Dominion
The Dominion was a major galactic political power, whose influence was exerted over thousands of planets in the Gamma Quadrant.
The Dominion was founded somewhere between ten to two thousand years ago by the Changelings, a species of shapeshifters who called themselves the Founders.
History
- See also: Federation/Dominion War
Dominion history begins with the history of the Founders, as recorded in the collective memory of the Great Link. Changelings roamed the galaxy in peace, but were soon met with "solids" who wished to hunt and abuse them due to their metamorphic abilities. Legend speaks of the Founders' encounter(s) with the Vorta, who hid a Changeling out of kindness, and was promised power for their act. The Changelings then retreated to a rogue planet, swearing that they would never again be treated as they had been treated by the "Solids." They decided to bring "order upon a chaotic universe", and sent out 100 infant Changelings in order to gather information about the galaxy. They implanted genetic code into these Changelings to return around the 27th century, and share what they had learned.
Convinced they had to "guide" the Solids, the Changelings started calling themselves the "Founders of the Dominion," an establishment that had existed for "two thousand years." They genetically engineered a species for warfare, the Jem'Hadar, and declared them the Founders' army. Altered to be addicted to the narcotic Ketracel-white, the Jem'Hadar had total dependence on the Founders and their drug. In addition, the species that had given the Changelings shelter all those years ago, the Vorta, were indeed rewarded, becoming the Dominion's population: commanders, diplomats, civil servants, and scientists. However, they were also genetically altered, and were hard-wired to treat the Changelings / Founders as gods.
Government
Absolute rule of the Dominion remained in the hands of the Founders and their Great Link, whose decisions could not be disputed under any circumstances.
However, the Founders were largely content to leave the administration of the Dominion's daily affairs to the Vorta.
- The loyalty of the Vorta and the Jem'Hadar is genetically engineered, which in most cases ensured absolute obedience to the Founders.
- The Founders themselves were rarely seen, even by their servant races, and were treated as gods or myth.
Language
"Dominionese" was at least one common language used by the Dominion.
It is unknown if the Dominion member races maintained or used race-specific or world-specific tongues.
Economy
Little is known about the Dominion's economy; it is however presumed to be massive, considering the size of its territory.
The Karemma have been known to be involved in commerce, but the extent to which their activities affect the economy as a whole is a mystery.
Presumably, the commodities required to build and maintain the Dominion's gargantuan shipbuilding and cloning operations are sourced from subjugate planets and shuffled as necessary, with shortfalls addressed with Jem'Hadar shock troops.
Members
The Dominion is comprised of several "member races," as the Founders claim to control the destinies of hundreds of species.
The Dominion was founded on the principle of control, with the intent being to neutralize any potential threat to the Founders by whatever means necessary. In cases involving cooperative species such as the Karemma, the extent of Dominion interference is fairly minimal and restricted to material support. However, if the target species is or becomes less cooperative, the Jem'Hadar are dispatched to wipe out any opposition. The fear of massive Jem'Hadar reprisals is enough to keep most planets in line. For a prospective member, at first contact the Dominion may appear helpful, or even benevolent. A typical Dominion strategy is to make concessions in the short term for an advantage in the longer term, which may be centuries in advance.
The more notable member races include:
- Breen (2375)
- Cardassians (2373-2375)
- Dosi
- Jem'Hadar (military servant race)
- Karemma
- T-Rogorans (conquered 2370)
- Vorta (servant race)
- Yaderans (conquered 2340)
Technology
By the time of the Dominion War, Dominion technology appeared to have significantly outpaced that of most Alpha Quadrant species.
Instead of phased energy or disruptor beams, Jem'Hadar rifles emitted powerful polaron beams which, had the side effect of acting as an anticoagulant in some humanoids.
- Anticoagulants impede the natural wound-healing process
Similarly, Dominion and Breen warships displayed more impressive firepower than their Alpha Quadrant counterparts. Phased polaron beams were mounted on all Jem'Hadar attack ships. These initially cut through Federation shielding without effort; however, the Deep Space 9 crew subsequently managed to adapt their shields to withstand Dominion weapons for short periods. The Breen also wielded a huge advantage on the battlefield with an energy dissipating weapon capable of disabling Federation and Romulan vessels with a single shot. Countermeasures for these technologies do exist and have proven to be effective.
Dominion transporters utilized transponders, which enabled them to teleport individuals across distances as far as three light years.
