An Ancient Evil

An Ancient Evil, the first Star Wars novella by Matthias Malone, Emperor Palpatine is revived by a fanatical Grand Moff, Arismendi Hydoc, by way of the Jedi Oracle, an ancient site on the swamp planet Dagoba where Force-sensitive beings can be revived spiritually, appearing on the pyhsical plane. Such an appearance would be like the images of Obi-Wan Kenobi,Yoda, and Anakin Lars appearing at the end of Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. The use of the Oracle creates a dark stirring in the Force, and Luke Skywalker, along with the rest of the Jedi Order, feel it.

Days later, Luke is in the Mos Eisley Cantina with Leia Organa Solo and Han Solo when he is attacked by Hydoc. Though the Moff escapes, Luke discovers his long-lost second-cousin, Anakin Lars. Anakin tells Luke of thier relation, and tells Luke that he believes the Oracle is on Dagoba, a correct assumption.

The following day, Han is shot by a bounty hunter and is taken to Coruscant's best hospital, and Luke uses the trip to see the Jedi Council. (In the Trilogy, there is an alternate future where the Jedi Order is back in the Jedi Temple on the capital planet.) Luke tells the Council of Anakin's thoughts that the Oracle is on Dagoba, though the Council vetos his proposal to search the planet. Outside, Luke discovers Hydoc waiting to capture him. Though Hydoc falls to his death, Luke learns that there are Imperial ships on Coruscant and stows away on a Star Destroyer headed for the Jedi Oracle.

Once there, Luke finds Anakin also there, and the two use the Oracle to revive Anakin Skywalker.