"Vi! You're bleeding!" Karaay shouted in surprise. Causing Astrid to spot the red bandage on her forehead.

"You should see the other guy," Mak smiled as he lightly elbowed Melinoe.

"What the hell happened?" Karaay pressed. "It was meant to be a political visit!"

"I acted accordingly," Melinoe said vaguely.

"Mother of Sols, you didn't beat up the Duchess, did you?" Karaay panicked.

"Your sister-in-law? No," Melinoe rolled her eyes at him. "Thanks for forgetting to mention that little fun fact, by the way."

Karaay looked to Mak and then back to Melinoe. "Who... who told you?"

"Antonella," Melinoe frowned. As if just saying her name brought back bad memories.

Astrid listens in confusion. She wasn't sure why Lady Vi Vi meeting Big Ray Ray's sister was such a big deal.

"I was surprised," Mak added. "I was expecting to see some real Sith rage because of how much Antonella was pushing her the whole trip there."

"Wait, so what happened?" Karaay asked in confusion.

Mak explained how, while heading to Mandalore so the Duchess Satine could properly meet all the chosen candidates, Antonella had spent time trying to rile Melinoe up. Bringing up how Karaay had been keeping secrets from her, saying it was for the best that someone else trained Jaks.

The thing was, Melinoe didn't seem to listen to the other's taunts. She didn't even seem to be paying attention at all. Eventually, Antonella lost her patience. She had tried to grab Melinoe to get her to face them. Only to get a force push in return. In a moment of rage Antonella threw a vase at Melinoe's head.

It was more jumbo Astrid didn't quite get.

"I figured you'd be able to stop that easily?" Karaay said. Seemingly getting invested in the story.

"I wanted to see what would happen if Cordelia saw," Melinoe shrugged her shoulders.

"Oh, Sols," Karaay groaned as he placed his head in his hand.

"Did she get mad?" Astrid asked Melinoe. Wanting to be included somehow.

"Have any of your carers ever told you they're not mad, just disappointed?" Melinoe asked back.

"Couple of times, yeah," Astrid shuttered at the memories.

"It was a bit like that," Melinoe gave her a small smile.

"Antonella was like a hairless Stalker in the storm," Mak joked to Karaay.

"Speaking of Stalkers-" Karaay said. Looking to Astrid.

The girl let out a gasp. "I found something amazing! Way more than the big hole!"

Melinoe gave the girl a confused look. The children had told everyone about their bet, but Melinoe didn't seem to understand why Astrid was telling her now.

It had certainly been a whirlwind couple of days for everyone, and Melinoe was no exception.

Ever since she found out Sestu wasn't accepting the offer for candidate Melinoe had been on edge. Antonella's pettiness wasn't stopping, and Melinoe hated the thought of the woman being an Overseer. Not just of Nkua Etana.

There was that Pyke, Meca. At least he actually lived in the region, but given the behaviour and the nonsense Antonella had been pulling... Well, Melinoe never did like taking chances.

Melinoe was surprised to find that she was somewhat familiar with the scenarios she found herself in. The meetings, political plans and mandates. Everything she had witnessed in detail during her time as a Sith spy. She never expected that time in her life to help her during all this.

The meeting with the Duchess of Mandalore had been unexpected on Melinoe's part. From her understanding, it wasn't something that happened often. Sure the reigning monarch would regularly meet with official overseers, but to request the presence of potential overseers (and to a new minor Sept as well) was strange to many people.

Melinoe would later suspect that it had something to do with Karaay. She didn't know the details, but Karaay was connected to the Duchess' brother in some way. The wording had been vague and confusing, but there was definitely bad blood between the two.

During the ride to Astrid's discovery, Melinoe kept looking over at Karaay. She wanted to ask several different questions at once.

"I know you're upset-" Karaay started to say.

"I'm not upset, just confused," Melinoe told him with a frown.

"I swear, it wasn't... I didn't mean to keep it from you. It just never came up."

Melinoe let out a sigh. The Duchess hadn't said anything about Karaay directly during their meeting, but Melinoe did notice that she seemed perturbed when Melinoe gave her a rundown on her current staffing. Mostly notably Ruta, Mak and none other than Karaay.

