Chapter 7: The Empire

A galaxy saved from darkness! In the aftermath of Anakin Skywalker's victory over Darth Sidious, the Jedi High-Council convenes to discuss the best course of action moving forward.


Obi-Wan sat back in his chair in the Jedi High-Council chamber. The other Jedi Councilmen all sat with him in silence. Many looking traumatized by recent events, while others looked at four empty seats.

"We cannot sit here in silence, indefinitely." Master Plo Koon said, finally breaking the silence. A heavy sigh followed from Obi-Wan as he raised his head.

"Play it."

"Which one?" Eeth Koth asked painfully.

"Both." Obi-Wan answered.

A recorded message played, which showed Anakin with Padme and Ahsoka beside him. Anakin still wearing Revan's mask.

"People of the Galaxy! All of us were deceived and manipulated into waging war on one another! Our leaders blind to the corruption, which allowed Sidious to nearly claim the galaxy for himself!"

Padme now stepped forward with a fierce look upon her face.

"All of this could have been prevented. The Republic one stood for justice and democracy. Now it's become a bastion for corruption, special interests, and leaders serving themselves instead of their people!" Another figure appeared in the hologram, Rex, without his helmet.

"My brothers and I have fought and died for a Republic that saw us as nothing but slaves and property! They claim to stand for freedom and prosperity, but they ignore slavery and corruption across the galaxy when it suits them! We're slaves to the Republic and Jedi no more!"

"All systems and peoples who wish to see a new begging can join us on Rakata Prime! Together we'll build a new civilization with righteous and dedicated leaders! To any Jedi or force wielders who hear this message! Be not afraid! For too long the force has lived out of balance, I offer all those willing to learn a chance to become masters of the force, all of it! Come to Rakata Prime and become Je'daii!"

The message ended and brought silence back to the chamber for a minute.

"How many systems have joined Skywalker?" Master Kolar asked cautiously.

"Dozens of systems from the Republic, most of the old Separatist systems, and dozens that were neutral." Plo Koon answered.

"It's worse than that. I've heard more news broadcast all over the holonet. Anakin's been declared Emperor of this new government, and Padme Empress."

"He's done what Sidious intended to do then!" Master Mundi cried.

"I don't think so. Apparently, this new Empire still has a senate, and a constitution is being written. Even as Emperor, Anakin doesn't seem to have supreme power as Sidious would have."

"We should also be concerned about the fact that there is no more clone army?" Shaak Ti reminded them as each master nodded.

"Indeed, every Clone Legion has deserted to join Anakin. What's worse, it appears the new batches of Clones Sidious had financed with control of the banks have also joined him. Plus Admiral Yularen, and most of the other top military brass. Not to mention over a dozen Mandalorian clans besides the three already with him."

"Apparently, he's also seized control of Scarif and warned no one to enter the system.

"Anakin had to find something on Rakata Prime. Meaning he has the power of the Infinite Empire, not to mention hundreds of Jedi Knights, padawans, and a dozen masters who've left the order to join his Je'daii." Obi-Wan wished it wasn't true, but there was nothing he could do.

"Not just the Je'daii." Master Mundi said begrudgingly. Another hologram began to play. This one showed Chevalier with Master Fisto and Secura beside him.

"Fellow Jedi, force sensitives of the galaxy! For over a thousand generations, our order has served as defenders of peace and justice. We once spanned the entire galaxy, served as valiant knights revered by all, and learned as consulars with the wisdom of the ages. But ever since the Ruusan Reformations, we've become slaves to the Republic! We've let corrupt politicians dictate our teachings and limit our potential for fear of us becoming Sith! As a result, our order became decedent and wasted away under teachings that rotted us to the point where bounty hunters could kill masters with ease, and a Sith Lord could hide in plain sight before our greatest masters! Nearly destroying us all!"

Obi-Wan and the other masters gazed at Kit and Aayla's holograms before turning to their empty seats.

"Just as my ancestor Satel Shan did, I call upon all Jedi who wishes to rediscover our true identity and reclaim our former glory as Knights and Consulars of the Light! I call upon you to join us on Tython! Join the Blue Jedi! The true heirs to the Jedi! I also ask all those who wish to become Jedi to join us! Anyone who can feel the force is welcome, no matter what age you are! Let us also be known that we are friends of Emperor Skywalker and his Je'daii! I have sworn allegiance to the Emperor and will fight by his side if asked, just as he'll fight by ours."

"Heretics!" Master Mundi growled.

