Good Goodbye

Posted on Sat Jan 11th, 2025 @ 4:17pm by First Ikidik'tan & Administrator Kuzos

2,253 words; about a 11 minute read

Mission: Tosk
Location: DST-321
Timeline: 2439-03-10, 12:00

Military Log, First Ikidik'tan Recording:

DST-321 has rendezvoused with DSE-724. Under the orders of the Founder, Odo, we are flying alongside to the Idran Anomaly to complete the diplomatic mission with the Federation Alliance. I am confident that I will be able to meet the needs of the Founder during the remainder of this mission, but I would prefer to return to our duties investigating reports of uprising in lesser worlds. With my genetic ancestor having served in the Quadrant War I am not optimistic about the chances of peace between our two governments. The Federation is chaotic, almost savage, and not supportive of the efforts of the Dominion to bring order to the galaxy. Nonetheless, the Founder is in support of this diplomatic mission, and we will serve the Founders for that is the order of things.

---

Ikidik'tan walked down the polished metal corridor toward DST-321's Secondary Craft Bay silently. It had been a short time since the crew of DST-321 and the Federation vessel had recovered the away team and rescued Odo, but already they had placed too much emphasis on this diplomatic mission. The Founder was focused on establishing peace, he was more pragmatic. Ikidik'tan had encountered the Federation multiple times in the past and, each time, it had been a challenge. This would be no different.

DST-321 was designed for combat and Ikidik'tan would prefer to return to those responsibilities rather than this supportive one. While DST-321 is early in its operational life, the ship and crew have already proven themselves in raids against challengers to the authority of the Dominion. The Dosi learned that the hard way when DST-321 led an assault upon a renegade outpost and used its troops to recover the station for the Dominion. There were intelligence reports that uprisings like these were on the rise and DST-321 was an ideal combatant to ensure peace. The Dominion brought order and DST-321 was the best tool to accomplish that.

Entering the Secondary Craft Bay, the Jem'Hadar noticed that two people were already present. The first, a Vorta, was standing near a Dominion Fighter with a Jem'Hadar soldier standing next to her. With his keen eyesight, Ikidik'tan could tell that the Jem'Hadar was wearing a First's braid. He stopped and stood silently, waiting for either Odo or Administrator Kuzos to arrive.

Kuzos made his way through the corridors of DST-321. He was in no hurry to get to the Secondary Craft Bay. He was in a quandary. He had orders to find the downed attack ship and he did, rescuing not only a Founder but the rest of the ship's crew as well as a Federation crew as well. All which he had reported. Now Founder Odo, gave him orders to establish diplomatic relations with the Federation and to get ready for a new assignment. He did not like this at all but was helpless to question the word of a Founder especially one such as Odo who was a legend among both the Vorta and the Founders. His footsteps slowed as he got closer to the bay as if slowing down could somehow delay or postpone what was coming. He sighed rather dramatically and stepped into the bay. He quickly found Ikidik'tan and then saw another Jem'Hadar first as well as another Vorta but no Odo. Seems the Founder was going to make them all wait.

"Administrator," the First for DST-321 greeted as the other Vorta looked over toward them.

"Ikidik'tan." Kuzos returned formally as he saw the other Vorta looking towards him, but he made no move towards the other Vorta. Instead, he turned to Ikidik'tan, "Is all in readiness First?"

"We remain on course for the anomaly and will arrive as scheduled," the Jem'Hadar answered as he stood with crossed arms. "The only unanticipated item is the arrival of those two. I can only assume that they arrived aboard that Jem'Hadar Fighter as it is not part of our inventory."

"Yes. That would be my guess as well First." Kuzos replied while not looking at the pair of new arrivals. "I take it, they have not spoken to you or given any reason as to why they are here."

The Jem'Hadar looked at his counterpart before answering. "Other communication other than glaring, Administrator." He looked at the other Vorta, "Including her."

"I see. No accounting for manners or courtesy." Kuzos smirked. "Well. we will all find out what is going on once Founder Odo makes his appearance and informs us."

"Where the Dominion leads, we will follow," Ikidik'tan answered with as close to a sigh as a Jem'hadar could produce. He wondered exactly what the Founder had been planning. Few of his species ever met a Founder, truly they were still perceived as mythical to so many of his kind and the citizens of the Dominion, yet he had met two so far. With what he had learned so far they left much to be desired, not that he could ever reveal such feelings.

"Have you been made aware of their purpose or the Founder's plan?"

Kuzos turned his attention from the other Vorta to look at Ikidik'tan. "I confess I do not. The Founder's plan is known only to him. Hopefully he will grace us soon with both his appearance and plan." Which in Kuzo's opinion could not happen soon enough.

And the Vorta soon got his wish. From the opposite doorway Odo, Representative of the Great Link, entered the Secondary Craft Bay flanked by a third Vorta and a third Jem'Hadar. First Ikidik'tan was surprised to see the Founder in such a basic attire for someone of the stature of his kind within the Dominion. Odo's clothing was basic, almost simplistic, in form and function. He wore a simple lavender turtleneck with a navy vest and pants. The Jem'Hadar pondered whether the boots, which matched the belt, was real or a replica generated by the Founder as part of his efforts to appear as a solid.

"Thank you for coming," Odo greeted after coming close to the others. "I won't take up too much of your time, so I'll get right to the point. The Dominion is at a crossroads. With our making contact with Indurane there are many questions about the future of the Dominion and we are at the center of it." He looked at the leaders of DST-321, "With your having been present for first contact you have a personal interest in what is happening here. The Federation has entered into a new treaty with the Dominion, sponsored by me, to allow their exploration of the Gamma Quadrant. I have selected you as the Dominion's emissary to the Federation."

