Allies (Star Wars novel)

Allies

Author	Christie Golden
Cover artist	Ian Keltie
Country	United States
Language	English
Subject	Star Wars
Genre	Science Fiction
Publisher	Del Rey
Publication date	May 25, 2010
Pages	384
ISBN
Preceded by	Backlash
Followed by	Vortex

Allies is a novel written by Christie Golden that was released on May 25, 2010. It is the fifth novel in the Fate of the Jedi series and published as a hardcover. The paperback is set to be released on March 22, 2011. It takes place in the Star Wars expanded universe in 43.5 ABY.

The novel begins immediately after the ending of Backlash, with Luke and Ben Skywalker being surrounded over Dathomir by the Sith fleet summoned by Vestara Khai, their Sith prisoner. The Sith send a message to their ship, the Jade Shadow, from their leader, High Lord Sarasu Taalon, in order to declare a truce with the Jedi. Their goal is to destroy the malignant Force entity known as Abeloth, who is causing the Force psychosis that is plaguing the young Jedi Knights back on Coruscant, as well the Sith's own apprentices. Vestara's father, Gavar, asks to come aboard, and Luke reluctantly agrees. Once Gavar is aboard, Luke lets Vestara and her father use his room for a private chat due to there being a recording device running there. Speaking in the Keshiri language because Gavar rightfully suspects that they are being recorded, he reveals to Vestara that the Sith apprentices are just fine; the lie was merely a means to assure Luke's cooperation in order to destroy Abeloth. Gavar also feels that Vestara has developed feelings for Ben, and encourages her to pursue them; at worst, he's a source for information, and at best, she may turn him to the dark side of the Force. Vestara agrees, thrilled at the prospect of having Ben join the Sith due to her attraction for him. As they leave Luke's room, the latter finds them and agrees to assist the Sith in destroying Abeloth. However, he refuses to let Vestara rejoin the Sith just yet; begrudgingly, her father accepts this and they decide to head to Klatooine, the closest supply point leading back to the Maw. Meanwhile, Luke is having dreams of his late wife, Mara, luring him to the Maw.