Chapter 11
Pride of Chulak- Hyperspace
Apophis observed the data from the battle that was played on the holographic projector in front of him. Again, he watched as the Tau'ri starfighters launched missiles at the many gun batteries of Ra's Shu'tak once its shields were down. Multiple small explosions took place on the outer hull which silenced much of the fire from the great flagship. The saucers from the species known as Vree swooped underneath and destroyed many of the arms before the ship was finally finished off from the missiles fired by the newer cruisers of the Tau'ri. He briefly pondered if these Vree were somehow related to the Asgard given their similar appearance to the long time Goa'uld enemy. Something from the energy mines hampered the effectiveness of the gravitic drives the Goa'uld utilized which slowed the ships down but still could outrun the Tau'ri. If their allies had not showed up surrounding the fleet, Ra would have burned Earth to cinders. He remembered information from captured trading vessels. This "Earth Alliance" had many allies. In his mind, all of them held responsibility for the death of Ra and would be punished. He would even find the Tok'ra and make sure they all paid the price. He dreamed of a time when all of the Tok'ra and the Asgard would be purged. No lesser race would get away with trying to humiliate those who stand as gods amongst them.
Rya'c took the information in. His father told him long ago of his belief that the System Lords were not actually gods, and they could be killed. This information solidified his belief even knowing that those who harbor such views would be immediately branded as traitors. He looked over to his lord Apophis and focused on their tasks at hand. "Ra shall be avenged m'lord." Rya'c stated maintaining his full composure and hiding his shock. He stood as big and strong as his father and thus would never show weakness. Rya'c looked over at the information coming into the stream. "We are near Hasara m'lord." He announced. He felt the lurch as the ship exited hyperspace around a small moon orbiting a gas giant. This system was a short distance away from Hasara and the few laws all System Lords abided by forbade warships entering Hasara itself.
"Very well. Stay here and I will gather up the System Lords for an assault on the Tau'ri and their allies." Apophis left towards his personal Tel'tak cargo ship that was decorated with golden plating and symbols of the serpent that represented his domain. His lo'taur servant Kannir followed behind him. Lo'taur servents were the highest slave rank in the System Lords. They work very closely with the System Lords and are one of the few who are allowed to read, write, and know many of the secrets including history. It was known that the System Lords will keep lo'taurs nearby during any negotiations at Hasara or the occasional alternate locations in case of an 'accident' and the symbiote can quickly gain a host.
Apophis soon sat in his seat, carefully adjusting his gold-plated bracelets, rings and the chains that went around his hand. Typically, he would wear the kara-kesh in that hand, but circumstances dictated otherwise. He would wear his ceremonial gold armor, it was thinner than the Jaffa, Serpent Guard and even the Royal Jaffa armor but this clung tighter to the body. His chest plate was adorned with the Great Serpent symbol. The symbols and extravagance were another way of showing his wealth and power to the others.
The weeks after Ra's destruction were chaotic. Apophis had already given orders to claim several of Ra's holdings and already gained a significant amount of forces. He had even taken Delmak to increase his industrial base while other Underlords who belonged to Ra had sworn their allegiance to Apophis. Other System Lords were aware something had happened as Apophis moved into Ra's domain without resistance prompting them to demand answers. The System Lords again agreed to meet at Hasara.
Hasara was a neutral location where all System Lords could meet and discuss pressing matters. Ra had all major System Lords present to address concerns, infighting, territory disputes and even outside threats over the many millenia as they held reign in this area of the galaxy. The last time was only a couple of centuries ago to gather the System Lords in the War against Sokar. Before that was to allow the entrance of another System Lord that rose to power. The station stood strong with highly advanced shields and weapons that could even give the Asgard pause.
The High Council of System Lords was formed after Ra united all other System Lords against common enemies. These being the Asgard, Anubis, and Sokar on two occasions. It was the closest thing to a unified empire the Goa'uld had. Ra had placed a supreme title which he held and would ensure treaties made were enforced. This also prevented the major System Lords from fighting brutal wars with each other and limiting them to small skirmishes. This also prevented singular System Lords from gaining too much power and threatening the rest. Ancient laws ordered them to band together to fight a common enemy if one ever became so powerful.
It was only a few hours in hyperspace to transition from that system over to Hasara. Apophis watched as the hulking station grew closer. He had his closest Royal Jaffa Guards search the Tel'tak in case an enemy, spy, or Tok'ra would be placing something in the ship. He knew if anything unusual was found it would mean certain death. He looked over at Kannir who piloted the Tel'tak.
"Never trust the other System Lords or their slaves for they will stab you in the back when you least expect it. Even an ally will take an opportunity to betray you. Today you shall prove that your faith is worthy of me, enlighten me as to what the studies of your predecessor were about the other System Lords and my interactions with them. If you are to be my lo'taur, then this is going to raise you in my esteem or be the cause of your fall from my side and into the abyss." Apophis stated firmly. He thought carefully about the treacherous snakes, always wanting more power and even wanting his worlds, armies, and resources. "If they speak to you, spin great deceptions. May they be fools to believe deceptions."
