Title: Earth Empire

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.

 

 

 

~Prologue~

 

 

  The Empire…it has found Earth.

 

  With the speed and efficiency beyond belief, Imperial forces began taking over the Western sea-board of the United States of America. Like a massive swarm of army ants, stormtroopers flooded every city and town, rounding up everyone into groups and marched down the streets.

 

  The U.S. military was no match – certainly not against fighters and star destroyers with energy shields and laser cannons. That, and the Empire’s sheer numbers. Earth never saw it coming until it was too late. It will not take long for the entire planet to fall under Imperial rule. Stormtroopers are vast, fast and very sufficient at their given tasks.

 

  Nobody knew that the Empire was real, no one ever expected that what we believed to be fiction was, indeed, fact.

 

 It started with probe droids. They came, surveyed, watched and were with great stupidity, kept absolute secret by the U.S. and other major world governments. Of course, just like the UFO sighters, there were stories of robots seen and automatically blew up, but they were only stories, too made secret by military might. Then they came. The first and only warning was from satellites and images provided by the Hubble space telescope, of hundreds of arrowhead-shaped ships that suddenly “dropped” into our solar system. The Empire didn’t waste time; they began the systematic destruction of all our planet’s defenses.

 

  Our weapons were no match against their energy based ones; our jet fighters were nothing compared to Imperial starfighters; projectile weapons had little effect against energy shields. Earth had no space based protection – everything was either land, sea or air based. That was our greatest weakness.

 

  So far they have hit every state along the west – California, Oregon and Washington. They even landed in Canada and Mexico. But despite the numbers, the Imperials have yet to enter pocket cities and towns.

 

  Mine is one of them.

 

  It will not be the last.

 

  Fear sweeps across the face of the planet; all knows the power the Empire wields, we have seen it, but never before have experienced it – not first hand as we are now. No one is powerful enough, no one can influence their new conquers with riches or sweet words. No one is immune to the iron-fisted rule the Emperor holds over his subjects, and now, his newest of conquests: the planet the Empire calls Terra – also known as Earth.

 

 

Part I

 

 

  As I stand looking out my window, I see the arrow-head shapes of the Imperial Stardestroyers in orbit about the planet. I can see the reflections of the Tie-fighters flying in formation high up in the Earth’s atmosphere. I can see the brilliant fiery flash of another satellite being blown out of the night sky. There have been so many…too many to count. And as I watch the great monoliths of metal and death slowly move across the inky blackness high above, I feel a sense of dread, fear and the almost unnerving need to do something.

 

  I glance for a moment back at the TV screen behind me. It has been on ever since the attacks began only a few short days ago. The image on the screen flickers for a moment, distorted from the loss of satellites and the almost always constant frequency disruptions caused by something the Imperial ships are using. Probably jamming of some kind. The image is of a part of Los Angeles – Southside L.A, the ghetto areas. Tie-fighters are flying over the tops of buildings, buzzing high-rise buildings as white armored stormtroopers lead civilians out of their homes, businesses and hiding places, out into the streets to be merged with larger groups of innocent bystanders. People are being rounded up and marched down the streets to be processed and maybe even interrogated…or worse yet, killed. There are scenes of explosions and gun battles. One scene is of a group of rebels firing back and forth with a contingent of stormtroopers. The `Terran rebels´, as the Empire called them, had ambushed the Imperial ´troopers in an area well known for its gang activities. I can see an L.A.P.D officer fighting side by side with gang members and other people – both male and female. In the carnage, innocent people have been killed but most escaped from Imperial processing and interrogations; cars, trucks and buses lie strewn about, spewing fiery black smoke high into the air, blocking Rebels from Stormtroopers, and vice versa. It is carnage.

 

  With a sigh, I return my eyes to the stars, knowing that soon, very soon what I see on the news broadcasts will be taking place here in my own city. I am not looking forward to being taken from the comfort and safety of my bed, forced out into the streets in the middle of the night with just a robe to cover me and led to the processing areas the Empire will set up.

 

  We knew what they were capable of, but still, we were no match. There is no one to keep the Empire from taking complete control. The world’s great militaries are all but destroyed.

 

  There is no hope, only fear, terror…despair. Suffering.

 

  “No doubt the Darksiders are eating this all up.” I think aloud, knowing that the Sith Lords are real – the Empire being ruled by one of them, knowing that I should fear them. I do not – I fear not of the Empire, the Emperor and the Sith Lord standing at his side. And I can just feel the Darkness growing stronger and stronger with every passing moment. I can feel the death, the pain, the despair, the suffering. It lingers in the air like a thick dense but invisible fog, covering, and converging over everything and everyone. "No doubt Darth Sidious is finding great pleasure in our pain.”

 

  I turn from the scenes upon my television, keeping my eyes from the smoldering black night sky, away from the shinning points of light that stab at us without any mercy. There is nothing that I can do; I am a no one, just one single person who would be swatted away like an aggravating insect by the hand of the Empire if I ever got in their way. No…there is no hope, we are doomed, I cannot save my world nor can anyone else – who would dare? Not I, surely not I. There is no hope – not in the world, not in me. We are conquered…it’s only a matter of time before they come for me.

 

  The night is restless, I cannot sleep. But whenever I do, dreams fill my mind. Sorrows of a thousand faces, a thousand voices wail in the darkness…I cannot help them. But I feel as though I must – but how? I am one against thousands! I have not any power such as the Force! I have no weapons of any special kind! I have no means of saving anyone let alone myself! But helplessly, I wander in the haze of my dreams, knowing that something must be done…

 

  I wake, shivering in the strange cold air of my room, not knowing that I and the covers and sheets of my bed are soaked in sweat. There is nothing but silence in the predawn. Not even the birds are singing to welcome the coming of the new day. But I only linger for a moment on that thought, putting it away for another time as I rise from my bed to shower. And upon entering the bathroom, I turn on the light switch, yet to my surprise, nothing happens. There is no light coming from the fixtures, and confused, I return to my bedroom, were I look upon my clock to find its clock face unmoving. There is no power to my room. Even more confused, not quite sure if it may be a power outage again, I check the remainder of my home only to discover that there is no power at all. There is no power to the lights outside even when I peek out the living room window out into the nearby street. The power is all out – not one streetlight, one house or building has power.

 

And it is then that I realize…something is wrong…

 

They, the Imperials, are here!

 

 

Part II

 

 

  “No! It’s already begun!”

 

  Right before my eyes, I see the blazing white armor of stormtroopers making their way up the street, groups of five splitting off as they burst into houses, apartment buildings…disrupting or destroying the peace of those within. And in instant terror, I race to dress then grab up everything I can into a large duffle bag before jumping out the window of my bedroom. Using the still lingering shadows of fading night to hide, I make my way between houses and along side streets, warning anyone and everyone I happen upon at this early an hour of the danger that is sweeping through the neighborhood. I don´t know where I am going, my instincts have taken full control and I run with a speed I never knew I had as I find myself suddenly dodging blaster bolts when I happen down the wrong street. To my great relief and luck, I elude them - just for how long…I fear to think.

 

  I strafe through the neighborhood, hearing the cries of the innocent growing louder, echoing between structures and off the surrounding mountains embracing us to our north, east and west. It fills my heart with such ache, such…despair. I can do nothing. And if I could, what would I do?

 

  “You! Stop right there!”

 

  My heart leaps into my throat, freezing in my tracks when I hear the one-of-a-kind distorted sound of the orders from an Imperial Stormtrooper. But only for a moment do I heed his order and quickly, before I can be subdued for capture, I duck into a maze of trees, shrubs, and underbrush, following a hidden path that leads to the nearby park, and beyond…the city of Redding, California.

 

  My home. They’ve finally entered the place of my birth. But I must keep going – I have to! I lose them quickly; I have knowledge of this land – they are the aliens who have only their ignorance of this world they call Terra.

 

  The edge of the park is heavily wooded and dark, and keeping within its edge, I move towards DieselHorse Bridge. Even as I near it, I can hear the sounds of Tie-fighters and the nearing transport train. And curious as to why the train is accompanied by Imperial fighters, I stand and watch through a break in the trees. I don´t have to wait long, for within moments, I see the train make its way across the long expanse of the bridge…being followed – no, escorted by Imperial Tie-Fighters and Tie-Interceptors.

 

  I´m instantly confused, “*Why would the Tie’s be escorting the train? There is no reason…except…the train cars… There must be something in the cars that they are protecting…or maybe… No!*” I quickly and instantly put the thought out of my head as quickly as it appears, but it lingers along the fringes of my thoughts even as I continue on in my…mission? “*Could those very train cars hold people?*”

 

  Abruptly, I stop. My heart fills with something indescribable when my eyes fall upon what used to be a playground – a playground where I used to play when I was younger. A place of innocence… All that is left is pieces of cement, shattered pieces of wood that had once been the massive maze-like castle, and pieces of chain from the swings, all strewn about and burnt black, surrounded with ash, molten metal and shattered dreams. I can just barely hear the ghosts of memories…the sounds of children’s playful laughter… Such innocence…

 

  My heart is heavy as I must turn away from the sight before me, my instincts telling me that I must continue on, that there is much that must be done before I am safe. And again, I journey, not knowing what lies ahead of me, not knowing what follows behind. All around me lies danger, but sometimes, the greatest and most outrageous things take place when one is surrounded from all sides with death, torture, terror, despair, pain…and the Darkside.

 

  The Darkside seems to be swallowing everything in its path – starting from the Pacific, moving slowly, mercilessly toward the Atlantic. I can see it in my minds eye, a slow moving hand the color of blackest smoke, fingers outstretched to grasp, capture…conquer, leaving its vile taint in its wake as it moves on until it has touched all of the world.

 

  Will Earth survive? We have never lived under the rule of another outside our own solar system, though Earth has had its share of men wanting to rule the planet. I fear for my world; I fear for the nearly uncountable lives – human and animal, that will forever be altered by Imperial rule.

 

  Only time will tell, only time…

 

  It takes short time to reach the center of the city. I know where I am, I have lived in this city all of my life, and that, gives me the advantage. It is now mid-afternoon, the ominous dark clouds blocking most of the sun’s light from reaching the Earth’s surface. But oddly enough, as I walk through the streets of the city, it seems everyone is going about their normal daily life…as if they have no idea what is happening. Everyone one I see about me is oblivious, yet, if I look hard enough, I can just see the signs that the Empire is present.

 

  I just catch sight of Stormtroopers standing watch at the corner of a four way stop, their hands grasping their weapons, their postures hinting of lightning fast readiness. But this is odd – no one seems to have been rounded up to be processed… Suddenly something catches my eye – a comic book store oddly enough, AND it is open! Quickly, but without trying to call attention to myself, I enter the store and begin to look over the new issues of comics upon the display racks. It is as if I was drawn inside to look, but why? Confused, I nervously look over the racks…until my eyes fall upon the title that suddenly brings a gasp and shiver to race up my spin: Star Wars: Conquest.

 

  A sign? An omen? It certainly is not coincidence. What could it mean?

 

 

Part III

 

 

  Yes…what could it mean…?

 

  I try not to think about what is taking place just outside, trying to forget the white armored Imperial Stormtroopers standing, watching, at the street corner…trying to forget…they – the Empire, have conquered Earth.

 

  Even as I look over the rest of the store’s merchandise, I cannot help but glance about the store. I am the only one who seems present – even the shopkeeper appears to be absent. I sense something…strange, in the air. Plotting, tension, acknowledgment…it is so thick that I can almost see it.

 

  As I begin to look over the action figures, I suddenly hear what could only be a squadron of Tie-fighters buzzing the streets outside. The sound unnerves me more so than I already am; my hands are shaking when I reach out to look at a beautiful figure of a woman in black and red and gold, wielding a magnificently sculpted sword. She is called The Magdalena, from the comic book series The Darkness. Oddly…I feel some irony between the figure and I – we are both women, trying to fight something more powerful than ourselves…trying to fight the Darkside. And in my case, the Empire and the Sith Lords that sit at its top echelons.

 

  Minding my own business, I do not consciously notice someone entering the store, and the shopkeeper emerging from a back room, accompanied by another individual, who meets up with the new store occupant. I am not paying much attention, but my senses tell me that I´m being watched. “*Now why would those three be watching me? *” I think to myself, picking up another figure, trying to act inconspicuous. I know that sometimes the shopkeeper likes to keep an eye on his patrons, prepared to answer any questions one might have – but this feels…different somehow.

 

  I hear whispers, hushed talk, but I seem to remain the center of the group’s attention. It is when I finally look their direction that I see the serious look upon their faces. And turning, hitching the strap of my bag over my shoulder, I am just about to leave the shop when one of the three men steps forward toward me and speaks up.

 

  “Wait, please, we’ve been waiting for you.”

 

  I find myself looking upon the middle-aged man, not even noticing the slightly graying strands of hair streaking the sides of his head, nor that he is dressed in a loose-fitting cacique shirt and matching utility pants. I am stunned, speechless and in disbelief as the other men, one in his late twenties, the other in his late thirties-early forties, join their friend standing before me, their eyes filled with hope, weariness and…something else… There is something about these three…something…I can feel…

 

  “W-what?” I find myself saying, instinctively taking a step back, raising my guard as I look the three men over. “What are you talking about?”

 

  They remain silent, glancing to one another, nodding as if agreeing on something that I know nothing about. And immediately I think maybe I should not have entered the comic shop after all. Finally, the silence breaks as one of the three men speaks.

 

  “Please, come with us,” The youngest man exclaims, cautiously glancing out the front business windows for a moment before continuing, “It's not safe here.”

