2003 | please don't steal
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Specter of the Past [by Timothy Zahn]
Specter of the Past, the first book in the Hand of Thrawn duology, was published in 1997 by Bantam Spectra Books. From the back of the paperback novel: The Empire stands at the brink of total collapse. But they have saved their most heinous plan for last. First a plot is hatched that could destroy the New Republic in a bloodbath of genocide and civil war. Then comes the shocking news that Grand Admiral Thrawn--the most cunning and ruthless warlord in history--has apprently returned from the dead to lead the Empire to a long-prophesied victory. Facing incredible odds, Han and Leia begin a desperate race against time to prevent the New Republic from unraveling in the face of two inexplicable threats--one from within and one from without. Meanwhile, Luke teams up with Mara Jade, using the Force to track down a mysterious pirate ship with a crew of clones. Yet, perhaps most dangerous of all, are those who lurk in the shadows, orchestrating a dark plan that will turn the New Republic and the Empire into their playthings. Mara Jade's Part: [WARNING: spoilers for those who haven't read this novel] At the beggining, Luke Skywalker is trapped within the base of the Cavrilhu Pirates. Mara comes to his rescue in the Starry Ice, captained by Faughn. The pirates evacuate before Luke can finish the investigation he came for, however. On their way out, Luke and Mara spot a strange ship that looks like it could have Imperial origins. Luke and Mara split, and she goes to check in with Talon Karrde, meeting him at the Errant Venture (Booster Terrik's converted Star Destroyer). There they see another one of the strange ships, this time broadcasting a long message which Mara recognizes as the full name of Grand Admiral Thrawn. Hoping that any information she could get from these ships and their pilots would help the current situation in the New Republic, Mara traces the hyperspace vectors of both of the ships. They lead to the small Nirauan system, which Mara had never heard of, on the edge of the unknown regions. She travels there, again in the Starry Ice, and takes a small, one person ship down to the surface. Flying through a long long jagged canyon, Mara sees a tall black fortress that reminds her of Hijarna (An old meeting place of the Karrde organization). She flies into a small cave and hears voices that she can almost but not quite understand. Suddenly, she slips on some dry leaves and is knocked unconcious. Meanwhile, Luke has a vision of the future. He sees Mara lying in a pool beside craggy rocks, arms and legs limp--as if in death. BACK TO NOVELS |