She was no stranger to bad blood between people and would be lying if she said she wasn't curious. Much to her disappointment, she had other things to attend to. More important things than old family feuds.

"We're here!" The driver shouted from the front of the snow truck. The group, including Melinoe, Karaay, Astrid and their driver, made their way into another entrance to the cave.

Melinoe looked in amazement as she was led deeper into the cave. A couple of spotlights lit up the cavern. All pointed at the frozen behemoth.

"Oh, this is amazing!" Melinoe said in awe. Causing Astrid to fidget around with joy.

"How long has it been in there? How many teeth is that?" Melinoe started adamantly asking.

One of the Marazi that had been keeping an eye on the creature made her way over to Melinoe. "By my estimate, it's been there for nearly 1000 years. This kind of Levithan, well, it's the most intact anyone has seen of this species in that amount of time. And teeth? Nearby 240. That's just guesswork at this point."

"Is it alive?" Melinoe wondered out loud. Not noticing Karaay and Astrid smiling at her.

"I don't think so," The chance of that is... very low," The Marazi explained in a way that reminded one of a teacher.

"But, there's a chance?" Melinoe continued looking at the leviathan. It had a similar shape to a frog. Only with many rows of teeth, huge claws and dark purple rough-looking skin. Melinoe had seen the local leviathans before, but none were like this one.

There was something strange about it. Something that Melinoe didn't mention to the others. It was faint, almost impossible to sense, but Melinoe could feel the Force coming from this creature. Some kind of ancient energy older than any of them could hope to be.

"How do we go about this?" Melinoe asked the Marazi. Looking at her but keeping her hands on the ice the creature was trapped in.

"That all depends on how the Overseer wants to go about this," The Marazi told her.

"Right," Melinoe answered. Suddenly snapping out of her delight and remembering what was going on.

"Did I do good?" Astrid asked. Tugging on Melinoe's coat.

Melinoe kneeled to the girl and smiled. "I guarantee this will win you that bet."

The alien let out a squeal. Dancing around the cave as if it were Life Day.

Karaay would later jokingly accuse of only getting invested in being an Overseer after finding out the Frozen Levithan. Melinoe denied this. It was definitely part of the reason, but it was only a small part of why she had committed herself to the role.

She had started to care about these individuals. Especially after Obani. She didn't know when it happened exactly, but the thought of someone abusing these beings as Horne had. It made her blood boil.

As predicted, Antonella's plans for being Overseer didn't go well. When beings heard she had been starting fights with other candidates, she lost a lot of favour.

The day had come for voting, and with that, Astrid's crowning of the winner of the bet. The others had been good sports about it. Especially Jaks, to Melinoe's surprise. They had even made her a crown. A frail one of shells.

Melinoe would later joke that Astrid took it with all the grace the Sith hoped to have when she accepted the title of Overseer.

The Sith had ended up voting for Meca. She had found him to be quite charming when she spoke to him. She thought that if she did become Overseer, it wouldn't be a bad idea to offer him a position on her council. He was bright and knew the protocol. It could be a useful asset.

Time passed; The votes were counted, the Levithan somewhat forgotten by the people, and Astrid moved in with Naree and Uka officially.

It had been a strange calm. Especially given how much had happened in the past year. Melinoe tried to enjoy it. Knowing that everything would only get busier.

But of course, Melinoe's version of enjoying the quiet; Somehow involved setting up research for the mystery frost beast.

"Lady Lanami, why are you spending the day here?" One of the Marazi who had volunteered for the research team asked.

"What else would I be doing?" Melinoe asked back. Somewhat hypothetically.

"I... I thought maybe you'd be getting ready for the inauguration."

"I didn't want to leave you with all the work," Melinoe's voice echoed through the cave. "Ruta can handle me being a bit late."

"Well, we only have the security system to active, and we can start heading back."

"Excellent," Melinoe nodded.

At first, the others didn't understand why Melinoe wanted the cave to be hidden away from the public. While most of the Marazi on the island knew about the Levithan, only a select group of people from other Septs knew about it.

Melinoe justified herself by saying it was the best way to learn more about the creature. A part of her worried that if officials from Mandalore found out about them, they would be torn from the ice and be put in a compromised state with several different jars.