Kannir remembered his predecessor from decades ago. He was killed by a Tok'ra spy that delivered a bomb to an important mining world acquired by Apophis. The bomb killed many thousands of slaves and Jaffa along with a significant chunk of that world's quota. In revenge, he was able to discover a small Tok'ra base nearby. Apophis made sure that the base was burned from orbit and the world unrecognizable. Even the stargate ended up buried in the craters from orbital bombardment. As the new lo'taur of Apophis, Kannir the second in a line of Apophis's most personal servants. He was always in awe of his master, his ships, and great armies. He knew the symbiotes granted great powers and hoped that one day he would be able to weird such power.
Kannir bowed his head. "Yes m'lord." He soon opened communications with the station. "I am here with my master, The Great Lord Apophis." There was a brief pause as the station scanned the ship deeply.
"No weapons detected. You may dock." The controller stated flatly.
The Tel'tak slowed down and maneuvered around one of the large arms of the station. He initiated the automatic docking which allowed the docking port to connect with the small cargo ship. Apophis rose first, followed by Kannir as they went through the automatic doors. Apophis continued to walk silently ahead, passing both Jaffa and the occasional slave that attended to the stations needs as well as the System Lords present. Soon they approached the large meeting chamber entrance with a strong looking Jaffa in armor guarding it. His forehead bore no symbols but the armor he wore bore carvings of all System Lord symbols, both great and small. Gold disks hung from above which bore the symbols of each past and present System Lord as well. He recognized all of them. Many dead and long forgotten. Some were still living and others he did not know if they were dead or alive.
"I bid welcome to Apophis the Great Serpent Lord of Chaos" The strong Jaffa announced loudly at the entrance. All the System Lords present turned their eyes toward him. Their lo'taurs would only give a quick glance before returning to their masters or standing aside. The Hasara Station was staffed by Jaffa and slaves to give all the System Lords equal reverence. None carried weapons but wore chainmail and ceremonial armor and did clear extensive physical training.
Apophis sized each System Lord and their lo'taur up and down. All of them potential enemies. Only some would be allies but he knew they would only stab him in the back. None of them were worthy of any trust and even alliances were as thin as the words they spoke. Many of them he fought against in small skirmishes and a couple he fought full fledged wars before his brother stepped in to restore order. He felt the anger rise within him on the memories of being stopped before he could achieve his rightful victories and vengeance.
Both looked over at the closest System Lord who was engaged in conversation with Svorag. A System Lord who adorns himself and Jaffa with green facial paint and gold skin decorations. He looked over at the taller System Lord who wore a brown and thick leather vest like it was armor. It was decorated in symbols that signified his dedication to war. That familiar face was Camulus. To several worlds he was known as a god of warfare and Apophis made sure to note that he did not live up to his name. Same for Svorag. Both suffered heavy losses in the War Against Sokar, but he respected that they never stopped fighting and rebuilt their forces. Both of which earned them a place in the High Council of System Lords.
"During the War Against Sokar Camulus and Svorag consolidated their resources and were able to capture a few key worlds even at a cost of many of their forces. Ra allowed them to keep their spoils. Both fought alongside Lord Yu and his First Prime Oshu." Kannir recalled aloud.
"Lord Oshu has not once shown himself since the fall of his master." Apophis pointed out.
"After Lord Yu's death during the War Against Sokar his First Prime Oshu took over his armies and territories. He dealt many swift blows against Sokar and after the war ended, retreated to his holdings and focused on his affairs. Ever since he has not interacted with any other System Lords. Rumors have it that no spies ever return from his domain." Kannir stated.
"Oshu is not worth the spies." Apophis replied coldly, he had some respect for Lord Yu who conducted a large campaign against Sokar. He was said to be the first to warn Ra and strike against Sokar instead of waiting. The Domain of Lord Yu, now called the Jade Empire was located far from his territory he paid it no attention.
Apophis noted the station held fewer System Lords on the High Council. Thousands of years ago he remembered Li, Illarus, Margath, Olukun, Bastet, Nirriti, and Nefertum on the High Council. After a long time, they stopped showing up and instead focused on affairs in their own territories. Some had suffered losses and uprisings like the ones that drove them off their main holdings a few thousand years ago. He did have concerns about a couple of Sokar's generals fleeing toward the Domain of Margath. Both had good relations with the brutal System Lord who was known to be as brutal and devious as Sokar himself.
Both looked at another throne where the long-haired Amaterasu sat, she ruled a decent domain with large populations coming from an island off the largest continent along with the nearby landmass. She sipped an intoxicating beverage from a golden flask while her white and blue robe draped down on he chair.
"Amaterasu fought a brutal war against Kali over a thousand years ago over a surprise attack to gain control of three resource rich systems. She killed Kali's First Prime in the war which forced Ra to intervene as the war was escalating and threatening to draw other System Lords into the conflict." They turned to look at Kali who sat in a throne on the opposite side, giving the occasional death glare towards Amaterasu. "Kali is known for her destructive tendencies. She has no problems creating weapons that even Ra found to be overkill. Rumor has it holds an arsenal of ancient weapons created by the Shadows." Kannir stated making certain he did not show fear to the other System Lords. He believed his lord was the most powerful and even Kali would fall should she oppose Apophis.
