Title: Empire Earth

Author: Sythe

Rating: NC17 (just incase *eg*)

Characters: Original Female, SW characters

Category: What if, Het, Smut (well duh!) blah, blah, blah…

Feedback: Yes please! Iridonian_Moon@yahoo.com

Disclaimer: I don't own them, I just borrow them for my fics. I received no money in its creation.

*Note: I'd like to thank Ivy and my good friend Maaike for helping me in the arduous task of writing a massive scene and much needed and helpful information. Thank you ladies!*

Part XII

Part A

Before any interrogations or torture sessions, I am taken to the medical ward where one of Thrawn’s doctors examines me from head to toe, takes blood samples – checking for infections, he says, and almost every single kind of test is done before I am shown to a cell in the detention level.

“Well, what do you know, I'm on an Imperial starship AND Grand Admiral Thrawn is the man in charge.” I hear myself remark as I carefully lie down upon the black bunk against the far wall, groaning with a hiss as my shoulder wound begins to burn and the muscles and joints of my body ache in protest. And lying upon my side, my arm curled under my head for support, I yawn softly and try to get some rest before…before the bad things start happening.

Though, as hard as I may try, sleep eludes me. I can feel myself trembling…but not just out of fear, I am injured and I am weakened. Maybe it was the fight, or maybe it was being hit and landing on the ground as hard as I did…or maybe…it was the intense use of the Force I had… Every part of my body cries out, and the first pangs of a coming headache begin at the very back of my skull, gradually growing in intensity as it migrates its way to my forehead.

Minutes become hours, hours turn into what seems like an eternity as I do my best to lie as motionless as possible upon the hard, uncomfortable bunk beneath me. My eyes are closed, but the light of the cell seems to find its way through my lids, irritating the pain in my already throbbing head. Not even the soft almost unfelt vibration of the ship brings any ease, only exasperates it

Suddenly I am pulled out of what ever healing trance I could establish as my senses are alerted by the approach of several minds, and reaching out, touching them one by one I learn they are Stormtroopers…and they are coming for me.

Immediately there is a sound outside the door of my cell, followed by the locks unsealing, and the door opens. Four Stormtroopers enter and take position along the walls, and as I wearily sit up upon the bunk, two men dressed in familiar gray Imperial uniforms enter and stand before me.

Their eyes are harsh and scrutinizing, as they look me over for a moment before one turns his attention to the nearest Stormtrooper. “Restrain and take her before the Grand Admiral.”

“Yes sir.” Two troopers step forward, grab hold of my wrists, bind them, and pulling me to my feet, I am lead out of the cell, down the corridor to the single lift. I don't have any energy to fight them off as they, in a surprising, almost gentlemanly fashion, allow me to lean against the two of them at either side of me as they support me by my elbows. I thank them silently for the gesture.

How many levels we pass through, I do not know, but the lift comes to a final, almost silent holt before opening its curved door, revealing a very Stardestroyer-looking corridor just beyond. And with a slight tug, the troopers lead me out and to the right, following it for some time; and just as I am about to start wondering where they are really taking me, they come to a stop before a pair of sealed double doors, waiting to enter.

The doors slide open with a soft whoosh…and I instantly shudder, feeling as if my outstretched senses vanish into nothingness…and I then feel nothing – nothing – not even…the Force! I don't understand what is happening to me, except I have just lost all feeling and touch within and of the Force. I try again and again, but all in futility for nothing happens. Finding myself partly disorientated, the Stormtroopers lead me just past the threshold before releasing me then turn and leave me where I stand.

With slight disbelief, I allow my eyes to look around the large room that could NOT be anything Imperial. Wherever my eyes wander, they fall upon paintings of strange yet beautiful things hanging upon the walls, sculptures of all sorts standing alone upon separate pedestals. The room is filled with such décor and personality that I find myself almost forgetting I'm onboard a heavily armored Imperial Stardestroyer.

“Greetings, young lady.” I hear a smooth yet cultured voice suddenly say and turning about into the direction from which it came, I find a large black chair with it's back toward me. And, as I stand watching in silence, it slowly rotates, revealing a tall man, dressed in a stark white Imperial uniform, holding a strange but sweet looking animal across his right arm like a pet. “You have been taken care of. Good. Come, sit down, my dear.”

“Grand Admiral Thrawn, I take it?” I exclaim, not moving from where I stand, finding myself frozen in place by those intense red eyes of his as they look at me.

“I am. Now please, do sit. I have much to ask and you have many answers to give.” Thrawn motions to a chair standing near by. I hesitate at first, but only for a moment, seeing how inviting it looks. Cautiously, I move closer, not taking my eyes from the Chiss male before me. Once I am sitting, a slight smile crosses his mouth, his left hand gently petting the creature on his arm. “I find myself at a slight disadvantage – you have my name, yet I know nothing of yours.”

“Solara.” Is all I dare to give, but from the look on Thrawn’s face, it seems to be enough.

“Solara. Hmm… An interesting name.” The Grand Admiral appears to taste my name upon his lips, his lids closing minutely but enough to notice, and his smile grows just a little more. “Tell me, Miss Solara, what do you think of my collection?”

I find myself suddenly caught off guard, expecting the Imperial officer to begin with the serious questions, to instead hear him ask me what I think about his art. There is a total blank in my mind, not a thought passing through as I try to find an answer to his question.

“I…well…it's a rather interesting and eclectic collection.”

“I have collected pieces of every genre, of every kind, from every planet within the known galaxy, and some…even from beyond. Look there,” Thrawn motions to a painting up on the wall to my right and suddenly…right before my eyes, the painting changes into that of an image…of a Japanese Geisha, kneeling on the reed matted floor, serving her Lord with sake as he sits eating.

“*Japan…this painting is from Japan… How…*”

“How did I acquire such an item as this? Let me tell you a story – one that you might find rather interesting.” Thrawn pauses for a moment, his eyes on me as I have mine on the image set upon the wall. “When I was a young man, I took part in a survey mission. We set out, collecting statistics, geological information, astrological phenomena, and during that mission, we came upon a planet. True, we found many during our survey mission, but this one was different from all the others. It was rich with life and resources, and inhabited. We watched from a distance, learning about the planet, but the indigenous peoples were primitive. Nevertheless I found a civilization set away from the others upon a large island. There, I came upon things I had never seen before… I saw this, and made it mine.”

Thrawn gazes for a moment at the painting before turning his blazing eyes to me, his hand stroking the small reptilian-like animal.

“I keep this image as a memento of my time on that planet. And I am quite sure you know of which I speak.”

“Earth…Terra.” I find myself saying, my eyes drifting from the Japanese painting to a beautiful statue of a humanoid female in a graceful yet sensual pose, standing upon a sculpted metal platform serving as a pedestal. But my attention is quickly brought back to those blood-red glowing eyes when I hear a loud but polite clearing of a throat.

“Now, I have answered your question. You will answer mine.” Thrawn’s tone has turned from friendly to absolutely dead serious, it's very sound sending a chill through my body. “Why are you following the Empire's course across the continent you call North America? Do not lie to me, I will know.”

The questions I've been dreading finally has come, and I feel my face pale slightly out of sheer fear.

“I…I…I don't know what you are talking about.” The words of a liar. I hate lying, but I cannot just open up and tell him the entire truth! I must protect myself and in doing so, I also protect the Jedi who have helped me, the people I know – family, friends… “I don't know anything, if that's what you are looking for. I can't help you.”

“Really. If that is so, then please explain how you acquired the Mandalorian suit, armor, systems and weapons? Where did you get them? I have inspected them myself, and I must say, they differ from that, say of…Boba Fett. I do not believe I have seen such modified types as yours before.”

“I'm sorry, I do not know.” I try to keep my face as straight as I can, but I have always had difficulty doing it. “*Oh Force! I can't do this! Thrawn is way out of my league! If I'm not careful…he'll catch on!”*

“As you wish, Solara. But be warned, I do not tolerate insubordination – not from my crew nor from anyone else – including you.” Thrawn abruptly rises from his seat, holding his little pet on his arm, looking down on me as if he were a superior being and I the underling. And as my eyes look him over, I find him a most imposing character. He is tall, yes, but well built in body; and who's to say…what he looks like beneath those stiff Imperial uniforms he wears. Grand Admiral Thrawn exudes danger, superiority and control, and…even to my surprise, sex appeal. But all I feel is fear as I sit staring at the blue skinned, black haired Chiss. “Jango Fett, to my conference room immediately.”

“What…what are you going to do with me?” I ask nervously, continuously trying to reach out with the Force – even to just touch it, only to have nothingness in its place. I fear what Thrawn has in store for me…but most of all, I fear what Jango Fett will do to me in following Thrawn’s orders.

“You are to be taken back to detention level, until you are summoned again.”

Immediately I hear the doors slide open behind me and a single pair of feet enter, the doors close once again, and as I sit here in this chair, I can feel my body beginning to tremble… If I am forced to stand up…my legs might give way from under me.

“Grand Admiral,” Jango Fett says, standing no more than five feet behind me, his voice emotionless, altered by the vocal processors of his helmet.

“You are to escort Miss Solara back to detention level. If she attempts escape, which I believe unlikely, you know what you must do.” And with that, Thrawn moves off to my right and out of my visual periphery, petting his animal all the while. I hear the sound of a door open and close…and I suddenly realize…Thrawn just left me here, alone, with Jango Fett.

Silently, I turn in the chair, my eyes toward the black floor, and when they fall upon Jango's feet, I raise them slowly up his body until they reach the black viewscreen of his helmet. I can almost feel his dark eyes looking me over, but only for a moment. He steps forward, takes hold of my right shoulder and stands me to my feet. Without a single word spoken, he leads me from the room out into the corridor and back the way I had came the first time, and into the lift, headed down.

His grip is tight but not painfully as it holds to my arm, keeping me beside him but at a certain distance…as if he does not want me too close. I can't stop myself from glancing up at him with curiosity, but he reacts by growling just loud enough for me to hear, and understanding, I look away…wondering.

The time spent in the lift is short…but my senses tell me more… My senses…I can feel again! Reaching out with the Force, I touch the walls of the lift door before me, and out beyond, feeling the minds and emotions of people as we descend. And as I stretch out farther, I can feel my hope and courage beginning to return. Quickly I take a glance at Jango Fett, then his hand holding to me, feeling something dark and powerful growing deep inside of me, wanting to be set free.

The bright red numbers gradually count down on the lift's numerical display. Seven more levels to go…

Level 6…I have to, but it will be so dangerous…

Level 5… and if I am caught, who's to say what will happen to me…

Level 4… I have to act – I have to escape! The moment the doors open…

Level 3… I will break free and race like a bat out of hell down the corridor and…

Level 2…

Suddenly the lift comes to a halt and the door begins to open… I can't wait any longer – I have to do it… NOW!!

With a burst of Force aided energy, I rip out of Jango’s grasp, charging headfirst out the open door – sending the two Imperials waiting to enter flying out of my way, and before anyone can stop me, I am running for all I'm worth down the corridor, zigzagging my way through corridors and passageways. Every single Imperial I pass watches with surprise and disbelief as they see me racing by with restraints still upon my wrists – an escapee!

Alarms begin to sound around me. Everyone has been alerted to my escape…and soon this ship will be crawling with Stormtroopers hunting for me. “*I have to find some place to hide…and fast!”*

Turning down another corridor, finding it empty except a small, black mouse droid rolling along the floor ahead of me, I keep my senses wide open for any Imperial presence as I search for a place to disappear for a while. There is danger all around me, but I feel that I am safe… No, I'm wrong!

Suddenly an arm appears out of an opening door beside me and grabs hold me, instantly pulling me inside, and before I have a chance to react, I feel a large, strong hand wrap about my throat as I am thrown onto my back upon a nearby conference table. It all happens so fast that I am momentarily disorientated… My closed eyes opening wide as I cry out in surprise and fear, only to feel fingers tightening harder about my neck, slowly cutting off my only means of breath.

My heart thunders in my chest and my lungs begin to burn for more life giving oxygen that is being slowly cut off… And it feels like my heart is about to burst through my chest as I find myself pinned down, Jango’s full weight upon my body, keeping me from getting up.

“Silence!” Jango orders in a harsh tone, his breathing hard but not winded, shifting his body against me…bringing a quickly muffled gasp as I feel the hard metal armor of his groin press hard against me as he stands between my legs. “Say anything and I'll snap your pretty little neck. Do you understand?”

I nod in response, not wanting to give him a reason to hurt me more than he already is, my hands splayed across the silver-like armor of his chest as if to keep him from crushing me with his weight. He seems not to notice or just does not care. His heart beats wildly through the armor protecting most of his upper torso, and as I look deep into the darkness of his viewscreen, I can feel his aura surround me…I can feel his emotions… I can feel his begrudging respect…and slowly growing lust for me.

