Hello everyone and welcome back! Chapter after Chapter now. Slowly and steadily. During the regular week uploads will be slow but now that I'm back into it I will try to keep up with the posts. I'm seeing more readers each time I post so I'm hoping some of you will eventually leave a review. The one reader who has thank you. And you have some interesting ideas, due to your loyalty please reach out to me on Discord and I will share some secrets with you if you are so inclined.

All of that aside I have a little longer chapter here for you and I hope that all of you enjoy. Just like last chapter please read the bottom note for a list of Nabu's current holdings!

For the first time in decades I was at ease. My shoulders no longer burdened with the doubts that I would be able to achieve what was tasked of me by Lady Egeria. The shipyard that lay before me, however tainted with the markings of Isis, was the key to making my promise a reality. It would be the gateway to my ascension.

Currently I had the three new Ha'tak docked as they received their upgrades. One of many tasks that felt continually mounting with each new acquisition. My vision, however, was starting to become a reality. It was a recent addition but I was able to have both Jaffa engineers and human artisans work side by side, the latter hand-picked from Avaris for their ingenuity and loyalty. The start of a greater project to integrate and fully utilize the adaptability and growth rate of the humans under my charge.

I shifted my thoughts and gaze to my First Prime, Lishtir, who had been silently watching from his place at the command console.

"Report." The use of the metallic timbre of my species was only necessary due to the level of involvement I required of myself during the installation of the upgrades and my visibility that I had while performing those duties.

"The upgrades to the three Ha'tak are progressing ahead of schedule, my Lord. With the new shield generators and power cores, they will rival your flagship in strength. Your symbol has been carved into their hulls, and the Jaffa crews have begun their oaths of loyalty."

I allowed my lips to curl into a faint smile. "Good. I want no delays."

Lishtir nodded but hesitated, his expression shadowed. "My Lord, there have been... murmurs among the Jaffa. Some of Min's former warriors question their place within your empire."

I ensured my frustration at the words was evident as my eyes glowed faintly as I regarded my First Prime. "And what do they question, Lishtir? Their purpose? Their allegiance?"

"They question their god, my Lord," Lishtir admitted, bowing his head slightly. "Some still hold Lord Min as their primary God. Others resist accepting your rule."

A faint ripple of irritation passed through me, a headache quickly developing, but I dismissed it. The nature of the Goa'uld was to dominate, to command obedience, but patience and strategy would serve me well here.

"Then we shall show them the truth," I spoke softly, my voice a gentle purr. "Prepare a ceremony. All Jaffa who have not yet pledged themselves to me will gather in the Hall of Ascendance. There, they will bear witness to the enlightenment that only I can provide."

Lishtir bowed deeply. "As you command, my Lord."

I turned back to the viewport, watching as the Ha'tak vessels gleamed under the artificial light of the shipyard. Much had still to happen. Much indeed.

Several weeks later the upgrades to the new Ha'tak had finished leaving me with just the ceremony to deal with. The Jaffa of Min had to learn that I would bring them prosperity and progress. Now I just had to convince them of that.

The ramp of the Tel'tak descended with a soft hiss, revealing the vast ceremonial field before me. Hundreds of Jaffa stood in formation, their armor glinting the afternoon light. The sky, a canvas of red and purple hues, would provide the perfect backdrop to my speech.

I stepped forward, my golden robes brushing against the ramp as I regarded them. Their faces bore the expressions I had expected: trepidation, curiosity, and defiance. The faint stir of whispers rippled through the ranks like a wind bending tall grass. My gaze settled on one figure in particular—Min's First Prime. His golden insignia of a tilted sickle gleamed prominently on his forehead, a symbol of his former master's rule. He held himself stiffly, pride and uncertainty clashing in his stance. I would need to tread carefully here. He could be either a valuable asset or a most dangerous liability.

As I ascended the steps of the raised platform, my gaze swept over the assembly. I took note of the stiff postures, the sidelong glances exchanged by the warriors. This was a group on the brink—unsure whether to embrace their new god or resist. Their whispers ceased, and the field fell into silence as I paused at the apex of the dais. I could feel their tension, their hesitation, and beneath it all, their need for purpose. I held them in that silence for a moment longer before addressing them.