Standing Kali's throne near one of the pillars was one very different from the rest. He had a clear reptilian appearance, rougher dark grey skin than even the old Unas that used to be hosts. He wore brown robes adorned with rare gemstones. Each finger held rings and his eyes had a bright red glow. Some of the human attendants looked rather uneasy around the Drakh System Lord but held their composure.
"Durshivka is rumored to be engaged in a secret alliance with Kali The Destroyer and has supplied her with the rumored arsenal of ancient Shadow weapons. Allegedly he plans to take the other Drakh away from the sway of their Shadow masters and place them under his reign."
"Even the most foolish of System Lord know not to tempt the wrath of the Shadows. He will find himself burned from his aspirations." Apophis commented. He knew that if any of the System Lords had any technology that was Vorlon or Shadow or could threaten them, that both races would topple the System Lords. Even the most foolish of System Lords knew better than to tempt the wrath of the Vorlons, Shadows and Asgard.
Eyes turned toward Khonsu as he watched everyone from his throne. He sipped a fine wine from a fancy glass flask and spoke to his lo'taur. "During the War Against Sokar he went from a minor Lord to one of the most influential and one of Ra's closest allies. They say no spy has ever been able to get deep within his domain due to how secretive he is. Many rumors suggest he keeps many fleets and bases well above the limits imposed by Ra even though no one has been able to gather evidence of such."
"A likely threat." Apophis stated. Khonsu was well known for toppling minor System Lords and taking their domains and armies. Perhaps he should try a bit harder to get a spy within Khonsu's domain.
They both observed a tall woman from the race they knew as Narn. She looked as strong as she was tall, wearing a black robe and eating from a bowl of rare fruits. She grinned over at Apophis and Kannir.
"Never eat her fruits, no matter how good they may taste." Apophis spat.
"She is D'Bok, Mistress of the Fields. Rumor has it she poisoned a small group of minor System Lords with a gift of rare fruits which allowed her to quickly gain their territories and armies with not even a shot fired." Kannir remembered the brief history of that System Lord.
Standing in front of another chair they observed a tall avian being. Blue feathers with a sharp beak adorned with gold. Vestigial wings were also adorned with bright gold chains and medallions. He proudly wore a gold chest plate with a pair of sharp looking wings. Above were three sharp arcs.
"Many say Lord Shrukesh has an almost fanatical devotion to the concept of 'order'. They say in his thousand-year reign he never had a rebellion. Many also say he aspires of becoming the most powerful of all System Lords and having everyone else under his banners."
"Foolish dreams." Apophis made sure to remember him. While Shrukesh had a smaller domain, he fought with insane ferocity, knocking off several minor powers and getting others to capitulate and swear their fealty to him. Apophis made sure to note him as a threat. Shrukesh took a host from the race known as Orieni and had Jaffa made up of several races. He was known to use modified Unas as Jaffa personal guards and even elite strike forces.
Apophis sneered over at Cronus in his silver robe and gold medallions, his oldest and most hated rival. If he wasn't in neutral territory, he would surely place a knife in Cronus neck and keep his head on a pike. Apophis could feel his blood boil from the mere sight of him. One day he would be the one to ensure the death of Cronus and show his people what a real System Lord looked like.
Over in one of the farther thrones sat Ba'al. "Never accept gifts from Ba'al for they have a habit of exploding. Do not embarrass me by having pieces of you scattered in our chambers." Apophis said coldly. He didn't have the same hatred for Ba'al as he did Cronus but would never make the mistake of trusting Ba'al as many dead and long forgotten Goa'uld had.
"One of your Shipmasters accepted such a gift to be brough to you and it exploded as he landed. Destroying a fourth of one of your worlds. He later moved against you, until you drove him back and took a few more systems in return as you did with Cronus." Kannir recalled from his many teaching on System Lord history. As he had been in Apophis's service for many years, he had learned much.
"Never consult with Morrigan or her slaves." Apophis stated, not taking his eyes off her. She wore a tight-fitting black outfit adorned with several red gemstones. She would regularly look at other servants with a smile, something he knew was a tactic to gain access to System Lords through subversion of their servants.
"Morrigin has a way of getting information from idle conversation. She managed to get the location of a secret base from Lord Yu's lo'taur which caused her to raid the location killing him in the attack. Ra had to step in to prevent Yu's allies from stepping in and causing an even greater war. She was known to even teach her slaves the same. Rumor has it she runs a Spymasters Guild that even Ra was envious of." Kannir said over to him. Apophis understood Morrigan would not be trusted. None of them could ever really be trusted and he certainly never trusted his own brother Ra.
"You know your history well. Do not embarrass me by dying foolishly. I would rather not clean your entrails off the walls and floors nor pick up your knifed corpse off the station. None of the System Lords are to be trusted and never trust their slaves. Only spin deceptions and falsehoods to them. If you hear anything useful, report it to me."
"Yes m'lord." He said and bowed his head.
