The Truce at Bakura

The Truce at Bakura is a 1993 science fiction novel by Kathy Tyers. It is set right after the Battle of Endor as depicted in Return of the Jedi.

An Imperial probe reaches the site of the battle containing a distress call for the Emperor. Since he's dead, the Rebel Alliance forces travel to the Outer Rim world of Bakura, an Imperial-held world known for its exotic fruits, liqueurs, and repulsorlift technology.

Once the Rebels arrive at Bakura, they ally with the Imperial garrison there to repel an invasion by the reptilian Ssi-Ruuk, which seeks to establish a beachhead in the larger galaxy in order to harvest a supply of beings whose life energies can power their entechment technology. The Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker especially intrigues Ssi-Ruuk because his control of the Force can enable the Ssi-Ruuk to enslave beings from a distance once he is enteched. Obi-Wan Kenobi appears to Luke and underscores the danger of the Ssi-Ruuk if they get into the greater galaxy with this technology. The governor of Bakura attempts to trick him into this very act, but his plot is exposed by the Imperial garrison commander, Captain Thanas.

Significant to this novel is the final appearance of Ben Kenobi to Luke as a spirit and the meeting of the spirit of Anakin Skywalker, the reformed Darth Vader, with his daughter Leia. Anakin asks not for absolution, but forgiveness. The invasion of Bakura is repelled, the Rebel and Imperial forces sign a ceasefire agreement, and Captain Thanas defects to the Rebel Alliance.