Dedication:

This story is fondly dedicated to the three women who liberated me from despair and made it possible for this story to be completed; Amanda Ellsworth, Maureen Smith, and my sister-in-Star-Wars, Michelle Slaughter.  I am forever grateful to all of you.

Author's note:

• The character of Blackhole was originally created by Russ Manning for the Star Wars newspaper strip.
  
• Simon Greyshade originally appeared in Marvel Star Wars comics.
  
• The race of Chevs appears in West End Games Galaxy Guide 12.
  
• The character of the Skywalker was inspired by the second script draft of A New Hope, written by George Lucas.