Orbit of the moon Urvashi. One year later. 1963.
I stood proudly atop the station, a triumph of intellect and craftsmanship, born of the tireless labor of thousands. The first X-1 shipyard, a marvel of engineering, was ready for use. This was something I could not boast to the Asgard; they could never achieve something similar, for they did not dedicate their whole souls to the act of pure creation. For them, it would be just another project like those created for the Goa'uld. For me, it was an act of service, comparable to prayer. I realize my words may sound like those of a Mechanicus acolyte, but I have lost my voice more than once arguing with other engineers. In essence, the X-1 station marks the transition from ground-based to space-based construction. What use is the surface when space offers limitless possibilities? In space, I am the master of gravity; my desires instantly transform into reality, and the ceiling truly can become the floor. Mastery of gravity is the key to building starships.
Of course, the first thing I intend to build are Hattaks. But it might surprise many to know that my planet isn't governed solely by military requirements. Only 4% of GDP is devoted to defense, a relatively insignificant share. Consequently, such stations would also prove extremely useful for the civilian sector, which is actively engaged in resource extraction throughout the system. There's even a small fleet of hyperspace ships, but the situation with naquadah, a strategic material, remains complex. When mining in distant systems, the more efficient ships are transported by the mothership to the required location, where it effectively functions as a station and, in part, as a processing facility. This way, we achieve savings on naquadah. Overall, it's a fairly efficient system. Why would intra-system ships need naquadah in their hull design? Indeed, there's no need. I don't even use it for shipyards, as it seems redundant.
So, the X-1 station is a large hexagonal rod, three kilometers long, to which six blocks, each a kilometer long, are attached. It is within these blocks that the Huttaks are constructed. Each block has an exit to outer space, allowing the completed ship to be launched into space. The hexagonal block not only stabilizes the orbiter but is also equipped with multiple elevators for delivering materials from the satellite, where individual components are manufactured in factories. Streamlining the production process is our credo.
Inside the hangars, the components fit together like building blocks, ensuring maximum efficiency at every stage. I had sufficient qualified specialists to ensure proper and efficient production. Every component, every crystal—all of it had to be produced within a strictly defined timeframe. According to established standards, there had to be at least five civilian ones for every military station. Fortunately, orders came in, including from allied planets. Thor will probably be quite surprised to learn that Cimmeria has ordered two mining motherships. And Cimmeria isn't alone. The Cimmerians have become one of the most pragmatic peoples: if there's an opportunity to acquire something, why not do it? Similar ships were produced by other planets, but price was a key factor. Furthermore, the identifiers of Szarekh's ships allowed them to be transferred across the galaxy. Ships with Black Fleet transponders were preferred to be left alone.
"The Black Fleet"—that's what my fleet is called, as it lacks any gold elements. Pure black, complemented by green lettering on the hull. These glyphs describe the ship's exploits, indicate its affiliation, and the grandeur of the Sarehan Dynasty. It served no practical purpose, but any enemy could read the pompousness of this ship heading for its doom. If, that is, they had the time to read it. I suppose similar ships could exist for the common Goa'uld, but that comes with a certain danger. Realizing they could mine all the metals they need in space, these scoundrels might attempt to decimate the human population. So, everything stays with us. Yes, I have metals in abundance, so much so that I can barely use them up. They mainly go toward the construction of more magnificent cities, as well as space stations that perform research, production, storage, mining, and refining functions. Perhaps I'll encounter a hypergrowth phenomenon in the economy. Although I have something to spend all this wealth on: my new 50 million citizens, who were tended by the Tok'ra. They periodically curse me and my genius. Yes, I know, I'm a genius, why keep mentioning the devil?
Each symbiont supervised and controlled a million humans. It was, of course, a team effort. They clearly took pleasure in organizing this process and probably sent secret reports to Isara praising my genius.
I'm kidding, I know perfectly well they're cursing me. What, did they think leaving the galaxy without a dominant power after the Goa'uld's death was a good idea? No? Then study hard, you scoundrels, study in a safe environment, because in a big galaxy you won't get a second chance. And anyway, complaining about me to my wife is just bad form. She definitely sent them packing, saying that if a twenty-year-old girl could run a nation of thirty million, then so could they. So they should shut up.
"Is everything calibrated?" I ask the chief engineer, the same one I once taught physics to. It's nice to remember.
- Yes, Phaeron.
The station, designed for constructing Huttaks, is equipped with a wealth of sensitive equipment. In addition to gravity cranes capable of lifting hundreds of tons, there are complex computer systems that ensure the precise installation of all components. Teleportation booths, cargo elevators, and other interesting systems are also present, including a cybersecurity system reliably protected from hostile viruses and other malware. The station has a shield, but it is used at a minimal level, primarily against meteorites. However, in the event of an attack, the station can be towed to a safe location.
— Naquadah reactor.
— Energy fluctuations are within acceptable tolerances. — In addition to the main reactor, there are backup reactors in each section, as well as crew rescue systems. Although human-controlled robots perform the bulk of the work, the possibility of implementing similar systems should be considered.
