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

by Timothy Zahn

Yesterday, the Chimaera’s crew had trusted and respected the Grand Admiral. After today, they would be ready to die for him. And for the first time in five years, 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.

Bel Iblis nodded slowly, his lips compressed into a tight line, a hint of strain around his eyes. It was a look Mara had seen only rarely, and then only on the faces of the best military commanders: the expression of a leader preparing to send men to their deaths.

“That’s not what I meant,” Leia said, her voice pained. “You’re talking about a highly illegal action. Bordering on treason.” Han patted her knee. “The whole Rebellion was a highly illegal action bordering on treason, sweetheart,” he reminded her. “When the rules don’t work, you break ’em.”

“History is on the move, Captain. Those who cannot keep up will be left behind, to watch from a distance.”

Perhaps, she decided, it was that empathy that formed the true underlying strength of the New Republic. The strength that would create the future of the galaxy.

The Empire rules by force and threat; we rule instead by inspiration and leadership.

No white-hot rage, no fanatical hatred. Just a simple, icy determination. About as dangerous as you could get.

One way or the other, no matter where they were or what they were doing, somehow he always wound up chasing off after Luke.

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

For the moment the only question was that of survival, one ship and one engagement at a time.

So once again, as it had so many times before, it was all going to come down to a matter of trust. Trust in a farm kid, fresh off a backward desert world, to lead him in an attack on the first Death Star. Trust in a former high-stakes gambler, who might or might not have had any real combat experience, to lead him in an attack on the second Death Star. And now, trust in a smuggler who might just as easily betray him for the right price.

“But,” he whispered, “it was so artistically done.” The smile faded. The glow in his eyes did likewise … and Thrawn, the last Grand Admiral, was gone.