"The Third Time Pays for All", a brief comic spanning eight pages, initially appeared in Dark Horse Presents #1 during April of 2011. This narrative functions as a preliminary tale leading into Star Wars: Crimson Empire III: Empire Lost.
Set two years following the occurrences in Crimson Empire II: Council of Blood, Kir Kanos, now employed as a bounty hunter, is in pursuit of a wanted murderer named Lem Krarr. A significant bounty is offered for Krarr's capture: ten thousand credits for his live capture, or six thousand for his death. Kanos successfully apprehends Krarr, delivering him to the proper authorities, where he learns that Krarr is wanted for the murder of fourteen younglings. Upon receiving this information, Kanos experiences a change of heart, subsequently killing Krarr and claiming the six thousand credits. Throughout these events, Kanos reflects on his planned vengeance against Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa Solo, also pondering the possibility of reuniting with Mirith Sinn.
Concurrently, Sinn is uneasy on Coruscant, convinced that Kanos remains a threat and is still at large. Organa Solo enters, attempting to alleviate Sinn's concerns, advising her to maintain focus if she wishes to accept the position as Solo's head of security. Organa Solo believes Kanos would not risk exposing himself publicly. Nevertheless, Sinn vows to eliminate Kanos should he reveal himself.