 

  Somehow, I can feel that they are serious; I can feel the urgency in their voices, see it in their faces, eyes, body posture, and…somehow…in their thoughts. I can trust them, but my instincts keep me weary and alert for anything – any possible sign of deception. There is something about these three – a strange power surrounds them, seeming to emanate from their bodies like rising smoke from fire and it moves about the room like incense caught in a current. It is utterly invisible – like the air I breathe, but I can feel it never the less.

 

  “*Go with them…*” I suddenly hear in my mind and instantly, I look each one of the men in the eyes cautiously, not believing what I hear. “*Do not be afraid…they are your freedom, but be weary…Trust no one...*”

 

  Oddly, I do not question the voice in my head, and with a silent sigh, I give in. “Alright, lead me on.”

 

  One by one, they introduce themselves: Michael – second oldest, Jason – the youngest, Benjamin – the oldest at 50, as I am led through the back office to a door hidden in the wall behind a huge Jango Fett movie banner. More Star Wars…once again, ironic.

 

  “Through here,” Michael says as he presses a hidden button along a frame. A secret door opens immediately with an almost mechanized sound, sliding to the right to disappear into the wall. I say nothing but follow – Jason entering first into the darkness beyond, followed by Michael and Benjamin.

 

  The passageway is dark, but not overly claustrophobic, and it seems to slant downward in a somewhat steep angle – about a 10-degree angle of descent. I can hear our footsteps echoing dully against the strangely cold, metal-feeling walls of the high-ceiling tunnel. And just as I am feeling myself becoming trapped, we emerge into a large, open room that looks to be a cross of living, technical and training quarters.

 

  “Cozy.” I remark under my breath as I look about my new surroundings. To my left is a wide open area where a training mat lies upon the cement flooring, and weapons of various kinds rests upon racks and shelves upon the walls. To my right, the living area, consisting of bunked up beds neatly made up almost military style, a table with enough chairs to seat atleast six or seven people, a small kitchen of sorts built into the wall of a small alcove, and last a small living room area made up of two sofas, lounge chairs, a few side tables and a large…oddly familiar looking entertainment center, too, built into the wall. And before me, set into another alcove, is a worktable, bench and numerous shelves containing electronics, books, pieces of electronics, machinery and other related things. Looking over everything in this room, one would think that they just stepped into a book set in the Star Wars universe…or a subterranean bunker of sorts.

 

  Michael and Benjamin go their own way, moving about the room as Jason motions for me to take a seat in one of the nearby chairs. “Please, sit. It's safe, the Empire will not find us here.”

 

  I can only half believe what he says, though something tells me that he is telling the truth. “So…” Placing my bag at my feet, I try to find somewhere to begin, but I find it increasingly difficult the longer I sit in this oddly familiar setting, “You said…you were waiting for me. For what?”

 

  Jason seems to wait a moment before answering, pulling back into himself as if thinking inwardly, then returns his attention back to me as the other two men appear and stand at either side of Jason, their hands either clasped before them, or arms crossed across their chests.

 

  “We have been here a long time, waiting, watching. We never anticipated the Empire finding this planet – it is far too distant, too unimportant…too primitive. In all truth, the technology of this planet is equal to that of the Old Republic of ten thousand years ago.”

 

  “You know of the Jedi, do you not? Of course you do. You read of them in almost every comic book and novel created; you see them in the movies you called Star Wars. They fought against the Sith for thousands of years, and again just a few short years before their fall and then the rise of the Empire.” Michael suddenly speaks up, taking a seat in the other chair opposite me, “But what the Sith Lords – Darth Vader and Darth Sidious, do not know…the Jedi…still exist.”

 

  “Say what?!” The part about the `waiting and watching´ does not even register – the part about the Jedi Order having survived the Great Purge does. “I thought all the Jedi were killed and those who escaped eventually died while living in seclusion – well, most did anyway. By the way, what does the Jedi have anything to do with the Empire and its control over Earth?”

 

  The three remain silent, but look to each other as if, again, talking silently amongst themselves. Abruptly Jason and Benjamin rise to their feet and move to a large black metal chest of some kind sitting against the far wall in the training area of the room, and as they stand over the chest, going through its contents, Michael continues.

 

  “You know of the mission where Jedi and Old Republic ships, carrying scientists, engineers, doctors, and a group of Jedi Masters, was to journey beyond the Great Barrier of the galaxy, to other worlds beyond?”

 

  “Ehh…yes, the Outbound Flight Project. But I thought that Thrawn destroyed the ships and everyone in them when they reached Chiss space.” I answer, curious as to where exactly this is all going. “*What did the Jedi have to do with all this? Who ARE these three?*”

 

  “Yes, the Chiss known as Thrawn destroyed the ships and everyone in them…or so he thought. A handful escaped in a group of Jedi and Republic fighters and one small courier class ship that were being kept in the landing bays of the ships. While the Chiss fleet attacked, the few survivors slipped away out of sight and right under their attacker’s blue noses.”

 

  “If the attacking fleet happened to find them, the survivors were sure as dead. They had to be sure that the Chiss would not be able to follow. Slaving the main computers to one ship, they immediately jumped into hyperspace but there were no known jump coordinates, and when all ships finally returned to normal space…all found themselves in an unknown and uncharted system.” Benjamin suddenly adds, appearing beside Michael along with Jason, holding in his hands a somewhat large object covered in what seems to be a bag of midnight black velvet.

 

  “Not only did they find themselves in unknown space, the survivors found that all but one of the ships were non-functional – only the courier class ship had a working hyperdrive. The others received damage along the way or took damage by wreckage coming from the mission ship, and gave way the moment they returned to normal space.” Jason puts in, standing next to Benjamin, he too holding something in his hands, hidden in a veil of black, but smaller than the other.

 

  “The new system contained 9 planets of various kinds and sizes, in different orbits about a single sun class star. And there, according to their ship’s sensors, the planet third from the sun contained numerous life signs…and hints of a technologically primitive civilization, with only one moon orbiting the blue planet.”

 

  I sit straight up in my seat, eyes growing wide in slow realization of what the three men are explaining.

 

  “Yes, the Jedi did find a new life sustaining planet – but not beyond the Great Barrier. They discovered a new system somewhere along the farther most edges of the Unknown Regions. They found the planet Earth.”

 

  “Earth?!” Is all I can manage as I find myself thrown off totally by what I learn. “*No way can this be happening! The Jedi found Earth? There are Jedi still alive?! On EARTH??*” And as if hearing my very thoughts, Benjamin steps forward, placing the black velvet object in his hands, before me upon the in-table.

 

  “This world, it became their home, and in time, they took on families of their own, passing along their martial arts, engineering and medical skills to the civilization that became their people: humans. The Jedi passed their knowledge down from Jedi Master to apprentice for several generations, but they were forced into seclusion from the beginning.” Benjamin explains as Jason carefully removes the black velvet cover of the object he holds, revealing a wide, twelve and one half inch long metal box,  “Becoming a secret Order, the Jedi have survived even until now.”

 

  Turning, Jason hands Benjamin the metal box, taking a few steps back as Benjamin in turn holds the box out to me as if for me to take. But I find myself unable to even lift a hand from the arms of the chair because they both seem to be stuck as if glued.

 

  “Please, open it. We wish you to see what we have been hiding for nearly fifty years of secrecy, illusions and waiting.”

 

  Wearily, I lean forward in my chair, glancing up to Jason then Michael and Benjamin from the metal box held out before me as I raise my hands up touching its top with my fingertips. The first thing I feel when my skin touches the outer covering is a suddenly jolt of some sort of strange…electricity, but I sense that it will not harm me. And with one last glance to the three men, I carefully lift the lid from its lower half…

 

  “Lightsabers!” I exclaim aloud with utter surprise, looking over the three weapons contained safely within the padded interior of the metal box. But I quickly look up to Benjamin and the other two men present, confused and not quite grasping what this really means. “But…I…I don´t understand.”

 

  “These three lightsabers, they once belonged to Roma Tenor, S´no V´rey, and Sakot Toma – three of six Jedi that were among the handful survivors of the Chiss attack upon the Outbound Flight ships.”

 

  “The lightsabers were to be a gift to the Chosen One – the one who is to save the lost from the Darkness. The Jedi Council foresaw what was to come, but they did not understand, and another was chosen and trained.”

 

  “What was foreseen has come to pass. Darkness has fallen and consumes everything and everyone within its path. But now, the Chose One has come…”

 

  “We, the Jedi of Earth, have been waiting for you.”

 

  I´m totally beyond words as all three speak in turn, leaving me even more so confused than the Empire’s reasons for attacking and conquering Earth. And I have not even moved one millimeter, my fingers still touching the first of the three lightsabers in the metal box held out before me.

 

  “You, Solara Zentina Sarin, are the Chosen One.”

 

   “You…you must be joking! I´m not this Chosen One you speak about – I can´t be!” I quickly stand to my feet, my eyes darting from face to face, looking for any hint of deception or lies, but all I see is eyes filled with little emotion except that which I can feel emanating from them: dire and total truth and seriousness. “You’re not serious…are you?”

 

  None replies, but stand together at the other end of the in-table watching me, while the box of lightsabers sits open before me. Watching, waiting…and they have been waiting for ME! And I can´t help but think… “*Oh no…they ARE serious!*”

 

  Minutes pass like an eternity in the silence, and finally, Jason speaks, making me almost jump straight out of my skin.

 

  “We are very serious in this matter, Solara. The lightsabers now belong to you, but that is not the only gift that was promised long before you were born.” He steps forward, taking from the in-table what Benjamin had been holding before the lightsabers and falls to one knee before me upon the floor, holding the somewhat large object covered in the rich black fabric, before me as if in some sort of offering. “This will add you in the great battle ahead.”

 

  I am afraid. I’ll admit it but only to myself. I can´t even begin to guess what lies hidden under the velvet veil. I don´t want to know…but…somehow, I must – my life depends upon it. Everything that has happened so thus far is way beyond anything I have ever experienced before; I learn that the Outbound Flight Project had survivors – some of them were Jedi. I learned that the Jedi found Earth and that, though perfectly obvious with the presence of the Empire, we share the same galaxy. Learned that I am their “Chosen One” and I am supposed to save everyone. Learned that all this time…I've been right all along: I am to save planet Earth. “*Oh Lord…help me…*”

 

  “Alright…what do I have to loose?” I remark with a sigh, and grasping one of the folds of the velvet, I slip it from over the object hiding in it to reveal what hides beneath…

 

 Staring straight into the all too familiar t-shaped black visor, a cold shiver races up my spine, bringing a suddenly and most unexpected gasp to escape my lips. It is like staring at death itself. Upon the table before me, cold, lifeless and cruel sits a helmet of a Mandalorian warrior. The first thing that comes to my mind as I look upon the unique yet almost exact copy: Boba Fett. I swallow hard as a massive lead ball of fear materializes in the pit of my stomach.

 

  With a sigh of resignation, inevitability hitting me right in the face I turn my eyes to the three Earth Jedi standing before me.

 

  “Okay… so, I gotta save the world.”

 

 

Part IV

 

 

  The training day ended with an entire body of bruises and aching muscles. I never thought I could hurt so much at one time. But they did say that I was learning everything in a very fast pace – even a Padawan would take months what has taken me hours to learn.

 

  Jedi Master Benjamin Tenor, son of the only female to survive the Chiss attack, Jedi Master Roma Tenor, taught me every martial art known to the Jedi Order and Earth. Jedi Knight Jason Toma, grandson of the survivor Jedi Master Sakot Toma, taught me the intricacies of strategy and warfare, while Jedi Knight Michael Torban Jinn, son of Jedi Master Torban Jinn, taught me all that I would need to know about weapons – Imperial, Terran (Earthen), and other weapons that have been streaming in from Rebellion contacts through Imperial…associates. All three teach me what I will need to battle against the Empire and their minions above of all, they teach me in the use of a lightsaber. Yet I have this feeling deep down that no matter what I may learn…I’ll never be fully prepared for what lies ahead.

 

  With a yawn, I plop down upon one of the couches of the living area, exhausted beyond thought. Half thinking, I grab the remote control for the entertainment center and pressing the power button, the massive screen comes to life and the first thing I see is a procession of Imperial Stormtroopers and officers standing in perfect formation before a newly built structure that looks to have been transplanted right from the City Planet of Coruscant – Imperial Center. And standing upon a balcony, over looking all that is under their control…Emperor Palpatine himself – and Darth Vader standing beside, a massive, terrifying visage of black leather and metal compared to the slight yet still deadly powerful Emperor.

 

  I can´t help but shudder as I see the grand salute that is given by those below and the mix of Earth and Imperial fighters flying in parade formation in the blue, partly cloudy skies above.

 

  “Even the Emperor himself oversees the conquer of Earth. The Darkside is slowly swallowing everything…”

 

  Instantly I jump stark straight from my seat, not having realized that one of the Jedi had entered the room. With a groan of exhaustion and slight embarrassment, I slowly, painfully, sit back down.

 

  “I didn't even hear you come in – you startled me.”

 

  “One must always be alert for anything. What if I were instead a Stormtrooper and I entered this room? I could have easily captured you because you did not sense my presence even before I neared the main door. You would have been taken before the Emperor himself when the Imperial Inquisitors learn who you truly are after torturing you. Only the Force knows what would happen to you then. You must learn to be prepared at all times.” Master Tenor says as he sits down upon the couch next to me, his brows furrowing slightly as he looks me over for a moment. “Sleep now, `Lara. Tomorrow we begin a new training routine.”

