The Star destroyer, Blizzard, shot out of hyperspace, finding itself in empty space. Weiss waited nervously on the bridge, hoping that the scans would come up negative. "Captain, there are no traces of the freighter," one of the technicians spoke up from control pit to Weiss' left. She nodded confirmation and turned to the Inquisitor sitting in her command chair at the other end of the bridge. "I'm afraid your methods were ineffective Inquisitor Taurus, they are not here," Weiss stated triumphantly. Adam stood, stepping loudly towards her, "But they were here, we were too slow," Adam said bitterly. Standing beside her, Adam looked out into the stars, "Prepare for another jump, I will find them," Adam said firmly.

"Inquisitor we cannot simply waste time hunting a single freighter, it is a waste of resources," Weiss suggested hopefully.

"What we are hunting is worth more to me, and the Emperor, than a hundred Star Destroyers. They haven't gone far, I can feel it. Send out the probes. Find them Captain, or else."

The Ember exited hyperspace, greeted by an escort of X-Wing's. Stretched out in front of them sat a Rebel fleet, a wild assortment of capital ships and squadrons of fighters lying dormant in deep space. "Identify yourself," a voice called over the ships comms. Before Yang could respond Ruby jumped forward and grabbed the comm controls,

"Only your inspiring leader," Ruby laughed into the microphone.

"Ruby!" Sun shouted back in surprise

"Ruby your alive!" Neptune joining in the chorus of happily surprised pilots.

"I'm here as well," Ren smiling as he heard the cheers coming through the comms.

"Ren!" Nora squealed, her Y-Wing soaring overhead. Yang and Blake shared a smile as well, unable to deny themselves the feelings of joy emanating from their friends. "Commander Rose, welcome back," a calm voice sending a signal from the leading cruiser.

"General Ozpin, it's a pleasure to be back."

The Ember docked with the MC40a light cruiser, General Ozpin's Mon Calamari designed flagship known simply as The Beacon. Stepping through the airlock Ruby was greeted by the pleasant sight of several, orange clad pilots. Sun and Neptune rushed forward to embrace Ruby, Nora running past the three of them to leap onto Ren. "We thought you had bought it for sure," Sun exclaimed, "They promoted Arc to squadron leader, let's just say I am really happy to have you back."

"Hey!" Jaune cried out from behind them, causing the group to laugh. Ruby stepped past Sun and Neptune to the other pilots. Jaune and Pyrrha stepping forward to greet Ruby. "We knew you would make it back," Pyrrha said with a wide smile.

"Thank the stars you did, dealing with those two has been a nightmare," Jaune said gesturing to Neptune and Sun.

"Well I'm back, and I'm not leaving you two behind on any missions for now on, please tell me they have enough fighters for all of us this time," Ruby asked nervously. Often times there were more pilots than fighters in the Rebellion, and that meant leaving behind team members. "The general managed to scrounge together a bunch of new fighters. Even got a special one just for you," Jaune patting Ruby on the back as he spoke.

"Oooh, exciting," Ruby squeaked, her love for ships triggered by the thought of a new high tech fighter.

"Who are the new guys," Sun asked as he studied Yang, Blake and Penny.

"Well this is Yang, my sister. That's Blake, Yang's friend, and this is-"

"Hi! I am P3-NY, you can call me Penny!" the droid said cheerfully, "Personnel eradication specialist, can I be of service?" Sun simply stared at the droid,

"Personnel eradication?" He said quizzically. Ren nodded,

"Prototype Imperial assassination droid, that's actually why I'm here." Ren said as he broke away from Nora's hug to lead Penny to General Ozpin,

"Not for your old pal Nora?" Nora asked with a pout, "And to see Nora of course," Ren added with a laugh.

"Well, that's all the introductions out of the way, let's go see the general," Ruby said with a proud look in her eye.

Weiss had retired to her quarters. The lack of palpable tension in the air was a relief. The standoff between her and Adam, coupled with the fearful glances of her subordinates, made anytime on the bridge stressful. It couldn't be possible that Adam was able to track Ruby without any use of technology. Yet Adam's certainty was disturbing, despite Weiss' logical reasoning, she feared that somehow, he might actually be onto her trail.

