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The uneasy alliance Luke Skywalker formed with the mysterious Lost Sith Tribe persists, albeit tenuously, as our heroes continue to track down the dark presence that is driving Jedi across the galaxy insane. But the evil entity that has now become known as Abeloth is ready for the confrontation, and Luke is finding it increasingly disturbing that he may recognize something about this monster.

Allies, part five of the nine part Fate of the Jedi storyline, sees writer Christie Golden tackling not only the core storyline, but issues of slavery within the Star Wars Universe. After their battle on Dathomir, Luke and Ben Skywalker have formed a mutual truce with the Lost Tribe of Sith. Apprentice Vestara Khai remains 'prisoner' on the Luke's Jade Shadow ship, but now an entire fleet of Sith accompany our two heroes as they prepare to return into the Maw Cluster to confront the creature that has the power to infect Jedi minds.

As the story in the Outer Rim progresses, the Couruscant front finds Han and Leia Solo in hiding as Chief of State Daala has issued a warrant for their arrest. The Jedi Temple is under siege from a group of Mandalorians, also brought in by Daala, while Jaina Solo and Imperial Head Jagged Fel his a rocky patch in their relationship. Tahiri Veila, former apprentice to Darth Caedus begins her trial for the murder Grand Admiral Pellaeon, and Golden gives readers a very nice Law & Order-style courtroom drama, with many alien races, of course.

Back on the Rim, the wary allies find themselves on Klatooine, home of the Klatus and Niktos who have been in servitude to the Hutts for eons, due to a protection contract. This is the battleground for the beginning of what is soon to be a major revolt against slavery in the Star Wars Universe.

At the same time, Ben finds himself more and more attracted to Vestara, while she begins feeling similar emotions. But is Ben following in the footsteps of his father, who managed to win the heart of the Emperor's Hand, or is this just another Sith trick? Fans will enjoy the appearance of Lando Calrissian who joins the fray with a hulking, monstrosity of an asteroid collector ship called the Rock Hound, and some wonderful moments of Luke and Gavar Khai (Vestara's father) having to play 'dad' over their children's infatuation.

This installment continues the overall story and gives much needed insight into the relationships of the Lost Sith Tribe. Since this group hasn't had contact with the Galaxy since before Darth Bane created the Rule of Two, the idea of a Sith family structure adds some new depth to the Dark legacy and provides some interesting reactions from Luke himself.

Science fiction enthusiast David Maddox has been many things, including Star Trek characters and the Riddler in a Batman stunt show. He holds a degree in Cinema from San Francisco State University, and has written several articles for various SF sites as well as the Star Wars Insider and the Star Trek Communicator. He spends his time working on screenplays and stories while acting on stage, screen and television. He can sometimes be seen giving tours at Universal Studios Hollywood and occasionally playing Norman Bates. Really.