Why Star Wars: Lesser Evil is Timothy Zahn’s final Thrawn story (for now)

Timothy Zahn began telling the stories of Grand Admiral Thrawn, arguably the Star Wars universe’s most popular Expanded Universe character, 30 years ago. Since then, Thrawn has survived prequels, sequels, canon-leveling acquisitions of the Star Wars brand, with Zahn returning over the years to carve out the blue-hued villain’s backstory. However, the trio-capper was not to be outdone. Star Wars Thrawn Ascendancy and Lesser Evil, due out Nov. 16, Zahn tells Polygon “he’s filled in about as much of Thrawn as I can.” Well … maybe. MandalorianThe second season promised that Zahn would make a possible live-action movie debut in the future Star Wars series. With this comes the opportunity to do the best thing Zahn can: look into the Star Wars timeline and discover whole universes.

Zahn again proved himself to be one of Star Wars’ most agile storytellers with the Thrawn Ascendancy trilogy. Without causing friction within the greater continuity, Thrawn was further defined by the prequels, which also included a few new characters and the autocratic Chiss Ascendancy Empire.

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“[The goal of the trilogy] was to show another chunk of Thrawn’s life, and his part in the Chiss Ascendancy out in the Unknown Regions,” Zahn says. “Part and parcel of that was the chance to build the Chiss culture […]The building of how politics and families function, then placing Thrawn at the center of all this. And as you world build, you always find things you weren’t expecting, as you do the consequence testing. ‘If the culture does this, what are some of the consequences down the line?’ And that’s always fun and rewarding, too.”

Many of Zahn’s original Thrawn stories have been retired as “Legends canon,” but the author says part of his creative drive was to reclaim those bits of continuity and chisel them back into the Star Wars universe through the prequel stories. Dave Filoni’s inclusion of Thrawn in Rebels, and a number of appearances written by other authors over the years, have created a slight challenge; Zahn specifically recalls needing to rewire the hierarchal order of the Chiss “ruling families” established in other books in order to make the Thrawn Ascendancy trilogy adhere to his vision, but none of the retconning frustrates him. He has an answer to any questions fans may have. “Things like that that had been suggested elsewhere […] I suspect those were propaganda things that just deliberately lied to, to people and the rest of the galaxy, just keep them off balance!”

Lesser EvilZahn is also able to explore the world beyond his favorite creation. Though the book focuses on Thrawn’s exploration of the First Family of the Chiss and a society on the brink of war, it’s very much an ensemble piece, according to Zahn. And while the wider perspective may throw off some Thrawn diehards, it’s all part of the author’s hope for a dimensional character study.

“I know people want to read about Thrawn, but he doesn’t do all these things in a vacuum. It’s not that he’s not like Superman, who can do everything by himself. And I wanted to build a cast of characters — some of whom appreciate him, some of whom put up with him, some of whom hate his guts all the way — and just put those in and say “We don’t like Thrawn but he’s good at what he does. And bottom line is we are all Chiss together.”

Polygon’s featured excerpt of Lesser EvilBelow is a spotlight on Captain Roscu, a key character in the Clarr Family.

“She is not Thrawn. Thrawn doesn’t like her. She’s been against Thrawn a few times. In her head, she believes that she has lost all of them. Now the reader gets the chance to see what actually happened — did she lose or did she decide to choose defeat? The idea is always to flesh out any of these characters — either the the ones you consider the good guys, the bad guys, or the ones you don’t necessarily like but you understand where they’re coming from. Try to make them all feel like real people to the readers.”

Lesser Evil The remaining dots are connected. Zahn claims that the end of Zahn’s book leads directly to the beginning. ThrawnThis is the beginning of his Imperial trilogy. It’s a novel about fateful choices and an array of consequences. It’s an ensemble piece, even as Thrawn evolves into the notorious figure he’s known to be. And it’s the end of Zahn’s time writing Star Wars, at least for now. Currently the author doesn’t plans to write any new Star Wars books, though he has ideas. He teases a story set 1,000 years prior that would dig into the origins of the Starflash weapon — introduced in the Ascendancy trilogy as “a wild card,” Zahn says. And there could be a reason to explore the nine-year gap once in Thrawn’s timeline once we know how he factors into the live-action Star Wars shows.

“I’m hoping there will be opportunities to write books in that in that era. Until then, I’ve basically told all of Thrawn’s story […] and I’m treading water at this point. But it’s nice warm water!”

Continue reading for an excerpt in text and audio of this exclusive article Star Wars Thrawn Ascendancy and Lesser Evil

More families and Chiss officials will be tested as the Jixtus, the mysterious Jixtus, pushes ahead with the last stages of his plans to destroy Chiss. Captain Roscu, of the Clarr Family. The fate of the whole Chiss Ascendancy may rest in the hands of a captain with a troubled past.

