The Lost Holocron: Recent Episodes
The Lost Holocron
Hello, there. You just found The Lost Holocron. Every week, a few mates slowly make their way through a Star Wars novel. Read with us, or not; there is no 'try'. We go too slow for that to be an option.
Chapter 16 of Star Wars: Dark Force Rising (1992) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarThe Empire and New Republic are scrambling for warships. After a messy skirmish over Sluiss Van, the New Republic’s fleet has been decimated. With unexplained cash being deposited into Admiral Ackbar’s account on the day of the Imperial attack, Ackbar is under arrest on suspicion of treason. While investigating the Churba Section, Han Solo discover a rogue militia and are taken to an undisclosed world. Led by Garm Bel Iblis, his militia may have a common enemy in the Empire but Bel Iblis doesn’t trust the New Republic, specifically the de facto leader Mon Mothma.
While in the private quarters assigned to them, Lando claims that the upholstery is distinctly from the lost Katana Fleet. Were it true and they were able to persuade Bel Iblis to join the New Republic, the Katana Fleet may make all the difference in the New Republic’s logistical struggle with the Empire.
Leia Organa Solo has travelled to Honoghr with Noghri Khabarakh. Grand Admiral Thrawn is simultaneously planetside. Khabarakh’s return has raised suspicions on his clan and Thrawn has taken him into custody.
Chapter 16Han and Lando go back to investigate the headquarter lounge for confirmation that the furnishings of the Perigrine’s Nest are indeed from the Katana Fleet. Lando completes his inspection just as Irenez returns. She marches them out of the lounge and to Sena in a waiting speeder. A terse discussion of intentions devolves into a frank plea for Han to encourage the New Republic to extend an invitation to Bel Iblis to rejoin. In a forgotten corner of history, Bel Iblis was actually a founding member of the Alliance to Restore the Republic but was shouldered out by Mon Mothma’s charisma after the death of Bail Organa at the destruction of Alderaan. Scorned, he has been fighting his own private war since then. Their own operations had ceased almost three years earlier in preparation should Mon Mothma’s hold over the New Republic become autocratic; something Han knows is not going to happen.
Han and Lando offer an ultimatum: they will talk to the New Republic Council if Sena gives up information on the Katana Fleet. She tells them the location of the contact from whom they acquired their six ships on and agrees to convey them offworld. They make to leave, but Bel Iblis is already waiting for them on the landing platform. With understanding, his facade crumbles, leaving a hollow man. Han gives one last attempt to convince the Commander of his value should he join the New Republic. En route back to New Cov, Han shares with Lando his worries about Leia’s mission.
Over Honoghr, Pellaeon presents Thrawn with intel of the Millenium Falcon having been found over Endor. Together, they suspect that after extracting information from a captured Khabarakh, the Rebellion is using his release as a diversion to uncover information about the location of Mount Tantiss. Thrawn decides to leave Khabarakh on Honoghr to acquiesce the Noghri Elders to their traditions.
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Chapter 15 of Star Wars: Dark Force Rising (1992) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarThe New Republic is in disarray after a messy skirmish over Sluiss Van. With unexplained cash being deposited into Admiral Ackbar’s account on the day of the Imperial attack, Ackbar is under arrest on suspicion of treason. Bothan council member Borsk Fey’lya is taking great advantage of his political rival’s misfortune. Han Solo takes it upon himself to investigate the Churba sector where the Bothans displayed unusual commitment during the Galactic Civil War, hoping to find evidence that Fey’lya may be framing Ackbar and clear his name.
Han takes Luke Skywalker and Lando Calrisian to New Cov. Han spots and follows an aid to Fey’lya, and stumbles upon an unknown militia group apparently working in concert with the Bothans. Along with Lando, they are forced to escape as an Imperial tribute-raid flushes them out of the city. Han and Lando jump to hyperspace in lock-step with the militia, hitching a ride to an undisclosed world. There, the pair are introduced to the Commander, Garm Bel Iblis, a long assumed-dead Imperial senator and somewhat-of-an-icon of Han’s childhood.
Chapter 15Bel Iblis regales Han and Lando with the exploits of his militia, however Lando is in a less than generous mood. When Han notices that Lando is still on his first drink, a tense negotiation surfaces. They learn that Bel Iblis doesn’t trust the development of the New Republic, suspicious that power has been too centralised around Mon Mothma.
As Bel Iblis must attend to other matters, Han and Lando walk to prepared accommodation. Lando points out obvious falsehoods in Bel Iblis’s claims; the base is not nearly as mobile or active as stated. Their bickering continues in their room where Lando makes an alarming discovery: the decore has been taken from what-could-only-be the lost Katana Fleet. They head back to the headquarters lounge to investigate further.
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Chapter 14 of Star Wars: Dark Force Rising (1992) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So Far“Not the last of the old Jedi, Luke. The first of the new.”
Luke Skywalker is overwhelmed and nonplussed about the role thrust upon him. He lacks the confidence to teach his sister and her unborn twins. During an engagement over Nkllon with a Imperial raiding party, his mind is touched by a mysterious Jedi claiming that “the Jedi will rise again”.
Following the voice to Jormark, Luke runs afoul further Imperial entanglement, causing major delays in his quest to seek out this mysterious Jedi Master. After almost a complete reset back to Coruscant where he learns a little of Jorus C’baoth, Luke accompanies Han Solo and Lando Calrissian to New Cov, where he is called upon in a tapcafe to arbitrate a dispute that Luke feels unqualified to have offered his judgement on. Imperial activity in the sector separates Luke from Han and Lando and forces them to flee the planet. Unhindered by alternative obligations, Luke makes the jump to Jormark.
Little does Luke know that he is not going to meet the true C’baoth, but a clone that has been in an unstable alliance with the Imperial Remnants. This C’baoth has shown himself to be wayward to the demands of the Empire and harbours a desire to mould the Skywalkers to some other nefarious purpose.
Chapter 14Luke arrives to Jormark, and follows his intuition to C’baoth’s castle. The Jedi Master is authoritative but not at all what Luke expects. C’baoth wastes no time in beginning his tutorship with Luke. Leaving R2-D2 with the X-Wing, they travel to the village at the foot of the hill.
Within one of the houses, they sense a disturbance and enter to intervene. C’baoth’s decree is swift and decisive. Luke — taken aback by the lack of nuance — leaves open an opportunity for the convicted to dive for a weapon. Before Luke can react, C’baoth unleashes cascades of Force Lightning, subduing the aggressor and — in his own words — leaving a lasting lesson.
At the end of the day, Luke goes outside to confide in R2 that, while he needs instruction, he has doubts about the elderly Jedi Master’s sanity.
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Chapter 13 of Star Wars: Dark Force Rising (1992) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarLeia Organa Solo has travelled to the Noghri homeworld of Honoghr with Chewbacca and C-3PO under Khabarakh’s oath of protection. Honoghr is a world devastated by the war; catastrophic collapse of their ecosystem has left them indebted to the subsistence of the Empire, sending their male population to become honour-bound death commandos.
The Maitrak of Clan Kim’bar shares with Leia the history of the Noghri people and their relationship with the Empire. Leia hoped to convince the clans to consider aligning with the New Republic, but the terms of their indenture are binding. She agrees that good intentions alone are insufficient to provide the Noghri with the aid they so desperately need. It is at this point that an approaching Imperial ship causes the village to go on high-alert.
Chapter 13TIE Scimitar bombers patrol the skies as an Imperial Shuttle closes in on the Dhuka. Cornered, Leia and Chewbacca cram into the meditation room and Leia uses her Jedi skills to eavesdrop as the Grand Admiral reappears to confront the Maitrak, accusing Khabarakh of perjury. The Grand Admiral claims he is beholden to a law higher than Noghri law — his Imperial law — and will arrest Khabarakh immediately. When the Maitrak objects, the Grand Admiral orders a show-of-force that (with her Jedi-enhanced senses) dazzles Leia.
As Leia regains her senses, the Grand Admiral leaves granting an “allowance” of public humiliation to Khabarakh for three days in the capital of Nystao.
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Chapter 12 of Star Wars: Dark Force Rising (1992) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarLeia Organa Solo has been targeted by the Empire for abduction. She and Chewbacca thwart an abduction attempt on Kashyyyk, capturing Noghri operative Khabarakh. In the subsequent interrogation, Khabarakh tells of how Lord Vader brought hope to the Noghri people, whose world became collateral damage after a ferocious space battle. Leaning on that reverence, Leia negotiates an embassy to Honoghr. However, when they arrive, they find Imperial presence coercing the importance of their mission to capture Leia.
They touchdown in Clan Kihm'bar, but the irregularity draws Imperial interest. Quick thinking and honour-bound by Khabarakh’s oath of protection, Leia and Chewbacca are hidden away in the village as Thrawn inspects the late-returning operative.
Chapter 12Leia wakes up on Honoghr. Directed to the Dukha by some Noghri children. She learns from clan Kihm’bar’s Maitrakh more of the Noghri, their history, and their indentured servitude with the Empire.
The Maitrakh implores Leia to leave until such time that the Noghri would not be trading one over-clan for another. Leia agrees, but as she does, they are alerted to an approaching Imperial ship.
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Chapter 11 of Star Wars: Dark Force Rising (1992) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarAdmiral Ackbar, the military head of the New Republic, has been arrested under suspicion of treason; during the ultimately calamitous raid on Sluis Van, the Imperial Remnants surreptitiously deposited funds into one of Ackbar’s accounts through the vacillatory world of Palanhi.
Han Solo suspects Ackbar’s main political rival, Borsk Fay’lya, of foul play. Seeing Palanhi as a dead end, he takes both Lando Calrissian and Luke Skywalker to sleuth around on New Cov, a planet that saw notable Bothan interest during the Galactic Civil War.
On New Cov, Han spies Bothan Council Aide Tav Breil’lya and discovers a new faction. A routine Imperial raid escalates after finding Luke’s X-Wing and Lando’s Lady Luck. The Independents assist Han, Luke, and Lando to escape into New Cov airspace. Luke engages fighters in a dogfight to buy the Lady Luck time to rendezvous with three dreadnaughts that drop out of hyperspace to assist the fleeing Independents. After Lady Luck docks and makes the jump to hyperspace, Luke makes his own getaway, to a fateful introduction on Jormark.
Chapter 11Han and Lando arrive at an encampment on an undisclosed planet that vaguely reminds both of them of the old Rebellion bases during the Galactic Civil War. Sena takes Han through to meet a Corellian political figure from his childhood, Garm Bel Iblis. After becoming acquainted, they move outside to give full introductions and discuss what might happen next.
Over Honoghr, Thrawn and Pellaeon review the footage where “old acquaintances” clash with Star Destroyer Relentless over New Cov. Thrawn is certain they are Corellian in origin, and makes contact with Captain Dorja of Relentless. Ship thief Niles Ferrier was caught smuggling Cov Biomolecules. Thrawn sentences him to steal the dreadnoughts from the recording within three months, hoping to capture the dreadnoughts rather than risk their destruction by simply routing the Corellian faction.
Pellaeon then presents the analysis from Khabarakh's ship: Wookiee hair, everywhere. They both conclude that Khabarakh's month-long absence must have owed to his capture, and subsequent interrogation and release. Thrawn orders to prepare for a show of force on the surface -- to remind the Noghri of their loyalties lie.
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Chapter 10 of Star Wars: Dark Force Rising (1992) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarGrand Admiral Thrawn has tasked the Noghri with the capture of Leia Organa Solo and her unborn twins. After many failed attempts, Thrawn travels to the Noghri homeworld of Honoghr to impress the importance of their success.
Leia and Chewbacca capture a Noghri operative on Kashyyyk. During the interrogation, the operative Khabarakh identifies Leia by scent as the Mal'ary'ush — heir to the revered Lord Vader. In exchange for a solo embassy to the Noghri homeworld, Leia allows Khabarakh to leave and meet in one month’s time over the Forest Moon of Endor.
Leia, C-3PO, and Chewbacca arrive a day early, and when the Falcon passes through the point where the Emperor died aboard the Second Death Star, Leia experiences an overwhelming wave of dark side energy.
Khabarakh arrives as promised. They transfer to Khabarakh's ship and take the four-day trip to the Noghri homeworld: a planet that looks all but dead. They are surprised to see an Imperial Star Destroyer above the capital and divert their course to Khabarakh's clan village -- which doesn't go unnoticed and Thrawn directs Imperial scrutiny to the Kihm'bar village.
Chapter 10Khabarakh's ship lands at the Kihm'bar village. Leia, Chewbacca, and C-3PO stay on the ship while (in accordance with Noghri law) Khabarakh announces the arrival of the outsiders to the clan maitrakh. Chewbacca disappears into the ship to sabotage the electronics to obfuscate their presence, leaving Leia to anxiously wait until Khabarakh's return.
