The Republic’s greatest strength against the Separatists is the Jedi. But when the planet of Ord Cestus begins manufacturing a new form of bio-droid called the JK-13 that rivals the Jedi in martial prowess, the Chancellor becomes deeply concerned. Obi Wan Kenobi and Kit Fisto soon find themselves dispatched to Ord Cestus to stop the sale of the JK-13s to the Separatists before it’s too late. However, if diplomacy should fail, the Chancellor has given strict instructions to destroy the bio-droids at all costs—even if it requires means that are…not the Jedi way.
The Cestus Deception, written by Steven Barnes, presents wonderful foreshadowing into Obi Wan’s eventual disillusionment with the Republic and its actions across the galaxy.
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.
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. 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. 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.
