The planetary rulers gathered once again on the Beleskiner. Reports from the central government archives of the Aschen were revealed. The hair on anyone's neck stood on end. Even Thor, whose emotions were usually deeply buried, was consumed with rage. The Aschen were preparing to destroy Tollana with a biological weapon in order to seize all its technology. This weapon was designed to act instantly, leaving no time for resistance. The entire high-tech civilization was of considerable interest to these scum. The Chancellor, poor fellow, was shocked that they were about to be exterminated, even though they showed no hostility toward the Aschen. After all, for the Aschen, this was the only acceptable tactic in any diplomatic negotiations—either slow or swift destruction. No one but themselves had the right to live.
The fleet had already set out to clear the other planets and destroy all ships. Any Aschen ships capable of hyperspace travel were to be destroyed.
Meanwhile, Asgardian specialists worked on the planet, removing all traces of biological weapons. Everything else was left to us, as well as removing computer locks. Thanks to this, our planets received a huge amount of valuable resources.
"They are monsters," said President Galaran.
"Beyond our wildest imagination," I agreed. "I never thought I'd say this, but the System Lords at least enslaved the population rather than exterminating them entirely. I think we should discuss Ashen Prime; I intend to establish our own autonomous colony there. There are several cities there that could be populated with our colonists and adapted to our needs. There are also ten planets hidden from the Goa'uld—a backup airfield for all occasions, boasting a very impressive technological base."
— Do you want to divide Ashen Prime?
"Exactly. Each will get a city, and control of the gates will be shared. The shipyards will also be divided. I've always preferred trade to war."
"Considering that you, Phaeron Szarekh, are constantly shooting at everyone with an intar, this sounds extremely funny," the Tollan joked.
— I shoot from intars because this is my way of inviting a person to negotiations.
— You seem to have problems with diplomacy.
"That's normal for a Goa'uld," I dismissed. "Everyone participated in this battle, and everyone deserves their share of the spoils. More precisely, according to our agreement, the entire Ashen database is to be sent to every planet, and any material assets are to be assessed and divided among us."
— Population?
"He'll go to a distant planet to revive his civilization. We'll set up an observation station there, and we'll keep an eye on them. Perhaps they'll create something better, or they'll repeat their mistakes—it makes no difference to me. The main thing is that I don't have a single condemned civilization on my record, even one as vile as this one," I stated frankly. Exterminating the Jaffa—yes, the Goa'uld—yes, but not entire civilizations.
— Will they have enough of everything necessary for colonization?
"Yes. The Asgard will handle that. We'll be given an advanced teleportation system, but in exchange, we'll receive a different teleportation system that functions without rings. It's lighter and more advanced than the one the Goa'uld use. Additionally, teleportation systems can be removed from uninhabited cities and installed on our planets."
I've already been considering how to use these resources for warfare, as well as for creating robots. I'm completely indifferent to the use of robots in war; the Goa'uld might figure it out, but maintaining bases across the galaxy—robots are indispensable for that, as they don't talk much. My robotics was in its infancy, so the information from the Aschen was of great interest and will serve me well. They used robots extensively, including in the army.
I use them for intelligence work, or more precisely, to maintain the security of covert operative bases and for a variety of other purposes. And with the new teleportation systems, I can achieve even more. In particular, I can use this teleportation system as a glider mount, allowing me to airdrop soldiers without entering anti-aircraft range. My agents report that the Goa'uld are becoming smarter: they're developing infantry fighting vehicles, proper rifles and grenades, and even their helmets are being modernized. The Goa'uld have drawn the appropriate conclusions and are now trying to rearm to achieve parity with me. Well, congratulations to them.
You could give the Jaffa new weapons, but they'd still be Jaffa. My warriors are something entirely different; they're an army transformed into an organism, dedicated to finding and eliminating their own weaknesses. They're not yet Borg, but their philosophy is close to the Borg's—constant self-improvement through training, improved equipment, and new tactics. To achieve something similar, the Goa'uld would have to completely abandon their terrorizing of civilians and focus solely on training. They won't do that. At the same time, they can't take advice from me, which is a problem for their pride. Therefore, they will hire me and fear me.
After several hours of discussions between the planetary leaders, I returned to my flagship, where I was met by Imotekh and Krel.
— Do you have any questions? Ask them!
"Sir, this is the flagship of the Asgard fleet…" Imotekh paused, noticing my look, which clearly said: "As if I don't know that."
— Do you know that the enemy was in front of us?
- No.
"The Aschen. They had a weapon capable of destroying every human and Jaffa in the galaxy. So I partnered with Supreme Commander Thor and a number of my allies to save all humans, including you. My troops, my gods, are protected, but you, my servants, are not. So I did this for you. Are you dissatisfied, Imotekh?"
"No, my lord. Please don't take the old Jaffa's ravings too seriously," Imotekh backed down. "It's rather funny that after all this time, he still remains afraid of me."
"You are my servant, you are the executor of my will, and I will never allow anyone to harm my servants. I am ready to ally with anyone if necessary. I have entered into an alliance with the Supreme Commander of the Asgardian Fleet to resolve the problem quickly and decisively. Problem solved. Do you have any questions about my policies?"
"No, my lord," the old Jaffa, who had been through thousands of battles, such a skilled warrior that he could single-handedly destroy dozens of enemies, was afraid of me to the point of wet pants.
"My decision has been and always will be guided by the greater good. If, for the sake of the survival of all humanity, I must forge an alliance with Asgard, I will do so. And my own warriors will not hold it against me, especially when, thanks to my favor, they are still alive. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, my lord."
I never executed my Jaffa, never. I merely demanded they become stronger, smarter, and so on. Besides, they'd never seen my wrath. But the fact that a Jaffa dares question their commander's decisions is a failure. I used to fear the Jaffa, but now they are mine entirely. I am their battle commander, the one who goes into battle with them. And if any commander loses their mind, they will be arrested immediately. Nothing remained of Ra's loyalty. They felt like gods, conquering galaxies for me, or rather, territories in constant battle, earning glory for themselves. I introduced a couple more incentives beyond the banal awards: the bestowal of honorary titles, like those of the Adeptus Custodes. Now the most distinguished Jaffa have many such titles. And now, despite all the favors, Imotekh asks me a question. It was the final breaking point.
— Remember this. Always. What you just said. And never forget.