''Jedi Trial'' is a
science fiction
Science fiction (often shortened to sci-fi or abbreviated SF) is a genre of speculative fiction that deals with imaginative and futuristic concepts. These concepts may include information technology and robotics, biological manipulations, space ...
novel by
David Sherman and
Dan Cragg
Dan Cragg (born September 6, 1939) is an American science fiction author.
Biography
Cragg was born in Rochester, New York. He served in the United States Army from 1958 to 1980, retiring with the rank of sergeant major. He served two tours of dut ...
, first published by
Del Rey in 2004. It is set in the ''
Star Wars
''Star Wars'' is an American epic film, epic space opera media franchise created by George Lucas, which began with the Star Wars (film), eponymous 1977 film and Cultural impact of Star Wars, quickly became a worldwide popular culture, pop cu ...
''
galaxy
A galaxy is a Physical system, system of stars, stellar remnants, interstellar medium, interstellar gas, cosmic dust, dust, and dark matter bound together by gravity. The word is derived from the Ancient Greek, Greek ' (), literally 'milky', ...
during the
Clone Wars.
Summary
This book tells the tale of
Jedi Master
Jedi (), Jedi Knights, or collectively the Jedi Order are fictional characters, and often protagonists, featured in many works within the ''Star Wars'' franchise. Working symbiotically alongside the Galactic Republic, the Jedi Order is depicte ...
Nejaa Halcyon and
Jedi Padawan Anakin Skywalker
Darth Vader () is a fictional character in the ''Star Wars'' franchise. He was first introduced in the Star Wars original trilogy, original film trilogy as the primary Antagonist, antagonist and one of the leaders of the Galactic Empire (Star W ...
trying to rescue an important
Republic
A republic, based on the Latin phrase ''res publica'' ('public affair' or 'people's affair'), is a State (polity), state in which Power (social and political), political power rests with the public (people), typically through their Representat ...
communications hub from the Separatist Forces, located on the barren planet of Praesitlyn. Halcyon, having previously failed an important mission, is sent as a trial in order for him to regain the
Jedi Council's trust. As they had grown close during their time in the Jedi Temple, Halcyon chose Skywalker as his second-in-command against the wishes of the council, making the mission as much a trial for Anakin, as well.
Even before reaching Praesitlyn, Nejaa confesses to Anakin of his violation of the Jedi code, that he has a wife and a son. In turn, Anakin relates about his own forbidden marriage to
Padmé Amidala
Padmé Amidala (, ) is a fictional character in the ''Star Wars'' franchise. She first appeared in the 1999 film ''The Phantom Menace'' as the teenage queen of the fictional planet Naboo. In the following two films of the prequel trilogy, Padm ...
, with both Jedi promising not to reveal their digressions to anyone.
Skywalker and Halcyon lead the Republic reserve forces to reinforce Praesitlyn, and to recover the hostages within the Intergalactic Communications Center from
C.I.S. occupation. The opposing C.I.S. forces are commanded by
Muun Admiral
Pors Tonith of the InterGalactic Banking Clan, under command himself from
Asajj Ventress
Asajj Ventress () is a character in the ''Star Wars'' franchise created by George Lucas. She was introduced in Genndy Tartakovsky's 2003 animated series ''Star Wars: Clone Wars (2003 TV series), Star Wars: Clone Wars'' (voiced by Grey DeLisle). ...
and
Sith Lord Count Dooku
Count Dooku, also known as Darth Tyranus, is a fictional character in the ''Star Wars'' franchise. He was introduced in the prequel film trilogy, first appearing in ''Attack of the Clones'' (2002) and then returning in ''Revenge of the Sith'' (2 ...
.
At this time, the Praesitlyn Defense Forces have been overcome, with Trooper Odie Subu and Lieutenant Erk H'Arman the only survivors. The only reason Praesitlyn has not been completely overrun by the C.I.S. is due to intervention by a rogue former Republic officer, Captain Slayke, and his troops, the badly-outnumbered Sons and Daughters of Freedom. Halcyon and Skywalker arrive just in time to relieve Slayke with all available troops, though the situation is still perilous.
Anakin Skywalker is for the first time put in a commanding position, and, while acquitting himself well, clearly shows frustration and an impatience for combat. In addition to Skywalker's issues, the book also deals with attitudes towards clones, and their degree of humanity. We see a general stereotyping that clones are subdegree humans, with their personalities and abilities often not being trusted as much as those of other beings. This can be seen in actions of reconnaissance. where it is clear if Clone Commando CT-19/39 had not been disregarded, he would have been able to relay important information that would have saved hundreds of lives. Instead, only Sergeant Omin L'Loxx was relied upon, resulting in disaster.
With such a disastrous failure, Anakin decides upon a desperate measure, by which he and a small attack group of two troop-transports fly directly to the ICC to rescue the hostages. Skywalker, in his element, destroys almost all droids in his path, leaving the troops behind him in awe, and with nothing to shoot at. Reaching the hostages, Anakin is shocked as a woman reminds him so much of his mother. As she is killed, we see Skywalker become an avenger, treading perilously close to the dark side of
the Force
The Force is a Metaphysics, metaphysical, mysterious, and Energy (esotericism), ubiquitous power in the ''Star Wars'' Universe of Star Wars, fictional universe. Characters refer to the Force as an energy that interconnects all things in the univer ...
. Jedi Master Nejaa Halcyon, as well as
Grand Master Yoda
Yoda () is a fictional character in the ''Star Wars'' franchise. He is a small, green humanoid alien who is powerful with the Force. He first appeared in the 1980 film '' The Empire Strikes Back'', in which he is voiced and puppeteered by F ...
– and, indeed
Darth Sidious – all feel the disturbances in the Force at this, though only one yet understands their meaning. Anakin's rampage only ends before murdering Pors Tonith, as he hears
Qui-Gon Jinn
Qui-Gon Jinn () is a fictional character in the '' Star Wars'' franchise. He was introduced as a Jedi Master in the prequel film '' The Phantom Menace'' (1999), and is portrayed by Liam Neeson. He appears in the series '' Tales of the Jedi'', a ...
's voice reaching him through the Force, telling him to use the Force for good, not destruction. Although Anakin initially brings himself out of his rage, it is only temporarily suppressed, to be brought out later once again.
Though their objectives had been achieved, as well as Pors Tonith having been captured by Skywalker's actions, the Separatists' relief-fleet arrives under a cloaking device. In the battle, Anakin is again in his element, with Master Halcyon becoming more his wingmate than commander. Skywalker, although being called back, seemingly decides to sacrifice himself in order to destroy the enemy flagship. To Halcyon's horror, Anakin disappears in the blast of the Separatist relief-fleet's explosion. Later, however, in the midst of mourning Anakin and celebrating victory, Skywalker's craft returns, much to everyone's surprise. Anakin later explains his seeming resurrection, saying how he had installed a hyperdrive engine in his starfighter, enabling him to escape from the blast, with his split-second timing, stemming from his immense Force-sensitivity.
On his return to
Coruscant
Coruscant () is an ecumenopolis planet in the fictional universe of ''Star Wars.'' It was first described in Timothy Zahn's 1991 novel '' Heir to the Empire.'' The planet made its first on-screen appearance in a scene added to '' Return of t ...
, the Jedi Council, overbowed with exceptional reports of Anakin's performance, finally agree to grant him Knighthood in the order.
References
External links
*
Amazon.com Listing'
*
Official CargoBay Listing'
{{Star Wars Legends novels, state=collapsed
2004 American novels
2004 science fiction novels
Star Wars Legends novels
Del Rey books