She wanted the beast to be studied in its natural state. Not in some lab in another system.

The drive back to the Sept often made Melinoe of the possibilities the island had to offer. The Frozen Levithan was one of many secrets. So much of the island was unexplored. What other creatures made this place their home over the years? Her mind was brimming with the possibilities.

When Melinoe and the research group made it back, Ruta was waiting for the Sith. Giving Melinoe a look the Sith was not used to seeing from the seamstress.

"You were meant to meet me this morning," Ruta scolded her. Her arms crossed in an annoyed manner.

"I sent you a message," Melinoe tried to defend herself.

"Yeah, but changing plans at the last minute isn't a good look for an Overseer!" Ruta pointed out. "I need to get you ready. Come on."

Melinoe silently followed Ruta up the steps and back inside.

"I picked a name for my ship," Melinoe told her. Trying to distract Ruta from how upset she was.

Ruta paused. Deciding whether to take Melinoe's bait. "What did you pick?" She asked quietly.

"I was thinking Corundum," Melinoe told her.

Ruta crossed her arms. Begrudgingly admitting she liked it. "Like the crystal. How all our ship classes are named."

The Sith nodded her head. Happy that Ruta worked out her reasoning.

Melinoe felt like it was better to let Ruta go about her process when it came to getting her ready. She wasn't gonna pretend she knew what she was doing when it came to dressing fancy. She knew how to dress for the situation, but not as if she was a person in power.

"Someone was trying to suggest putting you in this one grey dress," Ruta explained as she applied a few last touches of makeup to Melinoe's face. "But it's not a funeral, for Sols' sake."

"No, of course not," Melinoe humoured the younger woman. She kept her eyes shut so as not to get powder in them. She liked the dark night-like colours Ruta had chosen. She was amazing at these things. Melinoe could hardly comprehend it.

"I'm starting to think that half the Mandalorians don't bother to learn anything about our-" Ruta suddenly stopped when there was a beep at the door. "Who is it?"

"Duchess Kryze = here to discuss some things with Lady Melinoe," Teeseven beeped on the other side of the door informed them.

Melinoe opened one eye in surprise. While Ruta looked around in a panic. "The Overseer is still getting ready."

"Duchess = insistent," Teeseven told her in a rather aggressive way.

"Oh well, if the Duchess is insistent," Ruta muttered quite enough for only Melinoe to hear. She rushed back and forth. Not quite sure what to do. "You're not even dressed yet."

"It's alright, Ruta," Melinoe said as she placed a hand on Ruta's arm. "I'll speak to her for a few minutes. Then you can get back to getting me ready."

Ruta didn't seem convinced but relented. She didn't want to waste any more time. "Tell her she has five minutes."

"T7 = Understand," The voice said. Despite not physically being able to roll his eyes, the droid would be doing it if he could.

A minute later, a tall blonde woman entered the room. Dressed in an elegant blue and gold dress. She held her head high as nodded to Ruta, and then looked Melinoe in the eyes. "Juhani, Lady Melinoe."

"I'm surprised to see you again so soon, Duchess," Melinoe stated while Ruta gave the duchess an grumpy look.

"I'm just going to make sure your ensemble is ready, Overseer. Call me if you need me." Ruta told Melinoe. Who gave her a smile and a nod.

The two were left alone. Melinoe looked up at the Duchess for a moment. "What can I do for you?"

"I'm just looking for a chance to speak to you one-on-one," Kryze smiled. "The last time I saw you, there was that awful gash on your head."

"It was just a small slash," Melinoe shrugged.

"You look lovely," Kryze gestured to the smokey makeup.

"I haven't even gotten a chance to look at myself," Melinoe said. Lifting her arms up. Showing the temporary white garments. "I'm sorry to come off as rude, but you surely could have waited until after the inauguration if you were just interested in the cut on my head."

Kryze let out a small yet surprised laugh. "You're very to the point, Lady Lanami. I wanted to give you some friendly advice."

Melinoe didn't say anything. Just raised her eyebrow.

"An important part of being a leader is knowing who to trust," Kryze explained. "And I wanted to warn you. Karaay and his family will only disappoint you."

"That's quite the statement. Does this have something to do with your brother?" Melinoe asked curiously.

