The fifth installment of the six-part comic book series, Star Wars: Crimson Empire, titled Crimson Empire 5, was brought to readers by Dark Horse Comics on April 15, 1998.
A brand new Rogue Squadron makes its explosive entrance in this action-packed issue! The stakes are high as the Rebels, now exposed to the Empire, struggle for survival in the vastness of space. Meanwhile, on the planet Phaeda, Carnor Jax, accompanied by his personal stormtroopers, relentlessly hunts for Kir Kanos! Prepare to witness the climactic showdown of the last remaining Royal Guards – a front-row seat to the ultimate battle!
After surviving an assault led by Colonel Shev and orbital bombardment orchestrated by Carnor Jax, Rogue Squadron makes its way to Phaeda to support the forces of the New Republic. Despite facing overwhelming odds, the Rogues successfully breach the defenses of the Star Destroyer Steadfast, under the command of Commander Vivant. Taken aback by the New Republic's display of power, Vivant prepares to call for reinforcements, only to be confronted with the ultimate reason to surrender: General Wedge Antilles leading the charge aboard the Lusankya.
Simultaneously, on Phaeda, Mirith Sinn and Sish Sadeet make their escape aboard Kir Kanos's vessel, which is revealed to be a modified Skipray Blastboat. They subsequently use it to return to the Lusankya.
Concurrently, Carnor Jax arrives at Yinchorr aboard the Emperor's Revenge and discovers a Scimitar assault bomber in orbit. General Wessel orders the capture of the bomber using a tractor beam, but Jax promptly heads to his personal shuttle, much to Wessel's dismay. In the docking bay, Wessel commands that the bomber be cut open, only to find a New Republic mess hall droid filled with a large quantity of explosives. Anticipating this, Jax is a safe distance away when the explosives detonate, obliterating the massive warship.
After landing on Yinchorr, Jax commands his squad of elite Blackhole stormtroopers to thoroughly search the ruins for Kanos. As the stormtroopers hunt for Kanos, they are systematically eliminated by the unseen Kanos. Eventually, the last of Jax's soldiers falls, becoming another addition to Kanos's growing tally.
Aboard the Lusankya, Mirith Sinn requests permission from General Antilles to pursue Kanos to Yinchorr using her commandeered blastboat. Upon arriving at Yinchorr with Sadeet, they come across the wreckage of the Emperor's Revenge and ponder whether it is Kanos or Jax who is truly in need of assistance.
On the surface, at The Squall, Kir Kanos and Carnor Jax face each other once more for a final, decisive battle.