Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance
Coruscant
Maze walked to her apartment; passing civilians who eyed him suspiciously, thinking he was part of the Coruscant Guard, despite the influx of troopers and he did nothing to disabuse them of that idea, they parted as he strode towards them. They were meeting, as she needed to talk to him. It didn't have a Concierge, just a security pad, so he entered the code and walked straight up.
The door opened and she stood to one side; he took off his helmet and set it down on the small table there.
Dipping his head, he planted a kiss on her cheek; satisfied with the small smile she gave him.
The large, living and dining room, brightly lit, looked out onto other Coruscant buildings through a couple of transparisteel windows, one door shaped. It had a small landing platform at the rear with room for two vehicles. Off the main room, a refresher, kitchen and he assumed two bedrooms as he could not see them.
Essie was in tunic and leggings, with her hair down; she looked comfortable more than fashionable. Not that he knew anything about that but he didn't walk about with his eyes closed, when it came to females; the Kaminoans hadn't been able to take that away from him, or any of the clones. The tunic clung in all the right places and was low enough in others for him to get a good view from his height, being a good 12 inches taller than her. Yes, he was more than interested. He lied when he first spoke with Nat but the twi'lek already knew that.
Eyes front Maze.
"Hi."
He could barely hear her, her voice was low, nervous. Not like when they were arguing about Politics, when she pushed him on all his views and his reasoning behind his conclusions.
"Hi." he returned. "You said we were going to talk?"
She stepped up and kissed him on the mouth; he pulled her closer, kissing her back. He could do this all night but they had things to discuss; he put her down.
"Yes. Sit down. Caf?"
She went to the kitchen and returned with a mug of black strong caf, sweetened, and not instajava, but just how he liked it.
She beckoned him to one of the other rooms. He was curious, as she waited for him. He pushed through the doorway into the darkened room, a small lamp at the side of small enclosed bed, gave off a little light.
Her son, Del, sleeping.
She pulled him closer to the bed and he peered in.
"He fell asleep waiting for you."
"Waiting for me?" asked Maze, astonished.
The child was fast asleep, a thin blanket covering him. His dark curly hair framing his peaceful face. He yawned and stretched before turning over in his sleep; he was obviously Essie's, he had her strong nose.
"The Father?" He had never asked before.
"Gone." she said flatly and lightly brushed the child's hair away from his face. "If you want to get involved with me it's a package. I needed him to see you, as a friend. But he will always come first and if anything you do is likely to hurt him. You're history."
Well, at least he knew where he stood. But he was already involved whatever happened.
The child was holding something tight, in its arms. It was a doll. A Clone doll.
"Nat bought it him."
Maze stood, fascinated by the small child. The only younglings he had seen up close, were his brothers on Kamino. Essie touched his arm.
"Come on I don't want to wake him now he's asleep." They tip-toed out of the room and sat on the sofa, Maze tentatively put his arm around her and she leaned into him.
"You never said anything about him until Corufresh."
"It's not something I normally talk about, most people don't want to know."
"Hmm."
"Are you angry with me, because I didn't tell you?"
He shook his head.
"Not angry, but I thought we were friends….."
"We are….I…"
"So all that having to stay at Nat's was because he was there?"
She nodded. "They look after him for a little while, so that I can work later, and…"
"And the father? He isn't in the picture any more."
"He's never been in the picture with regard to Del. He didn't want him."
"Didn't want him?"
"A child wasn't in his plans. Wasn't in my plans at first but I couldn't…. So I finished at University; I had a Degree and was working for something higher. I had my son then looked for work." She glossed over the hard times.
"The father?"
"He left the planet just before the war started. Not sure where he is but as far as I'm concerned he's not going to be involved with Del."
Maze had more questions; she anticipated him.
"He was my Professor at the University."
"Your Professor?"
"Yeah. Big mistake."
.
ARCA Barracks
"Another new addition to the Commando ranks."
Zey pushed the datapad over to Maze.
"CT or RC-5108/8843 Corr. He'll be joining one of the squads. Probably one of Skirata's.
"Corr?" Maze asked, he scrolled down his GAR File quickly reading; he had been injured, lost both hands, Bomb Disposal expert. Prosthetics. Following his recovery, he had been working in GAR Logistics, until recently. Then he was working with Skirata on the Corufresh job, that he, Maze, wasn't supposed to know about but the CT had shown promise, according to the note left by Skirata.
"He was wasted on that desk job." Zey commented.
