Ruug Quarnom

During the era of the Clone Wars, Ruug Quarnom was a Neimoidian female soldier. Before the outbreak of hostilities between the Galactic Republic and the Confederacy of Independent Systems, Quarnom held the position of a highly skilled commando within the Neimoidian special forces of the Trade Federation Home Defense Legions, undertaking missions across numerous worlds. Her wartime experiences encompassed various aspects, including witnessing the deaths of others. She also participated in covert operations in the Outer Rim Territories, where she safeguarded or disrupted supply lanes, blockades, and other missions aligning with the interests of the Neimoidians and the Trade Federation. Throughout her time as an operative, she had heard numerous accounts of the Jedi Knights, though she had never encountered them directly. After questioning the Trade Federation's decisions, Quarnom was reassigned to the royal guard, stationed in the capital city of Zarra on Cato Neimoidia. Despite this, she embraced her new role with dedication.

In the aftermath of the Cadesura disaster, a devastating bombing that obliterated the Cadesura district of Zarra in 22 BBY, Quarnom and her partner, Ketar Nor, were among the first responders, arriving at the scene in their patrol ship. Quarnom pondered the reasons behind such violence, considering Cato Neimoidia's supposed neutrality despite the actions of Nute Gunray and his alleged splinter faction within the Trade Federation. When Nor attributed the attack to the Republic, Quarnom cautioned him, reminding them of their duty to assist those in need. She then retrieved a holographic map of the area as other ships landed to provide support, with Neimoidian teams and rescue droids clearing debris and searching for survivors. As she surveyed the destruction, she silently echoed Nor's sentiment that someone would be held accountable, but she remained uncertain about who deserved blame.

Having begun to offer aid at the site of the tragedy, Quarnom felt the pervasive grime and putrid stench clinging to her, no matter how many times she showered. The countless hours spent attempting to save lives or recover bodies—all while being covered in soot and inhaling noxious fumes—took a heavy toll on both her physical and mental well-being. After cleaning herself in the guard station of Zarra's capital complex, her body still felt raw, as if her nerves were exposed. She walked along the top-floor hallway carrying the components of her rifle in one case and the pieces of her custom armor in another. Reaching the outside, she could see the plumes of smoke rising from Cadesura.

From the top floor, Quarnom observed her partner, Nor, in a courtyard one story below, firing at a training battle droid to release his pent-up frustration. She understood his feelings, given the scale of the devastation in Cadesura, especially compared to the death and destruction she had witnessed in the past. Dropping both cases of equipment down and vaulting over the ledge—rolling to maintain her momentum safely—Quarnom landed in the courtyard to speak with Nor. First joking that she could teach Nor how to vault as she had, she then stacked her cases of equipment on top of one another, then approached her partner, suggesting that her offer would be a better use of his time than target practice.

Nor clarified to Quarnom that his assault on the droid was not target practice, and she verbally empathized with his need to vent his frustrations with violence against the droid. She then assured him that it wasn't his job to understand the disaster that had occurred. While Quarnom's own faith had been shaken by the events in Cadesura, she decided to keep her fragility hidden from Nor, reminding him that he had helped people while silently considering to motivate him like a soldier. Deciding to take a more empathetic approach, she instead decided to point out that Cato Neimoidia was relying on them, which helped to somewhat boost his morale. Standing up, Quarnom then offered her hand to Nor, who took it, allowing her to boost him up. She ordered him to get some rest, sternly repeating the order a second time before grabbing her equipment and leaving. Just as she exited, she saw Nor once again preparing to open fire on the training droids, and briefly considered giving him a tip to improve his aim stability before deciding to leave him to burn off his frustrations.

In the end, Quarnom and Nor dedicated a few days to performing a variety of tasks, including clearing debris, preventing fires from reaching explosive gas lines, and providing medical assistance. While on duty in Cadesura, Quarnom's experiences were far more intense compared to past murders or incidents she had bore witness to. Throughout the course of their duties providing aid, they would routinely swap out to perform shifts in the halls of Cato Neimoidian government buildings. Quarnom's continued advice for Nor to keep his emotions checked continuously went unheeded, though she typically let him vent his frustrations away anyway. As Nor rambled about his misgivings toward the Republic while he and Quarnom were on guard duty, Quarnom eventually interrupted, asking him if he had gotten any sleep following a long night of fighting battle droids. Quarnom lightly commented that she hoped he had at least cleaned up, and took his laughter as an apology, laughing alongside him.

