A/N: And it has officially commenced! Now I can't say this story will be updated on a schedule. I am taking my loving time with this piece. I don't wish to rush, and I really do love to world build. So, ahem, let me lay out the details here to those confused.

The opening crawl in the previous chapter, was an opening to this story. It is set in an AU loosely based off canon in certain pieces. So, don't be confused it you notice any jumps. Also, some Legends are sprinkled in because they're my favorite and to me are canon.

I'd rather tell the event that happened instead of just mentioning it, as you will soon see. Anakin has not yet been discovered. This is a year before Phantom of the Menace and before the Invasion of Naboo with the Trade Federation.

And yes, certain details have been left out to be unveiled in the story as it progresses.

Alright, lets jump into hyperspace!

FUN FACT: Before Dexter's Diner was Diddi's café. A father and his adoptive daughter who owned the establishment were good friends with the Jedi Order including, a young Obi Wan Kenobi, Qui Gon Jinn, and even Yoda. Because they were considered a valued asset, giving the Jedi valuable information from those who frequented the establishment, it made them a target for criminals and the ilk. After his daughter married, Diddi Ordo sold the café and retreated to Core World Duneeden, home of the Cascardi Mountains. Diddi ran a private retreat there, leaving Dexter Jettster, to take over the establishment.

Renaming it Dexter's Diner

PRELUDE

34 BBY

One Year Before the Trade Federations blockade:

The Invasion of Naboo…

Coruscant

Glaring, large stalagmites rose high into the artificial skies and dominated the capital of the Republic, Coruscant. Obscuring the natural formations, in which the planet possessed long ago. Air filtered through oxygen regulators, ecological water preserved in artificial aquifers, and any organic source of life, preserved in climate-change museums and biomes.

As the cadence of lights dimmed into night, balls of gas from physical stars, glimmered through the metallic glare of orbital mirrors. It set apart the Core World from others, giving off a silvery refraction that often caught the apt attention of seasoned pilots and off-worlders.

It was the central intergalactic headquarters for governmental and cultural affluences, amassing over 5,000 levels, and some of which, buried over thousands of years, through an evolution of technological advances.

Skylanes were provided for air traffic, set with auto navigations systems to prevent collisions. Thousands of speeders, freighters, and transports looped through an endless, continuous bustle of traffic for over the one trillion, sentient beings that belonged to the homeworld.

As the capital's elites expanded their positions in higher altitudes erecting an abundance of opulent, cultural monoliths, fine arts, and politics, those of less fortune, were pushed down into the dwellings of Coruscant's underbelly. Considered to be the most dangerous and crime infested. And while the wealthy civilizations above breathed purified air, the lower levels were subjected to the toxic fumes of factories and space vehicular wastes.

This, often troubled Jedi Knight and Master, Qui Gon Jinn who continued to witness the ever-widening chasm between the rich and the poor class. But those who held high positions above were hardly educated on the underground world, unlike he. Especially, if it did not benefit their position in the Galactic Senate. And the Jedi Council, though revered as the Guardians of the Galaxy, were else tied up in political conundrums that often permeated through the Jedi Temple.

Which was another thing that troubled Qui Gon Jinn. Despite having risen in great prominence in both value and leadership to the Jedi Order, it was another reason why he didn't pursue a seat on The High Council. With a headstrong nature and a favor for risky actions, it didn't bode well for the elders. And thus, only led to deep seated disagreements.

A small whisper lingered inside of him and hinted at a thread of corruption, beginning to unravel within political factions. The Council, including Grand Master Yoda, were progressively becoming deeper entrenched into senatorial disputes.

This did not sit right with him nor in the Force.

What were they becoming? This wasn't the first time he'd questioned this and was only another reason he was going against his elders, yet again. By relying on the Force rather than seeking the counsel of his High Masters.

Much to the chagrin of young, Jedi Knight, Obi Wan Kenobi.