Shifting my body slightly, hoping to relieve the growing ache of my back, my breath instantly hitches in my throat when Jango presses himself against my unprotected womanhood once again, adding more of his weight upon me as he does so, all the while his eyes on me through the darkness of his helmet. But he is not just looking, he is also listening – to the com traffic from Stormtroopers and their counterparts as they relay back and forth while they search throughout the ship trying to find me.

But I have already been found – Jango Fett holds me prisoner!

“*Why…is he doing this? He has captured me – again, but why does he not lead me out and back to my cell? What is he waiting for?*” I think, trying to find some understanding of my new situation, keeping my eyes on my hands still against his broad chest, not wanting nor able to look again into the viewscreen hovering close above me. “*He acts as if he…he…is going to…*”

Jango’s head turns suddenly to his left, holding it there for several moments before returning his attention to me, finding my eyes still looking away. He lets out an angered growl, lowering his body over me until the surface of his helmet is almost touching my nose.

“I wanted you the moment I saw you and now that I have you… There is never enough time.” The bounty hunter exclaims, a hint of frustration and desire in his faintly accented voice, and I then find myself feeling weightless as he straightens and takes several steps back from me, leaving me almost breathless with surprise. “Get up, they are coming.”

Without hesitation, I sit up upon the table, remaining there for a moment before placing my feet on the floor to stand in front of Jango Fett, glaring at him as I feel a streak of anger and courage travel through me. I think…I'm finding myself beginning to hate the man, despite having the slightest and ever so minute attraction toward him.

My attention is caught by the sound of the door opening and immediately I see a hand full of Stormtroopers enter – with several more waiting just outside, their weapons trained on me, ready to fire.

“Sir,” The closest trooper greets Jango Fett, his superior, before returning his attention to me, looking me over for a moment, seeing if I am in need of medical attention…knowing how rough the Mandalorian can be when hunting his prey.

“The prisoner has been recaptured. She is to be returned back to detention level. Use extreme caution, lieutenant, she may attempt to escape a second time.”

“Yes sir,” the Stormtrooper returns, immediately stepping forward to take me into his custody. As I am escorted out of the room, I quickly find myself surrounded by almost twenty Stormtroopers…with Jango Fett taking up the rear, following closely as we move down the corridor to the nearest lift, starting the journey back to my cell once more.

I can do nothing except be led all the way back to my cell – trying to use the Force would be too dangerous. And having none of my weapons does not help either.

“*Darn it.*”

Part B

“I have to get out of here… No doubt they have increased security, so trying to escape a second time would be far more difficult.” I think aloud as I sit cross-legged upon the stiff, Imperial issue bunk, trying to sort things out before Thrawn decides to call me back for more questioning or have me punished for trying to escape. It seems to have been hours – days since I was practically thrown into my cell. All I can do is just sit and think. “How am I going to get myself out of this mess?”

“With a little help.”

I gasp with fright at hearing the voice, my eyes darting to the cell door across the way from me…and instantly I am upon my feet, quickly embracing the man standing just inside the door.

“Boba Fett!” I cry, throwing my arms about him as I smile with hope and joy at seeing him.

Boba Fett does not know how to react to the woman – actually surprised and caught off guard as he feels her arms encircling his waist, her head tucked just under his chin. He does not understand why she acts with such joy at seeing him. All he can do is place his hands upon her shoulders and allow her to hold him, though he can feel almost every muscle in his body clenched tight, straining at her touch. She abruptly pulls back and her eyes look up at him, past the black viewscreen, into his. He can see her joy, her hope, her strength within those eyes…and yet…he can see something else…something dark. She has been hurt.

“Boba… I-I'm sorry… I didn't mean to…” I step away, lowering my eyes with embarrassment and…something else…wrapping my unrestrained arms about me as if to warm myself from the cold, realizing that he is uncomfortable and not used to being embraced…nor being this close to someone – especially a woman, since he is used to keeping everyone as far away as he possibly can.

“Come, we must get you out of here.” Fett exclaims, placing his hand upon my arm as if to comfort me, yet taking a gentle hold as he leads me toward the open cell door. “I am escorting you to a shuttle to be taken, for interrogation, to the Stardestroyer Temuera orbiting the opposite side of Terra. You must act my prisoner until we are safely away. Do you understand?”

I nod, a bit surprised as to Fett’s plan, looking at him as if he were about to run through a river of molten lava.

“Here, you must wear these,” He exclaims, securing a pair or restraints about my wrists. “It will give them less to question about.”

“If you say so,” I return, confused, as I allow him to lead me out of the cell and down the corridor, pausing at the control station there.

“Where are you taking this prisoner?” One of the Imperial officers ask with a haughty voice, his eyes harsh as they glance at me for a moment before returning his attention to Boba Fett.

“I have been ordered to personally escort this prisoner to my ship for interrogation aboard the Temuera. There will be no record.” And with that, before any of them are able to contact their superiors, Boba Fett leads me to the lift, and once the door seals behind us, he releases my arm.

As we ride the lift, there is nothing but silence between us, except the occasional Force touch of my mind to his, wondering why he is helping me escape. His mind is too strong… Before too long, he takes hold of my arm once more, pulling me with him against the back wall and moments after, the lift comes to a halt and the doors open, revealing two Stormtroopers and one Imperial officer who enter the lift without hesitation.

“Did you see that woman dressed like a Mandalorian?”

“Yeah, she was sure something! The three from the 23^rd she hacked into pieces where not lucky. You should have seen the mess they were in when they were taken to the morgue.”

“She can put up a real fight! I would know – I saw her myself.”

“Yeah, well I wouldn’t mind seeing what she’s got under that armor of hers.”

I can feel my anger beginning to rise as I listen to the two Stormtroopers talking to each other, snickering and chuckling, none the wiser that as they talk about me, I'm standing right behind them. I feel like grabbing Fett's blaster and blowing them from here to Coruscant. Even Boba Fett can feel my anger, for he gently squeezes my arm, shaking his head ever so slightly when I look up, telling me not to do anything…that might get us both in trouble…or something I might regret.

“*MEN!*”

Before my anger reaches the point of no return, the lift comes to another soft stop at which the Imperial officer and two Stormtroopers exit, leaving the Bounty Hunter and I alone once more in the lift. Three more levels and we exit the lift, Fett leading me out and down the corridor to the left.

We pass by many troopers and Imperials along the way; all give the Bounty Hunter and his prisoner a wide berth, a little nervous at his very presence. We both find it a bit humorous – I can feel it from him easily.

“The ship is in landing bay 26 Alpha. Say nothing if we are stopped and questioned.” Fett says in a low voice, just loud enough for me to hear as we near the open blast doors to the first of the starboard landing bays of the Stardestroyer. I cannot help but glance through the open doors, into the bays, seeing transport shuttles, fighters, cargo ships, Stormtroopers, ship crews and other various Imperial personnel. And it is the same for each one – ships, crew, security…and the abyss-like blackness of space just beyond.

“*Wow…*”

All too soon we come upon landing bay 26 Alpha and entering, Boba Fett seems to suddenly grow tense as if knowing something I do not. His hand tightens about my arm just as we pass by a stack of metallic cargo containers and immediately find ourselves face to face with a large gathering of men and women…all dressed in Mandalorian armor.

“This is not good…” I breathe quietly, feeling the instant burst of adrenaline laced with anxiety and fear explode throughout my body, just noticing that I am moving closer to Boba Fett.

“So, this is the woman?” One of the Mandalorians, dressed in yellow and teal, remarks, looking me over for a moment before turning his attention to Fett. “I thought she'd be…”

“Different.” Another exclaims, finishing the other's sentence as he steps forward to the front of the group. This one is in a slightly different suit and armor, but black and soft brown in color.

“I've never seen an Terran this close before.” Suddenly a female, dressed in dark purple and black, haughtily steps forward to stand before me where she holds her attention on me, scrutinizing, sizing me up. “She does not look so different. But…we could make sure…”

“Syvain. Do not. I warn you.” Boba Fett speaks up, his voice full of warning, knowing well what I am capable of and may happen if a fight breaks out. “I am to take this prisoner to the Temuera. Now, step aside.”

“Boba…” The woman, Syvain, teases Fett, stepping up to him where she places her gloved hand upon his chest, letting it slowly move its way down. Boba Fett lowers his helmet; his eyes watch her hand as it glides gradually to his belt. “We just want to see if she can do what everyone says she can.”

Scowling, I roll my eyes at the sight before me.

“Oh why don't you just go get a room!” I exclaim, having enough, as I step forward to get between Syvain and Boba Fett, making the female Mandalorian quickly pull away, enraged.

“How dare you! Impudent creature!” She snarls, and before I can do anything, I feel myself flying backward to the floor, pulled from Fett’s grasp, the sting of impact coming moments after being struck by her fist.

I find myself dazed and in shock, lying half on my stomach, half on my side upon the cold, reflective black floor, my body hurting ever more now than before. But it takes less than a minute for my senses to return, and slowly, I raise myself from the floor…realization coming to me – I've never been hit before!

Sitting now, I can feel the darkness taking over from the inside out. Hate, anger, rage, pain, and despair – they merge together and I can feel the power in the Force course through my veins like black fire. “*…use your anger…*”

“No more…”

I rise to my feet, keeping my back to them all as I summon more of the Force to me, letting the darkness flow about and within me…and finding such pleasure in its very feeling. “*…yesss…*”

“Not now…”

Slowly I turn about, keeping my head lowered, my eyes to the floor, my arms held before me, restrained hands clenched into fists. “*…use it against your enemies…*”

“Not ever again!”

I raise my eyes, a snarl coming from my throat, and with a strength beyond human, I pull my arms apart and the restraints snap in two down the middle, sending parts flying off in all directions. And as everyone stands idle, startled and in disbelief, I move forward, raising my hand out before me and with a powerful burst of Force energy, I send Syvain flying backward into the group of Mandalorians, knocking them off their feet with the impact.

Rage burning in my eyes, I begin to move forward to take my revenge upon the woman who insulted and assaulted me, but Boba Fett hastily positions himself directly in front of me, his eyes trained upon mine as he stands between me and Syvain.

“No. Not here and not now.”

With a slow, reluctant nod, I glance to the pile of armor, weapons and limbs, hoping to see something that would give me some gratification, only to find them untangling and getting to their feet. Hastily Fett turns and races me out of the bay, blaster bolts flying passed us as they shoot at our retreating backs.

“Stop them! Don't let them get away!” Syvain´s enraged voice can be heard as we race down the corridor, then another and another, hearing the Mandalorians in pursuit.

I feel increasingly weaker, finding that Fett has to pull me along as I come off the Force High…but the darkness lingers, wrapping itself around my heart and soul and mind. Keeping up with him is difficult as we weave our way through passageways, corridors and halls, trying to lose our pursuers.

And as if sensing my growing fatigue, Boba Fett pulls me into an open door and hastily slams his hand against the door controls, sealing and locking immediately behind us.

“We are safe for now. Rest.” Fett says, releasing of my hand but keeping close to the door, watching as I move a few steps away. My eyes are closed, and I pant for breath, unable to think clearly.

Instinctively, I wrap my arms around me. I am not cold, but I can feel myself trembling and I can just barely stand on my feet. I have to sit down… Slowly I open my eyes, looking about the room, finding that Fett has locked us inside someone's quarters for I immediately see a bed across the small room, a table and chair…but nothing that tells me it belongs to anyone. Without any hesitation or second thought, I head to the bed and sit down.

“What's…happening to me…” I whisper under my breath, my mind full of images and thoughts, my heart overrun with conflicting emotions. I feel the despair, the pain, the suffering… The woman in the mirror was right.

“Solara, what woman?”

Startled at hearing Boba Fett’s voice, I lift my eyes and find him standing with his back against the wall, rifle in arm as usual, his attention on me completely for the moment.

“What?”

“You were saying something.”

“…Oh…” I was thinking aloud and I did not even realize it. “It's nothing.”

Unable to keep myself sitting upright any longer, I lie back on the bed, pulling my tired legs up and close my eyes, hoping to get some kind of rest.

Time passes in silence, but I find that my racing mind is keeping sleep away. But I remain where I am, pulling the soft black blanket up about me for more warmth. Blanket… “*Blanket? How did I…*”

Sometime, while I was trying to sleep, Boba Fett came and put a blanket over me…and I did not even notice it. And as I realize this, another revelation comes… Boba Fett said my name!

“Boba Fett, you keep surprising me,” I remark as I sit up, pulling the blanket around my shoulders, and rising, I move to stand before him, looking up into those mysterious hidden eyes of his. “Thank you, again.”