Without Chewbacca, they hurry through to an inauspicious meeting with the maitrakh. Despite obvious tensions, the Kihm'bar clan will honour Khabarakh's promise of refuge and diplomacy, obscuring their presence deeper in the village.
The Imperials arrive to extract an explanation from Khabarakh for his month-long absence after the failure of Commando Team Twenty-Two on Kashyyyk. The sabotage to Khabarakh's ship is undetected and the ship is taken with the Imperials back to Nystao for repairs. Thrawn suspects there is more to be learned about Khabarakh's reclusion, but that is all secondary to the capture of Organa Solo.
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Chapter 9 of Star Wars: Dark Force Rising (1992) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarLeia Organa Solo has been pursued on numerous worlds by aliens unknown to the New Republic, intent on her abduction. In exchange for Organa Solo and her unborn twins, Grand Admiral Thrawn has negotiated an alliances with Dark Jedi clone Joruus C'Baoth. After many failed attempts, Thrawn wishes to impress upon the Noghri the gravity of the situation.
Seeking shelter with the Wookiees on Kashyyyk, Leia and Chewbacca capture a Noghri operative. During the interrogation, the operative Khabarakh identifies Leia by scent as the Mal'ary'ush — heir to the revered Lord Vader. In exchange for a solo embassy to the Noghri homeworld, Leia allows Khabarakh to leave and meet in one month’s time over the Forest Moon of Endor.
Leia, C-3PO, and Chewbacca arrive a day early, and when the Falcon passes through the point where the Emperor died aboard the Second Death Star, Leia experiences an overwhelming wave of dark side energy.
Chapter 9While initially wary, Khabarakh accepts Leia, C-3PO, and Chewbacca board his ship after understanding that Chewbacca has given a life debt to Leia; like Wookiees, Noghri culture holds honour in high regard.
During the four-day flight, Khabarakh mostly isolates himself in the cockpit, giving Leia little to prepare for her embassy and an ambivalent impression that told her their arrival to Honoghr was unannounced.
They arrive over Honoghr; a world covered in greys and browns, a decidedly sickly looking planet — and over it the distinctive arrow-head of an Imperial Star Destroyer. Chewbacca rushes to the cockpit, slamming on the door; Khabarakh opens the door to reassure them of his trust, but Chewbacca can only be stopped by a stun trap. Khabarakh signals the all-clear, citing his delay to equipment malfunction, and decides to take them to his home, away from the visiting Imperials.
At the Capital of Nystao, as the Imperials are being received in a traditional welcoming ceremony by the many Clan Dynasts. Captain Pellaeon is passed a report from lieutenant Tschel about the incoming ship. Thrawn halts the ceremony to travel to Clan Kihm’bar, wanting to receive the returning operative from the failed abduction on Kashyyyk.
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Chapter 8 of Star Wars: Dark Force Rising (1992) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarLuke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Lando Calrissian are on New Cov investigating a lead into a possible Bothan conspiracy surrounding allegations of Admiral Ackbar’s treason from Borsk Fey’lya. Upon arrival, Han identifies and pursues one of Fey’lya’s aides, Tav Breil’lya, into the warehouse section only to be held up by an unfamiliar woman.
On the lower levels Lando meets Luke in a tap-cafe as sirens warn of an Imperial raid on the world. They split up, with Luke off to find Han while Lando heads to the hangar in an attempt to erase evidence of their presence before the Imperials find the landing records.
Chapter 8Han is disarmed at blasterpoint by the short, greying woman and invited to a holding room for interrogation with another, taller woman; Sena. Breil'lya is invited into the interrogation and accuses Han of being an imposter and Imperial spy. In his zeal, his accusations unravel, much to Sena’s amusement. Sena and Irenez (the shorter woman) belong to another independent group; relayed by messages, their commander instructs them to assist Han’s escape from the Imperial raid on Ilic.
Luke is intercepted by the group’s picket line and escorted to Han’s location. Together with Irenez, they rendezvous with Lando in the Imperial-occupied hangar. Han orchestrates an escape into New Cov airspace in the confusion caused by the Lady Luck’s beckon call and blaster fire from Luke’s X-Wing.
A Star Destroyer and its complement of TIE fighters move to intercept their escape. Luke peels off to engage the TIEs, buying time for Han, Lando, and Irenez to make their escape with the rest of Irenez’s group. Three dreadnaughts arrive from hyperspace to escort the escapees, along with a personal invitation from the Commander; an old friend or a ruse to ensnare Han?
Alone in unfriendly skies, Luke and R2 jump to hyperspace, headed to Jormark.
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Chapter 7 of Star Wars: Dark Force Rising (1992) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarIn the twilight of the Galactic Civil War, new leadership has renewed the Imperial threat to the New Republic. Between a devastating military blunder at the Sluissi Shipyards and suspicious financial activity, Admiral Ackbar was taken under arrest on suspicions of treason. After giving testimony on their experience at Sluis Van, Han Solo and Luke Skywalker have taken it upon themselves to investigate Ackbar’s most vocal detractor Borsk Fey'lya: during the Galactic Civil War, the Bothans had a noteworthy skirmish in the Churba Sector, making New Cov the first site of their investigation.
Additionally, the Imperial threat has come with multiple abduction attempts on Leia Organa-Solo. After seeking shelter with the Wookiees, she and Chewbacca thwart another abduction, capturing a Noghri operative. During the interrogation, the operative Khabarakh identifies Leia by scent as the Mal'ary'ush — heir to the revered Lord Vader. In exchange for a solo embassy to the Noghri homeworld, Leia allows Khabarakh to leave to meet in one month’s time over the Forest Moon of Endor.
Chapter 7Leia and Chewbacca arrive in the Endor system a day before their appointed meeting with the Noghri Khabarakh. As the Falcon orbits the Forest Moon, Leia blacks out. After she comes to, it takes little to surmise that Leia had felt an echo in the Force from the moment of the Emperor's death.
On the hostile jungle-world of New Cov, Lando and Han arrive at the armoured city of Ilic. Upon clearing customs, Han spies Bothan Tav Breil’lya, identifying him by his neckpiece as one of Fay’lya’s aides. Han hurriedly sends Lando to meet Luke below while he tails Breil’lya to the warehouse district, only to be ambushed by a short, greying woman — just as sirens start to blare.
At the tap-cafe Mishra, Lando meets Luke as he is called upon to dispense a Jedi’s wisdom on a heated dispute between a Barabel and a Rodian: the Barabel was not told that he would be paid for a job in Imperial Credits. As Luke enhances his senses to read the Rodian for any signs of deception, he catches a whiff of Carababba tabac and Armudu spice: Niles Ferrier is here. While initially obstinate, the crowd’s support for Luke as a Jedi compels Ferrier’s aid to facilitate an unofficial exchange of Imperial and New Republic monies.
With the situation deescalated, Luke’s reflects on this previously-unconsidered responsibility of a Jedi. The crowd seems unperturbed by the blare of sirens, with one of the crowd informing them that it signals an Imperial raid. Lando suggests that such raids are commonplace on borderworlds as a tacit oblation, suspecting that this routine raid will turn unpleasant after the Imperials find their ships on the landing record.
They split up, with Luke off to find Han, while Lando heads to the hangar to meet up with R2 and attempt to erase the landing logs.
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Chapter 6 of Star Wars: Dark Force Rising (1992) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarGrand Admiral Thrawn has begun a campaign to destroy the New Republic, beleaguering many prospective member-worlds to spread New Republic resources thin.
From Myrkr, Thrawn harvested ysalamiri to leverage the allegiance of Dark Jedi clone Joruus C'Baoth of Wayland, where a cache of technology from the late-Emperor. In Mount Tantiss, operations are underway to train the next generation of Imperials. They have a bounty out on warships to supply their growing numbers.
Between operations, C'Baoth awaits the Jedi promised in exchange for his talents; Luke Skywalker and pregnant Leia Organa Solo. Captain Pellaeon has been vocal about his misgivings towards the tenuous alliance, however C'Baoth's battle meditation has proven tremendous. With several failed abductions on Organa Solo by the Noghri taskforce, Pellaeon fears the tempestuous clone will become a liability as his patience runs out waiting for Skywalker on Jormark.
Chapter 6Economic and psychological pressure; Thrawn is pleased with the disarray sewn amongst the Republic political structure. He has been receiving intel from inside the Imperial Palace. Even Pellaeon doesn't know details on the informant designated Delta Source.
Thrawn and Pellaeon butt heads as they oversee a raid on New Republic supply lines through Sarka. C'Baoth has disregarded direct orders at Taanab, something that Pellaeon is particularly sensitive to. However, Thrawn dismisses the threat that the clone could face in the grand scheme of things. Regardless, Thrawn plans to deliver a message personally to the Noghri people to impress the importance of success in their mission to abduct Leia Organa Solo.
On Jormark, C’baoth awakens to sense the approach of a messenger from the village. He muses over the dynamics of his relationship with the Empire, reflecting on how he has been regarded by the various peoples he has subjugated. He relishes the challenge of manipulating Skywalker to his surreptitious machinations.
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Chapter 5 of Star Wars: Dark Force Rising (1992) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarIn her veiled past, Mara Jade was the Emperor's Hand, a high-functioning operative with a mental connection directly to the Emperor. With his assassination at the hands of Luke Skywalker and the Rebellion, she holds a deep hatred for those that wrought her ruination. She has spent the interstitial five years tortured by her fragmented Force-powers. That is until she came into the employment of Smuggling Lord Talon Karrde on Myrkr, where the indigenous ysalamiri create bubbles that neutralise the Force.
Several weeks before, Karrde declined to participate in a hunt for Luke Skywalker, but on return from a mission Mara dropped the Wild Karrde out of hyperspace to find his X-Wing stranded in deep space. Under the protection of ysalamiri, Karrde detained him at his base-of-operations on Myrkr while he decided how best to proceed. New Republic representatives Han Solo and Lando Calrissian arrived on his doorstep with a proposal, however this too Karrde declined.
His values of honour and independence collide when he receives a surprise call from the astute and vindictive Imperial Warlord Grand Admiral Thrawn. In the balancing act, Skywalker escaped into the wilderness pursued by Mara. Thrawn left a contingent of Stormtroopers to assist recovery of the missing persons, forcing Karrde to ally with the New Republic to cover up his initial deception.
To escape Thrawn's retribution, Karrde and Mara uprooted the organisation from Myrkr and made to leave the system. Karrde gambles on staying behind to collect intelligence on the Imperial strike, barely averting capture owing to Mara's precognition, which exposes her secret Force-sensitivity.
Chapter 5Karrde has retreated his organisation to Rishi. Mara bickers with him over having chosen such a populus location, and to avoid addressing her past she pushes Karrde to elaborate on a deferred conversation. He shares a memory of stumbling upon what he suspects to be the Katana Fleet, a scandalous fleet of several hundred slave-circuited warships lost sometime before the outbreak of the Clone Wars. With an Imperial bounty on warships, he believes it may be pertinent to delivering them from Imperial ire.
They are interrupted with a request for supplies, which Karrde sends Mara to collect from one of their caches. On her way, Mara tracks, then is ambushed by a bounty hunter. With her reemerging Force-powers, she manages to distract him long enough to turn the tables.
Returning to the store house, Mara tells Karrde of her run-in and they promptly order the retreat.
That night, Mara experiences a relapse of harrowing Force-induced dreams.
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Chapter 4 of Star Wars: Dark Force Rising (1992) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarThe New Republic is beleaguered by numerous Imperial hit-and-fade operations with a recent assault leaving an entire shipyard of capital ships crippled. Admiral Ackbar has been accused by political rival Borsk Fey'lya of colluding with the Imperials due to suspicious financial activity on the day of the assault.
Han Solo, Lando Calrissian, and Luke Skywalker have intel that a non-human Grand Admiral is behind the recent coordination. Arriving ahead of Lando and Luke, Han gives his testimony on the assault and divulges the intel before they can verify it in the ex-Imperial Archives.
Meanwhile, Leia Organa Solo has been evading abduction from a mysterious alien task force. On Kashyyyk, Leia and the Wookiees neutralise another attempt, capturing the Noghri operative Khabarakh, but not before Chewbacca 's childhood friend Salporin is killed.
During the subsequent interrogation, Khabarakh identifies Leia as daughter-and-heir to the revered Lord Vader. Leaning on that reverence, she offers a one-on-one meeting as a show of good faith from the New Republic towards the Noghri people. She returns to Coruscant in the interim to prepare for her meeting in one-month’s time over the forest Moon of Endor.
Luke has been lacking confidence to both train Leia and become the teacher of the next generation of Jedi. Beckoned through the Force to Jormark by a Jedi Master identified by rumour as Jorus C’Baoth, apprehension urges Luke to seek out this possible new mentor to lighten his burden. He is unsuspecting that it is really a Clone of the original C’Baoth in league with the Imperial Grand Admiral.
