Odo's desk was orderly, as usual, with every item in its place, a stark contrast to the disorder and confusion that currently reigned elsewhere on the station. Odo, took a seat behind it. "Please, have a seat," he said, his voice measured and composed.

N'ivryn took the seat without hesitation, her posture relaxed, her eyes steady on Odo. "I understand you have some questions, Constable."

"Indeed. I've been examining the events surrounding the Valiant Glory, specifically the logs that ended up in the hands of various delegates. It's a rather puzzling situation. Since you were aboard the ship, you might have insights that could help us understand what really happened."

She shrugged slightly, maintaining her steady gaze. "In a situation like this, Constable, lies can sometimes be more convenient than the truth."

"That's a dangerous philosophy," Odo countered, his voice tinged with disapproval. He found himself wondering if she was always like this, or if Garak had rubbed off on her that much the last few days.

"I found the ship wrecked on a derelict asteroid. Out near Breen space." She tucked one leg neatly over the other.

"There had been rumors," N'ivryn continued, her voice steady, "that the Valiant Glory's logs contained evidence of unauthorized scientific experiments conducted by sanctioned crews within the Andorian government. I didn't anticipate I'd actually find it, or the logs. My…friends in the Andorian government said their superiors believed that if this information was kept quiet and dealt with internally, it could be resolved without causing a diplomatic crisis."

"So when you found the rumors were true, you made sure they couldn't."

N'ivryn's expression became more earnest. "The Andorian government wanted to sweep this under the rug. I was not willing to be complicit in that. Those logs contained more than just information about unauthorized experiments. They revealed a pattern of deceit, betrayal, and manipulation."

"So you took matters into your own hands."

"I believed that the matter was not being handled appropriately. In the end, I decided that transparency was the best course of action. It was not an easy decision, but I felt it was the right one."

Odo studied her for a long moment, seemingly weighing her words. "And the logs' removal from the ship?"

"A necessary precaution," N'ivryn replied, meeting his gaze. "I had to ensure the information wouldn't be destroyed or manipulated."

"Be that as it may, you lied to the crew of this station. Many man hours attempting to retrieve them could have been avoided had you been forthright when you docked."

"I apologize for the inconvenience. Is there anything else I can answer for you?"

Odo pulled a PADD from the top drawer of his desk. "Yes, there's something I've been trying to understand."

"Do tell."

"Why attempt to pose as the Valiant Glory's original medical officer, Pilit? The Andorian ambassadors were easily able to confirm the identification codes you provided, as well as the fact that they don't belong to you. Did you truly believe the scheme would work, or did you have a different goal in mind?"

N'ivryn sighed, uncrossing her legs. "I admit," she said begrudgingly, "it wasn't my brightest idea."

Odo gave a sardonic grunt.

"I was just trying to get everyone off my back–tell them what they wanted to hear."

"So, more lies," Odo observed, not hiding his distaste.

She met his gaze, unflinching. "Sometimes lies are necessary, Constable. To protect others, to reveal a greater truth. Even you must recognize that."

"Lies to reveal the truth? That's an interesting paradox," Odo said, his voice dripping with skepticism. "You claim the Andorian government was wrong to hide the truth, yet you yourself were willing to deceive us."

"Because I knew it was right. I knew that revealing those logs would expose my people's deceit and lead to justice. My lies were a means to an end."

"And who gets to decide what's right and what's wrong? You? Me? The Andorian government?" Odo leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving N'ivryn's face. "How am I to trust your judgment when it's so self-serving?"

"I did what I had to do," She defended, her voice softening. "I knew that I was taking a risk, but I couldn't just stand by and do nothing."

"Where one sees heroism, another sees betrayal."

"In a world filled with secrets and deception, sometimes the only way to bring about justice is to fight fire with fire."

Odo shook his head, not completely satisfied with her answer but recognizing that they were at an impasse. He pivoted abruptly to another topic, hoping it might change the trajectory of the conversation. "The young boy being treated in the infirmary. How does all of this tie in with him?"

N'ivryn's eyes widened briefly, caught off guard by the sudden shift. But she quickly composed herself. "Kallim? He's a victim of all this, just like many others."

"A victim of what, exactly?" Odo pressed. "Your story doesn't seem to include how a young boy came to be aboard the Valiant Glory or why he needed medical treatment."

Her expression tightened, and she seemed to weigh her words before speaking. "As I've already informed Doctor Bashir, the boy was found in the scavenged wreckage of a transport shuttle. I brought him aboard in hopes of giving him a second chance."

"That's quite a coincidence," Odo said, his voice betraying a hint of suspicion. "Finding two wrecked ships with such valuable cargo in one trip."

"It's an unpredictable galaxy, Constable. Anything can happen."

Odo continued to study her. "And you felt compelled to care for the child out of the goodness of your heart?"

"I did what anyone with a conscience would do. I helped him because it was the right thing to do."

"Even though it could expose your deception?"

"Some things are more important than self-preservation."

He leaned forward, resting the tips of his fingers together above the desk. "One more thing before you go, N'ivryn. Is that truly your name? Or is it yet one more deception?"

She met his gaze squarely. "It really is N'ivryn."

Odo tilted his head slightly, studying her. "Considering the layers of deception you've already woven, how can I trust you're telling the truth this time? How can I believe that you are who you say you are?"

She smirked a bit, clearly not offended by the skepticism. "I suppose you can't. But I have no reason to lie about my name. What purpose would it serve?"

"I've encountered many individuals who lie for the sake of lying, or because it's become second nature. So you'll forgive me if I remain skeptical."

She nodded. "Fair enough. But whether you believe me or not, it's the truth. My name is N'ivryn."

Odo leaned back in his chair. "For now, I'll take your word for it. But know this: I'll be keeping a close eye on you. Any more deceptions, and there will be consequences."

She gave a small, confident smile. "Understood, Constable. But as I've said, I've done what I believed was right."

He held her gaze for a moment longer, the room filled with palpable tension. "Very well. You're free to go. But remember, the truth always has a way of surfacing."

As she turned to leave, she looked back. "That, Constable, is something we can both agree on."