The Last Command (Star Wars: The Thrawn Trilogy, #3)

by Timothy Zahn

Pellaeon finally knew in the deepest level of his being that the old Empire was gone. The new Empire, with Grand Admiral Thrawn at its head, had been born.

“Let’s hope the legendary Solo luck extends to Leia and the babies and anyone else up there they take hostage.”

I am not the Lord Darth Vader, Ferrier—I do not spend my men recklessly. Nor do I take their deaths lightly.”

“When the rules don’t work, you break ’em.”

Han Solo

“They thought this would make the prison break a little less conspicuous.” Prison break. Mara threw a glance at Skywalker’s profile, the word suddenly putting this whole thing into a new perspective. Here he was: Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight, hero of the Rebellion, pillar of law and justice … and he’d just defied the entire New Republic establishment, from Mon Mothma on down, to get her out. Mara Jade, a smuggler to whom he owed not a single thing, and who in fact had promised to kill him. All because he saw what needed to be done. And he trusted her to help him do it.

Admiral Ackbar’s gravelly voice cut in on the comm. “Defensive configuration: Starfighter Command to screen positions. It appears to be a trap.”