CHAPTER EIGHT
After going through the battle reports, and hearing his people's opinions, High King Shmilan decided to hold a public announcement to restore faith to the people, and to give the people the good news of Anakin's choice.
"My People, we have survived through this battle against forces that just want to kill us and to hurt our returned prince." High King Shmilan said to the people that assembled in his Throne room. "I have heard the valor of our men and women, who have fought against so many." High King Shmilan said to the crowd.
"Captain Armin, you have found my husband, your King, when he was shot down. I personally thank you and award you the medal of the Royal Order." High Queen Shamila said as she walked down the steps.
Suddenly out of nowhere three servers came out and presented three cushions with medals on it with biggest have the royal crest of the Skywalker Family a Coiled Dragon. High Queen Shamila grabbed the biggest one which had a ribbon attached to it and placed it over Armin's neck. "I thank you, and The People of Rexcaeli thank you as well." High Queen Shamila said before the crowd started cheering.
"Thank you your highness," Armin said with pride. "But I was only doing my duty!" He said as he bowed to the Queen.
"I know my, friend but I'm still grateful." High Queen Shamila said.
"There are more people who deserve thanks for the Battle," High King Shmilan continued, taking over from his wife. "First, I must thank my grandson, Anakin Skywalker, who took control of the battle, after I was shot down." He said to crowd. "Step forward Prince Skywalker" He ordered.
Anakin stepped out, away from Padme's side from the sidelines of the royal crowd, and stood before his Grandfather, bowing before him in respect.
"Prince Anakin Skywalker, I have heard of your heroics, and your efficient command over the Sky Guard, after I was shot down, and after many reports of how well you handled yourself in the battle, I am placing the Rexcaeli Military under your wise command." High King Shmilan announced out loud, shocking Anakin with the responsibility
"Grandfather I-I don't know what to say!? Other than hank you, I will not disappoint you." Anakin said as he cried a little happy to know that his Grandfather trust him and loves him.
"Furthermore I would like to thank the two wise Jedi, Master Obi-wan Kenobi, and Ashoka Tano, and their clone troopers, for their help in defending the palace." High King Shmilan said smiling at Obi-wan and Ashoka.
xx
Shmilan sat on the throne, in the middle of the dais, in the private audience chamber, waiting for Master Windu to arrive. It had taken several long hours for him to come to a fair 'punishment' for the Jedi. Although he understood Master Windu's action, and could respect his intentions, the Jedi Master's arrival had brought war to his people.
In the end, his punishment had been more for show than anything else, the people wanted to see Master Windu punished, and he didn't want to see the jedi killed for not seeing the consequences of his actions.
The sudden knock on the doors, broke Shmilan out of his thoughts. He looked up and took a deep breath, "Enter."
The doors were pushed open, and Master Windu entered the audience chamber, resting in a repulsor-chair.
As the Jedi reached the foot of the dais, Shmilan cleared his throat. "There are many of my people, who want me to order your death."
Master Windu nodded warily, "I have felt their anger."
"Then you understand why they need to see that you are punished," Shmilan said, his voice and expression devoid of any emotion, giving nothing away.
Master Windu took a deep breath, "It was not my intention to bring the war to your planet."
"Which is the only reason, why I have decided not to bow to the wishes of my people." Shmilan replied, his gaze locked on the Jedi. "However, whether you meant to or not, you still brought untold pain and devastation to my people." His eyes narrowed, and a hint of anger entered Shmilan's voice. "You were informed by both Anakin and Obi-wan, that there was no threat here. If you had listened to them, the war would never have reached my planet."
"I am aware of that, Your Majesty." Master Windu acknowledge, bowing his head regretfully. "And I apologize for the pain my actions caused to your people."
"While I appreciate and accept your apology, I am afraid you cannot stay on Rexcaeli any longer." Shmilan informed the Jedi Master, continuing before he had a chance to protest. "Your life would be in danger if you were to remain here, Master Windu. There are many people who are angry enough to take matters into their own hands, if they believed you had gone unpunished."
Master Windu frowned, "I don't understand."
Shmilan smiled slightly, "To appease my people you must be punished, and as staying here would endanger your life, I have decided that your 'punishment' will be your banishment from Rexcaeli."
Master Windu nodded as he understood, "Your people are lucky to have you as their king."
xxx
Anakin sat in his room with Padme by his side, anxious about the call he has to make to the council. But with Padme he was ready as he could be. "Masters," Anakin said in a respectful bow to the council once they came up on his comlink.
"It's good to hear from you Master Skywalker, or is it Prince Skywalker?" Master Plo koon asked.
