Welcome back to another chapter of Eclipse! Happy Easter to those who celebrate it! Hope you all are having a wonderful weekend and enjoy a story that is a little longer with a little bit of something special at the end.
Going to start adding little snippets of the future to the ends of the story for you all to think on and consider how this timeline shaped to be what it is. Obviously it's AU but we're so far in the past it's hard to actualize it in our minds so hopefully these hints at what is to come help shape your understanding of just how much has changed.Anyways, enough of my yapping, I hope you all enjoy the chapter and are ready to diver right in to Chapter 17:
Familiarity.
The quality of being well known; recognizability based on long or close association.
Sometimes you can feel a connection with something—someone—that brings forth feelings of nostalgia. With a race like mine though, Goa'uld, it can become muddled.
As a species of agender parasites, you can greet a fellow god as a man, then later as a woman. Faces shift, roles change. Allegiances become void after a single encounter.
Familiarity breeds disaster. In a single moment, what you knew could be turned on its head. What was once a friend might soon be your enemy.
This was the life we lived and thus we never really valued bonds in the same way that humans did. It was never anything more than business to us. Alliances of convenience and only to further our own amoral goals.
Familiarity breeds weakness. To become attached is to create a weapon for your enemies. It was why, even among siblings, there was never any real love. No attachment to drag us down.
To my people, to my court. It must have been uncanny to see a woman proclaim themselves a god that had always been seen as masculine. Hearing the voice of their god come from someone so vastly different.
And yet.
I saw it in the twitch of Minura's eyes. How Anwar's hand relaxed. How Lishtir let openings in his guard appear.
They knew.
That familiarity was a weapon that could so easily be exploited. My poor children.
"How can we be sure you're really Lord Nabu?" Minura's suspicions rose through my thoughts, breaking me from my musing.
The world dimmed as clouds began to cover the sun.
"My declaration seemed to be enough for your guard to be lowered."
Gently setting Alina down, I approached Minura as weapons were raised once more.
"Enough, I'm not going to bite. Minura, High Priestess and one of my most loyal advocates. You have passion and are quick to react however your stance has no intent behind it."
Her eyes widened imperceptibly.
"You let Alina distract you from your goal of ensuring the safety of my people. A folly but not unfixable."
I shifted focus to Anwar, leaving a flustered Minura looking at the zat'nik'tel in her hand with a curious expression.
"Anwar, advocate for the people of my many worlds and benefactor of the Sicari. You relaxed much too quickly and instead of picking up where Minura let go, you instead lowered your guard due to the recognition of my tone. That is a failing that will get people killed. For the one charged with protecting the people from individuals like my ilk, it would be prudent of you to ensure validity before trusting."
Finally I turned to Lishtir who was kneeling down before me.
"You have proven your legitimacy, my Lord. I shall accept your wisdom with humility." His eyes to the ground. That certainly would not do.
Standing before him, I knelt and leaned forward, my voice a whisper on the wind.
"Next time, don't let the enemy leave your sights. I trust you to protect my life so spend as little time on your knees as necessary."
"Telsha Nabu"
Standing back up and opening my arms, Alina came running back to my side.
'You're enjoying this aren't you?'
'Perhaps.'
Gently, I wrapped my arm around Alina as I gazed out at my people.
I was back. Finally, I was home.
As I carefully walked the ornate halls of my temple, I took in the sights. Tapestries of various conflicts and battles. Of Min. Of Busiris. Each captured a piece of my history in vivid detail. Colored in crimson and matte sapphire on a backdrop of onyx. Flecks of ivory detailing constellations above worlds that were burned into my memory. Alina walked beside me in silence, her small footsteps echoing faintly beneath the towering arches. She said nothing, her wide eyes scanning every wall, every flicker of torchlight.
"Who maintained Avaris in my absence?"
A simple question but one that caused my advisors to share anxious looks. Enough that I took a moment to pause and look back at the three that greeted my arrival.
"I will only ask once more; who ruled in my absence?"
"I did."
Before I had a chance to question my people any further, the rough tone of a fellow Goa'uld called my attention across the hall to none other than Min. Regally draped in robes of topaz and ruby. The glint of sunlight reflecting off of the gold thread that lined his clothing.
