I've had this Star Wars AU thing knocking around in my head for a while, and I'm INCREDIBLY excited to write it! I have big plans, and a huge story with so many arcs that I'm eager to include! So without further ado, here we go!

Chapter 1

The inky darkness of deep space stretched out as far as the officer could see, her ice-blue eyes reflecting the occasional star that flickered dimly in the sea of black. She had seen it before, of course. As an Imperial Captain, she and her crew on the Star Destroyer Impaler were used to long periods of time in space. And yet, somehow, she felt… uneasy. And that made her nervous.

The console in front of her beeped suddenly, startling her from her trance-like state as she reached to press a few keys.

"Captain." The caller's voice crackled through the intercom system. "The contact is aboard, and wishes to speak with you."

"Of course." The officer said, making herself sounds more eager than she was. "Send her up to the bridge." In the back of her mind, she knew she wasn't interested in the slightest to meet the woman they had met here, in the middle of nowhere, but she knew the consequences would be worse than the act itself.

When she heard that she would be meeting one of Darth Vader's operatives, she had prepared herself for what she assumed would be an Inquisitor. She shivered as she remembered her last encounter with the Imperial agents, their presences intimidating in looks, but ultimately disappointing in action. Only half-Sith, as she had later learned. When the Impaler's passenger emerged from the lift, however, she instantly realized this being was much more than that. It frightened her.

The woman definitely seemed young, perhaps even around the Captain's age herself. Wavy, jet-black hair dropped to her hips, and amber eyes seemed to pierce right through the officer. She had dark armor, gleaming slightly in the lights of the bridge, and she paled slightly as she saw the lightsaber hanging from her belt, noting that it was not the ordinary design for an Inquisitor. No, this woman was far more.

Checking to make sure her snow-white hair was in place, she carefully strode forward, politely extending her hand to this mysterious woman.

"Welcome aboard, Agent. Weiss Schnee, Captain of the Imperial Star Destroyer Impaler." The raven-haired woman looked at her hand with a cold disinterest before looking back up at Weiss.

"Blake. Operative name The Black Hand." She finally responds. Her voice was emotionless, sending chills down the captain's back. "I am Lord Vader's top agent, on a secret assignment." Slowly, she began walking around Weiss, towards the windows looking over the stars. Weiss followed her.

"My mission is simple. I am to accompany you to Sullust, from which point I am to take a smaller vessel waiting for me. While on the journey there, I have been ordered to protect your crew, and your shipment." She repeated the words as if she was only telling her this because of an explicit command. She got serious suddenly, glaring at Weiss with those piercing eyes.

"Let me be explicitly clear. I shall reside in my quarters until we reach the destination. Under no circumstances am I to be summoned for anything less than a full on assault on the ship. Am I clear, Captain?"

At that moment, Weiss oh-so-wanted to order her men to send this woman down the the brig. Swallowing her pride, however, she smiled, barely able to speak past her gritted teeth.

"Understood. We'll only call you if we truly require your assistance."

Blake held her gaze a moment longer before whipping around, fabric fluttering from where it was fastened to her belt.

"I can find my own way to my cabin, captain. Pleasant journey." Her back was turned to Weiss, but the officer could practically hear her tone dripping with disrespect for her rank. The doors finally slid shut, cutting off her view of the raven-haired Force-wielder. Only after another moment did Weiss finally sigh heavily, releasing the tension that had built itself up in her shoulders. Why did Vader's agents always have to be so bothersome?

Suddenly she became all-too-aware of the silence in the bridge. Glancing up, she realized the other men and women in the bridge were all looking at her. Taking on a more stern-expression, she turned and face the window once more.

"Make the jump to Sullust. I want this trip over as soon as possible." She snapped. In a rush, the bridge burst into life once more, the hyperdrive whirring to life deep within the frame of the cruiser. Smiling grimly, the ship began to warp into lightspeed, the stars blurring into faint lines before fading away entirely, sending the Star Destroyer hurtling through space as their captain pondered over the crew.