He finally glanced last over at the Heru'ru who wore the gold armor plating and chainmail. He was engaged in a conversation with Vellamas; one who was in service to another System Lord no one had seen. Both fought against several System Lords and even attracted the attention of Ra who let them have their own domain and even gave them seats on the High Council as he respected and admired the newcomers to the System Lords. The war against Vellamas was what gave the System Lords some new weapons such as fusion cannons and powerful missiles. Apophis suspected him and Heru'ur of secret alliances for a while. Perhaps he should be bolder and place spies in his territories as well.
Before Apophis moved toward the large torches and began to speak, Amaterasu stood up, her long robe trailing behind over her chair and spoke.
"I see you finally made it Lord Apophis. Did you finally take your vengeance against your brother for killing your precious harcesis you tried to sire?" She said mockingly as she took another sip from her fancy golden flask.
"You dare accuse me of such treachery?" He never so badly wanted to jettison her into a collapsed star.
"That will be for everyone else to decide. One can only hope you can make your case." She returned over to her chair. He knew she was going to be a rival no matter what. Not on the scale of Cronus but enough that he would show her his true might.
Apophis was the one who ended up calling the meeting over at Hasara. Per tradition he would speak first. The Goa'uld observed a good number of traditions themselves. This tool had the effect of keeping the masses in religious superstition, making sure they could never question their masters.
"I welcome you all as the greatest gods of our galaxy. As we are above the lesser races, we shall never forget our rise to power and never forget the odds that have been placed against our rise to glory. Long live our empires!" Apophis spoke, raising his hands in the air.
The station Jaffa and servants brought a large container containing frothing water. In it were dozens of Goa'uld symbiotes. Almost in unison, each System Lord approached the large, decorated container. With ravenous hunger each System Lord tore apart the shrieking symbiotes. Each one represented another rival, another potential usurper to their rule, another enemy that would hide in the shadows to strike and seize power for itself. While infant Goa'uld symbiotes resided in the bellies of Jaffa, some would mature which would keep System Lords busy with the occasional movement to unseat them along with the occasional slave or Jaffa rebellion. All System Lords wanted to keep the competition low as possible so their power would remain mostly unchecked.
Kannir watched as each System Lord began to devour the serpents and wondered if that's how they retained their godhood. Apophis, Heru'ur, Kali and Durshivka appeared to eagerly enjoy the feast, swallowing the symbiotes in large chunks after chewing into them. Shrukesh cut one in half with his beak then ate the remaining pieces whole with his head tilted up. The motions reminded him of the large birds he would see in a few worlds. He watched as Khonsu and D'Bok clearly did not enjoy it like the others and had the look of disgust as they tore into the creatures with reluctance. Each System Lord only ate enough to ensure their ritual was sealed. They wiped the blue blood from their faces as they finished the ceremony and returned to their seats.
Apophis stepped forward once again. "I called you together to bring grave news. Our Supreme System Lord Ra.." He paused to look around the room. "….has fallen!. His ships and fleets were ravaged by the Tau'ri and wretched allies the Tok'ra! The lesser races we enslaved millennia ago now travel among the stars in their pitiful ships and threaten to encroach on our domains as the vile Tok'ra assist them. This warrants to solidify our allegiance to stop any threat that becomes too powerful Goa'uld or not. With the death of my brother, we must set aside differences and strike while their forces are weak! We must start a campaign to find any Tok'ra and purge them from the galaxy."
He slammed a data crystal into the table which showed a holographic representation of the battle. The same scene repeated with the destruction of Ra's Shu'tak after its shields went mysteriously down followed by the x shaped Tau'ri fighters destroying its guns and a barrage of missiles and torpedoes from various ships destroying it in bright nuclear explosions. They saw the other alien vessels clearly assisting the Tau'ri in bringing down the massive flagship.
"Ohhh so that's the story you came up with? The Tau'ri and lesser race allies? You seriously expected them to have risen to challenge Ra? Surely you must have more evidence to back your claims..." She inquired mockingly, not believing such an outlandish tale.
"They encroached in his territory. It was prudent they would be punished and controlled like the pests they are. I agreed to assist my brother in his endeavors." He placed another data crystal which replayed several of Ra's and Apophis's battles, destroying many stations, ships along with the bombing of the world they called Jericho. Some of the System Lords gave a smirk.
"So, a race of primitives that barely traverse hyperspace without getting lost managed to defeat two of Ra's greatest First Primes and even Ra himself?" Amaterasu looked around the chamber. "I do not exactly believe you but please continue." She stared at him with a mocking smile. He had known her to be aggressive, but this was different. Perhaps she was plotting against him.
"Only the Tok'ra would have been able to assist in this scheme. They have been known to assist other races and even renegade Goa'uld against us!" Apophis snapped back at her. He was beginning to feel the rage building quickly.
