All Episodes

February 22, 2023 40 mins

Chapter 5 of Star Wars: Heir to the Empire (1991) (EU: 9 ABY) by Timothy Zahn. 

The Story So Far

Five years after the Empire’s defeat over Endor in RotJ on the ex-Imperial capital of Coruscant, Luke, Leia, and Han are struggling not only with their evolving identities, but also with the demands on their expertise as the militaristic Rebellion aspires to establish a legitimate and functioning government. 

On Myrkr, smugglers Talon Karrde and Mara Jade observed Imperial Warlord Grand Admiral Thrawn collect the native ysalamiri, which have a unique ability to vacate the Force. 

Thrawn then travels to Wayland on the hunt for technology left by the late Emperor that will aid in his plan to retake territory from — and ultimately destroy — the New Republic. While there, he encounters Jedi clone Jaruus C'baoth, whose allegiance he gains by offering him Leia's unborn twins.

Chapter 5

Han delivers a report on his mission to recruit smugglers to facilitate trade within the New Republic. Its lack of progress fans the flames in the ongoing feud between the present Commander in Chief, Admiral Ackbar, and the ambitious Borsk Fey'lya, Council Member and an important leader of the Bothan faction. After a short quarrel, Mon Mothma deescalates the situation by adjourning the meeting. 

Han is told that Luke will be accompanying him and Leia on their diplomatic mission to Bimmisaari. Leia seems keen to sojourn away from the political capital. 

Links

Share and Support

Hosts’ Thoughts

  • Zahn adds details about aliens right when you need to know
  • How long should a chapter in a book (scene in a movie) be?
  • Mon Mothma is a pragmatic politician, war seems to have strained her severely
  • Why is it that Leia seems to have little patience for politics?
  • What is the narrative of Luke at Endor to the wider galaxy?
  • What do you think Han is feeling when he says, “Sure, just exactly like old times?”



Support the show

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
Law & Order: Criminal Justice System - Season 1 & Season 2

Law & Order: Criminal Justice System - Season 1 & Season 2

Season Two Out Now! Law & Order: Criminal Justice System tells the real stories behind the landmark cases that have shaped how the most dangerous and influential criminals in America are prosecuted. In its second season, the series tackles the threat of terrorism in the United States. From the rise of extremist political groups in the 60s to domestic lone wolves in the modern day, we explore how organizations like the FBI and Joint Terrorism Take Force have evolved to fight back against a multitude of terrorist threats.

Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.