**Chapter 648**
**Scene 1**
**Dorin Orbit**
**Dagon POV**
The battle for Dorin had been swift but costly. The local defense fleet had lost three Venators and two Accumulators in the opening minutes of the engagement, their hulls burning as they fell toward the planet's turbulent atmosphere. Several transport ships had managed to land on the surface, delivering much-needed reinforcements to the Kel Dor capital, but the orbital fight had left scars across the system.
I stood on the bridge of the *Olympus Mons*, watching the aftermath through the viewport. Debris from destroyed droid fighters and shattered CIS frigates drifted lazily in the void, illuminated by the eerie glow of Dorin's twin black holes.
"Deploy the 5 Warden-class Dropships and 27 Skelters," I ordered. "Priority is protecting the capital. Eliminate any remaining droid forces before they reach the surface."
The Warden dropships launched immediately, their reinforced hulls cutting through the thin atmosphere as they descended. Accompanying them were 27 R-6 Skelters, sleek and deadly, tearing through the last pockets of Vulture droids and Hyena bombers. Within minutes, the droid ground forces were neutralized before they could threaten the Kel Dor population centers.
"Order twenty Venators and ten Dauntless-class Accumulators to remain in Dorin orbit," I continued. "They will provide added protection until the sector is stabilized."
The fleet responded with crisp efficiency. Dorin was secure for now.
**Scene 2**
**Olympus Mons – Bridge**
**Admiral Grace O'Connor POV**
Grace O'Connor watched the tactical display with a mix of pride and lingering worry. The battle had lasted less than thirty minutes, a testament to Dagon's decisive leadership and the fleet's coordination. As the last CIS ships were destroyed or forced to retreat, she allowed herself a small, relieved smile.
"Excellent start, wouldn't you say, Admiral?" Dagon asked, stepping up beside her. His white hair and crimson-black eyes still sent a small thrill through her every time she saw them.
"Yes, sir," Grace replied, her voice a little too enthusiastic. "The battle lasted less than thirty minutes. Our losses were minimal compared to what the enemy suffered."
Dagon studied her for a moment, his expression softening. "Grace… can I see you in my office?"
Grace's heart skipped a beat. She nodded quickly. "Of course, General."
**Scene 3**
**Olympus Mons – Grand Master's Private Office**
**Dagon POV**
The door to my private office hissed shut behind us. The room was dimly lit, with a large viewport overlooking the stars and the ongoing fleet maneuvers. I leaned against the desk, studying Grace as she stood before me.
*Oh, Zeltrons are so odd,* I thought. *Normally you wouldn't think a species like this would have so much Force sensitivity, but for some reason the three around me seem to be there.*
"Tell me, O'Connor," I said calmly. "Why did you join the army? It's not like you, is it?"
Grace hesitated, then smiled softly. "I suppose I'm not a typical Zeltron. I've always wanted to live an unusual life — not like everyone else. I wanted new experiences, you could say… something more lasting."
I crossed my arms, watching her carefully. "Grace, why are you interested in me? Not that I mind, but you're extremely beautiful and had top scores. You were offered promotion while at Coruscant eight times but chose to stay. I mean… am I really that interesting?"
Grace stepped closer, her pink skin glowing faintly. "To be honest, it was originally me and Sumeragi, but that was just between friends — a gift we normally share. But lately it no longer feels that way because Sumeragi and a fellow admiral are now together."
She took another step, her voice lowering. "Basically… we Zeltrons experience and express emotions more deeply than most other species — to such an extent that someone from another race may find contact with us somewhat… overwhelming. An aroused Zeltron will rarely consider 'no' a valid answer and will be upset until all such possibilities are exhausted. This is especially true when it comes to races with certain abilities, including empathic or telepathic ones."
Grace's eyes met mine, intense and vulnerable. "You often refused me — not that I ever offered… well, yes. It is customary for mature Zeltrons to 'give love' at that age. Besides, the woman must be the first, because we are more skilled in such matters. Moreover, such pleasure is considered purer and more tender among us. But around you the first time awakened something that has been… eating at me. Like I could feel more. See more."
*Damn,* I thought. *I noticed the girls have been getting stronger. I was sure it was just their training, but lately… perhaps it's not just the girls. It's me. Sharing body fluids or the soul bond… well, to be honest, you can't get more intimate.*
"So where does that leave us?" I started to ask.
Grace didn't let me finish. She moved with surprising speed, crawling over the desk and pulling me into a deep, hungry kiss. Her lips were soft and warm, tasting of sweet spice and raw desire. Her hands gripped my shoulders as she pressed her body against mine, the heat of her Zeltron passion radiating through the Force bond like a flame.
I returned the kiss, my hands sliding down her back to pull her closer. Grace moaned softly into my mouth, her fingers tangling in my white hair as the kiss deepened. The bond flared between us, amplifying every touch, every breath, every heartbeat.
When we finally broke apart, both of us breathing heavily, Grace looked at me with half-lidded eyes, her skin glowing a deep, passionate red.
"I don't want to be just your officer anymore," she whispered. "I want to be yours."
I smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Then stay."
The office door remained locked as the fleet continued its journey, the war momentarily forgotten in the warmth of the moment.