Essie's Apartment
That same night
Maze was waiting for her when she arrived home with Del.
"You okay?" He asked, concerned.
She shook her head.
"Get a shower. I'll look after Del. What do you want to eat?"
She looked drained and he knew what she was trying to do for him and his brothers; she had attended a meeting that afternoon.
"It's all ready to go in the oven. It's in the Conservator." She replied, pulling off her coat.
"Leave it with me."
She nodded and walked to the fresher.
Essie undressed, climbed in the shower, stood for a few seconds before she switched it on. She turned it up hot and let it run over her, trying to get the grubbiness feeling from the meeting off her body, then replaying the meeting over and over in her head.
She had let Maze down, let his brothers down.
Tears ran down her face.
She leaned forward, her forehead touching the wall, letting the water run down her back; she could see no end to this war and it frightened her.
.
They were unusually quiet as they ate; it was normally chaotic, full of talking and laughter. Del was tired and he almost fell asleep sitting at the table after eating. Maze picked him up and took him to bed. He didn't argue.
Essie cleared away and made caf.
"Come here! Sit down!" Maze pulled her to the settee; she slumped down. He sat next to her and put his arm around her shoulder pulling her towards him. She flinched.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing." She dismissed his question, half-heartedly.
He snorted and gently pulled her top down from her shoulder to reveal a large purple bruise blossoming on the top of her arm, right on the muscle. It would hurt and had taken some force to make that mark on her. He frowned on seeing it.
"And this?"
"I don't know. It was an angry meeting. The other representatives, the ones against clone rights, wouldn't listen to us — worse than usual. Riyo —Representative Chuchi—was called some names— we both were but I couldn't tell you who. There were a few scuffles, more name calling. The Guard had to come in, to keep order. Then it was abandoned and we tried to leave. Riyo was knocked over. I helped her up and I think someone pushed me. It was a mess. Representative Binks and the Guard helped us get out."
Maze pulled her sleeve back up and went to the kitchen. He came back with two glasses of brown liquid.
"Here drink this!"
She took the glass off him and knocked it back in one; she spluttered.
"What is it?"
It tasted good but it was strong.
"Tihaar. It's from one of the Sergeants."
He had smoothed something over for Sergeant Bralor; he had no problem with her.
"It's good." She handed her glass back to him.
"Think back. Who called you the names, and what were they. What language did they use? Angry people revert to their native language."
"That's not important, I've let you down. They've postponed the inquiry into Clone rights for the moment."
"It's important to me. Think!"
"I can't remember. It was all a mess. The words were in Basic."
Maze's eyebrows drew down, in a frown. He was angry.
"It's fine Maze, the words don't matter, they can't hurt me."
"But the intention's there. What did they say? I want to know."
"Clone fuckers and clone whores were the ones used most."
"So they were directed specifically at you and Representative Chuchi?"
"I suppose so. I've let you down haven't I?"
"No you bloody haven't. It's not you. It's …" he couldn't say anything else. He was too angry for words.
Essie curled her fingers around his.
"I'm glad you're here, now."
They sat silently, as he calmed down.
"The trooper, who tried to kill the Chancellor, he was with the 501st, wasn't he?" Asked Essie, finally breaking the silence they both needed,
"Yes. I've tried to see Rex but it's difficult."
"You could invite him here one night, if he's still on Coruscant. Nothing fancy. Just some food, so he can get away from everything for a little while."
He turned and pulled her into his arms, crushing her with a kiss. When they finally pulled apart, "I take it that's a yes?' Essie asked.
Maze gently dropped his forehead to hers.
"Yes."
.
Essie felt more relaxed after the second glass of Tihaar, as Maze called it. She leaned against him as he was stacking the dishwasher, her hands sliding around his waist pulling his shirt up from his trousers.
"I can't put these away if you stand so close." He muttered.
"Spoilsport."
"Why don't you go to bed; I'll be in soon." He popped a kiss on her forehead.
He heard her muttering as she wandered through to the bedroom, then he heard the door bang; after a few minutes he finished clearing up and went to the bedroom.
.
Essie was sitting up in bed, reading a datapad, when he walked in. She ignored him. He went to the fresher and prepared for bed, coming back out as naked as he was when left his growth tube.
She was still reading. No reaction.
He frowned and sat on the side of the bed.
He realised the door banging should have told him something.
"Essie?" He stared at the floor.
"Maze."
"Have I upset you?" He felt the bed move, then saw two bare feet with red painted nails appear on the floor in front of him. He looked up.
She was shaking her head.
"No! You haven't upset me, I'm just frustrated with what happened at the meeting. I thought we were getting somewhere and now…... I just feel I've let you down."