CHAPTER 5

Clarr family captain Clarr’os’culry was in her office, working on her second cup of hot caccoleaf, when she got the alert that an alien ship had arrived over Rhigar.

In thirty seconds, she was already at Clarr’s homestead defense centre. “Duty officer?” she invited briskly as she strode to the command chair in the middle of the ring of displays and sat down.

“Single alien warship moving into high orbit,” Lieutenant Clarr’upi’ovmos replied, just as briskly. “Configuration and size match the battle cruiser that was reported over Avidich two days ago. Three Clarr destroyers were present in the sector and are now moving towards intercept. The two frigates also took up positions at the equatorial shore to guard against any feints or attempts to attack a second-prong. System Patrol’s ships are moving into backup positions.”

Roscu nodded and looked over at the display. Battle cruiser wasn’t so much a specific class as it was a convenient label for midsized alien ships until their capabilities could be better defined. When considering the reports of the Mitth Patriel from Avidich earlier, this would place the ship between a Chiss frigate or a heavy cruiser. It is likely to be at the lower end. It could be handled by the Clarr destroyers orbiting Rhigar and the patrol vessels if that proves to be an issue. “No indication of hostile intent, I presume?”

“No, ma’am,” Rupiov said. “And the destroyers report the alien weapons are peace-sealed. They’ve hailed us in Meese Caulf, Taarja, and Minnisiat, but I assumed you’d want to respond to them in person.”

“Yes, I would,” Roscu confirmed with a flicker of satisfaction. It had taken a while to whip the homestead defense forces into shape when she’d first taken this job, but they were finally starting to act like proper military professionals. Rupiov was quickly becoming an outstanding second-in command. “Did they sound particularly fluent in any of the languages?”

“Their Taarja was probably the clearest,” Rupiov said. “Unfortunately, that’s the hardest for most of us.”

“We didn’t do things in the Expansionary Defense Fleet because they were Simple, Lieutenant,” Roscu said tartly. “We did things because they needed to be done. Give me comm.”

“You have comm, Captain.”

Roscu cleared the air from her throat. “This is Captain Roscu, commander of the Clarr family homestead defense force,” she said in Taarja, trying not to wince. This is it. This was Unpleasing language to the Chiss vocal system. “Identify yourself, and state the purpose of your visit to the Chiss Ascendancy.”

“I am called Jixtus,” an alien voice came back, raspy yet strangely melodious. While the Taarja words were precise and clear, they had a slight hint of an accent below them. “I travel with Generalirius Nakirre aboard the Kilji warship Whetstone. I’ve come to your world to deliver your Patriarch a warning.”

Roscu felt her eyes narrow. Mitth Patriarch Thurfian’s report had been suspiciously sketchy on what this Jixtus and the Mitth Patriel on Avidich had talked about. “Explain,” she said, turning her attention to the tactical display. The three Clarr destroyers were already in attack positions, and the planet’s general patrol ships were closing in at backup positions. “What sort of warning?”

“I believe your family to be in danger,” Jixtus said. “I ask permission to speak about the threat directly with your Patriarch.”

“The Clarr family is flattered by your solicitude,” Roscu said. “May I ask why you’re being so helpful?”

Jixtus made a dry, raspy chuckle. “For payment, of course,” he said. “I am a broker of information. I learn from those who have secrets, then sell to those who would best profit from those secrets.”

“I see,” Roscu said. At least he wasn’t pitching a tale of selfless altruism or something equally ridiculous. She didn’t have much respect for mercenaries, but she did These are the things you need to know. “I’m sure you’ll understand that I can’t disturb Patriarch Rivlex without something more on this threat than merely your word as to its supposed existence. If you’ll provide me with the details, I can decide whether or not to bring it to his attention.”

“Will you also then be judge on whether payment is justified?” Jixtus asked pointedly. “Your offer carries the risk of enriching you while impoverishing me.”

“You’re a stranger to the Chiss Ascendancy,” Roscu said. “You may therefore be forgiven your suggestion that the Clarr family would cheat you. I assure you that your information will receive full payment for its value.”

“That value to be judged by you, of course.” Jixtus gave a sort of whistling sigh. “I suppose I have no other choice. Thank you very much. If you will give landing instructions to my shuttle pilot, I shall come down and deliver to you the details of this threat.”

“There’s no need for that,” Roscu told him. Roscu saw a status display change out of her corner and looked up to find a different message. Defense Force Ship You are a venturous individual En route; ETA takes three hours.