As their shift neared its end, Quarnom suggested to Nor that he take a break from fighting droids for the night. When he protested that he wanted to make a difference, she responded that she would take him to the surface to investigate up close, but only if he rested in return—providing watching a holo or drinking an agaric ale as examples. Nor replied that she could not give him orders due to being equal rank, she insisted that it was an order from the rank of experience and age. As she appeared to have gotten through to him, they soon came to notice a new voice—that of Sith assassin Asajj Ventress—becoming audible from within the room they were guarding.

Quarnom's training and familiarity with other Neimoidian officials allowed her to recognize that Ventress' voice was unfamiliar, and she identified it as a female voice, hardened and spiteful with a gravel to it, yet also dignity. The changes in inflection in her voice raised Quarnom's suspicions, and she observed Nor tense up as he became distracted from his duties by the ongoing conversation. Ruug continued to watch Nor as the conversation continued, observing him tightening his fists, shifting his boots, and exhaling in grief. At some point in the conversation, Ruug noted a playful lift in the conversation, and she surmised that the woman speaking would be grinning. Shifting her rifle to reflect the inside of the room, she could see Cato Nemoidian minister of defense Alluv Eyam, a local official by the name of Feldus Spar, and Ventress, whom she did not recognize.

The last of the three caught Ruug's gaze in the reflection for a moment, before cutting her conversation short, walking towards their post, having overheard Nor's frustrations with the Republic. Eyam and Spar followed Ventress, who brought pressure to Quarnom's senses, making her feel as though something was off. Believing that the woman was suspicious and attemping to intimidate with presence alone, Quarnom interjected, stating that guards were not permitted to engage with passersby. Ventress apologized, stating she appreciated the hard word the guards did. However, she stated that she would offer a sympathetic ear to any misgivings against the Republic, all while Quarnom watched Nor, whose expression had changed during this interaction. As Ventress and the other officials then left, Quarnom silently cursed toward them.

While stationed at the site of the Cadesura disaster, Quarnom was noticed by Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi as she surveyed the area, scaling ledges and rubble before transmitting a message over her comlink. As Kenobi was distracted by the snap of a twig, Quarnom spotted him, aiming her rifle at the Jedi—who had activated his lightsaber—while Nor ordered him to freeze. With both Neimoidian guards focused on Kenobi, Quarnom hoped that Ketar would not act rashly, especially given that the Jedi now held his ignited lightsaber in front of them. She then deduced his identity as Kenobi based on a previous conversation she had overheard.

While keeping her rifle's scope trained on Kenobi, she retrieved her spectrometer, which had completed its chemical residue scan. As Quarnom attached it to her belt, he addressed her directly, assuring her that he meant no harm. He then stepped back while raising his hands, ensuring he could see both Quarnom and Nor. She sensed the Jedi's sincerity but remained cautious given the state of galactic affairs. Speaking to him, she informed him that it was illegal to be present beneath the fog without a permit, especially at the site of an investigation. The Jedi responded that, while he lacked a permit, he was conducting an investigation. Nor responded harshly, accusing him of attempting to cover up possible involvement from the Galactic Republic. As a result, Quarnom surmised that Nor had consulted Ventress rather than getting rest as she had suggested.

Quarnom interrupted Nor's ranting, attempting to calm the situation in full awareness of what Kenobi could do with his lightsaber. Now directing herself to the Jedi, she prompted him to explain why he was in the investigation site. He responded once again that he was present as an emmisary for the investigation on behalf of the Republic, which prompted Nor to prod as to why the Jedi would sneak there at night if he had seen the site during the day. Quarnom took note of this, pondering if he had learned that from Ventress, due to her herself being unaware of this information. As Kenobi searched for a considerate manner of responding, she silently appreciated the care he took to do so, also pondering if the "bureaucracy" that he mentioned to be monitoring him referred to Ventress.

