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The'''Battleof Cardassia''' was the final battle of the [[Dominion War]], fought in late [[2375]]. The allied forces of the [[United Federation of Planets]], the [[Klingon Empire]], and the [[Romulan Star Empire]] launched an invasion of the [[Dominion]]-held [[Cardassian Union]], with the goal of capturing the Dominion's capital on [[Cardassia Prime]]. The battle would ultimately lead to the Dominion's unconditional surrender of all forces in the [[Alpha Quadrant]].
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{{Sidebarmilitaryconflict
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| conflict_name = '''Battle of Cardassia'''
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| part_of = the [[Dominion War]]
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| image = Cardassia in ruins.jpg
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| imagecap = Cardassia lies in ruins
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| date = [[2375]]
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| location = [[Cardassia Prime]]
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| result = Decisive [[Federation Alliance]] victory;<br />Surrender of [[Dominion]] forces;<br />End of the Dominion War
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<!-- combatant 1 -->
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| combatant1 = '''[[Federation Alliance]]'''
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:{{Federation}}<br />[[Klingon Empire]]<br />[[Romulan Star Empire]]<br />[[Cardassian Liberation Front]]/[[Cardassian military|Military]]
| losses1 = Third of initial allied fleet, including Romulan flagship<br />Over 800 million Cardassian civilians murdered by [[Dominion]] fleet<br />Damar killed in action
The '''Battle of Cardassia''' was the final battle of the [[Dominion War]], fought in late [[2375]]. The [[Federation Alliance]], the forces of the [[United Federation of Planets]], the [[Klingon Empire]], and the [[Romulan Star Empire]], launched an invasion of the [[Dominion]]-held [[Cardassian Union]], with the goal of capturing the Dominion's capital on [[Cardassia Prime]]. The battle would ultimately lead to the Dominion's unconditional surrender of all forces in the [[Alpha Quadrant]].
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The events of the battle must also be considered alongside concurrent events on Cardassia Prime in the final stages of the [[Cardassian Rebellion]], led by [[Legate]] [[Damar]]. The sabotage committed by the [[Cardassian]] insurgents played an important role in disrupting Dominion communications and support behind the front lines, and ultimately led to the Cardassian ships in the battle switching sides. Before the battle was over, however, more than 800 million Cardassian civilians would be killed by Dominion genocide, leaving the once-proud capital planet in ruins. ([[DS9]]: "[[What You Leave Behind]]")
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The events of the battle must also be considered alongside concurrent events on Cardassia Prime in the final stages of the [[Cardassian Rebellion]], led by [[Legate]] [[Damar]]. The sabotage committed by the [[Cardassian]] insurgents played an important role in disrupting Dominion communications and support behind the front lines, and ultimately led to the [[Cardassian military]] switching sides. Before the battle was over, however, more than 800 million Cardassian civilians would be killed by Dominion [[genocide]], leaving the once-proud capital planet in ruins. ({{DS9|What You Leave Behind}})
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==Prelude==
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==Prelude==
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By late 2375, the Dominion's massive offensives into the Alpha Quadrant had stalled, leaving its forces embroiled in a war of attrition spread across multiple sectors that it could not win under the present circumstances. Reinforcements through the Bajoran wormhole had been blocked since the beginning of the war (c.f. [[Battle of Deep Space Nine]]), and the existing industrial infrastructure in [[Cardassian]] territory was insufficient to maintain the offensive for a prolonged period of time.
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By late 2375, the Dominion's massive offensives into the Alpha Quadrant had stalled, leaving its forces embroiled in a war of attrition spread across multiple sectors that it could not win under the present circumstances. Reinforcements through the Bajoran wormhole had been blocked since the beginning of the war (q.v. [[Second Battle of Deep Space 9]]), and the existing industrial infrastructure in [[Cardassian]] territory was insufficient to maintain the offensive for a prolonged period of time.