"Jaffa," I said, keeping my voice steady, layered with just enough of the metallic resonance to command attention, "today is not a day of shame but of rebirth."

The quiet deepened, my pause allowing the weight of my words to press into them.

"Your service to Min was not a failure, for you acted with honor, as warriors must. But Min—" I let my voice drop, laced with pity, "—failed you. He was a god who allowed fear to cloud his mind. He let chaos fester in his house and left you vulnerable to disgrace."

I watched as the words landed, the shifting postures of the Jaffa betraying their shaken confidence. They no doubt saw the writing on the wall long before my spies did the same.

"I see strength in you," I continued, stepping down from the dais and walking among them. My steps were measured, deliberate. I made sure to stop before the First Prime, ensuring my presence drew the focus of every eye. "Resilience. Loyalty. These are the qualities of true warriors. Qualities I value above all else."

I met the First Prime's gaze, holding it with a calm that belied the tension crackling in the air. His jaw tightened, his pride warring with the fear he could barely suppress. He would bend, but not yet.

"Malakith," I said, my tone even, grateful the Sicari filled me in on the notable Jaffa that were now under my charge "you stood at the head of these warriors, leading them with pride. Yet even the strongest can falter when their god falters. Look at me."

I could see the hesitation with the way his eyes sought anything but my own. The crowd held its breath as, slowly, he met my eyes.

"Tell me," I asked, softening my tone, "will you kneel before me because you are defeated, or because you see the strength that Min lacked?"

His lips parted, but no words came. I could see the weight of the decision bearing down on him. When he finally spoke, his voice was steady, if subdued.

"I... kneel before strength."

I placed a hand on his shoulder, the gesture calculated but genuine. "And strength you shall have. Under my rule, you will stand as the shield of my empire. Prove your loyalty, and your honor will not only be restored—it will shine brighter than ever before."

He sank to one knee, his golden insignia glinting as his head bowed low. A ripple of movement followed as the other Jaffa knelt, the final defiance crumbling under the weight of their collective submission. I felt a surge of satisfaction but kept my expression tempered. There was still work to be done.

Turning back to the dais, I addressed the assembly once more. "You are no longer servants of a fading god. You are warriors of Nabu! Together, we shall forge an empire that will outlast the stars. Your children will sing of our victories, and your names will be remembered for generations."

I raised my hand, letting my eyes glow brightly, bathing the field in an ethereal light. "Kneel before your destiny!"

The field became a sea of bowed heads in submission. The satisfaction of their surrender mingled with a pang of unease. Such unity, I knew, could be fleeting.

I ascended the dais again, leaning slightly toward Lishtir, who stood a pace behind me. Keeping my voice low, meant only for his ears. "Deploy the Sicari. Let no voice of dissent go unnoticed. For now, we give them hope—but we remain vigilant."

Lishtir inclined his head. "Understood, my Lord."

I returned to the Tel'tak keeping my steps measured, the roar of its engines already humming faintly as it prepared for departure. My gaze lingered on the kneeling Jaffa one last time before the ramp lifted. They would serve, for now. But the seeds of loyalty must be nurtured carefully—and ruthlessly guarded.

As the Tel'tak ascended, I allowed myself a quiet breath of satisfaction. Min's domain was mine, its warriors kneeling, its defiance crushed. Yet, I had to remind myself, the true test was just beginning.

My next task after conquering Min was to return to Tau'ri. It had been many years since I last visited the temple of Marduk.

'Just over 10 years my Lord.'

'Abdul, how would you like to return home?'

'Very much so my Lord.'

The warm feelings that came from the fond memories of Tau'ri filled my mind and his. It was as much that Abdul dreamt of returning home. Since obtaining Avaris, I had little time for much more than ensuring a stable administration of my holdings but now I had Min and the counsellors. Lishtir would keep them in line for the time being and Min had been subjugated too recently for him to have any ideas of grandeur just yet. Even so I still left orders for Mor'ak to keep a close eye on my new Underlord.