 

  “Oh joy. Another day of torture.“ I remark as I rise to my feet. Suddenly I remember something I was going ask one of the Jedi. “Tenor?” I turn about, expecting to find the oldest of the three Earth Jedi still seated upon the couch, only to find that he is gone. With a shrug, I make my way to the adjoining bedroom and the bed that they had prepared for me. The moment the door shuts and seals securely behind me, I quickly change my clothes and crawl beneath the soft, warm covers, wondering what my three task masters have instore for me next.

 

 

 

   Something…someone stares at me through the darkness, but whatever it may be, it is beyond my natural human senses. I am being watched with eyes more intense than fire, more deadly than the lightsaber I hold in my hands, faster than the thoughts racing through my mind, harder than coldest night. I know what watches me, yet I do not – as if memory seems to begin to rise above the surface of water only to sink deep into the depths of obscurity when I attempt to grasp it.

 

  “Show yourself! I´m not afraid of you!” I´m only lying to myself. I´m not just afraid – I´m terrified! Whatever it is that lurks in the darkness…it brings a terror into me unlike anything I have ever experienced in my entire life – probably not even if I were captured and brought before the Emperor himself would match what I feel now.

 

  The Darkness only thickens about me, growing turbulent as if smoke caught in the wake of something moving within it, through it. The light coming from my weapon fades to a faint glow, and suddenly…winks out of existence. The only thing I hear is my own breathing and the beating of my racing heart within my skull. There is nothing but the darkness…death, fear, despair…and me. I cannot see. And then there is someone standing before me.

 

  “It is not time. You betray yourself, Solara Sarin.” A voice speaks in a low breathy whisper – so close that I can feel hot breath against my cold skin, instantly bringing a shiver to race from my toes to the top of my head, covering every inch of my body in shiver bumps. But whoever or whatever it is, it does not touch me.  “Do not fear me, I will never harm you.”

 

  “How do I know…you won’t hurt me?” My voice is soft, meek, afraid…small, and I am frozen – no, kept in place where I stand, the lightsaber no longer in my right hand. “Who-who are you?”

 

  “You must trust me.” The voice answers, seeming to sound slightly nearer than before, the brush of hot breath growing a little harder against my lips as I raise my head to look up were the voice comes from. “Who I am is of no concern for now.”

 

  “When…?”

 

  “When I deem the time right. Be strong.” The voice grows closer and I swear I can almost feel the lightest of touches upon my lips, bringing a sigh of longing from deep within my body, my heart…my soul.

 

  “I-I know you…”

 

  “Yesss…but it is not time, not time to remember.”

 

  “I want to remember – tell me…please…”

 

  “I cannot.” The voice speaks, closer still, and the hot breath is like softest of feathers against my lips as if…it were…a kiss. “Now…wake up, my precious…”

 

  “No…please…”

 

  “Wake up-“

 

  “Don´t leave me!” I cry aloud as I sit up in my bed, tears daring to slip from my eyes at the dream I just had. What was the dream about? Maybe one of the Jedi could tell me… “*No, do not trust them – never! They are Jedi! They will betray you…*” There is a sudden and angered voice within my mind, startling me with its intensity…a voice that is not mine… The dream is meant only for me and for me alone – I can feel it with all that I am. The dream…it was a gift.

 

  Night still lingers outside when I slip from my room to peer out the two-way mirror finished windows in the large office of the comic shop above ground. And beyond I see Stormtroopers patrolling the silent streets, Imperial fighters circling the skies high above. Sighing, I begin to turn about only to find that I can´t turn away from the window…my eyes having been drawn to a shadow as deep as the night, created by a gathering of trees. Maybe it was a movement, or maybe I am just drawn to the shadows…I can´t break away. There is something… someone there…

 

  “You should be resting. Tomorrow will be a long day.”

 

  “Somehow, I knew you were there, yet you still made me jump.” I reply, turning to Jason standing at the window beside me. “I…I guess I´m having a hard time sleeping.”

 

  “Wanna talk about it?”

 

  “No, it’s nothing…not important. Guess it could be my nerves – being the Chosen One can be a bit…eh…stressful.”

 

  “Perfectly understandable. Well, if you need someone to talk to…”

 

  “Thanks, Jason. Ya know…I think I’ll try getting some sleep. See ya in the morning…task master.” I grin as I leave Jason to the office window for my room, but I get a feeling Jason…wanted to keep me “company”. Oddly the very thought brings a disgusted shudder through my body…being with Jason – no, the thought of being with a Jedi is the trigger.

 

  “*Now why would the thought…of being in the company…of a Jedi be so suddenly repulsive to me?*” The very idea does not feel at all right. And even as this new revelation lingers within my mind, I fall to sleep once more, dreaming of things, people, places…and burning eyes.

 

 

  The first thing that happens when I attempt the full maneuver is fall straight flat on my back. Not just my body hurts – everything in my body and upon it – such as my hair, feels the pain raging from my back. And I end up coughing and gasping aloud for breath, the impact of my graceful landing having forced all the air from my lungs.

 

  “Yeah…ok,” I try to speak, coughing here and there in between words as my chest slowly begins to fill with air, then immediately groan when I attempt to rise to me feet again. “Left, right, up, left, sweep…roll, back flip left, round house…sure – whatever you say…”

 

  “You must pay attention Solara. You are not concentrating.” Jedi Master Tenor admonishes, chuckling silently as he helps me to my feet, looking me over for a moment before returning my stalf to continue my training. “Something is troubling you, diverting your attention – you must not let unnecessary thoughts enter and disrupt your concentration. In any battle, it could be the difference between life and death. Now, clear your mind and try again.”

 

  “Alright…” I grumble, knowing exactly what is making me lose concentration, but I try my best to push the images, feelings and thoughts deep down as I enter the starting stance once more, holding my stalf before me in a offensive/defensive position before me. And as I begin the routine Benjamin had taught me, I can see those burning eyes from my dreams watching my every move…and a dark…desire within them.

 

  I bring the leading end of the stalf down before me almost to the black mat as I spin 90 degrees to my left, making the stalf fly horizontally as if to slice an opponent at the ankles, then right as I take several steps from my starting position while I move the my weapon up at a diagonal to cut from hip to shoulder. Following the momentum of the leading edge, I leap up into a back flip where my feet plants firmly against the wall behind me and pushing off with a strength I did not know I had, I somersault forward and to the left where I land upon the mat to drop into a low leg sweep all the while my stalf moves of its own accord to defend my blind areas. But instead of rising to my feet again, I quickly roll over my shoulder forward, holding the stalf in a way as not to hurt myself or impact the training mat – then I leap to my feet into a backward flip, landing left where I execute a high round house kick and complete the routine with a turn to my right, bringing the stalf in another horizontal path over my head and pointed down to the mat…huffing and puffing for much needed breath.

 

  “Excellent! You have picked up every routine in such a short time!“

 

  “I´m a quick learner.” I exclaim to the new voice, finding Jason and Michael standing with Benjamin, looking obviously very proud of what they have accomplished, but Jason…he shows something else other than just pride – desire. Instantly something comes over me like a choking black wave, finding myself beyond enraged. And in a dark haze, I turn to Jason as I drop the training stalf, a lightsaber quickly replacing it.  In one swift move, activating the saber, I, with every ounce of rage, hate, fear – every emotion I have, charge at the three Jedi.

 

  Everything seems to move in slow motion; the three Jedi quickly move from my attack, their own lightsabers appearing in their hands, defending themselves as I attack them. But they move too fast and before I know it, I feel a pair of arms wrap about me from behind… I am slammed full force upon the training mat floor, the lightsaber flying from my hands, skidding across the polished cement floor away from me. And I scream aloud with desperation, pain and…something very dark. Time reverts to its normal course, and disoriented, I return to myself, finding that I am being held in Jason’s arms, as I lie motionless upon the training mat.

 

  “W-what…what happened?”

 

  “You…you don´t remember?” Jason asks me, obviously distressed and just as confused as I am, his crystal blue eyes looking me over carefully.

 

  “No…I-“

 

  “It was if something possessed you – you changed and charged at all three of us. You called a lightsaber to your hand by will and began attacking us with no reason. But you are less experienced so we easily evaded you and Jason was able to subdue you.” Michael answers, looking thoroughly perplexed by my sudden attack upon the three of them. “Then you came to and here you are.”

 

  “I sense the Darkside behind this. I sense the Darkside in you Solara… You have been touched and only a short while ago.” Benjamin exclaims, his eyes concerned and weary as he looks down up me. “What has happened? What has brought out this aggression in you?”

 

  I can´t answer him, I have no answer to give, but if I did…I know with all that I am, I would never tell any of them – even if my live depended upon it. “I…I don´t know…”

 

  “You are over stressed. Training has ended for the day; you can resume tomorrow if you are feeling up to it. For the meantime, you must rest. The future holds many dangers and you must be prepared.” Benjamin says as he stands at my feet, calling the lightsaber I had used to his hand with use of the Force. “Jason, take Solara to her room and keep close watch, she may change again.”

 

  “Yes my Master.” Jason answers before I can protest and just as I begin to get up, I find Jason slipping his arms beneath me, laying me over them as he rises to his own feet. Like a helpless child, he carries me from the training area, across the room and into the room that has been my bedroom for the last four and one half days.

 

  “I…I don´t know what came over me…” I remark in a low voice, my head turned away from Jason’s face, knowing – feeling his eyes are looking down upon me as he gently lays me down upon my bed. “I´m sorry–“

 

  “Shh... Rest ´Lara. We have been pushing you too hard too fast. It is having an adverse effect. Getting a few hours sleep should help…” Jason cuts me off, pulling the bed covers up over me, then sits beside me upon the edge of the bed. “Close your eyes and sleep. I’ll help you…”

 

  As Jason places his hand upon my chest, just over my heart, I feel a strange warmth emerge from the palm of his hand and begin to radiate throughout the rest of my body. Slowly, one by one, my muscles begin relax, my heartbeat and breathing takes on a steady rhythm and my eyes fall closed as I am induced into a Force trance.

 

  “*I have always been of the Darkness…*”

 

  I am in turmoil.

 

  I don´t know what to do…

 

  Yet I do.

 

  I turn and find a mirror before me. Looking into the mirror, I am frightened by what I see. I want to turn away…but I can´t. I do not know the woman standing on the other side – but there are two of them…yet not. She is split right down the middle of her body, creating two halves, two different women…with the same face. Mine. The woman on the left of me…she is dark with dark eyes adorned with dark makeup, hair pulled back into an elegant yet wicked style streaked with slashes of red and black along its length. Her lips are blood red and she wears a black leather bodysuit like that a bounty hunter would wear or an Earthen Goth. This is a woman of the Darkness – I can see it in her eyes and the vicious smile upon her crimson colored lips. The woman to my right…this woman would be an exact opposite. Hair worn up but beautifully in a golden hair piece, eyes soft and full of love and happiness, lips soft and just a hint darker than that of her own skin color. She wears a gown of semi-sheer white that drapes across her chest from shoulder to shoulder…like a woman of Greek nobility. She is of the Light. And then…there is me. I stand in between these two parts of me – light and dark, good and evil. They are a part of me. They are a part of each other.

 

  Inseparable yet separate. Two halves that makes up the whole.

 

  “Who am I?” I murmur under my breath, feeling as if I am lost, empty…without memory…only part of something bigger. The women smile at me, knowing something I do not know and suddenly their eyes brighten and fill with such longing…such desire. Then I feel the hands upon my shoulders.

 

  “You are Solara Sarin.” I hear the familiar voice speak from behind me, but when I look into the mirror before me, I see no one but myself. Yet I can feel this person standing behind me…standing so close that I can feel the heat of his body against my naked skin. “And you are mine…”

 

  This person’s presence is so very familiar…

 

 “How can I be yours? I do not know you. I have never met you…” Fear begins to rise in my voice, and I shake under his touch.

 

  “Shh… Do not fear me. I will never hurt you…I will never hurt what is mine.”

 

  “Who…please–“ I cut myself off abruptly in surprise as I realize that I feel more than just hands upon my shoulders: I feel a body pressing against my bare back. A shiver races through my body as I feel what can only be muscles well honed by long hours of exercise…male muscles. Hot smooth skin, long strong legs and arms, broad chest and shoulders… “Show yourself to me…”

 

  “I cannot, it is not time.”

 

  “Why…” I can feel the longing return again…as if my heart knows who this man is but the rest of me does not. Do I long for a man I do not know?

 

  “I have my reasons, but know that I will never leave you – never, my precious…” The mysterious man exclaims, a hint of desire in his own low breathy voice, as his arms slowly, protectively slip about my waist, pulling me back against his hard body. “And I will never let you go.”

 

  “Never…”

 

  “Solara…”

 

  “Yes?”

 

  “It is time…”

 

  “Time?”

 

  “It is time…time to awaken…for your journey begins.” The mysterious man explains, his voice growing in strength and volume, becoming strong, serious and…in some way…proud. “When the time is right…we will meet. But until then…awaken.”

 

  With a soft cry of sadness, I open my eyes to find Jason standing quietly against the wall beside my open bedroom door. His eyes are closed and he is motionless…as if he is meditating.

 

  “It's time.” I suddenly hear myself exclaim, causing Jason to open his eyes and look to me, finding me wide-awake.

 

  “Hmm?”

 

  “It's time for me to leave.”

 

 

Part V

 

 

  It is time…

 

  “I must go. I can learn no more. I have all that I need.” I announce before the three Jedi mentors who have spent almost a month teaching me all that they know that will be of any use for my battle against the Empire and its minions in my attempt to retake Earth…and maybe…what lies beyond.

 

  “Solara…are you sure? You have learned so much already, yet you still have so much more to learn. I hope that you are not making this decision lightly.” Jedi Master Tenor – Benjamin, exclaims with surprise and concern, slipping his hands into the arms of his dark brown Jedi robe, crossing his arms over his tan tunic adorned chest.

