Sisko rested a hand on the back of Dax's chair as the view screen at her station flickered to life. A blue-skinned Andorian appeared, his antennae twitching with curiosity. "I appreciate you taking the time, sir. We're quite eager for any answers you may be able to give us."

"I apologize I couldn't be of more help the last time we spoke," the archivist said, his voice calm and measured. "Have you acquired the identification of your ship of interest?

"Yes, we're relaying it to you now," Sisko replied. Dax dutifully transmitted the codes.

"We've been able to confirm it was a commissioned Imperial Guard ship, but anything beyond that is restricted."

The Andorian nodded as the identification codes came through on his side. He typed on a nearby console, and after a moment, he looked up with a hint of excitement in his eyes. "Fascinating…"

Dax leaned closer to the screen. Neither wanted to interrupt, but both were eager to know what had piqued the archivist's interest.

The archivist hesitated for a moment, as if contemplating whether he should share the information. "It appears the Valiant Glory was a covert medical reconnaissance ship. It was tasked with observing various species in the hopes of acquiring or adapting their medical practices and techniques."

Sisko raised an eyebrow. "Covert medical reconnaissance? That's a unique mission for a starship."

"Indeed, it was," the archivist confirmed. "These missions were classified at the time and not widely known even among Andorians. The ship's last known record indicates it entered the Badlands over two centuries ago and lost contact shortly after."

Dax frowned, absorbing the information. "What would a medical reconnaissance ship be doing in the Badlands?"

The archivist offered a shallow shrug. "Documentation on the dangers of the Badlands was far more limited at the time. It's likely they were unaware of the risks.

Sisko shifted his weight from one foot to the other, deep in thought. "Is there any way we can gain access to the mission logs leading up to its disappearance? It could be crucial to our investigation."

The archivist was only half listening. Whatever he was reading was pulling his attention away. His expression started to shift. "I'm afraid I'm not authorized to release those files." There was a slight hint of agitation in his voice, as if he was beginning to second guess the amount of information he'd already shared. "Is this ship in your possession, Captain?"

Dax looked up at Sisko curiously.

"At present, yes. Our engineering crew is conducting some repairs."

"Were you able to recover any of the data logs?"

"No, nothing besides the identification number." Now Sisko was the one with a hint of agitation in his voice.

"The damage to the ship corrupted most of the data processors," Dax added. "We're continuing to work on it but it could take some time."

"There is no need," The archivist stated, his expression settling back into a stony, unreadable visage. "There are a few Andorian representatives near your sector. They will stop by the station to assist with the data retrieval and get this ship out of your way. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a few calls to make."

Before either Sisko or Dax could respond, the call terminated, leaving the room bathed in silence. The sudden disconnect was a jolt, and the two officers stared at the now-blank screen.

"What just happened?" Dax asked, her voice tinged with confusion.

Sisko's face was drawn, his eyes narrowing. "I'm not sure, but I've got a lot of questions for those Andorian representatives."