Now Han must face down his inner demons and, with the help of a new an unexpected ally, honor Chewbacca's sacrifice in the only way that matters-by being worthy of it. But Han's investigation uncovers an even greater evil: a sinister conspiracy aimed at the very heart of the New Republic's will and ability to fight-the Jedi. When he learns that an old friend from his smuggling days is operating as a mercenary for the enemy, he sets out to expose the traitor. Which is a shame, because Boba Fett going from the ultimate loner to the leader of an entire civilization ought to be fertile ground for Travisss usually excellent character work, but that just doesnt happen here. Refusing help from Leia or Luke, Han becomes the loner he once was, seeking to escape the pain of his partner's death in adventure.and revenge. A Practical Man is largely a dot-connecting exercise, with little insight into the Mandalorians in general or Boba Fett in particular. In these darkest of times, the noble Chewbacca is laid to rest, having died as heroically as he lived-and a grief-stricken Han Solo is left to fit the pieces of his shattered life back together before he loses everything: friends, family, and faith. On the surface, it seems like just another routine contract for Boba Fett and his Mandalorian commandos, but the mystery client who hires them to start a small war is more dangerous. Dozens of worlds have succumbed to occupation or annihilation, and even the Jedi Knights have tasted defeat. Boba Fett: A Practical Man: Star Wars Legends (Short Story) Karen Traviss Aug 2006. Merciless attacks by an invincible alien force have left the New Republic reeling.