Nor then asked Quarnom if she believed Kenobi. Kenobi responded instead, stating that the guilty party did not matter to him despite his beliefs, only the truth. Prompting Quarnom, he noted to her that he could see she was investigating as well. As the Jedi turned off his lightsaber, Nor activated his own lamp in order to provide a source of light. The change in light prompted Quarnom to spot something in the shadows. She activated night vision on her scope, and spotted a korgee beast, which was preparing to attack Kenobi. Firing, she downed the creature, preventing it from attacking its Jedi prey.

Quarnom then holstered her sniper rifle, and climbed over debris to get to the korgee beast, intending to mend its wound. She ordered Nor to bring her a medpac and rations, and began to patch its wound with bacta and laser sutures while Nor began to feed it. Kenobi aided them, calming its mind with the Force. Quarnom explained to the Jedi that korgee beasts could become aggressive when hungry, and that they were typically docile creatures. As she tended to the korgee beast, it nudged her with its nose before limping toward a ration Nor had tossed in another direction. Kenobi then properly introduced himself to Quarnom, who, in turn, introduced herself and Nor to him. When Nor made a sour expression in response to his introduction, Quarnom felt some empathy from Kenobi in regards to their relationship.

Kenobi inquired about Quarnom's equipment, and she responded that only those who were good enough possessed such equipment. She then reminded him that he had dropped his lightsaber, while affirming her own desire to learn the truth behind the disaster. Picking Kenobi's lightsaber up, she observed it—surprised at the craftmanship and its weight—before handing it back to him in a show of good faith. Kenobi locked his eyes with Quarnom and nodded in approval; all the while, she ignored a glare from Nor.

Following her encounter with Kenobi, Quarnom, along with Nor, began to collaborate with him, leading him to various areas of the investigation, including those that more clearly demonstrated the collateral damage of the disaster. Quarnom pointed out irregularities in the blast radius to Kenobi, as well as sharing information from her datapad containing compiled evidence and traces of evaporated materials. After four hours of investigation, Kenobi announced that, while he was unfamiliar with Neimoidian sleep patterns, he would be seeking rest. Quarnom agreed as she poured the contents of a small vial onto some of the rubble. As the contents of the vial bubbled up in a chemical reaction, she informed the Jedi that she would send him the results once they were finished.

Kenobi complimented Quarnom's work despite her lack of a proper lab, and she responded that experience was of help to her despite her lack of "Jedi powers." She then handed Nor a device, ordering him to run process four-C with an exposure time of six seconds. Kenobi was curious about how the guards had learned about chemistry and explosives, assuming they had not done so in basic training. Quarnom responded that she was simply a guard trying to teach people like Ketar why their work mattered, prompting Kenobi to ask if she was wearing a guard uniform. She considered his question for a moment, before stating that he was inquisitive. She then explained that her uniform was from her former assignment in the Neimoidian Defense Legion, before storing away her devices and beginning to walk toward their shuttle.

Upon inquiry, Quarnom explained to Kenobi that she was reassigned due to the machinations of her superiors. The Jedi then commented that she sounded as if she was dissatisfied with the Trade Federation, a comment she regarded as "binary." Quarnom clarified that she believed in the concept of the Trade Federation, as it gave the Neimoidians a voice. When Nor piped up, stating that the Separatist cause allowed the Neimoidians to prove their worth, Quarnom gave a light smile in response, replying that Cato Neimoidia and the Trade Federation were neutral. Nor further pressed that neutrality in the face of oppression was, in fact, further oppression, to which she replied that perhaps—in their case—it was independence, and a freedom to choose.