"No lesser race has ever been able to stand up to a System Lord. Apophis…it is well known that you wanted your brother's Throne and position as Supreme System Lord ever since you were removed from the Council for creating a Harcesis two centuries ago." Lord Khonsu flipped his red robe behind and strode down towards the table. "I shall remind you that Ra reinstated you hesitantly when you fought against Sokar! It is no secret that spies are everywhere. Everyone in this room has spies even in Ra's Domain. You were so awfully quick to secure his territory close to your domain." Khonsu folded his hands behind his back, not taking his eyes off Apophis. He turned to face the rest of the System Lords holding a data crystal in his hands as he moved them in front.
"This!" He held it up in the air. "….is evidence that Apophis still continues to violate our most sacred laws by creating another Harcesis to use as a host in an another attempt to take all the power for himself!" Khonsu placed the data crystal on the table and the holographic system played it. The image of a cloning and aging chamber appeared.
"Is Amuanet ready?" He asked the technolord, a balding Jaffa who wore the symbols on his armor that indicated his use and mastering in technological secrets, innovations, and scientific endeavors.
"My Lord the cloned symbiote has not matured yet. It will be some time before she is ready."
"Very well." Apophis turned to look at another woman. She wore the clothes of a High Priestess who took to the temple. She carried the young cloned symbiote proudly. She resembled that of the previous High Priestess who bore the Harcesis that Ra ordered killed two centuries ago.
"You will soon become a queen and a god amongst mortals. You have served your god well." He stroked her face and hair gently.
"I am ready my lord." She kneeled and bowed before him.
"You will soon become my queen! Amuanet! Who will be untouched by the other System Lord and who will not be defiled again by my brother. Our child when he matures shall become my new host and we shall have power unmatched by all."
"That is a LIE! You clearly manufactured this!" Apophis shouted with rage, ripping the data crystal out and shattering it into pieces on the floor. He approached within inches of Khonsu who never flinched. For such an accusation he would have ripped his neck open and tore the symbiote out himself. Inside his mind he wondered how Khonsu could have gotten a spy that deep in his holdings and his most secretive bases. He would ensure that heads would be removed for such incompetence. Khonsu would be marked as a bigger threat than he previously believed and pondered if Khonsu was in league with Amaterasu.
"You were awfully quick to grab his holdings. Many of his remaining worlds and armies have already sworn their fealty to you. How convenient it is for you right after Ra's untimely death. You certainly helped your brother….you helped him to die !" Khonsu continued the accusations. Apophis knew what he was planning. Getting the others turned against him like many did before. He knew they wanted his worlds for themselves to ensure they grew more powerful. It was power that Apophis knew they wanted to take from him.
Heru'ur stepped forward. "You wanted my father's throne so you plotted his death so you could have that precious Harcesis you wanted? I knew you were a bold snake Apophis. It does not surprise that he died so quickly so you could seize the power and glory for yourself! Your boldness is clear madness. Heru'ur spat.
"Everyone knows you were jealous of your father's position. Even my spies know you have broken treaties by keeping your forces well above the limits Ra imposed. You even have a sizable force stationed at Juno as we speak. That system just happens to be awfully close to your fathers' holdings. Even my intelligence reports stated you had planned to take his position as Supreme System Lord." Apophis spat back at him.
The others in the room turned to look at Heru'ur. He looked back at them and broke a smile. "I know all of you have more 'sizable' forces than you report. Well hidden away from my father's prying eyes. Don't be foolish to suggest that no one knows the obvious." Heru'ur stated, unfazed by the accusations.
"Of course, we do, Apophis. It is done in case you decide to stab one of us in the back. You have always been the first to take advantage of any situation. You even tried to take more than you could chew with Sokar. Half your face and arm wouldn't be metal if it wasn't so." Cronus bellowed and stared right at Apophis.
"Is that a challenge? As vile as you may be Cronus, I do not believe you are stupid enough to ignore the threats we face. Right now, those are the Tau'ri, their allies and the Tok'ra. Of all of us here in the War Against Sokar you were the one to retreat first and handed over several worlds to him. Coward!" He spat back, not flinching as Cronus stepped forward and began a steady walk towards Apophis.
"You dare call me a coward! I will burn your worlds myself and display your head for all to see!" He rapidly approached with murderous intent before Jaffa guards in the station held the two rivals away from each other. Apophis did not even flinch. It was only here that Jaffa could be permitted to lay hands on their gods to prevent them from murdering each other.
"We will investigate for ourselves the validity of all information." Amaterasu interrupted then looked back at the holographic image of Apophis's lead technolord speaking to him regarding a cloned symbiote. One he tried to sire a harcesis with.
"You wish to waste time investigating deception then go ahead." Apophis resounded, staring at the recording with the look of scorn on his face. He was already considering war against Khonsu for his actions.
"The deception is clearly yours Apophis. How do we know you didn't lead him into a trap to be killed by the Vorlons or even the Shadows? Many of those worlds you claimed belong to me by right! You should return them before I take them myself." Heru'ur slammed an armored fist on the table in front of him. Heru'ur was the son of Ra and one of the most powerful System Lords, always leading his armies from the front and able to gather allies. He was ambitious but not foolish. Even Apophis respected his record against Sokar. Apophis was not ready to risk it all against Heru'ur.
