Disclaimers: The two main characters look a lot like the ones we are used to, Xena and Gabrielle, and no I don’t own them, wish I did. This story takes place in the Star Wars universe that I don’t own either, that’s owned by George Lucas, along with Yoda who I borrowed for this story.

Disclaimer 2: This story takes place about 650 years after ‘Jedi Bri Meets Sith Xara”.

Subtext: Yes this involves love between two women, nothing graphic however.

Send comments to AJMarks01@aol.com

The Sith Empress

by

AJ Marks

Part 7

Gaia sat there in the room for a few minutes while she eyed the food. She was hungry but she was not sure if there was anything that she could do. The smell seemed to permeate through the room and she could hear her stomach growling.

Carefully walking over to the tray she sniffed the food cautiously to see if she could smell anything that might be in the food. Not smelling anything she decided to give the food a try. Taking the first bit she did not detect anything, but she was sure that even if it was drugged she would not be able to tell.

She began to eat a bit more and before she had realized it she had eaten all of the food that had been brought in to her. With a mental shrug she realized that if the food was drugged then she would find out soon and worry about it at that time. At the moment it felt good but she was still hungry. She could eat a bit and had been teased a bit at the academy about how much she could eat.

Looking around the room she found there was not much that would allow her a place to sit for a while. There was a chair, but it did not look that comfortable but it seemed to be better than sitting on the table. She decided that instead she would meditate for a while to help take her mind off what was happening to her and reconnect to the Force. She only hoped that it would take her mind off her current situation.

Jessica walked back onto the bridge where the captain was waiting for her. He looked over at her as she walked onto the bridge. He had some good news for her this time and he smiled at her.

"Captain," Jessica said wondering what the smile was for. She hoped it was good news otherwise the man would be dead at her feet.

"My lord, I have good news," the captain said. "Admiral qwert has reported that recruiting is up beyond expectations and another two ships came be ready shortly. I have also received word that the planet Halos has surrendered to us."

Jessica did smile at that. She had sent one ship to that planet to test its defenses but they had managed to capture the planet. Her next step for Halos would be putting up a government that supported her. The current one was too weak in her mind. With her mind made up she turned back to the captain.

"Take us to Halos. We have an appointment with their government. Also have the rest of the fleet convene here," She said pointing to a spot on the map. The captain glanced at it and nodded his head and left to carry out his orders.

"It will be done my lord," the captain said as he went about his duties.

Jessica could feel the fear in the man which felt good to her. It was a feeling that she got from everyone on board the ship. They all knew not to cross her. She also knew that most of them were expecting her to appoint a second in command to her, her apprentice. She really did not have anyone in mind just yet as she went over the list of possible candidates. One came to her mind which she was sure the others would not like. But if trained right she thought that person would be just right. A slow smile came to her lips as she thought about the possibilities.

In the meantime she would wait until they arrived at Halos. There she would announce to the universe that she had arrived. She watched as the ship made its jump to light speed and headed towards the meeting point for her fleet. She thought about the power she would enjoy when the planet of Halos was hers. It was the first stepping stone for her eventual taking on the remnants of the old Empire. Then after she had taken over them it would be the weak New Republic.

The Republic had the largest fleet at the moment which meant that she would need a fleet as well. She was still in the process of building of up her fleet. Right now it was not strong enough to take on either the Republic or the Empire but after taking Halos her recruitment would soar. That and her new growing element of Sith warriors would also tip the scales of battle much the Jedi had done so many times in the past. It would be quite a welcome site to see the great Jedi finally be eliminated once and for all.

Luke sat in his chambers still trying to figure out what it was about his last visions of Gaia that disturbed him so much. Perhaps it was the fact that Gaia seemed to be such a peaceful young woman who had an enthusiasm for life that one rarely saw in others. She was alive with life and it flowed out from her as much as the Force flowed out from him. He could only hope that she was not corrupted by the 'dark' side of the Force.

"Master Skywalker," a voice said interrupting his thoughts. He looked up to see an older man walking towards him.

Luke looked at the man for a second before realizing that he had not felt the man approach. That was unusual he thought to himself. There seemed to be a block that the man had that allowed him to mask himself.

"Yes," Luke replied not giving any indication that he was surprised by the man's appearance.

"Pardon my interruption, I hope that I'm not interrupting anything important," the man said with a small smile.

"Nothing at the moment," Luke replied wondering what the man's game was.

"I was sent by some," he paused a bit to find the right words. "Interested members about the whereabouts of a certain Jedi," he said as his eyes never left Luke's.