Kenobi then expressed that the viewpoint regarding oppression and neutrality depended on context, and Quarnom agreed. The Jedi responded that Quarnom reminded him of a like-minded friend of his. Afterward, Quarnom stated that she could believe in the Trade Federation while disliking its leadership over the course of the prior decade, as well as recognize the flaws of the Republic while believing some of its people to be reasonable. As Nor continued to interject with misgivings of Republic culture and law, Quarnom continually acknowledged his comments, while simultaneously attempting to quell his distaste. After walking for some time, Kenobi spotted a secluded bunker, and briefly considered asking the two guards to accompany him given their equipment. Instead, he informed them that he would return to his ship, and Quarnom nodded as she and Nor boarded their own shuttle. After they lifted off and flew out of view, however, Kenobi proceeded toward the bunker.

After investigating the bunker, Kenobi went to a pub that Quarnom had suggested, and was almost surprised by the fact that she was sitting in the pub next to him. Kenobi pointed out that he had saved a seat for both her and Nor, but she laughed, stating that she needed a break due to Nor's moodiness. She then flipped a coin to the bartender, asking what Kenobi's word for an apprentice was. He responded that the term was "Padawan," while wondering if her resolve and morality would help keep her from overreacting to data indicating possible involvement from the Republic. He then told her that his own apprentice, Anakin Skywalker, had just recently been promoted, operating independently from Kenobi. When Quarnom laughed, asking how long it would be before reality hit Skywalker, Kenobi responded that he was more stubborn than Nor was.

Quarnom, disgruntled, stated that Nor was a good kid, just negatively affected by ongoing events. She then stated that she was trying to keep him away from Ventress, finding her too eager to lend an ear. When Kenobi replied that he was not fond of any agent of Count Dooku's, Quarnom expressed gratitude for Kenobi's honesty. She then took a sip of her drink, before revealing that she had data for Kenobi. Kenobi revealed the same to her, and they toasted their drinks before starting to go over their collected information. Quarnom revealed that she had taken further scans, as well as accessed security recordings in order to identify the exact chemical mixture for the blast radius, as well as explosion heat, among other aspects. Sliding her datapad to Kenobi, she then stated that she had a lead.

Kenobi pondered Ruug's information, wondering if he truly wanted to know the truth, as well as if Ruug's lead was the same as his own—or if the bunker was, in fact, hers. Quarnom clarified that her lead was just that, and that further analysis would need to be run. She continued by stating that it was difficult to gain access to a lab discreetly at the moment, and that they would find out if her information was definitive. Quarnom then told Kenobi to forget she said anything, not wanting to introduce bias to his investigation. Asking what his data was, she was disappointed to be presented with only forensic evidence, rather than any leads. Meanwhile, Kenobi refrained from telling her about the datapad that could incriminate the Republic.

Quarnom let out a sigh, defeated, only for Kenobi to assure her that he had faith in the truth, and that they needed to trust. She chuckled in response, remembering the Jedi's status as peacekeepers and expressing admiration of his optimism. Giving a toast to a trust for one another, she then stated that she had a bad feeling about the state of things. Kenobi emphasized to her that she needed to have faith in both trust and the truth. Quarnom admitted that the truth was bent by people like her, who killed both those deserving and undeserving due to only orders. She then revealed that she realized all of her targets deserved their fates, from certain perspectives. Continuing, she expressed that everyone in the galaxy was connected, and for every gain there was a loss for someone else, devoid of true justice.

Kenobi told Quarnom that he was sorry she felt that way. Regardless, she continued, stating that though she could rationalize the fates of her targets, she couldn't help but see those who died in Cadesura as innocent. Repeating twice that Cato Neimoidia was a neutral planet, she slumped over the bar. The Jedi reassured her that they would uncover the truth, only for her to question if that would honor or do right by the people who were lost. When Kenobi told her that it would not, but that it was what they should do because it was just, Quarnom responded that he was correct in theory. However, she believed that the galaxy could break people. He then expressed that they must have hope, she only responded that she had become numb to hope long ago, all the while waving down the bartender once again.

Meanwhile, Asajj Ventress attempted to persuade Nor to detonate explosives at the office of Republic diplomat Rosbuen Frisk. When Nor showed reluctance, Ventress challenged his faith in Kenobi. Nor explained that his faith in Kenobi was an extension of his faith in Quarnom. Kenobi noticed Quarnom's absence when he was summoned to a meeting to discuss his findings, including proof of his communications with the Republic. When Kenobi was accused of concealing evidence and violating the terms of his stay, Quarnom was among the guards instructed to arrest him, though her face displayed growing concern. Kenobi wondered if her worry was for him, her people, or the entire galaxy.