"You dare challenge me Heru'ur? I am pretty sure if we looked, one would find evidence that you placed agents to sabotage Ra's flagships for destruction. You always wanted your father's position. You along with Ba'al." Apophis said with more anger in his voice.
Ba'al stood up, his eyes glowing with rage. "You dare accuse me helping to stage Ra's demise?"
"You are the only one here who has defied him the most. I am most pleasantly surprised he has not exiled you like he has Nirriti and others who tried to attack him. There is much truth to the rumors you tried to ally with Sokar! Everyone here is aware of your treachery." Camulus reminded the deceptive snake which surprised Apophis. Perhaps Camulus would make an ally.
"Lies!" The black robed System Lord shouted back. He looked more than ready to violently tear his head from his shoulders. Jaffa guards had to step closer to prevent the two from murdering each other.
"This is enough!" Apophis yelled. "The Tau'ri and the other races need to be stopped before they become a larger threat to us."
"Dear Apophis, how do we exactly know that you didn't lure him into a trap and get him killed by the Vorlons or the Shadows as Lord Heru'ur stated" Amaterasu stood up and approached the center. "No System Lord has been able to enter those territories for millennia!"
"That is a certain lie! Even I know the Vorlons are not all powerful and cannot be everywhere. Many of you have taken slaves from those worlds not so long after the rebellions. While fighting the Tau'ri there has been no indication the Vorlons or the Shadows were even there. I have coordinates to their worlds. See for yourself!" Apophis pulled another data crystal and set it on the table.
"Then we shall put this to a vote. Shall we instate Apophis as Supreme System Lord and investigate his claims?"
The System Lords took their seats. Apophis noticed everyone staring straight ahead except for Camulus and Svorag who bowed their heads in support. He was pleasantly surprised by their support and angered by the others. Clearly Amaterasu had other ambitions. He would find out if she had motives to move against him.
"Two to ten. Looks like you don't have very many allies on this Council. As I said before, we can find out that information in our own time. Meanwhile you claimed to have helped your brother but did not call up your banners and underlords as he did. As we did with Sokar the territories should be divided up, or we will take them ourselves. You have grown too fat with power Apophis. Give up portions of your spoils least we carve you up ourselves." Amaterasu stated sternly.
"Your pathetic fleets have no chance! Refrain from your threats or my mighty fleets shall visit your worlds." He spat.
"I guess we shall find out for ourselves. Surely you know that you cannot stand against all of us." She warned.
"I will handle the threats myself then. If that means you then so be it!" Apophis stormed out of the chambers along with his lo'taur. He realized he had wasted his time there.
"Perhaps!" The Orieni System Lord stepped forward and squawked loudly, gathering the attention of everyone in the room. "Perhaps it is time to serve under a new and great order!" The avian System Lord shouted shifted his four-eyed gaze at everyone in the room. "Ra had kept all of you under some semblance to order and even then, you have squabbled to the death over petty worlds and past slights no matter how small….pitiful…." He hissed and scratched the stone table with his taloned hand. "My records speak for themselves. Even the most minor of System Lords that swore fealty to me have considerable power and riches. Swear your oaths to me as Supreme System Lord and we shall conquer the greater threats to our domains and place them under our great order!" He stood oddly still in the center. Everyone knew that he held a decent domain, comprised of many worlds, races and even fleets. Everyone questioned though if he maintained as much order as he claimed.
"Strong words you have." Amaterasu gazed at him. "We shall put it to a vote. Anyone in favor of instating Shrukesh as Supreme System Lord?" She looked around the room at everyone who also looked ahead. No one bowed their heads which interestingly did not garner a reaction from Shrukesh. "Looks like that is not going to happen Lord Shrukesh."
"A pity. As you fight and continue your petty squabbles remember that after your mighty fleets and armies are crushed your worlds shall be ripe for the pickings." He signaled for his lo'taur equivalent, another shorter Orieni to follow him as they both made their way to leave the station.
Khonsu observed the two leaving and broke a rare smile as the meeting once again delved into a few more shouting matches, insults as the lo'tars and Jaffa stood by. He noticed a few of the System Lords did not speak during the proceedings and knew they had more motives, especially Shrukesh. He slammed a black stone on the table causing sparks and a loud bang which got everyone's attention.
"I have no need for any of Ra's territories or holdings. Welll…." He looked up. "Edfu…. I gave it to Ra during the War Against Sokar. Unless anyone objects, I will be taking it back. I have no need for any of Ra's remaining systems or resources. You can divide the rest amongst yourselves."
"Shall we agree to let Lord Khonsu have Edfu?" Amaterasu asked and placed it in for a vote.
The System Lords exchanged a few glances bowed their heads one by one. None of them showed any objection to the request which told him they didn't see much value in the system. Even Ra barely paid any attention to that world or any of his fringe worlds for that matter. Khonsu had other plans for the system as it held strategic and other value to him while it was in his domain.
"Edfu is yours Lord Khonsu." Amaterasu stated.
"Very well. I must leave now as I have other matters of importance. I shall look forward to our next summit." Khonsu smiled and made his way toward his Tel'tak as his lo'taur followed behind him.
