SUMMARY

・:*:・゚ ,。・:*:・゚ Graya, once known only as the number 515, was subjected to horrific Sith alchemy on Arkania a decade ago. Rescued by Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn, she was taken to Naboo and left in solitude under the care of a former senator. Now, as Emperor Palpatine establishes a Declaration of New Order and legalizes the extermination of the Jedi, Graya questions this new declaration of peace.

When her father's secrets are suddenly revealed, Graya's world is shattered and she is thrust into a galaxy of chaos ruled by the Iron Fist of the Emperor's Supreme Commander or, the Masked Death: Vader, and the imperial regime. As Darth Sidious aggressively expands his Galactic Empire, Graya must confront the man behind the mask while the fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance between the light and dark sides of the Force...

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/suitless Vader/AU/slow burn/ slow updates/


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.

The main character will be the center of the story this is simply the SET UP which will conclude in the next chapter. The third chapter goes to our main character years later.

For detailed chapters (pictures, gifs, etc) Equilibrium is also posted on WATTPAD and A03.


A long time ago in a galaxy far far away...

STAR WARS

IT IS A TIME OF UNREST IN THE GALAXY. DEEP WITHIN THE CAVERNS OF THE ICE PLANET, ARKANIA, A LEGION OF ALCHEMISTS HAVE BEEN DISCOVERED. BELIEVED TO BE IN LEAGUE WITH THE ANCIENT SITH THE ORIGINAL WIELDERS OF THE DARK SIDE.

THE DISCOVERY HAS CAUSED TURBULENCE WITHIN THE MID-RIM CAPITAL OF CORUSCANT AS CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC. THE JEDI HIGH COUNCIL SEEKING TO SETTLE THE CONFLICT AND EXTERMINATE THE ABOMINABLE EXPERIMENTS DISPATCH JEDI KNIGHT QUI-GON JINN AND HIS YOUNG PADAWAN, OBI-WAN KENOBI, TO THE SECTOR LOCATED IN THE COLONIES REGION.

AGAINST THE COUNCIL'S ORDERS, A LONE EXPERIMENT IS LEFT TO ITS FATE AS DISTURBED BY HIS FINDINGS, QUI-GON JINN AND OBI-WAN KENOBI MAKE WAY TO THE CORE WORLD OF CORUSCANT. WITH THE LAST SURVIVING EXPERIMENT UNDER THE COVER OF CORUSCANTS UNDERGROUND CITY, A DETERMINED QUI-GON JINN IS ON A MISSION TO HUNT DOWN A FORMER ALLY TO AID HIS CAUSE.

AS THE JEDI SEARCH FOR ANSWERS, THE GALAXY TEETERS ON THE BRINK OF DARKNESS, AND A LOOMING THREAT THAT COULD SHIFT THE BALANCE OF THE FORCE...

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PRELUDE

34 BBY

One Year Before the Trade Federations blockade- Coruscant

THE METALLIC GLARE OF THE PLANETS ORBITAL MIRRORS receded as daylight fell and night rose, unveiling the billions of physical stars that spanned the galaxy.

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

A silvery refraction from the planet often caught the apt attention of seasoned pilots and off-worlders, the Core World amassed over 5,000 levels from it's surface. Skylanes provided air traffic, set with auto navigation systems to prevent collisions for the thousands of speeders, freighters, and transports on a continuous bustling loop of traffic.

Over one trillion sentient beings belonged to the homeworld, Coruscant, the central hub of intergalactic headquarters for governmental and cultural affluence. However, as the capital's elites positioned themselves in higher altitudes of purified air and erected an abundance of opulent cultural monoliths, fine arts, and politics-those of less fortune, were pushed into the lower dwellings of Coruscant's underbelly.

A dangerous and crime-infested cesspool, the lower levels were subjected to the toxic wastes of factories and space vehicular fumes. Which often troubled Jedi Knight and Master, Qui-Gon Jinn.

Continuously he witnessed an ever-widening chasm between the rich and the poor class. Those above were uneducated about the underground world because it did not benefit positions in the Senate.

The Jedi Council, though revered as the Guardians of the Peace across the galaxies, were unfortunately tied up in the political conundrums that permeated the Jedi Temple. Another reason he'd refused a seat on the Jedi High Council. Despite having risen as a valued leader to the order itself, a headstrong nature and knack for taking risky actions didn't bode well for the elders.

It troubled him how entrenched the Jedi were becoming in politics. A small whisper that lingered inside of him hinted at a thread of corruption beginning to unravel within the political factions. Not even Grandmaster Yoda himself was exempt from this.

Unlike the teachings of old Jed'aii, arrogance was clouding judgments and rigidity in rules creating heated discourse. This wasn't the first time he'd questioned The Council. Going against his elders yet again, he relied on the Force rather than seeking out his High Masters.

It was much to the chagrin of young, Obi-Wan Kenobi whose pair of focused, attentive blue eyes surfaced beneath a course, tawny hood, his shorn hair, and elongated braid a symbiosis between Padawan and Master. Smog hovered over the broken-up streets that crunched underfoot. The nerf hide boots customed for treacherous missions reflected off a plethora of neon lights refracting off the oiled puddles he traversed through. Signs featuring seedy displays of the city's nightlife and pleasures, attracted Slythmongers peddling cheap narcotics outside the clubs, ahead.