He only nods in response but I can feel his eyes still on me, looking my face over slowly. There is a change in him – I can feel and sense it of him, but that is all. And I find myself beginning to wonder what exactly it is.

“We must move. Security will be alerted; the Mandalorians do not deviate from protocol.” Fett suddenly speaks up, his body tensing just slightly in preparation for what is next. “I cannot fly out to Terra as I had planned. But I was prepared for such a situation.”

“Huh?” I ask confused, staring at him wide-eyed.

“Listen, I have set up a shuttle for remote.”

“What are you talking about?” Still not quite understanding yet.

“You will board a shuttle and it will take you back to the surface. Since you are unable to pilot it, I will fly it for you by remote.”

I let out a heavy breath, finally realizing, mentally berating myself for being so dense. But before I can reply, Boba Fett moves toward the door and stands before it.

“We must hurry, both Imperial and Mandalorian are searching for you. Come,” He holds out his hand to me to take and without hesitation, I place mine in his as he presses the door panel.

Immediately the door opens and together we slip out, he using his sensors and I my senses. And with my hand in his, I allow him to lead me through the ship, avoiding our hunters. The hunter now the hunted, Boba Fett relies upon all his skills, easily keeping us out of sight when Stormtroopers appear…and pass us by without even knowing.

Soon we are on the landing bay levels, standing beside each other, looking down from the observation post at one of the many landing bays below.

“That shuttle over there,” Boba Fett points to a small white Imperial shuttlecraft sitting not far from the gaping wide doorway…the only barrier between it and space is an energy field. “I will get you there, but you must go the rest of the way.”

“Alright…” Suddenly I stop in mid-sentence, remembering something.

“What is it?” Fett asks, noticing the look on my face.

“My armor and weapons. They confiscated everything except this suit and the boots I’m wearing. I can't leave them!”

Boba Fett seems to ponder for several moments; his helmet turned away, his eyes looking out over the landing bay and into space beyond.

“I know where they are being stored.”

“Take me there.”

Without another word, Fett leads me from the lookout post, out into the corridor and to a nearby lift used for technical crews. Seven levels up, down several labyrinth-like corridors – evading several Stormtroopers along the way, he comes to a stop before a sealed double door.

“Here,” Boba Fett says, and raising his left hand, he types in a series of symbols on the control pad. When he is finished, he waits for the locks to unseal and the doors to slide open…but nothing happens. “The codes have been changed. We cannot enter.”

The first thing I feel is disbelief, but it quickly alters into anger…and it sharpens my thoughts, my senses. The power grows within me once more.

As I advance, Boba Fett takes several steps back, my eyes intense upon the metal doors standing between me and what is mine. I raise my hand out before me, my fingers splayed and closing my eyes, I take a slow deep breath as I center myself…then reach out with my mind, searching the room beyond.

My mind touches everything within, feeling for something familiar…and the moment I have it, my fingers flex, becoming like a claw, concentrating with all my strength as I hold onto that unique familiarity.

Boba Fett takes several more steps back, seeing the metal of the door before us begin to glow, turning from a deep red to gold, then to yellow and white…and suddenly the glowing violet tip of my lightsaber emerges, burning a hole like a hot knife through butter. And as I slowly move the blade along the outer edges of the doors, he watches with well-hidden surprise, never having seen a lightsaber cut through durasteel as it does now.

Soon I am shaking with concentration, fighting to keep control as I move my lightsaber along the top of the door, making the last cut… And then the door falls inward and lands upon the floor with a loud resounding thud. With a deep breath, I call my lightsaber to my hand and the moment it impacts against my palm, my fingers wrap tightly about its width, deactivating it.

“Time is running short,” Boba Fett remarks as we begin to look for my armor, searching lockers, wall compartments, supply containers. “Solara, here.”

I am immediately at his side, finding my armor, helmet, jetpack, weapons and duffle bag in a silver case sitting on a stack of black munitions crates.

“Hurry,” Fett says before turning away, heading for the door to keep watch as I don my gear.

“Alright, let’s get the hell out of here!”

Boba Fett turns and finds a woman dressed in dark violet and silver, the lights of the room gleaming off the reflective surface of her helmet, jetpack on, black duffle bag over her shoulder…blaster rifle in one hand, the other in its holster…lightsaber hanging against her left thigh. He can just barely keep back the grin threatening to cross his lips as his eyes gaze on her, seeing a woman strong, powerful and very dangerous.

With a nod, Fett slips out the door, looking either direction down the corridor, then motions for me to follow. I feel different, stronger, dangerous, but it won't hide me – they know what I look like with or without my armor.

“Damn it!” I exclaim under my breath, knowing Boba Fett can easily hear me. “Why can't they make a ship and not a labyrinth?”

Fett says nothing – he doesn't have to, I can feel how the corners of his mouth are turned up in the faintest hint of a smile, and I hear the almost inaudible chuckle he makes. He understands me for I too can feel his annoyance at having to follow all these twisting and turning corridors just to reach the landing bay again.

Tensions are running high – I can feel it in the air and in the Force as Boba Fett and I enter the observation post once more, peering out the windows to the landing bay below. To our dismay, we see several Stormtroopers moving among the ships and cargo containers being unloaded from a freighter that was not there previous.

“*It must have arrived as Fett and I were going after my things.*” I think, watching as the pilot and his crew hovering close to the descended ramp, talking and inspecting the hull of the freighter.

Turning my eyes to the Bounty Hunter, I find him standing over one of the nearby consoles, pressing several keys and buttons. He hesitates for a moment as something appears on the visual screen, hits a few more keys and buttons before straightening, his attention returning to me.

“The shuttle now has a flight plan. All that will be needed is clearance to lift off.”

“That would be handy – never leave home without an itinerary!” I remark, trying to bring a little humor to a rather tense situation.

“Solara,” Boba Fett’s voice is suddenly serious, and I can feel his eyes locked to mine, wanting my full attention. “Do not forget, I will know where you are at all times.”

“How can I forget – you've saved my butt twice already!” I turn my masked eyes to the landing bay, wondering how I'm going to get through this without getting caught – again. Now it's time for me to get serious. “I have a plan, but it's risky.”

“What is survival without risks?”

“Very true.” I take a deep breath, knowing what the Bounty Hunter standing off to my left is going to think about my idea. “You know of my abilities; now is a good time to put them to use.”

“Yes, I know of them. What is your plan?”

“You see that walkway over there? Along the wall?” I point to the sturdy durasteel catwalk-like walkway bolted to the wall off to the right. “It goes right over the shuttle. I can mask my presence, walk along it to the shuttlecraft and drop down without anyone seeing.”

“Logical but extremely dangerous.”

“Yes, I know, it's crazy, but I can't just walk right through the front door without being seen by those less effected by my Force cloaking.”

“What is it you wish me to do?”

“Diversion duty.”

Part C

Carefully, silently, I slip through the access door to the walkway, keeping as close to the wall and as low as I can, falling to one knee as I pull the energies of the Force about me like a veil while I wait for Boba Fett to enter down below.

My heart is racing in my chest and I have to force myself to keep breathing at a steady rate. I am terrified of what I'm about to do – make like a cat and walk along the catwalk to the ship over two hundred feet away and over twenty feet down; the only thing that gives me a slightest sense of calm is Boba Fett’s presence. He's not afraid – he'd charge right through a barrage of blaster fire and blaze out of the landing bay before anyone can stop him!

“*And speaking of Fett…*” Suddenly Boba Fett appears through the main blast doors, his grip on his blaster tightening. And on cue, he nods his head before heading towards the nearest Stormtrooper.

With the signal given, I rise from my kneeling position and carefully begin to steal my way along the walkway, one eye on Boba Fett, the other on the catwalk…and my senses stretched out and set to their highest.

50 feet…

Suddenly the Stormtrooper turns about and instantly he raises his blaster rifle, issuing a warning as he finds Fett approaching from behind.

“Halt!”

Quickly the number of white armored troopers grows from one to twenty at hearing the order given, leveling their weapons at the Bounty Hunter who just stands there…grinning.

100 feet…

“The prisoner has escaped my custody.” Boba Fett exclaims aloud for all to hear, “I suggest, captain, that she may be attempting to reach one of the port escape pods.”

“Hold fast! You were seen aiding in her escape, Mandalorian!”

Here it comes… The muscles of Boba Fett’s back tighten for a moment before he steps into a more deceptive offensive-defensive stance as his anger begins to grow at hearing the disgust and contempt in the Stormtroopers tone. His hands adjust slightly about his rifle…

245…

“You were misinformed Trooper. Now stand down and return to your duties.”

“Our orders are to bring you and the woman in.”

“That may be a little more difficult than you think, because I'm not going anywhere.”

“Set weapons to stunt. Thrawn wants them alive.”

275 feet…

I can't believe what Boba Fett is about to do…but I could not have come up with anything better if I tried!

And suddenly…all hell breaks loose as a gun battle breaks out in the middle of the landing bay, blaster bolts flying in every direction. But before any of them can hit me, I drop down from the walkway onto the balls of my feet, having used the Force to slow my decent enough for me to land safely.

With my mind I can see the battle that is taking place; Boba Fett evading every shot fired and those that do hit have no effect on him. I can feel he is enjoying himself as he takes down Stormtrooper after Stormtrooper.

Keeping low and hidden, I duck into the open hatch of the small shuttle, and sealing the door behind me, I take the pilot's seat, my eyes wide with disbelief as they look over the flight console before me.

It's time to get out of here!

“Relay signal.” I order the com system of my helmet, immediately hearing the beep signaling it has been transmitted.

“Acknowledged.” I hear Boba Fett’s voice in my ear and within moments the console comes to life; little red, green, yellow and blue lights appearing all around me…and then I feel the seat begin to vibrate beneath me as the engines power up.

“Boba Fett…becareful.” The shuttle begins to rise from the landing bay's surface, turning about to face the main bay opening and before I can hear a reply, the shuttle races out into the vacuum of space.

With a deep sigh, I watch the scene before me. I never in my life dreamed I would see space…and Earth as I do now. Looming before me is the massive glowing blue sphere of water, flora and fauna. Earth.... “Beautiful…”

Without touching a single button, switch or key, the shuttle makes its way toward Earth, following a slightly curved trajectory as it leaves the Stardestroyer´s shields. All too soon, the ship enters the hazy atmosphere, shaking a little from friction and turbulence.

I've never liked takeoffs when flying…and this too makes my fingers tightly grasp the armrests at either side of me, my body tense with sheer fear and anxiety. Except the difference is this lasts much longer, and as time passes, I can feel how my fingernails are beginning to gouge into the padding, knuckles white with strain. But to my great relief, the shaking gradually subsides as I find the shuttle skimming over the tops of clouds, descending into them and quickly blots out the sun's light.

Several minutes pass, turning into an hour, as the ship flies well above the surface of the planet looming far below. And soon, not far ahead, I see the unique shapes of skyscrapers dotting the eastern horizon, reaching up like spires to heaven. And as the skyscrapers draw closer, I slowly begin to recognize the city I am approaching: New York City.

“*Taken back to where hell began…*” I think with a deep, weary sigh, recalling the shootout I had with Jango Fett and his Stormtroopers…before being caught, brought up into a Stardestroyer, thrown into a cell…brought before Thrawn…and almost… “Well, Jango didn't get to go that far…except hurt me…”

“Approaching landing coordinates,” An electronic voice announces aloud, causing me to lose my concentration on what I was thinking about.

Looking out the front viewscreen, skyscrapers loom to either side of the shuttle as it veers from left to right, and before too long, it begins to descend between buildings and crane-like structures. Within minutes, the Imperial shuttlecraft comes to a hover above a wide clearing then touches down with the softest of bumps.

Realizing I have been holding my breath, I let it out with a loud hiss, closing my eyes as I lean my head back against the headrest in relief. I'm back on Earth…and not very far from where I last left off. Opening my tired eyes, I rise from the pilot's chair, hearing the engines winding down before shutting down completely. Feeling the weight of exhaustion fall full force on me, I move to the small hide-away bed and lie down on it, not caring to remove my helmet.

With a long deep sigh, my eyes flutter closed…and the darkness of sleep takes over.

“…you have done well, but you are not finished, “

“No, I know this.” I answer the voice behind me, keeping my eyes to the sight before me, in awe of the millions of transports, shuttles, sky reaching buildings and billions of lights overwhelming my senses.

“One day, this will be yours – the world that is the center of worlds…and all those under its sway.”

“Yes…” I sigh, taking a slow deep breath of the alien air, letting it fill my lungs and assault my nostrils with its scents…and his…

“Do not fail me. You know the consequences.”

