The Battle of Yavin has died down and the Death Star has been blown up, but the rebels are still far from victory. Heroes desperately need resources, loyal allies and, most of all, a new base. Therefore, they accept the invitation of the imperial governor, who has decided to go over to the side of the rebels. However, nothing escapes the Emperor’s attention, and the best imperial agent is sent to deal with the conspirators. Mara Jade, at the head of the Punishing Hand squad of stormtroopers, sets out to bring justice to high-ranking traitors. But neither Mara nor the heroes of the rebellion - Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Princess Leia - have any idea what a complex web of conspiracies and betrayals they are being drawn into. There is a real war going on in this distant sector of the Galaxy, and the Alliance is by no means its main participant. A cruel and cunning dictator from the Unknown Regions named Nuso Esva faces the only one who can curb him - Captain Thrawn, a rising star in the Imperial Navy. And the decisions of one of them may forever determine the future of all parties to the galactic conflict.