Summary/disclaimer: Time for another chapter of Shadows of the Force. Enjoy the 1400-word chapter. I don't own RWBY and Star Wars. Monty Oum, Lucas Films, and Rooster Teeth do.
(Venator Class Cruiser Trailblazer, low orbit over Vale, Remnant 12:10 PM)
Drifter and Professor Goodwitch escorted RWBY through the ship. Ozpin had sent another bullhead to the ship with things from their rooms for the time being.
Blake found Lerek in the hanger, despite a few areas? The girls were allowed escorts to various sections of the ship.
"How are your friends settling in?" Lerek questioned while he slowly sat up from the crate he was using as a bench. "I didn't want to announce ourselves to the planet so soon. I was afraid it'd cause issues… I'm still afraid, but the decision is out of my hands." Lerek said while Blake hummed.
"You weren't kidding when you said you weren't from Remnant," Blake said, slowly stepping forward, clad in her pajamas and wearing a pair of black slippers.
"It sounds as crazy to you as it probably does to me, doesn't it?" Lerek asked, crossing his arms. "Why? You want to ask if we're here to conquer everyone and blow-up peace and happiness?" Lerek joked with a raised eyebrow.
"Does the entire republic have this much military firepower?" Blake questioned which got a nod. "You know plenty of people is scared of that, right?" Blake questioned which got a hum.
"Why do you think I wanted to lay low and smooth things over?" Lerek asked, walking back and forth. "Maybe in a military battle you can speed through everything… But I've fought in the war long enough to know not to start new battles. I'd have ordered an invasion if we were here to destroy Vale." Lerek said, sighing as he thought about what came next.
If more republic forces came? Then the separatists couldn't be close behind. Lerek was a very maverick-like military commander, but he still had a heart. The last thing he wanted was their war to spill out into Remnant. He turned back to see Blake frowning, a book in her hands.
"You know Jedi can sense emotions, right?" Lerek questioned, raising his eyebrow once more. "What's wrong? I didn't mean to say something stupid like in the forest… Well stupider than usual." Lerek said, making Blake smirk and giggle.
"Nothing, it's just my past is… Painful." Blake said while Lerek leaned against the crate. "You didn't mean to, it's just… Painful to think about it, to begin with. You've probably had it better as a Jedi, huh?" Blake said which made Lerek shake his head.
"No, most Jedi don't have that. We get brought to the temple as kids." Lerek said, making Blake raise an eyebrow. "And from what I've been able to find out about my people? I think I'm kinda glad about it. Arkanians are arrogant, we think we're the peak of evolution and upgrade ourselves to be even better than others." Lerek said as he let out a sigh.
"Are most Arkanians Jedi?" Blake questioned which got a shake of the head.
"The force is too mythical for the technology my people love," Lerek said while he rubbed at his chin. "Why? What about the Faunus? You seem to hate them ever being mentioned. You know that's HOW I know you're a Faunus, right?" Lerek questioned, slowly moving towards the turbo lift as he did so.
"The Faunus are looked down upon by humanity, most of them find us nothing more than slaves at best," Blake said which got Lerek to rub at his eyes.
"Yeah, there's a lot of discrimination back home, Blake," Lerek said before he opened his eyes. "But you're changing that. I'm sure there's bound to be plenty of Faunus that realize just how much the Faunus can be more. You shouldn't be afraid of your heritage." Lerek said as Blake went to speak.
"I know how most people see Arkanians and us them," Lerek said as he used the force to press the elevator button. "I might be smart and cocky? But I want to use that intelligence my people have to protect people, to prove not all Arkanians are stuck-up egomaniacs. You want to make the place better for Faunus, don't you? It's why you're here with your friends." Lerek said which made Blake nod.
"Some people won't change," Blake said as the lift descended towards them. "Some of my people have resorted to violence to get that change," Blake added as Lerek closed his eyes.
"It doesn't matter what a few people think if you still have something worth fighting for," Lerek responded to the Faunus. "Your friends trust you for example… For a good reason." Lerek stated, shrugging as he hummed.
"You go back and forth between saying whatever you want to say… And trying to be humble and wise." Blake stated while Lerek hummed.
"There's plenty of times I need to be the experienced general/peacekeeper people expect," Lerek responded, his lips slowly pulling into a playful smirk. "And sometimes when I can just be myself. You are snarky at times, I doubt you don't have moments you stop being serious. It isn't like I don't notice that book and how you're gushing over the content." Lerek said, making Blake blush as she smacked him in the arm.
"And thank you for just giving me confirmation," Lerek said with a smirk. "If it makes you feel you feel better? I've gone through plenty of moments of being unsure. How do you think I became a Jedi knight? You can't go through life constantly doubting yourself if you want to advance." Lerek said before crossing his arms.
The turbo-lift began to rise. Blake was surprised still by the scale of the ship. It was the size of a small building. Blake didn't need to know the military to know that there had to be thousands of troops and craft aboard here.
"Do you plan on staying here after things are all worked out?" Blake finally asked as Lerek shrugged.
"If there wasn't a war going on? Sure, I'm always curious about new planets and culture." Lerek stated before looking around. "Sadly, most of the places I go have legions of mindless droids trying to kill people… And this place has giant killer monsters, but that's kinda the usual in the life of the Jedi." Lerek snarked with amusement.
"Your terrible," Blake responded, leaning against the wall as she did so.
"Your words sting so much, Lady Belladonna," Lerek said, bowing with a mock salute. "Anyway, I'd be happy to have you by my side when we go to greet the Vale council. I don't know WHAT they're going to be like. Politics are not my strong suit." Lerek stated while scratching against his neck.
Blake nodded and looked up at the roof of the lift. She could only question HOW the peace meeting would go. Vale would no doubt have its armed forces here which could lead to conflict. Lerek wasn't the top military officer in the republic.
"Are most Jedi military officers?" Blake questioned and got a nod from Lerek.
"Yes, I'm one of the dozens of generals in the Grand Army of the Republic," Lerek said as his eyes opened and closed. "I and the 307th were sent to find a relic. The separatists came as well, I'm worried their battle droids made it to Remnant. They might be stupid, but they gladly destroy everything in their way to take us down." Lerek said while he shook his head and paused to take a breath.
The doors slid open, dropping the duo off at their quarters. Lerek knew this would take a few days, the diplomat was going to be escorted to the center of Vale with Lerek escorting them. He knew for a fact that this was going to be interesting, but for once? He was NOT interested in the chaos sure to spring from this.
Author Notes
Phew. Another chapter is done! I want to point out I am going to make another longer scene of Blake and Lerek on the Trailblazer soon. The next chapter will be in 2-10 months and will show Lerek, Blake, the diplomat, and such to meet the Vale council and such along with more bonding. Until then, Lighting Wolf out!
P.S: Next chapter is 900-5500 words. Ruby 900-1200 Monday, Raven 1200 Saturday, Winter 1500 Wednesday, Penny 900 Tuesday, Cinder 1200 Monday. Elm 1200 Saturday, Emerald 1500 Friday, Pyrrha 1500 Saturday, Neo 1500 Wednesday, and such.