[Randallw]

The Vorta, Kerin, was but a lowly functionary within the scheme of things. Although he was satisfied to fulfil his function, the most any Vorta could be expected to do; he had never truly been called upon to serve any great purpose. At the moment he was responsible for organising one of the new colonies, established in the wake of the decision by the Founders to spread out once again into space. The Planet itself did not at first seem to be of any drastic use. A member of another race, not privy to the grace of the Founders, may have doubted it had any importance at all, but Kerin, as a true follower of the Dominion, knew that it was not important that he understand, only that he obey. Still he did wonder why the planet had been colonised when other planets apparently deserved greater priority than this one.
His minor doubts were fed even more by the news that a Founder was soon to arrive. Again Kerin could not understand why. Once he had been informed however he had placed maximum importance on preparing for one of the gods to bless them with its presence. An Honour Guard had been formed from the Jem’Hadar garrison, and all Vorta not needed for crucial duties had lined up for the arrival. Presently the shuttle bearing the Founder descended through the atmosphere to set down in the square of the recently established colony. A great cloud of gas spread over those present as the shuttles landing gear bore the crafts weight. Soon the boarding ramp descended and a guard of Jem’Hadar marched out to take up positions. The Founder itself then descended. Kerin strode forth, before kneeling in homage.
“We are blessed by your presence, Founder” he said as he bowed.
“Rise Kerin” ordered the founder, one that had taken on the form of a female.
Kerin rose, daring to lay eyes upon his god.
“You wonder why I am here?” questioned the Founder. Kerin did not even begin to wonder how the Founder sensed his doubt, did not a god know everything.
“Yes Founder” he replied.
“What do you see?” questioned the founder, again.
Kerin looked about him, seeing the ranks of Jem’Hadar troops, and the buildings erected around the colony.
“I see the greatness of the Dominion, Founder”
“Yes you do, but what else is it that you see?”
Kerin looked again, but apart from the force arrayed about him there was nothing else but the untouched wilderness, the trees, the hills, and a mountain.
“Only chaos, to be formed to the Dominions will” he replied.
“Follow me” the Founder ordered marching off, its guard hastening to follow.

The Founder had stridden without tire through the countryside, until it had reached an outcrop of rock on the slope of the mountain. It went without question that the Founder would not tire from the journey, and the Jem’Hadar were used to this type of exertion. Kerin however was more used to intellectual exercises, and was exhausted from the long trek. Still if the Founders had deemed it necessary they would have built him to handle such physical effort. The Founder did not pause, and Kerin fully expected it to continue on until it merged with the mountainside. However as it reached the wall the rocks themselves suddenly began to grind, and an opening appeared, the rocks on either side swinging inwards. Momentarily surprised by the sudden appearance of the gate, Kerin had to break into a run to catch up. Once inside he found the Founder standing still, another greater gate, this time clearly artificial, and to Kerin’s surprise marked by the Dominion, standing at one end of a long hallway. The Founder spoke as Kerin walked up.
“We always knew the day would come when the Cleansing would pass from our space and no longer threaten us. We planned for this day by secreting in certain locations, such as this, the technology needed to rebuild our Dominion. Within this facility you will find technology vital to our growth. We deemed it wise not to utilise it while the threat remained, but now it is ready to be used again.” The Founder paused. “Kerin, take the technology from inside, and begin production of the facility plans stored within”
“The Founders are wise in all things” Kerin exclaimed in awe.