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The Dominion's last hope for a quick victory was its alliance with the [[BreenConfederacy]]and their mysterious [[energy dampening weapon]], against which the allies had no defense. Althoughthe[[Breen]]'sweaponhada major effect in its first uses, particularly at the [[second Battle of Chin'toka]], the Dominion's chance at a quick offensive was lost by Legate Damar's rebellion, which caused massive disruptions behind the lines and forced the Dominion to devote considerable resources to quelling the uprising. By the time Damar's resistance cells were eradicated, the Federation and the Romulans had developed countermeasures after acquiring a stolen example of the weapon. ([[DS9]]: "[[Tacking Into theWind]]")
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[[File:AxisofEvil.jpg|thumb|left|TheFounderrevealshernewdefensivebattleplan to Weyoun and ThotPran]]
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The Dominion's last hope for a quick victory was its [[Dominion-Breen Alliance|alliance]] with the [[Breen Confederacy]] and their mysterious [[energy dampening weapon]], against which the allies initially had no defense. Although the [[Breen]]'s weapon had a major effect in its first uses, particularly at the [[Second Battle of Chin'toka]], a chance warp core modification on the {{IKS|Ki'tang}}, intended to compensate for a containment problem, had rendered the ship immune to the weapon prior to the battle at Chin'toka, making it the only Allied ship to survive. However, this modification only worked on Klingon ships, requiring the [[Klingon Defense Force|Defense Force]] to hold the line until countermeasures could be developed. This nearly failed when Chancellor [[Gowron]] attempted to take the initiative and place Martok in a losing position in order to eliminate him as a political rival.
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Apparentlybecomingdisillusionedwiththewar,the[[FemaleChangeling]]orderedDominionforcestoeffectacompletewithdrawalfromallterritoriesheldinside the Federation and the KlingonandRomulanempires.Itwashopedthatbyrevertingtopre-warterritories,theDominioncouldconvince the Federation and herallies tosueforpeace, ratherthancommittoabloodyinvasionthatwouldcostmillionsoflives.Withlessterritorytodefend,theDominioncouldrepelanyattackandbuildupitsforcesforarenewedinvasionseveralyearslater.
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TheDominion'schanceataquickoffensiveduringthistimewaslostbythestartofLegateDamar'srebellion,whichcausedmassive disruptions behind the lines and forced the Dominiontodevoteconsiderableresourcestoquellingtheuprising.BythetimeDamar'sresistancecellswereeradicated, the Federation and theRomulanshaddevelopedcountermeasures, afteracquiringanexampleoftheweaponstolenbyDamar,withthehelpof[[Odo]],[[ElimGarak]]andformer[[BajoranResistance|resistancefighter]][[KiraNerys]],effectivelynegatingthegreatestadvantagethattheDominionhadinthewar. ({{DS9|Tacking Into the Wind}})
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[[Image:BattleofCardassia1.jpg|thumb|The allied assault fleet departs Deep Space 9.]]
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[[File:FederationAlliancefleet departsDS9.jpg|thumb|The allied assault fleet departs Deep Space 9]]
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Apparently becoming disillusioned with the war, the [[Female Changeling]] ordered Dominion forces to effect a complete withdrawal from all territories held outside Cardassian space. It was hoped that by reverting to pre-war territories, the Dominion would be able to build up a defense perimeter in which it could rebuild its forces quickly, shorten its supply lines, and survive longer than it would in its current position, which was severely overstretched with the Romulan, Federation, and Klingon fronts to maintain. With less territory to defend, the Dominion could repel any attack and build up its forces for a renewed invasion several years later.
