The Eternal Emperor

A.N: Shorter... but it felt good to end it there. Hope you enjoy it :)

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The city lights of Coruscant bathed Padmé's apartment in a soft glow, casting shifting patterns across the elegant furnishings. Padmé stood near the balcony, her silhouette framed by the bustling skyline, her arms wrapped protectively around herself. She turned at the sound of approaching footsteps, her eyes meeting Anakin's as he stepped into the room. 

"Padmé," Anakin began, his tone steady but heavy with purpose. His dark robes rustled faintly as he crossed the room toward her. 

She searched his face, concern etched deeply in her expression. "Anakin, what is it? What's happened?" 

Anakin stopped a few paces away, his hands clasping behind his back. "The Jedi are moving against the Chancellor," he said, his voice low but resolute. "It's a rebellion. They won't stand down unless they're forced to." 

Padmé's brow furrowed in disbelief. "Rebellion? Anakin, the Jedi are peacekeepers. They've protected the Republic for generations." 

He shook his head, his jaw tightening. "They've grown corrupt, Padmé. I've seen it. The Council seeks power. They distrust the Chancellor, and now they're plotting to overthrow him." 

Her voice softened, tinged with pleading. "But you can talk to them, can't you? Find another way? Violence can't be the answer." 

Anakin's gaze faltered for a moment before hardening again. "I've tried, Padmé. I've tried to reason with them, to make them see reason. But they won't listen. If they refuse to stand down peacefully... I'll have no choice." 

She took a step closer, her hand reaching for his. "Anakin, you can't mean that. You've always been loyal to the Jedi." 

He took her hand gently, his voice softening. "I was loyal to the Jedi, but they've lost their way. My loyalty now is to peace, to justice... to you." His free hand moved to her stomach, where their unborn child rested. "Everything I do, I do for our family, Padmé. I need you to trust me." There was desperation in his voice.

Padmé's eyes glistened, and she leaned into his touch. "I'm scared, Anakin. The Republic... the Jedi... you. Everything feels like it's slipping away." 

Anakin pulled her into an embrace, his voice firm yet tender. "I won't let anything happen to you. To us. The galaxy is changing, Padmé, but I'll make sure we're safe. I promise." 

As he held her, Anakin's gaze drifted to the cityscape beyond, his expression unreadable. 

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The wind howled across the sinkhole world of Utapau as Obi-Wan Kenobi surveyed the battlefield. The steep walls of the massive sinkhole city were a hive of activity, with Republic troops and artillery positions exchanging fire with entrenched Separatist forces. Smoke and debris filled the air, casting a haze over the battlefield. 

Obi-Wan stood atop a ridge, his cloak whipping around him as he activated his commlink. "Cody, report." 

Cody's voice crackled through the device, steady and professional. "General Kenobi, our forces have secured the outer rings. We're advancing toward the Separatist stronghold, but resistance is heavier than anticipated." 

"Any sign of General Grievous?" Obi-Wan asked, his tone betraying his growing unease. 

"Negative, sir," Cody replied. "Scouts report the stronghold is well-defended, but Grievous hasn't been sighted. It's... unusual, sir." 

Obi-Wan frowned, his fingers tightening around the hilt of his lightsaber. "Stay vigilant. If Grievous has left, there may be more to this than we realize." 

"Understood, sir. Cody out." 

As the commlink went silent, Obi-Wan turned his gaze toward the battle below. AT-TE walkers lumbered forward, their massive cannons firing at Separatist defensive positions. Swarms of battle droids returned fire, their blaster bolts streaking through the air. Clone troopers advanced in formation, their movements precise and disciplined, as ARC troopers laid down suppressive fire. 

Obi-Wan descended toward the front lines, his presence immediately galvanizing the troops. He deflected blaster bolts with ease, his lightsaber a blur of blue as he carved through ranks of battle droids. The clones followed as he led the charge, their war cries carrying over the din of battle. 

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Obi-Wan found Cody near a makeshift command post carved into the side of the sinkhole. The clone commander stood over a holotable, analyzing troop movements and issuing orders. He looked up as Obi-Wan approached, saluting sharply. 

"General," Cody said, his helmet under his arm. "The advance is progressing, but something doesn't sit right. If Grievous isn't here, where could he have gone?" 

"That's what concerns me, Cody," Obi-Wan replied, his brow furrowed. "Grievous wouldn't abandon his forces without a reason. He's too calculating for that." 

