8. Reunion

===Maximus===

Maximus and his group made their way toward Mos Espa, Maximus leading from the front. However, he was forced to stop frequently, as Nira and Lyra struggled to keep up.

Lyra, still wounded from the blaster bolt she'd taken during the invasion of Naboo, had decided to return to the ship. To Maximus's surprise, Padmé offered to watch over Nira while the rest of the group entered the city.

Maximus's patience was beginning to wear thin, as Nira, though she hadn't complained, was clearly tiring, and he found himself regretting his decision to allow her to come. After another few moments of waiting, he stopped completely, reaching down to scoop her up under her arms and hoist her onto his left shoulder pauldron.

"Come, little one. You're slowing us down." he said firmly.

Nira didn't respond, but Maximus noticed the flush of embarrassment on her face. He sighed inwardly but pressed on.

"Don't be embarrassed," he added, his tone matter-of-fact. "Just be better."

Qui-Gon, walking beside them, narrowed his eyes. "She's a child. Would you really hold that against her? Do you have no compassion for children where you're from?"

Maximus's gaze was cold, and he didn't hesitate before answering. "Where I come from, compassion can be deadly," he said. Then, looking at Nira, he added, "There's nothing wrong with being weak, but remaining weak is something to be ashamed of."

Nira clung to his shoulder pauldron, lost in thought, her eyes fixed ahead on the city. She didn't respond, but Maximus could tell she was contemplating his words.

As they reached the outskirts of Mos Espa, Maximus took in the sight before them. The city was a disorderly mess—everything he had expected and more.

Hundreds of xenos, some humanoid, others strange and alien, roamed the streets freely. The buildings were little more than dirt huts, and the entire city reeked of decay. The streets were covered in waste, and the air was thick with shouting and the constant noise of a lawless, chaotic society.

Maximus's lip curled in disgust. "Filthy degenerates."

"Filthy degenerates!" Nira repeated, her voice high and shrill.

Maximus shot her a quick look, his eyebrow twitching at the sudden outburst. People nearby stopped and stared, but Maximus's red optics silenced them.

"Keep walking," he growled, his voice cold with malice, "or I'll rip your spines out."

The onlookers quickly turned away, deciding to go about their business.

Qui-Gon chose to remain silent, his mind working through what he was witnessing. He was beginning to understand the Ultramarine better. The man despised anything that wasn't human, and he wasn't very subtle at concealing it.

Qui-Gon noticed the tightening of Maximus's fists before the warrior turned and walked toward one of the shops. Maximus had been in constant contact with his brother, Raxor, and was now heading to the location Raxor had directed him to.

The group drew every gaze they could, some filled with fear, others with greed.

"That armor looks mighty expensive," a man said as Maximus approached.

"You'd better watch yourself," the man muttered, his voice low. "Wouldn't want to find a knife between your ribs in the middle of the night."

Maximus didn't respond immediately. He stopped in front of the man, then carefully lifted Nira from his shoulder and set her down on the ground. Without another word, he turned toward the man, and lashed out.

Maximus's left hand lashed out, seizing the man by the head. With a terrifying ease, he dragged him out of the alley.

The man flailed helplessly, his fingers scrambling for purchase on Maximus's armored arm. His legs kicked in panic, but he couldn't break free.

"You insulted me and threatened my life," Maximus said coldly, his voice like ice. "Normally, I would kill you where you stand. But something's telling me to let you live."

Maximus tossed the man to the ground, the impact wet and sickening.

"But I'll take one of your legs as compensation."

With a brutal stomp, Maximus shattered the man's left leg, then tore it off with a savage twist of his boot. The man's screams echoed through the alley.

Without a second glance, Maximus turned and started to walk away.

Qui-Gon, stunned by the brutality, stepped forward, his hand instinctively moving to the hilt of his lightsaber.

"Enough!" Qui-Gon commanded, his voice firm.

Maximus stopped and slowly turned to face the Jedi. Qui-Gon stood ready, his saber hilt still deactivated but his stance one of resolve.

"Your blatant disregard for life, your hatred of alien species—this stops now!" Qui-Gon said, his voice rising in condemnation.

Maximus's expression darkened, his gaze cold. "Put your weapon away, Jedi, or I'll kill you where you stand," he warned, his voice low and menacing.

The man made no such move.

Maximus moved toward Qui-Gon, towering over him. "You saw my brother's anger in your Jedi Temple with your own eyes."

Maximus took another step forward, his eyes gleaming with menace. "But I can promise you this: my brother's anger, compared to mine, is a drop of water to a hurricane."

He loomed over Qui-Gon, forcing the Jedi to take a step back.

"I am over two hundred years old. I've fought in thousands of battles, killed hundreds of thousands. I've wiped entire worlds from existence. Do you really think your little blade can harm me?"

He spread his arms wide, a challenge and a threat in one. "Then I invite you to try."

"Enough!" Padmé said, drawing the others' attention toward her. She was pale, her eyes fixed on the man who had stopped screaming due to blood loss from his wound. She had taken Nira and hidden her behind her back, shielding the girl from the gruesome sight, though Nira wasn't naive enough to miss what had happened.

Padmé took a shuddering breath before turning to the Jedi and the Ultramarine. "Maximus was taking care of a future problem. Isn't that right?" she asked, but received no reply.

"In the future, please, be more subtle, Maximus." she added quietly.

