Anakin but also not?!

Anakin sat at the head of the council chamber in Padmé's apartment, now converted into a war room. Sunlight poured through the wide windows, casting long shadows over the room as Yoda, Obi-Wan, and Padmé discussed the future of the galaxy.

Though still recovering from childbirth, Padmé's mind was sharp as ever, her political acumen invaluable. Yoda leaned on his gimer stick, while Obi-Wan paced, his brow furrowed in thought. Anakin, lounging in a chair with his arms crossed, suddenly sat up straight and grinned.

"All right, first things first," he said, smirking. "If I'm going to declare myself Emperor, I'm going to need a killer outfit. Something dramatic, black, and definitely intimidating." He gestured broadly with his hands. "Maybe a cape—no, a cloak. Cloaks are cooler."

Padmé chuckled softly, shaking her head. Obi-Wan sighed, though a faint smile tugged at his lips. Even Yoda let out a low chuckle, his ears twitching.

"Serious, we must be," Yoda said, though the corners of his mouth curled upward. "Yet humor, needed it is."

"I am serious," Anakin shot back, his grin widening. "The outfit's half the battle. Intimidation factor matters. Think about it—do you think people took Sidious seriously because of his wheezy voice? No. It was the cloak. The drama."

Padmé covered her mouth to stifle her laughter, while Obi-Wan rolled his eyes. "Your priorities are… unique, as always, Anakin, James, or whatever the heck you call yourself."

"Call me Anakin," he replied with a wave. "It's easier for everyone. And it keeps things simple."

Once the laughter subsided, the tone shifted to a more serious one. The four of them leaned over the table, a holographic map of the galaxy flickering between them.

"So, we're agreed," Anakin began, his voice steady. "The Jedi can't come back immediately. It's too soon. We've just uprooted Sidious, and the galaxy needs time to breathe. We'll wait, let the dust settle, and plant the idea of the Jedi returning carefully, slowly. Five years should be enough."

"Wise, this is," Yoda said, nodding. "Trust, rebuild it must. Rushed, the galaxy's fear of the Jedi, it cannot be."

Padmé tapped a section of the map, her brow furrowing. "In the meantime, we focus on stabilizing the Republic. There's still unrest from the war, and with Sidious gone, factions are bound to rise up."

Anakin nodded. "Step one: Announce myself as Emperor. Get the Senate on board. Step two: Quell any uprisings. I want a peaceful transition, but I won't let anyone drag this into chaos. Step three…" He paused, his eyes darkening slightly. "We spread to the Outer Rim. No more slavers. No more children growing up in chains like I did. The Outer Rim has been neglected long enough."

Obi-Wan stroked his beard thoughtfully. "And what of the Jedi? You can't avoid their role in this new Empire forever."

"I won't," Anakin said. "But they'll come back when the galaxy is ready. And when they do, things are going to change. No more of this restrictive code. Attachment isn't the enemy. Fear and obsession are. The Order will adapt, or it will fail."

Padmé placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "We'll make this work, Anakin. Together."

He smiled at her, warmth flooding his expression. "Thank you, Padmé. You've always believed in me."

Anakin stood before the massive chamber of the Galactic Senate, now wearing his new outfit. His black robes were tailored to perfection, his dark cloak billowing slightly as he walked. The contrast of his bright blue eyes against the stark black ensemble gave him an almost otherworldly presence. The room fell silent as he raised a hand, his voice steady and commanding.

"Senators of the Republic," he began, "it is with a heavy heart that I stand before you today. Supreme Chancellor Palpatine is no longer with us." He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. Gasps and murmurs rippled through the chamber. "He fell to a Sith plot, one that sought to destroy everything we have built together."

The chamber erupted in cries of shock and outrage. Anakin raised his hands, calming the uproar. "But we are not broken. We will not fall to chaos. Instead, we will rise stronger than ever. The Republic must evolve to meet the challenges of our time."

His voice grew firmer, resonating through the vast chamber. "To preserve peace and security, I will reorganize the Republic into the First Galactic Empire. I will serve as your Emperor, Lord Skywalker, to guide us through this transition. Together, we will bring order to the galaxy."

There was a moment of hesitation before Senator Bail Organa stood, his expression conflicted. "And what of the Senate? Will it remain?"

Anakin inclined his head. "The Senate will continue to function as a legislative body. I am no tyrant, Senator Organa. I want to work with you, not against you."

A slow murmur spread through the chamber. One by one, the senators rose, raising their hands. "We pledge our allegiance to you, Emperor Skywalker!"

Anakin bowed his head. "Thank you. Together, we will create a better galaxy."

As Anakin left the Senate chamber, Padmé and Obi-Wan were waiting for him. Yoda remained behind, observing quietly.

"You did it," Padmé said, smiling softly. "They accepted you."

Anakin sighed, his shoulders relaxing. "Step one, done. Now we make sure the Republic doesn't tear itself apart."

Obi-Wan crossed his arms. "And after that?"

Anakin's expression hardened. "We build a galaxy where no one grows up a slave. Where people can live without fear." He glanced at the distant stars. "The Jedi will have their place in it… eventually."

Padmé took his hand, and for the first time in years, Anakin felt hope, he finally felt something more than the monotony of life on Earth.