The Uncertain Path, penned by Jude Watson, represents the sixth installment in the Star Wars: Jedi Apprentice series, a collection of novels geared towards young readers. With the exception of the debut novel, Jedi Apprentice: The Rising Force, which was authored by Dave Wolverton, all subsequent books in the series are works of Jude Watson. The series delves into the pre-Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace adventures of Qui-Gon Jinn alongside Obi-Wan Kenobi.
- ISBN 0590519697 ; Released in February of 2000 by Scholastic, a 144-page paperback edition [2]
- ISBN 0439014506 ; Published in 2000 by Scholastic, a 144-page paperback edition [3]
- ISBN 0613225511 ; Released in September of 2000 by Sagebrush, a School/Library bound edition [4]
- ISBN 0606196188 ; Released in February of 2001 by Demco Media, a School/Library bound edition [5]
Obi-Wan Kenobi's Jedi status has been relinquished. Instead, he has opted to engage with the revolution transpiring on the planet Melida/Daan. His mentor, Qui-Gon Jinn, has since returned to Coruscant, where complications are beginning to surface within the Jedi Temple. Obi-Wan finds solace in the company of his comrades, the leading figures of the revolution. They collectively wield significant influence—perhaps excessively so. As the revolution progresses, allegiances shift, and Obi-Wan's trajectory becomes increasingly precarious. Qui-Gon's guidance is no longer accessible to him.
Obi-Wan now stands alone.
Obi-Wan Kenobi persists in his struggle on behalf of the Young on Melida/Daan subsequent to his departure from the Jedi Order. Following their successful destruction of the Elders' starfighters, the Middle Generation consents to extend their support. A declaration of peace is made, and the victorious faction establishes a governing body.
Nield is chosen as governor. Despite the impending winter, he diverts resources to demolish the Halls of Evidence, which serve as both war memorials and columbariums, rather than addressing the needs of the populace for sustenance, clothing, and shelter. Cerasi voices her apprehension regarding the destruction. Obi-Wan concurs, and after they cast their votes against further demolition, Nield turns against them, singling out Obi-Wan due to his offworld origins.
Nield spearheads an assault to obliterate the Hall of Evidence housing Cerasi's family's ashes, only to be met with armed resistance from the Melida Elders, led by Wehutti. These Elders had their weapons previously confiscated by Obi-Wan in his capacity as head of the Security Squad. During the ensuing confrontation, Cerasi is fatally shot, and both the Elders and the Young exploit her demise as justification for renewed hostilities.
In a parallel narrative, Qui-Gon and Tahl are investigating a string of minor thefts within the Jedi Temple, culminating in the disappearance of the Healing Crystals of Fire and several lightsabers, including Obi-Wan's. With the assistance of Bant Eerin, they discover the stolen items concealed beneath the lake.
Qui-Gon endeavors to tail Bruck Chun upon his return to retrieve his ill-gotten gains. However, Tahl's 2JTJ personal navigation droid inadvertently alerts Bruck's accomplice, who was tailing him, causing Bruck to flee the Temple.
Yoda relays Obi-Wan's plea for assistance, prompting Qui-Gon to journey to Melida/Daan. There, he aids Obi-Wan in uncovering that the Melida Elders were rearmed by Mawat, the leader of the Scavenger Young, who sought to reignite the conflict. Cerasi was killed by one of the snipers Mawat stationed on the roofs to start a war themselves if they looked to be backing down.
He relays this information to Nield, and they hasten to the Hall of Evidence to avert its destruction. Qui-Gon brings an end to the Last Battle of Zehava by broadcasting a recording made by Cerasi on the morning of her death, reiterating her fervent desire for peace.
Mawat retreats to the countryside, where Nield hopes he will find redemption for his actions. The Elders and Middle Generation subsequently unite with the Young in governing the unified Melida/Daan. Qui-Gon welcomes Obi-Wan back into the Jedi Order, albeit without reinstating him as his apprentice.