Congested smog hovered over the broken-up streets that crunched underfoot, through oily puddles in nerf hide boots only worn on treacherous missions. Leftover from a perilous scuffle that had taken place on an ice planet just hours before, a few grazes shone under a plethora of neon lights.

Just beyond the dark alley they walked down.

The signs ahead featured seedy displays that revealed the city's night life and it's pleasures. Which often attracted the Slythmongers, who peddled cheap narcotics in and outside the clubs.

A hint of dismay surfaced in those blue orbs. Under a slanted hood from a coarse, tawny robe, concealed shorn hair and an elongated braid of an, Apprentice. Not for the first time, Qui Gon's actions implied, indirectly, his use of the Jedi Code as a tool rather than as guidance.

It irked Obi Wan.

Any previous predilections he had for his Master, was overshadowed by their current, grim predicament. An unwilling participant in any transgressions that were against The Jedi High Council. "I, I don't understand, Master," Obi Wan began with slight hesitation, not wanting to outright displease Qui Gon with whom he revered. The unique bond they shared, developed through tumultuous missions they undertaken together, showed through his tone. "The Council would want to know about this. This could prove a danger unforeseen. Not to mention this is completely against the Jedi Code."

Qui Gon stopped in his tracks, turning to face his still, guileless Apprentice. His piercing blue eyes had wizened by many years from adhering to the Living Force, rather than austere principles. His appearance alone set him apart from many Jedi Masters. Such was the long, tresses of brown, swept half up from a broad forehead, sporting a ruggish beard that grew along the angular lines of his jaw.

The corners of Qui Gons eyes crinkled with a sterness leveled at Obi Wan. Yet, he kept his voice light of chiding. "And what would you have me do, my still very young, Apprentice?"

Obi Wan almost flinched at the scolding but straightened himself. "Forgive me, Master, I'm just troubled by your course of actions. The Council specifically stated to terminate all alchemist experiments. Especially if these mad scientists were, in fact, steeped in Sith origins as Master Yoda, suspects."

In the dark alleyway, a shadow fell over Qui Gons face at the seriousness of their situation. Enough to have taken the last said "experiment" from that horrid, icy cavern, saturated thickly with the dark side.

Discovered by him and his Apprentice. In his many years of living. his eyes had witnessed much death, destruction, and perilous scavenges. But when he'd come across that last order number, deep in the caverns of Arkania, it had unsettled him deeply...

Subject 515

His eyes fell across the bold, printed numbers. But it was nothing compared to the small, gilded cage that housed a quivering, stark-white skeletal... female child. Dark, hollowed out sockets from lack of nourishment outlined sharp, icy blue eyes in a matted mane of silver. A pattern of markings outlined gaunt cheekbones and her dark lips split, crusted in blood.

He'd sensed faintly, a burgeoning of darkness off the the peculiar youngling. As if they'd been touched by a shadow of a presence that he could not yet, place. Yet, in the midst of her pain and suffering, he sensed a tendril of... light.

Hope.

As if fulfilling the answer to his unspoken question. With a small nod of admission, Qui Gon raised one hand, his breath unfurling into the air against the bitter chill of the cavernous hold. He focused on the pull of the Force as he twisted his wrist.

With an audible clack the locks shuddered and broke under his penetrative gaze. Severing the shock system.

Obi Wan would not be pleased with his Master's decision. It was possible he'd be banished from the Jedi Order, his young Apprentice passed to another Jedi Master, and Qui Gons lightsaber, destroyed.

But only, if, The High Jedi Council found out.

Qui Gon Jinn,-despite his best efforts of servitude to the Jedi Order, for nearly half a decade- could not end an innocent life. It was not the Jedi Way.

With this, he answered the Force's call.

He could feel it like a rope pulling him closer and closer to his destiny with each choice he made. And by the Force, he allowed himself to be guided.

