Tuesday, 3 March 2009

The Jem'Hadar

The Jem'Hadar are a genetically engineered race from the Gamma Quadrant, the military arm of the Dominion and one of the most powerful military forces in the galaxy.
The Jem'Hadar are bred in hatcheries and it is likely that they are hatched from eggs. There are only males in the Jem'Hadar species. Adult Jem'Hadar do not require sleep or nourishment and any form of relaxation is shunned. Like the Vorta, they are genetically engineered to be loyal to the founders and see them as gods. The only form of sustenance required by Jem'Hadar is the drug ketracel-white, which ensures their continued loyalty to the Founders. As a result of genetic engineering and combat breeding, the Jem'Hadar have excellent vision, are several times stronger than Humans, and have an ability to "shroud" themselves, a form of cloak which hides them from sensors and the naked eye vision. Most Jem'Hadar die young in battle, so it is rare for them to live past 15 years of age. Those who live to the age of 20 are awarded the title "Honored Elders." No Jem'Hadar has ever lived to the age of 30.
Jem'Hadar combat units follow a specific hierarchy. A Vorta commands one or several units and every unit has a First in command. Each Jem'Hadar after the First is given a number rank (Second, Third, Fourth...). In the event the First is killed, the Second shall take over.
Before each battle, the First states a speech to his unit:
"I am [Rank] [Name], and I am dead. As of this moment, we are all dead. We go into battle to reclaim our lives. This, we do gladly, for we are Jem'Hadar. Remember - victory is life."
The rest of the unit then responds:
"Victory is life."
A similar exchange states: "Obedience brings victory, and victory is life."
The dispensing of Ketracel-white has a ritual statement. The Vorta presents the vials of white and asks:
"[Rank] [Name], can you vouch for the loyalty of your men?"
The First responds:
"We pledge our loyalty to the Founders from now until death."
The Vorta then replies:
"Then receive this reward from the Founders. May it keep you strong."

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