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This move could have signaled an end to the war — the withdrawal of all enemy forces from conquered territories was one of the major aims of the war for all allies. However, the Founder seriously miscalculated the allies' resolve to win the war at any cost. In addition, Captain Benjamin Sisko and Admiral William Ross recognized the threat of allowing the Dominion to remain in Cardassian space unchallenged. Therefore, the allies agreed to launch an invasion of Cardassia Prime itself, with the aim of decapitating the Dominion leadership and throwing its hierarchy into chaos. ([[DS9]]: "[[The Dogs of War]]")
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This move could have signaled an end to the war – the withdrawal of all enemy forces from conquered territories was one of the major aims of the war for all allies. However, the Founder seriously miscalculated the allies' resolve to win the war at any cost. In addition, Captain Benjamin Sisko and Admiral William Ross recognized the threat of allowing the Dominion to remain in Cardassian space unchallenged. Therefore, the allies agreed to launch an invasion of Cardassia Prime itself, with the aim of decapitating the Dominion leadership and throwing its hierarchy into chaos. ({{DS9|The Dogs of War}})
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{{clear}}
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==The Battle==
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==The Battle==
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=== Phase One: Invasion ===
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Launching their attack fleet from [[Deep Space 9]], the Alliance made a beeline for Cardassia, crossing the five [[light year]] distance in approximately one and a half days. The Female Changeling ordered as many ships as possible to meet them, perceiving the nearing endgame of the war.
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===PhaseOne:Invasion===
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Ontheallied side, [[Chancellor]] [[Martok]] prophetically spoke of the allied victory, having brought a barrel of [[bloodwine]], vintage [[2309]] – the finest, in preparation of the celebration.
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Launching their attack fleet from [[Deep Space 9]], the allied fleet, more than 1,000 ships strong, made a beeline directly for Cardassia, crossing the five light-year distance in approximately one and a half days. The Female Changeling ordered as many ships as possible to meet them, perceiving the nearing endgame of the war.
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On the allied side, [[Chancellor]] [[Martok]] prophetically spoke of the alliedvictory, having brought a barrel of [[bloodwine]](vintage[[2309]] — the finest) in preparation of the celebration.
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[[File:Excelsiorclass, battle of Cardassia.jpg|thumb|Thebattlebegins...]]
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As the two enemy fleets made their final approach, the Female Changeling, the [[Vorta]] [[Weyoun]], and Breen [[Thot]] [[Pran]] were inside [[Dominion Headquarters]] making final plans for the attack. Under orders from the Founder, [[Weyoun]] was planning to send large reinforcements to the Dominion Fleet assembling to halt the allies advance. Suddenly, nearly every Dominion installation on the surface of Cardassia lost power – the [[Cardassian Liberation Front]], led by Legate Damar, had inspired the Cardassian populace to rise up and overthrow their Dominion occupiers. The Dominion was completely cut off from any support from the surface of Cardassia.
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As the twoenemyfleetsmade their finalapproach, theFemaleChangeling, the [[Vorta]][[Weyoun]],andBreen[[Thot]][[Pran]]wereinside [[DominionHeadquarters]] makingfinalplansfortheattack.Suddenly, nearlyeveryDominioninstallationonthe surface of Cardassialostpower— the Cardassianrebellion,ledbyLegateDamar,hadinspiredtheCardassianpopulacetoriseupandoverthrowtheirDominionoccupiers.TheDominionwascompletelycutofffromanysupportfrom the surfaceofCardassia.
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As the Dominionattemptedtoregain access to their longrange communications, theylaunchedhard and swift punishment for the Cardassians'betrayal.TheFemaleChangelingorderedJem'Hadar forces tobombard [[LakarianCity]],destroyingitutterlyandkillingtwo millionmen, women,andchildreninamatter of seconds.Weyounannouncedto the publicthatanotherCardassiancitywouldbedestroyedforeachfurtheractofsabotage.However,ratherthancowingtheCardassianpeoplebackintosubmission,theoppositeeffectwasachieved and the peoplebegan to revolt against theiroppressors.
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In space, the two fleets bore into each other with abandon, the battle degenerating into a melee of close-quarters combat between the highly maneuverable [[Starfleet]] and Breen ships and the less-maneuverable but heavier Dominion, Cardassian, Klingon, and Romulan ships. Although the Dominion's lines were spread relatively thinly in the center of their formation, the Jem'Hadar forces heavilyhammeredthe Romulan lines,destroying the Romulan [[flagship]] [[IRW D'ridthau|IRW ''D'ridthau'']]. Captain Sisko marshaled several attack wings to reinforce the Romulan lines, while [[William Ross|Admiral Ross]] and Chancellor Martok's forces targeted the Dominion center.
