The Eternal Emperor

Clone Captain Fordo stood at attention, his eyes sharp and posture unwavering as he awaited the General's arrival. He was fresh from training, his squad having just completed the rigorous combat tests that separated the elite from the ordinary. Fordo had always prided himself on pushing his squad to their limits, but the latest test results had exceeded even his expectations. His squad's runtime had placed them well above the others, a fact that had not gone unnoticed. 

As Lelouch approached, flanked by his officers, Fordo couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and curiosity. He had heard much about this man, the one who had taken command of the clones with an authority that even the Jedi respected. His violet eyes were as piercing as the rumors suggested, and his presence commanded the attention of every clone in the room. 

"Captain Fordo," Lelouch began, his voice calm but carrying an undeniable weight. "Your squad's performance in the combat tests has been exceptional." 

Fordo snapped a salute, his expression one of controlled pride. "Thank you, sir. My men are trained to be the best." 

Lelouch nodded, a small smile playing at the corner of his lips. "And that training has not gone unnoticed. I've decided to give you command of one of my personal tactical squads." 

Fordo's eyes widened slightly, though he quickly suppressed his surprise. "Sir, I'm honored." 

"This squad is unlike any other," Lelouch continued, his tone more serious now. "They are disciplined and trained to a level that surpasses even the most elite units. They have been conditioned—" Lelouch paused, the word carrying a deeper meaning that Fordo couldn't quite place—"to serve with absolute focus and dedication. They are yours to command." 

Fordo nodded, understanding the gravity of the responsibility being placed on him. "I'll ensure they perform to the highest standard, sir." 

"I have no doubt you will," Lelouch replied. "But first, I want you to run a trial with them. There's a new course being prepared for the upcoming ARC trooper training—a course we've nicknamed 'The Citadel Run.' It's designed to push even the best to their limits." 

Fordo's interest was piqued. The Citadel was a name he had heard in whispers among the training officers, a course that was said to be nearly impossible to complete. "We'll be ready, sir." 

Lelouch gestured for Fordo to follow, leading him to a section of the facility that was more secure, with reinforced walls and advanced training droids. The course was a maze of obstacles, turrets, and narrow corridors, designed to simulate the most brutal combat scenarios. 

As Fordo and his new squad lined up at the starting point, Lelouch observed them closely. The clones stood at perfect attention, their expressions blank but their eyes filled with an intensity that Fordo hadn't seen before. These men were different, and as Lelouch had hinted, there was something about them that set them apart. 

"Your objective," Lelouch explained, "is to reach the flag point at the top of the Citadel within the time limit. The path is rather straightforward, but the obstacles are designed to test every aspect of your training. I expect nothing less than perfection." 

Fordo gave a sharp nod, turning to his squad. "You heard the General. Move to starting positions." 

The squad moved with precision, their movements almost mechanical in their efficiency. As the course began, Fordo was immediately impressed by their synchronization. They covered each other flawlessly, moving through the obstacles with a fluidity that spoke of countless hours of practice. 

But it was more than just skill. There was an edge to them, a drive that pushed them to perform beyond what Fordo had thought possible. They reacted to threats almost before they appeared, their coordination perfect even in the most chaotic situations, and yet it almost seemed as if they had eyes in the back of their heads, subtle hand and patting signals continuously transmitted from the clones that saw his hand signals to the ones that were busy covering them. 

By the time they reached the flag point, they had not only completed the course but had done so with plenty of time to spare. Fordo could hardly believe it, and as he looked back at Lelouch, he saw that the General was equally pleased. 

"An outstanding performance, commander" Lelouch said, his voice carrying a rare note of admiration. "This squad is now yours, Captain Fordo. Lead them well, as I expect of you the same standard you now expect of them." 

Fordo saluted once more, his mind racing with the possibilities. He had been given command of a unit unlike any other, and he knew that with them, the expectations placed on him were just as strict. 

------------------- 

Jedi Master Shaak Ti walked beside Lelouch vi Britannia, her senses alert to the subtle hum of the Kaminoan facility around her. The rain-soaked world had a calming effect on most, but Shaak Ti felt a growing unease in the Force. The day had been filled with preparations and planning, but something in the background felt off. It was as though a shadow had passed over her consciousness, leaving her unsettled. 

As they approached the entrance to Lelouch's Venator-class Star Destroyer, Shaak Ti's comm device chirped softly. She paused, raising a hand to her ear as she received the incoming transmission. Lelouch, standing beside her, waited patiently, his expression unreadable. 