Could Weiss sabotage the attempts to find Ruby? Should she? Ruby was a good pilot from what Weiss had seen, and her heart was most certainly in the right place, even if her allegiances were not. In the long run, having Ruby alive and part of the Rebellion might very well be useful in the future. Eventually the two sides would come to negotiations, and Weiss would make sure she was there to shape the result to bring proper peace. With Ruby alive, Weiss could help bring the two sides together. Ruby's life could very well be worth galactic peace.

A buzz broke Weiss out of her musings, the comm system built into her room's desk awaiting attention. "Yes?" Weiss enquired as she activated the comms.

"Captain, we have a report back from a probe droid. Should I contact the Inquisitor?"

Weiss sat forward quickly, "No, not yet, send me the report and keep the information to yourself for the time being," Weiss ordered quickly.

"Uh, yes Captain, right away."

Yang watched Ruby and Ozpin exchange pleasantries. The Whole squadron had come to watch Ruby get re-instated, and see Ruby's face when she saw her knew ship. General Ozpin ran a surprisingly tight ship. Yang hadn't had much contact or experience with the Rebel Alliance, but form what she had seen it was very much a rag tag group of freedom fighters. Not here though, the Beacon was as smoothly operated as an Imperial Star Destroyer. Maybe that's why Yang didn't feel so at ease. Blake stood next to her, an expression of discomfort mirroring Yang's. Yang motioned to leave, Blake nodding in agreement.

Moving out off the bridge the two found themselves in a secluded hallway. "So, what's your next move?" Yang asked causally,

"Well I will definitely need a ride out of here,"

"Yeah? Thought you would be all for fighting the Empire," Yang asked curiously.

"I do. I want to redeem myself for all the things I did," memories causing them both to wince, "But I spent years hunting these people down, executing them. It feels wrong being here, I don't think I'm ready."

"I know what you mean," Yang agreed quietly. Blake raised an eyebrow, Yang shrugged "I want to stay a while, be with Ruby, but this isn't my scene. I mean I am no fan of the Empire, but I'm not a soldier. I don't do orders and regulations."

"Really? You don't like order and regulation?" Blake joked. Yang rolled her eyes and smirked,

"Yeah it's a surprise isn't it." For a few moments the two stood in the empty corridor in silence. "Look, about what happened, I'm sorry if I was a little, cold," Yang mumbling uneasily. "I know it wasn't your fault, you lost control like I did, and you were forced into it. If anything, I'm sorry about what happened,"

"Thanks Yang," Blake said as she placed an arm reassuringly on Yang's. "It means a lot."

Next to them the door to the bridge slid open. They turned as Ruby led her team out of the bridge. "Hey guy's we are checking out Ruby's new ship you in?" Sun asked with a wink directed at Blake. Blake rolled her eyes, tilting her head to look at Yang, "Sounds like fun," Yang said as she joined the group.

The small hangar bay was packed with fighters, mechanics and astromech droids busy at work keeping the star fighters in working order. At the very end sat a small wedge shaped, red coloured vessel. "We just got it shipped in, A-Wing class interceptor, fastest fighter out there," Neptune said in appreciation of the vessel. Ruby stood still, eyes wide with excitement, as she examined her new fighter. "It's beautiful," Ruby said in reverence, causing the group to burst into laughter.

"Yeah let's just hope you don't have to go and test it out against the Imperials anytime soon," Yang said slightly concerned at how fragile the ship looked. Picking up on Yang's concern Ruby lay a hand reassuringly on her sisters shoulder, "I'll be fine, if what Neptune says is true, they aren't going to be able to even hit me."

"Sure hope so," Yang said looking down at her sister. "Hey can we talk?"

"Sure, what's wrong?" Ruby asked. Yang sighed,

"Later, in private."

"Oh," Ruby said with surprise, "Sure."

"Here is the report Captain," the officer said as he handed over the datapad. Weiss grabbed the device quickly, scanning the written report and loading the video feed. The picture was pixelated, but it was clear that the probe had found at the very least a fleet of ships, it was unclear whether they were Rebel or not. That was, until Weiss spied a familiar ship docking with the leading cruiser, Ruby and Yang were there, and that meant Rebels. "Should I set a course ma'am?"