"Let me guess, Gaia," Luke replied not surprised when the man answered yes to the question. "I'm afraid that I don't know."

The man digested that information for a second. He had been sent because there had been rumors that the young Jedi had disappeared recently. Now they had conformation about it. He nodded his head as he realized what was happening.

"I see," the man said then said something that made no sense to Luke. "It appears then everything is out of our hands now."

Luke raised his eyebrows at that comment before saying anything. "What does that mean," he asked the man.

"I'm afraid that I cannot say anything about that, it would be damaging to us," the man said then just as quickly left the room leaving Luke to wonder what the man was talking about.

Luke got up and walked out after the man hoping to gain some more information about everything. Walking outside the room he noticed that the corridor was empty and he continued on until he found a young Jedi padawan.

"Excuse me, but have you seen anyone walk by you," Luke asked the youngster.

"No Master Skywalker," the youth replied. "Why?"

"Oh, no reason," Luke said wondering who the man was and what group he represented. He hoped that it was not another group out there to complicate everything because it was complex enough.

Jessica walked into the small room that held her Jedi captive. The small Jedi was sitting crossed legged meditating quietly. Jessica knew that the small Jedi did not poise a threat to her power, yet could not help but think that there as another struggle going on within her.

Quickly dismissing the thought she walked over to where the Jedi was. The young woman opened her eyes to look at her. The deep green pools of her eyes seemed to draw Jessica in. With a mental shake she refocused her mind.

"You are about to be my new project little one," she said not realizing she had said that last part. "You will become a Sith and you will join me."

Gaia watched as the blue eyes in front of her grew ice cold, yet there was something in there that would not be scared of her. She wanted to run and leave this woman and ship anyway that she could but found herself drawn to the woman for some reason.

"No," Gaia finally replied gaining the courage from somewhere inside her to say that to this powerful person.

Jessica had watched the green eyes as they were fastened on her own blue eyes. She knew what the small Jedi would say and was not disappointed when the woman told her no. She was surprised at her own reaction at that. The woman seemed to almost radiate light that was something that would have to be corrected.

"No," Jessica replied pretending to be shocked. "Perhaps you should feel the power of the Force."

With that Force lightning went out from Jessica's hands throwing the smaller woman across the room. She watched as the smaller woman writhed in agony by what she was doing. Finally after a few seconds Jessica stopped and approached the woman now lying on the ground not able to move.

"That is but a taste of what I can do," Jessica said her eyes hard and cold.

Gaia could not feel any part of body after the lightning had coursed through her. She had heard of this happening to Luke Skywalker and now knew why he did not talk about it. It took away any ability to move by the pain and numbness it created.

"Can't have you lying down," Jessica said and Gaia found herself pulled up and chained against the wall. The woman had used the Force to do that as well. "Much better," Jessica said taking into account the woman in front of her. She could see there was not a small amount of fear in her eyes.

Gaia watched as the woman walked up to her. There was very little she could do about her current situation. The woman seemed to study her carefully and Gaia found herself blushing under the woman's stare.

"Interesting little one," Jessica said as she noticed the blush work its way up the woman's neck and into her cheeks.

Without her conscious thought Jessica had brought up one hand and caressed the young Jedi's cheek. She could feel the softness of the younger woman's skin as she made her way along the cheek and traced her lips. Following the jawbone until her fingers caressed a small ear then finally feeling the silky strands of her hair. There was something in this small woman that made her want to touch her all over.

Jessica mentally shook herself as she realized that they were no longer alone in the room. Turning around she noticed that Katie was standing there watching them. Anger flared in her at the thought that one of her own soldiers had not knocked before entering.

"What do you want," she asked in a growl as she advanced on the tall blonde woman.

"I was to inform you that we've arrived at the fleet my Lord," Katie replied with a quick glance at the young Jedi who was tied up along the wall.

"Tell the admiral to gather five ships, and then head to Frasis," Jessica said. She saw Katie take a glance at the Jedi and before she knew it had used the Force to push the woman against the wall.

Katie realized she had made a mistake right away as she felt the power of the Dark Lord. She could barely breathe because of the force that was being applied to keep her against the wall. She found herself face to face with a pair of ice blue eyes staring right into her own and she mentally shivered.

"Next time, you knock," Jessica growled at the woman. "And you wait until I've answered or we will not be having another conversation, do I made my self clear."

"Yes my lord," Katie choked out as the pressure was released and she managed to catch herself just before she crumpled to the ground. With a salute she turned and quickly left the room to carry out the order that she had been given. She did not want to anger the Sith Lord any more than she had.