His arms circled her pulling her closer. Looking up he replied, "You keep saying that and no bloody way have you let me down. Not you— The Republic has."
She ran her hand through his hair; he closed his eyes and relaxed. She always made him feel good, more than what others saw.
"We could work off some of that frustration," he said, his hands sliding under the flimsiest excuse for a nightdress he had ever seen her wear.
"We could," she agreed, as his hands moved higher.
She sighed loudly, as he reached her breasts, pulling off her nightdress, allowing him to drag her closer, as one hand, kneaded a breast whilst his mouth found the other, he sucked her nipple in, his tongue working around it. He could feel her pressing against him; he pulled her down on one of his knees and she ground against him, as he worked on her breasts. She reached between them, and finding his erection, slowly pumped him.
He came up for air and laid a trail of kisses up her neck; twisted her around pushing her onto the bed, where he pulled her to the edge and knelt.
"Maze." She was breathing fast, "both of us, at once."
He nodded and they manoeuvred themselves on the bed; he faced her legs, kissing down her belly and along her thighs, his hands slid under her thighs and he held her. He could hear her moaning gently, then he sank into her mouth and she went quiet, he stilled, trying not to thrust before he worked on her. Her hands kneaded his buttocks, the pressure was building in his groin. He took a deep breath before concentrating on her and was surprised how soon it was before her hips stuttered in his face and he heard a strangled groan.
He pulled out, twisted around and pulled her to him, she was like a rag doll.
"On your knees!" He flipped her over; she let him and sank onto her forearms ready. He pulled her to the edge and then steadying himself, he pushed in slowly.
He heard a soft drawn out groan.
Leaning over, he kissed her back, reaching underneath, to rub carefully against her soon feeling a reaction.
"Fuck— Maze." He heard her mutter.
He couldn't resist, he leaned further over, trying to keep his rhythm and whispered in her ear.
"I thought I was."
She flapped a hand ineffectually at him.
"Shit!" He muttered, as he felt her push back against him and contract around him. He held her hips up and heard the 'nggh' she let out on every thrust he made, unable to do anything else. Finally the pressure became too much, he lost his rhythm, his last few thrusts becoming erratic as he came with a loud grunt.
He steadied himself for a few seconds before he leaned over her, lowering them both to the bed, still feeling Essie's orgasm playing out, "Ess!" He whispered, as he covered her.
.
Tualin Oola.
A few days later.
985 days
"Is Maze coming over tonight?" Sol asked, happy they were back together.
"If he can get away. We might see him at the gym later."
"Good. The ladies have missed him."
Essie decided her brain must be addled.
"Missed him? Most of them gave him a wide berth." She commented.
Sol licked her lips, "I think they liked looking at him, or watching him when he's training. Eye candy. Nat covers up a bit more nowadays."
Sol just left it there.
Essie stopped stacking the shelves mid push; she had never thought of her adoptive Father as eye candy. Maze—yes. She wasn't averse to copping a good look when he was in the shower or wandering around the apartment, appreciating the work that went into the body.
Nat?— no she wasn't going there.
She pushed the tub in place.
The sound of tinkling glass, followed by three thuds and some choice expletives from the few clones sitting in the cafe, lining their stomachs before going onto 79's, or wherever, startled Essie. She dropped the box she held and rushed into the seating area. Both the big windows and the door were smashed and shards of glass littered the floor and tables; the clones picked their way around it, looking shocked. They were 501st. They were on leave. They should be safe. Their hands had gone to their missing blasters. They were in their fatigues.
A bald one came forward, spots of blood on his face from the shards of glass
"Get us brushes and pans and we'll help clean up, ma'am."
Sol just stood there, holding a tray.
"Thank you…" Essie hesitated, she was shaking.
"The name's Coric, ma'am. Are you alright?"
She nodded.
"I'll come and get them."
She took him around the back to the cleaning supplies.
"Did you see who it was?" she asked, her voice wavering.
"No ma'am sorry. I'll check if any of the lads saw anything but it's a long shot. A few of the lads are chasing them."
"Thank you. There's brushes etc in here, just take what you need."
"Yes, ma'am. Hope your Mother's alright one of the rocks nearly hit her. I checked her, there was no injury but a near miss can still cause a shock."
"Thank you." Essie said before rushing off to check on Sol.
.
ARCA Barracks
Ops Room —same day.
Maze surveyed the outstanding missions.
Ion Team - just checked in.
Omega, Delta and Vevut - Haargab.
Yayax - Boz Pity
Foxtrot - their Marker was still there as were other squads who had not returned. It was a stark reminder of the losses.
"Captain! A word please."
