In 2371, Teero implanted a set of suppressed memory commands into Tuvok. These commands would activate when Tuvok heard the words "Pagh'tem'far, B'tanay". (VOY: "Repression") Teero had been on Bajor during the Dominion War in 2374. Believing the Federation represented a dangerous conflict of interest having regained control of Deep Space 9 while a non-aggression pact between Bajor and the Dominion was in effect, he anointed himself the new leader of The Circle, presumably using mind control to recruit followers. Shortly after Operation Return, Circle agents planted a bomb in Quark's and later attacked and branded DS9's resident Cardassian Elim Garak.