The Eternal Emperor

The emergency holo-conference flickered to life, illuminating the grim faces of the Republic's highest-ranking officers. The aftermath of the chaotic battle still weighed heavily on them, their ships battered, their fleets thinned. The once-pristine order of the Galactic Empire had suffered a seismic blow with the destruction of the Senate building. And now the most unsettling truth loomed in their minds: Emperor Palpatine was dead. 

The conference room aboard the remnants of the Venator Eclipse's bridge was silent as Admiral Yularen's image stabilized on the holotable. He looked worn but composed, his voice carrying the weight of the situation. "I hereby call this emergency meeting to order. We are gathered here to determine the Empire's immediate course of action following the confirmed death of Emperor Palpatine and the decimation of the Senate complex." 

A murmur rippled through the gathered holograms. General Anakin Skywalker stood with his arms folded, a grim scowl on his face. Ki-Adi-Mundi stood beside him, his brows furrowed in thought. Admirals and generals from various sectors filled the remaining spaces, each one trying to mask the uncertainty gnawing at their resolve. 

It was Tarkin who broke the silence. His holographic figure stood tall, as composed as ever. "Before we proceed, I assume there are questions regarding my presence here," he began crisply. 

Skywalker frowned. "You're a captain, Tarkin. What gives you the authority to attend this meeting of the High Command?" 

Tarkin's tone was cool. "Admiral Tars perished during the orbital engagement. As the highest-ranking officer remaining in the Coruscant sector, I was granted emergency clearance to assume control of all ground and orbital operations. That includes representation here." 

Yularen nodded thoughtfully. "Given the chain of command protocols, his attendance is appropriate." 

Ki-Adi-Mundi still looked skeptical. "Fine. But what about the Senate? The entire governmental structure has been wiped out. Without a Senate or an Emperor, we risk collapse." 

Admiral Korlan, a seasoned officer from the Outer Rim, crossed his arms. "Then we restore the Senate. Form a provisional council and elect a new chancellor to oversee operations until a more permanent solution can be established." 

General Skywalker scoffed. "That's wishful thinking. Even if we could gather surviving senators, getting them to agree on anything would take months—if not years. In the meantime, planetary systems will descend into chaos. Warlords will rise, and we'll be back to square one." 

"Skywalker's right," Admiral Hen interjected. "We need strong, centralized leadership now. The Republic crumbled under bureaucracy. We can't afford that mistake again." 

"But appointing a new Emperor?" Ki-Adi-Mundi's voice was sharp. "Do you truly believe that is a better path?" 

Tarkin's voice cut through the debate like a razor. "Gentlemen, the path forward is clear—if only you're willing to see it." 

The room fell silent as all eyes turned to him. Tarkin's expression was coldly resolute. "We need continuity. Stability. The position of Emperor must be filled—and it must be filled by someone who can command the respect of the military and the loyalty of the people." 

Admiral Korlan snorted. "And who exactly do you propose for that? Palpatine kept a tight grip on power." 

Tarkin's lips curled into a thin smile. "Lelouch Palpatine." 

Korlan looked surprised at that. "He's last name is Palpatine? So... the chancellor's son? Damn, all this time i onyl knew him as the High General... well, if its him, I'm sold." He said as he raised his hands. 

A ripple of surprise passed through the room. Ki-Adi-Mundi's brow furrowed in disbelief. "Lelouch? You can't be serious. He's a military commander, not a politician." 

"On the contrary," Tarkin countered smoothly. "He is everything the Empire needs. A decisive tactician, a brilliant leader, and—perhaps most importantly—a figure who commands the respect and admiration of the clone army and the people themselves. He is already a hero to the men who have already fought and bled as well as the countless who see him as a savior." 

Admiral Hen nodded slowly. "He's got a point. Lelouch's reputation is unmatched. The troops and the people would rally behind him without question." 

"And let's not forget," Tarkin added, his voice sharp, "that Lelouch is Palpatine's son. Whether adopted or not, depending on what rumors you choose to believe, that lineage matters. It provides a seamless transition of power. All the deals made by Emperor Palpatine would stand if Lelouch was to take power, which include most of our military contracts." 

