Sorry for the long wait. Working two jobs to make ends meet can be a little difficult with not much time to write and edit. Had to rewrite this chapter twice as the first two time made me think like "This person doesn't sound like that?" And I had to rethink the ending of this to think on future events.


"This news is most troublesome," Obi-wan said, summarizing the meeting with his usual wit.

He, Anakin, and Padawan were briefed by the council on the outer rim's current situation. With them in the chamber was Masters Yoda and Windu in contact with several other Jedi Masters and Knights. The current topic was the continued loss of territory the Republic has been losing to the Separatists.

"It will only get worse," Windu stated. "If we don't stop their advice soon, many of our forces within the outer rim would be cut off without supply or reinforcements. Any territory we have gained will be lost to the Separatists."

"The losses will be staggering." One of the Jedi Knights on the holo comm said.

"They keep coming at us," another Knight commented.

"Where are the Separatists getting all these droids from?" Asoka asked.

"They more than likely started another Droid factory," Obi-wan suggested.

"I'd bet it's out in the Outer Rim. On a planet with high resources and near the territory we've recently lost," Anakin said. Some of the Jedi nodding their heads, agreeing with that logic.

"The Outer Rim is vast with many potential mineral rich worlds," Master Fisto points out. "Finding one Droid factory among hundreds of systems will not be an easy task. There could be more that we don't know about."

"The Republic Intelligence department will have to take care of that," Windu interrupted. "We need to focus on either halting their advance or take down the leadership. Otherwise, the more forces we split up to perform multiple objectives, the more spread out we'll be."

"Easier said than done," Anakin muttered silently so no one could hear. But not unnoticed by his Padawan, who gave him a concerned look.

"By the way," Fisto started. "I heard your young Padawan Asoka here, and that Huntress Ruby engaged the good General Grieves while taking out that listening post." He stated before looking at said Padawan, "How are you feeling, little one?"

The tanga looked down in shame. "My pride got the better of me, Master. I underestimated Grieves, and my actions nearly resulted in failing the mission and my men killed."

"Failure oftentimes is the greatest teacher," Master Plo Koon said. "Learn from it, and stand tall and move forward. That alone is a victory to can be proud of."

Asoka smiled at the Master. "Thank you, Master Plo." She responded with a bow."

"And Ruby?" Master Ti asked.

"She's recovered," Anakin answered. "Most of her injuries are healed up, and she's back into fighting shape. She's currently at her ship making preparations for whatever comes next."

"And what is next, Skywalker?" Master Windu spoke. It was evident from the start that he disapproved of Ruby, a young civilian, involved in military operations. Nor did he liked the idea of giving an outdated and retired warship to a hyper teenager with no discipline.

"Ruby has proven to be helpful to us. She wants to find her home as soon as possible but still wanting to help the Republic. I have her ship, "The Beacon of Hope," refit to suit Ruby's needs for her mission."

"Her mission?" Anakin brought up the Hammerhead Cruser on the holo board. Many Jedi present who had not known much about Ruby and her ship leaned forward with some interest.

"Because of her background with her people not being part of the Republic, she can't integrate into the military like an ordinary citizen. But the girl has skills come close to some of our Padawan's with abilities never seen before now. She's looking to us for help while also wanting to help in return. As Jedi is our obligation to help those in need. As a Huntress to her people, they look to defend others in need and are drawn to causes of help." He explained before Anakin motioned his hand towards the ship. "An example is when Ruby and my Padawan uncovered an undercity plot. A gang of thugs had gotten this Hammerhead, were planning to turn it into a slave barge and run a slaving ring right here on Coruscant."

The Jedi that had not heard of this beforehand gasped at this shocking news. To hear that someone was setting up a slaving operation on the Republic Capital was disconcerting to the very least.

Anakin continues on, "Ruby asked after she and Ahsoka defeated the gang if she could have it for her use. There were many doubts about leaving a ship of that size to a little girl to run a whole ship captive. Then many of those held captive by the thugs volunteer to help run it."

"They volunteered?" A Jedi in attendance said. Obi-Wan recognized him.

"That is correct, Kota. A few dozen engineers from various shipwright industries." The Knight hummed in thought.

"Her ship will be updated with better weapons and sensor sweeps to assist in her mission to find her home. Considering Ruby as hired help rather than a primary military asset. She has more freedom to move around without having to be tied down with politics."

"With her out looking for her home, she can also act a scout ship for the Republic," Obi-Wan finishes after his old Padawan.

Windu narrowed his eyes at the two. "I don't like this, Kenobi. You and Skywalker should have turned that ship over the Coruscant Guard."

"Which would leave the volunteers homeless, jobless, and nowhere to go." Anakin fired back at Windu. Making the Master of the Order git his teeth. Obi-Wan intercedes before things worsen.

"What's done is done. Let's get off past events and plan towards what we do next." Master Plo, Fisto, and Shaak Ti, and other Jedi present nodded or voiced their support. Windu did not like how the others were willing to let this go and accept the decision.

"Very well, but whatever actions she takes that differ or against the Republic interests, you will be responsible for."

Anakin held back a scoff. "Say what you want about her Master, Ruby has earned my trust. I can count on her." Asoka siding with her Master in agreement.

The Jedi saw their support. Many silently wondering just what this Huntress did to earn one of their knights and Padawan's trust.

After the meeting, the Jedi parted for their own duties. Obi-Wan returned to his ship with his 212th, getting ready to redeploy. Anakin assigned Ahsoka to head to the Temple library to read up on the sectors they were planning on traveling to in the future. While he left to meditate on his thoughts, to which he silently scoffs at. Anakin was never one for meditation like Master Yoda does but often does after a heated meeting.

As he walked through the temple, his thoughts were back to Ruby and her newly acquired ship. Initially, he was going to force the system to integrate Ruby through customs and get her a Republic citizenship. Then have her ship be registered under Ruby as the owner. From there, Skywalker would have her in the 313th reserves. Being placed to run supplies, escort, and scouting. At first, it was a good idea that he realized that he would be essentially trapping and delaying her from returning home to her family.

...like how the Jedi discouraged him from going home and failing to save his mother.

"Knight Skywalker."

A voice broke through his thoughts before they could be darker. Anakin looked back to see someone in Jedi robes with light armor walking up to him. The Maverick Jedi recognize him as one of the Jedi in the audience during the meeting.

"Master Kota, what can I help you with?"

"Do you have a moment to talk?" Rahm Kota asked as he stopped in front of him.

Anakin's brow rose. "About what?"

"About your friend, Miss Rose. You and your Padawan spoke highly of her against Windu."

Now Skywalker was suspicious. "Ruby risked her life for Ahsoka and the men she was with without a second thought. Went up to Grievous and shoots him in the back with a slugthrower she made herself. That says something." Anakin said in Ruby's defense.

"I agree," Kota replied, mildly surprising the Knight.

"You do?"

Kota nodded. "She comes from a world with many conflicts, much like my Homeworld use to be. Now devoting her life to helping others and saving lives. Much like how the Jedi should be when not in the middle of a war. I can respect that," he explained.

He didn't know Kota personally, other than his reputation and some of his past. The main thing being brought in the Jedi order much older than Anakin at age eighteen by Windu of all Jedi. And coming from a war-ridden world in the outer rim that made Tatooween look pleasant.

"What do you want with Ruby?" Anakin asked curiously.

"I'm told she spent a short time here a the temple while I was away on the frontlines. I'd like to meet her, if possible, and assess the current capabilities of her ship."

"Why?"

"Because after talking to Master Yoda, I believe I can help find her people."