“If I serve the Empire, I will be loyal to you.” That promise Grand Admiral Thrawn made to Emperor Palpatine during their first meeting. Since then, having become one of the Empire’s most effective instruments, Thrawn has been pursuing its enemies all the way to the boundaries of the charted galaxy. But even with a weapon as honed as Thrawn, the Emperor dreams of something even more destructive. Now, when the SID defender production program promoted by Thrawn was halted to make way for Director Krennic and his secret project “Death Star,” the Grand Admiral realizes: the balance of power in the Empire depends not only on military acumen and tactical skill. Even the greatest intellect is hard-pressed to compete with the power capable of destroying entire planets. While Thrawn tries to strengthen his position in the imperial hierarchy, the former admiral’s protégé Elyay Wento returns from the home planet of the Chisses and brings a terrifying warning. The strategist’s talent must help Thrawn make the unthinkable choice—duty to the Dominion of the Chisses or loyalty to the Emperor whom he swore to serve. Even if the right choice amounts to treason.