The end of the Dominion War in 2375 was a time of celebration for the victors. A chance to celebrate the end to a brutal conflict that would have otherwise ended in the subjugation and extermination of species throughout the Alpha Quadrant. But in the wake of this bloody conflict were quite a few casualties, one of the worst being Cardassia Prime. Surrounded by enemy warships and bombarded by Dominion forces, the death toll was a staggering 800 million dead.

Rebuilding Cardassia

The surrender of the female changeling and her agreement to stand trial for war crimes would no doubt be the immediate concern of the Federation, always eager to show itself as open and fair. Amid the debris of Cardassia, however, would be an immediate need to begin rescue operations. Those 800 million were just those calculated as lost in the bombardment, but does nothing to account for those who would die from starvation and disease following the crippling of Cardassia's infrastructure.

Federation and other vessels carrying food, supplies, medicine, and soldiers would descend upon the planet in droves. Soldiers would find pockets of resistance from the old order, those hidden amid the huddled masses who would need to learn that the enemies they'd been told about for so long aren't there to kill them, but to help them. No doubt several faced starvation rather than eat the tainted Federation food that would make them like obedient chattel.

Industrial replicators, delivered via supply ship, would begin producing generators, temporary housing, and other essentials in bulk. As the displaced population was allowed to settle in and get comfortable, volunteers would be called upon to care for orphans and the elderly, should any have survived the no doubt harsh methods of the Cardassian Union prior to the war's end.

Young men and women would be put to work, clearing debris with machines and even by hand when needed, then put to work rebuilding the destroyed cities. With aid from engineers from the Federation, they would begin rebuilding the Cardassia they knew, and along the way no doubt learn a bit about the people that had bested them. This rebuilding would help strengthen the bonds between the two, ensuring that the Cardassia that emerged would be more receptive to their neighbors than before the war.

Remnants of the Union

Cardassia Prime was the key to toppling the Dominion's hold over the Alpha Quadrant, but it was by no means the end of hostilities. The Cardassian Union urged obedience in all its soldiers, and that training would not simply go away the moment a treaty was signed. Instead, throughout the Cardassian Union anyone with authority would seek to retain that power, at any means necessary. Small pockets of resistance would form, governors who knew they would be deposed for their obedience to the old order.

These tiny dictatorships would take time to root out and eliminate. Some would be dug in, requiring sieges to root out and eliminate. Like cancer in the body, it would need to be isolated, killed, and then allowed time to heal. The Union had numerous worlds, all needing rebuilding in order to shake off the years of oppression and violence. Some would go smoother than others, depending on who is in charge, and some governors would probably willingly give up power. But those will be few and far between, and will probably take years to completely end.

War Crimes

The war crimes trial would in many ways serve as closure for victims of the war. The news that the changeling would go on trial for the atrocities would help to show that she wouldn't simply be allowed to go free, though no doubt many would prefer to see her vaporized.

The trial would be conducted in a neutral location, probably Khitomer if it remains neutral. There, it would mostly be a matter of procedure, as the changelings have often shown clear disdain for solids in all forms, and would no doubt speak matter-of-factly about her many crimes as if they were no more consequential than stepping on a bug. The trial would take months to conclude given that there is quite a bit of evidence to go over, and most of it would be centered on the changeling.

After the trial, depending on who runs the trials (most money would go towards the Federation), the prisoners would likely be incarcerated. The results would be a foregone conclusion but it will still be a welcome relief to some. Some worlds might even have celebrations as a result, happy that the criminal was brought to justice.

Future Relations

The war will forever color future relations, not just in how Cardassia is treated but in how the major powers relate to each other. Cardassia will rebuild, and as it does there will be several questions that need answering. Will Cardassia be allowed to rearm itself? If so, will it have only enough to defend itself? What about trade? Will they be facing issues with any of the powers? What about reparations? The Federation won't impose any, but what of the Klingons or Romulans? Will they be allowed to trade with the Dominion?

Cardassia's biggest long-term ally will be the Federation, no doubt. But how they relate to the Klingons is unknown, and the Romulans are unfathomable. What is known is that the Cardassian Union that will form in 25 to 50 years will not be the one it was before the war. It won't become a miniature Federation, as I'm certain Cardassian culture is too strong for that level of influence. But I am also certain that it will become an economic power house that will use its proximity to the Bajoran wormhole to become a trade empire that will rival even the Ferengi Alliance.