"Calm yourself, let us not forget how we ended up in this situation." Master Mundi's frustration vanished, and he bore a look of shame.

"Just as many have joined Chevalier, including two of our own councilmen. As he said, they're under Anakin's protection know."

"What about these new students?" Shaal Ti asked.

"Thousands of force sensitives across the galaxy are flocking to join these Blue Jedi and Je'daii. Including countless miraluka."

"What of the Republic?"

"A new election is underway. Bail Organa is expected to win." Plo answered.

"A fine choice. The Republic needs a wise and strong leader now more than ever."

"Bail Organa is many things, but he's not strong." Master Mundi almost growled.

"Let's not get into political debates here." Shaak Ti said sternly, and Master Mundi went silent for a moment.

"I'm just saying, in this situation, the Republic may need a leader who can stand up to Skywalker."

"Are you suggesting war may break out between the Republic and Anakin's new Empire?" Obi-Wan said defensively.

"We must consider the possibility."

"Given our current state, the Jedi order could do little, and Anakin could bring the Republic to its knees if he so desired. As of right now, the entire galaxy is at his mercy." Master Koth reminded them.

"I agree, even if he didn't intend it. Skywalker has become exactly what Sidious wanted to be, the most powerful man in the galaxy. Right now, he commands the lastest fleet and army in existence. A Jedi is not meant to be a ruler." Shaak Ti said before Obi-Wan shook his head.

"Anakin isn't a Jedi anymore, and we need to accept that."

"I agree, this bickering is getting us nowhere. We must be grateful for Skywalker's actions. He saved the Republic and the Jedi. Right now, we must learn from the mistakes that brought us here and more forward." Plo said calmly.

"And what, join Chevalier's Blue Jedi?" Master Mundi almost grumbled again.

"May I remind you, master Mundi, that despite our teachings meant to stop Jedi from falling, we allowed Jedi like Krell and Dooku to slip through the cracks." Master Muni sighed and lowered his head again. He, too, felt shame for what Krell did on Umbara. Master Mundi never like to think of his Galactic marines as simple commodities, and could only imagine what Anakin's 501st went through under Krell.

"Right now, we should accept what's happened and select a new grandmaster." Shaak Ti said.

"I concur. I nominate master Plo Koon." Obi-Wan said without hesitation. Plo looked back at Obi-Wan before noticing the other masters turning to him for leadership.

"I second that." Master Mundi said.

"As do I." Shaak Ti added. No objections were raised, and Plo took a deep breath.

"Very well, I shall bear this great responsibility with humility and dedication."


Elsewhere on Rakata Prime, dozens of former republic cruisers floated in orbit alongside freshly made Imperial and Resurgent class star destroyers. The monster ships acted as border patrols for thousands of smaller ships attempting to enter the planet's atmosphere.

Anakin held his hand at the Infinite Forge and continued to generate new building materials which large transports carried away to various islands where cities were now being built. The Temple itself was being renovated into a massive palace-like building.

Anakin remained vigilant to ensure he controlled the Infinite Forge rather than the other way around. Luckily, Revan's teachings helped him do just that. Maul crossed his arms and watched Anakin with envy. He'd achieved everything Maul could ever dream for, and the Sith Lord was left with nothing.

"I should congratulate you, Emperor." Anakin could sense the resentment in Maul's voice.

"You're welcome to stay if you want, Maul. You don't have to abandon the dark side, but we can show you the light as well." Maul shook his head.

"No. I am a Sith. It's all I'll ever be."

"What's your plan, then?" Anakin asked vigilantly.

"Scarif, that's where the true sith are. Perhaps they'll accept me." Anakin relaxed slightly.

"Perhaps. May the force be with you."

Anakin took a deep breath as he gazed out at his new people before him. Artoo chirped optimistically as he rolled up.

"I hope so, buddy." Moments later, Artoo's transmitter went off and projected 3P0.

"Excuse me, master Anakin, but it's time." Anakin's eyes widened.

All Across the islands, clones mingled with various Mandalorian clans.

The 212th legion made camp on one island with Clan Saxon. Boil and Cody walked through the camp with Gar Saxon.

"Must be nice having those chips our of your heads." Gar chuckled.

"I always thought something was itchy in the back of my head." Boil said.

"It's good to know we'll live full lives now. But what kind of lives I wonder. Being soldiers is all we know." Cody spoke with a sense of lament. Everything he'd ever fought for had turned out to be nothing but a lie.