Weiss froze again, staring at the screen, mind racing with possibilities. "You are the only one who received this report?" Weiss enquired tentatively,

"Yes ma'am, I was the only officer on duty," the officer said with a confused looked. Weiss stood, eyes still locked to the screen as she moved over to the other side of the room. "What is your name officer?" She asked, stalling.

"Lieutenant Jenkins ma'am," the officer said proudly. Weiss reached the bag that carried her borrowed clothes, and the stolen blaster rifle. Leaning down carefully she reached inside and grasped the somewhat dirty grip of the blaster. "I must apologize for this, however I must do this, for the good of the galaxy."

"Ma'am?"

Weiss dropped the data pad, pulling the blaster rifle free and aiming at Lieutenant Jenkins. Mouth agape and eyes wide Jenkins froze, Weiss taking the time to change to the stun setting. The ring of blue energy shocking the surprised officer into unconsciousness.

Activating her private terminal Weiss began her message. Using the probe droid to bounce the signal, Weiss believed herself to be able to send an encrypted message directly to the Ember. She knew the message would probably alert the Rebel fleet, Weiss just needed to find the fleet leaving in time to do some damage and appear to simply been too late to secure a total victory. Her credibility would return somewhat and she could continue her command, and one day hopefully bring the two forces together with Ruby's help. Ruby needed to survive, Weiss needed an agent within the Rebellion that she could eventually negotiate reasonably with.

The message was simple, and hopefully would find its way to Ruby. Without hesitation Weiss sent the communication.

Adam smiled, it appeared that his, and Grand Moff Schnee's feelings had been correct. The hidden camera in the Captains room revealed her treachery. It also revealed the location of his target. "Stormtrooper," Adam called out, a white figure emerging from his hidden guard position. "Go and arrest the good Captain, it appears she has truly turned coat."

"Yes sir."

Weiss moved the unconscious officer to her bed, hoping the stun bolt had obscured his memory of the shooting. Now she waited for him to awaken, and waited to alert her ship of the Rebel fleet. The feeling of uncertainty was becoming too familiar for Weiss of late. Her doubt, her fears would almost certainly cause her to falter, to make mistakes. Even knowing that she could not quell the raging maelstrom of nerves that tossed and turned inside her. Risking her career for Ruby was either her best, or worst, decision.

"Captain, Inquisitor Taurus requests your presence," a muffled voice called through her door. Weiss jumped, her nerves making her paranoid. "Uh, I am currently disposed I will see him within the hour," Weiss called back.

"I'm sorry ma'am but he request your presence immediately," the stormtrooper now speaking with authority. Weiss frowned, "That is hardly a respectable way to talk to your superior trooper, now leave, that is an order." Silence followed Weiss command, giving her a small hint of satisfaction. The satisfaction faded immediately as the stormtrooper spoke again. "Weiss Schnee you are under arrest for treason, surrender now."

Weiss double checked the locks on the door, making sure she was secure in her room. "That is outrageous! I will have no more mutiny on my ship, have you learnt nothing from the Inquisitor?"

"By order of Inquisitor Taurus you are under arrest, this is your last warning."

Weiss felt her stomach sink, the Inquisitor had it out for her. She could hear the stormtroopers attempt to blast down the door, as was standard Imperial protocol. Thinking quickly Weiss hopped onto her desk, loosening the ceiling plate. If she knew anything, it was the ins and outs of her ship. Climbing into the ducts above her room Weiss began crawling, the sounds of blaster fire signalling the breaching of her room.

For what seemed like hours Weiss crawled, hearing the bustle of commotion below her. It sounded like the news of her arrest had spread. Occasionally she would hear troopers try and enter the ducts, causing her to have to remember the schematics as best as possible and find ways around the intruders. Crawling through wiring, piping, and ventilation shafts Weiss eventually made it to the area below the main hangar. Gently lifting the floor tile, Weiss peaked out into the hangar.

