After dealing with the immediate problems, I remembered my intention to speak with O'Connor. The issue had to be resolved, not postponed indefinitely. To avoid being caught off guard, I decided to fill in the gaps in my knowledge about the Zeltrons. I found the relevant material on my datapad—a collection of short reference articles that every Jedi possessed. After all, a protocol droid was not always close at hand.
Hmm. If any species could be called the embodiment of friendliness, it was the Zeltrons. Their openness extended to everyone they met, and it certainly did not end with a simple handshake. To call Zeltrons "promiscuous" would be as much an understatement as calling space "a bunch of stars," and the Zeltrons themselves took pride in this trait. Promiscuity was neither taboo nor condemned on Zeltros, and monogamy was often regarded as old-fashioned—a passing fad. However, for them, there were practically no boundaries between the sexes, and age also did not play a decisive role. From an "Earth" perspective, they might be labeled complete perverts, yet in the wider Galaxy, their behavior was considered entirely normal.
Moreover, Zeltrons were empaths and strove to resolve all conflicts peacefully—and, needless to say, they were remarkably successful at it. Believe it or not, Zeltros has neither an army nor even law enforcement. Once, enemies had attempted to invade the planet… and the Zeltrons responded by throwing a magnificent feast, in which the invaders themselves took the most active part. Such is the atmosphere of joy and pleasure there.
Here, however, the Force also had to be taken into account—more precisely, midi-chlorians. The greater their concentration in the blood, the stronger the Zeltrons' effect on others. Female Zeltrons, however, possessed greater abilities than their male counterparts. The most skilled among them—the Zeltron courtesans known as cafarel—were highly valued throughout the Galaxy. They sought to satisfy virtually any physical desire. Many crime lords, Hutts in particular, took a keen interest in these masters of pleasure. And since the Hutts paid extremely well, the kafarel usually did not object to such contracts.
From this arose a couple of good questions that needed to be put to O'Connor. Soon enough, the right opportunity presented itself…
***
Entering the elevator, the girl found General Vikt already inside. He turned toward her.
"I'd like to talk to you."
Judging by his tone, this was not an official conversation—the voice was far too different.
"About what, sir?"
"About you… and about Ahsoka."
"K-ha—kha." Grace coughed. "She… told you?"
"There was no need."
"…?"
"There is something like an empathic bond between us… no, more like a telepathic one. We can communicate without words, see what the other sees, feel each other's emotions," the Jedi explained.
"So that's why I got so carried away!" the girl exclaimed.
"Mmm?" The Jedi looked at her expectantly, and the Zeltron elaborated.
"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."
"Why did you approach her in the first place? I thought you and Sumeragi—"
"It was a gift."
"A gift?!"
"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…"
"Hm… Didn't you think it could hurt her?.."
"You're mistaken, General. Our empathic abilities prevent us from being cruel or causing pain, because we would feel it ourselves. Personal pleasure is always diminished if others are not equally satisfied. That is why every Zeltron has a strong reason to treat others kindly. We even have a saying: 'He who causes pain will feel it first, and he who denies pleasure will be the first to lose it.' Therefore, I would never cause her pain…"
Silence followed. Then the elevator doors slid open. Realizing this was her floor, Grace stepped forward—but the Jedi's voice stopped her.
"Tell me, O'Connor. Why did you join the army? It's not like you, is it?"
Grace turned around. The Jedi was leaning against the wall of the cabin, studying her intently. She froze for a moment, then replied:
"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."