The Eternal Emperor

A.N: Ok, I'm a little tired now, hope you all enjoy it :)

The control room of the station was vast, a circular expanse dominated by a central holographic projector that illuminated the dimly lit space. The glow from consoles lined the walls in an eerie interplay of green, blue, and amber. Above, a vaulted ceiling of dark, smooth metal pulsed faintly, as if the station itself were alive. The air thrummed with a low, continuous vibration, a heartbeat of power that radiated from the station's core. 

Clone troopers and technicians moved with purpose across the room, their armored boots clanging against the polished floor. At the far end, an observation window provided a view of the surrounding void, a massive star burning brightly in the distance, its fiery tendrils seeming to reach toward the station like an offering. 

Lelouch stood at the center of it all, a figure of calm authority amidst the flurry of activity. His white cloak swayed gently as he surveyed his crew. They were quick, efficient—almost unnaturally so. He observed one of the technicians deftly manipulate a console, bringing systems online with surprising ease. 

"Impressive work," Lelouch remarked, his voice cutting through the ambient noise. "How are you finding the interface?" 

The technician froze for a moment, his fingers hovering over the panel. Slowly, he turned to face Lelouch, his expression both awed and confused. "I… I just knew what to do when I touched it," he stammered, pulling his hand back from the console as if it had burned him. Others nearby exchanged startled glances, nodding in quiet agreement. 

Lelouch's gaze flickered to the small ball of darkness that hovered at his side, darting excitedly around the room like a playful pet seeking approval. Its inky surface seemed to ripple with anticipation as if feeding on the moment. "Good job," Lelouch thought at it. The creature shuddered in place, radiating a sense of glee before it zipped to his shoulder, settling like a silent guardian. 

"Now," Lelouch continued, turning his attention to the central hologram. "Tell me what this station truly is." 

At his command, data began to flood the central display. Lines of alien script scrolled across the holographic interface, but as the crew watched, the text shifted and morphed, translating itself seamlessly into Galactic Basic. 

The words Star Forge appeared prominently, glowing at the top of the display. Beneath it, detailed schematics and annotations sprang to life. Lelouch's eyes narrowed as he read the information, his mind rapidly absorbing the implications. 

"This station," one of the officers began, her voice tinged with awe, "is called the Star Forge. It's… it's more than just a shipyard. It siphons matter and energy from nearby stars." 

"And not just matter," another added, his voice trembling slightly. "It uses… the Force. Somehow, it merges the energy of the Force with raw stellar material to create… anything." 

"Anything?" Lelouch asked, his tone sharp and inquisitive. 

"Ships, droids, weapons, war materials… in limitless quantities," the officer confirmed. The room fell into a heavy silence as the implications of those words sank in. 

The holographic display shifted, showcasing the station's systems. Subsystems and their statuses were listed in meticulous detail. 

"Systems report," one of the technicians called out, beginning to read the data aloud. 

========================== 

*Core Systems 

-Power Core (Infinite Engine): Active, increasing output steadily. 

-Matter Conversion Nodes: Online, efficiency at 37%. 

- Gyroscopic stabilizer: Operational, stabilizing external structure. 

-Force Manipulation Relays: Limited function detected. 

* Defense Systems 

-Plasma Shield Arrays: Partially online, perimeter strength at 1%. 

-Point-Defense Turrets: 6% operational, limited coverage. 

-Advanced Cloaking Fields: Offline. 

-Hull Integrity: Currently at 34%, repairs in progress. 

-Interdiction Projectors: Partially functional, range compromised. 

* Production and Manufacturing Systems 

-Automated Assembly Lines: Online, operating at 31% efficiency. 

-Material Siphoning Platforms: Operational at 13% efficiency. 

-Blueprint Repository: Accessible, integrity at 78%. 

-Adaptive Forge Matrix: Online, recalibrating for optimized production. 

* Operational Systems 

-HoloCommand Network: Active, currently limited to internal coordination. 

-Logistics Optimization Algorithms: Online, recalibrating. 

