Chapter 16: The Policies of Power

The City of Kings had been subdued under Apocalypse's iron rule, but maintaining control over an empire required more than brute strength. The recent turmoil had left the people uneasy, their fear palpable but their faith in their new ruler fragile. To secure his throne and ensure the stability of his reign, Apocalypse knew he must enact a series of policies that would not only placate the masses but also shape Egypt into a powerful empire under his command. His mind, infused with the intellect of Steven Haking, allowed him to design these strategies with precision, blending governance, manipulation, and force.

As dawn broke over the desert, casting long shadows across the city, Apocalypse summoned his vizier, Ozymandias, who now stood transformed into a being of living stone. His loyalty was unquestioned and his lifespan extended. Ozymandias, made immortal by Apocalypse's powers, would serve as his instrument of daily governance—a reflection of his unyielding control.

"Vizier," Apocalypse began, his voice calm yet commanding, "we have crushed the remnants of resistance, but the people remain restless. They must be brought to heel, not through fear alone, but through governance that shapes their loyalty."

Ozymandias, his stone form glinting in the morning light, bowed slightly. "What do you require of me, my lord?"

Apocalypse's mind raced with possibilities, and he began to lay out his vision for Egypt's future. These policies would not only consolidate his power but also ensure that the people saw him not just as a tyrant but as a god who provided stability, prosperity, and order.

The Restoration of Ancient Egyptian Religion

Apocalypse understood the power of belief. The Egyptians had long held to their gods, and although Rama-Tut had disrupted much of that, the people's connection to their ancient deities was still deep. However, Apocalypse's reign required something more. He decreed the restoration of Egypt's ancient religion, but with one crucial difference—he would place himself at the center of this pantheon.

"Revive the temples," Apocalypse ordered. "Let the people worship their gods once more, but ensure they understand that I am the highest among them. A god who walks among mortals."

Ozymandias nodded. "The priests will serve you, as will the people."

Temples across Egypt were soon restored, their once-abandoned halls filled with prayers to the gods. Statues of Ra, Osiris, and Isis stood tall, but the greatest of them all was a new statue—an enormous depiction of Apocalypse himself, carved from stone and metal, standing above all other deities. The people would soon learn that their god was not distant but present, watching, and ruling them.

A Tax System for Stability and Growth

With the reinstatement of worship came the need for practical governance. The recent turmoil had left the economy in disarray, and famine and poverty were potential threats to his empire's stability. Apocalypse knew that a firm but fair economic policy was needed.

"We will institute a new tax system," Apocalypse explained to Ozymandias. "The rich must contribute to the building of my empire, and the poor must be given enough to survive, but never enough to question their station."

The taxation policy Apocalypse designed would be progressive. The wealthier citizens would be taxed heavily, their fortunes funneled into the state's coffers to rebuild the infrastructure damaged by war. Roads, granaries, and irrigation systems would be repaired and improved. The common people would see these developments and be grateful, not realizing that their improved conditions were merely another tool of control.

At the same time, the lower classes would be taxed lightly, just enough to keep them subservient but without sparking rebellion. In exchange, they would receive rations and resources—enough to survive, but never enough to rise.

Surveillance and Control through Advanced Technology

Apocalypse had absorbed the knowledge of the future from Rama-Tut's mind, and now he sought to use this knowledge to create an unassailable empire. Surveillance, a concept unfamiliar to the people of this era, would now be a cornerstone of his control.

"The people must be watched," Apocalypse said. "Not openly, but subtly. I will use Rama-Tut's technology to ensure that no one conspires against me without my knowing."

Using the remnants of Rama-Tut's advanced technology, Apocalypse installed surveillance devices throughout the city, disguised as everyday objects. These devices, far beyond the understanding of any contemporary Egyptians, would record the activities of the people, allowing Apocalypse to monitor dissidents and those who sought to undermine his rule. His control was invisible, yet omnipresent, like the gaze of the gods themselves.

Education and Indoctrination

Though brute force had brought Apocalypse to power, maintaining it required a new generation loyal to him. Thus, he instituted a program of education, designed not just to teach the children of Egypt but to indoctrinate them into the belief that Apocalypse was their rightful god and ruler.

"Begin the construction of schools," Apocalypse ordered. "Teach the children that they owe their lives to me, that I am their protector, and that to defy me is to defy the natural order of the universe."

Ozymandias set to work, establishing academies where children were taught reading, writing, mathematics, and, most importantly, loyalty to Apocalypse. They were told tales of his strength, his divine wisdom, and his mercy. They learned that Apocalypse was the one true ruler of the world, and through him, Egypt would prosper. In this way, a generation of loyal subjects was born, who would grow up seeing Apocalypse not as a conqueror but as a benevolent god.

Military Expansion and Loyalty

While peace was maintained within Egypt, Apocalypse knew that his empire needed to grow. His conquest would not end at Egypt's borders. He enacted a policy of military expansion, ensuring that the armies of Egypt would be the most powerful in the known world.

"Recruit the strongest men," Apocalypse commanded. "Train them not just in the ways of war, but in loyalty to me. My empire will expand, and my rule will be eternal."

The Egyptian army was restructured and bolstered. The most capable soldiers were selected and trained to become elite warriors, their loyalty ensured by constant surveillance and rewards for their service. With each successful campaign, the army's power grew, and with it, Apocalypse's empire expanded.

Conclusion

Through these policies, Apocalypse consolidated his rule over Egypt, transforming it from a nation torn by turmoil into a powerful empire united under his godlike presence. The people, once fearful and restless, now saw him as both protector and ruler. He had become not just a conqueror but a god-king, and Egypt was his divine kingdom.

Apocalypse looked out over his empire, satisfied with the order he had created. His mind was already turning toward the future, to the conquest of lands beyond Egypt, and to the untapped potential of the time-ship that lay waiting in the depths of his palace. His throne was secure, his people placated, and now, the earth awaited his dominion.