“Yes, I do. I will not fail you.” I let his scent run over my tongue with each breath I take, tasting him upon the gentle breeze blowing from behind.

“…soon it will be the time to decide. You must choose which path to take…and either choice brings a great burden on you…”

“I understand…” I turn my eyes away from the city scene before me and slowly turn my head round to see whose face belongs to the voice I hear behind me…and I slowly begin to raise them …

With a start, I awake, feeling the urgency for me to move far greater than ever before. The Empire is so close…

“*…you must hurry…*”

A deep sorrow and despair fills my heart, body and soul. I feel as if I am missing a part of myself and I have yet to find it. The voice I hear in my dreams brings such an ache and longing…I want to hear it again and again…

“I have to hurry,” I stand up, stretching every muscle in my body, finding that I hurt much less than before. Sleep is what was needed to heal.

Looking through the main viewport, I find the sky darkening with the coming of night, the sun having set and gone. The shadows will make it easier for me to move about the city, but I will never be able to fulfill this part of my mission so late in the day.

“*But I have to look…*” Standing before the main hatch, I press the control panel upon the wall beside it and immediately I hear the locks unlatch, and as the hatch unseals, lowering out and down to the cement ground, a soft hiss of released air and fog escaping as it touches down

Having placed my duffle bag in a safety closet, I cautiously descend down the ramp into the darkness of night, and looking around me, I find myself surrounded by massive cargo boxes, buildings, a huge crane and other machinery. The shuttle has landed in a warehouse yard, near the loading docks.

“Well, atleast I'm closer to England than I was a few hours ago,” I remark flatly as I see the reflections upon the surface of the bay…the Atlantic Ocean not too far beyond.

Then suddenly I recall the last sight I had of Boba Fett battling it out with Imperial Stormtroopers, giving me the necessary time and means to escape.

“I wonder how Fett is? I hope he's all right. I'd hate myself if he got hurt helping me.”

With a deep sigh, I try to clear my thoughts and bring my attention back to the present, I seal the hatch closed behind me before heading out, following one of the many transport roads leading out of the docks, toward the city. But I soon begin to realize…it's a MUCH farther to get to New York than I first thought!

“Ok, screw plan A! Now for plan B!” I think aloud, my eyes scanning the horizon before me, my helmet automatically registering the distance between the nearest skyscraper and I, displaying it upon my visor for me to read. “I'm most definitely going to attract a lot of unwanted attention, but I need to get back to New York. I have some searching to do…and I'm starved!”

With a single, silent thought, the jetpack rumbles to life against my back…and instantly I am rocketing up into the sky, headed for the cityscape ahead of me.

Part D

The rumble from the jetpack vibrates against my back and into my body, it and the wind drowning out any other sound except my own thoughts. In some ways, it feels good to be back on Earth, away from all those Stormtroopers, Thrawn…Jango Fett… The freedom I feel is exhilarating, making my heart beat wildly and my thoughts turn from what has passed, to what lies ahead. A great battle…the battle of all battles…for Freedom.

Freedom. So many take advantage of it; but when they find themselves trapped and without it, they are confused, distraught, unable to cope with every day things. And most of all…despair rules totally and completely. When there is no freedom, there is chaos…and from that chaos comes more despair and death.

And as the Empire draws ever closer, the despair grows, the loss of freedom already beginning…for there is no where anyone can run or hide. All that we are left with…is the wait for the inevitable. Many have already lost their lives…and there are so many more to come. Children lose their parents; parents lose children…friends lose friends…family lose family. It is almost like World War II all over again, but in a much, much greater magnitude. It will be genocide.

With a deep sigh, my eyes fall upon a playground far below, seeing many children racing about, playing, talking… They are so oblivious… So innocent… If they really knew and understood what is going to happen to them.

My heart aches for them all.

Before long, I am entering Central Park once again, and carefully touching down, the jetpack upon my back quickly disengages as I carefully scan my surroundings via sensors and senses – my visor displaying everything from temperature to ground vibrations, and my senses in the Force alert me to the nearby readings of people and the usual faint life presence of animals and plants. All appears to be safe…for now.

“Alright…back to where I left off – and quick!” I think aloud, removing my helmet. Having brought my cloak, I clasp it about my neck to hide my…suspicious and very noticeable attire, and to add to the warmth already generated by the environmental systems of my suit. Then pulling the hood of my cloak over my head, not minding how the jetpack protrudes from beneath, I head off down an adjoining pathway, north with my helmet in hand.

At a brisk pace I move along the main streets, having been out of the park for almost twenty minutes, I find I have this…persistent feeling…that something is going to happen. But no matter how hard I try to foresee what it may be, I can't figure out what it is.

“*Must be something the Force is trying to tell me…or I just forgot something back at the shuttle.*” I laugh quietly to myself, finding some strange humor in the thought as my eyes instinctively examine people, objects and buildings, whilst I search for anything – no matter how small, that I might find valuable or useful.

“*I'm starting to act like Maul!*” I suddenly think, a little surprised in how I react, look and think about every little thing…like Maul would. “*Hmmm. Well, there's a BIG difference between me and the Sith Lord with horns – I'm not as dark as he, nor as unforgiving and merciless…amongst other things.*”

“*…do not underestimate yourself…you are darker than you may believe…*” I instantly hear in my mind after having thoughts on the contrary…the smooth, dark voice I heard before deep inside my head… it sounds like a thought…but not my own.

“Yeah, ok, sure…” I breathe quietly, not quite understanding what is going on inside my head…and inside my heart. “*But atleast I do not deny myself love. I will love someone freely and tell him so!*”

“Well…maybe just a little. Guess I have been acting just a wee bit Sithly lately,” I find myself conceding “*Yeah more like being on twenty-four hour PMS!*”

With a sigh I shake my head and return my immediate attention to the task at hand: acquiring inconspicuous passage across the Atlantic. I can't take the chance of being caught if I attempt to use the shuttle, and despite that, I would not even be able to fly it if I tried! Thus, it leaves me with my lingering problem – international travel.

But as I continue on with my search, I begin to get the nasty and very unwanted feeling and knowledge that I'm not going to find neither anything available nor anyone willing to help. I'm basically in a boat without any oars…headed down stream…right into the hands of the Empire.

The sky begins to fade in light and color; clouds take on the shades and hues of sunset and coming night, giving way to the brilliant stars hidden behind. And with the approach of evening and the shadows…the fear and despair grows. Many things happen within the darkness, and even though I am well armed in technology, weapons and the Force, I am not immune to the dangers that lurk in the growing black.

As midnight draws close, there are few people on the streets except those one would expect to see: homeless, the drunk, the despaired, people hurrying to make it home, small groups of individuals who lurk about watching with dangerous, hungry eyes…and the fallen Ladies of the Night.

With the rising danger, now…it is time to utilize my Mandalorian armor and put it to good use. Abruptly I step into an alleyway, keeping close to one of the walls as I slip the hood back from over my head. For a moment my eyes wander over my new surroundings, disgusted as I see the garbage and litter all over the ground, lying against the walls and in the cracks and crevices.

“When did we lose respect for our home planet? For ourselves?” I remark, shaking my head as I pull my hair up into a clip, and my nose scrunches a little when a rather foul odor reaches my nostrils: death, decay…pain, suffering, despair…sadness, loneliness… Darkness.

Ignoring the stench as best I am able, I slip my helmet from within the folds of black fabric surrounding me and raise it to my head. I fasten the chinstrap before I unclasp my cloak from about my shoulders, and neatly refold it to place it back securely under my belt.

“So, they're afraid of the Empire. Well, let them think I'm one of them!” I exclaim aloud as I step away from the wall and out onto the sidewalk. As I walk, my fingertips brush against the grips of the blasters hanging at my sides. “*And they well fear me!*”

I feel the evil grin of pleasure spread across my face immediately when I see several people standing together at the nearby street corner ahead of me, the tallest of the group points me out to the others, talking in hastily hushed voices while they watch me draw closer.

“*Yes! Know me! Fear me!*” I can sense their disbelief, surprise…their fear at the sight of me…also the primal male lust. They see a woman in skintight armor and suit, double holster belt, helmet…and it makes them want to know what is beneath it all. “*Fat chance! You'll be dead faster than you can say Darth Vader you bastards!*”

Holding my head high, hands lingering close to my blasters, I exude an aura of danger, strength and superiority. I silently walk past the group of young men, all the while feeling their attention and interest upon me, yet not one makes a single move toward me.

I have a sudden need to return to the shuttle to get the remainder of my belongings. As I continue my way down the street, I feel and see the eyes of those I pass linger on me. Their anxiety hangs thick in the air, most not quite sure what to make of me. There are thoughts of the Empire, feelings of hatred and fear, thoughts of lost hope, family and friends…all realizing that there soon will be no more future.

“*Be strong! Do not let the Empire win! One day very soon the call for freedom will arise. You shall all know when the time comes*” I send out through the Force to all those whose minds are open and weak, sending out as much hope and courage I can who have little or none. “*One day we’ll be free!*”

A mental suggestion none will realize I have placed in their minds, but it will affect them all in one way or another. It is all I can do for them now…until the time comes when the war begins.

Another unsuccessful day, I came before the sun rose, now I leave, the sun having set, my thoughts heavy with frustration and worry…all the while feeling something…looming along the edges of my mind and senses.

My trek through the metal jungle is uneventful to say the least, except for the nagging feeling along the fringes of my mind and senses. Even as I near the edges of Central Park, all those I pass stare, whisper to their companions under their breath and or move completely out of my path in fear. I find myself taking a dark pleasure in the fear I feel as people see me move amongst them.

“*Yesss… Fear me…*” I hiss under my breath, my attention drawn toward a young man who quickly halts in his tracks several paces before me, his clear blue eyes wide with disbelief and fear before he hastily takes a few steps backward as I approach. With an almost inaudible cry, he turns on heel and runs in the opposite direction, the very essence of his fear wafts along the currents of the Force to me.

They are so afraid. They know what I represent – the Empire, but if they only knew I am on their side, trying to find a way to reach Europe where the gathering will begin…and the battle taking place soon after.

“*I guess…I'm showing them what could be their possible future,*” The Empire roaming freely amongst the denizens of Earth, caught in the iron grip of an evil and unbelievably powerful dictator and his immense military, powerful in its own right. “*But I'll be damned if I'll let Palpatine and his lackeys take us with out one hell of a fight!*”

For a moment I glance at the street signs. I read them carefully and memorize them: 9^th Avenue and 42^nd Street; in addition I notice a sign saying Broadway right 3 blocks.

“Broadway. Always wanted to see that.” I mutter quietly to myself and continue on, making my way North-North East along 9^th Avenue. “I have never been to New York before. I wish I could stay and see everything…but…I can't.”

As I walk for several more blocks, I have a feeling…no I sense I am being watched, surrounded, and it takes precedence over the knowledge that something is going to happen soon. I tense in response and my mind begins to work out possible reasons why. Something threatens me and it is coming nearer each minute, however it does not stop me.

Several minutes pass by before my eyes fall on the next street signs: 9^th Avenue and West 50^th Street.

“Almost there,” I breathe, keeping track of the information appearing on the visor screen before my eyes and what my senses tell me, “I just hope I can get to the park without-“

Suddenly a young man appears in front of me, his eyes dark and full of intent…as he slowly raises a blaster from his side.

“I suggest you do not move,” He exclaims, training the barrel of the black metal weapon at me, not even realizing that he has caught me totally off guard and momentarily unable to move or think. “There is no place to go.”

“What?” I finally find my voice, though still quite confused, not really understanding how…this…man standing before me without triggering my senses in the Force to danger.

“You heard me! Surrender now and you will not be harmed.”

Realization comes. I finally recognize the blaster, the way the light skinned, dark eyed man stands, holds the firearm, the look in his eyes and the information the Force gives me. Empire…Imperial.

“*Oh shit! Not again!*”

Four more Imperials, dressed inconspicuously like everyday Earth citizens, step out into the open behind me and ahead of me, blasters in their hands, ready to react if I should attempt escape.

“What makes you think, trooper, I'll give up without a fight?” My hands slowly, carefully move toward the grips of my own blasters, but I keep my posture in a more prone and carefree appearance.

“Our orders are to bring you in – wounded or not, but alive.” The Stormtrooper motions with his blaster, bringing to my attention the several other of his kind moving in on us. “If it's a fight you want, we can give it to you.”

“Such arrogance you Stormtroopers have these days!” I remark as my fingertips now rest against the satin-polished metal of my sidearms, inching their way virtually unseen to the safety straps. “So, you think you boys can play with someone badder than you?”