As guards closed in, Kenobi assessed his options, noting Quarnom's specialized gear and training, which stood in stark contrast to the standard equipment of the other guards. He ignited his lightsaber, making a spontaneous escape, and Quarnom did not fire; the first shot came from Nor instead. While the Jedi deflected Nor's blaster fire, Quarnom kept her rifle aimed at him, but still did not shoot. He then used the Force power Force Dash to escape, only to be intercepted in a nearby hallway by Quarnom, who ordered the other guards to provide her with a clear shot as she aimed her sniper rifle at Kenobi.

The Jedi weighed his options, unsure if he should trust Quarnom. Using the Force, he sensed that she was completely focused and without inner conflict. Nor yelled at his partner to shoot, but she retorted that civilians were in the line of fire. This delay allowed Kenobi to retreat toward a nearby window. Just as Quarnom deliberately fired her rifle late, the Jedi leaped out of the window, escaping.

Quarnom anticipated Nor's reaction before he pulled the trigger and was satisfied that the civilians provided sufficient cover. However, she was also angered by Nor's reckless display of his pistol around innocent bystanders and government officials. Quarnom then refocused on Kenobi, using her knowledge to predict his escape route. She had helped Kenobi make his escape appear legitimate, carefully considering the risk of harming him and creating a plausible explanation for her actions.

Enraged, Nor confronted Quarnom, pointing out that she had a clear shot at Kenobi. Despite expecting her partner's outburst, she reprimanded him for his lack of composure, reminding him of their experience levels. Quarnom considered Nor's interactions with Ventress, concluding that they had led to the new evidence he never discussed with her, as well as his desire to kill Kenobi despite the risk to civilians. Noticing Kenobi's care to avoid harming civilians, she scolded Nor for his recklessness. She regretted not taking Ventress seriously earlier.

Quarnom was not surprised that Kenobi had contacted another Jedi, deducing that his data analysis must have originated elsewhere. However, she was still concerned about the previously unknown datapad. While acknowledging that Kenobi never denied the datapad's authenticity and likely assessed the risks, Quarnom was equally angry with him and Nor. She stated that he was onto something, and that Ventress and Nor's intervention had impeded the investigation. Ventress suggested that Quarnom might be biased toward Kenobi, and the Guardswoman replied that her trust was based on experience. The Sith assassin simply stated that guard duty had dulled Quarnom's risk assessment skills.

Defying Ventress' claim, Quarnom returned to the ledge Kenobi had jumped over. She overheard Nor and other guards discussing the deployment of seekers to find Kenobi, but she knew that aerial remotes would not be effective. Believing that the Jedi intended to resolve things peacefully, she resolved to find him first. She retracted her rifle's barrel and holstered it, ignoring Ventress, who announced she would board the next transport to search for Kenobi. Quarnom and Nor boarded a transport, with Quarnom grabbing a handrail for balance.

As Kenobi continued his escape in the Tower of Light, Quarnom eventually pursued him, drawing a pistol instead of her usual sniper rifle and ordering her allies to provide cover. As guards organized behind her, Kenobi surrendered, and Quarnom calmly instructed him not to move. Quarnom ordered Kenobi to put his hands behind his back and began to restrain him with binders. The Jedi thanked her for her diversion in the hallway, but she questioned why he hadn't told her about the datapad. When Kenobi replied that he wanted to be certain it was authentic, Quarnom commented that honesty would have earned her trust. He apologized in agreement.

While apprehending Kenobi, Quarnom noticed that he had concealed his lightsaber. He assured her that he was improvising, explaining that the datapad implicated the Republic without context and required further investigation. Although Quarnom stated that her comrades had already made up their minds, she also told the Jedi that she would help if she could. Nor approached, yelling at Kenobi, but Quarnom ordered him to stand down, stating that their job was done and Kenobi would face trial.

