Treaty of Mandalore

A task force fleet of the Imperium's newest ships were speeding through Hyperspace. On the bridge were Grand Admiral Thrawn, Imperator Jaxson Numenor, Agent Mara Jade, and Imperium Knight Numenor. It has been roughly one week since the battle on Balmorra, in that time the Knight had gotten a promotion. He was now a newly created rank that more or less makes Markus like a senority Jedi General mixed with the governing authority of a Moff. Jaxson coined the rank, Praetor, despite the oddness of the rank it was accepted. Though Markus did feel a bit anxious being told that he now had the rank of a general as well as being able to govern an entire planet. Even then, now being recognized throughout all of Imperium space as the "One Man Reinforcements" was embarrassing. To try and get his thoughts off the subject, Markus looked to Thrawn who stood all professional like as always. "Grand Admiral, I heard that you were able to make easy pickings of the New Republic reinforcement fleet", Markus began to say, "What do you make of their armada?" Thrawn remained silent, mulling over the question with his unique intelligence.

Then he glanced over at Markus with a slight smile. "This New Republic while ragtag as they are, are efficient and stubborn if anything", he began to voice his opinion, "They were willing to ram their vessels into our fleet in order to deal damage to us. Had it not have been your father's ingenuity of the creation of the Apex class Star Destroyers, then the New Republic fleet would have been able to gain the upper hand." Markus frowned, not believing that they could have been that stubborn. Thrawn noticing this turned to Markus while Jaxson and Mara stood off to the side listening.

"Tell me, what was it that defeated the Endor Defense Fleet?" Thrawn asked, causing Markus to raise a brow at the Grand Admiral. "Sheer dumn luck and recklessness?" Markus said in more of a question, that caused Mara to chuckle finding that amusing.

"The New Republic won that battle not just merely by luck, but because they were willing to sacrifice", Jaxson said to Markus without looking, "Loyalty is defined in two ways my son, you could be loyal to the state. The government that which employs you, gives you the funds to pay for your homes and family, and makes sure that everything is in working order. Or you can be loyal to the people, those whom you either know or barely know. People who will either be your next-door neighbor, or a distant ally in the making." Markus slowly nodded as his brows furrowed at his father. Thrawn nodded, agreeing with the Imperator's words. "We fit within the middle of those two explanations", Thrawn continued off of Jaxson's point, "The Imperium builds off of what the Empire wanted to be. The lies that Sheev Palpatine spoke, the order and prosperity that he promised was nothing more than empty words. The Empire was not a failed government, it had well meaning intentions. What failed it was it's people, those who lost faith. As well as the government that which ensured that loss of faith."

Markus felt his eyes narrowing, remembering his lessons and the threat of the New Republic when it had once been called the Rebel Alliance. "In other words Markus", Jaxson spoke once again, "The people could have changed the Empire if they truly wanted change. Palpatine knew that the people could do this, so he silenced any form of change that would be directed away from what he wanted. When the Rebel Alliance was in it's infancy, instead of calling to arms of those who disliked how all things were. They instead spouted about democracy, speaking about how the Republic was the shining example of it. Democracy failed the galaxy, it failed the people...they wanted a failed government to return and now they have their wish. Which is why they are not prepared to govern a galaxy that is tired of failed governments." Markus felt honored to be being lectured by both Thrawn and his father. Both were legends with Thrawn being even moreso. Mara remained silent, though she too was thinking upon those words. The galaxy she wanted to see was one that Jaxson had envisioned. Without anyone noticing she balled her fist up, remembering her time with the Empire. Time that could have been well spent for a more worthy cause. Before Jaxson or Thrawn could speak more about what they were teach Markus. One of the bridge crew announced that they would be arriving in Mandalore within several minutes.

Markus, Jaxson, Thrawn, and Mara faced forward to see themselves come out of Hyperspace. The fleet exited Hyperspace, coming to find a New Republic fleet surrounding Mandalore. "Well, let's not keep the 'people' waiting." Jaxson joked before turning on his heels and heading out of the bridge. He was followed by Markus, while Mara remained on the bridge with Thrawn. Markus and Jaxson walked together, their uniforms looking almost identical except with Markus he had the insignia for the Imperium above the winged animal as well as a purple strip beneath that. It wouldn't be long before the two boarded a shuttle with gray armored troopers following in behind them. They were tall for troopers, like the Death Troopers, except these held DC-17m blasters. Said blasters were formated to be like a rifle rather than a carbine. There were at least 10 of these troopers inside of the shuttle with Jaxson and Markus. Their armor resembled Phase 2 Clone Trooper armor except it was far more sleeker and chrome like. Their helmets shared the same style as Markus' helmet before it was damaged. When Markus looked at them, he gave them a nod and said nod was returned with a salute from each of them.

