Final Frontier III story.

[Randallw]

I'll get things started with a short intro to the Dominion.




The Dominion ruled over a single planet. Once it may have been a paradise, well suited for supporting a civilisation. Minerals were abundant, as were resources which, with the minimum of effort, could be used for fuel. Gardens devoted to producing organic chemicals abounded. Any other race however, even if they breathed the atmosphere, would find it unpleasant. For the Dominion perfection was important, as it was for many other races, but whereas another race might find perfection in nature or art or beauty, the Dominion cared only for Order. The Minerals were ruthlessly mined for material to build facilities, weapons and ships. The Radioactive elements of the planet were stripped to fuel the Dominions machines and Organics existed solely to feed the servants of the Dominion. Although even this differed from the normally accepted use of the word “feed”. Resources were not foolishly depleted but maintained so as to avoid decay or pollution. Located in a section of the Metropolis built on the surface over nearly two and a half millennia, was located a huge building that covered nearly a hundred square miles. A single Vorta travelled by foot through a succession of hall ways. His name was Nehran.
As with all servants of the Dominion, Nehran had spent all his lives on this one world. No member of the Dominion could leave the planet for fear that the Cleansing would detect them and find the Founders. The term, lives, was appropriate as even though technically he was one individual, there had been a succession of Nehrans serving the Founders. As each Nehran would die, either by natural means or the occasional industrial accident, a new Nehran was cloned and given the identity and memories of the previous. It was among these memories that Nehran searched as he moved through the lit hallways. He had been summoned by the Founders and was worried to think what could possibly have happened to have incurred their notice. Eventually he reached a gateway flanked on either side by a pair of Jem’Hadar. These two were Epsilons. 7 feet tall, they were created so as to tower over all subjects of the Dominion. The extra height was deemed unnecessary for common Jem’Hadar soldiers, so the extra time involved growing them was only spent on those used for ceremonial guards. Despite his slight stature, a feature of all Vorta, Nehran was confident enough in his devotion to the Founders that he was not worried by their size. He walked up to the guards. Beyond the gate lay the domain of the Founders. None were allowed past and in all probability the guards themselves had never entered.
“I am Nehran. The Founders summoned me” he announced.
The Jem’Hadar looked down at Nehran for a moment. As always they appeared to be sizing him up to either ignore him or break him in half. Eventually however they each reached for a door and swung them open. Nehran proceeded in. His previous confidence waned somewhat. He had never been allowed in before.
. There was only one entrance to the room, the gateway Nehran had passed though, but around the walls there stood many geometric shapes and items, furniture, and sculptures. Nehran looked around the room but there was no sign of the Founders. He wandered around viewing the exhibits. He supposed they were what he had read were called “Art” by other races. As with all Vorta he failed to understand their purpose. They did not produce anything, they supplied no protection, in fact some were quite frail looking, and they did not fulfil any actual function. On the wall to his left was a chair, perhaps to seat guests, a Stand with a hollow Pyramid intersected by another Pyramid and a rock. Ahead of him was a delicate crystal vase filled with a green liquid, and to either side a tall wooden structure which appeared to have 2 more doors. Hesitantly he walked up and attempted to open the wooden doors, but they refused to open. Prevented in his attempt to leave the room he turned to his right. On the wall hung a 2 dimensional picture, comprising many colours, which he failed to comprehend, the colours appearing to be laid almost randomly. Then a crystalline creature of some sort, followed by a bronze sculpture of many turning tubes and rods. He bent down to take a closer look.
“Nehran” a voice spoke. Not particularly loud, but the suddenness and unexpectedness almost meant another clone would be needed. Nehran tried to calm his nerves as he turned towards the voice.
The chair and the rock still stood alongside the wall but in place of the Pyramids stood a Founder. Nehran bowed immediately, averting his eyes.
“For…forgive me Founder.” Nehran pleaded.
“Stand, Nehran” the Founder ordered. Nehran raised his eyes. The Founder in front of him was not one he knew, though he had learned practically from his conception that this meant nothing, but it had taken on a faintly male appearance.
“I came as ordered, Founder” Nehran explained, as if his very presence did not prove his statement.
“It was I who ordered you here” answered the Founder as it crossed the room to stand in front of the nervous Vorta.
“I live to serve” replied Nehran.
“Of course you do, that is why we made you”. The Founder halted momentarily for this wisdom to soak in, before continuing. “We have a new duty for you”.
“What is it that the Founders wish of me?”
“You are to organise the Dominions journey into space”.
This fact was more shocking to the Vorta then the Founders sudden appearance.
“Space?, but Founder, the Cleansing” uttered Nehran. His concern for the Dominion momentarily causing him to question the Founder”
“The Cleansing is no more a threat” exclaimed the Founder. Despite the fact that the Dominion had spent two and a half millennia on this planet hiding from the Cleansing, if the Dominions gods said they were no longer a threat than Nehran did not doubt them.
“We have taken note of your skills Nehran. For all the time we have chosen to stay on this planet, we have been pleased with you and your predecessor’s service”. Nehrans heart again leapt, this time not from shock but the joy to know he had been noticed.
“I shall continue to serve with dedication” Nehran said.
“We are confident that you shall do so. Now go, we shall send the information to your office. Start immediately to organise the initial ships”.
“It shall be done, great Founder”. With that Nehran bowed yet again and backed out of the room, stopping momentarily while the Jem’Hadar guards let him out.

