Award-winning author Kristine Kathryn Rusch brings her remarkable talents to the universe, where the New Republic faces sudden and total annihilation.... Somewhere in the galaxy, millions suddenly perish—a disruption of the Force so shocking it is felt by Luke at his Jedi academy and by Leia on Coruscant.  While Leia must deal with an assassination attempt, a rumored plot against the New Republic, and allegations that Han Solo is involved, Luke seeks out a former Jedi student who may hold the key to the mass destruction.  But Brakiss is only the bait in a deadly trap set by a master of the dark side who is determined to rule as emperor.  He's targeted Luke, Leia, and Leia's Jedi children to die.  Then billions will follow, in a holocaust unequaled in galactic history.