Long ago, a work of art was created that contained a secret that must be kept out of the Empire's hands. When it resurfaces on Tatooine, Han and Leia Solo are sent to get it, but on the way run into obstacles ranging from massive Star Destroyers to Tuskan raiders. It seems that everyone wants to uncover the secret--which could alter the balance of power across the system.

An examination of German identity today, written by a German-American novelist who was brought to America as a child when her family emigrated. Hegi considers the question of what constitutes the German character from several perspectives, and includes the insights of several friends and colleagues whom she interviewed in the process of writing the book.