 

  “I am sure…I sense it, I feel it – I must go. It is my time.”

 

  Jason and Michael remain silent, allowing the Master among the three Jedi to speak for them, but I do not miss the emotions upon all faces…and the look of something like…hurt and anger, in Jason’s eyes. Even his body appears tense through the layers of Jedi tunics, sash, belt, pants, leather boots and hooded robe. It is obvious Jason…does not wish me to leave. But he cannot prevent what is inevitable.

 

  “Then…the Force has chosen this time for you to begin your journey.” Michael finally speaks up, pausing for a moment to look to his fellow Jedi as if speaking in thought. All three nod in unison before Michael continues. “Before you go…you must prepare.”

 

  “Come, we have something else to aid in your fight.” Jason finally adds, forcing his emotions deep down inside himself and from the windows that are his eyes, motioning for me to follow him from the living area to the far wall of the training section of the underground building.

 

  “Here.” Jason stands before the center of the far training area wall, his back turned toward the other two Jedi and I as he makes a motion with his right hand just inches from the wall’s surface. Silence. Then suddenly I hear the sounds of mechanical seals unlocking from somewhere on the other side of the wall, accompanied by a soft hissing of pressurized air. And instantly the huge wall cracks down its center into two pieces and slides slowly back into the infrastructure of the building to either side of me.

 

  Beyond the doorway I see nothing but darkness and shadows. But the moment Jason steps over the threshold of the once hidden doorway, lights instantly wink to life, revealing what lies within. And I find myself wide eyed, gasping with disbelief, surprise and bewilderment.

 

  Lit by fluorescent light from behind, resting upon holders and racks is weapons of every single kind – Star Wars and Earthen. EE-3 Imperial blaster rifles, sidearm blasters, swords, vibro-blades, shock grenades, darts of all sorts sitting uniformly in clear cases, Earth-made shotguns, sniper rifles, machine guns, hand guns – semi and automatic, C4 military grade plastique – anything and everything I could ever think of and ever need! I even see Japanese Katanas, throwing stars, throwing knives and other recognizable weapons. I turn to the three Jedi standing behind me, unable to believe that they have collected and stock piled all this…for me!

 

  “How…“

 

  “How did we get our hands on all of this? Well…let us just say…the Force has many advantages against the weak minded.” I see Michael grin slightly at Jason’s remark, but I can sense a hint of apprehension in the air – this is no friendly and joyous farewell – this is war, and there is no turning back.

 

  “All that you see here is yours…but this is only part of it.” Jedi Master Benjamin Tenor steps forward to a section of the weapon covered wall, and as if he pressed a hidden button just under the display counter, the center display section shudders then moves forward, rotating ninety degrees before stopping. “This…belongs to you Solara.”

 

  Metal, paint, wires, cords…death, power…freedom. Upon the new secret display hangs armor, gauntlets, boots, gloves, jetpack…the uniform of the Mandalorian. I am in awe, unable to find the words to say what is in my thoughts. “*Mine…this is mine…*”

 

  It seems to be unused – the armor is polished in a satin finish, the black and blue-purple paint in mint condition…as if the entire collection had never been used. And as I run my fingertips over the female sized chest armor hanging before me, I feel a surge of something…a presence with me. I have been waiting my entire life for something to happen and now it has. The Mandalorian armor before me seems to draw me to it… It feels like…it is meant for me. This is my weapon. This is my identity. This is who I am. And deep inside of me, I can feel the two women that make up who I am, smile and fill with pride…and resolution.

 

  “Solara, Chosen One…” I turn and find Jason standing behind me to my left, the matching Mandalor helmet and case of lightsabers in his hands. “You´ll be needing these, I think.”

 

 

  Standing before the full-length mirror, I look at the woman standing on the other side. She is dressed in full Mandalorian armor, gauntleted and gloved hands holding the helmet under her left arm. Her long hair is pulled tightly back into a ponytail high upon her head, and despite knowing the helm will disguise her totally, she wears makeup upon her face, giving her a beautiful…yet very dangerous look. She, the Mandalorian warrior…is me. I am almost whole, but I know, one day…one day very soon, I will be complete. Finally.

 

  With a slow, deep breath, I slip the protective cowl over my head and lifting the helmet above my head, I lower it over me, hiding me completely. And with everything secure, I leave the room and find the three Jedi waiting outside for me. Their eyes immediately fall upon me, growing slightly wide…and it makes me laugh a little.

 

  “What?” I remark, as I stand before them in my full armored glory, eyeing the three men with my hidden glare.

 

  “Well…for a moment…we thought Boba Fett had just stepped out of the room – of course it’s just you!” Michael exclaims, throwing the open edges of his Jedi robe apart to place his hands speculatively upon his hips. “Can we help it? You even sound like him…well…with your own voice – you know what I mean.”

 

  “You look great ´Lara!” Jason puts in, trying to make me feel better. It does not really help much. Knowing Jason is attracted to me does not help either.

 

  “Yeah, yeah, yeah. Alright boys…let’s get this show on the road.”

 

 

  Night slowly gives way to day. The eastern horizon’s sky glows from blue to gray, then yellows, darkening to golds and fiery reds. Night would not have been a good time to begin my journey…though the shadows would have hidden my travels. The night would also bring me great danger – Stormtroopers on patrol or Tie-Fighters flying nearby would have seen me as easily as the full moon on a crystal clear winter’s evening. Daylight on the other hand…I am more so protected by the sunlight…and the very possibility…I am not the only one dressed as I am.

 

  Carefully, we make our way up onto the roof of the building where the comic store has its business, Benjamin, Michael, Jason and I wait, timing my departure as best the Force will allow me. Just when we reach the top of the stairs, a squadron of Tie-Fighters flies right over us, but they apparently did not see us…yet if they did… Quickly utilizing the com systems of my new getup, I carefully listen in on the Imperials and local frequencies for anything of interest. I don’t have to do anything except think and my helmet does it for me. I listen for key words.

 

  A few more minutes pass and when I am satisfied, I turn to the three Jedi, shaking my head in the negative. No, they did not spot us. And even as I look over the ledge of the roof, I see a group of stationed Stormtroopers standing together with their rifles held lazily in their hands, talking or harassing passing bystanders. “*Well, if they ALL are so lax in the way they hold their guns in their hands, my job is looking a little easier.*”

 

  “Solara, it’s no better time than now. The ´troopers below on the street are distracted. They are leaving their post as we speak…”

 

  “Ok.” I sigh in nervousness and fear, not quite sure where I am going to go next. Testing the strength of my duffle bag slung across my shoulders, I turn and look to the three men who have done surprisingly a lot for me in such a little amount of time. “Jedi Master Tenor, Jedi Knight Michael Torban Jinn, and Jedi Knight Jason Toma. I thank you for what you have done for me. I have found myself with your help. I owe you so much and I hope to repay your kindness in full, one day. But for now…good bye.”

 

  “It was our honor and privilege, Solara. We had been waiting for this moment for a long time. You owe us nothing. And do not forget…your things are here for you when you have need of them. Until then…journey safe.” Michael steps forward, bowing his head in respect, his eyes locked upon the black visor of my helmet, looking into my eyes without seeing them.

 

  “Thank you. I will return, be assured of that.” I turn finally, toward the ledge of the roof one final time, raising my helmeted head to the brightening pre-dawn sky, knowing that I will be seen and not just by the Imperials. I take one step closer to the edge, one step closer toward the hard life set before me.

 

  “And Solara… May the Force be with you.” I hear Jason’s voice behind me, but I do not turn back.

 

  “And with you.” I inhale a deep hard breath, preparing myself for what is next. I can feel my heart racing and my entire body is tense with fear. I clear my thoughts, listening to the Force, feeling the presence that has been with me since the first dream about the mysterious man over a month ago. The seconds tick by slowly – all time seems to come to a stand still as if watching and waiting.

 

  “*Now!*” I hear the voice in my mind, filled with urgency and haste, and I dare not to ignore it. “*It is time!*”

 

  “Ignition…” I whisper under my breath…all fear, all nervousness gone…

 

  Instantly I am surrounding in thick smoke as a powerful boom and roar echoes off the buildings and mountains surrounding the city. It is deafening, ear piercing and breath-taking all at once. And almost with the sound of a mini jet fighter, I shoot up into the sky, traveling faster and faster until it levels off.

 

  “*So…this is how it begins – being shot out of a gun barrel…except I'm wearing the rocket on my back.*” I can’t help but think.

 

 

Part VI

 

 

  East…

 

  Never before have I felt such…fear and absolute excitement, exhilaration…such freedom as I, for the first time, touch the crystal blue skies that had always been too far out of reach. Until now. Not until my new life began when the Empire swallowed the Earth in its darkness…bringing me…here.

 

  I can just hear the roar of the rocket pack upon my back, hear the wind whistling passed the sides of my helmet…I can just hear my heart racing within my ears – racing from the adrenaline and emotions that surge through me. There is no real way to explain what I feel…except that it is like flying – as if I were a bird, free and controlling my own direction…my own destiny. And as I race across the early morning sky, I look down at the world below me. It seems so strange and new seeing everything from such a different perspective; everything seems so small, so…flat…yet not. Vehicles move along the streets, people walk on the sidewalks, and Stormtroopers stand guard or patrol here and there. It is different up here…and it is slowly growing ever more so as the Empire makes presence stronger.

 

  As I enjoy my new view of the city I have lived almost all my life, I almost miss the movement out of the corner of my eye… Instantly a warning begins to flash in the upper right corner of my visor – a proximity warning. Quickly, my sightseeing cut short, I spin about in the air, searching for the source of the warning.

 

  Six. There are six of them – Tie-Fighters and Tie-Interceptors in combat formation headed my direction…and fast!

 

  “Oh great!” I exclaim, realizing that I’ve been spotted…finally. But I also realize something else… “Hmmm. This might be a good time to test this suit’s systems.”

 

  I wait for them, hovering in place high above the ground, a grin upon my face and a dark pleasure growing within me at the thought of going head to head with Imperials – and not just any Imperial – Imperial Tie-Fighters and Interceptors! I can just hear the very breathing of the pilots and as I listen in on their private com frequencies, it brings me more pleasure because they can´t seem to figure out who or what I am. But quickly their chatter turns professional when they are given orders to intercept me, and if I pose any threat, they are to shoot me out of the sky.

 

  “Well, there is one thing different between me and those fighters – I can move a hell of a lot better in a dog-fight than they can!” I laugh aloud, my own voice sounding strange through the voice mechanism built into my helmet. Yet it feels right to me. My attention returns to the squadron of Tie’s headed my direction. “Here we go…”

 

  I wait, slipping my blaster rifle from its snug place on my right side, between my shoulder and the rocket pack on my back, checking the power pack level and setting. I flick off its safety switch, then cradle it in my arms as I had seen a certain bounty hunter do so many times with his own blaster rifle. With one last check, all weapons systems of my armor suit appear to be fully functional. I can never be too prepared.

 

  “Unidentified target at bearing 0.06, Squadron Leader.”

 

  “Confirmed, Wing Leader.”

 

    “What is it?”

 

  “It could be a small personal craft.”

 

  “Negative, Black 9, look at the shape - target registers as fuel propelled. It is not Imperial, Rebel or Terran.”

 

  “Can down the background chat boys – we got work to do.”

 

  “Squadron Leader to all Black Wraith Squadron fighters. Engage target in formation Alpha-Tango 002.”

 

  “Targeting systems acquiring target in…20 seconds.”

 

  “Wait a minute…it looks like…like-”

 

  “…five seconds…”

 

  “Squadron Leader down! Evasive maneuvers!”

 

  “It's…a woman wearing a jet pack!”

 

  “…Armed and armored…attacking…too fast…”

 

  “Black 3 to base! We're under attack! We're und-“

 

  All time slows down and raising the sight of my rifle, I take aim…and fire. Instantly the fiery bolt of energy impacts with the first of six fighters, the craft erupting into a brilliant ball of blinding fire, black acrid smoke and razor sharp debris. The few seconds it takes the Tie's to alter their course, I have repositioned myself in the air and fired my rifle, sending another fighter into oblivion. The sounds of their chaotic com frequencies brings me a disturbing pleasure; their fear heightens my awareness of my surroundings…and soon…I find myself acting as if by pure instinct – my body moving as if I had given all control to someone…or something else. And one by one, I destroy the Imperial fighters, taking greater and greater pleasure, until I realize…I have destroyed all six Tie-fighters!

 

  “*What is happening to me…*”

 

  It is time to make a hasty retreat. The Imperials will no doubt be sending reinforcements and I don´t want to be caught before I can even begin what I have been chosen to do. I must…hide.

 

  As if guided, my eyes instantly fall upon what I am looking for – a place to lie low until it is safe for me to take to the air once more. Quickly I descend into the wooded canopy below me, keeping all senses alert for any danger above or below while avoiding being caught by tree branches on my way down. And the moment my feet touch ground, I hastily duck beneath the metal and wood awning, into the main door of the large building.

 

  I look around me, to my left and right, down the halls and through the windows of adjoining rooms. There is no one I can see and all is quiet except the usual sounds of a school in session, picked up by the hypersensitive sound technology of my Mandalorian helmet. I have been here before one a few occasions…and last not long ago. It is called Shasta College and it is located no more than 10 miles east of Downtown Redding.

 

  Things have changed here, but not all too much. A few things here and there to update the school’s appearance. Posters and papers decorate the large post board upon the wall before me. Information, class schedules, special announcements…and right in the center, covering everything…the college newspaper with the headlines: EXTRA! Star Wars Real! Empire destroys Earth's defenses!

