When Sisko sees a painting depicting B'Hala, Bajor's legendary lost city, he is inspired to search for the famed site. The painting depicts part of an obelisk that, according to legend, showed the city's location. When Sisko replicates the obelisk in a Holosuite to try to recreate its missing markings, the Holosuite system shorts out and knocks him unconscious. The experience gives Sisko the ability to see visions of the future of Bajor, but the effects may kill him.

Ernest Perry, Jr. (Admiral Whatley)
Louise Fletcher (Kai Winn)
Penny Johnson (Kasidy Yates)

• Bajor's petition into the Federation is approved in this episode, but one of the Emissary's visions convinced the Bajoran Council of Ministers to delay entrance.
  
• DS9 Personnel begin wearing the new Starfleet uniforms shown in Star Trek: First Contact during this episode.
  
• Kasidy Yates returns to the station after spending 6 months in prison for helping the Maquis (see the DS9 episode "For The Cause").