Star Wars: The Perfect One
A Star Wars Fanfiction
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Chapter 3: Power and Politics
Venator-Class Star Destroyer, En Route to Coruscant
Victory at Christophsis had been total. The Republic had crushed the Separatist blockade, securing the planet as a critical supply point. But more importantly?
I had changed history.
I stood on the bridge of my Venator-class Star Destroyer, arms crossed, watching the swirling blue of hyperspace. The 501st had been in high spirits since our win—morale had skyrocketed, and even Obi-Wan had given me a rare look of approval.
But my mind was elsewhere.
The future loomed before me like a branching river. My Essence of Perfection ensured that I would not fail—but success alone was not enough. If I wanted to truly reshape the galaxy, I needed to be proactive.
Which meant dealing with two major obstacles:
1. The Jedi Council.
2. Palpatine.
Both had their own designs for me. But neither of them knew what I was capable of now.
A soft voice pulled me from my thoughts.
"You've been staring into hyperspace for a long time."
I turned.
Padmé stood beside me, arms folded, gazing at me with a mixture of curiosity and concern.
I smiled. "Just thinking."
She studied me for a moment. "You've changed, Anakin."
I smirked. "For the better, I hope?"
Padmé sighed, stepping closer. "I… don't know yet. But I do know you're different. It's not just confidence—it's something more."
She was right. I wasn't just more confident. I was unshakable.
And that meant I no longer had to tiptoe around my feelings.
I reached out, gently tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear.
"I won't lose you, Padmé," I murmured.
She inhaled sharply, eyes widening at my boldness. "Anakin—"
"I know what happens if we stay in the shadows." I held her gaze. "I know the dangers. The secrets, the lies. They'll tear us apart."
Padmé looked torn. "But the Jedi—"
"I don't care about their rules," I interrupted. "I will not let anything come between us."
She stared at me, searching for doubt. She found none.
And then—she stepped closer.
"…I don't want to lose you either," she whispered.
I smirked. Good.
The galaxy was changing. And now? So was she.
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Coruscant – The Jedi Temple
The Jedi Council Chambers were silent.
Twelve Jedi Masters sat in their circular formation, gazing at me with unreadable expressions. Obi-Wan stood beside me, arms crossed, radiating cautious approval.
Mace Windu spoke first.
"You performed well at Christophsis, Skywalker." His eyes narrowed slightly. "Almost too well."
I smiled. "Victory is victory, Master."
Yoda hummed, tapping his cane. "Improved, you have. Yet… clouded, the Force remains."
I nodded. "The war has changed me. I've had to become… more."
The Jedi exchanged glances.
"Indeed," Windu said. "Your combat prowess and strategic thinking have advanced far beyond what we expected." He studied me carefully. "And yet, I sense no pride in you."
Because there's nothing to be proud of. This level of skill is my new baseline.
Obi-Wan finally spoke. "Regardless of the how or why, Anakin's leadership led to minimal casualties. That alone is impressive."
Ki-Adi-Mundi stroked his beard. "And what of your new Padawan? How did she fare?"
I smirked. "Ahsoka exceeded expectations."
Yoda nodded. "Hmm. A good bond, you have."
Mace exhaled slowly. "This war is testing all of us, Skywalker. We must remain vigilant. You have grown powerful—but do not let that power consume you."
I nodded. "I understand, Master."
What I didn't say?
Power doesn't consume me. It obeys me.
As I left the Council Chamber, I caught Obi-Wan's curious glance. He knew something was different about me.
But he wasn't ready to ask. Not yet.
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Coruscant – The Chancellor's Office
Sidious.
The man who had orchestrated everything. The Phantom Menace lurking in the shadows.
I sat across from him in his lavish office, watching as he studied me with his ever-present grandfatherly smile.
"Anakin, my boy," Palpatine said smoothly. "I have heard of your exemplary performance at Christophsis. Truly, you are a hero of the Republic."
I inclined my head. "I only did what was necessary, Chancellor."
Palpatine chuckled. "And yet, there is something… different about you."
I met his gaze.
"The war has a way of shaping people."
Palpatine leaned forward, his Sith instincts undoubtedly sensing something beyond my words.
"And what shape are you taking, my young friend?"
I smirked. "One the galaxy isn't ready for."
Palpatine's eyes gleamed.
"Perhaps we should discuss… your future."
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Later That Night – Padmé's Apartment
Coruscant's city lights stretched before me as I stood on Padmé's balcony. The cool night air barely touched me, my enhanced body immune to fatigue.
A soft voice spoke behind me.
"Anakin?"
I turned.
Padmé stood in the doorway, wearing a silk nightgown, her hair loose around her shoulders. She looked… hesitant.
I smirked. "Couldn't sleep?"
She stepped closer. "I keep thinking about what you said. About us."
I nodded. "And?"
Her lips parted—then she stepped even closer, her fingers lightly tracing my hand.
"…I don't want to hide anymore."
Victory.
I wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling her against me.
"You won't have to," I murmured.
Her breath hitched. "But—"
"No 'buts,'" I whispered, leaning in. "We make our own destiny, Padmé."
And then?
I kissed her.
She melted against me, responding with a hunger that spoke of years of restraint breaking at once.
The war raged. The Jedi plotted. The Sith schemed.
But tonight?
She was mine.
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Author's Notes:
And there we go! Anakin is making moves, both on the battlefield and off it.
Next Chapter: Anakin solidifies his power, manipulates the Senate, and begins his first major change to the war. Also—his relationship with Padmé takes the next step.
Thoughts? Comments? Let me know, and may the Force be with you!