Star Wars: The Cestus Deception - Softcover

Steven Barnes

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0099472627 ISBN 13: 9780099472629

Publisher: Arrow Books, 2005

Synopsis

The Confederacy is trying to get its hands on some very special battle droids, and the Republic is determined to stop them, so Obi-Wan Kenobi is sent to the planet Ord Cestus, manufacturer of the droids. His mission: diplomacy. But if diplomacy doesn't work, he will use any means a Jedi can to help keep these potentially super-dangerous weapons out of enemy hands. And diplomacy can't work. Someone is pulling the manufacturing planet's strings--someone with an agenda all his or her own, which can't allow for either side to win control. As Obi-Wan and Jedi Master Kit Fisto uncover the secret plans layer by layer, Obi-Wan learns just how much he can trust a clone warrior...and just how reprehensible war can be, especially in the face of true honour.

About this title

From the Inside Flap:

Ord Cestus, a planet mostly barren and inhospitable to life, was first colonized as a prison world—until a handful of hardy pioneers discovered its rich ore deposits and managed to build up a successful droid-manufacturing industry. But when the Clone Wars erupted, bringing severe rationing of imported resources and a Republic ban on the production of battle droids, Ord Cestus was threatened with imminent economic collapse.

Enter the Confederacy of Independent Systems—the Separatists—with a life-saving offer to purchase a generous quantity of the planet’s most lucrative export: bio-droids. Possessed of tactical capabilities that rival the fighting abilities of even the most advanced Jedi, these sophisticated, techno-organic hybrid units would prove a most formidable weapon if ever deployed for military use. And now the Confederacy’s intention to invest in what amounts to an army of bio-droids has sent ripples of alarm through the highest echelons of the Republic government.

Determined to halt the bio-droid sale—but fearing a show of force will result in a political backlash—Supreme Chancellor Palpatine dispatches a team of envoys, led by Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi. Their mission: persuade Ord Cestus’s government to abandon its dealings with the Confederacy . . . while secretly stirring up revolution among the planet’s struggling underclass. Diplomacy is paramount. But if all else fails, the Republic will not hesitate to launch a full-scale attack—and wipe out not only the means of bio-droid production, but countless lives as well, to demonstrate the consequences of disloyalty.

For Obi-Wan, the prospect of such wholesale slaughter only serves to fuel his growing suspicions about the sinister path the Republic seems to be taking. But the brash Jedi Master Kit Fisto and the detachment of clone soldiers assigned to the mission are ready and willing to do the Supreme Chancellor’s bidding. As the leaders of Ord Cestus refuse to capitulate and Palpatine rapidly loses patience, Obi-Wan’s hopes of a peaceful resolution are dwindling. Now, facing a crisis of conscience, Obi-Wan must find the wisdom and strength to prevent a bloodbath and safeguard the Republic— while abiding by the ancient code to which he has pledged his life.

About the Author:

Steven Barnes is a prolific author and script writer who has been nominated for Hugo, Cable Ace, and Endeavor awards. His work for television includes episodes of Twilight Zone, Outer Limits, Stargate, and Andromeda. A lifelong student of human performance technologies, he holds black belts in judo and karate, an instructor certificate in Circular Strength Training, and is a trained hypnotherapist. Born in Los Angeles, he currently lives in the northwest with his daughter Nicki and his wife, novelist Tananarive Due.

About this edition

• Publisher: Arrow Books
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0099472627
• ISBN 13: 9780099472629
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 480