Maze turned around, Jab—he thought they had sorted this.
He stood at the door face blank
Maze walked over.
Voice low, Jab spoke, "There's been a problem at the Oola. Nobody hurt, just shaken up. I'm going over to check on them."
"I'll join you."
He grabbed his helmet.
"Advisor one. I'm rostering off. You're in charge." he turned, giving no chance of a reply.
"I've got a bike Jab, let's go."
"Yes sir."
They ran towards the speeder bay.
.
CSF handed over the investigation to the Guard.
Essie wasn't sure about the large Massif that accompanied Sergeant Hound, who Stone sent for, to get a scent off the rocks that had been thrown through the windows. Although Del seemed quite taken with him, or her, or whatever it was. Essie just hoped he didn't want one.
It became excited when it sniffed the rocks and dropped its nose to the floor, walking in circles until it reached the door, pulling the Sergeant with it, then they headed off, with Stone in pursuit.
The troopers who chased the perpetrators couldn't find them and no one had really seen anything.
The attack came out of the blue.
Troopers were clearing up the mess, occasionally asking what to do with bits of broken crockery and glass, while Essie sat with Sol, who was still shaken up. Nat was on his way back from the gym, Freyu had called him and Jab.
Essie paced with Nat as Jab examined Sol; scanning and taking measurements.
Maze stood talking to a few of the 501st, Sergeant Coric, and those who had run after the perpetrators. She saw him nod a few times and put his hand on the Sergeants shoulder. He turned and walked towards her.
He pulled off his helmet.
"How is she?"
"Shook up. But she's strong, I think she's been through worse than this."
"We didn't realise at first but one of the rocks grazed her head, easy to miss. Jab's making sure she's really okay."
Essie nodded.
"Are you?"
She slipped her hand into his.
"I am."
"Good."
.
They stayed with Sol and Nat late into the evening; Essie wanted to make sure she was okay, until Nat finally pushed them out. Maze carried a sleeping Del to the speeder and strapped him in carefully.
"Are you okay to stay over tonight?" she asked.
"Yes. Why?"
"Just want you here, safe." She leaned up and kissed his cheek. "Can I ask you a favour?"
"Of course."
Maze wondered what she could possibly want.
"Teach me how to use a blaster… I have a bad feeling about everything and I want to be prepared."
"Now? You've never shown any interest before."
"Things have changed."
He slipped his arms around her.
"It pays to be prepared. Tomorrow?"
"Where?"
"Let me think. I'll find somewhere."
.
Coruscant.
Lower Levels
986 days ABG
Essie stared at the sign they pulled up below. It was brightly lit.
'Rollo's Blaster Range' it was supposed to say in lights but a few flickered on and off, so it read differently at all times. 'You name the blaster, we have it.' it declared.
'All beings and droids on the targets.' In smaller unlit letters. Then, even smaller, 'No questions asked.'
Maze got out and came around to the speeder door and opened it; he frowned at Essie sat there.
"Are you coming?"
"It's a bit….."
"Rundown?" He finished for her.
"Decrepit!"
"And no questions asked."
She stared at him.
It was like being stared at by Jango making you question yourself.
"Okay!" She got out of the speeder.
He shook the feeling away.
They walked to the door, it was old and some kind of wood but this was Coruscant, so unlikely. Refuse blew along the walkway; there was a smell you didn't want to know about. A tiny window in the door flipped open and an ancient Weequay face appeared.
"Yeah?"
"We have an appointment." Maze said unconcerned.
Essie heard the sound of locks moving behind the door, then it opened inward and Maze led them in. The Weequay looked them up and down.
"Duq's expecting us." Maze stared him down.
"This way!"
They followed him down a series of dimly lit tunnels, Maze held her hand tightly. She couldn't remember when he had actually walked with her holding her hand. It felt good, normal. After a couple of minutes they emerged into a large open area, she recognised it. It was an arena.
"Maze?"
"Shhh!"
Irritation flared, no one had told her to shush since she had been at school.
The Weequay indicated the way; Maze pulled her gently towards a building that looked like a small hut.
She could see clearly that there were floating targets and makeshift screens dotted around the area. It was not as dilapidated as she first thought.
A blue skinned alien, Duros, she thought, ambled towards them with a hip rolling gait.
"Weapon. You know the rules Cap." He drawled, lazily.
Maze reluctantly handed over his blaster.
"Always liked the mods you made on this piece. I'll take care of it. Like you did my verp." He lovingly examined the weapon.
Essie was becoming a little worried about how Maze even knew this person. He was shady to say the least. She thought some of Nat's friends were a little on the wrong side of the law and this person fit into that category perfectly.
