Old Friends: Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Leia Organa Solo, Chewbacca, C3P0, R2D2, Admiral Ackbar, Wedge Antilles, Mon Mothma
Places: Coruscant, Bakura Synopsis: Set straight after the death of the Emperor and Darth Vader, this story is not for the squemish or faint-hearted. The Rebel Alliance finds itself fighting a new alien force which is attacking an Imperial held planet. The big question is "who can be trusted?"s for Princess Leia and Han Solo, while a new user of the Force poses an even greater danger to Luke Skywalker. Review: The story opens almost immediately after the Victory at Endor. Luke Skywalker is still recovering from all that has happened, and hardly has time to reflect on the outcome of the events when he is pitched into a new threat coming from Bakura. An Imperial held world, it is under attack from a new cold blooded reptillian specis called the Ssi-Ruuk. In an attempt to widen the New Alliance, Leia takes their forces to go to Bakura's aid. As this world is no longer under the Emperors protection, she sees it as a way of helping out and gaining new allies. But Bakura is still part of the Empire, and they aren't exactly welcomed with open arms. Meanwhile, we discover more about the Ssi-Ruuk when the writer introduces us to Dev Sibwarra, a young man with Jedi capabilities. He is using the Force to help the reptiles conquer and take prisoners. This is where the story starts getting uncomfortable as you realize that the Ssi-Ruuk have brainwashed Dev into helping them, controlling his mind to get what they need. The writer digs deep into Dev's mind and we witness the battle within to hold onto his life and sanity. Things change when he reaches out and touches another Jedi's mind - Luke Skywaker. The Ssi-Ruuk are greatly interested in Luke, knowing they can use him and his powers in the Force to imprison and enslave more human minds for their battle droids. With Luke's help, the young man comes to realise what a terrible thing he has been doing and attempts to turn the tables on his tormenters. On the planet Bakura itself, things are in turmoil and loyalties are torn as they try to stop the invasion. It is time for the Bakurans to decide who their friends are, and who is the enemy. Caught between the Empire and the Alliance, one young woman, Gaeriel Capiston, becomes an immediate interest of Luke Skywalkers. Gaeri is finding it hard to decide who to trust, but soon sees that the most important thing to her is saving her planet and her people. She has to choose the Alliance and Luke Skywalker as their only hope. A much darker tale than any of the previous books, but still has you in its grip till the end.
Title: The Truce at Bakura |
1/31/05
