I tired so there may be an error or three in this.
Taken slightly back by his fellow Knight's request. Anakin motions two to his room. The three entered silently into the cabin and waited for the door to close before Anakin spoke.
"What's this about?"
"We're here to discuss Ruby Rose's unique connection to the Force," Rahm bluntly stated.
Anakin's eye's darted rapidly between his fellow Jedi, proving to them that he already knew about the connection.
"Anakin, how well do you know about Ruby's connection with the Force?" Aayla asked.
Anakin thought before answering and went to sit on his bed. Letting a sigh as he sunk in. You two have been around her. Tell me did the Force feel a bit clearer when around her to you?"
His question made them think back to their time in the Huntress's presents. Rahm hummed as he thought back. "Now that you mentioned it, I did feel my connection to the Force slightly easier."
"I've noticed it too. I thought it was all the life on the planet," Aayla said.
"Me and Master Kenobi saw this the first time we met her," Anakin started explaining. "Ruby's connection with the Force is different than ours. More passive that seems to 'push' away the Dark side around her. Obi-wan has been searching the Temple archives to see if there has been any record of such abilities. He hasn't had much luck."
Rahm and Aayla thought about the implications of this ability. Lifting the fog of the Dark side has never been done, even with the might of the Council. For a single girl untrained in the Force is mind-boggling to the Jedi present.
"The council must know this!" Aayla declared.
"No."
The Twi'lak looked at the Jedi Master with a stunning look.
"But Master...?"
"If the council knew about this ability Ruby has, Kenobi and Skywalker would have told them already," Rahm stated.
Aayla looked at her fellow Knight to see him nodding.
"He's right, Secura. We kept this secret for a reason. Force, not even Ruby is aware of this. If the Council is notified of this technique, Ruby's chance of finding her Homeworld will be denied," Anakin said stated coldly that unnerved Aayla.
"Why would the Council deny the girl's chance to find her home?" Her question was answered by the Master.
"Because the Council would induct Ruby into the Order. Pushing the Jedi ways of no attachments in her. Thus making everything she's experienced up to this point mute and pointless." That was his answer.
Anakin crossed his arms grips tightly on his biceps. "Any hope of Ruby having to see her loved ones again will be either suppressed or taken away. She will be isolated within the Temple and carefully watched by the Council to study this effect the Force has around her."
Rahm scratched his chin at this as he wouldn't put it past the Jedi Council to do something like that. "The implications would point to such."
A look of fury could be seen within his eyes as he looks at his fellow Jedi. "I won't let something so cruel happen to her."
The Maverick Jedi huffed in amusement. "I'd believe it." His features went back to serious as he faced the Twi'lak. "Aayla, this information stays with us."
"But Master. Ruby is above past the age of recruitment the Council would allow into the Jedi Order. They wouldn't allow it," Aayla protested.
"Skywalker and I are both proofs that that rule can be bent for exceptions. Nevertheless, Skywalker is correct in his reasons for not trusting the Jedi Council with Ruby Rose," Rahm stated firmly.
He then addresses both the Knights. "We need to be careful with this information. The more Jedi know about Ruby's Force potential, the more of a target she will be."
"The best-kept secrets are the ones you keep to yourself." Anakin was more familiar with that saying than any Jedi.
Aayla looked between her fellow Jedi with conflicting emotions building up. She mentally weighed on what was said and what she was seen. There were both pros and cons to this situation. For one, they could find the solution to balancing the Force and clearing the Dark Fog that pledges the Jedi's foresight, but that meant sacrificing Ruby's freedom. Something that Aayla would be part of and equal to false imprisonment or slavery. Something the Jedi Knight would never be a part of.
"Very well, Skywalker. I will keep this secret. But you must inform Ruby of her abilities and warn her of the dangers that this presides around the next time you meet."
Rahm agreed to this. "Indeed. Dooku was a Jedi once before he fell. I do not believe it, and I hate myself for suggesting it, but others in the Order may fall down a similar path. Ruby must know the dangers that are present to her."
"How can you say that, Master Kota!"
Rahm returned with a stern look. "Dooku held the rank of Master within the Jedi Order for many years. To not assume that he may have some influence left or even spies among our ranks would be foolish and naïve."
Aayla rubbed her eyes in frustration. "Then the matter is settled. I will speak of this to no one and return to my men." With that, Aayla left her fellow Jedi in silence.
After a moment passed when the door shut, Rahm quickly addressed another issue. "Skywalker is one last thing I'd like to talk to you about concerning Padawan Tano."
