#ashowka

And hold tight cuz there’s gonna be some math.

According to wookieepedia, the average Imperial Star Destroyer has a crew of 37,000 so even assuming half of the crew died before or during arrival to the new galaxy, that still leaves Thrawn in command of around 18,000 men.

And the in canon explanation of Thrawn is that he supports the empire because he believes military buildup is necessary to protect the galaxy from a larger inter-galactic threat, and therefore protect his home people. Thats why he sends Eli Vanto to the Chiss, because he doesn’t support the empire because it’s the empire, he supports it as a means to an end. So why, when the empire is destroyed, would he try to rebuild it? In legends, there is a sizable imperial remnant so it makes sense he’s still fighting for them, as they still have a chance, but the empire in this version does not.

And yes, Thrawn had no way to know that, considering he was gone for ten years. Which leads me to my next point. Thrawn was on a lawless planet with at the smallest around 18,000 men, and he did what exactly? According tot he show he did nothing. And yeah, surviving and waiting for rescue is a good idea for a year or two, but you’re telling me Thrawn just sat idly by for a decade doing nothing? He didn’t try to go home, and when that failed try to build up a new force in this new galaxy? This is a lawless land, so unite it. Brings the roaming groups under his control and have him build up a new empire with the goal of protecting the galaxy. Maybe there ae factions amongst his 18,000 men, maybe Thrawn leadership so challenged, so many stories and possibilities can occur over the years, and instead the show runners when either stagnation.

Ezra was beloved by many to be working with Thrawn, and while I don’t think he would initially, I can see it happening. Thrawn could use Annie’s power, and Ezra would like to make sure that Thrawn new empire or method of operations are ethical. And if all Thrawn actions are motivated by protecting his home from a broader threat, Ezra can sympathize with that at the very least. Them working together wouldn’t be instantaneous, but it’s been TEN Years, people change, and so do situations.

How devastating would it be for Sabine to show up and find out her brother is working with Thrawn? That her plans of rescue aren’t needed, because Ezra and then need to protect the galaxy from a much larger threat.

Remember that scene in episode 7, where Sabine catches him up on all that’s happened and he’s like whoa I missed a lot. Well he should have the same scene. He should have been doing things not become a meaningless hermit who stagnates for ten years until he can reappear into the narrative. Even if he’s not with Thrawn, okay, why hasn’t the been fighting Thrawn?