The assassination of First Minister Shakaar on the eve of Bajor's entry into the Federation has plunged both the planet and space station Deep Space Nine into chaos. Investigations revealed a conspiracy threatening not only Bajor but also the Federation. At the same time the very foundation of the deep spiritual faith for which Bajor is famous has been challenged by the contents of an ancient heretical text discovered by Colonel Kira Nerys. Now, after a harrowing and historic voyage of exploration in the Gamma Quadrant, the Starship Defiant is coming home with its weary, wounded crew. But their joy is short-lived as they find themselves caught up into the midst of the crisis, and some are forced to make choices which alter their lives. Captain Elias Vaughan learns the true purpose for which he was Touched by the Prophets -- and discovers in the process the ultimate fate of Captain Benjamin Sisko. Meanwhile, somewhere on Bajor, a long-awaited child is about to be born...