A tense silence followed. Even those who had reservations found themselves unable to refute the logic. Murmurs of agreement spread through the gathering. 

Admiral Korlan sighed heavily. "The boy's the best choice we've got. He's proven himself time and again. Even given his penchant to forego any political consequence, he's more qualified than any here... actually that might just be a bonus." 

Yularen leaned forward. "Are we truly prepared to pledge ourselves to Lelouch as the next Emperor?" 

Tarkin's voice was steady. "Isn't it better for the Empire to have a leader who embodies both strength and wisdom? A man who has already proven that he can rise above the petty politics that plagued the Republic? If we pledge our loyalty to him, we can create an Empire that surpasses even the Republic—a true beacon of order and stability." 

There was a long pause as the weight of Tarkin's words sank in. 

Finally, Yularen spoke solemnly. "I see no other viable option." 

One by one, the admirals and generals nodded in agreement. Even Ki-Adi-Mundi, though clearly reluctant, bowed his head. 

Ki Adi Mundi watched with veiled amusement. While he may have had to act as an unwilling party, he was rather surprised at how easily Tarkin could make the entire GAR think that it was their idea to put the High General on the seat of the late Emperor. In truth, there was no choice, the army, the navy, made up entirely of clones, now answered to the highest authority, Lelouch Palpatine. If they did not agree, the entire leadership of GAR would find itself on the receiving end of a blaster, courtesy of the same guards that guarded them, shot in the back under the security of their own ships. 

====================================== 

The holographic display flickered as Lelouch entered the room, stepping into the circular array of holo-projectors. Blue-tinted figures of generals, admirals, and Jedi flickered to life, their somber faces reflecting the magnitude of the situation. At the forefront were Admiral Yularen, General Anakin Skywalker, Captain Tarkin, and Jedi Master Ki-Adi-Mundi. 

"High General Lelouch Palpatine," Yularen began, his voice formal, "thank you for joining us on such short notice." 

Lelouch clasped his hands behind his back, his gaze steady. "What is the situation?" 

Tarkin was the first to step forward, his tone clipped and efficient. "During the recent chaos on Coruscant, we confirmed the death of Emperor Palpatine. His fortified command center was entirely obliterated—there were no survivors." 

A heavy silence hung in the room as the weight of Tarkin's words settled over them. Even Lelouch, with all his composure, narrowed his eyes slightly. 

Yularen cleared his throat. "We have deliberated extensively on how to proceed. The Empire is in turmoil, and the absence of leadership has already caused widespread confusion among the fleet and planetary forces." 

Ki-Adi-Mundi's hologram flickered as he added, "A transition back to the Senate is impractical at this time. The entire governing body has been decimated, and the logistical nightmare of appointing nearly a thousand new senators would take years—if it were even possible." 

Tarkin took a step forward, his gaze firm. "Given the circumstances, the only logical course of action is to secure immediate and stable leadership." He looked directly at Lelouch, his expression unwavering. "And by every measure, Commander, that leader is you." 

Lelouch's eyes narrowed. "Explain." 

"You are the son of Emperor Palpatine," Tarkin stated unequivocally. "His rightful heir by both blood and merit. You have proven yourself time and again as a decisive tactician, a brilliant leader, and a symbol of inspiration to the troops. The Empire needs someone who commands respect and loyalty, and you are that man." 

There was a murmur of agreement from several of the gathered commanders. 

Anakin Skywalker stepped forward, his voice steady. "You've earned the loyalty of the clone army and the people. They would follow you without question." 

Ki-Adi-Mundi, though hesitant, spoke with solemnity. "And despite the Jedi's principles, I must concede that in this moment, stability is paramount. You are the only figure who can provide that." 

Lelouch's expression remained inscrutable, but his mind raced. The galaxy was indeed in chaos, and while the suggestion of taking the throne was audacious, it was not entirely unexpected. 

"I appreciate your faith," Lelouch said carefully, "but are you all prepared for what this entails? Declaring loyalty to a single leader, effectively cementing the Empire's structure permanently?" 