"What about my Padawan?" Anakin said suspiciously. Feeling that he wasn't going to like this next topic.
"Are you aware that she and Ruby now share a Force bond?"
The sound of banging echoed from within the Captain's quarters. If someone looked inside, they would find the ship's Captain with her head softly pounding her desk. The ordinarily bubbly young ship Captain was suffering a bit of work frustration.
Her crew had been writing regularly schedule updates on everything. Ship status, crew logs, supply usage, and work updates. The scythe user had been working diligently in reviewing them before sending replies. But the worse had yet to come in the form of finance documents. Filling them out to pay her crew.
Now Ruby was no stranger to math. In fact, it was her favorite subject in school. Uncle Qrow taught her well when calculating bullet trajectory and distance. Managing her own finances wasn't that difficult as she had to keep up with her school stip pen every month. What was trying is doing the same for over two hundred people.
"There has to be an easier way of doing this." Ruby wined as she felt her mind starting to melt under pressure. A knock on her door made her lookup.
"Captain, it's me, Flisk." The voice of her second came out from the other side.
"Come in!" The door slid open to reveal her second in command walking in with a tray of food.
"Heard you missed dinner. It wouldn't be good for our fearless Captain to miss an important meal like she did lunch." He set the tray on her desk.
Ruby's stomach made itself known at the mention of food. Making the girl blush in embarrassment, much to Flisk's amusement. Finding it rather cute for a human. The wolf alien sat the tray on the desk before glancing around his Alpha's territory.
The room was what he expected from a sleeping area/office. Overall, the area was Spartan in appearance, but that was due to having acquired the ship very recently. Like many other rooms in the crew quarters, there hasn't been much time for splurging on decorating. The only thing Flisk could see that would count as decorations would be the three clone helmets on a shelf just to the right behind his Alpha's desk. The first was the red and black helmet with the strange flower emblem on the side, a blue striped one, and a light orange painted one. Other than that, there was her work desk with three chairs and a computer terminal integrated into it. A queen-size bed tucked in the back with two doors on either side, presumably the girl's personal bathroom and closet. Then he spotted the booklet sofa and small table in the middle of the sleeping area. Lastly, off against the wall sat a workbench with tools and several weapons parts.
Overall it wasn't too dissimilar to other officers' quarters he's seen before.
"Paperwork holding you down?" Flisk asked before taking a seat across from Ruby.
"Yea..." The redhead said dryly. Taking her spoon and began eating the oatmeal-like soup. Which oddly tasted like beef stew to the teen. "It's this finance stuff. I know how to manage money but not for 200 people."
Flisk nodded in understanding. "I see. We got pilots, soldiers, engineers but no one I know with H.R. experiences. We should change that."
"Can you look into that when we get back back to the core worlds?" Ruby asked.
Flisk shrugged nonchalantly. "Sure, bound to be someone out there looking for a job with skills we need."
"Good. How's the salvage teams doing in stripping the Republic Corvette?" She asked.
"Trying to get the electronics out has been a waste of effort. All that was pulled were either destroyed in the crash while the rest were burnt by the fires. Its two blaster cannons on top were intact and were stripped easily. Its remaining two engines were a total loss, and its hyperdrive is dead."
Ruby finished off the beef-tasting oatmeal. "So just the cannons then?"
"The Medical Droid on board is also salvageable and could be reused for our own purposes. Plus, there are a few cases of spare parts that we took. So that's something," Flisk offered to which Ruby nodded.
"It's something," Ruby said with slight disappointment. "How about our exchange with Lermen villagers?"
"We bought a few baskets of fruit that the village had that the crew is taking a liking to. That Lerman healer, Wag Too, agreed with our exchange. Some of our civilian grade medicine for that pod oil he's gathering for us." Flisk replied. "If that stuff works as well as you say, then we should be good for anything medical-related and save us a few credits'."
"Hopefully, we don't have to use it anytime soon. What about the Separatist base? What did we get from there?" Ruby asked before chugging down her glass of water.
"Now that we have more luck," Flisk said with a smile. "The two armoires we got hold of each had a sizeable stash of small arms that we can sell-off, as well as a crate of thermal dominators for our use. Another prize we got was a whole rack of unactivated B1 battle droids."
Ruby paused mid-bite to look at her second. "How many?"
"Hundred and twenty-eight total. All ready to be deployed by the Separatist wishes," Flisk answered. "Why? Got an idea for them?" He asked while observing the gleam in his Captain's eyes.
"Can Julie and her team reprogram them?" A glint of excitement in her eyes. Flisk snorted at her question.