Ventress arrived soon after, agreeing with Quarnom that Kenobi would stand trial. However, she then brought up the matter of his lightsaber. Trusting Quarnom to cover for him, Kenobi claimed that the seeker droids had shot it out of his hand, destroying it. The Neimoidian operative confirmed this, saying that she had witnessed it and that the security cameras could be checked, though they might not have captured the right angle. Ventress approached Quarnom, staring her down as she asked if she had been mind tricked. Quarnom stood her ground, repeating her previous claim before asking if Ventress had a problem with her actions. The assassin relented, claiming that she trusted Quarnom's judgment.

While Kenobi was in Neimoidian custody, he regretted that Skywalker couldn't help investigate Quarnom's lead. Meanwhile, Ventress asked Nor if he trusted Quarnom. He replied that he did, adding that his partner had looked after him since he joined. Ventress pressed further, asking if Quarnom's behavior had become strange since Kenobi's arrival. When Nor stared blankly, Ventress concluded that Quarnom was keeping him away from her. However, Nor stated that Quarnom had been looking out for his well-being, as she knew he was tired. Guiding Nor's thoughts, Ventress reminded him that, despite her decorated past, she had missed Kenobi during the chase. The assassin then insisted that Nor had to break Kenobi's hold over Quarnom, stating that loyalty could be exploited and that the Jedi likely had a grip on Quarnom's mind. Elsewhere on Cato Neimoidia, Skywalker, Jedi youngling Mill Alibeth, and the R2-series astromech droid R2-D2 saw Quarnom in a news broadcast of Kenobi's capture, noting her specialized armor.

As Kenobi meditated in his cell, Quarnom arrived with a device to disable the cell's surveillance. She silenced Kenobi as she did so, then put the device away. The Jedi prisoner asked if Quarnom intended to break him out, to which she replied that it depended on what they discovered. She apologized for Nor's actions, assuring him that, despite his impulsiveness, they were driven by patriotism rather than malice. Kenobi agreed, citing his own experiences with Skywalker. He then advised Quarnom to keep her partner away from Ventress. Quarnom agreed, stating that she had tried, but that her trust for Kenobi was also beginning to waver. The Neimoidian soldier then asked Kenobi to tell her the truth once more. After he responded, she asked if he would have hidden it from her if the evidence pointed toward Separatist responsibility.

Quarnom argued that Kenobi's biases had led him to conceal the truth, then informed him that her own investigation suggested Separatist involvement, with explosions matching Separatist blazer bombs detailed in the report. When he questioned the authenticity, Quarnom replied that she would bet her life on it—as well as Kenobi's. Kenobi assumed this confirmed Separatist responsibility, but she admonished him, reminding him of his biases and her experience in framing evidence. They agreed to move forward based on trust, seeking the truth regardless of who was to blame. Quarnom stated that the culprit was likely playing both sides, trying to incite conflict between the Republic and the Separatists. She questioned who would benefit from this, dismissing the possibility of involvement from the Trade Federation, a neutral party, a rogue agent, or the Bounty Hunters' Guild. Quarnom then asked if the culprit was emulating both factions' protocols or if both factions had been coerced into participation.

Kenobi stated that the investigation's importance lay not in identifying the culprit, but in demonstrating to both the Republic and the Separatists that they needed to find common ground to uncover the truth. As Quarnom's device beeped, signaling the reactivation of surveillance, she asked Kenobi if he believed that presenting the evidence to the Republic would lead to peace, which he assured her it would. She then affirmed that she would only help him escape if it was in her people's best interests, knowing that she could be arrested or killed if caught. Kenobi asked if she believed in her government's ideals. Quarnom replied that one could believe in a cause without agreeing with its leadership, as she opened the door, prompting Kenobi to make a decision. When he decided to remain in custody, Quarnom asked if he was certain. After he confirmed, she exited the cell as Kenobi hoped she would be there when he needed her.

