Polishing the edges of technology required a foundation of profound scientific knowledge. I calculated the approximate year of my stay on the planet based on the myth of the "Uprising on Earth." In its current form, this story is a complete misunderstanding. The Goa'uld have visited Earth without hindrance throughout its history. Yes, they took individuals for their Huttak teams, placing them in stasis capsules, but overall, Earth remained a lifeless warehouse, populated by primitive creatures deprived of any resources.
For millennia, they remained in this state, while civilizations arose from countless, now-forgotten worlds to challenge the might of the Goa'uld. Earth, meanwhile, remained in a primordial slumber. Only in the last three hundred years has it begun to evolve, striving to acquire even the slightest ability to resist the invaders. Synchronizing galactic time with Earth's is no easy task, but my Jaffa, those skilled gossips, helped me. For example, they knew that Kronos executed one of his Primes by crushing his primtu. If Kronos didn't deal with every Prime Warrior this way, then it was Teal'c's father. This event occurred approximately thirty years ago. Therefore, given that Teal'c was born in 1899, the time is either the 1930s or 1940s. I don't yet know what I'd do if, say, World War II broke out, but I'll definitely do everything in my power. I couldn't live with the knowledge that I could have prevented the deaths of a hundred million lives. And although I understand that the Goa'uld are destroying countless beings I know nothing about, I can't help them, for I'm blessed with ignorance. And with Earth, I'm cursed with knowledge.
Earth has what I need—technology that's easily applicable and replicable. It also has the goods. In principle, I could create electric engines for both propeller-driven aircraft and automobiles. However, it's much easier to replace a gasoline engine in an existing vehicle than to set up my own production. If I acquire a sufficient number of aircraft and establish flight clubs where people can learn to fly, this will eventually create a pool of glider pilots. This will take ten to fifteen years. By that time, thousands of pilots should have emerged, and the planet's population itself should show interest in such a fast mode of transport. I also plan to build a railroad (so it's best to stock up on rails on Earth), which will be used not only for short trips but also for trade.
Electrification, mechanization—if this planet aspires to survive and become a superpower, it must undergo millennia of development in a matter of decades. It's entirely possible that those who work on Earth today will mine metals from asteroids. I don't have time to consider the sociological aspects, since the Goa'uld attacking such a planet wouldn't care. Taking various factors into account, the planet's population will reach one hundred million in forty to fifty years. Given the radical decline in infant mortality, people won't be able to curb their growth rate, so my new "wife" will need to make a significant effort to create an educational system. This planet does have one; they train, for example, doctors, architects, and other specialists. There are schools, but not in rural areas, where ninety percent of the population lives. Funding the construction of schools in rural areas, as well as medical facilities, will facilitate the development of this people. However, few know the Goa'uld, and the Jaffa would never agree to work as teachers, considering it beneath their dignity. Essentially, these scoundrels are more like a burden that needs to be fed, clothed, and patted. On the other hand, it's better to have them than not have them around when you need them.
Could anyone else be Isara's taxi? Of course, but I didn't want her to be stuck with idiots—my Jaffa, that is. They're so arrogant, to say the least, that they'll spill half the secret information simply by boasting about how much better they are than the slaves. Though I often complain that they're like Teal'c, unlike First Warrior Apophis, mine aren't so smart as to know when to speak and when not. This woman could play on their passions, and they'll blurt out vital information. Sooner or later, they'll do it one way or another, which is why I don't trust the Jaffa with sensitive information. I have ten close warriors who make up my guard, selected primarily for their ability to think and speak when necessary.
A few hours later, Isara returned and took the co-pilot's seat. This would allow for better control and also allow the woman to observe the flight. This would be possible if the window polarization was removed.
Were your negotiations successful?
Yes, the governor will arrive in the capital to receive instructions.
"I'll send a teltak when the time comes," I replied. "So don't worry about that. Tell me, what is the structure of your political system?"
I was curious, but the woman's look hinted that she didn't want to talk to me.