"There droids, Ruby. Their programming can be changed with the right coding."
"Could we reprogram them and use them as ship security or assist us on jobs?" She asked.
This made the Wolven stoke his chin in thought. "We could...they can also act as extra muscle and fill-ins for jobs that we receive."
"Do it. There may be more battles to come, and I want to be ready for anything. A few more hands with guns in them wouldn't be a bad thing."
"Agreed."
The two were silent for a few moments before Flisk broke it.
"So...What's our next destination after we get our finances taken care of?" Flisk asked.
Ruby thought for a few moments before answering. "I have a lead on where my people ended up, but it's an old one."
"Old or not, it's something. What is it?" Flisk leaned forward with slight interest.
"Master Kota told me he encountered one of my people." Flisk looked a bit excited.
"That's good!" Said the Wolven. "Now, how old are we talking about?
"Years old but told us a clue to possibly where he either came from or went." She explained.
"Well, don't leave me in suspense, Ruby. Where?" He asked.
"Mandalorian space."
Flisk stared with a straight face for a near minute before his face fell, and his eyes widened. "The Mandalorian sector... You want us to head into the Mandalorian sector?" Ruby tilted her head at his reaction before nodding. Flisk sank back with a growl and a clawed hand rubbing his head in frustration. His response confusing the Huntress more.
"What's wrong?" She asked the annoyed Wolf.
Flisk sighed at his Alpha. "The Mandalorian sector is some of the most dangerous areas of known space next to the Hutt space in the outer rim territory." He explained.
Ruby winced at them. "Is it that bad?" Flisk nodded.
"Even though that sector is run under a new pacifist government, a leader that doesn't support violence, many of the old warrior clans are still around. How many is anyone's guess." Flisk looked out the window. "After the civil war they had with the New Mandalorians somehow coming on top, the clans scattered and went into hiding. Due to the Dutchess' short-sightedness in looking no further beyond the capital, the New Mandalorians mainly looking after their home system where the Homeworld is. The rest of their sector is not to be traveled lightly. They also vary territorial. Anyone who goes into clans must make their intentions as friends to ally with that clan or risk being attacked. All members of a Mandalorians clan are warriors. Every single one of them. Many carved out sectors of territory within that region of space."
"Would we be alright going there?" Ruby asked. Flisk gave a thoughtful expression while he scratched his chin. Ruby thought it looked rather adorable.
"If we stick to the major shipping lanes, then we would be fine for the most part. We are also carrying enough firepower to deter most pirate raiders. Mandalorian's on the other hand, would see us as a challenge. A ship like our Hammerhead would be considered a trophy to some clans worth attacking if we roam in their territory."
"Well...great," Ruby sighed. "What safety measures could we get to help us travel through their space without being attacked?"
"Hmm...having more ships would improve odds." The wolf humanoid hummed. "There are a few ships out there that we can easily afford. Mmmm...I wonder."
Ruby saw the Wolven thinking expression and found it more than a little cute. Lately, the teen has been noticing that she was looking at Flisk in a way that was new to her. By now, Ruby has been around many different aliens now that the girl was out in the galaxy. Sure, she spent a lot of time with Faunus like Blake, Sun, and Velvet back at Beacon, but they could pass as human if one looks the other way. With so many different aliens now occupying her life, she kinda felt disheartened now that she hadn't asked Blake more questions about the Faunus.
'Let's correct that.' Ruby smiled. "Hey, Flisk..." Her voice getting the Wolvens' attention. "Can you tell me more about your species?"
Flisk was a bit taken back by her request. "You want to know more about my people?" Ruby shifted in her seat as he gazed questionably at her.
"I'm still new to the galaxy," Ruby excuse. "My planet isn't part of any galactic communities. We don't even have space flight, so we're stuck, and I don't think we were ever visited by other races. So I'd like to know more about you and yours."
Flisk smiled warmly at the young reaper. "Very well. What would you like to know?"
"Well...what are your people like?" Ruby asked as she leans forward like she was interested.
Flisk thought for a sec before answering. "Ok, to start off. My people are a warrior race called Wolvens or Wolvenfolk. We uphold traditional principles of loyalty, honor, faith, and family. We come from a planet known to the galaxy as Inglaterra. A bright big green world teaming mountains and forests. Unlike humans and many other races that are spread all over the galaxy. 90% of my people live on the Homeworld or in nearby systems."
"So we won't see many Wolven out in our travels?"
"Not unless we get close to my homeworld," Flisk answered. "As for my people, we are tribal-like in our traditions. Kind of like the Mandalorian clans that we just talked about. As a result, most of my race don't even bother to learn to speak galactic basic."
