Essie's Apartment

Maze enjoyed the contentment he felt after a vigorous sex session, as much as he liked the sex; Essie seemed to be of the same mind. Although sometimes he struggled to keep his eyes open, as she always wanted to talk but now she was talking and moving her knee. He wasn't sure yet whether that was deliberate or not but it was having an effect.

"Do you think they have a chance, these Senators and Jedi, promising you citizenship and rights. Rex didn't seem so confident."

He grunted, he wasn't sure himself. All he had been promised so far was Kamino as a trainer. He liked the idea of training but not on Kamino and not with more brothers because they were still being produced; it told him what the Chancellor really thought of him and his brothers despite his promises.

Disposable!

When Maze thought like that he was conflicted but the Chancellor was only one person and Maze's loyalty was to the Republic, not one person. He had to remind himself of that occasionally. Then there was the economic ramifications of granting citizenship to all the clones; that would be enormous.

"Maze?" Essie pressed him for an answer.

"I don't know." He admitted, not wanting to get too excited about the prospect when he didn't think it would materialise.

"It's not just General Skywalker and Senator Amidala, there's Den Skeenah, from Chandrila. He's making noises too. He's quite outspoken on the subject."

"Hmm! I still don't know."

"These are not just outer rim planets with no say. These Senators are from core Systems, well thought of Senators. Backed by their planets. The Chancellor's own planet's Senator has spearheaded this."

"I don't think that will mean anything to Palpatine."

"Yes. Perhaps you're right, given his history." Her excitement waned, she had always been critical of Palpatine and how he manipulated the Law to get in power and stay in power so long. Gradually increasing his power base and that was only what she saw, as a politics student. What had he done behind closed doors?

"Is there anything else we can do?" she asked, "Make preparations?"

"You mean desert?" his voice was harsh.

"No, I couldn't ask you do that."

"Good!"

"Doesn't it make you angry?" Essie propped herself up on one arm. She wanted to see his face when he replied.

"Yes." His hand cupped her face, his harshness disappeared, "I'm angry that I can't spend as much time as I want with you and Del. Angry that I— We can't be truly open about our relationship. What we have. Angry that I can't give you what a nat born partner can.—Angry…."

Essie kissed him, stopping him talking.

"Me too!"

"The war's far from over. We have time to plan." Maze muttered, what Essie was still doing with her knee felt great. He pulled her on top of him. "Are you going to finish what you started?"

"Perhaps!" She teased, bending over to kiss him.

His hands wandered up her arms, over her back pulling her down to him, then twisted them back. She was underneath him again and reached for him, already getting aroused.

"On your knees!" He ordered his voice husky. She twisted underneath him, leaning on her elbows. He leaned over her and reached underneath, rubbing circles exactly how she liked, soon she was pushing back into him. He lined himself up and pushed in slowly, being rewarded by an exhaled groan until he stopped, pausing to position himself better. Grabbing her hips he slowly pulled back and pushed in again. Receiving another exhaled groan in reply. He would lose himself now.

.

Nat was surprised to see the message from Maze wanting to meet somewhere other than the Gym or Oola. Somewhere away from Sol and Essie, saying he wanted to discuss something, something that couldn't be done over the com.

"I know just the place. Meet me in the Coco district." Nat replied. He was intrigued, with a frisson of worry.

"Coco district?"

"Quadrant Two. 23:00."

"Copy that."

Nat switched off his com, wondering what Maze wanted that was so urgent and secret. Now he was concerned. He had warned Maze, when they first met of the consequences.

.

Coco District

Galactic City.

Nat stood waiting, the lights of Coruscant illuminating everywhere, it was business as usual, despite the war being raged. There was no night in Coruscant. Finally he saw the unmarked trooper striding along the walkways towards him.

Troopers wandering around Coruscant were a common sight now.

"Maze." Nat held out his hand, "This way!" He propelled him into a diner, just ahead of them. It appears empty to the pair but a waitress droid was rolling around wiping the counters. The floor still looked damp from being mopped.