Jessica watched in full Darth Rizon mode as Katie walked out of the room. Things were moving along quite well and soon the next planet would be under her domain or be destroyed. She would rule with an iron fist and no one would dare try oppose her or face her wrath. Turning back around she looked at the young Jedi who was still against the wall. She would have to thing of something for the woman to bring her around. She had plans for them.

Gaia watched as the Sith Lord had attacked one of her own people. It was something that made her a bit sick to her stomach that someone could treat others so brutally. Of course the woman had already turned her attention back on her. This made her feel two things at once. The first was a bit of fear that she was not sure she should even try to hide. The other was something deeper within herself that she did not understand.

Gaia could still feel the trail that the taller woman's hand had taken when it traced her face and the feeling of her caressing her hair. Part of her wanted to feel that touch again, almost as if it craved it more than life itself. With an inner shake she glanced back at the woman and realized that she was looking at her again. There was a look in the woman's eyes that Gaia both feared yet warmed her.

"Well it seems that I'm going to be needed elsewhere little one," Jessica said to the younger woman. "But don't you worry, I won't forget about you. In fact I just might have use for you on this mission after all," Jessica said as a smile came to her face. A small plan had formed in her mind to help her turn the Jedi.

Gaia was not sure she like the tone in the other woman's voice. There was something about the way she said it that Gaia knew it was not good news. She almost did not want to know what the woman had in plan for her. The one thing that did seem to stand out in her mind was the fact that she called her 'little one' almost as a term of endearment. She was not sure if she should be flattered or not.

Jessica let the woman's hair run through her fingers one last time before turning away and headed out of the room. Gaia was glad when the woman left. For some reason her touch was electric even though she knew in her mind that this woman was the enemy of the Jedi. She could only hope that she could hold on until she was rescued by some of the others. In the meantime she tried to think of ways she could help the others out.

Looking around she realized that she could get out of the chains that held her easily; it was once she was out them that she did not know what she would do. There was no where she could go as she was on a ship and her powers were not great enough to escape. She resigned herself to wait until an opportunity to escape presented itself.

Jessica strode onto the bridge in full Darth Rizon mode. She was thrilled at the way the others seemed to cower before her. Perhaps that is what made her think of the small Jedi as a challenge. There was something in the Jedi that did not seem to be afraid of her.

"Lord Rizon," the newly appointed admiral of the attack fleet said as he walked towards the tall woman. She could feel that he was a bit afraid of approaching the woman because of her temper. No one seemed to know when they might find themselves the focus of it. She had purposefully been random with that just for that reason.

"Admiral, what is the situation," she asked.

"I've gathered the Rixis, Yunis, Terrible, Purge, and Rage to form up with us to head to Frasis," the admiral said.

"Excellent," Rizon said knowing that it would be the next planet to feel her wrath. "Engage," she said.

"Yes Lord Rizon," the admiral said turning to the crew to carry out his orders.

The six ships of the fleet quickly entered hyperspace. Even though the engines of the ships were old, almost a thousand years and slow the trip to Frasis did not take very long due to its close proximity to her fleet.

Rizon walked over and inspected the plan that the admiral had put together for the invasion of the planet. It was a simple plan and straight forward. The plan would not work against a heavily defended world but against this one it would be more than adequate. She watched out the window at the openness of space. There was a lot of it out there yet there were also so many places that could hide potential threats as well. Much like she was against the New Republic and the former Empire forces.

Jessica stood there for a while until she saw the ships come out of hyperspace. Now she would crush the resistance of these people and make them hers. Frasis stood before her that would create her leap into the world of universal politics. Once she was done here they would be speaking her name across the galaxy. Not that it mattered to her at all as long as they feared her that was what counted.

"Launch the fighters at once," she ordered. Squadrons of Sith fighters poured out of the six ships.

Jessica watched as the fighters quickly overpowered the systems defenses. She would be victorious soon enough.

Leia Solo sighed as she sat down behind her desk. The week had not progressed as well as she had hoped. There were some tense council members in the Republic chambers and she felt some had the right to be. Others did not seem to care as much.

Rubbing her eyes she realized it was the classic case of that if it did not affect you then why should I care about it. Leia had the feeling that by the time it was done it just might involve everyone. She had to get the others on board.

"Madam President," one of her aide said walking into the room quickly. She had a feeling that it was bad news as she could feel it in him.

"Yes," she said with a smile on her face.

