Lieutenant Commander Nuni Irric stood in the cold, sterile light of Holding Area One, his eyes locked on the object floating in the shimmering forcefield. The pyramid gleamed, its metallic surface catching the light in sharp glints. Tiny switches dotted its sides, some half-flicked, others locked in place, and dials etched with symbols that seemed to pulse faintly.

His gaze traced the smooth lines of the artifact, then paused on a single deep engraving—a series of strange markings that seemed to shift subtly when he wasn’t looking directly at them. The pyramid wasn’t large, no bigger than his hand, but its presence in the room felt immense, as if the air thickened around it, pressing at the edges of the forcefield.

Irric’s lips tightened. The hum of the field vibrated against his skin, but the room was otherwise still.

The report had been thin. A routine scan, a routine crate, and then this—a sliver of silver metal tucked between supply manifests, no record, no signature. It had slipped through undetected until one of Irric’s people found it.

His fingers hovered near the edge of the console. He wasn’t the type to believe in coincidences. Not out here. So he requested a Security Officer to keep an eye on it, whatever it was.

La’an had just arrived for shift when the investigation section leader asked for a security officer, La’an sent a small message and headed that way.

La’an entered and noitced an officer near what seemed to be an old relic of sorts. “Lt Hanes, reporting“

Irric’s body remained as still as stone, his eyes drawn to the object with an intensity that seemed to absorb every detail. The faintest flicker of light reflected in his unblinking gaze, his breath barely perceptible, as though he feared disturbing whatever lay before him.

After a short silence, his lips parted, the words slipping out, “Fascinating, isn’t it, Lieutenant?” His voice carried a quiet reverence, as if the object itself demanded silence.

“It dose, Where did it come from?” La’an asked as she moved closer and up next to the Commander. She pushed a lock of blond hair out of her eyes.

Irric glanced at the Lieutenant. Her blonde hair caught the low light, and her blue eyes flickered with a brief spark of curiosity before her expression returned to a cool, practiced calm. She stood tall, exuding a quiet confidence that seemed to demand attention without effort.

He placed the PADD in her hand, his fingers lingering a moment before pulling away. “It’s all in there,” he said, his voice steady but tinged with something unsaid, he then continued, “The freighter was just another routine stop—until we uncovered this.”

“They are all normal, Till this happens” She responded

As she shifted her gaze to the PADD, Irric continued. “The captain, shifty as they come, swore he bought it off a Ferengi. Said it was just a trade for latinum.” Irric paused, his brow creasing as the air thickened between them. “But something’s not right. The origins… they don’t add up. It feels like there’s a piece missing.”

“Want me to run through historical databases?” She asked.

“Your primary role is to stand guard and watch the item, Lieutenant,” Irric said, his voice sharp and unwavering as he fixed the officer with a steady gaze. He leaned slightly forward, the corners of his mouth tightening.

“However,” he continued, a glimmer of intrigue in his eyes, “if you have a genuine interest in this kind of work, consider this your unofficial application to join my section. Feel free to use the terminal in the corner.” He gestured subtly toward the dimly lit area, where the soft hum of machinery provided a backdrop to his offer.

“Just remember, discretion is paramount.”

“Yes Sir, Will be quiet” She then turned to begin the search, She was also thinking about the offer. It was something she was interested in.

Irric nodded, then said, “If you need anything, Lieutenant, just say the word and I’ll make it happen.”

“Understood” La’an replied.