Empty. Save for a selection of TIE Fighters and shuttles the hangar was empty. Slowly Weiss pulled herself up, silently placing the floor tile back into place. She needed a shuttle, something with a hyperdrive, to get to her father. He was likely the only one able to call off the Inquisitor. He had believed her innocence when Cardin had mutinied, she had to try and convince him it was a simple misunderstanding. Even though this time, her actions were not as honest.

As stealthily as possible Weiss walked past the rows of TIE Fighters. Her nerves slowly faded, replaced by the rush of adrenaline as the Lambda Shuttle drew closer, the ramp lowered tantalizingly. "That is far enough Captain Schnee," a chilling voice echoed in the hangar. Weiss froze, gripping her blaster more tightly. From behind the shuttle emerged the dark clad Adam, alone. "Why have you done this Taurus, you come here to instil order on my ship only to throw it back into disorder."

"You have done this yourself. You are a traitor after all," Adam said almost happily as he pulled a metal cylinder from his belt. Weiss aimed her blaster, "What I am doing is for the best of the Empire, I want peace, that is all."

"You know nothing of the Empire, of its real strength. Though now, you never will, so shoot, I challenge you to try it." Adam stood with arms outstretched, defenceless. Weiss fired without hesitation or remorse. With lightning reflexes Adam ignited his lightsaber, swatting the blaster bolt aside. Weiss had no time to react as Adam sprung forward slicing with his red saber, cutting Weiss' blaster in half. Weiss kicked at him, Adam grunting in annoyance. Weiss jumped back, not fast enough to dodge the next cut of Adam's blade. The tip of the saber brushed against her face, slicing upwards and through her eye.

Weiss screamed, collapsing in pain, hands clutching the burn across her eye. As she faded into unconsciousness she felt the hands of stormtroopers drag her away.

Adam deactivated his lightsaber, "Take her to the interrogation chamber. Send word to the bridge, we have the location of a Rebel fleet, prepare for battle."

Ruby was the last member of the team who remained in the mess hall. After inspecting her new fighter everyone had moved to the mess hall to share a celebratory drink. Sadly the only alcohol available ran out almost immediately, that however didn't stop them from having a good time. The small party had ended now, but Ruby had wanted some time to herself. Not alone in her cramped room, but here in the hall, sitting in her comfortable chair looking at the giant screen feed out the vast space outside the ship. "Hey sis," Yang's voice causing Ruby to jump slightly,

"Oh, hey Yang."

Yang sat down on the couch next to her, sinking into the well-worn couch. "Nice group of friends you got here,"

"Yeah, we have been through a lot together."

"I can imagine. Dangerous missions and all that," Yang emphasising dangerous. Ruby smirked,

"I forgot how overprotective you can be," Ruby said cheerfully. Yang smiled,

"I missed being overprotective. Now I have to make up for all the time not protecting you."

"Well I'm sure you will be able to watch my back out there. There is always space in my squadron for my sister." Yang's smile faded,

"About that Ruby, I," Yang paused, reluctant to continue, "I'm not staying."

"What," Ruby exclaimed with surprise, "I thought you would want to stay, join up with me."

"I'm sorry Rubes, I'm not a soldier. I hate the Empire, but I'm not ready to give up everything to fight them, not yet. Blake and I are going to leave soon, figure out where we are going on the way."

"Oh," Ruby said sadly, turning back to the screen. Yang frowned, her eyes drifting to the screen as well.

"You can come if you want, but I know that this is what you want to do. It's dangerous and I don't like that it is, but it's what you want and I am not going to get in the way of that."

"Thanks, Yang. When this is all over Yang, I will come with you. For now, I need to be here, with my squadron."

The two sat silently for a time, watching the stars go by. Yang had seen this coming, but even expecting it, she wished Ruby could come with her. "Yang, about what happened, when we were separated," Ruby said breaking the silence.

"What about it?" Yang said as she turned back to her sister. Ruby was cut off by a sudden alarm ringing through the ship. "Scramble fighters, this is not a drill. Enemy craft detected."

Without another word Ruby sprang from her chair and bolted out of the mess hall. "Ruby wait!" Yang called after her, but she was already half way to the hangar, she had always been fast.