During Kenobi's trial, he hoped that Quarnom was listening as he presented his findings about the Cadesura Disaster and that she would approve. When Nor spoke against Kenobi, he again hoped that Quarnom was nearby and would support him. Throughout the trial, the Jedi Master refused to identify Quarnom as his source, fearing for her safety. Meanwhile, Quarnom had infiltrated the Tower of Light, using the service lift, back stairs, and an ascension gun to reach the top. After preparing her rifle, she watched Kenobi give his speech, feeling pity but also understanding his efforts to sway public opinion toward peace. While observing Kenobi and the crowd, she noticed Skywalker moving through the crowd, recognizing him as another human. She then focused back on the trial, watching Nor speak against Kenobi.

When the trial concluded with a guilty verdict, Kenobi was suddenly accused of attacking Neimoidian guards and forced to escape, aided by Skywalker's arrival. Quarnom watched the chaos unfold and saw Kenobi's lightsaber fly to him through the Force. As Kenobi and Skywalker escaped, Kenobi looked for Quarnom, mentioning her involvement to Skywalker. The younger Jedi initially expressed distrust, but Kenobi admonished him and told him to abandon such prejudices. Quarnom continued to observe through her scope and then fired on a seeker droid pursuing the Jedi, followed by two more seeker droids and four battle droids. This allowed the Jedi to gain an advantage and continue their escape. During their escape, Kenobi shared the evidence Quarnom had discovered with Skywalker.

When Kenobi and Skywalker tried to retrieve the evidence, they were confronted by Nor, who had planted a bomb in the warehouse. Kenobi tried to reason with the guard, stating that Quarnom trusted him—however, Nor claimed that Kenobi had corrupted her. The Jedi Master responded that Quarnom had acted independently; her partner then declared she was a traitor to Neimoidians. When Nor received radio chatter from Ventress, Kenobi initially hoped it was Quarnom. Just as Nor was about to detonate the bomb, Quarnom shot him, wounding him and preventing him from using the trigger. Climbing down into the warehouse, she confronted her partner, who called her a traitor. She questioned why he had conspired with Ventress to plant the bombs after Cadesura, to which he responded that his acts would save their people while Quarnom conspired with their "enemy." They argued until Nor tried to provoke her into killing him. Her response was to punch him unconscious.

After knocking out her partner, Quarnom was told by Kenobi that, while the decision was hers, she would have their support if she asked. Quarnom pondered whether to kill Nor and sway the Neimoidians toward supporting the Republic with her and Kenobi's evidence, or to spare him and be branded a traitor. After a moment of contemplation, she grabbed a medpac and began to treat Nor's wounds before helping him to his feet. She asked Skywalker if all the bombs were disarmed, prompting the Jedi Knight to respond that, while the bomb in the warehouse was still active, it was stable. Quarnom informed Skywalker, Kenobi, and Jedi Initiate Mill Alibeth that she would use the bomb as a distraction to help the Jedi escape. Alibeth protested, but Quarnom assured her it would be detonated at a remote environmental scanner with no casualties. Quarnom also stated she would arrest Nor and take him to an infirmary, despite the likelihood that he would identify her as a traitor.

When Quarnom detonated the explosive, destroying the scanner, the guards near Kenobi, Skywalker, and Alibeth moved toward it, the distraction having worked. The trio made their way to the governmental data archive where they regrouped with Quarnom, who helped them enter undetected. After assisting them in locating the relevant files, she instructed them to transmit them securely as the files would self-delete within a day. Kenobi and Skywalker offered her amnesty within the Republic, giving her the chance to present the evidence herself. Quarnom declined, stating that she needed to stay on Cato Neimoidia to help her people. When Skywalker's astromech droid, R2-D2, expressed frustration at being unable to transmit directly to the Republic, Quarnom asked what the problem was.

During the ensuing conversation with Republic Senator Padmé Amidala—who they contacted due to her location in the Mid Rim, away from Coruscant—Kenobi mentioned Quarnom when explaining that the evidence they were sending to Amidala could help in negotiations with the Trade Federation and Separatists. Once the transmission ended, Quarnom activated her weapon and explained to the Jedi that, while she was helping them escape, it needed to appear as though she had tried to stop them. Allowing Skywalker, Mill, and R2-D2 time to leave, she reactivated the surveillance systems and faked a fight with Kenobi to convince her people of her loyalties. Following the staged battle, Kenobi regrouped with the other Jedi.