 

  Standing before the wall of papers, unfastening the chinstraps, I slowly remove the helmet from atop my head, holding it under my left arm as I remove the cowl from over my face with the other while I read the full-page story. I cannot help but shake my head in despair, feeling the world's utter surprise…and the anger felt when the Empire claimed Earth – Terra. Even the black and white picture of Stormtroopers and Tie-Fighters swarming the streets of an unsuspecting city below the bold black headline heightens my anger…and my determination.

 

  A sound catches my full attention, my eyes darting in the direction I heard it come from. Instantly my hand stuffs the cowl into a hidden pocket in my body suit, dropping to my right thigh where my gloved fingers wrap about the grip of one of two sidearm blasters. Motionless, remaining where I stand, and there being no place to hide quickly enough, I wait, listening…

 

  The sound…it grows louder, numerous…almost deafening in the silence of the hall. Even my racing heartbeat does not echo as loud within my own head. And as the sound – now a thundering rumble, continues, it grows closer with each second that passes. Then…it is upon me…and my senses surge as the wave of great danger envelopes me.

 

  “Halt! You there!” I hear the voice command from behind me, a sound all to familiar to me. Stormtroopers. “Stay where you are!”

 

  Faster than I even have time to think, I spin about in place and open fire upon the  large group of Imperial Stormtroopers standing en guard no more than ten feet away, hitting one square in the forehead of his white helmet, and another in the shoulder. But I don´t get off any more shots because I turn tail and race down the hall in the opposite direction while bolts of return-fire streak passed my head and body, slamming explosively against the floor and the walls to either side of me and infront of me.

 

  Why do I run? I run because I can´t allow them to see me. It would be far too dangerous. If they knew my face, they could easily learn who I am and I would never be able to walk down any street in street-clothes anywhere on this planet ever again for as long the Empire controls Earth. The moment they see my face, I´m as good as theirs! Only Force knows what would happen to me after being captured… No, I must remain an enigma – I must keep my real identity secret at all costs.

 

  Knowing the ´troopers are giving chase, I turn down an adjoining hall, through a side door leading outside to the main square area of the campus. Beyond the square is another building where I quickly enter, finding myself in the gymnasium of all places. But with a quick burst of my rocket pack, I shoot across the massive open space to the doors on the other side, and passing through the doors, I shut them behind me and hastily seal the door closed with a several shots from my blaster.

 

  For several minutes I just stand there, looking at the blaster in my head, slowly catching my breath, not quite knowing what just happened. I am a little disorientated, but aware of all that just happened…it was the Force – it took control of me. I am a little surprised and in awe of the realization, but it seems right – meant to happen, meant to be.

 

  “*Danger is near…you must continue on your path…*”

 

  “Yes, I must keep going. I can´t stay, they will look everywhere and I could be found.” I think aloud, moving away from the gym doors, taking a fast drink from the nearby water fountain before making my way along the adjoining hall, continuing eastbound. As I make my way down the hall, there are classroom doors to my left and right and glancing though the windows, I can see students sitting in their desks and chairs, listening to their teachers, writing in binders and notebooks, or working on other things. But I do not miss their body language – tense, afraid, worried, confused, and a vast array of other emotions. Yet above everything else, I can feel that all – every single person in every single room is in shock. There, of course, is no question as to the reason why – it is obvious enough. The Empire.

 

  The moment I am outside, I dawn my cowl and helmet again. But first, I take a long deep breath, relishing in the clean autumn air, feeling the first signs of coming winter with the slight crisp chill as it touches my face. It is invigorating, even despite the slight cold. Soon winter will be upon us and things will become much harder – and not just life in general. It will become harder…for me. I must be strong, I am demanded of it…by myself…and…something…else.

 

  Cautiously, stepping out into the open, I raise my head, looking up at the partly clouded sky. The sun has reached its peak high above me – it is midday. My journey east will be long, and I have to cover much ground this day. I must leave quickly – to make up for lost time and to evade the Stormtroopers who are, I sense, still searching for me. But I cannot just take off here – I would be seen and heard, bringing everyone and the Imperials out to see what had caused the loud commotion. There, no more than one hundred yards away, on the other side of the agriculture class farming fields, is the edge of the pine and oak woods that makes up the majority of the tree-growth of this part of California.

 

  With no other alternative, I keep one blaster in hand as I move toward the fencing separating the farmlands from the rest of the college campus and in a matter of moments, I am over the barrier and racing toward the edge of the woods. Once I am safely a few meters within the cover of trees, I pause, looking back the way I had come only to find the Stormtroopers following right behind me like bloodhounds with my scent. I growl in anger – something I do not normally do. I, somehow, someway keep having Imperial lackeys appear out of nowhere, ordering me to stay where I am. “*They just keep finding me! But I won't let them capture me! Never*”

 

 

  I do not waste time. I am quickly on the move, using my memory of the area and the use of my helmets internal compass and mapping systems.

 

  Hiking through woods, dressed in a bodysuit, armor, helmet and carrying loads of weapons – not forgetting the rocket pack on my back and duffle bag, is not an easy feat. I, of course, knew exactly where I was. I lived almost 6 years of my childhood on a five acre piece of land surrounded totally by these exact woods, and my family and I would go out and walk the trails and hike for hours together. Those were of the very few good memories I still hold to…barely. But when I reached my destination – a place where no one lived anywhere close by for atleast five miles, I rest a short while before I blast into the sky …following the path the Empire takes in its total annexation of Earth.

 

  With the sun at my back, I travel for many hours unabated, except for the occasional interception by a patrolling Tie-Fighter, but each encounter does not end in the destruction of the fighters – I instead dropped below their line of sight, into the tree coverage until it is safe to continue on once again. After destroying the entire Imperial Black Wraith Tie Squadron, I find it extremely difficult putting an end to any other lives unnecessarily. Unless I have no other option.

 

  I must stop. No more than 30 miles from the California-Nevada border, the forests beings to thin, becoming a wide-open landscape where anyone and everyone would see my noisy and all too visible contrail across the sky. I would be vulnerable. Here, in this terrain, it would be safer on foot…and I too know of a place nearby where I can hide out for the night. I have relatives in this spread out border town of Susanville, and it has been so long since I last seen my aunt and cousins.

 

  Before I can even step foot within city limits, I must find some way to hide myself – I am, of course, dressed in the most eye catching of attire – everyone would recognize the Mandalorian suit I wear. Then I remember something Michael had given me before I left.

 

  Quickly I slip large duffle bag from over my shoulder, placing it upon the ground at my feet. I open it, removing the hooded black cloak from within, and along with the cloak, I pull out the metal case of lightsabers, opening the special container to look at them for a moment.

 

  In the safety of the thick forest, I begin to remove certain pieces of my suit and armor that would protrude or easily be seen – gauntlets, gloves, helmet, rocket pack, and other various pieces. But I keep my double hip holsters and blasters where they are – I may need them in a sudden gun fight with the Imperials, and armor plating for added protection. Surprisingly, all the pieces fit snuggly in the duffle bag, hiding them safely inside, wrapped neatly in the few articles of clothing I had stuffed inside the night I ran for my life. Then with a deep breath, I wrap my new cloak about my shoulders, securing its hidden clasp just under my chin, hoping that no one would give too much thought about a woman in a hooded black cloak carrying a large bag over her shoulder as she walks through town.

 

  “*Lightsaber…lightsaber…hmmm…*” I think, looking over the trio of cylindrical shaped weapons in the box lying across my hands. Aside from a pair of blasters, the blaster rifle hanging carefully over my right shoulder and the few other goodies my suit has, I need something…different. All three sabers are beautiful, all of different designs, different tastes. Finally, my eyes stop, falling upon the weapon in the center. It is of a somewhat elegant yet arcane design with jagged swirls decorating its emitter guard and pummel-like end, with a more appropriate, yet very functional ribbed black grip.

 

  Slowly, carefully, I take the lightsaber into my hand, testing its feel, seeing how it looks in my hands. “*Perfect. Absolutely perfect.*” It seems as if the weapons was made just for my hand – every grove, nook and cranny almost shapes itself within my hands, changing with my very touch.

 

  Now, I'm ready.

 

  With my hood upon my head, the strap of my duffle back across my chest, lightsaber handing at my left side from my belt, I pull the hanging edges of my cloak closed about me, then I step out from the shadows and into the light of day, immediately seeing the Imperial road blockade along the highway road leading into and out of Susanville, no more than a thousand meters ahead…the very same direction I am headed.

 

  “Oh that's just lovely.”

 

 

Part VII

 

 

  There are vehicles backed up for miles either direction – east and west, waiting impatiently as the Stormtroopers, one by one, check each and every car, truck and transport truck. Proceeded then by flagging them through to continue on their own individual journeys. I can even feel the fear, irritation and the continuous shock and disbelief emanating from the drivers and their passengers. No one has yet fully grasped the magnitude of the Empire's presence.

 

  I can’t turn back or go another direction – it would take far too much time. And time…is slowly running out. I have no other choice…I have to go through the barricade and that means I have to deal with the Imperials.

 

  Summoning all the strength and courage I can muster, I walk along the side of the two lane road, keeping my hooded eyes upon the brigade of well-armed Stormtroopers standing guard as others are checking vehicles up ahead. And as I get closer and closer with each step I take, I try to formulate a plan to get passed the dim-witted Imperial lackeys in shiny white armor. And then…before I know it, I find myself looking up into the black eyes a Stormtrooper helmet.

 

  “*Oh no! Ok…so maybe not…*”

 

  “You! Halt there! Show all forms of Identification and state your business.”

 

  My mind is an instant blank, finding myself quickly taking a step or two back away from the man standing before me, his Imperial issue blaster rifle prepared in his hands, ready to stop me if I try anything funny. I´m afraid, I can't speak, and I can feel the Stormtrooper´s irritation level rising the longer I don't say or do anything. Suddenly I get a most brilliant thought: “*Use the Force to alter his thoughts…control him…use him…*”

 

  “Perfect…” I murmur under my breath, smiling sweetly to the ´trooper. “Alright…here goes nothing…”

 

  I make a slight gesture with my right hand, moving my fingers in a waving motion, using the Force to delve deep into the man's mind and will…bending it to my own. His mind is easy to enter; I can see everything about him – his childhood, his family, his time in the Imperial academy and the 3 years of service as a Stormtrooper. He is weak-minded…and he is mine.

 

  “You don't need to see my identification.”

 

  “I don't need to see your identification.” The young man's voice alters slightly, sounding as if he were maybe under the effects of some sort of…well…drug – he is not entirely all there.

 

  “I can continue on my way.” I wave my hand once more, grasping to the man's thoughts and feelings as if it were something tangible – like a ripe fruit ready for the taking.

 

  “You can continue on your way.”  He waves me on, leading me across the checkpoint barrier and gives a curt nod before returning to his duties at hand. What a gentleman, I can´t help but think with a silent chuckle.

 

  I don't let him go – not quite yet, as I continue on my way, knowing full well that I am not out of harm’s way just yet. But my mental-control slowly weakens the farther away I get. Abruptly I stop, tightening my hold on the ´trooper for a few moments longer. I have one last and final request of him.

 

  “Remember me. I may call upon you again… Be ready…” And then I let go, leaving the suggestion in the unsuspecting Stormtrooper´s subconscious. He will never know and if I have need of assistance, I can call upon him and he will instantly come to my aid.

 

  Through the barricade, I move quickly as I can through the town streets, calling as little attention to myself all the while, hidden beneath the folds of my cloak, one hand rests upon the grip of a side arm blaster, the other to the barrel of my blaster rifle. One never knows what could happen, thus one must always be prepared for anything. Even more so since evening is fast approaching. The mountains behind me are quickly cutting off the light, covering everything within shadow. I quicken my pace.

 

  Taking a deep breath, I step up onto the wooden front stoop, hoping that someone is home to answer the door when I begin knocking. When no one answers the door I wait a few moments before knocking again. It is when, upon the third rap, I hear someone finally come to the door and open it.

 

  I can´t help but smile in relief when I find my aunt standing before me, a look of weariness in her eyes. She does not recognize me. What a surprise she has in store for her.

 

  “Can I help you?” She asks, cautiously keeping part of her body behind the wood door, glancing over her shoulder for a moment as one of my younger cousins, Shannon, enters the room.

 

  “Who is it mom?”

 

  “Aunt Terri?” I cut them both off from speaking, knowing that they would recognize the sound of my voice. And I immediately see surprise and joy as they figure out who I am, welcoming me as I am ushered inside, the door quickly closed behind me.

 

  “Solara! Oh sweetie! It's so wonderful to see you!” Smiling brightly, my aunt embraces me, making me have to bend down just a little since she is just a little shorter than I. I can´t help but laugh a little, not always prepared for such welcomes, but I am grateful that I am again with people I know. And not just my Aunt and cousin Shannon, but also my other two cousins, Kerri and Daniel, who seem to appear out of nowhere.

 

  “Well, it's great to see you too! Now, before you ladies tackle me to the floor, can I sit down for a few minutes?” I exclaim with a laugh over the four heads surrounding me on almost all sides, hugging me like it has been decades since they saw me last.

 

  “Oh of course my dear!” Aunt Terri chuckles, pulling all four of them back to allow me to sit down upon the sofa nearby. “Would you like anything to drink?”

 

  “Thank you, please.” Sitting down, I find that I have to adjust a few of my armaments which seem to shift a little when I sit, but nothing that I wouldn't be able to handle I do my best to keep my cloak closed so that my suit is unseen. I must be careful even around my own family – it would be too dangerous for either of us. I can´t trust them.

