In order for Jacen Solo to complete his transformation into a Sith Lord, he must make a drastic sacrifice. His former Jedi Master, Mara Jade Skywalker, investigates his turn to the dark side. Jacen continues his negative influence over Ben Skywalker by tasking him with an assassination. Karen Traviss picks up plot threads from her Republic Commando series by sending Boba Fett on a quest for a cure for complications with his compromised clone body. He teams up with Null ARC Jaing Skirata and Darman's son Venku.