“The Circle” is episode two of season two of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
In the previous episode, “The Homecoming”, Major Kira and Chief O’Brien had successfully rescued the Bajoran resistance leader, Li Nalas, from Cardassia 4, along with a number of other Bajoran prisoners. Moreover, the Cardassians had actually apologised for holding them prisoner.
Li has been appointed the Bajoran liaison on the station, replacing Kira, who returns to Bajor, and spends some time at the monastery of Vedek Bareil at his invitation.
Meanwhile, The Circle is gaining in strength and power, and the Bajoran military isn’t doing anything to stop them, so, following a lead from Quark, Sisko decides to investigate just where The Circle is getting all their weapons from.
Vedek Winn is also acting to improve her chances of becoming the next Kai. Things are rapidly deteriorating.
The story continues in the next episode, “The Siege”.