“*How's about a little goading?*” I think to myself, grinning deviously as my senses have already detected a means of escape, my suit's systems concurring a short moment after. If I push them hard enough, their pride and egos – not to mention anger, will cause them to make mistakes. And mistakes I can use to my advantage.

“Don't count on it, lady. We are not your usual everyday troopers.”

“*Ok, I've had enough!*”

Blasters in hands, I point them into the air and send a violet hued energy bolts flying at every Stormtrooper in my sights. But before any can hit their targets, the street-dressed troopers hastily duck for cover and return fire, surprised at my speed.

Everyone on the street in either direction makes a hasty exit, not wanting to be caught in the crossfire, leaving the intersection deserted except my attackers and I. Understandable – even I make for cover, placing the cement railing to the entrance of an apartment building between me and the blaster fire coming at me from all sides.

“Just lovely!” I exclaim aloud as I throw myself on my belly, almost knocking the wind out of me when I land. I am annoyed, but not surprised the Imperial Navy acted so quickly in finding me after my escape. “How the hell am I going to get out of this one?!”

Bolts of blaster fire ricochet off or impact against the cement around my head as I cautiously raise myself to return fire. I know I cannot hold out long like this – after all, I am alone, and I face a whole squad of Special Forces Stormtroopers.

“Where is a man when you need him?” I growl angrily, wishing Fett were beside me here at this very moment. “I need the extra fire power.”

Suddenly a piece of concrete falls and hits me on the shoulder. I look up and my visor immediately catches sight of a dark dressed Stormtrooper on a rooftop above, about to shoot at me. But before he can take a shot, I roll onto my back and send rapid fire his way. The fiery bolts hit home and with a raw scream, the Stormtrooper topples over the edge and plunges down to the pavement a few feet away.

My attention is immediately forced back to his comrades, who intensify their fire. I crawl forward on my stomach, still using the low wall for protection until I reach the corner of the apartment block. I lift myself up just long enough to send a volley of blaster fire into the direction of the troopers, who have to hastily throw themselves onto the ground for safety. The only way open for me now is to turn the corner, run north and try to reach Central Park.

“One…two…three!” I count aloud, and as I jump to my feet and start running I hear my attackers following me, and what is worse, I round another corner and almost collide with another group of Imperial Special Forces.

With an exasperated cry I dodge to my right and race into another street. I hear shouts behind me, but I know they cannot catch up with me; I am much faster than they for I have the Force as my ally. Yet…even I tire and I can feel the straining of my leg muscles as I run down the deserted street.

“*I have to find some place to hide – and fast!*”

Suddenly, as if in answer, to my left I spot an open door and without a second thought, I hurry inside, shutting the door quickly behind me. Moments pass and I then hear running footsteps pass the doorway and fade into the distance as I lean against a wall, trying to catch my breath.

“*How do I ever get myself into these messes? I even try to avoid them…and yet…here I am, AGAIN, in serious trouble!*” I think, slamming my fist against the tiled floor beneath me, frustrated and wishing I were somewhere else other than right in the middle of a fight between all of Earth and the galactic sized Empire. But…to my dismay…there is no answer except keep going and do not give up.

When my breath has almost completely returned, I turn and look at me new surroundings. There are dark shadows all around me, but with aid of my visor, I learn I am in what I suppose to be a hallway of an apartment building, and to my slight relief, I sense no danger lurking within.

“*Just a few more minutes…*” Sighing, I lean my head back against the wall behind me, resting my body with the short time I have, preparing myself mentally and physically for what might come next. And I dread the thoughts that cross my mind.

I allow several minutes to pass before I carefully open the door and look out. I see nothing, hear no one, and slowly, cautiously, I slip out and into the street and once more try to make my way north as I intended from the beginning. But I remind myself that going straight north would be stupid, since the Imperials know that is where I want to head. I decide to make a small detour, although how small, being a stranger in New York, I don’t know.

“When the enemy expects you to go north, go south,” I exclaim under my breath, reading the street names as I race by them. The numbers gradually count down…until I reach 42^nd.

“Ah, 42^nd Street! That sounds familiar,” I turn east and after a short walk down 42^nd I immediately find myself in one of the most famous squares in the world: Times Square. The neon lights reflect on my armor and the many people walking there on their way to restaurants and theatres, look at me with astonishment. I have no time to admire the place, or even relish the fact that I am here, in New York on Times Square; I have more important things to do…and one of them is staying alive.

“Hey lady, what do you think you look like?” I hear behind me and a young man laughs.

“Don’t bother, Jack, she means to join the Empire!” his friend sniggers.

In a way, I am glad I have my helmet with its black visor and armor protect me; all the stares and remarks thrown at me give me a most uncomfortable feeling. Added to the sense of dread I already have, I hurry on along Times Square.

Coming to an abrupt stop under the huge Sony Trinitron sign, I scan my new surroundings, taking into count the number of innocent bystanders around me. North. I want to head north…but which way? At any moment my pursuers could show up and I find I am at a loss for what to do next. I shrug and roll my hidden eyes.

“*Oh great! Don't tell me I'm lost!*” I growl deep in my throat, angry in myself for failing in geography in school, and never having been here before. “*Well, no better time than now to find out.*”

I sigh once more, turning my attention down the street, hoping to find some sign things will go my way…only to curse aloud as I suddenly catch sight of a small group of Stormtroopers appear from three adjoining streets, coming from the direction of Bryant Park. “These guys just DO NOT know how to give up!”

There is nothing more I can do except start running again, but this time I intend to head the right direction. I feel the sweat running down my back, in spite of the cooling systems inside my suit. My legs work furiously as I race down 6^th avenue, the sound of running footsteps close behind me.

I weave my way through the crowds, trying to get some distance between them and I, but when woman does not get out of my way quick enough, I collide with her, sending her sprawling on the pavement. I hesitate for a moment to help her to her feet, but I see the Imperials hot on my tail. With no other choice, I turn and run, mentally apologizing to the woman, hoping she can hear me. And no more than several moments pass, when to my infinite pleasure, I hear a Stormtrooper trip over the fallen body. Less than a minute after, I hear a few more troopers go down, cursing loudly amongst each other.

I manage to get a little ahead of them, but the crowds slow me down and I find myself growling aloud with growing frustration and rage as those people I try to get passed do not allow me by.

“Move! Get out of the way!” I hear behind me, the angry male voices of my pursuers ordering, shoving their way through, trying to keep me within their sights.

“*I can still go north; as long as I follow 6^th avenue, I should end up at Central Park.*” I think, despite still moving through the hordes of people…and just as I am about to duck down an alleyway to my left, a shot rings out.

Instantly there is screaming and yelling as people race for their lives and drop to the ground as the Stormtroopers begin to fire into the air, knowing that it will send everyone scattering in all directions…and out of their way. I find myself being almost trampled over as I am shoved backward and into the street…right into the path of an on coming car.

“Oh this is going to hurt…”

Part E

I find myself standing head-on with a car like a deer caught in headlights. Its tires squeal and smoke as they lock, and I can even see the driver, a horrified look on his face as he slams his feet repeatedly against the brake pedal. But the vehicle has too much momentum for it stop to in time…before it hits me.

I turn quickly and glance back over my shoulder.

Behind me, the Stormtroopers are rushing forward, leaping over bodies and objects people had thrown in their fear and haste, the way before them now clear. I can sense their anger and mounting frustration as I continue to elude them. They see me immediately and quicken their pace, finally close enough to capture me.

“*Oh god…*”

In the time it takes to breathe, all these happen, yet life itself seems to come to almost a stand still, slowing down before me and around me…as if it alters itself while I remain in full motion and beyond its sway. The Force surges around me, within me. I can feel the danger and the urgency…as time begins to run out.

“MOVE!”

Without a second thought, I move faster than I ever believed I could, leaping up and over the hood of the oncoming car, flipping onto the roof and landing on all fours like a feline upon the pavement. But all too soon, I find myself in the path of the vehicle behind it. On instinct, I roll out of the way to the opposite side of the street where I am on my feet once more…a little disorientated.

In one swift move I am on my feet again, a bit in a daze and slight shock. But I forcibly clear my head, suddenly remembering where I am and what is about to happen… Turning about, I am instantly filled with dread as I find the Imperials almost on me, nearing me on the opposite side of the street.

“*Shit!*” I exclaim mentally, surprised they could move so quickly in such a small amount of time. I can't stay…but I have little choice since I find myself irrevocably lost amongst the denizens of this cement jungle. No…no more running, no more being afraid… “*I’m tired of all of this…*”

“It is time to make my stand!” The beginning… The first stand…

They come towards me from all sides now, their blasters in their hands and a look of satisfaction on their faces, for they realize there is no escape for me anymore. They surround me in seconds and slowly begin to circle.

“Take her alive!” one of the Stormtroopers yells and fires a shot that sends up sparks of fire just in front of my boot.

Like a herd of stampeding bulls, they advance, blasters in hand, yelling with a savage war coup, and in return, I scream aloud with rage and fatigue, delivering a high sidekick to the man closest to me. He staggers back and lands on his backside – and with such ungainliness, I cannot help but notice. I turn around, firing from both blasters now; I send one Stormtrooper to an untimely death while the next one cries out in pain as a shot from my right-hand blaster hits him in the shoulder. Just before I turn to fire at two more onrushing Stormtroopers, I can see blood erupting from the wound and torn flesh hanging down in ugly, jagged pieces.

How long the fight lasts, I do not know, I fire shot after shot and kick fiercely whenever a Stormtrooper comes close enough. By now I feel my muscles tremble, I am more tired than ever before in my life and I feel I no longer have the strength to lift my arms. But I must keep fighting – I must go on!

Growling aloud with anger and exhaustion, I throw a charging trooper backwards off his feet with a Force push, sending him flying in the opposite direction and right into three of his comrades following behind. I can hear them all groaning and yelling aloud as I turn my back on them, my attention falling on a rather attractive dark trooper who quickly levels his blaster at me. His finger twitches, ready to fire…but I fire first, hitting him square in the shoulder.

Everything seems to happen so fast; I fight off every attacker one by one with either blaster fire or hand to hand combat. But I find myself being overwhelmed as I begin to feel as if I kill or disable one Stormtrooper, two more take his place…and they just keep coming!

Suddenly I cry out in surprise and pain when I feel a sharp pain as a trooper gets a very lucky shot and shoots the blaster out of my hand. My dazed mind sees it flying through the air before landing on the pavement.

As the vibrations begin to travel up my arm and into the rest of my body, the world seems to alter; I see Stormtroopers closing in surrounding me on all sides…

“*No…I can't give up! Can't be caught!*” I think in terror as Stormtroopers in street dress and Imperial armor encircle me, feeling the Force raging about me with furious torrents of dark and light. There is a surge of energy and courage exploding within me and lifting my remaining blaster to fire at a soldier charging at me to my right… I cry out when I feel a hard blow against my back, as if someone hit me with a hard object. Immediately my vision hazes and I gasp for breath, stumbling forward a few steps as numbness crashes over my body. A searing pain burns through me from the middle of my back and spreads quickly to the rest of my body, setting every nerve ending of my body on fire with pain…no, agony.

“*No…*” I think, unable to hold back a tortured groan as I feel my strength leave me. “*They have me!*”

My knees give way from under me and slowly I collapse to the pavement as the world spins around me in dizzying circles. I find myself unable to focus on anything and when I try, it moves away and into the haze that has become my world.

“No… God no…” I moan, trying all that I can to regain my mental faculties and force the world to stop spinning for a few minutes for me to get up and either fight or escape. But all is for not for when my confused eyes look up, expecting to see a dark, star filled sky, to find several blaster barrels pointing down at me. There are Stormtroopers wherever my eyes wander, seeing the pleasure of victory and Imperial conditioned arrogance on their faces. “Bastards…”

One of them cautiously kneels beside me, inspecting me for a moment before leaning over and attempts to fasten the safety strap of my helmet. I groan again as I feel my life's blood running down my back like a hot, sticky river, beginning to pool slowly upon the ground beneath me. And despite my inability to protect myself, I try to turn away from the fully armored trooper, but he roughly pins me down with his knee in my shoulder, causing me to let out a cry.

I can only helplessly watch and comply as the Imperial pushes my head back to get better access of the clasp under my chin… But the hand that tries to remove my helmet suddenly stiffens as if in pain and disappears from my limited view. To my amazement I see the body of a Stormtrooper fall to the pavement, a nasty and very bloody entrance wound on the side of his head.

“W…what's going on?” I moan softly, but as I try to lift myself up from the ground, a wave of darkness washes over me and I find I am losing consciousness as well as my mind growing increasingly unable to function clearly. Another trooper collapses as he and his comrades begin to search the skies and grounds around us, fear in their eyes and on their faces as they shoot blindly at some unseen target, hoping to hit something. “U…under attack… Who…?”

