Chapters 26-29 Summary

Luke steps back, recalling Jomark. C'baoth claims to know they would come. He mocks Luke's naiveté in believing the Jedi are guardians of peace. When Luke reminds C'baoth that he is but a clone of the great Jedi Master, it shakes C'baoth, but he recovers to boast of rebuilding Covell's mind in his own image, as he will the thousands of Jedi minds. Pulling out a remote switch, C'baoth kills the ysalamiri and the Force returns. C'baoth disarms Mara and hits her with lightning and points to Luke's clone, Luuke. Fighting his exact duplicate creates a buzzing in Luke's head, and he wonders about turning to the Dark Side or insanity. He wants to flee but cannot abandon the weakened Mara.

Below, explosions and smoke rise from the nutrient tanks. Meanwhile, near Bilbringi, the Empire pulls Ackbar's fleet out of hyperspace...