"Yes sir." Maze had to agree with that, any clone was wasted on a desk job. He knew from experience but that was a conversation for another time.
"Skirata's going to be responsible for training him. Vau, Bralor, Gilamar and Tay'haai are coming on board too for the other troopers"
"Yes sir. Vau's already started." he'd heard his voice as he passed the training room. He wasn't sure exactly what had happened but before there had been some tension between RC - 3222 and Vau. He was not sure if that been sorted or not, he hoped so. He knew the man's reputation.
"It's been requested that the some of the cross trained troopers are designated ARCs and attached to the legions."
Zey felt a subtle change in Maze, his mental control dropped for a second, he was almost insulted, then it closed again his emotions fully under control. Zey marvelled at the his aides mental strength at times. He often wondered if all the clones were like that. He had never heard any of his fellow Generals complain that their clones were mentally undisciplined.
"Yes sir. Would you like me to arrange it. Find the best fit?"
"Yes. Thank you Maze and you know what it is now— inventory."
.
Maze's Quarters
22:45
Captain Maze lay in his bunk, staring at the porno holo on his datapad. He knew what he wanted to do with Essie, knew the basics, he'd seen all the sex education they gave on Kamino —a biological perspective, therefore, he was woefully uneducated on how to pleasure a woman, and he wanted to please her, for her to enjoy it. If something was worth doing, it was worth doing well, and these holos weren't very educational. They didn't explain anything. It wasn't helping. It was simply making him hard.
He squirmed and closed his eyes, remembering how Essie felt pressed against him, how she felt under his hands, when they slid down her back to her bottom, her lips against his; he imagined those lips, on him, everywhere. He turned on his side. This was happening too often, he turned back.
He hadn't wanted to but he contacted Ne'tra and was awaiting a reply; his only other options were consulting Jab, a fate worse than death, or even RC 1136, Darman and that was never going to happen. He didn't even consider any of the Nulls, that would only happen if Mustafar ever froze over.
He flung his datapad to the side, debating his next actions, when the message came through from Ne'tra with an attachment.
'The General says this one may help, ner vod.' (Have a cloth ready)'
Maze wanted to sink into his bunk at the thought of what Ne'tra had said to Bly or Secura to get this. His brother had no filter at times; he opened up the attachment and started reading.
.
Coruscant University
Maze headed to the Library, he was late, inventory had taken longer than normal but he might just catch her before she left; he stopped across from the plaza and there she was just finishing locking up and Johl was with her. He stopped walking. Too late. Johl spotted him. He could see the smirk on his face from here. Maze watched as he said good bye to Essie and then something else. Essie looked straight at him and waved. He crossed over to her, reached out, pulling her towards him. He dropped his forehead gently to hers; he still had his helmet on and she accepted this, as the most public display of affection he was going to give. Essie seemed to understand how much he could give and what he was comfortable with.
"Del with Nat and Sol?" He asked; he never wanted to overstep the boundaries with her son.
"No nursery. Attached to the University. Five minutes and we're there."
"We have to pick him up?"
"Yes. He's not getting home any other way."
"I thought…"
"You thought we'd be alone tonight?"
"Yes."
"Sorry." she was, in more ways than one. Her knuckles brushed his.
"No. It's okay. I like being with you whatever we do." He slipped his hand around hers.
"I can tell you what I'm doing tonight."
"What?"
"Fight with Del to get him to eat his dinner. Let him play a little. Fight with him to stop him playing and get him into the bath. Let him play in the bath. Fight with him to get him out of the bath. Fight with him to get him dressed and in bed. Hope he falls to sleep."
"After all that fighting he should sleep," muttered Maze, he squeezed her hand.
.
"Here's my details. I want everything up front before we start." She handed him a datapad with a document open, and went to check on Del in the bath. Everything was in there, latest Sexual Health report, contraceptive implant etc.; things he had never considered. In this area he was a di'kut, woefully unprepared and Force forbid, he'd have to talk to Jab.
Essie was right, he watched as Del fought with her on everything she tried to do with him. Maze left her bathing him, he couldn't interfere, she had made that clear. Her son was her priority and he would not interfere unless asked, but he was a stubborn little bugger.
He prepared the caf ready; she would need something after she had finished with him. Maze noticed the cover had come off whatever she was storing on her landing platform and he went out to replace it and saw it was a speeder bike. He pulled the cover off and let out a long whistle.