Not for the first time, Qui-Gon's actions implied indirectly his use of the Jedi Code as a tool rather than guidance. This irked Obi-Wan; a stickler when it came to rules and formalities. Causing any predilections he had for his Master, to be overshadowed by their current-grim- predicament.

He remained an unwilling participant in such transgressions against The Jedi High Council. "I, I don't understand, Master," Obi-Wan began with slight hesitation. He did not want to outright displease Qui-Gon whom he revered. A unique bond had taken shape over their tumultuous missions together, evidenced by his muted tone. "The Council would want to know about this. This could prove a danger unforeseen. It's completely against the Jedi Code."

At this, Qui-Gon stopped and turned to face his still, guileless Apprentice. His wizened blue eyes shone years of adhering to the Living Force rather than austere principles. Long, tresses of brown swept half up from a broad forehead, sporting a rugged, patchy beard along the angular lines of his jaw. An appearance of monastic subservience rather than uniform formality. The corners of his eyes crinkled as they sternly leveled at Obi-Wan. "And what would you have me do, my still very young, Apprentice?"

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

At the lip of the alley, a dark shadow fell over Qui-Gons' grave face. No stranger to death, destruction, or perilous missions where countless lives had been struck down. Such experiences had left its scars and thus birthed another wrinkle to weather. In the world of a Jedi, it only thickened his skin which he often felt in the weighted grip of his plasma-green blade.

And his attunement to the Force.

Despite the knowledge cleaved from planets he'd once travailed with his old serrenian Master Dooku, no amount of experience could've prepared him. Even with Arkania's extensive history of the Sith once cultivating a takedown during the Arkanian Revolution headed by Master Windu.

Such practices appeared not entirely dissolved. Thus he and his Padawan were summoned to investigate the remnants of dark alchemy within the icy fortress...

Subject 515

His eyes fell across the bold, tacked-on number above a gilded caged that housed a small, quivering shadow. As he peered closer, he felt his own eyes widen as the figure came into the plasmic light of his blade. Near skeletal hands grasped the bars, skin cast in a pale sheen from his lightsaber, delicate and paper thin.

He sensed his blade retract as he gazed into the sunken, hollowed sockets of the young girl. The evidence of trauma and sensitivity to light hinted at a life shrouded in darkness. It was embedded in her eyes, a deep-rooted torment. This youngling-she had to be no more than six standard years.

Gaunt cheekbones, flaking skin, and a pattern of faint markings revealed prolonged confinement in a climate-controlled laboratory-for too long. Her dark lips were split and crusted in the blood that was caked in matted silverish hair.

Reflecting like an azure kyber her eyes locked onto his. There was a tendril of darkness off of a presence he couldn't place. However, it was faint, no more than an echo.

The Force beckoned him, urging him to look into the window of her spirit. Within the woven tapestry of her life threaded with strands of pain and suffering. There he saw it, the glimmer he'd been seeking. It flickered like a beacon of light in the encapsulating darkness.

At this the Force relinquished hold and with a small nod of subservience, Qui-Gon raised one hand, his breath unfurling in a wisp against the cavern's bitter chill. His eyes fell closed as he focused on the pull of the Force. It flowed like the veins of a heartbeat pulsating-just as he twisted his wrist.

With an audible clack, the locks binding the cage shuddered, collapsing to the floor with a clatter severing the stun mechanisms.

Obi-Wan who remained outside as a look out, would be displeased at hi s Master's decision. But Qui-Gon was not the master of this little one's fate. Nor were The Council her executor, as the Force conveyed. In disobeying a direct order he risked expulsion from the Jedi Order, his young Apprentice passed to another Jedi Master, and Qui-Gons lightsaber, destroyed.

If, The Council found out.

Jinn would not-in good conscious-end an innocent life of a child. That was the way of the Sith, not the way of the Jedi. This child had yet to choose her path and it would be her decision alone. Qui-Gon knew he'd responded to the Forces call as it pulled taut from within. Every decision he made only drew him closer to his fate andthus he allowed himself to be guided...

At this a warmth settled within his being, softening the effervescent blue of his eyes. "Found in a cage, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon said softly. At this, he stepped aside to reveal said humanoid. Her pale nearly bluish fingers from lack of sunlight clung to his belted, linen tunic; half sheltered in his Jedi robes. His lips stretched into a small, reassuring smile as he cupped her shoulder.

At this the youngling's eyes wavered to his as a tendril of trust brushed against his mind. Before her attention snapped to Obi-Wan instantly cautious.

"Search your feelings my young, Apprentice." Qui-Gon added with a sigh. "Trust, what you find. I know what I must do." He guided a secure hand against the child's bony spine that slightly jutted out beneath the oversized tunic he'd lent her. She was still severely undernourished which needed to be rectified.