Ruby hurriedly zipped up her flight suit. Running through the hangar she eagerly leapt into the cockpit of her new A-Wing. Around her, Neptune, Sun, Jaune, Pyrrha and Nora all jumped into their own fighters. Gripping the controls Ruby quickly got acquainted with the new fighters layout. "Shame you didn't have time for a test run, guess we will have to see if your still a fast learner," Sun teased over the comms. Ruby smirked, "Cut the chatter Ace 3,"

"Yes ma'am," Sun replied, feigning remorse, smile glued to his face to see Ruby back in command.

"All fighters fall in behind me, target is coming in at mark three-five." Ruby led the fighters out of the hangar. "Lock S-foils in attack positions," Ruby reminding her squadron. Neptune, Sun, Jaune and Pyrrha all following the command. "It's a Star Destroyer," Jaune said anxiously.

"Incoming fighters!" Ruby commanded, eyes fixed on the battle cruiser before her. "Commander Rose, we need time to power up our hyperdrives, defend the transport ships at all costs," General Ozpin coming in over the fighters comms. Ruby needed not respond, her team knew what to do.

The Beacon turned to face the Star Destroyer, shielding as many other ships with its wider hull. "It's The Blizzard, the ship we went after, the one you got captured on," Sun muttered in anger. Ruby gritted her teeth, Weiss had betrayed her, and now was here hunting her friends.

The two groups of fighters closed, each firing into the other. Ruby marvelled at the speed and manoeuvrability of her new fighter as she weaved past the enemy TIE Fighters, their laser fire unable to hit her. Beside her, her Squadron fought, all ducking and weaving through the hordes of enemy fighters. Unlike their enemies they didn't fire brazenly, precision and efficiency, that was how Ace squadron fought.

Above them The Blizzard and The Beacon exchanged fire, shields faltering under each other's turbolasers. Yet it was clear that the Mon Calamari cruiser was no match for the full force of the Star Destroyer. Slowly but surely, blasts broke through The Beacon's shields, the hull exploding into molten shrapnel.

"TIE bombers approaching," Pyrrha alerted. Ruby pulled her fighter left, her target falling into her sights. With a quick burst of fire the fighter exploded, leaving the group of six bombers exposed. Ruby raked fire across two of them as she passed them. Neptune followed behind Ruby, catching another bomber with laser fire. "Sun, Nora take out those fighters!" Ruby ordered with fervour as a pair of TIE fighters joined hers and Neptune's tail. "I'm havin a little trouble here," Sun replied as his ship shook, his deflectors absorbing hits. "Bring, it, on!" Nora cried as she chased after a group of Tie's, even as several chased her.

Outnumbered and unable to stop the bombers from dumping their payload onto the defenceless transports. Ruby held back the tears of anger as she desperately tried to fend off the attack. A burst of laser blasts shredded through the last of the bombers, The Ember soaring into the fray.

"Yeeeeeeeehaw!" Yang cried as the Ember blasted away the fighters pursuing Ruby.

"Commander Rose, the last transport is about to leave, disengage your fighters and jump to the first rendezvous location." Ozpin commanded with relief as The Beacon turned to disengage from the Star Destroyer. "You heard the man, get out of here," Yang prompted as she flew out of the chaos, her turrets firing into the following Tie's. Slowly but surely Ace squadron fought their way out of the mess of TIE Fighters. With one final glance at the Star Destroyer, Ruby flew into hyperspace.

Adam growled, hands clenched into fists as he watched the last of the Rebel fleet escaped. "Pursue them, find them!" Adam shouted back at the frightened crew.

"S-sir, we are unable to decipher their hyperspace route," a braver officer spoke up. Adam turned to him, his visor seeming to glow with malice. "Find them or I will end all of you like I did the last command crew," Adam speaking now only in whisper. The bridge exploded into action, all the officers swiftly getting to work. "Trooper, prepare the prisoner. I have the distinct feeling she will have a way to find them," Adam ordered as he made his way off the bridge, all eyes glued to him as he walked away.

Authors note: Thanks for reading, as always its been a blast to write this chapter. I am already working on the next chapter so expect that soon. In relation to my other current story Cost of the Creed, the final two chapters have been gruelling to write and need a lot of work but will be released eventually.

Next time: Weiss under pressure! And the Hunt for the Rebel fleet continues!