Dominion
The Dominion was a major galactic political power, whose influence was exerted over thousands of planets in the Gamma quadrant. It was founded somewhere between ten to two thousand years ago by the Changelings, a species of shapeshifters who called themselves the Founders.
History
Dominion history begins with the Founders, as recorded in the collective memory of the Great Link. Changelings roamed the galaxy, but were met with violence from "solids", who wished to hunt and abuse them due to their metamorphic abilities. Legend speaks of the Founders' encounter with the Vorta, who hid a Changeling out of kindness and were promised power for their service. The Changelings then retreated to a rogue planet, pledging 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 scouts 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 established them as a military. 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 administrators: commanders, diplomats, civil servants, and scientists. However, they were also genetically hard-wired to treat the Founders as gods.
Government
Absolute rule of the Dominion remained in the hands of the Founders and their Great Link, with decisions that 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 ensures absolute obedience to the Founders.
- The Founders themselves are rarely seen, even by their servant races, and are treated as gods or myth.
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 unknown. 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 by Jem'Hadar shock troops.
Members
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)