Chapter 4Luke is back on Coruscant. While looking through the Palace Archives for information on C'Baoth, Winter interrupts him to deliver Leia’s summons. They discuss the digressive Jedi and his place in both Galactic and Alderaanian history.
Winter leaves Leia, Luke, and Han to discuss the conspiracy surrounding Ackbar, and (if any) throughlines with Fay'lya and the Bothans. With nothing left to contribute on Coruscant, Han and Luke will investigate New Corv, in the Churba Sector where the Bothans were involved in a brief-but-violent skirmish during the Galactic Civil War.
It’s at this point that Chewbacca exposes Leia’s rendezvous with the Noghri. With Han and Leia staring expectantly at each other, Luke excuses himself.
Leia and Han argue in earnest, but ultimately her idealism wins his support for her mission. Han insists that she take the Falcon and Chewie as a pilot.
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Chapter 3 of Star Wars: Dark Force Rising (1992) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarThe New Republic is beleaguered by numerous Imperial hit-and-fade operations. To fulfil the needs of the victimised member worlds, New Republic warships have been pressed into relief shipping. With many vulnerable capital ships funnelled through Sluis Van, the Imperial Remnants used mole miners stolen from Lando Calrissian’s enterprise to assault the shipyard in an attempt to hijack warships.
Leia Organa Solo has been evading abduction from a mysterious alien task force. Leia and Chewbacca go to ground on Kashyyyk, where another incident occurs. Together with the Wookiees, she neutralises the threat, capturing the Noghri operative Khabarakh, but not before Chewbacca 's childhood friend Salporin is killed.
During the subsequent interrogation, Khabarakh identifies Leia as daughter-and-heir to the revered Lord Vader. Leaning on that reverence, she offers a one-on-one meeting as a show of good faith from the New Republic towards the Noghri people. She returns to Coruscant in the interim to prepare for her meeting in one-month’s time over the forest Moon of Endor.
Meanwhile, from a chance sighting while on Myrkr, Han Solo and Lando are informed by an unforthcoming Talon Karrde of the recent Imperial reformation under a non-human Grand Admiral after he declines to supply the New Republic with logistical support. Han and Lando arrive with Luke Skywalker at Sluis Van in time for Lando’s override codes to foil the Imperial assault. They are alerted to a political emergency on Coruscant and Han leaves ahead of Luke and Lando.
Chapter 3Admiral Ackbar is under house arrest on suspicions of treason. On the day of the attack on Sluis Van, money had been transferred into his account on the crossroads planner of Palanhi — known for its fence-sitting during the Galactic Civil War.
Han arrives back to Coruscant and is quickly shepherded by Leia to a special hearing of the New Republic Council. Mon Mothma presides as Han recounts his experience over Sluis Van. During Fey'lya's allegations against Ackbar, Han blurts out his uncorroborated discovery that the Imperials are being led by a Grand Admiral. The council suspends further inquiry to investigate this new claim and continue with Han's Sluissi testimony.
Han, Leia, and Chewbacca visit Ackbar. Ackbar doubts that the old Imperial files will contain useful information; the position of Grand Admiral was one of Emperor Palpatine's efforts to exercise direct control over both military and political spheres.
Since landing, Han senses unease in Chewbacca, but Leia is not yet ready to speak about their time on Kashyyyk.
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Chapter 2 of Star Wars: Dark Force Rising (1992) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarThe New Republic is facing logistical strains to fulfil their promises to new member worlds. They have stripped warships to pick up the slack.
While escaping entanglement with Imperial Star Destroyer Chimera, Luke Skywalker’s X-Wing is crippled. Grand Admiral Thrawn puts out a bounty for Skywalker’s capture, knowing that his hyperspace motivator will fail, stranding him in deep space.
After the events on Myrkr, Luke, Han, and Lando make it in time to Sluis Van as Thrawn’s assault begins. With so many warships running materiele through the shipyards, Thrawn uses stolen mole miners in an attempt to hijack them. Having stolen them from Lando’s mining operation on Nkklon, Lando uses his override codes to scupper the whole enterprise. With the capital ships all but ruined, the Imperials pull out leaving the shipyard in disarray.
Chapter 2With hours ticking away since Admiral Ackbar’s arrest, Luke’s status as a civilian has him grounded at Sluis Van; his X-Wing has no priority to receive Sluissi repairs, and despite Wedge tacitly offering up his own X-Wing, Wedge would face a court martial to hand over military property to a civilian.
Lando — given his stable condition — is similarly unlikely to see medical care soon. As he talks to Luke, he notices the signature scent of an old associate lingering on Luke’s clothing; professional ship thief Niles Ferrier. Using a Jedi memory-enhancing technique, Luke leads Lando in pursuit of Ferrier. After a brief firefight, they convince Ferrier and his crew to leave Sluis Van for another mark, receiving intel on an Imperial bounty for captured warships as well as slicer codes that might be used to sordidly expedite Luke’s repairs.
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Chapter 1 of Star Wars: Dark Force Rising (1992) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarEnigmatic Grand Admiral Thrawn has taken control of the Imperial Remnants after the Empire’s defeat over Endor five years prior. He has established a base on the obscure world of Wayland, taking possession of technology locked away in the late Emperor’s storehouse and negotiating the allegiance of clone Dark Jedi Joruus C’Baoth in exchange for the capture of Luke Skywalker, and Leia Organa Solo and her unborn twins.
Chapter 1Grand Admiral Thrawn holds a blockade over Myrkr, while General Covell co-ordinates an instructive assault on smuggling Lord Talon Karrde's already-evacuated base. Having seen the kind of art Karrde collects, Thrawn correctly induces that Karrde is surveilling the operation for information.
Aboard the Wild Karrde, Mara Jade senses danger and errantly prepares the ship for departure, vindicated moments later as an Interdictor drops out of hyperspace. They escape before the gravity well generator powers up, but Mara feels uneasy about her premonition, fearing another imminent cycle of self-destructivism.
Thrawn is intrigued by the implications of the escape, noting it for later. He leaves orders for Covell to commend troopers for reassignment to Mount Tantis on Wayland. Captain Pellaeon reports on Joruus C'Baoth's impetuously frequent contact; he is impatient for the delivery of the promised Skywalkers to Jormark. He smoulders over his unremembered past; all that matters to him is his connection to and dominion over the Force.
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Return on the Fifth!
The Lost Holocron is back with Dark Force Rising, book two of the Thrawn Crisis Trilogy. Read with us or just follow the discussion as we guide you chapter-by-chapter through this Star Wars Legend.
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Chapter 32 of Star Wars: Heir to the Empire (1991) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarIt is the aftermath of the Galactic Civil War. The New Republic and Imperial Remnants struggle for stability.
On Kashyyyk, Leia Organa Solo and Chewbacca uncover the identity of the aliens responsible for their many attempted abductions, and head back to Coruscant with a promise of parley over the Forest Moon of Endor.
Grand Admiral Thrawn and Captain Pellaeon had prepared an assault on the Sluis Van Shipyards, presently a hive for repurposed warships that are filling the logistical demands of the burgeoning New Republic. Using prototype cloaking technology, a freighter positions itself among the skeleton-crewed warships to unload a swarm of mole miners and TIE fighters, intended to board and hijack them.
Wedge Antilles is already running escort to one such freighter Larkhess, and engages the threat forthwith. The Millenium Falcon, having just arrived from Myrkr, also engages the swarm of TIE fighters. Han Solo and Luke Skywalker identify the mole miners as the ones stolen from Lando Calrissian’s mining operation on Nkllon. Injured though he is, Lando uses his override codes to disable the hijacked warships, though in the process leaving them all but destroyed.
Thrawn graciously admits defeat to Pellaeon, edifying him on the importance of keeping the long game in mind.
Chapter 32Lando’s override of the mole miners has brought a quick end to the assault. However with capital ship support withdrawn, the remaining Imperial forces prove obstinate; with many space troopers willing to act as suicide bombers rather than assent to the call for surrender.
The captain of the Larkhess voices the bleak outcome of the battle: this many decapitated warships is going to be hard to spin as a victory.
Han receives a call from Leia: Akbar has been arrested for treason. Han will head immediately to Coruscant, with Luke just a few hours behind as soon as his X-Wing is able.
TO BE CONTINUED …
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Hosts’ Thoughts* Is Zahn an MC Hammer fan? * Han’s idea is going to be such a political headache * Imperial troopers are very committed to the cause: thoughts on Imperial culture?
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Chapter 31 of Star Wars: Heir to the Empire (1991) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarLuke Skywalker and Leia Organa Solo have been on the run from a mysterious taskforce set on abducting them, directed from the shadows of Imperial Command by Grand Admiral Thrawn. On Kashyyyk, Leia uncovers the identity of the Noghri assailants from one they manage to pull into custody.
On Myrkr, Luke crashes in the wilderness with Mara Jade, an ex-Imperial operative with a mortal rancour for him. Caught in the act of an incidental kidnapping, Talon Karrde feels morally obliged to break his long-fought independence to work with Han Solo and Lando Calrissian in extracting Luke and Mara from the wilderness.
Hoping to delay retribution from Grand Admiral Thrawn for his concealed (albeit reluctant) partisanship, Karrde stages an ambush in which Lando stakes his life on Luke's Jedi intuition. The gamble costs him dearly, leaving him mortally wounded, but betting on Luke wins out even without use of the Force.
After a few weeks unconscious and imprisoned, a short-lived escape attempt, and days trekking through the wilderness with an animus Jade, Luke leaves Myrkr a free man with Han Solo and injured Lando Calrissian. Bound for Sluis Van, they hope to get Lando much needed medical attention, as well as repairs to Luke’s crippled X-Wing.
However, at the edge of the Sluissi system, Grand Admiral Thrawn and Captain Pellaeon are prepared for their assault on the Shipyards.
Chapter 31The Sluis Van Shipyards are mired with repurposed warships trying to make up for the logistical deficiencies of the New Republic.
While awaiting the processing of his charge, Wedge Antilles’s instincts tell him to investigate an approaching freighter. Just before Rogue Squadron's approach, it literally explodes with activity, releasing TIE fighters and unidentified snub crafts. Having presently arrived, the Millenium Falcon jumps the docking regulations to enter the fray; Han and Luke both identify the snubs as Lando’s stolen mole miners.
At the edge of the Sluissi system, Thrawn and Pellaeon direct the Imperial assault. Upon seeing the Falcon, Thrawn is now certain of Karrde’s earlier deception, but tucks that away for a later time.
As the battle continues, Wedge, Han, and Luke discover the mole miners are being used to hijack the repurposed warships running materiel through the shipyard. Injured though he is, Lando activates his override codes for the mole miners, boring through the bridge of every escaping warship.
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Hosts’ Thoughts* Confirmed: Star Wars has tea * Stormtroopers still considered very threatening * Zahn really captures Han's mannerisms so well
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Chapter 30 of Star Wars: Heir to the Empire (1991) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarLuke Skywalker and Leia Organa Solo have been on the run from a mysterious taskforce set on abducting them, directed from the shadows of Imperial Command by Grand Admiral Thrawn. On Kashyyyk, Leia uncovers the identity of the Noghri assailants from one they manage to pull into custody.
In the Sluissi Sector, Thrawn and Captain Pellaeon are prepared for their assault on the Sluis Van Shipyards, prototype cloaking technology in-hand and operational.
On Myrkr, Luke ends up captured, disarmed, and recaptured, trekking through the wilderness with ex-Imperial operative Mara Jade. Thrawn had left a contingent of Stormtroopers at their exitpoint to intercept whom Thrawn suspected was Skywalker. Talon Karrde worked with Han Solo and Lando Calrissian to extract Luke and Mara, hoping to delay retribution from the Grand Admiral for his concealed (albeit reluctant) partisanship.
In the ensuing ambush, Lando stakes his life on Luke's Jedi intuition. The gamble costs him dearly, leaving him mortally wounded, but betting on Luke wins out even without use of the Force.
Chapter 30In the aftermath of the firefight, Karrde directs his people to evacuate Myrkr, believing their ruse impossible to hide from Thrawn's observational and inferential prowess. Before parting ways, he asks Solo to loan one of the New Republic 's gutted warships to help with the evacuation.
Luke and Han help an injured but very much alive Lando onto the Millennium Falcon. They debrief each other as they depart, and Han says that he wants to take a detour through Sluis Van to give Lando proper medical treatment and Luke some much needed rest before diving into the political hotbed on Coruscant.
However: Lying in wait at Sluis Van, Thrawn has begun his operation to take ships out of the shipyard. Upon hearing that the Imperial detachment on Myrkr has failed to report in, he concludes that Skywalker was indeed there, undoubtedly aided by Karrde. He makes a point of deferring retribution to focus on the imminent battle.
