A militant movement plots to throw the Federation off Bajor.
Kira leaves the station and spends time at Vedek Bareil's monastery, where an Orb shows her a vision of them together. On the station, Odo learns that the Kressari are arming the Circle and stows away on one of their ships. The Circle kidnaps Kira, and Minister Jaro reveals he is its secret leader and tries to win her over, but she refuses.
Sisko and the crew rescue Kira, and Odo returns with proof that the Cardassians are supplying the Circle so that the Federation will be driven off Bajor and Cardassia can return. With communication with Bajor cut off, Jaro seeks Vedek Winn's backing, Bajoran ships order all non-Bajorans to leave, and Starfleet tells Sisko to evacuate, but he and his crew prepare to stay.