"When you had failed to return with your flagship, we assumed the worst. However, considering your propensity to upset traditional logic. I found it in my best interests to keep your domain running in your absence. It seems my fear was founded and I am grateful to have remembered your wrath."
His smile gleamed white against the dark, a jagged crescent of light cutting through the shadows of the hall. His features, unveiled by the light of Avaris' star as he approached our group.
A serpent in the grass if ever there was one.
He knew.
"I appreciate your assistance during my absence, Lord Min. You have proven a useful asset. You continue to prove your value and I will one day see you among the System Lords."
Alina shifted closer to me. Her hand brushing against mine as I kept my eyes trained on Min. His bow, low, but his intent remained regal. A respect Goa'uld rarely afforded to one another without a dagger hidden in a sleeve.
'You don't trust him?'
'Never trust another Goa'uld. Their words, each a lie. They speak with only the darkest parts of themselves.'
"You honor me with your words, my Lord."
As he rose, our eyes met. A nod and he stepped back.
"What of the people? My worlds? Have they been maintained?"
"Indeed, my Lord. All has been kept as you left it. Your fleet has been rebuilt and we were implementing your upgrades on the older Ha'tak. Your Mothership is restored as well."
That was good.
"Very well, I wish to speak with everyone at once. Meet at our table. Ensure Jahred is there too."
With my orders in place I lead Alina further into the temple. Narrowly missing the downward looks of my advisors.
"Liah?! What are these clothes for? They're so itchy!"
It was difficult to keep the poor girl still as myself and a couple slaves fitted her new uniform.
The outfit itself radiated elegance befitting a child of her station.
An indigo wool skirt that reached just passed her ankles, a single shoulder shawl of light, gold-threaded linen wrap that covered her upper body; all wrapped up nicely with a beaded sash, woven with tiny sapphire beads with the center of the belt containing a golden plate inscribed with my symbol. A scroll ensnared by a snake.
"Whining will do you no good Ali. It is important that you look the part when you are properly presented before my-our court. You will get used to it in time."
As Alina puffed out her cheeks angrily and exhaled dramatically, a smile found its way onto my features. She wasn't going to enjoy any of what came next but it would be good for her. Perhaps reframing the situation would ease her frustration.
Stepping forward I knelt before the young girl, brushing aside some stray hair that hadn't quite made it into her braid.
"Have you ever heard stories about princesses?" She nodded through her pout.
"Yeah."
"Well, that is exactly what you are now. And Princesses alway wear pretty clothes don't they?"
I held her gaze as she considered my words. The servants fixing her hair as her mind was now on my question. She nodded once more.
"Sometimes those clothes are uncomfortable. The princess gets used to it after enough time which is why she never complains. You understand?"
My hand reached up to gently caress her cheek as the hint of a smile began to emerge on her face.
"Bear with it for now and I'll make sure to have something more comfortable for you to wear normally, but I need you to wear this for this meeting alright? I promise." The last words whispered as I leaned my forehead against hers.
"Alright, Liah. But only for this meeting."
She wasn't budging but that was alright.
"Thank you Ali."
As I stood up, I watched the servant put the finishing touches on my sister's outfit as my own arrived and I had to strip and begin getting dressed myself.
'She's going to be the death of me.'
'How so?'
'She holds too much sway for a child.'
A deep breath wasn't enough to quell the growing anxiety that had taken root in my core.
'I would do anything for her.'
'Is that a bad thing? You have a lot to give.'
'You know what will happen when our enemies find out?'
The outcome didn't need to be spoken as Taliah's silence spoke of her understanding.
Alina might just kill us both. Without having to lift a finger.
Approaching the door to the meeting area I took pause before entering. The last time I was here was when I planned to conquer Min with my advisors. Now he was with them and now we were going to plan our future.
"Now presenting, Lord of Avaris and the Serpent Scholar. Lord Nabu!" A servant called into the room before holding the door for Alina and I to enter.
Stepping forward, I allowed the dim light of the room to reveal my outfit to my inner circle that immediately locked eyes on both Alina and I.
Alina's outfit seemed stiff but flowed comfortably around her even as she tried to maintain her composure through the itchiness that she refused to let go.