At this. awarmth unfurled in those swirls of blue and glimmered with wisdom. "Found in a cage," Qui Gon began softly. In one fell swoop he drew back his robe, revealing a small, human-girl there clinging to his belted, linen tunic. His lips stretched into a small, reassuring smile and cupped her shoulder. He nodded as her eyes widened and looked back at Obi Wan. "Search your feelings my young, Apprentice. Trust, what you find. I know what I must do."

Without a word more, he guided with a secure hand against the child's frail spine, heading towards the bustle of music and dialects from various off-world creatures and humanoids, beyond.

And into Coco (Collective Commerce District) Town, sector. It was an upper-level district filled with a variety of exclusive storefronts, restaurants, and old-style diners that often catered to those in maintenance.

Whom worked in the upper echelons above.

Throngs of scantily clad humanoids with solloops hairstyles and Twi Leks, winked with a curl of rouged lips. A couple of Rodians passed, their purple, bulbous eyes fastened on the Jedi, the distaste clear on their scaled, green faces

And wave of their snouts.

At this, Qui Gon felt the child tighten her grip around his fingers. Yet, he did not reach for the lightsaber fastened to his utility belt, sensing no hostility as of that moment. He nodded curtly to her, detecting a kindling of bravery there, as they crossed into the business section of the industrialized town.

To Didi's Café.

A quaint structure retrofitted with repulsorlifts, the windows remained fogged over from the fumes that permeated this part of the dilapidated city. The walls were metallic and a stark contrast from the hustle of cantinas and gambling dens, beyond. A blaring, red light flickered along the flattened roof. A large trash compact placed next to a polished, steel door.

The café was considered a trusted resource to the Jedi Order for it's backroom dealings and knowledge gleaned from the planet's inhabitants and off-world freighters. Qui Gon Jinn had respect for Didi Oddo and his adoptive daughter, Astri.

Their loyalties were invaluable.

However, it was their newest cook that Qui Gon was looking to convene, with. For the sake of their growing family, to those who wished to do them harm, his good friends were in the middle of selling off the building.

An unfortunate price that always came with fighting for the greater good. So, while negotiations were taking place, the café remained closed for rennovations.

Having spoken an hour before via their ship transmitter, Qui Gon rapped a knuckle against the door once, three times, and once more, again.

As the correct code.

"I have a bad feeling about this." Obi Wan mumbled, sighing. He pursed his lips with a shake of his head. Nevertheless, he remained standing alongside Qui Gon, scanning the perimeters as if The Council itself were about to jump out of the shadows.

Qui Gon noticed, "Calm yourself, Obi Wan. Children can sense tension and it's best not to stir her, further. She's been through a great deal."

Before Obi Wan could retort, the door jostled with a crick and flew back to reveal the large, hulking figure of a Besalisk.

A wide toothed smile stretched below a thick bushel of whiskers-sensors- and across their massive face. The male Besalisk crest dwarfed them by comparison, giving them a domineering presence. With a large, portly belly beneath a greased shirt and stretched britches, four large arms extended out with a set of massive hands. Hands that could crush a skull with just a pinch.

Dexter Jettster.

"Hello, old friend." Qui Gon greeted fondly, mellifluously.

At this, the child huddled closer.

In the not so far distant past, Qui Gon had first come across the Besalisk on the barren, mining world located in the Outer Rim Territories: Ord Sigatt. They'd been sent to investigate a mining ship's disappearance. Which Dex would later confess to be the cause of, in protest of a tyrannical mining and refinery corporation.

Later, not only had the Besalisk impressed the two with his broad experience and retentive memory, but also, Dex's cooking.

When he'd closed down his donut business, after making the move to Coruscant, he'd been in favor of moving his aspirations elsewhere.

To Diddi's café.

With his signature sliders and Jawa juices, and gaudy sense of humor, it had attracted all walks of life across the galaxies. Which made him an asset unbeknownst to many. Harboring nuggets of information from diverse contacts that stretched to the fringes of the planets underworld.

With a favor he yet owed, to Qui Gon.

