The Hand of Thrawn Duelogy by Timothy Zahn

Contains Specter of the Past and Vision of the Future.

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.

Various crisises arise in the New Republic (President Leia Organa (Skywalker) Solo; acting President Ponc Gavrisom). It is threatened by collapse due to in-fighting, and externally by the disturbing rumor that the tactical genius Grand Admiral Thrawn has returned from the dead.

Jedi Master Luke Skywalker, a bit confused by where his life is going, is trying to reduce his use of the Force for unecessary things. He runs into trouble, and is rescued by an old friend, Mara Jade. He regrets the amount of tension that is still between himself and the Ex-Emperor's Hand. There are some edgy subtextual connotations...

Meanwhile, Mara and Talon Karrde pick up strange signals from alien ships. Mara follows one, and becomes stranded on and unknown planet.

It is revealed that the Imperail remnant is attempting to revive sleeper cells of clone troopers. Leia and Han are caught up in this issue. Chewbacca takes the children to Kashyyk for safety.

Mara has not been heard from, and Luke has a disturbing vision of her. He goes to help, if he can. He takes R2.

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. But can they survive that long in each other's company?

Will the Empire ever just die? Will the NR collapse? Who will find the Caamas document? Will the Solos ever get a vacation? Will Luke and Mara survive? Will she ever consent to Jedi taining? Read the books to find out.