Following the deaths of Darth Vader and the Emperor and the destruction of the second Death Star, the Rebel Alliance proclaimed a New Republic over three-fourths of the Galaxy. But without the thousands of Jedi Knights who formed the backbone of the Old Republic, the new confederation was a precarious one. Long years of struggle ensued, during which Imperial factions consolidated control over a fourth of the Galaxy. Whole systems became fortresses, bristling with firepower. Then, five years after the Battle of Endor, the infamous Grand Admiral Thrawn mounted a deft assault, nearly bringing the fledgling Republic to its knees. Ultimately, Thrawn was defeated. But, within days of Thrawn's downfall, surviving members of the Emperor's Ruling Council staged a stunning assault on Coruscant, and the vital Imperial. System once again fell under Imperial control. It seemed certain that a new Empire was about to emerge from the ashes of the old. That very possibility triggered a ferocious war among the numerous Imperial factions. Who would sit in the Emperor's throne? Who had the right — and the might? Meanwhile, the Rebels were quick to seize the opportunity to sow confusion among the feuding Imperials, using captured Star Destroyers to conduct hit-and-run sorties into the war zones. During one such mission, Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight, learns more of the Dark Side and its hold over his family. He finds hints of an ominous destiny for him and for the children of his sister, Leia. An enemy long thought defeated has returned — an individual imbued with all the power of the Dark Side itself! As long-cherished plans fall into place, new and exotic war machines move against the Republic. A Dark Empire has arisen...