The Cestus Deception

Plot Summary
With the Clone Wars raging across the galaxy, a new threat has emerged that plagues the Jedi. A series of new Jedi-killing droids have started to be manufactured on the planet Ord Cestus. Based on biotechnology, they have limited Force abilities that allow them to anticipate a Jedi’s moves. Despite the fact that Ord Cestus is allied with the Republic, the Separatists have their eye on the droids and the planet. Seeing a possible threat emerging on the backwater planet, Supreme Chancellor Palpatine dispatches the Jedi and a squad of elite clone commandos to deal with the problem. They are led by Obi-Wan Kenobi and Kit Fisto.

Obi-Wan Kenobi’s mission is to approach the Cestian leadership and solve the crisis by diplomatic means. With the help of the mollusk-like Doolb Snoil, Obi-Wan engages the planetary leaders and the Five Families of Cestus Cybernetics. Meanwhile, Kit Fisto and a clone trooper squad are secretly dispatched to the planet to start fomenting a rebellion if the diplomatic approach fails. Fisto quietly travels among the working class of the planet and starts recruiting fighters for possible war. Those rebels are then trained by the clone troopers. Things are significantly complicated, though, when Count Dooku sends Asajj Ventress to stir things up.

Amid this backdrop of political intrigue is the story of Clone Trooper A-98, or “Nate”. The trooper, engineered to be more free thinking than his brothers, begins a journey of self awakening. His emotions develop and for the first time he begins to question why he is fighting for the Republic, something unthinkable for a trooper. More significant, though, is his growing love for Sheeka Tull, a pilot aiding Kit Fisto and a former flame of Jango Fett. Will Nate stand by the Jedi and his brothers during the war or desert and start a life of his own?

Plus, there is a special bonus inside: "The Hive", the exclusive story previously available in e-book format only.

Trivia

 * Kit Fisto stars in his first Clone Wars novel.
 * Asajj Ventress appears in her very first Clone Wars novel after starring in Star Wars: Clone Wars.
 * Anakin Skywalker only has a brief appearance in this novel.