[rdouglass]

Nice start. Perked my interest...

[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.

[Atrocities]

Cool Nice read. More please. (Great intel source for use Hirogen)

[Randallw]

“The Ocampa are a free people and we will remain so. We have been independent for 1000 generations and we shall continue to defend our freedom from any so called empire that claims dominion over us”. said the head of the Ocampan council.
Kelim paused for a moment after this outburst by the councillor. The Dominion had arrived a week before and the week so far had involved endless debate by the Ocampans. Honestly, the Talaxians had been less trouble, and they had been powerless since the Haakonians had set them free. This councillor, from all that Kelim knew, was a mere 5 years old, there had been Jem’Hadar serving under Kelim that were older. The Vorta chose his words wisely, and put on his most genial smile.
“Now, now, there is no need to resort to diatribe; the Dominion has no intention of infringing in any way the freedom of the Ocampan people. We merely wish to establish peaceful relations. In fact we are anxious to discuss the possibility of cooperation between our peoples”
“Slavery, you mean” replied the councillor angrily.
“I can’t imagine where you could have gathered such outrageous ideas. No, we merely wish to continue our exploration of the surrounding space. Towards that end we wish to establish minor facilities to help our vessels in this area” explained the Vorta supervisor “We have no intention of forcing anything on your people. We offer many benefits should you agree to our proposal, entirely your own decision of course, indeed we are prepared to assist in the defence of your planet. This will of course require additional facilities and equipment, but I can see you are prepared to take any course of action to defend yourselves.”
“An occupation?” questioned the Ocampa.
“Occupation? why of course not, it would be a joint effort by both sides”.
“With you making all the decisions I assume” replied the Ocampan councillor sarcastically
“We are prepared to admit Ocampa is best suited to be organised by those who have lived here so long, albeit in such cramped circumstances” Kelim said indicating the underground city outside the room’s window. The surface was uninhabitable by the Ocampa, the result of some ancient disaster the Ocampa were not prepared to discuss. ”But enough diplomacy, I am sure you are hungry after our long deliberations. I took the opportunity of having refreshments prepared” he said signalling to the armed Jem’Hadar guards flanking the doorway. They opened the door and more Jem’Hadar, still armed, wheeled in a cart of various foods the likes of which the Ocampa, forced by circumstances to survive on hydroponically grown food, were not familiar with.
“I suggest the Talaxian soup. It’s a bit spicy, but we recently gained the recipe. I’m sure you’ll like it”
The Ocampan councillor hesitantly chose some of the food on offer and began to dine.
“By the way congratulations on your daughter winning her school prize. What is she 5 months old? About the time they start to be more trouble than you are prepared for” remarked Kelim. The councillor began to choke on his food.
“Oh dear, I do hope the food is not too rich” inquired Kelim
“What do you know about my daughter?” inquired the Ocampan, a look of shock crossing his face.
“Oh word gets around. She sounds quite intelligent. Surely she will go on to follow her father serving her people well. The rest of your family must be quite proud”
“My family!” asked the Ocampan, shock showing even more on his face.
“Oh yes, they are settling in well in your new house, in what, the Orius district isn’t it?. I must say you have a nice dwelling. I took the liberty of viewing it though one of our ships tactical sensors when I arrived. Not that I am able to appreciate it enough I am sure. My talents lean more towards more intellectual pursuits, Organising weapons tests, commanding the troops under me” explained Kelim
“What are you saying?” the Ocampan asked hesitantly.
“Me, nothing, I am merely congratulating you on the condition of your family. It would be dreadful if something bad happened. Still I am sure there is nothing to worry about. Once you have finished your meal I am sure we can finish our discussion.”
Yes, Kelim did not see much more difficulty in the negotiations. Soon the Dominion would manage to establish their new bases and then they could expand further.