Markus watched as the shuttle left the Super Star Destroyer, Damocles, while being escorted by a dozen TiE Defenders as well as Interceptors. This was primarily due to Thrawn's prerogative, he trusted the Peace Doves of the New Republic to not attack. That didn't mean that the War Hawks would sit idle when their enemy is so close to them. Also aboard the shuttle were handcuffed New Republic officers and soldiers. One of which was the famed Admiral Ackbar, Markus held no distaste for aliens or near-humans. Only those who talk of peace and freedom, for if they truly wanted those ideals then they wouldn't resort to assassinations of many people. It didn't matter if they were like a Black Sheep among their peers, they were employed in their army. It was how he lost his mother after all...

[Arriving on Mandalore's Moon, Concordia]

Jaxson and Markus looked from the cockpit as the shuttle's pilots flew the ship into the moon's atmosphere. As they neared the landing sight for the peacetalks, Markus narrowed his eyes, he felt as if these talks would take longer than it should. He also felt that his father was taking a big risk when he could have sent anyone else in his place. At the landing platform were quite a few Mandalorians in armor. There were New Republic personnel as well, with a certain violent politician there to greet them. "Leia Organa.." Markus uttered with venom laced in his tone. Jaxson glanced over at his son then placed a hand on his shoulder. "Remember, we talk peace today and celebrate tomorrow", Jaxson consoled, "Then we plan on deaths, as well as start making plans for the inevitable retaliation." Markus began to inhale and exhale, nodding his head slowly. Markus knew what his father spoke of, it was why he had brought Agent Jade with him. Though for whatever reason his father won't speak of where he found the Force Sensitive woman.

Then again, Jaxson barely speaks of how he comes up with his ideas besides saying that they came from dreams. Markus never doubts his father since the man's efforts ensured the Imperium's birth. Only that he would like to be in the loop more since he is his son. When the shuttle finally landed, Markus and Jaxson turned and walked towards the opening ramp. The gray chrome armored troopers stepped down from the ramp first, then came their passengers behind them. Markus escorted Ackbar and the New Republic officers towards the waiting Leia Organa. He kept a stoic front, keeping his emotions in check. "You returned them just as you said, wouldn't expect that from an Imp." Leia barked, causing a sly smile to form on Jaxson's lips. "The Imperium are anything but liars, though you should have known that since you attacked us rather than we you." Jaxson coolly retorted and pointed out. Leia narrowed her eyes on the man then glanced over at Markus as he returned to his father's side. "And who is he, your leashed dog?" She questioned, trying to get a rise out of the young man. Unfortunately, all she got was a glare from Markus and a sigh from Jaxson. "If insulting my son is the best way for you to end these peacetalks, then perhaps you should have sent a Wookie", Jaxson retorted, "Take us to the real negotiator, we'd rather speak to someone who has the bigger picture at hand." Leia gained a blank expression after finding her ploy not work this time.

Several minutes later, Markus and Jaxson were escorted into a small building. Said building had the Imperium sigil for their Intergalactic flag and the New Republic sigil as well, side by side. Once they entered the building, Mon Mothma was seated at one side of the table. On the other side was an empty seat for Jaxson to sit. Markus used the Force to sense if any traps or bombs were there. When he found nothing, he took a stand beside his father's chair. "Grand Moff-" Before Mon Mothma could finish her greeting, Jaxson held up a hand to stop her. "Imperator now, Chancellor Mothma." Jaxson corrected as he kept up a sly grin. Mothma nodded then began her greeting again. "Imperator Jaxson Numenor, it's a pleasure to finally meet you", she greeted then looked to Markus, "And to you as well Markus Numenor." Leia stood to the side of Mon Mothma as she and Jaxson sat down at the table at the same time. "So then, shall we begin?" Jaxson questioned, giving Mothma a questioning smile. "Yes we shall", she agreed, "I must ask on behalf of the New Republic, will the Imperium ally themselves along with the Imperial Remnants? We have reason to believe that you both share the same ideals, such as they are, you were mighty ruthless from what I've heard on Balmorra."

Jaxson leaned back in his seat, taking a more relaxed pose. "Tell me Chancellor," Jaxson began to speak in a far more professional tone now, "What exactly should we have done to show you that a war with us would be unlike anything that you've fought with the Empire? Should we have built massive super weapons? Employ mercenaries who would fight for anyone as long as the pay is good? Or should we have just shown you what true loyalty is to us?" Mothma kept a calm look, while Leia was holding back a scowl. She didn't believe a single word that came from the man's lips.

"We had warned you that we would fight for our very existence", Jaxson continued, "We warned you that you would not be prepared to face us. The Battle of Balmorra was a reminder that you are a fledgling government who has yet to govern anything. As well as a reminder you currently do not have the forces to face us, while we do." Mothma began to inhale, then exhale slowly finding some truth in his words. It hadn't been a month before the Imperium's formation after the Empire's defeat at Jakku. Mothma knew it was foolhardy to rush and try to strike this rising faction down. But the defeat at Balmorra showed them that there would be even more war and destruction, and the galaxy wouldn't be able to handle it. The New Republic was stretched too thin to try and fight another conflict with a more organized and prepared enemy.