Nat pushed Maze into a booth, as Dexter Jettster's voice rang out from behind the counter.

"Nat and a friend!"

The kitchen's double doors flew open as Dex squeezed through, indeterminate blotches and stains on his shirt as his upper left hand draped a towel over his shoulder and his lower left hand pushed the doors.

"Good to see you Nat but it's the wrong night. You're early. Game night is tomorrow. Sol working you too hard?" he asked, as he squeezed himself in the seat opposite.

"You know Sol." Nat shrugged, "This is Maze. Maze —meet Dexter Jettster."

"A clone eh?" The Besalisk studied him closely, before sending out a hand to shake his.

"Yeah, you got a problem with that?" Maze ground out, not taking the proffered hand.

Nat put his hand on Maze's forearm, "Dex isn't like that." He turned to Dex, "We just need somewhere to talk, in private."

"Anything I can help with?"

Nat looked at Maze, who shook his head in response.

"I was the biggest information broker across the Core Worlds for years. I know how to be discreet. Late dinner?" He asked.

"Left overs." Piped up Wanda the serving droid, as she rolled around the diner. "I'll get you both a plate."

A plate of various cake remains were put in front of them.

"Heavy proteins at midday. Heavy sugars at closing-time dinner - basic Besalisk physiology." Dex explained, as he went over and activated the closed sign and darkened the windows.

Nat shook his head as Maze dug in.

"He's always hungry." Said Nat.

Dex chuckled, "Clones!" He muttered as he wandered back to the kitchen leaving them alone.

Nat watched as Maze emptied the plate, always astonished at how much he managed to put away.

"It's the metabolism. We age faster. Need to eat faster." Explained Maze.

Nat chuckled. "So what did you want to discuss?"

Maze leaned back. There's hints of when the war ends, that we may get some rights, citizenship."

"Oh lad that would be great." Nat was really happy for him, if that happened.

"It's not certain but there are some Jedi and Senators pushing for it but the whole premise…..I don't know."

"Why not, you deserve it. You've all done your bit. Didn't have a choice in the matter either."

"The only choice I got was, which foot to put out of the stasis tube first." Maze replied, sarcastically. "And the only promise we've had from Palpatine was that we would be training others on Kamino."

"But it's not what you want. I'm sure Essie would wait for you, or even go with you…."

"I don't want her to have to go there, or wait —the aging….."

"So…" Nat thought he knew what was coming.

"I was wondering, if we are offered freedom. If I have something to do already lined up. Something prepared. It may make it easier. You know how the Republic likes its red tape." He added quickly.

"The gym." Nat said, anticipating his request. "You're welcome there anytime and I'm getting on a bit. Essie won't want to do it full time but you'd be ideal. We could extend the self defence training for women."

Maze breathed out, Nat had guessed his request for a job.

"I've seen you with Del as well, you're good with children. We could expand that area." Nat was getting excited about it himself. It was what he always wanted to do, but had no one to share it with or leave it to. He and Sol had never been blessed; he always said they couldn't but the truth was they had been stopped.

He still hated the Hutts; that part of his life would haunt him forever.

"You okay Nat?"

"Yeah," his voice was a little husky.

"I wasn't sure, if you'd be amenable to the idea." Maze confirmed.

"It answered questions I've already had. There's no way we'd let you go to Kamino."

Maze drained his caf, he had already cleared his plate. Now they just had to hope the Senate took that request on board.

"Thank you for the cake, sir."

"Any time!"

Dex waved at them as they left, "Bring Essie and the baby next time, not seen him since he was born." He lumbered over to add, "I don't get to see Kenobi much now. He's too busy." He knew that was the reason they hadn't been to see him again. That visit had been awkward. Kenobi had turned and fixed a stare on Essie, so much that they had left quickly.

.

They walked along the walkway to where Maze had left the speeder parked up.

Nat stopped and stared, "You finally finished it!" He walked around it, "I don't know about training people, you'd make a decent living as a mechanic."

"It's more of a hobby." Replied Maze, although he had enjoyed working on it. Totally different to what he normally did.