-Stellar Navigation Arrays: Partially functional, mapping underway. 

-Force Integration Controls: Limited function detected. 

-Internal Transit System: Offline, requiring repairs. 

* Starship and Troop Support 

-Docking Cradles: 33% operational, automated systems engaging. 

-Starfighter Refit Bays: Offline, maintenance underway. 

-Cargo Storage and Deployment Systems: Limited operational capabilities. 

-Orbital Deployment Launchers: Offline. 

-Hyperdrive Calibration Centers: Partially functional, diagnostics in progress. 

* Sensors and Reconnaissance 

-Deep-Scan Array: Operational, range limited to 18% of capacity. 

-Subspace Pulse Probes: Offline. 

-Stealth Detection Systems: 2% operational, recalibration required. 

-Galactic Data Nexus: Offline, damaged subroutines. 

*Mobility Systems 

-Primary Subspace Engines: Partially operational, output at 5%. 

-Secondary Subspace Engines: Offline, requiring extensive repairs. 

-Primary Hyperdrive Core: Non-functional, diagnostics underway. 

-Secondary Hyperdrive Core: Non-functional, diagnostics underway. 

-Maneuvering Thrusters: Operational, at 11% efficiency. 

-Inertial Dampeners: Active, synchronization at 72%. 

-Gravitational Anchor Systems: Partially functional, limited capacity. 

-Hyperlane Mapping Module: Offline, incompatible data detected. 

========================== 

Thorn, standing near the central holo-projector, crossed his arms as he scanned the new section that had appeared in the system display. His helmet tilted slightly as if he doubted his own eyes. "Mobility systems?" he muttered, almost incredulous. "This thing can move?" 

Another officer nodded. "Not just move, sir—hyperspace capable. Both primary and secondary hyperdrives are listed, though they are currently out of commission." 

Thorn gave a low whistle and stepped closer to the display. "A station of this size... moving? Let alone jumping to hyperspace? That's insane." He gestured to the updates, his fingers brushing against the hologram as he pondered the implications. 

"This opens up possibilities," he mused, mostly to himself. "Imagine deploying something like this in a system. It doesn't just produce fleets—it is a strategic asset. But without defenses or a proper fleet to guard it, moving would be a gamble." 

Another clone nearby added, "And any hyperspace jump would risk exposing its location. We'd need to secure the area before considering any movement." 

Thorn nodded slowly. "True. It's powerful, but vulnerable. Still…" He looked around the control room, the faint hum of systems and distant echoes of repair crews filling the air. "This changes everything. If we can restore those engines..." 

His words hung in the air, a quiet mixture of awe and caution, as the Star Forge continued to awaken. The officers returned to their consoles, and Thorn stepped back, his mind already racing with the tactical implications of what he had just learned. 

Meanwhile, Lelouch continued to look at the display, realizing that despite what it had shown, the station was still basically running in low-power mode. Likely the Infinite Engine they had brought, raised in secrecy had not yet reached its full maturity."It seems this station requires more than just passive activation, " he remarked, extending both arms outward. His voice dropped into a commanding tone. "It requires a proper spark." 

The officers exchanged puzzled glances, but before they could inquire further, the air in the room shifted. A weight seemed to press down on them, as if the station itself were responding to his will. Lelouch's eyes gleamed, his presence expanding as he unleashed the full power of the Force. 

The room trembled violently, and the vibrations spread outward. Throughout the station, walls groaned, metal creaked, and ancient mechanisms stirred to life. The officers stumbled, grabbing onto consoles and railings for support as their displays began to flicker and update. 

"What's happening?!" one officer shouted, his knuckles white as he gripped his console. 

"The systems—look!" another exclaimed. 

On the holographic display, the values began to shift in real time. 

Hull Integrity: 34% → 35% → 37%... rising steadily. 

Energy Core Siphoning: 23% → 25% → 27%... distance to nearest star dropping. 

Shields: 1% → 3% → 5%... energy levels rising. 

Infinite Engine: Output increasing steadily. 

.... 