 

  “Solara, you look like you’ve walked all the way here! Didn't you drive?” My cousin Kerri asks curious, having taken a chair from the dinning table to sit while one sits on the raised red brick fireplace dais and the other on the sofa next to me yet not too close. I am not too thrilled about answering all their questions; my cousins tend to be…a bit over talkative and just a little on the annoying side…and I can´t take too much of it for too long.

 

  “It's a long, looooong story.”

 

  Aunt Terri saves the day, appearing at the most perfect moment before my three cousins get a chance to ask any more. “Here you go sweetie,” She hands me a nice large glass of iced tea, smiling as she watches me pull the hood from over my head then take a long, deep drink of the cold, sweetened liquid. “Are you hungry? I was just about to start dinner.”

 

  “I´m starving – I have not eaten since very early this morning.” I exaggerate a little, making my aunt chuckle a little in return, but she does have a serious look in her eyes. “Yes, I ate breakfast…about…oh…four in the morning – honest!”

 

  My dear aunt disappears into the kitchen, making the usual sounds of someone about to begin cooking. She believed me – I saw it in her eyes, but she also was not too happy that I have not eaten once the entire day. It was not my fault really; I could not stop for anything – that and I kept being interrupted by Imperials in the form of patrolling Tie-Fighters or Stormtroopers.

 

  “Isn't it strange? Star Wars is real! There are Stormtroopers and ships all over the news. And just this afternoon we watched a battalion of them march down the street right infront of the house. They had a man and woman with them…guess they were arrested.” I hear Shannon and Daniel talking amongst themselves, my eyes turning from the glass in my hands to the nearby window, looking out as I stretch out my senses as best I can, feeling for anything. All I can feel and see is the strange eerie calm brought on by Earth's new…rulers. The horses grazing in the fields across the way are tense, sensitive to the changes happening around them, their ears laid lightly back against their heads. I can see their eyes darting to every movement about them, nostrils flaring as they breathe in the scents carried upon the winds. The birds in the air fly hastily from tree to tree, keeping as little time in the air as they can. And in the distant horizon, I see a squadron of Tie-Interceptors on their routine patrols. I shudder internally, a sliver of fear entering my mind at the thought of what they are looking for. But one day…they will start looking for me like they did for every living Jedi escaping the newly established Empire.

 

  They won't find me – something deep inside me tells me so.

 

 

  “*So close yet so far away…*”

 

  To my left and to my right stand men and women of all shapes, sizes, ages and races. Their eyes are filled with rage, fear, despair, courage, determination…and such hatred that it flows from them all in a massive column of burning acrid smoke caught on the winds of time and destiny. In their hands they wield weapons archaic and technological, Earthen and Imperial, prepared for revenge.

 

  Turning, I look behind me, and instantly my eyes grow wide in utter disbelief.

 

  Row upon row, as far back as I can see, are people standing ready to defend what is rightfully theirs…and I stand right in the middle, before them all – a crimson bladed lightsaber in one hand, a slim yet strong hand holding my other. I am not alone…but I am the one leading this battle.

 

  And then I look before me…and my knees almost dare to give way from beneath me, but the hand holding mine gives me strength and courage I never knew I had. Before us, in all their might and glory…the Empire. And standing at it's front…Darth Vader himself in command, his long flowing cape billowing about him as the air swirls up through the chasm between our two armies, the glowing crimson blade of his own lightsaber casting a red blow to the black of his body suite and armor. Death himself seems to stand before me and all the people of Earth, his dark presence drifting with the currents toward us and about us, feeling us with a deep, indescribable fear.

 

  This is the battle of all battles – winner takes all. It's the battle for Earth…and it's total and complete control.

 

  It is an awesome site, seeing both sides dressed in armor, lined up and ready for the word to be given, for the attack to begin. But it will be bloody and most of all…devastating. So many will die, but they will die either following orders or defending the planet they have called home for thousands of generations. And the very thought brings such a heavy despair in my heart that I find myself beginning to weaver…

 

  “You will not give up – I forbid it! Be strong and you will succeed!” His voice. The one who comes to me in my dreams, always telling me that I must keep going, that I must be strong. His voice brings a calming peace and clarity…like the winds brushing away the thick early morning fog to reveal the magnificence it hides within.  “Do not waiver! Do not show fear! Do not fail me!”

 

  “I will not fail you…”

 

  “I will not…” I wake, immediately gasping in fear and slight disorientation. It takes several moments until I begin to recognize my surroundings, then I allow myself to lie back upon the bed. I am staying a night or two with family, sleeping in the spare room offered to me.

 

  It is still night. I can hear a small group of Tie's flying nearby on their usual patrols, and an Imperial ship flying by over head every now and then. And then it is quiet…so very quiet. Not even the crickets chirp, nor the little night frogs, owls do not hoot and the coyotes do not cry to the moon that peeks out from behind the moving clouds. It is the Darkness…the Darkside. Everything of nature is afraid and weary – I can feel it.

 

  The Darkness…

 

  My dreams…

 

  He came to me again, but only in voice and presence…and touch. It seems he is always with me, in my thoughts…a mystery that will remain as such until the time is right.

 

  “Who are you…” I whisper with a sigh under my breath, closing my eyes as I unconsciously slip my hand under the covers to caress the exposed skin hidden beneath. Fingers begin to trace along the edge of my lower ribcage, feeling the softness and warmth beneath them, slowly joined by my other hand before traveling up over the rise of my breasts. Nails run over the hardening nipples, tracing their shape in a feather-soft touch.

 

  “What are you…” Hands almost seem to join my own as I caress and touch my body, moving from breast to breast, down my belly…to the place between my legs. And the instant hands touch my most sensitive of places, a soft moan escapes my lips, becoming aroused without consciously realizing. The touch of my hands sends strange yet wonderful tingles to race throughout my body, and stoke the fires within when fingers slip in-between, teasing the moist, soft and sensitive skin before playing the hardening nub of flesh and nerves.

 

  “What…” Everything seems to fade into an almost blackness and time speed up – no, stand still, become…nothing, as my hands and those I almost imperceptibly feel  work my body in a way I have never experience. Time almost…seems to stand still. I am beyond time, outside its confines. I am beyond life and death itself. I am becoming, yet not. I am evolving, I am de-evolving. I am nothingness. I am everything.

 

  “…are…” My body shudders with each burning caress, aching with a need that will never satisfied. I ache to be whole, filled, full… My body ache to embrace and be embraced…

 

  “…you…” Faster and faster fingers race over the hardened nub, bringing an almost audible sound to escape my lips, but I bite them shut, biting harder with the growing tensions of my body, tasting the coppery hint of blood where tooth holds fast to delicate skin.

 

  “…doing…” I feel as though my heart is going to break through my chest, and my lungs combust into flames. Sweat glistens on my skin in the soft full moon light, turning ivory skin into deathly blue-white. I must go on…even if it kills me.

 

  “…to…” I have to – I need to… I plunge my slick fingers into my body, moving them hard and fast with the pace of the torment being played upon my nub. A cry dares to escape my now wide open mouth as my insides tightens about my fingers, embracing them in a slowly tightening grip. The contractions are coming, muscles flinch inside.

 

  “…mmeeeeee…” It comes. A tight, strained groan escapes as my back arches up from the mattress, a flood of sticky juices streams from the hard pulsing opening. Fingers move as the wave of ecstasy and release washes over me, giving me the sense that I am falling. Falling endlessly to a realm where only fantasy and imagination resides, embraced by the Darkness and passion and desire…and despair. Even as my body fades from the other-realm, despair floods into me, filling every inch of my body and being. And tears begin to slip from my eyes. I feel so alone, so… I feel the weight of the entire world and…something else.

 

  “*Sleep…sleep, precious one…*

 

  Without another thought, I turn onto my side, and closing my eyes, I fall quickly to sleep.

 

 

  I wake. And the first thing I know before anything else…I must leave. Maybe it's intuition, maybe it's foresight – a gift of the Force, maybe…it's something else. There is little time, only to shower, eat, gather supplies and say goodbyes. I do not like the thought of leaving my family – I would stay even just to protect them. But I cannot. I have an entire planet to save.

 

  All is still sleeping when I rise and take care of my personal needs and don my suit and weapons. But all too soon, it is time to continue on. With a small supply of food and water in my bag, I make a final check of my suit’s systems. And before I step out the front door into the darkness of pre-dawn, I leave a short letter waiting for my aunt to read.

 

  I can´t take to the air near any homes. I would everyone up by the sound of my pack. Thus, I head north east, towards the rolling hills and the wide open areas. I stop in the middle of a wide open field no more than 4 miles from any building of any kind. And with a single word command, my rocket pack ignites and I jet off into the sky with a dark smoke plume trailing behind.

 

 

Part VIII

 

 

  My journey is a lonely one, a journey I must do alone. The danger is too great to share it with another, and I would never forgive myself if I did. I could not let the fate of the world rest upon any other’s shoulder but my own. It is my choice; it is…my destiny, my fate. And I feel as desolate as the vast salt flats racing by far below me over seventy miles per hour.

 

  I have traveled a great distance in a short amount of time, and I am weary as my senses alert me of all that happens around me. My body aches from something I did last night, and the turbulences of my flight send stabs of pain and discomfort to race along every nerve in my entire body. But I keep on - I cannot stop, there is little time.

 

  East across the Great Salt Flats of Utah, over the City of Salt Lake I fly…until I can fly no more when the waning moon's light is reflecting off the seemingly unending flats. And from then on I walk on foot, my long cloak wrapped about me tightly to add to the warmth my climate controled suit already creates. The night is cold, and the farther east I get, it becomes apparent that winter is quickly taking over. I must find shelter quickly.

 

  When the moon is beyond its zenith, I find sanctuary – a somewhat small but suitable barn not far from its main farmhouse. It is slightly out of the direction I am traveling but I have no other alternative.

 

  Silently and with sure footsteps, I move toward the barn, my senses high for anything out of the ordinary. But what is out of the ordinary? The first answer to that question: The Empire and it's choking presence. Anything else…is last in thought. My hand settles upon the grip of my sidearm, sensing someone or something near me as I creep closer toward my destination…when I hear a sudden sound. Instantly I halt in my tracks, my body tense with muscles coiled and ready to spring into action, and my heart races as I silence the sound of my breathing.

 

  With senses physical, technological and the Force, I remain where I stand amongst the shadows, waiting and watching for any sign of danger. And suddenly something steps out from behind the heavily leafed tree before me… I immediately breathe a sigh of relief…as I find myself looking into the glittering eyes of a horse.

 

  I cannot help but laugh a little. It was nothing more but a horse, yet it could have been something I didn't want to run into. Slowly, I move forward toward the dark mare standing before me.

 

  “You startled me, sweetie. “ I exclaim in a low but friendly voice as I raise my hand to the muzzle of the horse, allowing her to sniff my gloves, smell my scent while I carefully slip my hand into my bag and pull out a few carrots sticks and apple slices, offering them to her as a little…apology treat. “Here, you'll like these.”

 

  The mare does not hesitate to take my gifts, chewing each savory piece as she allows me to caress her head and neck. She is beautiful; tall strong legs, large brilliant eyes, long silky mane and tail, and a remarkable stripe up the front of her head…that almost…looks like…a certain Sith Lord's nose design. I snort softly at the irony, but Darth Maul is dead – Darth Vader took his place after Darth Tyranus did. I have only to fear of Vader, and his master…and the vast powers they wield – in flesh, metal and…Force.

 

  “Maul…” I think aloud absentmindedly as I give the last slice of apple to the horse, all the while running my other hand about her head and neck. “What would he do if he were living…”

 

  What if…

 

  Quickly I put the thought aside, remembering what I was supposed to be doing, silently admonishing myself for diverting my thoughts, attention and concentration.

 

  “Now if you will excuse me, I have some sleep to catch up on.” I exclaim in a whisper, running my hand down her neck one more time before finishing with a soft pat. “Shh...”

 

  Moving quietly passed the horse toward the barn, I slip my hand about the grip of my lightsaber. It would be far more quiet a weapon to use if I must cut away anything baring my entrance from the inside of the building. A blaster would make such a noise that I most likely would have the owners and Stormtroopers swarming in about me. A lightsaber has the unique hum, but it cuts cleanly and silently with an elegance and perfection far more suitable.  But, to my slight relief, there is no lock upon the door and carefully, as quietly as I am able to be, I slip inside, closing the door securely behind me.

 

  Inside all about me is deepest of black shadow and darkness, and even with my visor set for night vision, I have a little difficulty seeing…as if something is keeping my sight impaired. But slowly, I begin to make out shapes of the objects surrounding me. And what I see does not really surprise me; metal pieces from farming equipment hanging neatly upon the wall to my right along with tools and other things, while to my right I see saddles, bridles – horse tack. Before me, I find the stables along either side of a central corridor before me. Where the corridor leads…I know not, but I must find some place to hide, to sleep…someplace safe.

 

  As I begin to walk passed the stables, I see the horses kept within stick their graceful heads from out their stall doorways, their glittering eyes watching me, seeming as if welcoming me in some odd way.

 

  “Hello there.” I greet the stable tenants in a hushed voice, my electronically altered voice not even causing any weariness in the horses. “Don't worry dears, I won't hurt you. I just need a place to stay for the night and then I'll be gone.” 

 

  The horses of course say nothing but watch as I move down the corridor passed each stable stall, until I am out of their sight. And it is then when I find exactly what I have been looking for – above me, in the rafters of the barn, is a loft overflowing with loose and stacked hay. And the only way to get to it is a single ladder to my right.

