The Battle of Yavin was fought off, and the Death Star was blown up, but the rebels are still far from winning. Heroes desperately need resources, loyal allies and, above all, a new base. Therefore, they accept the invitation of the imperial governor, who decided to go over to the side of the rebels .. However, nothing escapes the attention of the Emperor, and the best imperial agent is sent to deal with the conspirators. Mara Jade at the head of the detachment of stormtroopers "punishing hand" is sent to administer justice to high-ranking traitors But neither Mara nor the heroes of the uprising - Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Princess Leia - do not know what a complex network of conspiracies and betrayals they are drawn into. There is a real war going on in this distant sector of the Galaxy, and it is not the Alliance that is its main participant. A cruel and cunning dictator from the Unknown Regions named Nuso Eswa is opposed by the only one who can curb him - Captain Thrawn, the rising star of the Imperial Navy. And the solutions of one of them can forever determine the future of all parties to the galactic conflict.