The darkness is coming; everything begins to dim and fade, the fear grows…and the last thing I see before the darkness overwhelms me is a man in the familiar green and yellow Mandalorian armor.

“Boba Fett…”

Slowly I return to the realm of awake, not really sure if I am still dreaming or actually seeing what is taking place before me. Ghostly silhouettes of white, dark and color move about, fall, turn, and merge together then apart again…like a dance. But before I can fully register and understand the sights and sounds, the black claims me once more and I fall into the abyss of pain-filled unconsciousness.

I hear a loud sound, bringing me abruptly back to consciousness with a startled gasp. The moment I open my eyes, I see a blast of fire and black acrid smoke instantly fills my nostrils. Smoke... But again, before I can stop it, I slip back into the black, my senses reeling…and they are as chaotic as the sounds that impale my ears and the thoughts and images racing through my mind.

With a cry of pain and fright, I awake to the feeling of someone trying to pull me to my feet, but with as much ease and haste as possible. I try to fight off the arms holding me, finding that I am unable to open my eyes to see who has me now. My grasp of the Force is weak, only able to feel that I am being held against a male body.

“L-let…me go!” I order pitifully, pushing myself away from the person that holds me, not knowing if it is a Stormtrooper or some other person trying to support me while I fight to escape.

“Solara… It's alright.”

The moment I hear his voice, I instantly allow myself to rest against his body, placing my arms about his middle, trying to hold on as I do my best to walk. I feel a sense of relief wash over me, but I am still dazed and very confused.

“Fett…”

“Shh. Let's get out of here before-“

His voice is suddenly cut off as I pull away from him, my mind as clear as crystal and my senses returning to perfect clarity. Lightsaber in hand, I block several incoming blaster bolts, sending them ricocheting off in the direction they had just come…the shadows. Within the span of time it takes for a heart to beat, we hear a cry then see the form of an Imperial Sniper fall from his place of hiding and land upon the pavement in a crumpled heap. Just as I am going to deactivate my saber, my senses begin to scream in warning. I turn to Fett.

“They are coming,”

With a nod, Fett comes up to me, wraps my arms round his neck and encircles me with his. Startled by his sudden act, I stand visor to visor with him, looking deep into the blackness that hides his eyes as my heart beats wildly in my ears.

“Hold on,”

There is an ear-piercing explosion and before I have the time to realize what is happening, I am being rocketed off my feet into the air, holding on for dear life to the most deadly Bounty Hunter in the known galaxy. The breath is forced from my lungs but I manage a gasp as I feel the sheer force of our takeoff pressing down against me. I have no choice but to push hard against Fett, clinging onto him in an iron grip, afraid to let go…for if I do, I may be unable to recover fast enough to ignite my own rocket pack.

Fiery bolts of energy streak past us as the Imperials try in vain to shoot us down. We easily evade them, and all too soon, Boba Fett and I are alone, flying amongst the clouds with no Imperial in sight.

As the time passes, I find myself growing increasingly nervous and anxious. I never expected to find myself this close to a man before – certainly not Boba Fett of all men. I do not know exactly what to do except hold on as tightly as I can, keeping my legs wrapped about his as he flies us in an unseen direction. I try not to stare up at him, too afraid to do so anyway. So, instead I tuck my helmeted head just under his chin…and feel his arms tighten ever so minutely about me.

Time eludes me; I seem almost out of body – experiencing, yet not. Maybe it is the euphoric feeling I am going through, for I just notice when Fett lowers his head to look at me before returning his eyes to the course set before us. And as the minutes tick by, the lids of my eyes slowly sink, heavy with exhaustion… The last thing I feel is Fett tightening his grasp, slipping one arm carefully behind my legs while the other remains at the middle of my back.

“Solara…”

Moaning softly, I begin to stretch my tired, stiff body only to cry out the moment a tearing pain shoots throughout my body.

“Easy, you will tear the sutures,” I hear a familiar male voice before I feel the touch of a hand upon my shoulder, gently adding pressure to keep me from rising. “Rest, you are weak.”

Without a word, I remain motionless where I lie, finding myself in a state of slight confusion, disorientation and pain. Slowly I begin to come to the realization that I am, in fact, not where I remember being. I had, at one point, passed out after being hit from behind by a very lucky blaster bolt, and even when I faded in and out of consciousness, I recall I was still in the same place: Times Square, New York City.

“W…what happened?” My voice is weak and coarse, revealing the state of my physical condition. I can't see anything the way I am laying except a rather cold looking metal-like wall, and tuning my head to the side toward the direction I heard the Bounty Hunter's voice, I find Boba Fett hovering nearby. He is watching me – I can feel it…that, and he is a little concerned. It surprises me, but I'm too tired to even show it.

“You were outnumbered 100 to 1. The fight was brutal…but you were taken surprise from behind and wounded. You fought well for one lacking in experience.”

“Well gee, thanks! It really means so much to me coming from you!” I remark sarcastically, wanting to either laugh or jump up and throw something at the arrogant man, but I stay put and sigh aloud. “Where am I?”

“When the moment came, I gathered you up and retreated. You are safely aboard the Slave.”

“The WHAT?!” I exclaim, sitting myself up on my elbows without realizing, too surprised and in disbelief to feel the sting of the wound on my back. But it doesn't take too long for the pain to register and quickly I lay back down…feeling the rough caress of fabric against my breasts. It is then that I realize…something is not quite...right. I cannot help but take a quick glance down… My eyes shoot up and at the Mandalorian standing close by. “*NO CLOTHES?!*”

“It was necessary to remove your suit that I may inspect and give medical treatment. I was unable to find any point of entry until I removed the tunic. Somehow the lucky bastard got a shot through a weak spot in the fabric between the armor plating.” Fett pauses for a moment, tilting his head at an angle as if to look at something differently, “If you were to fever there would have been no point in clothing you.”

“Alright, but you better have been a perfect gentleman the entire time!”

“On my honor,” Fett laughs, finding humor in my woman's modesty, “but it is not something I have not seen before.”

“Your honor, huh?” I carefully roll on to my side, making sure to hold the blanket covering me to my naked chest. “You're not lying, I can feel that much…”

Several minutes pass in silence before I return my full attention to Boba Fett, noticing that he has not moved from his position.

“Fett…” I have to say it, no matter how much it irks me, how much I already have to make up for, “I don't know what I would have done if you had not shown up…and saved my butt again. “

“I was in the vicinity,” Is Fett's short reply, “now rest or I may be forced to make you.”

“Is that a threat or a promise, bantha boy?” I can't help but grin, noticing the slight shift in Boba's stance. I caught him off guard and it makes me feel a little bit better knowing I surprised the man who is one of the most difficult to surprise in the universe

“A threat – I can promise you that. Now sleep.” And making sure he has the final word, Boba Fett turns and leaves me to myself.

“Alright…” I grumble under my breath as I shift into another position. But I am unable to fall back to sleep, my mind busy with memories, images, thoughts – things that have happened to me the last month or so. “*Who would have imagined I'd be lying in Boba Fett’s bed aboard the Slave I, running for my life from the Empire and about to start a grudge match in proportions no one has or will ever believe. And…I'm scared shitless…*”

It takes several hours before my wired mind finally gives way to silence and allows me to fall to sleep. But somehow…even as I sleep, I know I am being watched…and not just by Boba Fett.

“*…the time is drawing near…*”

There is a soft caress on my cheek – so soft that I think I imagine it at first. I feel a presence near me, protective yet dangerous. Another touch slowly brings me closer to the hazy line between asleep and awake, and with a deep intake of breath, dim light begins to seep through the backs of my lids. But when I finally open my eyes and glance around me, I find, to my surprise, there is no one else with me – I am alone.

Before I had opened my eyes, I half expected to find Boba Fett standing over me, but I did not think the room would be empty. I become alarmed for I hear nothing except the sounds of a functioning ship – not Fett, nor anything else that would tell me I am not alone aboard the Slave I.

“Boba?” I call out as fear begins to grow inside me. I wait and listen, hoping to hear something – anything…but I hear nothing, and I call again, louder this time. “Boba Fett?”

There is no reply.

Part F

Carefully I raise myself up into a sitting position before I rotate and place my bare feet on the cold metal floor. The pain I experience as I move is not as bad as it had been the last time I attempted this, but it still causes me to wince. I have to find Fett; I do not like the feeling of being alone – especially when I am being hunted by both the Empire and the Mandalorians…the latter for more than one reason: honor. Somehow, I feel a sense of security when I am near him…but now it is gone and I am growing increasingly fearful that something bad is going to happen.

Gritting my teeth, I slowly lean myself forward, placing all my weight on my feet, and holding in the air in my lungs, I rise up from the edge of the bed. Instantly a powerful wave of pain washes over me. Before I can stand to my full height, I become dizzy and lightheaded all at once and the world spins about me, leaving me unable to focus on any one object at a time. Quickly I move toward a nearby wall for support, and as if to make the world right itself. I close my eyes and take deep, even breaths, allowing my senses and equilibrium to return to normal.

“Oh maybe I shouldn't do this,” I groan, feeling the slight twinge of nausea in my stomach from the pain, dizziness…and whatever else is wrong with me. “But I have to find him…feel safe again…”

When the attacks begin to subside enough, I inspect the small room I am in – more like an alcove of sorts, where I see just the bed I had been lying on and a few items here and there, but all is very immaculate and tidy. It is something I expected of Boba Fett. I make my way slowly towards the doorway, leaning my hand against the wall for support.

When I reach it, I allow myself to rest against the metal frame, holding the blanket to me. I inhale deeply through my nose, immediately smelling the strange redolence made by machinery, faint traces of sweat and leather…and the unique scent of something…male. I take another breath, concentrating on the male scent as I do my best to block out the others. It is different yet interesting, hinted with musk, spice and…something I have not encountered before. As it fills my lungs, a feeling of lust and euphoria begins to take place of my fear and uneasiness. Then, with one last intake of air, I peer out of the room and down the length of the ship toward the cockpit.

“*What if he isn't there? What do I do next – hobble all the way back to the room?*” I cannot help but think as I draw closer to the control center of the ship, hoping I will find Boba Fett working or doing something else that prevented him from hearing me when I called.

With each step I take, I place my hand carefully against the wall, making sure not to touch anything that might be something important or set off whatever it is for or connected to, off. I try my best to reach out with my senses, but because of my lack of strength, I can only feel a fraction of what I normally would. And even then, I cannot sense the presence of anyone. The closer to get to the cockpit, the more nervous, fearful and anxious I become, not knowing if it is occupied or empty. Before too long, I can see the telltale signs of lights and consoles through the doorway.

“*Almost there…*” I just notice how eerily quiet the ship is, wondering what I will find when I reach the cockpit up ahead... I never anticipate anything to happen…

“Solara,”

Instantly I cry aloud in terror as I hear a male voice…and before I can stop what is happening, I lose my balance and begin to fall backward…into two strong arms which immediately envelope me as I land against a hard body, saving me from landing onto the harsh metal floor. As whoever it is holds onto me, I can feel my blood running cold with fear in my veins and thoughts and images of what could take place next race through my mind… The moment I hear his voice I almost faint with relief…and embarrassment.

“What are you doing out of bed?”

At first, I can't speak, unable to think of anything except how odd this is as I touch his arms and body, how strong they are even though they are well hidden by armor, technology and fabric… I can feel his aura all around me, dark, yet…not. But the longer we are like this, the more I fluster and begin to think wild thoughts.

“*I…I don't believe this... I would expect myself to be able to find SOMETHING to say instead of just stand here like a buffoon utterly devoid of sound. THINK WOMAN! Say something!*”

“I…I thought…” I hesitate, trying to clear my head and calm my raw nerves, “you didn't answer…”

There is a long, agonizing silence between us as he holds me to him, supporting me as it were…except…a little differently. Meanwhile, I mentally berate myself for not just saying what I wanted…but instead, I couldn't even speak. No, I ended up stuttering my words – and even THAT was not entirely coherent. My entire body is rigid, muscles taut with nervousness and growing emotional discomfort. I sense Fett feels how tense I am against him, but he says nothing.

Before he has the chance, I break the silence, unable to stand being this close together as we do for much longer.

“I-I'm sorry… Maybe…I should go lay back down,” I exclaim, leaning my head forward as I try to put more space between the two of us.