All parameters are normal, but the station will undergo testing for at least a year before launching into commercial production. Models show that everything is fine, the station is functioning normally, but there are still some teething problems. A station like this was built to speed up the construction of Hattak-class ships, at least so that they could be launched once a year. Considering I lived in a galaxy where Ra had 500 ships of this class, and I had 53, I think I needn't explain why I'm "slightly" concerned about my own safety. If such stations prove effective, more civilian ships can be built, expanding the economy. Fifty million-person cities need to be built, of course, in my signature "metallic Egypt" style, or "human, you're imitating the Necrons, get your head examined." Honestly, the architectural style was the last thing on my mind. It was stylish, and people like to see something beautiful, and "metallic Egypt" gives ordinary geometric forms grandeur, pride for their planet, for their civilization and their dynasty.
— How are the conductive circuits?
"They don't burn out," the chief engineer answers dryly. "Yes, I'm a bit persistent. I had the design for this structure many years ago, but I lacked the time, knowledge, and, most importantly, the help to implement it. I have this point—I want to improve everything. Take a look at my army and sue me for inhumane treatment of the Jaffa. Although I'll have questions about the jurisdiction of that court."
— It is necessary to subject them to stress tests in the assembled version, and also consider other options for building alkesh.
"Essentially, all we need to do is add more decks with robotic manipulators and create another one between the central material accumulation hub that will distribute everything among the Alkesh levels," the engineer pointed out. "Although this will be difficult, time-consuming, and tedious. A rail-based distribution system is necessary, because then a single block will be able to produce 1,200 Alkesh simultaneously."
I almost choked on this math.
- But it will be difficult, and we don't need so many alcoholics.
— Only for sale.
"And it will be very difficult. Essentially, we'll have to create a separate type of unit, specifically for the alkesh. It will require the same engineering resources as the entire station. Do you really need that, teacher?"
"Forgive me, I was fascinated by the big numbers. But what's the point of such a large hangar if there are no factories to supply the parts?" I quickly returned from my dreams of galactic domination through alcohol to reality.
"Six Hattaks a year will be good enough for you, even very good. Essentially, two squadrons a year."
"By the time Ra dies, there will be 240 khattaks," I quickly calculated. That's assuming the strength of the economy allows me to expand ship production, and I'll have other classes as well. My flagship is still being finalized, or rather, modeled, and they haven't yet decided how to build it. On the other hand, I don't want other System Lords constantly flying in for friendly visits. 300 khattaks will allow me to attack three System Lords at once, who clearly don't want to be defeated. But after Ra's death, his vassals will seek a strong one to join, preferably from the same house. Right now, the main polarity is between Heruur and me. We are renowned warriors: he in his golden armor, leading the Falcon Guard, and I, with the skull and Staff of Light, leading the Golden Legion. I've even been given paintings measuring four by ten meters, depicting me fighting enemies, commanding warriors in golden armor. And, frankly, I didn't commission this masterpiece; I was bribed.
"Do we need something in that quantity? Mining ships or transport ships? Although no, we don't need transport ships in that quantity."
Development of my Acclamator continues. Creating a landing craft of such an impressive class is a completely new undertaking for the symbionts, who have no precedents in their memory, nor even the engineers I've recruited with similar experience. However, from a certain perspective, with minor modifications, it could become an excellent transport vessel. Although, of course, this is self-delusion. At its core, it is a combat ship, designed to break through enemy defenses and land a legion with its full complement of combat vehicles.
Moreover, it functions as a deployment base upon landing, providing cover for the active troops with its shields and anti-aircraft guns while they wage merciless combat. And yes, my troops can afford absolute brutality, leaving behind only the ashes of their enemies (with complete disregard for the civilian population, of course).
The troops have returned to their usual routine of intensive training, where everything is subordinated to the perfection of skills. I have even deliberately begun construction of a city designed to house the Jaffa, whose numbers are steadily growing. This city will undoubtedly boast the highest level of technological advancement (I am a god, I am allowed to do so, and besides, they are entirely mine), and will also serve as a recycling facility for excess metal. There will likely be plenty of training facilities. However, the spectacle will undoubtedly surpass anything anyone has ever seen. An entire city, whose entire population consists of genetically enhanced supersoldiers, trained to the point of insanity by the Goa'uld to become the most fearsome troops in the galaxy. My legions are constantly training and know how to fight on the tundra as well as in Antarctica. The location of the battle is of no importance to them; they will come and destroy any enemy with maximum efficiency and ruthlessness.
"Immortals" has become a brand in its own right. A skull-shaped helmet now means certain death for any enemy. That's right. The Goa'uld clearly need to somehow restore morale to their troops, considering I showed them a video of a battle where my Jaffa faced off against ten enemies, all firing at him with precision. He successfully passed the fire evasion test and destroyed them all. This obviously has a very negative impact on Goa'uld morale, especially considering that it involved a gunner on a hovercraft who, after being shot down, was thrown from the cockpit, hit the ground, suffered a broken arm and two ribs, and in this state managed to evade ten Jaffa before destroying them.