My own outfit was a regal uniform fit for battle. A sleeveless, black robe with gold accents was layered over a sharp-fitting, golden, under-robe. Scale-like plates fitted perfectly on my shoulders and chest.
Bronze armlets wrapped around my forearms with an onyx sash hanging diagonally across my chest. My hair was pulled back into a braid with a golden circlet holding any stray hairs against my head with eyeliner accenting my eyes.
Alina and I, both wore heeled sandals with silver clasps that clacked against the floor with each step as we walked into full view.
Moving to the head of the table, I directed Alina to a seat beside me. That was when I came to the sudden realization that Taliah was short.
'Hey!'
'Abdul was taller, you are shorter. Both effective hosts but both tuned for a different purpose. Your height will be a boon in times to come. Do not be insulted, Taliah.'
Her disgruntled sigh was my only response. I couldn't help but shake my head. Amused.
As I sweeped my gaze across the room, I noticed a few new faces and one missing member.
"Where is Jahred?"
The shift in atmosphere was palpable. If the downward gazes of several members of my court were to be believed… the worst had taken place.
"I see. How?"
It wasn't a question. Minura rose to her feet, bowing at the waist with a look that failed to hide her emotions. A twitch in her cheek as the glint of something wet slid down her cheek.
"My Lord. There was an accident 3 months ago. A fire. He didn't make it."
I had to stop and take a deep breath. My heart, thrumming against my chest as my head grew light.
Jahred was always the type to see things for what they were and speak his mind. Loyal to a fault. He was going to shape the future of Avaris and my people for generations to come. He was important. But now. Now why did all of that feel so hollow?
Outwardly I maintained my composure, but inside. Inside I was a mess. How could this have happened? I should've been here. Why was I unable to push aside my hubris for just one-
'Nabu.'
'Thank you for showing me the strength in being human.'
'Slow deep breaths my Lord.'
I needed to slow down. Collect my thoughts. A single human shouldn't affect me so deeply.
I let air flow through me in slow waves. My heart slowing to a more manageable rhythm.
'Thank you.'
'I saw how much-'
'Not now. I will discuss more later.'
It was only then that I noticed the presence of a small hand over mine. Alina's emerald eyes looking up into mine. I turned my hand to gently wrap around hers, my thumb running over the back of her hand in anchoring circles.
"I see." I had to pause as I released Alina's hand and swept my gaze back across the table. My eyes searching those of each present.
"Very well then. It is time for reintroductions. First, the young lady sitting next to me at this table is your new princess. Her name is Alina."
I gave the girl a gentle nudge but she shifted uncomfortably to my side. Maneuvering herself so that I was between her and the rest of the occupants of the room.
"I encourage each of you to get to know her and help her integrate into our society. Minura, you will be in charge of teaching her of her new position and all that it entails."
"I will do my best, my Lord."
"Now, Min, you will go first."
Due to him being a Goa'uld and thus of a higher caste than the rest of those present at the table, he was afforded the seat directly to my left while Alina took the seat to my right.
Min stood, sending a nod towards Alina who still shifted uneasily. Her hands clinging to my robe like a lifeline.
"I am called Min. I once served Lady Isis but now serve Lord Nabu after he graciously spared my life some years ago."
Following Min were the two unfamiliar faces at the table. They both stood in unison and bowed politely.
"Greeting Lord, Princess. My name is Kaleth. Since the passing of my mentor, I have been tasked with administering the education and dissemination of your teachings and wisdom among the people of your worlds. I am honored to fill such a role and be standing here among the members of your court."
His back stiffened as he spoke and Kaleth seemed genuine.
'He will do.'
'Sizing him up are we?'
'Indeed. I am unsurprised that they required two to fill his shoes.'
'I saw… in your memories. I'm surprised you trusted him or any of them enough for such things.'
'Did Morrigan not?'
'Lady Morrigan had Jaffa do it. She didn't trust us lowly humans with such important positions. Not that we had schools but even administration was tasked to others. We weren't worth an afterthought.'
'She lacked vision.'
'Seems so.'
Kaleth shifted his weight uncomfortably under my stare but I wasn't about to let up just yet. I had to test their mettle. Jahred wouldn't want them to get off so easily.
"And you?" I gestured towards Kaleth's other half.
