The weapons lab was a hive of activity, the air thick with the scent of ozone and the hum of machinery. Sobek stood at the center of it all, his golden eyes fixed on the newly produced blaster in his hands. The weapon was sleek and compact, its design inspired by the blasters of Star Wars, a universe he had once only dreamed of. The cobra-headed serpent motif of Goa’uld craftsmanship was still present, but the functionality was entirely new.

  Haakja stood beside him, his expression a mix of pride and anticipation. “It’s ready, my lord,” he said, gesturing to the target at the far end of the room. “Shall we test it?”

  Sobek nodded, his grip tightening on the blaster. He raised the weapon, aiming carefully at the target—a slab of reinforced metal designed to simulate the armor of an enemy ship. With a pull of the trigger, a deep red bolt of energy shot from the blaster, streaking across the room with a sharp *crack*. The bolt struck the target dead center, leaving a small, concentrated burn mark where it impacted.

  Sobek’s lips curled into a satisfied smile. “Impressive,” he said, lowering the weapon. “The rate of fire is low, and it needs a new power cell after four shots, but it’s a start.”

  Haakja nodded eagerly. “The power cells are the main limitation, my lord. But with further refinement, we can increase both the capacity and the efficiency. The gas harvested from the gas giants is stable and abundant, and the production process is relatively simple.”

  Sobek handed the blaster back to Haakja, his mind already racing with possibilities. “Begin full production immediately. I want my army outfitted with these weapons as soon as possible. And ensure the Al’kesh cruisers are retrofitted to harvest large quantities of the gas. We’ll need a steady supply.”

  Haakja bowed deeply. “It will be done, my lord.”

  As Sobek left the weapons lab, his advisor, Varek, approached with a look of urgency. The tall, stern-faced Goa’uld bowed slightly before speaking. “My lord, Lady Hathor has requested your presence. She wishes to speak with you at once.”

  Sobek’s expression remained neutral, but his mind was already calculating the possible reasons for the summons. Hathor was not one to make casual requests, and her timing was rarely coincidental. “Did she say why?” he asked, his voice calm but probing.

  Varek shook his head. “No, my lord. Only that it was a matter of importance.”

  Sobek nodded, his golden eyes narrowing slightly. “Very well. I will call immediately.”

  Sobek entered his throne room, the heavy doors sliding shut behind him with a resonant *thud*. He didn’t bother to sit. Instead, he strode directly to the communication console, his movements sharp and deliberate. With a flick of his hand, he activated the device, the screen flaring to life with a soft hum.

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  Hathor’s image appeared moments later, and Sobek’s human instincts momentarily recoiled. She was reclining in a bath, her form barely concealed by the steam and the faint shimmer of water. Her golden eyes gleamed with amusement as she regarded him, her lips curling into a sly smile.

  Sobek’s Goa’uld nature kept his expression neutral, though one of his eyes twitched faintly—a subtle betrayal of the internal conflict between his human instincts and his symbiote’s control.

  “Sobek,” Hathor purred, her voice dripping with playful menace. “I trust I’m not interrupting anything important?”

  “Not at all, my lady,” Sobek replied smoothly, his tone respectful but guarded. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

  Hathor leaned forward slightly, the water rippling around her. “I wish for a full update on your progress. My newest planet and city are under your care, after all. I would hate to think my trust has been misplaced.”

  Sobek smiled, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “Of course, my lady. I’m pleased to report that my forces are nearly ready for their first campaign. The city of Sobeka thrives, and our production capabilities are expanding daily.”

  Hathor’s smile widened, her gaze lingering on him with a mix of curiosity and something darker. “How delightful. But words can only tell me so much. I think it’s time I see this progress for myself.”

  Sobek’s smile remained in place, though internally his mind raced. Hathor’s visit would bring her scrutiny, and he wasn’t ready to reveal the full extent of his plans—especially not the early stages of his religious reforms. “I would be honored to host you, my lady. When should I expect your arrival?”

  “Tomorrow,” Hathor said, her tone leaving no room for argument. “I will arrive via the Stargate. Do ensure everything is… presentable.”

  Sobek bowed slightly, his golden eyes glinting with determination. “I look forward to your arrival, my lady.”

  The screen went dark, and Sobek straightened, his expression hardening. He turned to the door and barked, “Summon my advisors. And bring Hana and Karri to me immediately.”

  Within minutes, the throne room was filled with Sobek’s advisors, their faces a mix of curiosity and concern. Hana and Karri stood at the front of the group, their backs still tender from their recent punishment but their expressions resolute.

  Sobek stood before them, his gaze sweeping over the assembled group. “Hathor is coming,” he said, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade. “She will arrive tomorrow, and she will expect to see progress. We must ensure that everything is in order. Haakja, double the production of the blasters. Varek, prepare a tour of the city—highlight our successes, but keep the more… sensitive projects out of sight.”

  He turned to Hana and Karri, his expression softening slightly. “You two will assist in coordinating the preparations. I need everything to be flawless.”

  The advisors nodded, their voices rising in a chorus of affirmation. As they dispersed to carry out their tasks, Sobek remained in the throne room, his gaze fixed on the galactic map that dominated one wall. The territories of the System Lords were marked in glowing lines, their borders shifting like the tides of a stormy sea.

  Sobek’s mind raced as he calculated the contingencies. Hathor’s visit was a test, one he could not afford to fail. His reforms, his innovations, his very survival—all of it hinged on the next few days. He would need to be careful, cunning, and above all, prepared.