Arriving back at the flagship, Sauma's eyes were cold yet focused. Her conquest was complete—for now. Her fleet and commanders moved swiftly to secure the ship's docking bays, preparing for the next stage of her plans.
In her private chambers, she finally sank into the shadowed throne, exhausted yet content. Moments later, her holo comm flickered with a familiar, sacred signature—the Ancient Queen.
The Holo Call: The Birth of a New DeputyThe holo shimmered into view—an ethereal, shifting form of pure shadow. The Ancient Queen, a being older than time itself, appeared first, her presence commanding and calm.
"Saumu," the Ancient Queen spoke, voice deep and resonant. "You have done well. Your victory has set a new foundation for our empire's future."
Saumu bowed her head in reverence.
"My Queen, your guidance has guided us through darkness. We will continue—strengthening our shadows across the galaxy."
The Ancient Queen paused, then continued with a subtle smile in her voice.
"I have a gift for you, my daughter—a new sister, born of the shadow itself. She is young but gifted, fierce in spirit and loyal to the Empire. Her name is Safi—your youngest sister, just birthed from my essence—to serve as your vice deputy and your support in expanding our reach."
Saumu's eyes widened slightly.
"Safi," she whispered, a flicker of pride and anticipation in her voice. "A new shadow to lead with me… I accept her. She will be a fierce addition to our future."
"Good," the Ancient Queen replied, her voice echoing within Saumu's consciousness. "Train her well. She is the future of the Mahasimu—a shadow born anew to serve our eternal empire."
The holo faded, leaving Saumu to stare into the darkness, her mind racing with new ambitions.
The shadows deepened—her empire's relentless grip on the galaxy was only beginning anew.
In the high command chamber aboard the Giza Mtuji, the core of Saumu's fleet and the heart of her expanding empire, the senior officers stood before her, each delivering their reports.
Kizito, the General of the Shadow Legions, spoke with grave pride.
"My Queen," he said, voice steady, "over the past six moons, our forces have completed the full terraforming and fortification of the planet. The Vhalar resistance is shattered—nearly all prisoners are enslaved or dead. Our shadow troops patrol tirelessly, maintaining order and expanding our outposts into the wilderness. Control is nearly complete."
Tano, the Vice General of the military, added coldly:
"The native clans are broken. Their fighters are either slain or subdued, and the camps are secure. The last pockets of resistance are retreating or hiding. We are prepared for any further uprising. The land belongs to our shadows now."
Liora, the Luminary scientist and bio-engineer, chimed in:
"The terraforming projects are on schedule. The environment is now suitable for our off-world colonists and shadow-manufactured workers. We've integrated native flora with shadow-infused growths, creating a sustainable resource base—soon, this entire world will function as a key hub of our expansion."
Kia, the technological engineer, nodded.
"All systems are calibrated. The shadow energy grids are stable. The labor camps are fully operational, and our bio-constructors are producing materials for the next wave of development."
Shailia, the Shadow Whisperer and spiritual guide, stepped forward. Her eyes flickered with psionic energy.
"My Queen," she reported gravely. "Over the last six months, we've detained many of the native fighters—those who survived. However, I have been authorized to locate two key prisoners—Kara and Moro—both of whom show signs of resilience and defiance. I will bring them for indoctrination—into the Mahasimu faith and loyalty—to serve as young princess Safi's attendants and slaves, equipping them with our edicts and oaths."
Saumu nodded, her expression cold and calculating.
"Bring them to me. Their spirits must be broken or re-forged—whichever serves the Empire best. I want them indoctrinated into our shadow faith—observe their rebellion, then weaponize it—they will serve as tools for our future expansion. Delay no further."
"It shall be done," Shailia replied solemnly, already focusing her psionic senses to locate her targets.
Saumu's gaze lingered over her assembled officers—her shadow army, her scientists, her spiritual guides—each contributing to the relentless march of her empire's victory.
"Good," she whispered. "The world is ours. Soon, the natives will serve, and the shadows will deepen their roots—glorious, unbreakable, eternal."