Anakin took a deep breath, "Technically, it's High Prince." Anakin said trying to use humor to lighten the mood, but it didn't work.
"Not helpful Skywalker," Master Mundi said not amused.
"Sorry," Anakin said a bit regretful at the joke, and conflicted at what he was going to say.
Master Yoda's expression was unreadable as he looked at Anakin, "Decided to leave the order, you have."
"I have, Master Yoda." Anakin said a bit relieved that Yoda broke the seal of the topic. "I've finally found my family Master, and my true purpose." Anakin said happy to have Padme next to him.
"This is most disappointing," Master Mundi said a bit hesitant as he looked at Master Yoda. "The Chancellor isn't going to like this" He said knowing the Chancellor's reaction.
"Indeed." Master Plo Koon said seeing the problem as well. "With the Chancellor making Skywalker the face of the Jedi, it's going to make fighting this war difficult." Master Plo Koon said.
Anakin shook his head, "Just because I'm leaving the Order, doesn't' mean I'm abandoning the Republic." He said firmly, "I will still be fighting in the war."
"How will that work when the Jedi meant to be the commanders of the clones?" Master Mundi asked the other members of the council.
Anakin smiled, his shoulders lifting with pride. "My grandfather has put me in charge of the Rexcaeli Military," he said, "I wouldn't need to command the clones."
"Are they ready to fight in a war? Do they even have Battle cruisers?" Master Shaak Ti asked curious of the Anakin's people.
Anakin nodded, "The Rexcaelian Battle cruisers -" He was cut off as his grandfather entered his room.
"Are more advanced in design to yours Master Jedi." High King Shmilan explained as he entered the room, "They are bigger, and have greater firepower than the Battle cruisers currently used by your forces after what we have seen from the battle. But we have few number of them."
"Why would your Battle cruisers need to be bigger than ours?" Shaak Ti asked, frowning in confusion.
"Because, our Battle cruisers need to transport our secret weapon. Dragons." High King Shmilan said with pride.
"Master Jedi of the council. Allow me to introduce to you my Grandfather High King Shmilan" Anakin said as he remembered they haven't met him yet.
"Your highness It's honor to meet you." Master Yoda said with a warm tone.
Shmilan smiled tightly, "I wish our meeting was under better circumstances."
"Agreed we are. In war on guard we must be" Master Yoda said shaking his head in disappointment
High King Shmilan looked at Anakin and smiled. "But I must thank you for looking after my Grandson. Without your Master Qui-gon I wouldn't have my Grandson with me now." He said as he embraced Anakin in front of the Council.
"Happy for you, I am" Master Yoda said shocking everyone as he felt Anakin healing. "Need this you do."
"But you don't have to worry about Anakin not being part of the Republic, Because Rexcaeli is Joining the Republic." Shmilan said with a smile.
"Are you sure Grandfather? You already been attacked." Anakin said worried about his people.
"Yes I'm sure." Shmilan said as he looked at Anakin. "We are already a part of this war, and if you're going to war I'm making sure you get Rexcaelian Back up."
"Maybe Anakin should be Rexcaeli's senator?" Padme suggested revealing herself to the council.
"Now that's a scary thought" Anakin said as he laughed at the Idea. "I'm better placed on the battlefield or at home learning to rule my people wisely like my Grandfather." He said after he stopped laughing.
"Your Highness, your people, after the battle how are they faring?" Master Yoda asked changing the topic.
"We have lost four hundred and eighty five of our people, and many more are injured." Shmilan said not holding the pain from his voice.
"We are willing to send Jedi Healers to assist your wounded?" Master Mundi offered feeling the pain from the High King.
"Thank you, and I appreciate the offer, but by the time your healers get here, it would be too late." Shmilan said thankful of the offer. "Now if excuse me Master Jedi my Grandson needs some lessons."
"Very well your highness," Master Plo Koon said as he broke the transmission.
xXx
In the shadows a figure stood waiting, at the edge of the city, their face hidden by a red, hooded cloak, draped around their shoulders. A suddenly speeder came racing forward and stops in front of the figure.
"You took your time" The figure said, their voice electronically distorted, making it impossible to determine their gender.
"I had to make sure I wasn't followed, like you requested." The Bounty Hunter said after he got out of the speeder.
The cloaked figure nodded, "Very well." Even though the voice was distorted, the tone had a sophisticated edge. "I trust you have everything planned?"
"I do..." The Bounty confirmed with a grin, "... The young Prince won't suspect a thing."
"Good." The cloaked figure's face was still hidden, but their smile was evident in their voice. "Make sure you take him out, we can't afford any mistakes."