Meanwhile elsewhere in the station Apophis made his way towards his personal Tel'tak, he was very quickly intercepted by Camulus and Svorag approaching from a corner.
"Lord Apophis!" Camulus shouted from near one of the torches.
"What do you want Camulus?" Apophis turned around, annoyed more than anything by the interruption.
"I gave my support for you in the council for I do not believe their lies. The other System Lords are cowardly and foolish. I do have valuable information for you that you surely want to know." He stretched his hand out showing a data crystal and approached closer. "Your sworn enemy Cronus plans to attack you soon. As we speak, he is rallying his fleets and troops on his border worlds for a swift attack intended to cause great destruction in your empire. I suggest we fight him together and take our attention to purging the Tok'ra." Camulus offered. Apophis knew he hated the Tok'ra like the others.
"You propose an alliance?" Apophis was now listening. Camulus and Svorag could be more useful than he previously thought.
"Yesssss" Camulus grinned. "We shall crush him and divide his territory, armies, and resources among us with you taking the majority. It is likely he will move against nearby minor System Lords which will draw his forces thin and weak. This data crystal shows where his fleets and secret bases are. I am certain your spies will be able to verify my information." Camulus added.
Apophis thought very carefully about it. Already his forces were depleted, and it would take a while for him to rebuild even with regaining some of Ra's armies, ships, planets, and resources. The other System Lords posed more of an immediate threat. His thoughts drifted back to Khonsu. That vile creature would pay for his insolence. The fact that his spies were able to get deep within his territory told him he needed to watch Khonsu very carefully. There would be a time when he would strike and make sure Khonsu paid the price along with Amaterasu. Apophis now believed the two had been plotting against him! The evidence certainly would move some of the System Lords against Apophis, but others had rivalries and grudges against each other going back thousands of years which can give him something to exploit to gain more time. The Tau'ri and the others can wait. It would be their time soon enough. It would not be hard to plant spies in their territories thus he needed the bigger picture if he was to win this. He also considered the records of Camulus and Svorag. Both System Lords were allies of his during the War Against Sokar and both had taken fewer actions against Apophis than most other System Lords. Neither has sorely wronged him like others have. He took the data crystal and planned to see the information for himself. He knew that both wanted power like he did but would watch his back to ensure there was no knife in it at the end.
"Agreed. Meet me at my palace on Chulak and we shall discuss our strategies." Apophis said while grinning.
"May our victories be swift and glorious." Camulus placed a fist against his chest, and both respectfully bowed to each other. They soon parted ways and headed to their Tel'taks. Per the laws no warships were ever permitted in the system, so he had his lo'taur set a course toward the Pride of Chulak which orbited a moon around a gas giant in a nearby system.
"My Lord." R'yac bowed as he came on board.
"Take us back to Chulak" Apophis ordered. He noticed his lo'taur already heading back to his quarters.
"As you wish my lord." R'yac placed his large hands on the controls and ordered the navigator to jump into hyperspace.
Apophis looked out the viewport as the Shu'tak made its way into hyperspace. On his throne he placed the data crystal Camulus gave him into the port. The reports clearly showed large fleets of ships and the locations of secret bases as described. He decided to look at his own recent reports for comparison. Camulus was right, Cronus was certainly preparing his fleets for a massive assault. Apophis quickly felt the rage build up. To him those other System Lords were useless, cowards. He would have all their heads on spikes if he could. And Cronus….
Cronus…. Apothis seethed with rage, He was clenching his fists so hard it was beginning to draw blood. "Nooo…NO NO NOOOOO…" He began to rage internally. He thought back what Camulus said and some of the intelligence reports his spies produced. "Cronus will never have my territories, my armies, my worlds. I would rather burn my own worlds than let that coward have them. Cronus will certainly have an example made of him. Apophis vowed to shatter the fleets of Cronus, break his armies and burn his worlds to ciders. He would show Cronus and his people what a true System Lord looked like. He would show everyone what one looked like. If they refused, then all would be put to the sword!" Apophis shouted to no one as he stood in front of his throne. Some slaves backed away to make sure they were not a victim of his fury. He made a realization…. He had spread himself too thin while taking Ra's holdings. His forces would not be able to mount an effective defense even against an alliance of two System Lords let alone all of them. It would be easy for them to divide his territory and conquer the rest. It was time for a change in tactics and he needed to act quickly before they moved against him. He thought about Sokar, in a sense he admired the renegade System Lord as he consolidated his power in just a few systems, even industrializing a couple which was very bold of him. No System Lord in a long time ever fully let a world get above the Age of Sail. The last ones that did suffered devastating revolts.
