<p>A Star Wars novel set between the events of <i>Epsiode IV: A New Hope </i>and <i>Epsiode V: The Empire Strikes Back</i>, it features a younger Han, Leia, and Luke, as well as Mara Jade. <br><br>Mara Jade, the Emperor''s Hand, is looking into the illicit financial affairs of a planetary governor, hoping to find evidence that he might be funding the Rebellion. Luke, Han, and Chewbacca are sent on a mission to help some rebel supporters. Leia is busy being a diplomat, trying to drum up support for the Rebel Alliance. And a band of 5 stormtroopers, on the run after refusing a direct order, finds itself in the strange position of doing good deeds...and perhaps even aiding the Rebellion. <br><br>The paths of all of them will crisscross back and forth as they come closer and closer to meeting up with one another...but never quite managing to.</p>