The next morning I used the Chaapa'ai to return to Tau'ri. Kashif and I took a Tel'tak to the city which Lord Marduk ruled. A vibrant, bustling city. A city that remembered.

As the Tel'tak lowered to land within the walls of the city, I noticed awe from Kashif. My Lo'taur silently whispered to himself. While he tried to hide his thoughts, I could see the awe and disbelief in his eyes. Having only experienced Avaris, he wouldn't have been privy to my dealings on Tau'ri and thus probably wasn't prepared to see the fruits of my many years on this world.

'Poor guy.' I agreed with Abdul's sentiments.

Stepping from the Tel'tak and into the city streets, I was immediately noticed and was swarmed by the masses. While Kashif straightened his stance, people I had not seen in years flocked to me with heated adoration. Those eyes, the eyes of the people I used to walk among daily, now flowing with tears as I began to see the fruits of my labors from years past. Turning to Kashif with a smile, I could see his features relax and his loyalty to me grow to new heights.

I couldn't help but smile inwardly at the thought that my Lo'taur would return to Avaris with many stories to tell. Many stories that would cement my place in the hearts of my people.

"Lord Nabu!" "We missed you Nabu!" "Where have you been Nabu?" Questions and exclamations marking just how long I had been absent from these people's lives. It made making my way to Marduk take hours longer than it should have but Abdul and the people of Babylon loved every moment and part of me took joy that, even if rebellion was on the horizon, these people still had a place in their hearts and home for at least one of my kind.

They showed me how they adapted the farming techniques I showed them in order to improve crop yields. How they've slowly begun to develop a written language, however simplistic it might be.

I was proud of how far they had come. Perhaps it would be good to bring a few back to Avaris or send them to Qift in order to accelerate their technological progression. Kashif even grew the courage to take me off to the side.

"My Lord, I have always known your greatness, but today, I saw it reflected in the eyes of an entire people. It is an honor to be counted among your subjects my Lord."

I couldn't help the chuckle that escaped my lips at his words. I rested a hand on my Lo'taur's shoulder in acknowledgement.

"These people have been mine from the beginning. Know that I will bring similar joy to the people of Avaris but do not tell others of what you have seen here." I knew that it wouldn't have that effect but to tell someone 'not' to do something was a sure way to have them do it. Kashif would spread word of this venture far and wide and it would only serve to cement their loyalty to me in time. But, that was a thought for another time. I was already late for an appointment with Marduk and Sarpanitum and it was never a good idea to keep a dramatic God waiting.

It was nostalgic, walking through these lavishly decorated halls once more. Even Abdul was vocal with how he thought that there was a much greater sense of opulence before I finally realized just what had caused such a dramatic increase in embroidery.

A tapestry, once depicting Marduk among the greatest of Gods, his Queen by his side.

'Lord Marduk is among the greater Gods now?' I shook my head grinning from ear to ear.

'Indeed Abdul. It would seem Marduk has ascended to the rank of System Lord. I am most curious as to how that might affect his interaction with us, now that we are his Underlord rather than vassal.'

Taking a moment to school my features, I approached the ambitiously large door that heralded the throne room of my lord. Carved by hand by slaves no doubt. Abdul may have frowned at its grandeur but I couldn't help admiring the intricacy of its design. It depicted Marduk and Sarpanitum as they stood before a bowing mass.

After taking a moment more to appreciate the work I nodded to the servant that stood watch over the entrance as they announced my arrival. Ensuring Kashif knew to stay on this side of these doors.

"Presenting Lord Nabu, the Lord of Enlightenment."

Entering the chamber, alone, my eyes immediately focus on the raised thrones seating the imposing figure of Marduk and our Queen, Lady Sarpanitum, as she reclined gracefully beside him, her piercing yellow eyes narrowing slightly upon my entry.

Approaching the thrones, I knelt at the base, lowering my head in respect before them.

"An interesting title you have adopted Nabu. Lord of Enlightenment. How…refined." Marduk's voice carried his interest but there was something more. He was probing me for something.

"Yes my Lord. The people of both Tau'ri and Avaris have taken to the name."