"A vintage 22-B Nightfalcon. Two seater. Must be 80 - 90 standard years old. They don't make them like this anymore. Not quite as popular as the 74 -AZ, laser cannon as well." he said to no one in particular, as his hand stroked along the power coupling cover panel in purple.
Pity it was in pieces.
.
Thirty minutes later he had all the parts identified and laid out in front of him. It looked as if everything was there. A few would need replacing.
"I see you've found Ruby." Essie said.
"Ruby?"
"That's what she's called. I think she was red originally, belonged to my Father. Apparently he'd had her since he was at University but she always needed repairing and he never had the time. I can vaguely remember him tinkering with her, while I sat playing. Once Nat had given her to me I couldn't bear to part with her."
"I'm sorry, I…"
"You can have a go if you want."
She sat on the landing platform reading, while Maze examined each part, deciding which were salvageable. Finally he sat back on his haunches, and then almost as an afterthought turned to her.
"Sorry, I got distracted. I need to get back to the Barracks now." — to talk to Jab.
"Do you think you can do something with her?"
"If you're okay with that."
"Yes. It would be good to see her running."
He nodded.
A long and passionate kiss then he was gone.
She wondered if he was regretting what he said that night. Nothing had happened since then. Her fingers traced where their lips touched.
She could be patient—he was worth it.
.
ARCA Barracks
Med Bay
23:15
Maze stood at the door watching, the corridor was empty, there was no one inside, not even a med droid.
Slice my own details, download them, get out. Nobody need know.
He walked over to the main terminal, sat, pulled out his slicing tool, lined it up, ready to plug in.
"What the fek do you think you're doing Captain?" Jab's voice resounded through the empty med bay.
Maze slipped it back under his vambrace. "I need some information."
Jab looked at him, frowning.
"It's late."
"It's urgent."
"Whose?"
"Mine."
"Why? It's normally the training Sergeants or Generals who ask for personal information." his eyes narrowed.
"I just do."
Jab ground his teeth a little. "Which part?"
Maze debated a few seconds, "All."
"No."
"Sargeant. I am giving you a direct order."
"You can't."
Maze rose to his full height. Jab matched him.
"My med bay. My rules." he cricked his neck.
They stood and glared at each other.
"What do you need and why?"
"It's personal."
"Pfft. Nothing is personal in the GAR. You know that."
"Well. It should be."
"I agree. So what do you need and and why?"
"Details that show I'm clean."
"You have showers."
Maze took a deep breath, and breathed out slowly "Not that type of clean."
Jab's mouth made a large O.
"Why didn't you say. I'll need to do an examination." his eyes lit up.
"No."
"You want the information for the lady," he cleared his throat, "person….in question to be up to date, don't you?"
"Yes."
"Okay strip! While I've got you, I'll do a full medical. You're overdue." he rubbed his hands together.
Maze hesitated.
"You want it or not?"
Maze started to take his armour off.
"I'll take that as a yes." said Jab, as he arranged his instruments.
Jab was thorough, Maze couldn't remember having so many things stuck in him on Kamino.
Jab bent down and grabbed hold of his balls. Maze grabbed his neck.
"Watch it trooper."
"I can assure you Captain this is not a UTE."
Maze raised an eyebrow, not recognising that particular anacronym.
"Unnecessary Testicular Examination. Every man should examine themselves."
"I do."
"Hmm." Jab looked towards the ceiling but didn't let go.
Maze was starting to feel uncomfortable,
"You or someone else?" Jab continued.
"Me!" Maze growled.
"Good." Jab stood back up and stuck a needle in Maze's arm.
He grunted.
"Just in case. But you're clean. Here!" he threw a pack of condoms at him. Maze caught them.
"Prophylactics."
"I know what they are. The report?"
Jab hesitated, "Perhaps I could be persuaded."
"What?" Maze was going to kill him.
"If I download it, it will show on your record and questions will be asked. I assume you don't want questions to be asked. But there is a way. I'll need your slicing tool and….."
"And what?"
"Those pastries you brought in."
"Okay." he ground out, holding out his slicing tool.
"The pastries?"
"Yes?"
"I want a regular supply. Especially the ones with red fruit and sugared nuts on. I like those best."
"Shall I bloody eat them for you too?" Maze asked sarcastically.
Jab eyed him suspiciously before inserting the slicing tool.
.