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In space, the two fleets bore into each other with abandon, with the battle degenerating into a melee of close-quarters combat. Although the Dominion's lines were spread relatively thinly in the center of their formation, the Dominion forces wereabletodestroy the Romulan [[flagship]] {{IRW|D'ridthau}}. Captain Sisko marshaled several attack wings to reinforce the Romulan lines, while [[William Ross|Admiral Ross]] and Chancellor Martok's forces targeted the Dominion center.
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OnCardassia, whenthe Dominion regained access to their communications, they launched hard and swift punishment for the Cardassians' betrayal of the alliance.The FemaleChangelingorderedJem'Hadar forces in orbit to bombard [[Lakarian City]], destroying it utterly and killing two million men, women, and children in a matter of seconds. Weyoun announced to the public that another Cardassian city would be destroyed for each further act of sabotage.
With the battle still raging – the Cardassian fleet switched sides, turning on their Dominion allies in response to the destruction of [[Lakarian City]], much to the benefit of the crew of the {{USS|Defiant|2375}}. Taking advantage of the sudden chaos amid the enemy forces, and with the help of the Cardassians, the allies were able to punch through the core of the defending Dominion fleet.
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Inspace, the alliedlineswereindangerofcrumblingunderpressurefrom the Dominion'srightandleftflanks.Losingshipsatanacceleratingratethrough the protractedbattle, successwasinjeopardyas the Dominionpressedtheiradvantage.
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Backat Dominion Headquarters, the Dominioncommandstafffinallyreestablishedcommunicationswiththeirfleet,only to discover that the Cardassiansquadronshadcompletelyturnedagainstthem.Furious,theFemaleChangelingordered the Dominionand Breen forces to disengage and retreat to Cardassia Prime, proclaiming"therewillbeno more running." The defending forces withdrew from the battle,leavingtheallies victorious. ({{DS9|What You Leave Behind}})
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[[Image:BattleofCardassia 3.jpg|thumb|left|The Cardassian fleet changes sides.]] Starfleet and the Romulans were preparing to retreat when the impossible happened — the Cardassian fleet switched sides, turning on their erstwhile Dominion allies in response to the destruction of Lakarian City. Taking advantage of the sudden chaos amid the enemy forces, the allies rallied an attack on the Dominion's center, punching into the core ofthedefendingfleet.
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===PhaseTwo:FinalResolution===
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The battle was not yet over, however. Captain Sisko and Chancellor Martok convinced Admiral Ross to press their advantage, despite having already lost a third of their forces during the battle. Even with the Dominion's influence restricted to Cardassia Prime itself, its "impressive" ability to rebuild its forces would only prolong the inevitable. Recognizing this, and with the Cardassian ships on their side, the allies chose to press onwards.
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Furious, the Female Changeling ordered the DominionandBreenforcestodisengageandretreat to CardassiaPrime, proclaiming"therewillbenomorerunning." The defendingforceswithdrewfrom the battle, leaving the alliesvictorious.
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On Cardassia, the Female Changeling,suffering from the finalstagesofthedebilitating[[morphogenicvirus]],seemed to growcompletely frustrated with the Dominion's allies, andorderedtheJem'Hadarto begin exterminating the entireCardassianpopulation. The Jem'Hadarsummarilybeganexecuting every civilian they came across, by destroying residences building by building. Among the Cardassians killed was Legate Broca, who tried to reaffirm his loyalty to the Dominion to noeffect.
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===PhaseTwo:FinalSolution===
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Damar,alongwith[[Kira Nerys]], [[Elim Garak]], had at one point been captured, but as they stood in the firing line a Cardassian unit gunned down their Jem'Hadar executioners, with the leader, [[Ekoor]], proclaiming "That's for Lakarian City" as the last one fell. Bolstered by the Cardassian volunteers, the three mounted an assault against the Dominion headquarters compound, seeking to capture the Founder alive and force an end to hostilities. With so many of the Jem'Hadar guards sent to destroy the Cardassians, there were only a few left to guard the shapeshifter. Although [[Damar]] was tragically killed during the short but sharp fight, most of the remaining rebels fought their way to the headquarters' briefing room, capturing the Female Changeling and killing the last Weyoun.