After helping Kenobi and Skywalker escape Cato Neimoidia, allowing them to clear the Republic's name against the bombing charges to the galaxy, Quarnom was captured as a traitor. She survived the crash of the prisoner transport she was on beneath the city of Kyr Uneris. In the crash, Quarnom possibly broke her ankle but made a makeshift splint to remain mobile. While surviving in the wilderness, Quarnom witnessed a Platoon Attack Craft's arrival as a formation of B1-series battle droids marched out to locate her. As she watched, estimating around one hundred droids were searching for her, she noticed two glows as Kenobi and Skywalker arrived, cutting down swathes of battle droids as they returned to rescue her.

Quarnom was a Neimoidian female with dark green skin. She was devoted to her planet's neutrality and the protection of her people, and she considered her partner, Nor, to be naive, believing his innocence would be shattered if he ever had to kill someone. Although Nor was taller, she saw him as small as a newborn Neimoidian grub. On duty, she operated with a methodical, soldier-like precision. Her relationship with Nor was friendly but complex due to his naivety and strong emotions. Her posture differed noticeably from other Neimoidians, as if she carried the weight of experience on her shoulders.

Quarnom believed in the concept of the Trade Federation due to the benefits, voice, and recognition it provided her people. However, she became dissatisfied with its leadership over a decade and was reassigned after voicing her concerns. Her belief in the Trade Federation stemmed largely from dissatisfaction with the Republic and its failure to recognize Cato Neimoidia as more than a shipping and commerce asset. Conversely, she recognized systemic issues plaguing the Republic but believed that some individuals within it were capable of reason. Quarnom's loyalty to her people was so strong that she was willing to remain on Cato Neimoidia as a traitor if it meant serving the greater good. During Kenobi's trial, Quarnom was unafraid of the consequences if Kenobi had named her as his source, though he never did.

Quarnom's history of missions and training helped her gather details to identify situations. Her mind constantly scanned for details such as tone, sounds, and environmental factors, gathering as much information as possible. As a result, she had extensive knowledge of Neimoidian officials and dignitaries, as well as local Trade Federation business and the Cadesura disaster. Quarnom could also read people, observing their tics and tells to predict their actions. She was nimble and graceful, despite not being Force-sensitive. Quarnom's experience as a sniper allowed her to adapt to any environment.

Quarnom used a custom sniper rifle, which felt like an extension of her limbs. She also had segmented custom armor. Both her armor and rifle could be disassembled into segments and modules for transport. The rifle's extensions and modules were customized to fit her grip, posture, and changes in her armor. She always returned both to her quarters, not for safety, but because she felt incomplete without them. During the chase for Obi-Wan Kenobi, Quarnom used a pistol instead of her sniper rifle. She also had access to binders to apprehend targets, as well as an ascension gun.

Ruug Quarnom first appeared in the 2022 novel Brotherhood, written by Mike Chen. Prior to the novel, Quarnom was mentioned in the StarWars.com article New Books Starring Luke and Lando, Obi-Wan and Anakin, and More Revealed - Exclusive, published on October 7, 2021. In the acknowledgements, Chen stated that Quarnom's voice and characteristics were inspired by Nana Visitor's portrayal of Kira Nerys from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Quarnom's name is derived from the Deep Space Nine characters Quark, Rom, and Nog, all members of the Ferengi species. Chen wanted to explore the Neimoidians similarly to how Deep Space Nine explored the Ferengi.

When asked about his favorite character introduced in Brotherhood, Chen acknowledged fans' appreciation of Mill Alibeth but said he loved both her and Quarnom equally. He also dreamed of Quarnom appearing in Andor second season, portrayed by Nana Visitor in makeup. Chen's favorite scene with Ruug was the conversation between her and Kenobi in the bar due to the collision of their philosophies, likening it to conversations in Deep Space Nine.