Grand Admiral Balanhai Savit is the main antagonist of both the 2019 science-fiction Star Wars novel Thrawn: Treason and its unabridged audiobook version of the same name.
Savit was one of the twelve Imperial Grand Admirals who served the Imperial Navy in the months leading up to the Galactic Civil War. He commanded the Third Fleet, which consisted of at least four Star Destroyers. Like many other high-ranking officials of the Galactic Empire, Savit gained his position due to the political power of his family rather than any actual merit. Despite this, Savit became a decent tactician after years of experience.
The Grand Admiral eventually grew frustrated by Director Orson Krennic's Project Stardust, which he believed was absorbing too much of the Navy's funding which Savit thought would be better used elsewhere. In an attempt to undermine Krennic's project, Savit began covertly stealing vital components from Stardust such as Turbolaser batteries.
Unfortunately for Savit, Grand Admiral Thrawn discovered his plot. Savit met Thrawn in an uncharted system in the Unknown Regions where he tried to silence the alien and his flagship. Savit, however, was defeated by Thrawn, who was a superior tactician, and was subsequently arrested by ISB Agent Dayja Collerand.
Personality[]
Balanhai, despite entering the Navy due to his family, proved himself a competent commander with years of experience behind him. Savit was able to correctly predict the destruction of the seemingly invincible Death Star; and believed it was a waste of time, money and resources.
He became frustrated when any officer disrespected the Imperial chain of command, such as when Governor Haveland insulted Grand Admiral Thrawn and Savit came to the latter's defense despite Thrawn's absence.
Savit was willing to admit that he would probably loose a battle against Grand Admiral Thrawn if both commanders were commanding an equal force, although still ultimately underestimated the Grand Admiral's skill during their battle. Savit expected absolute personal loyalty from all of his direct subordinates.
