[S2 Light 6: Slaves]
Much has happened in the course of such a short time. Ahsoka had gone missing only to return with Young Ones once long thought dead. Then many went to an underwater kingdom to help keep piece. They are able to help reunite two races and possibly make the bond even stronger.
Rue did not go. Large bodies of water are not her strong point. Sadly it's a cat thing.
They were also sadly betrayed by one of their own. A Jedi master, Krell, falls to the Dark side and almost succeeds in handing over a planet to the Separatists.
He was the beginning of a few questions. How many will they lose, not only to battles but to the Dark side as well? What happens to the clones after the war? Should they be allowed a civilian life? Can they intirgrate into a new life?
After that incident, not much happened to their squads. At least nothing unusual. That is until they hear word of the Shili people being in distress.
Upon arriving, all seems too quiet. The slaver there tries to get the Jedi to surrender by threatening the inhabitance. They soon find that none are on the world but were sold to Queen Miraj Scintel.
They come up with a plan to get in. But it leaves Rex feeling anxious, although he can't tell. At least not Anakin or Kenobi.
"It's the only way to get in." Rue places on her blue off the sleeve tub-top. "And I won't pass as a slaver." She places her saber on the table as she removes her pants.
"It still doesn't feel right." Rex huffs with his back turned. "You shouldn't have to do this." He shakes his head slightly.
"Rex we've been through this. A mission is a mission." Rue places on her sand slippers.
"I know but…" Rex sighs as he turns speechless.
"And the argument stops." Rue chuckles. "If you like the outfit so much I just might keep it." She brushes her tail under his chin as she walks out.
"Wow." Ahsoka stares at Rue.
"Same to you." Rue laughs as she glances at her outfit.
"Yes. Yes you are both very pretty." Kenobi hands them cloaks. "Cover up until need. Alright?" he gives a fatherly tone.
"Yes master Kenobi." The girls do as asked while the guys go to change.
Reaching Zygerria, the air feels stale on the dust ball. Stepping on to the planet they are surrounded by slavers and slaves. Seeing it all makes Rue sick to her stomach, yet she cannot make a move.
Meeting a Zygerrian man, Anakin puts the plan in motion going to the palace with Ahsoka. Kenobi goes one way to look for the Togruta people. While Rex and Rue go another.
Searching for the missing colonists, Rue sniffs the air. She stops as she smells something familiar.
"What is it? The Togruta people?" Rex whispers while scanning the crowds.
"No." Rue shakes her head slightly. "Just something familiar. I can't place it though." She ponders.
"Maybe we should meet back up with General Kenobi." Rex feels anxious about how the other men are eyeing Rue.
Meeting up again, they find chief Togruta man. Kenobi and him are captured by other slavers, while the other two just get away. Watching as they are taken to a way, they follow to a stadium.
"I'm going to look for Anakin and Ahsoka." Rue whispers as they find a good vantage point.
"Stay safe." Rex takes a hold of her hand with concern in his eyes.
"Always." Rue winks before heading off.
Looking through the crowds, she catches a whiff of that sent again. Then it hits her. Talo pipe smoke, Omen had smoked around the palace a lot. Turning she feels her blood boil as her heart bounds in her chest.
"Been a long time. Huh little one?" Omen smirks as his tail twitches with delight.
"You… I'll kill you." Rue growls as she runs to attack him.
The two moves with cat like speed and reflexes. Eventually Omen has her hand twisted behind her back and his tail gripped around her neck.
"Stand down Jedi! Or I just might have to snuff out this wild fire." Omen reveals her to men fighting in the ring.
They throw down their sabers and blaster. Rue looks away as they kneel with their hands behind their heads. Omen smirks with delight at this victory.
Omen keeps Rue nearby as a prize while the queen keeps Anakin. Both obey in order to keep those around them and care about from being hurt.
One agenizing month passes before a move is made for freedom. Anakin frees Ahsoka and then both go to get Rue. They then head for the breaking camp to free the others.
While there Rue comes face to face with Omen again. Feeling her anger boil again only this time hotter, she throws him against the wall with the force. She then slowly begins to strangle him.
"Don't do it Rue!" Anakin shouts.
"Why?! Why shouldn't I?" Rue shouts with a deep anger in her eyes. "My father! A great deal of our people! All DEAD! Because of him!" she hisses. "Why shouldn't I kill him?!" she narrows her gaze.
"Because if you do you'll NEVER remember your dad without thinking of this!" Anakin shouts as he slowly moves closer to her. "You will also feel a darkness you'll never be able to shake. Trust me. It's not worth it. HE'S not worth it. Don't kill your light for someone so twisted and low." He places his hand on hers.
Rue releases him then makes a dash for their rescue cruiser. All of them are looked over at the medical bay on the star ship as they head for Shili once more. Cleared, Rue goes to the sleeping chambers quietly.
Rex knocks at her door. With no answer he takes a breath before going in. Rue simply sits on the edge of the bed, not even looking up. Rex quietly sits beside her then fixes her blanket so it is over her shoulders.
Before he can say anything she berries her face in his chest. Feeling her shake as the quiet drops hit his shirt, he holds her close as she releases everything she had been holding in.
"I have you. I have you." Rex whispers as he gently pats her head.