"Nat?"

"Yes, lad?"

"Don't tell Essie yet, what we've discussed. I don't want her to get her hopes up."

"Anything you say lad. You can count on me." His eyes wandered over to the speeder. "Are you going to show me what she does then?"

.

ARCA Barracks.

484 days ABG

Jab watched as Maze entered the barracks, the ARC kept unusual hours but then they all did at SOB. If they didn't, how would he manage to get to the gym like he did? He was just heading to check on his last patient and get his last caf for the night when the siren disturbed his thoughts and Maze came running towards him.

"What's going on?"

"Don't know sir, nothing's been said. I'll get to the Med bay."

"I'll be in Ops. All Coms will be routed through there."

As soon as Maze entered he could see.

"Bloody Zillo Beast!" It was rampaging through Galactic City; Rex had brought him up to speed on what had happened on Malastare and what they brought to Galactic City. Maze was with the Jedi on this. Not from a conservation point of view, more conserving life on Coruscant.

The advisors were busy with their teams but turned towards him, "As you were ladies." He ordered. They returned to their work.

Maze sat at a spare terminal, pulling up details, while more information was coming through his HUD. He heard the General enter.

'Sitrep Maze!"

"We're on standby, not many of us around, so we're back up. The Guard, 501st and 91st are onto the beast but have taken casualties. Gunships are being deployed but awaiting the specific ordnance. Members of the Council are protecting the Chancellor, as it seems to be heading for the Senate district."

"I'm the same Captain—back up."

Maze tilted his head, the General understood that meant additional information had come through his HUD and he was processing it.

"Med bay's prepped and ready sir!" He had received the update from Jab.

"Thank you, Captain."

Maze pulled up the security footage, showing the progress of the Beast. Maze had little experience of animals apart from those on Qiilura and of course the Aiwha on Kamino, but as cadets they had steered well clear of those. The Beast finally entered the Senate District heading towards the Chancellor's Office. Maze activated a message through his HUD to Essie, hoping she was safe; she should be. It looked as if the Beast had bypassed the University but he needed to be sure.

The General's gaze was fixed on the Beast as it reached the Chancellors escape shuttle with the Chancellor, Amidala, Skywalker and a droid. It caught them just as they took off.

"It's as if it knows The Chancellor brought it here." He muttered; Skywalker was already there attempting a rescue.

Yoda and Aayla Secura distracted the beast but then the front half of the shuttle split off and Skywalker, Amidala and two droids fall out, while the Chancellor and a Senate Commando fell to a level below, escaping certain death thanks to Obi-Wan Kenobi and Mace Windu, who Force-gripped the front half of the Chancellor's ship.

It was like watching an action holomovie.

It all happens so fast but luckily everyone manages to escape; Maze watches transfixed as the Zillo beast attempts to crush Palpatine with its hand, when one of the droids saves him and finally Gunships arrive opening fire with flares to get the Zillo Beast's attention. Then they fire poison gas bombs straight into the monster's mouth. As the gunships bomb the beast, the gas cloud begins to spread. Maze sees the gas cloud disperse around Skywalker and the others.

"Sir? Is that the Force?"

"Yes Captain." Zey closed his eyes, "Skywalker, Yoda and Aayla are using the Force to protect themselves, the Chancellor and the Senator from the gas."

Soon it was all over, the beast lying dead.

The all clear sounded and more information poured into his HUD.

"Stand down!" Maze ordered.

The room was quiet apart from the hum of the displays.

.

University Library

Maze walked straight in, straight past the cleaning droid, spinning it on its axis as it got in his way. Essie hadn't replied to his com but it was showing she was here. Nat and Sol weren't answering theirs either. Comms were still a little patchy but to say he was worried was an understatement. His stomach was churning and not with adrenaline but with dread.

He looked around, there was no sign of her and the library was empty apart from the cleaner droid and admin droid.

"Essie!" He shouted. "Essie!" He tried again, his voice echoing around the room.

