Title: Empire Earth

Author: Sythe

Rating: NC17 (just incase *eg*)

Characters: Original Female, SW characters

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

Feedback: Yes please! Iridonian_Moon@yahoo.com

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

~Part XI~

Sitting cross-legged upon the bed, now dressed in a t-shirt Fett had “acquired” for me, I greatly enjoy the food spread out upon the blanket before me. I am a bit surprised that he, Boba Fett in all his armor, manner and temper, went into a grocery store and purchased everything from bottled water, milk and coke to small cakes and pre-made sandwiches with a bag of tortilla and potato chips. But I find myself eating alone as Boba Fett has taken his place at the window, keeping guard with his back toward me. “*Where did he get the cash for all this?*”

Not once does he glance back, but I know he watches me – his helmet has that ability. And I can feel my skin blushing slightly at the thought that he could be watching me at this very moment. Yet, knowing this, it does not stop me from eating hungrily.

Having eaten my fill, I place all the left over food in one bag after putting the wrappings and packaging in another, and turn my eyes toward the Mandalorian armored Bounty Hunter standing just across the room from me. And clearing my throat, I take a slow deep breath.

“Boba Fett… Thank you.”

All I see in response is the faintest movement of his helmet in a nod, his eyes never veering from the world beyond the thick, dark curtains, glass and metal frame before him.

I hold my eyes upon him for a few lingering moments, suddenly finding them moving, wandering slowly over his body, looking, learning, and to my utmost surprise, I begin to wonder… “*What does he look beneath all that armor, weapons and fabric?*”

Quickly, shaking my head as if to rid myself of the thought, I turn my eyes away from Fett to the blanket covering my legs. Once more, I feel embarrassed, but this time, it was because of one little thought that just happened to innocently make its way into my thoughts…triggering my mind's eye.

“*But I always did wonder…*” I chuckle softly to myself, pushing the matter completely away before sitting back against the pillows behind me. But as time passes, I begin to find myself slowly becoming overwhelmed with anxiety and boredom. I have things that must be taken care of! I cannot just sit here and let the Empire gain on me! There is so much at stake…so many people to save, to give strength and courage to; to give a reason and cause to stand up and defend what is theirs – to save their home, their families…to save planet Earth.

I can feel the soft and insatiable tendrils of the Darkside lingering along the fringes of my mind, touching, caressing, raping…destroying and taking. With every breath I take into my lungs, the lifeforce of this planet is being sucked from everything – living and not, as the dark shadow passes over. I can feel the growing despair, fear, hate and rage…yet there is still hope. Hope is of the greatest emotions one could ever hold onto.

“*Hold onto hope and it will lighten your path through the pain, the suffering, the Darkness…unto freedom.*”

I cannot abide this any longer – I must do something, and tossing the blankets from over me, I slowly stand to my feet, rising from the bed.

“I can't sit here like this any longer. I have to go.”

The helmeted head turns toward me, followed by the body beneath it, hidden eyes finding me standing almost defiantly before them, dressed in nothing but a thigh-length white t-shirt. And as he stands there looking at me, saying not one thing, I sense something…the faintest glimmerings of lust and attraction, though his demeanor and his mind betrays nothing.

“Very well, I will not stop you. But I advise against it.” He replies finally, shifting his cherished blaster rifle ever so minutely in the crook of his arm, turning his attention to the pile of armor and accessories lying upon the floor nearby.

I know what he is thinking, but I have no other choice. Picking up the purple-blue colored body suit sitting on top my duffle bag, I allow it to unfold in front of me, looking it over for a moment before undoing the small buttons, fastens and zippers. Without glancing at the dark figure standing nearby, watching me…he knows exactly what I'm about to do… Standing no more than several feet, facing one another, I raise my arms over my head…and remove the shirt, tossing it to the bed. He does not look away as I slip one leg then the other into the suit, watching as I pull the stretchy fabric up over my hips and arms, securing the fastens along the way. The Mandalorian even watches as I pull the fabric over my naked breasts, closing the last zipper up from belly to neck.

Stretching like a cat in my suit, I find myself enjoying the feel and clingy tightness of the fabric of my suit against my naked skin. He too is enjoying himself, but not completely – his character would not allow it. Nevertheless, he continues to watch as I slip my boots onto my feet, the armor upon my legs, knees and thighs. He watches as I slip into the armored over-tunic, pull the gloves over my hands and last, the gauntlets upon my forearms.