"This report just came in," he said handing her a piece of paper. She scanned it and the dread she had been sensing doubled.

"Assemble the council," Leia replied not really sure that it would do much. Perhaps this might push a few others to get the Republic involved in what was going on.

"Yes madam president," he said with a salute then left the office.

Leia rested her head on her hands as she sighed about it all. It was in this position that Han found her.

"Hey honey, what's the matter," eh asked her.

"This," she said not raising her head but handing the paper to Han.

"Frasis," he said after reading the paper quickly.

"Yes," the mumbled replied came.

"It looks like they are under attack by the same people who are spreading their influence. I take it the Republic will probably not want to get involved again," Han said watching as the head of his wife nodded. Han shook his head in disgust. The Republic did it seemed did not want to get involved in outside affairs, especially if it did not involve them, which this did not.

"Have you talked with the council about this," Han asked.

"About to," Leia mumbled before finally raising her head. "The council members are worst then a herd of nerfs."

"They would be easier to control, but the smell would be worse," Han replied with a grin that earned a grin from his wife.

"Thanks," she said seeing that an aide was standing by the door indicating that the council was ready to meet with her. That was too quick for her tastes and she wondered what was going on now. With a sigh and a good luck kiss from Han she squared her shoulders and walked out of the office towards the council chambers.

Han watched her go and did not envy her. He would rather face an entire squad of storm troopers than the Republic council. Still he was proud of the way his wife handled them knowing that if he was there he would probably pull out his blaster and start shooting.

"Roaorror," he heard Chewie say as the wookie walked into the office.

"Yeah,, more trouble buddy," Han said as he walked out of the office with Chewbacca right behind him.

Leia walked into the council chambers and knew that something else was up besides what she had to say. Several senators were already arguing with each other. Standing on the raised platform in the middle of the large room she waited a few seconds to see what was going on and who quiet down.

"Quiet," her aide's voice rang out though the air of the room. "Can we have quite please," he shouted and gradually the voices ceased.

"We have two agendas before us right now," the floor leader said. "One brought before us by the senator of Korrabas, the other from the President of the Republic. We shall hear from the senator of Korrabas first."

"Thank you," the Korrabas senator said. Leia was really sure that she was not going to like this but she would wait. "Fellow senators, we have before us a moment of greatness, an opportunity that may not come along again for a long time to come."

Leia's eyes narrowed at the senator. She was sure that he knew much more than what he was saying. Her Jedi senses were tingling on overload telling her that something was wrong. The only problem was she could not confront someone on the basis of the Force. Many people, especially the senators, viewed the new Jedi with some mistrust and as too reclusive.

"We have a chance to greet a new ally," the senator said. "Our government has been contacted by a new powerful group that is looking for an ally, one like us. We have before us the final ability to join forces with another powerful ally and finally rid ourselves of the threat of the Empire."

There was a murmur and Leia knew that with the mention of the Empire many people would sway to back the senator. She was filled with doubt about this new 'ally' that the senator had spoken of. She also was not sure that she should announce what had happened as it might push some senators to want to accept this new alliance with a foreign group.

"They called themselves the Rizians and they are a humanoid group, and wish an audience with the senate of the Republic," the senator said.

Leia knew that there was little she could do to try and decline opening an invitation to this new group. If she tried to decline it other senators might view it as an elitist view and it would not help her standing in the senate. Opening up talks with the group thought might prove to be worse but she had no way to tell others what she felt. Everyone was waiting for her to say something and she thought of something to say so as to not seem against it.

"A council should be formed to begin looking into the possibility of conducting talks with this new group and how to best proceed," Leia replied watching as the senator did not disagree or agree with her statement. "That is if it agreeable with the Rizians?"

"I await the formation of the council to be formed so my government can introduce them," the senator replied.

"Does anyone have a problem with the formation of a council to greet the Rizians," the floor leader said and after waiting the appropriate time switched to the next subject. "Madam President, you had some news that you wanted to share with the council."

Leia took the floor with a nod to the floor leader. "Members of the galactic senate, we have a problem on the boarders of the Republic. I have just received word that the world of Frasis has been attacked by an unknown force. This makes the third planet that has been conquered along the rim of the Republic," Leia said noting the reaction of the crowd. "I am asking that the senate vote to increase our military forces stationed along the area to protect member worlds from what might be a hostile attack."

"I object to such an action," the Korrabas senator replied leading to an outburst by other senators.

Leia sighed knowing that it would be a long day ahead of her.

