บท 149: Chapter 146

A few days later, Alexander had met with the former Grand Admiral Thrawn and Count Dooku at the Imperial Palace on Coruscant.

Thrawn and Dooku was escorted into the Throne room by the Guardian Knights while Alexander observed them from on top the Throne.

Alexander couldn't help but notice that Thrawn was also observing him closely. However, he chose not to act on it, knowing that Thrawn's cleverness and strategic mind would make him a valuable ally if he decided to join forces with him.

Count Dooku on the other hand was observing Alexander with a curious expression. From his aura alone Dooku could feel that he was much stronger than Palpatine or Darth Sidious.

But little did Dooku know, what he was feeling was actually only what Alexander wanted him to feel.

Once they had gotten close enough to the Throne the Guardian Knights had stopped the two a few feet away from the stairs which led up to the Throne.

Once they were stopped the Guardian knights escorting them had bowed their heads before leaving the room.

Alexander seeing them leave had leaned forward on his Throne to address the two potential assets which would be a great addition to his military.

"Grand Admiral Thrawn, or should I just call you Thrawn now" Asked Alexander.

"Either is satisfactory, your Majesty," Thrawn replied, his crimson eyes unblinking. His calm demeanor and collected voice gave an impression of poise, even as he stood in this grand throne room.

Although most people called him Highness Alexander didn't mind being called Majesty since in reality Majesty was used for King's, Queen's, Emperor, or Empress. While Highness often referred to Prince, and Princesses.

But ever since the start of his Empire people have called him Highness and he didn't see a need to change it now.

"I see. And you, Dooku?" Alexander turned his gaze towards the count, observing his cool demeanor under such a tense situation.

"Count will suffice, your highness" Dooku responded smoothly, meeting Alexander's eyes with an unflinching look. He answered with the correct terminology hoping to be accepted into the Terran Ascendency.

Alexander nodded at their responses before leaning back in his throne once more. "You two are powerful individuals, each with your own sets of skills that have proven to be powerful enemies" He paused for a moment, letting his words linger in the air.

"And yet here you stand before me, no longer aligned with those who would oppose the Ascendency," He continued. "Tell me, what brings you into the light of our cause? What do you seek to gain from this alliance?" Although he used the term "alliance," it was clear that there was no real choice in the matter - either they served him or not.

Thrawn was the first to answer. "I seek stability and peace for my people," he said without hesitation. "I believe aligning with you can provide that and I always saw the former Empire ruled by Emperor Palpatine to be quite lacking"

Hearing his response Alexander felt satisfied with his answer since he could tell that Thrawn was telling the truth.

Next he looked at Count Dooku who swiftly started to speak once Alexander's eyes were on him "I am here for something different, your highness. I seek to serve and in exchange learn this power which your Guardian Nights wield. In turn you will have my full allegiance and with me joining you I can convince the CIS to stand down" Stated Dooku.

"Your words seem sincere, Count Dooku," Alexander began, studying the count with a wary eye. "Yet I sense there is more to your wish than just to serve. Manipulations within the force... they are a dangerous game to play."

Dooku held his gaze steadily. "I am well aware of the risks, your highness," he said coolly. "But I have been on both ends of the spectrum; manipulated by the Sith and ostracized by the Jedi. I have learnt my lessons well."

"Indeed," mused Alexander, leaning back in this throne once more, his eyes never leaving Dooku's face. "And I suppose you will pledge your loyalty to me as your new... master?"

The word hung in the air heavily, a tacit challenge. But Dooku did not flinch. He bowed low, his cape swirling around him in a graceful arc. "I am yours to command, Emperor Alexander."

Alexander looked towards Thrawn, who remained stoic throughout their exchange. "And what of you, Grand Admiral? How do you feel about serving under me?"

"I have always served under those who possess strategic and tactical brilliance," Thrawn replied, his tone even as he looked at Alexander straight in the eye. "I believe that aligning with you presents an opportunity to serve under an Emperor with a vision. A vision crafted by intelligence and a keen strategic mind. Ultimately, I serve the interest of my people first and foremost. If your reign promises prosperity for them, then I am yours to command as well."

Alexander studied Thrawn's face carefully. He was a difficult man to read, but Alexander could see the firm conviction in his red eyes. There was no trace of hesitation or deceit in his words, which only solidified Alexander's decision.

"Very well," Alexander said, rising from his throne. He descended a few steps until he stood before the two men. "I accept your pledges of allegiance"

"Count Dooku," he addressed, "You shall have the opportunity to study under the tutelage of my Guardian Knights and gain an understanding of their power. In return, I expect you to use this knowledge in service of the Terran Ascendency."

Turning to Thrawn, Alexander continued, "And for you Admiral Thrawn, your tactical brilliance will be an invaluable asset to the Ascendency's forces. Your new rank will be that of High Admiral in our fleet."

"Your command is my wish," Thrawn declared, his crimson eyes reflecting an unyielding determination.

Alexander nodded in satisfaction. "Very good," he said, stepping back up to his throne and settling into it once more. His gaze intensified, promising rewards for loyalty and the harshest of punishments for betrayal. These were men who had turned on their previous allies - he would do well to keep a close eye on them both.

"Your first tasks await you," Alexander then announced. "Count Dooku, you are to make preparations for a meeting with the Confederacy of Independent Systems. Convince them that their interests will be better served under our banner."

"And Thrawn," he said coolly, "I trust you can begin assessing the strengths and weaknesses of our current fleet decentralize tactics?"

"Understood, your Majesty" Dooku responded with a nod.

"Of course, Emperor Alexander," Thrawn replied confidently.

"Return to me once you have results," Alexander dismissed them and gestured towards one of the Guardian knights to escort them out of the throne room.

Once they had left, Alexander leaned back in his throne with a thoughtful expression.

His gaze wandered over the sprawling holographic map of the galaxy spread out before him. The Terran Ascendency had grown mighty under his rule, its reach extending across numerous star systems, but it was not enough. Alexander knew that there were still many threats lurking in the dark corners of the universe. With Count Dooku and Grand Admiral Thrawn under his command, however, he felt more confident in their ability to tackle these challenges.

He wasn't putting the future on their backs or believing that they were needed, He already had Yrena, Yona, and other powerful people whom were powerful and knowledgeable.

But their service would be a great addition to his plans and for the future. Especially with movements from the Yuuzhan Vong fleet being made.

And Judging by the size of the fleet Alexander knew that his must have been a scout fleet since first initial attack of the Yuuzhan Vong that he read about involved a large number of ships.

As he was lost in thought He was interrupted by the announcement of the arrival of an envoy from the newly established New Republic. He sighed and decided to meet with the envoy.

He had forgot that they even existed since they were just a small faction who could do no damage to him or his Empire.