The "Thrawn" trilogy, also known as the "Heir to the Empire" trilogy, was written by Timothy Zahn between 1991 and 1993. In addition to Thrawn, the trilogy introduced several notable characters, including Mara Jade and Talon Karrde. Approximately five years after the events depicted in "Return of the Jedi", the Rebel Alliance, now known as the New Republic, has driven out the remnants of the old Imperial Starfleet to a distant corner of the galaxy and is attempting to set up a functional government. Princess Leia and Han Solo are married and expecting twins. Luke Skywalker has become the first in a long-awaited new line of Jedi Knights. Thousands of light years away, Grand Admiral Thrawn, the last and most brilliant of the 12 grand admirals, has taken command of the shattered Imperial Fleet and prepared it to attack the New Republic. Thrawn is searching for a Dark Jedi to join his side and is confident he can restore the Empire.