By:  Michael A. Stackpole Published by Bantam Books June 1996 It is the evil heart of a battered and reeling Empire:  Coruscant, the giant city-world from whose massive towers the Imperial High Command directs the war.  The Rebels will invade this mighty citadel in a daring move to bring the Empire to its knees.  But first Wedge Antilles and his X-wing pilots must infiltrate Coruscant to gain vital intelligence information.  Capture means death, or worse--enslavement by the vicious leader known as "Iceheart," Ysanne Isard, now Emperor in all but name.  And one of Rogue Squadron's own is already her slave, a traitor hidden behind a mask of innocence, working to betray both colleagues and the Rebellion itself.

    The Y-wing let a proton torpedo go at point-blank range, but it shot past the eyeball and would have hit the X-wing had Corran not rolled fast.  "Break outside, Champions!"
    The Y-wing pilots complied with Corran's order, but did so slowly.  The TIE spun in on Champion Five, pouring verdant laser bolts into its shields.  The Y-wing pilot continued his roll and dive, and the TIE corrected to follow him, allowing himself to fly a level arc as he pursued his quarry.
    You're mine, now.  Corran eased back on his stick, millimeter by millimeter centering the Imperial fighter on his targeting crosshairs.
    Whistler shrilled a warning.
    Behind me?  Who?  He glanced at his sensors and saw the other TIE closing in on him and he wanted to break away.  Can't, Five is history if I do.
    Corran hit his trigger and prepared for nothingness.