Ruby winced a bit at that. "Must be hard for your people to talk to others then." She then smiles. "But then you did, that means you aren't like most."
Flisk did a shoulder shrug. "Like I said, most don't, but there are a few translators within each tribe. Mainly the Chiefs and those in positions of power know the language we're speaking now. The rest of the tribe don't bother. Those like me that strike out on their own need to learn to get by. Our government is similar to the Republics' Council only; instead of senators of separate worlds, it is our tribal Chiefs. Every year, there's a mandatory meeting of Chiefs on the Homeworld. Where all kinds of politics are discussed."
"Did they have a discussion about the war going with the Republic?" Ruby asked. Flisk nodded. "How that go?"
"I wasn't there, but from what I heard from people in my clan, poorly. Both the Republic and Separatists sent representatives to my people looking to gain favor and support in their war. Thou both cases brought adverse effects and remained neutral in this conflict."
That somewhat surprised Ruby. "What happen?"
Flisk leaned forward and rested his knees on his knees, interlocking his clawed fingers before resting his chin on them. "It's the way the war is being fought. I was literal in the tribal way my people conduct our government. They see C.I.S. as a bunch of children. Instead of taking care of their problems equally to deal with problems, they lash out at each other. AS for the Republic, they use to have a great deal of honor, now gone and replaced with disgrace. One side largely legalizes the deployment of clone soldiers while the other solely utilizes Battle Droids in significant quantities." Flisk's emerald eyes bore hard into Ruby's silver. "Our blood may have mellowed since our ascent to the stars, but at our heart, we will always be a warrior culture. In the eyes of our leaders, what the Republic and Separatists are using in conducting their war is dishonorable and wrongfully cruel. So the Wolven tribes will not be involved in their fight."
While not breaking eye contact. The Remnant native leaned back into her chair to poses what she heard. "Wow. So your people won't get involved at all in this war?"
The male Wolven shook his head no. "Unless one side attacks a tribe without other provocations. Then the answer is no."
"Oh...well, what about you? How did you end up in the Republic military?"
The question hung over the Wolvens head for a few moments before answering. "Well...that's a bit of a story there. You see, my sister and I are from one of the few tribes that left the Homeworld, the Svart tribe. It roughly translates to Black in Galactic Basic. It is also close to several Republic worlds, so I was more influenced at a younger age to other cultures. Made me curious about what's out there. Made me one excited pup at the thought of what could be out there." He gave a small laugh at the memories. The perception of a small happy puppy Flisk projected in the red head's mind made the girl squeal at the adorableness. Flisk filched, knowing to expect such reactions from humans but didn't bother at this point. Plus, Ruby looked oddly cute going that. "Yes, well, my parents didn't like how I was taking an interest in other races but didn't stop me either. I had actually got my sister hooked on wanting to know about other worlds too. When we were of age, Lisa and I left the world the tribe settled in, booked for a transport heading for the core worlds, and never looked back."
"Why did you leave?" Ruby asked.
It caught the girl off guard when Flisk looked away in embarrassment. She waited a full minute of silence before Flisk spoke again. "It's complicated, Ruby," he said. "There are a few traditions and practices that my people perform that are frown upon in the wider galaxy. It's been an on and off subject of discussion in the Galactic senate since my people's first contact. It made my people distrust many other species as they have painted us in a bad light. I want people to judge me as an individual rather than bunch up with the rest."
Ruby smiled at that. "My friend Blake was the same way. I believe you two would get along with that. But don't worry, if you don't want to talk about it, then I won't pry."
Flisk felt a bit touched by that. "Thanks for that, Ruby. One day I'll tell you more, but for now, we should be on our way back to the core worlds."
"Your right. We need to find someone to fill in a job to fill out our peoples' paychecks and get us some more ships." Ruby nodded.
"I may be able to help with the first one..."
"But...?" Ruby sense one making Flisk rolled his eyes.
"But I know a ship dealer that would give a fair price on some decently used escort-class ships that would be within our budget," he finished.
Ruby hoped to his side. "That sounds great! Can't wait to see what they have." The two walked out of Ruby's cabin and towards the Bridge. "By the way, did Anakin's ship already leave?"
The Jedi's?" Ruby nodded. "Two of the three capital ships already left when I left to get food for you. The last one is still in orbit with us. Probably doing some scans of the system for any lingering signs of the C.I.S. Why?"
"Oh, just wanted to see him and Ahsoka before we go off. Maybe even see what jobs they might have us do next," Ruby replied innocently.