"Master Jedi, please, put your weapon away." she said, turning to Qui-Gon, who reluctantly complied.

Maximus hummed in discontent, casting a scornful glance at the Jedi. This man had defied him at every turn, and Maximus found himself yearning to reach out and simply snap his neck. Yet, much like the man still passed out on the ground, something was holding him back. Was it the Emperor's will? Or some warp-tainted influence? He would have to consult with his brothers on the matter.

Turning away from the group, Maximus walked toward one of the huts, a faint grin forming beneath his helmet when he saw Raxor step out.

The Salamander extended his arms in greeting. "Good to see you, brother," he said, the two clasped forearms in a warrior's greeting.

"It's good to see you too," Maximus replied, switching to a private vox channel to keep their conversation secure. "What news do you have?"

"Not much, brother," Raxor replied. "The remains of the Battle Barge crashed here, though I left them in the desert to come here. Some filthy Xenos may have scavenged it by now."

Maximus gave a reassuring nod. "Worry not, brother. I would have made the same choice. We'll see what we can salvage from the wreckage later. Whatever artifacts or machines the Emperor has blessed us with, we'll find them. He must know we've arrived, and He wouldn't leave us helpless."

Raxor raised his hands, making the Imperial Aquila with his fingers. "The Emperor protects."

"Indeed, brother." Maximus's voice softened, reverent. "I've also learned that Brother Sebastian still lives. He's on a planet called Coruscant."

Maximus gestured toward Padmé with his right hand. "This woman is the Queen of a planet named Naboo, where I landed. She has been incredibly helpful in my time there. Kind, but stubborn. She would make a good planetary Governor when the Imperium inevitably makes its way here. We should work to bring her to our side."

Qui-Gon, Padmé, Nira, Anakin, and Shmi all watched the two Astartes converse, though they couldn't hear a word of it.

Raxor nodded thoughtfully. "If that's your opinion, brother, I will trust your judgment. Now, how do we retrieve our wayward brother?"

Maximus's gaze turned back toward Padmé. "The woman has asked me to accompany her to a senate meeting on the planet Coruscant where she will plead her case about a blockade on Naboo. We will find out brother, and return her for the Battle Barge. After that... I'm not sure what will happen." Maximus said, turning back to his brother.

"And what of the others?" Raxor asked, his voice low and cautious.

Maximus grunted softly before responding.

"The man is something called a Jedi. I believe they can tap into the Warp to a limited extent. From what I can tell, they're just weak psykers."

"And the child?" Raxor pressed.

"I saved her and her mother from what the natives call 'Droids.' Essentially automata. She's practically glued to my side ever since. Remarkably gifted with mechanics. But what about those two?" Maximus asked, nodding toward the mother and son who stood near the door to the shop.

"Slaves of the Xeno who ran this shop. I killed him, and have been here since. Come inside; we have much to discuss." Raxor said, gesturing toward the shop's entrance.

Maximus nodded and stepped forward. He ducked beneath the doorframe, followed by Raxor. The interior of the shop was grim—blood spattered the walls, likely that of the slain Xeno. The clutter of forgotten objects seemed more like a maze than a place of business.

"What are we searching for, Jedi?" Maximus asked, glancing at the man who had followed them in.

The Jedi fell silent for a moment, taking in the blood-streaked walls, sensing the remnants of violence that had transpired here through the force. His gaze shifted to the two towering Space Marines, a hint of disgust flickering across his face before he turned to Padmé.

"May I speak with you outside?" he asked, his tone quiet but insistent.

Padmé hesitated, glancing at Maximus. He nodded slightly, signaling that it was fine.

"Very well," she agreed, stepping outside with Qui-Gon.

They stood in the dusty street, the weight of the situation heavy between them. Qui-Gon spoke first, his voice low, almost conspiratorial.

"I know the Queen may feel indebted to Maximus, but you must have seen his brutal nature. Someone like him can't be trusted."

Padmé was silent for a long moment, considering her words carefully.

"I understand your concerns, Master Jedi. But Maximus saved Naboo when it was in desperate need. If not for him, we would have been left waiting for you to negotiate our safety. What would have happened if he hadn't intervened? What would have become of my people?" she asked, unaware that the two Space Marines inside were listening closely.

Qui-Gon's expression hardened. "I won't lie to you. I can't promise your people would have fared better, but you can't deny that Maximus is a monster in metal armor. His brother killed something in that shop—probably the owner. You can't condone that, and yet you're willing to take them to Coruscant, where his brother, who has slaughtered dozens of Jedi, awaits."

Padmé paused, her thoughts swirling. She looked at the Jedi, her voice calm but resolute.

"I will take your concerns to the Queen. But let me be clear: I've seen his brutality, yes, but only toward those who threaten him or those he protects," she said quietly.

"Maybe... maybe the galaxy needs a monster or two to keep it safe," she added, turning back toward the shop, her mind heavy with the weight of her decision.

Inside, Maximus and Raxor stood with their backs to the door, their arms folded as they spoke quietly among themselves.

"You're right, brother. She could be of great use. We should work to win her over. If she understands that peace is achieved through the strength of the Imperium, perhaps she'll see the wisdom in joining us." Raxor said, his voice thoughtful.

Maximus hummed in agreement. "The galaxy could benefit from a few more like her. We shall see."

Raxor turned toward the door as Padmé reentered. The tension in the air was palpable. It was clear now that their paths were converging in ways none of them could fully predict.

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