Download Star Wars: The Cestus Deception: A Clone Wars Novel AudioBook Free
Ord Cestus, a planet mostly barren and inhospitable alive, was first colonized as a prison world—until a small number of hardy pioneers discovered its rich ore deposits and managed to build up a successful droid-manufacturing industry. However 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 functions 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. And now the Confederacy’s intention to invest in what amounts to the army of bio-droids has sent ripples of alarm through the highest echelons of the Republic government.
Determined to prevent 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. Their mission: persuade Ord Cestus’s government to abandon its dealings with the Confederacy . . . while secretly stirring up revolution among the list of planet’s struggling underclass. Diplomacy is paramount. But if everything else fails, the Republic won't hesitate to launch a full-scale attack—and wipe out not only the means of bio-droid production, but many lives as well, to demonstrate the results of disloyalty.
For Obi-Wan, the chance of such wholesale slaughter only serves to fuel his growing suspicions about the sinister path the Republic appears to be taking. However the brash Jedi Master Kit Fisto and the detachment of clone soldiers assigned to the mission are ready and willing to do the Supreme Chancellor’s bidding. As the leaders of Ord Cestus refuse to capitulate and Palpatine rapidly loses patience, Obi-Wan’s hopes of an peaceful resolution are dwindling. Now, facing an emergency of conscience, Obi-Wan must find the wisdom and strength to avoid a bloodbath and safeguard the Republic— while abiding by the ancient code to which he has pledged his life.