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The battle was not yet over, however. Captain Sisko convinced Chancellor Martok and Admiral Ross to press their advantage, despite having already lost an astounding 30% of their forces during the battle. Even with the Dominion's influence restricted to Cardassia Prime itself, its potential for rebuilding its forces would only prolong the inevitable. Recognizing this, the allies chose to press onwards.
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On Cardassia, the Female Changeling, suffering from the final stages of the debilitating [[Founders'disease]],seemedtogrowcompletely frustrated with the Dominion's allies,ordered the Jem'Hadar to begin exterminating the entire Cardassian population. Rampaging across the planet, the Jem'Hadar summarily executed every civilian they came across and began destroying residences building by building.
In orbit, the allies found thousands of Jem'Hadar and Breen warships, plus thousands of the Cardassian orbital weapon platforms, notably encountered at the [[first Battle of Chin'toka]] a year before, waiting for them. Unwilling to turn back, they prepared to launch a three-prong attack on the Dominion's defenses, Federation vessels would attack the platforms, the Romulans and the Cardassians would hit the Jem'Hadar forces while the Klingons would take on the Breen – an attack that was projected to cost up to 40% of their remaining forces, without even accounting for the following ground assault.
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Damar,alongwith[[KiraNerys]],[[ElimGarak]],andahandfulofCardassianvolunteers, mountedadaringassaultagainsttheDominionheadquarterscompound,seekingto capture the Founderaliveandforceanendtohostilities.Withsomanyof the Jem'HadarguardssenttodestroytheCardassians,therewereonlyafewleft to guard the shapeshifter.AlthoughDamarwastragicallykilledduring the short but sharp fight, mostof the remainingrebelsfought their way to the headquarters'briefingroom,capturingboththeFemale Changeling andWeyoun.
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AstherebelsonthesurfacetriedtoconvincetheFoundertosurrender, herchillingplanbecameclear–byorderingtheJem'Hadarand the Breentofighttotheverylastman,shesoughttomake the allies' victorysocostlythatit"wouldtasteasbitterasdefeat".She hoped to ensure that the AlphaQuadrantpowerswouldneveragainthreaten the Dominion, believingthat the Alliancewouldattack the [[GammaQuadrant]]despiteclaimsthattheywouldnot.
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[[Image:Battle of Cardassia4.jpg|thumb|The Dominion'slaststand.]]
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Before the final assault began however, Odo, recently cured of the disease affecting the rest of his race, volunteered to try to convince the Female Changeling to surrender to the allies. By [[Great Link|linking]] with her, Odo managed to cure her of thedisease and persuade her to call for an end to the fighting.The Dominion forcesin orbit and on the surface stood down and surrendered. The battle – and the war – was suddenly over. ({{DS9|What You Leave Behind}})
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Inorbit,the allies found a daunting sight, with thousands of Jem'Hadar and Breen warships, plus thousands of the Cardassian orbital weapon platforms last encountered at the [[first Battle of Chin'toka]] a year before. Unwilling to turn back, they prepared to launch a three-prong attack on the Dominion's defenses — an attack that was projected to cost up to 40% of their remaining forces, without even accounting for the following ground assault.
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==Aftermath==
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[[File:Female Changeling signs Treaty of Bajor.jpg|thumb|The [[Treaty of Bajor]] is signed]]
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The instrument of surrender, the [[Treaty of Bajor]], was signed at Deep Space 9 only days later. In it, the Dominion agreed to withdraw all of its forces to the Gamma Quadrant, and the Cardassian Union was occupied by Alliance forces. The [[Female Changeling]] agreed to stand trial for war crimes committed by the Dominion in exchange for [[Odo]] returning to the [[Great Link]] to cure the rest of their race of the morphogenic virus.