There is another span of silence…then he lowers his arms, allowing me to pull gently away. Having found my feet again, I take three steps forward before pausing. I let out a slow, deep breath, exhaustion and nerves wreaking havoc on my body and strength. I adjust my stance, holding the blanket about me tightly with one hand as the other plays anxiously with its draping edge hanging at my side, my eyes set on the floor before me. Slowly, I turn to return to the room when my eyes fall upon Boba's booted feet…and suddenly – and most unintentionally, they travel up his form…until I come to an instant halt when I find myself looking into eyes dark, dangerous and cold. Frozen where I stand, I am in awe and disbelief, not knowing what to do or what to say…and unable to turn away as I begin to take in more of the man standing before me…

He is tall…so tall… His eyes are deep, dark and piercing brown surrounded by lids with equally dark lashes that are long and thick, causing his eyes to appear larger than they are. His nose is strong and regal in appearance – almost perfect except for the almost imperceptible bump possibly from having been broken once or twice…maybe more The ridge of his right brow bears a scar, which travels down along one side of the bridge of his nose. Another scar, slightly curved running diagonally along his cheek and down over his chin. Even his upper lip carries a scar, but the color gives away its age – a wound received earlier on in his dangerous life…maybe one of his bounties had fought back... There is no facial hair upon his face – clean shave…and his hair…dark and almost the color of my own yet hinted with gold and chestnut, cut into a short, easy maintenance militaristic style. His hair is short…but just long enough to run my fingers through… He is handsome and I find myself suddenly growing warm as the heat of blush rises up from my chest to my face.

“*Oh...boy…*”

Abruptly, with every ounce of my being, I rip my attention from Boba Fett and lower my head, embarrassed, surprised and far more nervous now than I was a couple of minutes ago. If I dare look into those deep dark pools again, I fear I may be caught in their fierce tides…drown in them …die in them…

I tremble – not out of weakness…but of his sheer presence. I never imagined I'd ever find myself in this situation – certainly not with Boba Fett, the most dangerous and infamous Bounty Hunter to live!

“*Breathe…you're not breathing…*” I take a shuddered breath, feeling the growing burn in my chest dissipate with the return of fresh oxygen…then I pick up his scent in the air, in my nose and in my lungs and I let a soft sound escape through my lips as I begin to relish it. “*SOLARA! Snap out of it!*”

Shaking my head as if to clear it, I turn away, closing my eyes as I try with all I am to block out the sensations I am being overwhelmed with… Deep within my body I can feel a strange…burning, pulsing awareness…or is it an emotion? I can't speak the words coming to my mind and I cannot move though I know I must return to the room to rest…

“*You bonehead! Just step around him like nothing is wrong and go right back to bed!”* I think to myself as if I were two people…no, I am arguing with my conscience, and though I know I should listen, I just can't seem to comply. Then suddenly, like someone smacked me upside the head, it hits me…Boba Fett is standing right in front of me…without…his helmet… “*Oh…my…word…*”

“Eh…I'm sorry, I've gotta go,” I exclaim, moving as swiftly as I can around the Bounty Hunter who does not move or say one word…

“Solara, wait,”

I hear him but I act as if I hadn't, continuing my way back to the bed where I awoke only a day or so ago…after he saved me…rescued me.

“*Keep going! Act like you didn't hear a thing…*”

Even when I hear his footsteps behind me I keep going and as I finally step into the small alcove-like room, I begin to realize what I am feeling… It is for him…for Boba Fett… What I feel is…Desire. Even as I curl up on the bed, pulling the blanket tight about me, I can hear my body call out…

“*…deny it…use it…take strength from it….*”

“I…I can't…” My words are just a breath as soft as rose petals yet full of despair and longing. A tear slips from a clenched eye and slowly travels down my cheek…to be wiped away by the touch of a finger. The pain I feel in my heart is wrenching and before I can stop myself, I am sitting up and turning into the embrace of the man standing there. With a loud sob I bury my face against the armor on his chest, not caring about the sharp and lifeless feeling of it against my cheek.

All the walls I have built throughout my life suddenly come crashing down and I am drowning in memories and the sensations and feelings of utter despair, loss, pain, hatred; the suffering I feel through the Force and from my own personal past with such clarity in this one moment. With each wail of emotion, I hold tightly to the fabric of Fett’s suit with fisted hands, and as the flood of tears pours down my cheeks, I can feel his arms holding me to him as he allows me to cry against him.

“…Please…I…I can't… I can't do this anymore…”

“Solara,” I hear through the green painted armor next to my ear, its sound deep, satin-like and soft, “look at me.”

Slowly, sadly, I raise my head and looking up with my tear-reddened eyes, I see Fett’s own… His dark ones are so clear, so beautiful… There is a hint of something…in them… Gentleness?

“No more tears,”

His arms holding me to him, I barely notice how his hand gingerly pulls the blanket from around me…until I feel bare skin against metal and I groan quietly as an icy warmth races through my body.

“Fett…” I try to speak but it is all I can manage as his gaze holds me captive…my soul being pulled into the deep, dark depths of his being…

“Shh, no words,”

Leather-clad fingers run over the naked flesh of my back, bringing an instant shudder and goosebumps to raise every hair on my body – a shudder strong enough to throw me forward and hard against the armored form before me... And I suddenly…find myself face to face with Boba Fett. He is so close that I can feel his breath against my skin, warm, clean and faintly scented of something sweet. But even as it passes over my parted lips, no breath of mine escapes to join his. I am frozen from the inside out, unable to move, to think…not even able to breathe. The hint of a grin slowly forms at the corners of his mouth and disappears just as quickly as it had appeared.

My eyes, still red and wet after the torrent of tears, are wide with surprise and disbelief, unsure what is happening or what is to happen. I cannot believe any of what my senses tell me; even as my fingers hold to the fabric of his over tunic at his sides, my mind barely registers the warmth flowing through it nor the firm muscles hidden beneath.

“*W…what's happening to me?*”

There is a burning flush racing up my body, a warmth that begins with a trembling then an explosion of fiery embers deep within the core of my body, in my belly…maybe deeper… A soft, almost inaudible moan slips through my lips, the simmering fire inside me smoldering, and when his fingertips trace along my spine, the fire grows in strength and intensity, being stoked by his very touch.

I swallow hard, almost painfully as my mouth and throat go dry. My heart pounds wildly against the inside of my ribcage and the pulse of blood thrums loudly in my ears…but not loud enough for I can hear him breathing, hear the steady and rapid beating of his own heart.

My lids fall close. The sensations I feel are so strange, so foreign to me and I don't know what to do or how to act upon them. It is as if the world is beginning to tilt off axis – as well as the very insides of my own body. My skin tingles yet feels oddly more sensitive than normal and the contact of Boba’s body to mine sets my senses to a higher…somehow altered state. In my mind I try to find reasons or words to describe what I am experiencing but none that come to mind seem to fit or are sufficient enough.

While one arm holds me against him, his other glides across my bare back, up my shoulder and down my arm until it comes to the hand grasping at his clothing. Taking hold, he gently eases my fingers away. His touch is oddly gentle, careful…and raising my hand, rests it against his chest. I can feel the pounding of his heart through the green painted armor. I lower my eyes. There is a silence between us as I peer at our hands and know he gazes down at me.

“I saw you,” His voice is almost a whisper – a stark contrast from his usual cold and emotionless tone. “I saw you, watched you from the shadows the first night you arrived in this city. I watched as you slept, restless in your bed before waking suddenly.”

Instantly I stare straight into his eyes, my own wide once more in shock and realization. And even before I can voice the berating thought in my head, he continues.

“I've seen many woman do as you had done. I could have – maybe should have, stood up and walked away, but I couldn't. Not when you began to run your hands over your body, touching… Not even when your cries grew louder and your actions more aggressive, urgent…I could not turn away.”

My cheeks begin to burn crimson as Boba Fett exclaims he saw me that one night when I woke up restless and terribly aroused. *”I can't believe it… He saw me….*”

“You were filled with such passion, such need…such beauty…” He pauses for a moment, peering into my eyes as if searching, “I didn't turn away until you were complete…until I knew you would sleep.”

“Y-you…saw…me…” I mumble, almost unable to even say the three words as I feel myself beginning to panic. “You watched me…as I…”

Shaking my head, I clench my lids shut, unable to keep them open any longer, not wanting him to see the emotions undoubtedly showing in them. I feel so small, almost helpless as his words echo through my head…and I begin to see images of what he must have seen… My hands slowly, gingerly caressing my breasts, teasing the nipples between my fingertips before gliding down my body… A soft moan escaping when my fingers trace along the contours of my womanhood…then slip in between…and in…

I do not realize how, as I visualize what must have happened, my breaths come quicker like pants, the skin of my brow moisten slightly… I groan deep in my throat as I feel lips press against mine and quickly part to allow entrance of a warm slick tongue. I do not realize…it is I who kisses Boba Fett, pressing my body firmly to his as I snake my arms round his neck to pull him deeper into the kiss…

I can feel his hands moving up my sides, my back and neck, his fingers running through my long hair to cradle my head in them. But as the fury of our embrace intensifies, I let out a whimper when Fett suddenly pulls away, leaving me gasping for breath, licking my lips to taste more of his sweet mouth.

“Solara, look at me,” I hear his voice, hoarse and low, his breath hot against my face. I don't want to open them but they do so of their own accord. “I will never hurt you – certainly not intentionally, but if we continue…”

“I understand,” I breathe, leaning into the hand against my cheek, softly kissing the inside of his palm, “If they capture me again, you may not be able to help me.”

“It is not something I-“

“Boba Fett…shut up and kiss me!” I cut him off, unable to control the hunger inside me any longer, and without another word said, his mouth lowers, taking mine captive as his tongue plunders, plays and tastes of my own. He bellows a groan deep in his chest, one hand holding my head as the other wanders down and cups my rear, pressing my hips against him.

With all my need, I cling to him, not wanting to ever let go, not wanting to collapse to my feet, as my legs are slowly becoming the consistency of jelly – just barely able to keep me upright. Not only has the world righted itself, but everything seems to fade into nothingness…leaving nothing in this new haze except the Bounty Hunter and I.

All time seems to stop, or maybe it is just my perception of it…

“I want you,” I murmur between breaths, my fingers running through the short dark hair at the nape of his neck, urging him closer to me as if to pull him into myself. “I always have.”

Like a pair of feral animals, lust and desire rules our every action; armor and clothing are hastily removed and thrown to the floor at our feet, and quickly he pulls me against him, his mouth capturing mine in a ravenous kiss.

Never before have I felt what I feel now; I never thought I ever really would… Naked male skin touching mine, large hands gliding over my every curve, arms long and powerfully strong encircle me, preventing any escape – not that I'd ever want to escape this exquisite torment. As I run my hands over his back, I can feel every muscle tense and twitch. His body is well honed and shaped – certainly not that of a body-builder! No, these are muscles created from a life of extremes, danger…the Hunt. His scent is heady, clean yet smelling of leather, sweat and his own natural maleness.

“*someone…help me…*” A small voice cries out deep inside my head, its sound filled with fear. It is vaguely familiar…like someone I know… Me?! “*what are you doing…this is not right…stop…*”

Suddenly I find myself lifted up, my legs wrapping about his hips as Boba’s mouth travels down my throat, down until, with a groan, his hot, slick tongue flicks at the hardened nipple of my right breast. I cannot help the soft cry as I feel for the first time the sensations his intimate touch brings, as his tongue circles and plays with the swollen, sensitive nub before sucking it into his mouth.

“*Oh god…*” I am panting, sighing as my hand cradles the back of his head, holding him to me as if not wanting him to stop and not allowing him to pull away. But when he does, my grasp loosens and he slips away.

I can feel him hard and throbbing against my womanhood, our every movement seeming to send indescribable sensations rushing through me as his sex rubs against mine, and soon, I can feel the almost painful ache deep within me…like hunger. It is a hunger I have never experienced before – a hunger that can be sated by only one thing…one act… The wetness from my body slicks his hot flesh and to wet it more, I move my hips against him, rubbing our genders together between my legs.

The breath is temporarily knocked from my lungs when we, with a soft thud, land on the bed. Powerful muscles flex against my burning skin as his body lays over mine, his mouth hovering mere inches above my own, panting. With each breath, I can feel the hot blast of air against my lips and I part them more to take it and make it mine as he does of mine.

After a short respite, he lowers his head and bites at my shoulder – not too hard, but enough to certainly feel, then quickly kisses whatever pain there is, away. With the tip of his tongue, he licks at my collarbone to the hollow of my throat, and then wanders slowly, teasingly down my chest, kissing, licking and nipping at the skin. He pauses for a moment to play with the swollen nipples before continuing on, leaving a cooling slick trail between the swell of both breasts, my stomach, around my navel… I cannot stop the instant flinch when his lips press against the sensitive flesh of my lower belly, my hands quickly grasping hold of his as they glide over my hips.