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Chapter 29 of Star Wars: Heir to the Empire (1991) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarGrand Admiral Thrawn and Captain Pellaeon are engaged in preparations to assault the Sluis Van Shipyards. They have left a contingent of Stormtroopers at Hyllyard on Myrkr to intercept the survivors of a crash. Thrawn correctly suspects it may involve Luke Skywalker, but has insufficient evidence to implicate Talon Karrde in his duplicity. Han Solo and Lando Calrissian however sleuth out the truth, begrudging Karrde into cooperating to bring Luke back to safety.
In the forest, Luke is marched by Mara Jade towards Hyllyard. Between the dangers of the forest and sleepless rotations, her animosity has boiled over to the point of confession. Before the deposition of the Emperor, she had held the position of Emperor’s Hand: a covert operative answering to Palpatine’s very mind.
Disguised as best they can, Mara and Luke exit the forest into Imperial custody. As they are marched through Hyllyard, Karrde’s men hand over a roughed up Han Solo. Han covertly alerts Luke and Mara of an imminent ambush, but Luke sees a tactical alternative. He creates a ruckus so that R2-D2 can inform the ambushers (via C-3PO in binary droid-speak) on the optimal timing for their attack.
Chapter 29The ambush is set, but with new information from C-3PO, Lando and Karrde’s administrator Aves butt heads over whether to abide by their strategic preparations or Luke’s intuition. Blaster to Ave’s head, Lando stakes his and Karrde’s mens’ lives on Luke; a gamble that leaves him mortally wounded.
In the firezone, Luke, Mara, and Han take cover until Luke can engage his plan. On his command, Han creates a distraction for R2-D2 to toss Luke’s lightsaber for him. In the confusion, Luke fells the very archway the Imperials are using for cover, destroying the armoured Imperial Chariot.
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Hosts’ Thoughts At first I thought Han had Hoodini his way out of the cuffs and was immediately disappointed to remember he was set up with dummy cuffs * "Blazing green blade" :( there goes my theory (though Luke was the POV character so maybe there's special pleading to be had) * “The blade slicing through the listening stormtrooper armour with hardly a tug to mark its passing.” HOLY S** * Luke casually destroying cultural artefacts throughout this book + Bimm tapestries + Mykyrian architecture + (More? Chewbacca) * “Threepio said, obviously relieved that somebody was finally listening to him.” Threepio needs better friends * Lando suddenly getting some pathos + Maybe you mean ethos? (his belief in Luke) + Luke = Kairos (timeliness) + Aves = Logos (logic: tactics) * Luke’s blade color gets mentioned, but not Leia’s?! * Luke’s lightsaber has a lock. Seems dangerous to throw it without the Force though
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Chapter 28 of Star Wars: Heir to the Empire (1991) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarAfter Luke Skywalker’s X-Wing sustained damage to its hyperdrive in an altercation with an Imperial Star Destroyer, Grand Admiral Thrawn puts out a bounty for his capture. Perchance (or perhaps something more sinister) Luke is picked up by smuggling lord Talon Karrde, who is reluctant to break his neutrality in the struggle between the Imperial Remnants and the New Republic.
They return to Myrkr, but Luke escapes followed by Mara Jade. Luke crashes both his and his pursuer’s Skipray starfighters in the harsh Mykyr forest. Jade recaptures Luke, marching him at blasterpoint through the forest.
Circumstantially present to witness the chase, Thrawn is told by Karrde that it is an internal dispute. Thrawn departs to prepare for a military operation, but suspecting subterfuge leaves a contingent of stormtroopers to receive the crashed pilots trekking through the wilderness.
Having uncovered the incidental abduction of Luke, Han Solo and Lando Calrissian work with the indebted Karrde to guide Mara and Luke to safety.
In the forest, Luke and Mara receive the encrypted warning of the waiting stormtroopers. After sleepless days of marching, Mara reaches a breaking point and reveals that she was an operative, known as the Emperor’s Hand; the Emperor's death and her own subsequent ruination she blames entirely on him.
Chapter 28After the catharsis about her past, Mara has dropped her overt hostility and adopted a more surly attitude towards Luke, more willingly working with him to exit the forest.
With the sound of the Imperial speeders echoing around them, Luke and Mara discuss the best strategy for emergence; he stows his lightsaber into R2-D2’s dome for safekeeping, they exchange weapons to swap apparent roles, and Mara applies some erythrogenic/anaphylactic local flora to Luke’s face to obscure his identity.
Prepared, they emerge from the forest into the hands of the Imperials. They are taken to the major in charge of the Imperial contingent who regards them with suspicion. In spite of Luke’s feigned protests, they are both detained until further interrogation in the city.
On Hyllyard’s highstreet, a group of Karrde’s henchmen is relieved of their weapons while delivering a scoundrel — a roughed up Han Solo — for Imperial Justice. However, Han is a plant, here to warn the Imperial detainees of Karrde’s imminent ambush. Seeing a tactical opportunity, Luke creates a commotion so that R2-D2 can inform the ambushers (via C-3PO in binary droid-speak) on the optimal timing for their attack.
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Hosts’ Thoughts Was that really Chin? * Mara's change is jarring * I would love an audio map * “[Luke] couldn’t help but wonder if this was the sort of trick a Jedi should use.” Shut the f** up with this B&W thinking, Luke * Imperials and their perfect maneuvers * Mention of "hover scouts" reminds me of the droid STAP
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Chapter 27 of Star Wars: Heir to the Empire (1991) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarThe New Republic is in the painful process of transitioning from a military power to a political one. However, the continuing threat of the Imperial Remnants have come under the command of a new, unknown and prestigious commander, Grand Admiral Thrawn. The Admiral’s plot to overthrow the New Republic and reestablish the Galactic Empire involves kidnapping the New Republic’s Force-sensitive heroes, pregnant Leia Organa Solo and Luke Skywalker, in order to negotiate the allegiance of Dark Jedi clone, Joruus C’baoth.
On Kashyyyk, Leia and Chewbacca thwart another abduction and, during the interrogation of a captured Noghri operative, Leia is identified by Khabarakh as the heir of Darth Vader, whom the Noghri people revere. Despite Salporin — Chewbacca’s childhood friend — having died in the attempted abduction, Leia grants clemency in the hopes of being granted a solo parley on the Noghri homeworld.
On Myrkr, Luke is at the mercy of the unforgiving wilderness and animus Mara Jade, as she marches him at blasterpoint back to civilization. Reaching a breaking point, Jade reveals that she was an operative subordinate to the Emperor himself: the Emperor’s Hand. Blaming Luke for the despoliation of the Emperor and all that buttressed her existence, she begrudges the charity that he shows her in spite of all her animosity.
Chapter 27Grand Admiral Thrawn and Captain Pelleaon are entering active preparation for the raid on Sluis Van. The Imperial Remnants have stretched their resources to implement the prototype shield technology they recovered from the Emperor’s storehouse on Wayland, and now is the final test.
Thrawn is pleased with the outcome of both their preparations and the prototype test, and greenlights the Sluissi operation. Pellaeon raises objections to Thrawn’s self-assurance, but has his points thoroughly rebuked by the Admiral. The operation will go ahead as planned without the involvement of C’baoth.
On Coruscant, the political climate is reaching a boiling point, with support waning from the bureaucratic Admiral Akbar in favour of the sentient-of-the-people Fey'lya. Wedge grimly accepts his marching orders to fly escort for a shipment bound for Bpfassh via Sluis Van.
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Hosts’ Thoughts* THIS is how you show the bomb under the table * Thrawn has been cold about the noghri before, but "long before we run out of noghri" paints a new picture with the revelation from Khabarakh. * Has Thrawn galaxy brained a supply need on Bpfassh that takes his materiel through Sluis Van? * Is C’baoth’s motivation in Thrawn’s blind spot? * What does the shield tech do? * What did you think of the exchange between Wedge and the customs officer? * Is wedge going to single-handedly stop Thrawn? * Thrawn taunting Pellaeon over being force puppets
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Chapter 26 of Star Wars: Heir to the Empire (1991) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarOn Kashyyyk, Leia Organa Solo has gone into hiding with Chewbacca but they are once again set upon by their attempted abductors. Through a mixture of struggle, luck, and perceptiveness, the kidnapping is thwarted with an assailant in custody. During the interrogation, the Noghri Khabarakh identifies Leia as the Mal’ary’ush — the daughter and heir to Darth Vader, whom the Noghri people hold in high esteem. Despite having killed Chewbacca’s childhood friend, Leia grants clemency in the hopes of being granted a solo parley on the Noghri homeworld.
On Myrkr after having crashed in the wilderness, Luke Skywalker and sworn mortal enemy Mara Jade have to rely on each other’s skills to survive the return to civilization. Mara marches Skywalker at blasterpoint as she struggles with her ideals, vendetta, and the realities of her situation. Despite the obvious enmity, she remains reticent about her past and his transgression.
To make matters more complicated, Grand Admiral Thrawn has left a contingent of stormtroopers at their exit point to catch Mara’s superior Talon Karrde in the lie of having no involvement with Skywalker, as Karrde also hides Han Solo and Lando Calrissian away from the observant Imperial Commander.
Han and Lando are first to uncover the deception and gain valuable intel that may lead the New Republic to identify Thrawn as the mysterious commander of the reorganised Imperial Remnants.
Privately, Karrde laments his predicament and reluctantly gives the order for his people to execute Skywalker should his deception be exposed to the Imperials.
Chapter 26After two days straight using stimpills to evade sleep, Mara is starting to crack; she can feel her reflexes dulled in a close encounter with a vornskr. To her chagrin, Skywalker seems to be taking every opportunity to sleep.
They stop to retrieve information from Skywalker’s X-Wing, finally receiving a message from Karrde. To Mara’s surprise, a New Republic droid is representing both Karrde and Solo in their debrief. They learn that the Grand Admiral’s suspicions have led to an Imperial detachment awaiting their emergence from the forest at Hyllyard. Given that Karrde’s explanation to Thrawn gendered the identities of neither the “disgruntled employee” nor the pursuer, Karrde suggested that Skywalker and Mara swap roles to obfuscate Skywalker’s identity.
They are set upon by another vornskr, but this time Mara is too slow to react and is knocked unconscious. Luke jumps into action, reclaiming his lightsaber and cutting down the threat. Jade regains consciousness, but menaces Luke with her blaster to disarm. He acquiesces to throwing down his lightsaber, imploring once more to understand his transgression against her; to which bitterly she too acquiesces.
Mara Jade was known as the Emperor’s Hand; an operative outside Imperial bureaucracy that could utilise any means necessary to achieve Palpatine’s machinations. With the Emperor assassinated, she lost everything, and had been scrounging a life together since Imperial defeat over the Forest Moon of Endor.
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Chapter 25 of Star Wars: Heir to the Empire (1991) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarLeia Organa Solo and Luke Skywalker are on the run as a mysterious race of aliens are trying to kidnap them. Unbeknownst to them, they are a task force under the control of a new, clandestine leader — Grand Admiral Thrawn: a leader with machinations to overthrow the burgeoning New Republic and re-establish the Galactic Empire.
Han Solo and Lando Calrissian have met with smuggling lord Talon Karrde, offering stable contracts fulfilling the logistical needs of the New Republic. Karrde however wishes to remain independent, but caught by his own ideals and the burden of entertaining both sides, he is caught in the act and forced to divulge information that may lead Han and Lando to the identification of the mysterious Imperial Commander, as well as to admit to being complicit in the capture of Luke Skywalker.
Only moments before the revelation, Luke managed to escape but crashes both his own ship and that of his pursuer. Tethered to each other for survival, Karrde's maverick lieutenant, Mara Jade, marches the recaptured Rebel Hero through the Mrkyr wilderness, a species of which has been used to suppress Luke's connection to the Force and leave him vulnerable.
On Kashyyyk, Leia and Chewbacca have gone into hiding, under the protection of Chewbacca’s childhood friend Salporin and Ralracheen. Almost immediately after their arrival, Leia spots one of their kidnappers. Despite their quick response, the wookiees find no evidence of having been watched.
Chapter 25Leia awakens before dawn with a vague sense of having overstayed her period of safety. She is indeed correct as the grey-skinned aliens appear out of the gloom. She smites one of her would-be kidnappers and another — after mysteriously faltering — is knocked unconscious by Chewbacca.
Together with Ralracheen, they descend the Great Tree. The assailants want Leia alive, and so pursue at a distance, which Leia uses to her advantage to lay a trap to disable the remaining kidnappers.
With one assailant in custody, Leia proceeds with an interrogation. The kidnapper, Khabarakh, identifies Leia as the Mal'ary'ush — the daughter and heir to Lord Darth Vader. Khabarakh divulges the identity and motivations of the noghri people through their debt of gratitude to Vader and — by extension — the Empire. Leia manoeuvres negotiations to extend a parlay between the noghri and Leia herself.
Khabarakh is sent offworld to convey Leia's offer of a parlay to the noghri, as begins a period of mourning for Chewbacca's lifelong friend Salporin, who was killed in the attack.