An eyebrow rose up on the wolf-like face. "Already looking for new jobs for us, Captain?" He smiled at the girl. "Well, as your second, I would advise you to have the crew receive some R&R first before the next mission. Don't want to overwork everybody."
"True," Ruby nodded in understanding. "I also need some more information on the Mandalorians now that you've worn me about the dangers. We need to be prepared for the worst."
"Glad to see you are taking precautions."
The two talked back in forth on simple matters while they walked to the Bridge. As they entered, they walked up to the communications terminal and hailed the Republic cruiser. Moments later, Captain Rex appeared.
"Ruby. Good to see you," the clone officer greeted.
"You as well, Captain."
"What can we do for you?" He asked, wanting to get directly to business.
"We're finishing up over here and preparing to travel. I wanted to let you know before leaving," the redhead explained.
"Much appreciation for the notification."
"How are Anakin and the other Jedi feeling?"
"General Secura had left with her men and are returning to Coruscant for resupply and rest. Commander Tano has been summoned for a classified assignment that I can not say over an unsecured communications channel." Rex told her. "General Skywalker is resting aboard, and General Kota is with him to discuss future joint deployments. Which I'm looking forward to."
"The 501st is always ready for a fight," Ruby said with a smile.
"You got that right, kid. What's your plan now that you have your own ship?" The clone had an idea of what she was going to do but wanted to hear it himself.
"I'm going to prepare for the search for my Homeworld and my people. I have a ship and a crew. Now I need to get out there and start looking."
Rex understood Ruby's personal mission, having been around the teen as she trained him up with his aura for the last month. "It's a big galaxy, Ruby. Finding a single specific world in all that black is near impossible without a heading. Do you have any place to start?"
Ruby sighed in frustration. "No. My world can be anywhere. Master Kota gave me a hint on my people that may have traveled through Mandalorian space. I'm going to prepare my ship and crew for the journey as I'm told that it's a dangerous sector."
"Smart move," Rex agreed. His hologram form then turns away from Ruby as Anakin's holo figure appeared. "General."
"Rex, Ruby. I hear you're leaving. This true?" Anakin stated.
"I am," Ruby replied. The memory of Yang missing her arm with a wounded Blake holding her remaining hand flashed in her mind. Of Weiss standing on her last legs to support her. Of Jaunes plea for help. Of Cinder Fall losing an arrow into Pyrrha's chest. "I've delayed my search for long enough. As much as I want to help the people of this galaxy end this war. I need to find my home. I need to see what's happened to my family and my team. I also need to see what has happened to Vale and Beacon Academy while in my absence. There are also a few people that must answer for their crimes and be brought to justice."
Anakin and Rex didn't need to be told who Ruby was referring to. Both were briefed by the teen Captain of Cinder Fall actions that inevitably led to Ruby's current station.
"Just be careful out there. With the war going on, the galaxy has many lines drawn everywhere. Crossing one or the other could be a very dangerous place."
Ruby understood. Having been crammed all the warnings and dangers, the Jedi and clones stuffed in her teachings. "I will. Don't worry. I'm more than sure we will see each other soon, especially if you want to hire me again."
"Not something me and the boys would be against," Rex joked but was serious about her joining them again in a fight. Ruby had gotten along well with the 501st troopers. Some of the boys, especially Domino, would be saddened that the teen wasn't around.
"I'll be sure to send you any job offerings your way. Knowing how this war is going, that may be sooner than we like." Anakin said in apology.
"If it means saving lives, then I'm fine with this arrangement," Ruby declared.
"Then we won't keep you from your mission, take care, Captain Rose," Rex said.
"I wish you luck on your journey, Ruby. May the Force be with you." Anakin said before the call cut
Flisk, who was standing silently nearby, huffed in amusement. "And here I thought the Jedi don't believe in luck."
Ruby rolled her eye playfully. "Anakin sure is unique, that's for sure. Send a message to the ground teams and pull them back to the ship. When they return, we'll leave this system. Get us a person that can help us with financial work and figure out any future security work to pay for our mission."
"I might have an idea on where we can acquire some additional firepower," Flisk pointed out. "But lets us get ourselves an H.R. rep. I'd feel more conformable with the crew having a steady paycheck in their pockets."
I had already written half this chapter before finishing the last one. Just needed to clear up on where I wanted this to go. With this chapter being more a filler chapter.
So yeah Ruby is going away from the Clone Wars for a bit to look for her people. She will head out to gain more fire power now that Ruby is swimming in credits. Soon she will have that chance to investigate and unravel the mystery of where home is.