DS9 Season 2 Episode 2 The Circle

Plot

Kira Nerys has been relieved of her position as Bajoran liaison officer on Deep Space Nine, and her friends Odo, Dax, Bashir, O'Brien, and even Quark come to her quarters to say farewell. Vedek Bareil is the last to arrive; he invites Kira to visit his monastery on Bajor. She accepts and, reminiscing, realizes how much she hated her position as liaison officer a year ago and how much she cherishes it now. Li Nalas, who is to replace her, reassures her and Sisko that he did not want the job and that he knows no one can replace Kira.
On Bajor, Kira and Bareil grow close and Bareil allows Kira to consult one of the Bajoran Orbs for guidance. She has a vision that includes her and Bareil as lovers, which she conceals from him. Meanwhile, on Deep Space Nine, Quark has heard that the Kressari are arming the xenophobic "Circle" movement, so Odo blackmails him to find out more. After conducting several searches of a Kressari freighter, Dax and O'Brien conclude that there is no evidence of foul play. The freighter departs with Odo assuming the form of a rat and stowing away.
Sisko visits the commander of the Bajoran militia, General Krim, and becomes convinced that the military will not stop the Circle's coup. While on Bajor, he also visits Kira. Shortly after he leaves, however, several masked members of the Circle kidnap her. Bajoran politician Jaro Essa reveals to Kira that he is the true force behind the Circle. He solicits her help, but while she has no love for the provisional government, she tells Jaro that votes, not weapons, are the way to change a government. Quark eventually learns where Kira is from his "contacts". Sisko and the others mount a rescue mission and take her back to the station.
Odo returns, reporting that the Cardassians are arming the Circle through the Kressari in an attempt to force the Federation off Bajor, allowing Cardassia to reconquer it. Unfortunately, by the time this is revealed all communication between Deep Space Nine and Bajor has been cut off.
Jaro goes to Vedek Winn, seeking her support as a spiritual leader in order to legitimize his coup. Several Bajoran assault vessels approach DS9, ordering all non-Bajorans to evacuate. Sisko seeks Starfleet's help, but his superiors order him to comply with the evacuation order. Regardless, Sisko and the crew refuse to give up without a fight.
Reception