As the planet Bajor takes steps to join the Federation, Deep Space Nine is confronted by political turmoil and religious conflict, and Commander Elias Vaughn and the crew of the U.S.S. Defiant journey through the wormhole to explore previously unknown regions of the Gamma Quadrant.
Cardassian Ambassador Natima Lang has returned to the station on a mission of hope, but it's one that will bring back old wounds and old ghosts. Elsewhere, the crew of the damaged Starship Defiant forges an uneasy alliance with an unusual alien species - one whose unique biological makeup is the key to the balance of power in that region of the Gamma Quadrant.
After a breakdown in diplomatic efforts to secure a lasting peace between the Bajorans and Cardassians, an alliance of alien religions offers unexpected new hope, until a mysterious, ancient alien artifact sends crewmembers of the Defiant on individual odysseys of self-discovery at the height of a dangerous military confrontation.
After a shocking death, space station Deep Space Nine erupts into chaos as weak political alliances unravel in the middle of the desperate search to find a killer, while the commander of the Defiant must confront dark secrets of the past that could cost the life--and love--of his daughter.