Heading towards the cadence of music and dialects from various off-world creatures and humanoids, they exited the alleyway 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. Those of 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 distastefully on the Jedi from scaled, green faces. Instantly they dismissed them with a wave of their snouts.

At this, Qui-Gon felt the child tighten her grip on his utility belt. Yet, he did not reach for the lightsaber fastened, sensing no hostility. He nodded curtly to her, detecting a kindling of bravery as her steps became surer. Just as they crossed into the business section of the industrialized town.

To Didi's Café.

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

The café was considered a trusted resource to the Jedi Order. Known for its 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 considered invaluable.

However, there were those who wished to do them harm. So for the sake of their growing family, they were selling off the building, an unfortunate price that came with fighting for the greater good. While negotiations were taking place, the café remained closed for renovations.

Spoken an hour over the transmitter with their newest cook, Qui-Gon mentally prepped for the meeting to come. He rapped a knuckle against the door once, twice, and once more, again.

A formal code for entry.

"I have a bad feeling about this," Obi-Wan mumbled, sighing. He pursed his lips with a shake of his head but remained standing alongside Qui-Gon. He scanned the perimeters as if The Council itself were about to spontaneously appear.

Qui-Gon looked to his Padawan earnestly, his uneasiness passing through him. "Calm yourself, Obi-Wan. The child can sense tension and it's best not to stir her. 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 across their massive face. The male Besalisk crest dwarfed them by comparison, giving them a domineering presence. With a portly belly beneath a greased shirt and stretched britches, four large arms extended out with a set of massive hands.

Dexter Jettster.

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

At this, the child huddled closer once more.

In the not-so-far-distant past, Qui-Gon had 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 being 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. He'd closed down his donut business after making the move to Coruscant, in favor of setting his aspirations elsewhere.

To Diddi's café.

His signature sliders and Jawa juices, paired with a gaudy sense of humor, had attracted all walks of life from across the galaxies. This made him an asset unbeknownst to many, harboring nuggets of information from diverse contacts to the fringes of the planet's underworld. At the moment, Dex still owed Qui-Gon a favor from such times past.

"Qui-Gon and young Obi-Wan!" The Besalisk beamed with a low, booming voice, his hunk of teeth red in the flickering restaurant's lights. His golden eyes gleamed with hospitable charm. "Good tah 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 them both as Dexter held the door open, his stance apprehensive. "Can never be too careful. I'll stay in the shadows to keep a low profile, Master."

"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 at the child who glanced back at him with a hint of curiosity, before he turned on his heel and blended into the shadows.

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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, a jukebox, and rounded tables of durasteel. The main, dining area was layered with various utensils and appliances.

The Besalisk held out a powerful arm, one dexterous finger pointed towards a lone, uncovered booth. "Apologize for the mess, Jinn, renovations are a kriffing pain." His laugh rumbled through the air, followed by a stiff gait from age gradually taking its toll. Particularly one who had led an extreme scavenger's life across solar systems.

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 once they'd settled into the booth. The child curled her fingers into the tawny robe, staring at the beast with a wary gaze.

"Well, hello there." Dexter laughed, setting two thick arms above the table with an audible smack. The sheer size was ten times her entire body. "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."

He winked.

The girl looked at him puzzled, before shifting closer to Qui-Gon who rubbed her shoulder comfortingly. "She's a bit frenetic yet and has been through a great ordeal. I trust you were able to find this, former senator of the Republic 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?"

"Belief 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. Gleaned from informative 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 in his bond with Obi-Wan. He'd heard the whispers and speculations regarding Jinn. "He is a trusted ally, Jinn," he added. "With a family willing to take in the girl as their own."

"She appears to be an offshoot of some kind. Unregistered. That's as much as I was able to gather before destroying evidence. But the markings speak of another origin, Arkanian. I am only temporarily able to cloak her presence. The Jedi Order will no doubt hunt her down should she be found out. It could put her in serious danger and though I did what I must, she will need to go off-planet to avoid detection."

"Wise man you are, Jinn. Not 'tah worry, they'll keep her off record. And if there's one thing I've learned ov'r the years with Jedi and good-hearted folk, things are not always as black and white. Yer know?"

"I sense 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'. Systems corrupt as druk."

"He sounds like a wise man. Very well, I look forward to his arrival."

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As the transport disappeared into a fray of speeders, Qui-Gon looked to Obi-Wan who dispatched himself from the shadows. He'd been scanning the skies with apprehensive eyes to the traffic circling above. "I trust negotiations went smoothly then, Master?"

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. Though he had always been one to abide by every rule, in this one instance, he knew he could not. "I understand, Master." He added in sincerity, the care for his Master evident. "Though 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, only confirming his choices were aligning as they should. "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 will of the Force."


NOTES:

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 this.

There are a lot of Legends and extra details sprinkled throughout this story. See if you can catch them😉 I am well versed in Star Wars and take it very seriously but please correct me on any mistakes of course! If you see timelines switched around or events that aren't in a canonical timeline, it's on purpose.

This was merely the Prelude.

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, 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

INDEX

Solloop Hairstyles: 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.

Druk: shit in Star Wars swear words

Kriffing: F word in Star Wars swear words

XD