[Randallw]

Note: I am clearly giving away much knowledge of the Dominion, but I do so dislike going for long periods without adding narrative.

For all of recorded history the Bajoran people had given worship to the Prophets. Their entire way of life was devoted to serving their Gods, who lived within the Celestial Temple far from the light of Baha’Vel. Ancient tales, fragmented and mostly lost, told of other races that had once lived in harmony with the inhabitants of Bajor. If such tales could be believed these other races lived in other star systems like Bajors. However Kai Baren, leader of the Prophets servants, held little regard for such fairy tales. Despite the stars in the night sky there had never been any way to leave Bajors system, not in recorded history. Proponents of such ideas had laughable ideas to support their beliefs. Fairy tales of ships with sails like those that plied Bajors oceans, travelling through space from system to system. No, Kai Baren did not believe such foolishness. There was only one possible way to leave Bajors light and that was to travel through the Celestial Temple, an idea that no respecting follower of the Prophets would consider, unless summoned. However, now the impossible seemed to have occurred. The Prophets had descended from the stars and presented themselves to the Bajoran people, or at least their servants had.
A few moons ago a ship, but not a ship as like those that sailed the oceans, had emerged from the Celestial Temple. There had been much celebrating. Surely the Prophets had looked down on their loyal servants for these many eons and had come to take those deemed worthy to dwell in the Celestial Temple with them. Even now Kai Baren, who had no doubt he would be chosen, knelt before the Prophets Emissary. The title of the Prophets Soldiers, these Jem’Hadar, was unknown but some research through the holy texts had uncovered a description of them that matched the pictures he had seen. They were described as tall and scaled like a lizard, but more importantly they were mentioned to be loyal to their gods, gods who could take the shape of anything or anybody, even friends and loved ones. A fact known by all Bajorans to be how the Prophets revealed themselves. These Heavenly soldiers were said not to eat or sleep but instead were created and kept alive only by the grace of their gods.
“Greetings, Emissary. We are blessed by your presence and are prepared to ascend to the Celestial Temple”
The Vorta Emissary, who unbeknownst to the Kai was better informed about ancient history, looked down upon the prostrate Kai.
“The time has not yet come for those loyal to the Prophets to ascend. We however bring greetings from the Founders...of your faith”
“We are obedient to the calls of the Prophets” replied Baren.
“We are sure of it, but for now we bring news from the Founders. They call for you to obey us, their chosen servants. The ways of the Founders may be strange to you but as long as you obey our requests we shall grant our help to your people. We have many secrets we shall use to better the lives of the Faithful.
“The Prophets be praised” exclaimed the Kai.
“Indeed” answered the Vorta, mysteriously.