The Hand of Thrawn Duology is a pair of novels, Specter of the Past and Vision of the Future, written by Timothy Zahn and set in the Star Wars galaxy. A novel is an extended work of written, narrative, prose fiction, usually in story form; the writer of a novel is a novelist. ... Timothy Zahn (born September 1, 1951) is a science fiction novelist. ... For the film originally released under the name Star Wars, see Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. ... This article is about a celestial body. ...

The continuing Star Wars saga includes Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, C-3PO, R2-D2, Lando Calrissian, Mara Jade Skywalker, Talon Karrde, Wedge Antilles, Corran Horn, Gillad Pelleaon, various other Imperials, etc. Luke Skywalker (born 19 BBY) is a fictional character of the Star Wars universe, a Jedi Knight, who plays a major role in the series of films. ... Her Royal Highness, Princess Leia Organa Solo of Alderaan (born Leia Skywalker in 19 BBY), is a fictional character in the Star Wars universe played by an unknown child in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, actress Carrie Fisher in Star Wars: Episodes IV-VI, and by Ann... Han Solo (born 29 BBY), a character in the fictional Star Wars universe, is played by actor Harrison Ford in the Star Wars movie series. ... C-3PO (pronounced See-Threepio, called 3PO for short) is a character from the fictional Star Wars universe. ... R2-D2 (also spelled Artoo-Detoo, called R2 for short), is an astromech droid and colleague of C-3PO in the fictional Star Wars universe. ... Lando Calrissian (born c. ... Mara Jade Skywalker (born c. ... Wedge Antilles is a fictional character in the Star Wars universe. ... Corran Horn is a character from the fictional Star Wars universe. ...

Synopsis

Various crises arise in the New Republic (President Leia Organa (Skywalker) Solo; acting President Ponc Gavrisom). Its stability is threatened by infighting at a time that there are rumors that the tactical genius Grand Admiral Thrawn has returned from the dead.

Jedi Master Luke Skywalker, uncertain of the directions his life is taking, tries to reduce his use of the Force for unnecessary things. He runs into trouble, and is rescued by an old friend, Mara Jade. Mara and Talon Karrde then pick up strange signals from alien ships. Mara follows one, and becomes stranded on an unknown planet.

It is revealed that the Imperial remnant is attempting to revive sleeper cells of clone troopers. Leia and Han attempt to deal with this issue, while Chewbacca takes the children to Kashyyyk for safety.

Mara, out of contact with the Republic, is seen by Luke in a disturbing vision. Luke sets out, with R2-D2, to help.

Many of the main characters become wrapped up in the search for the Caamas document, which supposedly contains information as to who destroyed the Caamasi homeworld. Han and Lando go to the Imperial capitol, Bastion, to search. Talon Karrde and the Miystrl bodyguard Shadda Du'kal, along with C-3PO, also depart to search for it.

Luke meets a race of pterodactal-like creatures and finds Mara, and they embark on a journey to discover more about the fortress they are inside.