 

  The thick pile of hay feels strange under my back, but good. I did not realize just how heavy the pack could be upon my back. And pulling my cloak about me, I look up out the hayloft window to the brilliant stars of the clear night sky.

 

  The moon is almost out of sight, but I can fully see the world outside by its very light. But soon the sun will be rising and I will have to continue on once more.

 

  “Somewhere out…” I think aloud, my unmasked eyes scanning the blackness far above me, and not only with my eyes, but with my senses, searching, feeling, touching. “Darth Vader is probably standing with his arms crossed behind his back, looking out that massive window down upon the planet he has captured for the Empire in that Star Destroyer of his.”

 

  “*Soon…you will face him…be ready…*”

 

  I just hear those words in my thoughts as the warm darkness of sleep embraces me, holding me tightly, safely until the new day.

 

  And I dream again…

 

 

 

  The Darkness…it surrounds everything – as thick as acrid black smoke and far, far deadlier. It slowly swallows everything and everyone, leaving nothing left behind in its wake. Nothing but…wasteland…death... Chaos. Bodies of those who have fought and fell, fought and lost, lie scattered for as far as the eye can see. Nothing lives here. Nothing will again…not for a lot time to come. Buildings smolder or still burn; skyscrapers lie half toppled or partially and barely standing with their very skins peeled back and way to reveal the skeletons just holding together, keeping them up. This is total destruction. Genocide.

 

  The battle has been fought and won…but…we are the losers. The Empire…has won. Earth is theirs for the taking – served up on a silver platter spoiled by human blood, lost hope and despair.

 

  I fall to the blood soaked earth, my knees no longer capable of supporting me. Tears of such despair, rage, disbelief and pain pours from my wide eyes as I slowly, achingly, scan the carnage that lies all around me…touching me. It is agony.

 

  “This is what shall happen if you should fail.” I hear a voice beside me, behind me, before me…all around me…within me…part of me. Yet not. His voice. Then I feel his hand upon my shoulder as if to comfort…or maybe protect…or maybe…to strengthen. It gives me none of them.

 

  “How…how could this have happened?” My voice is nothing more than a breath of air as if my very voice itself could destroy what remains of the world I had fought so hard to save.

 

  “You failed.” Is his answer, his voice hard, firm, serious and yet strangely calm.

 

  “I…I didn't do this…I didn't fail…I can't fail – I won't fail!”

 

  “If that is your destiny.” I feel both hands upon my shoulders, slowly slipping down over my shoulders, forward…and down until his fingertips almost touch the nipples of my breasts. “Do not fail.”

 

  “Everything depends upon it.” I exclaim with a sudden burst of courage, placing my hands upon his as I rise to my feet before him, denying all that I see before me as real. “This is but an illusion. It is the Empire that will fail.”

 

  “Then go Solara. Rise to the new day, new hope…to new strength.”

 

 

  I open my eyes, sighing softly before rubbing the wetness from them. Tears. I cried in my sleep. And even as I sit up in my makeshift bed, I can feel the remnants of the emotions I felt in my dream. It is a new day - the sun is soon to break over the treetops to the east, sending brilliant streaks of light to seep through the cracks and gaps along the barn walls. Even the birds are chirping their morning songs…but not with their usual exuberance. All of nature is weary.

 

  He has come to me again, showing me, telling me what is to be or what could be. It is almost if he is leading me along a path I cannot see. What does he want of me - other than to succeed? He warns me not to fail, telling me always to be strong. There is something…about him. I feel such a pride in him, a familiarity I can't seem to place. I feel as though…I know him…

 

  My thoughts are suddenly cut short when I hear a sound in the barn below me, my hands swiftly grabbing for one of my holstered blasters as I move slowly and every so cautiously toward the edge of the loft. My finger twitches just slightly, caressing the trigger dangerously. Blood pumps with a thunderous beat in my ears and my senses grow ever more heightened by my own fear.

 

  Just as I am about to peak over the side…I hear the sound of a horse's whinny then appear just below me, raising her black head to look up at me with a shake of her long mane.

 

  “Oh sheesh! I almost shot you!” I instantly exclaim in relief, replacing my gun back in its holster upon my hip. And it is just then…I get an idea. Hastily I turn about, gathering up my things before climbing down from the loft and moving to the saddle and bridle rack nearby.

 

 

 

  The wind howls passed the sides of my helmet and the terrain flies by at amazing speeds as the black mare races across the plains and fields, galloping like a derby winning thoroughbred. It is as if she herself is aware of my urgency, picking up more and more speed and not once breaking stride nor showing any weakness the far away from the ranch we get. She almost…seems as if she is completely free – like a wild mustang of the old west. And together, we move as one…not once looking back.

 

  “*Yes, I admit it – I stole someone's horse. But she'll be returned to her owner…whenever someone finds her. *” I think to myself with a snicker, knowing I could get into some really serious trouble if I'm caught in possession of the stolen horse. But of course, there will be people seeing my ride, looking at me with odd shock and, unfortunately, there will be Imperials who catch site of me riding upon this marvelous black mare.

 

  I let her run to her hearts content for almost ten miles before I bring her down to a walk, letting her catch her breath after such a hard ride. And we travel off and on for several days, crossing long stretches of land long into the night.

 

  “Thank you my friend for your help,” I stroke the side of the mare's neck for a moment until something catches my attention up ahead. Utilizing my helmet's sensor and geographical systems, it says that there is a river – the Mississippi. I have reached the halfway mark of the country…and I can go no further. I must go on again alone.

 

  Upon the banks of the Mighty Mississippi, I dismount the mare I've come to call Shade, leading her by the reigns to the edge of the waters were I let her drink and eat as I begin to prepare for my journey in the air. With my jetpack upon my back and bag slung across my shoulders, I turn with a sigh back toward Shade, not liking what I have to do next. Saying goodbye.

 

  Instantly she raises her head when she sees me move toward her, oddly unafraid of me with all my armor and weaponry, chewing upon the grass she just plucked from the patch of lush green grass at her feet as her large eyes watch me with such gentleness.

 

  “Well Shade, I gotta go. I'm going to miss you,” I caress her ears and neck, offering a few pieces of carrot as a going away present. “Now you go find your way back home…if it's still there when you do.”

 

  With that, I shoo her away, and to make her go for sure, I move away from her at a safe distance…then…the pack ignites behind me and I shoot up into the sky as she races away in the direction we had come, startled by the loud noise and the very sight of the ignition.

 

  It takes no time to get across the wide expanse of the river and several hours to travel two hundred miles beyond it, keeping East, North East. And three more days of almost continuous flight to reach the outskirts of one of the United States most famous cities – Chicago.

 

 

  The Empire moves quickly; as I near the more congested areas of Chicago, I see many Tie-Fighters and other Imperial ships flying in the airspace above the city. Below me…I see again what I have been seeing on televisions, newspapers, in my thoughts and in my dreams for the last week I have been journeying – Stormtroopers.

 

  I grow edgy the deeper into Chicago I get, the Imperial threat growing dangerously, and I can feel the fear, disbelief and despair rising up from the city like smoke from a flame…and my heart aches for them all. I wish I could do something…but what? There are too many – too many against one!

 

  “*What am I supposed to do? What… How can I-*”

 

  My thoughts are instantly cut off as I find skyscrapers to either side of me, my very image reflected upon the mirror-like windows. And soon…I hear a sound I have not heard before – a sound that is almost like…thunder…an earthquake…no, thousands upon thousands of feet. I lower my eyes, looking down to the surface of the planet below me…and I gasp in utter shock and disbelief.

 

  White armor, black weapons, black eyes…Stormtroopers – hundreds of them and they are marching down the wide main street in large groups, surrounding in a perimeter innocent bystanders – citizens of the city, in the center. It's almost like Naboo all over again – the planet's peoples being rounded up like herds of cattle to be processed, tagged and released to do the new master's bidding. But my eyes see something… My heart stops in sheer terror and disbelief…as I see…T-shaped black visor, silver armor and side blasters…jet pack…

 

  “*Jango Fett?!*” I do not believe what my eyes tell me as true – what I see cannot be! Jango Fett in all his Mandalorian regalia…leading a contingent of Stormtroopers as if…he were their commanding officer! My terror is complete when I see another like Jango…but…in green…gold… “*Oh Lord…help me…*” Boba Fett…and he has his helmeted head raised, looking toward the sky…at me…

 

  “*Oh I'm in trouble now!*”

 

 

Part IX

 

 

  Boba Fett…he watches me…or does he? And if he does, then why does he not inform the others of my presence – or did he think me to be another of their Mandalorians? The only sounds I hear is the marching of Imperials and Earthens, and the occasional com signal from Stormtrooper to commanding officers and back. There is no mention of myself…nor has any of them attempted any kind of contact with me. But I cannot stop – I must keep going, and not even a Bounty Hunter named Boba Fett can stop me.

 

  I continue on, watching the scene of white armored Imperial Stormtroopers moving human herds down the mainstreet like livestock, led by a single Mandalorian male or female in their command. I follow until the paved asphalt breaks away in different directions, the city scene only to be taken over by the extremely wide expanse of one of the Great Lakes – Lake Michigan. But even as I begin my trek across the great body of water, I cannot help but wonder if Boba Fett did actually see me, and if he did, why has he not reported me to the other Mandalorians – or to the Imperials.

 

  Fear moves through me with delicate threads of silken darkness, weaving its way among the fibers of my body and the fabric of my very being. Though delicate as it might be, it is sharper than the sharpest of blade edges and colder than the coldest ice planet in the universe. That is fear…and it brings my senses to a new plane of sensitivity I did not know was reachable. It stings from the inside out, sending a shiver to race from nerve ending to nerve ending.  And as I reach the opposite shore of the Mighty Michigan, I try to put aside my thoughts and concentrate on what is happening now and not what might or might not have just taken place – in the past. But suddenly…out of the blue…a thought enters my mind. Now I know what I have to do: Beat the Empire across the Atlantic Ocean…and there, I will make my stand – for the entire Planet Earth.

 

  The danger level has just risen ten fold, I may have finally been discovered and I have a long way ahead of me yet. “*Force help me…cause this is gonna be a rough ride!*”

 

  If the Empire ever learns of my mission, there is no telling what would happen. But I do know one thing – I would undoubtedly be captured and tortured. And…my dreams…my greatest fear…would come true: I have failed.

 

  “*Do not fail…*”

 

  I hear His voice echo through my mind as if he were truly here with me in body, and his warning sends a vastly different chill to course through my body. I am afraid…afraid to fail, knowing what will happen if the Empire wins. But I will not stop – I cannot.

 

 

  New York City, the greatest and most well known place in the entire world – and the home of the New York Yankees, Giants, the Empire State building…and the Statue of Liberty. Liberty…freedom… The Empire will tear her down just for what she represents. Liberty stands tall, overlooking the bay leading into the greatest of cities, book in one hand and in the other burns a torch held high into the heavens like a beacon to those searching for hope.

 

  There is so little hope and so much fear.  All are afraid of the Empire and dare not to fight back…except those few strong and stubborn enough not to give up. But so many are pacifists, willing to fall under Imperial control than give up everything to fight for the very planet of their birth. There must be some way to turn the tide, turn despair to strength, anger to courage, and servitude into power – over oneself and the rest of the world.

 

  I have never seen nor been to New York City in my life. I was not prepared for the sights that loom high above and about me now like great glass and steel monoliths reaching skyward toward the heavens as if beckoning to it. And as I walk along the streets with my cloak pulled close about me, jet pack tucked safely within my bag across my back, no one really seems to notice me among them. Maybe…it's the fear that clouds their minds from their surroundings – fear of the dark storm that approaches along the distant horizon…the Imperial storm. There is something odd about this place, about these people. Traffic – pedestrian and vehicle, is slightly less that one would expect, sirens can be heard off in the distance, people talking, coughing, yelling, cars and trucks honking their horns irritably. But there is still a strange…feeling. Something is different…different from all the other places I have been to so far…

 

  Suddenly…it comes to me like a brilliant flash of white-hot lightning: There is no Imperial presence here! I have beaten the Empire to the east coast of the US! I feel an instant sense of surprise, disbelief and hope in my realization. Yet somewhere, somewhere deep down inside…I know with a terrible despair…that the Empire is not far behind. I will not allow my senses to lax – I cannot. But for now, I can prepare for my journey across the Atlantic Ocean – a journey that will take me to places I have never thought I would go…I would see.

 

  As pedestrians making their way along the busy sidewalks I move among them, keeping one hand upon my lightsaber, the other upon my blaster – one can never be too careful. Some are weary; some could care less…while others... The world keeps turning, despite the dire threat the Empire poses for Earth. If only they all knew what will happen if no one does anything about it…or what will happen if someone does…and she fails.

 

  “If they only knew.” I murmur under my breath, my eyes falling upon a young mother and her little girl as they pass me by on their way either to or from school. It is nearing afternoon. The sun is just reaching its apex as clouds drift across its path to blot out the sun's rays for a few short moments until it has moved on. Adults are making their way to work or to an early lunch break while mothers lead their children to their schools for the day. Children. Our future. Our predecessors. It is they who will inherit the Earth. But will it be an Earth ravaged by war, or a life under the tyrannical rule of the Emperor and his Empire?

 

  “*Such innocence. They are so oblivious to all that surrounds them, and yet all they care for is love and affection from their parents – what is in their own little worlds.*” I find myself thinking, my eyes falling upon the face of the little rose-skinned girl for a moment before returning my attention to the path before me. “*I cannot allow this to happen. I will not allow it! They will be free! We will be free!*”

 

  I instantly find myself full of courage and determination, raising my head higher with a strange new sense of strength and superiority. I am their only hope. I will not fail.