Kryze's eyes widened. "How did, how do you know about Adonis?"

"I don't know the whole story, but to be frank with you, whatever your relationship is with Karaay, the Juhanis or Mak, it doesn't affect the skills, and loyal they've shown to me."

"I understand that, but they're just... horrible things happen when they're involved."

"Horrible things happen regardless of whoever's involved, Duchess. There's not much we can do about it."

"Well, that's true," Kryze nodded, but it was clear she wasn't happy that Melinoe was dismissing her. "Please just consider."

"I considered them months ago," Melinoe explained. "Ruta will stay head of textiles, Karaay will mostly likely be my second in command, and I'll be training Jaks and the other children."

"What?" Kryze asked. Somewhat stunned. "Training? In the ways of the Force, you mean?"

Melinoe paused for a moment. Realising what she just said. "Yes, exactly."

The Duchess seemed to be processing the statement. She silently got up from her chair. "That is... interesting news."

Melinoe once again chose to say nothing. There wasn't anything she wanted to say to the Duchess. Her mind was more focused on the confessions she had just made.

"I suppose I will see you after the inauguration," Kryze nodded before leaving the room with a concerned look.

Right as she did this, Ruta made her way back in.

"How much did you hear?" Melinoe asked her.

"Nothing... everything," Ruta fiddled with a makeup brush. "I... I'm glad to hear about the training."

Melinoe placed a finger on her temple. "I've been thinking about it for the last few days. I just don't know why she was the first person I told."

Ruta smiled and started lifting Melinoe's hair up. "I appreciate you defending us."

Melinoe let out a sigh. "I was just speaking my mind. Something I've been doing a surprising amount lately."

The rest of the dressing process went on without a hitch, thankfully. Within the hour was dressed in a tasteful black dress with silver embroidery. A matching coat that was lined with snow stalker fur along the collar. The final touches are Melinoe's hair tied up in a loose bun. Held in place by a clip designed to look like sea coral.

The entire walk over the main hall, Melinoe's hands wouldn't stop shaking. She hated it. She had trained in the ways of the dark her whole life, and she was getting nervous over a speech. It was ridiculous.

About hundred or so beings had gathered in the assembly hall in the northern base. It was starting to dawn on Melinoe that it would be her job to protect these beings. To keep them housed, healthy and safe. A part of her didn't believe she should be here. She didn't deserve a position like this. That Kaaray was much better for the position of Overseer.

Despite her own guilt and doubt, she knew the beings of the Nkua Etana Sept had chosen her to represent them. She would do right by them. Especially after everything they had done for her.

"How you feeling?" Kaaray asked as she peaked around the corner.

"Like I'm gonna be sick," Melinoe sighed.

"Yeah, you've just gonna push through that," Kaaray assured her.

"For how long?"

"Until the people decide you're no longer fit and elect another Overseer," Kaaray joked.

Melinoe took a deep breath. Deciding not to prolong this any longer. She stepped out onto the elevated stage. Looking over the inhabitants. Along with some visitors Melinoe didn't recognise.

The moments started to blur together as Melinoe walked up to the representative. They started running through the mandates Melinoe needed to agree to.

The Sith would be expected to represent the people. Relaying information to the Mandalorian Council and making sure everything runs smoothly. Finally, she swore her life to protect the beings of Nkua Etana.

Once the representative seemed satisfied, they handed Melinoe staff. A dark Silver one decorated with cravings of various sea life. And on top was a symbol that looked similar to the one on Eglantine's pendant. The now official symbol of the Sept. A black star with eight points.

"People of Nkua Etana, the first Overseer of Nkua Etana Sept," the representative announced. Causing many people to start cheering with joy. "Is there anything you'd like to say?"

Melinoe looked towards the people. Hopeful looks on nearly every face. "In the months I've been here, I've come to understand that a Sept isn't a place. It's the beings that helped create it. Every one of you is here because you believe we can build something exceptional. I believe this too. Together we will succeed."

Some of the beings seemed to be a bit caught off guard by the short speech.

"I also believe that actions speak louder than words, so I will leave it at that. Please enjoy the celebrations."

