The pyramid-shaped ship, an imposing structure of sleek, shining metal adorned with ancient, intricate symbols, slowly touched down on the barren surface of Vulcan IV. The planet’s sky was a muted gray, casting an eerie light over the desolate terrain. The air was thin and dry, the land split by massive cracks in the ground, forming jagged crevices that ran through the rocky landscape like veins of ancient stone. Towering mountains stood as silent sentinels in the distance, their peaks shrouded in dust and clouds. Between the mountains, strips of fertile land glistened under the fading sun, a harsh but crucial contrast to the planet’s otherwise unforgiving environment.
Sobek gazed out from his ship’s observation deck, watching as the massive cargo doors of the ship opened. Slaves—newly acquired and freshly transported from distant worlds—began to unload the first shipments of materials and equipment. They were working swiftly and quietly, following the precise orders given to them. Sobek could hear the clatter of crates being moved, the murmurs of voices, and the occasional groan of someone bending under the weight of their tasks. It was the sound of a new beginning.
His vision for this planet was clear—Vulcan IV would not only be a base of operations but a symbol of his power. It was not just about subjugation. Sobek had come to understand that in order to truly control, he needed the loyalty of his subjects, and the first step in securing their loyalty was establishing an air of benevolence.
The work would be difficult, the conditions harsh, but Sobek had made a conscious decision to offer a balance. His slaves, while still shackled by their position, would not be left in squalor. He would provide them with semi-reasonable living conditions—enough food and shelter to sustain them, decent medical care for those injured on the job, and even a small measure of comfort in their living quarters. This was a method of control, of course, but it was also a calculated move. Those who showed reverence, who performed well, would be rewarded.
He had made it clear to his guards and advisors to keep an eye on the slaves. There were already whispers circulating among the new workers about their lord’s potential to be different from the others. Sobek wanted to make sure those whispers did not go unheard. It was imperative that the leaders of the population, however small, were won over first. Once the loyalty of these leaders was secured, the malcontents—those who would always resist authority—would be drowned out. And if need be, they would be purged by their own. Sobek had no tolerance for insubordination. But neither would he waste resources on unnecessary brutality.
Sobek turned from the observation window, his eyes sweeping across the newly formed encampment surrounding the ship. The beginnings of settlement. It was strange, to think that he, a Goa'uld, could be the one to shape this world, this people. But as much as he had inherited the arrogance of his kind, Sobek was determined to use it differently.
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His thoughts drifted momentarily to the two women who had been so faithful to him since his arrival—Hana and Karri. Their loyalty had become a source of quiet comfort, something Sobek had not anticipated. They were competent, obedient, and had proven themselves invaluable in his day-to-day affairs. In a world where betrayal was as common as breath, Sobek found himself trusting them more than some of his own Goa'uld advisors.
Hana, with her quiet strength and unwavering focus, seemed almost ethereal at times, and Sobek found himself drawn to her in ways that surprised him. She had proven herself capable of adapting quickly, understanding his needs and desires without him having to utter a word. Karri, though quieter, had a sharp mind and a loyalty that Sobek couldn’t help but admire. Together, they were a small but capable force in a sea of instability.
He knew, however, that their loyalty would only go so far. Sobek was no fool—he understood the nature of Goa'uld politics and the constant shifting allegiances. The Goa'uld were a people driven by ambition, and while they served him now, it was only a matter of time before they would begin to vie for more power, testing his resolve.
But for now, he was in control. And for now, it was these women—these slaves—who had earned his trust more than anyone else.
As he was deep in thought, one of his advisors approached, a Goa'uld who had served him since the start of his tenure. He whispered into Sobek’s ear, his voice low and urgent.
“Hathor has requested an update, my lord,” the advisor said, his eyes flicking nervously as if fearing that someone might overhear. “She has inquired about your progress since landing on Vulcan IV. How are the first settlements progressing?”
Sobek’s mind immediately shifted back to the pressing matters at hand. His gaze flickered briefly to Hana and Karri, who stood at a distance, waiting for his next command. He dismissed them with a flick of his hand, signaling for them to remain by his side later.
“Tell Hathor that everything is proceeding as planned,” Sobek replied, his voice calm and measured. “The first settlement is secure, and the slaves are being put to work. I will ensure that everything is well-established before moving forward with further projects. I will contact her again once the infrastructure is in place.”
The advisor nodded quickly and withdrew, leaving Sobek alone with his thoughts. As he glanced out the window again, watching the workers continue their labor, he could not help but wonder what Hathor would think of his methods. She had never been one for subtlety, but Sobek had learned early on that subtlety was key. Control, not through fear, but through influence and calculated rewards. That was his path forward.
The work was just beginning, but Sobek was confident in his approach. Soon, Vulcan IV would be a thriving hub of his power, and with that power, he would begin to enact his true plans. The Goa'uld might rule the galaxy, but Sobek had a vision that stretched far beyond the petty struggles of his kind.
