The 11 short stories in this collection are contemporary with Luke Skywalker"s adventures. The book opens with "Interlude at Darkknell", a short novel by Timothy Zahn and Michael A. Stackpole set just before the events of the film Star Wars: A New Hope. This fast-moving tale of intrigue and treachery follows Imperial agent Ysanne Isard"s attempts to regain the plans of the original Death Star after they are stolen by Rebel agents. Most of the stories take place in the years following Return of the Jedi, when the New Republic is consolidating its hold over the galaxy. Alongside established authors are some new names, such as the pairing of Chris Cassidy and Tish Pahl, who contribute two good stories. The thoughtful "Conflict of Interest" by Laurie Burns sees a New Republic intelligence agent discovering that the battle against Imperial forces isn"t as black and white as she would like to believe. Paul Danner"s "No Disintegrations, Please" features the bounty hunter Boba Fett and there is a new Mara Jade story from Timothy Zahn. Other stories involve Jedi knights, scheming Imperial agents, treacherous Hutts, space battles and treasure hunts--all the ingredients necessary for an exciting read. --Elizabeth Sourbut