She put on a smile. She made three faces. Stunden So much for the Defense Force’s highly touted ability to protect the Ascendancy. The Clarr were there to assist the Rhigalans. “This communication is secure,” she said. “You can give me the details right here and now.”

“This is it secure?” Jixtus countered. “Are the Clarr then alone on your world?”

Roscu frowned. “What do you mean by that?”

“I mean this threat is not coming from outside,” Jixtus said, lowering his voice as if afraid others were listening in. “The danger is, in fact, coming from others of your kind.”

Roscu took another look at Roscu’s tactical. After the Ascendancy’s tangle with General Yiv, she’d assumed Jixtus’s alleged threat would come from the remnant of the Nikardun forces, or possibly from someone new arriving in Yiv’s wake. Jixtus or these Kiljis that he was riding along with might pose a threat.

What about the Chiss? Ridiculous. It is absurd that any of the Nine would dare to challenge the Clarr.

Other than, naturally, by danger Perhaps he was referring to political manipulations. It is that This sort of thing happens all the time. The Clarr and their allies were able to deal with it without having to pay an alien meddlesome for the information.

But, This was An alien warship could be seen up there. Even if Jixtus’s information was a waste of time, there might be other ways Roscu could gain from this encounter. “Understood,” she said. “Unfortunately, the Patriarch’s standing policy is to refuse landing permission to non-Chiss vessels.”

“I understand,” Jixtus said. “With danger pressing so closely all around you, you would be unwise indeed to allow an unknown into your midst. A shuttle’s worth of soldiers within your very gates could inflict unspeakable damage.”

Roscu felt her eyes narrow. She could dismiss or hear threats of danger. However, insults to her and the Clarrs were another matter. “You don’t know much about Chiss if you think even one shuttle would be any threat to us,” she said. “Your entire warship would represent little more than an exercise for our defending forces.”

“What did you say?” Jixtus said, sounding almost flustered. “How did you know?”

Roscu turned to Rupiov and received a confused shrug. “How did I know what?” she asked.

“That the threat is indeed represented by a war exercise,” Jixtus said. “How did you know of your enemies’ ships’ practice attack?”

“Wait a minute,” Roscu said. “What practice attack? What are you talking about?”

“You have a depth of knowledge and wisdom we did not expect to find among the Chiss,” Jixtus said. “But I cannot say more when others may hear. Perhaps you could send someone aboard, even if I cannot visit your world or your patriarch. Whetstone for a more secure conversation.”

Roscu chewed on the inside of Roscu’s cheek. Why not, Roscu? There wasn’t anything to lose—surely Jixtus wouldn’t try to harm her or hold her hostage, not with a group of Chiss warships holding the Whetstone They are their targets.

In fact, accepting this offer could be a great thing. Jixtus had been sent by the Mitth Patriarch to avoid getting a better look. Whetstone You can also learn more about Jixtus or the Kiljis. Both were now available to the Clarr family.

“Very well, I accept,” she said. “I’m sending you orbit information. Reposition yourself as instructed, and I’ll be there shortly.”

“We shall eagerly await your arrival.”

Roscu announced the start of the comm. “Feed him a mid-altitude orbit,” she told Rupiov. “Make it a polar loop.”

“A bit tricky to get to one of those from their current vector,” Rupiov pointed out.

“That’s the point,” Roscu told him. “Let’s see how much trouble they’re willing to go through to talk to us. And make sure the orbit never puts them directly over the homestead.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Rupiov said hesitantly. “You’re really going up there?”

“Why not?” Roscu asked, watching the orbital data flow across the comm display as it was transmitted to the Whetstone. She couldn’t decipher the numbers as quickly as a trained nav officer could, but it all seemed correct.

“Alone?” Rupiov pressed. “They’re aliens, You know. We don’t know what they’re capable of.”

“That’s all right,” Roscu assured him. “They don’t know what I’m It is also possible. I am able to take a look inside the ship. to be able to get in touch with them. Neither of which the Mitth bothered to do.”

Rupiov’s lips puckered in a smile. “No, they didn’t,” he said. “That should make for some interesting conversations in the Syndicure.”

“And possibly some good leverage points,” Roscu agreed. “Get me a shuttle and pilot. I want them ready to fly as soon as possible.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Rupiov said. “They’ll be outside the main entrance in fifteen minutes.”

Fifteen minutes. Roscu had just enough time to pull her hair back, get into her uniform and make her way to the main entrance, where she would meet the shuttle. Roscu wanted to impress these aliens, no matter what their purpose was.

Particularly since Clarr’s family uniform was so good with a holstered chart. Also It also featured a small concealed pocket, which was ideal for carrying a backup gun.

Jixtus wouldn’t know the extent of her potential if he planned trouble. But not until it was too late.