LinksKill Bill Prop
What is 'oral posture'?
Stuart's post on the r/MawInstillation
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Chapter 24 of Star Wars: Heir to the Empire (1991) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarLeia Organa Solo has gone into hiding with Chewbacca on his homeworld of Kashyyyk, though their attempts seem like they may be for not.
On Myrkr, Luke Skywalker, having just escaped from the capture of smugglers Talon Karrde and Mara Jade, crashes his and his pursuer’s starfighters into the forest. Jade and Skywalker are tethered and dependent on each other for survival. Luke is now at the mercy of this woman whose life he supposedly ruined and wants him dead.
Back at his compound, Karrde is hosting an Imperial visitation while trying to hide from both Imperials and New Republic representatives, Han Solo and Lando Calrissian, his dealings with each side, while also dealing with his escaped prisoner, Skywalker.
Chapter 24Karrde apologises to Han and Lando after their dinner interruption by the Imperials. Han presses Karrde about his dealing with them but Karrde refuses to sell them information but does convince them to stay for their safety.
Han and Lando ostensibly return to the Falcon but break off behind the treeline to play detective on the prisoner that Karrde had been keeping in one of the storehouses. While their investigation is interrupted by the reappearance of Karrde, they piece the clues together that Luke had been the prisoner. Karrde admits to the situation and tells them that — as far as they know — Luke and Jade are safe and making their return through the forest.
On the Chimera, Thrawn suspects the truth of Karrde's deception and dispatches a contingent of Stormtroopers to lie in wait for the survivors of the crash to emerge from the forest at the closest settlement.
In the forest as dusk fades away, Mara grapples with her cognitive dissonance between newfound loyalties and her fierce independent streak. She is frustrated at the encumbrance of Skywalker and his droid. After putting down a wild vornskr, she takes some stimpills and renews her determination to be the one to kill Skywalker when this is all through.
At his compound, Karrde laments his choices and how they have brought him to this predicament. He is reluctant to order the execution of Skywalker, but would rather that than taking his chances having crossed Grand Admiral Thrawn. Karrde wonders if — like his pet vornskrs — his domestication of Mara has taken enough to navigate a safe return.
Links* Monty Python and the Holy Grail (Get on with it!) * Speak No Evil (2022) * The Fall of The Simpsons: How it Happened * Terminal vs instrumental goals * Hal fixing a light bulb (from Malcolm in the Middle)
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Chapter 23 of Star Wars: Heir to the Empire (1991) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarLuke Skywalker is disarmed and immobilised in a sequence of events leading to his capture by smuggling lord Talon Karrde and his leftenant Mara Jade. While appraising the situation, Karrde finds himself playing host to New Republic representatives.
Offworld, Leia Organa-Solo has gone to ground on the wookiee homeworld of Kashyyyk with Chewbacca, but she has already spotted one of her attempted-kidnappers.
Han Solo and Lando Calrissian fail to convince Karrde to provide logistical support for the New Republic, but during dinner Grand Admiral Thrawn announces his own visitation. Karrde hurries them out of dinner to receive the Grand Admiral.
Luke escapes his confinement and steals a Skipray, but Jade is not far behind.
Chapter 23Luke has made his escape attempt in a stolen Skipray but Jade is in hot pursuit. He skims the tree canopy to avoid notice from the Imperials coming in to land from orbit. Just as he is about to pull a manoeuvre to shake Jade from his tail, he clips the trees and crashes into the forest.
Back at the compound, Karrde receives Thrawn's landing party. Unaware of the crash, Karrde is unable to refuse the ostensible repayment for supplying Thrawn with ysalamiri. Thrawn orders his already-prepared troops to investigate the crash.
From behind the treeline, Han and Lando watch the conversation. Their chaperon, the slicer Ghent, is anxious to get them back to the cover and safety of the Falcon. Ghent has little to offer to appease their curiosity, but it is enough for Han and Lando to investigate elsewhere.
At the crash site, Luke returns to consciousness unharmed. Before he can escape, his moral compunction presses him to check on Jade, only for her to be lying in wait for such Jedi drivel.
As they leave the ruined craft, Jade hears an approaching craft that she recognises as Imperial. They hide as the crash is searched and left.
Luke struggles to convince Jade to keep him alive for the long trek to salvation. She is reluctantly won over by the necessity to send an encrypted transmission to Karrde using the idiosyncratic encoding shared between R2-D2 and Luke's captured X-Wing.
Links* GAT-12 Skipray Blastboat | Wookieepedia * PIT maneuver - Wikipedia * Time dilation - Wikipedia * Avatar: the Last Airbender * Venture Bros. * Class of 3000
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Hosts’ Thoughts* New Starship, Luke: "I could master this", also Luke: crashes * Does Ghent not know what lizards are? * Thrawn is so slippery I love it
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Chapter 22 of Star Wars: Heir to the Empire (1991) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarLuke Skywalker and Leia Organa Solo are evading Imperial capture by the unknown leader of the Imperial remnants, Grand Admiral Thrawn. Thrawn uses the ysalamiri to void the Force so that he may negotiate the continued allegiance of dark Jedi clone Joruus C'Baoth, who has called to Luke to meet on Jormark through the Force. Leia has taken shelter with Chewbacca on Kashyyyk, while Luke — desiring help to rebuild the Jedi Order — follows the mysterious beckon.
Meanwhile, Han Solo and Lando Calrissian find a point of contact with Smuggling Lord Talon Karrde's organisation, hoping to extend legitimate business relationships fulfilling the logistical needs of the New Republic.
Luke was ambushed by Imperials on his way to Jormark, narrowly escapes, but is eventually captured by Independent Talon Karrde in deep space, after being disarmed both technologically and metaphysically. He awakens a week later to find himself still firmly in Karrde's grasp while Karrde deliberates his fate and his leftenant — Mara Jade — seethes over the pain Luke has seemingly caused in her veiled past.
With Solo and Calrissian inbound and Skywalker detained, Karrde and Jade make temporary arrangements to keep the New Republic representatives unaware of each other. Luke is trying to take advantage of the impromptu situation to mount his escape.
Chapter 22Han’s pitch to join the New Republic fails to win over Karrde, who values independence — thus the appearance of neutrality — over all. So when Han offers a covert arrangement, Karrde warns not to underestimate the reach of Imperial Intelligence, which strikes a sore spot and reminds Han to ask for an adept slicer, whom Karrde graciously agrees to introduce over dinner.
During their meal and shortly after introductions, Karrde has to excuse himself to tend to an emergency: the Grand Admiral is announcing that he himself will be making a courtesy call. Mara is impatient to propitiate Thrawn by handing over the people she sees as impediments but — among other considerations, being the gracious host that he is — Karrde views Solo and Calrissian as his guests and thus entitled to his protection. He orders her to prepare for Thrawn’s arrival and obfuscate any indications of non-neutrality.
Unknowing of the developing predicament, Luke escapes from the storehouse with R2-D2 they were being held in and head for his X-Wing. When it’s not where they expects it to be, they commandeer one of Karrde’s fighters to facilitate their escape.
Jade witnesses the unauthorised flight and deduces that Skywalker has escaped. Chiding herself over her failures to exact her vendetta, she is now in unhindered pursuit of him.
LinksWe've reached our character limit. Please check the Release Document below for all links and thoughts.
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Hosts’ Thoughts* Too many POV for Stuart * METAL trees!!
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Chapter 21 of Star Wars: Heir to the Empire (1991) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarLuke Skywalker and Leia Organa Solo are evading Imperial capture as — unknown to them — Grand Admiral Thrawn has promised them to dark Jedi clone Joruus C'Baoth in exchange for his allegiance.
While Chewbacca and Leia go to ground on Kashyyyk, Luke is captured by Talon Karrde in deep space, after being disarmed both physically and metaphysically. He awakens a week later to find himself still firmly in Karrde's grasp while the smuggling lord deliberates his fate and his lieutenant — Mara Jade — seethes over the pain Luke has seemingly caused in her mysterious past.
Meanwhile, Han Solo and Lando Calrissian find a point of contact with Karrde's organisation, hoping to extend legitimate business relationships from the New Republic. Tipping Fynn Torve off to escape the entanglement with local authorities of a cargo seizure, Han and Lando broker a deal with Torve to get a face-to-face with Talon Karrde back at Karrde's base of operations.
Chapter 21Mara Jade convenes with Talon Karrde to discuss the conundrum facing them: Han and Lando will be arriving presently, escorting an indebted Fynn Torv. Even though they hold Luke hostage, Karrde is unwilling to tip his hand without first determining Thrawn's specific interest in Skywalker, and thus his fair market value.
Karrde decides the best course of action is for Jade to relocate Skywalker to a storeroom while he plays host to Skywalker's unwitting allies.
In the storeroom, Luke presumes that he has been left to his own devices in a sudden scramble. He makes contact with R2 in the next room of the storehouse, but — underestimating Karrde's thoroughness — he finds no purchase on which to mount an escape.
That is, until he realises an advantage hiding right under his own (prosthetic) skin.
Links* HK47: How to kill a jedi * Thing is LSw’s Hand * Willy Wonka is the surviving Weasly Brother theory * tFA original opening * The Lightsaber blaster rifle * GL’s opinion on the EU * When Luke is directing Leia to destroy Jabba’s Barge, he gets shot in the hand * Comment your favourite poster on our Instagram story
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Hosts’ Thoughts A very specific "f you" to Tim in this chapter * Can Jedi meditate when their Force ability is cut off? * Luke disassembling his hand is some SAW sh * Are we referring back to the OT too often? * Maddening Jedi serenity
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Chapter 20 of Star Wars: Heir to the Empire (1991) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarLuke Skywalker and Leia Organa Solo are evading Imperial capture as — unknown to them — Grand Admiral Thrawn has promised them to dark Jedi clone Joruus C'Baoth in exchange for his alliance.
While Leia and Chewbacca have gone to Kashyyyk, Han Solo and Lando Calrissian are broadcasting decoy messages using C-3PO as a voice mimic. They are also trying to contact smuggling lord Talon Karrde in hopes to extend legitimate business relationships from the New Republic.
Thrawn is preparing to attack Sluis Van so rather than continue their own pursuit he orders a bounty on Luke's capture. Luck would have it that Mara Jade drops the Wild Karrde out of hyperspace for a routine procedure to find a stranded Luke leading to his capture by Karrde. When Luke awakens, he finds himself helpless, severed from the Force, while Karrde weighs his fate.
Chapter 20Han and Lando arrive on Abregado Rae looking for a point of contact with Karrde's organisation. Before leaving the ship, Han exchanges coded messages with Winter over comms about the increasingly strained situation on Coruscant.
They disembark and enter LoBue, a local casino. Han spots a familiar face, Fynn Torve, and wedges himself into their ongoing game of sabacc. Han surreptitiously reports to Torve that his ship is being seized. Before the game can progress past the deal, though, Han is accused of cheating by a burly reverend. In the ensuing commotion, Lando escapes with the contact.
Back on the Falcon, Han and Lando broker a deal with Torve to get a face-to-face with Talon Karrde back at Karrde's base of operations.
Links* Gial Ackbar | Wookieepedia * xkcd - What If: Everybody Jump * The Mandalorian - IMDb * Scott’s toys
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Hosts’ Thoughts* Obrigado means thanks in Portuguese * Oh hey, Winter’s back! * Dadmiral Ackbar <3 * Lando seems to be pushing slave circuits, makes me feel like this is an important thing to remember * They have wine from 47, 49, 50, and 52. How does the in-universe naming designation for years work? * Lando is good at inconspicuously looking behind himself * They’ve done the Kessel run multiple times together. Wonder what that looks like in this timeline * Han is worried about losing Leia 🙁 * This Sabacc is very different from canon Sabacc * A Reverend in Star Wars * How respectable of Lando to settle the bill for the wine. * Abregado has a settlement of rednecks
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Chapter 19 of Star Wars: Heir to the Empire (1991) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarLuke Skywalker and Leia Organa Solo are evading Imperial capture as — unknown to them — Grand Admiral Thrawn has promised them to dark Jedi clone Joruus C'Baoth in exchange for his alliance.
While Leia and Chewbacca have gone to Kashyyyk, Han Solo and Lando Calrissian are broadcasting decoy messages using C-3PO as a voice mimic. They are also trying to contact smuggling lord Talon Karrde in hopes to extend legitimate business relationships from the New Republic.
Luke is ambushed following the call of a mysterious Jedi Master to Jomark by Thrawn. In the escape, his X-Wing fails, leaving him stranded in deep space. While R2-D2 completes repairs on the subspace radio, Luke is hailed by the Wild Karrde. Luke is offered passage by Karrde, however is caught off-guard and knocked unconscious, falling into Karrde’s capture.