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Astherebels on the surfacetriedtoconvincetheFoundertosurrender,herchillingplanbecameclear—by ordering the Jem'Hadar and the Breen to fight to the very last man,shesoughttomaketheallies' victory so costly thatitwouldbeonlypyrrhic.Withsuchagreat cost of victory,shehopedtoensurethattheAlphaQuadrantpowerswouldneveragainthreaten theDominion.
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Theresultof the battlecanbeconsideredfortuitousfortheAllies.HadtheFoundernotchosentosurrender, the Jem'Hadar and Breen were expected to have fought to the last man.Thiswouldhaveresultedina costly fleetengagementwithaprojectedlossofanestimated40% of theAlliancefleet,alongwithagroundinvasionexpectedtoresultinmanycasualtiesitself.
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Beforethe final assaultbegan, however,Odo, recently cured of the Founders'disease, volunteeredtotrytoconvincetheFemaleChangelingto surrender to the allies. By [[The Great Link|Link]]ingwithher, Odomanagedtocure her of thedisease and persuadehertocallforanendto the fighting.Thebattle—andthewar—weresuddenlyover.
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Asitwas, thebattle, and the waritself, wasnothingshortofadisasterforCardassiaanditspeople, devastatingahugeportion of itssurface and killingover800millioncivilians. Itwasonlyin avoiding the finalassaultthatmorebloodshedwasaverted.({{DS9|WhatYouLeaveBehind}})
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[[Image:BattleofCardassia 5.jpg|thumb|The peace treaty is signed.]]
The instrument of surrender was signed at Deep Space 9 only days later. In it, the Dominion agreed to withdraw all of its forces to the Gamma Quadrant, and the Cardassian Union was occupied by the allies.
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[[ja:カーデシアの戦い]]
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[[nl:Slag om Cardassia]]
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The result of the battle can be considered fortuitous, at the least. Had the Founder not chosen to surrender, the Jem'Hadar would have fought to the last man on Cardassia and on every other world in the Alpha Quadrant — requiring a mop-up operation that would probably have taken years, andrequired incredible resources that the allies may not have had the stamina to provide.
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[[Category:Conflicts|Cardassia, Battleof]]
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As it was, the battle was nothing short of devastating for Cardassia, decimating a huge portion of its surface and killing over 800 million civilians. Hundreds of allied warships were lost at the cost of tens of thousands of lives. It was only in avoiding the final assault on Cardassia itself that more bloodshed was avoided.
The events of the battle must also be considered alongside concurrent events on Cardassia Prime in the final stages of the Cardassian Rebellion, led by LegateDamar. The sabotage committed by the Cardassian insurgents played an important role in disrupting Dominion communications and support behind the front lines, and ultimately led to the Cardassian military switching sides. Before the battle was over, however, more than 800 million Cardassian civilians would be killed by Dominion genocide, leaving the once-proud capital planet in ruins. (DS9: "What You Leave Behind")
By late 2375, the Dominion's massive offensives into the Alpha Quadrant had stalled, leaving its forces embroiled in a war of attrition spread across multiple sectors that it could not win under the present circumstances. Reinforcements through the Bajoran wormhole had been blocked since the beginning of the war (q.v. Second Battle of Deep Space 9), and the existing industrial infrastructure in Cardassian territory was insufficient to maintain the offensive for a prolonged period of time.
The Founder reveals her new defensive battleplan to Weyoun and Thot Pran
The Dominion's last hope for a quick victory was its alliance with the Breen Confederacy and their mysterious energy dampening weapon, against which the allies initially had no defense. Although the Breen's weapon had a major effect in its first uses, particularly at the Second Battle of Chin'toka, a chance warp core modification on the IKS Ki'tang, intended to compensate for a containment problem, had rendered the ship immune to the weapon prior to the battle at Chin'toka, making it the only Allied ship to survive. However, this modification only worked on Klingon ships, requiring the Defense Force to hold the line until countermeasures could be developed. This nearly failed when Chancellor Gowron attempted to take the initiative and place Martok in a losing position in order to eliminate him as a political rival.
