Heir to the Empire

Chapter 5 The Story So Far

Five years after the Empire’s defeat over Endor in Return of the Jedi (1983) on the ex-Imperial capital of Coruscant, Luke, Leia, and Han are struggling not only with their evolving identities, but also with the demands on their expertise as the militaristic Rebellion aspires to establish a legitimate and functioning government.

On Myrkr, smugglers Talon Karrde and Mara Jade observed Imperial Warlord Grand Admiral Thrawn collect the native ysalamiri, which have a unique ability to vacate the Force.

Thrawn then travels to Wayland on the hunt for technology left by the late Emperor that will aid in his plan to retake territory from — and ultimately destroy — the New Republic. While there, he encounters Jedi clone Joruus C'baoth, whose allegiance he gains by offering him Leia's unborn twins.

Chapter 5

Han delivers a report on his mission to recruit smugglers to facilitate trade within the New Republic. Its lack of progress fans the flames in the ongoing feud between the present Commander in Chief, Admiral Ackbar, and the ambitious Borsk Fey'lya, Council Member and an important leader of the Bothan faction. After a short quarrel, Mon Mothma deescalates the situation by adjourning the meeting.

Han is told that Luke will be accompanying him and Leia on their diplomatic mission to Bimmisaari. Leia seems keen to sojourn away from the political capital.

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Hosts’ Thoughts

Zahn adds details about aliens right when you need to know
How long should a chapter in a book (scene in a movie) be?
Mon Mothma is a pragmatic politician, war seems to have strained her severely
Why is it that Leia seems to have little patience for politics?
What is the narrative of Luke at Endor to the wider galaxy?
What do you think Han is feeling when he says, “Sure, just exactly like old times?”