The infirmary doors slid open to admit Odo, holding a small handheld device with an air of grim determination. Julian looked up from his work, his eyes widening in recognition as he spotted the object in Odo's hands.
"Constable, is that...?" Julian began, but Odo interrupted him.
"The same device seen in use in the Valiant Glory's logs. Yes," Odo confirmed. "I found it among N'iv's belongings."
Julian strode across the room to take a closer look. "And you think this is what she used to disguise herself as Andorian?"
"I suspect so," Odo replied, his eyes narrowed. "When you have time, I would appreciate it if you could come run a few tests, see if you can identify her true species."
"I'm sorry, Constable," Julian apologized. "Suspect or not, it would infringe on someone's rights to conduct a medical exam without their consent."
"That's why I need you to confirm this device's function and see how it works. If it is indeed used for biological disguise, that's all the probable cause we'll need to justify an exam."
Julian took the device from Odo, turning it over in his hands. He immediately noted its weight and the worn edges that hinted at its age. The metallic casing bore scratches and dents, signs of use that were at odds with its futuristic design. It seemed like a relic, a piece of history that had somehow found its way into the present.
The front of the device still featured a touch-sensitive interface, though the holographic symbols and icons flickered slightly, a sign of age or perhaps outdated calibration. Julian's fingers explored the controls, finding that they were still responsive, revealing layers of settings that seemed remarkably advanced for something two centuries old.
"There are settings for a multitude of species, as well as the ability to make subtle adjustments."
"So it does physically alter the person using it?" Odo asked, leaning over Julian's shoulder.
"So far it appears that way. It must have been a revolutionary piece of technology in its time."
With careful hands, he opened the casing, expecting to find antiquated machinery inside. Instead, he was met with a complex array of circuits and mechanisms that seemed to defy their age. The bio-mapping module, the micro-needles, the nanogel reservoir—all were there, but they bore a patina of age that only added to their mystery.
"200 years old, and it still looks advanced even by today's standards," Odo noted, his eyes fixed on the device.
"Oh, it's remarkably sophisticated for its era," Julian replied, his tone turning serious, "but I must admit, it's not something I would dare use on patients today."
"Why's that?" Odo inquired, his brow furrowing.
"While it might work admirably at disguising the features of one species as another," Julian explained, "I'd be concerned about cellular degradation. Altering appearance like this would be incredibly invasive and potentially harmful over the long term."
"All the more reason for you to examine our suspect."