Essie was making Caf, Del had finally settled; the water was on and she carefully measured out the grounds. A Caf bean Maze had suggested, and this one she could drink black. She didn't turn when she heard him enter, then seconds later, felt lean him against her, his breath warm on her neck. His presence was sending a frisson of need, tinged with pleasure, through her. He pushed the datastick onto the counter top.
"It's all on there."
She wanted to turn around but let him continue, it felt too good. Her hands still holding the scoop and box of freshly ground caf, as his slid under the bottom edge of her top and spread across her stomach, the touch impossibly gentle and teasing for a man of his size, he tugged her to him. Her breathing already faster than she expected, as she felt his lips, on her neck, soft then more insistent.
"How's the bike going?" Her voice shaky; he was pressed up against her, all hard muscle and intent.
He grunted.
"Okay then?"
His hand wrapped around her throat, thumb tracing her carotid, gently twisting her head up and round to his lips. She let out another breath, feeling his other hand wrap around her waist gently holding her to him. His erection pushing at her.
"You don't want caf anymore?" She felt the vibration of a chuckle in his chest, just before he pushed his tongue between her lips. Twisting around to face him she opened up to him, feeling him press hard against her stomach.
Her patience was paying off.
She tried to put the caf pack back on the counter but missed, it hit the the floor, the grounds spilling out. Cleaning up could wait, as she and Maze immersed themselves in each other. She let him dictate the pace, still unsure how much experience he had but he was definitely getting better at this.
"Beep— beep." His com went off. They stopped for a few seconds, listening. Maze pulled away from her slightly.
"I could take you here."
"You sure?"
"Is that a dare?"
"No, but the bed is large, soft." Unlike you she thought, and not wanting to get caf grounds everywhere. Probably uncomfortable.
One of his hands had slipped under her bra, finding her nipple; his low groan vibrated along her neck. She took a deep shuddery breath.
"Beep—beep."
Maze reluctantly stopped, "I need to get this." He peeled himself away from her and walked over, picking up his com from the caf table.
She followed him, unwilling to let, what had started, end.
"Maze here. What's happened?"
She slipped her arms around his waist, resting her head on his back before slowly sliding her hand along the plane of hard muscle on his stomach, then dipping it under his waist band, palming his now fully hard erection.
He cleared his throat.
"I see."
Essie giggled into his back as her hand moved up and down; he hadn't stopped her —yet.
She heard a strangled growl, as she swept her thumb over his tip.
"No. I'm fine."
He removed her hand from him, and held it. She contemplated using her other hand but he had that serious no nonsense expression on his face. Best not.
"No nothing important."
She frowned at him, nudging him.
"I'll be there in twenty." he closed the com and fully turned to her
"I'm sorry. I have to go, problem with a squad, off world." He saw her face. "You are important to me, but…"
"This is more important."
"I'm sorry." He dropped his forehead to hers. "What were they thinking."
He armoured up quickly, pulled her to him and kissed her, softly, before leaving.
Essie turned to the caf grounds; they were everywhere, now she would have to clean up; hopefully it would take her mind off what would have, or could have, been.
.
ARCA Barracks
Advisors Ops Room
Maze stood hands on his hips; they were monitoring Sarrish.
"How long have they been unavailable now."
Advisor one, checked the chrono on his terminal.
"120 minutes now."
"The bombardment?"
"Continuing."
"212th?"
"Taking a beating, sir."
Maze ground his teeth; it must be bad if the 212th were taking a beating.
"212th are on the ground sir." They kept up a running commentary.
"CC-2224's LAATi's been shot down."
Advisor three was monitoring the chatter having lost contact with Foxtrot.
"He's leading the 212th's "A" Squad. They're attempting to capture the mountain top anti-aircraft gun."
"Try and get CC-5576-39 on coms."
"Yes sir." Maze could see him trying the different frequencies. "Unreachable, sir."
Maze locked into the chatter himself.
"…..using the droids' own artillery against them."
He heard the Marshall Commanders voice over the com and felt inadequate standing here but there was nothing they could do.
"Advisor Four — Do GAR HQ know what's happening?"
The trooper checked, "No sir their coms with Kenobi are down."
Maze activated his comlink.
"Let them know what we have?"
It was late but the General needed to know what was happening on the ground, with the 212th and feed it to the Council. The 212th needed help.
He activated his com.
"General. I think you need to see what's happening on Sarrish."
.
The Separatists ultimately routed the Republic forces, inflicting devastating clone trooper casualties. Clone Captain CC-5576-39 went missing in action.