Chapter 19Luke awakens in some kind of barrack dorm on an unfamiliar forest world. He attempts to use his Jedi powers to refresh himself and takes in his surroundings. His attempts are apparently unsuccessful and he is startled by the presence of Mara Jade, whom he could not sense in the Force. In fact, he can sense nothing at all, and his lightsaber hangs from her hip.
She takes him from his holdings across the forest-side compound to have another conversation with Karrde about politics, intrigue, and his predicament. Luke learns of the ysalamiri and a little of the circumstances of how he came to be (in no small measure due to Jade's influence) in the possession of Karrde's group.
This interaction does not end with Luke unconscious; he is instead marched icily back to his "accommodation" by Jade.
Links* Why Zebra Are Terrible Horses * Conversation pit - Wikipedia * STAR WARS - THE FORCE UNLEASHED Ep 1 * DL-21 blaster pistol | Wookieepedia * Star Wars: Heir to the Empire - Chapter 19 (DarthAngelus | YouTube) * Froffli | Wookieepedia * Broccoli Hairstyle * The Lost Holocron on Instagram
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Hosts’ Thoughts* Ethical trespass of drugging an unconscious person * Luke's emotional intelligence is through the roof * Tatooine horror stories * Last of the Jedi, new and only candidate for space pope, why would Luke not realise his value * Is Karrde just another cult leader? * What if Jade is the Emperor's daughter? * Mara Jade doesn’t seem to like Mon Mothma either!
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Chapter 18 of Star Wars: Heir to the Empire (1991) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarGrand Admiral Thrawn is leading the Imperial remnants from the shadows in a grand plan to destroy the New Republic and re-establish the Galactic Empire. Luke Skywalker was on his way to meet Joruus C'Baoth, whom Luke believes will be able to help him rebuild the Jedi Order. However, the Jedi Master is actually a Dark Jedi clone in league with the Grand Admiral.
Luke is ambushed by Thrawn en route, but in the escape his X-Wing fails, leaving him stranded in deep space. Despondent, he enters a Jedi hibernation, delegating R2 to perform the tedious repairs to the subspace radio so that they might hail much needed help.
Leia Organa Solo and Chewbacca head to the wookiee homeworld of Kashyyyk seeking sanctuary. Leia spots a conspicuous alien face, which she recognises as one of the assailants from Bimmissari. The wookiees are ready to defend her, but are unable to verify her sighting. Undeterred, they are vigilant for any sign of treachery.
Han and Lando venture solo to both act as decoy for Leia's whereabouts and in the hope of making contact with the aloof smuggling lord, Talon Karrde. Karrde has shown time and time again to seek value beyond credits and has taken on a new apprentice, Mara Jade. He is keen to uncover her mysterious past, along with what value may be mined from such knowledge.
Chapter 18Luke is roused by R2 from his Jedi hibernation as an unfamiliar ship approaches, which identifies itself as the Wild Karrde. Stranded in deep space with no alternatives, they accept passage to an undisclosed location.
Luke is taken to meet the ship's captain, Talon Karrde. Karrde is unimpressed with Luke's appearance, and directs his attention to the cockpit where Luke senses the bitter, black hate hidden within Mara Jade. Luke is unable to explain her contempt for him, nor provide any other information that Karrde deems valuable.
Suddenly, Karrde rewards Luke's lack of caution with a stun bolt, succeeding where Thrawn's Noghri had failed; in capturing the Last of the Jedi.
Links* Vader is stunted from self-loathing * Wacky waving inflatable arm flailing tube man
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Hosts’ Thoughts* Luke got played, but it's also much safer for Karrde to offer passage to someone unconscious * Jade's hate is compared to not Vader's but the Emperor's! * Karrde > Noghri * YAY KARRDE HAS A REASON TO BE HERE * Luke is a private citizen now * Stupid Luke thinking his lightsaber would go unnoticed * finally gonna find some things out about MJ? * A fun image of Mara Jade with Corran Horn and Talon Karrde
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Chapter 17 of Star Wars: Heir to the Empire (1991) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarLuke Skywalker, Leia Organa Solo, Han Solo, and Chewbacca travel to Nkllon seeking Lando Calrissian. However, before they can touch down, the mining planet is raided by the Imperials. During the ensuing space battle Luke's mind is touched by another Jedi. He intends to follow the beckon to Jomark hoping to find a master that can guide him in rebuilding the Jedi Order.
Leia and Chewbacca head to the wookiee homeworld of Kashyyyk, while Han and Lando venture to make contact with aloof smuggling lord Talon Karrde.
Grand Admiral Thrawn ambushes Luke on his heading but fails to capture him. Rather than pursue Luke further, he orders Captain Pallaeon to put a bounty on Skywalker's capture, as he refocuses the Imperial Fleet for their upcoming raid on Sluis Van.
Chapter 17As Thrawn had predicted, catastrophic failure befalls Luke's X-Wing half a lightyear after his escape. Both the hyperdrive and subspace radio are damaged beyond repair, leaving him and R2 (in his own words) where "we can't leave, we aren't likely to be found, and can't call for help".
After investigating the damage, Luke decides the only thing to do is to try to reconstruct the subspace radio. Delegating the tedious task to R2, he enters a Jedi hibernation.
Leia and Chewie arrive to Kashyyyk, and the tree-city of Rwookrrorro. They are greeted by Ralrracheen and Salporin, and Leia is surprised that she can communicate effectively with Ralrracheen.
Leia learns a little about wookiee culture, but on the way to her supposed safehouse, she spots one of the aliens responsible for her attempted kidnapping on Bimmisaari.
LinksMore in the Release Document below
- The ingenious living bridges of India
- Star Wars X-Wing Cross Section
- On being a science consultant for Avengers: Endgame
- Radium Girls | Maximum Fun
- The Enigma of Amigara Fault (claustrophobia trigger warning)
- TRUE Limits Of Humanity – The Final Border We Will Never Cross
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Hosts’ ThoughtsMore in the Release Document above
Deep Space Section
- Courage the Cowardly Astromech
- Technobabble: yay or nay?
- Luke poking around sets off my claustrophobia
Kashyyyk Section
- Writing around language barriers
- Leia is a racist?
- Rwrookrrorro is the village you go to in KOTOR!
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Chapter 16 of Star Wars: Heir to the Empire (1991) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarGrand Admiral Thrawn is leading the Imperial remnants from the shadows in a grand conspiracy to destroy the New Republic and re-establish the Galactic Empire, employing the help of dark Jedi clone, Joruus C'Baoth.
Last and first of the Jedi, Luke Skywalker lacks the confidence to be the teacher needed to rebuild the Jedi Order. However, during a space battle in the Athega System, Luke makes contact with a Jedi promising to lead him forward.
All the while, Leia and Luke are on the run to evade the capture of the mysterious Imperial commander. They've run to Lando Calrissian on Nklon, and now Chewbacca leads Leia to Kashyyyk for protection while Han Solo and Lando broadcast decoy signals giving the illusion that Leia is still on the run.
Thrawn is not so easily deceived, as he plans another ambush for Luke.
Chapter 16Luke is pulled out of hyperspace into a slaughter: his Jedi senses tell him that there's no one left alive on the cargo ship incurring the ire of an Imperial Star Destroyer. He narrowly escapes the literal tractor beam grasp of the Imperials but unwittingly incurs serious damage to his X-Wing.
Thrawn is none too pleased with the performance of his men during the confrontation and shows just how unforgiving he can be. Instead of pursuing Luke themselves to focus on their upcoming attack on Sluis Van, Thrawn orders a bounty to go out on Luke's capture, knowing that his hyperdrive will fail presently due to the damages sustained in the confrontation.
Links* Wanted (2008) - IMDb * Bruce Almighty (2003) - IMDb * Rickroll - Know Your Meme * Proof of 1 + 1 = 2
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Hosts’ Thoughts* Jedi hibernation trance seems useful. * Having the freighter as a decoy target is a pretty smart strategy. * That was such a fun way to escape a tractor beam. * Love how Rukh just showed up. + Rukh seems a lot messier than Vader's Force choking. * Another reason for Karrde to be in the story!! * Has anyone read the Art of War? * Conscripts versus enlistees * Sluis Van seems to be very important…
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Chapter 15 of Star Wars: Heir to the Empire (1991) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarLast and first of the Jedi, Luke Skywalker lacks the confidence to be the teacher needed to rebuild the Jedi Order. He struggles to impart what little he feels he knows to his first student, his sister Leia Organa Solo. After turning to Dagobah hoping to find instruction, he leaves with a starship remote from a dark Jedi possibly slain by Master Yoda.
All the while, Leia and Luke are on the run to evade the capture of a mysterious Imperial commander. They have little intel but suspect a leak in the New Republic capital. They've run to Lando Calrissian on Nklon, but we're again caught in a confrontation. They decide to send Leia to Kashyyyk with Chewbacca while Han Solo and Lando broadcast decoy signals giving the illusion that Leia is still on the run.
During the space battle over Nklon, Luke's mind is touched by another Jedi, beckoning him to meet on Jomark. This Jedi, however, is a dark Jedi clone, Joruus C'Baoth, and is indirectly responsible for the many ambushes they are trying to escape.
Grand Admiral Thrawn is the mastermind leading the Imperial remnants from the shadows. He recruited C'Baoth and has promised the Skywalkers in exchange for his allegiance.
Lastly, Talon Karrde is a Smuggling Lord with a new apprentice, the enigmatic Mara Jade. While new to his organisation, she shows great promise. And he is determined to crack her mysterious veil.
Chapter 15After parting ways with Luke, and Leia and Chewbacca, Han and Lando discuss what their next move is. Lando suggests they find Talon Karrde, hoping to set a precedent for future dealings.
Unbeknownst to the heroes, they were surveilled by the Imperials. From the merger clues, Thrawn was quickly able to devise the personnel and heading of each ship. Soon they will lay a trap for Luke as he follows C'Baoth's beckon.
Links* "I Am Not A Fish" | Know Your Meme * Glass Onion (2022) - IMDb * Traffic light illusion - YouTube * cARds (AR card game) * AR 19 Crimes Wine Bottle * Value Lock-in and S-Risks - Wikipedia * Planning a Heist - Key & Peele
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Hosts’ Thoughts* Finally, a reason for Karrde to be in this story! * Thrawn switches out his artwork? * Thrawn is smart. Maybe a little unbelievably smart? * “I wound up destroying their world.” * What kind of sightseeing makes interesting plot? * Wookiees aren't all that and (hot take) I tend to agree * Thrawn changed to Skywalker so quickly
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Chapter 14 of Star Wars: Heir to the Empire (1991) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarGrand Admiral Thrawn is leading the Imperial remnants from the shadows in a grand plan to destroy the New Republic and re-establish the Galactic Empire. He commands a raid on the Athega System just as Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa-Solo, Han Solo, and Chewbacca arrive looking to garner help from Lando Calrissian. During the skirmish, the imperials make away with mining equipment and the Dark Jedi clone commanding Thrawn’s fleet, Jaruus C’baoth, takes the opportunity to make contact with Luke.
Thrawn is none too pleased to learn of this contact and plots with Captain Pallaeon to disillusion C’baoth of his self-importance and impetuousness.
Chapter 14Lando is distraught at the loss of half his workforce — 51 mole miners stolen — in the raid! Han and Leia ask for help, and a plan is devised to send Leia to Kashyyyk with Chewbacca while Han and Lando broadcast decoy signals giving the illusion that Leia is still on the run. In order to achieve this, in a violation of his programming, C-3PO has his voice altered to perfectly imitate Leia’s.
Luke shares his findings from Dagobah; what Lando identifies as a Beckon Call — a device that summons a slave-ciruit-rigged ship at a moment's notice. He later confides in Leia his true reason for searching that specific location and tells her about the contact he had during the space battle earlier. She divulges the rumour of a Master C’baoth on Jormark, and while they suspect a trap, Luke is eager at what the opportunity could mean.
Links* Ratatouille (2007) - IMDb * Kirby Series Explained (in 6 minutes) * Pokémon: The First Movie - Mewtwo Strikes Back (1998) - IMDb * George Lucas' Theory About the Narrator (Gizmodo) * Tricking HK-50 to violate his supposed ethics programming in KOTOR 2 Let's Play * Sith (Etymology) - Wikipedia
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Hosts’ Thoughts* Lando: "respectable" * Lando has experience using the calling beacon to fight though hostiles * Alternate history of the Clone Wars: Dark Jedi clones? * Vader being called a Dark Jedi * Stuart's speculation in chapter 9 confirmed * FINALLY LANDO IN THE FLESH * Han doesn’t seem to mind Lando’s behavior towards Leia * Mr. Why-Is-He-In-This-Story * OH MY GOD CHEWIE ACTUALLY CONTRIBUTED SOMETHING * Waiting to leave gives Thrawn time to drop probes * Nobody ever respects 3PO's boundaries * A2 has PTSD * A jedi being wrong? Never * All this for a key fob
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Chapter 12 of Star Wars: Heir to the Empire (1991) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarWhile looking for hints on Dagobah on how best to train the next generation of Jedi, Luke Skywalker finds a strange device in the Dark Side Cave outside Yoda’s hut. This hint points him to Lando Calrissian and his path converges with Leia Organa-Solo and Han Solo as they head to the Athega system. After two foiled kidnappings on separate diplomatic missions, the couple are looking to get help outside New Republic jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, Grand Admiral Thrawn’s schemes are coming to a head as he has allied himself with Master Joruus C’baoth, clone and Dark Jedi. Captain Pelleaon devises a plan to disseminate information that might lure Luke to C’baoth instead of sending more noghri to capture him.
