Sharon helps the Resistance on New Caprica as Adama leads Galactica on a dangerous rescue operation. Tyrol races to save Cally from the execution squad. Meanwhile Anders uncovers treachery among the humans. Number Three meets the Oracle Selloi after having strange dreams about the temple.

Tigh must decide the fate of his wife Ellen after the assistance she rendered to the Cylons. Lee struggles with his assignment to protect the civilian fleet on its journey toward Earth while Adama returns to New Caprica with just the Galactica. The Resistance coordinates an attack on the Cylons just as Galactica arrives. As the Cylons begin to lose control, Number Three vows to put a final end to the New Caprican experiment.

Tyrol participates in the Circle, a secret tribunal on Galactica that tries and convicts in absentia those accused of collaborating with the Cylons during the Occupation. The death sentences--administered without the knowledge of Roslin or Adama--begin to weigh on Tyrol's conscience. Baltar faces a similar jury among the Cylons, who must decide whether he is allowed to stay with them.

The Sagittarons allege that a doctor is discriminating against them. As Helo investigates, he becomes concerned that the doctor may even be murdering patients. Meanwhile, Athena unwittingly brings Hera to the doctor for treatment.

Baltar's trial testimony threatens the very stability of the fleet. Lee assists Romo Lampkin in Baltar's defense. Some in the fleet begin to feel that Baltar is divine. Though he dismisses such beliefs, Number Six suggests that the followers may know more about his true nature than Baltar does himself.

During the Cylon attack, Sam Anders has a strange encounter with a Cylon Raider. The crew of the Galactica view Starbuck's return with suspicion and doubt. Gaius Baltar takes refuge with a group of women who believe he has the power to heal others.

Loyalties are made clear when Gaeta orchestrates a coup d'état of the Adama regime. Both prisoners and lives are taken as many of the fed up people work to take over Galactica.