"So this is the lil' lady?" He drawled, even slower.
His eyes swept up and down her several times; she had to stop herself shivering and straightened up in defiance. Maze took a step in front.
"Yes. And a word of warning," he leant in closer and spoke lower. "You get too close her, she'll yank your genitals off, and stuff them down your throat."
"Good at close quarters eh? Is she up for a match?"
"Retired and needs to expand her repertoire."
The Duros lit up a death stick, watching Maze closely.
"Sure!" He drawled, "Anytime you want to get some more training in, just call." He flicked over a flimzi business card to her; she caught it.
"Range Five— the blasters are ready for you. Happy shooting."
Maze pulled her with him as he stalked away.
"Who the Kriff was that?" Asked Essie as they reached Range Five.
"Duq— low level crime boss trying to move up but failing. Me and Stone did him a favour a while back, kept in touch. He's been useful—so far."
"Anything else I should know?"
"Don't be in a room alone with him."
"Or I'll have to yank his balls off, or whatever they have."
"I'm fairly sure they do have balls, somewhere." Maze grinned, as he led her onto the range and the blasters that had been left for them. He picked each one up, examined it carefully, ensuring the safety was on.
Essie watched him totally engrossed in his task, knowing these blasters inside out.
"Do you know how to use all these blasters?" They all looked different to her.
"Of course. It's my job. It could be the difference between life and death not knowing how to use one." He put the last one down.
"Have you ever used a blaster?"
"No!" She shook her head. "Nat wanted to teach me when I was about fourteen but Sol was having none of it; they had a huge argument. She insisted it wasn't safe."
"Hmm!" He picked up a fairly small blaster and handed it to her.
"How old were you when you held your first blaster?" She asked.
"Two chronological years, four biological years. Enough manual dexterity at that age."
Essie nearly dropped the blaster.
"Four?" She repeated incredulously.
"Hu-huh." He replied as if it were normal. It was for him. "So which is your dominant hand?"
She lifted her right hand.
"Place your other hand against the grip. This is your support hand, and it gives you further support and leverage against any recoil."
He moved her hand around one of the smallest blasters and then positioned her dominant hand.
"Is it comfortable? You're not struggling to reach the trigger?"
She flexed her forefinger and shook her head.
"Good! Now your stance." He twisted her to face the targets.
"Your feet should be shoulder width apart, and knees slightly bent."
He moved behind her. And raised her arms.
"Your arms should be straight out, slightly bent at the elbows, and the blaster nowhere near your face."
She planted her feet on the ground and bounced from the knees. Hitting him in the groin with her back side. She was enjoying this part.
He cleared his throat, "Good!" Then he moved to one side. "Not bad." He added. "You're going to shoot at target number three. Aim at the centre of the body mass."
She squinted.
"Now fire!"
She pressed the trigger and a burst of blaster fire shot out and passed the target.
Maze suppressed a smile. "You had your eyes closed. Let's try again. With your eyes open."
She squinted again.
"Fire!"
She pressed the trigger and the blaster shot missed the target again, going wide.
"Aiming with both eyes open is impossible, so you need to aim with your dominant eye."
She nodded.
"Keep the front and back sights of your blaster aligned. Don't move your hands when you shoot. Ready?"
"Yes."
"Fire when ready."
She aimed and fired. The blaster shot hit the target, she saw dust emerge from it.
Maze pulled the target over to look at it.
"Better!"
She had hit the edge of the target.
He sent it back out.
"Focus your eyes on the blaster. As you aim, you'll need to look at the rear sight, front sight, and target but you can't focus on all three at once."
She looked up at him, "Now I'm confused."
"To aim the blaster properly, you need to make sure that your eyes are focused on the sights and not the target."
"Really confused!"
"The target should look blurry…."
"Was I blurry when you shot Perrive?" She asked.
"That was different. That was a verp. A projectile and sniper weapon. Different techniques."
She nodded, "Okay, go on."
"You should still be able to see the target but it should be in the background and look less crisp than the blaster sight. You should focus on your front sight, that one lets you know what your relative position to the target is."
Essie was quiet.
"Do you understand?"
"I think so."
"Right, let's try again. Remember this takes practice. But this time I want you to keep shooting— five shots. Ready?"
"Yes!"
"Stance. Blaster up. Aim. Fire!"
She fired the blaster shot —one, two, three , four , five blaster shots hit the target.
She lowered the blaster and put the safety on.
Maze pulled the target towards them.
"Not pretty. Very uneven. But you would have taken him down."
"That was weird."
He pulled her to him.
"We'll make a shooter of you yet. But you need to practice."
His hand wrapped gently around her neck as he kissed her.
.