing. "That's a noble sentiment, I hope you understand we mean no disrespect to your traditions. The safety and security of this station require us to be thorough."

"I understand, but I assure you, I pose no threat to your station. This ship is a part of my family's legacy. It's... it's all I have left."

The room fell silent, filled with the weight of the words. Sisko shot Odo a glance that seemed to intimate some unspoken warning.

"Very well," Odo grumbled. "We'll be in touch if we have any more questions."