Apophis quickly stepped forward and bellowed loudly, some of the servants flinching nervously. "I rescind my previous order, your lord desires to set course for Delmak and have orders prepared for my forces! They are to take a few villages worth of people and bring them into Delmak and surrounding worlds. I want Zipacna and Sarlosh summoned there immediately!" He was going to consolidate his forces in his core worlds. Delmak and nearby systems already had many resources and higher populations than the rest and already those populations and armies swore their fealty to him. Apophis only had a few worlds he dedicated to ship construction and mining so they were to be protected the most. The last thing he needed was a surprise attack against the very places replacing the losses he suffered from the Tau'ri. "R'yac!" Once we arrive at Delmak you are to take a force to the following worlds and gather the villagers into the Chappa'ai to Saqqara." Apophis realized he would be abandoning a significant number of worlds to consolidate his power in others. Saqqara and Delmak were already his main centers of power which told him clearly, he had the important worlds, all he needed now was more people who would made into Jaffa, shiplords and pilots for his Death Gliders and Al'kesh. He would soon find out what the other System Lords were plotting. They would either capitulate or die. There would be no other choices.
Lord Khonsu's Tel'tak
Meanwhile Lord Khonsu sipped from his golden flask reflecting on the meeting. He predicted that soon the System Lords would be fighting each other. Even sooner Cronus and Apophis will be battling for territories which should keep them occupied well enough for him to make his own moves. Shrukesh worrie him t He looked over at his lo'taur. "Great performance, wasn't it? Do they suspect anything?"
"They suspect nothing more than usual. Vellamas has strong mental blocks, and he keeps his thoughts well hidden. If I pushed any further, he would have certainly noticed. Same for Durshivka and Shrukesh." No System Lord knew Khonsu's secrets. He kept his spymasters well versed in the arts of counterespionage. Something he learned from Lord Oshu after he took over Yu's empire. Khonsu was smart enough to keep his core worlds without a Chappa'ai and heavily defended by fleets. Apophis would surely try to strike at him but he would fail.
Khonsu had concerns over Durshivka and Shrukesh. Both System Lords held high ambitions but abided by the laws Ra provided. With his death they would now expand like the others. He believed those two Goa'uld became more like their hosts once they were blended. It was rare for a symbiote to adopt the mindset, personalities, and emotions of their hosts. That's what happened with Garshaw and D'Bok along with a few others, some who ended up joining the Tok'ra. Durshivka wanted to free the other Drakh from their Shadow Masters which to him was asking the impossible. He didn't interact much with the other System Lords besides Kali and routine trade with the others. Shrukesh on the other hand wanted to unite all System Lords under his banner and had no fear of telling Ra that directly but he respected and abided by Ra's rule which allowed him to live. He learned that Shrukesh's host was a warrior priest of the Orieni many centuries ago. It explained why his ships and weapons were mostly different from the rest. Shrukesh's ambitions made him a serious threat.
"I picked up the same mental shields so we will keep an eye on him for now. Have one of our ships scout his territory. Surely there is a planet we can drop a spy on." Khonsu added. He wasn't one to be caught off guard. He had learned from his partnerships with Yu and Oshu on how to create a massive spy network. He had spies in many major domains except for Selket and others that he never bothered with or were too far away to be of concern. Selket and Nirriti were concerns for many reasons. Selket as he never knew her true goals and operated from the shadows. Nirriti was a concern due to her experimentation and desire to create advanced hosts. Like Selket, she also worked from the shadows and changed locations of her research worlds which made it difficult to pin her down. She operated like Selket and wondered if the two were in league with each other. He would have to focus his spy efforts just a bit more.
"What about the Tau'ri?"
"Well, that's why I chose Edfu. It is not far from Abydos and it gives us a strategic advantage. The others don't see it but we do.." He looked again at the coordinates specified. He knew that was an area of concern as he noticed Ra calling his forces for an attack at Abydos. One of his spies there sent a report about an unusual group of humans landing in a primitive shuttle and speaking to the natives. That area of space he knew was formerly occupied by the Goa'uld but they got driven off by rebellions so it wouldn't surprise him that races expanding there would run into the Goa'uld eventually. He glanced ahead at his Shu'tak, the gold-colored pyramid that bore the mark of the full moon that would shine brightly above Hibis, his homeworld. He was known as the Moon God after all.
He entered the massive vessel and moved toward his throne. Many of his Jaffa did not have the symbiote pouches as Khonsu preferred humans in his armies like Ra did. He admired the System Lord for that. Khonsu learned from his previous mistakes when Her'ak turned against him after his symbiote matured. He managed to turn that story some in his favor when he said Sokar was gaining the attention and loyalty of First Primes and causing rebellions amongst smaller System Lords. This caused a few more paranoid System Lords to execute their Primes and Jaffa for slights that may or may not even have happened. Now Khonsu operated much differently and much more aggressively with some displeasure from his allies, but they are fine with his tactics as his allies are kept satisfied with his results. His host has not disagreed with what needs to be done.
He looked over at his First Prime Tephus. "Take us back to Hibis and send orders for a small garrison to be placed at Edfu. I am certain the people will welcome their new lord. Have our scouts probe the regions these Tau'ri and there are said to hail from. It is time to find out what has happened since our absence." His long-range scouts have detected increasing tachyon transmissions in those areas of space for the past 20 centuries. Until now he decided it wasn't worth investigating as he had his rivals, Sokar, and his own internal matters to focus on. That was to change, he needed the larger picture if he was to keep everything he worked for and to achieve his ultimate goals. It was time to take full advantage of the situation.