"Valid points, Imperator Numenor", Mothma stated then picked up a datapad to read from as did Jaxson from his side, "The Imperium from what I understand is a splinter group from the Galactic Empire. Will the Imperium be responsible for all Imperial Remnant actions?" Jaxson almost snorted before looking to Mothma with a risen brow. "Will the New Republic be responsible for it's many independent pariahs?" Jaxson questioned, causing Mothma to frown. Markus knew what his father was referring to, the New Republic had many individuals who wanted blood. They didn't care if the Empire wasn't the Imperium, they wanted war regardless if they weren't ready for it. "Point taken", Mothma pressed on the datapad then continued, "You have sent us a galaxy map as to what planets who have willingly taken a liking to the Imperium's governance. Is this the truth or a lie?" Jaxson didn't look up from the datapad before nodding his head. "It's the truth, remember you are not dealing with the Empire." Jaxson reminded before setting the datapad down onto the table. Mothma did the same, allowing a shallow breathe to leave her lips. "With that out of the way, i believe that is everything." Mothma said in finality, waiting for Jaxson to pull something. To her surprise he gave her a smile and nodded his head. "That it is, now where do I sign?" He asked, causing a sly smirk to appear on Markus' lips.

Leia looked at Jaxson with narrowed eyes before voicing what was on her mind. "In case you haven't noticed, but it isn't as simple as-" Before she finished Jaxson interrupted her with a charismatic tone. "Actually it is as simple as that, in case you haven't noticed the Imperium has priorities", he stated bluntly, "And so far you have made the signing of the treaty far more than it should be. All we need do is sign, shake hands, and be on our way. What you want us to do is show a shred of what a scheming Moff would do. We are not the Empire, and we are only schemers to our enemies. So for today, and for however long this treaty will last, you are not our enemies."

Mothma thinned her lips while Leia gave Jaxson glare. Markus however remained silent, he need not say a single word unless spoken to. So far he hadn't been addressed yet, and that was about to change. "Let me ask you something before you sign the treaty", Leia said as she turned her gaze onto Markus, "How did you hide your son from the Empire's Inquisitors and Vader? Every child who could use the Force were taken away each time they showed signs of using it. Yet your son was not taken?" Jaxson leaned forward and clasped his hands together as a mischievous smile came to his lips. "My dear, why is my son's personal life your business?" Jaxson questioned before adding on, "Are you looking to take him as your husband, spawn of Vader..." That remark got Mon Mothma to furrow her brows before looking to Leia with widened eyes.

Leia however was taken aback, only she Luke, Han, and a select few should know that. Meaning that the Imperium has already done it's digging on her family history or their intelligence gathering had been superior to their. Leia opened her mouth to speak, but remained silent as she diverted her gaze away from Jaxson's. The Imperator nodded his head in amusement before turning his eyes back to Mothma. "Now where were we?" Jaxson asked.

[10 Minutes Later]

Jaxson and Markus were walking out of the building, both father and son not looking back to the staring forms of Leia and Mon. As the two boarded the shuttle along with their guards, Markus let out a deep breathe while taking a seat. Jaxson noticed this and gave his son a smile. "You were hoping to strangle the woman weren't you?" Jaxson questioned, finding Markus nodding while staring at the adjacent wall. The shuttle lifted and began flying off and away from the location of the signed treaty. "Leia Organa is a hypocrite, one who deserves every shred of loss that came to her", Markus stated dryly, "She think that just because losing a planet makes us all evil means that all Imperials where they be former or not should suffer."

Jaxson nodded as he took a seat beside his son. He clasped his hands together and closed his eyes, even letting out a tired sigh as began to speak. "That is how emotional leaders act my son, allowing one's emotion to drive you is a mistake", Jaxson consoled, "One day you will be in a place of importance where more than a million lives will be in your hands. When we return home, you're in for a promotion. That said, just know that Leia Organa could be forgiven for the part that she played in many Imperial's deaths. She responded emotionally, and I would have done the same had I been younger. Especially after...Raya's passing."

Markus looked to his father, giving him a saddened look. Then placed a hand on his father's shoulder, knowing who Raya was. Raya was his mother, the Queen of their homeworld, Nubia. Meaning that both Jaxson and Markus were in a way, a part of royalty. Jaxson opened his eyes and looked over to his son as the shuttle was taking them back to the fleet. Jaxson stared at his son in silence, then gave him a warm smile as he placed a hand over the one on his shoulder.

"I am proud of the man that you've become son", Jaxson stated, "You've learned well in the Jedi ways, now you must learn how to perfect what you've learned. To the wider part of the Imperium you'll be seen as a hero. Now all I ask is that you do not allow this new promotion that I have in mind for you to go to your head. Just because you can wave around a laser sword and an adult, doesn't mean that I will break you like a father should do to a spoiled child."

Markus grimaced after hearing that, then heard his father chuckle at his son's plight. A curious look came to Jaxson's face, he turned his body to his son before asking a question. "Tell me, have you found anyone that you fancy?" Jaxson asked with a curious tone.

"No." Markus answered with a blank tone, knowing why his father was asking.

"Are you going to keep being a virgin all your life?" Jaxson asked.

"Father..."

"Because I could always hook you up with a few women who have been hoping to be stationed with you."

"Father!"