 

 

  Standing before the bed of the rented hotel room, I slip my cloak from about my shoulders, laying it upon the bed with the increasingly heavying duffle bag following quickly after. I am in need of a long bath and it would be wonderful to feel clean again. I have not showered once since I left my relatives home over a week ago – except the occasional hasted wash from a freezing stream or creek. And removing my weapons and armor, I turn on the television near the balcony door, listening to the local news while I crawl out of my boots, body suit and under clothes.

 

  “…the Empire continues to spread across the North American continent, displacing thousands of people from their homes, businesses and daily lives. Chaos and terror reins as Imperial Stormtroopers round up everyone in countless groups, paraded down the main streets and brought into processing centers.

 

  “Earlier this week, the Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader made a special appearance…welcomed by an airshow consisting of Imperial Tie and United States Air Force fighters…

 

  “…it's only a matter of time before all of Earth is under the tyrannical rule of the Emperor.”

 

  As I lie motionless in the tub, my tired head lying back against the rolled-up bath towel, I tune out the sounds coming from the other room. All I can think about is how much this warm bath feels to my aching, sore and exhausted muscles. Even the fragrance of the bath oils plays with my senses, and slowly, together, they begin to render me helpless. “*This warm bath is what I have been needing for a long time and I'm going to enjoy it!*”

 

  Finally, begrudgingly, I rise from the now cool water, wrapping the large blue towel about me before I return to the other room where I quickly turn off the television and sit myself upon the large bed. For a few lingering moments, I allow myself the luxury of doing nothing before I force myself to my feet again to check over my suit and weapons, and try to figure out how I am going cross the Atlantic Ocean without the use of my jetpack.

 

  Hours have passed, and it is well after midnight before I slip under the covers of the bed and turn off the light for my first real night's sleep. Everything is in order…except for how I am going to travel to Europe. But I quickly put the thought aside – I can think about it after I have had a good night's sleep.

 

 

  I see something… Soft…pale…moving… I hear sounds… soft moans…heavy sighs…a muffled cry… I…I can feel… Fingers trace the color barrier between breast and nipple before moving down…down my flinching belly… A hot slickness upon the inside of my neck…lips kiss and suckle where my racing heartbeat pulses… A body…hard…warm…muscular… A body presses against my own… I can feel… The body is male…his hard and throbbing manhood lies against me between our bodies… Fingers…his fingers press against my womanhood before slipping between and…and…in… Who…who is this woman being touched? I can feel what she feels…yet I see as an outsider… She…she is me?!

 

  Suddenly I wake with a gasp. My heart races in my chest and my breathing comes hard…and I feel the aching throb of arousal deep within my belly…highly aroused. My dream…it…set me on fire! But how…what…  I shift position in the bed, finding my body tingling with arousals dark fire, and the slickness already escaping from between my legs.

 

  “Uhh…” I moan softly, realizing what I have to do…what…I want…to do…

 

  And it is as if something takes over me.

 

  Throwing the blanket from over me, I caress my breasts one by one before running my fingers slowly down my body, spreading my legs wide with my own hands as a lover would. My tongue reaches out to flick at the air, wanting to be captured by a waiting mouth as my fingers begin to caress and gently tease the outer lips of my womanhood, setting the already burning fire inside to burn harder and instantly into raging when fingertips come in direct contact with the delicate bundle of highly sensitive nerves and flesh. And with each caress, my body shudders, bringing a rush of wetness to escape my aching opening.  I am so close…yet still so far to go…

 

 

  Shadows cast spells upon those who may look into them, hiding those things of the dark that do not wish to be seen. And within those shadows, hidden eyes scan their surroundings, ever cautious and prepared…until…they spot their quarry. Though those eyes are sensitive, the aid of a nightvision-enabled viewscreen brings the hunted ever closer to view.

 

  Through a gap in the drapes of a window, a young woman lies naked upon her bed, her hands roaming over her body and to her gender, touching and caressing herself in a…private act …of release. He watches her body shudder with each intense touch, watches as she bites at her bottom lip to muffle the sounds of her moans. It does not help; he can hear her as if he were in that very room with her. Her moans dig their way into his senses, the sight of her playing burns into his mind…and slowly…he finds himself becoming aroused by the scene before his eyes.

 

  Slim, delicate fingers run about the inside of her lips, spreading the glistening wetness about before raising her hand to her lips and licks each finger clean. All the while the other circles then rubs against her swollen clitoris, causing her head to fly backward with a run of sudden tension and pleasure.

 

  His breath deepens, but he remains in full control of his body…except the growing ache of need in his low belly. The muscles of his back strain slightly and not only from the posture he kneels in upon the roof of the nearby building. He clenches his gloved hands for a moment, centering his concentration and awareness of his surroundings and not just the woman he watches. But he finds himself unable to turn away even if he wished. No, this woman…interests him. There is something about her that intrigues him…and he finds himself growing increasingly angry because he cannot find the reason why she does so.

 

  Pinching her hard nipples for a moment, she plunges two of her fingers into her wet opening, moving them within her as the fingers of her other hand races over the hard little nub of her sex, bringing her hips up in an angle to allow herself deeper access. Soon, she can no longer hold back her increasing moans, nor the bucking spasms. Her body is so full of tension, her peak nearing quickly under her harsh onslaught… He finds himself wanting to take the place of her fingers, his own body between her highly raised legs, his own release coming…

 

  Suddenly…her body tenses as if in great pain and a coarse cry escapes her mouth…releasing…as a growl of annoyance rumbles deep in his chest.

 

  Rising to his feet, his hidden eyes remain upon the now panting woman, noticing the glisten of sweat upon her pale skin…and the tears that begin to slip from her eyes. And he turns away, slowly…as if lingering, as the young woman begins to sob softly against her pillow. He has seen enough.

 

 

  I wake to the new morning, feeling much better and far more relaxed after taking a long bath and a much needed full night's sleep on a real bed. I know what I have done in the darkness of the night. I am not ashamed. The tears I shed after I…touched myself… I cried, and I do not know why. It is something I have always done. There is no explanation. But as I rise and begin to dress in regular street clothes, I feel as though some weight had been taken off my shoulders and…oddly, I feel a bit more refreshed than I usually am.

 

  Today, I must venture out, collect some supplies, learn what I can about the Empire's forced take over, and what means I have of traveling internationally. I would prefer to wear my suit with all its gadgets, armor and sensors, but I cannot chance someone noticing or catching a glimpse under my cloak. No, I'm dressing down, but I am taking a blaster and my lightsaber with me. I refuse to go out unarmed – and not just because of the Empire – New York is dangerous all by itself!

 

  With my Mandalorian suit and pack hidden safely away in the hotel room, I walk along the sidewalks and down streets, keeping a close eye about my new surroundings. Being in such a large city as this, I find myself slightly disoriented by its magnitude. There are no buildings anywhere near as tall as the skyscrapers in almost every direction I turn. In some ways, it is a little overwhelming, but having lived in a city most of my life, I'm used to most of the sights and sounds.

 

  I cannot help but stop for an hour to eat something – I had neglected to eat anything since the afternoon previous. Nothing too extravagant from a restaurant menu consisting of the usual diner foods one would find in an all-night drive in.

 

  “*Nothing like a thick, greasy cheese burger, fries and vanilla milkshake!*” I think as I leave to continue on my mission for the day. And happening by a newsstand, I pick up one of the major label newspapers sitting upon the wooden shelf.

 

  “Empire continues its path across US.” The Empire has been the front page headline on every paper and news broadcast upon the planet since it began its devastating takeover of Earth…starting with the militaries.

 

  “*When will people start standing up for themselves? I can´t do this alone!*” I sigh as I pay for the paper and continue along my way in search of a travel agency to find out about traveling via jet.

 

  Hours have passed and with no sign of a travel agency. The sun is setting along the western horizon as clouds begin to gather from the east, bringing with it chill winds and the looks of a nasty storm.

 

  “That will slow me down,” I exclaim with some frustration, my eyes watching the coming Atlantic storm slowly move it's way farther inland and closer to the city. “How am I gonna fly if I get grounded?”

 

  The Empire is close behind – I can feel it in the air. Darkness creeps ever closer, claiming, tainting everything it touches. And…the Empire is not the only thing I sense…

 

  Quickly my hand reaches to grab hold of my hidden blaster as my eyes scan everything around me. Someone…watches me; I can feel my skin tingling where those eyes wander. And instantly a shiver races down my spine… Danger!

 

  The moment I near an alleyway, I duck into it, blaster in hand as my senses search for the danger. I can feel the minds of those around me, those easily touched and of little mental will; feel the buildings and structures at every side – right down to the electric pulses that runs through the wires contained within their walls. My mind moves along the currents of the Force, but…I cannot find the person who watches me as I stand here in the shadowy darkness of the filthy alleyway adjoining one of the many streets of New York City.

 

  I wait, remaining hidden in the shadows, my senses screaming of danger. Dare I move, enter the street once again, something may happen to me. No, I will wait and whoever it is, will realize I am onto them.

 

  Night comes and the shadows about me grow darker – even as they surround and envelope me, it seems as if they touch and embrace me. And with the arrival of darkness, my pulse quickens and fear moves through me like razor-sharp shards of ice. I do not like this feeling of being watched; I feel like a coveted trophy animal being hunted by a phantom. I do not like being unable to sense this person – how can I defend myself against someone or something I cannot touch? Yet…somehow…my senses warn me of the danger…

 

  “*Do not remain…move…now…*”

 

  I heed the voice in my head, slowly, cautiously, slipping out of the alleyway, blaster in hand but hidden and as casual and seemingly oblivious as those walking along the sidewalks, I trace my way back to the hotel. It's safer to just call for delivery than eat somewhere I am easily seen. Yet my plan suddenly goes awry as my senses flare into action, warning of immediate danger…no more than mere seconds before someone walks up behind me and yanks me backwards into an alley, kicking and punching – fighting for all that I am worth.

 

  The Force takes over and I remember everything the Jedi had taught me. Slipping my arm out from under those binding me, I take hold of my blaster and with a sure shot, I pull the trigger. Immediately I am thrown to the ground, landing upon my stomach, knocking the wind out of my lungs as my attacker howls aloud in rage and pain.

 

  “ARRGGHHH!!! You Bitch!” The male voice roars aloud, followed by the shuffling of his feet…and…he is not alone any longer. “You fucking whore! You're gonna die for that!”

 

  “Grab her! She shot Blue in the fuckin´ foot!”

 

  “*Oh great!*” And before I have the chance to think anymore, I am suddenly yanked to my feet and roughly grab held. I don't want to open my eyes; I know what is happening, I know because I can see it within my mind's eye. The Force shows me. And I cannot believe I have allowed this to happen!

 

  I cry aloud when someone grabs a thick handful of my long hair, yanking my head back at an angle that brings a shot of pain to course through my body. I feel like my neck is going to break from this harsh treatment.

 

  “Open yer fuckin eyes! We wanna see yer eyes!” A male voice yells angrily, his foul breath blasting my face, bringing a sudden surge of nausea to my stomach. “Open them or we'll make ye!”

 

  “*Oh Lord…help me…*” Slowly, wearily, I flutter my eyes open, seeing what I did not want to see, seeing what I saw in my mind… Two men hold their wounded friend up as another stands before me in some sort of authority while three others hold me where I stand. I know the look in their eyes; I know what they mean to do. I don't dare allow it to happen…I will not! “Let me go.”

 

  They look at me as if I just spoke in gibberish, looking to one another for a moment before bursting out in fits of laughter.

 

  “Oh no sweet thang, yer goin´ nowhere!” The light skinned man infront of me exclaims with a feral grin, showing of his gold capped teeth, before raising his hand and painfully begins to squeeze and grope at my breasts, groaning in approval. “Take her clothes off.”

 

  I cry aloud, fighting for all I am as the three men holding me begins to tear at my clothing, starting with my shirt… They are going to rape me!

 

  A shot rings out, echoing through the narrow alleyway…and the man who had been standing before me falls to the ground in a crumpled heap, dead from a sniper's shot to the head. All instantly stop what they are doing, their disbelieving eyes looking upon their dead companion, not yet realizing what has just happened. A second shot rings out, the man I had wounded in the foot cries out then falls to the ground, lifeless.

 

  “Their dead! Someone fuckin shot-” Another collapses, his dead body landing upon one of those on the ground.

 

  “Let's get the fuck outta here!”

 

  A dark figure appears, standing motionless as I am pushed out of the way, quickly forgotten as the remaining group members attempt to dodge passed the dark figure standing in their way, only to be quickly shot.

 

  None remains living…except myself, and numbed with fear, pulling the remains of my shirt about me, I find that I cannot move, frozen where I stand even as the dark figure begins to move toward me. My pulse races in my skull, yet I can barely hear my breathing.

 

  “Who…who are you…” I find myself questioning the dark figure drawing closer. He remains silent and the only sound I hear is that of his footsteps upon the cemented ground. “Please…”

 

  The dark figure slowly steps into a stream of moonlight, foot, legs, thighs… I can't breathe… Green armor, black blaster cradled in gauntleted arms… Instantly I take a step back as a black T-shaped visor appears before my face…

 

  “No…”

 

  He moves closer, forcing me to take several more steps until I can go no further…and he stops, no more than mere feet before me, lowering his blaster to his side.

 

  “Not you…Anyone but you…”

 

  “*I think I'm going to faint…*” I feel my skin turn clammy and sweat bead up upon my forehead as I look mortified into the black visored helmet. I slowly begin to sway in place as everything begins to haze and fade into darkness… “*Anything but him… Lord please…*”

 

  “Boba Fett…”

 

 

~To Be Continued In Part X~