"By the Force…" one of the engineers breathed, watching as entire sections of the station began to repair themselves and come online. 

----------------------------------- 

Meanwhile, in the void outside, the starfighter squadrons maneuvered toward the station's main hangar. Commander Folin, piloting one of the lead ships, frowned as his scanners lit up with strange activity. 

"Watch your six!" he barked into his comms. 

Debris that had floated lifelessly moments ago began to shift. Jagged shards of twisted metal snapped together like puzzle pieces, aligning and melting into the hull of the station as if drawn by an invisible hand. 

"What the kriff is happening?" one pilot yelled as they swerved to avoid a massive panel drifting dangerously close. 

"Just get to the hangar!" Folin ordered, his voice strained but steady. "Avoid the debris and dock!" 

The starfighter groups managed to navigate through the chaos, their ships weaving between erratically moving fragments. As they entered the hangar, their helmets' visors reflected the sight of a newly constructed Venator-class Star Destroyer, its hull gleaming under the stark lights. 

"Wait… that's the Excalibur! But how—" 

----------------------------------- 

The tremors subsided, leaving the room eerily quiet. The officers slowly straightened, their eyes wide as they took in the updated holographic display. The station had undergone a transformation, entire sections snapping into place and damaged systems now coming online. 

Lelouch lowered his arms, his expression serene but satisfied. The small ball of darkness at his side buzzed with unrestrained joy, circling him like an excited child seeking praise. 

"Well done," Lelouch said softly, and the creature shuddered in delight, settling back onto his shoulder. 

"Status report," he ordered, his voice cutting through the lingering awe. 

One of the officers, still slightly shaken, stepped forward. "Sir, the station's systems are rapidly stabilizing. Hull integrity is at 51% and rising. The Infinite Engine is fully operational and appears to be driving the repairs. Subsystems previously inactive are beginning to come online." 

Lelouch watched the holographic systems update with a faint but unmistakable smirk of satisfaction. His sharp eyes flickered over the comprehensive reports, the once-dormant systems now slowly coming to life. Each new piece of operational data etched itself into his mind—a foundation for the empire he envisioned. 

He clasped his hands behind his back and turned, his voice steady and commanding. "Fordo. Thorn." 

Both officers snapped to attention, their polished armor catching the ambient glow of the control room's panels. Lelouch gestured for them to follow, his cape flowing gracefully as he strode toward the exit of the control room. 

They stopped just outside the massive observation windows, overlooking the still-repairing Star Forge. Thorn spoke first, a slight hesitation in his tone. "High General, what are your orders regarding the troops?" 

Lelouch's response was swift and decisive. "The troops will remain stationed here. You, Commander Thorn, will oversee them and the station itself." He paused, turning to meet Thorn's gaze directly. "The Republic must hear nothing of this. We cannot afford their scrutiny or interference—not yet. Your task is to ensure this station is fully operational within the next few months." 

Thorn absorbed the weight of the order, his expression hardening with determination. "Understood, sir. I won't let you down." He saluted crisply before taking his leave, already planning the logistics of maintaining secrecy while restoring the station's full potential. 

As Thorn disappeared down the corridor, Lelouch turned his attention to Fordo. His voice dropped slightly. "Fordo, you will deliver a message to General Grievous personally." 

Fordo's head tilted slightly in surprise but nodded. "A message, sir?" 

Lelouch reached into his tunic, producing a small datachip and an encrypted holodevice. "These are the authorization codes. The keyphrase is Operation Cradle. You are to deliver this to him directly, no intermediaries, no exceptions. This is of utmost importance." 

Fordo accepted the items with reverence, his face unreadable beneath his helmet. "It will be done, High General." 

"Good." Lelouch clasped his hands behind his back once more, his piercing purple gaze shifting back to the endless machinery of the Star Forge. "With this, the pieces are falling into place. Soon, the galaxy will know true order." 

Fordo stood silently for a moment, then saluted and left to carry out his mission, leaving Lelouch alone with the view of the station—a monolithic testament to his vision.