Ruby sat cradling a cup of tea when General Hux strode into the room, resplendent in his gleaming white robes. His presence commanded attention, yet Ruby maintained her composed demeanor.

"Your Highness," he said, bowing deeply in respect, his movements precise and practiced.

Ruby lifted her gaze from her tea, regarding him with a mixture of curiosity and mild amusement. "Oh, Hux," she said, her voice carrying a hint of weariness. "What can I do for you now?"

The tension in the air was palpable as Ruby waited for Hux to state his purpose. She had grown accustomed to these impromptu visits from the General, each one usually heralding some new matter requiring her attention. The steam rising from her teacup created delicate swirls in the air between them, a stark contrast to the rigid formality of Hux's bearing.

The General remained in his respectful pose, awaiting permission to speak further, while Ruby took another measured sip of her tea. Whatever news he brought, she would face it with the same quiet dignity that had become her trademark.

Hux lowered his voice, his expression growing grave as he stepped closer to Ruby's seat. "It's Kylo again," he said, the words hanging heavy in the air between them. "He's found something truly disturbing this time."

Ruby's fingers tightened imperceptibly around her teacup, though her face remained carefully neutral. The mention of Kylo's name alone was enough to send a ripple of unease through the otherwise peaceful chamber. The steam from her tea continued its lazy dance upward, seemingly oblivious to the tension that now filled the room.

Whatever Kylo had discovered, Ruby knew it must be significant for Hux to approach her with such evident concern. The General was not one given to unnecessary dramatics, particularly when it came to matters involving their volatile colleague.

Ruby swallowed hard, steeling herself for whatever lay ahead. "Lead the way," she commanded, rising gracefully as her gown swirled around her like liquid starlight. She followed the General's purposeful stride, noting his sideways glance at her floating teacup, which trailed behind them like a faithful companion.

Upon entering the chamber, her eyes fell immediately upon Kylo, his brow furrowed in concentration. As if sensing her presence, his brown eyes flickered open, filled with an unsettling mixture of excitement and trepidation.

"Master," he exclaimed, his voice brightening with unexpected joy. "I've found him again." The words hung heavy in the air, and Ruby felt herself freeze, the name materializing clearly in her mind, unbidden and unwanted.

She dropped to her knees without hesitation, her earlier composure cracking under the weight of his reaction. "Master, what's wrong?" she pleaded, her voice tight with concern. "I'm sorry; I thought this would make you happy. Now we can truly kill Snoke."

The chamber seemed to grow colder as they waited for a response, the tension palpable in the air between them. Ruby remained kneeling, her gown pooling around her like spilled moonlight, while Kylo's presence loomed above her, a storm of conflicting emotions radiating through the Force.

The floating teacup had come to rest on a nearby surface, forgotten in the gravity of the moment. General Hux stood silently by the door, his white robes a stark contrast to the emotional tempest unfolding before him, his face carefully neutral as he witnessed this exchange between master and apprentice.

Ruby shook her head. "No, Kylo, it's not you. It's just..." She took a deep breath. "I thought we were done with Snoke and my father."

Kylo looked at her with a gaze that was both vulnerable and intense. "We can't run from the past, Ruby. It follows us, no matter how much we wish it didn't."

She pressed her lips together, unsure if she should believe him. "But we have the chance to create something new. Can't we just... start over?"

A short laugh escaped Kylo, but it was devoid of joy. "You know it's not that simple. There are always consequences."

"Yes, but we can't let them define us. Not anymore." Ruby stepped closer, determined not to let the darkness take over again. "We have to fight for our own path."

Kylo looked at her, and in that glance, she could see a flicker of hope mixed with fear. "And what if the path leads us back to where we started?"

"Then we fight again," she replied, her voice stronger now. "But not for them. For us."

Kylo swallowed and took her hands in his. "Ruby," he said, and she knew how difficult it was for him to say her name with Hux present. The red-haired general stiffened.

"It's risky," Kylo continued. "We will find your father, and we will kill him, but we might need help from the Resistance."

Ruby's heart raced at the mention of the Resistance. "You really think they would ally with us after everything?"

Kylo's grip tightened slightly. "They might not have a choice. Your father is a threat to both of us. If we want to end this, we need to be strategic."

"But trusting them could backfire," Ruby argued, her mind racing with possibilities. "What if they turn on us?"

"Then we'll be ready," he replied, a fierce determination in his eyes. "But we can't let fear dictate our choices. We have to act, and we have to act now."

Ruby took a deep breath, weighing the risks. "Alright. We make contact with them. But if this goes south, I want to know we have a backup plan."

Kylo nodded, a flicker of respect crossing his face. "We will. Together."

◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥

Ruby took a deep breath. General Hux piloted Kylo toward Yavin 4, a planet shrouded in gas and mystery. As the lush green expanse of the planet came into view, Ruby inhaled again, feeling a mix of anxiety and hope.

"This is Yavin 4, tower. Please state your name and your business with us," came the voice from the tower.

"It's Empress Ruby," she replied softly but clearly. The man on the other end stiffened. "E-e-Empress! Well, land in clearing 4."

Ruby chuckled, glancing at Hux and Kylo. "Let's do this."

As the ship descended, she felt the weight of their mission pressing down on her. "Remember, we need to be convincing. They have to trust us."

Kylo nodded, his expression serious. "Trust is fragile. We must tread carefully."

Hux adjusted the controls, his face a mask of concentration. "Just follow my lead, and we'll minimize any potential threats."

As they landed, Ruby's heart raced. This was a gamble, but it was one they had to take. She felt the cool air of Yavin 4 seep into the cabin, a reminder of the unknown challenges ahead.

"Ready?" she asked, her voice steady.

"Ready," Kylo affirmed, his eyes locked on hers.

Together, they prepared to step into a world where alliances could shift in an instant, but their resolve was stronger than ever.

It was an unexpected arrival, and Ruby could see Leia. She knew who Leia was; her father had once allowed her to meet Anakin's daughter, along with his son. Ruby had wanted to help them back then, but she hadn't been able to. Now, she stood here, face to face with the young woman.

Leia's presence was commanding, her eyes sharp and assessing. "Ruby," she said, a hint of recognition flickering across her face. "I didn't expect to see you here."

Ruby took a step forward, her heart pounding. "Leia, I—I've come to offer my help."

Leia studied her closely, as if searching for hidden motives. "Help? After everything that's happened? Why should I trust you?"

"My father, Palpatine, is the real threat," Ruby replied, her voice steady despite the weight of the moment. "I want to stop him and his plans for control. I know how he operates. I want to make amends for the past."

Kylo shifted slightly beside her, a silent reminder of the tension that hung in the air.

Leia's gaze flickered to him before returning to Ruby. "Trust is hard-earned, especially when it comes to those who've walked the dark path."

"I understand," Ruby said, feeling the gravity of Leia's words. "But I'm not the same person I was. I want to fight alongside you, against him."

Leia's expression softened just a fraction. "We have a common enemy. But know this: if you betray us, I will not hesitate to stop you."

Ruby nodded, determination flooding her. "I wouldn't dream of it."

"Then let's talk strategy," Leia said, her voice firm. "We have much to discuss."

With a sense of purpose, Ruby stepped further into the light of the Resistance, ready to forge a new path against the darkness looming over them.