"Master Ti, this is Jedi Knight Gungi," the voice crackled through the comm. "We've just received word… Master Di… he's been killed. General Grievous led the attack on the ground on Ryloth and broke our hold of the planet. All that's left are small native resistance pockets." 

Shaak Ti's heart sank. She closed her eyes, her hand tightening slightly around the comm. Master Di had been a stalwart defender of the Republic, a skilled warrior, and a compassionate leader. His loss was a heavy blow, not just to the Jedi Order but to the entire Republic. 

"How did this happen?" Shaak Ti asked, her voice betraying the sorrow she felt. 

"There were no reinforcements available," Gungi responded, his voice tinged with regret. "Grievous struck when the system was blockaded. Master Di and his forces were overwhelmed. There was nothing we could do." 

Shaak Ti nodded solemnly, her eyes still closed as she processed the information. She felt the pain of loss, the void that another fallen Jedi left in the Force. But she also felt something else—a strange disturbance, a ripple in the Force that seemed to emanate from the very man standing beside her. 

Unseen by Shaak Ti, Lelouch's lips curled into a faint smirk. The news of Master Di's demise was no surprise to him. After all, it had been his own doing. The coordinates he had secretly sent to Grievous, the promise of an isolated system with no Republic reinforcements, had been a calculated move. Grievous had become his pawn, and by killing the Jedi Master, perhaps a pawn destined to be promoted. 

The comm device in Shaak Ti's hand chirped again, this time signaling an incoming holoconference. She exhaled softly, regaining her composure as she accepted the connection. The holographic forms of Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi flickered to life before them. Both Jedi appeared worn and battle-weary. 

"Master Ti," Obi-Wan began, his tone as calm as ever despite the tension etched on his features. "We've just received word about Master Di. A great loss... 

Anakin, standing beside Obi-Wan, clenched his fists in frustration. "We can't just let Grievous get away with this! We should pursue him, track him down to wherever he's hiding and end this madness." 

Obi-Wan shook his head, his voice firm but laced with regret. "We're barely holding the line here on Christophis, Anakin. Our forces are stretched thin, and we've already sustained significant losses. We can't afford to push further into the Outer Rim, especially not against another blockade fleet. It would be a suicide mission." 

Anakin's eyes burned with intensity. "But we can't just sit here and do nothing! Grievous is out there, and every moment we wait, more lives are at risk." 

"Patience, Anakin," Obi-Wan countered, his tone gentle but resolute. "We must prioritize the lives we can save right now. Breaking this blockade and getting supplies to the troops on the ground is our immediate concern. Chasing after Grievous would leave our forces vulnerable, and the consequences could be catastrophic." 

As the two Jedi debated, Lelouch observed with an impassive expression, though his mind reveled in the turmoil he had sown. The seeds of doubt and discord were taking root, and even the strong bond between master and apprentice could not fully shield them from the stress of their predicament. Anakin's impetuousness and Obi-Wan's caution were clashing, creating the perfect storm of tension. 

The holographic forms of Chancellor Palpatine and Master Yoda materialized alongside those of Anakin and Obi-Wan. The tension in the room seemed to heighten as the highest authorities in the Republic joined the discussion. 

Chancellor Palpatine's voice was calm, but his tone carried the weight of authority. "It is a grievous loss that we have suffered today with the demise of Master Di. General Grievous is proving to be an increasingly formidable opponent, and the Outer Rim sieges are taxing our forces beyond measure." 

"General Lelouch," Palpatine began, his tone laced with a rare hint of concern, "I know the burden you carry is great, especially given the recent losses under the Jedi Generals. The southern quadrant is crucial to our efforts, and I am entrusting it to you. But remember, you must also take care of yourself. The strain of command can be overwhelming." 

The mention of concern caused a brief ripple among the Jedi present. Master Yoda's large ears twitched slightly, his eyes narrowing as he observed the exchange. It was unusual for the Chancellor to express such personal concern in a meeting of this nature. Shaak Ti glanced at Lelouch, her expression thoughtful. 

Lelouch, maintaining his composed demeanor, nodded respectfully. "Thank you, Chancellor. I assure you, I am prepared to bear this responsibility. The southern quadrant will be secured and I will make sure to protect our forces to the best of my abilities" 

Obi-Wan Kenobi raised an eyebrow subtly, exchanging a quick glance with Anakin Skywalker, who seemed to smile a little sheepishly as he sensed Lelouch's eyes wander to him as he said that. 

'He definitely heard about my recent stunt with Trench. I'm not gonna hear the end of it later...'