I could feel Sarpanitum leaning forward as the embroidery of her dress jingled. "Lord Marduk, it would be fitting that one as talented as our child would take on such a title. Is it not befitting of him to hold enlightenment in his palm?"

I couldn't see what was happening above me but the two seemed to almost have a wordless battle between themselves.

"It is acceptable." My Queen seems to have won that argument. "Stand Nabu, regale us with your travels. We have not seen you in many years. What has our most ambitious son accomplished in his absence?"

Standing, I was finally able to take in the expression of my progenitors. Marduk, the calm and ever collected Lord that he was, did seem to have a hint of pride in his eyes, although that might just be my imagination. Sarpanitum, for her part, barely looked phased but was more open about her opinions if the light smile playing at her lips was any indicator.

"You honor me with your assessment of my new title, my Queen. I have fully brought Avaris under my rule and, recently, acquired much new territory in your names. I have conquered the territory of Lord Min and it now rests under your watchful eyes." I could see my Lord's eyes gleam at my new acquisition.

"What of Lord Min? Has he acknowledged his place as your Vassal?" Marduk was now deeply interested.

"Indeed, my Lord. Min has sworn fealty to me knowing that there was no other path to survival." Sarpanitum stood slowly and began to approach me, her every step measured and purposeful. Her regal demeanor putting both Abdul and I on edge. I wouldn't allow it to show though. She was playing a game and I would not let my nervousness allow me to lose and risk everything I have gained.

"Good. You show both cunning and restraint—qualities required of the youngest Underlord among Goa'uld. And what of Min's resources? His naquadah, his fleets?" Sarpanitum leaned in. She knew what she was doing but I kept my eyes on Marduk as I told her what she wanted to know.

"Fully integrated into my empire and at your disposal."

"Such loyalty is well-played, our child. But do not grow too ambitious. You walk a knife's edge with Min as your vassal. Should he sense weakness, you will find yourself surrounded by vipers." I could only nod at the advice from my Queen.

'Man she knows how to be scary when she wants to.'

'Don't I know it.'

"I understand my Queen. I have spies keeping careful tabs. Weakness is the bane of any Goa'uld. To show any is to invite death."

"We have taught you well then our child. Do well to not disappoint." With those words, Sarpanitum left the throne room and a wave of tension was released from the air. Even as Marduk continued to sit on his throne, Sarpanitum incited a weight that only a Queen could conjure.

"Now that our Queen has departed I have to comment on her previous words. As I am now among the council of the System Lords, my words carry far greater weight and you will ensure that the peoples of your world respect that. You as well are elevated to my Underlord, you are an extension of my will and might throughout the galaxy and I will not have any weakness within my ranks. That aside you have proven yourself once again, Nabu. Yet remember—your success reflects upon me. I will not tolerate failure, but I reward competence. For this victory, you will receive additional Jaffa to supplement your forces. Use them wisely." I bow lower in thanks.

"You honor me, my Lord. I will not fail you."

"See that you don't. Now seek out our Queen. She has much to discuss with you. Something about calling in a favor?"

Marduk's level of informality put me more on edge than when we played mind games with each other. It felt almost unnatural for him but his dismissive tone suggested that the topic of discussion wasn't disclosed to him and that could really only point to one thing my Queen would want from me. Without needing additional incentive, I departed the throne room in search of Sarpanitum. Concern lacing every step.

Okay now that was an expositive chapter. Just laying some ground work as we move forward. Important indeed but next chapter will bring more lord for you all. I wonder what Sarpanitum has in store for our dear Nabu and how his new acquisition might affect the greater galaxy as a whole now that he's an Underlord. Who's to say!?

I hope you enjoyed and I'll see you all in the next chapter!

Nabu's Holdings

Fleet
-5 Ha'tak (5 Upgraded)

Planets

-Avaris (Formerly Setesh)
Mining World/Capital World for Nabu

-Akhmim (Formerly Min under Isis)
Mining World (Naquadah)

-Coptos (Formerly Min under Isis)
Mining World (Gold/Iron)

-Qift (Formerly Min under Isis)
Agricultural World