Stardate not given: An old Bajoran lightship emerges from the wormhole. It carries the poet Akorem Laan who encountered the Prophets 200 years ago and hence believes to be the true Emissary. Sisko, who was never happy with his role as a religious icon, agrees with Akorem's claim. But soon Akorem announces the restoration of the old Bajoran d'jarras, a caste system. This would preclude Bajor's membership in the Federation, but even Kira Nerys complies when she announces that she would become an artist like her forefathers. When a murder occurs on the promenade deck because of the new fanaticism, Sisko decides to force a decision. He flies into the wormhole with Akorem Laan and consults the Prophets. They tell him that Akorem's presence was just a test for the true Emissary. Akorem Laan is sent back without a memory of the events.

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