Cody nodded, his expression grim. "The troops are holding their ground, but we've encountered heavy resistance near the central spire. It's as if they're trying to delay us." 

"Delay us..." Obi-Wan murmured, his mind racing. "We need to press forward. If Grievous is using this as a distraction, the Republic could be walking into a trap." 

Cody straightened. "Understood, sir. I'll mobilize the next wave." 

As Obi-Wan turned to leave, the ground shook violently, an explosion tearing through a nearby section of the battlefield. The screams of wounded clones echoed in the distance, mingling with the relentless sound of blaster fire. 

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The setting sun bathed the Jedi Temple in a deep orange glow, casting long shadows across its pristine steps and towering spires. The once-proud symbol of peace and enlightenment now loomed with an air of foreboding as Anakin Skywalker ascended its grand staircase, flanked by the disciplined ranks of the 501st Legion. Their synchronized march reverberated through the air, the sound of boots striking stone in perfect rhythm a chilling herald of what was to come. 

Anakin's dark cloak billowed slightly in the breeze as his eyes fixed on the temple's imposing doors. Behind him, rows upon rows of clone troopers advanced, their polished blue-and-white armor gleaming in the dimming light. Each carried a blaster rifle held tightly to their chest, their movements precise, almost mechanical, their visors reflecting the temple's towering façade. The air was heavy with anticipation, a palpable tension that seemed to weigh down even the wind. 

As the troops reached the summit of the steps, they spread out like a well-oiled machine, breaking into smaller units and taking up designated positions. Squads moved to secure alternative entrances, their movements efficient and silent, weapons ready. 

At the top of the staircase, waiting with a composed yet alert demeanor, stood Jedi Master Ki-Adi-Mundi. His tall, elongated head was tilted slightly in surprise as his sharp eyes took in Anakin at the forefront of the formation. Flanking him were two temple guards, their gold-and-white robes stark against the gathering gloom, their double-bladed pikes held firmly in hand. 

"General Skywalker," Ki-Adi-Mundi greeted, his voice calm but edged with curiosity. "I wasn't expecting you." 

Anakin's boots clicked against the stone as he approached, his steps deliberate, measured. His face was impassive, his piercing blue eyes unreadable as they met the Jedi Master's gaze. 

"Disappointed?" Anakin replied, his tone steady but inquisitive. He cast a glance toward the guards, their stances rigid and their expressions unreadable beneath their helmets. 

A flicker of amusement passed Ki Adi Mundi. "Can a tool judge another for their role." 

Anakin's yellow eyes flared with intensity at that, but faded after a moment. 

Ki-Adi-Mundi inclined his head slightly. "All entrances have been secured. The temple guards await the command." 

Anakin nodded, his face betraying no emotion. Behind him, Rex and several other officers relayed orders through their comms, their voices low and professional. "Alpha Squad, secure the eastern corridor entrance. Bravo, take the southern approach. No one is leaving. Coordinate with the temple guards at the entrances." 

The clone officers confirmed in clipped tones, their voices crackling through the comm channels: 

"Alpha Squad copies. Entrance secure." 

"Bravo Squad, in position. Holding steady." 

"Charlie squad setting up, ETA: 30 seconds." 

"Delta squad, in position." 

"Echo squad on standby, equipment secured." 

Anakin nodded at that, turning to Rex. "And the First Squad?" 

The response was immediate. "They will make their approach once the battle has started. Echo goes in and secures the place, First Squad extracts the assets." 

Another nod followed as Anakin muttered a small "Good." 

Turning around, he saw as the last glimpses of the sun fell over the horizon and his communicator activated. 

Pulling it in front of him and Ki Adi Mundi, he activated it. 

The holographic form of the chancellor came into view. 

"The time has come. Execute Order 66." 

As the transmission ended, Anakin felt the presence of Jedi Master Windu and 3 others approaching from the temple's main doors. 

'Just in time.' He thought as the dark side flowed through him, and he didn't hold back. It reveled as it was finally released. 

"Skywalker, what is the meaning of this?" 

Anakin's eyes narrowed as he remembered how Lelouch had instructed him. 

"By the authority of Executive Order 66, as vested in me by the Chancellor, I hereby command your execution and the immediate elimination of all traitorous Jedi, under the charge of high treason against the Galactic Republic."