"Look around us, you clones get the chance to become real Mandalorians now. Not just you either." Gar smiled as he emphasized not only the 212th Legion and non-combatant clones training with clan Saxon, but also hundreds of other human and aliens who arrived daily to settle on Rakata Prime.

"Bo-Katan Kryze is a fool. There is strength in outsiders. She can wallow in her destitute as an outlaw. Mandalore is part of our Empire now."

Cody and Boil looked confused as they turned back to Gar.

"What happened on Mandalore?"

"Hah, Saran arrived and told the people we're part of the Empire. Bo-Katan Kryze and her loyalists claimed Mandalore would never be ruled by outsiders and then tried to kill Saran."

"What happened?" Boil asked.

"Delta Squad killed Bo-Katan Kryze's supporters and took her prisoner. I hear Sev knocked a few of her teeth out." Gar sounded far too happy with this report, in a way that disturbed the clones.

"Right. Well, I'm glad Saran's ok." The three soon noticed a group of twi'lek settlers arriving from transports.

"More new arrivals. Emperor Skywalker sure knows how to give a speech." Gar continued to laugh. Cody nodded before he noticed a sincere look on Boil's face.

"Boil?" Cody asked before the clone sprinted forward towards a twi'lek family.

"Nerra!" Cody saw Boil embrace a familiar twi'lek child. The girl's parents seemed to remember Boil as well and greeted him with a smile.

"It's good to see you kid. Welcome to Rakata Prime." Cody felt touched by the warmth in Boil's face but soon saw it shift when the child looked around as if she were expecting someone else to be there.

"Nerra?" Boil fought back tears and took her hand.

"I'm sorry, but Waxer's gone." The twi'lek child soon understood what Boil was getting at and began to sob, her parents kneeling down to comfort her.


Back on the main island, Rex and his Arc troopers walked past groups of 501st and Mandalorians training settlers willing to become warriors. Jesse smiled as he saw the 501st had set up dummies made in the likeness of Krell and Kota.

Rex stopped when he saw Jesse walk off to help a young woman struggling to hit her target.

"Here, like this." Jesse demonstrated by placing six blaster bolts between the likeness of Krell's eyes.

"Like that."

"What you think would have happened, had we been forced to execute order 66?" Appo asked, full of terror.

"We never did, Appo, and never will. Don't think about it."

"You think we could have brought the Jedi down?" Boomer asked playfully.

"Are you kidding, Fives brought Krell to his knees within moments of you disarming him, Rex." Rex, too recalled with fondness their arrest of the fallen Jedi. It very nearly went badly, as he came close to cutting down several clones in the control tower.

Luckily, Rex tackled Krell and seized his lightsabers before Fives unleashed a punishment on the alien with his fists worse than when Rex saw Anakin unleash on Rush Clovis. Dogma killing Krell in the cells was almost a mercy by that point.

However, Rex shook his head mentally. He didn't want to think about men like Krell and Kota anymore. Those days were over. Now, he and his brothers had a new life and a new purpose. They were more than just clones. They were a new people, a new warrior culture.

He took out a communicator and activated it, revealing 38 with his Squad and Saran.

"I suppose congratulations are in order, Mandalore the Dedicated." Saran smiled back at Rex.

"My people are ready to be warriors again. But this time, we'll be part of something greater."

"How's Mandalore treating you?" Kano asked.

"It's ok. A bit dry though." Sev said.

"Plenty of good company though." 38 said while holding Saran's hands.

"Start having kids now, Boss. They'll have a few million uncles to give them birthday gifts." 38 Scowled at Scorch, but the commando broke out in laughter when he noticed Saran didn't seem against the idea, terrifying 38 immensely.

"I think uncle Scorch will be their favorite. I'll be sure to tell them how he saved their mom from that wretch Bo-Katan Kryze."

"Ahh, she didn't look like she needed all her teeth. Not very resilient either, was it two hits before she buckled over in pain?"

"One." Fixer and Sev chuckled with the Arc troopers.

"Kids." Rex said as he not only thought about Anakin and Padme, but back to Cut and his family. Rex made sure to send him a message on his to remove his inhibitor chip to stop his growth acceleration. Even so, Cut turned down the offer to joint he other clones on Rakata Prime.

Rex looked around at his brothers, the Mandalorians, and settlers all mingling together. He then began to wonder what else the future might entail for them all.

"Really! Rex, come on!" Echo cried out in unparalleled enthusiasm as he got off a communicator.


Inside the Temple, Ahsoka walked with Quinlin and Okami. The three looked around at various dignitaries arriving from across the galaxy, including a Chiss ambassador.

