The Dominus-class support carrier was designed and launched in the 2350s as a light troop transport and rapid response cruiser, suited for reinforcing Imperial positions on planets rebelling against Romulan rule. Since the Romulan Star Empire returned to the galactic stage in 2364, however, the Dominus' role has only expanded. With contact with the Dominion raising tensions throughout the Alpha and Beta Quadrants, the Dominus now carries a compliment of the Imperial Navy's new strike craft, deploying them into battle to swarm and overwhelm the Empire's enemies. Despite its newly appointed role, however, the Dominus has by no means given up its duties as a light troop transport. The Dominus carries a full company of highly trained Romulan soldiers, trained and equipped to board and take over enemy vessels, or to annex lightly defended neutral outposts in the Empire's name. While no warbird, the Dominius is a well armed, cruiser sized warship, fully equipped with pulse disruptors and plasma torpedoes, and protected by the Romulans' characteristically powerful shields. Especially useful is the energy focusing array in the Dominus' 'beak', which can be used to channel energy directly into the shield grid of a nearby friendly ship, effectively replenishing its shields. With these features, the Dominus is set to continue in its position as one of the Empire's most useful ships.