All paths converge over Nkllon just as Luke and the Millenium Falcon arrive. Leaving us in the suspense as the space battle commences.
Chapter 13Luke and the Falcon engage in a dogfight over Nkllon, during which Luke’s mind is touched by another Jedi, commanding Luke to seek him out. Despite losing time during the contact, Luke and the Falcon chase off the Imperial raid.
Our point of view then switches to Thrawn and Pellaeon reflecting on the aftermath. Thrawn’s satisfaction at the successful acquisition of 51 mole miners is overshadowed by C’baoth’s declaration of making contact with Luke. The Jedi Master insists that it is time for his own trap to be laid, leaving Pellaeon and Thrawn to scheme on the disillusionment of C’baoth’s self-importance.
Links* Star Wars: Return of the Jedi - Luke speaks to Jabba * The Failure of the Grey Jedi * Trope Talk: Are We The Baddies? * My Hair! He Shot My Hair! -Princess Vespa, Spaceballs(1987)
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Hosts’ Thoughts Why didn't they use the Force to confirm each other in the previous chapter? * It wasn't* a force choke! * Thrawn: "At any rate, I suppose it's your own time to waste." * What's going on on Wayland?! * What’s the difference between influencing minds for good and for evil? * C’Baoth certainly knows how to tap into Luke’s anxieties * Is Thrawn’s strategy basically just tactical edging? * LOOK AT PELLAEON MAKING POINTS * Artoo suffers from anxiety * Leia's "anger and frustration and quiet fear", she could be the one from the dark side cave * Interesting that Luke considers himself a full Jedi now * What is the dark side from Luke's description? * Was C'Baoth compelling Luke? * Not a fan of the Lost Time cliche * "talents and cunning " are hormetic resources * Luke just checks out and goes on a killing spree for 30 minutes * So anti climatic
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Chapter 12 of Star Wars: Heir to the Empire (1991) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarAfter two foiled kidnappings on diplomatic missions, Leia Organa-Solo and Han Solo suspect a leak inside the New Republic government. They head to the Athega system to find Lando to get his help outside New Republic jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, Luke Skywalker has been training Leia to be the first of the new generation of Jedi while struggling with self-doubt as the teacher needed to rebuild the Order. On a hunch he travels to Dagobah, hoping to find something left behind by Master Yoda. Ultimately disappointed, Luke recovers a nondescript gadget from the Dark Side Cave, but suspects Lando can help with deciphering the script written on the side.
Meanwhile, Grand Admiral Thrawn’s schemes are coming to a head as he has allied himself with Master Joruus C’baoth, clone and Dark Jedi. Captain Pelleaon devises a plan to disseminate information that might lure Luke to C’baoth instead of sending more noghri to capture him.
Finally, Mara Jade has apprenticed to the smuggler Talon Karrde as they play cat-and-mouse to tease information out of each other.
Chapter 12The Millennium Falcon arrives in the Athega system with Han and Leia looking to meet with Lando. Luke arrives at just the right time for them to take the slow sublight trip to the inter system since neither the Falcon nor Luke's X-Wing have slave circuits needed to precisely co-ordinate inbound ships with their shielding escort.
Once at Nkllon, though, the Empire shows up suddenly. Bad timing or are they being tracked?
Links* Sunshine (2007) - IMDb * X Wing Cross-Section * A/SF-01 B-wing starfighter | Wookieepedia * Han Solo and Chewbacca Are like an Owner and a Dog If Han Is the Dog | The Mary Sue * Chadra-Fan | Wookieepedia
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Hosts’ Thoughts* Lando blocked! * Holy shit Chewbacca said something! * The concept of Nkllon is really cool. * Did the author seriously refer to Chewie as “the copilot?” DISRESPECT. * Is Luke seriously going to sit in his X-wing for 10 hours? * Hilarious that they positively identify Luke by having Threepio talk to Artoo. * So cool to see reclaimed Imperial vessels and vehicles making up the mining complex. * WHAT A CLIFFHANGER
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Chapter 11 of Star Wars: Heir to the Empire (1991) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarAfter Grand Admiral Thrawn conducts three simultaneous raids in the Sluis Van sector, Leia Organa-Solo and Han Solo travel to Bpfassh to show their diplomatic support with the recovery effort. While there, they are ambushed for a second time by the same unknown aliens from Bimmisaari. They manage to escape but Han decides it's time to get help outside New Republic jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, Luke Skywalker has been training Leia as his first student. He has been struggling with self-doubt as the teacher needed to rebuild the Jedi Order.
Thrawn has allied himself with Master Joruus C’baoth, clone and Dark Jedi. Captain Pelleaon devises a plan to disseminate information that might lure Luke to C’baoth instead of sending more noghri to capture him.
Finally, Mara Jade has apprenticed to the smuggler Talon Karrde as they play cat-and-mouse to tease information out of each other.
Chapter 11On a hunch, Luke travels to Dagobah hoping to find something — anything — left by Yoda to guide his uncertain footsteps into the future. Finding nothing in Yoda's old dwelling, he ventures into the Dark Side Cave and is confronted with a vision; a retelling of Luke's execution at the Great Pit of Carkoon where his lightsaber is intercepted by a mysterious woman.
Rewarded for his ordeal, Luke emerges with a nondescript gadget with markings that R2-D2 suspects might be recognised by Lando.
Links* Dagobah - Star Wars Background Ambience * Yoda on Dagobah Deleted Scene with audio from Leia on Alderaan Scene
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Hosts’ Thoughts Luke’s attitude towards dwelling on Yoda is a good display of mindfulness. * THE CAAAAAAAVE * Luke not realizing how structures would decay in a swamp is a good bit of characterization. * Which side of the Force does* curiosity serve? * Who was the woman in Luke’s vision? * Yet another name that’s difficult to pronounce (Nkllon). (Scott: Nick-Lon per Audiobook) * Smells of Dagobah * Luke took his lightsaber into the cave again * R2 gets lonely and it's a scaredy cat (Scooby-Doo?) * Theories on the object in question? * The Cave/tree is a massive troll * The fact that Luke is still afraid of the tree still shows he has a lot to grow into
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Chapter 10 of Star Wars: Heir to the Empire (1991) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarGrand Admiral Thrawn has been escalating his pressure on the disputed territory between the Empire and the New Republic. Now with Master Joruus C’baoth at his disposal, Thrawn commands three simultaneous planetary raids to test both the skill and the compliance of the Dark Jedi.
Smuggler Talon Karrde and his apprentice Mara Jade seem to be in the right place at the right time to witness the raid on Bpfassh, while the New Republic is on the back foot as its resources and attention are being reallocated into establishing governance despite being at war.
Leia's Jedi training has started sporadically, while Luke worries that he might not be the teacher that is needed of one tasked with rebuilding the Jedi Order.
Chapter 10Leia and Han survey the damage on Bpfassh under the protective detail of Wedge Antilles and Rogue Squadron. Leia's new Jedi senses alert them just-in-time to another ambush by the same alien species that ambushed them on Bimmisaari.
Despite being able to repel their assailants, they are nonetheless closer to understanding the motives and origin of these mysterious aliens.
After an unproductive call with Admiral Ackbar, Han decides it's time to take the matter of their safety into their own hands.
Links* Wedge Antilles | Wookieepedia * What Does a BROWN Colored Lightsaber Mean? (Sith or Jedi)
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Hosts’ Thoughts* Women (Leia) being expected to give up their commitments and ambitions for their children * Enter Lando * Charisma and ambition is a dangerous combination * Still no mention of Leia's lightsaber colour * What a surprise that Wedge knows about C’baoth! * I totally believe Thrawn could find an identical YT-1300 freighter. What a fun trap. * Snap-hiss. We may not know Leia’s color yet, but at least we know the ignition sound is the same as Luke’s! * Excellent transition between sections. The context of Han’s line to Ackbar’s flows very nicely. * “I’m not sure I appreciate the tone of that question, Captain.” “I don’t like it much either, Admiral.” Hilarious retort. * CHEWIE. STILL. BARELY. TALKS. * Why does Leia still distrust Lando?
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Chapter 9 of Star Wars: Heir to the Empire (1991) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarGrand Admiral Thrawn has allied himself with a Dark Jedi by promising to deliver Luke Skywalker and the pregnant Leia Organa Solo. Master Joruus C’baoth shows to be an impatient man as the first kidnapping attempt is foiled by Skywalker’s warrior prowess.
Despite the New Republic needing to raise its diplomatic image, logistically it’s easier said than done while they are still at war with the Imperial Remnants. Leia is torn between her diplomatic duties and Jedi training, while Luke is stuck between being the last of the Old Jedi and the first of the New.
Chapter 9The Imperials conduct three concurrent hit-and-fade operations in the Suis Sector. While Grand Admiral Thrawn plays his cards close to his chest, Captain Pellaeon deduces that the exercise is as much to test Master C’Baoth’s mettle as to enforce the chain of command. Pellaeon is more than a little shaken at the display of power from C’Baoth.
Meanwhile, the raid on Bpfassh has been observed by smugglers Talon Karrde and Marra Jade at a safe distance, Karrde seemingly having foreknowledge about the operation. To Jade’s chagrin, Karrde calls off his smuggling run, citing the New Republic's imminent relief effort as a situation they wish not be entangled in.
The chapter closes with news of the raids reaching Coruscant while Leia is engaged in her new lightsaber lessons. Luke laments that, while the skills come easily to himself, he may not be the teacher that she needs.
Links* Siege-towers | The One Wiki to Rule Them All * How One A-Wing Killed A Super Star Destroyer * What Are Newtonian and Non-Newtonian Fluids?
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Hosts’ ThoughtsImperial section
- Cool to see Thrawn testing his theory about Palpatine.
- Flare of star lines, mottling of hyperspace, flicker of pseudomotion, starlines flare and shrink
- Very cool, professional battle
- Power struggle between Thrawn and C'baoth
- I really like seeing limits to tactics
- What do they mean by Star Destroyers are "siege engines"?
- Everything Thrawn does has multiple meanings.
Smuggler Section
- Jade seems to have some kind of grudge against Luke.
- Jade is sensitive to “promises”
- “Promises…” This reveals a lot about her.
Republic Section
- WHAT COLOR IS LEIA’S LIGHTSABER
- Bpfassh, Draukyze (Han's lampshading)
- Teaching is a skill
- I would love to own a training remote!
- Jedi went crazy during the clone wars on Bpfassh?
- Even after Yoda died, Luke hasn't told anyone about Dagobah
- This is why you need to shut down your computer every so often
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Chapter 8 of Star Wars: Heir to the Empire (1991) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarThe New Republic and Imperial Remnants are struggling for control of the galaxy, each holding comparable military might and galactic territory. Looking to reverse the tide, the last of the Imperial Grand Admirals has found and bargained for the favour of a cloned Dark Jedi, offering up both the adult and unborn Skywalkers twins.
A trap for the Skywalkers was laid and sprung during a diplomatic mission for the Republic to Bimmisaari. However, the unidentified alien commandos were unprepared to face Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker. Luke, Leia, and Han escape unscathed but the nature of their assailants are a mystery to them.
Chapter 8Captain Pellaeon reports to Grand Admiral Thrawn, detailing the failure of the Noghri to capture the Skywalkers and the recovery of the tech found on Wayland. Dark Jedi Master C'baoth expresses his impatience and a new plan is hatched to capture the Skywalkers; one that suits Thrawn's upcoming plans that necessitate C'baoth presence for a raid on the Sluis Van shipyard.
Meanwhile, back on Coruscant, the New Republic are unable to identify the assailants at Bimmisaari, and as a result politics stall. While Leia Organa Solo is set to return to Bimmisaari to resume negotiations, she requests more space in her schedule to advance her Jedi studies, but finds no support within the Council, citing her expertise as indispensable.
Links* Star Forge | Wookieepedia * Redshirts, Retirement, and more in How to Kill a Character / Just For Fun - TV Tropes
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Hosts’ ThoughtsOverall
- I like how we alternated between Imperial and Republic chapters, to having two Republic chapters, to now having a chapter that’s split between both.
Imperial Section
- What could the Spaarti tubes be? "Such fine equipment for us to rebuild his Empire"
- Thrawn was so cold about the Noghri dying
- Thrawn definitely doesn’t respect the Jedi
- Thrawn’s selective ego is yet another interesting wrinkle to his character
- What does the fall of thrawn look like?
