The Reckoning (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine)

The Reckoning is the name of a fictional episode from the science fiction television series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, airing as the 21st episode of the second season. The episode deals with the release of two powerful beings, representing pure good and pure evil, from an ancient Bajoran artifact called the Orb of Prophecy and Change.

The plot centers around the discovery that the Orb contains not just visions of the future, but also two entities who were imprisoned within. Kai Winn, driven by ambition and a desire to prove her spiritual authority, forces Major Kira Nerys to perform a ritual described in an ancient Bajoran text, releasing the beings.

The being of "good" inhabits Kira, while the "evil" entity takes possession of Jake Sisko. These entities are locked in an eternal conflict, destined to fight each other for dominance. Their battle manifests physically, causing destruction and putting the station at risk.

The episode explores themes of religious extremism, the nature of good and evil, and the burden of prophecy. Captain Sisko ultimately finds a way to re-imprison the entities within the Orb, ending their destructive battle and averting a potential catastrophe. The experience leaves a lasting impact on both Kira and Jake, and raises complex questions about Bajoran spirituality and the Prophets (the beings who reside in the Celestial Temple, who are linked to the Orbs).