That was it. The start of Melinoe's time as Overseer. As instructed, the night was spent celebrating. The Sith was pulled all around the room by different beings congratulating her. Asking what she had planned for the Sept. She eventually found herself standing with Cordelia.

"Overseer Lanami!" Cordelia greeted with outstretched arms. "Congratulations!"

The Overseer accepted the hug with a soft smile. "I'm glad you could make it today, Overseer Obriv."

Cordelia smiled proudly. "How are you feeling?"

"To be honest, very all over the place," Melinoe shrugged. "I think my part of me is still processing what's going on."

Cordelia nodded in agreement and let out a small laugh. "I remember that feeling... Come with me; there are some people I'd like you to meet."

Cordelia linked her arm with Melinoe's and guided her over to a group of people Melinoe hadn't seen before. Several women who all seemed to be of high standing. Judging from their elegant clothes and the ways they held themselves.

"These are some friends of mine," Cordelia explained, then turned to the others. "You all know the Overseer, obviously."

"Of course," A tall, dark-haired woman greeted. "Pleased to meet you, Lady Lanami. I am Senator Ziv Fraillin of Baethea."

Despite being somewhat confused, Melinoe took the other woman's hand to shake. "It's nice to meet some of Lady Obriv's friends."

"We were all very curious to meet you," Fraillin said. "Cordelia has spoken highly of you these last few months."

"Has she?" Melinoe asked. Looking Cordelia in the face as she did. Who just sweetly smiled in response.

Cordelia went around the group. Naming each of the women for Melinoe. A few of them piqued Melinoe's interest.

Mainly: the previously introduced Senator Ziv Fraillin, Monarch Leyarra Solntse, and Princess Bryn Organa. Even a former queen of Naboo, Cori'iana Sanandrassa. All people in very high positions of power who had no real need to be present for this kind of event.

"I've heard this region has caused a lot of trouble in the past. Must have been a real challenge," Leya wondered.

"The wildlife has given us some trouble, yes, but nothing we can't handle," Melinoe answered in a very straightforward manner. "The facilities have been great assets for us. We're hoping to have a few more research teams set up soon."

"That's not the only purpose of this place, is it?" An unnamed woman asked. "Aren't most of the residents former resort workers?"

"Yes, around half of the people here relocated after the Horne Company was shut down."

"Why here?" Princess Organa asked.

"An important member of their community came to Marazi after the mess cleared up. I suggested he go to Nkua Etana and most of his people followed after him." Cordelia clarified.

"Weren't the two of you there?" Someone questioned.

"We stumbled into it when evidence of the company's misconduct was given to us." Melinoe confirmed.

The ladies seemed to get invested in the story as Melinoe and Cordelia further explained the events. It all led to finding out more about Melinoe's background.

"What were you doing before you came to Marazi if you don't mind me asking?" Sanandrassa asked with genuine intrigue.

"Wandering aimlessly for the most part," Melinoe told her with a hint of sadness. "At some point, I remembered an old friend that talked about this planet a lot. I didn't have anywhere else to go, so I came here."

"Well, I would say that decision caused quite the stir," Princess Organa smiled. "The Duchess seemed taken aback by it. From what others have told me at least."

"And the rumours," Someone shook their head. "Saying from you're the Deep Core and that you've trained in the ways of the Jedi."

Melinoe let out a loud laugh. She couldn't help it. The thought of someone thinking she was a Jedi was hysterical to her. "Oh, dear."

"So it's not true, then?"

"I can assure you all I'm no Jedi."

"But what abo-"

"Lady Vi!" Jaks shouted as he and Astrid came running up to her. "Come dance with us!"

Melinoe smiled at them. Quickly turning back to the others. "Excuse me; this needs my attention."

They all seemed to understand. Letting Melinoe be guided away by the children. The dancing amounted to the three of them holding hands and spinning around in a circle. Jaks and Astrid seemed to be enjoying themselves, so Melinoe didn't question it.

"Dad wanted to talk to you," Jaks mentioned offhandedly.

"He did?" Melinoe mused.

"He was gonna find you later tonight. He was talking about it with my mums and Vana and Oriana's dad," Astrid confirmed.

Melinoe let out a thoughtful hum. No doubt Ruta had already told Karaay about her encounter with the Duchess earlier that day.

