“If I am in the service of the Empire, I will be loyal to you.” This was the promise Grand Admiral Thrawn made to Emperor Palpatine during their first meeting. Since then, having become one of the most effective tools of the Empire, Thrawn has pursued its enemies to the very borders of the explored galaxy. However, even with such a refined weapon as Thrawn, the Emperor dreams of something more destructive. Now that Thrawn's TIE Defender production program has been stopped to make way for Director Krennic and his secret Death Star project, the Grand Admiral realizes : the balance of power in the Empire depends not only on military ingenuity and tactical skill. Even the greatest intellect finds it difficult to compete with a power capable of destroying entire planets. While Thrawn tries to strengthen his position in the Imperial hierarchy, the Admiral's former protégé Eli Vanto returns from the Chiss homeworld and brings a dire warning. The talent of a strategist must help Thrawn make an unthinkable choice: duty to the Chiss Ascendancy or loyalty to the Emperor, whom he swore to serve. Even if the right choice is tantamount to treason.