Yularen's voice was steady. "We have deliberated. There is no other viable option. The Empire must endure, and you are the only one who can lead it." 

With the formalities out of the way, Yularen's expression shifted. Slowly, the admiral fell to one knee, bowing his head. "Your Majesty." 

There was a ripple of movement as the other admirals and generals followed suit, their holographic forms dipping into a kneeling position. Anakin Skywalker was next, his lightsaber clipped to his belt as he knelt without hesitation. 

Tarkin's voice was firm. "On behalf of the Coruscant Defense Fleet and all forces under my command, I swear allegiance to the Emperor." 

"On behalf of the 501st Legion, I swear allegiance to the Emperor." Skywalker added. 

Ki-Adi-Mundi, though clearly conflicted, bowed his head as well. "On behalf of the Jedi Guards, I swear allegiance to the Emperor." 

One by one, the other commanders spoke, each pledging their loyalty in the names of their fleets, legions, and corps. The room reverberated with their oaths. 

====================================== 

Live Broadcast – HoloNet News Channel 7 

The screen flickered. The image of a polished news anchor in a sleek blue suit was abruptly replaced by static before the broadcast snapped to a live feed. The transition was haphazard—shaky footage from a ground-level news team near the Senate District. 

The reporter, a young man in a standard HoloNet blazer, looked disoriented, gripping his earpiece as he motioned frantically for the cameraman to follow. "Cut to live! Cut to live now!" His voice was panicked. 

The image refocused, revealing a towering warship—a Lucrehulk-class Capital Ship, its engines flickering erratically as it descended in free fall toward the heart of the Senate District. Fires trailed from its hull, smoke and debris spiraling in its wake. 

"Oh stars… it's—it's going to hit the Senate building!" The reporter's voice cracked as the camera zoomed in, capturing the moment of impact. 

The starshipcrashed into the Senate complex with devastating force. The sheer impact sent out shockwaves, shattering nearby buildings and throwing a massive plume of dust and flame into the sky. The camera trembled violently, the feed momentarily cutting to static before stabilizing again. The reporter's breathing was audible—short and uneven—as he struggled to comprehend what he had just witnessed. 

"By the… ... ...the Senate… it's gone. The entire complex—it's…" He trailed off, the sheer scale of destruction sinking in. 

Minutes passed, the broadcast continuing in stunned silence, the reporter attempting to string sentences together, though it was understandable, as he was a weather reporter, nowhere near specialized for this event, the camera capturing emergency responders and panicked civilians fleeing the wreckage. Then—another explosion. 

The camera feed distorted as a blinding white light erupted from the remains of the Senate building, followed by a deafening roar. The ground trembled. The force of the blast shattered nearby durasteel supports, toppling structures like dominoes. The shockwave hit seconds later, sending debris flying. The reporter ducked behind cover, his voice barely audible over the chaos. 

"I—We—We're witnessing… I don't even know how to describe this—" His words caught in his throat as the camera panned up. A colossal mushroom cloud was rising into the Coruscant skyline, its sheer scale swallowing the sky. 

The screen cut to black. 

====================================== 

The feed resumed hours later, this time from the HoloNet Newsroom. The usual polished anchors were gone. The replacement—a weary-looking middle-aged woman with hurriedly applied makeup—sat at the desk, clearly still processing the events of the day. 

"This is Maris Vallon, reporting live from Coruscant. We are still piecing together the full scope of today's tragedy, but we now have confirmation of an unprecedented shift in leadership following the destruction of the Senate." 

Behind her, a massive image of Lelouch vi Britannia was projected. Dressed in a regal white military uniform, his deep purple eyes seemed to pierce through the screen. 

"Following a high-level emergency meeting of the Galactic Republic's senior command structure, it has been confirmed—Lelouch vi Britannia has been declared Emperor, taking up the mantle left by the late Emperor Palpatine. His rise to power has been met with immediate and overwhelming support from the Grand Army of the Republic and the Imperial military forces." 

The screen cut to a massive gathering of clone troopers, officers, and civilians standing before a grand balcony. Lelouch stood above them, looking down with an air of absolute command. The crowd fell silent as he stepped forward. 

