In the aftermath of the initial negotiations, a deep and inerasable sense of recognition began to swell within the hearts of the Rebel Alliance representatives, including the Major and Cassian, thanks to the pioneering influence of Magnus's psychic outreach. The images and fragments that flooded their minds opened a new window for them, deepening their understanding of the Human Empire.
Though doubts still lingered, they had come to "willingly" hope to forge a cooperative relationship with the Human Empire in the struggle against the tyranny of the Galactic Empire. Yet this decision was made unilaterally by the Major. After all, Magnus—and by extension, the true intent of the Human Empire—sought to make the Rebel Alliance a vassal rather than a partner on equal footing. The Human Empire's goal had always been unity and order, and the existence of the Rebel Alliance was nothing more than a "tasty but ultimately disposable" pawn in that grand plan.
At this moment, Magnus slowly retracted his psychic energy; the golden glow on the bridge faded, restoring the usual cold austerity and solemnity. The Major took a deep breath, striving to steady the tumultuous and complex emotions within him. He stepped forward, his voice unambiguously respectful: "Honored Lord Magnus, please allow me to use your communication equipment to contact our Rebel Alliance leadership, so that we may finalize our terms of cooperation."
Magnus nodded slightly. "Certainly," he replied without hesitation. For him, this request was perfectly in line with the Human Empire's plan—to use the Rebel Alliance's assistance to swiftly dismantle the Galactic Empire's rule.
"Thank you very much."
With permission granted, the Major advanced to the central console. However, faced with the hard-light technology of the main universe, he found himself momentarily at a loss as to where to begin or how to summon up the communications interface. Fortunately, the clever AI of the Blood Raven Company quickly generated a hard-light screen with an interface reminiscent of the Star Wars universe, allowing the Major to use its tactile keys to input a series of encrypted commands.
Moments later, the communications channel was established, and a holographic image of a high-ranking Rebel Alliance leader gradually appeared at the console. A middle-aged woman dressed in a white robe materialized. With neatly cut short hair and a dignified, noble countenance, her presence imbued the bridge with a weighty air of solemnity.
Magnus's gaze swept over her, and in an instant, he recalled the dossier provided by his father Suiyang. He immediately recognized her identity—Mon Mossma, one of the founders of the Rebel Alliance and its highest commander. This legendary woman had been an influential senator at the end of the Old Republic and had, during the Clone Wars, openly questioned the policies and decisions of Supreme Chancellor Palpatine. After Palpatine established his series of "dictatorial" regimes, Mon Mossma, along with like-minded senators and patriots, formed the Rebel Alliance and fought the Galactic Empire for over a decade. Magnus held a measure of respect for Mossma in his heart.
Although the ideologies of the Human Empire and the Rebel Alliance differed, the spirit of resistance that drove Mossma and her compatriots was undoubtedly admirable. Her resilience and wisdom were key to the Alliance's endurance under the Galactic Empire's oppression.
However, at this moment, Mon Mossma's expression seemed somewhat puzzled. Through her holographic image, she took in the vast space in which the Major stood—a space that resembled a gigantic metallic temple. The pilots and special forces members dispatched from Yavin IV were also standing in neat formation behind the Major, their expressions marked by tension and deference.
As her gaze swept across the central console, Mossma's eyes widened in astonishment. She beheld the towering Astartes warriors and, most striking of all, Magnus—the "giant" genetic original—standing silently at the console like an insurmountable mountain.
"This is…" Mossma was momentarily rendered speechless, overwhelmed by disbelief. Standing at only a little over 1.5 meters, she felt particularly diminutive before the imposing figures of the Astartes, the Sykmites of the Glory Guard, and Magnus. Their sheer scale made her feel as though she had inadvertently stepped into the fabled "pantheon of gods." These giants not only towered in size, with their power armor etched with intricate runes and battle scars, but what was even more astonishing was that they all bore distinctly human faces. This paradox stirred within Mossma an instinctive belief that these titanic figures were, in a way, "divine."
Seeing her reaction, the Major quickly stepped forward, his tone urgent: "Commander, this is the flagship of the Human Empire's Blood Raven Company—the All-Knowing Mystery. We have already reached a preliminary understanding with the Human Empire, which is why we are here seeking your final approval."
At these words, Mossma finally snapped out of her stupor. She drew a deep breath, striving to steady her inner shock. Her gaze moved over Magnus and Gabriel, then to the Sykmites and the rest of the Blood Raven warriors. Only then did she fully comprehend that all the reports Cassian had relayed were indeed true. The Human Empire truly possessed a cadre of super soldiers capable of overwhelming a hundred foes with the might of one—a presence that defied logic and common sense.
After a pause, Mossma restored her composed and solemn demeanor. Her voice then assumed a tone of firm calm: "Major, please provide a detailed report of your current situation."
"Yes, Commander," the Major replied, nodding. He swiftly recounted the events of the meeting, along with a brief overview of the Human Empire's military might—the scale of their warships, the prowess of their soldiers, and the overwhelming advantage that the Blood Raven fleet had demonstrated in the Scariff campaign. He also mentioned Magnus's psychic power and the vivid images that had flooded their minds.
Mossma listened in silence, lost in thought. She felt both awe at the Human Empire's strength and hope for future cooperation, tempered by deep concern for what such a union might mean. "That is all, Commander," the Major concluded.
At that moment, the Major's final words brought Mossma back to the present. She nodded slowly and said, "You have done well, but…" Her tone suddenly grew severe as she raised her head to look directly at Magnus, her voice laden with inquiry: "Lord Magnus, from what I gather, your proposal does not appear to be seeking true cooperation—it is more like issuing orders for your subordinates to follow your command and control, correct?"
