Ruby stirred, her consciousness slowly returning through a haze of confusion. As her vision cleared, she found herself in the sterile environment of a medical wing. The soft hum of machinery and the antiseptic smell confirmed her surroundings before her eyes fully focused.

A sleek, chrome-plated medical droid hovered above her, its optical sensors glowing a soft blue. "Ah, Your Highness, you're awake. Good," it said in a modulated, yet somehow soothing voice. The droid's multifaceted arms retracted as it moved aside, gliding towards the door.

With a soft hiss, the door slid open, revealing a group of familiar faces. Luke stood at the forefront, his weathered face etched with concern. Captain Bloom was right beside him, her usually stern expression softened with relief. Kylo and Hux flanked them, an unlikely pair united in their worry for Ruby. Rey and Finn completed the group, hovering just behind the others, their presence a testament to the bonds forged through their shared adventures.

Ruby blinked rapidly, trying to process the sight of all her friends gathered around her. Her throat felt dry, and when she spoke, her voice came out as a hoarse whisper. "What are you all doing here?" she managed to say, confusion evident in her tone.

The group exchanged glances, a mix of relief and lingering concern passing between them. Bloom stepped forward, her voice gentle but firm. "We've been waiting for you to wake up, Your Highness. You gave us quite a scare."

Luke nodded, adding, "You've been unconscious for several hours. We... we weren't sure when you'd come around."

Ruby's brow furrowed as she tried to piece together her fragmented memories. The last thing she recalled was the chaos of their escape, the searing pain in her leg, and then... darkness. She attempted to sit up, but a wave of dizziness forced her back down.

"Easy now," Kylo said, moving closer to the bed. "You're still recovering."

Hux cleared his throat, his usual composure slightly shaken. "The medical droids have treated your injuries, but you'll need time to regain your strength."

Rey and Finn exchanged a look before Rey spoke up. "We couldn't leave until we knew you were okay. We're all here for you, Ruby."

As Ruby looked around at the faces of her friends, a mix of emotions washed over her – gratitude, confusion, and a touch of embarrassment at being the center of so much concern. Despite her disorientation, one thing was clear: whatever challenges lay ahead, she wouldn't have to face them alone.

"My father," Ruby attempted to speak, her voice still weak and raspy. Her eyes searched the room, a flicker of hope quickly extinguished by the solemn expressions surrounding her.

Bloom shook her head gently, her eyes filled with a mix of sympathy and caution. "Dead. You killed him, Ruby." The words hung heavy in the air, a reminder of the recent, tumultuous events.

Ruby felt a sharp stab of sadness pierce through her fog of confusion. Palpatine was, by no means, a good father. His methods were cruel, his ambitions twisted. And yet, he had trained her in the ways of the Force like no one else could. The complex emotions of their relationship - fear, respect, anger, and a desperate need for approval - all swirled within her.

She had killed him. The reality of that act settled over her like a heavy shroud. Ruby sighed deeply, her chest rising and falling with the weight of her actions. "I see," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Pushing aside her personal turmoil, Ruby's thoughts turned to her responsibilities. "Is the people safe?" she asked, her concern for her subjects evident even in her weakened state.

Kylo nodded, a hint of pride in his voice. "Yes, they're safe. They didn't even know we had left for the planet Snoke was on. The transition of power has been smooth, thanks to the contingencies you put in place."

At the mention of Snoke's name, Ruby hissed, her face contorting with a mixture of anger and fear. "Is he dead, too?" The question came out more as a demand than an inquiry.

Luke stepped forward, his weathered face grave but reassuring. "Yes, he is. We discovered that he was just a puppet in Palpatine's grand scheme. A powerful one, but a puppet nonetheless."

The room fell silent as Ruby processed this information. The galaxy's two most feared beings, both gone. Both by her hand, directly or indirectly. The weight of these actions, of the changes they would bring, settled over her.

"So it's over then," Ruby said, her voice gaining strength as she spoke. It wasn't really a question, but a statement of realization.

Finn, who had been quiet until now, spoke up. "The immediate threat is over, yes. But there's still much to be done. The galaxy will need guidance, leadership."

Rey nodded in agreement. "And you won't have to do it alone. We're all here to help, to support you in rebuilding."

Ruby looked around at her friends - no, her family - gathered around her. Despite the pain, despite the loss and the challenges ahead, she felt a spark of hope ignite within her. The road ahead would be difficult, but with these loyal companions by her side, she knew she could face whatever came next.

"Thank you," she said, her voice stronger now, filled with determination. "All of you. We have much work to do."