Then, he spoke. 

"My people… my soldiers… my Empire." 

His voice, calm yet resonant, echoed across the plaza. His tone carried the weight of destiny itself as it seemed to captivate all who listened. 

"Today, we stand at the crossroads of history. The Senate is no more. The Republic, as it once stood, is shattered—not by external enemies, but by its own corruption, by the decay that festered within its very core. Make no mistake, this was an attack both from within and out. No outside enemy could facilitate a fleet that size a secure route within the heart of our Empire without support from inside." 

The audience listened in rapt silence, the tension in the air palpable, and as the words fell, hatred rose. 

"For too long, we have been shackled by bureaucracy, by indecision, by weak leadership that sought only to prolong its own existence at the expense of those who serve. But no more." 

His eyes scanned the gathering, the raw conviction in his gaze unshakable. 

"I do not come before you as a tyrant. I do not stand here to take power for my own ambition. I stand here because the galaxy needs a leader. One who will not hesitate. One who will not bow to the whispers of corrupt officials or self-serving politicians. One who will not allow the sacrifices of the people be in vain. I cannot promise an end to war, because there will never be. Both in birth and upbringing, in sheer scope of ability every one of us is inherently different, which is why there is struggle, competition and the unfaltering march of progress. This props those who will not stand with us, to stand against us... but no longer. We will find the traitors, we will uproot the Confederacy, we will give no quarter. We will burn the entirety of the remaining systems if that is what is required for the security and prosperity of the Empire and its people. No longer will war touch the inside of our borders." 

"From this moment forward, the Empire takes the charge. No longer bound by the indecisiveness of a failed system. No longer shackled by old and outdated traditions that serve no purpose but to hinder progress. No longer divided between those who can lead and those who should lead." 

He extended his hand toward the ones gathered and those watching from beyond the cameras. 

"You—my people—have given everything. Your loyalty, your duty, your very lives and this wreckage and loss of your daily lives is what you got in return... And so, I make this vow: Under my rule, your sacrifices will not be in vain. The Empire will stand stronger than ever before. Justice will be swift. Order will be absolute. Peace… will be earned. The time for diplomacy is over. " He said as he opened his arms wide. 

A ripple went through the assembled forces. Then, a voice rang out from the crowd. 

"ALL HAIL THE EMPEROR!" 

====================================== 

The words spread like fire, as it was chanted across systems. 

The air was thick with smoke and the acrid stench of burning metal. The once-glistening spires of the Senate District lay in ruins, twisted durasteel and shattered permacrete scattered across the desolate streets. Emergency sirens wailed through the wreckage, their haunting cries mixing with the anguished shouts of civilians searching for loved ones. 

A mother, her face streaked with soot and blood, clutched the limp body of her child, shaking him gently, her voice raw with desperation. 

"Wake up, please… just open your eyes. Please, please, wake up…" 

Around her, the scene was the same—a husband digging through rubble with his bare hands, a young woman calling out names into the empty void, a father staring blankly at the remains of what was once his home. 

The broadcast of the Emperor's speech still echoed across the city, playing from shattered holoprojectors buried in the debris. Some wept openly at his words, clinging to his promises of vengeance and order. Others simply stood, numb, unable to process the magnitude of what had transpired. 

A man knelt before the ruins of the Senate, staring at the carnage with hollow eyes. His wife had worked there. His brother. His friends. 

He was alone now. 

The screen on a nearby holopanel flickered, the image of Lelouch standing tall, draped in white, projected against the backdrop of war-torn Coruscant. His voice, unwavering, spoke of a new era. Of justice. Of swift retaliation. 

The man clenched his fists. His grief twisted into something else. Something dark. 

Yes, he thought, no more compromises. No more debates. No more weakness. No more mercy. Burn them all. 

====================================== 

(ONDERON) 

In the shadow of a burning city, the people of Onderon watched the broadcast through the cracked screens of their holoprojectors, huddled together in makeshift shelters as Separatist droids marched through the streets. Explosions rumbled in the distance, sending tremors through the underground bunkers where civilians had taken refuge. 

