The Holographic Interface for the Repository of Archived Memory, or HIRAM, is a semi-sentient hologram encountered by the crew on the dead world of Archana V. HIRAM was orginally programed by the dying race of Archana V to pass along the knowledge necessary for colonization to anyone who would come along. Unfortunately, he became too literal in his mission and "programmed" individual personalities of the Archanans into the minds of members of a Federation survey team. Later on he also replaced Bom's memories with that of Jerem, an Archanan blacksmith. Unwilling to end his mission, his databanks were destroyed by the crew, but he saved himself by uploading himself into Warp's tricorder.

Later he downloaded himself into the Potemkin's computer and eventually took up secret residence in the holodeck. He briefly transported the crew into a simulation where the Potemkin was a piece of holo-entertaiment in order to bond with the crew. The ruse was found out and he eventually agreed to be kept in data storage until it could be decided what his fate would be. He had a slight fascination with Arkin, akin to an adolescent crush, as she had been the only one to express regret over his supposed destruction.

Years later a more mature HIRAM brought Warp, Prax, and Bom into a locked holodeck to ask for their help. He explained that a Wotal virus was running rampant through the Potemkin's systems; he had tried to stop it himself, but had only managed to cause the holodeck malfunctions the crew had been experiencing. He harbored a good deal of pent up anger toward the crew for their rough treatment of him and for leaving him in data storage and forgetting him. Eventually he was able to reconcile with the crew, help stop the virus, and avoid being deleted in the process.

Later on he would help the crew recover key systems after an attack by an antiquated automated Romulan weapon. Bom and Micheal, in gratitude, offered to try a number of options to give him the ability to leave the holodeck.

A year later HIRAM appeared to an away team on later-named planet Photon, after they discovered two holographic armies fighting an endless war. HIRAM, who had managed to link himself to the central computer, explained the armies were part of a battle simulation left running long after the original war was over. He was adamant about not shutting down the program or helping one side win, citing the fact that some of the holograms were developing sentience and it would be against the Prime Directive.

Finally a plan was hatched to tweak the program enough to allow both sides to negotiate a peace. Once this was accomplished, HIRAM helped the crew beam back to the 'Tem, but declined to return himself. Saying he would be more use on Photon than sitting in the Potemkin's memory core, he bid the crew a final farewell.