Darth Rizon watched impassionedly as the defenses of Frasis were swept aside with relative ease. She was sure that news of this attack would have made it back to the Republic and perhaps even to the remnants of the Empire. That did not matter to her. She had contacts in both governments that would delay any retaliation. It was only a matter of time before she had to deal with one or the other.

With the way that she was gaining reinforcements for her army she was not worried. That and she was sure that her contacts would provide her with plenty of advanced warning.

"Any reply from Frasis' leaders about my demands," Rizon asked to the communications officer. The man shook his head no.

Rizon thought that perhaps it was time that they truly understood who they were dealing with now. She was not the weak Empire and she was not the cowardly Republic. She would show them exactly who she was. A sudden thought came to her though.

"Keep trying to get in touch with them. When I come back I want a progress report and I'll decide what to do then," Rizon said and with that she walked off the bridge.

Jessica walked towards the elevator and to where her captive was being held. She made a quick side trip over to another room and picked up something clothing. With a bit of a smile on her face she entered the room where the Jedi was being held. The small Jedi had not moved that much and was meditating again. They both knew that she was aware when Jessica walked into the room.

"Put these on," Jessica said to her throwing the clothing which the smaller woman caught. "I have a mission for you," she said smiling.

Gaia was not sure that she liked this turn of events. She looked at the clothing that had been thrown at her. It was a robe and clothing. The clothing was various shades of green and the robe was black. Looking at the clothing then at the woman standing in the room she waited for a few seconds to see if she would turn away.

"Go ahead and change, I'm not going anywhere," Jessica said a bit proud of herself for thinking about having the smaller woman change clothing. She knew the real reason for staying in the room which had nothing to do with training her. Jessica just wanted to see the smaller woman nude. Seeing the small shoulders drop in defeat Jessica almost turned around but her desire to look upon the small Jedi was too great.

The clothing that the woman was wearing almost seemed to peel away until she was left in her underwear which did not leave much to the imagination. Jessica studied the small form in front of her from the feet up the lovely smooth thighs, the small panties that covered the woman's sex which her eyes lingered on. Up the taunt stomach which proved the woman was in shape to the covered small breasts. She watched as they rose and fell with each breath the Jedi took and finally up to the face of the Jedi.

There was a strange look in the Jedi's eyes. Part of it was revolting and another part seemed to be aroused at the same time. The woman quickly put on the clothing that Jessica had provided then turned to face her.

Gaia was struggling within herself as a battle from wanting the tall woman to just take her right there to wanting to be revolted for what she had to do. She had felt the woman's eyes almost as if they were caressing her skin. Realizing that she was becoming aroused she quickly put on the clothes and robe that the woman had provided then turned to face her.

"Follow me, any attempt to flee and I'll kill you myself," Jessica said with a slight growl.

Gaia followed until they were on the bridge of the ship. Looking around she noticed that everyone was staring at her for some reason. Shifting uncomfortably from one foot to the other she tried to rely on her Jedi training to remain calm.

"Now," Jessica said taking the persona of Darth Rizon again. "Has there been any response to our message."

Tyi looked over to Rizon and was a bit struck by what he saw but quickly shook himself out of his stupor to answer her question. "No my lord," he said though he still was not quite over the picture that the two woman made. The smaller woman was dressed in green with a black robe wrapped around her that contrasted with Rizon's dark clothing with a deep red robe.

"Very well, then perhaps we teach them a lesson not to ignore us," Rizon said with a bit of a smile.

Gaia watched not sure what part she was to play in all of this. The tall woman had said that she had a mission for her but could not think of what that mission was going to be. The one thing that she could think of was that this Sith Lord was going to kill her as an example to the government of the planet below. It came as a shock when the next orders were given.

"Target the largest city besides the capital and destroy it," Rizon said without any hesitation in her voice. The calmness almost made Gaia cringe but she hung onto her Jedi training. Now was not the time to do something rash. It would only get her killed.

Two Sith battleships lined up in orbit of the planet Frasis. They were above one of the largest cities on the planet. There were no defenses on the planet having been swept away by the onslaught by these new Sith forces. Suddenly the orbiting ships opened fire.

On the planet it was like the sky had opened up and was raining down on them. The only problem was it was raining lasers from the orbital bombardment of the Sith battleships. Millions of people who lived in the city were killed as the buildings they were in were destroyed. Within minutes the entire town had been reduced to rubble. The survivors were left to fend for themselves in the aftermath as the government of Frasis sat stunned by the turn of events.

End Part 7

Go on to Part 8

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