Kuzos was silent as Founder Odo spoke of the Dominion being at a crossroads and entering into a new treaty with the Federation. Then he spoke of selecting him as the Dominion's emissary to the Federation. Kuzos looked around, surely Founder Odo didn't mean him. he had an assignment. His eyes registered his surprise, but he said nothing. Founder Odo must have meant someone else and would soon make his rather vague choice more apparent. Or so he hoped. So, he kept quiet and waited.

"Administrator Tinis and First Muzi'yazak will be assuming command of DST-321 effective immediately," Weyoun informed them from Odo's side. "We have already completed the command code transfer."

Odo looked over his shoulder and nodded to his attaché, "Efficient." He turned back toward the former command team of DST-321, "We have transferred this scout to your command for the mission to the Enterprise. You will take it through the Wormhole to meet with the Federation delegation at Deep Space," he stopped, "I mean Starbase 419."

Kuzos said nothing. He was too stunned to reply. He was being removed from command and sent to be the Dominion's Emissary to the Federation. He couldn't even nod as he was rooted to the spot at this news. It was clear Founder Odo thought this the way to proceed and that placing him in the position of emissary was a position to be proud of. Finally, after what seemed an eternity. He managed a nod and spoke "Yes Founder." in a very uninspired tone. His mind was awhirl at leaving the DST-321 and going into the web of the Federation. "When am I do leave Founder?" He asked in a small tone.

"Immediately," the Founder answered directly. "We have transferred this Dominion Scout Vessel for your use. The Federation has approved its attachment to Enterprise."

Weyoun looked at the other Vorta carefully, "Do you have something you would like to say, Administrator?"

Kuzos was silent as Weyoun spoke to him. He was still getting use to this new assignment as he didn't see it as an assignment to be proud of. It felt like he was being cast aside after all his years of loyal service and success. After several seconds he looked at Weyoun, "Who if anyone else is accompanying me on this new assignment?" He asked candidly.

Odo pointed, "First Ikidik'tan will accompany you. There will also be a contingent of Jem'Hadar assigned, six in total including the First. While you are in command of our personnel and represent us, Kuzos, you will follow the orders of the Starfleet Fleet Commander and treat his orders as if they had come from me. Can you comply with that?"

"I am to be subservient to the Federation Commander?" Kuzos asked. "Even as they move through our space Founder Odo. How am I to represent the Dominion if I am in subservient position?" Kuzos asked.

"Subservient is your word, Administrator, not mine. I tend to see that we are more akin to partners with the Federation on this mission, and they are welcome within our territory for the duration, unless they violate our laws. Should that occur, you would notify me of their transgression, and I will investigate, otherwise I support this exchange, as does the Great Link." He didn't include that it was barely supported, but it was supported.

"Forgive me Founder Odo, I misspoke. However, my question remains. Is the Federation Commander going to obey any orders I may give to him as they traverse our territory? Am I to disclose military secrets if he should ask?" Kuzos pressed.

Weyoun interrupted, "The sanctity of our state secrets must be maintained, Administrator. We will not share with them military information."

Odo looked back at Weyoun silently, before turning back toward Kuzos, "Weyoun is correct, if not a bit premature in his answering. As for the first part of your question you will be a passenger aboard their vessel, not there in a supervisory or administrative capacity over Starfleet or the Federation delegation. As I said a partnership, but they do have limitations on where they can travel." He nodded to Weyoun, who handed over a Dominion styled PADD. Odo continued, "These are the sectors we've authorized the Starfleet vessels to access. No others."



"Of course, Weyoun. Our military secrets will remain so." Kuzos assured the other Vorta. "So, I am to be tour guide for the Federation. I have no say, no authority other than over our contingent. Does not sound like an equal partnership to me Founder, I ask forgiveness for my bluntness."

Odo harumphed in response, "You have no need to ask me for forgiveness, Kuzos, as I expect and require the person who is taking this role to understand the difference between asking a question and questioning. Now that I've said that, this is the price of peace, so to speak. The Federation has a different way of doing things compared to us, I want you to learn from them, primarily, as you play tour guide."

Odo's words did not allay Kuzos's dismay. "Founder, I am nothing over there. I am baggage. The Federation is only taking me because it was agreed on in the treaty, but I am not a liaison." Kuzos replied.

"See to it that you are more," the Founder answered as he looked to the two. "You're scheduled to depart for the Enterprise now to meet them. Keep me informed of your progress on your mission."

"I will also be nearby should you require assistance," Weyoun answered. "My vessel has been assigned to the same sectors that the Starfleet personnel will have access to. I can assure that I will be able to respond should you need the support."

Kuzos was silent as Odo spoke when the founder stopped speaking, he replied. "Yes Founder, I will do so." His eyes slid to Weyoun. "I will keep that in mind Weyoun."

"As well you should," it sounded more condescending than normal for Weyoun.

Odo looked at the scout for a moment, a longing look across his features for a moment before returning his full attention to the Administrator, "You may depart when ready."

Kuzos nodded to Odo. There was nothing else for him to do. His fate had been decided. He was being shuffled off, no longer a part of the Dominion's plans. How had it happened? He was loyal to the Founders, always successful in his assignments and this was his reward? To be sent to the Federation flagship? To command a scout vessel and six Jem 'Hadar. "Yes, Founder Odo." He replied without his usual enthusiasm and positive outlook. He looked to his First. "Come First we go to meet the Federation."

 

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