The transparisteel roof was still intact; they had been spared the Beasts rampage. So where was she?

"Maze?" His head whipped around at the sound of his name. She appeared at the door of the Archives carrying Del.

He was at her side in what felt like two steps.

"Are you both alright, safe?" He ignored the other people streaming out either side of them, they moved to one side.

"We're fine."

"Where were you?" He continued.

"There's a system of tunnels that link all the University buildings. We can go there." Essie replied, a frown creasing her face.

"Are you alright? Did you have to attack it?" She asked, voice heavy with concern.

"No! Just on alert in reserve." His hands were resting on her elbows, Del held between them grinning at Maze.

"Night.. nnnight." He babbled.

"Yes it was dark, sweetheart."

"Mezz." He poked a finger at Maze's helmet, then held his arms out.

So much for the boundaries she had set, thought Essie; they had been breached a while ago.

"So where do these tunnels lead?" His interest piqued, as he took Del from her. The little lad was tracing patterns on his armour with his fingers and trying to detach his pauldron. Anyone else trying to do that would have been dead.

"Right down to the lower levels. They're usually closed off, have been for years, centuries in some cases but with the war the University has opened up some rooms in case of attack. Rooms we can go to when there's an emergency."

Essie watched her son indulgently, as he tried to bite chunks out of Maze armour; the Alpha just let him. As much as she was in love with Maze, if there had been any problem with Del, Maze would have been history but he was good with him, surprisingly so. She felt the now familiar surge of love for him.

Maze pulled off his helmet. He looked tired. Little lines had appeared at the side of his eyes and between his brows. She wondered when that happened as she had only just noticed them.

"You alright?" He asked again, she looked pale.

"Just a headache. Probably stress. It came on while we were underground. I rushed to get Del from the Nursery, then helped with the other children, those whose parents couldn't get there in time."

Maze shook his head, she had helped others.

"I'll be alright, I just need some Caf and painkillers." She answered, rubbing her right temple.

"Sol and Nat?"

She showed him her Com message from them saying they were fine. The beast had been nowhere near them.

"Probably won't be able to get to see you tonight. Will you be okay?"

"Yes. You just take care." Her hand automatically went to his jaw, her thumb rubbing against the stubble already growing there. He looked more dangerous with it, "The war's getting closer, isn't it?" she asked.

He dropped his forehead gently to hers wanting to say no but he had to agree.

"Yes, it is."

.

Maze was walking back to the barracks, satisfied that Essie and Del were safe and well. They were heading home as the Library was closing early due to all the disruption.

"Captain?"

He'd spotted the Commander across the walkway but expected him to continue wherever he was going, especially after the Beast attack; they were still dealing with the aftermath. Maze stopped and turned, saluting the Commander smartly.

"Sir?"

"Walk with me."

They continued. Maze wondering what he wanted.

"SOB all good?"

"As good as you can be in a War." Maze was concerned where this conversation was going.

"Skyline Restaurant made a complaint."

Damn! Maze thought he had managed to bypass that by causing the system to crash, retrieving the gift card from Essie and checking the non existent security camera footage.

"And?"

"It's gone away."

Maze grunted. Anything more than that was tantamount to a confession and he wasn't giving anybody that.

"Sometimes we need help, the Guard."

"You do?" Maze asked, continuing to walk.

"After the slavery incident and the problem outside the gym, which were nicely handled. I wondered if you would be interested in helping out occasionally."

Maze stopped dead. The thought of a good fight got his blood coursing through his veins.

Stone was staring straight ahead.

"I need to do something more than carry bloody datapads around all day and keep the General's diary." admitted Maze.

Stone smiled under his helmet. Fox had said the Alpha would say no. Stone disagreed and won that bet. The bootleg whiskey would taste good; it was the one that Thire had liberated.

"I'll be in touch then."

Maze nodded.

"Good speaking to you Captain." He gave him a lazy two fingered salute, "Be seeing you!"

In spite of his relationship with Essie, the thought of doing something more than 'administration' made the blood course through his veins again.

.