The fleet is also thriving in its own way. It's important to understand that the Jaffa have a unique worldview, especially under my command. From their perspective, every action must be flawless, and any missed shots in combat are considered a stain on the crew and gunner's honor. One can only imagine the self-torture they subject themselves to. You haven't met the pilots yet: technically, I don't have any maneuvering thrusters, antigrav thrusters are quite convenient, but for some reason, Huttak pilots start imagining themselves as the Joker from Mass Effect. They perform such turns that it makes my eyes water. And yet, the gunners must achieve a 100% hit rate during these pirouettes. Well, let them play, as long as they don't notice there are 75,000 Tok'ra around them. They even have a new toy: hitting a squadron of gliders with an artillery cannon. Schizophrenia? No, it's training. At least that way they're kept busy, and according to the wisdom of Szarekh's troops: "Whatever a Jaffa does, the main thing is that he becomes stronger."
— I don't need anything in such quantities.
- Okay, then I'll concentrate on something else.
The engineer sighed, especially when I finally left him alone, and headed for the teleporter to return to his office and immerse himself in work. Inspecting the shipyards was my lunch break, and now I have mountains of electronic documents to sort through, all of them extremely important. And most importantly, I have to sort through the message that the MIC has made contact with a civilization calling itself "Ashen." As soon as the report was entered into the main computer, the program kicked in and sent me an encrypted message. Or do you think I didn't provide a "back door" to the MIC files? I haven't yet reached the state of Yu in old age.
And the Aschen mean trouble. We need to obtain evidence of their atrocities and stage a showpiece takeover of the planet. I don't think anyone will object. Besides, it will serve as a warning to our allies to be wary and distrustful of humans.
The Aschen are a dark version of the Tollans, acting as "benefactors" by infecting the human species with biological weapons that reduce human fertility. As a result, the "aided" species slowly die out, and the entire infrastructure falls under Aschen control. And honestly, how crazy do you have to be to do something like that? I never said so, but are the Goa'uld and Wraith really supposed to be sane now? Why? And most importantly, why? You want the Empire, so why not subjugate it? Or do they think they're so unique that only they deserve to exist? We'll consider that as an option, but Hydra's investigative teams will certainly turn the entire sector upside down if necessary, but they'll find what I'm looking for.
What to do once the evidence is found? Infiltration, memory extraction, understanding their culture, the strengths and weaknesses of their defenses, then determining the vulnerabilities of their defenses. Their fleet, army, and industrial potential must also be taken into account. Then comes a strike that could be decapitating. The main thing is to take control of any genetic and biological laboratories. Arrest all geneticists and biologists, and preferably isolate them (impale them). And then determine the next strategy. The entire population is guilty; they knew about their government's policies, therefore, they clearly won't object to being used as a labor force. All genetic knowledge will be confiscated, and planetary governors will be appointed to instill at least a semblance of common sense in the Aschen. I may have to resort to the unpleasant weapon of neural resocialization, reprogramming of consciousness. But how realistic is this on the scale of an entire civilization, and how terrifying is such an impact on the entire civilization?
How terrible is this on a scale of one to ten? One hundred.
Such actions could only be committed by humans or beings with a god complex, but… are there other options? Should we consider the destruction of civilization? Or a long-term occupation?
This is an extremely complex, highly controversial operation, because the Aschen are likely humanoid, whereas I condemned the Goa'uld without hesitation. This raises many questions in me.
Returning to my office, I summoned one of my guardsmen, Constantine, and he entered. He was the finest warrior available to me at the time, and perhaps it was a cosmic irony that he chose the name Constantine and also commanded the Golden Legion.
- You called me.
— I need advice.
He blinked. Yes, they were all symbionts with a vast wealth of knowledge in the fields of war and politics.
- I'm listening.
"There's a technologically advanced race, possibly one of Morrigan's projects. They have an extremely low emotional spectrum. They possess the Gate, but the dialer has been destroyed, and their access through the Gate is extremely limited. They have a fleet and a highly unpleasant method of expansion: they offer anti-aging drugs that have an additional genetic damaging factor—infertility in 91% of the population. They possess the means to deliver biological weapons capable of damaging planetary DNA."
"Extermination," said Konstantin. "But I think you're overthinking that. I propose sending spies for destabilization and reconnaissance. If you provide evidence to the other planets..."
- They do not exist, not in material form.
- So, they need to be found. Penetration.
"And then?" I asked.
— Quarantine.
- However, this will provoke a very interesting reaction from our allies.
"So let them decide for themselves. Even involve the Asgard."
The Golden Legion knew far more than the Jaffa; they were all symbiotes and had exceptional access to information. That's why they were so effective: their reflexes, intelligence, and other stats were far superior to those of the Jaffa, not to mention their equipment. They certainly weren't the Avromites of the Adeptus Custodes, but their armor utilized experimental alloys. That's why they were able to fight with such ferocity; they took out all their anger on the Jaffa, who were so treacherous as to betray Egeria when she needed help. The Golden Legion is so effective because they thoroughly enjoy their work.
Well, the die is cast - Ashens, you are my enemies!