An ancient Bajoran prophecy complicates the first joint Bajoran, Cardassian, and Federation science mission: an attempt to establish a permanent communications link through the wormhole.

After receiving a minor dose of radiation poisoning, Chief O'Brien inexplicably begins experiencing a series of jumps into the future. Meanwhile, a Romulan delegation arrives on DS9 expecting an intelligence report on the Dominion in exchange for the continued use of the cloaking device aboard the Defiant.