The Dominion's chance at a quick offensive during this time was lost by the start of Legate Damar's rebellion, which caused massive disruptions behind the lines and forced the Dominion to devote considerable resources to quelling the uprising. By the time Damar's resistance cells were eradicated, the Federation and the Romulans had developed countermeasures, after acquiring an example of the weapon stolen by Damar, with the help of Odo, Elim Garak and former resistance fighterKira Nerys, effectively negating the greatest advantage that the Dominion had in the war. (DS9: "Tacking Into the Wind")
The allied assault fleet departs Deep Space 9
Apparently becoming disillusioned with the war, the Female Changeling ordered Dominion forces to effect a complete withdrawal from all territories held outside Cardassian space. It was hoped that by reverting to pre-war territories, the Dominion would be able to build up a defense perimeter in which it could rebuild its forces quickly, shorten its supply lines, and survive longer than it would in its current position, which was severely overstretched with the Romulan, Federation, and Klingon fronts to maintain. With less territory to defend, the Dominion could repel any attack and build up its forces for a renewed invasion several years later.
This move could have signaled an end to the war – the withdrawal of all enemy forces from conquered territories was one of the major aims of the war for all allies. However, the Founder seriously miscalculated the allies' resolve to win the war at any cost. In addition, Captain Benjamin Sisko and Admiral William Ross recognized the threat of allowing the Dominion to remain in Cardassian space unchallenged. Therefore, the allies agreed to launch an invasion of Cardassia Prime itself, with the aim of decapitating the Dominion leadership and throwing its hierarchy into chaos. (DS9: "The Dogs of War")
Launching their attack fleet from Deep Space 9, the Alliance made a beeline for Cardassia, crossing the five light year distance in approximately one and a half days. The Female Changeling ordered as many ships as possible to meet them, perceiving the nearing endgame of the war.
On the allied side, ChancellorMartok prophetically spoke of the allied victory, having brought a barrel of bloodwine, vintage 2309 – the finest, in preparation of the celebration.
The battle begins...
As the two enemy fleets made their final approach, the Female Changeling, the VortaWeyoun, and Breen ThotPran were inside Dominion Headquarters making final plans for the attack. Under orders from the Founder, Weyoun was planning to send large reinforcements to the Dominion Fleet assembling to halt the allies advance. Suddenly, nearly every Dominion installation on the surface of Cardassia lost power – the Cardassian Liberation Front, led by Legate Damar, had inspired the Cardassian populace to rise up and overthrow their Dominion occupiers. The Dominion was completely cut off from any support from the surface of Cardassia.
As the Dominion attempted to regain access to their long range communications, they launched hard and swift punishment for the Cardassians' betrayal. The Female Changeling ordered Jem'Hadar forces to bombard Lakarian City, destroying it utterly and killing two million men, women, and children in a matter of seconds. Weyoun announced to the public that another Cardassian city would be destroyed for each further act of sabotage. However, rather than cowing the Cardassian people back into submission, the opposite effect was achieved and the people began to revolt against their oppressors.
In space, the two fleets bore into each other with abandon, with the battle degenerating into a melee of close-quarters combat. Although the Dominion's lines were spread relatively thinly in the center of their formation, the Dominion forces were able to destroy the Romulan flagshipIRW D'ridthau. Captain Sisko marshaled several attack wings to reinforce the Romulan lines, while Admiral Ross and Chancellor Martok's forces targeted the Dominion center.
The Cardassian fleet changes sides
With the battle still raging – the Cardassian fleet switched sides, turning on their Dominion allies in response to the destruction of Lakarian City, much to the benefit of the crew of the USS Defiant. Taking advantage of the sudden chaos amid the enemy forces, and with the help of the Cardassians, the allies were able to punch through the core of the defending Dominion fleet.