- Looks like the frayed seams of C’baoth are starting to show
Republic section
- Is Fey'lya being skeptical or a contrarian?
- Shouldn't the council be doing more to prepare for Leia's imminent maternity?
- “Fey’lya said, with that air of wounded pride he did so well.”
- Fey’lya is so performative
- Ackbar doesn’t understand “they were already waiting for us”
- Han sticking up for Leia’s Jedi training
- The New Republic is truly spread thin (Mothma's long pause)
- I can see Han’s character clearly in this chapter
- If the Jedi are so important, where is Luke during these meetings?
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Chapter 7 of Star Wars: Heir to the Empire (1991) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarThe New Republic and what is left of the Imperial Forces are at a turning point in their struggle for galactic control. While both sides are struggling economically, the New Republic is having trouble establishing itself politically, and the Imperial Remnants are hunting for opportunities to turn the tide.
Captain Pallaeon accompanies Grand Admiral Thrawn, the last surviving Warlord appointed by Emperor Palpatine, to a storehouse of technology they hope will aid their war effort. Along with new cloaking shield technology, they ally themselves with a Dark Jedi clone, Joruus C’Baoth, promising him Leia Organa Solo’s unborn twins.
During the course of their diplomatic mission and while separated from Luke Skywalker, Leia and Han Solo fall prey to an ambush in the bustling markets of Bimmisaari.
Chapter 7Luke frees himself from an ambush in the Bim Tower and races to rescue Leia and Han in the marketplace. Safely aboard the Millennium Falcon, Han makes the jump to lightspeed.
It seems that one of the Bims was paid off to lead the protagonists into the trap but have no other information about their assailants. Leia wants to resume negotiations, but Han first wants to rendezvous with tactical support before returning.
After pressure from Luke and Han, Leia agrees that she needs to start lightsaber training sooner than later.
Links* Star Wars: Heir to the Empire - Part One (fixed!) by DarthAngelus - YouTube * Holodrama | Wookieepedia * Frank Castle (Marvel Database) is not William Castle (IMDb) * Lightyear Theory: "The Movie" Andy Saw That Inspired Him To Want A Buzz Toy Wasn't A Kid's Movie : r/FanTheories
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Hosts’ Thoughts Luke: “Let’s talk this out.”
Also Luke: “There’s no particular reason why any of you has to be hurt.”
* What would a lightsaber do against the spray?
* I like how clumsiness and chance play into the action
* “Some sort of bizarre gift wrapping”
* It’s so cool to see Luke being so observant in combat and his precise use of telekinesis
* “Snap-hiss*.” The key onomatopoeia for Luke’s lightsaber ignition
* Who was operating the Falcon’s swivel gun?
* “I am not a committee.”
* GIVE LEIA A LIGHTSABER
* Has Leia exhibited any traits similar to Anakin?
* The word Bimm has lost all meaning
* Can C-3P0 duck?
* Can't believe they were attacked and are expected to just come back down
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Chapter 6 of Star Wars: Heir to the Empire (1991) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarFive years after the Empire’s defeat over Endor in Return of the Jedi (1983), and unbeknownst to the New Republic, Imperial Warlord Grand Admiral Thrawn is taking strides in collecting tools and technology left by the late Emperor to aid in his plan to retake territory from — and ultimately destroy — the New Republic.
After a parley with smugglers Talon Karrde and Mara Jade to collect ysalamir, Thrawn weaponises their obscure ability for creating voids in the Force to neutralise Dark Jedi clone Joruus C'baoth and negotiate his allegiance by offering him Leia's unborn twins.
Meanwhile on Coruscant, political infighting seems to be stalling the establishment of structured governance within the Council of the New Republic. Despite personal growing pains, numerous responsibilities, and logistical issues, Han, Leia, and now Luke are assigned a diplomatic mission to Bimmisaari. Luke, it seems, has been requested to join them last minute.
Chapter 6Han and Leia travel with Luke and C-3PO to the planet Bimmisaari on a diplomatic mission to negotiate the terms of the Bimm joining the New Republic. Leaving Chewbacca and R2-D2 on the Millennium Falcon, the four are treated to a brief greeting ceremony. However, before they can arrive at the planetary government, news arrives that the key negotiator for the Bimm has suddenly taken ill.
Luke and Han are invited to inspect relics of the Old Republic while Leia is shown around the market, but a suspicious Han decides to join Leia instead. His suspicions prove true when they find themselves encircled by numerous armed individuals of an alien species they don't recognise.
Links* Roman concrete - Wikipedia * Star Wars: Heir to the Empire - Part One (fixed!) by DarthAngelus - YouTube * The Orville (TV Series 2017– ) - IMDb * Human | Wookieepedia * The Ithorian Supremacy League dialogue * Humanocentrism | Wookieepedia
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Hosts’ Thoughts* Of all the tech in SW, they don't have remote locking on their spaceships? * Cursing and exclamations in SW: "Good skies!" * Old Republic relics are a good honeypot for Luke but not Han. * Luke didn't sense duplicity * Was the store owner trying to warn? * Stokhli sticks: shoot a spraynet mist 200 m and has enough juice to take down a gundark. * capitalisation of species names * What do you think they mean by “middle era?” * The greys with spider sticks
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Chapter 5 of Star Wars: Heir to the Empire (1991) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarFive years after the Empire’s defeat over Endor in RotJ 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 Jaruus C'baoth, whose allegiance he gains by offering him Leia's unborn twins.
Chapter 5Han 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.
Links* Keeper of the Holocron, Leland Chee | Wookieepedia * George Lucas Confirms Skywalker Is A Common Name at Celebrations V | Web Archive * Spaceballs (1987) The IMDb Entry
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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?”
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Chapter 4 of Star Wars: Heir to the Empire (1991) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarFive years after the Empire’s defeat over Endor in RotJ 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.
Meanwhile, led by Warlord Grand Admiral Thrawn, the Empire is gathering strength to regain lost ground against the New Republic. His plan takes an expedition to Myrkr, where Captain Pallaeon and Tallon Karrde parley for the Empire to collect the native ysalamiri. Karrde suspects it is a tool to use against Luke Skywalker, though to what end he can only guess.
Chapter 4Grand Admiral Thrawn and Captain Pallaeon travel to Wayland, a low-tech world hiding a storehouse of the late Emperor's personal treasures and technology salient to Thrawn’s grand plan. Expecting a Dark Jedi Guardian, Thrawn thwarts the usurping ruler Joruus C’baoth’s snare with a demonstration of the ysalamiri's unusual ability to vacate the Force.
Thrawn bargains with C’baoth to secure his allegiance in exchange for the capture of Leia’s unborn Jedi twins, whom C’baoth would mould as he sees fit. Pallaeon believes C'baoth to be unstable and a dubious ally, despite Thrawn’s confidence. Thrawn reveals that C'baoth is a clone of a Jedi Master, whose assassination Thrawn was personally involved in before the Clone Wars and Great Jedi Purge.
Links* Bowcaster | Wookieepedia | Fandom * Cut-resistant gloves - Wikipedia * Lightsaber forms and Lightsaber combat | Wookieepedia * Cover Art of Heir to the Empire | Wookieepedia * Avatar: The Last Airbender (TV Series 2005–2008) - IMDb * "Shoot him, he's the clone" - TV Tropes * How It's Made, Candles. * Saponification: Making Soap
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Hosts’ Thoughts* C’baoth is highly respected on Wayland * Thrawn and C’baoth differing ideology on conquest and power * DON’T MESS WITH RUKH * The way the crypt was presented was excellent * Thrawn’s disapproval of the Emperor's centralisation of the military * A cult leader is an interesting spin on a villain * “Old Republic” means something different now * What in evolution do you mean lizards repel the force? * Anyone dying by arrow in-universe is a bit much * The speed of SFX in the book vs the movie
Chapter 3 of Star Wars: Heir to the Empire (1991) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The Story So FarFive years after the Empire’s defeat over Endor in RotJ 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.
Meanwhile, the Empire has been continuously losing territory to the blossoming New Republic. However, tactical genius Grand Admiral Thrawn is uniting Imperial Remnants and piecing together his master plan to utterly destroy what he still views as "the Rebellion".
Chapter 3On the planet of Myrkr, We are introduced to the smuggler Talon Karrde and one of his newest employees, Mara Jade. Talon invites Jade to dinner under the pretence of surprising her with a promotion, but he is covertly attempting to glean more about her mysterious past.
During their dinner, the Chimaera arrives and sends a landing party to the surrounding forest. Karrde reaches out and is met with a stern Captain Pallaeon. Karrde deduces the Empire intends to collect ysalamiri, though he can only guess as to why.
Links* Mara Jade [spoilers] | Wookieepedia * Heir to the Empire | Wookieepedia * Star Wars Legends | Wookieepedia * Landos_Winning_Smile.PNG * Billy Dee Williams in Family Guy: The Cool Side Of The Pillow * Billy Dee Williams - Credits (text only) - IMDb * Billy Dee Williams Colt 45 Commercial Playlist * List of Star Wars books - Wikipedia * Jedi Order | Wookieepedia * Grand Master | Wookieepedia * Toupée fallacy - RationalWiki
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Hosts’ Thoughts* Ysalamiri pose a threat to Jedi? * This chapter has cat and mouse all over it. * Jade's hot topic list: pre-Endor Empire, the Emperor, Vader's death, Skywalker * Does Karrde actually want to promote Jade? * Jade "stiffens" when she knows the Imperials are going into the forest * Toupee fallacy and Karrde's opinions on luck * Karrde slipping Thrawn’s name * What is Jade’s history? * Jade and Luke are gonna kiss I know it
Chapter 2 of Star Wars: Heir to the Empire (1991) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn.
The story so Far Beyond the continually expanding borders of the New Republic, Grand Admiral Thrawn and Captain Pallaeon are gathering strength as Thrawn pieces together his master plan to utterly destroy what he still views as "the Rebellion".
Chapter 2The introduction of our scattered trio some months after the first chapter:
On Coruscant, Luke is farewelled by an ostensibly distracted Obi-Wan Kenobi. Luke is feeling depressed by the enormity of representing the mythological Jedi and rebuilding the Order on his own.
Leia has begun her Jedi training but is also buried under political responsibility. We are introduced to her aide, Winter, who has an eidetic memory.
Han and Chewie are on Tatooine trying to recruit smugglers to fulfil the logistical requirements of the New Republic. They're also accompanied by Wedge Antilles and a new character Page, who is described as completely unremarkable.
Links * American History X (1998) is not American Graffiti (1973) (IMDb) * The Book of Boba Fett (TV Series 2021– ) - IMDb * The Many Accents in Star Wars Explained and The Many Accents in Star Wars Pt 2 by Generation Tech
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Hosts’ Thoughts * Interesting the 9 week time skip. It would be easy to miss the few hints left in the chapter. * Poor Luke. * What do you think of the political move to establish the New Republic Council in the Imperial Palace? * Leia seems like a control freak until the line that she is the only one that has legit political experience. * Wedge as the false flag was a good plan. I liked that. * Ben “loved” Luke. Nice to see a healthy expression of platonic love. Also Luke loves Leia * Interesting circle created by the setting: Luke thinks he’s on Tatooine, actually on Coruscant, connected by Threepeo to Leia, she thinks about Han, and we are carried back to Tatooine, where Han is also thinking about Luke/Ben. * Force ghosts just linger for a time before moving beyond? I’m not sure how I feel about that interpretation. If the Force binds all things, shouldn’t there be no “beyond?” * Interesting that Coruscant has mountains. * Chewie seems absent, despite being there for Han’s whole conversation with Dravis. * Was Han also drinking hot chocolate? * Luke definitely should go to therapy. He's still obviously on edge and for good reason. * Luke feeling the presence of leia and her twins from halfway across the palace is incredible
Hello There! You've found the first episode of The Lost Holocron! Join our book club as each transmission we punctuate a single chapter with discussion. Whether you read along or not, you can follow the action and join our community discussions. Readers and nonreaders welcome!
Our first book is Heir to the Empire, written by Timothy Zahn, first published in 1991. It has a cast of familiar and new characters, such as fan favourites Grand Admiral Thrawn and Mara Jade. If you've never read a Star Wars Legends book, this is a great place to start.
Five years after Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi, Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, Han Solo, and Chewbacca find themselves in new challenges and adventures.
Discussion Links
- High Human Culture and xenophobia in the Galactic Empire | Wookieepedia
- Ancient Pyramids Around the World | History | Smithsonian Magazine
- Snowblindness | Photokeratitis - Wikipedia
Show Links
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Coming Jan 2023, we will be reading Heir to the Empire. Grab a copy of the book and get ready to follow along with us as we go chapter by chapter. Chapter 1 coming January 2023...
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