Last fall it was officially revealed that Batuu would be the name of the new planet destination featured in Disney’s 2019 Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge theme park attractions. Not only will Batuu be a part of the Disney parks, it will also be a part of author Timothy Zahn’s upcoming July 24 sequel novel Thrawn: Alliances.
Earlier today Lucasfilm released an excerpt from the novel and the planet Batuu is specifically mentioned by the Emperor during a conversation with Thrawn.
Palpatine felt a sudden stirring of anger from his apprentice at Thrawn’s unthinking choice of phrase. A Lord of the Sith was not offered a ship. He took what he wanted when he wanted it.
But like Thrawn, Vader knew when to remain silent.
“You surprise me, Admiral Thrawn,” Palpatine said. “I would have expected a certain eagerness to journey within sight of your home.”
Thrawn’s glowing red eyes narrowed slightly, and Palpatine felt his sudden caution. “Excuse me, Your Majesty?”
“The disturbance is located at the edge of your Unknown Regions,” the Emperor said. “It appears to be centered on a planet named Batuu.” Again, he sensed a reaction to the name. This time, the reaction came from both of them. “I believe you have heard of it?”
Thrawn’s eyes were hooded, the expression on that blue-skinned face swirling with memories. “Yes,” he murmured. “I have indeed heard of it.”
As, of course, had Vader. It was the place where he and Thrawn had long ago interfered, albeit unwittingly, with one of Palpatine’s plans.
For more on Thrawn: Alliances and Galaxy’s Edge, visit the Related Articles section located at the bottom of this post.