They were standing near one of the windows when Melinoe found them. She watched them from across the room. The group of parents weren't hard to find. They had all been wandering around in a pack all night. From a distance, it looked a little bit silly. Melinoe off handly thought to herself that they wouldn't be becoming spies anytime soon.

With the expectation of Uka. Who was doing a decent job at sneaking up behind her.

"Lady Juhani," Melinoe greeted as Uka walked up behind her.

"What gave me away?" Uka smirked.

"I think anyone would agree you have a loud presence." Melinoe told her. While thanks to the force Melinoe sensed her coming from a while away, there was some truth to her statement. Uka was the kind of person that had total confidence in herself. This is something Melinoe would come to admire about her.

"I'll take that as a compliment," Uka happily shrugged. "But that's not what I'm here about."

"Ruta told you," Melinoe asked. Looking towards the parents. "You all want to talk about the children."

Uka smiled. Wrapping her arm around Melinoe's shoulder and guiding her across the dance floor. She and the others found themselves away from the party. In the same meeting room, Melinoe and Karaay had last talked about training.

Melinoe paced back and forth. All four of them looked at her with big doe-like eyes.

Jaks Karaay Snr, Sestu 'daki, Juhani Naree and Uka. All beings she trusted to varying degrees.

"I will train your children." As they heard this, the parents' faces lit up.

"But there is something I want to make clear," Melinoe turned her head to look at the parents. A grim look on her face. "I am not a Jedi. I'm not here to raise your children into noble warriors. I will be upfront with them. It's not always going to be what they want to hear. I will push them if I feel that's what's suitable for their training. I won't baby them; there will be times when I'm harsh. They will eventually have to choose their own paths."

The lot of them listened intently. Varying looks of consideration appeared on their faces.

"They'll come to understand the nature of the force under my guidance. I'll teach them, not coddle them."

Karaay turned his head to the others. Wanting their permission to speak. They all seemed content with Melinoe's stance. "That's similar to what we were hoping for."

"Very well," Melinoe mused. "Why don't we discuss details tomorrow-"

Before the Sith could continue, the door swung open. Four familiar children rushed into the room. Each ran to their respective parents. Shouting at them to come to see something.

"It's so pretty, dad!" Vana gushed to Sestu as Oriana pulled him by the arm. "I've never seen anything like it!"

"Okay, okay, I'll come look," Sestu laughed.

Vana started looking around the room. Wanting everyone to come to see the lights in the sky. They complied. Charmed by the girl who rarely showed this much outward excitement.

The group was led out to one of the many balconies. Many Marazi were already gathered there. Looking up at the night sky. Lit up with ribbons made of light. A brilliant mix of bright greens, oranges and pinks left everyone in amazement.

Auroras weren't uncommon in the region, but the one above seemed to be one of the bigger ones the lot of them had seen. It was definitely the first one Vana and Oriana had never seen.

"I didn't know there was this much colour in the whole galaxy." Vana smiled. Melinoe couldn't help but smile back at her.

Melinoe didn't know how long they all spent looking at the sky that night. There was a sense of calm across the whole Sept. She didn't know what the future held but felt confident journeying ahead with these beings.

And so Melinoe's time as a teacher began. Only, she hadn't met all of her apprentices yet. Unknown to her, there was another waiting light years away. A girl not much older than the others. Living on a different water world with her adoptive father and brother.

Unlike Obi-Wan, Melinoe is brave enough for politics.

A massive thank you to

MissHiraeth98

arrthurpendragon

radiantwinds

margoshanson

for letting me cameo their characters in this story! I genuinely love all their stories, and it made me, so gitty getting to include your OCs.

Thank you so much for reading this part of the story. I know I've stuffed a lot of info in a very small book, and that a lot of people aren't into reading stories that don't take place during the movie/show.

So plans for moving forward: I'm currently working on a Wolf Among Us story. While writing that one, I'll be brainstorming for Force of Nature: Attack of the Clones. I'm not sure when I'll start writing because there are other stories I should be giving attention to.

I will say that I'm really excited to get to Clone Wars because I get finally write for Mar Fett and the Melinoe/Cody romance. 

07/03/2023 - Some lines have been adjusted due to changes with the Karaay Family