"Exactly," Magnus replied openly, making his position clear. A wry smile played on his lips as he said, "Our Human Empire's objective in this universe is to achieve unity and order, to bring the galaxy under our governance and lead our people toward an even more prosperous society. Thus, in relation to us, your Rebel Alliance is merely an auxiliary force during the unification war." He paused, his tone darkening: "If you were to merge directly with the Human Empire, you would receive abundant resources and technological support, and both sides could achieve true mutual benefit—working together for the future of the galaxy."
At these words, Mossma's brows furrowed deeply. Even though this was her first negotiation with Magnus, she understood that his words were not empty promises. Through his dialogue and the data presented, it was clear that the Human Empire's aim had always been unity and order—and that the Rebel Alliance's existence was seen as a force to be either absorbed or eliminated. With the Human Empire's actions and overwhelming strength, the Galactic Empire was no match. It wouldn't be long before the entire galaxy fell into Human Empire control.
Thus, the Rebel Alliance was left with only two choices: either accept the Human Empire's command-style proposal and join them, or continue to "go it alone," facing future challenges by itself. However, "going it alone" would mean fighting both the Human Empire and the Galactic Empire—an unwise course in every regard. In terms of resources, manpower, and technology, the Rebel Alliance could never compete with either of these colossal powers. Continuing to fight alone would only lead the Alliance into an even more desperate situation.
Or perhaps, to revert to the old stalemate, they might consider negotiating with Palpatine to jointly deal with the "foreign invaders" of the Human Empire? No sooner had that thought emerged than Mossma decisively crushed it. The Rebel Alliance was founded by a coalition of senators and patriots to liberate the galaxy and oppose oppressive hegemony—not to serve as a tool for personal power grabs. Cooperating with Palpatine would amount to betraying the very ideals upon which the Alliance was built.
Mossma fell silent for a long moment as her mind waged an intense internal battle, trying to find a balance amid the complexities. Finally, she spoke again: "Lord Magnus, we require time to deliberate. The very existence of the Rebel Alliance is to resist hegemonic oppression. If our cooperation merely transfers one tyranny for another, then what is the point of this alliance?"
Her voice carried a hint of hopeful expectation, as if longing for a positive response from the Human Empire. Magnus's reply would determine the ultimate decision of the Rebel Alliance.
Maintaining his deliberate smile, Magnus responded, "I understand your concerns. But remember, I do not wish to repeat myself. The objective of our Human Empire is not oppression but order and unity. We are willing to cooperate with any force dedicated to peace and justice, provided that you accept our leadership—do you understand?"
As his words echoed, Mossma fell silent once more. However, Magnus did not give her much time to ponder; he added, "You have two minutes to decide. Otherwise, we will end the negotiations, and in the ensuing conflict, we will not tolerate the presence of your Rebel Alliance forces—rest assured, we will take decisive action."
Only two minutes of deliberation—this left Mossma momentarily hesitant. Her mind raced, desperately trying to find a "balance point" within the tight timeframe. But two minutes was clearly insufficient. The fate of the Rebel Alliance was not hers to decide alone; she needed to consult with the planetary and regional governors who covertly supported the Alliance and hear from the Alliance's senior commanders. This was a decision that would affect the future of the entire Alliance, and it could not be made rashly. Moreover, even without consultation, Mossma could already imagine the reaction of the commanders if she relayed Magnus's conditions. The passionate warriors—those who had risked everything for freedom and justice—would undoubtedly be outraged at the prospect of being forced to submit to Human Empire command.
This left Mossma in a quandary. She had hoped that the Human Empire would be as accommodating as other civilizations and powers, at least granting some degree of respect and autonomy in any cooperation. Yet, the demeanor of Magnus before her displayed an entirely different attitude—forceful, dictatorial, and unmistakably cold.
What was more disconcerting was that the base of the Rebel Alliance had, for various reasons, been exposed to the Human Empire. In the short term, they could not carry out a large-scale relocation. Even if they managed to evacuate swiftly, they would be immediately locked down by the Human Empire.
From the Major's report, Mossma deduced that the Human Empire was about to build a "defense chain" around key planets such as Idu, Jeda, and Scariff, and that Yavin IV was situated in a critical central position. This meant that, regardless of whether the Rebel Alliance agreed to cooperate, the Human Empire's presence on Yavin IV was inevitable.
At that moment, Magnus's voice rang out once more, "Time waits for no one, Commander Mossma. Our goal is unity and order, not endless negotiation. If you cannot decide in the allotted time, we will consider it a forfeiture of any opportunity for cooperation."
Lowering his voice, he added, "And remember, our Human Empire will continue its expansion according to our established procedures. Should your Rebel Alliance dare to obstruct us, we will not hesitate to eliminate you as well."
Mossma instinctively wanted to say, "I'm sorry, but we cannot comply," but looking at the Major, Cassian, and the other Alliance elite present on the All-Knowing Mystery's bridge, she found herself utterly speechless. For if she rejected Magnus's command-style proposal, the few elite forces remaining in the Rebel Alliance would be immediately detained by the Human Empire—further weakening an Alliance that was already "struggling" for resources.
With time running out and Magnus's overwhelming presence looming, Mossma could only force a reluctant smile and agree, "In that case, the Rebel Alliance is willing to follow your command."
"Excellent."
Magnus appeared to have anticipated this answer all along. He smiled and prepared to discuss the next phase of the offensive. At the same time, he instructed his clever AI to remind the genetic original Dorn of the Fist of the Empire to dispatch a unit to Yavin IV as support.
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