-oo00oo-

The shrill beeping of the alarm roused Ruby from her slumber. With a groan, she felt around for the disturber and slammed down on it as soon as she had found it. Her eyes squinted as she tried to make out the blurry numbers on the digital screen, and ultimately she decided she had slept long enough. Rolling out of her bed, she pulled on a pair of casual pants and hit the door controls.

Light flooded through the hallways of the base, an energetic energy filling the air as men and women milled about. Yawning, she decided to check in on her fighter. Rose Squadron had scheduled combat practice, and she always preferred her X-Wing to be in prime condition.

Humming a soft tune to herself, she strolled through the halls. Vatin-Ell had been found by this cell of the Alliance about a year prior, and the ruins from the original inhabitants had made for perfect outposts for the fledgling fighting force. The largest temple had only required mild adjustments and modifications to make a perfect hangar, fitting a majority of their ships with comfort.

As she rounded the corner, she took in a deep breath of the air, tainted with the twinge of engine oil and hydraulic fluid. Taking one step towards her fighter, however, she heard a voice call out.

"Commander Rose!" Freezing, the young woman turned to see Admiral Goodwitch striding towards her, every present datapad in her arms as her faint-purple cape fluttered behind her.

"Admiral!" Ruby snapped a salute as her superior officer approached. Goodwitch tapped a few keys on her pad, not looking up at the pilot.

"General Ozpin wants a meeting with you. He has something to discuss with you, very top secret. Please report to his quarters immediately." The tucked a stray lock of platinum hair behind her ear, finally paying attention to the young woman before her.

"And try to be punctual. We still need you to take Rose Squadron out this afternoon."

"Understood, ma'am!" Ruby smiled again, snapping another salute. Giving her a nod, the woman turned to begin ordering about a returning patrol squadron.

Well, no sense in wasting time. The woman sighed, looking forlornly at her X-Wing fighter. Sending her apologies mentally, she turned and began heading back into the base.

Ozpin had been the first officer to arrive on the planet, and had also gotten first calls on where his office would be. Thus, Ruby had to make her way to the very top of the tower, taking a lift up the last several levels towards the General.

As she entered the office, she took a moment to admire the decor of the room. Ozpin rarely seemed to leave, only showing up elsewhere in the base for mission briefings and special ceremonies, such as funerals or commendations. As such, he had fitted his room with computers, holoterminals, star charts, and even a wooden desk. That alone was rare, but it was carved out of a rich, dark wood, beautifully engraved all over. It always made Ruby feel as if there was a story behind it, hidden in the etchings.

Ozpin was sitting behind that same desk as she entered, a high-backed chair behind him. He gave a faint smile, gesturing to the seat before him.

"Commander. Please, have a seat."

"I'd prefer to stand, thanks." Ruby said respectfully. Ozpin nodded, looking out the massive glass window that stretched as his hand tightened around his ever-present cane.

"Commander Rose, I have reason to believe we will soon be in a situation that will require your particular skills, as a pilot and as a fighter."

"What situation, General?" She asked, leaning forward as her curiosity peaked. Ozpin said nothing for a moment, still watching the grassy plains that stretched out as far as his eyes could see.

"Nothing is certain yet, but we may have more information in the near future. Don't think too much on it, but also try not to take unnecessary risks in the near future, if you can manage." The faintest grin played at the corners of his mouth, putting Ruby's racing mind at ease.

"Is that all, sir?" She asked. Ozpin nodded, sitting back in the chair as he began keying into the data computer on his desk.

"Yes, Commander, that will be all. You may go about your duties." Ruby nodded, saluting and turning back to the door. Ozpin smiled to himself as the turbolift doors slid shut, a soft hum sounding out as the young woman was sent back down into the main base. He pulled a mug towards him, gently sipping at the beverage as he contemplated the events that were soon to spark into motion. On one hand, this could be the push of destiny that the universe called for. If it went wrong, however… it would spell destruction for all freedom of the galaxy.

He prayed to whatever was done, it was the right one.

Star Wars AU! I am SUPER excited for this, I have LOTS of plans set for this thing! It's going to be cool, I promise!

Sorry for the infrequent updating, I've been juggling a lot lately. Bear with me, hopefully things smoothen out as my schedule becomes more concrete! Have a good one!

KoR~