Standing before him, almost looking like he himself, Fett looks me over and gives a nod of approval…much like the one he gave Boushh – Leia Organa when she – he presented Chewbacca to Jabba the Hutt.

“Your systems and suit are advanced. I do not believe I have seen their like before.” Boba Fett exclaims, noticing the differences between my suit, armor and systems to his own. But it is not just a remark, there is a hidden question: the origin of my suit.

“No, I don't believe you have. It was designed especially for me. We both share many of the same systems, but those of mine differ slightly. This bodysuit I wear was designed from special synthetic polymers, lycra and that of the types of fabric you yourself wear. It is light, thin and stretchy, and just as resistant – or even more so, to blaster fire and energy bolts fired from many other weapons…including projectile weapons. That is all I know…and all I'm willing to tell you.”

Boba Fett grunts under his breath, apparently somewhat impressed and interested, his helmet tilting slightly at an angle as he looks at the design of my right gauntlet, but says nothing more.

“I suggest you find somewhere else to go, I am signing out of this place…and not coming back.” I announce, putting my jetpack, rifle, helmet and extra clothes in the duffle bag, and what I can fit of the leftover food, and strap my side holsters securely against my thighs. “I have to leave and complete what I have started.”

Again, he says nothing but continues to watch me as I go along cleaning up the room and bathroom. When I am finished, I slip my side blasters into their holsters, hook my lightsaber to the utility belt about my hips and slip the cloak about me, fastening it securely under my chin. I sling my heavy bag over my shoulder and as I begin to move towards him, he steps forward suddenly, bringing me to a startled halt.

“Where will you go?”

“I don't know, but as you said, you'll be watching my every move.” And with that, I slip around him and step out the front door into the light of early evening, not looking back to see if the Bounty Hunter stands there watching me. “You will know.”

The day has been long and fruitless. I could not find any way to get across the Atlantic – everyone is scared the Empire will shoot planes out of the sky as they did with the military aircraft. I even tried charting a cargo ship, but with no luck there either. And as I find myself walking through the forest-like Central Park, I feel discouraged, finding little to give me any sense of relief. Not even the beautiful scenery of the man-made park brings me much pleasure or calm. Also, I am worried. The Empire is so close – drawing closer with every passing moment…and here I am…unable to beat them across the oceanic expanse of the Atlantic to Europe. If I cannot find any means of transport…soon, very soon, I will be seeing Imperial Tie-Fighters and Stormtroopers all over the place…and where would I be then? Trapped!

“There must be some way! Maybe I've overlooked something somewhere?” I think aloud, keeping my cloak pulled close about me to add to the warmth that my suit already generates as I walk along a darkened, shadowy trail through a section of thick growing trees and undergrowth. “I just can't believe this! I couldn't have tried everythi-“

A shot rings out, the sound echoing among the trees surrounding me…and a brilliant glowing beam of dark violet energy sends the bolt flying in a totally different direction to impact against the trunk of an unlucky nearby oak tree. A second bolt of red energy races in my direction from a location hidden behind a thick growth of shrubs and bushes, but it too is sent flying off to the right after it ricochets off the blade of colored light-energy with a unique ping sound.

The hum and vibration of the lightsaber in my hands brings me a sense of control and pleasure. But I am also quite surprised – I reacted completely in instinct! I do not understand…yet I accept it and stretch out with all my senses and emotions, pulling in as much of the Force I can, letting it strengthen me in body, mind, senses and abilities. And with the Force, I feel myself surrounded on all sides by many minds – some stronger than others…except one or two who I cannot touch for they are too strong willed. With my mind, I reach out, touching those hidden away from me in sight, finding men of stark loyalty, militarily minded and give their complete and undying obedience…to the Empire.

“*No…*” My mind instantly begins to race with thoughts and scenarios, blood thrumming within my ears as my heart pounds quickly against the inside of my ribcage. “*How…how did they find me? How could they have-“ Known?

My thoughts are hastily silenced as volley of blaster bolts begin to fly from every direction – almost too fast for me to deflect them efficiently enough with my lightsaber. But just as soon as the attack began, the firing ceases, leaving me standing in a defensive stance, my lightsaber held before me at waist height, prepared to defend myself.

“Come on you bastards! What are you waiting for?!” I call aloud, my chest heaving with exertion, scowling as my dark eyes scan the trees within my peripheral. My senses scream danger, but I cannot get away – my way is blocked on all sides. And quickly I find myself growing angry and afraid at the same time, feeding a small growing ball of dark energies deep within me…and I do not even care.

