The construction on Vulcan IV was proceeding faster than Sobek had ever anticipated. The pyramid complex, towering over the new settlement, grew with an impressive pace, a testament to the hard work of the slaves and the precision of the engineers under Sobek’s command. The Stargate was operational within two months of arrival, a feat that filled Sobek with a certain satisfaction. His plan to establish a foothold on this distant world was unfolding perfectly. He had already sent materials and crops back through the gate, preparing the way for further shipments of slaves, tools, and resources.

  Sobek stood in the center of the settlement, watching the workers toil under the harsh desert sun. The sight was one of controlled chaos—slaves moving about, the hum of Goa'uld machinery in the background, and the rising of new structures, each one larger and more complex than the last. It was a far cry from the ruins he had initially arrived at. This was Sobek's world now, and he would shape it into something that would ensure his survival and eventual power.

  He had made it a point to reward those who showed devotion and hard work. His slaves, once uncertain and hesitant, now offered him the worship he demanded—some out of fear, others out of genuine gratitude. The quality of their lives had improved under his rule, and Sobek was careful to remind them of it. Simple comforts, the occasional boons, and the promise of more if they served well were all enough to begin winning their hearts. Sobek was playing a long game, and he knew that a well-treated workforce would be loyal far longer than one beaten into submission.

  He could already see the difference in their eyes—fear mixed with respect. They no longer saw him as just another Goa'uld. He was something different. Perhaps it was the way he ruled with a firm but fair hand, or perhaps it was the simple fact that he had given them something the others hadn’t: hope. Sobek was willing to let his slaves live better lives than they had before, and in return, he would expect their absolute loyalty.

  But he knew it wouldn’t be long before he would need more than just a loyal workforce. Sobek was planning something far greater—something that would change the balance of power in the galaxy. He wasn’t naive enough to believe that this was enough. Power was transient, and he needed more than just a single planet at the edge of the galaxy. Sobek would need allies, but more importantly, he would need to secure his position within Hathor’s domain.

  Hathor was, in many ways, an enigma to him. He knew her as a Goa'uld Queen with power over a significant chunk of the galaxy. She had already carved out her domain in the southwestern quadrant, and while she had a deep-seated hatred for Ra, Sobek also knew that Hathor was not someone who could easily be manipulated. She had been ruling for far too long to simply fall under someone else's control, but Sobek wasn’t aiming to dethrone her—at least, not yet. He didn’t need to.

  Ra's power was still absolute. The others feared him, but Sobek knew the day was coming when Ra would fall. News of an uprising would soon reach them, and with it, the death of the once-untouchable god. Sobek wasn’t sure if Ra’s death would be the result of a rebellion from the Jaffa, or perhaps the humans of Earth, but either way, Sobek knew it was inevitable. He just had to bide his time, preparing his forces for the day when he could claim what was rightfully his.

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  When that day arrived, Sobek would be ready. He would not be caught off guard as the other System Lords would. The Goa'uld who used Jaffa as hosts—those who relied on them for their strength—would be the first to fall. Sobek was ahead of the game. Instead of using the superior Jaffa, who he knew would eventually rebel under Teal’c’s leadership, he had chosen to work with genetically modified humans. They would be more reliable and adaptable, and far less likely to turn on him once the Jaffa revolt began. This was the advantage he had over the others, and Sobek was content to let the others underestimate him.

  As he looked over the growing settlement, he couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction. The first few months had been an overwhelming success. He had gained the trust of the slaves, and now, the next phase of his plan would begin. Sobek knew that his enemies—if they could even be called that—would not see him coming. He would build his strength, consolidate his power, and when the time was right, he would make his move.

  Sobek walked down the dusty road where the slaves were busy laying the foundation for quarters. Looking over his shoulder he saw Hana and Karri having slightly updated attire intricate gold necklaces with red gems gleamed on their neck and dropped down their shoulders. They wore small head pieces that showed of their well kept hair your stereotypical egyptian style makeup contrasted with their light brown eyes while their status had not changed it was important to use them as a symbol of what loyal slaves could achieve. Silver bracelets and chains adorned their wrists and ankles clinking quietly as they walked with him.

  As they passed a large group of his subjects he stopped speaking loud enough for them to over hear as they bowed. “Hana. Karri. Tonight since you've both served well today you will be allowed to rest in the rejuvenation chamber. Your loyalty and hardworking is rewarded.”

  Hana stood by stunned. The idea of a slave being allowed to use the chamber was nearly unheard of. “Milord!” she fell to her knees “I am unworthy! How could I possibly…I mean how could I ever…I is something not even all Goa’uld masters have privilege of receiving!”

  Karri also fell to her knees, but remained quiet.

  “Do I need to have a reason to reward my loyal subjects? Stand and obey my will.”

  Turning to the bowed slaves before him. “I Sobek, master of this world, declares that those who serve well will receive the boons. It is the way of Sobek, god of strength and honor. Honor me and I grant honor in return!”

  The people began to cry out and cheer. Sobek smirked the news of this exchange would spread like wildfire among the slave population and even among his Goa’uld under him.

  Unlike his competitors among the system lords he planned on breeding vast army of fanatics.

  “Let's go back to the throne. I must contact Hathor and make some requests.”

  Turning around he let his cloak trail behind him.