A young girl, no older than ten, clung to her brother's arm, her voice barely a whisper. 

"Do you think… do you think he'll come for us?" 

Her brother, barely a man himself, swallowed hard. He had seen their father gunned down when the droids stormed the city. Their mother had gone missing in the chaos. There was nothing left but each other and the distant promise of salvation. 

He turned his eyes to the flickering image of the new Emperor. The words hung in the air like a lifeline. 

"We will burn the entirety of the remaining systems if that is what is required for the security and prosperity of the Empire and its people." 

He tightened his grip around his sister's hand. 

"He will." 

====================================== 

(TATOOINE) 

The cantina was dimly lit, its patrons a mix of smugglers, bounty hunters, and weary travelers. A holoprojector flickered in the corner, broadcasting the Emperor's declaration. 

A Twi'lek trader shook his head, downing his drink. "I don't like it. We saw what the Republic did to the Outer Rim. What do you think an Empire will do?" 

A grizzled human beside him scoffed, tossing a few credits onto the bar. "Better an Empire that does something than a Republic that does nothing." 

A Rodian across the table grunted. "And if they come for us next?" 

The human smirked, leaning back. "Then we'll fight." 

"Like the Separatists?" The Twi'lek raised a brow. 

The human fell silent. 

The holoprojector buzzed, replaying Lelouch's final words. 

"The time for diplomacy is over." 

The Twi'lek exhaled, looking down at his drink. "Yeah," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else. "I think it is." 

====================================== 

(Unknown Location) 

The chamber was dark—cold, sterile, and lined with rows of dormant cloning pods. Dim red lighting cast long shadows across the metallic floor, the only sounds being the soft hum of machinery and the rhythmic beeping of life-support systems. 

At the heart of it all, connected to an intricate web of cables and tubes, sat a lone figure. His body, while whole, was imperfect—a failed copy of the once-mighty Emperor. His skin, pale and cracked, bore the imperfections of rushed replication, and his fingers trembled slightly with every slow breath. 

Before him, a holo-display flickered to life, projecting an image of the galaxy's new ruler. A young man dressed in pristine white, standing before the masses, his piercing violet eyes staring into the future with the certainty of an unshakable will. 

The figure in the chair exhaled softly. It was not anger that filled his chest, nor despair. Only a quiet acceptance... and strangely... pride, untold and overwhelming pride. 

"Yes, as it should be," he murmured, his voice hoarse, lacking the strength it once carried. A small smile played at his cracked lips. "Now..." 

His trembling hand reached for a control panel embedded in the armrest of his chair. With the press of a button, a metallic voice responded. 

"Succession Protocols initiated. Standby for confirmation." 

A moment of silence. Then, a soft chime. The order was accepted. The transition of power was secured. 

He had served his purpose. This clone—this mere fragment of what once was—had been created as a contingency, but even the finest genetic science could not fully recreate the Dark Lord of the Sith. His body was deteriorating, his mind fraying at the edges. He had outlived his necessity. 

He lifted his gaze once more to the holo-display, watching the new Emperor extend his hand toward the people. 

"Justice will be swift. Order will be absolute. Peace... will be earned." 

A quiet chuckle escaped his lips. 

"Then… Let us not meet... for a long time... my apprentice." 

With a final motion, he deactivated the machines sustaining him. The support systems let out a low hiss as the cables detached, and the vital fluids drained away. His breath grew shallow, his body convulsing for a moment before stilling. 

====================================== 

Across the stars, the echoes of Lelouch's speech rippled through every world, every station, every battlefield. 

Some cheered, embracing the dawn of a new Empire—one born not from deception, but from force and fire. 

Some grieved, mourning the Republic's final death and all the ideals it once stood for. 

And some, in the dark corners of the galaxy, whispered of rebellion. Of resistance. Of war yet to come. 

But for now, the Empire stood. Unyielding. 

And its Emperor had spoken. 

A.N: Whew.... Cooked this up for one whole week, rewriten it many times, and straight up scraped it a couple of times, but i think its quite good now. Hope you all enjoy it :)