What’s the appeal of ancient artifacts in sci-fi? They’re everywhere, and for good reason. There’s something compelling about hidden knowledge, especially when it’s tied to long-lost civilizations and cosmic events that shaped the galaxy. In this scene, we’ve got our setup for this classic theme: Rroovu Ogbaa, a scholar who dedicated his life to uncovering the ancestral powers of Aloo Dash, is standing in a war trophy room—because, of course, that’s where you have clandestine meetings in a galaxy-spanning empire.
The Ancestor Queen, Sya, kept him waiting as she does with all audience-seekers, a move that speaks volumes about her character. She holds Rroovu in high regard, but this doesn’t mean she’ll skip the psychological power play of making him wait in her private museum of history. The Hall of Artifacts isn’t just any room either. It’s filled with rare items from worlds across the galaxy, but more importantly, it’s a symbolic space where Rroovu, a believer in the old powers, feels right at home. This scene introduces two things right off the bat: the weight of history and the promise of discovery.
Rroovu Ogbaa is, at first glance, the stereotypical obsessive scholar, but it’s his obsession with knowledge that makes him invaluable to Sya. In a world where most people represent a threat, he stands apart. His thirst for discovery aligns with her quest for power, making them strange allies in a galaxy filled with enemies. This alliance hints at the theme of intellectual pursuit versus political power. Rroovu doesn’t crave the throne, the riches, or military dominance—he’s all about finding the artifact. It’s refreshing in a world where most people seem to jockey for position, power, or survival.
Now, let’s dive into the real meat of this scene: the expedition to the ruin complex. Rroovu’s excitement is palpable as he reveals the intercepted communication about an ancient temple discovered across the Korrats Ridge. The location—a contested war zone—is the kind of place where sci-fi stories thrive. Remote, dangerous, and loaded with ancient secrets. But it’s not just about finding a temple; Rroovu believes this is the place they’ve been searching for their entire lives.
The stakes here are high. This isn’t just some dusty ruin; it could be the key to unlocking the powers Rroovu has dedicated his life to finding, powers that could reshape the galaxy. The Shaajis, ever pragmatic, is more concerned with logistics. She’s sending him into a war zone but isn’t interested in drawing attention, so she orders a discreet mission, complete with private security and unmarked ships. In this galaxy, even the smallest moves can lead to disaster, and Sya knows it.
There is a juxtaposition between Sya’s cautious strategy and Rroovu’s singular focus. He doesn’t care about the dangers or the risks. He’s ready to go, trembling with excitement, because the artifact is all that matters. Sya knows this, and while she acknowledges the risk to his safety, she lets him go. After all, she’s playing the long game. This isn’t just about Rroovu’s life—it’s about the artifact and what it could mean for her rule.
This scene is a blend of ancient mystery and political maneuvering. We’ve got the promise of powerful, lost technology, the ever-present threat of danger in a galaxy torn apart by war, and two characters with different goals but a shared obsession with the past. If ancient artifacts and galaxy-spanning conspiracies are your thing, you’re going to love where this is heading.
We shall look at the novel’s third chapter next week, titled “Temple”.
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