Several days passed, allowing Sobek to settle into a routine and gain a clearer understanding of his future. The Goa'uld’s position in the galaxy was undeniably dominant, though there were factions and client races—minor, yet powerful enough—that the Goa'uld could not afford to offend or completely destroy. Sobek’s new domain was on the edge of Hathor's territory, a backwater planet that would serve as both a strategic asset and a proving ground for Sobek.
Hathor’s influence stretched far, her dominion bolstered by twenty of her children. These were not just her subordinates, but her literal offspring, the result of her careful breeding and machinations. Sobek's father, however, had been an unimportant noble in her entourage—one of the many who followed her in hopes of favor. Even Hathor couldn't say with certainty which one of the nobles was his biological parent.
As Sobek sat in his chambers, gazing out through the tall windows that overlooked the lush jungle and towering pyramids of the Goa'uld homeworld, he pondered this. The landscape before him was breathtaking, the vibrant greens of the jungle a striking contrast to the gold and sandstone structures that dotted the horizon. Yet, unlike the memories of Stargate from his old life, there was nothing quaint or television-like about this world. It was alive, tangible, and profoundly real. The pyramids were no mere props but ancient, colossal structures, their surfaces etched with intricate hieroglyphs that shimmered faintly with embedded technology. The jungle teemed with life, alien creatures calling out in the distance, their sounds carried on the warm, fragrant breeze.
The Stargate universe Sobek now inhabited was not a set piece but a living, breathing entity. The once-familiar designs of the Goa'uld ships and cities had been upscaled and refined, resembling the grandiose and meticulously crafted aesthetic of films like Dune rather than the simpler television sets of his memories. The palace corridors were not just gilded but adorned with moving murals and shimmering lights that reacted to his presence. It was a universe that felt lived in, a universe that exuded power and history at every turn.
Sobek’s reverie was interrupted when his two slave attendants entered, bringing with them the simple garments he was to wear for the day. He absently allowed them to dress him, his thoughts still consumed by the enormity of his situation. The slaves were quiet, efficient, and, like all Goa'uld slaves, devoid of any individuality beyond their roles.
Suddenly, without thinking, Sobek asked, “What is your name?”
The question, though casual, caught one of the slaves by surprise. She yelped nervously, her brown eyes wide, a slight tremor in her voice as she answered, “I-I... my name is Hana, Lord Sobek.”
Hana. A simple name, one that lacked a family name. In the world of slaves, last names were unnecessary; they had no heritage, no lineage beyond their servitude to their masters.
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Sobek’s brow furrowed for a moment, but the thought passed as quickly as it had come. He turned slightly to look at her, his voice calm yet commanding.
“If you could have anything, Hana,” he asked, his tone not unfriendly but with a certain weight behind it, “anything within my power to grant you, what would it be?”
Hana hesitated, her eyes shifting nervously as she looked down at the floor, but only for a moment. Sobek noticed that. She didn’t hesitate long.
“To serve you, my Lord,” she said in a steady, almost reverent voice. “To serve my god, Sobek, and fulfill my purpose in this life as you command.”
Sobek’s lips curled into a small, pleased smile. The response was exactly what he had hoped for. In that moment, the realization struck him—this slave, like all the others, saw him as a god, and that was how he had to be perceived by everyone under his rule. No less than a god.
He stepped away from her as the weight of his newfound authority settled even further in his chest. “You have your place, Hana,” he said, his voice cool but carrying a hint of approval. “Continue to serve well. I will require your services again in time.”
With a respectful bow, Hana remained silent, her gaze cast downward, never meeting his eyes. Sobek gave her one last look before turning toward the door.
“I must leave,” he said, addressing the guards stationed outside. “Tell them to stay in my chambers until I return.”
The guards nodded, following his orders without question. Sobek felt the weight of the moment pressing upon him. He had to leave, and time was of the essence. In only a few months, chaos was going to erupt—he could sense it. The Goa'uld empire was already fractured. Ra, their supreme leader, would soon leave to find a new host, and when he did, a power vacuum would form. Sobek needed to be prepared for that. The time to act was now, not when the empire descended into further disarray.
With his guards flanking him, Sobek walked briskly through the long hallways of the palace, his thoughts racing. The corridors, lined with ornate carvings and glowing glyphs, exuded an aura of opulence and authority. As he passed through the gilded halls, the weight of his new reality began to truly settle in. He was not simply a Goa'uld lord—he was a player in a much larger game, one that he had seen play out in the stories of his old life, yet never imagined he would be a part of.
His mind quickly returned to Hathor. The Goa'uld empire might have been at its zenith, but Sobek knew all too well how quickly the tides of power could shift. It was only a matter of time before Ra’s departure would cause unrest. Hathor’s empire, already fragile with so many offspring vying for influence, would likely be torn apart in the coming months.
Hathor was wise, though, and Sobek needed her guidance now more than ever. He had no illusions about what was to come. To survive—and to thrive—he would need to act quickly. And if he was to do so, he needed Hathor's help to secure his position.
As he walked, the weight of his thoughts pressed down on him. There was no time to waste. He had to find Hathor, inform her of his decisions, and prepare for what was to come. The galaxy would soon change, and Sobek intended to be ready.