"This planet, it's so beautiful. A far cry from Coruscant, to say the least." Ahsoka smiled back at Okami.

"You really ought to see more of the galaxy."

"She's not wrong kid." Quinlin focused on the other Je'daii students, much like himself. Hundreds arrived from every corner of the galaxy, from former Jedi to those who barely knew of their true potential. For Quinlin, this path came more naturally than the Jedi ever had, and so far, he loved it.

"I think I'll meet a few of the new arrivals. See you back in the training yards."

"Don't be late this time, padawan." Ahsoka said with great satisfaction.

"Ahsoka." Another voice said. The Togruta Je'daii slowly turned and saw another dignitary down the hall.

"Lux." She said softly. Slowly the two approached each other while Okami watched cautiously, particularly Lux.

"Ahsoka, it's been so long. I had no idea you left the Jedi until that transmission came out."

"It's a long story."

"I'm glad you're doing well."

"You too, don't tell me Onderon has joined us too." Lux smiled.

"Anakin's speech moved King Dendup, and the people seemed in favor of it. Saw, on the other hand." A hint of pain filled Lux's voice.

"What happened to Saw?" Lux took a deep breath.

"Ever since Steela's death, he's gotten more distant from everyone. When the decision was made to join your Empire, he called us all traitors. Claiming it would be just like the Separatists again. We haven't seen him since."

"I'm sure he'll come around in time."

"I hope so."

"I'm glad you're here, Lux."

"I'm glad we'll be seeing each other more." Okami almost trembled when he saw the warm smiles they gave each other before Lux departed with a few other ambassadors.

"Who was he?" Okami nervously asked.

"Just an old friend." Ahsoka said in a manner that intentionally antagonized Okami.

"Old friend, what does that mean?" She nearly answered when Rex sprinted through the temple with Echo close behind.

"Ahsoka! We just got the word! It's time!"

"It is! Sorry, Nyx, I gotta go!" Ahsoka furiously sprinted off with Rex and Echo.

"What does old friend mean!?"

Rex, Ahsoka, and Echo sprinted with all haste towards the Temple's hospital wing and were stopped by the lead doctor.

"I'm sorry, but you can't go any further."

"Excuse you, but this is Praetor Rex and Imperator Ahsoka." Echo said firmly.

"This isn't about that, right now only essential-"

"It's alright, let them in." The three heard warmth and tenderness in Anakin's voice never before heard from him. Slowly the three walked inside and heard soft crying. There, they saw Padme resting on a cot with Anakin over her. In their arms, rested two babies wrapped in white blankets.

"How about that." Rex said smiling.

"Twins! That's amazing!" Ahsoka quickly covered her mouth after realizing how loud she'd spoken. Padme simply shook her head while holding one of the babies.

"It's alright. They're awake." Ahsoka carefully approached with Rex and Echo. There, Anakin allowed her to hold the baby in his arms. She saw a tiny little girl with soft skin and brown eyes.

Padme more reluctantly allowed Rex and Echo to hold the second baby, a boy with deep blue eyes and hints of blonde hair on his head.

"He's your spitting image, sir." Rex said.

"They're perfect! Now, can we get back to the godparent discussion." Anakin smirked when he saw someone else enter the chamber.

"Maybe it is the right time."

Obi-Wan approached slowly but was encouraged by the others' expressions.

"Greetings. I hope I'm welcome here."

"You wouldn't have made it this far if you weren't." Echo said.

"You get a chance to talk with Cody?" Rex asked.

"Yes, I'm happy to say we're on better terms, after those things I said." Finally, Obi-Wan saw the babies. He tried to find words, but none came out. Finally, Rex offered the boy to Obi-Wan, who held him with more care and precaution than anything else in his life.

Seeing the baby smile at him filled Obi-Wan with a sense of optimism for the future. He smiled back and stroked his head.

"If something so wonderful comes from attachments. Maybe the Jedi have been wrong about them." Anakin took his son back from Obi-Wan and held him high.

"Have you two thought of names yet?" Ahsoka asked.

"We have." Padme said, nodding.

"Everyone, meet Luke and Leia Skywalker."


Author's note

Thus the story comes to an end, I hope you guys liked it

I left it open for a sequel if anyone wants to see more, but I may not get to it for a month or two, I need a break

The galaxy is very different from it is in the main universe, but t now holds a new future

So until next time,

Please review, comment, suggest, or ask(VIA PM)