Back at Dominion Headquarters, the Dominion command staff finally reestablished communications with their fleet, only to discover that the Cardassian squadrons had completely turned against them. Furious, the Female Changeling ordered the Dominion and Breen forces to disengage and retreat to Cardassia Prime, proclaiming "there will be no more running." The defending forces withdrew from the battle, leaving the allies victorious. (DS9: "What You Leave Behind")
The battle was not yet over, however. Captain Sisko and Chancellor Martok convinced Admiral Ross to press their advantage, despite having already lost a third of their forces during the battle. Even with the Dominion's influence restricted to Cardassia Prime itself, its "impressive" ability to rebuild its forces would only prolong the inevitable. Recognizing this, and with the Cardassian ships on their side, the allies chose to press onwards.
On Cardassia, the Female Changeling, suffering from the final stages of the debilitating morphogenic virus, seemed to grow completely frustrated with the Dominion's allies, and ordered the Jem'Hadar to begin exterminating the entire Cardassian population. The Jem'Hadar summarily began executing every civilian they came across, by destroying residences building by building. Among the Cardassians killed was Legate Broca, who tried to reaffirm his loyalty to the Dominion to no effect.
Damar, along with Kira Nerys, Elim Garak, had at one point been captured, but as they stood in the firing line a Cardassian unit gunned down their Jem'Hadar executioners, with the leader, Ekoor, proclaiming "That's for Lakarian City" as the last one fell. Bolstered by the Cardassian volunteers, the three mounted an assault against the Dominion headquarters compound, seeking to capture the Founder alive and force an end to hostilities. With so many of the Jem'Hadar guards sent to destroy the Cardassians, there were only a few left to guard the shapeshifter. Although Damar was tragically killed during the short but sharp fight, most of the remaining rebels fought their way to the headquarters' briefing room, capturing the Female Changeling and killing the last Weyoun.
The Dominion's last stand
In orbit, the allies found thousands of Jem'Hadar and Breen warships, plus thousands of the Cardassian orbital weapon platforms, notably encountered at the first Battle of Chin'toka a year before, waiting for them. Unwilling to turn back, they prepared to launch a three-prong attack on the Dominion's defenses, Federation vessels would attack the platforms, the Romulans and the Cardassians would hit the Jem'Hadar forces while the Klingons would take on the Breen – an attack that was projected to cost up to 40% of their remaining forces, without even accounting for the following ground assault.
As the rebels on the surface tried to convince the Founder to surrender, her chilling plan became clear – by ordering the Jem'Hadar and the Breen to fight to the very last man, she sought to make the allies' victory so costly that it "would taste as bitter as defeat". She hoped to ensure that the Alpha Quadrant powers would never again threaten the Dominion, believing that the Alliance would attack the Gamma Quadrant despite claims that they would not.
Before the final assault began however, Odo, recently cured of the disease affecting the rest of his race, volunteered to try to convince the Female Changeling to surrender to the allies. By linking with her, Odo managed to cure her of the disease and persuade her to call for an end to the fighting. The Dominion forces in orbit and on the surface stood down and surrendered. The battle – and the war – was suddenly over. (DS9: "What You Leave Behind")
The instrument of surrender, the Treaty of Bajor, was signed at Deep Space 9 only days later. In it, the Dominion agreed to withdraw all of its forces to the Gamma Quadrant, and the Cardassian Union was occupied by Alliance forces. The Female Changeling agreed to stand trial for war crimes committed by the Dominion in exchange for Odo returning to the Great Link to cure the rest of their race of the morphogenic virus.
The result of the battle can be considered fortuitous for the Allies. Had the Founder not chosen to surrender, the Jem'Hadar and Breen were expected to have fought to the last man. This would have resulted in a costly fleet engagement with a projected loss of an estimated 40% of the Alliance fleet, along with a ground invasion expected to result in many casualties itself.
As it was, the battle, and the war itself, was nothing short of a disaster for Cardassia and its people, devastating a huge portion of its surface and killing over 800 million civilians. It was only in avoiding the final assault that more bloodshed was averted. (DS9: "What You Leave Behind")
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