“*…use your fear…make it your alley…your anger will give you strength – use it against your enemies…*”

“Yesss…” I hiss under my breath, embracing the dark within, allowing it to grow as my anger and fear grows, and with it, I feel my senses sharpen to a level I did not know I could attain. The world about me changes – I can feel myself becoming one with everything, yet I remain myself. I can feel the life of the threes, the grasses covering the ground, the birds in the trees and the worms crawling through the earth – even the smallest of microbes and bacteria's – I can feel all! I can feel the Force in all its glory…and I make it mine.

Growling, I lower my lightsaber to my side and step out of my fighter's stance, my mental eyes seeing the soft silhouettes of my attackers. It's now or never…

“Come out! I know you are there – I can see you! Fight me, Imperial bastards or are you too afraid to get your white armored asses kicked by a girl?!”

It doesn't take very long.

“Very well, if you insist.” A somewhat familiar voice calls out from behind me, and immediately I hear the sounds of leaves and twigs being crushed underfoot all around me and quickly, I find myself standing within the center of a circle of 25 white armored and well armed Imperial Stormtroopers, weapons trained upon me. “But any attempts at escape will not be easy, woman.”

I know that voice… Turning on heel, I spin about, holding my breath in my burning chest…

“Oh shit…”

Tall, broad shoulders…armor, weapons galore…blue…silver…jet pack…t-shaped visor…

I find myself swallowing, my throat instantly drying as my eyes look upon the man standing no more than ten feet before me, holding his unique silver-like blaster at me.

“Jango Fett…”

“So, you have heard of me. I am impressed, no one beyond the Empire knows my name.” The Mandalorian exclaims, holding his offensive-defensive stance, his other hand hanging at his side, ready to draw his second blaster.

“Yeah, well… Let's get on with this!” I exclaim, my fear quickly turning to anger and strength. No, I'm not afraid of Father to the most infamous and widely known Bounty Hunter to ever be – I hate him!

“*…use your hate…strike!*”

Raising my lightsaber into its previous position, the Force floods my senses and body with its power. And a deep, feral growl…I charge at the Mandalorian standing before me…and the firing starts all over again.

As shots are fired from every direction, I dodge and evade them, swatting away the shots Jango Fett sends at me. But before I can even reach him with the blade of my lightsaber, he is suddenly replaced by a thick cloud of exhaust and fire. My eyes shoot up, feeling him as he travels and I find Jango rocketing up into the sky, the sound of his jetpack rumbling with an almost ear piercing sound.

With Jango temporarily out of the picture, I turn and head after the nearest Stormtroopers, easily batting away their blaster fire, sending those bolts to hit their comrades. I can sense the fear of the three Stormtroopers standing in my way, and as I move closer, they involuntarily take several steps backward, but quickly end up in the bushes and shrubs where I quickly cut them down, no match for me. But just as I spin about to go after more Imperials, I cry out as I find myself being struck by something from behind with such force that I am thrown forward and land hard upon the ground, knocking my breath from my lungs.

Disorientated, my senses screaming danger, I try to push myself up from the ground, but my arms give way and I fall to the ground again, groaning in slight pain as I feel my shoulder wound open. Once more, I attempt to rise…

“Don´t move, Jedi,” That one of a kind technically enhanced male voice remarks, warning and dark intent in its tone, and I can hear the sounds of a single pair of feet moving toward me then come to a stop only a short distance from me. “Lieutenant, restrain her.”

“Yes, sir,” I hear a reply and immediately I am surrounded, my arms are placed in restraints and abruptly pulled to my feet, leaning against the body of the Stormtrooper on my right for support as the world spins around me, dizzy. But as my senses slowly adjust to normal, I find myself face to face with the Bounty Hunter, who's demeanor tells me nothing except that he is not very pleased.

I can feel his hidden eyes look me over slowly, memorizing the features of my face, down my neck, and grabbing the edge of my cloak, he pulls it back. I sense a sudden surprise from him as he sees what hides beneath, but he says nothing, nor reacts, and after several lingering moments, he lets the fabric fall from his hand before turning away from me.

“Take her to the transport.”

Without another word said, I am lead roughly away, into the woods for some distance until we come to an open grassy clearing where a Lambda class shuttle sits waiting, it's ramp down and extended.

~Continued in Part XII~