"Qui Gon and young Obi Wan!" The Besalisk beamed with a low, booming voice, the hunk of teeth painted in the flickering restaurant's lights. His golden eyes gleamed with hospitable charm. "Good ta see ya. Diddi told me this would be the best meetin' place, he just left. C'mon in!"

"I think I'll stay here," Obi Wan nodded to both, as Dexter held the door open. "Can never be too careful. I'll stay to the shadows to keep a low profile."

"Very well," Qui Gon acquiesced, Dexter's keen eyes watching the exchange. "This shouldn't take more than a few minutes."

Obi Wan nodded and looked to the child peeking out, just once, before he turned on his heel and blended into the shadows.

The inside of the establishment was encased in darkness. What sparse light filtered through the fogged glass, illuminated rows of plastic sheets over bar stools and rounded tables. The main, dining counter area was layered with sheets and bits of wooden debris.

Dexter held out a powerful arm, one dexterous finger pointed towards a lone, uncovered booth. "Apologize for the mess, Jinn, renovations are a kriffing pain." A laugh rumbled through the air, followed by a stiff gait, age gradually taking it's toll on such a creature, that had led an arduous life, before.

Qui Gon laughed lightly, though it was hardly filled with mirth. Sensing no further disturbance, he discarded his robe and wrapped it around the child as they slid into the booth.

The child simply stared at the large beast with wide eyes.

"Well, hello there." Dexter laughed, setting two arms above the table with an audible smack. "Yer a tiny little nugget." He laughed heartily causing the wattle of his jugular to jiggle. "Good thing I packed some good chow for yeh on the way, out."

The girl looked at him, puzzled, pushing closer into Qui Gon who rubbed her shoulder comfortingly. "Ive given her what I could before the trip. The girl has been through a great deal. I trust you were able to find this, former senator you knew?"

"I was able to track him down. Lives on Naboo in an outer outcropping. Moenia, I believe."

"Very well, and he's within orbit?"

"Believe so, said he'd be arriving shortly."

"And you believe the girl will be in good hands?"

"Ah, Jinn, do I sense care for the kiddo?" Dexter's eyes glimmered knowingly, hardly teasing. From what he'd garnered throughout his expeditions over the years, Jedi were not allowed to form familial bonds or attachments. But Qui Gon wasn't like most Jedis and Dex had seen this between his bond with Obi Wan. He'd heard the whispers and speculations regarding Jinn as a gray Jedi, even. "He is a trusted ally, Jinn," he added. "With a family who's willing to take in the girl."

"She's an off-shoot of a humanoid, that much I have gathered. The Jedi Order would be displeased if they found I'd disobeyed a direct order. But by will of the Force, I did what I must."

"Wise words, Jinn. Not to worry. Sometimes things are not always as black and white, yer know."

"I assume that is why this senator left The Senate?"

"To put it lightly. The mans got a good heart but couldn't take some back dealings happenin'."

"Well, I look forward to his arrival, then."

As the transport disappeared from view, Qui Gon looked to Obi Wan who dispatched himself from the shadows. He watched on with apprehensive eyes to the traffic circling above. "I trust negotiations went smoothly then?"

Qui Gon shook his head, throwing up his hood. "No negotiations needed. Dexter owed me a favor and I came to collect. The Council must never learn of what transpired this night. Understand?"

Obi Wan could sense the gravity of this and the weight it carried in his Master's words. And though he was always one to abide by every rule of the Jedi way, in this one instance, he could not. "I understand, Master. But I can't help but wonder as to why this youngling seemed so important to you?"

The corner of Qui Gons lip curled as a sense of peace embraced him and confirmed he'd made the right choice. "There is still so much you have yet to learn, my young Apprentice. I am not to disclose what has been conveyed to me. Just trust, in the Whills of the Force."

NOTES:

Solloops hairstyle: A common hairstyle on a female humanoid in the underbelly of Coruscant. Stands up straight in curled loops.

Repulsorlifts: anti gravity technology used to levitate an object.

So... how did I do so far?:3