All this feels so strange, so foreign…but so good. I'm afraid, yet I don't want him to stop – I need him to keep going.

“Please…Fett-” I groan, wincing suddenly as a sharp pain tears it way up my back. I totally forgot about the blaster wound; the sensations he causes makes it vanish from thought…makes the pain fade to nothingness.

As if sensing my pain, Boba Fett stops, straightens a little, concern in his dark eyes.

“N-no, it's okay,” I gently run my fingertips along his cheek, trying my best to relieve him and urge him to continue. “I'm alright, just forgot about that my back for a moment. That's all.”

He says nothing for several moments then kisses the palm of my hand. “If I hurt you, tell me…”

Smiling softly, I nod in answer. My blood is on fire, my body still aroused, I cannot help sighing in anticipation and desire. Being alone and touching myself is nothing compared to this! It is very different when someone else is touching you, kissing you. Everything seems so much more intense and I find that I have become more sensitive to Boba’s body than when I am playing my own body. “Fett…kiss me…kiss me there…”

Instantly a grin appears and there is a devious yet aroused gleam in his eyes. He knows what I desire – before being interrupted by pain, he was just about to do so. And now, he continues by first placing a gentle kiss just below my navel before caressing my sides and belly with his long-fingered hands. His touch brings a sigh to my lips, and I close my eyes in anticipation and a little fear. Lower, gentle kiss by gentle kiss, his mouth goes, and with each one closer to the most intimate of places, the tension of my body increases. And then, before I can prepare, I gasp as a spasm of fiery emotion and feeling races throughout my entirety faster than light itself when something hot and slick covers the bundle of flesh and nerves between my thighs, rubbing against it with the rough surface of his tongue. Flicking and circling, he agitates it into response, forcing soft cries and whimpers of ecstasy. The moment it is sucked into his waiting mouth, I feel as if my soul and senses are trying to claw their way out of my skin, to escape all that my senses are being assaulted with. But all too quickly he moves away, kissing the insides of my legs, allowing me to catch my breath.

Boba abruptly stops and gazes down upon me as he kneels between my parted legs, gliding his hands over them as if to calm. His eyes are so dark, filled with such passion, longing and desire that they burn me. Then they capture mine, holding me under their sway. It is time… He does not ask – he does not have to for I can hear and feel his thoughts and emotions – at least those he does not conceal. He is waiting for me. But he does not have long to wait.

I smile up at him and raising my arms, I beckon him forth. With his answer, he leans forward and lays his body upon mine, resting on his elbows at either side of me. We are face to face, his mouth so close to mine that I can feel his panting breath against my lips. He is heavy, but nothing I did not expect, and his lower body lays cradled between my wide parted legs. I can feel his hard and throbbing sex pressing against me, pulsing with the beating of his heart. Fett lowers his head and kisses my lips, letting his tongue enter for a moment before moving to kiss my cheek, chin, neck and ear. And there, he gives a teasing bite before resting his head against mine.

“Ready?” Boba Fett’s voice is deep, hoarse with heavy arousal but it is a low and gentle to my ear. His question surprises me but brings a rush of passion and fire from the center of my being. I cannot help embracing him, running my hands over his back and shoulders, and turning my head, I kiss the his temple.

“Yesss…” My voice is nothing but a hissed whisper, a breathed moan of desire and longing. And with my answer, I prepare myself for what is next as I feel him slowly run his hand down the side of my body, teasing and caressing before slipping between our bodies. The moment his fingertips touch the swollen nub of flesh and nerves, his mouth captures mine before the gasp can escape. It is a searing, almost painful rush of electricity and sensation, forcing my body up and against Boba’s, breaking our kiss for a moment in our eternity. “Fett please…”

He groans deep in his throat, his tongue twisting and dancing with mine as his fingers embraces himself at the head. I can see the muscles of his shoulders and jaw flinching at just the mere touch of his own skin. He moves slowly closer, the backs of his fore and second fingers press against and spread the folds of my womanhood. And then…I feel him at the entrance, the barrier between here and eternity gently but begrudgingly accepting the slight intrusion. But before I can take another breath, I cry out as his teeth bites at the skin of my shoulder as he thrusts himself forward, breaking the thin layer of fleshy shielding. He pauses, his hot, moist breath panting against my neck as sensations unimaginable and indescribably warp and alter our senses. The head of his sex already within, Boba presses further, forcing himself deeper as my tight gender holds to him. With several forceful, deep thrusts, I can almost feel his entire length buried far up inside me, the muscles of my body embracing the long, hard object of the man lying over me.

The motionlessness, the waiting and feeling the stretching and the gnawing need slowly begins to drive me insane. And to tell Fett what I want, I let out a soft groan of my own as find myself starting to writhe and push against him; wriggle my hips cradling his, trying to create sensation – any kind of sensation, between us. He does nothing but deepens his grin, grasping hold of my arms and pinning them above my head as he forces me down with all his weight.

“Fett! Please!” I whimper, fighting against his hands and body to break free, to move or make him move, to take him in my arms, but he won't let me. “Please…”

“No,” His voice is hoarse with passion and desire, his breathes hard yet regular against my face. “not until you tell me what you want.”

I cannot believe my ears. Can’t he feel I want to claw right out of my own skin? “What? Fett! Please!”

“Tell me.”

“I…I… Oh Fett! Please!”

“Tell me.” He is calm, despite the burning I can just barely feel inside him over my own. He wants so much to take me here and now, but he is waiting as if…as if…

“*Damn it man! Take me!*” My mind rages in desperation, my skin burns as if on fire and my nerves – as well as the rest of me – screams for attention. “*He’s doing this on purpose!*”

With all the strength I can muster, I close my lids and take a slow deep breath, calming the intensifying lust for the Bounty Hunter looming over his mate like a predator having caught his prey. “Boba Fett…” I gaze up into the dark, passionate eyes looking down at me. “Do it. Do what you want, what I want – what I have always wanted… Take me!”

With a swiftness and intensity that startles me, Boba Fett leans down and kisses my open lips hard and fast, catching my lower lip between his teeth…just as he thrusts deep into me, causing my breath to catch in my throat from the sensory overload of his sudden movement. But this time, he does not hesitate; slowly, agonizingly he pulls back and I can feel the emptiness left where he had just been. Away and away he moves, and only a moment before he escapes my hold, he plunges forward, impaling himself within me. He does so again and again, arching his back with each fluid movement. I can consciously, but faintly, feel how the muscles of his frame clench and release, twitch and tremble…like the waves of indescribable pleasure, pain and so many other things that wash over me with every inward push he makes. With each, it feels as if energy races from the nerve points of my inner being from the very contact of Boba’s manhood and out, arcing like sweet, velvet lightning from nerve to nerve, all the way up to the top of my head. I can barely keep myself breathing.

Boba’s own heavy breathing is joined by groans from deep in his heaving chest as the tension slowly and gradually increases in the muscles of his arms, shoulders and his intensely concentrating face. His eyes are so dark, so filled with passion and arousal that I cannot stop myself from reaching up to grasp hold of his head and kiss him with such ferocity that it frightens me. Never in my entire life have I felt such emotion, sensation, such…freedom of body and mind. It is all beyond words, beyond description and comprehension. I feel as if my mind, my soul has left the confines of my earthly, mortal body and is traveling an ancient path through another realm, another plane of existence that has existed before time itself, and I travel it without knowing where I am going or how I am getting there. There is no other path but this one and as I move further along its course, everything seems to tighten, strengthen and grow beyond resistance. I am screaming, moaning, crying. My soul is fighting to escape the boundaries of flesh and instinctively, I grab hold of anything as if it would keep me from…dying. It is like death and birth. The Big Bang, where from nothing everything emerged and shot forth in all direction to create the universe. Buried inside me, I can feel the building of something…powerful; a brilliant multi-hued ball of power expanding and enveloping my body, mind and soul from the inside out. Fett increases his speed and doubles all that I am experiencing; my finger nails dig into his sweat slick skin, leaving faint scratches where my hands wander.

My back begins to arch upwards. My eyes are blinded by the darkness, the light and the flashing, swirling colors behind my closed lids. My lips are parted. My entire being, flesh and spirit, suddenly tenses in one great spasm and explosion…and I cry out loud to the heavens as a wave of everything washes over me, leaving me trembling and sobbing softly in emotion. And as I lie euphoric, I can feel the faintest of a new and strange pressure within; can feel its warmth where it lies nestled in me.

Several moments pass, but seem as if an eternity to me, when I feel a finger gently wipe the liquid stream of tears from my eye then a pair of soft lips press against mine in a kiss. Arms slip around me and pull me up from the bed, holding me to the hot, sticky chest of Boba Fett. He holds me this way, sitting me on his lap, letting me cry against his shoulder, and after a long while, he lowers our heavy bodies down and together, we lie upon his bed. And with my head cradled in the crook of his arm, I fall slowly to sleep for a few hours.

“Fett… What's next?” My voice is soft, not wanting to shatter the peaceful silence shared between us. I cannot remain here for too much longer – so much is at stake, and falling behind…is what's happening. There is no answer except his slow, even breathing. He is not asleep, I can sense that much through the currents of the Force.

“I will take you,” Fett’s voice is straight to the point, and turning to me, he can see the surprise and varied confusion upon my face…it makes the corners of my mouth curl in a faintest of grins as he lets out a sound through his nose, as if laughing.

“What do you mean, you will take me? Where?”

“Wherever it is you need to go,”

“I…I was going to use the shuttle we stole-“

“The Imperials have retaken it.” He cuts me off before I can finish.

“What?!” I exclaim aloud, anger and fear rushing in as I remember I had left several of my possessions aboard before departing for the city. “Oh that's just wonderful!”

“Don't worry, I got everything before the Imps could. It’s safe on board the Slave.”

A little confused at first, words seem to escape me for several long moments.

“Ok…” Is all I can manage, and with a loud yawn, I lean my head against the muscled shoulder beside me, not quite sure what else to say.

After several hours, a thought suddenly enters my mind, negating any possibility of sleep.

“*Jango Fett lives… But I thought he was killed on Geonosis. Yet I saw him! I even touched him! I just don't get it.*”

I can't help it any longer. I have to know.

“Boba,” My voice is but a whisper, cautious. I don't really expect a reply, knowing he could be sleeping, but he turns his head to me, question in his eyes. “I…I was wondering about your father, Jango.”

I hesitate before continuing, not sure if Fett would want to speak about him, but instead, he gives a curt nod, wanting me to continue.

“I…I thought he was…dead – killed on Geonosis. Apparently not. But if your father was never killed… What happened to you? I don't understand. I would think you'd be different…”

There is a hint of pain hidden within the darkness of his eyes, as if a memory he did not want to remember…was remembered. Immediately I regret saying anything but before I can apologize, abruptly Boba sits up, setting his feet on the floor, gaze downcast. He releases a heavy sigh, resting his arms almost wearily on his thighs.

“My father did die and all that happened in my life up until this point did take place. I am a Bounty Hunter, like my father before me. But the man who was slain in that arena by the Jedi was my father in every sense…except he was a clone. The true Jango Fett had been placed in stasis and used as the genetic donor for the Republic’s Clone Armies. I didn't know. I thought I lost my father on that desolate, dust ball called a planet… From that day, I was forged into the person I am now.

“If I had known my father was still alive, I would have been different. How much, I don't know and don't care to think about it. Two standard years ago, the Empire requested me for a special contract. I was to meet with Thrawn for the details and negotiate the agreement aboard his Destroyer. But instead of Thrawn sitting in the chair…it was my father – the true Jango Fett, removed from stasis and serving the Empire. He had regrouped the existing Mandalorians and integrated them into Imperial rank. For each Mandalorian, he or she commands an entire battalion of Stormtroopers, all under the command of Jango. But I am not part of my father's regimen – not as much as the Empire would like. I may march at his side, but I go my own way and do what I want, whenever I desire.”

Without thinking, I place my hand on his arm out of empathy and compassion. I can feel the turmoil and pain coming from Boba in dark waves and it makes my heart ache for the lost little boy I know must be hiding somewhere deep inside him, too afraid and in pain to come out.

“I…I'm sorry. I'm sorry all these things have happened to you. You were so young… I can only imagine what it must have been – be like for you. Loosing your father, thinking him dead for so long only to learn that he is alive and well.” I can't stop myself from slipping my arms round him, gently laying my head against his back, trying to hold him to me without making it seem too maternal.

He lets out another deep sigh before standing to his feet, slipping from my embrace and heads for the cockpit, pants in hand, leaving me a little startled by his abrupt departure, and a little hurt. Guess he has too many wounds that still haven't healed.

He isn’t the only one.

~Continued in Part XIII~