Chapters 17-18 Summary

Mara has always hated the Abregado-rae Spaceport and hopes she is not stepping into a trap, fetching Etherway from impoundment. Wedge introduces himself as Han's representative in handing the ship over. As soon as Mara is in space, TIE fighters and a Star Destroyer appear, and she is caught in the tractor beam. Mara demands to see the captain immediately to arrange a meeting with Thrawn. She gives a recognition code and identifies herself as the Emperor's Hand. She gets deferential treatment on the flight to Endor.

Mara resents meeting at the painful place where the Emperor dies. When Thrawn asks about her long absence, Mara hears in her head, "YOU MUST KILL LUKE SKYWALKER." Determined not to fall apart in front of Thrawn, Mara lays out a deal: Thrawn drops all bounties and credits Karrde three million in exchange for...