"Forgive me Lord." She bowed lower before rising to meet my gaze. Her eyes burned with a passion I usually only saw in Minura. Not the subtle fire of Anwar, not aged but excitable. A spitfire.
"I am known as Tamaru. I have spent time under both Lord Jahred and Lady Minura. I now oversee the culture of your empire. I establish holidays, administer festivals and curate your legacy, Lord."
"I see." I kept my eyes trained on her but no matter how much she shook under the pressure, she did not relent. Her eyes, fierce. "Very well then. Serve me with honor and do not fail me."
I nodded onto Anwar and Minura who both stood.
Now that I had more time to really look at them, Anwar had aged considerably. His face now held the marks of time. Minura, on the other hand, fared much better. Perhaps it was due to Anwar already reaching his early 50's with Minura idling in her late 30's but humans aged in ways that caused me headaches. Such a short lived species, it was difficult to grasp.
Anwar faced Alina as he spoke.
"I am Anwar. I command the Sicari, which you soundly defeated. I also administer the fleets of Lord Nabu and alongside Lishtir, lead the Jaffa and warriors in keeping the peace among the worlds of our Lord."
The rugged man turned his gaze over to me, the corners of his lips turning upward in mischief. "With how easily they were incapacitated, perhaps an increase in training difficulty is in order."
'I kinda feel sorry for them.'
'Don't.'
Minura nodded her head politely towards Alina. "I am Minura. I have domain of Lord Nabu's religious works and ensure his words are properly received by the people across his vast empire. I hold and delegate worship and ensure rituals are properly conducted at regular intervals. I work closely with Miss Tamaru in this regard."
She finished with a gentle smile that withheld her darker and more fanatical tendencies.
Finally it came to Lishtir. My Prime.
He rose with little fanfare. His features schooled and demeanor collected.
"Greetings Princess. I am Lishtir. I am the right hand of Lord Nabu and his First Prime. I serve as his voice among the Jaffa, his fist against the enemy and his eyes among the people. He is not here, but I work with his Lish'tar, Kashif, to ensure the empire runs in his absence. That is until recently where, now we are assisted by Lord Min."
He nodded his head once more before he returned to his seat along with everyone else.
I took a moment to look out with pride at my court. It had been 50 years since taking Abdul as my host and making a home among the stars but for the first time I was finally seeing the fruits of my labor.
It took some seconds to really soak in the emotion I had yet to name but I think the humans had one.
'Pride.'
Yes, that was the word. Pride.
I clasped my hands together with dramatic flourish before slamming them into the table as I leaned forward.
"Now. Let us plan our next move, shall we?"
The talks lasted long into the night.
Giza, Egypt: 1928
Dr. Langford had to take a moment after their most recent discovery. A massive ring that was inscribed with symbols that were a complete mystery to him. Between that and the cover stone they had discovered in the same area. It left many mysteries.
It clearly wasn't of the same design as the rest of the artifacts uncovered in the area. Something was off about it but he wasn't sure what exactly.
Mysterious indeed.
The sounds of raised voices outside, a mix of Egyptian and English, drew his attention away from the crude sketches he had made. With a flourish his tent was opened and a woman wearing a suit stepped in. She appeared to be in her 30's and stood tall even as she approached the professor.
She reached a hand out. He didn't respond. Even as she smiled, retracting her hand with a chuckle.
"Forgive me Professor. I am here on orders from the President regarding your funding and future projects."
"Ah yes! Yes." Finally he stood to greet the woman properly. Taking her hand and returning her smile.
"You have been approved for another 5 years under the contract. Your budget has increased as well."
Sand kicked up forcing the two to raise their hands for protection.
"I did not recognize you." His voice raised over the howl of the wind. "I am used to Mr. Daughtrey."
"He had to be moved so I took his place. My name is Isis."
Thank you all for reading, leave any of those burning questions in a review and let me know your honest thoughts. I'm hitting major writers block but keep it pushing to keep chapters coming. Hopefully I won't burn out like the other times but time will tell. I think 5 chapters is a good start and I have plans for more to come as long as y'all keep the reviews coming. Positive, negative, I love to read them all so have at if you don't or do enjoy.
Anyways, I hope you enjoy your day and enjoy the story! Y'all are the reason I keep writing so thank you!