The Andorian representatives exchanged tense glances as they faced Dukat's accusations within the wardroom. One of them, Ambassador Thelara, took a deep breath before speaking.

"Legat Tirak, the matter you speak of is classified and has nothing to do with the Federation's involvement. We have been working to address it internally."

Tirak's eyes narrowed, suspicion evident. "Internal matters? The Andorians have committed crimes against Cardassia, it is my duty to expose them!"

Sisko interjected, raising a hand to ease the tension. "Let's take a step back and examine what we have here. We have evidence of a mission carried out by the Andorians two centuries ago, and while the matter is undoubtedly serious, it is also historical. Ambassador Thelara, can you explain the nature of these covert studies?"

Ambassador Thelara's antennae twitched with discomfort, but she responded, "The intention of the mission was to study the medical practices of various species. Including," she added reluctantly, "the Cardassians, Bajorans, and Ferengi. It was believed at the time that understanding these practices might lead to advancements in our own medicine. However, I assure you after the mission failed and Andoria turned their focus towards the Federation, all data was destroyed."

Dax, ever the scientist, leaned in with curiosity. "It's fascinating from an anthropological standpoint, but the ethics of the mission are certainly questionable."

Legate Tirak slammed his hand on the table. "Questionable? It's an outright breach of trust, a violation of our sovereignty!"

The Grand Nagus, not to be left out, piped in, "And what about the Ferengi? We were also studied like lab rats!"

Kira's brow furrowed. "This information is two hundred years old. Is it really such a huge deal now? The techniques in these logs are long since common knowledge."

Minister Ranol responded with a cold certainty, "It's about the principle. Andoria or the Federation should have disclosed it. This is a matter of integrity and trust."

Legate Tirak echoed the sentiment, though he looked a little off put to be agreeing with a Bajoran.

Ambassador Thelara countered, "We had no intention of hiding anything. The mission was short-lived, and we were unaware until recently that the information hadn't been declassified. We were addressing it internally."

"What would be an acceptable resolution to all of this?" Sisko asked diplomatically.

The Grand Nagus, never one to pass up an opportunity, started to interject, but Sisko cut him off, "Reasonable," he clarified.

The Grand Nagus seemed to deflate slightly but managed a begrudging, "Five hundred thousand bars of gold pressed latinum, paid as reparation to the Ferengi Alliance!"

"That's a bit excessive, Grand Nagus," Sisko said patiently, having expected nothing else. "This incident occurred centuries ago, and we all recognize that it's not about the money but the principle. How about a formal apology from the Andorian government, along with an official commitment to full transparency in future relations? Additionally, I will propose to the Federation Council a fund to be established that will promote trade and cultural exchange between Andoria and the affected parties, starting with a contribution of ten thousand bars of gold-pressed latinum."

"Twenty, or no deal," The Nagus countered.

Sisko nodded. "Fine. Twenty it is." He turned towards the other delegates. "Will this be acceptable for you as well?"

Legate Tirak considered for a moment that gave a reserved nod.

The Bajoran representative on the viewscreen added, "This is acceptable."

Ambassador Thelara sighed, "We can agree to those terms, provided that all affected parties accept that this was an isolated incident, long since discontinued."

Sisko, sensing a fragile accord, solidified the agreement, "Then it's settled. We will facilitate the necessary actions."

As the various delegates filed out, grumbling but appeased by the resolution, the Andorian ambassadors remained behind, their antennae still twitching with residual tension. Sisko's expression was firm, but his voice carried a note of empathy.

"Ambassador Thelara, Ambassador Kyth," he began, "I appreciate your cooperation in resolving this matter."

The Andorians exchanged a glance before Thelara spoke, her voice softened with gratitude. "Thank you, Captain. We apologize for any disturbance we may have caused."

Sisko nodded but did not break eye contact. "There's still something I haven't quite figured out." He leaned forward slightly, folding his hands on the table. "The Andorians were willing to keep Starfleet in the dark too about the true nature of the Valiant Glory. I can understand keeping it quiet from non-Federation members to avoid unnecessary unrest, but why keep it from us?"

Ambassador Kyth looked down, his antennae drooping slightly. "The handling of the Valiant Glory was...an embarrassing misstep in our history, Captain," he admitted, his voice tinged with regret.

"An embarrassing misstep that involved other species," Sisko added pointedly. "A mistake that was made two hundred years ago. But hiding it now? That's a contemporary decision."

"You're right, Captain. It wasn't the wisest course of action. We were motivated by pride and a desire to protect our image. If there is anything further we can do to help, please let us know."

As the Andorians prepared to depart, Sisko's voice halted them, and they turned back to face him. "Ambassadors," he began, his tone serious yet hopeful, "there is one more thing. While we've seen the logs, we are dealing with a situation of our own, and the information harbored in the ship's recent flight path data could help clear a lot of things up. Would you still be willing to help us retrieve it?"

Ambassador Kyth's antennae perked up, and a smile touched his lips. "Of course, Captain. We'd like closure as well about what happened to the Valiant Glory and how it has reappeared after so long."

"Do you think there's any chance of recovering the data?"

Thelara nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Yes, Captain. In that model of ship, those files were stored separately from the main data logs, which is easy to miss unless you know what you're looking for. There's a good chance they'll still be intact and untouched, even if the other data drives were manually removed."

Sisko's expression brightened, and he extended his hand in gratitude. "Thank you, Ambassadors. Your assistance in this matter is invaluable."